God's Word Proves True

As indicated in 2 Peter 1:16-21, Peter and the other apostles were eye witnesses to the power and coming of Christ. It was confirmed to them that Jesus was the promised Messiah. They would have previously read about the prophecy foretelling his coming. How exciting and rewarding it must have been for them to have actually witnessed it for themselves!

In Isaiah 7:14 we read, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

Matthew 1:18 tells us, “Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Then on in verses 20-23 we read, “..an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).

The prophet Isaiah foretold the coming of Christ approximately 700 years before it happened. Then... in Matthew we read that an angel confirmed Jesus’ birth was going to take place-- in the not too distant future. Then, in Luke 2:8-20, we read the familiar passage that tells us of Jesus’ birth having taken place. This is only one prophecy foretold and confirmed to have taken place. There are other prophecies in the Bible, as well, and... of all the prophecies written in the Bible... not one has failed to be fulfilled. 2 Samuel 22:31 tells us, “This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.” In other words, we can put our complete faith and trust in the Word of God. Psalm 18:30 confirms these words, “This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him,” as does Proverbs 30:5, “Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” When we really want someone to pay attention, we repeat our words for emphasis. Here we find the phrase, “The word of the Lord proves true” repeated more than once, for emphasis. We are being assured, more than once, that God’s word is true. We can trust His word. That means we can put our complete faith and trust in Him. The apostles read God’s word, then witnessed the truth of it for themselves. We also can be witnesses to the truth of God’s word. If we put our faith and trust in His word, by seeking Him with our whole heart and living in obedience to His teaching, God will confirm to us that His word proves true.

Many who say they believe God’s word do not truly trust in Him. To illustrate this, I could say “I believe the chair I am standing beside will hold me up and keep me from falling”. I could say it and I could believe it, but... unless I actually sit in the chair, I do not demonstrate faith which believes it will uphold me. Similarly, we could say we believe God’s word to be true, and that we believe He can keep us from falling (into sin), but until we actually put our trust in Him (through obedience to His word), we do not show evidence of a true and saving faith. In Philippians 4:6-9 we read, “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”

God’s word tells us not to be anxious, but to pray about everything (with thankful hearts). When we obey God’s word (do as it instructs)... thinking on things that are commendable and worthy of praise (verse 8)… we demonstrate our trust in Him and are blessed with His peace-- a peace that passes all understanding.