Some individuals desire a profound, ecstatic experience, seeking to hear Yahuah's (God's) audible voice before they choose to believe and obey. Many are convinced that an angel must appear to them and engage in conversation before they can take Yahuah's Word seriously. However, they may not realize that this mindset leaves them vulnerable to judgment and deception. Other voices may begin to speak to them, but these voices may not be the ones they wish to hear. Ignoring Yahuah's Word opens the door to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons (1 Timothy 4:1). For those seeking guidance through such methods, it is crucial to understand that the Scriptures are Yahuah's means of communication with you. He does not bypass His Scriptures to convey messages through other means. Regardless of whether you hear an audible voice or have extraordinary experiences, if they do not align with Scripture, they should not be accepted. Alpha K Brand emphasizes the importance of adhering to the Scriptures, he draws this truth from 1 Peter 1:19-21:
19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
A More Sure Word of Prophecy
First and foremost, Apostle Peter emphasizes that the Scriptures provide a more sure word of prophecy. In verses 16-18 of this chapter, he recounts his experience on the holy mount, which is detailed in Matthew 17:1-9. During this event, he, along with James and John, heard the unmistakable voice of Yahuah speaking from the cloud, declaring Yahusha (Jesus) as His beloved Son. Despite this profound encounter with the Divine, Peter states, "We have also a more sure word of prophecy." In essence, Peter acknowledges that while he audibly heard Yahuah on the holy mount, the Scriptures themselves are Yahuah speaking as well, and they are an even more reliable word of prophecy. This suggests that it is safer and more prudent to trust Yahuah’s Word through the Scriptures rather than seeking a supernatural voice. Yahuah’s Scriptures are His Word, and if you desire to hear Yahuah, immerse yourself in His Scriptures.
Whereunto Ye Do Well That Ye Take Heed
After Peter emphasizes that the Scriptures are Yahuah speaking to us, he further instructs, "Whereunto ye do well that ye take heed." This serves as a stern warning to anyone who seeks to bypass the Scriptures in an attempt to hear Yahuah through other means. One cannot ignore the Scriptures and expect Yahuah to speak or bless them by any other method. Not only is this impossible, but it is also entirely unacceptable. Disobeying the Scriptures is equivalent to disobeying Yahuah, and He will not bless anyone who disregards His voice as revealed in the Scriptures. Peter makes it clear that if you desire to be blessed and for your life to prosper on earth, you must heed the Scriptures. They are "as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts."
There Is No Private Interpretation Of Scriptures
Next, Peter addresses those who attempt to diminish the Scriptures by molding them to fit their own thoughts or opinions, stating, "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation." Some may try to twist the Scriptures to say what they want because they do not wish to obey and prefer to remain comfortable in their disobedience. However, it is essential to understand that Yahuah does not need help in interpreting the Scriptures. The Scriptures say what they mean and mean what they say. They do not contradict themselves, nor do they harbor any hidden interpretations. As Yahuah declares in Malachi 3:6, "For I am the Lord, I change not." Yahuah does not change, and neither does His Word; therefore, one cannot alter it to suit personal desires. What was spoken in the so-called Old Testament remains consistent in the New Testament, and the Scriptures continue to be our guide for belief and obedience today. There is no way around this truth.
The Scriptures Are Yahuah Speaking To You and Should Never Be Questioned
Lastly, Peter emphasizes, “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” Additionally, 2 Timothy 3:16 reinforces this by stating, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” The Scriptures originate from Yahuah; they are His Word. The proponents of truth who convey the Scriptures are not promoting their own agendas but are faithfully preaching Yahuah's Word. Although some may believe that these proponents are manipulating the Scriptures to control their lives, Peter asserts that the Scriptures are Yahuah's Word. If they are preaching the Scriptures, it is imperative to heed their message; otherwise, you risk opposing Yahuah and endangering your own life. It is unwise to be in such a position, for "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God" (Hebrews 10:31).
In summary, Apostle Peter underscores the paramount importance of the Scriptures as the most reliable source of divine prophecy and communication from Yahuah. Despite the allure of seeking extraordinary experiences or audible voices, Peter emphasizes that the Scriptures are the definitive means by which Yahuah speaks to us. The Scriptures, inspired by Yahuah and conveyed by holy men moved by the Holy Ghost, are unchanging and provide a consistent guide for faith and practice. Ignoring or distorting the Scriptures to fit personal desires opens one up to deception and judgment. To be blessed and to live a prosperous life, it is imperative to adhere strictly to the Scriptures and heed their teachings, as they are Yahuah's Word and should never be questioned or bypassed.
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