Live by the “Present Truth”
“Therefore I will not be negligent to remind you of these things, though you know them, and are established in the present truth...For we did not follow cunningly devised fables, when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” We heard this voice come out of heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain.” (2 Peter 1:12, 16-18 WEB)
The apostle Peter wrote to the church, saying that they were “established in the present truth”.
The existence of a present truth necessitates that there was a former truth.
I believe that he was referring to the change in covenants, from the Old Covenant of the Law (former truth) to the New Covenant of Grace (present truth).
He was probably addressing those who disbelieved that the Law has been replaced by Grace, and who wanted to continue keeping the Ten Commandments.
The New Covenant of Grace is all about God’s Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Peter then recounted an incident that happened to him many years ago, when he saw Jesus transfigured on the mountain.
“After six days, Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain by themselves. He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his garments became as white as the light. Behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them talking with him. Peter answered, and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you want, let’s make three tents here: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them. Behold, a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to him.” When the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces, and were very afraid. Jesus came and touched them and said, “Get up, and don’t be afraid.” Lifting up their eyes, they saw no one, except Jesus alone. As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, “Don’t tell anyone what you saw, until the Son of Man has risen from the dead.”” (Matthew 17:1-9 WEB)
The transfiguration was firmly etched in Peter’s mind. He saw Jesus’ majesty—the glory He had before His incarnation.
But right after seeing that, he was starstruck when he saw Moses and Elijah who appeared and spoke with Jesus.
Moses is the mediator of the Old Covenant of the Law, while Elijah is one of the most highly esteemed Old Testament prophets.
He stumbled over these two great men of God, and put Jesus on the same level as them by asking if he should pitch three tents for them to stay in.
God the Father was displeased by this, and He overshadowed Jesus, Moses and Elijah with a bright cloud, and told Peter, James, and John to listen to Jesus only.
Moses and Elijah disappeared, and the apostles only saw Jesus alone.
This is the way God the Father intended—for His Son to receive all the glory, honor, and majesty.
Under the New Covenant of Grace, the “present truth” is that we listen to Jesus alone.
It is not about keeping the Ten Commandments or observing the ominous warnings of the prophets anymore. Don’t be deceived by “cunningly devised fables” invented by the minds of men who seek to use the Law to enforce behavior modification on ignorant believers.
The entire Bible is about Jesus and the revelation of His story.
“Beginning from Moses and from all the prophets, he explained to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.” (Luke 24:27 WEB)
Notice how Jesus expounded the Scriptures to Cleopas and the other disciples on the road to Emmaus, by explaining to them the things concerning Himself. Moses refers to the first five books of the Old Testament which were written by Moses, and the prophets are represented by Elijah.
Both Moses and Elijah are pointing to Jesus Christ who would be born as a Man to redeem mankind from their sins by dying on the cross, and eventually, Jesus will return to reign on David’s throne as the eternal King of Israel!
Did you ever wonder why Jesus only brought Peter, James and John to the mountain? I believe they were chosen because of their names.
Peter means “stone”, representing the Law which was engraved on stone tablets. James means “to supplant” (to be replaced). John means “grace of God”.
Putting their names together, we derive this meaning: the Law has been replaced by Grace.
The Law is the former truth, while Grace is the present truth which we are to be established in. We need to be constantly reminded of this truth so that we can keep our eyes on Jesus. Like Abba God said from the bright cloud, “Listen to Him.”
“For the law was given through Moses. Grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.” (John 1:17 WEB)
No matter what challenges you are facing today, choose to keep your eyes on Jesus, and let His Spirit lead you. Jesus is the full realization of grace and truth. He is God’s righteousness. We must stop mixing the covenants and live by Grace alone!
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