CHRIST’S COMING IN GLORY IS SURE

18. What does the apostle Peter indicate about “the power and presence of our Lord Jesus Christ”?

¹⁸ As in the case of the resurrection of his Son, Jehovah God also saw to it that clear testimony was provided respecting the certainty of Christ’s coming “with power and great glory.” (Matthew 24:30; Revelation 1:7) The apostle Peter said:

“No, it was not by following artfully contrived false stories that we acquainted you with the power and presence of our Lord Jesus Christ, but it was by having become eyewitnesses of his magnificence. For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when words such as these were borne to him by the magnificent glory: ‘This is my son, my beloved, whom I myself have approved’ Yes, these words we heard borne from heaven while we were with him in the holy mountain.” (2 Peter 1:16-18)

To what event was Peter here referring?

19. When and how did Peter, James and John become eyewitnesses of Christ’s magnificence?

¹⁹ It was to the transfiguration of the Lord Jesus Christ.

21. Of what significance is the transfiguration vision to us?

²¹ Of what import should this transfiguration be to believers? Peter answers: “Consequently we have the prophetic word made more sure; and you are doing well in paying attention to it as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until day dawns and a daystar rises, in your hearts.” (2 Peter 1:19) Yes, the transfiguration vision verifies the prophetic word about the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ in Kingdom power. This vision provided a foregleam of his kingly glory. Of course, apart from power or authority, there can be no royal glory, magnificence or dignity. Hence, the transfiguration also served to establish the certainty of Jesus’ coming in power.