2 Thessalonians 2:2 That you be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us… I. WAYS AND MEANS GOD HAS APPOINTED TO SETTLE CHOICE AND OPINION IN RELIGION. I. The light of nature antecedently to external revelation will sufficiently convince us of the being of God and our dependence upon Him (Romans 1:19, 20). For I must know there is a God, or else I cannot believe in a revelation from Him. Nature will tell us that there is a First Cause of all things, of infinite power, wisdom, and goodness, that it is reasonable that He should be served by His creatures; that He will reward or punish men as they disobey or serve Him: but how He is to be served, and how after disobedience return is possible is revealed in the Word of God. 2. The written Word shows us the true way of worshipping and pleasing God, and being accepted with Him: therefore it is a sufficient direction to us. There is enough to satisfy conscience, though not to please wanton curiosity (2 Timothy 3:15; Psalm 19:105). There we have many things evident by the light of nature made more clear, and that revealed which no natural light has shown. 3. The natural truths of the Word of God are evident by their own light. The supernatural truths, though above natural light are not against it, and fairly accord with principles which are naturally known, and are confirmed — (1) By antecedent testimony (John 5:39; 2 Peter 1:19). (2) By evidence in their own frame and texture (2 Corinthians 4:2-4). (3) Subsequent evidence, that of the apostles (Acts 5:32). 4. The Word being thus stated and put into a sure record is intelligible on all necessary matters (Psalm 25:8). To think otherwise were blasphemy or folly. 5. Besides, the illumination of the Spirit accompanies the Word and makes it effectual (2 Corinthians 4:6; Ephesians 1:17, 18; 1 Corinthians 2:14). 6. There are promises of direction to humble and sincere minds (Psalm 25:9; Proverbs 2:4, 5; John 7:17; James 1:5). II. THE CHRISTIAN WHO IS THUS ESTABLISHED IS FORTIFIED AGAINST — 1. Pretended revelations, "Spirit"; because: — (1) Having his mind thus settled, he may boldly defy all revelations pretended to the contrary (Galatians 1:8). Any doctrine if different from, or besides the written Word, a Christian may reject. (2) A Christian is on better terms, having the written Word, than if God dealt with him by way of revelations (2 Peter 1:19). (3) It is not rational to expect new revelation, now the canon of faith is closed up (Hebrews 2:1, 2; Matthew 28:20; John 17:29). (4) If any such be pretended, it must be tried by the Word (Isaiah 8:20; 1 John 4:1). (5) They that despise ordinary means, and pretend to vision or inspiration are usually such as are given over to error as a punishment (Micah 2:11). 2. Unwritten tradition "Word." This should not shake the mind of a settled Christian, for it has no evidence of its certainty, and would lay us open to the deceits of men, blinded by their own interests and passions; and if such tradition be produced as has unquestionable authority it must be tried by the Scripture. 3. Epistle as from us — (1) Supposititious writings which the Church in all ages has exploded, having received only those which are theirs whose names they bare. (2) False expositions. These are confuted by inspection of the context, scope of the writer, comparing of obscure places with plain and clear. (T. Manton, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. |
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