Problem: Some authoritarian churches use this as a proof text for how individual Christians cannot interpret the Bible on their own (“…no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation…”). Therefore, the average Christian needs someone (e.g. a spiritual leader/clergy/other sacred writing/authoritative translation) to teach them.
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2 Peter 1:1 – Does this passage support the deity of Christ?
CLAIM: Peter writes, “Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 1:1). Does this support Christ’s deity?
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2 Peter 1:1 – Did the Apostle Peter really write this book?
Problem: The style of writing in 1 Peter is different than 2 Peter. Also the tone used in the first epistle is different than that of the second epistle. How can evangelicals claim that Peter wrote this epistle?
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1 Peter 5:13 – Was Peter really in Babylon?
Problem: Peter claims that he is writing from “Babylon” (1 Pet. 5:13). Is this the case?
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1 Peter 4:17 – Will Christians be judged?
Problem: Peter writes, “For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God” (1 Pet. 4:17). Does the Bible teach that Christians will experience judgment?
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1 Peter 4:7 – Did Peter think Jesus would return soon?
Problem: In 1 Peter 4:7, Peter writes, “The end of all things is near.” Does this mean that Peter believed Jesus would return soon? If so, then doesn’t this mean that this was a false prediction?
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1 Peter 4:6 – Do the unsaved dead get a second chance to hear the gospel?
Problem: Peter writes, “The gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God” (1 Pet. 4:6). Does this mean that people get to hear the gospel after they die?
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1 Peter 4:6 – Is the Gospel preached to people after they die?
Problem: Peter says that “the Gospel was preached also to those who are dead.” This appears to claim that people have a chance to be saved after they die. But this runs into conflict with Hebrews 9:27, which insists that “it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.”
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1 Peter 4:1 – Can Christians gain sinless perfection?
Problem: Peter writes, “Because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin” (1 Pet. 4:1). Does Peter really believe that Christians can reach a state of sinless perfection?
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1 Peter 3:21 – Are we saved by faith or by baptism?
Problem:
Are we saved from our sins by faith or by faith and baptism? Though the Bible says that baptism is a very important part of the Christian life, it is not necessary for salvation. The truth is that we are saved by faith alone in Christ alone. Let’s take a look at scriptures used for both sides.
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