"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear" (I Peter 3:15).

"To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you" (I Peter 1:4).

"Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you" (I Peter 1:10).

Our text and the verses which follow tell us a good deal about Old Testament prophecy and, rightly understood, answer many of the questions raised by modern "scholars" who scoff at the divine authorship of Scripture.

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33).

"Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity" (Psalm 32:1-2).