In the second letter of the Apostle Peter, chapter 1, we are introduced to one of the most magnificent passages on theology that was ever written. Of course, it was written by God Almighty using his servant Peter.
Including the salutation, these verses are the living water that every believer needs to drink daily. The whole letter is addressed to those who have “obtained like precious faith with us”. The faith of Peter and Paul and John and all true believers. The faith of Christ, which is God’s gift.
The salutation also continues with “grace and peace” that is derived “through the knowledge of Jesus our Lord”.
The next verse (3) teaches us that God’s “divine power has given us ALL things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge (again) of Him who has called us to glory and virtue” So, we see the knowledge of Christ is what gives us grace, peace, and all things that have to do with life and godliness, which is essential in our relationship with God.
God has given us “exceeding great and precious promises” to make us “partakers of the divine nature”. Isn’t this wonderful? We partake of God’s nature when we believe and hope in His promises that will never fail.
“Having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”
We have also to give all diligence to add to our faith virtue; to virtue, knowledge (again); to knowledge, temperance (or self-control); to temperance, patience; to patience, godliness; to godliness, brotherly kindness; to brotherly kindness, love.
We should really be diligent in adding all these things to our God-given faith because “if these things be in you and abound, they will make you neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge (again) of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Note that “he who lacks these things is blind. He cannot see afar off and has forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.” Just like the people who hear the Gospel and the wicked one comes to take the seed that was sown in their hearts.
So, be diligent, in making your calling and election sure, for “if you do these things, you shall never fall.” Isn’t it wonderful?
When we walk in the Lord in the Light of His Word, these things will abound in us, and the reward will be “an entrance shall be ministered unto you, abundantly, into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”. Isn’t it wonderful?