Main Highlights
Believers are called to grow in grace and knowledge, confirming their calling and election, and remembering the truth until Christ returns.
Key Verses
Seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence."— 2 Peter 1:3
"For this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love."— 2 Peter 1:5-7
"Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make certain your calling and election; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble."— 2 Peter 1:10
Related Scripture
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen."— 2 Peter 3:18
Scholar Insight
"Peter exhorts his readers to add to their faith moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love (1:5–7). These virtues build upon each other in a sequence that leads to maturity in the Christian life." - Thomas Schreiner, 1, 2 Peter, Jude, (Nashville: B&H Publishing Group, 2003), p. 259."
Theological Analysis
What we learn about God
God's divine power has granted believers everything pertaining to life and godliness through the true knowledge of Him. God is the source of all that we need for spiritual growth.
Christological Connection
Jesus is referenced as our Lord, through whom we have received exceeding great and precious promises, and as the standard of righteousness (2 Peter 1:1, 2 Peter 1:11).
Systematic Theology
Sanctification: Believers are called to progressively grow in holiness and likeness to Christ by developing moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love.
Law & Grace
Grace is referenced as the means through which God provides everything necessary for life and godliness, and the call to diligence in growing in moral excellence implies a responsibility to live according to God's will.
Personal Application
Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make certain your calling and election; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble." (2 Peter 1:10)