Grace
2 Peter lets us know exactly what Grace is and how it works and continues to work through God's Devine Nature.
2 Peter 1:2
2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
Grace can be multiplied, so we now understand that it was bestowed upon each of us “once.” This occurred when we first recognized Jesus as our savior and repented of our sins. At that moment, God’s divine power granted us all the blessings that pertain to life and godliness.
2 Peter 1:3
3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
Through his divine power (his plan), he has bestowed upon us magnificent and precious promises (through the knowledge of Jesus), with which we may (or may not) participate in God’s divine nature, becoming conquerors.
2 Peter 1:4
4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
VVerse 5 further explains that we are to add to these promises. We can add virtues and knowledge.
2 Peter 1:5
5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
In verse 6, we are instructed to add Temperance, Patience, and Godliness.
2 Peter 1:6
6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
Verse 7 also suggests adding brotherly kindness and charity..
2 Peter 1:7
7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
Verse 8 explains the reason behind these additions to the promises. It states that these additions enhance your ability to execute the plan of Grace. Furthermore, it emphasizes that if you don’t apply your expanded knowledge of the plan of Grace through actions, you can become barren and unproductive.
2 Peter 1:8
8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Verse 9 delves into the fate of those who have received the plan of Grace and promises, but fail to incorporate these blessings into their lives. It also reaffirms that the plan of Grace is bestowed upon individuals for their past transgressions, as well as being extended to their subsequent actions.
2 Peter 1:9
9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
Verse 10 warns us that the plan of Grace won’t safeguard us if we’re not diligent about incorporating these additions and neglect our faith, calling, and election. However, if we remain vigilant, we won’t fall from the plan of Grace through God’s divine power.
2 Peter 1:10
Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
Verse 11 provides the rationale behind the additions and concludes this section of Peter’s passage with a note of hope, asserting that “for so” implies “because if you add these things and don’t neglect them,” you will gain access to the everlasting Kingdom of Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 1:11
11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
