Posts - Daily Word

Slaves to what? | 2 Peter 2:17-19

17 These people are as useless as dried-up springs or as mist blown away by the wind. They are doomed to blackest darkness. 18 They brag about themselves with empty, foolish boasting. With an appeal to twisted sexual desires, they lure back into sin those who have barely escaped from a lifestyle of deception. 19 They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves of sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you.
2 Peter 2:17-19 (NLT) 中文

Wicked conclusion

Peter now wraps up his diatribe against these false teachers that are among his sheep. His last crack at them is that they are useless and doomed to black darkness. Their preaching, it would seem Peter is saying, is at best useless. A dried up spring (or well) is absolutely useless for its intended purpose. Likewise, mere mist is useless as part of a storm which should rain like cats and dogs. Based on what he’s shared previously, their preaching and teaching is actually downright damaging and damning. He’ll elaborate more in the next verses.

The black darkness symbolizes separation from God for, “This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5) As well, it is literally blackest darkness. And this thought is a continuation of where Peter started this portion of the letter (2 Peter 2:1-3) where he talked of their destruction.

Perverted desires

Again, what bothers Peter most, it seems is not just the false teaching but their intentional luring of the flock into sin. In this case, it’s perverted sexual sin. It’s probably something they themselves practice then encourage others to follow them in the sin. Like wolves, they seem to pick at the weaker (spiritually) in the flock of God. Those that are maybe new in the faith or, still not firmly grounded in the faith.

Slaves to what?

“You are a slave to whatever controls you.” That surely catches your attention! These false teachers are professional hypocrites. They preach freedom but they however are slaves to their sinful practices. And they lure others into doing the same. “Slavery, after all, occurs whenever one is under the control of some influence, not just some other person.” (Constable commentary)

RЯeflection

Are you caught in any sin, trapped by its allure? Are you it’s slave? There is hope of freedom in Christ. It’s not easy and may take a long time or even a lifetime. But God wants us to be free and, for believers, will set us free some time.
Hell is a real place; the destiny of any (including these false teachers) who reject Him and His free gift of salvation in Christ. This comes through repentance from sins and faith in Christ alone by faith alone. If you haven’t yet, click here.

False Teacher condition | 2 Peter 2:10b-16

10b These people are proud and arrogant, daring even to scoff at supernatural beings[c] without so much as trembling. 11 But the angels, who are far greater in power and strength, do not dare to bring from the Lord[d] a charge of blasphemy against those supernatural beings.
12 These false teachers are like unthinking animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed. They scoff at things they do not understand, and like animals, they will be destroyed. 13 Their destruction is their reward for the harm they have done. They love to indulge in evil pleasures in broad daylight. They are a disgrace and a stain among you. They delight in deception[e] even as they eat with you in your fellowship meals. 14 They commit adultery with their eyes, and their desire for sin is never satisfied. They lure unstable people into sin, and they are well trained in greed. They live under God’s curse. 15 They have wandered off the right road and followed the footsteps of Balaam son of Beor,[f] who loved to earn money by doing wrong. 16 But Balaam was stopped from his mad course when his donkey rebuked him with a human voice.
2 Peter 2:10b-16 (NLT) 中文

More on the wicked

Now that Peter has talked about God’s ability and determination to bring judgment on the wicked while at the same time rescuing the godly, he takes a deep dive into who these ungodly are. “The fact that the author devotes over one third of his letter to their denunciation underscores the depth of his disdain.”(Constable commentary) Let’s look at them by the following grouping.

Wicked’s actions

The false teachers have no respect for angels. Though this section is not entirely clear, it seems they deride the fallen angels (demons) and do not respect them as God’s creation. Peter compares them to angles (who are more powerful than men) who don’t dare do such things. Beyond that, they boldly indulge in evil pleasures, delight in deception, commit adultery in their eyes – which Jesus says is in their hearts (Matthew 5:27-28). Maybe the worst and what Peter is forcefully attacking is, they delight in deception. They sucker the unknowing into these same evil activities through their false teachings.

Wicked’s character

These are proud and arrogant (reckless, self-centered, bold, wilful). These false teachers care first and foremost about themselves. When it comes to others, their only goal is for them to agree with them and so as they do – believe the false teachings (like need for circumcision, etc.). We notice in v15 that they were on the right road but have wandered astray.

Wicked’s judgement

Their destruction will be their reward. If they do not repent and believe, Peter seems to be saying they will be destroyed like animals. He uses “destroyed” 3 times. Note that animals do not have souls whereas humans do. Death for humans is not annihilation. Our spirits continue and will be reunited with resurrected bodies. The evil, unrepentant, will then suffer eternally away from God and His love – for eternity.

Their model

Balaam is their role model. Peter says the summary of his sin was a love of money. If we read the account (Numbers 22—24) we see that he played with the Lord and his relationship with him. But he was driven by money. Peter is implying that the false teachers are also driven by money – though they have other sins (above). “Balaam is “the classic example of the false teacher who leads people astray for his own personal gain.” (Constable commentary)

RЯeflection

Do you know of false teachers in your midst? Do their actions not align with the Bible and Jesus’ teachings? Do your best to steer clear of them. Pray for them but don’t get too close.
Let’s not be too quick to judge these false teachers. For that matter, we should be careful not to judge anyone! We should rather look to ourselves to make sure we are not likewise straying from the path. “13 Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is constricted that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)

Sun Myung Moon false Christ. Image from npr.org/ *

Trusting in trials | 2 Peter 2:9-10a

9 So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment. 10 He is especially hard on those who follow their own twisted sexual desire, and who despise authority.
2 Peter 2:9-10a (NLT) 中文

Completing the thought

This section actually should have been tacked onto the last section. But since it was too long, I split it. 😁 Because Peter is continuing his discussion of how God deals with the unjust vs. the just. The previous post gave us some examples. Today he restates his point and lays the groundwork for a long diatribe against these false teachers who are plaguing his reader’s.

Balancing judgment and grace

Our God is an amazing God! Did I hear an Amen!? A funny example of this is common with new believers. A good friend of mine who is a teacher at a small school is a case in point. As a relatively new believer, we were discussing prayer and I was encouraging him that prayer is talking to God. Part of that is petitions. He replied, “But God is so busy, I don’t want to bother Him with my insignificant prayers!” I understood that he was relating to God as a teacher would and wondering how He could entertain all these requests at one time. After a quick introduction to the omnipotence of God, he started to understand.

God can handle it. So He can also manage to give the righteous the help they need in trials while at the same time make sure the unrighteous get their due. Peter quickly describes these in v10 as ‘those who indulge in the corrupt passions of the sin nature, and despise authority.” (AMP version)

Trials savior

But let’s spend a little time delving into this idea of Jesus who knows how to rescue us from trials (v9). I highlighted “how to”. Why? Just like any good coach who is teaching life skills can rescue their student / mentee but they don’t always. In fact, a wise and capable coach sometimes allows – and even creates – tests and trials for a specific purpose. A Marine drill sergeant comes to mind. He knows combat missions are tough and dangerous; his recruits need to know how to face and persevere through all kinds of tests and trials.

And Jesus, who is much more than a Marine drill sergeant, knows how to rescue us. And not just knows how but is able to and willing. When we are in the midst of a trial or test, He is by our side, even INside us (by the Spirit). But at the same time, He may want us to be in the trial. Speaking from experience, we can see how that is true and, the blessing that comes from it.

The foundation of knowledge of God and faith in Him must first exist so we can trust Him and His ways (Is 55:8-9). And this foundation is built on knowing Him through His Word and, believe it or not, through trials. Yes, trials build on more trials/tests.

What’s His goal in this? To build our faith in Him so we trust Him. Trusting Him brings Him immense praise and glory. And this is what we are here for!

RЯeflection

Do you know that you are created to praise the Lord? I didn’t really realize this until after many years as a follower of Christ. Now life (and its trials) make so much more sense.
The importance of knowing our God cannot be stressed enough. The more we know Him, the more we can trust Him. The more we trust Him, the more we can bring Him glory. How can we know Him more?

Drill sergeant. Image from militarytimes.com *

Arise and build | Nehemiah 2:17-18 (NASB)

¹⁷Then I said to them, “You see the bad situation we are in, that Jerusalem is desolate and its gates burned by fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem so that we will no longer be a reproach.” ¹⁸ I told them how the hand of my God had been favorable to me and also about the king’s words which he had spoken to me. Then they said, “Let us arise and build.” So they put their hands to the good work.
Nehemiah 2:17-18 (NASB)

We

Nehemiah finishes his assessment and presents his “pitch” to the remnant. Notice how he does not accuse them or shame them for not already doing this work of rebuilding. We learned yesterday that there was a ban of sorts on any further development of the city beyond the temple.

He could have stood aloof and reprimanded them or said, you have this problem. Rather than that, he identifies with them. He repeats “we”. He’s in this with them. He’s here to help with this Jewish nation, this Jerusalem issue; this God issue.

Explaining the issue was not all he did – for they all knew the problem. No, he goes beyond that and tells them of the plan (given by God) to address the issue: build the wall! It’s not just talk, it’s action.

Nehemiah also declares the motivation – to bring glory to God by restoring His city.

Savior

Nehemiah comes into town with fanfare, the right credentials, the king’s full support as well as resources to do the work. Prior to this, the Jews there in Jerusalem had been without hope; they had settled for the status quo. But when Nehemiah arrives on the scene, he is like a savior.

Arise and build

How do these folks respond? They are fully on board. They yell out in unison, “arise and build”! This is the response you get when 1) God’s hand is in the work and the work is put in God’s hands. 2) All effort is made to properly plan and prepare. Nehemiah sets a good example for us.

RЯeflection

Many church building / expansion projects use this theme of “arise and build” but it can be applied to any work we do for the Lord. What’s the good work God has called you to do? Are you doing it? Are you preparing for it?

Judgment – with mercy | 2 Peter 2:4-8

4 For God did not spare even the angels who sinned. He threw them into hell,[a] in gloomy pits of darkness,[b] where they are being held until the day of judgment. 5 And God did not spare the ancient world—except for Noah and the seven others in his family. Noah warned the world of God’s righteous judgment. So God protected Noah when he destroyed the world of ungodly people with a vast flood.
6 Later, God condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and turned them into heaps of ashes. He made them an example of what will happen to ungodly people. 7 But God also rescued Lot out of Sodom because he was a righteous man who was sick of the shameful immorality of the wicked people around him. 8 Yes, Lot was a righteous man who was tormented in his soul by the wickedness he saw and heard day after day.
2 Peter 2:4-8 (NLT) 中文

Judgment comes

As Peter just shared, the judgment for the false teachers is due, it’s coming. In this section, he provides some examples of judgment (mixed with favor) meted on those who follow false teaching and rebel against God. Follow the links to read more about each event. We won’t go into details here.

“Verses 4-10a form one long, complex conditional sentence; verses 4-8 form the conditional statement, and verses 9-10a the conclusion. This long sentence skillfully combines the different aspects involved in God’s judicial dealings with mankind.” (Constable commentary quoting Hiebert)

Judgement 1 – the Angels

Angels are judged? No way! Yes way. For before God created mankind, He had already created angels. Believe it or not, demons are fallen angels (Revelation 12:9, 4). They sinned, along with their leader, Lucifer (aka Satan) by pridefully rebelling against God and His rule. Click here for more. God, being just, to protect His integrity, punished them to hell as we learn here. We don’t know much of the details – like how are these angels in v4 different from the angels (demons) that are on the earth today. But we know they are all destined for eternal punishment (Jude 1:6 and today’s verse).

Judgement 2 – the flood

Early on in the beginnings of mankind on the earth, the evil ignited in Adam and Eve’s sin continued to grow to a ravaging fire in the hearts of mankind. “Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of mankind was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of their hearts was only evil continually.” (Genesis 6:5) In the story of the flood (Gen 6-8) we see God punished all mankind for their sin and rebellion.

But Noah was a righteous man in the midst of the evil of “the world of ungodly people”. So God protected him (and his family). This became a symbol of God’s judgment and mercy symbolized by a rainbow (the proper use of this symbol). Peter identified it also as a symbol of baptism (1 Peter 3:20–21)

Judgement 3 – Sodom and Gomorrah

After this, the sin of two cities, Sodom and Gomorrah, boiled over as documented in Genesis 18-19. Again, God demonstrated judgment and mercy. Even after a bold appeal by Abraham, these cities were still so wicked God destroyed them; not even 10 righteous could be found.

But He saved Lot and his family. Lot is identified as living righteously in the midst of an entirely sinful situation. It’s interesting that Lot chose to live here when presented with the choice by Abraham, his uncle (Genesis 12:8-13).

Conclusion

“Therefore the ungodly have no reason to think they can escape God’s judgment. Their coming judgment is certain. As Jesus said in Luke 10:10-12, for those who reject the truth ‘it will be more tolerable in that Day for Sodom.’” (enduringword.com)

RЯeflection

God doesn’t mess around. Those who rebel against Him and believe (and teach) false doctrine will be judged and punished. This shows the importance of proper doctrine.
At the same time, it shows God’s mercy and grace. Remember: Justice is getting what we deserve. Mercy is not getting what we deserve. Grace is getting what we do not deserve. Thank God for His grace. Now! Ask Him to reveal to you what eternity is and what it will be like for those who repent and believe in Him vs. those who don’t.

Judge in the courtroom. Image from https://www.mprnews.org *

From true to false prophets | 2 Peter 2:1-3

2 But [in those days] false prophets arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will subtly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow their shameful ways, and because of them the way of truth will be maligned. 3 And in their greed they will exploit you with false arguments and twisted doctrine. Their sentence [of condemnation which God has decreed] from a time long ago is not idle [but is still in force], and their destruction and deepening misery is not asleep [but is on its way].
2 Peter 2:1-3 (AMP) 中文

From true to false prophets

Just as there were true prophets in the OT who the Holy Spirit “moved” to write Scripture, there were false prophets. Peter now turns his attention to the false prophets among his readers in their day. He hits these charlatans with both barrels and doesn’t mince words. Their error is great – only matched by their deception. So these false prophets have already and will continue to be successful at picking off a few sheep from the flock and leading them astray (v2). But the true sheep know the voice of their Shepherd (John 10:27). Peter is representing this Shepherd.

False arguments and twisted doctrine

How do they do it? They subtly introduce destructive heresies, lies about God’s ways and Word. These are based on false arguments and twisted doctrine. For example, as was prevalent in the early church, they insist on following Jewish rituals like circumcision. Another would be Sabbath rules – which Jesus addressed so often with the Jewish religious leaders (c.f., Mark 1:29–31, 3:1–6).

To what extent will they go in their heresies? Peter says they’ll even deny Christ (something Peter was personally familiar with). “Even a person who has what appears to be a godly walk and relationship with Jesus Christ can still bring in destructive heresies. Often times good men who teach lies do the worst damage. Their lies are accepted far more easily because of the good character of these men.” (enduringword.com)

Judgment coming

The judgment by God of those who are false prophets and teachers is due. It’s even been known from time past. “Peter personified the false teachers’ judgment and destruction (“their destruction is not asleep”). His point was that God is never late or asleep in executing justice, though He is patient (cf. 3:9).” (Constable commentary)

RЯeflection

Peter’s message is to us as well. There are plenty of false teachers. I was just chatting with a young friend tonight about the deceptions of Mormons and other other cults. More than them, there are churches with pastors who claim to be preachers of the Gospel but they believe a gospel other than what Jesus preached. “Many of the [false teachers] use biblical words but change their meanings.” (Constable commentary) Peter will share more details later.
Because of this, there is a high standard applied to teachers (James 3:1-2). Similarly, we should be careful about what we teach or share with others about Biblical truth. It’s our duty to diligently study the Word and apply it in life.

Bible author inspiration | 2 Peter 1:19-21

19 Because of that experience, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. You must pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place—until the Day dawns, and Christ the Morning Star shines[g] in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding,[h] 21 or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.
2 Peter 1:19-21 (NLT) 中文

Eyewitness conviction

Peter, James and John were eyewitnesses of Jesus’ transfiguration where His glory was revealed. As you can imagine, the event left an indelible impression on them. As Peter states here, it gave them greater confidence (NASB – made more sure, ESV – more fully confirmed) that the scriptures they had (the OT) were 100% reliable. This is especially for those prophecies, especially about Jesus. Likewise, his readers should be fully convinced about the OT and, by extension, his writing. He’s setting the stage for his next topic – addressing the false teachers.

Shining in the dark

It’s an interesting expression Peter uses – a lamp shining in the dark. Such a lamp would be quite visible – especially in a dark place, like a cave. But in this case, its light is used to illuminate, to reveal things not seen. But what seems quite bright and effective is eclipsed by the sun when it rises and lights everything to make everything visible that previously was either not seen or seen dimly.

What’s this picture represent? Our darkened hearts and minds (Ephesians 4:17-19). The OT (and the NT for us) are available for us to read (since we have the grace of the Bible in our language). It’s enough light for the Holy Spirit to grab our hearts and convict us of sin and the truth of the gospel. such that the Son illuminates for all to see.

Bible author inspiration

Peter gives us one of the best understandings of the inspiration of the Bible. Based on his personal experience at the transfiguration and living with Jesus and hearing Him quote the OT so often and teach from it, he can be trusted. He states it pretty clearly. The Holy Spirit (whom Peter is acknowledging as God) “moved” them (ESV says carried along) to write what they did. Notice that he doesn’t say that the Spirit took control of them and used them to write – for wanted to. He could have just written it Himself (like He did the 10 commandments). No, He worked through them. Exactly how we don’t know.

“According to Green, the ancient Greek word translated “moved” has the sense of carried along, as a ship being carried along by the wind or the current (the same word is used of a ship in Acts 27:15, 17). It is as if the writers of Scripture ‘raised their sails’ in cooperation with God and the Holy Spirit carried them along in the direction He wished.” (enduringword.com)

RЯeflection

Thank God that you/we have access to His Word in our language. There are still millions of people around the world who don’t.
And thank God for His grace that has illuminated our hearts with the truth of salvation. Is He asking you to be a light to someone? You have the Light, share it.

Inspiration. Image from thehappinessindex.com *

Eyewitness of majestic glory | 2 Peter 1:16-18

16 For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17 For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such a [j]declaration as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory: “This is [k]My beloved Son with whom I am well pleased”— 18 and we ourselves heard this [l]declaration made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.
2 Peter 1:16-18 (NASB) 中文

Supporting evidence

Peter has been calling his readers to develop these character qualities of 2 Pet 1:5-7 and making it a high priority for them and even his purpose for this letter. Now he figures he needs to give them some evidence to support the authority of his claims and teaching. He recalls this memorable event during the time of following Jesus Christ as He tabernacled with men (John 1:14). Christians call this the transfiguration, the time Jesus was physically transfigured to expose His divine glory. Was this a miracle? Certainly! But some say it was more a miracle that this glory was veiled during all the rest of His time on earth!

Indelible impression

Come with me for a moment to imagine what it was like for Peter, James and John to witness this event. Take a moment to read it in Matthew 17:1-8. They had been living life with Jesus, a man just like them, but somehow different, holy, blessed by Yahweh. A man like none other through whom wisdom, miracles, teaching, blessing come. But now, on that mount, they saw Jesus in His glory, His majesty (sovereign power, authority, or dignity). And they heard the very voice of God, the Majestic Glory – as some famous prophets of the OT had. What an indelible impression that left! This, Peter and the others testified to.

Eyewitnesses

What evidence in a court of law provides the greatest support or proof of the case? Eyewitnesses. Peter, James and John were eyewitnesses of this glorious event. And as John corroborates, “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us; and we saw His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14). This extended to all their time with them, as John records at the end of his gospel: “This is the disciple [John] who is testifying about these things and wrote these things, and we know that his testimony is true.” (John 21:24)

These accounts about Jesus are not just myths, fables or heroic legends (like the Roman and Greek gods) but real, actual events. “The apostles had not preached myths (‘cleverly devised tales’) to their hearers, as the false teachers to whom Peter referred later in this epistle were doing.” (Constable commentary)

RЯeflection

Again, take a moment to revisit this miraculous, glorious event by reading it in Matthew 17:1-8. Sit in wonder and amazement. But don’t stop there. For we will see it too! This is part of our blessed hope. Look forward to it. Gain strength for the trials of life. “For our momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,” (2 Corinthians 4:17)
Have you been tempted to doubt God’s Word recently? Don’t worry. It’s not uncommon. Be sure to keep reading and studying. Ask God to renew your faith. Remember it was written by eyewitnesses. It is reliable.

The witness. Image from http://images.wisegeek.com/ *

Pastor Peter’s priority | 2 Peter 1:12-15

12 Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. 13 I think it right, as long as I am in this body,[h] to stir you up by way of reminder, 14 since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. 15 And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.
2 Peter 1:12-15 (ESV) 中文

Preparing a legacy

Peter knows his time is near so he is urgently admonishing and encouraging his readers to press on in their Christian walk. In particular, to develop these character qualities of 2 Pet 1:5-7. Even though they already know this, he finds it of utmost importance to remind them and stress these things. Beyond that, they are established in the truth. He’s preparing his legacy.

In the rest of the letter he will refute the false teachers. However, “These verses make it obvious that Peter’s primary concern in this epistle is not to refute the false teachers but to ground his readers in personal holiness.” (Constable Commentary quoting Heibert)

Clock is ticking

In John 21:18-19, Jesus told Peter a bit about the circumstances of his death, the “putting off” of his body. Jesus may have told him more details that are not recorded in the Bible. But at the point of this writing, he has a clear understanding that the clock is ticking. It is now even more imperative that he imparts to his readers these key concepts. So he makes every effort.

Pastor Peter’s priority

Pastor Peter’s priority with his readers is to make sure they know these character qualities so well that they’re front and center in their thinking and play out in their actions. That’s what I think he means by “at any time to recall these things.” They become a part of life. They overpower our sinful tendencies toward their opposites and take control. Rather than giving into our desires and lusts, we show self-control. Instead of giving up when the going gets tough, we “get going” and persevere.

Peter has reminded his readers in verses 5 and 10 to be diligent. He “practices what he preaches” and is likewise diligent, “making every effort”.

RЯeflection

How well do you know these character qualities? Let’s challenge one another to memorize them. And don’t stop there. Do as Peter urges: develop them so they are expressed in our lives daily. So much so that they’re controlling our actions. Have a review of these character qualities of 2 Pet 1:5-7.
Not many of us know the timing of our “putting off of our body”. Yet at the same time, we have no guarantees on the length of our days here. So we need to be ready. We need to be diligent. We, too, need to develop and put these character qualities into practice.

Priorities list. Image from linkedin.com *

Entrance to Heaven | 2 Peter 1:10-11

10 Therefore, brothers,[g] be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 1:10-11 (ESV) 中文

Character Quality focus

Peter is now referring back again to the character qualities of 2 Pet 1:5-7 and how he told us in the previous post how the pursuit of them makes us effective and fruitful. Now he tells us they will keep us from falling (“stumble” in the NASB). He’s probably talking about both this life, our Chrstian walk, as well as life beyond the grave. I don’t believe he is saying that a born-again believer can lose salvation per se, but referring to what their entrance to Heaven be like (v11) for one who fails to practice them.

For those who do practice them Peter encourages us that the result is a magnificent entrance into the eternal kingdom – which is either when we go to meet him at death or His reign on earth during the millennium – or both! “F.B. Meyer also wrote that the idea of an ‘abundant entrance’ was really a choral entrance. The idea was of a Roman conqueror coming into his city, welcomed by singers and musicians who would join him in a glorious, happy procession into the city.” (enduringword.com) Peter here points to that as the goal believers can work toward. The other way into His eternal kingdom is to be saved “so as through fire” (1 Cor. 3:15).

Who does the work?

Yet a question surfaces: Who does the work of confirming the calling and election? Are we to be diligent in our Christian walk in order to secure our calling and election or earn it? Or, does our diligence, rather, prove our calling and election? I chose the latter. Election, by definition, means someone else took the action. And this election happened way before we were born! (Ephesians 1:3-6) And this Ephesians passage tells us calling is the same – God calls us to be His adopted child. We just accept in faith.

In which way?

And then another question: In which way will we be provided this entrance into the kingdom of Christ? Could Peter be saying that our good works of striving for these character qualities is what provides the entrance? Some who read this may come to that conclusion.

But if we follow good Bible study principles, we remember to understand that context is a key. Many places in the NT tell us that salvation, eternal life, is received by grace. A primary example is what Paul wrote to the Ephesians, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

RЯeflection

Fellow follower of Christ. Are you working to develop these character qualities in concert with God’s strength? After we have made the choice to follow Christ, walking the walk (as Christ did – 1 John 2:6) is a (super)natural outcome. But it takes effort on our part. As we shared earlier, “These beautiful qualities are not things that the Lord simply pours into us as we passively receive. Instead, we are called to give all diligence to these things, working in partnership with God to add them.” (enduringword.com)
“Let this be the key to all Biblical conditions and commands: ‘Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.’ (Philippians 2:12-13). Yes, we work. But our work is not first or decisive. God’s is. ‘I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me’ (1 Corinthians 15:10).” (desiringgod.org)