Peter wrote his two books to Christians who desired to walk with God unto the salvation of their souls. He wrote to the overcomers of God. In his second book, for example, he wrote “To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours ….” (2 Peter 1:1) Do you believe that you have obtained a faith equal to Peter’s, or is Peter simply speaking to everyone who has believed that Jesus Christ died for their sins? I believe that the greatest heresy in all Christianity is the one which says “All faith is equal. If you believe in Jesus, then you escape hell and will be rewarded for eternity in heaven.” This false doctrine totally ignores Paul’s injunction in Philippians 2:12 to “work out your salvation in fear and trembling.” Likewise Peter tells us that through Christ’s “precious and very great promises” we “may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.” (2 Peter 1:4) John says virtually the same thing when he declares, “to all who did receive him [Jesus], who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:12-13)
All of God’s true apostles and prophets speak the same thing, which is that our initial faith in Jesus Christ only starts us upon the path of becoming a son of God, an overcomer; it does not automatically make us one. Our initial faith only gives us “the right to become” a son of God; again, it does not automatically make us sons of God. Those who teach otherwise in essence deny Christ because their doctrine contradicts his. Now let those who agree with Christ and his prophets consider Peter’s exhortation to those who desire to work out their salvation and one day actually become a mature son of God.
5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue,[e] and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities[f] are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 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.
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.
Christ’s Glory and the Prophetic Word
16 For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power andcoming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son,[i] with whom I am well pleased,” 18 we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. 19 Andwe have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attentionas to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, 20 knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. 21 For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. (2 Peter 1:5-21 ESV)
