January 16th, 2026
by Johnny
by Johnny
The apostle Peter’s words in 2 Peter 1:3–15 form a powerful and urgent reminder to believers: salvation is a gift of grace, but spiritual growth is a responsibility. In this passage, Peter lays out both the foundation God has provided and the diligent effort believers must apply to walk worthy of their calling. His message is not one of fear or uncertainty, but of assurance, growth, and steadfastness in the faith.
Peter begins by declaring that God, through His divine power, has already given believers “all things that pertain unto life and godliness.” Nothing is lacking. Everything needed for spiritual maturity—strength, wisdom, guidance, and grace—flows from knowing the One who called us to glory and virtue. This calling is not merely an invitation; it is a transformation. Through Christ, believers receive “exceeding great and precious promises,” promises that enable them to partake in the divine nature. By these promises, they escape the corruption of the world and are empowered to live differently.
Yet Peter does not stop at what God has provided. He shifts to what believers must pursue. Spiritual growth is intentional. It requires diligence. Faith is the starting point, but it must be built upon. Peter outlines a progression of virtues that shape a mature Christian life: virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity. Each quality strengthens the next, forming a spiritual structure that reflects Christ’s character. When these virtues are present and increasing, believers become fruitful and effective in their knowledge of Jesus Christ.
On the other hand, Peter warns that lacking these qualities leads to spiritual blindness. Forgetting the cleansing from past sins results in stagnation and vulnerability. This is why he urges believers to “give diligence to make your calling and election sure.” This does not mean earning salvation, but confirming it through a life that bears the marks of transformation. When believers practice these virtues, Peter assures them that they “shall never fall.” Their lives become anchored, steady, and secure.
The promise attached to this diligence is breathtaking: an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom of Jesus Christ. Peter wants believers to live with this eternal perspective, knowing that their present growth prepares them for future glory.
As Peter nears the end of his earthly life, he expresses a shepherd’s heart. He refuses to be negligent in reminding the believers of these truths. Even though they already know them, he understands the human tendency to forget. So long as he remains in his “tabernacle”—his earthly body—he is committed to stirring them up, urging them to remember what matters most. He knows his departure is near, yet his concern is that after his death, the believers will continue to hold these teachings close.
Peter’s message remains as vital today as it was then. To confirm one’s calling and election is to live intentionally, to grow continually, and to remember faithfully. God has provided everything needed. The believer’s task is to respond with diligence, cultivating a life that reflects the grace they have received and the kingdom they are destined to inherit.
Peter begins by declaring that God, through His divine power, has already given believers “all things that pertain unto life and godliness.” Nothing is lacking. Everything needed for spiritual maturity—strength, wisdom, guidance, and grace—flows from knowing the One who called us to glory and virtue. This calling is not merely an invitation; it is a transformation. Through Christ, believers receive “exceeding great and precious promises,” promises that enable them to partake in the divine nature. By these promises, they escape the corruption of the world and are empowered to live differently.
Yet Peter does not stop at what God has provided. He shifts to what believers must pursue. Spiritual growth is intentional. It requires diligence. Faith is the starting point, but it must be built upon. Peter outlines a progression of virtues that shape a mature Christian life: virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity. Each quality strengthens the next, forming a spiritual structure that reflects Christ’s character. When these virtues are present and increasing, believers become fruitful and effective in their knowledge of Jesus Christ.
On the other hand, Peter warns that lacking these qualities leads to spiritual blindness. Forgetting the cleansing from past sins results in stagnation and vulnerability. This is why he urges believers to “give diligence to make your calling and election sure.” This does not mean earning salvation, but confirming it through a life that bears the marks of transformation. When believers practice these virtues, Peter assures them that they “shall never fall.” Their lives become anchored, steady, and secure.
The promise attached to this diligence is breathtaking: an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom of Jesus Christ. Peter wants believers to live with this eternal perspective, knowing that their present growth prepares them for future glory.
As Peter nears the end of his earthly life, he expresses a shepherd’s heart. He refuses to be negligent in reminding the believers of these truths. Even though they already know them, he understands the human tendency to forget. So long as he remains in his “tabernacle”—his earthly body—he is committed to stirring them up, urging them to remember what matters most. He knows his departure is near, yet his concern is that after his death, the believers will continue to hold these teachings close.
Peter’s message remains as vital today as it was then. To confirm one’s calling and election is to live intentionally, to grow continually, and to remember faithfully. God has provided everything needed. The believer’s task is to respond with diligence, cultivating a life that reflects the grace they have received and the kingdom they are destined to inherit.
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