Lord’s Library editors created this introductory guide to the Gospel in 2 Peter to showcase how the Scriptures reveal salvation by grace through faith.
Written by the Apostle Peter, the Epistle of 2 Peter serves as a final testament to the church, addressing issues of false teaching, but with an encouragement to the Biblical faith. In this letter, Peter cements the importance of growing in faith while highlighting the legitimate power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Central to 2 Peter is the message that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ, accompanied by a call to live a life of godliness and virtue.
As we’ll see in the Scriptures below, Peter encourages believers to “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” This growth is not to be only intellectual in nature, but involves deepening one’s relationship with Christ through repentance and prayer. Peter emphasizes that this growth is facilitated by God’s perfect power.
The epistle also cements the importance of holding onto the apostolic teachings. He affirms the authenticity and reliability of the Gospel message, which is based on eyewitness testimony and the prophetic word confirmed.
In this guide to the Gospel in 2 Peter, we showcase Scriptures (using the King James Version) that best help the Christian zoom in on the Good News using this specific book as a lens. Each verse is accompanied by concise commentary to provide the takeaway in layman’s terms. Our goal in this and all the other Gospel in the New Testament Series articles is to show how 2 Peter presents the doctrine that salvation is a gift of God’s grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ.
The Gospel in 2 Peter
The Gospel in 2 Peter Showcased in Scripture
- 2 Peter 1:3-4: “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: 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.”
These verses emphasize that through God’s power and promise, His children are equipped for godly living and are transformed to share in God’s nature, freeing them from sin’s destructive influence.
- 2 Peter 1:10-11: “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”
These verses showcase the importance of actively pursuing spiritual growth, which affirms one’s faith and ensures salvation by grace through faith.
- 2 Peter 1:16-18: “For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.”
These verses highlight the apostolic authority and the truthfulness of the Gospel, grounded in real events and eyewitness testimony, not stories by man.
- 2 Peter 3:9: “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
This verse emphasizes God’s patience and mercy, showing that His delay in judgment is an opportunity for people to repent and turn to Him, reflecting His desire for all to be saved.
- 2 Peter 3:13: “Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.”
A depiction of the future hope for believers, pointing to the coming renewal of all things where God’s perfect righteousness will reign, encouraging them to look forward to this eternal reality.
- 2 Peter 3:18: “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of continual spiritual growth, encouraging believers to deepen their understanding of Christ and to live in His grace.
These few verses from 2 Peter highlight the power and promises of God, the call to holiness, and the assurance of salvation through Jesus Christ. They emphasize the grace of Jesus Christ, the importance of repentance, and the hope of eternal life.
In addition, 2 Peter addresses the danger of false teachers and the distortions of the Gospel they promote, which is contrary to the Gospel of salvation. Peter warns of false teaching in 2 Peter 2:1: “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.”
This warning highlights the importance of doctrinal purity and the need to be vigilant against teachings that deviate from the core truths of the Gospel.
Lord's Library is a Christian resource hub. Our editors use a variety of internet research methods like search engines, audio and video, AI, consultations with ministry leaders in the field, and more. Lord's Library should never be a substitute for reading your Bible daily as the Scriptures are to be our final authority on all matters. Lord's Library participates in affiliate programs. We may make a small commission from products purchased through this resource.
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