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 in 2 Peter.
The Second Epistle of Peter, written by the Apostle Peter, serves as a final testament to the church, addressing issues of false teachings and encouraging steadfastness in the truth. In this letter, Peter emphasizes the importance of knowledge and growth in the faith, highlighting the transformative 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. Peter warns against false teachers who distort the truth and urges believers to hold fast to the apostolic teachings and promises of God.
A central theme in 2 Peter is the call to spiritual growth and maturity in the knowledge of Christ. Peter encourages believers to “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). This growth is not merely intellectual but involves a deepening relationship with Christ, resulting in a transformed life characterized by godliness, self-control, and love. Peter emphasizes that this growth is facilitated by God’s divine power, which has given believers everything they need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).
The epistle also underscores the importance of remembering and holding fast to the apostolic teachings. Peter writes, “We have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:16). He affirms the authenticity and reliability of the Gospel message, which is based on eyewitness testimony and the prophetic word confirmed. This focus on the truth of the Gospel serves as a safeguard against false teachings that seek to undermine the faith.
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.”
2 Peter 1:3-4 highlights that God’s divine power has granted believers everything needed for a godly life through their knowledge of Him. It explains that by His glory and goodness, He has given precious and magnificent promises, so that through these promises, believers might become partakers of the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
- 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.”
2 Peter 1:10-11 urges believers to make every effort to confirm their calling and election, as doing so will keep them from stumbling. By practicing these qualities, they will be richly provided with an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
- 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.”
2 Peter 1:16-18 asserts that the apostles did not follow cleverly devised fables when proclaiming the power and coming of Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. It recounts that Jesus received honor and glory from God the Father, and that a voice came from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” The apostles heard this voice from heaven when they were with Jesus on the holy mountain.
- 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.”
2 Peter 3:9 explains that the Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Rather, He is patient, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.
- 2 Peter 3:13: “Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.”
2 Peter 3:13 promises that, according to God’s promise, believers look forward to new heavens and a new earth where righteousness dwells.
- 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.”
2 Peter 3:18 exhorts believers to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It concludes with a doxology, praising Jesus Christ both now and forever.
These verses from 2 Peter highlight the power and promises of God, the call to holiness and godliness, and the assurance of salvation through Jesus Christ. They emphasize the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, the importance of repentance, and the hope of eternal life in the new heavens and new earth, all central themes to the Gospel message.
–
Furthermore, 2 Peter addresses the danger of false teachers and the distortions of the Gospel they promote. Peter warns that false teachers will “bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them” (2 Peter 2:1). He describes their destructive influence and urges believers to be discerning and to stand firm in the truth. 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.
The letter also contains a powerful reminder of God’s promises, particularly concerning the return of Christ and the coming judgment. Peter assures believers that “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” (2 Peter 3:9). This promise underscores God’s patience and mercy, calling believers to live in readiness and holiness as they await the fulfillment of His promises.
As we explore these key passages, it becomes clear that 2 Peter offers a rich and urgent presentation of the Gospel. The epistle emphasizes the necessity of spiritual growth, the importance of holding fast to the truth, and the dangers of false teachings. Through its exhortations and warnings, 2 Peter provides a comprehensive vision of the Christian life, calling believers to grow in their knowledge of Christ, live godly lives, and remain steadfast in the faith as they anticipate the return of the Lord.
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.
- What Does the Bible Say About Diligence? With Key Scriptures - August 24, 2024
- What Does the Bible Say About Desire? With Key Scriptures - August 24, 2024
- 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Meaning: The Gospel of Jesus Christ - August 20, 2024
