In 2 Peter 1:1-4, the Apostle Peter lays out a beautiful foundation for our walk with Christ. He reminds us that we haven’t earned our way in; rather, we have obtained a “precious faith” through the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
“His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue…” (2 Peter 1:3)
By believing in Christ, we are gifted righteousness and a measure of faith. But it doesn’t stop there. Our new “divine nature” grows as we subdue the carnal man—that part of us that operates in lust and reaps corruption. With this gift of righteousness, we gain access to the exceedingly great and precious promises of God.
The Ladder of Growth
We are not called to be idle. Peter shows us that we must be diligent in adding to our faith. It is a process of building, step by step:
“But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.” (2 Peter 1:5-7)
1. Virtue and Knowledge
A Christian must be a man or woman of virtue. What is the point of our faith if we are known as gossips, tricksters, or cheats? That does not glorify the Christ in us. Virtue is a shining light that gives glory to God and builds goodwill in our communities.
Next, we must add knowledge. We must study the Bible and focus on building our faith because, as Scripture warns, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). This is especially vital today, as many attempt to confuse the faithful by twisting the Word.
2. Self-Control and Perseverance
We must consciously practice self-control. Following that is perseverance, which is the key to success in every area of life. We cannot give up; we must hold onto hope and press through. Most successful people are those who simply refused to quit.
3. Godliness, Kindness, and Love
Finally, we reach godliness, brotherly kindness, and the ultimate goal: Love. As the Apostle Paul wrote, without love, we are nothing but a “clanging cymbal.” God is love, and as His followers, we must be loving.
The Promise of a Fruitful Life
Peter tells us that if these things abound in us, we will be neither barren nor unfruitful. Those who grow in these traits will not stumble but will be granted an “abundant entrance” into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord.
Let us be diligent today to make our calling sure and keep climbing.
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