What is the meaning of 2 Peter 3:18? But grow “ But grow ” (2 Peter 3:18) is a present-tense command, urging continuous spiritual progress rather than a one-time milestone. • The call assumes life in Christ is dynamic; stagnation is foreign to genuine faith (see 1 Peter 2:2; Colossians 1:9-10). • Growth counters the false teaching Peter has just warned about (2 Peter 3:17), anchoring believers against error (Ephesians 4:13-15). • The verb speaks to personal responsibility—God supplies all we need (2 Peter 1:3), yet we must apply diligence (2 Peter 1:5-8). in the grace “ in the grace ” reminds us that every step forward rests on God’s unearned favor. • Grace is the realm in which we now stand (Romans 5:2); we never outgrow dependence on it. • Growing “in” grace means experiencing its transforming power daily—humility that welcomes fresh supply (James 4:6), strength for trials (2 Timothy 2:1), and generosity toward others (2 Corinthians 9:8). • This guards us from legalism: progress is measured by reliance on Christ, not self-effort (John 1:16). and knowledge “ and knowledge ” balances experience with truth. • Peter stresses knowledge throughout the letter (2 Peter 1:2-3, 8); accurate understanding of Jesus protects against deception. • This knowledge is relational as well as doctrinal—knowing Him personally (Philippians 3:8-10; Hosea 6:3) and being shaped by His Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Growth here involves regular Scripture intake, obedient application, and discernment of error (Hebrews 5:14). of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ The focus of grace and knowledge is “ our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” • Both titles matter: as Lord He commands submission (Acts 2:36); as Savior He supplies redemption (Titus 2:13-14). • Personal pronoun “our” underscores relationship—He possesses us, and we gladly belong to Him (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). • All growth aims at deeper communion with Him, not mere religious proficiency (John 17:3; 1 John 5:20). To Him be the glory Spiritual growth naturally overflows in worship. • Glory—credit, honor, praise—returns to its rightful Owner (Romans 11:36). • The more we perceive His grace and truth, the more our lives become showcases of His worth (Ephesians 3:20-21). • Giving glory now is rehearsal for the worship that fills eternity (Revelation 5:12-13). both now and to the day of eternity. Praise is not postponed; it begins “ now ” and stretches “ to the day of eternity.” • Present devotion fuels perseverance amid present trials (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). • “The day of eternity” points to the new heaven and earth just described (2 Peter 3:13), when time gives way to everlasting fellowship with Christ (Jude 24-25; Revelation 22:3-5). • Our growth today holds value forever, for it prepares us to enjoy Him without limit (Hebrews 13:8). Amen. The closing “ Amen ” seals the certainty of the apostolic blessing and calls every reader to embrace it as truth. summary 2 Peter 3:18 is a concise roadmap for every believer: keep advancing, sustained by God’s grace and shaped by true knowledge of Jesus. This forward movement flows into heartfelt worship that starts immediately and will never end. All of it centers on Christ—our Lord, our Savior, our eternal delight. |
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