The apostle Peter began his second epistle with a proclamation of God’s mercy and grace. With His divine power, He “has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness.” Further, “by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises.” Because of this, we “may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (1:2-4).
What a wonderful expression of God’s love. He determined to save man from Himself, and sent His Son. It is through Jesus that God has “blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:3). When we have gained so much from Him, the obvious question we should be asking is—how should we respond to His munificence?
Peter tells us. “But 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). Peter then adds that such diligence and growth will be personally beneficial, as it will “make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:10-11).
This is a strong motivation. Adding these attributes will secure an eternal standing with God. However, please note that the primary motivation stressed by the apostle is in identifying such diligence as an appropriate and expected response to what God has done for us. We are to add these things “for this very reason”, that God has given us the gift of eternal life. With this in mind, it is beneficial to understand exactly what our response entails.
Adding to our Faith. Faith is the foundation, the beginning point. Salvation comes uniquely by faith in Jesus (John 14:6). “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).
Virtue (arete). Various translations use “moral excellence”, “worthiness” and “goodness” to translate the term. Moral excellence is the most descriptive term as it is used in the actual definition in Thayer and Vine. Strong asserts the word can mean manliness and valor. While this might seem a departure from the primary meaning, consider that valor, or the courage of conviction is one type of moral excellence. One who is able to stand up and be counted when their faith is tested, exhibits great moral fortitude and excellence. Paul included “virtue” as one of the things a Christian is to meditate upon in Philippians 4:8.
Knowledge (gnosis). Knowledge of God’s will is key to living a life that will “make your call and elections sure.” It is a key to not stumbling into sin. The knowledge of the difference between right and wrong requires diligence in study. “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).
Self-Control (egkrateia). This attribute is also translated termperance in some versions, and has a simple meaning. Thayer defines it: the virtue of one who masters his desires and passions, especially his sensual appetites. It is because of this definition that the concept of temperance is used with regard to the taking of intoxicants. They make one lose inhibitions and self-control. They lead to intemperance, which is inappropriate for the child of God. “Whoever has
no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls” (Proverbs 25:28).
Perseverance (hypomone). The term is translated patience, perseverance, patient endurance, steadfastness, endurance. All these terms indicate an ability to stay the course despite provocation. Thayer says it is, “the characteristic of a man who is unswerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings.”
Godliness (eusebeia). Godliness is the typcial term used in the English, though Young’s literal translation uses piety. It is defined by Thayer: “reverence, respect, piety toward God.” God is worthy of our respect, and this is an absolutely necessary aspect of our character. God told Moses, “By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; and before all the people I must be glorified” (Leviticus 10:3).
Brotherly Kindness (philadelphia). The Greek word is a combination of phila—love, and delphia—brother. It is also translated as brotherly affection, mutual affection and brotherly love. It has reference to the special, fraternal regard that we should have toward one another as Christians. It is the mark of the child of God. “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another” (1 John 4:11).
Love (agape). Brotherly affection leads to the love that is the pinnacle of the Christian’s growth. Love not only for God, and for the brethren, but for all mankind. The Greek term is translated love, charity, unselfish love. God had this, and it was the reason He sent His son into the entire world (John 3:16). It is the love that God demands of us as well. Jesus asked, “For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?” (Matthew 5:46). Our charity must be to all men!
