Reaffirming the Truth: Awaken and Grow

A Christian man had just died and was on his way to heaven. When he got to the gates of heaven he met an angel. The angel asked him what God's name was.

"Oh, that's easy," the man replied, "His name is Andy."

"What makes you think His name is Andy?" the angel asked incredulously.

"Well, you see at church we used to sing this song, 'Andy walks with me, Andy talks with me, Andy tells me I am His own.'" (ahajokes.com)

You heard it here first! A little repetition goes a long way with the memory. Though it might help to understand what the actual words are! Still, this little joke points out the importance of repeating for the sake of remembering.

Paul told the Philippian believers, "Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you" (Phil. 3:1). Paul understood how the mind works. That is why he had no trouble repeating again the most important doctrines that they needed to be sure to remember.

Peter also understood how the mind works, so he likewise, did not have a problem repeating the most important doctrines to help his readers remember them. Note how he begins here: "For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things" (v. 12a).

Throughout the Bible, God uses repetition to help us with both understanding and memory. In fact, God makes a habit of repeating things in Scripture. The gospel story is repeated by all four evangelists—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—as well as in other passages of Scripture.

That is why the Lord told Israel, "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates" (Deut. 6:4-9). Again, constant repetition is how you learn, as well as how you remember.

There is a certain urgency to the writing of this second letter. Peter momentarily leaves the topic of salvation to drop in a statement about the importance of reminding us of essential truth. With the passion of a pastor, Peter says, "For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things" (v. 12a).

"For thias reason" (v. 12a) refers to what Peter has been saying so far. It refers first to the greatness of our salvation spoken of in 2 Peter 1:1-4. It is a reminder that we are "partakers of the divine nature" (v. 4b) and we have received many "exceedingly great and precious promises" (v. 4a). It also reminds us that we have received from God "all things that pertain to life and godliness" (v. 3).

"For this reason" (v. 12a) also refers to the blessed assurance of our salvation spoken of in 2 Peter 1:5-11. Salvation, and the assurance of salvation, are themes so crucial they must never be forgotten. Peter wanted his readers to never forget that they were "cleansed from (their) old sins" (v. 9b), and always remember that they were saved by God's grace. He wanted his readers to never forget the blessings of their salvation, and always remember that, if they abound in the things of God, they "will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" (v. 8b).

"I will not be negligent," or "I will always be ready" (NASB), is in the future tense, indicating that he will remind his readers of truth at every opportunity, beginning with the writing of this letter to believers scattered across Asia Minor because of the heavy persecution from Rome. Even today, all who read this letter will be reminded of the many essential truths of Scripture.

To the surprise of many, there is no new spiritual truth. No new revelation is available from the Lord. What has been made available is a better and deeper understanding of the truths already found in God's Word. "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever" (Isa. 40:8). "For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished" (Matt. 5:18).

The problem is that people don't know the Word of God. Many who think they know the Word, don't always have true and accurate interpretations of it. Problem is, they have been taught wrong and misled. As a result, some people think certain truth is new—and it is to them. But there is no new revelation from God.

Jude wrote, "Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 3). It was delivered "once for all!" There is no new revelation being delivered. All who preach and teach the Word remind us often of what God has said. In fact, they remind us so constantly, that between God's repetition in the Word and their repetition in their preaching, truth sticks. When we hear truth repeatedly, eventually we remember it.

Those who have heard and been taught the truth, those who already know the truth, are reminded of it "so that they are seized by it and awakened!" (Martin Luther, Commentary on Peter and Jude, edited by John Nichols Lenker, [Database © 2008 WORDsearch Corp.], 242). You are reminded of the truth often, with the sole purpose that you not only remember it, but that it would take hold of you (seize you) and wake you up to the truth, and as a result, you would go forward in your walk with Christ and grow stronger in your faith.

Peter continues, "Though you know and are established in the present truth" (v. 12b). You already know the truth. You have been taught the Scriptures and you are well established in the truth. So much so, that the truth is present with you. People can see it in your life. Still, as Peter said, "I will always be ready to remind you of these things" (v. 12a, NASB). We always need to be reminded of the essential truths of Scripture and of the essential doctrines of the faith. We need to be in the Word daily.

Peter was kind and sensitive as he spoke of these believers as established in the truth (v. 12b). He recognized the fact that they displayed in their lives the virtues of Christ. He acknowledged their devotion to Christ. So he encouraged them, even while he was pointing out their need to be reminded of the great truths of the faith.

The verb "established" (stērizō), which means "to firmly establish" or "to strengthen," is a perfect passive participle in the original Greek, indicating a settled condition (John MacArthur, Jr., The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: 2 Peter & Jude, [Moody Publishers, Chicago Illinois, 2005], 49). They lived their faith. There was evidence by their faithfulness that the true gospel of Christ was strongly present with them. It was evident that Jesus had great influence in their lives. Peter had no doubt as to their faith, and he treated them as genuine, maturing believers.

Paul wrote of the Colossian believers, "You heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel, which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth" (Col. 1:5b-6). The same was true of Peter's readers, the saints scattered across Asia Minor. The truth abides in all who come to Christ.

Still, it was imperative that these saints be reminded of the essential doctrines of the faith, because they faced a great threat from the false teachers who had crept in among them, as we shall see in chapter two of 2 Peter. It was crucial that they be shaken again by the truth, to spur them on to continue growing in faith. We too must be shaken by the truth, to spur us on to continue growing in our faith. Amen.

Practice Virtues that Are Christlike

Last week I spoke of two options in life for every Christian: (1) a life of joy and confidence in the Lord, being assured of salvation, or (2) a life robbed of all joy and confidence in the Lord, lacking assurance of salvation. Choose the positive option: a life of joy and confidence in the Lord, being assured of salvation.

Pursue virtues that are Christlike. Practice virtues that are Christlike. "Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble" (2 Peter 1:10). How do you "make your call and election sure?" By being "even more diligent" (v. 10a) in doing what verses 5-7 said: Add to your faith virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. The practice of these virtues helps your heart be assured of salvation. So, "be even more diligent" spiritually (v. 10a) to know and enjoy eternal salvation.

"Diligent" (v. 10a) is the verb for the noun "diligence" used in verse 5, and again it conveys urgency and eagerness. To emphasize our right to enjoy assurance of salvation, Peter speaks not of our faith, but God's sovereign choice. By practicing the virtues that are Christlike, we can make certain, or validate, or confirm, God's call and His choosing of us.

"Sure" (v. 10a) is reflexive, indicating that we are to assure ourselves. Calling and choosing are inseparable realities indicating God's effectual call of believers to salvation based on His sovereign election of them in eternity past. Peter's concern is that we have confidence and assurance that we are included in the elect. That is why he speaks here from God's side of the equation. God knows His elect, He knows who are His, and His elect should enjoy the knowledge that they are His.

Practice these things. Increasingly pursue these virtues that Peter put forth as essential to holy living. These virtues assure our hearts that we belong to God. They assure us of our salvation in Christ. Enjoy the assurance that God has granted you eternal life.

Practice refers to the pattern of daily conduct. Peter said, "For if you do these things you will never stumble" (v. 10b). Practice the virtues given here, and you will stand firm in full assurance of salvation. You will not stumble into doubt or despair, but will enjoy an abundant and productive spiritual life.

"For so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (v. 11). "For so" (v. 11a), or "in this way" (NASB), refers to our constant pursuit of holiness and the blessings of our assurance of salvation that we receive as a result. It refers to the perseverance that comes to us as a result as well. It sets up the remainder of the verse that speaks of our entrance into heaven.

Because of our pursuit of holiness, because of our pursuit of these Christlike virtues, the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to us. The assurance of entering the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior is the experience of every Christian who pursues, possesses, and practices the virtues Peter has listed.

That was great encouragement to Peter's readers, to the weary saints who were scattered throughout Asia Minor because of persecution. No believer should live with doubt regarding salvation, because assurance of salvation is abundantly supplied right now to those who pursue, possess, and practice these virtues that Peter listed here. A rich heavenly reward awaits all who practice these virtues.

Pursue these Christlike virtues. Possess them. Let them become a part of who you are. Practice godliness through the practice of these things, and the entrance into heaven will be abundantly supplied to you. Know that you belong to the Lord, and know that you will be with the Lord forever. Amen.

Possess Virtues that Are Christlike

There are two options in life for every Christian: (1) a life of joy and confidence in the Lord, being assured of your salvation, or (2) a life that is robbed of all joy and confidence in the Lord, lacking assurance of your salvation. And what does God desire for you? To enjoy a life of joy and confidence in the Lord, walking with Jesus in full assurance of your salvation every day.

Peter said, "For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 1:8). "These things" refers to the virtues we are to add to our faith according to verses 5-7.: "moral excellence," "knowledge," "self-control," "perseverance," "godliness," "brotherly kindness," and "love" (NASB). To pursue these qualities, to make them your own, to make them part of who you are, and to have these qualities ever increasing in your life, is a good thing. In fact, it is a very good thing. Because, with these qualities increasingly present in you, your life will be increasingly productive spiritually.

The phrase "are yours and abound" (v. 8a), or "are yours and are increasing" (NASB), is a strong expression drawn from two present participles. The first refers to owning property in an abiding sense, and the second refers to possessing more than enough, or even too much of something (John MacArthur, Jr., The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: 2 Peter & Jude, [Moody Publishers, Chicago Illinois, 2005], 42). If these virtues are present in your life and are on the increase, "you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" (v. 8b).

"Barren" (v. 8b), or "useless" (NASB), means "inactive," or "idle," and describes something inoperative or unserviceable (Ibid, 43). "Unfruitful" (v. 8b) refers to unbelief or apostasy (Ibid). Though stated in the negative, the point is positive in that, when you pursue these virtues, make them your own, and continue to grow in grace, you will not be useless and unfruitful. Instead, you will be useful to the Lord and, as you follow Him in service, He will build you up in full assurance of your salvation.

The phrase "the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" (v. 8b) makes it clear that Peter is speaking to true born again Christians, whose faith is real, and to whom God has granted true saving knowledge. When you have this true saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, you can pursue these virtues and apply them in your life in a way that honors Christ. When they are present in your life, you will enjoy the full assurance of your salvation.

"For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins" (v. 9). This second option is negative and is to be avoided. The believer who fails to pursue these virtues, will find them lacking in his life. Peter says that such a believer is "short-sighted, even to blindness" (v. 9a). He can't understand his true spiritual condition. He doesn't even realize what he is missing.

The believer who does not pursue these virtues and is not experiencing an increase of them in his life, will forfeit assurance. He will lack assurance of his salvation because he "has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins" (v. 9b). Literally, the phrase here means "to receive forgetfulness" (Ibid). "Cleansed" (v. 9b), translates katharismos, from which we get the English catharsis ("cleansing"). (Ibid)

A believer in this position will find that his continuing sin robs him of his joy and confidence, causing him to doubt that he was cleansed from sin and that he was rescued from his former way of life. He finds that he cannot be certain about whether he has been truly saved or not. And it is all because he does not see an increase of virtue and usefulness in his life.

John MacArthur said, "Once blind before salvation, then made to see, these saints can experience a kind of spiritual blindness again." (Ibid)

This spiritual blindness, or spiritual forgetfulness, leads to falling back into old sins. Christians who fall into this trap find that they are robbed of their assurance. Assurance of salvation is tied directly to our obedience and our growing in the virtues of Christ. When you are faithful in living by the Word of God and you continue growing in these virtues of Christ, becoming more like Him, you will find yourself more certain of your salvation with each passing day. Amen.