2 Peter Chapter 1
2 Peter is an epistle that draws a contrast between the truth and false teachings. The truth of God leads to salvation while false teachings lead to destruction.
Through the knowledge of God, we have been given exceedingly great and precious promises, through which we may be partakers of the divine nature (2 Pet 1:4). We must understand that the Bible is not meant to be freely interpreted, with different “recipes” for salvation. Peter states that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit (2 Pet 1:20-21). Peter warns of those who introduce aberrant teachings, calling them false prophets and false teachers who will be punished, and that many will follow their destructive ways (2 Pet 2: 1-2).
Sadly, we know this to be true. After the apostles’ time, many strange teachings have led to Christianity being so different from what was originally practiced. The Christmas that Christians all over the world celebrate today, having pagan roots, is just one example of the false teachings that crept into the church.
By the grace of God, the True Jesus Church was established. We are the restored apostolic church, having the same precious faith as the apostles (2 Pet 1:1). However, just as heresies crept into the apostolic church, heresies will continue to bombard us, from without and more dangerously, from within.
Therefore, we ought to learn from Peter’s example of vigilance, to guard the truth entrusted to us. We must also ensure this spirit of vigilance is passed down to the next generation (2 Pet 1:15). To be vigilant, we first have to be sure of our doctrines. This can be done through Bible reading or Bible studies. We have to learn about our doctrines diligently with a heart of humility before God to deepen our understanding.
A key message in this chapter is diligence. We have to diligently add to our faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. Through diligence, we can attain such qualities and be fruitful in the true knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us consider if we have indeed been diligent in adding these things to our faith.
The word of God is like a light shining in a dark place (2 Pet 1:19). As the True Jesus Church, let us work hard and attain those qualities so that through our preaching and our conduct, we can bring this light to the people of the world.
