2 Peter 3:18
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Notice how Peter links growing in grace and knowledge together as a unified process, not separate goals. This implies that true understanding of Jesus is experiencing His grace, and vice-versa, creating a beautiful, ever-deepening cycle of faith.
Peter is concluding his letter, urging believers to actively mature in their faith, contrasting this growth with the deceptive teachings of false prophets. This call to spiritual development and a steadfast focus on Christ's glory immediately follows his stark warnings about the coming judgment and the certainty of God's promises, framing the believer's life as one of ongoing progress towards that eternal day.
Peter links 'grace' and 'knowledge' as if they naturally go together. But how exactly do these two build on each other in our walk with Jesus?
The Journey of Growing
Peter urges us to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." This isn't a passive waiting game; it's an active pursuit.
When we truly grasp the depth of God's grace towards us (unearned love, forgiveness, power), it naturally fuels a desire to know Him more deeply. The more we understand His character, His Word, and His work, the more we appreciate His amazing grace. They fuel each other in a beautiful, upward spiral.
Why is growing in grace and knowledge so important? Peter points us to the ultimate purpose – bringing glory to Jesus.
The Highest Honor
The entire Christian life is meant to showcase the glory of Jesus Christ. Peter emphasizes this by saying, "To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity."
Understand the original words
charis · Greek Noun
The unmerited, gracious favor of God toward sinful humanity, which is the source of salvation and the power that sustains and transforms the life of the believer.
gnōsis · Greek Noun
Knowing or recognizing the truth of God; it refers not merely to intellectual accumulation, but to a relational and experiential knowledge of God and His Word.
doxa · Greek Noun
The manifestation of God’s divine splendor, majesty, and worth; it is the ultimate end and praise due to God for who He is and what He has done.
This passage echoes Peter's heart for spiritual growth, urging believers to 'crave pure spiritual milk' so that they may grow up in their salvation.
Ephesians 4:15This verse speaks to the importance of 'speaking the truth in love' as we 'grow up in every way into him who is the head, that is, Christ,' highlighting the communal aspect of growing in Christ.
Colossians 1:10Paul prays for believers to be 'filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,' which directly relates to growing in the knowledge of Christ that Peter emphasizes.
John 17:3Jesus himself defines eternal life as 'knowing you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent,' underscoring the vital connection between knowledge of Christ and life in God's kingdom.
Notice how Peter links growing in grace and knowledge together as a unified process, not separate goals. This implies that true understanding of Jesus is experiencing His grace, and vice-versa, creating a beautiful, ever-deepening cycle of faith.
Peter is concluding his letter, urging believers to actively mature in their faith, contrasting this growth with the deceptive teachings of false prophets. This call to spiritual development and a steadfast focus on Christ's glory immediately follows his stark warnings about the coming judgment and the certainty of God's promises, framing the believer's life as one of ongoing progress towards that eternal day.
Peter is concluding his letter, urging believers to actively mature in their faith, contrasting this growth with the deceptive teachings of false prophets. This call to spiritual development and a steadfast focus on Christ's glory immediately follows his stark warnings about the coming judgment and the certainty of God's promises, framing the believer's life as one of ongoing progress towards that eternal day.
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"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." — Notice how Peter links growing in grace and knowledge together as a unified process, not separate goals. This implies that true understanding of Jesus is experiencing His grace, and vice-versa, cre…
