Peter: The Disciple part 9a

Making One’s Calling and Election Sure

II Peter 1:1-15

I have heard Politian’s say, “I was called to run for office, was elected and now, here I am.” Is this what Peter is referring to when he says, Ones Calling and Election?

As we begin to explore II Peter, the primary theme of suffering that we saw is I Peter is hardly noticeable in II Peter. Instead II Peter focuses on false teaching. What is encouraging is that this letter is inclusive to all people. Who the recipient of the letter original was is somewhat vague. But Peter uses the phrase; “to them that have obtained like precious faith with us.” Or as some translations put it; “a faith of equal standing with ours.”

Peter uses and term that is translated as “precious, or equal standing” means “of equal value” or equal privilege.” Why would he make such a comparison? Because it is possible that this letter was addressed to Gentile Christians who had obtained this precious faith in Christ Jesus. A faith of equal standing to that of their Jewish brothers and sisters.

Let’s take a moment to read the first four verses of II Peter together. Interestingly enough, it is all one sentence.

Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ; Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

The Greek New Testament has 35 words in the first two verses, with five of these words are references to God, Jesus or a combination of words as in “God and Saviour Jesus Christ.”

Peter is establishing the firm foundation that Jesus is just as much a part of the God head as God the Father is. So all those that have obtained this precious faith have received it from our God and Saviour Jesus Christ, and we received it because of His righteousness.

But not only did we receive our precious faith by the righteousness of Christ, our God and Saviour, His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness. How do we obtain this life and godliness? By the way, this life talked about is ever lasting life, the life we will receive when Christ returns in clouds of glory. How is it that we receive all this? Through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, who also has promised that through these things obtained by God that we may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Wow, what a promise! Dear Lord and Saviour, give me that measure of faith and perfect in me your divine nature, that I may partake in riches far exceeding the things of this earth, Amen.