Grace & Peace

II Peter 1:2-3
Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue.

       I truly love the books of 1st and 2nd Peter. Perhaps it is because I find it so easy to identify with Peter: impetuous in nature--too willing to jump right in before he was really prepared. We certainly do not gain that perspective in the verses shown above; instead, we see a mature saint of God encouraging Christians to look to God for all life and godliness.

       It is interesting that Peter begins this book with a benediction, rather than waiting until the end. He introduces the benediction with these words, in verse 1. "Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ."|  How can those of us who have obtained like precious faith live in God's grace and God's peace? It is not of ourselves, is it? These attributes come through a growing knowledge of God and Jesus Christ our Lord. But, even that knowledge comes from God, and not our own efforts; it is according to His divine power that He grants knowledge and with it, glory and virtue.

       That does not mean, however, that we don't put forth an effort on our parts. As we read God's Word and seek to grow in His love and knowledge, we pray that God will fill us with all help and understanding from His Spirit which dwells within us. The Christian life is an active life in which we pursue Godliness.

       Peter goes on in verse 4 to say that we are partakers of the divine nature. I cannot fathom such a great and awesome God who grants to His children the ability to partake of His divine nature. What amazing resources we have in Christ! Do we use them?

       Go this day in God's grace and God's peace as a partaker of the divine nature.

       May God's grace and God's peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue. II Peter 1:2-3