By Jon Burnett
8 May 05
When Peter wrote his second epistle to the Christians of his day, he found it necessary to remind them again of the cause, means, and end of their salvation. In his day there were many trials in the church because of false teaching, complacency, and tribulation at the hands of unbelievers. We can hardly say things have really changed in this sense, and therefore take note of the apostle�s important message, �May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has granted us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and virtue, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises� (2 Pet 1:2-4, ESV).
Our salvation depends first and foremost upon the grace of God. Though faith and its many works are certainly the outgrowth of such gracious favor (Eph 2:8, Jam 2:24), grace is the foundation the remainder of God�s plan is built upon. It is not until we understand our own sinful state and just how undeserving we are, that we are truly motivated to serve Him. Grace is the very beginning of your devoted service allowing you to, �present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from life to death�since you are not under law but under grace� (Rom 6:12-14, ESV). God, though He holds all authority (Rom 13:1), has not ruled as a tyrant on high, but has served in the lowliest of forms as man (Jn 1:14) and given us His favor so that we might choose to serve Him.
Just as important as the grace of God is the knowledge that He has revealed through His Son. Christ is the means by which God speaks to us (Heb 1:1,2) and His word is the foundation of our faith both initially (John 20:30,31) and continually (1 Pet 2:2). Daily study is an important part of Christ�s body in that by it we confirm sound teaching and live our lives right with Him (Acts 17:11, 2 Tim 2:15). By your understanding of it you may gird up �the loins of your mind, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ� to seek His holiness in your own life (1 Pet 1:13, ESV). God�s grace should reassure our continued efforts to better understand His will for our lives.
The grace and knowledge of God has not been given to us in vain. Yes Christianity means giving up some of your favorite activities, movies, songs, and perhaps even friends, but the only wasted opportunities in your life are not the sins you could have indulged in, but in the fruits you never bore; fruits like �love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, [and] self-control� (Gal 5:22, ESV). You can�t expect Him to give something He already gave, and He�s already given you everything you need. The question is, what have you given back?