Grace and Peace
2 Peter 1:2-3 Knowledge of God and Jesus multiplies grace and peace. Amen!
“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.”
2 Peter 1:2-3 NASB1995
If you didn’t get a chance to read Barb’s recent in-depth look at 1 Peter, use the link before the comma to get you to the introduction to this Book and then read through this excellent resource. Today we’re at the beginning of the first chapter of St. Peter’s second epistle, and he starts with a greeting to those who receive the letter.
Peter understood that grace and peace are not only the two most precious gifts given to us by the Lord, but are ours “in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord” — in other words, as we grow in our knowledge of God, we gain grace and peace — the foundations of not only our salvation, but of living.
Grace and peace are not the only gifts of God, but “everything pertaining to life and godliness” as well! Knowing God is central to ALL things that pertain to life and godliness.
Charles H. Spurgeon explained this best in his usual orotund manner (if I ever get a chance to travel back in time, or when I hopefully meet him in heaven, I would love to hear C.H. Spurgeon preach!):
“Divine power! What stupendous issues are grasped in that term, divine power! It was this which digged the deep foundations of the earth and sea! Divine power, it is this which guides the marches of the stars of heaven! Divine power! it is this which holds up the pillars of the universe, and which one day shall shake them, and hurry all things back to their native nothingness.”1
Sadly, we humans trust in just about everything but the knowledge of Him. We’re much more willing to trust in mankind’s designs and policies or in ourselves than the knowledge of Him. In Philippians 3:10, the Apostle Paul counted everything of man’s knowledge as “rubbish”, desiring to know only of Jesus and the power of His resurrection. We also need to approach God and faith from that same humble place.
The Greek word used for knowledge in this case, epignōsis, doesn’t refer to just an offhand acquaintance with knowledge of God, but a “precise and correct knowledge”. How do we gain this knowledge? Through His Word, prayer, and living in the community of God’s people.
This knowledge of God comes to those who are called — a knowledge that comes from the experiences we have of God Himself! Jesus Himself called us through His glory and virtue, and it that same glory and virtue that continues to call the godly to Him!
It is up to us to grow in our knowledge of God in the wink of an eye that is our lifetime, and studying His Word daily is the first step in gaining that knowledge.
Heaven On Wheels Daily Prayer:
Father in Heaven, thank You that in your grace and mercy you used humble servants like Simon Peter to reveal YOU to me through Your Word. Thank You that I’ve been given the same faith through belief in Jesus as my Savior. Keep my very human mind open to understanding all that is in Your Word, and use me to encourage others as they begin to walk in the steps of Jesus. Help me to seek and obtain the faith You offered to the saints, in Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org.
Spurgeon, Charles Haddon "The New Park Street Pulpit" Volumes 1-6 and "The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit" Volumes 7-63 (Pasadena, Texas: Pilgrim Publications, 1990)