Category Archives: 2 Peter

Though the return of Christ to judge the earth may seem slow in coming, the Apostle Peter assures us in his second letter that it will indeed occur. Christ’s return is delayed so that mankind has the opportunity to repent. At Christ’s coming the world will be destroyed and according to God’s promise the followers of Jesus will be given a new earth which will be the home of righteousness. In view of this in chapter 3, verse 14 Peter writes, “Therefore, beloved, seeing that you look for these things, be diligent to be found in peace, without blemish and blameless in his sight.”

If the new earth which God has promised will be the home of righteousness, then it follows that the people who live there must be righteous also. Peter says that it is the responsibility of Jesus’ followers to “be diligent… without blemish and blameless” [NIV, “make every effort to found spotless and blameless.”] This is a reminder of what he had already said in chapter 1. There he pointed out that it is Christ’s intention that we participate in the divine nature. The goal of every Christian should be to become as like God as possible. But following Christ means more than merely doing right things. It is also a relationship. This is why Peter says that we should be “at peace with him” (NIV). Scripture says, “You, being in past times alienated and enemies in your mind in your evil works, yet now he has reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and without blemish and blameless before him,” (Colossians 1:21-22) Have we made peace with God?

But there are many people who do not want to live righteous lives. Some people use the delay in Christ’s coming to judge the earth as an excuse to sin. Others take a passage out of the Bible and try to twist it so that it contradicts another part and use this as an excuse to do what they want. Peter answers this kind of thinking in verses 15 and 16. He writes, “Regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also, according to the wisdom given to him, wrote to you; as also in all of his letters, speaking in them of these things. In those, there are some things that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unsettled twist, as they also do to the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.”

There are several things we can learn from this:
1) The reason for God’s patience is so that we may be saved. We should not abuse it by using it as an excuse to sin more.
2) The letters of the Apostle Paul are actually part of Scripture. They are God’s word revealed and spoken through the Apostle. If we reject his writings, we are turning away from God’s word.
3) All Scripture is consistent. One verse or passage will never contradict another. The holy words written down by the Apostle Peter will always agree with the holy words written by the Apostle John and both will agree with the holy words written down by the Apostle Paul. The words of the New Testament agree with the words revealed through the prophets of the Old Testament. If one chooses to reject one part, then he has rejected all. There are some who say that a later revelation abrogates an earlier one. But this is not true. God will never contradict Himself. For example Jesus said, “Don’t think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn’t come to destroy, but to fulfill. For most certainly, I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not even one smallest letter or one tiny pen stroke shall in any way pass away from the law, until all things are accomplished.” (Matthew 5:17-18)
4) Not everything in Scripture is easy to understand. But that does not give us an excuse to distort or misuse it. Instead, we should obey what we do understand and then ask God to increase our understanding. As it is written, “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach; and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5)
5) It is the ignorant and unstable who distort the Scriptures. At times the teaching of certain people who distort the Scripture may appear very attractive. But do we wish to follow someone who in reality is unstable and ignorant? In contrast to this Jesus said, “Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man, who built his house on a rock. The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it didn’t fall, for it was founded on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24-25)
6) Those who distort God’s word bring destruction on themselves. Jesus continued his parable by saying, “Everyone who hears these words of mine, and doesn’t do them will be like a foolish man, who built his house on the sand. The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it fell—and great was its fall.” (Matthew 7:26-27)

Peter concludes his letter by returning to the same themes by which he opened it. He writes, “You therefore, beloved, knowing these things beforehand, beware, lest being carried away with the error of the wicked, you fall from your own steadfastness. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.” (2 Peter 3:17-18)

Peter wrote in chapter 1, verse 15 , “Yes, I will make every effort that you may always be able to remember these things even after my departure.” In writing this letter Peter has fulfilled his purpose. Now it is the duty of every follower of Christ to take Peter’s warnings to heart and be on guard against those who teach error.

In chapter 1, verse 12 Peter had told his readers that they “are established”, and here he says that they are “steadfast” [NIV, “secure”]. Concerning his followers Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give eternal life to them. They will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” (John 10:27-30) But while the position of the follower of Christ is secure, and no one can ever take someone away from Christ against their will, Peter reminds us that it is possible to fall if we choose to follow error. This is why Peter has placed so much stress on the importance of growing “in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” As he said in chapter 1, verse 10, “…For if you do these things, you will never stumble.” Each one of us needs to ask himself, “Am I growing in my knowledge of Christ?” “Am I following error, or am I being obedient to God’s word?” Those who faithfully serve Christ may be sure that they will be welcomed into His eternal kingdom, just as Peter has said.

The purpose of the Apostle Peter’s inspired letters is to stimulate the followers of Christ to wholesome thinking. If our thinking is not wholesome we will have a wrong view of God. In chapter 3 of his second inspired letter Peter points out that because Christ’s promised return to judge the world has not yet occurred some have concluded that He will never return. If Christ does not return then there will be no judgment. If there is no judgment, then there will be no punishment for sin. And if there is no punishment for sin, then there is no need to live a righteous life. But this kind of thinking displays an ignorance of God’s character.

In chapter 3, verses 8 through 10 Peter writes, “But don’t forget this one thing, beloved, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some count slowness; but is patient with us, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fervent heat, and the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.”

The first thing to understand about God’s character from this passage is that He is not bound by time. Since time is a created thing God is beyond and above it. We cannot apply human standards to God. In God’s sight length of time, or the duration of an event is not as important as the event itself. To Him all times, whether past or future are present. Whether something takes place in the blink of an eye or whether it requires many years to take place is all one. God will not be bound by human time-tables but will act when it is right to do so in accordance with His eternal plan. Christ will indeed return to judge the earth, but it will be when it suits God, and not according to the ideas of man. The question is whether we will be ready when he comes. Jesus said, “…if the master of the house had known in what hour the thief was coming, he would have watched, and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore be ready also, for the Son of Man is coming in an hour that you don’t expect him.” (Luke 12:39-40)

Another character quality of God which we can see from this passage is His patience. If He delays the return of Christ it is not because He is careless. On the contrary He wants to give everyone an opportunity to repent. It is tragic that many use God’s forbearance as an excuse to sin. But patience and forbearance are not the same as indifference. One day the time God has graciously granted mankind will come to an end and we will all have to face the judgment. Scripture says, “…Do you think this, O man… that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you despise the riches of his goodness, forbearance, and patience, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance” (Romans 2:3-4)

A third character quality of God is his love. Christ’s return is delayed because He does not anyone to perish. Scripture says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God didn’t send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through him.” (John 3:16-17) Will we allow God to save us from the judgment, or will we refuse his love?

Peter writes that the judgment will be accompanied by great destruction. It may be that the destruction Peter writes about is the destruction of the heavenly bodies. But it is also possible that it refers to the destruction of the elements that make up matter, in other words all of creation. In another place it is written, “…he has promised, ‘Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.’ The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken – that is, created things – so that what cannot be shaken may remain.” (Hebrews 12:26-27 NIV)

But regardless of whether this destruction is limited to the earth and the heavenly bodies or whether all creation is destroyed it should cause us to examine our lives to see whether we are pleasing to God. In verses 11 through 13 Peter writes, “Therefore since all these things will be destroyed like this, what kind of people ought you to be in holy living and godliness, looking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of God, which will cause the burning heavens to be dissolved, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? But, according to his promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.”

Peter makes it very clear that sooner or later Christ will return and the earth will be destroyed in a fiery judgment. But the followers of Christ need not fear this. All those who live according to the “way of righteousness” which is mentioned in chapter 2, verse 21 can welcome Christ’s return for then they will be rewarded.

The phrase translated “earnestly desiring” is a difficult one to understand. It could also be translated, “speed its coming.” Is it possible that the actions of the followers of Christ have an effect on when Jesus will return to earth? This may indeed be so. Jesus said, “This Good News of the Kingdom will be preached in the whole world for a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14) This would indicate that the sooner Christ’s followers obey His command to proclaim the gospel in every nation, the sooner He will return. Every follower of Christ needs to ask himself whether he is doing his part to speed Christ’s coming by telling others about Jesus.

Peter says that the followers of Jesus have been promised new heavens and a new earth. This is a reference to what was revealed to the prophet Isaiah. God said, “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth…” (Isaiah 65:17) Adam and Eve were also given a new earth. But there will be a major difference this time. Mankind has largely destroyed the present world through sin. Not only have we defaced the earth but we have spread hatred and all sorts of evil between peoples. The new heaven and earth will be the home of righteousness. Sin will no longer be present. The followers of Christ will never again suffer as a result of evil. As it goes on to say in Isaiah, “…and the former things shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.” (Isaiah 65:17)

The Apostle Peter tells us the purpose of his inspired letters in the second letter, chapter 3 and verse 1. He writes: “This is now, beloved, the second letter that I have written to you; and in both of them I stir up your sincere mind by reminding you;” [NIV, “stimulate you to wholesome thinking”] In other words, it is Peter’s intention to help the followers of Christ think properly.

But how can we be sure that our thinking is wholesome and our reasoning is sound? Peter provides the answer in verse 2. He writes, “ that you should remember the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and the commandments of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior:” One thing we can learn from this instruction is the importance of studying the Scripture. The holy prophets Peter mentions are in contrast to the false prophets which he mentioned in chapter 2, verse 1. We can test the words and teaching of the false prophets by recalling what the holy prophets said. But how can we recall the words of the holy prophets if we don’t study the Bible so that we know what they said? Every follower of Christ would do well to set time aside every day to read and study the Bible so that the words God spoke through the holy prophets will be implanted in our hearts and minds.

Peter says that we are to remember the “commandments of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior.” [NIV, “the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.”] But what is this command? The answer is found in chapter 2, verse 21. There the words “the holy commandment delivered to them” is equivalent to the phrase “way of righteousness.”. So we see that the “command” given by the Lord actually refers to a whole way of life. It is important to understand this point. There are many non-Christians who proudly claim that in contrast to Christianity their faith is not merely a religion but a whole way of life. But those who talk this way do not understand what it means to be a follower of Christ. The person who has truly made Jesus his master will do what He commands. Jesus said, “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and don’t do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46) But obeying the command of Jesus to follow the “way of righteousness” means much more than just doing righteous things. The “way of righteousness” involves our thoughts and attitudes as well as our actions. Scripture says, “Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” (Romans 12:2) In fact, the followers of Christ must do their best to imitate their master. The Apostle John writes, “Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.” (1 John 2:6 NIV)

It is also important to note that Peter says that the command was given by the Lord through “the apostles.” When we read the writings of the Apostles we are, in reality, reading the commands of Christ. There are some who say, “I believe in Jesus, but do not accept the teachings of Paul or of Peter.” But God does not give us that option. If we truly believe in Jesus, then we must also accept the teachings of the Apostles, because they did not speak on their own but on behalf of Christ. If we reject the Apostles, we are also rejecting Jesus. The words of the prophets, the commands of Jesus and the teaching of the Apostles are in full harmony with one another.

But there is another way to judge whether our thinking is wholesome or not. It is by the testimony of history. In verses 3 through 7 Peter writes, “knowing this first, that in the last days mockers will come, walking after their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of his coming? For, from the day that the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.” For this they willfully forget, that there were heavens from of old, and an earth formed out of water and amid water, by the word of God; by which means the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished. But the heavens that now are, and the earth, by the same word have been stored up for fire, being reserved against the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.”

We have already seen that all ‘wholesome thinking’ will be in full agreement with the words spoken by the prophets, the command of Jesus and the teaching of the Apostles. In contrast to this scoffers follow their own desires. We may be sure that whenever someone follows their own desires rather that the commands of Christ, that person has turned away from truth. One area in which this false thinking displays itself is regarding the return of Christ to judge the world. Scripture says, “…This Jesus, who was received up from you into the sky will come back in the same way as you saw him going into the sky.” (Acts 1:11). In another place it says, “For we must all be revealed before the judgment seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:10) But false teachers boldly declare that Jesus will not come again. They say this as an excuse to follow their own desires. If Jesus does not come again, then there will be no judgment. If there is no judgment then we may do as we please without fear of punishment.

Peter’s reply to this argument is to remind us of what God has already done in the history of the world. But in order to understand the force of Peter’s argument it is necessary to understand what he means by the term ‘word of God.’ The ‘word’ is another name for Christ. It was through God’s creative ‘word,’ that is Christ, that the heavens came to be and the earth was formed out of water. It was the same ‘word of God,’ that is Christ, that let loose the waters which destroyed the ancient world. Scripture says God, “…at the end of these days [has] spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds. His Son is the radiance of his glory, the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself made purification for our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.” (Hebrews 1:2-3) Since God’s ‘word,’ that is Christ, was the agent by which the world was both created, destroyed, and is now sustained what room for doubt is left that the same ‘word’ will bring fire upon the present heaven and earth according to God’s promise?

For what purpose will the earth be burnt up? Peter says that it is for the judgment and destruction of ungodly men. Each of us is given a choice. We may either choose to live according to the Lord’s command in the way of righteousness, or choose to face Christ’s fiery judgment.

The Apostle Peter spends a good portion of his second inspired letter warning the followers of Jesus about false teachers. But why is this necessary? Why is the message of false teachers so attractive? It is because of the false promise that these teachers make.

After describing the character of false teachers, Peter writes in chapter 2, verses 17 through 22, “These are wells without water, clouds driven by a storm; for whom the blackness of darkness has been reserved forever. For, uttering great swelling words of emptiness, they entice in the lusts of the flesh, by licentiousness, those who are indeed escaping from those who live in error; promising them liberty, while they themselves are bondservants of corruption; for a man is brought into bondage by whoever overcomes him. For if, after they have escaped the defilement of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in it and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after knowing it, to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. But it has happened to them according to the true proverb, “The dog turns to his own vomit again,” and “the sow that has washed to wallowing in the mire.””

The first thing to notice is that false teachers cannot back up their claims. They claim to provide life-giving water. But when one comes to drink he finds that the spring has dried up and he is left to perish in the desert. In contrast to this, we have the words of Jesus that through the ages his followers have proven to be true. He said, “…whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never thirst again; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.” (John 4:14) Another time he said, “…he who believes in me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:35)

The false teachers pretend that their teaching and philosophy is a solid edifice that will last forever. But when the storms of life come one finds that they are no more than a mist that is blown away by the wind. No one can build a solid life on their teaching. In contrast we have the testimony of Jesus. He said, “Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man, who built his house on a rock. The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it didn’t fall, for it was founded on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24-25) He also said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” (Mark 13:31)

The false teachers claim to have light. But Peter writes that for them “the blackness of darkness has been reserved forever.” (verse 17) In contrast Jesus said, “I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in the darkness.” (John 12:46) The Apostle John writes about him, “In him was life, and the life was the light of men.” (John 1:4)

If the message of false teachers is such a sham, then why do people find it so attractive? Peter says that it is because they appeal to people’s lustful desires. This is very different than the teaching of Jesus. He said, “…If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24) If a teacher’s message stirs up our lustful or selfish desires then we can be sure that it is a false message. On the other hand, a true teacher will always bring a message of self-denial and of self-sacrifice in the service of others.

False teachers promise freedom. Freedom from what? In chapter 3, Peter points out that there are many who do not believe that Jesus will return to judge the earth. If there is no judgment, then it follows that there will be no punishment for sin. So the freedom that false teachers promise is freedom from moral law. But this promise fails in at least two ways. The first is that the teachers themselves are “ bondservants of corruption” [NIV, “slaves of depravity”]. Jesus said, “Most certainly I tell you, everyone who commits sin is the bondservant of sin.” (John 8:34) The false teachers cannot give what they themselves do not have. In contrast to the false teachers, Scripture says this about Jesus: “You know that he was revealed to take away our sins, and in him is no sin.” (1 John 3:5)

The second way in which the promise of false teachers fails is that they choose the wrong means of becoming free. Peter points out that the way to become free from the “defilement of the world” is not to deny that corruption exists or that there is a punishment for sin, but to become sinless “through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (verse 20). In chapter 1, verses 3 and 4 Peter had already written that knowing Jesus enables us to “become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world by lust.”

How does participating in the divine nature give us freedom? The more we participate in the divine nature, that is the more we know Jesus, the more we will want to do what is right. And when we become so much like Christ that doing right is the only thing we want to do, then we will be totally free to do whatever we want because we will never want to do anything that is wrong.

In verses 20 and 21 Peter writes that a person is worse off if he chooses to live a sinful life after knowing Jesus than if he had never known Him. Why is this so? Scripture has this reply, “For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and a fierceness of fire which will devour the adversaries. A man who disregards Moses’ law dies without compassion on the word of two or three witnesses. How much worse punishment, do you think, will he be judged worthy of, who has trodden under foot the Son of God, and has counted the blood of the covenant with which he was sanctified an unholy thing, and has insulted the Spirit of grace?” (Hebrews 10:26-29)

There is another consequence of rejecting Christ. Peter harshly compares false teachers to dogs and pigs. But in verse 12 he had already pointed out that false teachers have deliberately adopted the nature of animals. If we insist on becoming like the animals, then it is only natural that we act like them. It is a dog’s nature to eat its own vomit. It is a pig’s nature to lie in the mud. The question is will we accept Christ’s invitation to participate in the divine nature? Or will we reject His invitation?

Jesus said, “No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit.” (Luke 6:43 NIV) With this in mind we should pay careful attention to what Peter writes in his second inspired letter about the character of false teachers. Since their characters are bad, the outcome of their lives will be bad as well. In chapter 2, verses 10 through 16 Peter writes: “…Daring, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries; whereas angels, though greater in might and power, don’t bring a railing judgment against them before the Lord. But these, as unreasoning creatures, born natural animals to be taken and destroyed, speaking evil in matters about which they are ignorant, will in their destroying surely be destroyed, receiving the wages of unrighteousness; people who count it pleasure to revel in the daytime, spots and blemishes, reveling in their deceit while they feast with you; having eyes full of adultery, and who can’t cease from sin; enticing unsettled souls; having a heart trained in greed; children of cursing; forsaking the right way, they went astray, having followed the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of wrongdoing; but he was rebuked for his own disobedience. A mute donkey spoke with a man’s voice and stopped the madness of the prophet.”

Peter writes that false teachers are “daring” and “self-willed” [NIV, “bold and arrogant”]. They are depending on their own wisdom and strength rather than on God. A person who has this attitude automatically places himself against God. Proverbs 16:5 says, “Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to Yahweh [that is, the Lord]…” In contrast to this King David wrote, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit. A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” (Psalm 51:17)

It is because of their arrogance that false teachers “ are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries” [NIV, “are not afraid to slander celestial beings”]. In this way they take the authority of the Lord to judge upon themselves. Scripture says, “Don’t speak against one another, brothers. He who speaks against a brother and judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge. Only one is the lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge another?” (James 4:11-12) It is not entirely certain who Peter means when he mentions the ‘dignitaries.’ The word that he uses can also be translated ‘glories’ meaning those who posses glory. It is possible that this refers to people in high positions, but from the context it is more likely that Peter is referring to spiritual beings. In any case, if we are not to speak against even our brothers, then how much less against those in the spiritual realms? Peter points out that not even the angels dare to do what these false teachers do.

Another character quality of false teachers is that they speak “evil in matters about which they are ignorant.” What causes spiritual ignorance? Ephesians chapter 4, verse 18 makes it very plain that spiritual ignorance results from a hard heart. If we deliberately reject the truth we already know, we will be unable to perceive new truth. Jesus said, “Be careful therefore how you hear. For whoever has, to him will be given; and whoever doesn’t have, from him will be taken away even that which he thinks he has.” (Luke 8:18)

Deliberate ignorance has another serious consequence. Peter points out that one of the major differences between mankind and beasts is that God has given man the ability to reason. By turning away from reason false teachers destroy one of the things that makes them human and become like “natural animals.” As it says in Psalms, “I was so senseless and ignorant. I was a brute beast before you.” (Psalm 73:22) If we insist on acting like beasts, we become like them. And if we become like a beast God will also treat us like one. In view of this it is significant that Peter gives the example of the prophet Balaam. When he gave way to beastly desires, God used a beast to rebuke him.

Another character quality of false teachers is that they have a wrong concept of pleasure. Peter writes they are, “people who count it pleasure to revel in the daytime.” (verse 13) At best this kind of thing can only temporarily satisfy physical desires. It can do nothing to satisfy our hearts. Only God can do that. King David wrote, “…delight yourself in Yahweh [that is, the Lord], and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4)

False teachers have two other character qualities that are related to their love of physical pleasure. One is that they constantly pursue adultery. The other is that they are full of greed. Scripture says that greed is actually idolatry. (See Colossians 3:5) In verse 1 Peter had already said that false teachers have denied their master and here we see that they give His place to the false god of money.

For anyone to turn away from Christ like this is tragic enough. But false teachers are not content with their own destruction. They try to destroy others as well. Peter says that these people revel in their pleasures while they eat with Christ’s followers (verse 13) and seduce the unstable (verse 14). It is quite possible that Peter is referring to what the followers of Christ call the Lord’s Supper. It is shocking that false teachers would twist and distort what was intended as a meal in memory of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ into something to tempt the weak away from Christ.

At this point Peter presents us with a dilemma. He mentions the prophet Balaam as an example of those who do wrong. Yet in chapter 1, verse 19 Peter referred to one of Balaam’s prophecies to establish that full enlightenment comes from Christ. On the other hand Peter calls Lot a righteous man in chapter 2, verse 8 while we know from what is written in the book of Genesis that Lot did some very evil and wicked things. How can Peter say that Lot was a righteous man while Balaam was not? The answer is that Peter says that Lot was distressed by the sin of those around him, (2:7) while Balaam “loved the wages of wrongdoing.” (2:15) From this we see that character is even more important than actions. It is possible for a righteous person to be entangled in the sin he hates. But the unrighteous person sins because he wants to. The question we need to ask ourselves is what kind of character do I have? Do I hate sin? Or do I deliberately chase it like the false teachers?

In chapter 2 of his second inspired letter, the Apostle Peter warns the followers of Jesus that false teachers will come among them just as false prophets had come in earlier times. But Peter also assures his readers that false teachers will be destroyed. In verse 3 he writes, “…their destruction will not slumber.” But how can we be assured that false teachers will be destroyed? Peter’s answer to this question is to remind his readers of what God has already done. In verses 4 through 10 he says: “For if God didn’t spare angels when they sinned, but cast them down to Tartarus [that is, hell], and committed them to pits of darkness, to be reserved for judgment; and didn’t spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah with seven others, a preacher of righteousness, when he brought a flood on the world of the ungodly; and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, having made them an example to those who would live ungodly; and delivered righteous Lot, who was very distressed by the lustful life of the wicked (for that righteous man dwelling among them, was tormented in his righteous soul from day to day with seeing and hearing lawless deeds): the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptation and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment; but chiefly those who walk after the flesh in the lust of defilement, and despise authority…”

In this passage Peter gives three examples of the destruction which comes upon those who embrace falsehood. The first example is that of some of the angels. The second example is that of the ‘ancient world’ which God destroyed with Noah’s flood. And the third example is that of Sodom and Gomorrah.

What was it that brought God’s punishment in these examples? The Bible gives us very little information about the angels which rebelled against God, but in the epistle of Jude it says that they, “…did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their own home…” (Jude 6 NIV) In the case of the ancient world Scripture says, “Yahweh [that is, the Lord] saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” (Genesis 6:5) The epistle of Jude tells us that, “…Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them, having, in the same way as these, given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh…” (Jude 7) In addition it is written in the book of Ezekiel the prophet, “Behold, this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: pride, fullness of bread, and prosperous ease was in her and in her daughters; neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. They were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good.” (Ezekiel 16:49-50) When considering these passages it is extremely important to note that God’s punishment results not merely from wrong actions, but also from the thoughts and attitudes which produced the actions.

While giving the examples of the angels, the ancient world and Sodom and Gomorrah, Peter mentions five causes of destruction which summarize the passages we have just looked at. It is these same five things which will bring destruction upon false teachers. The first thing he mentions is sin. ‘Sin’ is a general word which is used in Scripture for anything which is contrary to God’s law. The fundamental cause of destruction is violation of God’s law. A second cause of destruction is ungodliness. The word which Peter uses indicates someone who does not have a proper respect for God. In other words, people bring destruction on themselves when they do not have a proper attitude about God. The third cause of destruction is unrighteousness. This refers to wrong actions. The word which Peter uses refers to those who act unjustly or who are deceitful. A fourth cause of destruction is following “lust of defilement” (NIV, corrupt desires). A godly person may occasionally be tempted by an evil thought or desire. But this refers to those who revel in or welcome corrupt desires and then act upon them. The fifth cause of destruction which Peter mentions is to “despise authority.” We have already seen how the angels which Peter mentioned rejected the positions of authority which God had given them. False teachers similarly reject the authority of God and of Jesus Christ. In verse 1 of chapter 2, Peter had already said that these people go so far as to deny “the Master who bought them”. These people want the benefits that the followers of Christ enjoy without submitting themselves to Christ’s authority. Anyone who rejects the authority of Jesus over their lives, will suffer destruction.

But when Peter writes that the destruction of false teachers “will not slumber” (verse 3) this raises a question. Often it seems to us that false teachers prosper instead of being destroyed. As it says in Psalm 73, “But as for me, my feet were almost gone. My steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the arrogant, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For there are no struggles in their death, but their strength is firm. They are free from burdens of men, neither are they plagued like other men. … Behold, these are the wicked. Being always at ease, they increase in riches.” (Psalm 73:2-5, 12) Peter’s answer to this is, “…the Lord knows how… to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment;” (2 Peter 2:9) From this we learn that though we may not be able to recognize it, the punishment of false teachers actually begins in this life. We also learn that God punishes in his own time. As Psalm 73 goes on to say, “When I tried to understand this, it was too painful for me; Until I entered God’s sanctuary, and considered their latter end. Surely you set them in slippery places. You throw them down to destruction. How they are suddenly destroyed! They are completely swept away with terrors.” (Psalm 73:16-19)

There is another side to this. Peter has mentioned the ancient world and Sodom and Gomorrah as examples of the destruction that is coming upon false teachers. But he also mentions Noah and Lot who were rescued from that destruction. Peter assures us that just as God knows how to hold the unrighteous for punishment, so too He “knows how to deliver the godly out of temptation.” God is faithful to both destroy and to save. It is up to us to choose whether we will follow the truth or false teachers.

In the first part of his second inspired letter Peter explained that his teaching about Jesus is true because it is based on eyewitness testimony and because it agrees with the words of God which the prophets delivered. But how can we know what is truly a message from God instead of merely the words of men? In the next section of his letter Peter tells us that we can recognize a false teacher by comparing him to a true prophet.

Chapter 1, verse 19 through chapter 2, verse 3 says, “We have the more sure word of prophecy; and you do well that you heed it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns, and the morning star arises in your hearts: knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of private interpretation. For no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke, being moved by the Holy Spirit. But false prophets also arose among the people, as false teachers will also be among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, denying even the Master who bought them, bringing on themselves swift destruction. Many will follow their immoral ways, and as a result, the way of the truth will be maligned. In covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words: whose sentence now from of old doesn’t linger, and their destruction will not slumber.”

The first characteristic of false teachers that Peter mentions is that they work in secret. Peter is not saying that the followers of Christ should disregard prudence in teaching those who do not yet believe in Christ, nor is he saying that the affairs of the church should always be open for everyone to see. But within the church if teaching must be concealed, then it is very likely that something is wrong. In chapter 1, verse 19 Peter compared the word of the prophets to “a lamp shining in a dark place.” The purpose of all teaching should be to illuminate, not to veil or conceal. For example, the Apostle John records what happened when the authorities questioned Jesus about his activities: “I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues, and in the temple, where the Jews always meet. I said nothing in secret. Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them. Behold, these know the things which I said.” (John 18:20-21) We should be very wary of any teacher who is afraid to speak openly.

Another characteristic of false teachers is that they spread destructive heresy. In chapter 1, verse 4 Peter wrote that the purpose of Christ’s promises was to enable us to “participate in the divine nature” (NIV), and to “escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” (NIV) Does the teaching we receive help us to become more like God? Or does it excite evil desires? Peter calls Jesus the “morning star.” The Apostle John wrote, “In him was life, and the life was the light of men.” (John 1:4) Jesus himself said, “Most certainly I tell you, he who hears my word, and believes him who sent me, has eternal life, and doesn’t come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.” (John 5:24) True teaching will always draw us toward light and life. False teaching will take us toward darkness, sensualism and destruction.

In his second inspired letter the Apostle Peter writes that we can place confidence in what he taught about Jesus because he was an eyewitness of the events of Jesus’ life. In chapter 1, verses 16 through 18 he says, “ For we did not follow cunningly devised fables, when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” We heard this voice come out of heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain.”

But we can learn a great deal more from this passage than just that Peter was an eyewitness. By referring to this incident in the life of Jesus, Peter is telling his readers that what he has taught them about Jesus is in harmony with prophecy also. The incident which Peter mentions is the time when Jesus was transfigured. To understand what Peter is saying we need to remind ourselves about that incident. The Apostle Matthew writes, “…Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain by themselves. He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his garments became as white as the light. Behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them talking with him. Peter answered, and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you want, let’s make three tents here: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them. Behold, a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to him”” (Matthew 17:1-5)

The words which came from the cloud, “This is my beloved Son” and “with him I am well pleased” point back to the prophecies in the second Psalm and in Isaiah chapter 42. This clearly identifies Jesus as the prophet whose coming was predicted in the Old Testament. The Jews acknowledged Moses and Elijah as the two greatest prophets. Yet the voice told the Apostles to listen to Jesus. This establishes that Jesus is an even greater prophet than Moses and Elijah.

Peter calls the place where the transfiguration occurred “the holy mountain.” This is another reference to the second Psalm. There it is written, “The kings of the earth take a stand, and the rulers take counsel together, against Yahweh [that is, the Lord], and against his Anointed, saying, “Let’s break their bonds apart, and cast their cords from us.” He who sits in the heavens will laugh. The Lord will have them in derision. Then he will speak to them in his anger, and terrify them in his wrath: “Yet I have set my King on my holy hill of Zion.” I will tell of the decree. Yahweh said to me, “You are my son. Today I have become your father.” (Psalm 2:2-7) Peter is saying that he witnessed the fulfillment of the second Psalm at the transfiguration. Jesus is God’s anointed king.

But the second Psalm clearly identifies Mount Zion in Jerusalem as the “holy mountain” while Jesus’ transfiguration most likely took place on Mount Hermon. So how can the transfiguration be the fulfillment of the second Psalm? The answer becomes apparent when we consider why Mount Zion was holy. Mount Zion was the place where Solomon built God’s temple. It is written that at the dedication of the temple, “The priests brought in the ark of the covenant of Yahweh [that is, the Lord] to its place, into the oracle of the house, to the most holy place… when the priests had come out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the house of Yahweh, so that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud; for the glory of Yahweh filled the house of Yahweh.” (I Kings 8:6, 10-11)

Mount Zion became holy because God’s glory dwelt there. It is this same glory that was revealed on the Mount of Transfiguration. By the revelation of His glory, and by the command to listen to Jesus, God was signifying the fulfillment of the Mosaic Covenant and the introduction of a New Covenant. It is worth noting that ‘Zion’ is also another name for Christ’s church. Just as God caused His glory to dwell in the temple built under the Mosaic Covenant, today His glory dwells in the church established by the New Covenant through Jesus Christ.

In verse 16 Peter says, “…we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ…” This does not refer to Jesus’ birth as a human being, but the time when Jesus will return to earth as Judge. Peter discuses this further in chapter 3.

In view of these things, we can test or evaluate whether the teaching we receive about Jesus is true. True teaching: 1) Will give Jesus precedence over Moses and Elijah. 2) Will be in agreement with the prophecies revealed in the Old Testament. 3) Will not contradict the testimony of the eyewitnesses. 4) Will acknowledge that there has been a change in covenants. Man is no longer saved by obeying the Law of Moses but by placing his faith in Christ. 5) Will recognize Jesus as the King. 6) Will acknowledge that Jesus will return.

In verse 19 Peter writes, “We have the more sure word of prophecy; and you do well that you heed it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns, and the morning star arises in your hearts:”

The eyewitness testimony of those who saw Jesus and the words of the prophets strengthen and corroborate each other. The Old Testament contains dozens of prophecies which speak of Jesus. Peter compares these prophecies to a light that shines in the darkness. Just as a lamp allows us to see our way on a dark night, the words of the prophets show the way through the darkness of error and false teaching. Psalm 119, verse 105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path.”

But while prophecy can give us direction, full illumination comes only from Christ. Peter calls him ‘the morning star.’ This is a reference to the words of the prophet Balaam, “…A star will come out of Jacob. A scepter will rise out of Israel…” (Numbers 24: 17) In predicting the effects of Jesus’ ministry the prophet Isaiah wrote, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Those who lived in the land of the shadow of death, on them the light has shined.” (Isaiah 9:2) Jesus himself said, “I am the light of the world. He who follows me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12) The purpose of the prophets’ message is to light our way until we come into the full light of the knowledge of Christ.

In order to safeguard ourselves from false teaching it is essential that we have a correct knowledge of who Jesus is. But how can we know that what we have been taught about Him is true?

One way to do this is to consider the character of those who teach us. In chapter 1, verses 5 through 7 of his second inspired letter Peter writes that the followers of Christ must add to their faith the character qualities of moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and love. If a teacher does not exhibit these qualities in increasing measure, then Peter says that such a person is nearsighted and blind even though he may claim to have insight.

Another way to evaluate what we are taught is to consider the motivation of the teacher. In verses 12 through 15 Peter writes, “Therefore I will not be negligent to remind you of these things, though you know them, and are established in the present truth. I think it right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you; knowing that the putting off of my tent comes swiftly, even as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. Yes, I will make every effort that you may always be able to remember these things even after my departure.”

In this passage Peter shows absolutely no concern that people remember him. Instead, he is very concerned that they remember the things he has taught them. When a messenger is anxious to secure his own fame then it is wise to evaluate his message with skepticism. When, on the other hand, his primary concern is the well-being of the people he teaches then we can have greater confidence in his message.

Peter writes that he will make every effort to see that even after his death people will be able to remember the teaching about Jesus. How did he accomplish this? He did it in at least three ways: 1) By writing his two letters to stir up their memories. 2) By giving them standards by which to judge spiritual teachers. 3) By encouraging the collection and wide distribution of the inspired writings which we call the New Testament. For example, in the next section of this letter Peter briefly mentions the time when Jesus was transfigured. But the readers of this letter would not know what he was talking about unless they already knew about the incident. This event is recorded in three of the four gospels. According to Church tradition, Peter encouraged Mark to write the gospel which bears his name. Of the four gospels it is thought to be the first written. But Mark does not record all of the words which God spoke at the time Jesus was transfigured and which Peter quotes in his letter. The words which Peter quotes are preserved in full only in the Gospel of Matthew. From this we speculate that at the time Peter wrote his second letter at least two of the four gospels had been written and distributed among Christ’s followers. Also, in chapter 3, verses 15 and 16 Peter mentions the letters written by the Apostle Paul. He calls them Scripture, that is inspired by God. It is obvious that Peter expected the followers of Jesus to read Paul’s letters and to obey them.

The motivation of a teacher is not enough to ensure that the message he teaches is true. There have been many teachers who have taught falsehood out of sincere motives. In verses 16 through 18 Peter gives us another criterion by which to judge his message. He writes, “For we did not follow cunningly devised fables, when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” We heard this voice come out of heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain.”

As already mentioned, Peter is referring to the time when Jesus was transfigured. What Peter is saying is that people can believe his teaching about Jesus because he was an eyewitness of what happened. He did not hear these things from someone else. He was there, personally.

But how do we know that Peter did not just make up this story and the other things he says about Jesus? The answer is very simple. Peter was not alone when these things happened. There were other eyewitnesses as well. This is why Peter says “we were eyewitnesses” instead of “I was an eyewitness.” The gospels tell us that one of the other people who witnessed Jesus’ transfiguration was the Apostle John. John wrote, “That which was from the beginning, that which we have heard, that which we have seen with our eyes, that which we saw, and our hands touched, concerning the Word of life. (1 John 1:1) We can have confidence in what the Apostles have told us about Jesus because they speak from their own experience.

The Apostles were not the only ones who witnessed the events of Jesus’ life. The Apostle Paul writes, “Now I declare to you, brothers, the Good News which I preached to you, which also you received, in which you also stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold firmly the word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to over five hundred brothers at once, most of whom remain until now, but some have also fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all, as to the child born at the wrong time, he appeared to me also.” (1 Corinthians 15:1-8) In this account Paul is challenging his readers to investigate and verify the things he has taught them about Jesus by checking with the other witnesses. It is also important to note that the Apostles first preached about Jesus in Jerusalem, the very place where those most opposed to Him were. Yet none of Jesus’ enemies could say that what the Apostles taught about him was false. They could not deny the testimony of those who witnessed the events of Jesus’ life.

The theme of the Apostle Peter’s second inspired letter is that in order avoid the errors of false teaching and to avoid misunderstanding God’s promises, we must have a correct understanding of who Jesus is. But a correct understanding of Jesus is more than an intellectual knowledge of who He is. It is not enough to know about Jesus, we must know Him. Merely knowing about Jesus will cause us to live meaningless and unproductive lives. Knowing Jesus, on the other hand, will cause us to try to become like Him.

In chapter 1, verses 3 through 4 Peter wrote that our knowledge of Jesus will enable us to escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires and to participate in the divine nature. In verses 5 through 11 he writes, “Yes, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence; and in moral excellence, knowledge; and in knowledge, self-control; and in self-control patience; and in patience godliness; and in godliness brotherly affection; and in brotherly affection, love. For if these things are yours and abound, they make you to be not idle nor unfruitful to the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is blind, seeing only what is near, having forgotten the cleansing from his old sins. Therefore, brothers, be more diligent to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never stumble. For thus you will be richly supplied with the entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

In this passage Peter lists seven character qualities which the followers of Christ are to add to their lives. These qualities are moral excellence [or goodness], knowledge, self control, patience [or perseverance], godliness, brotherly, (the kind of affection that family members have for one another), and love, that is the kind of sacrificial and unconditional love that God has for us.

The first thing to note is that in order to add these qualities into our lives, there must already be something there to which to add them. Peter identifies this quality as faith. In other words, Peter assumes that the readers of his letter already possess faith. To put it plainly, if someone does not first believe in Jesus Christ, then it is pointless for him to try to follow Peter’s instruction. Attempting to do so is, in fact, an act of unbelief because that person is trying to earn his salvation by his own efforts instead of submitting to the authority of the Savior. Peter urges his readers “to make every effort” (NIV) to add these qualities to their lives. But we are to also rely on God’s power to accomplish this. In Galatians 5, verses 22 through 26 the Apostle Paul gives a list of the fruit of Spirit. It is interesting to note that three of the qualities he mentions are found in Peter’s list. These qualities will be found in our lives to the extent we allow God’s Holy Spirit to work in us to help us develop them.

Secondly, we should not try to view each of these character qualities in isolation. Instead we need to understand that each grows out of the one which precedes it. Moral excellence cannot be obtained without faith. Knowledge results from moral excellence. Knowledge makes it easier to be self-controlled. We cannot have patience without self-control, and so on.

A third thing to note is that it is not enough to merely have a little bit of each of these qualities. Peter says that they must not only be present in our lives, but be in increasing measure. We can think of this process as climbing a spiral staircase. The first stair-step is faith which allows us to progress to moral excellence. We climb step by step until we arrive at love. But when we arrive at love we find that just, as climbing a staircase raises us above the ground, adding these character qualities to our lives has increased our faith and puts us in position to ascend to an even higher level.

What are the results of adding these character qualities to our faith? Peter writes that it will keep us from being idle or unfruitful [NIV, “ineffective and unproductive”] in our knowledge of Christ. Peter does not tell us what he means by this. Since he takes most of the rest of his letter to warn about false teachers however, it seems that what he is saying is that if we have these character qualities in our lives in increasing measure it will enable us to recognize and reject false teaching. In chapter 3, verse 17 he writes “…lest being carried away with the error of the wicked, you fall…” A true knowledge of Jesus will protect us from error.

Another result of adding these character qualities to our faith is that it will “make our calling and election sure.” (verse 10) We are chosen by answering Christ’s call. Peter says that if we secure our calling by making continual spiritual progress we will never fall. If we ever become complacent and do not continue to grow in our knowledge of Christ, then we place ourselves in danger. There is no standing still. We are either progressing in our faith, or we are slipping. Another result from adding these qualities to our faith is that we “will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom.” (verse 11 NIV) We all wish to enjoy the glories of heaven. If we want God to welcome us then we will do what Peter instructs.

There are also consequences for not adding these character qualities to our lives. Peter says that if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind. This means that he cannot see the consequences of his sin and disobedience. In chapter 3 Peter points out that because God’s judgment on sinners does not always come immediately, that many refuse to believe that there will be a judgment at all. But the blindness of those who do not progress in their faith extends not only to the future, but to the past as well. Peter writes that such a person has “forgotten the cleansing from his old sins.” (verse 9) He has forgotten the very reason for Jesus’ coming into the world. In view of this there is an important test that we should apply to spiritual teachers. Do their lives show increasing measures of the character qualities that Peter says are essential for spiritual growth? If not, then they are blind even though they claim to have insight.