… through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
Summary: Peter reminds us that the reason for Jesus to be born as a human here on earth was to establish a new covenant that replaced the old.
How did Jesus give us everything we need for a godly life? When did that happen? What does it mean?
Understand this: When Jesus rose from the dead, everything changed. The old covenant was gone, and a new covenant replaced it. The old covenant required the blood of animal sacrifice over and over again. The new covenant rests on the blood of only one sacrifice; that of Jesus (Jeremiah 31:31, Luke 22:20).
Under the new covenant, the definition of “a godly life” was changed. People no longer follow rules. Instead, we follow Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:6).
So that is a good thing, right?
Instead of being judged against hundreds of laws, I am judged by my relationship with Jesus. The difference is, there is no independent verification by humans.
I do not have to worry about being judged “not good enough” by you or anybody else. No pastor or priest has the right to say that I am not godly enough. Only Jesus can do that, and he has promised me eternal life if I believe in him (John 3:14-16)
[Long pause…]
There is one caveat:
The second chapter of Peter’s letter is all about the caveat. He goes on what we would call a “rant” describing the fate of those who claim to be believers but instead are “false teachers” (2 Peter 2:1).
This is the downside of not having a clear set of rules. This is the problem with humanity. Those who work to subvert the Body of Christ seem to go unchecked.
This is where it gets complicated!
Knowing Jesus gives us grace and peace. Why? Because of Jesus’ divine power. Because through Jesus, we can know God personally. Yet, false teachers still circulate throughout the Body of Christ. How can that be?
The answer has something to do with the process of sanctification. We all – every single one of us – start as sinners, as enemies of God. At some point, we find ourselves confronting the Living God. At that point, we change. It is then that we begin our journey of transformation (Romans 12:2).
This means that church life is always going to be messy.
I think I will say that again…
Church life is always going to be messy.
Our Lord is patient and kind. As Peter points out near the end of his letter, Jesus wants “everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). Sadly, there is no help for those who do not.
Application: This might sound a bit weird, but I think it should be said that knowing about Jesus does not save us. Salvation comes through knowing Jesus.
Food for Thought: What do you think Peter means by saying that we are “called” by Jesus’ “own glory?”
Thank you brother. I love the application point: knowing about Jesus does not save us. Salvation comes from knowing Jesus. That is a great summation.
As to the question, I think if Jesus called us by our own glory and goodness it would lead to pride in our performance and by things measured by the world. We would be in trouble. But thankfully, He calls us into relationship with Him based on His glory and His goodness. I don’t need my righteousness, I need His. The miracle is that through the cross of Christ, motivated by His love – I have been given His righteousness through faith in Christ. Romans 3: 23 – 26.
Rich,
Thank you for the affirmation and the great comment!
09-04-2021, 2 Peter 1:3, What do you think Peter means by saying that we are “called” by Jesus’ “own glory?”
In the Old Testament we see God speaking directly to specific individuals, prophets, who by words and and outward deeds, taught and demonstrated eternal truths of God in their lives. They did this in “ Gods authority to Glorify God “ to all mankind, as they pointed to the coming Lord, Jesus Christ.
Moses, Samuel, Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Malachi
Exodus 3:4, 1 Samuel 3:11, 1 Kings 21:17, 2 Kings 20:1, Jeremiah 1:2, Ezekiel 1:3, Malachi 1:1-2.
In the New Testament we see God confine Himself to a human body. God chose to be conceived in the Virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus Christ lived physically among us for approximately 33 years. He taught Gods truths for all mankind by word and actions. He conquered the power of sin by the power in Him, and became the example and power we call upon as we strive to live godly lives. We Glorify Christ as we live by His authority, allow Him to conquer all sin in our lives.
Matthew 1:20, Luke 1:35, John 1:1, 1:14, Romans 8:3
As Jeff wrote yesterday:
The Messiahship of Jesus included the authority that goes with being God’s Son. Whatever true authority you and I have if any, comes from Jesus, but it is never equal to Jesus.
One thing we can emulate about Jesus is his humility. That is an attitude each of us can adopt. Another is his servant’s heart. We might not be able to feed thousands of people, but we can still be a servant just like he was.
Thank you, Ron!
God’s glory shines through both Old and New Testaments, through our Lord Jesus, and through us when we have Jesus’ Spirit in us.
Maybe he is reminding us that we have been created in the image of God,..through the blood of Jesus we are allowed to share in His glory when we are seated in the heavenly realm,..and this is goodness because as I understand one day every knee will bow under earth, on earth and above,..it’s amazing that we have been called to share in God’s glory through Christ,..talk about divine power,..
I know my life changed when I met Jesus and received salvation through His work at the cross and conquering the grave,..then leaving His grave cloth folded at His table just put more emphasis on the promise once I found out what that meant,..He will return! It’s His goodness and glory that we are called to share in,..maybe He is waiting for His table to be filled before He returns,..one thing for sure is that He prepares the table before me and my cup overflows,..surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever,..
Anyway that’s my take on being called by His goodness and glory.
Thank you, John!
That is a great take on this passage. I like it!