D. Scott Meadows
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and for ever. Amen. (2 Pet 3:18)
This verse is the last in Peter’s second epistle, and Peter’s last statement in the Bible. For these reasons it should especially capture our interest. What thoughts would he leave with his readers? What did he feel compelled to say as he drew his counsel to a close?
In form, it has two distinct parts: an exhortation and a doxology, with an implied connection between them.
GROW IN GRACE
Conceptually, a particle begins this verse, “but,” which contrasts the statement immediately preceding (v.17). There Peter warns the “beloved” (Christian believers) of seduction by false teachers (cf. v. 16) leading to a failure to persevere in truth and holiness. The alternative to this dreadful calamity is the spiritual progress of verse 18. Visible saints (i.e. professing Christians who are church members) stand between these two possibilities and are always moving toward one or the other.
“Grow” is a present-imperative-active verb–the readers are commanded to keep on doing something now as a matter of their personal responsibility. “To refrain from losing your firm footing is not enough. More important than that is to maintain steady progress in your faith.”1 The verb’s basic sense is to become greater, grow, or increase. It can be used of plants, infants, and a multitude of people. Here it is figurative, of the increase of certain aspects of spiritual experience. Living as a Christian is a dynamic thing, an ever-changing pilgrimage of the soul, “The Pilgrim’s Progress” (John Bunyan) and “The Pilgrim’s Regress” (C.S. Lewis). We must grow in grace or groan in disgrace.
Two parts of spiritual experience are in view here: grace and knowledge. Grace generally refers to the favor of God. To “grow in grace” may be an exhortation to experience more and more of His favor as it is appropriated by faith. When we excel in our calling to live godly in Christ Jesus, it is evident that we are enjoying God’s favor in increasing measure.
Closely related to growing in grace is growing “in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” Through Him believers are exhorted to be “increasing in the knowledge of God” (Col 1.10). Christ is the supreme revelation of God and His ways. Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life” by which we come to God the Father (John 14.6-11; cf. Heb 1.1-3). “Here γνῶσις [knowledge] is that deepening experience of Christ and understanding of the truth of Christ which should continue to increase until the Parousia [His appearing, return] brings a full revelation of Him (cf. 1 Cor 13.8-9, 12).”2
Spiritual knowledge is objective truth and subjective intimacy. With God’s blessing these are mutually conducive. A better grasp of gospel truth fosters increased Christian devotion and service. Likewise, a hunger to know Christ better spurs our thirst for doctrinal truth. Beware the twin dangers of despising biblical/theological knowledge and mistaking it for genuine sanctification. We must love the Lord our God with all our mind (Matt 22.37). Examine yourself for evidences of growth.
CHRIST BE PRAISED
A connection of the two statements in this verse seems implied. Even though the growth in view is each Christian’s personal responsibility, it is also a gift that calls for the Lord’s praise.
Scholars debate whether 3:18b is a prayer (i.e. a request) or doxology (i.e. an ascription). It is most noteworthy that the object is Christ when the expected form of such statements mentions “God” instead. This certainly implies Christ’s full deity and His coequality with the Father in glory. It presumes and implies the orthodox doctrine of the Trinity.’
The “Son-tilted focus of creation” is highlighted in a recent book.3 The same purpose is evident in the believer’s progressive sanctification. We grow in grace for the sake of the Savior’s glory, and progress increases our passion and ability to glorify Him.
The Son’s increasing glorification through the Church’s praise is the great end of salvation “both now and for ever.” God raises us up together “that in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus” (Eph 2.7). He is the faithful witness, the first begotten from the dead, the prince of the kings of the earth. He loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, making us kings and priests unto God His Father. Therefore Christ richly deserves, for all eternity, to have the eternal ascription to Him of glory and dominion forever and ever (Rev 1.5-6).
The closing “Amen” affirms that He shall have all this in answer to the Church’s constant prayers. Amen and amen!
Notes:
1. Strange, D. (2008). An Exegetical Summary of 2 Peter (2nd ed.). Dallas, TX: SIL International.
2. Bauckham, R.J. (1998). 2 Peter, Jude. Word Biblical Commentary (Vol. 50). Dallas: Word, Incorporated.
3. Barcellos, Richard (2013). Better than the Beginning. RBAP.