Unpacking the Rich Theology of 2 Peter
The second letter of Peter is often overlooked in favor of its more popular counterpart, 1 Peter. However, this neglect comes at a great cost, as 2 Peter offers a wealth of theological insights that are just as relevant today as they were when the letter was first written.
The Sufficiency of Scripture
One of the primary themes of 2 Peter is the sufficiency of Scripture. In 2 Peter 1:3-4, the apostle writes, “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.”
This passage emphasizes the idea that Scripture is sufficient for our pursuit of godliness. The promises found in God’s Word are enough to make us spiritually alive and to equip us for a life of holiness.
The Power of God to Save and Judge
Another key theme in 2 Peter is the power of God to save and judge. The apostle draws on a series of Old Testament examples to demonstrate God’s ability to rescue his people from trials and to punish those who disobey him.
In 2 Peter 2:9, we read, “The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment.” This passage highlights God’s proven track record of saving his people and judging his enemies, giving us confidence that he will continue to do so in the future.
The New Heavens and New Earth
2 Peter also contains a lengthy discussion of the new heavens and new earth. In 2 Peter 3:13, we read, “We are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” This passage emphasizes the idea that our hope is not in this present world, but in the world to come.
A Clarion Call to Trust in Scripture
In a world where false teachers and scoffers abound, 2 Peter offers a clarion call to trust in the sufficiency of Scripture. The letter reminds us that God’s Word is enough to equip us for a life of holiness and that his power is sufficient to save us from trials and to judge his enemies.
As we face the challenges of living in a fallen world, 2 Peter encourages us to hold fast to the promises of Scripture and to look forward to the new heavens and new earth, where righteousness will dwell.
About the Author
Matthew S. Harmon is professor of New Testament Studies at Grace College and Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana. He is the author of numerous books, including commentaries on Galatians, Philippians, 2 Peter, and Jude.
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