“for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:11).
While the characteristic qualities described in 2 Peter 1:5-7 are important, we cannot gain access to heaven based on those attributes. Our only path to salvation lies in placing our faith in Christ alone (2 Corinthians 5:21). However, these qualities help reflect the authenticity of our faith and serve to assure us that we “…will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (NIV).
One commentary offers a helpful summary of this idea: “Peter refers here not to the fact of our entry but to the manner of it. The only basis of admission to the heavenly kingdom is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. But some will have a more abundant entrance than others.” (1) So those who diligently pursue these qualities receive an eternal reward, along with the temporal benefits of a good reputation and the satisfaction that accompanies a God-honoring life.
“For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth” (2 Peter 1:12).
Almost every student, musician, or athlete is familiar with the Apostle Peter’s methodology in this passage. You see, Peter did not furnish any new instructions to the recipients of this letter. Instead, he reminded his readers of their need to act on the things they already knew. Peter thus assumed the role of a teacher or coach who guides others in practicing the skills they’ve already learned.
Much like a musician who plays scales, a student who memorizes key facts, or an athlete who warms up before a contest, this is a necessary discipline. It is not a matter of learning how to do something, but a matter of practicing what we already know. This also underscores the importance of reading a portion of God’s Word each day. Even though we may be familiar with various Biblical passages, it’s helpful to reacquaint ourselves with those truths to ensure that we continue to apply them.
This is consistent with the directive given to us in Romans 12:2, a well-known portion of Scripture that is enhanced by the following translation…
“Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God re-mould your minds from within, so that you may prove in practice that the plan of God for you is good, meets all his demands and moves towards the goal of true maturity” (Romans 12:2 Phillips).
(1) William Macdonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary Edited by Arthur Farstad, Thomas Nelson Publishers [pg. 2288]