The Grace Afforded The Saints

The Grace afforded the Saints

2 Peter 1: 3-4

It is interesting to note, Peter penned this letter near the end of his life, V.14. No doubt he was mindful of what he faced, knowing the tactics of the Romans and their accepted practices of execution. However, like his contemporary Paul, Peter faced death with resounding faith. There doesn’t appear to be any apprehension from Peter. In fact, one senses a great deal of excitement and anticipation. Peter had preached of faith, lived by faith, and now prepared to face death in faith.

The struggles you and I face are much different than Peter faced in the first century, and yet our lives are filled with difficulty and uncertainty. In the midst of trials we face, we are never without hope. Reaching back to our last study, all believers have received like precious faith. We have nothing to fear in this life or in death. We are secure in the Lord and promised eternal life in Him. Our text today deals with the substance of our hope – our salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ.

As we continue to move through the first chapter of Peter’s second epistle, I want to consider the assurances he presented as we discuss: The Grace afforded the Saints.

I. The Gift of Salvation (3) – According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue. Following a gracious and encouraging greeting, Peter immediately gets to the heart of the matter. He wasted no time reminded the believers of the glorious gift they had received in Christ. Their salvation by grace through faith was of more value than they could possibly imagine. The same is true for those in Christ today. Let’s examine this powerful statement as we consider:

A. The Power (3a) – According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness…Still speaking of the like precious faith we obtained in salvation, Peter makes reference to the divine power associated with our salvation. Salvation is not some haphazard event that transpires without any effort or notice. We are not saved by mortal means. We are saved by the divine power of God. Romans 1:16 – For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Our finite minds cannot begin to comprehend the divine power of God. Can you begin to comprehend God standing on nothing and speaking all that we see and know into existence? Can you comprehend the fact that He exists simply because He is God, without any outside assistance or resources? He is the eternal, omniscient, omnipotent God. His divine power is at work in our salvation! This is the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. It is the same power that will one day resurrect our mortal bodies as Christ returns for the church.

When I pause to consider the power of God at work in my salvation, I am left without words. However, I rejoice to know that such power is more than able to deliver and keep my salvation according to His divine will and purpose! Eph.3:20 – Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.

B. The Presentation (3a) – According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness…Here Peter reveals a humbling thought that shows the grace and mercy of God in salvation. All salvation is a free gift of God’s good grace to sinners who are unworthy and undeserving. In and of ourselves we were hopelessly lost. We had no means to obtain the righteousness that God demanded. By His great love, and through His good grace, He made a way for us to be redeemed from sin and reconciled to Him. He sent His Son to die for our sin. When one comes to Christ in salvation, the debt of sin one owed is marked paid in full. The debt is canceled and righteousness is offered where sin and guilt once stood. We didn’t earn it or deserve it. God has given grace which results in salvation.

Isn’t it amazing to think God would love us enough to do that for us? He could’ve left us in our sin and forced us to face the just consequences, but He freely gives salvation to those who will realize their need, repent of sin, and respond to the call of salvation. What a blessed privilege to be offered such a gracious gift!