2 Peter 1:5-9

⁵ Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, ⁶ and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, ⁷ and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. ⁸ For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they do not make you useless nor unproductive in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹ For the one who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins.”

Verse 5: Peter encourages the believers to make every effort to add to their faith. It’s important to note that this is not about trying to earn or maintain their salvation, but rather about living out their new identity in Christ. The first quality Peter mentions is goodness, which refers to a moral excellence that comes from the indwelling Holy Spirit. This goodness is not something they have to strive for on their own, but it is a fruit of the Spirit working in and through them. Additionally, Peter mentions the importance of knowledge, which is not mere intellectual knowledge, but a deep understanding of God and His ways.

Verse 6: Peter continues by highlighting the importance of self-control, which is empowered by the Holy Spirit. It involves the ability to exercise restraint and discipline in various areas of life. This self-control is not about relying on their own willpower, but about depending on the power of the Spirit within them who is self-control. Peter also mentions perseverance, which is the ability to endure and remain steadfast in their faith, even in the face of trials and challenges. This perseverance is not something they have to muster up on their own, but it is a result of their union with Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit. Lastly, Peter mentions godliness, which refers to a life that reflects the character and nature of God. This godliness is not about trying to be religious or legalistic, but about expressing the Spirit and being who we are in Christ.

Verse 7: Peter emphasizes the importance of mutual affection, which is a genuine care and love for fellow believers. This mutual affection is a natural outflow of the love of God that has been poured into their hearts by the Holy Spirit. It is not something they have to strive for, but it is a result of their new nature in Christ. Lastly, Peter mentions love, which is the greatest commandment and the essence of the Christian life. This love is not based on their own efforts or abilities, but it is a fruit of the Spirit working in and through them.

Verse 8: Peter explains that if the believers possess these qualities in increasing measure, it will have a transformative effect on their lives. These qualities are not about trying to earn or maintain their salvation, but they are a natural expression of their new identity in Christ. As they grow in these qualities, they will become more effective and productive in their knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. This knowledge is not mere intellectual knowledge, but a deep and intimate relationship with him.

Verse 9: Peter warns that those who do not possess these qualities are nearsighted and blind. This means that they are unable to see and understand the truth of their new identity in Christ. They have forgotten that they have been cleansed from their past sins through the finished work of Jesus on the cross. It’s important to note that Peter is not suggesting that believers can lose their salvation or that they need to seek further forgiveness. Rather, he is highlighting the importance of living in light of their new identity and the transformative power of the gospel.