2 Peter 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever! Amen.
The final verse of the letter gives the best answer to life’s problems. Several significant descriptions of Jesus are given. First is he is the source of grace. Just as Peter began the letter with grace (1:2), so now he reminds the readers of the source for their stability against false teachings and the lure of the world. Grace not only sustains but transforms us into the likeness of Jesus, who is the perfect image of the invisible God (1:3-4; Colossians 1:15). Grace is God’s resources that come to us because of what Jesus did on the cross and the empty tomb. Second, this grace quickens our minds to know Jesus more. This knowledge is more than intellectual curiosity but intimate relationship whereby a person gets to know and embrace the character qualities of the other person. Third, grace and knowledge come because Jesus is Lord and supreme over all creation. Because he conquered sin and death, Jesus now sits at the right hand of God and is God’s visible embodiment to humanity. Fourth, he is Savior because he died for us, freeing us from our bondage to sin. He not only saves us from the past penalty for sins we have committed but also provides freedom from the very power of sin itself. Finally, he is the Messiah, the one the prophets foretold, who inaugurated the new covenant and created a new people for God.
The letter ends with a short benediction that glorifies Jesus. Peter had learned through personal experience the dangers of trying to rely on his own strength and understanding. His failures showed him the need for faith and trust. God gives us the two tools of faith and knowledge to support our faith. God’s grace of mercy, strength, hope, and many other gifts fill in our weak areas. The Holy Spirit reminds us of God’s promises and renews our strength for the battle. God also transforms our thinking. Those who fail to know God’s laws and the history of salvation can be easily deceived by false teachings. Gaining knowledge is not easy but takes hard work. Not everyone will be a scholar, but most people can learn and be reminded of the truth. The focus of this knowledge is “our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Knowing Jesus will help us to become more like him, resulting in spiritual strength and conviction to stand against deception. Peter starts his letter with the goal, warns against the obstacles that keep us from this goal, and ends with the source to reach the goal.