2 Peter 1:3 is an incredible verse that promises believers that God has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him. This verse unpacks a profound truth about how God has equipped Christians with all the spiritual resources required to live godly lives that honor Him.
To fully understand the meaning of this verse, it’s important to look at the context surrounding 2 Peter 1:3. The book of 2 Peter was written by the apostle Peter to encourage believers to continue growing in their faith and resist false teaching. In chapter 1, Peter urges Christians to supplement their faith with moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love (2 Peter 1:5-7). He wanted his readers to be productive and useful in their knowledge of Christ rather than ineffective and unfruitful (2 Peter 1:8).
It’s in this context that Peter then declares, “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” (2 Peter 1:3). This verse lays a theological foundation for the exhortations that follow. According to Peter, God has already freely given believers everything needed for godly living by His divine power. As commentator Thomas Schreiner explains, “Believers have already been given everything that is necessary for life and godliness. The power comes from God’s divine nature.”
Let’s break down the key phrases in 2 Peter 1:3 to better understand the meaning of this powerful verse:
“His divine power”
God has provided all we need for life and godliness by His divine power – not our own feeble human effort. It is only through relying on God’s power at work within us that believers can live in a way that honors Him and experience life abundant in Christ. As Jesus said, “Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
“Granted to us”
The resources for godliness are a gift of God’s grace. Using the word “granted,” Peter emphasizes that we do not deserve nor can we earn these spiritual blessings. They are unmerited favors graciously given by God to all those who put their faith in Jesus.
“All things that pertain to life and godliness”
This phrase reveals the scope of what God has supplied. “All things” means every single thing needed. He has held nothing back from believers in equipping them for life in Him. “Pertain to life” not only refers to eternal life but also to the abundant life Christ provides daily. And “godliness” speaks of practical holiness and living in a way pleasing to God.
“Through the knowledge of Him who called us”
We access these spiritual resources through knowing God personally and growing in knowledge of Him. As believers walk closely with Christ and study His Word, they begin to understand more fully His character and works. This knowledge then empowers Christians to tap into the divine power and provision He has already given.
“To His own glory and excellence”
The ultimate purpose of God supplying all we need for godliness is that He might receive all the glory as we live excellent, praiseworthy lives that point to Christ. God is most glorified when His people are satisfied in Him and transformed to live holy lives.
When we consider the meaning of 2 Peter 1:3 phrase-by-phrase, we see that God has abundantly provided all the spiritual resources needed for godliness through knowing Him intimately. This truth was vital for Peter’s original readers to grasp in order to have the endurance and motivation to continue pursuing holiness amid persecution and false teaching. And this promise remains foundational for Christians today as we seek to honor God with our lives.
Some key implications of this verse include:
- We can have confidence that God has equipped us with everything needed for godly living. We do not need to rely on our own power or abilities.
- Spiritual growth is not up to us – it is the work of God’s Spirit within us. Our job is to submit to Him each day.
- Knowing Christ should be our highest priority because a personal, intimate relationship with Him allows us access to His divine power.
- We can seek godliness not out of obligation but in response to the glorious grace of God who has so freely given us all things.
- As we grow in holiness, our lives bring praise and glory to God as others see His work in us.
This magnificent verse is a profound encouragement for believers who desire to honor God with their lives. In our own strength we will fail, but through relying on Christ’s power at work within us, we have everything needed for a life of godliness. By God’s divine power, we can live out the purpose He has called us to – bringing glory and excellence to our Savior Jesus Christ.
Common Questions about 2 Peter 1:3
1. What does it mean that God has granted to us “all things” for godliness?
This comprehensive phrase means that every single thing needed for a godly life has already been lavishly supplied by God Himself. There is nothing essential lacking. As His children, believers can rely on His provision of strength, wisdom, faith, love, and every other resource necessary for living in a way that honors Him.
2. If God has given us everything for godliness, does this mean Christians will achieve perfection?
No, Peter makes it clear later that spiritual growth is a process in this life (2 Peter 3:18). While positionally believers are declared righteous through Christ, practically we still struggle with sin. The key is that through depending on God’s power and provision, sin no longer reigns in our lives. As we grow in our knowledge of Christ, we become increasingly Christlike.
3. How do we access these resources God has given for godliness?
Peter says it is “through the knowledge of Him who called us” (1:3). As believers nurture their personal relationship with God through studying the Word, prayer, worship, community, etc. they come to know Christ more intimately. This knowledge unlocks access to God’s divine power as His Spirit works within them.
4. If God has given us everything for godliness, what role do spiritual disciplines play?
Disciplines like Bible reading, scripture memory, fasting, and meditation are not about earning God’s favor – they simply open us to receive more of what He has already provided. These habits help us connect with Christ, grow in knowledge of Him, and walk in the Spirit’s power. They position us to access the resources for godly living.
5. How does this verse relate to living an abundant life?
The “life” described encompasses the full, rich life Jesus came to give believers (John 10:10). God has provided not only what we need to be godly but also everything required to live joyful, purposeful, and abundant lives to the full. His divine power enables believers to thrive in every area as we walk closely with Christ.
Verses Related to 2 Peter 1:3
Several other passages complement the truth found in 2 Peter 1:3:
- “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us…” (Ephesians 3:20)
- “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him…” (2 Peter 1:3)
- “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing…” (Ephesians 1:3)
- “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17)
- “And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ…” (Philippians 1:9-10)
Conclusion
2 Peter 1:3 is a treasured verse that affirms God’s lavish provision for His children. Through Christ, God has already supplied believers with every spiritual blessing and all that pertains to life and godliness. This divine enablement is accessed through knowing God intimately and relying on His power within us. The result is a life of excellence, purity and abundant life that overflows with praise to the glory of God. What marvelous grace!
As those called to godliness, may we rejoice in God’s abundant provision for us in Christ. And may this truth inspire us to eagerly pursue knowing Christ more each day so we live transformed, fruitful lives to the glory of our Savior.