By Earl Robertson
Peter wrote, “Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 3:17, 18a). These two verses stress the tremendous conflict between truth and error, right and wrong, salvation and damnation.
The apostle having written to them makes them without excuse for sin. Seeing ye know these things assures the availability of the evidence. Peter was aware that the testimony was in their hand. From this evidence, they could know the truth. Truth can be understood and known. Peter says they “know” these things. Jesus said, “Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). Knowing the truth should cause these Christians to be on guard. They are told to “beware”; they must not take chances with their priceless possessions. If they intend to keep their souls safely they must be on guard, discerning the distinct difference between bright truth and insidious error. Peter distinctly stresses the fact of the possibility of apostasy, saying, “being led away with error.” What power Satan has! “Being led” is passive in voice, showing what the devil can do with an unguarded soul. The devil knows God’s truth saves sinners and causes saints to grow (Rom. 1:16; 1 Cor. 1:21; 1 Pet. 2:2), so his objective is to lead us away from God by leading us away from the truth. He does this with error. The devil has his own messengers constantly peddling his own lies, but calling such truth (John 8:44; 2 Cor. 11:13-15). Silly saints fall from their steadfastness by allowing Satan to so use them. It is high time that all who wear the name of Christ wake up (Rom. 13:11).
Peter emphasizes the antithetical behavior demanded in apostolic doctrine for all saints: “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord . . . .” This is the secret for victory. You must decide your life and destiny! Grow in God’s favor and knowledge of Jesus. Learning and then practicing what you know is the way this is done. It is the whole process of Christianity; it is the constant move in the right direction (Col. 3:17).
Guardian of Truth XXV: 10, p. 146
March 5, 1981