PETER
CHAPTER 1
Peter exhorts the saints to make their calling and election sure—Prophecy comes by the power of the Holy Ghost.
[The dominant theme in this letter is how one comes to a knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. As shown by the outline, it may be divided into three main sections. The first tells how one comes to a knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ by becoming “a partaker of his divine nature” and having his “calling and election made sure.” In the second section this true knowledge of Christ is contrasted to false knowledge—heresies perpetrated by apostates. The third section calls attention to the hope that the true knowledge of the Lord brings: the promise of his glorious return to the earth.
With an eloquence unique to Peter, his second epistle combines a straightforward simplicity with a rich outpouring of the Spirit to produce words which, according to one of our Church leaders, “rank in grandeur and insight with those in the Vision of the degrees of glory and the sermons of the Lord himself.” (McConkie, DNTC, 3:325.) It concerned Peter that Paul had written “some things hard to be understood,” enabling the unlearned and unstable to “wrest” his meaning to their own destruction (2 Peter 3:16). Thus we may understand the simplicity and directness of this epistle of Peter’s, which not only gave understanding but avoided all possibility of misunderstanding. Furthermore, he wrote with the awareness that his own death was imminent; at such a time, one would not expect the man Peter to trifle with words (2 Peter 1:14). Elder McConkie says of chapter one, “Nowhere else in ancient writ do we find the door so frankly opened to a knowledge of the course men must pursue to have their calling and election made sure.” (DNTC, 3:323.) It is clear from what Peter teaches that knowing about God and knowing God are not the same, and that a true knowledge of God requires that we become like him. Thus, the saints are challenged to become “partakers of the divine nature.” (2 Peter 1:4.)
Place and Date of Writing We cannot say with certainty the place from which Peter wrote the letter, though some suppose it was Rome. Because the threat of persecution seems past (there is no mention in this letter of persecution or suffering), it is assumed that the letter falls between the Nero persecutions and the alleged date of Peter’s death, perhaps about A.D. 68.
Peter, president of the church in his day, addressed this letter to the saints who had “obtained like precious faith with us.” (1:1.) New problems seem to have arisen in the church. Where before the threat to the church was persecution from without, the danger now seems to be apostasy from within. “There shall be false teachers among you,” wrote the chief apostle, “who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord. . . .” (2:1). The great danger to the church was that many in the future would follow after these teachers out of ignorance and uncertainty. The letter twice reminds the saints of the things they had been taught (1:12–15; 3:1, 2): first, that if they go on to make their calling and election sure, they will not fall (1:10, 11); and second, that the second coming of the Lord was certain and sure, even though scoffers, as prophesied, would deny the fact because of what seemed to them an unreasonable delay. Peter wrote the letter, therefore, to warn of an impending apostasy within the church and to exhort the saints to continue to grow in knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. This counsel if followed would lead them to make their callings and elections sure. ]
1 S
IMON Peter, a servant and
an apostle of Jesus Christ,
to
them that have obtained like precious
faith with us through the righteousness of God
and our Saviour Jesus Christ:
[ Who is the letter was addressed to? It was addressed to the church, to those that know and understand the doctrines of salvation. ]
2 Grace and peace be multiplied [ How is the Lords grace and his peace multiplied to us? he gives us our own personal witness through revelation ] unto you through the knowledge of God, [ so what do we get from this? The knowledge that this doctrine then is true and correct, and based on Gods laws. ] and of Jesus our Lord, [ What else? That the saving power is in Christ ]
[ What Are the Three Grand Keys to Obtaining the True Knowledge of God? “There are three grand secrets lying in this chapter, . . . which no man can dig out, unless by the light of revelation, and which unlocks the whole chapter. . . .“1st key: Knowledge is the power of salvation. 2nd key: Make your calling and election sure. 3rd key: It is one thing to be on the mount and hear the excellent voice, etc., and another to hear the voice declare to you, You have a part and lot in that kingdom.” (Smith, Teachings, pp. 304, 306.)
Concerning the three grand keys to the knowledge of God, we learn three concepts: 1. The knowledge of Christ which brings salvation is obtained a little at a time. “It is not wisdom that we should have all knowledge at once presented before us; but that we should have a little at a time; then we can comprehend it. . . . “. . . The principle of knowledge is the principle of salvation. This principle can be comprehended by the faithful and diligent; and every one that does not obtain knowledge sufficient to be saved will be condemned. The principle of salvation is given us through the knowledge of Jesus Christ.” (Smith, Teachings, p. 297. Italics added.) 2. As one acquires knowledge of Christ’s divine attributes and incorporates them into his own life, he makes his calling and election sure. “None can comprehend the knowledge of God, of Christ, and of the gospel unless he himself possesses the attributes of godliness, for the knowledge of spiritual things comes only by revelation, and until a person gains godly attributes he cannot receive the Spirit from whom revelation comes.” (McConkie, DNTC, 3:354.) (The process of having one’s calling and election made sure is discussed in the interpretive commentary for 2 Peter 1:10.) 3. The more sure word of prophecy—the Lord’s promise that a person will be exalted and come to know God fully (John 17:3)—comes as a result of making one’s calling and election sure. “Now for the secret and grand key. Though they might hear the voice of God and know that Jesus was the son of God, this would be no evidence that their election and calling was made sure, that they had part with Christ, and were joint-heirs with him. They then would want that more sure word of prophecy, that they were sealed in the heavens and had the promise of eternal life in the kingdom of God. Then, having this promise sealed unto them, it was an anchor to the soul, sure and steadfast. Though the thunders might roll and lightnings flash, and earthquakes bellow, and war gather thick around, yet this hope and knowledge would support the soul in every hour of trial, trouble and tribulation. Then knowledge through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the grand key that unlocks the glories and mysteries of the kingdom of heaven.” (Smith, Teachings, p. 298.) ]
3 According as
his [ Who's? Christs ] divine power
hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness,
[ In other words this is a summation doctrine, a crowning doctrine. This is the thing that leads to life - meaning eternal life, and and involves what we must do through all phases of godliness. ] through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be
partakers of the divine nature,
[ What Does It Mean to Be “Partakers of the Divine Nature”? Peter himself said it is escaping “the corruption that is in the world through lust.” (vs. 4.) President David O. McKay, commenting on verse 4, said it means “to rise above the temporal, the sensual, and partake of the divine Spirit of God.” (CR, Oct. 1961, p. 90.) He becomes like God having developed the characters, and atributes that deity has. ] having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
[ Can we do this all at once? What is the coarse that we must take in order to overcome? We have foresaken the world, we now have the goal and direction to receive all of the great and precious promises that await us. so how do we do that - become partakers of divine nature? the next verse teach us exactly how, or what we must do. ]
5
And beside this,
[ What is the implication here? so we get this council, To whom is it given? Addressing all members of the church. ] giving all diligence,
[ What does it mean giving all diligence? Diligence means to do something with intense effort and motivation, with quick movement and is in opposition to the attitude of slothfulness. The individual who is diligent is eager to do something and ready to expend the necessary energy and effort. Diligence in hearkening (listening to and obeying) to the voice of the Lord, diligence in keeping the commandments.] add to your faith virtue;
[ What does it mean to add virtue? Chastity; Cleanliness; Goodness; Holiness; Modesty; Purity; Sacred. "arete"—properly, manliness (valor), i.e. excellence (intrinsic or attributed)What can you do starting today to add virtue to your life that you are not currently doing? ] and to virtue knowledge;
[ He’s telling us that we need to add knowledge to our faith. Something that we need to pursue. There is of course, many types of knowledge, but knowledge still the same appears to be an absolutely critical requirement for anyone desiring to obtain the divine nature. Acquiring knowledge is not something that we can abdicate to someone else. It’s something that we must do ourselves. What is knowledge? It is what we know in our head to be true, "gnosis"—knowing (the act), i.e. (by implication) knowledge Knowledge of what? That there is a God, That he lives, that we are his children, that he has a plan for us. What is it important to have this knowledge? This knowledge propells us forward to continue to make the rest of the effort required. So he’s telling us that we need to add knowledge to our faith. Knowledge is something that we need to pursue. There is of course, many types of knowledge, but knowledge still the same appears to be an absolutely critical requirement for anyone desiring to obtain the divine nature. Acquiring knowledge is not something that we can abdicate to someone else. It’s something that we must do ourselves.What can you do starting today to increase in your knowledge of God?]
6 And to knowledge
temperance;
[ What is temperance? Self mastery, self control Why is it important? Gody temperence allowed God to let his son suffer and die on the cross and not interceed, even though he could, he has the self mastery to let the plan go forward as planned. What can you do starting today to add temperance to your life that you are not currently doing?] and to temperance
patience;
[ Patience in what? Affliction, forebear, wait on the Lord, slow to wrath . "egkrateia"—self-control (especially continence) How does the Lord teach us through requiring us to use patience? Line upon line The son showed patience the recripical of temperance when he submitted totally to the will of the father, allowing himself to be nailed to the cross because it was part of the fathers plan - so patience to see it through. "hupomone"—cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy "Patience is tied very closely to faith in our Heavenly Father. Actually, when we are unduly impatient, we are suggesting that we know what is best-better than does God. Or, at least, we are asserting that our timetable is better than His. We can grow in faith only if we are willing to wait patiently for God's purposes and patterns to unfold in our lives, on His timetable." ~ NEAL A. MAXWELLWhat can you do starting today to add patience to your life that you are not currently doing?] and to patience
godliness;
[ What is Godliness? reverence for the sacred, emulation of the characteristics of God. "eusebeia"—piety; specially, the gospel scheme What can you do starting today to add Godiliness to your life that you are not currently doing?]
7 And to godliness
brotherly kindness;
[ What is brotherly kindness? show benevolence to your brothers and sisters - humanity. "philadelphia"—fraternal affection, love of brethren What can you do starting today to be more kind to those around you?] and to brotherly kindness charity.
[ Why is charity last? It kind of encompasses everything. If you have true charity you are doing the rest! Almsgiving; Benevolence; Compassion; Generosity; God, Love of; Love; Mercy; Poor; Welfare. "agape"—love, i.e. affection or benevolence (in a social or moral sense) What can you do starting today to add more charity into your life? True power from God is safeguarded by one attribute alone and that is charity. This is one of the foremost attribues of Heavenly Father and His son Jesus Christ. So when we talk about charity what God is saying is in order to wield my power I need to know that you have an eye single to the glory of God - the immortality and eternal life of man. ]
8
For if these things be in you,
[ What does that imply? If this is what you have become then... So if after you have joined the church, since this is who he is speaking to; and then have sought to aquire thes previously mentioned atributes of God. ] and abound, they make
you that ye shall neither
be barren nor unfruitful in the
knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
[ Which is life eternal to know God and Christ whom he has sent. "epignosis"—recognition, i.e. (by implication) full discernment, acknowledgment ]
9
But he that lacketh these things is blind,
[How is one blind who does not posess these things? Or How is ones eyes opened when he does understand these things? or in otherwords people even though they are in the church are blind unless they have acquired the attributes of Godliness as mentioned above. So the more of these attributes that each of us posess, the more acurate our views on spiritual things. And the less blindness exists in their lives. ] and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was
purged from his old sins.
[How are we purged from our old sins? Repentance What are the processes that we must go through? through baptism]
10 Wherefore the rather,
brethren [ Who is he talking to here? ],
give diligence [ What do you think he is trying to say when he says give diligence to the process? ] to make your calling [ What is meant by calling? To be called is to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ, to be numbered amoung his saints. It is to accept the gospel and receive the everlasting covenant. Who are the called of God? answer 1 Pet 2:9 Notice that they are called out of darkness, they are a chosen generation (Lineage), they hold a royal priesthood. (also D&C 53:1; 55:1; 101:39; ) What is their calling to? Eternal glory 1 Pet 5:10 "10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. " ] and election sure:
[ Who are the elect? Those who have made the charastics of Divine nature part of their life. “The elect of God comprise a very select group, an inner circle of faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They are the portion of church members who are striving with all their hearts to keep the fulness of the gospel law in this life so that they can become inheritors of the fulness of gospel rewards in the life to come” (McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 217) What Is Meant by Having One’s Calling and Election Made Sure? “To have one’s calling and election made sure is to be sealed up unto eternal life; it is to have the unconditional guarantee of exaltation in the highest heaven of the celestial world; it is to receive the assurance of godhood; it is, in effect, to have the day of judgment advanced, so that an inheritance of all the glory and honor of the Father’s kingdom is assured prior to the day when the faithful actually enter into the divine presence to sit with Christ in his throne, even as he is ‘set down’ with his ‘Father in his throne.’ (Rev. 3:21.)” (McConkie, DNTC, 3:330–31.) “When faith is sufficient to sacrifice all earthly things, even life itself if necessary, it is possible for a person to know that he is accepted of the Lord for what he has done, and with this strong faith he may eventually receive eternal life.
Thus the Prophet Joseph said:
“After a person has faith in Christ, repents of his sins, and is baptized for the remission of his sins and receives the Holy Ghost, (by the laying on of hands), which is the first Comforter, then let him continue to humble himself before God, hungering and thirsting after righteousness, and living by every word of God, and the Lord will soon say unto him, son, thou shalt be exalted. When the Lord has thoroughly proved him, and finds that the man is determined to serve Him at all hazards, then the man will find his calling and his election made sure.” (Teachings, p. 150.)
“Such a person eventually receives godhood and becomes a member of the “church of the Firstborn.” (D&C 76:54.)”
“Who were some of the saints who were accepted of the Lord through their sacrifices? The Prophet Joseph Smith indicated that when a person has been proved of the Lord by “hungering and thirsting after righteousness, and living by every word of God,” he may then have the privilege of receiving the Second Comforter. This Comforter is the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, “and the visions of the heavens will be opened unto him, and the Lord will teach him face to face.” Joseph Smith went on to say that this was the condition of a number of the ancient saints, naming Isaiah, Ezekiel, John the Revelator, Paul, and “all the saints who held communion with the general assembly and Church of the Firstborn.” (See Teachings, pp. 150–51.)”
“Inasmuch as the calling and election made sure is the greatest of all blessings received in this life, what greater counsel may Latter-day Saints receive than the following from the Prophet Joseph Smith:
“Then I would exhort you to go on and continue to call upon God until you make your calling and election sure for yourselves, by obtaining this more sure word of prophecy, and wait patiently for the promise until you obtain it.” (Teachings, p. 299.)” Was this only for the saints in the days of Peter? Must an Individual Be Married for Eternity to Have His Calling and Election Made Sure?“. . . making one’s calling and election sure comes after and grows out of celestial marriage. Eternal life does not and cannot exist for a man or a woman alone, because in its very nature it consists of the continuation of the family unit in eternity.” (McConkie, DNTC, 3:343.) What must we do to have our calling and election made sure?
The Prophet Joseph Smith taught: “After a person has faith in Christ, repents of his sins, and is baptized for the remission of his sins and receives the Holy Ghost (by the laying on of hands), … then let him continue to humble himself before God, hungering and thirsting after righteousness, and living by every word of God, and the Lord will soon say unto him, son, thou shalt be exalted. When the Lord has thoroughly proved him, and finds that the man is determined to serve Him at all hazards, then the man will find his calling and his election made sure” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 150). ] for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
[ Or Greg; when you have done these things you will have proven to yourself, and God that you will serve him at all costs, and hence your salvation is made sure ]
11
For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you [ Suggesting what? You will have earned your admission ; that they Lord will not deny you of it. ] abundantly [ What is abundance from the eternal perspective? means an enterance into the highest heaven in the celestial kingdom (B.R. McConkie "Making our Calling And Election Sure" 1969 BYU devotional ] into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
[ so in what kingdom does God dwell? You will be permitted into his kindgom, to sit on his throne to be a joint heir, with the son, of all that the father has. see Rev 3:21]
12 Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know
them, and be established in the present truth.
13 Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting
you in remembrance;
14
Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle,
[ Interesting use of words here. He uses tabernacle (or temple) as a reference for death. Just as the Israelites put up and took down the tabernacle in the wilderness. He suggests that death is mearly a moving of the tabernacle ] even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.
15 Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.
16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,
but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
[ Where did this take place? while on the mountain of transfiguration answer see vs 18]
17 For
he received from God the Father honour and glory,
[ It appears that Peter, James and John received their own endowments while on the mountain of transfiguration (Doctrines of Salvation Vol. 2, p 165] when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory,
This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased.
[ Notice a pattern here for the Lord declaring his son to somone? Where else in scripture do we see this? ]
18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.
19
We have also [ this is something in addition to standing on the mount and seeing the Lord transfigured before them "Making Your Calling And Election Sure B.R. McConkie Talk @ 1969 BYU devotional ] a more sure word of prophecy;
[ What then is the more sure word of prophecy? “The more sure word of prophecy means a man’s knowing that he is sealed up unto eternal life, by revelation and the spirit of prophecy through the power of the Holy Priesthood.” (D. & C. 131:5.) “When faith is sufficient to sacrifice all earthly things, even life itself if necessary, it is possible for a person to know that he is accepted of the Lord for what he has done, and with this strong faith he may eventually receive eternal life.
Thus the Prophet Joseph said:
“After a person has faith in Christ, repents of his sins, and is baptized for the remission of his sins and receives the Holy Ghost, (by the laying on of hands), which is the first Comforter, then let him continue to humble himself before God, hungering and thirsting after righteousness, and living by every word of God, and the Lord will soon say unto him, son, thou shalt be exalted. When the Lord has thoroughly proved him, and finds that the man is determined to serve Him at all hazards, then the man will find his calling and his election made sure.” (Teachings, p. 150.)
“Such a person eventually receives godhood and becomes a member of the “church of the Firstborn.” (D&C 76:54.)”
“Who were some of the saints who were accepted of the Lord through their sacrifices? The Prophet Joseph Smith indicated that when a person has been proved of the Lord by “hungering and thirsting after righteousness, and living by every word of God,” he may then have the privilege of receiving the Second Comforter. This Comforter is the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, “and the visions of the heavens will be opened unto him, and the Lord will teach him face to face.” Joseph Smith went on to say that this was the condition of a number of the ancient saints, naming Isaiah, Ezekiel, John the Revelator, Paul, and “all the saints who held communion with the general assembly and Church of the Firstborn.” (See Teachings, pp. 150–51.)”
“Inasmuch as the calling and election made sure is the greatest of all blessings received in this life, what greater counsel may Latter-day Saints receive than the following from the Prophet Joseph Smith:
“Then I would exhort you to go on and continue to call upon God until you make your calling and election sure for yourselves, by obtaining this more sure word of prophecy, and wait patiently for the promise until you obtain it.” (Teachings, p. 299.)”
Concerning this instruction and testimony from Peter, Joseph Smith said: “Though they might hear the voice of God and know that Jesus was the son of God, this would be no evidence that their election and calling was made sure. … They then would want that more sure word of prophecy, that they were sealed in the heavens and had the promise of eternal life in the kingdom of God. Then, having this promise sealed unto them, it was an anchor to the soul, sure and steadfast. Though the thunders might roll and lightnings flash, and earthquakes bellow, and war gather thick around, yet this hope and knowledge would support the soul in every hour of trial, trouble and tribulation.” (Teachings, p. 298.) ] whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake
as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
[ Or in otherwords by and through what means? Revelation. so if that were the pattern then; why would one expect that would not be the pattern now? if God is the same yesterday today and forever. ]