2 Peter 3:18: But Grow In Grace, And In The Knowledge Of Our Lord And Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him Be Glory Both Now And For Ever. Amen.

2 Peter 3:18

18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. (KJV)

As the Apostle Peter concludes his second letter to the church he includes a phrase that can be helpful to understand a little more deeply. The reader is encouraged to grow in two areas; the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and also, the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is not an accident that they are both mentioned, as both are important.

If we were just growing in the grace of Jesus Christ, but not growing in the knowledge of our Savior we might be loving and gracious to everyone, but we would not know the truth of Christ. We would be likely to excuse all kinds of immoral behavior, thinking that we were being gracious. It is important that we add to our gracious lifestyle, a proper understanding of the knowledge of Jesus.

Suppose we diligently grew in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, but did not see fit to grow in grace. We would beat each other up with our knowledge. We would likely be the truth patrol. We would point out everyone's faults, while conveniently ignoring our own. It is essential that we know the truth about our Lord Jesus. But, we must handle that truth lovingly and graciously.

In John 1:14, the Apostle John describes Jesus as being full of grace and truth. Notice that we are called to be like him. As we grow in the grace and truth of Jesus Christ, we will act more like him. And what is the result? Christ will be glorified! This is exactly what the Apostle Peter is desiring. He wants God to get all the glory both now and for ever. 

As you consider all that you are learning about the Savior, grow in grace and truth. Remember that both are essential and work together. May God be glorified in your life.