2 Peter
Written about the close of the first century, and probably had not been widely circulated among the Christian congregations at that time. R1145:6 There is a touching tenderness in the epistle of the aged Apostle Peter to the household of faith, showing that, while he realized that the time of his departure was drawing nigh, his solicitude for the growth and development of the Church was increasing. Accordingly, he writes two general epistles, not so much to advance new truth, as to call to remembrance truths already learned and fully received, and to counsel all to faithfulness and to growth in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. R3215:1
In this epistle the Apostle is urging upon the whole Church the importance of developing the fruits of the holy Spirit. Then he reminds them of the vision of the coming Kingdom which he himself and St. James and St. John saw in the holy mount. He points out the need that careful attention be given to the study of prophecy. He warns them of the false teachers who will be manifested among them. He reminds them of the condemnation and overthrow that came to the angels who turned from obedience to God, of the catastrophe that befell Sodom and Gomorrah because of their corruption, of the destruction of the ungodly in the Deluge, of the perverse and wicked course of Balaam the prophet, and its consequences. Then he charges that some of them were following his course, and next he discussed the fact that things will not always continue as they have been; that evil shall not always triumph; but that a great change impends, which will be the introduction of a new feature of the divine plan; namely, the establishment of God's Kingdom upon earth. R5863:3
[NTC - 2 Peter 1:1]
Verses 1-13 give a divine explanation of how the holy Spirit will manifest itself and the qualities, therefore, that are to be looked for in the servants of the Church. R2446:5
An apostle— One of the twelve. R1283:1*
Precious faith— "The faith which was once delivered unto the saints." (Jude 3) This is not the faith promulgated by the Higher Critics. R2137:1
With us— The apostles. R2136:3
The righteousness— The true foundation upon which we should build—faith that Christ's sacrifice for sin was once for all. R2137:2
God and our Saviour— Our Lord and Savior (Sinaitic manuscript). R2136:3
[NTC - 2 Peter 1:2]
Grace and peace— As we grow in grace, we will grow in peace. R2137:3 The majority of Christians lack a knowledge of the things which are necessary to preserve to them the grace and peace found through their primary faith in the Lord as their Redeemer; and lack a sufficiency of knowledge to multiply these. R2136:6
Be multiplied— If our hearts leaped for joy when we realized the first droppings of grace and peace, how should our songs abound now, with the increasing evidences of divine favor—with this multiplication now experienced. R1531:6 Such should be the experience of all who have obtained like precious faith with him. This increase of blessing should come through an increasing knowledge. R1532:1Few know anything about the multiplication which the Apostle mentions. R2136:6
You— Those who are already justified through faith in the precious blood of Christ. R2136:3
Through— The Lord's grace comes unto us through the knowledge of God. NS506:4
Knowledge of God— Intimate acquaintance with him, his character and the divine plan, gained through the study of his Word. "This is life eternal; that they might know thee, the only true God." (John 17:3) R2137:3, 2138:5; A346 The source of the Christian's strength. A346 The influence of this knowledge and fellowship with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, reacts upon our own hearts, and has a cleansing and sanctifying effect. R2137:4 The knowledge of the truth is the sanctifying power, the peace-and-joy-imparting power, and the evidence of divine grace and favor. R1532:1 There is to be a progress in the life begun which will continue as long as we are "in this tabernacle." R2136:3"Sanctify them through thy truth: thy Word is truth." (John 17:17) R200:5, 1532:1
[NTC - 2 Peter 1:3]
Divine— Greek, ho Theios, the Deity. E71
Things that pertain— We shall be able to grace and fill whatever station we occupy in life—if we carefully study and copy godliness. R4809:2, 1114:4
Life and godliness— God and life and godliness (Sinaitic manuscript). R2136:6
Knowledge of him— Gained through the study of his precious Word with reverence and diligence, through the personal application of the principles of that Word in every day life and through prayer and communion with God. R1532:2 It is not only an intellectual knowledge of his great and loving plan: it includes also a personal acquaintance with God, a heart to heart communion and fellowship with him; a common interest and cooperation. R1532:2
Called us— God requires certain conditions of those who will run in the race. R5081:3 Guilty sinners are not invited nor desired in the Kingdom. All repentant believers are called or invited to consecrate themselves to the Lord. R2941:2, 3281:1
To glory— By his own glory (Sinaitic manuscript). R2136:3 "Out of the darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Pet. 2:9) F90 One must manifest to God that he has a strong will and firm determination, and that he has cut off everything in life in order to win the prize. R5081:4
Virtue— Excellence. R2941:2 God requires that none be proud, but that they possess humility. He will have no one in the Kingdom of his elect who is weak, vacillating, so far as his mind is concerned. We must demonstrate our loyalty to God. R5081:3
[NTC - 2 Peter 1:4]
Are given unto us— The joint-sacrificers. E146; R5596:6, 905:4 The Church. R5596:6,5371:2, 4218:6, 2138:3; E146, 455 Regenerates; new creatures. OV379:2 The Christ, Head and Body. R4072:1, 297:5 These are not given to inspire thankfulness and consecration, for they are given only to the consecrated to strengthen and nerve us and to enable us to "overcome" in fulfillment of our covenant of consecration. R2723:1; OV290:3 Who enter the harvest work before the door is shut. C212, 220 Jesus never neglected his own spiritual needs; for the development of himself as a new creature was his first obligation—as it is our first consideration. SM638:T
Exceeding great— Heavenly instead of earthly, as made to the Jewish house. B207; R329:6; NS64:6 It is proper for the Lord's people to accept these great things with that simplicity which the Scriptures tell us is best illustrated in a "little child"—"nothing doubting." HG449:1 If our fellowmen are willing to endure great hardships for the trivial rewards that are theirs, what should we be willing to endure who thoroughly believe in the things which God has in reservation for the faithful? NS455:4
Precious promises— Of God's Word. HG446:3; NS587:3; SM342:1 The Word. R1491:1 The words of eternal life spoken by Jesus. R3795:5 Of a share with Jesus in the divine nature and glory, honor and immortality. OV290:4; T65; R5580:4, 2138:1; CR252:5; HG366:6; Q39:T,140:3 Which relate to the life which now is and also to that which is to come; which sustain and strengthen. R5806:2 These promises working in us to will and to do God's good pleasure—sanctification. Q453:2; R5126:6 Shining out as helps by the way, in letters of light. R2138:5 Incentives to our invitation to sacrifice and self-denial. R2940:6 God has provided these to us to be stimulated, strengthened, developed, thereby becoming more firm for righteousness and in opposition to whatever is sinful. SM342:1 The new creature is made strong by these in proportion as he perceives the significance of them and feeds on them. R5889:3, 4984:1 They are unfolded to us gradually, as we prove faithful and go on. C220; R1112:5 These hopes and promises are so glorious that all earthly things fade into insignificance in comparison with them. NS270:6 There is nothing that compares with them. The more we know of the plan and of the privileges which we may have in it, the more we are enthused. OV425:4 No greater stimulus can be found than these. R4929:4 So many and so precious that it is difficult to know which would rank first—perhaps 1 John 3:2. R2138:5 To whatever extent we are able to grasp the meaning of these wonderful promises, they speak to us of blessings, favors, "exceedingly, abundantly more than we could ask or think." (Eph. 3:20) SM532:1 It is when the Lord's servants get a glimpse of these promises that have to do with the coming eternity, that they begin to realize in true measure the love of God shed abroad in their hearts. CR16:1 When trials arise—call to mind these precious promises, remembering they belong to you. R5425:5 They inspire hope and courage, urging us to greater faithfulness. CR215:1; R1698:6; OV290:3 By the use of these we may make our calling and election sure. R4665:6 These are the begetting power that enters into our hearts and that the Lord uses through his holy Spirit to work in us to will and to do his good pleasure. Q39:T The consecrated Christian has heard these, but not the worldly class. SM388:2 The Lord will not disregard his promises; he will do all that he has said. R5698:5 Our faith must properly grasp these or our hearts will not be moved by the message of God's grace and our prospects of becoming kings and priests in the Kingdom. HG446:3 The Church's share in the Abrahamic Covenant. R3207:3 "Ye brethren, as Isaac was, are children of the promise." (Gal. 4:28) or Sarah covenant. R777:4; E105
That by these— Whereby—by obedience to the call and its requirements. A222; R271:5 The ambitions inspired by these are holy ambitions.E257 By the strength and courage which they infuse. C220; R1112:5, 1859:6 No greater stimulus to true godliness can be found. R2228:6 They were given to us to the intent that they should operate in our minds so as to influence our lives in harmony with the divine will. HG446:6 The strength and encouragement which they would afford us, as they did Jesus, to be "obedient even unto death." (Phil. 2:8) R297:4 These promises working in you, inspiring, inciting you, and showing you the course. CR335:1; R5250:4; Q316:5 Through the operation of these on our minds and hearts, our course of life should be changed from grace to grace, from knowledge to knowledge, and from glory to glory. CR34:5 When the present testing time is ended, all the faithful, those who stand the trial, will be changed from earthly to heavenly nature, and become inestimable value as inheritors of the promises and their reward, the divine nature. NS446:6 The divine nature is imparted by the "precious promises." The going forth of the word of the Lord, must have reference to the great end. R98:6* We cannot get along without the Bible. CR325:3
Ye— The espoused Church. CR215:1; HG624:1 New creatures. R826:6, 1881:4, 1149:2*, 777:4, 613:4, 456:6, 217:3; E105; F62 Exceptions to all other creatures either in heaven or on earth. R1879:1
Might be— Might be enabled to so run as to obtain the promised prize. C220; R1112:5 We might become. HG284:6, 196:5, 333:6, 358:5, 367:1, 446:6; NS455:3 Gradually attain to partakers of the divine nature. CR335:1 By the operation of the promises in our hearts, sanctifying us to his service. NS520:6 The change of nature in the present life consists of a change of mind and character, in harmony with the new hopes, aims and aspirations. R3621:3, 1567:3 The saints would be lifted up to the perfection of their nature—the divine. R413:2 "To them gave he power to become the sons of God." (John 1:12) R5859:5, 517:5*, 280:6 That thereby we may overcome self and the world. R1007:3 Might be encouraged to faithfulness and so become. R2940:6
Partakers of— The first resurrection. R5263:5, 5199:2, 4799:2, 3132:1, 2982:6, 2051:2, 1642:4, 667:5, 474:5; E105, 396; HG299:5; OV356:3, 384:T Joint-inheritors with our Lord. HG298:4 A partaker with him of the divine nature. R1495:1, 1112:5, 828:2, 569:3, 603:6*; E105 Partake with our Lord in his new life. R2148:1 In full. R1286:4*, 1149:2* That we might obtain. HG132:3; NS270:6 By sacrificing restitution blessings. R4498:2, 382:6; A196 What a rich promise is here! How exceedingly great and precious! R2138:1 "That they may be one even as we are one." (John 17:22) R442:3
The divine nature— The grade of spirit body being promised to the overcoming "Bride" or "Body of Christ", the "Royal Priesthood." R1510:3 The highest form of the spirit nature. R2980:5, 5830:1, 2859:6, 823:3; A203; F62; T40, 66; HG366:6; NS455:3, 479:1, 520:6; OV24:4, 373:6; Q502:6 A prominent element of which is immortality, or inherent life. R1879:3, 1642:4, 569:3, 604:1*; E388; HG358:5 Represented by the gold of the Tabernacle. T18; HG752:2 The hope of the Church is that she may be like her Lord and share his glory as his joint-heir. R5822:2, 5152:2, 4966:5, 4734:2, 4372:2, 4302:2, 3694:2, 3294:2, 2750:2, 2238:2, 2055:2, 1910:2, 1750:2; OV427:2 To be associated with him as his Bride—heirs of God, and joint-heirs with himself. (Rom. 8:17) R280:6, 5206:4, 4071:3, 3149:2, 2982:6, 2409:4, 2155:1, 2138:1, 1586:2, 1532:4, 1360:4, 1262:3, 1210:6*, 916:5, 828:2, 517:2*, 217:3; CR488:5; NS625:2; OV308:4 "So much better than the angels." (Heb. 1:4) A203; R637:5, 616:2*, 329:5 It was essential that all who were to have this nature should have their trials first, so that there might be no immortal transgressors. F63 It was reasonable that God should first offer this with all its glory, honor and immortality to the Logos, who had always proven faithful. F64, 727 "I will set him on high because he hath known my name." (Psa. 91:14) R3332:5 The high calling. R456:6, 2434:2, 217:3 The call of this Gospel age is to glory, honor, and immortality. R5371:2, 5711:1, 5288:2, 4784:3, 3684:2, 3528:5, 2317:5, 826:6, 569:3, 514:3; F63, 92; HG196:5, 298:4; NS481:3; SM143:1, 361:1, 682:1 A great honor and brightness, far above that of angels and all others except that of the Heavenly Father. R5035:4, 5116:5, 5025:6, 2980:5, 2409:4, 2317:5, 1510:3, 1265:1, 1262:6;A186; E388; CR392:2; HG138:2, 298:5, 358:5; NS338:5, 455:3, 520:6; OV354:1 The Church will cease to be of Adam's race. R5622:2 The saints of the Gospel age are to be changed from the human to the spiritual, divine nature. R4071:3, 5623:5, 4799:2, 3621:3, 2051:2, 1567:2, 1178:3, 1096:6*, 667:6, 613:4, 329:6, 297:5; A196; T19; HG299:5, 315:5, 366:6, 546:1; NS551:6; OV379:2; SM682:1 If we are faithful to our covenant of entire consecration to God, we shall be made like him and see him as he is. R1532:4, 1510:5 The "Holy of Holies" beyond the "veil" represented the condition of the faithful overcomers who will attain to the divine nature. T19, 66 The divine nature was symbolized in the gold of the typical High Priest's glorious garments. R1944:1 This is the class which will receive the preeminence over all other classes, all other stations, in earth or in heaven. R5711:1 Joint-heirship with his Son as Kings and Priests, and Judges of the world. R3486:5 Sons of God on the spirit plane. SM474:1; E69 Our immortality is a hope and not an actuality. SM253:1 We are begotten of the holy Spirit of God with a view to becoming partakers of the divine nature. R4665:2, 145:4*; NS101:6; Q508:4 This promotion can be received from no other quarter than God himself, on his own terms. R5711:1, 1515:5, 1510:5 This was not purchased by our Lord Jesus, hence he is not the father or giver of it. R1515:5 Raised to the perfection of the divine nature in the first resurrection, the chief resurrection. SM46:3; R1442:1, 1437:1; NS535:6, 551:6 This description excludes the Great Company, and applies merely to the Little Flock. R5166:5; Q316:5 Instead of laboring for some petty office of an earthly kind, in accepting the captaincy of the Lord Jesus they have become heirs with him in his glory, honor and immortality. CR16:2; OV308:3 Invisible, spirit beings. "Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Cor. 15:50) R5199:5, 5263:5 The saints are to be made like unto Christ's glorious body, who is now "the express image of the Father," (Heb. 1:3) "the King immortal, invisible," (1 Tim. 1:17) "dwelling in light which no man can approach unto, whom no man hath seen nor can see." (1 Tim. 6:16) R4071:3, 667:6 Jehovah is the life-giver or Father of men, of angels, and of the new creatures of which Jesus is the head. Here are three natures—human, angelic, and divine. To all of these, Jehovah is Father, yet only one of them is of his own divine nature. R354:4,816:5, 777:4 Since his resurrection Jesus is a god, greater than ever before; the church are called to the obtaining of the glory of their Lord, members of his glorious body. R5748:6 God has set before us the grandest reward imaginable for the doing of that which is merely our duty and reasonable service—which would bring us the largest measure of joy and peace, aside from a future reward. R4828:6, 2480:1 Each nature will be so thoroughly in accord with its own conditions and environments and perfection that each will have satisfaction in his own state. F63 We are called and begotten to the divine nature. After the begetting, no one can tell for a while whether he is one that will attain to the divine nature or not—be of the Great Company or Little Flock. Q39:T, 508:4 The door to this divine nature is the one that will soon shut, as our Redeemer illustrated in the parable of the wise and foolish virgins. NS803:6 The nature of ho theios, the God. E71; Q770:TBut not equal with God. R802:6 The only text to state the matter in just these words. R5580:4
Having escaped— We are free. R4840:3 "We are saved by hope." (Rom. 8:24) A140 "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." (Rom. 8:1) R1286:3, 4998:3 "If after they have escaped the pollutions of the world they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning." (2 Pet. 2:20) E410 Unbelievers have not escaped. R4546:2, 4998:3
The corruption— The condemnation that is on the world. R1286:3; NS6:3, 32:3, 246:5; SM665:1 We are no longer dying because of the divine "curse" or "wrath" but in view of our justification and subsequent presentation as living sacrifices, our death is reckoned as a part of Christ's sacrifice. E410 Only a few who have been blessed with hearing ears and understanding hearts are redeemed from the curse or sentence of eternal death. NS6:3, 32:3
Is in the world— Is still in the world. R5596:6, 4840:3; A140 The great mass of mankind outside the household of faith are still under the original sentence—eternal death. NS6:3; 32:3, 246:6
Lust— Worldly desires and ambitions. R1532:4, 2154:2 Desire, selfishness. HG446:6 The desires of the flesh. R2155:1 Our word lust has changed its meaning a great deal. In the Greek it has a much wider meaning. In the original, it means any earthly desires, for instance, the lust for power. Q451:5
[NTC - 2 Peter 1:5]
Beside this— Building upon this sure foundation the gold, silver and precious stones of the Word of God. R5822:1, 5152:1, 4734:1, 4372:1, 4302:1, 3694:1, 3294:1, 2750:1, 2238:1, 2055:1, 1910:1, 1750:1; A321 Such as have this hope. HG446:6
Giving all diligence— In view of the warfare before us, of the subtlety of our temptations and of the weakness of the flesh, the faithful Apostle urges all diligence in the cultivation of the Christian graces and remembrance of the precious truths. R3089:6, 1627:5* "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." (Phil. 2:12) R2155:6
Add— While all of these virtues are imperative requirements of those who would be esteemed of God as faithful, they are only of value as they are added to, or built upon a foundation of faith. R2154:5 Cultivating Christian character cannot be done in a day; but it must be a gradual, daily, life-work; a process of addition, adding virtue to virtue, grace to grace, day by day and hour by hour. R4808:3, 5208:5, 3587:5, 3090:3, 1628:2*, 1114:5, 374:5; HG447:3 We do this repeatedly in respect to all the graces, which keep growing, developing in us and rounding out and deepening and broadening us as spiritual new creatures. R3587:5 Faith in a personal righteous God must steadily cultivate those elements of character which are always pleasing and acceptable to him and which are most essential to our final overcoming. R1859:6
To your faith— The foundation. R5757:2, 2154:5, 1576:6, 471:1*, 136:6* The primary qualification. R5460:1 The basis of character. R471:4* Your "precious faith" as described in verse 1. R2154:5 In the exceeding great and precious promises. R1859:6Your abiding confidence in the divine plan of salvation, which centers in the redemption accomplished through the precious blood of Christ. R2154:5, 4808:5, 1114:6 A "thus saith the Lord" should be the end of all controversy, the solution of all doubts and a restful assurance in every perplexity. R4808:5, 1114:3 No righteousness of our own without this foundation of faith can avail anything to commend us to God. All our works of righteousness must be built upon this faith. R2154:5 Our judgment will be according to our faith because while in the flesh we shall never be able to perform works such as God could approve. R5460:1 Not faith in every thing or every person, but faith in God—in his plan of redemption through the vicarious, or substitutionary sacrifice of Christ, and all his rich promises built upon that sure foundation. R4808:5, 1576:6, 1114:3 Built upon this foundation are the minor doctrines and those principles which must be worked out in the life. R1576:6 Faith of itself is very good as a start, but God requires more than this. HG447:1 Faith is a good thing; but faith without virtuous works is dead; and to hold the truth in unrighteousness is worse than never to have received it. R3089:6, 3090:3, 1627:5* Faith is fundamental, and these graces are as the house of wisdom built upon it. (Prov. 9:1) R136:6* As human wants are expressed in seven petitions, so Christian character is comprehended in seven graces added to faith. R136:6*
Virtue— Fortitude. R5757:2, 5678:2, 5460:1, 5206:6, 4808:3,4, 3168:5, 3163:6, 3089:2, 2219:6, 2155:1, 2154:5, 2037:2, 90:2; E238;HG446:6; NS746:5; OV401:4 Strength of character in righteousness. R4808:5, 2155:1 Courage. R471:4* It implies much more than merely abstaining from evil; but living truthfully, that is, true to his covenant, which to willfully violate would be equivalent to swearing falsely. R4808:5, 1114:3 It implies the cultivation of the strictest integrity in our dealings, both with God and with our fellowmen; scrupulous honesty, justice and truth being the only standards. R4808:5, 2155:1 True excellence of character, such as will mark you as separate from the world and its spirit.R3089:6, 1627:5* The Psalmist clearly defines this in Psa. 15:2-5. R4808:5 Add sterling honesty, truth and fair dealing in all business relations; moral integrity, in all social relations; manifestly clean hands and a pure heart, and a bridled tongue that works no ill to a neighbor. R3089:6, 1627:4* Our faith should be of a strong kind giving us fortitude for all of life's affairs; for all of our covenants with the Lord; for a faithful endurance of opposition, contradiction, etc. HG447:1 The Apostle implies that if we hold to our faith against the attacks of the enemy it will develop fortitude, an added grace of character.R2037:2 Virtue leads not only to passive, but also to active, goodness—in benevolent charity which seeks to alleviate suffering, to sympathize with sorrow, to comfort those in distress and to elevate and bless others. R3090:1, 4808:5, 1627:3*
Knowledge— Greek, gnosis. R2037:4 Knowledge of God and his righteous will concerning us as revealed in his Word. R2155:2, 4808:6, 1115:3; HG447:2 Knowledge of God's character, that we may the more thoroughly imitate it; and of his truth, that we may more fully conform to its teachings. R3090:1, 1627:6*; HG447:2 If faith be held firmly, and fortitude of character result, this, under the Spirit's guidance, will bring the faithful one to deeper and wider expanses of knowledge. R2037:2 Give all diligence to the study of the divine oracles—neglect of this divinely appointed means of knowledge is equivalent to setting up our own imperfect standard of righteousness and ignoring the divine standard. R2155:2, 4808:6, 1114:3 Knowledge is valuable to the sanctifying of the spirit only when we comply with the conditions that we shall mortify the self-will of the flesh and cultivate more and more of the Spirit of our Lord. R5570:1 "This is life eternal, that they might know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent." (John 17:3) HG447:2 Not our earliest knowledge when we came to the Lord; nor worldly knowledge. HG447:2
[NTC - 2 Peter 1:6]
Temperance— Self-control. R4808:3,4, 5678:2, 3168:5, 3089:2, 2560:1, 2219:6, 2210:6, 2155:2, 2037:2, 1627:6*, 90:2; E238; OV401:4 Temperateness. R1114:5 The knowledge we gain of God through his Word should lead us to greater moderation—in thought, word and action; on business, pleasure, food and raiment. HG447:3 Be moderate—exercising self-control in all things—in eating, drinking, home arrangements, conduct, thoughts, words and deeds. R4808:6, 1114:3 Moderation, self-restraint in all things—we are not to be hasty and hot-tempered, or rash and thoughtless, but evenly balanced, thoughtful and considerate. R5757:2, 5678:2, 3163:6, 3090:1, 1628:1* It has to do with all our sentiments, thoughts, tastes, appetites, labors, pleasures, sorrows and hopes—and accompanied by faith, fortitude, knowledge from on high, implies increased zeal and activity in divine things, and increased moderation in earthly things. R4809:1, 2155:2 And its accompanying spirit of kindness, and gentleness everywhere, in the shop, store, schoolroom, in traveling, in visiting, at home, with the various members of the family—and above all, in the church. R2355:6 One of the most important elements of good character. R4808:6 We should be examples of wisdom and moderation to all; and extremists only along the same lines that Jesus and the apostles were counted extremists. HG447:4 "And every man that hath this hope in him, purifieth himself" (1 John 3:3) controls himself, purges out more and more of the old leaven. R2037:2 "He that ruleth his spirit is greater than he that taketh a city." (Prov. 16:32) R2155:2, 4808:6 "Let your moderation be known unto all men." (Phil. 4:5) R3090:1, 4809:1, 1627:6*, 1114:3; HG447:4
Patience— "But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." (James 1:4) R3090:1, 1628:1*, 1114:4; HG447:5 This grace smooths the way for every other, because all must be acquired under the process of patient and continuous self-discipline. Not a step of progress can be gained without it's exercise—not one of the graces more beautifully adorns the Christian character, or wins the approval of the world's conscience, or glorifies the God of all grace whose truth inspires it. R3090:1, 1628:1* It is long-suffering meekness earnestly striving to stem the tide of human imperfection and weakness, and endeavoring with painstaking care to regain the divine likeness—it is slow to wrath and plenteous in mercy—it is quick to perceive the paths of truth and righteousness, and prompt to walk in them. R3090:2,1628:1* It is mindful of its own imperfections and sympathetic with the imperfections and shortcomings of others. R3090:2, 2037:3, 1628:1* With the poor, blinded world, with the babes in Christ, with the slow, the stupid, the excitable, the blundering, the over-confident Peters and the skeptical Thomases. R2155:4 Time is a very necessary element in the process of perfecting every good thing. The fruit hastily plucked is unripe, hard, sour, bitter fruit. R2155:2 Let patience have its perfect work in cultivating character, however severely the plow and harrow may break up the sub-soil of the heart, meekly submitting to the discipline in every case. R4809:1, 2155:3, 1114:4 The Greek word from which patience is here translated means cheerful endurance. R4809:1 But to have patience or fellowship with the "unfruitful works of darkness" and sin, is the perversion of this grace. R2155:4
[NTC - 2 Peter 1:7]
Godliness— God-likeness, hearty, cheerful, loving conformity to his will. R2155:5, 4809:2, 3163:6, 1114:4, 385:5* General goodness, benevolence, benignity toward all. HG447:5 Piety. R2037:3, 2220:1, 2210:6, 2155:4; E238 Devout, controlling reverence for God, which yields a hearty, cheerful conformity to his will—fervency of spirit in serving the Lord. R2155:4 A condition in which the love of God is shed in the heart, influencing all the thoughts and words and deeds. R2037:3 A careful study and imitation of the divine character as presented in the divine Word. R3090:2, 4809:1, 1628:1*, 1114:4 This is a later development and vital element in the Christian character. It springs spontaneously from appreciative and grateful hearts, whose delight is in the law of the Lord; in meditation, prayer and praise. R2155:4
Brotherly kindness— Greek, phileo, duty love, a love which has a cause or demand upon it. R2807:4 The Greek word Philadelphia signifies brotherly love. R3949:4; Q449:1 In the natural family relationship, and also in the spiritual family, the Church. HG447:5 We may not love our brethren's peculiarities, their features, but we love them as brethren, whether black or white, bond or free, because they are brethren, comrades in the same race. Q449:1 To make due allowance for inherited weaknesses and circumstantial misfortunes of others—to deal patiently and helpfully so far as wisdom may dictate, with a view to the correction of those faults, even at the expense of self-interest, if necessary and prudent. R4809:2, 1114:5 Accept a brother's proffered aid and meekly bear reproof, determining to overcome deformities of character, and prove a help rather than a hindrance to others; no longer fostering old dispositions. R4809:2, 1114:5 An exercise and manifestation of the principles of the divine character toward our fellow-men. R3090:2, 1628:2* A love for all who are brethren and yoke fellows in the cause of righteousness and truth, the cause of God. R2037:3 Instead of disdaining those who are ignoble, instead of putting them away, treat them kindly. CR448:2 This of necessity grows out of godliness. As god-likeness presupposes the other graces mentioned, so its development implies an enlargement of our hearts to all who are of the household of faith. R2155:5
Charity— Love. R5693:1, 5208:5, 4808:4, 3168:5, 3090:2, 3089:3, 2560:4, 2220:1, 2210:6, 2155:5, 2037:3, 1628:2*, 1576:6, 1114:2, 90:2; E238;HG450:1; OV401:4 Greek, agape, the higher grade of disinterested love. R2807:4 The broader, more comprehensive, or divine love, the disinterested love. R3949:4;Q449:1 Love as a general expression covers all the elements of character which are really parts of love. F186 While all the foregoing are elements of love, we super-add love itself in the fullest sense toward the Lord, the brethren, humanity, the brute creation and our enemies. HG447:5 We might divide the race-course into four quarters: duty-love; love for the Lord because we see something of the glorious majesty of his character; love for the brethren; perfect love—for all, even our enemies. F187-189 As we get agape love it means that we love all. Q449:1 We must reach this climax of love before we can be counted worthy of a place in the new creation. F190 Love for God and for the brethren; love deep and pure and true; which thinketh no evil and doth not puff itself up; is not easily offended; rejoiceth always in the truth and never in iniquity; the climax of Christian attainment in the present life, the grace of all graces, which never fades, and which will be perfected when we receive the new resurrection body. R2037:3, 2155:5 Love unfeigned for the unrighteous and unlovely, as well as for the good and beautiful. R4809:3, 1114:5 A love which is ever ready to manifest itself in wise and helpful activity for saint and sinner; and which pities, helps, comforts, cheers and blesses all within its reach—manifesting and cultivating the disposition which must be found in every member of the Christ company. R4809:3, 1114:5 A broad, generous love, taking in the whole world, even our enemies. R5678:2, 5757:2, 5460:1 A process of addition leading up to the sum of all graces. R5757:1 We do not attain to the perfection of love at the beginning of our course, but it is the mark or standard which indicates the end of the course. F186 The bond of perfectness which unites all the other graces, and as a name stands for them all. R2155:5 Love is last, and greatest. R78:5,50:5* The chief of all graces. R2037:3 Acts of kindness will gradually lead to an attitude of love, even where the subject does not seem to deserve it. R3090:2, 1628:2* Love is an experience, and includes in it an earnest desire for the well-being of the object loved. R78:5 Love excels all the other virtues, because it is the most enduring. R4732:4 Charity or love is the crowning excellency of Christianity, and is necessary to fit for the great salvation. R78:5 True love on our part will manifest itself in obedience—disobedience is an evidence of the loss of love as viewed from the Lord's standpoint. R2466:5
[NTC - 2 Peter 1:8]
These things— The fruits of the spirit. R5760:5, 5692:6, 4078:3; F186; NS350:5, 376:6; OV401:4 All these fruits. R523:6 The graces of the spirit. E238; SM515:1 The things previously specified in verses 5-7. F185 The eight elements which must go toward making up the Christian character. R4808:4, 1114:5 The knowledge fruit cannot be obtained independent of the other fruits. R523:6
In you— The Lord's people, begotten of the Spirit. R2487:4 The epistle of Christ written in our hearts. R5968:4, 4809:6, 1115:4; Q235:5 The Apostle is urging the development of the fruits of the holy Spirit in the heart, and so far as possible in the life—in the words, the deeds, the thoughts. R5677:1, 5899:3 Lacking these, though we have the knowledge, we will be both barren and unfruitful. R137:4*
And abound— Abounding in good measure. R5760:5, 5206:6 If you have them in some measure, keep on cultivating them, so that they abound more and more and rule in you. R4809:4, 5570:1, 1114:6; F169; SM515:1 As they more and more abound, they will incite us to cultivate fruitfulness. R2210:6 If the fruits reach the abounding condition or degree. Q52:5 Let the Word and grace of God dwell in us richly. R2508:5 It is the abounding of these graces of character added to our faith in Christ as our Redeemer and Savior that insures the soul against the possibility of falling. R2155:5 If the Spirit of the Lord abound in us it will influence our business, our pleasure, our homes, our workshops, our kitchens, our dining rooms, our bed chambers, our very thoughts. R4929:5 It is the abounding love, the all-pervading influence of our Lord, in all of life's affairs of those who as the Bride class would have the abundant entrance into Messiah's Kingdom, that is required. R4929:6, 2487:4 May it be possible to have a measure of the Lord's spirit with very little abounding, and hence have merely an enjoyment of some spiritual things, on special occasions at church, etc.? R4929:6
They make you— Will demonstrate. NS376:6 Because Pastor Russell devoted himself to the development of the fruits and graces of the holy Spirit, the promise of the Lord was fulfilled in him. R5997:5*; OV443:2*
Neither be barren— Idle, inactive. Q235:5; R5968:4, 5678:2, 5208:5, 4809:4, 2220:1; F76,185 A man cannot be fruitful in the graces and barren in the knowledge of the Lord. R523:3
Unfruitful— In proportion as we find the fruits of the spirit, we expect to find the Spirit which produces those fruits. All possessing this Spirit will be able to grow both in grace and knowledge. R523:3; NS350:5 We must not expect to see the fruit of our labor to any extent now. R1046:2 The contrary effects of the spirit of the world upon those who profess to be children of God—the result of a neglect to study and assimilate the Word. R5678:2
In the knowledge— Personal intimacy, acquaintance. R2220:1 Acquaintance with the Lord and participation in his spirit. NS376:6 "The spirit of truth will guide you into all truth." (John 16:13) E239; R385:5* Closer fellowship with the Father and the Lord Jesus, so that the Lord will be able and willing to communicate to us more clearly a knowledge of his gracious plans and character. E238 A close, intimate acquaintance and communion with him—in which he will reveal himself to us by showing us "things to come." R523:6, 374:5 Good works and knowledge are so closely related that it is useless to think of separating them; they are produced by the same Spirit. R523:3 Our growth in love and in all the fruits of the spirit is dependent largely upon our growth in knowledge; and our growth in knowledge of divine things is dependent also upon our growth in the fruits of the spirit. E239; NS376:6 You cannot grow in love faster than you grow in knowledge; and you cannot grow in favor, except by complying with God's instructions. This instruction, this knowledge, is found in his Word. R374:5 Knowledge, as a fruit of the spirit, could never heretofore reach the same size which it now may and should attain. God expects the size of this fruit to be proportionate with its opportunities and possibilities. R524:1 A summary of what Pastor Russell clearly taught and proved by the citations of Scripture authority. R5997:5*; OV443:3*
Of our Lord— And in his service. R2508:5; SM515:1 For knowledge will have its place. R5968:4; Q235:5
[NTC - 2 Peter 1:9]
He that lacketh— He who does not appreciate the necessity of this. Q52:5 If a spirit begotten new creature fails to see the privilege of cultivating the Master's spirit—the spirit of holiness—it is because he is not making progress. Q52:5
Is blind— Like a new-born child that has not learned to focus its eyes. Q52:6 In promoting the military spirit, Christendom does not see that the spirit they are cultivating is the very reverse of the Spirit of Christ, who is called the "Prince of Peace." R1757:4 The great majority of the race accept divine blessings daily with but little appreciation, with but little thankfulness. NS461:2 It is only those who have the eye of faith, whose eyes of understanding have been opened, who can appreciate the divine glories and benefits at the present time. NS461:2
Cannot see afar off— Unable to see the deep things of God. R5640:2 Looks merely at the things of this present life, and will be unprepared for the graduation examinations prior to the inauguration of the new dispensation—now at hand. R5206:6 Cannot grasp or appreciate the things future in the unfolding of our Father's plan. R523:6 He cannot see them as an inspiring and impelling power, though he may know of them theoretically, and hold the truth even in unrighteousness. (Rom. 1:18) R2087:6* "Thine eyes shall see the King in his beauty; they shall behold the land that is very far off." (Isa. 33:17) R2088:4*
Hath forgotten— Christendom has almost forgotten. R1757:4 It is no uncommon thing to hear in church meetings of all denominations men and women tell God that they know themselves to be "miserable sinners." They ask forgiveness of those sins which are forgiven. R199:5 There is a danger of forgetting and falling into the idea that every one must suffer the full penalty for his own sins. The effect of forgetting this is the neglect of the Christian graces. R137:4*
From his old sins— The word "sin" has merely the thought of transgression; and many of our transgressions are wholly without iniquitous intention. R2295:1 The word "iniquity" carries with it the sense of wickedness. R2295:1 Should any return to sin, "as a sow to her wallowing in the mire," (2 Pet. 2:22), he removes the covering of sins, and falls back where he was before. R2295:1
[NTC - 2 Peter 1:10]
Wherefore the rather— As though Peter said on this account you must criticize yourselves very closely to see that you are developing the real fruits of the spirit, which will have prominently among them an increasing knowledge of our Lord. R523:6
Brethren— God's elect. R3587:5 Peter exhorts the heirs of the Kingdom to patience, perseverance, virtue and faith. A284
Give diligence— Give the more earnest heed. R2220:4 To the cultivation of these graces. R2330:2; F691; HG401:4 By adding these graces. R137:4* Be watchful and take necessary precautions to prevent blight and decay of character and to guard against the intrusion of evil powers and influences calculated to sap the life of the new creature. R4809:4 While God has supplied every necessary aid, he has left the matter in such a way as to make our earnest desire for the promised blessings a condition of our not falling. R1458:6 The Lord's plan is to call and elect during the Gospel age a Little Flock of overcomers of the world, faithful unto death, as a Royal Priesthood, to share with the Lord Jesus in the Millennial Kingdom. R3586:3, 3587:5, 1574:1; HG615:4; NS263:5 "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God." (Matt. 6:33) R2479:5
To make your calling— We were called to be joint-heirs with our Lord. R5460:2, 3585:2 To a change of nature from human to divine, and a place in the Kingdom class. R4794:6, 4594:4; HG359:6 To "glory and honor and immortality." (Rom. 2:7) R3913:5; HG358:5 God has predetermined a new creation, invited some to develop the character, arranged so that some may be able to meet the conditions: it is for us to accept the call by making a complete consecration and to zealously strive for the requirements. F185 The terms of the Gospel are necessarily those of a call or invitation; leaving the matter of acceptance open and optional with the invited ones. R2940:3 This "high calling" to joint-heirship with our Lord in the Kingdom is a very special call; it will soon end and never be repeated. R4979:1, 2622:4, 3585:2 God has called us with this high calling, and from the time we accept the call and make requisite full consecration, he gives us the earnest of our inheritance, viz., the spirit of sonship. R3586:5 Only those nominated have the remotest opportunity of becoming the elect; first through faith—"faith cometh by hearing," (Rom. 10:17) bringing justification from past sins, and peace with God, then being called to sacrifice. R3586:3 Let us not only assure ourselves of the fact that there is an elect class being selected, but let us note the lessons enjoined upon the called ones—the instructions to make their calling and election sure. R3586:3 How highly we, who belong to the Gospel dispensation, should value its privileges and opportunities, seeking to make our calling and election sure. R4979:1 Applying only to those who come under the conditions of justification, and subsequent full sanctification through a belief of the truth. R2941:4 Sinners are called to repentance; only justified believers are called to the heavenly calling—only such called ones as accept the call by making a full consecration belong to the "chosen" class—the Bride class will be those who were not only called but also chosen, and also found faithful. R4078:2, 5377:5, 3586:2 We who are being called from the Gentiles are invited to fill up the deficiency in the elect number of Israel; and will be divided among the twelve tribes, though the Scriptures do not show according to what rule. R3586:4 "I beseech you, brethren (justified through faith and called), that ye present your bodies living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God and your reasonable service." (Rom. 12:1) Such as have responded in this manner to the call are God's chosen. NS372:1 The Lord chooses such characters and such characters choose the Lord, and in choosing him seek to walk in his footsteps and follow the directions of his Word. NS264:2 Nothing connected with the call is compulsory. Many have been called in comparison with the few that will be chosen. R4138:6, 4078:2, 3586:3, 2415:1; NS372:1, 654:1 While the harvest work was commencing and in progress, the "call" to the divine nature continued to go forth. Up to October 1881 any believer in the ransom who presented himself a sacrifice to God was acceptable. R682:2; C219 The majority of professing Protestant Christians do not know that there is an election. Some regard God's call or nomination as being the election itself, and are confused by this text. R3585:6
And— It is not sufficient that we should be chosen and accepted of the Lord to a membership in the elect Church—we must stand testing to prove our worthiness of that position. NS372:2 It is not sufficient that we consecrate, that we be sure that we have made a consecration—it is required of us that we demonstrate character, loyalty and faithfulness to that vow. NS372:2
Election— To the chief favor of God. R4809:5, 1115:1 To the heavenly Kingdom. R3585:4, 2479:5, 874:1; SM17:1 Of attaining to joint-heirship with the Master. R5667:4, 3585:2 For which you have been called, nominated by God. R3587:5 "Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father." (1 Pet. 1:2) "And whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son." (Rom. 8:29) R2940:6, 3587:2 We are the "elect" before the election has been finished, before the testing is completed, in the sense of having been nominated—"moved and seconded." HG445:3 God moved that we should be elected and "called us with a heavenly calling." It remained for us to "second the motion" by presenting ourselves in full consecration of heart to the Lord. HG445:3 None can remain in the elect company, nor make his calling and election sure, without being under the sprinkling of blood—justification; being sanctified, and having full submission to the will of God. R3587:2, 3586:2 There is a great prize to be given. There is an election going on. R5914:4 A Bride for Christ is being selected from amongst mankind. R4138:5; CR435:5 The entire Christian era, from our Lord's first advent down to the time of his second coming, is the period in which the election or selection of the Bride takes place. Q788:2If God is selecting a Church in the present time, it must be with a view to the use of it subsequently to serve in some manner the interests of the remainder of the world from whom they were elected. HG445:1 Jesus was the elect of God, and we who are now being chosen from amongst men are to be "members of his Body," the elect class, chosen in him, and as such must be conformed to the likeness of his character. R3587:3; F187; HG445:2 God foreknew us and predestinated that there should be a Church class selected to be their Redeemer's associate, his underpriesthood, his subordinate kings during the Millennium. HG445:2 Very few have been nominated of the Lord for his election. R3585:6 An election in progress—an election of 144,000 to a higher position than that of any earthly magistrate or potentate—they are promised this highest of all honors for all eternity. R3585:2, 3586:1 In worldly elections there are legitimate expenses; and every candidate is expected to lay down part of his life—to spend time, influence, strength and vigor to secure his own or his friend's election. NS264:3; R3585:3 The world think it remarkable that we who are candidates for the superlatively high office for which God has nominated us should spend time, influence and means, in our own and our brethren's election. They consider our time wasted. R3585:3 If a presidency is worth a lifetime of effort and planning and the expenditure of immense sums of money, what would this heavenly election be worth? NS264:5 The sacrifices of a thousand lives and the grounding of ten thousand hopes and ambitions in other directions would be but a small cost in the attainment of the glory, honor and immortality promised to the "very elect." NS264:6 What an interest we properly take in our election, after learning that the office for which we are running is a combination of priesthood and kingship! HG446:1 Those whom God nominates or calls, are expected to appreciate the honor, the blessing, the high exaltation which is proffered them, and expected to show this appreciation in their endeavors to secure the election. NS264:4 Only the faithful, the loyal, will ultimately constitute the "very elect." "Called, chosen, and faithful," describes the attitude of the pupils in the school of Christ who graduate with highest honors. NS372:4, 593:3, 654:5 From God's standpoint the whole struggle for political preferment to the neglect and disregard of the still higher calling and election is as foolish as to grasp for bubbles and neglect diamonds. NS265:2 God is holy, and the elect are to have his spirit, his disposition of love for righteousness and opposition to iniquity. F186 Those who do not have experiences of growth in grace and knowledge are deficient, and cannot hope to make their calling and election sure. R3587:5 The word "chosen" in Matt. 22:14 and Rev. 17:14 is from the same Greek word as elect. R3586:3, 3587:3 If there is an elect class, it follows that there must be a non-elect class. R3587:6; F164 The calling and election of the Little Flock works no hardship, no injury, to the non-elect, who are in no sense further condemned because not called. F164 Scripture references to the elect. R3586:3-3587 The doctrine of election has fallen into disrepute because of its association with the unscriptural doctrine that God has provided a great place of eternal torment for all the non-elect. NS263:6; HG668:2 We have high respect for the well intentioned and honest endeavors at the polls. The masses of Christendom should as far as possible vote for the soundest principles and the most conscientious men. NS263:1 The Little Flock too vote. So firmly is their mind set on this matter that they vote the same ticket right along—they vote for Jesus. NS263:3
Sure— It is for each individual. 5914:4 By full compliance with the terms and conditions of the call, and this even unto death. R5876:3, 2940:3, 2415:1; SM427:2; CR433:1 By a full and hearty compliance with the gracious high calling which we have learned and which our hearts have accepted. NS771:1 By cultivating the graces of the spirit and thus coming into heart-likeness of our Lord Jesus. R3586:1,2782:2; F186 By drinking faithfully of the cup. (Matt. 26:27) R5341:3 By standing the various trials of faith, love and obedience which God may require.F79; R2453:4; NS372:3, 551:6 By continuing to labor in character-preparation, that we might be found worthy. R5762:2, 5950:1, 4138:6 The battle with the world, the flesh, and the devil must be won in our hearts else we will not make our election sure and receive the crown of glory. R3586:2, 2692:6; HG446:4; NS265:6 By faithfully following in the footsteps of the Redeemer, heeding carefully his counsel, and availing ourselves of his assistances by the way. R4138:6, 3586:1 By faithfulness under trials, testings and difficulties. NS624:5 By giving the more earnest heed to the things which God has shown us, and assisting others who give any evidence of being "brethren." R2875:6, 2692:6, 2453:5 By a clear grasp and comprehension of the deep things of God. Q154:5 By faith and obedience. R2220:4 To the extent of our ability live up to the covenant of self-sacrifice in the Lord's service, which we covenanted when we accepted his call. NS372:4 It is important that we understand the conditions. R4796:2 By so running the race of life that we may be worthy of the crown of life. OV131:1; R4810:1, 4078:3, 1468:4 Positiveness for God is the only condition in which we can hope to do this. R5614:4 He has not called us in vain to something which is impossible for us to attain. CR443:6 To these God will show his exceeding grace. R4914:4, 4461:3 Surely God who nominated us has made every provision for our election and will cooperate. Surely our Redeemer will give us every assistance. Just as surely responsibility for failure would lie at our door. HG445:5 Our context tells us upon what terms the called and accepted may make their election sure. HG446:6 Those who willingly renounce the world, its prospects, schemes, plans, ambitions, hopes, and pleasures, and accept instead the heavenly hopes and promises set before us in the Scriptures. NS264:1 A share in the inheritance to the spiritual body and the Kingdom glories of which our spirit begetting is but the foretaste. R3586:5; SM17:1 Paul did not consider his election to that honor absolute; hence, his laborings to "make sure" that result. (Phil. 3:11) R624:3* Those who do not make their calling and election sure will lose their anointing and will not receive the divine nature. But if they hold to the Lord, they maintain their justification, and may be part of the Great Company. R4746:4,1;CR460:6 Some will miss the Kingdom, yet not so utterly fall as to go into second death. CR153:1 We must either make our calling and election sure under the terms of the call, as accepted, or be rejected as unworthy of life everlasting—as fit for the second death. SM178:2
For— Seeming to understand that some would question the possibility of their gaining so great a prize, the Apostle gives a word of special encouragement. R3587:5
If— There is a contingency upon which the scales of divine judgment, as to our worthiness or unworthiness of the inheritance, must turn. R2154:4
Ye— New Creatures—those called and who are making their calling and election sure. CR152:2,6 The primary consideration with us is our sanctification. "This is the will of God (concerning you), even your sanctification." (1 Thes. 4:3)R5677:5 If we maintain the good fight of faith as new creatures. R4047:4 The contingency is not in the doing of these things perfectly, but if added to our faith in the imputed righteousness of Christ, we have cultivated all the graces to the extent of our ability, we shall not fall. R2155:6; SM395:1 Our continuance in safety, in grace, depends upon our own course of conduct after God has done his part through his Word and providences. R1698:6
Do— Add one after another of the qualities of the fruits of the holy Spirit, and so build up Christian character. R5677:1, 5460:1, 137:4*; F79; NS541:4, 576:6, 746:4 The fruit will appear, not only in the development of the Christian graces of character, but also in increasing activities. R4809:6, 1115:4 Our feet will be swift to run on errands, our hands prompt to do God's bidding, our tongues ready to bear testimony to the truth, our minds active in devising ways and means to do so more abundantly and effectively. R4809:6, 1115:4 There is a difference between believing these things, professing these things, and doing these things. CR152:2 It is not merely believing, not merely consecrating, but the Apostle says, "If ye do things." CR152:3 Do all in your power, and God does not expect you to do one more thing than that. CR152:5 Fulfill the royal law of love and devotion to God and the neighbor. R2487:3 Our work as Christians is to cooperate with God in the salvation of the Church class—not a salvation from eternal torture, but from death. R5677:4 Bear all. R523:6 Perfection is only something which can be approximated in the present life. The measure of our effort to attain it will prove the measure of our faithfulness and earnest desire to do so. R4809:6, 1115:4 He expects doing, but does not expect perfect doing, because he remembers our frame. CR152:3 There is a philosophy in the growth and development of Christian character, just as truly as in the growth and development of vegetation—the desirable end being maturity and luxuriant fruitfulness. R4808:1, 4096:6*, 1113:3 If no fruit appears, we may be sure that little or no effort is being made at cultivation, pruning, etc. R1154:4 "If any man's work abide which he hath built." (1 Cor. 3:14) A321
These things— The things mentioned in the preceding verses. R2154:5; SM633:1 The eight elements which must go toward making up the Christian character. R4808:4, 1114:5 Each piece of armor (Eph. 6:13-18) each fruit of the spirit, is a part of the necessary preparation for this "evil day," this "hour of temptation," now present. R5678:4,2453:2; NS541:4 Cultivate the Spirit of Christ. R1698:6, 5370:4; F408; HG401:4; SM321:2 Beautiful graces and fruits of the spirit, manifest in our Lord. CR152:5; R3587:5; SM321:2 Diligently cultivating this disposition. R4809:4, 2286:6, 1114:6 Continually adding to our stock of the heavenly graces. R2219:6 The steady persistent cultivation of these graces of character will clarify our spiritual vision, enabling us the more fully to comprehend the truth of God. R1859:6 Each step of knowledge brings a corresponding step of duty and obedience, and each step of duty and obedience taken will be followed by a further step in knowledge. E239; R2219:6 If we have the witness of the Spirit of growth, both in grace and in knowledge, let us rejoice therein, and let us follow on in the same pathway until it shall bring us to that which is perfect, both in knowledge and in grace. E239 By studying our manual, his Word, which our Lord has given to us, and by developing the various fruits and graces of the spirit. SM17:1 Love to God and to our fellows. SM17:1 Which you covenanted. R200:6; NS372:4 Pursue a course that would be pleasing to God. SM304:3; Q52:5 Character, built up after the instruction of the Word of God, is absolutely necessary to an entrance into the Kingdom of Christ. R5678:5, 5307:6 The needlework upon the wedding garment. SM256:1; HG449:6 If we are obedient to the Word of the Lord, and are properly exercised by the experiences which are given us, we shall gain his approval. R5460:2, 4660:2 "Let us, dearly beloved, cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord." (2 Cor. 7:1) R5739:6
Ye shall never fall— Because "All things work together for good to them that love God." (Rom. 8:28) F74; R874:1 You are sure to stand approved of God. R4808:4, 1114:5 Ye shall never fail. We shall in no case fail of securing our election. HG447:6; NS746:5 Following in the Lord's way we find the only true joy, and can make the only true progress. R5559:4 If you are growing in grace, if you are doing the best you are able along this direction. CR152:6 The implication is that there would be some tendency to fall, some testings, and that this development of character would be necessary so that the individual might be able to stand. R5677:1 Fortified by development of character, these will not fall, no matter what the trial that the Lord may permit to come upon them. R5678:2, 862:2 Those who have a temporary fall, but who afterward overcome in the trials which the Lord will allow to come upon them, thus showing their loyalty to him, will be fully recovered. R5460:4 There may be more or less stumbling on the part of the elect, "through manifold temptations" of the flesh, the earthen vessel in which the spirit begotten, elect, new creature temporarily resides. R3587:5 You will stumble, but stumbling is not failing. CR152:6, 153:1 All except the very elect may be stumbled by deceptions. R1644:3 We need to be continually on the alert respecting our own fleshly weaknesses and besetments, that we may war a successful warfare, and thus share with our Lord his Kingdom and crown. R5678:5; F190 Your final selection to that position of glory, honor and immortality, to which you were called, shall be sure. R4809:4, 1114:6 God will not suffer us to be tempted above that we are able, but will with the temptation provide a way of escape. (1 Cor. 10:13) R1699:1 If there is a fall in our case, it will be due to failure to do our part. R5460:2; NS546:5 Some will not manifest sufficient zeal. These will come through great tribulations. If by these experiences they are brought to a full loyalty to the Lord, they will be granted everlasting life.R5460:4 One of the final and most searching tests and the one under which probably the most of those once awakened and armed will fall, will be love for the brethren. R2453:4 Nearly all who "fall away" first lose all fear and become self-confident. R3596:5 This is the time long foretold, when "a thousand shall fall at thy side and ten thousand at thy right hand," (Psa. 91:7) because they have neglected the necessary development of character, and have been deluded. R5678:4, 2450:3; NS95:6 Those who have tried to raise money for the heathen or for building fine church edifices, have gotten up church fairs and entertainments, etc., not appreciating the necessity to build character, are falling all around us. R5678:5
[NTC - 2 Peter 1:11]
For so an entrance— But so doing. R2782:2 With the characteristics of the Master deeply engraved upon our hearts. Q235:4; R5968:4, 137:1* They that add to their faith all the graces of the spirit shall have an abundant entrance into the Kingdom. R32:3*, 4078:3, 137:1*; F691; HG668:4; NS546:4, 733:1 The grand consummation of our election—our Kingdom honors and glories. HG447:6 Only such as are copies of God's Son shall have a share in the Kingdom of Messiah. R4929:6, 2453:4 The glorious inheritance with Christ in his coming Kingdom. R5677:4 In no sense of the word did the Apostle consider that the Kingdom had been set up at Pentecost in any but its embryo or preparatory form. HG368:4
Be ministered— Granted. R5968:4; Q235:4 In due time. F692 The present Gospel age is merely for the selection and education of those whom God purposes to use as his ministers, to the world in general in the Millennium. R2490:2, 3586:3 Being justified fully, your final selection to that position of glory, honor and immortality shall be sure. R4809:4, 1114:6 The elect will not be received of the Lord with chidings and upbraidings for the imperfections of the flesh which were unwillingly theirs; but the heart-character formed will alone be tested and approved. R3587:6
Unto you— The faithful. SM584:1 The Royal Priesthood. R2490:2, 2782:2 Only the Little Flock will gain this; not the Great Company who will come up out of great tribulation. NS371:6
Abundantly— The fruits and flowers of the holy Spirit abounding in the garden of the heart, will make a Christian ready. R5899:4 If we stand the Lord's approval we shall be granted the glorious things which he has promised to them that love him—"glory, honor and immortality." R3587:6 There will be a glorious welcome, a joyous greeting, among all the heavenly hosts when the laurels of victory are placed upon the heads of all the overcoming soldiers of the cross. R2154:2 All this abundance of grace and glory is the possible inheritance of even the weakest saint who humbly looks to God for strength from day to day to endure hardness as a good soldier. R2154:3 "Let us be glad and rejoice, for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready." (Rev. 19:7) "Therefore shall the people praise thee forever." (Psa. 45:17) C193
Everlasting kingdom— Which is therefore still future. A284; NS541:5 The Millennial Kingdom. NS541:5 The divine agency for carrying salvation to all the families of the earth. R5307:6 This is the prize of the high calling. R2154:1 The very thing that all of the Lord's people are invited to share. R5677:2, 3587:6 If we seek and find God's righteousness, we shall also find his Kingdom. R2804:6* Let our ambition be to have a share in that Kingdom! R5570:4
Of our Lord— If the very thought of the coming glories has lifted us up above the world and its cares, its trials, its follies and its pleasures, how much more will the realities mean to us when we shall be perfect and like our Lord and share his glory! F728
[NTC - 2 Peter 1:12]
In remembrance— "Beware lest thou forget the Lord." (Deut. 6:12) R4050:6
These things— The things of verses 5-7. R3089:2 The seven graces. R137:4*
Know them— Too many have contented themselves with knowing the truth, without making special efforts to live it, daily and hourly. R3090:5
And be established— Signifies that we have carefully studied and proved it by "the law and the testimony," (Isa. 8:20) and are convinced of its verity, so that our faith is steadfast and immovable. R3089:3 We have been permitted to see, not only the various features of the plan, but also the necessity and reasonableness of all its various measures in order to the full accomplishment of its glorious outcome. R3089:3 It is indeed a most blessed condition, bringing with it such peace and joy as the world can neither give nor take away. R3089:3 But we need to bear in mind that our election to the high position to which we are called is not yet made sure. The race for the prize of our calling is still before us. R3089:3 If the truth is received into good and honest hearts, we have the assurance that we shall never fall. R3090:3, 1628:2* To be established in the faith is one thing, but to be established in Christian character and in all the graces of the spirit is quite another. R3090:3, 1628:3*, 137:4* Feeling the necessity of a deeper work of grace in our hearts, a practical suggestion is made of a mid-week meeting devoted to worship, prayer, praise, brotherly exhortation, conference and counsel, but not Bible study or controversy. R3090:3
In the present truth— It will guide us into separateness from Babylon. SM127:2 Scriptures and features of the plan, on what it means to be established in the present truth. R1627:2*
[NTC - 2 Peter 1:14]
I must put off— While Peter realized that the time of his departure was drawing nigh, his solicitude for the growth and development of the Church was increasing. R3215:1
This my tabernacle— The flesh. It was consecrated to death and it must fully die. R344:6 The human is to die—the earthly form must be laid off. R344:5
As our Lord— As did Jesus, so must we all, fully lose humanity. R344:3 As Jesus our pattern showed us—but the new life hid with Christ will not die, though it slept until now. R344:5
Hath shewed me— "When thou shalt be old thou shalt stretch forth thy hands and another shall gird thee and carry thee whither thou wouldest not." (John 21:18) R3215:1
[NTC - 2 Peter 1:15]
Ye— Peter wrote his epistles to the intent that his testimony might be with the Church. F225
After my decease— A clear evidence that Peter did not expect to live until the establishment of the Kingdom. F225 He committed his writings to holy men for the benefit of the Church after his death. R5829:6
In remembrance— The Church to this day may profit by his brotherly counsel. R4809:5, 1115:1 The Apostles laid up in store food for the Church in future days. R1899:2
[NTC - 2 Peter 1:16]
Fables— The vision on the Mount of Transfiguration was no fanciful fable even though it should not be classed on an equality with divine revelation made through the prophets. R4890:5 The tendency of the world, the flesh, and the devil is to absorb our time, thought, interest and affections in worldly affairs; eating, drinking, marrying, building, planting, business, pleasure, sectarianism, and cunningly devised fables. R2303:1 The Higher Critics are greatly mistaken in their judging of the Word of God along the lines of external testimonies and Evolution theories. R3791:1
Coming— Greek, parousia, presence. B159; R1693:1, 559:4, 223:2 The vision represented the establishment of the Kingdom at Jesus' second presence. An illustration of the present time in which the Kingdom is being established. R559:4; HG186:4
Eyewitnesses— Three apostles witnessed the vision—Peter, James and John. (Mark 9:2-13) R5121:1, 3790:6, 2288:3; F675 The transfiguration scene was a "vision"—the unreal appeared real—and it was well suited for the purpose. R2288:3; F676 It was to establish the faith of the apostles, and the early Church. R3790:6, 3793:5, 3345:5 This vision, helpful as it was at the time, became secondary as Peter came to a better understanding of prophecy which describes our Lord's second coming and Kingdom. R4649:6, 3790:6
Of his majesty— The royal majesty. Q797:2 His Kingdom. R4649:6; HG186:4 A vision of Christ's dignity and glory in the Kingdom. R2659:2 His kingly glory. Peter was persuaded respecting the majesty of Jesus, of his dignity as the Messianic King and the fact that all there pictured in vision would eventually be fulfilled. R3793:5 A vision of the coming glory of Messiah's Kingdom. R5121:6,4, 1761:1,4; B20, 255; HG186:4, 205:4 A representation of Christ's coming glory. R5772:4, 598:5 The transfiguration vision was an illustration or presentation. R559:4 The central figure was Jesus himself. Moses and Elias were merely accessories to fill out the picture. R3793:5, 5772:4 Moses represented one class and Elijah another, as participators with Jesus in his Messianic glory. R5333:5, 5121:6 Moses represented the Law dispensation, and Elijah represented the Gospel dispensation. R5772:4, 3790:6, 3345:5, B255Moses represented the Ancient Worthies who shall be the earthly representatives of the heavenly Kingdom, and Elijah represented the "overcomers" of this Gospel age. B20; F677; R5121:6, 3794:4, 2659:4, 2289:1 Moses represents the human element of the Kingdom, while Elijah represents the entire Gospel Church, the spirit house of sons. R559:4; Q260:1 A forceful teaching of the coming of our Lord in glory, in due time. OV203:2 There is no doubt, whatever, that the promised Kingdom will eventually come. The vision confirms this to us. R5121:6 The Kingdom is yet to come, for we have not the Kingdom of Christ. HG186:5 The entire Kingdom was represented in tableaux to Peter, James and John. R3790:6, 5121:1
[NTC - 2 Peter 1:17]
Such a voice— The voice of the Heavenly Father. Q797:2
[NTC - 2 Peter 1:18]
The holy mount— Of transfiguration. B20; F675; R3790:6, 2288:3, 1761:1, 598:5, 342:2, 123:6 A picture of Messiah's Kingdom. R5333:5; Q713:2; PD64/74
[NTC - 2 Peter 1:19]
We— The Church. R4988:1; B141; NS88:2 The child of God. The worldly will be in darkness as to God's purpose and methods. R820:5
More sure— A more sure evidence than the vision. R4649:6, 5772:4; HG186:4 Surer even than these outward signs of the transfiguration. R454:5,4890:5, 1761:4, 454:5 The Apostle was honoring the Bible above any vision. OV203:2 So highly did Peter esteem the prophecy of the Old Testament that he considered it better evidence than his own sight. R598:5
Word of prophecy— Of divine revelation. E205; R4890:5, 3162:3 Through the prophets. R4890:5,1408:2 With the written Word of God in our possession now, we neither have need of traditions of men nor of old wives' fables, nor of astrologers; guides. R3703:1 One Scripture helps to elucidate another.R5339:2 The "vision" was a symbolic view of the Kingdom, but without the "sure word of prophecy" it would have been unintelligible. R1761:4 As we see it today—by faith. R1432:6 Discerning the Lord's second presence will not be by miraculous revelations, nor dreams, but through the Word of testimony, the Bible. R2972:3,1401:5 The day of the Lord is called a day of darkness, and we, unless enlightened by the word of prophecy, would stumble as the others of the church are doing over the stone of stumbling, in this dark place. R176:6 The Pope is encouraging Catholics to study the Bible. We urge Protestants to likewise to begin an investigation of God's Word. Protestant and Catholic Bibles are not materially different, but practically alike. HG541:6
Whereunto— To the eye of faith the Lord is now revealed by the prophetic lamp. C133; B20, 141
That ye take heed— In respect to his plans, present and future. R2979:5 Urging a watching attitude on the part of the saints—not a watching of the sky, but a watching for the fulfillment of all that God had spoken by the holy prophets concerning the "times of restitution." (Acts 3:21) B20 Return to Bible study with our hearts uplifted to God that he may give us the light promised to his faithful people in the end of this age. R4778:4 A comparatively small number have done well to wait the Lord's time, at heart longing for Messiah's Kingdom. SM237:2; OV276:T He comes secretly and unknown to the world, but those believers who are taking heed to the sure word of prophecy need not be in darkness. (1 Thes. 5:2-4) R579:3, 1401:5, 341:4*; B141 Such as give no heed are not watching and will not know. R2303:1 So now, the prophecies are more convincing than if Jesus were to appear as a man. R123:6
As unto a light— We have the Gospels, recording our Lord's words, parables, dark sayings, etc., the Epistles of the New Testament, comments of the inspired apostles on the Old Testament writings and the prophecies of the Old Testament.R5224:5 The Word of the Lord is the only light and guide for his people. SM243:T The prophetic testimony respecting what great light will usher in the golden age. R2313:6 This same light is exposing the corruption and falsity of many long-venerated theories and institutions, religious, political, social and financial. R2979:5 The Lord's presence shall affect nominal Christians, and the civilized world in general, also, but in a totally different manner. R2979:5
That shineth— With knowledge of God. R493:1* The holy Spirit is the light of the Church by which we are specially guided into the truth. R5339:1With their lamps trimmed and burning, the saints will not be in darkness respecting the momentous events of the impending battle; but they will be of good courage, knowing the outcome portrayed in prophecy. Dxvii We are receiving more of the spirit of the truth, the spirit of love, the spirit of God, and proportionately the weary shadows of the earth are fleeing away. NS498:6 The Bible is a light to the path of God's people in the midst of this darkness. R5038:2One Scripture throws light upon another, and thus with increasing brightness the Word of the Lord as a lamp gives light upon the pathway of his Church. NS817:1 During the night-time the faithful of the Church are represented as walking in the light of God's Word. NS749:5 As the Lord's people become illuminated, the world is proportionately blessed. R4305:1; SM560:3 The Church is able to point out to the world the cause of the trouble, to announce the presence of the new Ruler, to declare the plan. She becomes the light-bearer and instructor of the world. B142 "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." (Psa. 119:105) D617; R5038:2, 4988:1, 4305:1, 176:5; HG113:6; NS88:2, 749:5; SM560:1 "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is heaven." (Matt. 5:16) NS88:3; SM560:1
In a dark place— Sin and selfishness still abound. The golden rule does not control. R2313:6; NS88:3 We are still in the dark place and shall be until the darkness gives way and the day is here. R5339:1 Those who are not God's people and who do not have the light are walking in darkness. SM243:T In this night-time the elect are different from the majority of those around them—they desire God's righteousness and pray, "Thy kingdom come." NS749:5 The night-darkness is not scattered. HG113:6 The darkness of the world. HG113:6 The darkest features of the night are past; and the errors which impelled our forefathers to burn one another at the stake no longer fetter—bind our hearts and minds. NS498:6 How many read these words as though they were written "prophecy is a dark place which we do well to avoid." R2012:5*
Until the day dawn— Prophecy will have freshly important truths for us, all the way along until day-dawn. B20 Until the Millennial morning dawn. R4649:6 Until the darkness gives way and the day is here. R5339:2 The "night" of sin has been upon the world for centuries. The "morning" is at hand, but not yet fully come. NS749:5 When the harvest has been accomplished, and the purposes of the Lord have been done. CR251:5 We are in the dawning of that new day. CR267:3 The new day of divine blessing is dawning, and the manifold blessings and inventions of our day, both in temporal and spiritual matters, are but foregleams of the coming glory, which will transcend our brightest dreams. HG542:4 The gross ignorance and superstition of the "Dark Ages" is gradually giving place to the dawn of the Millennial morning, which is shedding light upon the divine Word and the pathway of the Lord's faithful. NS498:5 A new day is divinely arranged for, which shall dawn in its proper season. We are now in the night-time preceding that new epoch. SM243:T The Millennial morn is already here, but it is early—not yet light except to the prospective waking, watching Bride, who receives the light of the Morning Star. R348:6 The new Millennial dispensation is the morning in which the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in his beams, and in which the shadows of superstition and works of darkness shall all be driven away SM560:2; HG113:6 Indicating that the morning is at hand and that the Sun of Righteousness will soon fulfill its mission of blessing all the families of the earth. OV203:2 God's Word is to shine more and more brightly down to the very end of the Gospel age. R4858:1 The fact that God's Word is now opening to his people who scan its pages in its own light is but another proof that we are in the closing days of the Gospel age. NS817:4 The light of the new age of Christ's Kingdom is accountable for the great blessings that are coming upon the Bereans of our day, as well as mankind, in temporalities. NS817:4 Shining brighter and brighter through our greater intelligence and more general education. HG542:1 After more than eighteen centuries the Church of Christ, under the guidance of the Father, has been walking in the path of the just, the narrow way, the path of life; and has had the light necessary at every step of the journey. NS481:5 "The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." (Prov. 4:18) A25;R5339:1, 5055:2, 2972:3, 493:1*; NS817:4; SM242:1 The day had not dawned in Peter's time. R519:4*
The day star— The revealment of our Lord's presence illuminates the hearts of his faithful ones and causes them to understand. R2979:5, 2550:1 The light of truth giving understanding as to where, how, and what to seek and expect. R1012:4 The light promised by the Lord as a precursory of the glorious sunrise of the new dispensation. R4482:6 The great light, the Sun of Righteousness, has not yet arisen, but the day-star is now shining in the hearts of the faithful. R2550:1 The eyes of our understanding have been enlightened because we see the day star (phosphorus—light bringer) has arisen. R341:4*
Arise— The glorious morning of the new dispensation is breaking and for all those in the right attitude of heart the day star is manifested, and soon all the members shall have passed "beyond the wall" of death. NS481:5
In your hearts— This light of knowledge, in our hearts, is the star of importance now, without which the Lord's second advent cannot be discerned. R1012:4, 2979:5
[NTC - 2 Peter 1:20]
Private interpretation— To understand any science or book it should be read according to its own principles of interpretation. Moved by one Spirit it should be taken as a whole and not disconnectedly. We should compare Scripture with Scripture. R24:1* Rome complains of the incredible obscurity of the Scriptures, not for the purpose of rousing men to diligence in studying them, but to bring them into hatred and contempt. R2012:5*
[NTC - 2 Peter 1:21]
The prophecy— Spoken or written by men inspired by the Spirit; not understood by them, but was for the Church—prophecy can only be fully understood when fulfilled. R66:3*, 349:6* Many prophecies are highly figurative, symbolical; and their principal lessons were intended for spiritual Israel. HG408:6 Our Lord and the apostles in their teachings quoted continually from the prophecies and invariably applied the lesson to their day or to some future event of this Gospel age. HG409:1
By the will of man— As claimed by the Higher Critics. R1690:6 They were not the imaginings of longing human hearts. R1418:6
Holy men of God— Old Testament prophets. R4940:3, 3764:1, 3424:1; F219 The general character of these men was good. R349:6* The Old Testament must be as true as the New. SM170:1; R1622:3 "Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the Gospel unto you with the holy Spirit sent down from heaven." (1 Pet. 1:12) R3424:1, 5536:1; E178; HG409:1 Such as God was pleased to use as his mouthpieces. R5616:1
As they were moved— Moved to speak by the holy Spirit of God. R1418:6, 3027:3 Mechanically; not in an explanatory and sympathetic sense, as in the case of the apostles and the Church. E178; F219; R3650:5, 2820:2, 2484:6, 370:5 The things which they uttered were not for themselves but for us upon whom the ends of the ages have come. (1 Cor. 10:11) R3650:5, 5055:4, 2820:2 They uttered deeper and broader truths than they themselves comprehended—truths which only the future would fully reveal.R4940:3, 3650:5 They did not understand the things in the full degree. R4197:5; E177; HG133:4 They were inspired as to the words they spoke and wrote, and not as to the thoughts and sentiments. R1690:6 They were in some way, whether through miraculous or natural means, inspired by, or brought under the influence of God; so as to be used by him in speaking or writing such words as he wished to have expressed. R1148:1 God used them to express his mind, though his mind, his spirit, his thoughts, were not in them. Though they expressed it, they could not understand his mind. R370:5 God was the one who moved these prophets to speak and write. CR400:2 God was able to inspire the sentiments and leave much of the clothing of them to the judgment and taste and mannerism of the prophet, merely overruling where necessary to hinder any misstatement. R3210:5
By the Holy Ghost— By the mind or power of God. R370:5 Things which were not their own thoughts. R2521:2 Their minds were fecundated by God's power, causing them to bring forth thoughts such as God wished to have expressed. E175 Probably clairaudiently, after the manner in which evil spirits now speak through spirit mediums. R2400:5 God's holy power or influence operating upon the minds of the prophets caused them to speak and to write of future things in relationship to the divine purposes which even they themselves did not understand. Q787:4 The holy Spirit of God communicated information to the prophets through the holy angels, the invisible spirit beings who encamp round about them that fear God. R2349:6 Moved by one spirit, the Bible should be taken as a whole, and not disconnectedly. We should compare Scripture with Scripture. R24:1*
[NTC - 2 Peter 2:1]
There were— In the past. R3142:5
False prophets— Public expounders of idolatry. A55 "Grievous wolves" in sheep's clothing. R1350:3*, 3142:5, 1851:4 Who evidently spoke by an inspiration, or power in them almost like the real prophets of God; these were the counterfeits. (Jer. 23:21) R265:4
Among the people— Of Israel. R910:2, 767:6; A54; NS44:4
There shall be— Among us. R1663:6*, 767:6 Future—in the end of the Gospel age. NS44:4 As the Jew was blinded by a false view of the Law, so now, many will be hindered by reason of the false presentation of the doctrine of grace from false teachers who claim that to err is human, to forgive, divine. C254
False teachers— Peter thus positively asserts that there would be teachers of falsehood right in the midst of God's people. R1350:3* Misrepresenting; putting darkness for light and light for darkness. R2693:4 Who pretend to be shepherds; but are self-seekers, wolfish; they do not lay down their lives for the sheep, but feed upon the sheep. R4568:3Some falsely claiming to be apostles. R5752:1 To pervert the truth. R3215:1 "Babylon," confusion, Christendom, was already beginning to work amongst the Lord's people in Apostle Paul's day, but the working was evidently but slight until after his and the other apostles' death. F201 Peter pays his compliments to the false teachers in and outside of the false systems, and locates them in the present time in no uncertain terms. NS44:4 We see these as distinctly as we see false Christs, claiming to be bodies of Christ, claiming to be the church—while really there is but one Church. Theosophy, Christian Science, New Thought movements are among them. NS44:5; R3185:3 The apostles say little about the general unbelief of the world, but they do warn us repeatedly of those who will privately bring infidelity into the Church. R423:4 Whoever exercises the gift of teaching lays himself open to increased responsibility in the sight of God and men "Be not many teachers." (James 3:1) R2156:3
Privily— Privately, secretly. F201; R1663:6*, 1335:6, 744:6, 552:4, 423:4 Deceptively; covering the real purport of their teachings. R3142:5 In a subtle manner. R910:2 They do not openly deny the meaning of the words "bought" and "ransom", but while quoting these words they covertly and privily seek to leave an impression contrary to their true and undeniable meaning. R744:6, 1350:2*, 463:2, 448:2 Having gradually and cunningly secured control of the church's conscience, the councils privily brought in damnable heresies, and palmed them off upon the conscience-fettered laity as truths. R1135:2 They must wear a garment of light, as Paul calls it, and the more successfully serve the error which they privily bring in and set before the Church. R910:2
Shall bring in— Introduce. R1335:6, 423:4 To the fold. R3142:5 Future from the Apostle's day. R744:6
Damnable heresies— Heresies of destruction. (Diaglott) R423:4 Destructive heresies. R744:3, 1350:3*, 1335:6 Errors leading to condemnation and rejection. R3142:5 Endeavoring to subvert the fundamentals of the Gospel. R552:4 To undermine the faith and to turn the faithful aside from the hopes and promises and simplicities of the Gospel. F201 The seriousness of denying the ransom is far reaching and leads into a great variety of errors and heresies reflecting against other truths and laying a foundation for other errors. R910:3, 641:4, 431:3, 190:1 Shame and confusion will cover the faces of many who propagated the God-dishonoring, love-extinguishing, truth-beclouding, saint-hindering, sinner-hardening, blasphemous doctrine of eternal torment. R2598:1 Many of the Lord's true followers have been dreaming about the conversion of the world, while the great enemy, Satan, has been sowing tares with liberal hand in their very midst. R3769:6 The appointment of elders is necessary because, now, as amongst the early Church, there are wolves in sheep's clothing who would bring in heresies, against which the chosen elders should be able to defend the flock. R1890:4, 1851:4 The time has come "when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and shall be turned unto fables." (2 Tim. 4:3, 4) R676:5 The words "damnable," "destruction," and "pernicious," in verses 1 and 2 are all from the one Greek word. R744:3 Destructive heresies swiftly destroy the teachers as teachers and others follow their destructive ways and bring the true teachings of Scripture into disrepute. R744:3
Denying the Lord— Greek, despotes, sovereign. E70; R744:3 "The having bought them Sovereign Lord denying." (Diaglott) It is a rule in the Greek to put the important or central thought first in a sentence. The ransom is the central thought. R910:2, 1335:6, 744:3, 423:4, 44:4* Making prominent the denial of having been bought as the destructive heresy. R744:3 Yet with much feigned reverence and humility they profess allegiance to him, thus falsely presenting themselves as messengers of truth. (2 Cor. 11:13-15) R3185:3 A denial of the ransom. R1350:5*, 1459:4, 910:3, 852:2, 641:4, 125:6 This is the new view common amongst clergymen of every school and denomination—the no-ransom view—no atonement necessary. R3458:4, 744:6, 392:3
That bought them— "With his own precious blood." (1 Pet. 1:19) E296; R392:3, 387:2 Or ransomed them. R744:3, 1459:4, 745:4 Greek, agorazo, to purchase in the open market. R387:2, 44:4; E447 "Ye were bought with a price." (1 Cor. 6:20) R387:2, 448:2, 392:3 Denying that any ransom price was given or required for man's recovery. C254; R448:2Denying that our Lord gave for us and all men a corresponding price—removing the foundation of all our hopes. R910:3, 744:6, 552:4, 423:1 The ransom was and still is a sure test. Every doctrine that denies the ransom is an active opponent of the truth, is anti-(against) Christ; every doctrine that ignores it is seriously wrong, not of God. E296 In the days of the apostles, and especially now, some acknowledge Jesus as Lord, but deny that he "bought them." R744:3 The Lord's people should be on guard against the agents of another gospel, which claims that Jesus was merely an example and teacher. R1746:2; NS44:6, 318:5 He was our Savior or Redeemer first, and having bought, purchased, redeemed, ransomed us from the dominion or control of death, he became rightfully our owner, our Lord, our Master. R745:4 If he has not bought us, he is not our Lord, and has no right or control. Hence those who deny the ransom, really deny the Lordship of Christ, no matter how much they may claim to acknowledge Jesus as Lord.R910:3 This is the rock which Christendom is even now striking against and being broken in pieces. (Matt. 21:44) R448:2 Those who intelligently and conscientiously memorialize the shed blood of our Lord's body, broken for us, are not the ones to fall into this sin. R2457:2 The amount of truth now necessary to our sanctification and protection from the foretold "scoffers" of the end of this age, is much more than was necessary to those in former times. R1782:5
Swift destruction— Contrary to the Universalist theory. R3083:2 Death is the penalty of willful sin. HG305:6 Not eternal torment of evil-doers. R1085:6; HG163:2, 305:6
[NTC - 2 Peter 2:2]
Many shall follow— Few, therefore, will be able to stand—a Little Flock. NS44:5 All but the "very elect" of God will be more or less stumbled by the errors and worldliness of our day. R5801:6We do not seek to prohibit our readers from reading the works of Paine, Voltaire or Ingersoll, or the Day Star, but we want the latter as well as the rest labeled infidel. R631:6
Pernicious ways— Destructive of the very foundation of hope and its corresponding license in dealing with Scriptures which oppose them. R910:3 Destructive of the truth, destructive of the faith once delivered to the saints. R744:6 As for those who come under the power of the Adversary we can only expect that their hearts and minds will become more and more perverse. R4477:5
By reason— The goats and wolves in sheep's clothing striving for places of authority in the church. F248
The way of truth— The true way of salvation—through the ransom—the way of the cross. R910:3, 744:6 Here we have the false teachers, the truth unpopular, and the majority falling into error. HG44:4
Evil spoken of— Will be reviled. R910:3 The ecclesia is far better off without any public servant than to have for a leader a golden- tongued "goat," who would surely not "direct their hearts into the love of God," but seductively into wrong channels. F248 A warning against readers of The Day Star: Restitution will be the bait, error will be the hook, and sophistry the line by which the unwary will be drawn into infidelity. R431:3, 423:4
[NTC - 2 Peter 2:3]
Through covetousness— Ambition, etc. R1663:6* A mark by which we may distinguish who are wolves in sheep's clothing. R3747:1
Make merchandise— Would use you for their own advantage. R4480:4
[NTC - 2 Peter 2:4]
Spared not— In the time before the flood the angels had their trial. R4879:3
Angels that sinned— Angels of light who became disobedient. R4976:1 Fallen angels; demons. R5059:1, 5470:1, 5043:4, 4577:3, 3309:3; SM195:1 Inferior angels. R4976:1, 4577:3 Who did not maintain their condition of loyalty to God. R4879:3 In Noah's day, by taking human wives; they "kept not their first estate." (Jude 6) E104; F620; R4068:2, 2171:4, 892:6, 254:2 They preferred to materialize and live in human conditions. This was in violation of the divine arrangement, and was the result of their loss of faith in God's wisdom and power. R5115:6, 4577:4, 3934:4; NS549:1; OV17:4 They seem to be thoroughly degraded in their appetites and desires. R4976:2; HG725:4 Mankind became a prey to these angels who "lusted after strange flesh." (Jude 6,7) R5706:3 Assuming human bodies, which they had been privileged to do for the purpose of assisting mankind, they misused those bodies. R3934:4, 5160:1 These angels should have been contented and happy in the exercise of the powers and qualities and blessings given them by the Father richly to enjoy. R4068:2 The "angel of light" sophistries of the powers of evil, and their works of healing, will surely delude all whose eyes of understanding are not open through heeding the testimony of the sure Word of God. R5801:6 Their means of getting possession of human bodies has been by getting possession of their wills. R4976:2 The fallen angels, although restrained, have contact with each other and are well aware of procedures in general. R3309:3 The reign of sin and death amongst mankind furnished the opportune test of the loyalty or disloyalty of all the angels of heaven. CR66:5; OV185:4 The Bible mentions evil angels as well as righteous ones, a fact quite contrary to Mrs. Eddy's (Christian Scientist) definition of angel. HG705:6*
Cast them down— Condemned them to an overthrow. R5043:4 In the sense of being treated ignominiously. SM195:1 These fallen spirits frequented the earth in the days of our Lord and the apostles. Hence they were not down in some place, but "down" in the sense of being degraded from former honor and liberty. R2603:5 From honor and dignity, into dishonor and condemnation. R2603:5; Q21, 743:3 Degraded them and delivered them into chains of darkness. Q841:T, 743:3; R2603:5; HG30:2
To hell— Greek, tartaroo, our earth's atmosphere. SM195:1 Literally, tartaroo, the lower atmosphere. Hence, the devil is called "the prince of the power of the air." (Eph. 2:2) HG30:2 The Greek word tartaroo refers more to an act than to a place. This is the only Scripture where this word is used. Q743:3; R2603:5; HG511:5; SM195:1 Reserved in tartarus—our earth's atmosphere. R5043:5, 4880:2, 4879:3, 4068:2, 3490:2, 2171:4, 254:2, 170:3*, 111:3; HG130:6, 725:1; NS839:5; OV17:4; SM97:3 Confined in tartarus—the circumambient air of this planet. OV294:2; HG130:1; NS124:1 Thus separated from the holy angels. R4068:2; SM195:T If both mankind and the angels are to be judged during the same period, it would seem entirely reasonable that both should be associated with the earth and its atmosphere.R2646:4 The translators of the Revised Version erred in giving the marginal reading of tartarus—a word used in Grecian mythology as the name for a dark abyss or prison. Q743:3 The place where Satan and the fallen angels are restrained. NS839:5
Chains of darkness— Cut off from fellowship with God and the holy angels and no longer permitted to materialize and thus to commingle with humanity. R4682:2, 5043:5, 4880:2, 4577:4; OV18:3; SM98:T, 548:1 Reserving them in chains, under darkness. F620; Q841:T The darkness of the night, for they can operate only under the cover of the night or conditions of darkness. Q841:T Imprisoned, not in a special place, but in the sense of having their liberties restrained. R5043:5; F620 They are imprisoned, restrained, but not destroyed. R2171:4; HG725:1 "Spirits in prison." (1 Peter 3:19) Q744:1, 840:4 The penalty inflicted upon them. PD17/26 Restrained from materialization and from working their power in light, as they had done previously. R4976:1, 2171:4; HG725:1; Q671 Whenever these fallen spirits, in spiritualistic seances, manifest their powers through mediums, pretending to be certain dead human beings, they must always do their work in the dark, because darkness is the chain by which they are bound. R2603:5; HG30:1 Whatever they do must be done in the dark. SM195:1 Darkness is twin to evil and all the foul spirits of earth seek its cover. No respectable person likes to be found in these dens of darkness; or with the literature that comes from such a fountain. HG30:5 Darkness is the first and foremost condition of all their manifestations, nor can they endure the full glare of a tallow candle. God has placed them under this one restriction of darkness. HG30:3 They have exercised their influence to whatever extent they have had permission. If they had had unlimited power they would have wrecked the world long ago. R5470:1 Secretly; or through agents, mediums, witches, etc. R4068:2, 4976:1, 4880:2, 266:4; HG130:1; OV18:3 This includes both Satan and the angels of lower order. SM548:1 For 4,400 years these fallen angels have been exiles from God. R5160:4, 4880:2 They have been restrained since the flood. R4976:6, 5160:4, 5043:4 They were not destroyed, because, while their fleshly bodies which they assumed might indeed perish, yet they would merely dematerialize, or assume their spirit conditions again. R5043:4 The sentence against these was not death, but that they should be confined in chains of darkness until the judgment of the great day. SM98:T The letting loose of the winds (Rev. 7:1), powers of the fallen angels, would seem to show that God has let go his hand of restraint; resulting in the complete overthrow of the social order in anarchy. R5470:1, 4880:4; Q21, 737:3 Now the great day nears, the chains are being gradually loosened, and these wicked spirits have greater liberties than ever before. R3490:2, 2171:4; HG725:2 Spiritists claim that the spirits are breaking these bonds and that gradually they will be able to do fully in the light everything that they can now do in the dark, and even more than this. R4880:3, 266:5 Not that the evil spirits will be able to break the bands, or chains, but that it will be part of God's plan to let this happen. R4976:6, 4880:3 We find evidences that the fallen spirits are obtaining more liberty. We have reason to believe that there have been materializations. R4976:5,4977:1; HG30:3 The history of these demons would seem to show that the evil concupiscence which led to their fall before the flood, still continues with them. Their pleasure is still in lasciviousness and degradation. R2171:5; HG725:4 These fallen angels did appear in human form before the flood, but there is not one instance recorded in which they have been able to free themselves from this restraint of chain since. The angels that left not their first estate are not so restrained, and have appeared frequently as men, as recorded in the Old and New Testaments. R1678:2 They have less power, less privilege, than formerly. R4976:1 However, they were still working, as when Saul sought the witch of Endor to inquire as to how the battle would go. (1 Sam. 28:7-20) R4976:2; HG726:2 So we read in the New Testament that there are many possessed—not of devils, but of demons. R4976:2; NS124:1; OV294:2 As for the sons of the fallen angels by human mothers, there is no hope for them. They will never be awakened or resurrected. But the rest of the antediluvian sinners of Adam's race were as much redeemed by Christ's sacrifice as other sinners of the race at any time. R5160:4, 3934:5 We are to distinguish clearly between the restraint of the fallen angels and the binding of Satan who is the prince of demons. R4976:1; HG725:2; Q22:2 They were not imprisoned in some far-off world called hell, nor are they engaged there in stoking fires for the torture of poor humanity. R5043:4 Not in literal chains of iron. SM195:1; Q671
Unto— Until the judgment of the great day. R4976:5, 5470:1, 5160:5, 4879:3, 266:4; Q21, 22:3; SM195:1 Until the great Millennial morning. R4682:2, 2171:4; HG725:2 The angels may have been more or less on trial since the time that they were consigned to the chains of darkness. Q20
Judgment— Greek, krisis, trial. R1679:2; HG728:6 The great Millennial day of judgment. R2603:5, 1679:2; HG725:2, 728:6 Implies a fresh trial, seeming to apply to the present time, a great time of temptation. Q17:T; R4880:1, 4879:3; NS124:1; Q22:3 In order to be tried at all, these fallen angels must have certain liberties granted, to prove them. R4880:1 A trial somewhat after the manner of their previous trial before the flood. R4880:1 A great trial, or testing, in respect to their willingness or unwillingness to do according to the divine will. R4880:3 The evil spirits will do all the evil that is in their power, and this will constitute the trial of all the fallen angels—the lifting of the restraints to see whether they will go contrary to the divine will. R4880:4 At the beginning of Messiah's 1000 year day of the reign of righteousness. SM195:1 In the closing of the Gospel age, and the lapping of the Millennial age. R3490:2, 266:4; Q21 In due time there is to be a judgment or decision rendered of God respecting those angels—in connection with the inauguration of the Millennial day. SM98:T The work of the glorified Church will be not only to judge the world during the Millennial age, but it will include also the judgment of these fallen angels. (1 Cor. 6:3) R2646:4 Judgment of the present time and not judgment of the Millennial day. Q22:3 We cannot think that God will allow this trial of the angels during the Millennial reign, for then, nothing shall hurt; nothing shall destroy. R4880:1 Trial or judgment of the fallen angels will probably be along lines of their previous trial or test—those obedient to God have a blessing, those disobedient have a curse. Q16:6 Whether this implies that in the immediate future they will be able to materialize in daylight is difficult to determine. If so, it would greatly increase Satan's power to blind and deceive for a short season. R2603:5 It may be something in connection with the saints that will constitute the test of these angels. R4880:6 The things which you and I may see, and understand, and declare, are the things which are judging them, or becoming a test for them. And as they come to know these things, they are tested by them. Q18 The judgment of the great day may not refer to the fallen angels so particularly as to us of the world. Q21 In a sense their trial has been in progress just the same as the judgment and trial of the Church has been in progress, to see whether or not we love righteousness and hate iniquity. Q21 It would not surprise us if some of the fallen angels who sinned in the past have repented and have had long centuries of experience with the unrepentant ones. The trial time will prove each of these angels. R4880:3; Q21 All who manifest their alliance with evil in any way will become subjects of the second death; while others who show their loyalty to God will mark themselves as worthy, presumably, of everlasting life. R4880:6 We have reason for believing that after 1881, there will be wonderful spiritual manifestations. R170:3*
[NTC - 2 Peter 2:5]
Spared not— With the Deluge the first world passed away; that dispensation, that order of things, came to an end. R1614:3, 2842:6
The old world— Greek, kosmos, order or state of things. R10:2* It was not the earth which came to an end, merely that order or condition of things which prevailed prior to the flood that ceased there. PD18/26; Q777:1 That was the dispensation in which the angels were permitted to mingle with men—the object being to help mankind recover from the fall. God knew they could not do this, but he permitted it for a good purpose. R1614:3,6 The first 1656 years of earth's history, down to the Deluge—the period of the ministration of angels—showed to angels and to men the inability of the angels to recover fallen man. R1154:6; NS549:1 Long enough to furnish a test of loyalty of every member of the angelic host. NS549:1 By the fall of some of the angels, it became manifest that evil was very contaminating and demoralizing even to the pure, and could only be dealt with as a plague—stamped out. R1154:6
Saved Noah— Sparing only Noah (who was perfect in his generation, not of the hybrid race, Gen. 6:9), and his family. This was part of the preparation for the new dispensation. R1560:4;SM97:2 As Noah and his family were the only ones spared from the old order, so Christ is the Ark of Safety now for all who will be saved out of the present order of things. R5161:4
The eighth person— God was fully justified in the arrangement which blotted out the human family, except eight persons—righteous Noah and his family. SM61:1
The flood— Which deluged the world and wiped out the whole mongrel race with which sin had peopled the earth. R1560:4 An attestation to the truthfulness of the Deluge. R2842:6
World of the ungodly— Degradation, and not advancement, was the course from Adam to Noah. R866:1
[NTC - 2 Peter 2:6]
Sodom— Of Sodom it is declared that the sin thereof was great, and God "took them away as he saw good." (Ezek. 16:50) R1779:2, 1270:4
Condemned— Greek, katakrino. R999:2 The Sodomites were not condemned to second death but were an example of those who would be. R1618:3
With an overthrow— Sin and death were condemned or sentenced to overthrow by reason of the ransom given for the slaves over whom they have reigned. R999:2
Making them— They were made an example of the ultimate doom that will come upon all who reject God's grace and die the second death. R5076:5, 583:5
An ensample— An example of God's treatment of evildoers—both of his vengeance and of his mercy. His vengeance was manifested in their destruction; and his mercy is specially manifest in their promised deliverance. R1618:2 So far from creating sin or inciting to wickedness and crime, God's actions, where he has interfered at all, have been toward the restraint of sin. R1779:1,1270:4 The Sodomites, and all of Adam's posterity, are included in the redemption work of Jesus. R5076:5, 1779:2, 1270:5
Unto those— An example of them for the restraint of those. R1779:2, 1270:5
That after— Not examples of God's dealings in the present time, but of the punishment or destruction awaiting the finally incorrigible during or at the close of the Millennial judgment period, or day. R583:5
Live ungodly— Contrary to God's will—in sin. R1270:4
[NTC - 2 Peter 2:7]
Vexed— Lot was not in sympathy with the evils of Sodom. R5179:2 Having no real peace of mind in the selfish, worldly choice of residence which he made. R2848:6
[NTC - 2 Peter 2:8]
Dwelling among them— His determination to make the country of the Jordan his home does not signify that he had fellowship with the Sodomites. R2848:5
Vexed— Lot was sore distressed by the lascivious life of the wicked Sodomites. R3939:4
His righteous soul— Deluded into association with evil influences for the sake of worldly prosperity. He thought he could live separate from the contaminations of Sodom, and even exercise a good moral influence over the unrighteous. R2484:6
[NTC - 2 Peter 2:9]
The Lord knoweth how— It is very seldom that God visits punishment upon the world in the present time. R569:5 "I will trust and not be afraid." (Isa. 12:2) F420
Reserve the unjust— Every wrong deed, every wrong principle acted upon, has an evil affect upon character; as all right doing brings blessing. So mankind, as they have obeyed or disobeyed, will be elevated or degraded in character when they enter the next age. R4856:3 God is long-suffering and patient to the ungodly. R4856:4 God hath appointed a day in which he will judge the world by Jesus Christ. R569:5
Day of judgment— Greek, krisis. HG231:5 The Millennial day. R1882:4; HG334:5 The Day of Vengeance. NS217:3 When "he will reward every man according to his works." (Matt. 16:27) A103; HG347:4 God is not punishing them now. HG231:5; NS217:6 Those who have followed a wrong course will get their lesson. They will have much more difficulty than will those who have learned lessons from the tribulations of the present life. R4856:4 A man who has practised evil will require severe discipline before he will learn that the customs of the past will not be allowed. R4856:4
To be punished— Greek, kolasin, to cut off, as lopping off branches of trees, to prune. R1040:2, 2608:2; HG133:5; OV166:T Since the new order will be such that nothing will be allowed to hinder it, a wrong course in this life will then receive retribution in the sense that it will be the result of a wrong condition. R4856:4 The billions of the dead will be rewarded at the return of Christ. Whatever may become of them, we may be sure they are not now in a condition of suffering. A103; NS217:3 The punishments will be adapted to the nature of the offences, and the benevolent object in view—man's permanent establishment in righteousness. R2613:5 The purgatory of the Bible is to begin when this Gospel age ends, when the Little Flock of saints has been selected. R1469:4 Not eternal torment, but some just recompense of reward for every evil deed. SM222:T; HG334:5
[NTC - 2 Peter 2:10]
But chiefly them— Principally teachers, and chiefly in the end of this age; those once among the elect. F166
Dignities— Those whom God has honored and "set" in the Body. F166
[NTC - 2 Peter 2:12]
These— All the willfully wicked, disobedient or rebellious. R5078:5; OV185:4 Disobedient; lovers of evil. PD95/109; R5167:2; NS579:4 Willful sinners against full light. OV363:T The unwilling, recalcitrants. OV24:3
Natural brute beasts— The willful rejector and opposer shall be cut off in the second death; die like a brute beast. R4849:6, 5776:5, 5037:4, 4657:1, 1005:2; HG707:2*; NS831:1; Q224:6 Those not willing to recognize the King of Glory and obey him are to be destroyed. R5847:4, 1006:6; OV251:4 Those who forfeit and lose the likeness of God, the perfection in which he created them, are reckoned as unworthy of the honorable title of sons of God—as the brute creation which never had and never lost this likeness. R1005:1 "And it shall come to pass, that every soul which will not hear that prophet shall be destroyed from among the people." (Acts 3:23) R5847:4; OV166:T None will ever be redeemed from the second death. CR270:2; NS832:3; NS844:6; OV291:4 But there shall be no knowledge of suffering for them. R4965:4; OV185:4
Taken and destroyed— The second death. OV363:T; R5344:1, 5314:6, 5078:5, 4849:6, 4755:4; HG643:6; NS841:3, 858:1; OV24:3; PD95/109Those who will not be obedient to the requirements of Christ's Kingdom will be cut off in the second death, having had the full measure of divine favor. R4989:6, 4965:4; NS863:6; Q225:T All who fail to get the eternal life or happiness in God's provision will get eternal death, second death, utter extinction. NS708:2 As it is proper to destroy a corrupt person who has injured others, and to cut off his opportunity of perpetuating evil, so it would be to destroy a brute beast. Q224:6 Not preserved in torture. SM314:2; OV145:4, 174:6, 373:5; HG222:3, 608:1; Q225:T
Utterly perish— Everlasting destruction. OV166:T, 145:5, 125:T; R5641:2, 5371:2, 5314:6, 5167:5; CR293:4; NS832:3; SM437:T Annihilation. Q763:2;NS832:3, 863:6 Whoever willingly and knowingly rejects the grace of God, and chooses sin in preference to righteousness, will be esteemed a wicked sinner, unworthy of everlasting life or any further favors from God. R5314:6; NS844:6 Their destruction will be similar to that of the brute beast that perisheth. R4755:4; OV125:T This penalty is only for the wicked who willingly and intentionally refuse the grace of God. CR279:3; R4755:4; HG643:6 Ultimately sin shall be destroyed. R5344:1 If we should fall away, it would be impossible to renew us again to repentance; God would have nothing further for us; our disregard of his mercy would mean that we would die the second death. (Jude 12) R5641:2 We once died to sin and to have it revive means a return to wallowing in the mire. R4843:4; Q507:8 Contrary to the Universalist theory. R3083:2; NS831:1
Own corruption— Those who demonstrate their unwillingness to come into heart sympathy with righteousness. SM437:1 We may rejoice even in the second death of the unwilling and disobedient, realizing that true and righteous is the divine edict under which they will perish. CR67:4
[NTC - 2 Peter 2:14]
Souls— Beings, persons. R205:3, 276:6
[NTC - 2 Peter 2:15]
The right way— The ways of righteousness. F166
The way of Balaam— Type of a class that teach error for profit. F166 Representing false teachers in the nominal church. R2204:6
Wages of unrighteousness— The reward of iniquity. R2204:5 Earthly gain. F166 When a reward was offered Balaam if he would curse Israel, he was willing, in order to secure the reward, to conform to the evil proposition in spirit, in intention. R2204:5 Some of these Balaams are in the ministry and for the sake of salary and the maintenance of their positions, and the friendship of the wealthy Balaks, are willing to preach doctrines which they do not believe. R2204:6
[NTC - 2 Peter 2:16]
Dumb ass speaking— Contrary to the teachings of many modern theologians. The Bible is so interwoven and united in its various parts that to tear from it a miracle is to destroy or discredit the whole. A61; R949:6
[NTC - 2 Peter 2:18]
Were clean escaped— Those who accept Christ during this Gospel age, are reckoned as having passed from death unto life; as having escaped the wrath, "the corruption that is in the world." (2 Pet. 1:4) E410 They shall escape this special wrath, but they do not escape the general wrath which is revealed from heaven against all unrighteousness. E410
[NTC - 2 Peter 2:19]
While they— False teachers once enlightened. F166 Promise them liberty—Freedom from belief in one God, one Lord and one hope. E286
They themselves— The teachers. F166 Philosophers. E285
Corruption— Philosophies claiming to have more liberty. E286
[NTC - 2 Peter 2:20]
Knowledge of the Lord— That is, by being "begotten by the Word of God." R1698:3; SM715:1
Jesus Christ— Their ransom. R383:5
Overcome— The beginning of any sin is the first yielding to its intoxicating influence: and therefore we are faithfully warned to abstain from the very appearance of evil. (1 Thes. 5:22) R2017:1
Than the beginning— They are worse than those who have always been of the world. R1589:4
[NTC - 2 Peter 2:21]
Better for them— For those who have once been clearly in the truth and have forsaken it. F629; R1589:4 Those that have received the grace of God in vain. SM715:T Those who sin willfully after receiving a knowledge of the truth—and consequently no hope for them in the coming age. (Heb. 10:26) R2698:1, 1698:3; F167; SM715:T They have had their blessing. R4628:5
Not to have known— They are in a much worse condition than the world. R4784:5 "It is impossible to renew them again unto repentance." (Heb. 6:6) R2698:1, 4628:3, 1698:3, 383:4, 260:6; F166, 630; SM715:T
Of righteousness— Truth. R1062:5 "When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them (unrepentant), for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die." (Ezek. 18:26) R2016:6
After they have known— Been "begotten by the Word of God." R1698:3 Having known the Lord and having once experienced his tender care and helpfulness in all of life's affairs. R4784:5
To turn from— Having wandered off, losing their first love; having forgotten that they were purged from their old sins. R4784:5 There can be no more imputation of Christ's merit to such. R4628:5
The holy commandment— One who is awakened from the creeds of the Dark Ages and sees, is a thousandfold more guilty than the poor blinded deluded ones whom his influence and example helps to keep in bondage and ignorance of the truth.R1062:5
[NTC - 2 Peter 2:22]
The true proverb— Proverbs 26:11. R2053:2
The dog— Because the dog nature and disposition are still there. R1589:5 There is nothing in the Bible indicating the resurrection of animals. Q818:2
Is turned— Returned. F166; R4628:5, 260:6
To his own vomit— If we cease to desire to do God's will, we cut loose from our Lord and begin to walk according to our own will, as natural and no longer spiritual beings. R260:6 This step must prove fatal. R4628:5 This applies only to the class that comes to the Lord now and has the hearing ear, the seeing eye, and the begetting of the Spirit. Q209:2;NS745:4
That was washed— "He washed us from our sins in his own blood." (Rev. 1:5) E445
Wallowing— The class who returns to sin again. R5270:1, 3892:2, 2295:1, 1633:6; NS382:4, 745:4 Those who turn willfully and deliberately back to the will of the flesh. R5486:2, 4628:4; NS372:5 Losing the Spirit of the Lord, the Spirit of the truth, and abandoning their consecration altogether. HG668:5 Having once been delivered out of Babylon and returning thither. R2991:5
In the mire— Of sectarianism and blasphemy against God. R2991:5 Filthy, in having the very gross sins that the world has. R4974:3 Each member of this Royal Priesthood is at liberty to go back to wallowing in the mire. SM11:T; NS382:3 If a new creature sinned willfully, he would no longer be a new creature. R5729:1 "Those who draw back unto perdition." (Heb. 10:39) T68 Willfully, willingly, intentionally, casting aside their justification and relationship to the Lord. NS372:6 Removing the covering of sins, and falling back where he was before. R2295:1 To the ways of sin and the gratification of the flesh. R3892:2; T68; NS157:6 Giving evidence that they have not the real heart-love for the truth, purity and righteousness, and are not worthy of the life everlasting. SM773:1 These have gone back on their covenant and there is nothing left for these but "the blackness of darkness." (Jude 13) R5270:2; Q653:1 These will die the second death. Whether their number is large or small is not for us to judge. We may reasonably hope that such unfaithful characters do not predominate. HG668:5
[NTC - 2 Peter 3:1]
Stir up— Whatsoever things are true, just, lovely and of good report—think on these things and stir up each other's minds with these. (Phil. 4:8) R2540:1
Your pure minds— Spiritual minds—to love, faith, zeal and good works. R5556:4 We may put before our brethren of the Lord's flock only "clean provender." R2540:1
By— Greek, en. Translated: in, by, through, with, under; and determined by the context. R836:3
Remembrance— Concerning these important things. R5863:3
[NTC - 2 Peter 3:2]
Holy prophets, and. . .apostles— The same authority was claimed for the writers of the epistles, as that which was accorded to the Old Testament Scriptures. R1146:1
[NTC - 2 Peter 3:3]
Shall come— Greek, eleusantai. R149:1*
In the last days— In the closing years of the Gospel age—in the harvest. B167; R603:1*, 579:4, 349:4 During the presence of the Lord; as in the days of Noah. B167 The conclusion of this age and the inauguration of the new; because this one is to pass away with great commotion and the new order brought in. Q430:5
Scoffers— In the nominal church. B167; R2979:1, 2693:4, 603:1* Unfaithful servants and hypocrites. Professed Christians, overcharged and intoxicated with the spirit of the world. B167 The scoffer's point is that nothing in the circumstances appeals to the natural eyes. R237:5* This great change will come suddenly—a radical change such as came in the days of Noah—a sudden catastrophe, the coming of which will be scoffed at by those having a form of godliness without its power. R5863:3 Many professing Christians are looking for a fleshly Christ, visible to the fleshly eye, and making an imposing demonstration which they cannot mistake. R5993:3, 591:4*
Their own lusts— Their own desires, plans, theories, etc. B167; R2979:1, 349:4 Increase of knowledge among those whose hearts are depraved, and who are given over to self-seeking, will simply increase the means of lawlessness. R1190:4
[NTC - 2 Peter 3:4]
Where is the promise— Some would thus question, being surprised at the information that we are living in the days of the Son of Man, while there is as yet no outward manifestation of his presence. R2975:6, 948:3 This very inquiry is most literally fulfilled; almost the exact words being used by those who sneer at his presence. R591:4* This indicates that the class who when the end comes are in darkness concerning it, are unbelievers of God's testimony. R621:1 Ignorance of God's plan is to be expected of the world, but the true people of God have the promise of his special instruction so that they need not be in darkness respecting the divine program. SM184:2 It would be with the world as it was in the days of Noah, careless and thoughtless, the whole attention given to fleshly desires, not understanding nor caring for the spiritual. R326:6* In presenting the truth to others, let time be the last part of the "good news" and tell no one of the time and presence, except they show that they have "an ear to hear." R216:6
Of his coming— Greek, parousia, presence. B159, 167; F223; R5993:3, 2979:1, 2975:5, 1693:1, 948:3, 621:1, 591:4*, 579:4, 555:4*, 349:1, 237:4*, 223:1*, 216:6; HG24:4, 26:6 Accepting a 587 BC date for the fall of Zedekiah, instead of 606 BC, would extend the Jubilee antitype 19 years—to 1893 AD. R3437:4
Fathers fell asleep— In death, awaiting the resurrection morning. E346 They are still asleep in the dust of the earth. SM397:T All the dead are reckoned as sleeping, waiting for his return and his exaltation with his elect Bride in glory. R2197:6 The apostles frequently used this appropriate, hopeful and peaceful figure of speech. F345;R1881:1; HG332:2
All things continue— The affairs of the world continue in their ordinary channels. R2975:6 The present order of things. NS787:6 It is in appearance only that things so appear to the worldly. NS27:4 Many whose fears are aroused, quiet them by supposing that the present must be only the ordinary course, that it has always been so. R948:3, 353:1* Their chief consolation; no radical changes in the affairs of humanity. R5062:1 In the days of his presence the world will be eating, drinking, planting and building, and know not. R2975:6, 349:4; B167 They remember not that the ark and the flood were the end of a former epoch, and that present events are as much out of the usual rut of this epoch, as the closing events of that "world" were out of the usual. R948:3 The conservative Phariseeism of today shakes the cautious head and says; we cannot be on the eve of a new dispensation and a revolution so stupendous, involving the whole present social structure. R1488:5 The natural man and his scientific leaders will consider that earthquakes have been going on and will continue to go on without any relationship to our Lord's second presence and the time of trouble. HG400:4 They are unable to understand the "signs of the times" revealing his return. R5993:4; B167 They do not realize that every age has its close or "harvest." R948:3, 579:4 For such reasons many shut the eyes of their understanding to the most remarkable condition of affairs in our day. SM288:T Since six thousand years have passed without God's interposition to suppress sin and to lift mankind out of its present state, they reason that God's future dealings should be judged of by the past. R1092:4
As they were— As at present. B167 This way. (Diaglott) R237:5*
From the beginning— As they are now and have been from the foundation of the world. R1092:4; HG400:4; NS27:4 Evolutionists conclude that man did not fall from the divine image, but has been progressing from the image of a monkey, gradually attaining perfection. R3893:6, 2693:3
[NTC - 2 Peter 3:5]
Willingly are ignorant— The majority of professing Christians are careless, indifferent to what the Lord had caused to be written for their admonition and encouragement and assistance in this "evil day." SM288:1
Heavens— Referring to the spirit beings and influences—the angels, fallen and unfallen. OV27:2 The spiritual or superior rule of the angels. R4222:3; A69; HG538:6; PD94/108
Earth— Social conditions. PD94/108 Referring to humanity subjected to the spiritual influences. OV27:2 Peter calls each of these periods a separate heavens and earth—heaven symbolizes the higher or spiritual controlling powers, earth symbolizes human government and social arrangements. A69; HG538:6
Out of the water— When the waters subsided, the tops of the mountains and hills appeared again. Even the trees were not uprooted, for if they had been floating on the water the dove could have found rest. HG11:3
In the water— The flood waters rose until the hills were covered, and then the mountains. HG11:3
[NTC - 2 Peter 3:6]
World that then was— Greek, kosmos, order or state of things. R1677:3, 5161:2, 97:2*, 10:2* The first great epoch, or dispensation, or age; before the flood. A66; R5161:2, 1677:3, 1615:4, 532:2, 256:5, 97:2*; HG537:6; OV26:4; Q852:4 A different order from the present, hence the prince of this present evil world was not the prince of that which preceded this—of the world or dispensation before the flood. R1677:6 Several Scriptures suggest that the first world was under the supervision and special ministration of the angels. R1677:6; A66, 220; HG537:6; OV26:4 The rainbow in the clouds was given as a sign of God's covenant with men, that the earth should never again be destroyed by a flood of waters. R1615:4 As Noah and his family were the only ones spared from the old order of things, so Christ is the Ark of Safety now for all who will be saved out of the present order of things. R5161:4
Being overflowed— The close of the first dispensation. R2842:6
With water— The fact that the water was literal leads some to believe that the fire also must be literal, but this by no means follows. Noah's ark was literal too, but it typified Christ. A318
Perished— Having served its purpose. A69; HG538:6 Came to an end. R10:2* Disappeared—not the literal heaven nor the literal earth, but the symbolic or figurative. R4222:3 Not the literal earth and literal heavens ceased there, but that dispensation or arrangement of things existing before the flood. A318 It appears that there was little or no change of the earth, or heavens, but simply a great destruction of life. HG11:4
[NTC - 2 Peter 3:7]
But the heavens— Symbolizes the higher or spiritual controlling powers. A69; HG538:6; PD94/108 Civil and ecclesiastical rule. B168 Satan, and religious systems under Satanic direction. OV27:2 We see more or less of an excitement now amongst theologians and all classes. People are losing confidence in their leaders of the past.R5317:5 Just now they are having a little diversion with special attacks on us. R5317:5
And the earth— The entire social fabric. B168; D271; PD84/108 Human society as now organized under Satan's control. A69; HG539:1 We are expecting a change; and if this change shall be accompanied by physical or electrical disturbances, now is the time for them to be coming. R5318:1
Which are now— The second great epoch or dispensation, from the flood to the establishment of the Kingdom of God. A67, 318; R4222:3,2832:2, 1684:1, 1677:3, 1615:4, 532:2, 256:5; OV26:4; Q852:4 Under the limited control of Satan, "the prince of this world." A67; HG233:6, 537:6 "This present evil world." (Gal. 1:4) R1814:1, 5161:2, 1684:1, 1615:4, 256:5; A67; HG538:1; OV26:4; Q852:4 Called "the present evil world" not because there is nothing good in it, but because in it evil is permitted to predominate. A67; R5161:2, 10:3*; OV26:4; HG538:2;PD84/108 Society was reorganized under new conditions, but on the same physical earth, and a new spiritual government or rule or order obtained also. R4222:3Includes three ages, each a step in the plan of God for the overthrow of evil. Each step is higher than that preceding it, and carries the plan forward and nearer to completion. A71; R256:5; HG539:4 The three subdivisions are the Patriarchal age reaching from the flood to the death of Jacob; the Jewish age, reaching to the death of Christ; and the Gospel age, reaching to the first resurrection. HG11:6, 539:2; A71; R256:5 Man is permitted to try governing himself; but by reason of the fall he is under the control of Satan. A221 Clearly spoken of as distinct from the former heavens and earth. HG11:3
By the same word— Of divine authority. A318
Reserved unto fire— Representing the destruction of whatever is burned. A318 This second world is doomed to pass away. R10:2*, 2832:2, 1615:4 The whole structure will be involved in anarchy. R5317:3; B168; D271; PD84/108 The overwhelming flood of trouble coming shortly. B168 A destructive season of lawlessness that will destroy the "elements"—labor, capitalistic, etc., that go to make up the present social order. Q852:4 A great cataclysm of trouble, anarchy, called "fire," will mark the termination of the present dispensation. R2842:6, 5796:1, 5753:2, 5735:3, 5317:2, 2832:2, 1615:4 All present institutions are to utterly perish in the great time of trouble with which this age is very shortly to end. R2832:3;HG234:1 The conflagration might possibly have its beginning in the Church. R5317:5 The trial of the fallen angels (of the present heavens) is in the near future—perhaps to some extent already begun. R4880:1 Even now there are fires burning here and there, exposing, to some extent, the evildoers. R5317:3 The world that now is is already being violently shaken, and is beginning to crumble away financially, politically, socially and ecclesiastically. Q853:T This attempted reign of man under Satan is to end in the greatest time of trouble the world has ever known. A221 There will be no patching of present institutions, but a clean sweep of them by the fire of divine wrath preceding the establishment of the new order. R6014:5, 2218:3 Not to be fulfilled literally by electrical displays of lightning, by storms, or in connection with the zone of electrical energy which some scientists believe is approaching the earth, etc. R5317:2
Day of judgment— The word "judgment" implies, not merely a sentence, but also a trial. HG315:5; NS161:6 God's justice, indignation, will burn against every one who is wicked, and this fire will go on all through the Millennial age. R5317:3 The judgments of the Lord will be abroad in the earth and the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness. (Isa. 26:9) R5317:3 An opportunity to rise out of sinful and fallen conditions, to full harmony with God. R5076:5 God has elected kings, priests, and judges, to rule, bless, instruct and judge mankind, in general. SM175:2; CR486:1 If the thought be kept in mind that the world's day of judgment is a thousand years long, the character of the judging then to be done will the more readily be discerned. NS161:6 A sentence upon each individual of the human family would be impossible within a 24-hour day under any imaginable conditions, reasonable or unreasonable. NS161:6
[NTC - 2 Peter 3:8]
That one day— During which Christ will reign over and thereby bless all the families of the earth. A222; R3889:6 The day of the Lord's presence. B168 The world's judgment—one of the thousand year days—the day of Messiah's glorious reign. SM151:1, 171:3; R5780:3, 568:6; B168; CR486:1; HG147:3, 315:5; NS180:2, 857:6; Q794:4 The Millennial day. R2664:4, 5780:3, 2990:3, 2304:1 "He hath appointed a day, in which he will judge the world in righteousness." (Acts 17:31) R3028:6, 5780:3, 5563:6, 2990:3, 2664:4; CR486:1; HG273:2; NS329:2; Q794:4,830:T, 853:4; SM175:2 "They lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years." (Rev. 20:4) R568:6, 2304:1 Not a twenty-four hour day. F19; R4552:1, 3889:6, 2304:1, 568:6; HG315:5; NS161:2, 180:1, 329:3; Q794:4
With the Lord— The interim between our Lord's death and his second advent is not long from God's standpoint. R2454:3; NS5:3, 31:3, 514:1
As a thousand years— With man. NS161:6 Each day of the great week which commenced with the creation of Adam and ends with full restitution to the image and favor of God, is a thousand years. R1187:3, 6013:6 During six of these great days the death sentence has brought man down in some respects to the level of the brute. R4552:1 Bible chronology quite clearly teaches that the six thousand years since Adam's creation have ended. Now the great seventh day, also a thousand years long, has commenced. R6013:6; SM792:2 The seventh thousand day commenced in 1873, consequently we are now in the Sabbath day. R230:2, 91:5*; B40 The Bible mentions days of various lengths. R5139:3, 568:6; HG583:4; Q758:2
A thousand years as one day— Adam died "in the day" in which he became a sinner (1000-year day), and none of his posterity lived more than 969 years. R3391:2, 3377:6, 1610:4; F332; HG120:2; NS707:4 "In the day that thou eatest thereof." (Gen. 2:17) F332; E391; R4551:6, 3377:6, 2768:5, 2153:2, 1718:2, 1610:3; HG297:6, 608:2; OV16:3; Q762:5 The six great thousand-year days beginning with Adam are ended. Bviii; R6013:6, 5139:3, 3180:5, 91:5; SM792:2 Six great days constitute man's period of battling with sin and death and the seventh shall be the day of Messiah, the Sabbath, or rest day to the world. SM171:3, 471:1;PD18/26 The development of God's plan has been long from the human standpoint, but not so from the divine. PD18/26; R2736:1, 702:4*; NS5:3, 31:3, 399:4 It is only as measured by the shortness of present life that 6000 years seem very long. With God, "a thousand years are but as yesterday." (Psa. 90:4) R1092:4,2768:5; HG583:4; NS393:1, 457:3 Our Lord died in the year of the world 4161—after four days had passed and the fifth day had begun. R3375:2, 1187:3
[NTC - 2 Peter 3:9]
The Lord is not slack— God is not slow. R4856:4 Though it may at present appear as though the Lord is slack in the fulfillment of his promises, both in regard to well-doers and to evildoers, it would be a mistake to suppose thus. R1272:3
Longsuffering— Plenteous in mercy. R1272:3 The extension or prolonging of the Jewish age after AD 33, and of the Gospel age after AD 1878, is an expression of the long suffering of God to his defiled people. R198:5*
Not willing— Not desiring. R1272:3 God's attitude toward sinners. R2574:4 God willeth not the death of him that dieth, but that all should turn unto him and live. (Ezek. 18:23) R2398:6, 1449:5 God has been holding back the full penalty in mercy, according to his provision in Christ. (Psa. 103:9, 10) R1402:6,1272:3 Not that God wills not the death of him who dies for his own sin, but that he has no pleasure or delight in it. R1449:6* "God wills all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth." (1 Tim. 2:4) R1449:6*, 1125:4, 903:5*
Any— Of his people. R198:5*
Perish— The willfully wicked, who reject all his mercies, shall be blotted out of existence, not tormented. R2574:4
To repentance— Turn unto God and live. R1272:3 He wills to restore all who shall prove worthy—that is the object of the Millennial reign. R1125:4;HG292:5 The Lord is willing that all should come to a full appreciation of the truth and by acceptance of it be saved from the full penalty of willful sin. R1402:6 Every good deed shall in due time be remembered and rewarded, and every malicious deed punished; "Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." (Rom. 12:19) R1781:2, 1272:4 "As many as I love I rebuke and chasten; be zealous, therefore, and repent." (2 Pet. 3:9) R198:5*
[NTC - 2 Peter 3:10]
But— Zealous for our growth in knowledge, Peter endeavors to inspire us thereto by calling attention to the wonderful events and close proximity of the Day of the Lord. R3215:5
The day of the Lord— The thousand-year day of his presence. B168, 40; NS111:6 It is the day in which the old order is to perish and the glorious new order is to be ushered in. R5916:2
Will come— Greek, heko, will arrive; be here. B168; R555:4*
Thief in the night— Unobservedly, quietly. B168; A318, 334; R3215:5, 794:1* Jesus' presence unknown to the world. Q91:3; R2974:1; NS7:2 The Church class will know in advance respecting the Day of the Lord. (1 Thes. 5:2, 3) NS7:2; R555:4, 326:6 Throughout this entire age the Lord's people have been left in uncertainty as to the time of the Master's second coming. R5735:3 As with the Jews in the end of their age, they "knew not the time of their visitation," (Luke 19:44) so it is with the present religious systems. R1785:4 It will be present while some are scoffing and smiting those fellow-servants who declare the truth. B168
In the which— The great time of trouble follows closely the second coming of Christ. R5863:6
The heavens— The symbolic heavens—present powers of the air of which Satan is the chief or prince. A318; R1814:2 The great Antichrist system. C238 The church. NS565:2 A figurative term for the present religious institutions—ecclesiasticism. R5864:1 The ecclesiastical powers of Christendom. D528; R5456:1, 5753:2, 5735:1, 5517:4, 5348:6, 5161:4, 5058:6, 3215:5 "The heavens do rule." (Dan. 4:26) R26:4 Ecclesiasticism will be on fire first. SM423:3; R5864:1 Peter describes the great Day of Wrath, intimating that it will begin with the nominal church class. R5348:6, 5517:1, 5317:5 The governments—the higher or ruling powers. R593:1, 409:6, 26:4 The religious systems and principles which at present govern and control mankind. R1470:3 The ecclesiastical, and the spiritual things connected therewith. R4222:3 Ruling powers, political and ecclesiastical, founded as they are by usurpation and with tyranny, despotism, injustice, error, superstition, prejudice and ignorance entering largely into their foundation principles. R794:1* Perhaps we have neglected the fact that great Babylon apparently is dealt with before the world trouble comes. To expect the world's great trouble to begin October 1914 would be to expect astounding things. R5348:6
Shall pass away— To be supplanted by the new heavens and the new earth. R4222:3, 3154:6 Meaning nothing more than a change of dispensation. HG11:3 Only a change of dispensation, attended with great national destruction. HG11:5
With a great noise— A great hissing noise. A318 Great disputation, confusion, etc. R5517:1, 5456:1, 593:1, 409:6, 26:4; A69; HG538:6 A great commotion, a great disturbance. SM316:2, 423:3; R5349:1, 5317:5, 1470:3 Tumult and confusion. R3215:5 At the second coming of our Lord. R4222:5 Already the noise and tumult, which shall eventuate in worldwide anarchy, are distinctly heard in every nation; for the Day of the Lord has indeed begun, and the heat of human passion is growing daily. R3215:6 With a "rushing sound," as escaping steam that must obey the decisive action of the "fervent heat." R794:1*
And the elements— Component parts. R5349:1; D552 Of present ecclesiasticism. D528The present order of things. R5569:3 Of society. NS565:2 Of tyranny, ignorance and superstition. R716:1* The various parties and sects composing it, split and torn by discordant views. R3215:5 Labor element, artisan element, capitalistic element, religious element. R5526:5, 1488:4; Q771:4 The capital element and the labor element will seek to burn the other up. R5317:3, 5161:4 We see the capitalistic element and the labor element separating the one from the other. SM423:1 The fire will devour the capitalistic, banking, political, religious and industrial elements. R5864:1, 5735:1; Q771:4, 852:4 The fire will extend to the social structure. The social, political, financial and ecclesiastical systems together make up our present order. R5864:1, 1615:5 The same word used by Paul in speaking of the beggarly elements of this world. (Gal. 4:9) R26:4, 409:6
Shall melt— The social fabric. R668:1, 5735:1, 5349:1 The melting down will begin in the overthrow of the religious institutions. R5735:2 The fire will next affect the social and industrial organization—merchandise, capital and labor, society, etc. R5864:1 Be dissolved—they will separate, part company, fail to keep together, and will be swept away. R5864:1; Q771:4 Disintegrate into its various elements. R1470:3 The nations of the world will go down quickly. R5526:4 In the fervency of the heat and strife of that time. R5349:1
With fervent heat— The heat of public discussion and investigation. R3215:6, 5864:4 Discussion, tumult, strife. R5526:4,5, 5349:1, 3154:6, 1470:3; NS565:2 Human passion and wrath. R1488:4 In the bitterness of that time of selfish strife the elements will no longer blend and coalesce as before. R1470:3The strife between capital and labor. R5161:4 The "elements" will all dissolve with the fervency of the heat. R5863:5
The earth also— Human society as now organized under Satan's control. A69; R716:1*; HG539:1 The social organization under both church and state influence. D528; A319; R5058:6, 3215:6; Q771:4Social order of human affairs. R5456:1, 5753:2, 5349:1, 5348:6, 4222:3, 1470:3, 593:1, 409:6, 26:4 Organized society, including the financial and political powers. R5735:1, 5753:2; SM423:2 Society as at present organized will "reel," "melt," and be "dissolved." R1813:6, 3215:6, 1814:2, 593:1, 409:6; NS565:2 Shall take fire. SM422:3 After the heavens are on fire. SM423:3; R5863:3, 5349:1 It will be after the fall of Babylon—that the great distress of nations will come. R5348:6, 5864:1 Our physical earth has been the basis for "the world that was," "the present evil world," and the "world to come," and signifies the order of things. R4222:3, 1615:4, 532:2; A69;HG538:6 The physical earth will remain practically as it is, and will begin to undergo the transforming influences of restitution under Christ. SM422:2; R1615:4; A69 The principle of disintegration and reconstruction is constantly operating in nature; in rocks and animal and vegetable organisms. R5864:2 There will have to be a thorough breaking up of the fallow ground of men's hearts, and a thorough disintegration of present arrangements before the seed of truth can be planted that will bring forth fruitage of the new dispensation. R5864:2
And the works— Pride, rank, aristocracy, royalty. A319 Present institutions will be swallowed up. Div; R5161:4
Shall be burned up— Discovered—ancient manuscripts. R794:1* Destroyed in the strife and friction caused by increasing knowledge, combined with selfishness. R3215:6 In the combustion or consumption of the trouble. R5349:1 By a symbolic fire of destruction that is coming. R4627:3, 5864:1, 5161:4 With the fire of God's jealousy. (Zeph. 3:8) R1615:4, 5863:6, 3215:6, 794:1*, 668:1; D528 The Lord's anger will burn against all kinds of injustice and iniquity. Wrongdoing and wrongdoers will then be punished. R4628:1 The fire of God's anger no more means a literal fire than does the expression a fiery horse. It is the fire of God's wrath against sin. R5863:6 Overthrowing all law and order in anarchy. R5349:1 Pictured as a great conflagration. R5863:3, 5317:3, 4990:1 A great deal of burning, heart-burning and headaches and prostration are caused today by various exposures of one kind or another as time advances. R4628:4 The present age will end with the dissolution of the symbolic "heavens" and symbolic "earth," which signifies the utter disruption of the present social and ecclesiastical order. R2218:2, 5517:4; HG627:2 In reading this prophecy the majority of Christian people seem to think that there will be a literal burning up of the material heavens and earth. R5863:6, 5735:1, 5456:1, 5161:4 A literal interpretation overlooks the fact that St. Peter, speaking of the same time, in Acts 3:19-21 declares that Times of Restitution and blessing, not times of world-burning, will follow the second coming of Jesus. HG627:2; R5517:4 The time of trouble is referred to as a whirlwind, tempest and flood, etc. Manifestly, it cannot be all of these in a literal sense. R4627:3, 1813:6 After the "fire" has done its work the Lord will then turn to the people a pure language. (Zeph. 3:8,9) The fire is symbolic. Q772:T,4; R5753:2, 4627:3, 1814:1, 794:4* Fire is very properly a symbol of destruction, and is so used through the Scriptures. R4627:3 Fire is frequently used in a symbolic sense to represent tribulation. St. Peter says, "Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial that shall try you." (1 Pet. 4:12) HG627:2
[NTC - 2 Peter 3:11]
Seeing— The Lord's faithful, watching people, guided by the Word of truth, will have an understanding of temporal affairs. R5735:2 The Apostle exhorts that they be not swallowed up by politics, money-getting etc., but that they set their affections on higher things. B168 "When these things begin to come to pass, then look up and lift up your heads; for your deliverance draweth nigh." "When ye see these things, know that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand." (Luke 21:28, 31) R5735:2
All these things— Present earthly conditions. B168; R3215:6, 2123:1* Present political, social, religious and financial arrangements.R1622:2 All the things that occupy men's minds and absorb their energies. R5735:5 The many snares and delusions of this evil day. R1914:5 How comparatively unimportant should the things of this present order seem to us. They are not worthy of our time or words. R1622:2
Shall be dissolved— Are only temporary and will soon give place to the better order. B168 Shall all go down. R3215:6 Shall so shortly be dissolved. R1914:5 We see that their passing away is just at hand in this our day. R5735:5, 3215:6 It will not be stopped until the present order shall have been wholly dissolved. R5735:4 Is to pass away—to give place to a new order, social and religious. R1814:2, 5735:1
Manner of persons— We have the one pattern, to be like our Father which is in heaven. CR7:2 How serious life should be! R5778:4 All Christians should be zealous. CR309:4 If this was a serious consideration in the Apostle's day, how much more weighty does it seem today, when we stand at the threshold of the new dispensation and amidst the disintegrating influences of the old. R1622:2 As we note the bitter persecutions of the past, we should the more forgive arrogance and bigotry. All should turn from human traditions and everything contrary to the Bible. PD86/99 How highly we, who belong to the Gospel dispensation, should value its privileges and opportunities, seeking to make our calling and election sure! R4979:1 All those who believe in the great change just before us should be living for the future and not for the present. R5735:6 Let us lay these precious words to heart; for we stand in the very presence of the Great Judge of all the earth. R5864:5,3215:6
Ought ye— New creatures in Christ. R5735:6 We who have heard the Lord's invitation to joint-heirship in his Kingdom. OV205:6 The Apostle puts this solemn question right home to us. It is applicable now as never before. R5864:4 We as ambassadors for the King of kings and Lord of lords hold a very responsible and dignified position. NS466:4 We who are the recipients of much more abundant grace of this Gospel dispensation compared to the Law dispensation. R2010:3 We who have had such great favors and privileges and enlightenment. R5206:4 If our fellowmen are willing to endure great hardships for the trivial rewards that are theirs, what should we be willing to endure? NS455:4
To be— We need to guard against being overcharged with the petty cares of this present time, and against imbibing the spirit of the world. Only by constant watchfulness and prayer can we keep ourselves unspotted from the world. R1622:5 Separate and distinct from all other people in the world. R2218:3; B168 Imbibe the spirit of the Bible by studying its teachings. R5735:6
Holy conversation— Behavior. R5405:4 Holy conduct. B168 Holy living. SM706:2 In all holiness of life, in separateness from the world.R5864:4, 3791:1 The transitoriness, the trifling value of the most alluring of earth's gifts, should cause us to turn from them and to set our affections and hopes on heavenly hopes and things, which are infinite in value. R5735:6 There is nothing unholy in the new creature, and the imperfections of the flesh are covered by the robe of Christ's righteousness. R5735:6 The new creature begotten from above wishes to be holy and to keep his tabernacle holy. He breathes by nature a holy atmosphere; anything contrary is poisonous to this heavenly germ. R5735:6 If our bodies are the temple of the holy Spirit, we should be quickened into active and diligent service and to the bringing forth of all the fruits of holiness. R1981:6 New creatures should fellowship with one another seeking to build one another up in the most holy faith. R5736:1 "Let your conversation be as becometh the gospel of Christ." (Phil. 1:27) R4805:5, 1622:5 The child of God who is slovenly or careless in the management of his earthly body is not living in accord with true holiness; is not properly developing the heavenly "seed" begotten within him. R5736:1
Godliness— Piety. B168 Godlikeness. R1981:6 Godlikeness certainly cannot include any harmful gossip, unclean or unholy conversation, disloyal or rebellious words. R4805:5 We should lay up treasure in heaven, where the institutions will be permanent, and where armies and revolutions will not destroy the government. R5735:6 The very thoughts of the brain and the meditations of the heart should be conformed as nearly as possible to God's perfect standard. R5736:1 To see that meekness, sincerity, moderation, temperance and truth are always manifest in us, and that our general character bears the divine likeness. R1622:5 "Be ye holy, for I and holy," (1 Pet. 1:16) is the injunction of our Father in heaven. R5735:6, 5405:4, 3149:6 One not living up to his privileges, will likely be taken unawares as by a "thief in the night;" and will find too late that he has lost the "prize." R5736:4 These words, while serving a purpose for good all down this Gospel age, are specially meant by the Spirit for us, who are living in this very Day of God. R3215:6The return of Christ and the coming of the Kingdom are related to each other as elements of the Christian's hope, and are used invariably in the Bible as motives to holiness and perseverance. R32:6*, 298:4* When we remember our own imperfections and blemishes and how much the Lord must overlook and forgive in us, how generous it should make us in our sentiments toward the brethren. How their weaknesses should appeal to us! SM706:2
[NTC - 2 Peter 3:12]
Looking for— Watching for the evidences (signs) to prove that it has come. B168 Those of piety who are looking for that day will know of it before the full bursting forth of the fire of wrath. B168
Unto the coming— Greek, parousia, presence. B159, 168
The day of God— The age commencing with the second coming of Christ. R532:2
Wherein the heavens— In figurative language, symbolically picturing the ecclesiastical influence of our day. R4208:3 The present ruling powers. R3215:6 Certainly not the literal heavens, separated by millions of miles of space with nothing between to take fire. B169 Not the heaven of God's residence, but the ecclesiastical heavens. R5161:4
Being on fire— Trouble and destruction. SM424:3; R4990:1; HG149:4 Shall be consumed, shall cease to be. SM316:1 Symbolic—will consume everything of the present time that is contrary to the divine will, everything that is unjust, inequitable. R5161:4 St. Peter described the sign of the Son of Man in the heavens, revealed in flaming fire. (Matt. 24:30) SM422:3 The destruction of the religious systems and principles which at present govern and control mankind. R1470:3, 4990:1 The warring element will fight out this battle; thus will God promote the change. R5567:5 The "fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is." (1 Cor. 3:13) R4208:3, 5517:1; HG627:2; NS565:1
Be dissolved— Pass away with great commotion. R1470:3; SM422:3, 423:3 In the beginning of the "Day of the Lord," which "shall burn as an oven." (Mal. 4:1) A69; HG539:1
And the elements— Of which they are composed; Papacy and Protestantism. D552
Shall melt— Symbolic of the time of trouble, in which present institutions shall be swallowed up. OV269:4; Div Confusion, trouble and dissolution. A69; HG538:6
[NTC - 2 Peter 3:13]
Nevertheless we— We who have come into covenant relationship with the Lord; we who, unlike the rest of the world, know of the divine plan. R3215:6
Look for— Not to some other planet, but to this same one, and a new social order of things and new ecclesiastical rule. R4222:5, 2218:3
New heavens— The new spiritual power—Christ's Kingdom. A319, 334, 69; R5753:2, 5161:4, 2832:2; OV248:3 Ruling powers—the Kingdom of God. B168 Ecclesiasticism, God's glorified Church. D529; R5735:2, 5567:5, 5517:4, 5456:1; SM316:1 The glorified Jesus and his Church, in the Millennial Kingdom. OV27:2; R6014:5, 5456:1, 2832:3 The Kingdom of God, to be established in power and great glory. R3216:1;PD94/108 The new era, symbolically called. R2843:1, 5796:1, 1814:2 New religious system—the Church or government of righteousness for which we pray, "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is done in heaven." R1814:1, 1470:3; Div Higher, or ecclesiastical and spiritual powers. PD94/108 In which the Lord will dominate human affairs. OV248:3 New spiritual domination under which human regeneration will bring the "new earth." OV248:3
And a new earth— Earthly society reorganized on the new basis of love and justice, rather than of might and oppression. A319, 334, 69; B168; D529; R1470:3; Q771:4 A new social order—symbolically called the "new earth." R5161:4, 5796:1, 4990:1, 2218:2; D551; NS788:6; PD94/108; Q430:5 The new social order which Messiah's Kingdom will establish. R5456:1,2, 6014:5, 5753:2, 5161:5, 3216:1, 1814:1; PD84/108 Mankind under the new conditions of the New Covenant. OV27:3 The Millennial Kingdom will promptly be established on the ruins of "the present evil world"—on the ashes of present civil, religious, political institutions. R2920:5; D558; Q844:T The law of love will then prevail amongst perfect men, and a direct responsibility will be realized to God. R4223:1 Mankind under the new conditions of the New Covenant. OV27:3 The new organization of society. A new earth symbolically, although upon the same earth literally. R1814:1 It will be in the hands of the Ancient Worthies, when his Kingdom shall be fully established. R5567:5 It will be the original heavens and earth restored. R4222:6 "The world to come." (Heb. 2:5) F609; A70; HG11:6, 416:3, 538:1, 539:5; OV147:3; Q852:4 This same planet, but under new conditions, new social arrangements, provided by the Messianic Kingdom. R5517:4 There will be a new arrangement of things in the affairs of the earth, but just what will be the nature of the physical changes, or how these will be brought about, we do not know. R5317:6 The third epoch is to be a "world without end" (Isa. 45:17) under divine administration, the Kingdom of God. A67; R10:2*; HG538:1, Q852:4 This third earth and third heaven are the final and perfect, wherein "the tabernacle of God is with men." (Rev. 21:3) R210:3*, 2832:1 This will be the third heavens, and the third earth, which will differ from the present condition of things in that it will be righteous, whereas the present is unrighteous, imperfect. R2832:2, 5161:2 All three of these "worlds" or dispensations are connected with our planet, the earth. The Apostle divides them into heaven and earth; by the heavens referring to the spirit beings and influences, and by the earth referring to humanity subjected to these spiritual influences. OV27:2; R1677:3, 210:3*, 10:2*; HG11:3 Three great epochs of time in each of which God's plan with reference to men has a distinct and separate outline, yet each is but a part of the one great plan which, when complete, will exhibit the divine wisdom. R1677:3, 532:2 The three great epochs represent three distinct manifestations of divine providence. A66; HG537:6 There are heavens and earth in each order. They seem to exist in relation to each other as cause and effect, the outer, lower and visible as an expression of the inner, higher and invisible. R210:3*, 206:3* Not referring to new worlds, nor to heavens ranged one above another, as many have supposed. (2 Cor. 12:2) R2832:2
Wherein— In the third great epoch or dispensation. R1677:3
Dwelleth righteousness— Only that which is righteous, just, equitable, true, will be recognized. R6014:5 In which selfishness will be wholly eliminated and righteousness will prevail. R5161:4; SM769:1 In which justice and love, instead of power and selfishness, will be the law. A335 The reign of righteousness and love, in contradistinction to the present reign of sin, selfishness and death. HG234:1 Wherein right and truth and love will have supplanted error, superstition and selfishness. R1470:4 And wherein wars will cease to the ends of the earth! R5796:1, In which "the survival of the fittest" will be absolutely true. Q844:T Not because there will be no evil in it, but because evil will not predominate. The blotting out of evil will be gradual, requiring all of the first thousand years. A67; R10:3*; HG538:2; OV27:3 The Lord will send to mankind "a pure message, that they may all call upon the name of the Lord to serve him with one consent." (Zeph. 3:9) R5161:5 Satan will be bound and can deceive the world no longer. R4908:6, 1809:5; HG234:1, 540:3 David portrays the introduction of the same blessed Millennium of peace and righteousness. (Psa. 46:8-11) R1470:4, 5863:6, 5796:1, 1813:6; D551 "The ages to come"; (Eph. 2:7) the first of which is the Millennial age. HG11:6, 539:2; A71 Doubtless these were the same things which John afterward saw in vision on the Isle of Patmos. A70; HG539:2 Paul was given a glimpse of the next dispensation. He was "caught away" down the stream of time to the new condition of things, the "new heaven," hence the "third heaven." (2 Cor. 12:2-4) A70; HG539:2; Q830:T
[NTC - 2 Peter 3:14]
Such things— The overthrow of the existing order and the establishment of the glorious Kingdom of God's dear Son. R5864:5
Be diligent— Let us be diligent. R5990:5 The prize of the high calling is not for the easy-going Christian. R2123:1*
Be found of him— Not that he shall wash you when he comes, but you shall be found of him so cleansed. R163:1
Without spot— Give diligence and see that our robe is spotless. R163:1
And blameless— Ready for the entrance into that rest which remains. R5990:5 For our Lord "is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy." (Jude 24) R5864:6, 3216:4
[NTC - 2 Peter 3:15]
And account that— Words of special comfort and cheer to us now, in this brief waiting time since the close of Gentile Times. How glad of this little extended time some of the Lord's dear ones are, who have consecrated since 1914. R5864:5
Beloved brother Paul— Mark Peter's affection for Paul, who had so plainly reproved and rebuked him. R1041:3 Note the sympathy and love existing between Paul and Peter; evidently the rebuke (Gal. 3:11) was accepted in the spirit of meekness. R664:2*, 416:1*
Wisdom given unto him— Paul did not launch out into foolish speculations but confined himself to the expounding of sacred Scriptures and to exhortations, inspired by the revelations made to himself—a prophet as well as an apostle. R1719:6, 1148:4
Written unto you— Impulsive Peter seemed to gain more self-control, and he boldly and freely endorses the teaching and course of his "beloved brother Paul." R552:4, 1041:3
[NTC - 2 Peter 3:16]
All his epistles— The Apostolic epistles were written to the various local congregations, and were directed to be publicly read and to be exchanged among the churches. R1146:1 The earliest notice of a collection of the New Testament books. Speaking as if some collection existed and was received in the churches as on a par with "the other Scriptures." R434:2*
These things— The things relating to the three worlds and the three heavens of which the Apostle was writing. Q829:4 The things which Peter thought strange of are the very items which now, in God's due time, so grandly illuminate not only Peter's prophecies and John's Revelation, but the entire Word and plan of God. R1148:4, 668:1; B169
Hard to be understood— Even by Peter and only partially then by Paul himself. R1148:4 Liable to be misunderstood by some. R668:1 Difficult. R179:1*Especially in reference to the second coming of Jesus and our change. R181:6* Paul's revelations influenced all of his writings and caused him to give such expressions as were hard to be understood, but which, in the light of subsequent events, are now being clearly revealed to the earnest student. Q830:T The truth concerning the trumpet's voices and fire associated with his coming does not lie on the surface. We need not be surprised, then, if the same be true of all the circumstances attending Christ's return. R167:2*; B169
Unlearned— In the Word. R179:1*
Unstable— As one who believed in the harvest truth and now teaches that the Church has no share in the Redeemer's suffering, in filling up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ. R4433:3 The "unlearned and unstable" have wrested many of the Apostle's statements from their true connection and significance. Q830:T
Wrest— Twist. R4435:2, 2219:2 "Handle the Word of God deceitfully." (2 Cor. 4:2) R2218:6 Scriptures that apply to "the new heavens and the new earth" have been variously warped and twisted from their true application and forcibly assigned to "the heavens that are now" and "this present evil world." Q830:T At this particular time the Adversary will get advantage of certain ones, will beguile them, get them to wrest the Scriptures, and thus to deceive themselves. R2218:3
Destruction— Of their spiritual interests. R2218:6 To their loss of present light at least. R2218:3 Such as one who will conclude that everything that he saw on coming out of Babylon was a delusion, and that he will return to the "outer darkness" of Babylon. R4433:6 This is not parallel to the one of which our Lord said, "Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. For he that is not against us, is on our part." (Mark 9:39, 40) R4434:1 It is a serious thing to wrest the Scriptures. R1778:2 Contrary to the Universalist theory. R3083:2 Not eternal torment. R2598:1, 3167:2
[NTC - 2 Peter 3:17]
Beloved— Not the worldly, nor even the average nominal Christian; but those who already had attained to "steadfastness." R2218:3 This counsel has a special fitness to the Church in the last days, our days, and was evidently so designed by the Spirit of God as is clear from verse 3. R3215:1, 2218:2
Know these things— That all of the affairs, reforms, etc., of the present time will avail nothing, the present institutions will pass away, and God is about to establish his own Kingdom in his own way; and further, that just at this particular time there will be a special sifting and testing of those who are in the light. R2219:3 Which are to take place in the Day of the Lord, "Day of Vengeance." R2218:2, 1148:4
Beware lest ye also— Be cautious, careful and watchful against all the deceptions and dangers that beset our way. R1670:6 In view of the false teachers who would arise to pervert the truth.R3215:1 The steadfast ones, the saints, living at that time, that is, right now. R2218:6 Give earnest heed to this counsel, for we live in the "evil day." (Eph. 6:13) R2218:3, 2189:3 Be ever on the watch that we be not caught in any snare of the Adversary. R1661:6*, 1670:6 We may insure ourselves against falling into any of these traps of the Adversary. Chiefly by obedience to the principles laid down in the Bible and illustrated in the life and character of our Lord and his apostles. R2219:6 The Lord guided to the presentation of the Vow for the very purpose of making it a trial and test amongst those professing to be his disciples. R4326:3, 4328:1 Be on guard that whoever may become the instrument of the Adversary, whether congenial to our natural tastes or uncongenial, we may not be "carried away" but "To our Lord we will be true." R2219:5 While the Lord promises grace sufficient for every time of need, he never encourages any to rest supinely upon his promises: the exhortations are always to activity, alertness and indomitable energy and perseverance. R1670:3 "Mark them which cause division amongst you; and avoid them." (Rom. 16:17) R4327:2, 3215:2 "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." (Col. 2:6-8) R3215:3
Being led away— Seduced. R2189:3 From the fixed statements of the divine Word, through sympathy, or the influence of someone held in respect or esteem. R2219:4 The danger to the steadfast will be along some line which would sweep away their judgments from the fixed statements of the divine Word, through personal preference or sympathy, or through the influence of someone held in respect or esteem. R2219:4 There will be certain leaders of thought whose conduct will tend to carry away others. "Deceiving and being themselves deceived." (2 Tim. 3:13) R2219:5 A reprobate condition of mind is sure to get into doctrinal darkness. R4327:4 Where the leading away is a doctrinal deflection, it may, or it may not, lead to a wrong spirit. R4327:3
With the error— The distinguishing characteristic is a lack of love. R4326:2, 4327:3 Lovelessness is quickly followed by antagonism to truths, to God and the brethren. R4327:3 From the truth into more or less darkness and confusion. R2219:3 Wasting valuable time in investigating the theories. R3215:3 While doctrinal errors are dangerous, and should be avoided, it is still more serious a matter to lose the spirit of love—the holy Spirit. R4327:3 We should always be on the alert to render assistance whenever needed to convert a brother from error, but we should do nothing that would tend to make us fall from our own steadfastness into the error of the wicked. R1860:3 The difference between the strong and steadfast Christian and a bigot is that the one is established in the truth, while the other is established in error. R3215:3
Wicked— Greek, athemos, unsettled, lawless. The word wicked is too strong. R2218:6 The unsettled or lawless who do not bow implicitly to the Lord's Word but wrest it to establish theories of their own. R2219:4 Wicked one. R2189:3 The Apostle's language not only points to the present time but seems to imply that there would be previous fallings away or siftings, which he calls "the error of the wicked"—literally, "the delusions of the unsettled or lawless." R2218:6 "Siftings" specially affect those in the light of present truth; yet in a more general way and along different lines slightly different siftings are in progress with the nominal church as a whole. R2219:4 Each denomination is being shaken, and the theories of Evolution, Spiritism, Christian Science, Theosophy and Moralism are making great inroads upon all who have named the name of Christ. R2219:4 Unsettled, lacking the knowledge of the divine Word and plan, the whole nominal church is gradually losing its faith in the Bible, under the lead of its most able ministers, who are of the opinion that their "Higher Criticism" is superior to the Scripture presentations. R2219:4
Own stedfastness— Present steadfastness. R3215:1 This implies that they had become rooted and grounded and built up, both in knowledge and the love of God. R2218:3 The not settled ones would first be shaken out, and subsequently there would come a still more insidious trial which would test even the "steadfast." R2218:6 The Adversary has more subtle delusions before us than any of those in the past; and the fully consecrated may need to be more than ever on guard against "the wiles of the devil." (Eph. 6:11) R2219:3 We are not to render bitter words for bitter words, slander for slander, nor reviling for reviling. R4327:2
[NTC - 2 Peter 3:18]
Grow— In this age and land, this becomes more than ever our duty. R1030:1* The aged Apostle Peter's solicitude for the growth and development of the Church was increasing. He counsels all to faithfulness and growth. R3215:1 "Unto a full grown man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." (Eph. 4:13) R1043:6*, 21:5*
In grace— Grow in favor with the Lord through an intimate personal acquaintance and fellowship of spirit with him. R3215:4, 1043:6* Give all diligence to the study of the divine oracle, that we may be fortified in faith and works accordingly. R4808:6 Implying a personal faith in and dependence upon all the promises, intimate communion in our daily life of prayer, and observation of God's will and obedience to it. R3215:4 The full and blessed understanding of this is best appreciated by those who from day to day walk with God in faith, obedience and love. R3215:4In order "to come unto the knowledge of the truth." (1 Tim. 2:4) R780:1 We grow in grace as we grow in knowledge. R5656:1, 3215:4 It is the life work of the Christian. R118:2* Add the graces of character. OV356:2 A sense of divine acceptance and favor is given us in increasing measure in fulfillment of the blessed promise of John 14:23. R3215:4
Knowledge— Greek, gnosis. R2037:2 Each step of knowledge brings a corresponding step of duty and obedience, and each step of duty and obedience taken will be followed by a further step in knowledge. E239 If we have this witness of the Spirit of growth, both in grace and in knowledge, let us rejoice therein, and let us follow on in the same pathway until it shall bring us to that which is perfect, both in knowledge and in grace. E239 The faithful ones will grow in both grace and knowledge; and the holy Spirit, through its begetting, will enable such to know (appreciate) the deep things of God, the things freely given such by God, the knowledge of God resulting from our experience in the school of Christ. R2037:2 The more thorough our knowledge of the Lord and the more intimate our acquaintance with him, the more secure we are in our own steadfastness. R3215:3 If we love and obey the Lord and desire to grow in his favor, his written Word is our daily meditation and study. Thus we grow in knowledge. R3215:5 By putting on more and more of the armor of God until we realize its glorious completeness in the full discernment of the divine plan of the ages. R3215:5 Even those established in the faith will be continually charmed and cheered with newly discovered lines of harmony and beauty in the divine drawings of the plan. R3215:5 We are in danger of being extremists on this as on almost all other Bible themes—some making too much and others too little of the importance of the knowledge of theory or correct theology. R49:3* As pupils we may ever study the master workmanship of the divine Architect. R3215:5
Jesus Christ— Who is the way, the truth, and the life. (John 14:6) R3215:3 The development of Jesus as a new creature was his first obligation—as it is our first consideration. SM638:T