and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness,
2 Peter 1:6
Next, godliness: this word (sometimes the noun, and sometimes the adjective) appears twenty-nine times in Scripture. Of these references all but four appear in the New Testament, and by far the greater number in the last books written - 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, 2 Peter, 3 John. It is as if the apostles were all alike saying, 'In view of all our teaching, and all the dangers that you face, godliness of life is the only safeguard, the only bulwark, the only testimony in a godless world.'
Notice the position Peter gives to it in his 'catalogue' of Christian graces - it stands, so to speak, at the summit to which the previous qualities lead up, and from which the subsequent ones flow. It would be difficult to find anything better, or as good, by way of commentary, than the following by Alexander Maclaren, in a book entitled 'Seven Christian Graces': 'It is as in some Alpine range, where the side that faces the north presents rugged cliffs and sparse vegetation and close-knit strength to breast the tempest and live among the snows; while the southern side has gentler slopes and a more fertile soil, a richer vegetation and a summer sky. Here on the one side you have these severe and self-regarding graces, fronting a world full of antagonism and evil; and on the other side you have gentler graces, fronting a world full of men that need care and help; whilst above them all towers the great summit that points to the stars and gleams up amidst the blue; from which flow down on the one side the streams of love and pity, and on the other run down the cliffs that front the stormy north. In the beginning, faith; at the end, love; in the centre, godliness: even as the type and example of both are found in the Christ of Whom long ago it was said: 'The Lord God will come with strong hand: He shall carry the lambs in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young' (Isaiah 40:10-11).