September 20th 2017 – 2 Peter 3:18

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

2 Peter 3:18

'We are to grow in this: it is more than a life-time's task, but our earthly life-time's exercise is definitive and decisive, we believe, for our eternal state and status in the service of the King of kings. There are those who would say that God's grace is so gracious that no distinctions can possibly be envisaged in the eternal state, and, they say, there are teachings and parables to that end. Yes, but there are also teachings and parables to the other end that the quality of our life in Christ down here does count and tell unto all eternity. Doubtless the larger truth is that of a world of grace in which all but grace is swamped, but who said there could be no distinctions let alone significant distinctions in the world of grace? We believe there are, and so the command is given us to get on with the all-blessed activity whose present, personal benefits are benefits for ever. The glory to be given to our Lord now and for ever doubtless suggests the manifestations of the entire eternal kingdom, but in this context, that of avoiding false prophets and keeping to the true saving knowledge and its world of grace, we can think of particular manifestations of glory that have especial relevance - glory for that man, and that, and this woman, and that. Glory for the steadfastness which produces both the softest and yet most durable rocks of living stone.'