The Christian Graces
A guest post by Chad Ramsey.
Because of God’s wonderful mercy and grace, we can be cleansed from our sins. This occurs when we are washed by the blood of Jesus Christ through the waters of baptism (Revelation 1:5 and Acts 22:16).
Importantly, those who have been baptized are expected to live a different kind of life (Romans 6:4). And the expectation, in part, is that every effort will be made to continue to walk in God’s light (1 John 1:7).
Initial gospel obedience, although necessary, is not all that is expected of Jesus’s followers. The Savior likewise demands His followers grow and mature as Christians. Peter made this point when he wrote: “but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).
The question is not: Should seek to grow and develop as Christians? We must! Instead, we must ask: How can spiritual growth be accomplished?
Adding the “Christian Graces.”
Although Peter was not the only writer in Scripture to discuss spiritual growth, he certainly describes the process in a very helpful way. Discussing how we may “be partakers of the divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4), Peter stresses we must diligently seek to develop and cultivate certain qualities—known collectively as the “Christian Graces” (2 Peter 1:5-7).
Individuals who successfully add these qualities to their lives “will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:8), and confidence in salvation will result (2 Peter 1:10).
Faith is the Beginning Point.
Faith is set forth as the beginning point of this journey. Although some have questioned whether the list provided by Peter in 2 Peter 1:5-7 was meant to be sequential, this interpretation seems possible given that faith is placed at the beginning and love at the end of the list. The former is the foundation; the latter is the crown.
Obviously, one’s relationship with God must begin with faith, for “without faith it is impossible to please Him” (Hebrews 11:6). Likewise, love seems well suited at the end of the list since it is described as being greater than either faith or hope (1 Corinthians 13:13).
Consequently, it is reasonable to conclude that “each virtue is to be used as a stepping stone for the next. ‘Faith’ is the means by which one proceeds to ‘moral excellence.’ By ‘moral excellence’ one proceeds to ‘knowledge’” (Warden 331).
Beginning with faith, the Christian is to make every effort to instill virtue into his or her life. This term is also translated “moral excellence” (NASB) and “goodness” (NIV). The idea is that one should behave in a way that reflects God’s goodness.
Continuing on, the Christian must add knowledge (Philippians 1:9-10); self-control (1 Corinthians 9:25-27); perseverance (James 5:11); godliness (2 Peter 3:11); brotherly kindness (Romans 12:10); and love (Romans 13:8-10).
Although much could be said about each of these characteristics, it should suffice to say that if any of them are not present, the Christian’s life is lacking.
References.
Warden, Duane. 1 & 2 Peter and Jude (Truth for Today Commentary). Ed. Eddie Cloer. Searcy: Resource, 2009.
Chad Ramsey preaches for the Gloster Street Church of Christ in Tupelo, Mississippi. You can access their Bible classes and Chad’s sermons on Gloster Street’s YouTube page.
Chad was - and still is - “my preacher” from when I spent my high school and early college years at Gloster Street. I’m thankful to be able to share some of his writings with you.
