- They will have security: (1:10): If we walk around with our eyes closed, we will stumble! But the growing Christian walks with confidence because he knows he is secure in Christ. It is not our profession of faith that guarantees that we are saved; it is our progression in the faith that gives us that assurance. The person who claims to be a child of God but whose character and conduct give no evidence of spiritual growth is deceiving himself and heading for judgment.
Peter pointed out that “calling” and “election” go together. The same God who elects His people also ordains the means to call them. The two must go together, as Paul wrote to the (Thess.2:13-14). We do not preach election to unsaved people; we preach the Gospel. But God uses that Gospel to call sinners to repentance, and then those sinners discover that they were chosen by God! Just think of the blessings that the growing Christian enjoys: fruitfulness, vision, security—and heaven’s best! All this and heaven too!
The Christian life begins with faith, but that faith must lead to spiritual growth. Faith leads to growth and growth leads to practical results in life and service. People who have this kind of Christian experience are not likely to fall down or backslide to false teachers.
Back to basics and transfiguration: (1:12-18):
Outstanding coaches constantly review. In the same way, Peter is trying to remind us what we have learnt. We must not neglect the basics of our faith. Just as an athlete needs constant practice, we need constant reminders of the fundamentals of our faith and how we came to believe in the first place. We need to keep on refreshing. That’s why Paul says: “continue to work out your Salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil. 1:12). Today’s problem in many churches is not that believers do not know what God expects of them, but they either forget (2 Pet.1:9) or are unwilling to live out the truth they now have.
Peter once again displays the heavenly character: He is wanting to go but willing to stay until the believers learn the basics and practice them. He knew that his departure is at hand, but his desire is that the church would remember and display these characters.
Peter used the experience of “Mount of transfiguration” along with other disciples James and John to clarify the believers. The experience,
- Confirmed Peter’s testimony about Jesus Christ (Matt 16:13-16). Perhaps Peter was also expecting at end of his life he would be carried over to heaven.
- Calvary: The Transfiguration also had a special significance for Jesus Christ, who was nearing Calvary. It was the Father’s way of strengthening His Son for that terrible ordeal of being the sacrifice for the sins of the world. The Law and the Prophets (Moses and Elijah) pointed to His ministry, and now He would fulfil those Scriptures. The Father spoke from heaven and assured the Son of His love and approval. The Transfiguration was proof that suffering leads to glory when we are in the will of God.
- Promised kingdom: In all three Gospels where the account of the Transfiguration is recorded, it is introduced with a statement about the kingdom of God (Matt.16:28; Mk. 9:1; Lk. 9:27). Jesus promised that, before they died, some of the disciples would see the kingdom of God in power! This took place on the Mount of Transfiguration when our Lord revealed His glory.