"We are saved by faith alone, but not by faith that is alone."
Peter tells us that through the power of God we have been granted in salvation all things that pertain to life and godliness. But not only do we now have the capacity to godliness but we are called to it. As God had promised we have become partakers in the divine nature because we have been delivered from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desires.
What this means is that through the Holy Spirit we have been empowered to separate ourselves from the corruption of sinful desires. However this is not an immediate process but a slow progression of sanctification. For this reason Peter says we are to make every effort to supplement our faith with the good works the Lord has prepared for us to do.
We begin with faith a gift from God
To this we add virtue - that is the acting with integrity and righteousness
To vitue we add knowledge - that is an aquaintance with the truth - an aquaintance with God.
To Knowledge we add self control - that is a restraint of self - a restraint of pride
To self control we add steadfastness - that is unwavering resolution to a fixed direction
To steadfastness we add godliness - that is devotion to God - the direction of our resolution
To godliness we add brotherly affection - that is devotion to others - the direction of our resolution
To brothery affection we add Love - that is a demonstration of worth through sacrifice.
In following this path from Faith to Love Peter promises that we will be kept from ineffectivness and unfruitfulness of the knowledge of the gospel in our lives - that is the love of God who showed us our worth that while we were yet sinners, enemies of his he made the ultimte sacrifice by dying for us.
May the name of the Lord be praised!
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