Journal: Journal of the Grace Evangelical Society
Volume: JOTGES 38:74 (Spring 2025)
Article: Preparing To Have A Lavish Kingdom Entrance (Part 1)
Author: David Janssen

JOTGES 38:74 (Spring 2025) p. 63

Preparing To Have A Lavish Kingdom Entrance (Part 1)1

David Janssen

Pastor of Spiritual Growth
Grace Community Bible Church
Sandy, Utah

I. Introduction

As Christians, we look forward to being with Jesus, entering the kingdom of God, and spending eternity on the new earth. These are promised to all believers, but how we experience them will depend upon how we respond to God’s commands.

In his second letter, Peter talks about what is required for a believer to experience a rich or lavish entrance into the eternal kingdom. Second Peter 1:11 says, “For in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you (emphasis added).”2 Although this description is brief, it sounds glorious!

As believers, we know our eternal salvation is secure. Yet God desires to do so much more in and through us. Peter wants us to know that we are called and chosen. But what do these terms mean, and why does it matter?

In terms of having a rich entrance into the kingdom, Peter describes what is required and clarifies that believers are called to grow and chosen to serve, resulting in a useful and productive life, now and forever.

II. God Wants Believers To Experience His Grace And Peace (2 Peter 1:1–2)

A. Second Peter Is Written To Believers Who Already Have Eternal Life (1:1)

To fully appreciate the message of 2 Peter, it is essential that we know to whom the letter was addressed. Peter makes it clear that he

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is writing to believers: To those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (1:1b). “Of the same kind” is translated from a single Greek word, isotimos, which means “pertaining to that which is of equal significance or value.”3 The NIV reads “as precious as,” and the ESV translates it as “of equal standing.” The phrase “as ours” refers to Peter and the apostles.

In v 5, Peter also speaks of “your faith.” This is the faith that the letter’s recipients have and confirms that they are believers. Furthermore, in v 10