Given All Things for Life and Godliness

We explore the first two verses of 2 Peter where Peter speaks of believers as having “a faith of equal standing with ours.” Peter uses a word translated “obtained” which implies ‘by lot’ in the sense of an inheritance. We explore other words in the New Testament which are used to describe the inheritance of Christians. Those who know Christ are heirs of Christ (Ephesians 3:6).

We explain the implications of this in regard to being adopted sons and daughters of the King. Much psychological teaching which is popular in churches today is rather deterministic based on “family of origin” issues as it is often described.

The apostles saw our standing to be based on having been adopted into the family of God and having an inheritance due to being in Christ rather than in Adam. We have this status based on God’s promises, not what worldly status we may have inherited, be it desirable or undesirable. Our inheritance is eternal.

We also talk about grace and peace which is “multiplied” to us according to Peter’s salutation. Peace with God is not merely the presence of tranquility of mind, but in key passages such as Romans 5:1 describes it as reconciled enemies. All who are in Adam are born as enemies of Christ.

Those who repent and turn to Christ become adopted children of God. The grace which God gives is effectual grace which brings change in our lives.