1. 2 Peter 1:12–15 (ESV)
  2. Application

Remembering what you have received

2 Peter 1:12–15 (ESV)

12 Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have.

Since Peter’s focus is on remembering (see 2 Peter 3:1–2), it will be helpful to consider what exactly he means by this and how we are to remember.

To start with, we should appreciate that remembering means holding on to what you have been given rather than discovering something new. Truth has already been communicated by Peter and the apostles. They were eyewitnesses of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. They were inspired by the Spirit to remember everything that Jesus wanted them to (John 16:12–15). They conveyed the news of God’s promises—an eternal future in God’s everlasting kingdom through faith in Christ.

Given the fact that believers have this truth, the task of the church is to hold on to what has been given. We do not start with the gospel and then move on to bigger and greater things (as if such exist).

Many church buildings have actually been designed to encourage this remembering. In most Protestant churches there will be a pulpit and perhaps also a table. The pulpit affirms that we seek to ensure that the finished Word of God remains at the centre of our church life. The Bible is to be preached and taught. The table affirms that we seek to remember the death of the Lord Jesus Christ as it is used for celebrating holy communion (1 Corinthians 11:23–26).