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2 Peter Chapter One
Precious Gifts From God (1:1-4)
I. A LIKE PRECIOUS FAITH (1)
A. A FAITH THAT IS "LIKE"... 1. Like what? Like the faith that Peter himself has! 2. While the "objective" sense of faith (i.e., the gospel - cf. Ju 3) may be in view here, I suspect that Peter has in reference the "subjective" sense of faith (the faith one has in the gospel) B. NOTICE THAT THIS GIFT IS "OBTAINED" (GIVEN, KJV)... 1. The word is doreomai {do-reh'-om-ahee}, and is in the middle voice, suggesting that "faith" is both given and received 2. That faith is "given" is evident from: a. Ro 10:17; Jn 20:30-31 - faith comes from the Word of God; if God had not given His Word, saving faith would not be possible! b. 1 Pe 1:20-21 - it is through Christ we believe in God; if God had not sent Christ, many of us would still be idol worshippers! c. 2 Pe 1:1 - it is "by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ" that we have faith; because of Jesus' Divine sacrifice, saving faith is possible! 3. But faith "given" is not truly "obtained" unless it is also faith "received" a. One must be willing to accept the Word with faith - cf. He 4:2 b. We must therefore be willing to receive the gift which God gives (in this case, the gift of faith made possible through His Word) C. WHY IS THIS FAITH "PRECIOUS"? 1. Most certainly because of the "object" of our faith: Jesus Christ, the Son of God! 2. But also because the "faith itself" (trust, conviction) is of great value to God; consider how God viewed Abraham's faith - cf. Ro 4:3; He 11:1-2 3. And one might add, because of all the blessings enjoyed by those with such faith! [This leads us to the next "gift" described by Peter...] II. GRACE AND PEACE "MULTIPLIED" (2)
A. "GRACE" AND "PEACE" WERE COMMON FORMS OF GREETING... 1. Grace - the greeting which requests God's unmerited favor upon the person addressed 2. Peace - the greeting requesting the natural result of God's favor B. THESE TWO BLESSINGS ARE "MULTIPLIED" IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD ANDOF JESUS CHRIST...
1. All men experience God's favor and its result to some degree - cf. Mt 5:45 2. But only in Christ can one enjoy the "fullness" of God's favor and peace a. Only in Christ can one have "every spiritual blessing" - Ep 1:3 b. Only in Christ can have "the peace of God which surpasses all understanding" - Ph 4:6-7 3. Such fullness comes "in the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ" a. This "knowledge" will be a recurring theme in this epistle - 2 Pe 1:3, 5-6, 8; 2:20; 3:18 b. What this "knowledge" entails will be the focus of our next lesson c. But notice for the time being that "growing in grace" must go hand-in-hand with "growing in knowledge" - cf. 2 Pe 3:18 [To the "multiplicity" of grace and peace, and to obtaining of "like precious faith", we can add a third "precious gift from God"...] III. ALL THINGS THAT PERTAIN TO LIFE AND GODLINESS (3)
A. DEFINING LIFE AND GODLINESS... 1. "Life" in this context refers to our spiritual life and well-being 2. "Godliness" refers to the pious conduct which comes out of devotion to God 3. Thus, everything we need for spiritual life and serving God acceptably has been given to us! B. "AS HIS DIVINE POWER HAS GIVEN TO US" 1. It is by the power of God that we have new life! - cf. Co 2:12-13; Ti 3:4-5
2. It is by the power of God that we can live godly lives! - cf. Ph 2:12-13; 4:13 C. "THROUGH THE KNOWLEDGE OF HIM..." 1. Experiencing true "life" and "godliness" can only come through the "knowledge" of Him who has called us by glory and virtue - i.e., the knowledge of Jesus Christ 2. As will be seen in our next lesson, this "knowledge" is much more than an academic, intellectual knowledge, it is a knowledge borne of developing and experiencing life in Jesus [Finally, consider one more "precious gift from God"...] IV. EXCEEDINGLY GREAT AND PRECIOUS PROMISES (4)
A. THEY ARE "EXCEEDINGLY GREAT AND PRECIOUS" BECAUSE... 1. Through them, we may be "partakers of the divine nature" a. We may share in things related to the nature of God! b. One of these has already been mentioned in our text: His divine power! - 1:3 2. Through them, we have "escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust" a. We cannot escape such "corruption" on our own b. But through these "great and precious" promises, we have done so! B. A SAMPLING OF THESE "PRECIOUS PROMISES"... 1. Promises already received: a. The forgiveness of sins 1) Promised by the prophets - Ac 10:43 2) Received upon obedience to the gospel - Ac 2:38; 22:16 b. The gift of the Holy Spirit 1) Promised by Jesus - Jn 7:37-39 2) Received upon obedience to the gospel - Ac 2:38; 5:32; Ep 1:13-14; Ga 4:6
c. The assurance of God's care and strength 1) Promised by God Himself - Isa 41:10 2) Enjoyed by those in Christ - 1 Co 10:13; He 13:5-6 2. Promises yet to be received: a. The redemption of our body, at the Resurrection - Ro 8:23;1 Co 15:50-53
b. The inheritance that is reserved in heaven - 1 Pe 1:3-4 c. The new heavens and new earth - 2 Pe 3:13 CONCLUSION
1. All these promises are "exceedingly great and precious," yet Peter seems to have in mind those promises already received... a. Such as the forgiveness of sins, and the gift of the Holy Spirit b. For through such promises we have already... 1) Become "partakers of the divine nature" - e.g., Ro 5:1-2 2) "Escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust" - e.g., Ro 8:1-2 2. But having received these promises does not ensure that we will receive those that pertain to the future... a. There is the real danger of apostasy - cf. 2 Pe 2:20-22 b. Thus the need for the warning at the close of this epistle - cf. 2 Pe 3:17 3. To remain faithful to the Lord, then, let us never forget these "Precious Gifts From God"... a. A precious faith like Peter's b. Grace and peace multiplied c. All things that pertain to life and godliness d. Exceedingly great and precious promises Have you received those precious promises proclaimed on the Day ofPentecost? - cf. Ac 2:36-39
Growing In The Knowledge Of Jesus Christ (1:5-11)
INTRODUCTION
1. In our previous lesson ("Precious Gifts From God"), we noticed that a certain "knowledge" is the source of wonderful blessings... a. Grace and peace is multiplied "in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord" - 2 Pe 1:2 b. All things that pertain to life and godliness are given "through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue" - 2 Pe1:3
2. Also noted was how Peter closes his epistle with this admonition: "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and SaviorJesus Christ." - 2 Pe 3:18
3. This raises several questions... a. What does it mean to "grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ"? b. How can we be sure that we are growing in this "knowledge"? c. Why is Peter so concerned that we grow in this "knowledge"? 4. In 2 Pe 1:5-11, we find the answers to these questions, and in this lesson we shall examine this passage closely (READ) [First, consider...] I. WHAT "GROWING IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS CHRIST" INVOLVES
A. FIRST, IT INVOLVES THE DEVELOPMENT OF EIGHT "GRACES"... 1. These "graces" are listed in 2 Pe 1:5-7 2. Briefly defined... a. FAITH is "conviction, strong assurance" b. VIRTUE is "moral excellence, goodness" c. KNOWLEDGE is "correct insight" d. SELF-CONTROL is "self-discipline" e. PERSEVERANCE is "bearing up under trials" f. GODLINESS is "godly character out of devotion to God" g. BROTHERLY KINDNESS is "love toward brethren" h. LOVE is "active goodwill toward those in need" 3. Notice carefully 2 Pe 1:8 a. We must "abound" in these eight "graces" b. Only then can it be said that we are "growing in the knowledge of Jesus Christ" 4. Therefore it something more than simply increasing our "intellectual" knowledge of Jesus Christ! a. Though such knowledge has a place, it is just one of the graces necessary b. Peter is talking about growing in a FULL AND PERSONAL knowledge of Jesus Christ! 1) Which comes by developing the "Christ-like" attributes defined above 2) The more we grow in these "graces", the more we really "know" Jesus (for He is the perfect personification of these "graces") 5. That it involves more than intellectual knowledge is also evident from the Greek word used for knowledge in 2 Pe 1:2-3,8 a. The word is epignosis {ep-ig'-no-sis}, meaning "to become thoroughly acquainted with, to know thoroughly, to know accurately, know well" (THAYER) b. Such knowledge comes only as we DEMONSTRATE these "Christ- like graces" in our lives B. SECOND, IT INVOLVES DEVELOPING THESE "GRACES" IN CONJUNCTIONWITH EACH OTHER...
1. Notice the word "add" (or "supply") in 2 Pe 1:5 a. Before each grace mentioned, the word is implied b. The word in Greek is epichoregeo {ep-ee-khor-ayg-eh'-o} 1) "Originally, to found and support a chorus, to lead a choir, to keep in tune" 2) "Then, to supply or provide" c. This word therefore suggests the idea of "each grace working in harmony with the others to produce an overall effect" 2. Notice also the preposition "to" (or "in") in 2 Pe 1:5-7 a. This suggests that "each grace is to temper and make perfect the grace that goes before it" b. To illustrate: 1) "to knowledge (add) self-control" - the grace of self-control enables one to apply properly the knowledge one has 2) "to self-control (add) perseverance" - self-control in turn needs the quality of perseverance to be consistent day after day 3. Thus each grace is necessary! a. They must all be developed in conjunction with each other b. We cannot be selective and just pick the ones we like and leave others behind C. THIRD, IT INVOLVES DILIGENT EFFORT... 1. Notice the word "diligence" in 2 Pe 1:5,10 2. It means "earnestness, zeal, sometimes with haste" 3. To grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ requires much effort 4. We do not "accidentally" or "naturally" develop these graces! 5. If we are not careful, we may be like the teacher in the following illustration: In his book Folk Psalms of Faith, Ray Stedman tells a story of a woman who had been a school teacher for 25 years. When she heard about a job that would mean a promotion, she applied for the position. However, someone who had been teaching for only one year was hired instead. She went to the principal and asked why. The principal responded, "I'm sorry, but you haven't had 25 years of experience as you claim; you've had only one year's experience 25 times." During that whole time the teacher had not improved. [We may have been Christians for a number of years. But unless we continue to grow, we are simply repeating the first year over and over again! Is the effort worth it? In the context of this passage Peter gives THREE reasons why we should "give all diligence" to grow in this knowledge of Jesus Christ...] II. WHY WE SHOULD BE "GROWING IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS CHRIST"
A. FAILURE TO GROW IN THIS KNOWLEDGE RESULTS IN SPIRITUAL "MYOPIA"AND "AMNESIA" - 2 Pe 1:9
1. Our religion is "short-sighted" if we are not growing in the knowledge of Jesus Christ! a. For what is the ultimate objective of being a Christian? b. To become like Christ! - cf. Ro 8:29; Co 3:9-11 c. As we have seen, this is what it really means to grow in the knowledge of Christ 2. Failure to so grow is an indication that we forgot why we were redeemed by the blood of Christ in the first place! a. To have our sins forgiven, yes... b. But then, that we might present ourselves to God and become what He wants us to be - LIKE HIS SON! B. WE WILL NEVER STUMBLE - 2 Pe 1:10 1. This does not mean we will never sin - cf. 1 Jn 1:8,10 2. The word "stumble" in Greek means "to fall into misery, become wretched; cf. the loss of salvation" (Thayer) 3. We will never stumble so as to fall short of our ultimate salvation! 4. But this is true ONLY if we are "giving all diligence" to grow in the knowledge of Christ and thereby "making our calling and election sure" C. AN ENTRANCE INTO THE "EVERLASTING KINGDOM SUPPLIED - 2 Pe 1:11
1. This "everlasting kingdom" is likely the "heavenly kingdom" referred to by Paul in 2 Ti 4:18 2. In other words, the ultimate destiny of the redeemed! 3. What is meant by the idea of an "abundant entrance"? a. "You may be able to enter, not as having escaped from a shipwreck, or from fire,but as it were in triumph." (Bengel) b. By possessing the eight graces, we will be able to live victoriously in this life and to joyously anticipate what lies ahead - cf. 2 Ti 4:6-8 CONCLUSION
1. These three reasons should sufficiently motivate us to be diligent in growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ 2. Give all diligence to make our calling and election sure, by making every effort to add these "graces" to our lives! 3. Or have we forgotten that we were purged from our old sins? a. We have, if we are apathetic in our desire to grow in these "graces"! b. If so, we need to repent and pray for forgiveness! Are you growing in the knowledge of Jesus Christ our Lord?
Perspectives From An Aged Apostle (1:12-15)
INTRODUCTION
1. When a person faces impending death, their mind usually turns to thinking about things most important to them 2. For example, when Jesus knew His death was imminent, His prayer in John 17 reveals that the unity of believers was a great concern to Him - Jn 17:20-21 3. From our text for this lesson, it is evident that the apostle Peter knew his time on earth was short - 2 Pe 1:12-15 (READ) 4. What sort of things were on the mind of Peter at this time? What did this apostle of our Lord consider to be of great importance? 5. There are several things we can glean from this passage in answer to these questions, that I call "Perspectives From An Aged Apostle" [For example, consider...] I. HIS PERSPECTIVE ON THE NEED TO BE REMINDED
A. PETER'S CONCERN... 1. He does not want to be negligent in reminding them - 2 Pe 1:12 2. He thinks it proper to remind them - 2 Pe 1:13 3. He is even taking steps to ensure that they are reminded after his death - 2 Pe 1:15 B. FREQUENT REMINDING CAN "STIR UP"... 1. Peter's concern is not a reflection on their present condition - 2 Pe 1:13 a. It is not as though they don't know what they should know b. It is not as though they weren't established in what they know 2. But there is always the need to "stir up" a. The Greek word is diegeiro {dee-eg-i'-ro}, and means "to wake fully, i.e. arouse (lit. or fig.):--arise, awake, raise, stir up" b. The tendency is for one to become slack in their service to God c. Somehow we need to be constantly "aroused, awakened" d. Being reminded of things that are important is one way to do this! C. WAYS TO BE REMINDED (OR "STIRRED UP")... 1. Through frequent assembling with other Christians - He 10:24-25
2. Through daily Bible reading -- this is how Peter continues to remind us after his death - cf. 2 Pe 1:15 [Do we appreciate the importance of being reminded, especially of things pertaining to the Christian life? May the concerns of an aged apostle help us to appreciate this need! Peter also shares with us...] II. HIS PERSPECTIVE OF THE BODY AND DEATH
A. THE BODY IS A "TENT"... 1. Peter views his body as a "tabernacle" (KJV) or "tent" (NKJV) - 2 Pe 1:13-14 2. In other words, a temporary housing for his "inner man" which continues after death - cf. Mt 10:28 3. Does this not contradict the view of the "Jehovah's Witnesses" who claim that the body IS the soul, and not a housing for the soul? 4. Paul's concept of the body was the same as Peter's - cf. 2 Co5:1-8
B. DEATH IS "PUTTING OFF THE TENT", AND "AN EXODUS"... 1. Peter speaks of his impending death, which the Lord had showed him - 2 Pe 1:14 (a possible reference to Jn 21:18-19?) 2. He first describes his dying as "I must put off my tent" a. Again, this reflects his view of the body b. And the differentiation between the soul ("I") and the body ("my tent") 3. In further describing his death, he uses the Greek word exodos {ex'-od-os} - 2 Pe 1:15 a. Which means "an exit, i.e. (fig.) death:--decease, departing" b. It is the same word used to describe the Israel's "exodus" from Egyptian bondage c. Far from viewing death as an end, Peter sees it as a an exit from one world to the next [Our apprehension of dying can be lessened if we adopt this aged apostle's view of the body and death. It can certainly help keep things in proper perspective! Finally, let's try to glean from our text...] III. HIS PERSPECTIVE AS TO WHAT IS REALLY IMPORTANT
A. TWICE, PETER REFERS TO "THESE THINGS"... 1. "I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things" - 2 Pe 1:12 2. "I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things" - 2 Pe 2:15 -- What are "these things" that Peter is so concerned about? B. GROWING IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS CHRIST... 1. "These things" must refer to what Peter had described in previous verses 2. Which we saw in our previous lesson dealt with "Growing In The Knowledge Of Jesus Christ" - 2 Pe 1:5-11 3. Does this not say something about the importance of our previous study? a. Peter knew his time on earth was short, that death was imminent b. In what little time he had left, he wanted to remind them of that which was most important c. Even his last words in this epistle come back to this theme - 2 Pe 3:18 d. It is evident, then, that "growing in the knowledge of Jesus Christ" as defined by Peter in verses 5-11 should be of utmost importance to the Christian! 1) Other things certainly have their place (e.g., the identity, organization, work, and worship of the church) 2) But if there is to be a priority for the growing Christian, let it be that which Peter was most concerned about during his final days on earth! CONCLUSION
1. I have often benefited greatly from the time spent visiting with aged saints, who knew that their time on earth was short... a. They were often prone to speak of noble themes, such as the meaning of life and death, and what is really important in life b. Their perspective on things was sharpened, both by their experience and by the realization that life is but a vapor 2. What a privilege it must have been for those Christians in the first century who were around Peter as his end drew near! a. To be able to sit at his feet, and listen to his words of exhortation and warning b. To receive counsel from one who knew our Lord intimately, and served Him long and faithfully 3. Fortunately for us, Peter was indeed "careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things" after his decease, and we have that reminder in his epistles! Will we take advantage of the "Perspectives Of An Aged Apostle", andallow his "reminders" to stir us up?
The Foundation For Our Precious Faith (1:16-21)
INTRODUCTION
1. We saw in our first lesson that this Second Epistle of Peter was addressed to "those who have obtained like precious faith with us" - cf. 2 Pe 1:1 2. We also pointed out that the "precious faith" is most likely the personal conviction or trust in Jesus Christ one must have in order to be pleasing to God 3. But upon what foundation does our "precious faith" in Christ rest? a. Is it just "blind faith", or perhaps credulity on our part? b. While that may be the case for some, it is certainly not what the apostles expected or even desired 4. Beginning with the first sermon on the Day of Pentecost, and continuing throughout their preaching and teaching, the apostles appealed to two lines of evidences upon which our faith is to rest... a. The testimony of apostolic eyewitnesses - e.g., Ac 2:32; 3:14-15;5:30-32; 10:39-43; 13:30-31
b. The testimony of Old Testament prophecy - e.g., Ac 2:25-31;3:22-24; Ac 10:43; 13:32-41; 17:2-3
5. Even in this Second Epistle, we find Peter referring to these "two lines of evidence" as we consider the text for our study - 2 Pe 1:16-21 (READ)
[This passage should help to reinforce the validity of our faith in Jesus, as that which is based upon a solid foundation! For example, let's consider more closely what Peter has to say about...] I. THE TESTIMONY OF APOSTOLIC EYEWITNESSES (16-18)
A. THEIR TESTIMONY WAS NOT "CUNNINGLY DEVISED FABLES"... 1. Or to put it as found in other translations: a. "We were not following cleverly devised legends" (Weymouth) b. "For they were no fictitious stories that we followed" (Goodspeed) c. "It was not on tales artfully spun that we relied" (NEB) 2. But as we shall see, if what they claim did not happen, this is the only reasonable alternative! a. Either they were telling the truth... b. ...Or they were carefully and purposely fabricating lies! 3. Why is this the only alternative? Because... B. THEIR TESTIMONY WAS THAT OF "EYEWITNESSES"... 1. They claimed to be "eyewitnesses" of what they made known concerning Jesus' coming and power! 2. As "eyewitnesses" they could not have been deceived... a. Their interaction with Jesus was too intimate b. As Peter said to the household of Cornelius: "who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead." - Ac 10:41 c. As John wrote in his first epistle: "...which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life" - 1 Jn 1:1 C. A SAMPLE OF THEIR "EYEWITNESS TESTIMONY"... 1. Peter refers to the event that occurred at "The Mount of Transfiguration" - cf. Mt 17:1-9; Mk 9:2-9; Lk 9:28-36 2. An event which depicted the power, majesty, honor and glory Jesus had 3. Why this event as a sample of their testimony? a. It certainly proclaims the majesty of Jesus b. It certainly illustrates the nature of their testimony... 1) They "saw" Jesus transfigured before them, and joined with Moses and Elijah 2) They "heard" the voice which came from the "Excellent Glory" (God the Father) 4. The fact that this event, like many others in the life of Jesus, was seen by a plurality of witnesses ("we were with Him") serves to strengthen the force of their testimony D. WHAT THIS MEANS... 1. Peter and the rest of the apostles really leave us with only two possibilities a. Either they are telling the truth about Jesus... b. ...Or they did the very thing that Peter denied in this passage ("follow cunningly devised fables")! 2. Which is more reasonable, to believe the apostles told the truth, or were blatant liars, frauds, and deceivers? a. In the context of the lives they lived, the suffering they endured, the scriptures they left behind, there is only reasonable conclusion... b. ...They were in fact "eyewitnesses of His majesty"! [The foundation of our precious faith, then, rests upon the testimony of the apostles. Even Jesus realized this would be the case (cf. Jn17:20).
But there is even more that serves to support our faith in Jesus Christ...] II. THE TESTIMONY OF DIVINELY ORIGINATED PROPHECY (19-21)
A. "WE ALSO HAVE THE PROPHETIC WORD MADE MORE SURE"... 1. The reference here is to the prophecies of the Old Testament a. Which bore witness to the coming Messiah - e.g., Isa 9:6-7;53:1-12
b. To which the apostles often appealed in their efforts to convince others that Jesus was the Christ - e.g., Ac 17:2-3 2. These prophecies have been "made more sure" by their very fulfillment in Jesus! a. Before their fulfillment, one could only hope such words were really from God b. In their fulfillment, our faith is not only strengthened in the subject of such prophecies (Jesus Christ), but in the origin of the prophecies themselves! 3. It is these fulfilled prophecies which serve to support our faith... B. "WHICH YOU DO WELL TO HEED AS A LIGHT THAT SHINES..." 1. Though fulfilled, Christians should still carefully study the Old Testament Scriptures 2. Even as Paul commanded Timothy to do - 2 Ti 3:14-15 3. For their value is like "a light that shines in a dark place" a. Like apostolic testimony, they help to confirm our faith in Jesus b. They also help the Christian become "wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus" - cf. 2 Ti 3:15 c. They are therefore a source for developing patience, comfort and hope - cf. Ro 15:4 4. And they will serve such purpose "until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts" a. A likely reference to the coming of our Lord, described by John as "the Bright and Morning Star" - cf. Re 22:16 b. Whose coming will be seen by all ("every eye will see Him"), but will be appreciated most fully "in the hearts" of those who anxiously await Him! C. UNDERSTANDING THE ORIGIN OF PROPHECY... 1. To appreciate the value of prophecy in supporting our faith, it is important to know how prophecy originates 2. As Peter explains... a. "no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation" 1) This phrase is difficult, and has been variously translated: a) "No prophecy of scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation" (RSV; cf. KJV, NKJV, NASB, and JB) b) "No prophecy of Scripture ever came about by a prophet's own ideas" (SEB; cf. NIV) 2) I believe both the immediate context (v. 21) and the remote context (1 Pe 1:10-12) of Peter's comments support the latter translation (b) b. "for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit" 1) This explains what Peter meant in verse 20 2) Thus the prophecies of the Old Testament were not the views or concepts of mere men, but the expressions of Spirit-inspired spokesmen for God! 3. Realizing this, their fulfilled prophecies serve to strengthen our faith... a. Our faith in the Old Testament as the inspired word of God! b. Our faith in Jesus as the Messiah, of Whom the inspired prophets wrote! CONCLUSION
1. Indeed, our faith is certainly "precious", because it rests upon the weighty testimony of... a. Apostolic eyewitnesses 1) Who saw and heard the things Jesus did 2) Who despite great suffering never recanted their testimony b. Divinely inspired prophecy 1) Spoken in ages past by men moved by the Spirit of God 2) Confirmed to be true by their fulfillment 2. Such faith is not "blind", or "credulous", but a conviction based upon solid evidence! 3. Is this the sort of faith in Jesus you have? It should be, for by such faith you can have... a. Eternal life - cf. Jn 20:30-31