When a person gives their final words, those words tend to carry extra weight. They’re often words of warning, love, or instruction. In 2 Peter 3:15–18, the Apostle Peter writes his last recorded words before his death. These verses serve as his final warning to believers — a heartfelt plea that we would stay faithful to Christ, guard against error, and continue growing in grace.
Peter writes,
“And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”
(2 Peter 3:15–18, KJV)
Peter’s words remind us that spiritual stability doesn’t happen by accident. It takes discernment, awareness, and continual growth. As we walk through his final warning, we see three truths that every believer must take to heart.
1. Beware of the Danger of Deception
Peter says in verse 17, “Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.” The word beware is not casual — it’s a command. Peter knew false teachers were twisting the truth, and he didn’t want believers to become their next victims.
In today’s world, deception doesn’t always appear as blatant false teaching. It can come through subtle compromise — accepting cultural ideas that contradict Scripture, softening convictions to avoid offense, or elevating feelings above truth. That’s why Peter says, “seeing ye know these things before.” God has already given us His Word so we can recognize error before it takes root.
To “fall from your own stedfastness” means to drift away from the solid ground of faith. It rarely happens suddenly; it’s a slow slide that begins when we stop being alert. Every believer must be on guard, testing everything by the standard of Scripture. As Paul wrote, “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
2. Be Steadfast in the Truth
Peter’s concern was not only that believers beware of error but that they remain steadfast. The word carries the idea of being firmly planted, unmovable in conviction. He didn’t want them to be “unstable,” as he described in verse 16 — those who twist the Word of God to fit their own desires.
Our spiritual steadfastness depends on how deeply we are anchored in truth. The more we know God’s Word, the harder it becomes for deception to sway us. Peter calls these believers “beloved,” reminding them that this steadfastness is not about fear, but love — love for Christ and His truth.
Today, many Christians are easily shaken because they build their faith on emotion or experience instead of doctrine. But steadfastness comes from knowing what you believe and why you believe it. When we are rooted in Scripture, our faith will hold steady even when culture shifts, trials arise, or persecution comes.
As Psalm 119:165 declares, “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” Those who love God’s Word stand firm because their confidence rests on the unchanging truth of Scripture.
3. Be Growing in Grace and Knowledge
Peter ends with one of the most beautiful commands in the New Testament:
“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”
It’s not enough to avoid error — we must be actively growing. Spiritual growth keeps us from becoming stagnant or careless. Growth in grace means learning to live more like Jesus — showing patience, humility, and forgiveness toward others. Growth in knowledge means deepening our understanding of who Christ is through His Word.
Peter doesn’t separate grace and knowledge because they work together. Grace without knowledge can lead to compromise; knowledge without grace can lead to pride. A mature believer is marked by both — a gracious spirit rooted in biblical truth.
The phrase “grow in grace” is written in the present tense, meaning it’s continual. We never reach a point where we’ve “arrived.” Until the day we see Jesus face to face, there will always be more to learn, more to surrender, and more ways to become like Him.
4. Be Glorifying Christ in All Things
Peter concludes, “To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” His final words point everything back to Christ. The ultimate purpose of steadfastness, growth, and discernment is not simply spiritual maturity — it’s to glorify Jesus Christ.
Every warning, every command, every word of Scripture points us toward that single goal: bringing glory to the One who saved us. When we live to magnify Christ, we will naturally resist error, remain steadfast, and continue growing.
Peter’s letter began with the phrase “grace and peace be multiplied unto you” (2 Peter 1:2) and ends with “grow in grace.” It’s a full circle of grace — the same grace that saved us is the grace that sustains us until the end.
Final Thoughts
Peter’s final warning is not meant to fill believers with fear, but with focus. The world will always try to pull us away from the truth, but God’s Word gives us everything we need to stand firm.
So, what will you do with Peter’s final warning? Will you grow in grace and knowledge, or drift with the current of this world?
May we, like Peter, live with steadfast hearts, anchored in Scripture, and determined that in all things — “To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”
