What does 2 Peter mean by “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord”?

Peter ends by calling for growth “in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” The closing line ties the letter’s concerns about stability, teaching, and living rightly to continued growth in knowing Christ. The verse concludes with a doxology giving Christ glory. See 2 Peter 3:18.

Passage context

In 2 Peter 3:17–18 the writer ends with a warning and a positive charge. Because the readers already know what has been said about deceptive influences, they must stay alert so they are not swept along by the misleading claims and practices of people who disregard God’s ways. The danger is losing their firm footing. These two verses function as the letter’s final turn from argument to direct appeal. Throughout 2 Peter the writer has contrasted reliable teaching handed down by eyewitnesses and Scripture with disruptive voices that promise freedom while encouraging disregard for moral limits.

Why it matters

These closing lines assume the audience has already been taught about the dangers discussed in the letter, especially persuasive influences that pull people away from faithful teaching and conduct. The author frames the main threat as being “carried away” by the “error” of people described as lawless or unprincipled (Key term: lawless).

Read carefully

A common mistake is to turn the wording into a slogan. The better reading keeps the phrase tied to the passage, the speaker, and the problem the book is addressing.

Keep reading

Start with 2 Peter 3:18, then read the surrounding section so the answer stays connected to the passage's flow.