Salvation Tense: All Three Tenses — The Complete Mission
2 Peter 3:18 — “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.”
═══ OPORD ═══
WHO: Every believer. Peter’s final word is not a warning — it is a commission. Grow.
WHAT: “Grow” (auxanete — present imperative, meaning keep on growing, make it a continuous lifestyle) in two things: grace (charis — the unmerited favor and empowering presence of God) and knowledge (gnosis — experiential, relational knowing) of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This one verse captures all three tenses of salvation. Grace was given at justification (past tense). Growth in grace is sanctification (present tense). The glory that belongs to Christ “both now and forever” points to glorification (future tense). Peter’s final command is not to achieve, perform, or strive in the flesh — it is to grow. Growth is organic, gradual, and Spirit-empowered. Your job is to stay planted in Christ, and He produces the growth.
WHERE: In every domain of your life — spiritual, relational, vocational, emotional. Grace and knowledge of Christ transform all of it.
WHEN: Now and forever. Growth does not stop. In eternity, we will still be growing in the knowledge of our infinite God.
WHY: Because this is the final order. After 3 chapters of teaching, warning, and encouraging, Peter’s last word is simple: grow. Not “try harder.” Not “be perfect.” Grow. Stay connected to the Vine. Receive His grace. Know Him more. And give Him the glory — both now and forever. Amen.
═══ PRAYER ═══
Lord Jesus Christ — my God and Savior — I have been justified by Your righteousness. I am being sanctified by Your Spirit. I will be glorified in Your presence. Today I commit to grow. Grow in Your grace. Grow in the knowledge of who You are. Not in my strength, but in Yours. To You be the glory — both now and forever. This is my final order received. Mission accepted. Amen.
═══ DAILY CHALLENGES ═══
Challenge 1: Write down your commitment: “I will grow in the grace and knowledge of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Sign it. Date it. Post it where you will see it every day.
Challenge 2: Choose your next Bible study or book of the Bible to continue growing. Do not let this be the end — let it be the beginning of a lifelong mission of growth.