The book of 2 Peter focuses on God’s promises about Jesus and the future. Jesus is Lord (2 Peter 1:2, 2 Peter 1:8, 2 Peter 1:11, 2 Peter 1:14). He is God’s anointed King who rules over an eternal kingdom into which we will one day be welcomed (2 Peter 1:11). He is the perfect King who always does what is right. We long for the day of his return. Jesus is also Saviour (2 Peter 1:1, 2 Peter 1:11). Through faith in him, his righteousness has been granted to us (2 Peter 1:1) so that we might be welcomed into God’s kingdom even though we are sinners. He died in our place, he freed us from our corrupt desires, and he empowers us by his Spirit to fight against the sin that remains.
Peter has written his letter to remind Christians of these promises and truths which are already known to them (2 Peter 1:12). Knowing that he is about to die (2 Peter 1:14), he wants to impress these truths upon their hearts because he knows that they have big implications for the life of the church. If the church does not remember these truths, it will be led astray by heretics and will not be ready for the return of Christ.
The reference to the coming death of Peter also creates a sense of urgency for the letter. Last words are normally quite important and significant and thus it is of interest to see how Peter uses his last words to encourage God’s people. It must therefore be very significant that he seeks to remind them of truth already known rather than teaching them something new.
12 Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have.