According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue (2 Peter 1:3).
The word "knowledge" in the verse above is the Greek "epignosis," and it means exact or precise knowledge; full knowledge with intimacy. It means full comprehension, recognition, or perception; to become fully acquainted with God. This is the knowledge He seeks for us to have of Him. Our opening verse says, we've been called to glory and virtue; that means a life of glory, honour, dignity and excellence; but notice how this life works: it's through the knowledge - "epignosis" of Him.
The Holy Spirit, through the Apostle Paul, shows us how to get this knowledge of God in His prayer for the Church: "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened..." (Ephesians 1:17-18). What does this mean?
He's saying that as you get to know God through this kind of special relationship or acquaintance, He'll grant you insight into reality. Yes, God has appointed you to a life of honour, dignity, and excellence, but as you learn about Him, as you meditate on the Word, secrets about this life, and how to walk in the reality of it are unveiled to you.
It reminds of yet another powerful truth in 2 Peter 1:2 "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord." Again, the word translated knowledge here is "epignosis." So, in addition to a life of honour, dignity, and excellence, grace and peace can be multiplied in your life as you meditate on the Word of God.
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