Through His Righteousness Alone

[Christ] saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit. —Titus 3:5

After identifying himself at the beginning of 2 Peter as a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, Peter begins his letter by making it clear to whom he’s writing—to those who have obtained faith in Christ through the righteousness of Christ. The message Peter is about to give is not for unbelievers. It’s not to tell people how to get faith. It’s written to those who have already gotten it, to tell us what we should do next.

The word obtained has to do with receiving something by the drawing of a lot, almost like a lottery. We didn’t do anything to earn or deserve it. Yet in God’s providence, sovereign mercy, and grace, He chose us to have this faith.

We’re not saved by trying harder, by going to church, or by being good. Instead, we’re saved through the death and resurrection of Jesus. We’re saved through the righteousness of Christ.