In 2 Pet. 2 we see what an altogether satanic scene the Lord is leading us through. Satan is going about as a roaring lion here below; and if we look upwards, not where God is, but in the heavenly places, there are wicked spirits in heavenly places—the subtlety of Satan.
Peter brings before us the kingdom; he does not speak of the mystery, as Paul does. In Rom. 16:25, 2625Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, 26But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: (Romans 16:25‑26), we have the mystery in its practical effects, a mystery which is Christ Head over all things and a body united to Him. Peter speaks of the promises; the Church was not mentioned in the prophets or any Old Testament writing. In ch. 1 what a comprehensive view the Spirit of God takes: “Grace and peace be multiplied to you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord”! God and Christ are presented to me as an object outside myself. In v. 8 it is subjective: “Neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge,” etc.; that is the state of the soul. We may know much objectively, but here the responsibilities of the divine nature are before us, and because of our state, do we not often rightly and righteously abhor our-selves? I should throw myself on the grace of Christ.
He speaks of the glories of the kingdom; and it offends God if we do not care for them. He has called us by glory—the glory of the kingdom, I believe. “He is not ashamed to be called their God.” The God of glory appeared to Abraham, setting before him an attractive object.
Peter had been told by the Lord that he was to suffer martyrdom; he does not speak about it in a sentimental way, as some of us would, talking of our sufferings and saying, “I am going to be a martyr,” but he calls it his decease—his “exodus.” It was a terrible death at the hands of men, but he is above all that.
“We have not followed cunningly devised fables,” he says, as Paul said, “We do not adulterate the Word of God.” He gave it pure as he received it. He was also an eye-witness, as John says: “That eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested unto us.” Paul, too, saw Him in heavenly glory. On the Mount of Transfiguration His face shone as the sun, and His garments were white as the light; that was the heavenly glory of the kingdom—relative glory, but it paled before the voice, “This is My beloved Son.” That was personal, intrinsic. When His face and His garment shone, that was majesty and glory too, but He received from God the Father honor and glory when the voice was brought to Him. If we study Scripture we shall soon see that Christ is the Father’s all; and to us He is all in that new sphere to which we are brought. In the eternal state God will be all in all. We are familiar with the scene in Matt. 3 when Christ, at His baptism, was with the poor people confessing their sins. Here we have shining garments, but there we have fragrant garments. “All Thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made Thee glad.” The fragrance of His garments penetrated the veil of heaven, and brought down the Holy Ghost upon Him as a seal and a declaration of the Father’s love: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
From Words of Grace for the Household of Faith 2:167-168.