Some argue 2 Peter 1 contradicts other scriptures by emphasizing human effort (“make every effort” in verse 5) within salvation; how is this tension resolved?

I. Overview of the Issue

Some have read 2 Peter 1—particularly verse 5, which says, “make every effort to add to your faith virtue, and to virtue, knowledge” (2 Peter 1:5)—and concluded that Peter’s language promotes human effort that conflicts with other passages teaching salvation by grace. The question arises: Does the apostle’s call to exert oneself contradict the doctrine that we are saved “by grace through faith” (Ephesians 2:8–9)?

A careful reading of Scripture in its entirety shows that there is no contradiction. Rather, the call to action in 2 Peter 1 addresses the believer’s responsibility, by God’s enabling power, to grow in holiness after being saved, not to earn or complete salvation through personal works. This entry explores how that tension is resolved within the wider context of the Bible, explaining the interplay between divine grace and human works with clarity.

II. Context of 2 Peter 1

Despite its short length, 2 Peter addresses vital truths. Peter emphasizes God’s abundant provision: “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3). Already, the apostle confirms that God’s power is the source of righteous living, not human effort alone.

In verses 3–4, the faithful are reminded that God’s promises enable believers to partake “in the divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4). Immediately thereafter, Peter commands his readers to “make every effort” to develop Christian character. This underscores that God’s work in us is primary; our response—though requiring intentional stewardship—flows out of God’s provision.

III. Clarifying the Role of Human Effort

1. The Empowering Grace of God

Peter’s exhortation is set against the backdrop of divine empowerment. Believers are not left alone to make these spiritual strides in their own strength. Through the Holy Spirit, God supplies believers with the power to cultivate virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love (2 Peter 1:5–7).

2. Response to God’s Gift

The “every effort” language highlights responsibility in receiving and applying God’s gifts. Having been granted saving faith entirely by God’s grace, believers are to respond by actively growing in that faith. This contrasts with the notion of financial or merit-based repayment for salvation. Instead, Christians live out good works because they have been empowered and called to do so, not in order to earn divine favor.

3. Ongoing Sanctification vs. Justification

Justification is a one-time event based on faith alone, accomplished by Christ’s atoning death and resurrection (Romans 5:1; Ephesians 2:8). Sanctification, however, is the process of growing to reflect Christ’s character (Philippians 2:12–13). Peter’s emphasis in 2 Peter 1 is sanctificational, not foundational for justification.

IV. Harmony with Other Passages

1. Ephesians 2:8–10

One of the classic statements of salvation by grace: “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith…not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works…” (Ephesians 2:8–10). Paul clarifies that salvation is a divine gift; still, believers are then drawn into a life of righteous deeds that God prepared. This parallels Peter’s teaching: we are saved by grace, but empowered to do good works.

2. James 2:17

James states, “So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead” (James 2:17). The Epistle of James does not teach justification by works but underscores that genuine faith yields visible fruit. Peter’s counsel in 2 Peter 1:5 to exert effort is in harmony with James: devout living demonstrates authentic faith.

3. Philippians 2:12–13

Paul instructs believers to “continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose” (Philippians 2:12–13). Although believers are called to “work out” their salvation, the emphasis is that God enables both the desire and the power to do so. Here again, divine sovereignty and human responsibility are perfectly intertwined.

V. Scriptural and Historical Insights on Cooperation

1. Cooperation with the Spirit

From the earliest Christian writings, the consistent testimony is that believers cooperate with the Spirit, actively pursuing holiness while acknowledging they are fully dependent on God’s grace. This is not a tension requiring resolution through compromise, but a holistic biblical theme.

2. Historical Writings and Church Fathers

Early Christian theologians such as Irenaeus and Augustine likewise speak of grace as the ground for all good works, while urging believers to discipline themselves. The call to “make every effort” remains a central call to cooperative sanctification, not self-earned salvation.

3. A Living Faith That Produces Fruit

Archaeological and textual studies on the spread of the early church highlight that the gospel message took root because believers exhibited changed hearts and loving relationships, undergirded by faith. This “effort,” visible to outsiders, was regularly explained as the result of the Holy Spirit at work, consistent with Peter’s message in 2 Peter 1.

VI. Resolving the Apparent Tension

1. Justification: A Gift of God

The New Testament unambiguously affirms that justification—our right standing before God—is accomplished by Christ alone, received through faith (Romans 3:28, Galatians 2:16). Nothing in 2 Peter 1 undermines this doctrine; rather, it presumes it.

2. Sanctification: Our Active Participation

Sanctification is portrayed as a cooperative process in which the believer, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, actively pursues holiness. Peter’s language (“make every effort”) mirrors numerous scriptural exhortations: being alert, praying diligently, practicing self-control, and so forth. These commands do not earn salvation; they express a redeemed heart’s response.

3. Full Context of 2 Peter 1:3–11

When considering verse 5 in light of verse 3 (“His divine power has given us everything we need”), it is clear that the foundation for “every effort” is divine provision. Verse 9 further clarifies the need for growth in character, implying that forgetting one’s cleansing from sins leads to spiritual shortsightedness (2 Peter 1:9). The process is rooted in remembering the gospel.

4. Call to Assurance and Fruitfulness (2 Peter 1:10–11)

Peter encourages believers to “be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things you will never stumble” (2 Peter 1:10). Rather than working for salvation, this is an encouragement to live in a way that demonstrates and solidifies confidence in one’s salvation. This leads to richer fellowship with God now and the welcoming “into the eternal kingdom” (2 Peter 1:11).

VII. Practical Implications

1. Cultivation of Christian Character

Christians are urged to diligently develop virtues that reflect Christ’s nature. Such character-building is a mark of a vibrant faith. Both Scripture and historic Christian practice show that disciplined spiritual habits—prayer, study of the Word, fellowship—align one’s heart with the enabling Spirit.

2. Assurance through Growth

As believers mature, their confidence in their salvation naturally increases. The process of sanctification offers comfort that their faith is living and genuine.

3. A Grateful Response to Grace

The call to action in 2 Peter 1 stems from a heart of gratitude for the salvation already received. When Peter says, “make every effort,” it is a natural outworking of worshiping God with one’s entire being, not trying to merit His love.

VIII. Conclusion

2 Peter 1 does not stand in contradiction to other biblical teachings about salvation through grace. Rather, it clarifies a vital dimension of the Christian walk: once a person has received salvation as a free gift from God, there follows a joyful responsibility to grow in grace and in the knowledge of Christ. The phrase “make every effort” underscores a believer’s participation in sanctification, fully empowered by God’s Spirit, rather than earning or contributing to initial salvation.

Taken together, the New Testament presents a united message: salvation is the gracious work of God, obtained entirely by faith, and true faith is marked by active growth in virtue. No tension exists when we carefully recognize this scriptural balance. Through God’s power, believers indeed “make every effort,” yet rest upon the grace that undergirds and enables all.