Beware Lest Ye Also

Peter tells his readers to "beware" lest they are led away with the "error of the wicked." The word "error" there means to wander from the path of truth. The wicked then, are defined by those who do not follow the path of truth, which Peter understands as that which is revealed by and about Christ. In wandering from the path of truth the follower of God is in danger of falling "from your own steadfastness" (2 Pet 3.17). The word "steadfastness" means "a state of security" or "firm conviction to belief" or rather both here, so "a state of security grounded in firm conviction to belief."

This is why truth is so crucial. We are not saved and kept save by an emotional commitment to Christ, we are saved by response to what is true, that Christ died for our sins according to the gospel, that he rose again, and that he will return. We should give careful attention to the truth in our own lives so that we do not wander away from it, for then we are in very grave danger.