Going deeper into the "constitution" of 1 and 2 Peter, this episode highlights how "true knowledge" or "experiential knowledge" is the goal of the Christian life, NOT the forgiveness of sins. What unlocks the divine power giving everything related to life and godliness? It's the "true knowledge of the One who called us by His own glory and excellence." (2 Pet. 1:3) Very interesting is that Peter concludes that those who excel in applying several moral qualities are "fruitful in the TRUE KNOWLEDGE of our Lord Jesus Christ."(v. 8) The measure then of Christian maturity is growth in the knowledge of God where we partake of God's moral attributes. (v. 4) He who lacks this growth is "blind and short-sighted," for he lacks the "true knowledge" of God. The episode closes with the obvious question: do we really want the true knowledge of God?
Beholding Christ’s Glory: the Pathway Ending in the Beatific Vision
In addition to rehashing the beatific vision as described in 1 John 3:2-3, this episode expounds on the theology of Paul regarding this issue, mostly from 2 Corinthians 3:18. While Paul acknowledges that the full manifestation of the beatific vision won't occur in this life (1 Corinthians 13:12), he nevertheless strongly suggests that degrees of it are possible in this life. "We all with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory.." This description matches the MEANS of becoming like Christ in 1 John 3:2-3. Hope (of the beatific vision) fixed on God corresponds with "beholding the glory of the Lord." This means is the ongoing mechanism of being transformed, leading the full manifestation of the beatific vision.
Faith in God Culminates with Seeing God
This initial episode defines the beatific vision as the direct apprehension of God Himself. While believers cannot have it in this life, believers are called to fix all of their hope in God. Very interestingly, the passage that most explicitly describes the beatific vision, 1 John 3:2-3, strongly suggests that the prerequisite for seeing God face to face, is looking like Him. Anticipating that many would lose hope based on their present condition, Christians are nevertheless exhorted to place all their hope on Christ and His transforming power. The episode notes the difference between our position in Christ (perfection) and our condition. We aren't only justified by faith in Christ, we are also sanctified by faith in Christ.