Spotless (784) (aspilos from a = without + spÃlos = spot) means without blemish or defect (outward condition) and figuratively in a moral sense, pure (inward character). Peter is calling for believers to manifest the flawless integrity and uncompromising holiness. Thayer writes that metaphorically aspilos meant... free from censure, irreproachable (as in 1Ti 6:14), free from vice, unsullied (2Pe 3:14). The reference is not to our position or standing in Christ as those justified by faith (cf Ro 8:1-note:1) but rather refers to our moral character (our progressive sanctification) in that coming day. The two words aspilos and amometos Peter used in this verse are also found in reverse order in (1Pe 1:19-note) where he described Jesus as a Lamb "unblemished and spotless". There we see Christ as our ideal of personal purity, a vision believers should ever hold before their gaze in anticipation of Christ's return, the "example for (us) to follow in His steps" (1Pe 2:21-note). Don't follow the example of the false teachers who are "spots and blemishes" (2Pe 2:13-note) Aspilos is found 4 times in the NAS (see below) and not in the Septuagint (LXX). Paul uses aspilos to exhort Timothy to keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ (1Ti 6:14). (Comment: the Second coming is a strong motivator to pursue godliness) In both Paul's and Peter's instructions one can readily see how the New Testament writers desired to keep the Second Coming of Christ a "real & present thought" in the hearts and minds of the readers, knowing that this great hope would motivate them to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which they had been called. James also uses aspilos to gives a "definition" of "pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father" by saying that not only were they "to visit orphans and widows in their distress" but in all they said and did they were to "keep (themselves) unstained (aspilos) by the world" (Jas 1:27). Peter uses aspilos in his description of the Lamb of God writing that we were redeemed... with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless (aspilos) the blood of Christ. (see note 1Peter 1:19) This "defensive strategy" (resisting the lure of the world) necessitates a good offense and calls for us to "be diligent", for the world is seductive and easily succumbed to by "sleepy" saints. ><>><>><> The Ermine - In the forests of northern Europe and Asia lives little animal called the ermine, known for his snow-white fur in winter. He instinctively protects his white coat against anything that would soil it. Fur hunters take advantage of this unusual trait of the ermine. They don’t set a snare to catch him, but instead they find his home, which is usually a cleft in a rock or a hollow in an old tree. They smear the entrance and interior with grime. Then the hunters set their dogs loose to find and chase the ermine. The frightened animal flees toward home but doesn't enter because of the filth. Rather than soil his white coat, he is trapped by the dogs and captured while preserving his purity. For the ermine, purity is more precious than life. - H G Bosch (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved) "Copy and paste the address below into your web browser in order to go to the original page which will allow you to access live links related to the material on this page - these links include Scriptures (which can be read in context), Scripture pop-ups on mouse over, and a variety of related resources such as Bible dictionary articles, commentaries, sermon notes and theological journal articles related to the topic under discussion." http://www.preceptaustin.org/2_peter_314-18.htm#Spotless