2 Pet. 1:10-11
Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Therefore brothers begins Peter's conclusion to this passage. Therefore in light of all the teaching previously given, that is, being granted all things pertaining to life and godliness, being granted the precious and very great promises, becoming a partaker of the divine nature, being taught the qualities of a believer [faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, and love], and being warned about the necessity of the qualities, Peter gives an added warning. If there are any doubts in in the minds of believers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election.
What is our calling? God calls believers to faith in Him through the gospel. For by grace you have been saved, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in Him. Peter also mentions election which was accomplished before the foundation of the world. Without elections there would be no call. Not only our salvation, but also our good works were prepared beforehand. Peter is asking believers to examine their hearts. Do they remember a salvation experience? Have they seen evidences of their salvation and election? Do they have the witness of the Spirit in their lives? Are they concerned about growing in the Lord? These questions are not just for the actual recipients of this letter, but they are for all believers. Have we been diligent in this confirmation? It is not something to be postponed for another day. It is not something to be ignored. It is a urgent matter. Make sure!
If believers practice these qualities. they will not fall. Fall where? Into a continual sin pattern! Don't be lulled into a lackadaisical life style, one that is content with a little of Jesus. This is religion and not Christianity! Embracing these qualities is a serious and constant commitment. Jesus demands our all. The person who thinks that attending church is enough will be in for a bitter surprise. So before it is too late, make sure of your calling and election. With eternity as the stakes, there no apathy.
In addition to not falling, there will be richly provided for the believer an entrance in the the kingdom of Jesus. I love the word richly. It speaks to me of the glorious splendor of this kingdom: The glorious splendor of His majesty, the might of His awesome deeds, the fame of His abundant goodness and righteousness, the everlasting kingdom and dominion. [Ps 145] What we have in Jesus is far beyond human comprehension. For now these descriptors are words on a page, but in that day we shall see it all. We shall Jesus and know Him as He is. My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord, and let all flesh bless His holy name forever and ever.
Father,
My heart is elated with all I have in Jesus. Thank You! I know that my calling and election are sure. But what I am concerned about is if these qualities are increasing in my life. Spirit, guide me so that I may make right choices, so that these qualities are ever increasing.Grow me into the image of Your Son. Lord, I do not want to be apathetic or content without growing.
In Jesus name,
Amen
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