How can we "make every effort" to confirm our calling and election? An Urgent Invitation “Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things you will never stumble.” (2 Peter 1:10) Peter’s urgent “strive” (make every effort) places responsibility on us to respond to God’s saving work. Our assurance is anchored in His finished work, yet confirmed in daily obedience. What “Calling and Election” Mean • Calling – God’s summons to salvation in Christ (2 Thessalonians 2:14). • Election – His sovereign choice of believers before the world began (Ephesians 1:4). • Both are God’s work; our role is to display evidence that we truly possess what we profess. Why Confirmation Matters • Guards against deception (2 Peter 2:1). • Grants stability—“you will never stumble.” • Shines as a testimony to others (Matthew 5:16). God Gives the Resources “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3). Assurance grows by drawing on what we already have in Christ. Make Every Effort—Peter’s Seven Virtues in Action • Faith → actively trust Christ in each decision. • Virtue → pursue moral excellence; choose purity when tempted. • Knowledge → study Scripture daily; grow in discernment. • Self-control → surrender desires to the Spirit; set godly limits. • Perseverance → endure hardship without quitting (James 1:12). • Godliness → cultivate reverent devotion; practice regular worship. • Brotherly Kindness → serve fellow believers; forgive quickly. • Love → seek others’ highest good, even enemies (John 13:35). Practicing these qualities in increasing measure keeps lives fruitful and confirms that God truly owns us (2 Peter 1:8-9). Additional Ways to “Strive” • Walk worthy of the calling (Ephesians 4:1): align decisions with gospel values. • Work out your salvation (Philippians 2:12-13): cooperate with the Spirit’s inner work. • Abide in Christ (John 15:4-8): remain in close fellowship, letting His words prune and produce fruit. • Confess and forsake sin promptly (1 John 1:9). • Gather with believers for mutual stirring to love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Exercise your spiritual gifts (1 Peter 4:10-11). Evaluating Progress • Growing hatred of sin and love for righteousness? • Increased desire for Scripture and prayer? • Visible fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)? • Consistent obedience when no one is watching? These evidences don’t earn salvation; they reveal it. Living with Assurance “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” (Romans 11:29). The more we cooperate with grace, the more confidence we gain. Steady practice of Peter’s list will keep us from stumbling, secure our witness, and let us finish our race with joy. |
    |