Make it Sure

2 Peter 1:10-15 “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 I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.”

When you think of the word “election” in regards to God, what comes to mind? Does God elect some people for salvation, while others were born doomed? What do you think?

If God did create people specifically for destruction, how would that make you feel? How would you respond?

“Foreknowledge” is a good word to throw in with election. You could argue that God “elects” because He knew who would be saved, and who would not be. Which is how I always argue election because how can an omniscient God not know who will and will not come throughout history? Even the book of Revelation has a passage of John measuring the temple of heaven to signify that God knows every inch of His kingdom, and nothing will take Him by surprise. Not a single being in heaven will be there without the knowledge of God. So it makes since to me that a good argument of election would be the fact of God’s omniscience.

But foreknowledge is better described (according to MacArthur) as God preparing salvation ahead of time for those who would come down the road. Just as Jesus was established as the atonement for sin before He was crucified, God prepared a way before we would eve need it.

SO as we talked last week, those who do not practice the listed characteristics of the faith are at severe risk of losing the comfort of peace that is given with their salvation.

Peter explains that those who are saved need to practice these characteristics in order to remain fruitful, and effective. Also, those who practice these things will not lose their assurance. Yo can bet one of two things is happening when you doubt your salvation: Either you are not saved, or you are neglecting these fruits. A simple spiritual diagnostics test should be able to sort the answer. Stack yourself against the scriptures.

Now practicing these listed virtues is not easy, nor does it always bring us popularity. It does give us assurance of salvation, which gives us a secure hope of eternal life, but this life is not always roses. It is good for us to think on these things. Focusing on the future, while trudging through the present. We need to encourage each other to pursue the high road of righteousness as we navigate this world. No one is an island, and no one is without hope. Be there for one another.

The putting off of our bodies will be here sooner than we know it. Hold on and be strong. Every day will have its ups and downs, but some day we will open our eyes and they will never shut again. Our bones will never ache again, our bodies will never crack again, our hearts will cease to experience lose, pain, and depression. All the wrongs will be made right, and all things will be perfect. Just keep pressing on while we’re here.