In 2 Peter chapter one Peter, by inspiration, wrote unto us “who have obtained like precious faith.” The faith! The faith that saves us from our sins and gives us hope, peace and joy. Faith that is more than simple acknowledgment of a fact but an obedient belief in Christ, His church and the plan delivered unto us once and for all time (Jude 3). He tells us that the divine power of God has “given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue.” And that by this power we have received “exceeding great and precious promises” and have become “partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world…” (vs. 1-4)
But then notice that Peter says we are not done. As Paul would say we “have not yet
attained” (Phil. 3:12). No, this is just the beginning of our journey. We must begin to add tour lives daily the Christian Graces (faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and love). As Christians we must be fruit bearers (John 15:4-8) and these are the things we should be striving after in order to be neither barren nor unfruitful (vs. 5-9)
Yet notice the nine-pound hammer blow of verse ten. “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.” The weight of this verse is felt when we, as was stated earlier in this chapter, come to an understanding of this truth.
He says first that we must “give diligence.” The Greek word here (spouda¿zw) means to be “quick” or “use speed” in endeavoring, laboring or studying. In other words the Christian should waste no time or effort in being the fruitful servant that God expects His disciples to be. We are quick to do many things in this life that we find important. What does it say when we then are not quick to be living for Him?
Secondly, we are to be quick and laborious in making our “calling and election sure.” The Greek word here (be÷baioß) means, “stable, firm, of force, stedfast.” God has called us to peace (1 Cor. 7:15). He has called us to holiness (1 Thess. 4:7). He has called us unto eternal glory (1 Pet. 5:10). In verse three of our text we read that He has called us to “glory and virtue.” In 2 Timothy 1:9 Paul says that God has called us “with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.” He has made us His own chosen people and brethren we should be quick and eager to cement that blessed privilege!
Thirdly, this verse teaches that we can indeed fall away. The Calvinistic theology of “once saved, always saved” cannot hold up to the inspired apostolic truth. Peter clearly teaches that if we are quick to establish ourselves in the discipleship of the Lord we are creating within our lives a foundation for success. But if not, we will surely fall!
Lastly, consider one other principle that I believe we can draw forth from this text. It never ceases to amaze me when individuals claim they want to be right with God, His Son and the church, but are not willing to do the things necessary to make their calling and election sure. The heart of each of us should be the heart of Saul in Acts 9:6, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” What do you need to do this day to make your calling and election sure?
Be obedient and be faithful!