Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:10-11 NIV)
Our faith and salvation must not be taken for granted. We will continue faithful to the end only if we make every effort by God's grace to add to our faith the spiritual qualities in 2 Peter 1:5-9. These spiritual qualities are goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love. The phrase "make every effort" demonstrates that believers must be actively involved in their Christian growth. Those who become Christians must immediately strive to add to their faith these seven qualities. Note that godly characteristics do not automatically grow without our diligent effort to cultivate them. (Full Life Study Bible, Study Notes). Verse 8 says, "For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." Knowledge is power...knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ is purposed power.
When your calling is confirmed, you don't answer to any and everything! When your calling is confirmed, your ear is hearkened to voice of the shepherd. When your calling is confirmed, you should not only be a hearer of the word, but also a doer of the word. Lord, help us to handle our calling with care so that we will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom. In Jesus name, Amen!
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