Chapter CONTEXT from MHCC: In this chapter we have, I. An introduction, or preface, making way for, and leading to, what is principally designed by the apostle (v. 1-4). II. An exhortation to advance and improve in all Christian graces (v. 5-7). III. To enforce this exhortation, and engage them seriously and heartily to comply with it, he adds, 1. A representation of the very great advantage which will thereby accrue to them (v. 8-11). 2. A promise of the best assistance the apostle was able to give to facilitate and forward this good work (v. 12-15). 3. A declaration of the certain truth and divine origin of the gospel of Christ, in the grace whereof they were exhorted to increase and persevere.
Yesterday in church I had a conversation with one of the members and our Pastor about Raisins and Watermelons. It really had to do with what God expected from us in our calling, one big ginormous accomplishment or a steady stream of small meaningful ones.
The same illustration can be used when we speak of the assurance of salvation in someone. It is often said in modern evangelical circles, “that only God knows a person’s heart and whether they are truly saved.” That statement is built on half-truths because it does not take in the Whole Council of God. Yes, God is the only one who truly knows someone’s heart, BUT the Bible is full of descriptive instructions on how we can have a very reasonable assurance of said heart.
One of those ways is whether are they a flash in the pan, a one-and-done Christian or do they work out their salvation with fear and trembling, leaving little raisins of good along the way.
1:10 give diligence to make … sure. The believer has a responsibility to work to become more holy (Phil. 2:12), so that he may enjoy assurance of his salvation. your calling. Your having been brought out of darkness into God’s light by His Word and power (v. 3; 1 Cor. 1:22–24). election. Your having been chosen by God for salvation (Rom. 9:11; 11:5–7; Eph. 1:4; 1 Peter 1:2; 2:9). ye shall never fall. Christians may have a well-grounded assurance that they will never finally fall away from Christ (Jer. 32:40; John 10:28).
Joel R. Beeke, Michael P. V. Barrett, and Gerald M. Bilkes, eds., The Reformation Heritage KJV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, 2014), 1829.
1:10 make your calling and election secure Believers should embody the virtues Peter lists because it means honoring the sacrifice Jesus has made (vv. 5–7). Peter does not mean that people earn salvation through embodying virtues; Peter has already indicated that salvation depends on Jesus alone (see 1 Pet 1:1 and note; compare John 3:16–17; Rom 8:28–30; 1 Thess 1:4). Peter is indicating that believers confirm the power of Jesus’ work by their choices.
John D. Barry, Douglas Mangum, Derek R. Brown, et al., Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016), 2 Pe 1:10.
10–11. These are very sweet verses. And they contain a most salutary direction. When a child of GOD can prove his calling, he thereby fully proves at the same time, his election. For it is an infallible truth of scripture, For whom he did predestinate, them he also called. Rom. 8:30. And every new-born child of GOD is himself a living witness of being called. But having already, very largely dwelt upon both election and calling, in this Poor Man’s Commentary. I have only to refer the Reader, to the same. Rom. 8:30 and 1 Thess. 1:4 with the notes on both.
Robert Hawker, Poor Man’s New Testament Commentary: Philippians–Revelation, vol. 3 (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2013), 396.
Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall … (v. 10)
As Peter nears the end of this sermonette and summary of his teaching, he does what every preacher does towards the end of a sermon, he makes the application explicit. Therefore, in other words because of what has been said, it is vital that these Christian brothers (men and women) to whom Peter is writing be all the more eager … Peter uses the verb form of a word he used back in verse 5. There it was translated ‘make every effort’, and this again is the thrust of Peter’s message. The Christians in these churches must really work at their Christian faith.
I enjoy football, but I have to admit that it is a spectator sport for me. I usually watch the highlights of football matches late in the evening after a busy day at work. Many Christians treat their Christian faith in this way. It hardly, if at all, relates to their day to day life. At best it is something that involves them from the arm-chair at the end or the start of a busy day when they offer up a short prayer. Peter is adamant that there can be no ‘arm-chair’ Christians. Rather we must be eager to make [our] calling and election sure. The two words, calling and election, are closely related and both refer entirely to the gracious work of our sovereign Saviour in drawing Christians to himself. Initially this verse seems almost a contradiction in terms. We noticed this problem back in verse 5 as well. How does our work make certain something that is already certain because of God’s gracious activity on our behalf?
Again we must not forget that Peter’s sermon here began by reminding us of Christ’s provision—that his divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us … Peter is not therefore seeking to undermine a confidence in God’s gracious work in a Christian’s life, much the reverse. True Christians will, as noted earlier, be seeking to respond appropriately and from the heart to the grace and love of God. The law is now written on our hearts. Peter is reminding us in very stark terms that if we are recipients of God’s grace then we shall be seeking to live the lives expected of the elect. Ultimately, of course, if a Christian has no desire to follow the life of obedience or to develop his or her life, the moral virtues of which Peter has been speaking, then he or she will fall. There is a response required of all who truly know and love the Lord Jesus and if that response is not seen then ultimate judgment awaits.
Of course, theologically, and based upon an understanding of God’s grace in the life of a believer, we would be right to say that no one who is truly called and elect will ever fall in this final way. But that is not what Peter is concerned with here. His concern is to ensure that all Christians examine themselves. First, of course, they must ensure that they really do believe and trust Christ for everything, but, and here Peter is adamant, if they belong to Christ then their Christian growth towards holiness and godliness is vital and they will be held accountable.
Peter is not implying here that Christians can ever be perfect this side of eternity. He is not saying that they will never fail, or that they will always be fully self-controlled or always full of brotherly love, but he is saying that sure and certain Christian life will be working hard at these virtues, continually making use of the divine power given by Christ. Christians cannot do it on their own, but the Spirit within them will be driving all true believers towards the goal of a holy life.
It is wonderful to know that as we seek to grow as Christians and do these things, that is, live for God and make every effort to possess the qualities of which Peter has been speaking, that we will never fall, never lose our salvation.
Paul Gardner, 1 and 2 Peter and Jude: Christian Living in an Age of Suffering, New Edition., Focus on the Bible Commentary (Ross-shire, Scotland: Christian Focus, 2013), 199–201.
DEVOTIONAL
PRAYER
I must pray for the comfortable sense of my reconciliation to God and my acceptance with him. That I may have some evidence of the pardon of my sins and of my adoption.
O let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that sin has broken rejoice. Psalm 51:8(ESV)
Say to each of your children, “Take heart, my son, my daughter; your sins are forgiven.” Matthew 9:2(ESV)
Let the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify my conscience from dead works to serve you, the living God. Hebrews 9:14(ESV)
Let your Spirit witness with my spirit that I am a child of God, and if a child, then an heir – an heir of God and a fellow heir with Christ. Romans 8:16-17(ESV)
Say to my soul, “I am your salvation.” Psalm 35:3(ESV)
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