2 Peter 1:9-10 “But if anyone does not have them, (knowledge, perseverance, self-control, brotherly kindness, and love) he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. 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, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Lord, I confess to You that it is very hard for me to understand how someone can forget that he has been cleansed from his past sins. I have known some that act in this manner, but as much as I try, I can’t understand.
I suppose if someone is a babe in the faith and then gets thrust into a war situation where he is surrounded with hardened unbelievers, death, and destruction for a long period of time and he does not find a brother so they can encourage each other in the faith, he could forget. Or if he has been discipled by the very legalistic and he finds himself surrounded by other believers who are not, he may in his own mind, hold himself above others much like the Judaizers and feel he does not need to handle others with grace.
Lord, I pray for the ones such as these, Lord. Please bring them back into that godly relationship with You that they may be effective and productive for Your Kingdom again. Lord, please keep me ever nearer to You that I may not fall into nearsightedness or blindness, for I too am just a sinner that You chose to save, not for works of righteousness that I have done, but by Your mercy You saved me. Thank You, Lord. I bless Your holy name. Thank You for Your unconditional love, grace and mercy toward me as I am still so unworthy!
Peter does not use the word salvation here, but he uses calling and election. In the NAS Bible election is translated- His choosing you
In the Life Application Bible it states in the introduction of 2 Peter that if our faith is real it will be evident in our faithful behavior. It says that growth from babyhood is essential and culminates with love for others.
I remember when I first trusted Christ. Even though I was brought up in church and my mom exemplified unconditional love for us and for others, I missed it! As I learned more and more about You and Your unconditional love for me, You made it possible for me to have that type of love for others. Lord, You above all know that I still struggle with that sometimes when I encounter an especially irritating person. Help me, Lord, with Your love just as I would a loving, kind brother. Help me, Lord, if they claim to be a Christian to encourage them with these verses so they might grow in the faith as well for they do not understand fully what You have done for them.
These verses contain such sweet and precious promises. If we know these things, we are happy if we do them! Thank You, Lord, for having these encouraging words entered into Your inspired Word so many years ago so I could read them this morning and be encouraged. Lord, I long for Your eternal kingdom. The older I get and the more I grow in You, the less I am excited about and drawn to the “pleasures” of this world.
This world is not my home,
I’m just a passing through.
My treasures are laid up,
Somewhere beyond the blue.
The angels beckon me from Heaven’s open door,
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.
O Lord, You know I have no friend like You.
If Heaven’s not my home,
Then Lord, what will I do?
The angels beckon me from Heaven’s open door,
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.
Sweet and loving Lord, my prayer is that when I arrive there, You can greet me with the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
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