The diligent Christian understands that his old self was crucified with Christ, and that he has been, “renewed in knowledge according to the image of his Creator” (Colossians 3:9). Paul explained this concept with the following: "What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with Him in a death like His, we shall certainly be united with Him in a resurrection like His. We know that our old self was crucified with Him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin" (Romans 6:1-6).
Peter added clarification for those who do not understand the role of baptism in our obedience to the gospel, when he wrote:
"because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (I Peter 3:20-21).
We can see, then, that when God calls, man must respond to that call, in obedience, so that he can enter into a saved relationship with his Lord. It is through submission to God’s will that we are cleansed of the world’s corruption and made spiritually clean through baptism. Once we have accepted God’s invitation we must actively seek to instill and strengthen the characteristics that will enable us to grow in the knowledge and faith necessary to remain in the light, lest we find ourselves overcome by the darkness yet again.
As Peter stated: "May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence, by which He has granted to us His precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 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" (II Peter 1:2-11).
If we follow Peter’s advice we can be assured of our standing. It is, however, important for us to avoid self-deception, and to pay more than lip-service to Holy Scripture. For many claim a relationship that is false in its hopes because it is based on self-willed deceit and assumptions. As John declared: "This is the message we have heard from Him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with Him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (I John 1:5-9).
We cannot afford to be complacent about our salvation. We must take responsibility for our own spiritual welfare, and to give it our utmost attention. As Paul wrote: “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses” (I Timothy 6:12). We also do well to heed his words to the Philippians, previously mentioned: “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12).
Ultimately, we make our election in Christ sure through obedience. We must submit to the Lord, and subject our will to His, trusting in His promises. As Peter advised: "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you" (I Peter 5:6-10).
Considering these words, steadfast Christians can be certain of our calling, and election into the kingdom of God, knowing that regardless of our personal strengths or weaknesses God cares for us, and will Himself confirm and establish us on the day of judgment.
Peter added clarification for those who do not understand the role of baptism in our obedience to the gospel, when he wrote:
"because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (I Peter 3:20-21).
We can see, then, that when God calls, man must respond to that call, in obedience, so that he can enter into a saved relationship with his Lord. It is through submission to God’s will that we are cleansed of the world’s corruption and made spiritually clean through baptism. Once we have accepted God’s invitation we must actively seek to instill and strengthen the characteristics that will enable us to grow in the knowledge and faith necessary to remain in the light, lest we find ourselves overcome by the darkness yet again.
As Peter stated: "May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence, by which He has granted to us His precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 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" (II Peter 1:2-11).
If we follow Peter’s advice we can be assured of our standing. It is, however, important for us to avoid self-deception, and to pay more than lip-service to Holy Scripture. For many claim a relationship that is false in its hopes because it is based on self-willed deceit and assumptions. As John declared: "This is the message we have heard from Him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with Him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (I John 1:5-9).
We cannot afford to be complacent about our salvation. We must take responsibility for our own spiritual welfare, and to give it our utmost attention. As Paul wrote: “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses” (I Timothy 6:12). We also do well to heed his words to the Philippians, previously mentioned: “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12).
Ultimately, we make our election in Christ sure through obedience. We must submit to the Lord, and subject our will to His, trusting in His promises. As Peter advised: "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you" (I Peter 5:6-10).
Considering these words, steadfast Christians can be certain of our calling, and election into the kingdom of God, knowing that regardless of our personal strengths or weaknesses God cares for us, and will Himself confirm and establish us on the day of judgment.