Lent - Day 7

Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. (2 Peter 1:10, ESV)

As believers it is critical that we understand the full work of salvation is completely the work of Jesus from beginning to the end and having completed that work invites us to benefit from the effects of His blood having paid for my sins and reconciling us back to the Father. Now the fact that we have been called and made elect does not necessarily mean salvation for us; for Jesus makes it clear in Matthew 22:14: For many are called, but few are chosen.

It is necessary that we continue faithfully in our calling and carry on with diligence and integrity in our election, otherwise we make God out to be a liar. When we do that then we forsake our calling and nullify our election. We will be like those that were invited to the wedding banquet of the lamb, but made excuses not to come. They were chosen but did not respond appropriately to the invitation, they were elect, but did not fully walk in their election.

We must grow and mature in Jesus. It is vital that we become more and more Christ-like in our thinking, perceiving, interpreting, understanding, listening, speaking, doing, and refraining. Putting into practice our Christ-likeness through obedience will ensure that He will never fail and that we will bear much fruit in Jesus.