2 Peter 1:10
Verse
Context
Partakers of the Divine Nature
9But whoever lacks these traits is nearsighted to the point of blindness, having forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.10Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things you will never stumble,11and you will receive a lavish reception into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Sermons




Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Wherefore - Seeing the danger of apostasy, and the fearful end of them who obey not the Gospel, and thus receive the grace of God in vain; give all diligence, σπουδασατε, hasten, be deeply careful, labor with the most intense purpose of soul. To make your calling - From deep Gentile darkness into the marvellous light of the Gospel. And election - Your being chosen, in consequence of obeying the heavenly calling, to be the people and Church of God. Instead of κλησιν, calling, the Codex Alexandrinus has παρακλησιν, consolation. Sure - Βεβαιαν· Firm, solid. For your calling to believe the Gospel, and your election to be members of the Church of Christ, will be ultimately unprofitable to you, unless you hold fast what you have received by adding to your faith virtue, knowledge, temperance, etc. For if ye do these things - If ye be careful and diligent to work out your own salvation, through the grace which ye have already received from God; ye shall never fall, ου μη πταισητε ποτε, ye shall at no time stumble or fall; as the Jews have done, and lost their election, Rom 11:11, where the same word is used, and as apostates do, and lose their peace and salvation. We find, therefore, that they who do not these things shall fall; and thus we see that there is nothing absolute and unconditional in their election. There is an addition here in some MSS. and versions which should not pass unnoticed: the Codex Alexandrinus, nine others, with the Syriac, Erpen's Arabic, Coptic, Ethiopic, Armenian, later Syriac with an asterisk, the Vulgate, and Bede, have ινα δια των καλων (ὑμων) εργων, That By (your) Good Works ye may make your calling and election firm. This clause is found in the edition of Colinaeus, Paris, 1534, and has been probably omitted by more recent editors on the supposition that the edition does not make a very orthodox sense. But on this ground there need be no alarm, for it does not state that the good works thus required merit either the calling and election, or the eternal glory, of God. He who does not by good works confirm his calling and election, will soon have neither; and although no good works ever did purchase or ever can purchase the kingdom of God, yet no soul can ever scripturally expect to see God who has them not. I was hungry, and ye gave me no meat; thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: go, ye cursed. I was hungry, and ye gave me meat; etc., etc.; come, ye blessed.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Wherefore--seeking the blessed consequence of having, and the evil effects of not having, these graces (Pe2 1:8-9). the rather--the more earnestly. brethren--marking that it is affection for them which constrains him so earnestly to urge them. Nowhere else does he so address them, which makes his calling them so here the more emphatical. give diligence--The Greek aorist implies one lifelong effect [ALFORD]. to make--Greek middle voice; to make so far as it depends on you; to do your part towards making. "To make" absolutely and finally is God's part, and would be in the active. your calling and election sure--by ministering additionally in your faith virtue, and in your virtue knowledge, &c. God must work all these graces in us, yet not so that we should be mere machines, but willing instruments in His hands in making His election of us "secure." The ensuring of our election is spoken of not in respect to God, whose counsel is steadfast and everlasting, but in respect to our part. There is no uncertainty on His part, but on ours the only security is our faith in His promise and the fruits of the Spirit (Pe2 1:5-7, Pe2 1:11). Peter subjoins election to calling, because the calling is the effect and proof of God's election, which goes before and is the main thing (Rom 8:28, Rom 8:30, Rom 8:33, where God's "elect" are those "predestinated," and election is "His purpose," according to which He "called" them). We know His calling before His election, thereby calling is put first. fall--Greek, "stumble" and fall finally (Rom 11:11). Metaphor from one stumbling in a race (Co1 9:24).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence,.... To exercise the afore mentioned graces, and to perform the above duties, since this is the way to make your calling and election sure; by calling is not meant a call to any office in the church, nor an external call, either by the voice of nature, or by the ministry of the word; but an internal and effectual call by special grace, to grace here, and glory hereafter; instead of "calling", the Alexandrian copy reads, "comfort": and by "election" is meant, not a national, nor church election, but a particular and personal one, since scattered saints, and particular believers, are here written to, and each called upon to be diligent to make their own, and not another's, calling and election sure; nor is a choice of persons to an office designed, seeing the apostle writes not to officers of churches in particular, but to believers in common; nor a separation of persons from the world by the effectual calling, since these two are both mentioned here, and as distinct from each other, and to be made sure; but an election of particular persons to eternal life and salvation is here intended, which is an eternal act of God, arises from his free grace and favour, and is according to his sovereign will and pleasure; and is absolute, and independent of any condition, foreseen, or required in men, as faith, holiness, and good works; all which are fruits and effects, and not causes and conditions of electing grace. These may be made "sure", not in themselves, or with respect to God, for in this sense they cannot be made surer than they are: effectual calling is according to the purpose of God, which cannot be frustrated, and is, without repentance, irreversible, and irrevocable, and is inseparably connected with eternal glory; and election stands not upon the foot of works, but upon the free grace of God, which cannot be made void, and upon the will of God, which cannot be resisted; and is also closely connected with glorification; see Rom 8:30 nor are those to be made sure by saints, with respect to themselves; for though they may sometimes be at a loss about them, and may have some scruples and doubts in their minds concerning their interest in them, and an assurance of their being both called and chosen, may be after all attained unto by them; yet this is not their work, but it is the work of the Spirit of God, to certify and make sure unto them, or assure them of their calling and election of God: but the sense is, that diligence is to be used by the saints, to make their calling and election sure to others; not their election by their calling only, which is to themselves; for both are to be made sure, and that to others, and by some third thing; either to their fellow Christians, which they may do by giving them an account of the work of God upon their souls, joined with a testimony of their good lives and conversations; or rather to the world "by good works", as the Vulgate Latin version and two copies of Beza's read; or "by your good works", as the Alexandrian copy and the Syriac and Ethiopic versions read; or by the exercise of the graces, and the discharge of the duties before mentioned, whereby the men of the world may be certified and assured, by the best evidence the saints are capable of giving to them, or they of receiving, that they are the called and chosen of God, they profess themselves to be; and which is a reason why those things should be done: and another follows, for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall; or "sin", as the Vulgate Latin and Arabic versions render it; not that they should never fall at all, or in any sense, for in many things we all offend or fall; or should ever commit any act of sin, or fall into sin, for there is no man that lives, and sins not; or that they should not fall from a degree of the lively exercise of grace, or from a degree of steadfastness in the doctrine of faith, but that they should never sin the sin against the Holy Ghost, or fall totally and finally; for though they fall, they should rise again by faith and repentance, through the grace and power of Christ, who is able to keep them from falling: and besides, while they were exercising those graces, and doing those duties, they should not fall; for these are the means of final perseverance, and therefore the rather to be regarded. Another argument, strengthening the exhortation, follows:
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:10 dear brothers and sisters: This Greek term (adelphoi) refers to people, both male and female, who are members of the same family. • Work hard to prove (literally Be zealous to make certain): Peter did not mean that our being chosen by God for salvation depends on what we do, but that our zeal to grow in Christian virtue confirms that we have, indeed, been chosen by God.
2 Peter 1:10
Partakers of the Divine Nature
9But whoever lacks these traits is nearsighted to the point of blindness, having forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.10Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things you will never stumble,11and you will receive a lavish reception into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Tightrope Walker!! - Calvinism vs. Arminianism
By Keith Daniel3.5K1:24:07Unity1CO 1:102PE 1:10In this sermon, the preacher discusses a situation where a man ignores certain verses in the Bible that contradict his beliefs. The preacher emphasizes the importance of not cherry-picking verses and instead studying the entire Bible to gain a balanced understanding. He also mentions that God's love and the message of the cross are powerful tools in drawing people to Him. The preacher shares a personal story of witnessing a life transformed by God's grace, which broke down any arguments against the preacher's message.
The Source, Appearance and Conduct of Saving Faith
By Richard Owen Roberts2.0K1:19:46MAT 6:332PE 1:32PE 1:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of adding self-control to our lives as Christians. He highlights how many people are governed by their passions and emotions, lacking self-control. The speaker challenges the audience to examine their own lives and identify any areas where they lack control. He also emphasizes that adding self-control is essential for a true Christian experience and a pathway to an abundant entrance into the kingdom of God.
How to Live a Separated Life: Be Diligent
By Hoseah Wu1.5K40:46Separated LifePSA 46:10MAT 6:33LUK 10:42ROM 12:2COL 3:22PE 1:52PE 1:10In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of lacking an aggressive spirit in pursuing the Lord. He emphasizes the need to work diligently and ensure that our faith is genuine. The purpose of the weekend conference is to help each other discover the eternal things and have a clear direction in our Christian lives. The speaker also highlights the importance of coming together during the winter months to avoid spiritual decline and stumbling. The ultimate goal is to have a time of reflection and fellowship, allowing the Holy Spirit to teach and free us from unnecessary distractions.
The Reality of Human Action and the Power of Contrary Choice
By John Murray1.2K51:48ChoiceGEN 3:15ROM 1:28ROM 4:251CO 10:31EPH 2:10JAS 1:172PE 1:10In this sermon, the speaker begins by praising and blessing God for His greatness and the hope found in Jesus Christ. The sermon then delves into the topic of freedom and the relationship between human action and God's judgment. The speaker emphasizes that although humans have the ability to make choices, their actions are ultimately determined by their character and heart. The sermon concludes by discussing the responsibility and accountability that comes with free agency, highlighting the importance of self-determination in aligning with God's will.
2 Peter 1
By Robert F. Adcock1.1K39:142PE 1:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of reflecting on one's experience of accepting Jesus Christ as their Savior. He encourages the audience to revisit the moment of their salvation and rejoice in the fact that they have been made alive spiritually and become children of God. The preacher also highlights the need for continuous growth in faith and knowledge of Jesus Christ. He reminds the listeners of their responsibility to diligently pursue their calling and election, ensuring that they never fall away. The sermon concludes with a reminder that even in adversity, God works all things together for the good of those who love Him.
Acts 20_pt2
By Bill Gallatin8451:01:20ExpositionalPSA 119:105PRO 4:20MAT 7:3ACT 20:272PE 1:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of giving and generosity. He references the biblical concept of casting bread into the waters, explaining that when we give, God multiplies and blesses us in return. The speaker also highlights the contrast between those who withhold and those who give everything away, noting that the latter experience abundance. He then shares the example of the apostle Paul, who lived a consistent and godly life, and encourages the audience to follow his example. The sermon concludes with the reminder that it is more blessed to give than to receive, as giving allows us to experience the unmerited favor and love of God.
Purity of Tongue and Life
By Hans R. Waldvogel69927:46PurityJHN 7:38ACT 2:4ACT 2:38PHP 2:121TH 4:31TI 4:71TI 4:122PE 1:10In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience with learning to play the violin and how it taught him the importance of diligence and exercise. He emphasizes the need for Christians to exercise themselves unto godliness and to be diligent in their calling and election. The speaker also addresses the dangers of engaging in questionable activities such as watching television and reading inappropriate material. He encourages believers to take heed of their own lives and to continue in the teachings of God, as this not only saves themselves but also those who hear them. The sermon references the apostle Paul's instructions to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:16 and mentions the importance of maintaining a godly conversation and lifestyle.
Self-Examination
By Ernest C. Reisinger5858:06Christian Life1CO 1:101CO 3:31CO 6:11CO 7:21CO 11:21CO 11:282CO 13:52PE 1:10In this sermon, the speaker begins by reflecting on the uniqueness and special qualities of the people he sees passing by. He then discusses the importance of approaching the Bible with three key questions: what does it say, what does it mean, and what is its purpose. The speaker emphasizes the need to examine oneself and make one's calling and election sure, stating that it is possible to know one's spiritual state. He provides directions for this duty, highlighting the dangers of complacency and the consequences of neglecting diligence in spiritual matters.
The Gospel Our Trust #5
By Ernest C. Reisinger571:00:17GospelJER 29:13MAT 6:33MAT 16:13ROM 2:52PE 1:102PE 2:3In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of steady growth in one's faith rather than relying on initial emotional experiences. He mentions a person who boasted about how high he jumped when he was saved, but the speaker suggests that it is more important to focus on how far one runs in their faith journey. The speaker then turns to the story of the dying thief in Luke chapter 23 and highlights seven evidences of regeneration in the thief's life. These evidences include crying out for mercy, casting oneself on the mercy of Christ, and resting in the promises of Christ. The sermon concludes with a review of the trust in the gospel and the task of spreading it in the light of God's omniscience.
The One Thing Necessary
By Thomas Watson02PE 1:10Thomas Watson preaches on the importance of diligently working out one's salvation with fear and trembling, emphasizing the seriousness and necessity of this task for all Christians. He highlights the act of working out salvation, the difficulty, rareness, and possibility of this work, urging believers to shake off spiritual sloth and unite all their powers for this purpose. Watson provides reasons enforcing the need for holy sweat and industry in salvation work, addressing the challenges, dangers, and misconceptions that hinder believers from fully committing to this vital task.
The Title to the Saints' Rest
By Richard Baxter0ACT 16:312CO 13:51PE 3:152PE 1:10REV 2:17Richard Baxter preaches about the importance of self-examination to attain certainty of salvation. He highlights how many neglect to secure their title to the glorious rest awaiting God's people, despite eagerly seeking assurance in other aspects of life. Baxter emphasizes that true trust in God involves actively examining and ruling our hearts by Scripture, rather than passively leaving everything to God. He warns against hindrances like Satan's deception, worldly influences, and false hope that prevent believers from self-examination and blessed assurance.
Getting God in Focus
By A.W. Tozer0GAL 2:10EPH 4:31TH 2:172TI 2:15HEB 4:112PE 1:102PE 3:14The preacher emphasizes the importance of being diligent, using the Greek word 'spoudazo' which conveys the idea of hastening to do something with intense effort and motivation, suggesting zealous concentration and diligent effort. This word is found 11 times in the New Testament, urging believers to give their utmost for God's highest, to be conscientious, zealous, and earnest in fulfilling their duties. The verb 'spoudazo' speaks of intensity of purpose followed by intensity of effort toward the realization of that purpose, calling for careful and persevering application in all tasks and obligations.
Wrath and Mercy
By Christopher Love0ISA 1:9LUK 10:20JHN 10:28ROM 8:30EPH 1:51TH 5:9JAS 1:171PE 1:22PE 1:10REV 2:17Christopher Love preaches on the doctrine of predestination, emphasizing that those appointed by God for salvation can be assured of their election and should strive to make it sure through sanctification and obedience. He refutes the idea that a person can be certain of damnation, highlighting God's unchangeable decrees and the assurance of salvation for the elect. Love explains that God's decrees are limited to a small number of mankind, yet this does not make Him cruel, but rather showcases His sovereignty and mercy. He concludes by encouraging believers to pray for sanctification and the fruits of predestination, as the work of election is already completed.
"Seed for the Sower"
By George Warnock0ROM 4:162CO 1:7HEB 2:2HEB 3:14HEB 6:192PE 1:102PE 1:19JUD 1:1REV 17:14The preacher delves into the concept of 'bebaios,' describing it as something fixed, stable, and reliable, unwavering and persistent, known with certainty, and valid over time. This term signifies a sense of certainty and trustworthiness, akin to being firm, steadfast, and unalterable. The sermon emphasizes the importance of having a firm foundation in faith, highlighting how the promises of God, shared sufferings, and the Word of God are all 'bebaios' and can be relied upon. It stresses the need for believers to hold fast to their assurance, build their hope on Christ, and diligently confirm their calling and election through a holy life.
What Time I Am Afraid, I Will Trust in Thee
By A.B. Simpson0DEU 7:25LUK 6:38ROM 11:11COL 3:161TI 6:17TIT 3:6JAS 2:10JAS 3:22PE 1:10The preacher delves into the meaning of stumbling (ptaio) in the New Testament, emphasizing its figurative use to denote error, sin, and failure to keep God's law. Through the study of key Bible verses, the sermon explores the concept of stumbling in faith, the importance of diligence in pursuing virtues, and the assurance of believers' entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The preacher highlights the need for believers to diligently seek the sealing of the Spirit, pursue godliness, and make their calling and election sure to secure a rich and abundant reward in the life to come.
Preaching That Hinders Revival
By Richard Owen Roberts0ISA 6:5ISA 6:8JER 6:13MAT 9:12MRK 12:292PE 1:52PE 1:10Richard Owen Roberts preaches about the hindrances to revival caused by errors in preaching, such as man-centered preaching, timid preaching, preaching that evokes strange fire, self-exalting preaching, non-doctrinal preaching, preaching of minor consequence, preaching without authority, preaching without power, superficial healing preaching, teaching instead of preaching, and preaching that calls for no response or a false response. He emphasizes the need for preachers to align their messages with God's truth, speak with authority and power, and call for genuine repentance and response from their listeners to avoid hindering revival.
Caleb the Wholehearted and the Land of Promise
By Tom Macartney0DEU 6:23MAT 13:24ROM 8:171CO 9:241CO 10:1EPH 1:18PHP 3:14PHP 4:192PE 1:10Tom Macartney preaches about the deep concern running through Paul's letters for Christians to realize the greatness of their salvation, the glorious destiny they have been called to, and the infinite resources available to them. Paul's concern includes the challenge that Christians may fail to fully enter into their glorious inheritance, both in the present and future aspects. The sermon emphasizes the importance of learning key spiritual lessons to make progress in the Christian life and to fully possess the inheritance in Christ, drawing parallels between Israel's journey to the Promised Land and the believer's journey to spiritual maturity.
A Man's Interest in Christ May Be Known
By William Guthrie0ISA 8:20MAT 25:12MRK 9:24JHN 8:44ROM 8:18ROM 8:382CO 13:52TI 1:122PE 1:101JN 5:13William Guthrie preaches about the certainty of knowing one's interest in Christ, emphasizing that it is attainable through examining oneself and aligning with Scripture. He highlights the importance of having a saving covenant with God, cautioning against false confidence and the narrow path to Christ. Guthrie stresses the need to allow Scripture to determine one's condition and the reasons why many struggle to have a clear knowledge of their state in Christ. He addresses common mistakes and hindrances in understanding one's interest in Christ, urging diligence, self-examination, and reliance on God's Word for clarity.
Make Your Calling & Election Sure
By Joshua Daniel0PRO 4:231CO 15:582PE 1:102PE 3:181JN 3:3Joshua Daniel preaches on the importance of making our calling and election sure, emphasizing the need for certainty in our faith. He highlights the significance of a pure heart as the foundation for assurance and unity with God's Spirit. Peter's advice is to continually test our faith and ensure we are walking in grace, reflecting the likeness of Jesus. Adding virtues like knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, and brotherly kindness will lead to a fruitful ministry and alignment with God's perfect plan.
Examine Yourselves, Whether You Be in the Faith
By Octavius Winslow0Indwelling of the Holy SpiritSelf-ExaminationPSA 139:23ROM 8:101CO 6:192CO 13:5GAL 5:22EPH 3:16PHP 2:12HEB 4:12JAS 1:222PE 1:10Octavius Winslow emphasizes the critical need for self-examination among Christians, urging believers to assess their faith and relationship with Christ. He points out that many are quick to judge others but neglect their own spiritual condition, which can lead to deterioration and spiritual ruin. Winslow stresses that just as various professions require diligent oversight to prevent failure, so too does the soul require constant scrutiny to ensure it remains vibrant and alive in Christ. He explains that Christ dwells in believers through the Holy Spirit, and this indwelling is essential for spiritual growth and grace. The sermon serves as a call to action for believers to not take their faith for granted but to actively seek the presence of Christ in their hearts.
One Thing Necessary
By Thomas Watson0PRO 28:14MAT 7:13LUK 13:231CO 9:10EPH 2:5PHP 2:12PHP 4:13HEB 4:1HEB 6:192PE 1:10Thomas Watson preaches about the importance of working out one's salvation with fear and trembling, emphasizing the excellence and necessity of salvation, the act of working out salvation, and the obstacles and helps in the journey of salvation. He highlights the difficulty, rareness, and possibility of this work, urging Christians to diligently pursue salvation with holy fear and industry. Watson addresses the act of working out salvation, the object being one's own salvation, and the manner in which this should be done with fear and trembling, drawing attention to the need for fear, love, reliance on Christ's strength, humility, prayer, and hope in the process of working out salvation.
The Sum of Saving Knowledge - the Use of Saving Knowledge
By David Dickson0ISA 55:3JHN 16:8ROM 8:1ROM 10:82TH 1:72PE 1:10David Dickson preaches on the practical use of saving knowledge contained in Scripture, emphasizing the chief general use of Christian doctrine to convince individuals of sin, righteousness, and judgment through the law or covenant of works and the gospel or covenant of grace. The sermon delves into the importance of understanding the covenant of works and the covenant of grace, highlighting the impossibility of finding righteousness through one's own works and the necessity of fleeing to Jesus Christ for eternal life. It also explores the concept of judgment, both for believers who embrace the covenant of grace and for those who reject it, emphasizing the consequences of not believing in Christ.
Letter 19
By James Bourne0PSA 51:17MIC 4:6GAL 6:92PE 1:10James Bourne writes a heartfelt letter to his wife, expressing his deep humility and sorrow for sin, inspired by the writings of Elisha Coles. He reflects on the consequences of unwise words like Moses speaking unadvisedly and the importance of seeking God's forgiveness. Bourne finds comfort in the idea that mortal sufferings lead to peaceable fruits of righteousness and that those who sow in tears will reap with joy in eternal life. He encourages diligence in making one's calling and election sure, looking forward to an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom of Jesus Christ.
Why Do People Backslide?
By Albert M. Ewing0PRO 4:23MAT 10:37LUK 9:621CO 10:121PE 2:212PE 1:101JN 2:151JN 3:8Albert M. Ewing preaches on the concept of backsliding, emphasizing that although the term may not be explicitly mentioned in the New Testament, the theme remains relevant. He highlights the dangers of backsliding, attributing it to disobedience to God and reluctance in obedience. Ewing draws parallels between biblical examples like Lot's wife and individuals who prioritize worldly customs over strict obedience to God. He warns against the misconception of eternal security, stressing the importance of spiritual worthiness over mere moral goodness.
2 Peter 1:10
By John Gill0Diligence in FaithAssurance of SalvationROM 8:30EPH 1:42PE 1:10John Gill emphasizes the importance of diligence in exercising the graces of faith and performing good works to ensure one's calling and election in Christ. He clarifies that this calling is an internal and effectual call to grace and glory, not merely an external or church-related call. Gill explains that while believers cannot make their election surer in God's eyes, they can demonstrate their calling to others through their actions and testimonies. He reassures that through diligence in these practices, believers can avoid falling into sin and maintain their spiritual integrity. Ultimately, the sermon encourages believers to actively live out their faith as evidence of their divine election.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Wherefore - Seeing the danger of apostasy, and the fearful end of them who obey not the Gospel, and thus receive the grace of God in vain; give all diligence, σπουδασατε, hasten, be deeply careful, labor with the most intense purpose of soul. To make your calling - From deep Gentile darkness into the marvellous light of the Gospel. And election - Your being chosen, in consequence of obeying the heavenly calling, to be the people and Church of God. Instead of κλησιν, calling, the Codex Alexandrinus has παρακλησιν, consolation. Sure - Βεβαιαν· Firm, solid. For your calling to believe the Gospel, and your election to be members of the Church of Christ, will be ultimately unprofitable to you, unless you hold fast what you have received by adding to your faith virtue, knowledge, temperance, etc. For if ye do these things - If ye be careful and diligent to work out your own salvation, through the grace which ye have already received from God; ye shall never fall, ου μη πταισητε ποτε, ye shall at no time stumble or fall; as the Jews have done, and lost their election, Rom 11:11, where the same word is used, and as apostates do, and lose their peace and salvation. We find, therefore, that they who do not these things shall fall; and thus we see that there is nothing absolute and unconditional in their election. There is an addition here in some MSS. and versions which should not pass unnoticed: the Codex Alexandrinus, nine others, with the Syriac, Erpen's Arabic, Coptic, Ethiopic, Armenian, later Syriac with an asterisk, the Vulgate, and Bede, have ινα δια των καλων (ὑμων) εργων, That By (your) Good Works ye may make your calling and election firm. This clause is found in the edition of Colinaeus, Paris, 1534, and has been probably omitted by more recent editors on the supposition that the edition does not make a very orthodox sense. But on this ground there need be no alarm, for it does not state that the good works thus required merit either the calling and election, or the eternal glory, of God. He who does not by good works confirm his calling and election, will soon have neither; and although no good works ever did purchase or ever can purchase the kingdom of God, yet no soul can ever scripturally expect to see God who has them not. I was hungry, and ye gave me no meat; thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: go, ye cursed. I was hungry, and ye gave me meat; etc., etc.; come, ye blessed.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Wherefore--seeking the blessed consequence of having, and the evil effects of not having, these graces (Pe2 1:8-9). the rather--the more earnestly. brethren--marking that it is affection for them which constrains him so earnestly to urge them. Nowhere else does he so address them, which makes his calling them so here the more emphatical. give diligence--The Greek aorist implies one lifelong effect [ALFORD]. to make--Greek middle voice; to make so far as it depends on you; to do your part towards making. "To make" absolutely and finally is God's part, and would be in the active. your calling and election sure--by ministering additionally in your faith virtue, and in your virtue knowledge, &c. God must work all these graces in us, yet not so that we should be mere machines, but willing instruments in His hands in making His election of us "secure." The ensuring of our election is spoken of not in respect to God, whose counsel is steadfast and everlasting, but in respect to our part. There is no uncertainty on His part, but on ours the only security is our faith in His promise and the fruits of the Spirit (Pe2 1:5-7, Pe2 1:11). Peter subjoins election to calling, because the calling is the effect and proof of God's election, which goes before and is the main thing (Rom 8:28, Rom 8:30, Rom 8:33, where God's "elect" are those "predestinated," and election is "His purpose," according to which He "called" them). We know His calling before His election, thereby calling is put first. fall--Greek, "stumble" and fall finally (Rom 11:11). Metaphor from one stumbling in a race (Co1 9:24).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence,.... To exercise the afore mentioned graces, and to perform the above duties, since this is the way to make your calling and election sure; by calling is not meant a call to any office in the church, nor an external call, either by the voice of nature, or by the ministry of the word; but an internal and effectual call by special grace, to grace here, and glory hereafter; instead of "calling", the Alexandrian copy reads, "comfort": and by "election" is meant, not a national, nor church election, but a particular and personal one, since scattered saints, and particular believers, are here written to, and each called upon to be diligent to make their own, and not another's, calling and election sure; nor is a choice of persons to an office designed, seeing the apostle writes not to officers of churches in particular, but to believers in common; nor a separation of persons from the world by the effectual calling, since these two are both mentioned here, and as distinct from each other, and to be made sure; but an election of particular persons to eternal life and salvation is here intended, which is an eternal act of God, arises from his free grace and favour, and is according to his sovereign will and pleasure; and is absolute, and independent of any condition, foreseen, or required in men, as faith, holiness, and good works; all which are fruits and effects, and not causes and conditions of electing grace. These may be made "sure", not in themselves, or with respect to God, for in this sense they cannot be made surer than they are: effectual calling is according to the purpose of God, which cannot be frustrated, and is, without repentance, irreversible, and irrevocable, and is inseparably connected with eternal glory; and election stands not upon the foot of works, but upon the free grace of God, which cannot be made void, and upon the will of God, which cannot be resisted; and is also closely connected with glorification; see Rom 8:30 nor are those to be made sure by saints, with respect to themselves; for though they may sometimes be at a loss about them, and may have some scruples and doubts in their minds concerning their interest in them, and an assurance of their being both called and chosen, may be after all attained unto by them; yet this is not their work, but it is the work of the Spirit of God, to certify and make sure unto them, or assure them of their calling and election of God: but the sense is, that diligence is to be used by the saints, to make their calling and election sure to others; not their election by their calling only, which is to themselves; for both are to be made sure, and that to others, and by some third thing; either to their fellow Christians, which they may do by giving them an account of the work of God upon their souls, joined with a testimony of their good lives and conversations; or rather to the world "by good works", as the Vulgate Latin version and two copies of Beza's read; or "by your good works", as the Alexandrian copy and the Syriac and Ethiopic versions read; or by the exercise of the graces, and the discharge of the duties before mentioned, whereby the men of the world may be certified and assured, by the best evidence the saints are capable of giving to them, or they of receiving, that they are the called and chosen of God, they profess themselves to be; and which is a reason why those things should be done: and another follows, for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall; or "sin", as the Vulgate Latin and Arabic versions render it; not that they should never fall at all, or in any sense, for in many things we all offend or fall; or should ever commit any act of sin, or fall into sin, for there is no man that lives, and sins not; or that they should not fall from a degree of the lively exercise of grace, or from a degree of steadfastness in the doctrine of faith, but that they should never sin the sin against the Holy Ghost, or fall totally and finally; for though they fall, they should rise again by faith and repentance, through the grace and power of Christ, who is able to keep them from falling: and besides, while they were exercising those graces, and doing those duties, they should not fall; for these are the means of final perseverance, and therefore the rather to be regarded. Another argument, strengthening the exhortation, follows:
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:10 dear brothers and sisters: This Greek term (adelphoi) refers to people, both male and female, who are members of the same family. • Work hard to prove (literally Be zealous to make certain): Peter did not mean that our being chosen by God for salvation depends on what we do, but that our zeal to grow in Christian virtue confirms that we have, indeed, been chosen by God.