2 Pet 1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: KJV
HOW TO AVOID FALLING
We started this series from the point where Apostle Peter said we should give all diligence and add to our faith: virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and charity(2 Pet1:5-7). In verse 10 of the same chapter, he said that IF( conditional word) we do those things mentioned in verses 5-7, we would not fall. Standing in the faith requires some "doing". It is possible for a believer to fall and miss the mark IF he fails to do those things we were instructed to do. This is an old truth that modern day believers are struggling to understand. Some outrightly deny it but it is right there in the scriptures.
In fact, Apostle Peter did not end his epistle there. Consequent on doing those things mentioned in verses 5-7, he said, "For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ"(2Pet 1:11). In simple and modern English, he is saying that the only way you and I can enter into God's everlasting kingdom( heaven) is to do those things he mentioned. I thank God for the gift of eternal life and righteousness. However, those are platforms for our journey in salvation. In as much as we have the gift of eternal life, there is an eternal home we are yet to enter into.
Jude told us that Christ will bring us into eternal life. He was talking to fellow believers who had received eternal life and the gift of righteousness. Listen to him, "and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, WHO WILL BRING YOU ETERNAL LIFE. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love"(Jude 1:21 NLT). Eternal life in this sense is referring to our final home in heaven. Dearest, you and I have a role to play after salvation. I leave you with the counsel of Apostle Paul, "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, WORK OUT YOUR OWN SALVATION WITH FEAR AND TREMBLING" (Phil2:12).
Father, I receive the grace to play my role in my walk with you in Jesus name.