John Calvin on 2 Peter 1:10-11, Wherefore, brethren, give the more diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never stumble: for thus shall be richly supplied unto you the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
For if ye do these things... Peter seems again to ascribe to the merits of works, that God furthers our salvation, and also that we continually persevere in his grace. But the explanation is obvious; for his purpose was only to shew that hypocrites have in them nothing real or solid, and that, on the contrary, they who prove their calling sure by good works, are free from the danger of falling, because sure and sufficient is the grace of God by which they are supported. Thus the certainty of our salvation by no means depends on us, as doubtless the cause of it is beyond our limits. But with regard to those who feel in themselves the efficacious working of the Spirit, Peter bids them to take courage as to the future, because the Lord has laid in them the solid foundation of a true and sure calling...
... He explains the way or means of persevering, when he says, an entrance shall be ministered to you. The import of the words is this: "God, by ever supplying you abundantly with new graces, will lead you to his own kingdom." And this was added, that we may know, that though we have already passed from death into life, yet it is a passage of hope; and as to the fruition of life, there remains for us yet a long journey. In the meantime we are not destitute of necessary helps. Hence Peter obviates a doubt by these words, "The Lord will abundantly supply your need, until you shall enter into his eternal kingdom." He calls it the kingdom of Christ, because we cannot ascend to heaven except under his banner and guidance.
Galatians 6: if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Legalists don’t do this. Make your calling and election sure. How do we do that? Peter has told us that everything we need pertaining to eternal life and godliness we have already received. We make our calling and election sure by reminding ourselves of the gospel. Believe the gospel, again and again.. Know that God is trustworthy. Know that what He says about His people is true. Then, and only then, will your efforts to please Him will actually please Him.
This doesn’t mean you won’t still be a terrible sinner. It means that when we sin, the brothers and sisters will remind us that God has cleansed us from even these sins also.
Galatians 6: if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
ReplyDeleteLegalists don’t do this. Make your calling and election sure. How do we do that? Peter has told us that everything we need pertaining to eternal life and godliness we have already received. We make our calling and election sure by reminding ourselves of the gospel. Believe the gospel, again and again.. Know that God is trustworthy. Know that what He says about His people is true. Then, and only then, will your efforts to please Him will actually please Him.
This doesn’t mean you won’t still be a terrible sinner. It means that when we sin, the brothers and sisters will remind us that God has cleansed us from even these sins also.