Posted on 07/30/2016 7:25:30 AM PDT by metmom
Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you (2 Peter 1:10-11).
The pursuit of virtue results in assurance now and eternal reward later.
Assurance is a great blessing, as Peter tells us in verse 10 of todays passage. However, it is not the only thing you will enjoy if you are pursuing godly virtues. Years ago a Jewish teenager named Marvin learned about the additional blessing of rewards from the lady who led him to Christ. Before he left home to join the Marines as a struggling, often persecuted believer, she told him: Youre a true Christian, Marvin. . . . One day when your earthly life ends you will go to Heaven because of what the Messiah has done for you. But if, when you get to Heaven, there is a great big parade and if in the front of the parade there is a great big bandif you dont change your way of living, youll be so far back in the line that you wont even hear the music. Marvin got the message and eventually became a dedicated Christian teacher and evangelist.
You and I also must be living our lives in light of eternitylaying up treasures in Heaven, pursuing the virtues symbolized by gold, silver, and precious stones, not giving attention to those lesser things represented by wood, hay, and straw (see 1 Cor. 3:10-15). Those of us who earnestly pursue the virtues of 2 Peter 1 will receive a superabundant reward. And thats not a crass motive for good works, because all believers will one day place their crowns (rewards) before Gods throne as an act of homage (see 2 Tim. 4:7-8; Rev. 4:10).
Examine yourself to see if theres any moral virtue in your life. If you see none, you cant assume youre saved. If you see some and its growing, though not perfectly, you can be certain about His calling and choosing you (2 Peter 1:10). And you can be confident His reward will be abundantly supplied to you (v. 11).
Suggestions for Prayer
Thank the Lord for the eternal rewards that await those believers who have been faithful.
For Further Study
Read Ephesians 1:18; 2:7; and 1 Timothy 6:17. What do those verses say about Gods blessings and rewards?
Studying God’s Word ping
Is this "moral virtue" considered works?
I have no idea what he is thinking of.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.