2 Peter 1:2-11, The Security of the Believer (4)

b)    This perseverance involves the believer's continuance in the Christian experience.  Heb. 3:6; 6:11.

i)      The believer must continue in the word and doctrine of Christ, John 8:30-39; 1 Jn 4:2-3; 2 Jn 7-11; 2 Pet 3; Heb 5:10-6:11.  

(1)                        The theme in Hebrews that we must “hold fast” is in the context of “perfection.”  The term means that we remain true until we come to the fullness of what God has determined for us.  Christ is our example or “forerunner” (Heb. 6:20).  The Old Testament saints also set an example of this (Heb. 6:12).

(2)                        In John’s writings the believer must “abide” in the doctrine of Christ.  Both the word (to abide is to remain) and the present tense of the Greek (“keep on abiding”) emphasize the need to persevere.

ii)   The believer must continue in good works, Eph 2:10; Col 1:22-23; 1 John 2:3,5,29; 3:14,16; Mt 7:15-20; 2 Pet 1:10.  These passages use similar terminology but in the context of the believer’s lifestyle of good works.

iii)            The term “involves” is admittedly a bit nebulous.  In what sense is the believer’s perseverance in doctrine and good works “involved” in the keeping of the believer by God?  My answer to that is to say it is the same way the person who is “elect of God” must “believe” in order to be saved.  As with the word “believe,” so with “abide” (e.g. 2 John 1:9) and “continue” (Col. 1:23): they are all “active voice” in the Greek.  It is the action of the person.

c)   This perseverance by the believer is nevertheless a work of God and His grace. Phil 2:12-13.

i)      It is a work of the Father, Ps 121.

(1)                        It involves His divine purpose, Eph 1:4; 5:25-27; 1 Th 5:23-24; Rom 8:29.  In time past, not only did God make a “choice” (election); He also predetermined that the chosen ones would come be conformed to the image of His Son. 

(2)                        It involves His divine power, 2 Tim 1:12; Jude 24.  He is “able” to keep the believer.  He has the power. 

(3)                        It involves His divine faithfulness, 2 Th 3:3; 1 Th 5:23-24.  Paul’s prayer (1 Th. 5:23) might sound uncertain, praying that God would preserve the believer blameless until the coming of Christ.  But v24 says it all hinges on the character of God: “He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.”