2 Peter 1:5-11, Make your Calling & Election Sure?

 What does this mean: either we are called and elect or not called and elect.  That is God’s work.  So how do I make it sure?  In these passages consider what is made sure, and did that “thing” exist apart from its being made sure?

bebaios (adjective): firm, permanent

·       Rom 4:16: all of Abraham’s children are by faith; therefore the promise is sure to all the seed (the promise is not earned by works but is received by faith)

·       2Cor 1:7: Paul’s hope of the Corinthians was steadfast knowing that as they shared in his sufferings they would also share in his comfort

·       Hb 2:2: if word to angels is steadfast, then so will word to us

·       Hb 3:6: we are Christ’s house if we hold confidence & hope firm to end

·       Hb 3:14: we are partakers of Christ if we hold confidence steadfast to end

·       Hb 6:19: we have hope, an anchor of soul, sure & steadfast, which enters w/in veil (i.e. it is effective to bring us into relationship with God)

·       Hb 9:17: a will/testament is “of force” (valid) after men die, not while they live; it exists but after death becomes effective

·       2Pet 1:10: make calling & election sure

·       2Pt 1:19: we have a more sure word of prophecy

bebaioo (verb): to make firm, establish

·       Mk 16:20: Jesus confirmed His preaching w/signs

·       Ro 15:8: Jesus was servant of Jews to confirm the promises made to the fathers

·       1Co 1:6: testimony of Christ confirmed in them..

·       1Co 1:8: who will also confirm you to end so you can be blameless

·       2Co 1:21: God established Paul & the group w/them

·       Col 2:7: being rooted, built up & established in faith.

·       Hb 2:3: so great salvation spoken by Lord, confirmed by apostles

·       Hb 13:9: it is good for the heart to be established w/grace, not foods.

basis (noun): the root word, meaning the “foot”

·       Ac. 3:7: immediately his feet & ankle bones received strength

The man in the Gate Beautiful had feet, but they needed to receive strength for him to be able to walk, and leap!  The message of salvation (Hb. 2:3) was spoken; the apostles confirmed it for the sake of those who heard the message.  Those confirming signs did not alter the message; rather they strengthened the message in the ears, minds and hearts of those who heard it.  We have a hope in our soul.  It is not like putting one’s hope in a spiders web but is an effective hope.  So, believers have been called and chosen; that work of God needs to grow in strength day by day.  Make your calling and election “steadfast.”