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You Sure? |
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“Therefore,
brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His
calling and choosing you”. After instructing those aliens
and pilgrims who were scattered throughout Asia Minor about
the need to supply virtue and knowledge and brotherly kindness
to their faith, Peter tells them of the peace and assurance
that comes with “making your calling and election sure” (KJV).
No one is going to accidentally go to heaven, nor is anyone
going to sneak in the back door or slip through the gate
unaware. On the other hand, we need not fear or spend our time
worrying about this imminent meeting with God at the judgment.
The Bible speaks of the Christian’s confidence, not
arrogance, in being certain and sure of their final
destination. Near the end of his life, Paul told Timothy,
“in the future, there is laid up for me the crown of
righteousness…”. Do you know? Are you that sure?
How can we make our calling and election sure?
Remember what you know. We are, at times, a people
with short-term memories and a people that need a little
reminding, especially in the realm of spiritual things. Such
was Peter’s task in this same letter: “therefore, I shall
always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you
already know them…”. But it takes more than a good memory
to make your calling and election sure.
Do what you can. Being certain about your reservation
in heaven means rising to your full potential and doing
everything that is within your abilities and opportunities to
be a servant of Jesus Christ. You may have to overcome your
fears, swallow your pride, or stand up against impossible
odds, but you must do it with the boldness that Paul had when
he said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens
me”. You can live a godly life in an ungodly world,
you can pray more, you can be a better
student of the Bible, or you can’t be certain about
your calling and election.
Leave the rest to the Lord. One brother said a long
time ago, “stop whittlin’ on God’s end of the stick.”
If we will remember what we know to be true from His word and
if we will apply that message in obedience and do what we can,
then we must trust in His promise of “be faithful until
death, and I will give you the crown of life”. Just do your
part, and let Him provide the rest.
Make yours certain today. |
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Bubba
Garner
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Copyright (C)
2008
Southside Church of Christ
All rights reserved.
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