[Biblemat] A) MAKE YOUR CALLING SURE

[J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com]

Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here.  A very good Monday
morning to each and everyone.  May God bless you and yours.
Here is an article from my files:

MAKE YOUR CALLING SURE

     "Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make your
calling and election sure" (2 Pet. 1:10).  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 elect-
ion sure".  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 arrog-
ance, 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" (2 Tim. 4:8), and
John wrote in his letter, "these things I write to you that you
may know that you have eternal life" (1 Jno. 5:13).  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" (2 Pet. 1:12).  Don't ever forget what sin is (1 Jno. 3:4),
don't ever forget what sin does (Isa. 59:1,2), and don't forget
that only God has the power and ability to cleanse you of your sin and save 
you from its grasp (Matt. 19:25,26).  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 every-
thing 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 strengt-
hens me" (Phil. 4:13).  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" (Rev. 2:10).  As David
said in all confidence and faith, "But as for me, I trust in Thee, O Lord, I 
say, 'Thou art my God.'  My times are in Thy
hand" (Psa. 31:14,15).  Just do your part, and let Him provide
the rest.

Make Your's Certain Today: -- Receive the grace of God throu-gh faith by 
obeying Jesus and having your sins washed away
through baptism (Mk. 16:15,16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; 8:36-38; Eph. 2:8-10).     
-------- Bubba Garner via Gospel Power, Vol.
14, No. 49, Dec. 9, 2007.   </HTML>
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