2 Peter 1:9–11 (ESV) — 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted
that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling
and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into
the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
NOTE: The qualities
(verse 9) are Christian growth areas (vs 5-7) that are achieved through a
relationship with Christ centered on the word (vs 4) of God. Peter's portrayal
of a Christian who is not growing ought to be a wake-up call for any believer--"so
nearsighted, he is blind." On the other hand, if we practice (live) these
qualities, the promise is that we will never fall, and that there is a reward
in Heaven. I like the linkage between reward and not forgetting that we have
been cleansed from our former sins. In my mind, that is the great beauty of the
reward, it is a way to communicate to God "thank you" for such an
unbelievable gift. I will not have anything of myself to say I deserved it, but
I can say thank you by living in a way that brings God glory and honor here on
earth.
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