"It takes more than just hoping you make it. Make your calling and election sure!"

 "It takes more than just hoping you make it. Make your calling and election sure!"

These words came to me clearly as I woke the morning of January 4, 2021. Too many are hoping they make it, but the Bible says to make sure.

Right after those words in 2 Peter 1:10, it reads "for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall." What are THESE THINGS that we're to do?

First of all - follow Peter's command in Acts 2:38 to Repent, Be baptized in the Name of Jesus for the remission of sins, and receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost (evidenced by speaking in other tongues as found throughout the Book of Acts as the Church was birthed).

Peter instructs the Church in 2 Peter 1:5 that the first thing we need is FAITH.

**FAITH - it is the moral conviction of religious Truth. It is what we believe in and hold to with strong conviction and can not be persuaded otherwise.

We are to add to our Faith - VIRTUE:

**we are to not only exhibit behavior showing high moral standards but also have great courage in the face of danger ( just as the Apostles and early Christians did)

And to Virtue, add KNOWLEDGE:

**We need to KNOW what the Bible says and teaches. Paul's letter to Timothy instructs every Believer that we are to STUDY God's Word. (2 Tim 2:15) Learn it. Know it.

And to Knowledge, add TEMPERANCE:

**As Christians, we are to exhibit self control in all areas...actions, words, thoughts, feelings, etc.

And to Temperance, add PATIENCE:

**Not an easy one but a necessary one whether it is with our family, on the job, in the public area, or our fellow brothers and sisters in the Lord.

And to Patience, add GODLINESS:

**Holiness (without which no one shall see the Lord. When 12:14) We are to be Holy because the Lord God we serve is Holy.

And to Godliness, add BROTHERLY KINDNESS:

**We are to do good, especially to those of the household of faith. (Gal 6:10)

And to Brotherly Kindness, add CHARITY:

**This word means Love. Jesus said people will know we are His Disciples if we have LOVE one toward another. (John 13:35)

Vs 8 - if these things be in us and ABOUND, they make us that we shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus.

Vs 9 - but he that lacketh these things is blind and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

Vs 10 - challenges us to develop these things in our lives because if we do THESE THINGS, we shall never fall.

Make your calling and election sure.