What does 2 Peter 1:10 mean?

Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: 2 Peter 1:10

Explanation

2 Peter 1:10 admonishes its readers to be diligent in affirming their calling and election by God. The “calling” refers to the invitation by God to embrace the Christian faith and life, while “election” suggests that believers are chosen by God for salvation and a purposeful life. The verse encourages Christians to actively cultivate their faith and virtues — effectively living out the principles of their faith. By doing so, they can ensure their relationship with God is secure, reducing the risk of spiritual stumbling or falling away from their beliefs.

Historical Context

This verse is part of a letter traditionally attributed to the Apostle Peter, likely written toward the end of his life, around A.D. 64-68. This was a time of persecution for early Christians under the Roman Empire. The letter addressed Christians dispersed in Asia Minor and encouraged them to stand firm in their faith amidst false teachings and moral laxity. The exhortations to strengthen their faith reflect an awareness that robust, active faith would be necessary to withstand the societal pressures and challenges of the time.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, the verse underscores the synergy between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. While the “calling and election” are acts of divine grace, the believer is also exhorted to work towards confirming that calling by practicing virtue and growing in faith. This reflects a balance in Christian theology between God’s role in salvation and human agency in responding to God’s grace. Different theological camps interpret this balance variously, with Calvinists emphasizing God’s predestination and Arminians emphasizing human free will.

Practical Applications

Practically speaking, this verse can encourage modern believers to focus on personal spiritual growth and ethical living. It suggests that faith is not simply a passive condition but a dynamic journey requiring effort and intention. Practicing virtues like goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love, as outlined in the preceding verses of the same chapter, can help believers live confident and productive Christian lives that positively affect their communities.

Cross-References

• Philippians 2:12: “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”
• Ephesians 4:1: “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,”
• 1 Thessalonians 1:4: “Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.”

Language Study

The key phrases in the original Greek are “spoudasate bebaioteron poieisthai” (give diligence to make sure) and “klēsin kai eklogēn” (calling and election). “Spoudasate” implies earnestness or haste in accomplishing something, which in this context, is the solidifying of one’s faith. The terms “klēsin” (calling) and “eklogēn” (election) are theological terms denoting God’s invitation to salvation and the act of choosing individuals for His purposes, respectively.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing this verse with other ancient religious thought, one might consider the Stoic idea of living in accordance with virtue and reason as a pathway to a good life. While Stoicism focuses on personal ethics and living in harmony with nature, 2 Peter 1:10 anchors ethical living in the context of divine calling and service to God’s will. This reflects a significant distinction where the Christian’s virtues are not just for personal improvement but are in response to a divine relationship.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse’s primary focus is on spiritual and ethical matters, not scientific, it can intersect with the psychological understanding of behavior and habit formation. Psychological research emphasizes the importance of consistent practice and diligence in developing new habits and behaviors, akin to the biblical call for diligence in virtue cultivation. Both highlight the role of continued effort in achieving personal change and stability.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators often emphasize the assurance that comes from heeding this verse. Matthew Henry’s commentary describes the process of making one’s “calling and election sure” as not doubting God’s part but confirming our part in it. John Wesley notes that “if ye do these things, ye shall never fall,” ensuring the believer is both diligent and cautious — this echoes the Methodist emphasis on practical holiness. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary suggests that the passage calls for an ethical response that aligns with one’s status as called and elected by God, establishing a firm foundation for spiritual growth and resilience.