Are You Sure?

Bubba Garner

“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.