2 Peter 1:10-11 Why the rather, brothers, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if you do these things, you shall never fall:… I. EXHORTATION. 1. An induction. (1) "Wherefore." This word infers a consequence on the premises, or is a reason of the precedent speech. The apostle had formerly shown the danger of such as forget their own purging. But there are many who forget not that they were purged by the redemption of Christ, but remember it too much; and from this derive encouragement of a licentious life, quitting themselves from all sins by His passion. He that thus spells Christ, hath but small literature of religion (Romans 6:1; John 5:14; 2 Timothy 2:19; 1 Peter 1:17). The end of our conversion is to amend our conversation. (2) "Brethren." (a) This word of relation declares in the apostle two virtues (i) His humility; he prefers not himself to the rest of God's saints, but calls them all brethren. (ii) His policy; he desires to win their souls, and therefore insinuates himself into their love. This title ascribes to the people some dignity; that by faith in Christ they become brethren to the very apostles, and have the fraternity of the heavenly saints. This term is not without some requirable duty. Is the minister thy brother? hear him (Acts 3:22). But take heed lest God's gentleness be abused by thy contempt; it is the word of thy Judge and Maker, though in the mouth of thy brother. (3) "Give diligence." Doth a man reap without sowing? You have not wealth from the clods without digging; and would you have blessing from the clouds without working? The labour of our bodies for this world was but a curse; the labour of our souls for heaven is a blessing. "Give diligence." This exhortation presupposes no proper strength of our own to do this, for it is God's work in us. (4) "Rather." Let not the goodness of God, which without your desert has chosen and called you to the profession of Christ, forgiving and purging your former sins, make you idle and careless. But rather strive to answer this mercy in your faithful conversation; lest you fall into that pit of destruction, from whence by His death He hath redeemed you. "The rather." He seems to encourage this endeavour, partly by the benefit, partly by the danger, and partly by the reward: the first whereof incites our gratitude, the next our fear, the last our hope. 2. An instruction. "Make your calling," etc. (1) The matter expressed. (a) For the order: the apostle puts vocation in the former place, which yet in propriety is the latter; for election is before all time, vocation in time. But this is a right form and method of speech, to set that last, which is worthiest and weightiest. Besides, we pass by things nearer to things more remote; first we must look to our calling, and by our calling come to assurance of our election. (b) For dependence: we must know that our calling depends upon our election. The determinate counsel of God doth not take away second means, but disposeth those passages into order. These two, election and vocation, are like Jacob's ladder, whereupon the saints ascend like angels to God: election is the top, vocation the foot. (2) The manner: how this may be assured. There are but two ways for a man to know it; either by going up into heaven, or by going down into himself. In the one there is presumption and danger, in the other security and peace. In Romans 8:16 we have two testimonies: not God's Spirit alone; there may be presumption: not our spirit alone; there may be illusion: both must witness together, concur to make up this certificate. II. CONFIRMATION. 1. The qualification. "If ye do these things."(1) The condition — "if." We must first do, and then have. Among men he first serves that deserves: for God, we can merit nothing by doing, yet we shall have nothing without doing (Matthew 20:8; Matthew 25:21; Revelation 22:12). (2) The practice or fruitfulness in good works — "if ye do"; not think, or say, but do. Idleness never had the testimony of God's acceptance; it is a vice that damns itself. There must be hearty love, lively practice, kindly thanks, costly service. (3) The sincerity — "these things": not what gain prompts, or lust suggests, but what God commands. Such things as pertain to knowledge, virtue, godliness. 2. The ratification. "Ye shall never fall." Does the apostle here attribute something to our works, as if the merit of our doing should preserve us from falling? No, he speaks not concerning the cause of mercy, but the way of grace. Our own works do not uphold us, but assure us by a token that we are upheld by God; they are the inseparable effects of that grace, by which we are kept from falling. (Thos. Adams.) Parallel Verses KJV: Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: |
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