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I. THE PASSAGE.

1. The sureness.

(1) The reason — "for." As if to say: There are some blind, and forget the way of truth: what then? Therefore make your election sure. Why? For if ye do so ye shall never fall. How are we sure that we shall not fall? For so you have a full entrance to blessedness.

(2) The means — "so." Make your election sure; and by living soberly and righteously endeavour the ascertaining to your own "hearts, that God hath decreed you to salvation; for so you shall have a free entrance into the kingdom of Christ.

2. The readiness — "an entrance," without trouble.

(1) The entrance to grace and mercy is open, and ready to entertain all entering feet (Revelation 3:7).

(2) The removal of such impediments as might hinder this passage.

(a) The world is none of the least; and in this there is a double opposition; on the left hand indigence, on the right opulence.

(b) The flesh steps in next to bar up our entrance. There is no man hath a worse friend than he brings from home.

(c) The devil is a master antagonist, a watchful and wrathful enemy.

(d) Death is the last enemy, but not the least. Yet to the faithful that fiend is a friend (Philippians 1:21; 1 Corinthians 15:54, 55).

(3) The matter of this entrance. It consists in two things.

(a)  Our union with Christ. If the Head be entered, the members cannot be denied.

(b)  Our communion with the Holy Ghost.

3. The fitness, or preparation. We are not beholden to ourselves for this entrance: it is "ministered" to us.

(1) The means, is ministered, therefore it is called the ministry of the Word, the ministration of the sacraments.

(2) The apprehension of this means is ministered, for it is given to us to believe (Philippians 1:29).

(3) The object of this apprehension is ministered, eternal life is the gift of God through Jesus Christ (Romans 6:23).

4. The easiness — "abundantly." The gate is not narrow in itself, but only in respect of unqualified enterers. It is too low for lofty and aspiring ambition, too narrow for pride, too straight for covetousness; but to faith it is broad. If the worldling would untwist his riches by charity, and the sinner untwist his sins by repentance, they may abundantly enter.

II. THE PALACE.

1. Its royalty. It is the Lord's own "kingdom."

2. Its immutability. The honour of earthly princes is often laid in the dust; but this is an eternal kingdom. The royalty of Christ is absolute, independent, universal, and everlasting (Luke 1:33). It is fit that He should be so honoured who was so humbled. Our sin brought Him exceeding low, let His own righteousness exalt Him exceeding high.

(1) The supremacy of the King. By comparing earthly things with heavenly, we may observe the excellency of that regiment in which we stand: it is a kingdom; and the dignity of the Governor: He is an eternal King (1 Timothy 1:17). All inferior kingdoms are derived from Him, and subordinate to Him (1 Timothy 6:15).

(2) The security of the subjects. We have a King to rule us; a King of majesty, a King of mercy; one who can protect us from all evil, and supply us with all good.

(3) The felicity of this kingdom, whose law is truth, whose King is the Trinity, and whose bounds are eternity.

(Thos. Adams.)

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

WEB: Therefore, brothers, be more diligent to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never stumble.