Being Sure

2 Peter 1:10-11
Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Do you know where you are going when you die? Not just hope, but know?

In our post-modern world, most people would say they are going to heaven. They think, "I'm a good person. I haven't killed anyone. I haven't robbed any banks. I am nice to others. So, yes, I'm going to heaven."

But, if being good is the standard for getting into heaven, how good is good enough?

For others, they think they are getting into heaven on the basis of their belief in Jesus. "I believe in Jesus and all that. So, yes, I'm going to heaven."

But, the Bible says "even the demons believe" (James 2:19).

Since demons are surely not going to heaven, for after all, it wouldn't be heaven with them, is there any way we can know for sure we're going to heaven?

In 2 Peter 1:10-11, the Bible, a book without error, tells us we can not only be sure, but we are told to "make our calling and election sure." That's another way of saying we are to make certain we know without a doubt where we stand with God, and that includes where we're going after this life is over.

2 Peter 1:10 tells us we need to see if "these things," (the things listed in verses 5-7) are expanding in our lives—not in perfection, but there and increasing. If we don't see an increase in faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love, then we need to take a serious look at our lives.

A godly woman recently said, "We have to base our assurance on current spiritual progression, not on a past spiritual profession." We can say we are Christians all we want. But, don't let it just be empty words. We are commanded to respond to God according to His standards. If you never crack open the Bible, or don't believe it is the truth, if you find yourself with hate in your heart towards any person, if you are being asked to do something good and won't do it, then you might need to ask yourself some hard questions.

"The doing doesn’t cause your election to be secure; it’s the trust in Christ that makes the fact of your election secure. But spiritual growth gives the Christian a basis for confidence that her salvation is in fact truly secure. In summary, spiritual growth doesn’t help you earn or keep your salvation; it keeps you sure that you possessed it in the first place."

I'll ask you again—Do you know where you are going when you die? Not just hope, but know?

Take just a few quiet minutes and compare your life to the standard of God's word. If you think you are a Christian, but don't see any evidence of it, click here to learn how you can be sure right now. True assurance doesn't come from our own pride and following our own standards, it comes from the peace only God can give. He won't let you rest until you've settled this matter.

God,
Thank You for making Your standards clear in Your word. Thank You that we can know right now, today, where we're going when this life is over—even if it's 20, 30 or 50 years from now. Thank You for pushing us to settle this matter in our hearts right now, today. Help us take constant inventory to be sure we're growing in You each and every day, always anticipating the rich welcome we'll receive into eternal kingdom.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Special appreciation goes to Women's Bible Study teacher Jennifer Morris who generously shared her notes on 1 Peter 1:10-11. Thanks Jennifer!