Today you should read: 2 Peter 1:1-11
Our natural inclination when it comes to salvation and godliness it that we have to try really hard and “do something” for it. Many of us, if we are honest, do this without knowing it. There are many folks out there who believe that “religion” (working to get to heaven) is the way to go. Certain religious beliefs and practices even tell you that is how it is done. Today’s passage actually tells us this:
Outside of God’s power and grace we can do nothing godly, inside of it we don’t have to.
God’s power gives us the ability to do what is right and what pleases Him. However, this does not mean we have to keep up the good work in order to ensure our salvation.
Good works are an outflow of a changed heart that desires to serve God, not a heart that is trying to hold on to salvation. The life of a growing believer is one of humble gratitude and service given in thanks for what God has done.
So, according to verses 10-11, if your life doesn’t look like that, you need to consider where you are spiritually. It would be better for someone who thought they were a Christian for a long time but really wasn’t to repent and truly trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior. To try to just keep up appearances as a church-goer and a do-gooder will only wear you out and, in the end, will be of no value. For those who would test your life and see that you are indeed in Christ and growing in Him, you have confidence that you are sealed by the Holy Spirit for all eternity and that Jesus will one day come again to bring you into His eternal kingdom where “you will receive a rich welcome.”
Posted by: Robbie Byrd
JumpstartCPC.com 