Reverence and Awe

(2 Peter 1:10-11 NKJV) "Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; (11) for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."


On a regular basis, we should examine our lives and our hearts to see if it is consistent with the Christian faith. I believe wholeheartedly in the wonderful doctrine of the perseverance of the saints. Our salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone and in Christ alone. We are secure my the merits of Christ, not anything we are able to muster up on our own. In those times of examining my salvation, I ask myself, "Who is my hope in for salvation?" If my answer is "In the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ upon the cross" I know that my hope is in the only source of salvation. My confidence is not in my faithfulness, but in His faithfulness. My hope is in Christ alone.

At the same time, if my profession was completely inconsistent with my life, I must question why it is that God has not chastened me, "for He chastens those He loves." I live in a state of conviction of personal sin, a desire for holiness, a passion to worship Him, and a heart that is filled with love for Him. I know that I could not experience these sanctifying inclinations apart from the Holy Spirit regenerating me.

As we look at our devotion today, examine your heart and see if the fruit of your life is the result of the Spirit of God regenerating your heart...and let's make our calling and election sure!