It is by faith and good works that one confirms his calling and election.

[Carbon]

5 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, 7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they do not make you useless nor unproductive in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For the one who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers and sisters, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choice of you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; 11 for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you. 2 Peter 1:5-11.

Are these descriptive of a believer, or prescriptive?

I believe these describe a believer.

 

[Agra Man]

I think this scripture needs to be a sticky.

 

[praise_yeshua]

5 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, 7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they do not make you useless nor unproductive in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For the one who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers and sisters, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choice of you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; 11 for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you. 2 Peter 1:5-11.

Are these descriptive of a believer, or prescriptive?

I believe these describe a believer.

How often did Peter display these "characteristics"?

 

[Synergy]

5 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, 7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they do not make you useless nor unproductive in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For the one who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers and sisters, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choice of you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; 11 for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you. 2 Peter 1:5-11.

Are these descriptive of a believer, or prescriptive?

I believe these describe a believer.

2 Pet 1:10 views our election as conditional based on our diligence (human effort). Question for our Calvinist compatriots: How does that fact square off with the U in TULIP?

 

[Carbon]

2 Pet 1:10 views our election as conditional based on our diligence (human effort).

Only if you take it out of context.

 

[Synergy]

Only if you take it out of context.

Please explain.

 

[Carbon]

2 Pet 1:10 views our election as conditional based on our diligence (human effort). Question for our Calvinist compatriots: How does that fact square off with the U in TULIP?

Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 2 Peter 1:10. How would this have a negative impact on "Unconditional election?"
Have you forgotten other scripture?
though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God's purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls— Romans 9:11.
So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. Romans 9:16.

So our calling has all its virtue and subsistence from God and His pleasure. But a believer ought to have a feeling of certainty and apprehension of it.
If this is the case we will run the race at a steady pace finally ending without stumbling. If it were in our hands there would be reason to have issues and doubt, but since it is in God's hands? There is no reason to doubt. Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him[a] there is no cause for stumbling. 1 John 2:10.


May I recommend you read this verse in its context.



1 Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ,
To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:
2 May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to[c] his own glory and excellence,[d] 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue,[e] and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities[f] are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers,[g] be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
12 Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. 13 I think it right, as long as I am in this body,[h] to stir you up by way of reminder, 14 since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. 15 And I will make every effort so that af
ter my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.

 

[Synergy]

Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 2 Peter 1:10. How would this have a negative impact on "Unconditional election?"
Have you forgotten other scripture?
though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God's purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls— Romans 9:11.
So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. Romans 9:16.

What election is Rom 9 talking about? The Election of the Cross, mankind's redemption. 2 Pet 1:10, on the other hand, is talking about your election. Are you putting your election on the same level as the Election of the Cross? An understanding of context is vital here.

So our calling has all its virtue and subsistence from God and His pleasure. But a believer ought to have a feeling of certainty and apprehension of it.
If this is the case we will run the race at a steady pace finally ending without stumbling. If it were in our hands there would be reason to have issues and doubt, but since it is in God's hands? There is no reason to doubt. Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him[a] there is no cause for stumbling. 1 John 2:10.

If "there's no reason to doubt" then why does 2 Pet 1:10 mention the possibility of failure?

May I recommend you read this verse in its context.

1 Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ,
To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:
2 May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to[c] his own glory and excellence,[d] 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue,[e] and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities[f] are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers,[g] be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
12 Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. 13 I think it right, as long as I am in this body,[h] to stir you up by way of reminder, 14 since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. 15 And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.

Notice all the efforts that are conditional to make your election sure. How can your election be unconditional when it's conditional on all the efforts I highlighted above?

 

[Carbon]

What election is Rom 9 talking about? The Election of the Cross, mankind's redemption. 2 Pet 1:10, on the other hand, is talking about your election. Are you putting your election on the same level as the Election of the Cross? An understanding of context is vital here.

I believe what I said was clear.

If "there's no reason to doubt" then why does 2 Pet 1:10 mention the possibility of failure?

It does? How so?

Notice all the efforts that are conditional to make your election sure. How can your election be unconditional when it's conditional on all the efforts I highlighted above?

You asked and I told you. Whether or not you understand what I said or not, is a different story. I don't know what you don't get or maybe just don't accept?

 

[Carbon]

@Synergy
If there is a particular thing youre not understanding, let me know exactly. Ill try and get to it in a bit.

 

[Ritajanice]

5 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, 7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they do not make you useless nor unproductive in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For the one who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers and sisters, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choice of you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; 11 for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you. 2 Peter 1:5-11.

This is my very simple way of explaining....this is describing a Born Again.....we will never stumble as we are in the true vine...Jesus....just my thoughts from reading the above post.

 

[Ritajanice]

One must look at the big picture of ones life in Christ, not a scene or two.

Amen!!

 

[praise_yeshua]

One must look at the big picture of ones life in Christ, not a scene or two.

What in my comments made you think I wasn't?

How long had Peter been an apostle when Paul had to rebuke him before all because he lived like a Gentile but refused to fellowship with them when Jews were around?

 

[praise_yeshua]

The entirety of your comment I responded to obviously. Learn to accept correction maybe?

As far a correction goes. I don't need your correction. You made a statement that I challenged. Why do you now appeal to "authority"? What authority do you have to correct me. I will accept the authority of the Scripture. None else.

Non sequitir. Reread my post and try to grasp it? Therein lies your answer.

My question does not match the definition of a "Non sequitir"

You said we should look at a person's entire life. I am looking at Peter's entire life. I referenced a incident found in the Scriptures when Peter was a mature apostle still struggling with sin at the peril of his own brethren. Am I supposed to ignore this fact from the Scriptures to accept your conclusion?

Gal 2:11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.
Gal 2:12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
Gal 2:13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.
Gal 2:14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?

Peter was to be blamed. The Scriptures declare. Peter, like myself, can only appeal to Mercy and Grace when facing the totality of our lives.

 

[Agra Man]

@praise_yeshua I want to first say love your username, second I would you to reconsider your take on correction. A wise man gladly recieves correction a fool rejects it. Even if you are not needing correction you can still learn from the correction given that is what we are supposed to do with each other.

@preacher4truth did so in the correct way as we all should with each other

 

[praise_yeshua]

Well, you got it any way.

I know, I know py, your penchant is to always offer correction, not receive correction, and misrepresent others. Others have no authority, lol.

I provide information and challenge statements. I never call it "correction". You called it "correction". Which is appealing to authority.

Others need some sort of authority to correct you, even when your post contained zero Scripture? But others posts must have it, not you, correct? That's the old double-standard.

In review. What Scripture did you provide?

Psalm 51 would be a text that would offer you help and to see what I am saying. Psalm 32:1-2 also shows my point as well. Let's watch to see if you try to neutralize them, say they are irrelevant to my point, and reject them. I mean, I gotta be wrong no matter what, correct?

I don't see how Psalm 32:1-2 shows your point and I'm not going to deal with an entire chapter in Psalm 51 simply based upon your appeal.

I'll quote Psalm 32 for you.

Psa 32:2 Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.

Paul references this verse in

Rom 4:6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,

Your appeal is to action/works. Paul clearly says "without works".

But it does. Sorry, you're incorrect again.

LOL! This isn't even true.

You mentioned his sin, not his entire life.

Your post is record of this. Why make things up when all one need do is look at your post and see that you're not telling the truth here?

You had a rudimentary statement without any reference to specifics. I mention specifics and you appeal to ambiguity. You then accuse me of "not telling the truth". Ethics is not your "strong point".

You referenced zero Scripture inititially.

I referenced the event recorded in the Scriptures. I knew were it was at and the circumstances of the event. Have you refreshed your memory of the event?

My point is we look at the big picture of ones life, not a scene or two. Somehow you took issue with that. Others agreed with my statement, and saw its significance.

Appeal to "others" agreement with you isn't evidence. Were the apostles beaten and eventually killed because others agreed with them?

No one disagress Peter sinned, so that point is mere misrepresentation on your part. You have no point there, you're fabricating. Why do you do this? So you can appear as if you've won and are correct?

PY, people here are smart enough to look back at posts and see that you are misrepresenting me.

I didn't misrepresent you. I simply asked a question. You then proceed to "correct" me. Even "calling out" that correct. Maybe I should take the same action.

You've been corrected.... Now repent.

Everyone endless sins. Over and over again. No one ceases from sin. No one. Not the apostles. Not you. Not I. No one ceases from sin. You appealed to a "lifetime of works" as evidence. I would never do that. I know human beings too well. I'm one. You're one. I know what we do. We sin. Peter sinned over and over again.

Just you're aware. Peter isn't my example. Christ is. If I compare myself to Him, then I'd much rather shut my mouth and let Him shine..... than try to say "judge me by my life"....

Nope. "Judge me by Christ".

 

[praise_yeshua]

@praise_yeshua I want to first say love your username, second I would you to reconsider your take on correction. A wise man gladly recieves correction a fool rejects it. Even if you are not needing correction you can still learn from the correction given that is what we are supposed to do with each other.

What would you want me to focus upon in this "correction"? I didn't say anything wrong. Can you specifically reference where I did? I will listen. Till then, I see no need to give validity to anyone's claims to the contrary.

@preacher4truth did so in the correct way as we all should with each other

A father "corrects" his child. Do you see the "authority" in such a statement?

Do I say this alone or do the Scriptures say such?

Heb 12:9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?

He appealed to authority that he does not have. He is not my father and to my own Master I stand or fall. When someone "calls anyone out" with the phrase "you've been corrected".....They are appealing to authority. It is simple fact. You haven't seen me do such. You never will. I make arguments and challenge positions without thought to whom I'm dealing with. If the Truth offends, so be it.

When it comes to authority. I have none.

 

[Synergy]

@Synergy
If there is a particular thing youre not understanding, let me know exactly. Ill try and get to it in a bit.

Since you asked, I don't understand how our election can be deemed unconditional when 2 Pet 1:5-7 lists out about seven human efforts/diligence that are required for our election to be made sure.

Those passages seem to radiate synergy when it comes to our election.

 

[praise_yeshua]

Since you asked, I don't understand how our election can be deemed unconditional when 2 Pet 1:5-7 lists out about seven human efforts/diligence that are required for our election to be made sure.

Those passages seem to radiate synergy when it comes to our election.

2Pe 1:6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness,
2Pe 1:7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.
2Pe 1:8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2Pe 1:9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.
2Pe 1:10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.

Here we find two separate goals set by Peter.

1. Verse # 8 shows that Peter's goal is for we not become "ineffective" or "unfruitful". Peter himself struggled with being ineffective and unfruitful.

2. Verse #9 is hyperbole relative to seeking good works from those who claim Christ.

2Pe 1:10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.

We know that Peter did not always practice these qualities.

 

[Synergy]

2Pe 1:6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness,
2Pe 1:7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.
2Pe 1:8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2Pe 1:9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.
2Pe 1:10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.

Here we find two separate goals set by Peter.

1. Verse # 8 shows that Peter's goal is for we not become "ineffective" or "unfruitful". Peter himself struggled with being ineffective and unfruitful.

2. Verse #9 is hyperbole relative to seeking good works from those who claim Christ.

Verses 8 and 9 complement each other. Verse 8 is our responsibility (progressive diligence) and verse 9 is a strong reminder to what Christ accomplished for us at the Cross. These 2 verses together radiate synergy.

2Pe 1:10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.

We know that Peter did not always practice these qualities.

Yes, Peter did not always practice those qualities and neither do we which proves we are all humans. Needless to say, we all need forgiveness from God when we stumble. These facts do not negate in any way what Peter wrote in this epistle of his. Progressive diligence is required when it comes to fulfilling what God has elected for each one of us. If so, then how can our election be classified as unconditional?