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

[Agra Man]

Splitting hairs. The KJV uses 'glory.' Webster's/Merriam uses 'credit.'
Either way, concerning the angels that sinned they are ALL locked up in chains of darkness awaiting judgment day.
ALL of them.
Any evil in this world among humans ALL come from man (and women.)

The exat term or whatever can be set aside we can agree to disagree but as far as evil coming from humans do you not deal with spiritual warfare?

I personally have had to rebuke and send demons and spirits back to hell and when they are to much for me I send Jesus after them.

 

[jeremiah1five]

The exat term or whatever can be set aside we can agree to disagree but as far as evil coming from humans do you not deal with spiritual warfare?

I personally have had to rebuke and send demons and spirits back to hell and when they are to much for me I send Jesus after them.

There are three things God deals with with regard to his creation of man:

The Father is set AGAINST the world:
15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 1 Jn 2:15–16.

The Son [Word of Truth] is set AGAINST the devil [lies and falsehood]:
8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 1 Jn 3:8.

The Holy Spirit is set AGAINST the flesh:
17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. Gal. 5:17.

The world, the flesh, and the devil.

If you had to rebuke anything set against you it would have fallen under these three headings.
If the world is against you, pray to the Father.
If lies, deceit, falsehood, are against you, pray to the Son.
If the flesh is against you (and it always will be) pray to the Spirit.
In Jesus' Name, of course.

 

[ChristB4us]

Notice the word "ALL."

If they are kept from that hour of temptation that shall try all upon the earth by holding fast, then they are not remaining on the earth to be tried.

And when do you suppose the crowns are given away to the faithful?

For running that race by faith in Jesus Christ to help them lay aside every weight & sin daily to avoid being a castaway for living in unrepentant sin.

I read the Scripture.
What's your point(s).

For running that race by faith in Jesus Christ to help them lay aside every weight & sin daily to avoid being a castaway for living in unrepentant sin.

 

[jeremiah1five]

If they are kept from that hour of temptation that shall try all upon the earth by holding fast, then they are not remaining on the earth to be tried.

You're still on earth.
Ever been kept from the hour of your temptations?
Or the minute of your temptations.

For running that race by faith in Jesus Christ to help them lay aside every weight & sin daily to avoid being a castaway for living in unrepentant sin.

Yes, and they'll do that during the Great Tribulation.

For running that race by faith in Jesus Christ to help them lay aside every weight & sin daily to avoid being a castaway for living in unrepentant sin.

ibid.

 

[ChristB4us]

You're still on earth.
Ever been kept from the hour of your temptations?
Or the minute of your temptations.

Yes, and they'll do that during the Great Tribulation.

ibid.

The temptation that shall try all upon the earth is to take the mark of the beast or not to buy & sell to survive in the coming New World Order as any that takes the mark as been forewarned that the lake of fire is the consequence.

Revelation 14:1-12 Verses 1-5 is about out of those raptured from the earth that makes up His personal choir in Heaven.

Verses 6-11 is about how those 3 angels sets up the hour of temptation that shall try all upon the earth. The first angel will spread the gospel everywhere so everybody will have heard and know the gospel; The second angel announces the fall of Babylon as described in Revelation 18th chapter which is part of the third of the earth that gets burned up Revelation 8:7. That fiery calamity is the catalyst that will bring about the New World order for the rest of the world for the mark of the beast system to buy & sell by which the third angel has warned everyone that takes the mark will burn in the lake of fire forever.

Since Peter described that fiery calamity for why he is exhorting believers to endure to the end by abiding in Him & His words as His disciples to escape that, then there is a pre great tribulation rapture event.

2 Peter 3:3-15

Jesus described the days as the days we are living in for when He shall come as the Bridegroom for why believers are not to even think about going back to their homes as if they can take something valuable with them for when He comes.

Luke 17:26 And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. 27 They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. 28 Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; 29 But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. 30 Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.
That does not sound like a warning for believers at the end of the great tribulation but before it as He descibes the times we are living in now; not when we are being hunted down to be killed by the sword & dying from starvation during as well as at the end of the great tribulation.

31 In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back. 32 Remember Lot's wife. 33 Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.
So Jesus is warning believers to be ready to leave everything behind or else. That is why we are to pray for His help to not be overcharged by the cares of this life that the day takes us unaware whereby we would not escape.

Luke 21:33 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. 34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

Can any believer be overcharged by the cares of this life, let alone be engaging in surfeiting and drunkenness at the end of the great tribulation?

So there is an escape but not every saved believer will be found ready to go, let alone, be willing to go when the Bridegroom comes.

 

[jeremiah1five]

The temptation that shall try all upon the earth is to take the mark of the beast or not to buy & sell to survive in the coming New World Order as any that takes the mark as been forewarned that the lake of fire is the consequence.

You do realize the Lord's Prayers was given to the "Jews," right?

Revelation 14:1-12 Verses 1-5 is about out of those raptured from the earth that makes up His personal choir in Heaven.

Verses 6-11 is about how those 3 angels sets up the hour of temptation that shall try all upon the earth. The first angel will spread the gospel everywhere so everybody will have heard and know the gospel; The second angel announces the fall of Babylon as described in Revelation 18th chapter which is part of the third of the earth that gets burned up Revelation 8:7. That fiery calamity is the catalyst that will bring about the New World order for the rest of the world for the mark of the beast system to buy & sell by which the third angel has warned everyone that takes the mark will burn in the lake of fire forever.

I think your timeline is askew.
So, only those raptured are in this choir of heaven?
And what is this "everlasting gospel" this angel preaches? It's not the death, burial, resurrection of the Lord, you know.

Since Peter described that fiery calamity for why he is exhorting believers to endure to the end by abiding in Him & His words as His disciples to escape that, then there is a pre great tribulation rapture event.
2 Peter 3:3-15
Jesus described the days as the days we are living in for when He shall come as the Bridegroom for why believers are not to even think about going back to their homes as if they can take something valuable with them for when He comes.

Jesus was speaking to the "Jews." They are the audience for all of Scripture, actually.

Luke 17:26 And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. 27 They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. 28 Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; 29 But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. 30 Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.
That does not sound like a warning for believers at the end of the great tribulation but before it as He descibes the times we are living in now; not when we are being hunted down to be killed by the sword & dying from starvation during as well as at the end of the great tribulation.

Again, The "Jewish" Messiah/Christ is addressing His people the children of Israel.

31 In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back. 32 Remember Lot's wife. 33 Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.
So Jesus is warning believers to be ready to leave everything behind or else. That is why we are to pray for His help to not be overcharged by the cares of this life that the day takes us unaware whereby we would not escape.

Luke 21:33 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. 34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

Can any believer be overcharged by the cares of this life, let alone be engaging in surfeiting and drunkenness at the end of the great tribulation?

So there is an escape but not every saved believer will be found ready to go, let alone, be willing to go when the Bridegroom comes.

 

[Synergy]

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

It is by faith and good works that one confirms his already-existent calling, election and salvation.

Leaving out the already-existing condition is bad soteriology. Incomplete at best, completely misguided and false at worst. 2 Peter 1:1-15 was written to and about the already saved, the already called, the already elect. It states so right in the opening verse, and it declares to its readers unequivocally they already have everything they need to live a godly life AND they can participate in the divine nature.

If any single one of those readers had died in the middle of reading that letter s/he would be resurrected to eternal life.

In Post 115, you claim that I said the following: "It is by faith and good works that one confirms his calling and election". I did not. Please refrain from misquoting others.

 

[Bob Carabbio]

OK. So what does Scripture delineate as the reasonings for God electing?

Romans 9

 

[Bob Carabbio]

I never said it was arbitrary, Calvies essentially do that with their "U" theology.

If "Calvinist Election" is completely "unconditional", then by simple definition it's "Arbitrary".

Romans 9:18 simply says that: "I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion". No clue to HIS criteria, beyond "God's MERCY" is given.

And, of course, people aren't properly labeled anyway, so Pastors, and Evangelists are forced to assume that EVERYBODY is potentially "Elect".

Consequently, the Calvinist "Election" theology is completely worthless in practical terms.

I'm obviously "ELECT", since I was Convicted of my SIN, and given the option to Surrender, and Repent, which I did, the last time it was offered back in '63.

 

[Bob Carabbio]

No it's not, your straw man of it is phony.

OK. So what does Scripture delineate as the reasonings for God electing?

Scripture vigorously denies that "Election" is "arbitrary" and therefore your conclusions are false.

So what's YOUR VERSION of the Calvinist "U"????

 

[makesends]

I never said it was arbitrary, Calvies essentially do that with their "U" theology.

If "Calvinist Election" is completely "unconditional", then by simple definition it's "Arbitrary".

Not at all. You are misrepresenting what "unconditional" means, in Unconditional Election. It means: Not based on anything I do or can do. Based on no merit of my own.

God created each of us for HIS own purposes. That is not arbitrary. My election is based on God's purposes. VERY specific purposes, with sure intent.

 

[Bob Carabbio]

I'm still waiting for you to show in Scripture the reasons God elects. You've failed to do so up to this point.

As Expected, you don't have any CLUE about "election".

 

[Bob Carabbio]

Not at all. You are misrepresenting what "unconditional" means, in Unconditional Election. It means: Not based on anything I do or can do. Based on no merit of my own.

God created each of us for HIS own purposes. That is not arbitrary. My election is based on God's purposes. VERY specific purposes, with sure intent.

SO not "Unconditional" at all.

 

[Josheb]

In Post 115, you claim that I said the following: "It is by faith and good works that one confirms his calling and election". I did not. Please refrain from misquoting others.

I stand corrected and sincerely express my regret and intent not to repeat the mistake. I appreciate being corrected when I err and do not mind the correction. I'll ask that you take note of my avatar and do not treat me like those who post with willful malevolence. I am happy to start over with the correct content, especially since the matter is easily addressed.

The title of the thread is "It is by faith and good works that one confirms his calling and election." This should be apparent and objectively verifiable by everyone here in this thread, so now the record has been corrected and the quote accurately attributed to the author of this op, @Carbon.

My reply is the same.

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

It is by faith and good works that one confirms his already-existent calling, election and salvation.

Leaving out the already-existing condition is bad soteriology. Incomplete at best, completely misguided and false at worst. 2 Peter 1:1-15 was written to and about the already saved, the already called, the already elect. It states so right in the opening verse, and it declares to its readers unequivocally they already have everything they need to live a godly life AND they can participate in the divine nature.

If any single one of those readers had died in the middle of reading that letter s/he would be resurrected to eternal life.

Everyone is invited to respond op-relevantly, including you, since Post #115 also answers and addresses the question asked in Post #4.

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?

Peter was writing to those already saved and NOT to those yet to be saved. Peter was writing to those already saved and NOT to those yet to be saved. Peter did not "view our election as conditional..." in his second epistle's first chapter. To render his words, "make certain" to mean humans can make God's work do anything is incorrect, especially when attempting to address HOW a person becomes saved. The 2 Peter 1 audience is already saved, already called, and already elect. Leaving out the already-existing condition of his audience's salvation and election is bad exegesis that leads to bad soteriology. The question asked has been answered.

There's also a problem with an ambiguity in our English translations. The Greek states,

2 Peter 1:10 Greek transliteration
Therefore rather brothers be diligent sure your calling and election to make these things for practicing never not shall you stumble at any time.

If someone said, "make sure that door is locked," and you turned, looked at the door, and saw that it was locked the "make sure" would not mean you made the door locked - especially not on any occasion when the one asking already knows God locked the door. Peter was simply directing his audience to confirm the already existing condition NOT to cause a yet-to-be-determined event. As I stated in Post #115, Peter has already explicitly stated his audience have EVERYTHING they need to live a godly life and they are able to participate in the divine nature. The link to the Greek was provided so everyone can verify what I just posted.

<<<<<<<<<<<< >>>>>>>>>>>>​

Lastly, I have endeavored to apply Matthew 5:23-25 and 18:15 to the error of misquoting but I remind everyone,

Proverbs 19:11
A man’s discretion makes him slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook a transgression.

...and trust the problem has been amended to your satisfaction.

 

[ChristB4us]

You do realize the Lord's Prayers was given to the "Jews," right?

What did Paul say?

Romans 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

So what Jesus said at that time to the Jews applies to all believers, otherwise, you would have trouble applying it to only to the Jews since the Jews were not saved yet to call God Father until after His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension.

I think your timeline is askew.
So, only those raptured are in this choir of heaven?

Revelation 14:1-5 is testifying to what makes Jesus's personal choir up in Heaven out of all those that were raptured as these 144,000 virgin men were "redeemed" from the earth as from the land of the living. Right now, there are 144,000 virgin honest men living among us that will be raptured soon that will make up Jesus's personal choir in Heaven out of all those that will be resurrected and raptured, albeit not every saved believer will be resurrected nor raptured at the pre great tribulation rapture event if found in iniquity on that foundation for why the living saints are left behind and the dead saints also until after the great tribulation.

And what is this "everlasting gospel" this angel preaches? It's not the death, burial, resurrection of the Lord, you know.

There is no other gospel and so the same gospel which Paul preaches.

Romans 10:8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? 17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Jesus was speaking to the "Jews." They are the audience for all of Scripture, actually.

Then you have to apply His words to all believers also because His words is to all whom have been saved by believing in Him.

Again, The "Jewish" Messiah/Christ is addressing His people the children of Israel.

But His words are eternal as applying to all who would believe in Him after His ascension; Jews & Gentiles.

 

[Ghada]

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.

It is prescriptive and descriptive. Without it, our faith is vain talk only.

The teaching that we are saved, just to get to heaven, is as meaningless as any other religion. It bypasses how we live to arrive in a place we are not worthy of. It's a prize sought without running the race. It's the religion of participation trophies, where the participants are cheaters that don't run according to the rules.

We are saved from sinning. We are saved to now live righteously and holily. If any man is resurrected into heaven while sinning, then there is now another rebellious angel in heaven.

Jesus Christ does not come to the earth in order to populate heaven with resurrected devils.

 

[Carbon]

It is prescriptive and descriptive. Without it, our faith is vain talk only.

The teaching that we are saved, just to get to heaven, is as meaningless as any other religion. It bypasses how we live to arrive in a place we are not worthy of. It's a prize sought without running the race. It's the religion of participation trophies, where the participants are cheaters that don't run according to the rules.

We are saved from sinning. We are saved to now live righteously and holily. If any man is resurrected into heaven while sinning, then there is now another rebellious angel in heaven.

Jesus Christ does not come to the earth in order to populate heaven with resurrected devils.

Interesting.

 

[Ghada]

I stand corrected and sincerely express my regret and intent not to repeat the mistake. I appreciate being corrected when I err and do not mind the correction. I'll ask that you take note of my avatar and do not treat me like those who post with willful malevolence. I am happy to start over with the correct content, especially since the matter is easily addressed.

The title of the thread is "It is by faith and good works that one confirms his calling and election." This should be apparent and objectively verifiable by everyone here in this thread, so now the record has been corrected and the quote accurately attributed to the author of this op, @Carbon.

My reply is the same.

Everyone is invited to respond op-relevantly, including you, since Post #115 also answers and addresses the question asked in Post #4.

Peter was writing to those already saved and NOT to those yet to be saved. Peter was writing to those already saved and NOT to those yet to be saved. Peter did not "view our election as conditional..." in his second epistle's first chapter. To render his words, "make certain" to mean humans can make God's work do anything is incorrect, especially when attempting to address HOW a person becomes saved. The 2 Peter 1 audience is already saved, already called, and already elect. Leaving out the already-existing condition of his audience's salvation and election is bad exegesis that leads to bad soteriology. The question asked has been answered.

There's also a problem with an ambiguity in our English translations. The Greek states,

2 Peter 1:10 Greek transliteration
Therefore rather brothers be diligent sure your calling and election to make these things for practicing never not shall you stumble at any time.

If someone said, "make sure that door is locked," and you turned, looked at the door, and saw that it was locked the "make sure" would not mean you made the door locked - especially not on any occasion when the one asking already knows God locked the door. Peter was simply directing his audience to confirm the already existing condition NOT to cause a yet-to-be-determined event. As I stated in Post #115, Peter has already explicitly stated his audience have EVERYTHING they need to live a godly life and they are able to participate in the divine nature. The link to the Greek was provided so everyone can verify what I just posted.

<<<<<<<<<<<< >>>>>>>>>>>>​

Lastly, I have endeavored to apply Matthew 5:23-25 and 18:15 to the error of misquoting but I remind everyone,

Proverbs 19:11
A man’s discretion makes him slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook a transgression.

...and trust the problem has been amended to your satisfaction.

The title is not correct. Doing good does not confirm we are being saved, it ensures were remain righteous with God, and do not fall back into sinning.

 

[jeremiah1five]

What did Paul say?

Romans 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

So what Jesus said at that time to the Jews applies to all believers, otherwise, you would have trouble applying it to only to the Jews since the Jews were not saved yet to call God Father until after His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension.

Christians hellenize the Scripture to their own wounding.
Paul was addressing the "Jews" first and then the Greek/Gentile believers.
The 'just shall live by faith' in the beginning of his epistle is a "Jewish" Scripture addressed towards the "Jewish" believers. The Gentiles know nothing of the Law, the Psalms, and the Prophets.
Everything Biblical and Scriptural is to the "Jew" first for this is who Messiah came to as was Promised by Moses. Christ came to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, not the Gentile.
It is all encapsulated in this key verse.
Notice who is first.

8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, 9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; 10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: Rom. 2:7–10.

Revelation 14:1-5 is testifying to what makes Jesus's personal choir up in Heaven out of all those that were raptured as these 144,000 virgin men were "redeemed" from the earth as from the land of the living. Right now, there are 144,000 virgin honest men living among us that will be raptured soon that will make up Jesus's personal choir in Heaven out of all those that will be resurrected and raptured, albeit not every saved believer will be resurrected nor raptured at the pre great tribulation rapture event if found in iniquity on that foundation for why the living saints are left behind and the dead saints also until after the great tribulation.

The Revelation has a "Jewish" flavor. God is warning His Chosen people Israel of the times to come in which they will endure great trial and anguish. The Lord's prayer is a "Jewish" prayer Christ has beforehand prepared for His people Israel.

There is no other gospel and so the same gospel which Paul preaches.

There are many gospels/good news in Scripture.

Romans 10:8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? 17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Paul quotes the Old Testament Scriptures to the "Jewish" believers at Rome who know the Old Testament Scriptures.

Then you have to apply His words to all believers also because His words is to all whom have been saved by believing in Him.

Apply them to the "Jew" first, and when you have the original meaning then apply them to the Gentile believer.

But His words are eternal as applying to all who would believe in Him after His ascension; Jews & Gentiles.

But there were Christians before the cross that believed in Christ.
In Hebrew He was called Messiah.
To the "Jew" FIRST and then the Gentiles for the "Jews" came FIRST.

 

[Ghada]

Interesting.

It's both confirming and ensuring. James says we confirm our faith in Christ by doing His will. (Paul calls it being obedient to the faith of Jesus in Romans 1) Peter says by confirming our faith in doing good, we can also ensure we will do good unto the end.

James says we must do good to show we are good. Peter says must do good to ensure we continue doing it.

Our salvation is regenerative. In this life, training does not ensure winning the crown. But in the race of eternal life by Jesus Christ, God assures our hearts that we can ensure our crown in the end. If we do what God has called and chosen us to do.

Many are called, but not all are chosen, because not all have faith to do those things necessary to ensure our end is in righteousness and life, and not in sin and death.

Some only want faith to win, not to run. They want to be a resurrected saint, not a living saint. The chosen are only them that love the running well with the Lord.

We aren't transported to heaven by faith alone. We run there with Jesus hand in hand.

It's the journey that ensure the destination, whether doing righteousness unto life, or sinning unto death.

It's not a hard walk, but the only walk that ends in life with God forever.