Faith without religion.
Virtues of Faith: Peter’s Guide to Spiritual Fruitfulness
In a recent teaching, we delved into the profound words of Peter from 2nd Peter 1:5-11, exploring the virtues that believers are encouraged to cultivate. Peter emphasizes the importance of adding to one’s faith virtues such as knowledge, self-control, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. These qualities, he asserts, will prevent believers from being unfruitful in their knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Peter’s message is clear: diligence in these virtues ensures a steadfast faith. He warns that those who lack these qualities are spiritually blind and have forgotten their cleansing from past sins. The passage challenges the notion that falling from faith is impossible, suggesting instead that believers must actively confirm their calling and election through their actions.
The discussion also highlighted various translations of 2nd Peter 1:10, each offering a nuanced understanding of Peter’s exhortation to make one’s calling and election sure. This involves a conscious effort to live out the virtues Peter lists, ensuring that one’s faith remains stable and steadfast.
The teaching concluded with reflections on the balance between divine election and human agency. While God calls and elects, believers are expected to respond and live in a way that reflects their calling. This dynamic relationship between divine sovereignty and human responsibility is central to understanding Peter’s message.
Ultimately, the teaching encourages believers to embrace the virtues of the Spirit, ensuring a rich and abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. By doing so, believers can be confident in their calling and election, avoiding spiritual stumbling and maintaining a fruitful relationship with God.
