Salvation is never the result of man's effort, but the result of the grace of God (Eph 2:8-9). Yet, the Bible exhorts us to be responsible to respond to God's grace with our human effort (Phil 2:12b; Jas 1:22, 25; Mt 7:24). The phrase "make every effort" is repeated four times in 2 Peter (1:5, 10, 15). As Christians for what should we make every effort and be responsible for?
- Add to your faith the attributes of Christ. "For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with goodness, goodness with knowledge..." (2 Pet 1:5, HCSB).
- Confirm that you are a child of God. "Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble" (2 Pet 1:10, NIV).
- Encourage others to persevere as a child of God. "And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things" (2 Pet 1:15, NIV).
- Live a life of holiness at peace with God and others. "So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him" (2 Pet 3:14).
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