have a legitimate sense of security
both layers must be in place. It is
foolish for one to convince himself
that they are saved and safe because
they confess Jesus as Lord while
dismissing the fact that they are living
contrary to His will.
2 Peter 3:17 reads, “You therefore,
beloved, since you know this
beforehand, beware lest you also
fall from your own steadfastness,
being led away with the error of the
wicked…”
“...fall from your secure position.”
(NIV)
“...fall from your firm grasp on the
truth.” (NET)
“...fall from your own firm footing…”
(MEV)
“...fall from your safe position.” (GNT)
Believers can fall so it is most
important that our position in Christ
is a secure and safe one. Our footing
and grasp must be firm and holding.
The song writer asked a very pertinent
question when they wrote, “Will your
anchor hold in the storms of life?”
Whether our position is sure or shaky
depends on us. Peter was the one
who said, “Therefore, brethren, be
even more diligent to make your
call and election sure…” 2 Peter
1:10 We understand from what he
says here that the assurance of our
election depends on our diligence.
In our opening quote, chapter 3:17,
he says our secure position will hold
if we remain watchful and aware. We
can draw the conclusion therefore
that apathetic, lazy and distracted
Christian living is dangerous.
“Therefore do not cast away your
confidence, which has great reward.”
Hebrews 10:35 The fact that some
are confident means others could
lack confidence. Our confidence can
be thrown away. A person who has
done their homework and diligently
studied all the topics that could
be covered, enters their exam with
confidence. They know they are
going to be successful but the person
who did not study is in doubt. To have
confidence in the face of great trials
one must know that they have done
the will of God and is in right standing
with Him.
“The wicked flee when no one
pursues, But the righteous are bold
as a lion.” Proverbs 28:1
Our confidence comes through
doing the will of God. Our diligence
and perseverance brings with it a
heavenly certainty. If we are to attain
to and keep a firm hold on truth and
eternal life we must be aware and
vigilant. Spiritual diligence brings
heavenly rewards.
“And we desire that each one of
you show the same diligence to the
full assurance of hope until the end,
that you do not become sluggish,
but imitate those who through faith
and patience inherit the promises.”
Hebrews 6:11-12
The VOICE translation says it this
way...
“We want you all to continue working
until the end so that you’ll realize the
certainty that comes with hope and
not grow lazy. We want you to walk
in the footsteps of the faithful who
came before you, from whom you can
learn to be steadfast in pursuing the
promises of God.”
I remember in earlier years when
the benefits of a good spanking
was understood and appreciated.
In those days, when I was a child, I
would tremble when called by my
parents after doing something wrong.
I knew what the consequences of
misbehaving were and therefore did
not respond to my parents call with
confidence. Instead I would often try
to hide.
False security
The greatest danger today, I think, is
not that people are insecure but that
many have a false sense of security.
Why? Because we are living in the era
known as the age of deception and
of the false prophets. The people
of God are infiltrated by more false
prophets and are more exposed
to false doctrines today than ever
before. The false prophets deceive
God’s people saying, “...‘Peace,
peace!’ When there is no peace.”
Jeremiah 6:14 The most shocking
thing to me about Jesus’ prophecy
in Matthew 7:21-23 is how sincerely
these false prophets argued their case
for entry into God’s eternal Kingdom.
They were totally deceived and had a
false sense of security because they
were working mira cles in Jesus’ name
yet not factoring the importance of
obedience as a fail safe check. The
two are inseparable. Not having the
second is clear indication that we do
not have the first.
When the second layer fails i.e.
obedience to Christ, it is a clear
indication that the first was not in
place. “Little children, let no one
deceive you... Whoever has been
born of God does not sin, for His
seed remains in him; and he cannot
sin, because he has been born of
God.” 1 John 3:7-9
Do you feel secure? Do you have joy
unspeakable and full of glory even in
the midst of trials because you know,
that you know, that you are right with
God and would go to eternity with
Jesus if He returns now? p
By Homer Slack
author, preacher, Bible
teacher, IT tutor, program-
mer & graphic designer
April - June 2018
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