The things just outlined by Peter are the only way to be effective and productive in our faith and knowledge of the Lord Jesus. Many others will claim to have things that we need, but the qualities in v5-7 are the ones that lead to fruitfulness.
If we don't have these qualities, then we will not see clearly. People often want spiritual insight, or long for words of God. Now prophecy is good, and from time to time God may well speak directly to us, but if we want to see clearly then it is essential that we have the v5-7 qualities. If we do not have them, then no matter how many "words" or visions we receive, we will actually see nothing and know nothing. For the fundamental truth is that we have been cleansed from sin. Sin was our biggest problem, and Jesus came to set us free from sin.
The Bible never envisages a Christian life without effort, and here Peter calls in his hearers to make every effort to confirm their calling and election. Now this is to earning salvation, for it is God who has called and chosen us. What Peter is saying is maybe something like this "if you want to be really sure that you are saved, then do these things and you will see the reality of it all".
If we don't have these qualities, then we will not see clearly. People often want spiritual insight, or long for words of God. Now prophecy is good, and from time to time God may well speak directly to us, but if we want to see clearly then it is essential that we have the v5-7 qualities. If we do not have them, then no matter how many "words" or visions we receive, we will actually see nothing and know nothing. For the fundamental truth is that we have been cleansed from sin. Sin was our biggest problem, and Jesus came to set us free from sin.
The Bible never envisages a Christian life without effort, and here Peter calls in his hearers to make every effort to confirm their calling and election. Now this is to earning salvation, for it is God who has called and chosen us. What Peter is saying is maybe something like this "if you want to be really sure that you are saved, then do these things and you will see the reality of it all".
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