2 Peter 1:11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Our goal in this life ought to be making sure we get to heaven. This verse provides the motivation for verse 10: being diligent to confirm our election by developing our faith through the virtues of verses 5-7. Our goal in this life is to be transformed into God’s image seen most clearly in Jesus Christ. Our goal after we die is to gain entrance into Christ’s eternal kingdom. Entrance into this kingdom is dependent upon what we do in this life. It is sad to see many people live as if this life is all there is. They have the philosophy that Paul quotes in 1 Corinthians 15:32: “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” Let us have a good time now because that is all there is. This type of life has no regard for eternity. In fact, it denies anything after death. Ecclesiastes 3:11 states that God has put eternity in the heart of humanity. We by nature know there is something beyond this life. But people ignore this impulse much to their own destruction. Peter emphasizes the prize of eternal life with the words “richly provided.” This is a metaphoric way of describing God’s grace. Eternal life is a gift to us. We do not deserve it because of our rebellion and sin. However, this grace is not completely free. First, it required the death of Jesus on the cross. Second, it demands our response of faith. Third, it is confirmed through obedient living according to the teaching of Jesus and the revealed will of God throughout the Bible. This passage clearly teaches that all three of these are required to confirm our election and adoption as God’s children who will be allowed into the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. What should our response be to this entire passage? It requires a deep look into our hearts. Is there unresolved conviction of sin? Have we allowed our faith to growth into a Christlike lifestyle? Are there any conditions place upon our love of other people? Are we living according to God’s holy laws? We must realize that we are obviously not in heaven yet. There is still many trials and temptations to face. But are we headed in the right direction, with our face towards God’s kingdom?
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