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.
“For in this way” is referring to those who practice these qualities. It is those who have these qualities that will enter into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Does this mean eternal life is based on works and depends on whether or not a person practices these qualities? Absolutely not! Peter is just giving the characteristics of Christians. These qualities are present in all that are led by the Spirit of God and all true believers are led by the Spirit [Rom. 8:14]. Christians are not perfect, but they are new creations in Christ that God has made alive even while they were dead in their trespasses and sin. This truth points to the much more excellent new covenant that is enacted on better promises than the old covenant. “I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts,” is the way Jeremiah puts it and the author of Hebrews explains in chapter 8. The new covenant gives the power that was lacking in the old covenant. Practicing the qualities Peter cites is not the cause of redemption, it is the result of redemption through the power of God. Praise God that Christianity is an internalized religion of the heart that is powered by God.
Focus on Christ #114
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2 comments:
What the "mental assenters" fail to acknowledge is that salvation is more than Justification...it is the indwelling of God the Holy Spirit with all His life giving, life transforming ministry taking place within the new temple of God - ALL BELIEVERS. The New Covenant realized is the very apex of redemptive history this side of the Eternal State. Great post, Wayne!
Mark,
Very true. They have no respect for the power of God in sanctification.
Wayne
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