You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness. — 2 PETER 3:17
Warnings in the Bible foster security. Why? Because it’s a way to show how our assurance becomes a reality. The greatest security systems require our using them. Similarly, these warnings stimulate our perseverance. As someone once said, believers maintain their secure position by heeding warnings, not by ignoring them.
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We like security systems. The more security, the safer we feel. Perhaps this is why sermons and hymns about our eternal security are extremely loved by us. The doctrines of eternal security and the perseverance of saints help us to love and glorify God more for His mighty and eternal love to us (Rom. 8:26–39). Such is our God to whom we entrusted our lives—reliable.
But Peter wants one truth to always stir up our mind. What is this thing? Our verse tells us, as it is the climax of the letter. Peter calls us to be on our guard and then encourages us to continue to grow in grace and knowledge, lest we fall. In other words, part of being on guard is to live righteously, remembering the coming of the Lord who will punish and judge all evil (2 Pet. 2:9–10; 3:7).
Warnings in the Bible foster security. Why? Because it’s a way to show how our assurance becomes a reality. The greatest security systems require our using them. Similarly, these warnings stimulate our perseverance. As someone once said, believers maintain their secure position by heeding warnings, not by ignoring them.
Are you growing spiritually? Sure, it is God who is at work in you for His good pleasure (Phil. 2:13). However, on your part, do you apply all diligence (2 Pet. 1:5)? Do you make every effort to live righteously? If not, you’re not on your guard. Don’t reject God’s instrument to preserve you. Heed warnings, reflect on Scripture constantly, and pursue living righteously so you’re not carried away. Praise the Lord for His security system.