2 Peter 1:10

KJV

Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore {G1352} the rather {G3123}, brethren {G80}, give diligence {G4704} to make {G4160} your {G5216} calling {G2821} and {G2532} election {G1589} sure {G949}: for {G1063} if ye do {G4160} these things {G5023}, ye shall {G4218}{G4417} never {G3364} fall {G4218}{G4417}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, brothers, try even harder to make your being called and chosen a certainty. For if you keep doing this, you will never stumble.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things you will never stumble,

American Standard Version

Wherefore, brethren, give the more diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never stumble:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In this pivotal verse, the Apostle Peter issues a profound exhortation to believers, urging them to engage in earnest and diligent pursuit of spiritual maturity. This active cultivation of Christian virtues serves not to earn salvation, but to experientially confirm and demonstrate the divine reality of their calling and election, thereby securing their spiritual steadfastness and ensuring they will not stumble from the path of faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse stands as the climactic exhortation following Peter's detailed instruction on spiritual growth. In [2 Peter 1:3-4](/2_peter/1-3-4 "2 Peter 1:3-4 - God's Divine Power and Precious Promises"), he establishes that God has granted believers everything needed for life and godliness through His divine power and precious promises. He then commands them in [2 Peter 1:5-7](/2_peter/1-5-7 "2 Peter 1:5-7 - The Ladder of Christian Virtues") to "add to your faith" a progressive list of virtues: virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity. Peter explicitly states in [2 Peter 1:8](/2_peter/1-8 "2 Peter 1:8 - Fruitfulness in the Knowledge of Christ") that if these qualities are present and increasing, they will prevent believers from being ineffective or unfruitful in their knowledge of Christ. Conversely, [2 Peter 1:9](/2_peter/1-9 "2 Peter 1:9 - Blindness and Forgetfulness") warns that those who lack these qualities are "blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins." Thus, [2 Peter 1:10](/2_peter/1-10 "2 Peter 1:10 - Making Your Calling and Election Sure") serves as the logical conclusion and imperative, directly linking the diligent practice of these virtues to the assurance and stability of one's salvation. The opening "Wherefore" (G1352 _dió_) emphatically connects this command to the preceding discourse, highlighting the consequence of either growing or failing to grow.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter is writing to a dispersed group of believers (likely in Asia Minor, as suggested by [1 Peter 1:1](/1_peter/1-1 "1 Peter 1:1 - Peter's Greeting to the Elect Exiles")), who are facing internal and external pressures. Internally, false teachers are emerging, denying the Lord and promoting licentiousness, threatening to shipwreck the faith of many (as detailed in [2 Peter 2](/2_peter/2 "2 Peter 2 - False Prophets and Their Destruction")). Externally, believers are likely enduring various forms of persecution and societal challenges, which could lead to doubt or spiritual apathy. In such an environment, the assurance of one's standing with God and the stability of one's faith become paramount. The concepts of "calling" and "election" would have deep roots in both Jewish (God's chosen people, Israel) and early Christian thought (God's choosing of individuals for salvation). Peter's emphasis on diligent, visible fruit as evidence of this divine work would have been a powerful counter-narrative to those who might claim spiritual privilege without corresponding ethical transformation, or to those who might despair in the face of trials.

* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several major theological and narrative themes central to 2 Peter and the broader New Testament. A primary theme is **progressive sanctification**, emphasizing that salvation is not merely a one-time event but a dynamic process of growth in Christlikeness, requiring active human participation. This leads directly to the theme of **assurance of salvation**; Peter is not suggesting that God's election is uncertain, but rather that believers can gain experiential certainty and confidence in their divine calling by living lives consistent with their new nature. This practical demonstration of faith serves as an antidote to spiritual instability, introducing the theme of **perseverance and spiritual stability**. The promise "ye shall never fall" underscores God's faithfulness to preserve those who walk diligently, while simultaneously highlighting the believer's responsibility in that preservation. The verse also subtly touches upon the **interplay of divine sovereignty and human responsibility**, where God's sovereign acts of calling and election are met by human diligence and effort, leading to a secure and fruitful life. This balance is crucial in understanding the Christian walk, as seen in passages like [Philippians 2:12-13](/philippians/2-12-13 "Philippians 2:12-13 - Working Out Salvation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **diligence (Greek, _spoudázō'_):** From G4704, meaning "to use speed, i.e. to make effort, be prompt or earnest." This word conveys a sense of urgency, earnestness, and wholehearted commitment. It's not a passive waiting for God to act, but an active, zealous engagement in the process of spiritual growth. It implies a focused, intentional effort, distinguishing true faith from mere intellectual assent or spiritual apathy.
* **calling (Greek, _klēsis'_):** From G2821, meaning "an invitation (figuratively)." In a theological context, this refers to God's divine summons or invitation to salvation. It speaks to the divine initiative, where God draws individuals to Himself through the Gospel. This calling is effective and sovereign, not merely an offer but a powerful act that brings about a response of faith, as seen in [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good").
* **election (Greek, _eklogḗ'_):** From G1589, meaning "(divine) selection (abstractly or concretely)." This term refers to God's sovereign choice or selection of individuals for salvation before the foundation of the world, as articulated in [Ephesians 1:4](/ephesians/1-4 "Ephesians 1:4 - Chosen in Christ Before the Foundation of the World"). It highlights the unmerited favor and sovereign purpose of God in bringing people into a saving relationship with Himself.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore the rather, brethren,"**: The opening "Wherefore" (G1352 _dió_) establishes a logical consequence, linking this command directly to the preceding discussion of Christian virtues ([2 Peter 1:5-9](/2_peter/1-5-9 "2 Peter 1:5-9 - The Virtues of a Godly Life")). Peter addresses his audience as "brethren" (G80 _adelphós_), a term of endearment and shared identity in Christ, emphasizing the familial bond and the importance of the instruction that follows. The phrase "the rather" (G3123 _mâllon_) intensifies the exhortation, urging them to prioritize this action above all else mentioned.
* **"give diligence to make your calling and election sure:"**: This is the core imperative. "Give diligence" (G4704 _spoudázō_) commands active, earnest effort. The purpose of this diligence is "to make...sure" (G4160 _poiéō_ G949 _bébaios_). This does not imply that God's calling or election is uncertain or dependent on human effort for its validity. Rather, it means to demonstrate, confirm, or give evidence of the reality of God's work in one's life. It is about experiencing and evidencing the certainty of what God has already done, making it manifest and firm in one's experience and before others through a transformed life. The "calling" (G2821 _klēsis_) and "election" (G1589 _eklogḗ_) refer to God's sovereign acts of choosing and drawing individuals to Himself for salvation.
* **"for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:"**: This clause provides the powerful motivation and promise for the diligent pursuit of virtues. The "for" (G1063 _gár_) introduces the reason. "If ye do these things" (G4160 _poiéō_ G5023 _taûta_) refers back to the cultivation and increase of the virtues listed in [2 Peter 1:5-7](/2_peter/1-5-7 "2 Peter 1:5-7 - Adding to Your Faith"). The promise "ye shall never fall" (G3364 _ou mḗ_ G4417 _ptaíō_) uses a strong double negative in Greek, conveying absolute certainty. It assures believers that by actively living out their faith, they will be preserved from stumbling into spiritual ruin, apostasy, or a life that dishonors God. This speaks to the stability, perseverance, and ultimate security granted by God to those who walk in obedience and grow in grace.

#### Literary Devices
Peter employs several impactful literary devices in this verse. The primary device is **Exhortation**, as the entire verse functions as a strong pastoral appeal to action. This is reinforced by the use of the **Imperative Mood** ("give diligence"), which directly commands the believers to act with urgency and intentionality. The phrase "Wherefore the rather" serves as a **Transitional Marker**, emphatically linking the command to the preceding discussion and highlighting its significance. Peter also utilizes a **Conditional Clause** ("for if ye do these things"), establishing a clear cause-and-effect relationship between diligent obedience and spiritual stability. This leads to a powerful **Promise** ("ye shall never fall"), offering profound assurance and security to those who heed the exhortation. The strong double negative in the Greek for "never fall" ([G3364](/strongs/G3364 "Strong's G3364") _ou mḗ_) functions as an **Emphatic Negation**, underscoring the absolute certainty of the promise for the diligent believer.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse beautifully articulates the dynamic interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility in the Christian life. God's "calling" and "election" are foundational, originating solely in His sovereign will and grace. Yet, Peter commands believers to "give diligence to make" these divine realities "sure" in their experience. This is not about earning salvation or making God's choice more certain, but about demonstrating the authenticity of one's faith through a life transformed by the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit, cultivated through diligence, becomes the evidence of the root of salvation. This experiential assurance, grounded in God's faithfulness and manifested through obedience, leads to spiritual stability and perseverance, protecting the believer from spiritual stumbling and confirming their true standing in Christ.

* [Philippians 2:12](/philippians/2-12 "Philippians 2:12 - Work Out Your Own Salvation")
* [Ephesians 1:4-5](/ephesians/1-4-5 "Ephesians 1:4-5 - Chosen in Him Before the Foundation of the World")
* [Romans 8:28-30](/romans/8-28-30 "Romans 8:28-30 - The Golden Chain of Salvation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Peter 1:10 is a powerful antidote to passive faith, challenging believers to actively engage in their spiritual journey. It reminds us that while salvation is entirely a gift of grace, our lives are meant to visibly reflect the inner transformation wrought by God. "Diligence" in this context means intentionally cultivating the virtues Peter lists—faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity—not as a means to earn God's favor, but as the natural outflow and confirmation of a genuine relationship with Him. This active pursuit leads to a profound sense of assurance, as the fruit of our lives provides experiential evidence of God's saving work within us. It fosters spiritual stability, protecting us from the pitfalls of doubt, apathy, or false teaching, and enabling us to stand firm in our faith. Embracing this call to diligence allows us to fully enjoy the benefits of our divine calling and election, living a life that honors God and testifies to His transforming power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Peter's command to "give diligence" challenge my current understanding or practice of spiritual growth?**
* **In what specific areas of my life can I more intentionally cultivate the virtues listed in [2 Peter 1:5-7](/2_peter/1-5-7 "2 Peter 1:5-7 - Adding to Your Faith") to "make my calling and election sure"?**
* **How does the promise "ye shall never fall" encourage me in times of doubt, spiritual struggle, or when facing temptations?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse teach that we can lose our salvation?**

Answer: No, this verse does not teach that believers can lose their salvation. Instead, it speaks to the *assurance* and *demonstration* of salvation. Peter is not suggesting that God's calling or election is uncertain or can be undone by human failure. Rather, he is urging believers to live in a way that provides clear evidence and experiential certainty of the divine work already accomplished in them. The phrase "make your calling and election sure" means to confirm it, to make it evident and firm through a life characterized by spiritual fruit. The promise "ye shall never fall" then serves as an assurance that those who genuinely possess God's calling and election, and diligently live out their faith, will be preserved by God from ultimate spiritual ruin or apostasy. It aligns with the biblical truth that God preserves His own, and our diligence is a means He uses for our perseverance, not a condition for earning our initial salvation.

**What is the difference between "calling" and "election"?**

Answer: While closely related and often used together, "calling" (G2821 _klēsis_) and "election" (G1589 _eklogḗ_) refer to distinct aspects of God's saving work. "Election" refers to God's sovereign, eternal choice of individuals for salvation before the foundation of the world, as seen in [Ephesians 1:4](/ephesians/1-4 "Ephesians 1:4 - Chosen in Christ Before the Foundation of the World"). It speaks to God's unmerited favor and His divine purpose. "Calling," particularly the "effectual calling," refers to God's act of drawing individuals to Himself through the proclamation of the Gospel, enabling them to respond in faith. It is the historical manifestation of God's eternal election. So, God "elects" eternally, and He "calls" effectively in time. Both are entirely God's work, rooted in His grace, and together they describe the process by which individuals are brought into a saving relationship with Christ.

**How does "making your calling and election sure" relate to salvation by grace through faith?**

Answer: "Making your calling and election sure" does not contradict salvation by grace through faith; rather, it complements and confirms it. Salvation is indeed a gift received by grace through faith in Christ alone, not by works ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). Peter's exhortation is not about earning salvation, but about demonstrating the authenticity and reality of the salvation already received. A genuine faith, given by God's grace, will inevitably produce good works and spiritual fruit ([James 2:17](/james/2-17 "James 2:17 - Faith Without Works is Dead")). Therefore, diligently cultivating Christian virtues and living a transformed life provides experiential evidence and assurance of one's divine calling and election. It confirms to the believer, and to the world, that the initial act of faith was genuine and that God's saving work is truly active within them.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The ultimate fulfillment of 2 Peter 1:10 is found in Jesus Christ, who is both the source and the guarantee of our calling and election, and the one who enables our diligence and ensures our perseverance. Our "calling" originates in the Father's eternal purpose, which is always "in Christ" ([Ephesians 1:4](/ephesians/1-4 "Ephesians 1:4 - Chosen in Him Before the Foundation of the World")). He is the one who effectively calls us by His Spirit through the Gospel, drawing us to Himself ([John 6:44](/john/6-44 "John 6:44 - No One Can Come Unless the Father Draws Him")). Our "election" is secure because it is rooted in Christ, the chosen one, in whom we are chosen. He is the "sure" foundation upon which our faith rests, the immovable cornerstone that cannot fall ([1 Corinthians 3:11](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - No Other Foundation")). Furthermore, it is Christ who empowers our "diligence"; we are able to "do these things" not by our own strength, but by His divine power working within us ([Philippians 2:13](/philippians/2-13 "Philippians 2:13 - God Works in You")). He is the "author and finisher of our faith" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking Unto Jesus")), who began a good work in us and will bring it to completion ([Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - He Who Began a Good Work")). Thus, the promise "ye shall never fall" is ultimately a testament to Christ's faithfulness to His own, His power to keep them, and His intercession on their behalf ([John 10:28-29](/john/10-28-29 "John 10:28-29 - My Sheep Will Never Perish")). Our assurance and stability are not found in our diligence itself, but in the Christ who enables and sustains that diligence, ensuring our secure standing in Him until the day of His return.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Peter 3:17

Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know [these things] before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.

Luke 6:47

Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:

Luke 6:49

But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.

Hebrews 6:11

And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:

1 John 3:19

And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.

1 John 3:21

Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, [then] have we confidence toward God.

Psalms 121:3

He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.