In 2 Peter 1:10, the apostle Peter encourages believers to “be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election.” This verse has led many Christians to wonder what exactly Peter means by “make your calling and election sure.” Based on the context of 2 Peter and other relevant biblical passages, we can gain some helpful insight into the meaning of this important exhortation.
The broader context of 2 Peter
First, it’s important to consider the broader context of the book of 2 Peter. Peter is writing this letter towards the end of his life (2 Peter 1:13-15), and his purpose is to encourage Christians to remain strong in the faith in light of false teaching and skepticism about Christ’s return. A key theme throughout the letter is the importance of spiritual growth and maturity in the faith (see 2 Peter 1:5-8, 3:17-18).
The specific passage where verse 10 appears relates directly to this theme. In 2 Peter 1:3-11, Peter urges his readers to diligently pursue godly virtues such as goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love. He assures them that the practice of these virtues will keep them from being ineffective and unfruitful in the knowledge of Christ (v. 8). Verse 10 comes as a summary exhortation to confirm their calling and election after pursuing spiritual maturity. Peter seems to indicate that confirmation of election comes as a result of growth in godliness, not the other way around.
The meaning of “calling” and “election”
In order to understand what Peter means by “make your calling and election sure,” we need to consider the biblical meaning of the terms “calling” and “election.”
Election refers to God’s sovereign choice to save a people for himself. It is an act of God by which he chooses individuals to be saved and set apart, not based on any merit of their own but according to his divine prerogative and grace (Romans 9:11, 11:5-6; Ephesians 1:4-6).
Calling refers to God’s effectual summons to salvation, made effective by the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit that enables us to respond in saving faith (2 Timothy 1:9; Romans 8:28-30). Our calling as believers involves both our initial repentance and faith, as well as our ongoing growth in Christlikeness.
Both election and calling are past, decisive works of God which must be accepted by faith. However, Peter implies that our subjective assurance of these realities can and should increase as we see the fruits of the Spirit develop in our lives. As we grow in godliness, we gain confidence that God has truly called and elected us.
Ways to confirm calling and election
So what are some practical ways we can “make our calling and election sure,” according to Peter’s instructions?
- Examine the fruit of spiritual growth in your life. Do you see evidence that you are increasingly conforming to the image of Christ? (2 Peter 1:5-8)
- Consider the full assurance offered by the Holy Spirit. Does your heart echo the Spirit’s affirming witness that you belong to God? (Romans 8:15-16)
- Evaluate your love for others. Do you have sincere love for your fellow believers, as Christ commanded? (John 13:35)
- Assess your desire for obedience. Do you have a sincere (though imperfect) longing to obey God and his Word? (John 14:15)
- Review your doctrinal beliefs. Have you embraced sound doctrine about Christ and the gospel? (2 John 9)
As R.C. Sproul has helpfully written, “Our election is sure because it is grounded in the eternal purpose of God’s will and because Christ Himself works in us by His Spirit to conform us daily to His image.” By God’s grace at work in us, our calling and election can be made sure.
An encouragement, not a condition
Importantly, Peter’s exhortation is not intended to instill anxiety or uncertainty about our standing before God. Scripture repeatedly assures believers that nothing can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:38-39) and that he will keep us securely in Christ (John 10:28-29; Philippians 1:6; Jude 1:24-25).
Rather, Peter aims to provide practical encouragement for spiritual growth and Christlike perseverance in the face of persecution or false teaching. He challenges believers to actively pursue spiritual maturity so that they may gain greater assurance of salvation.
In his commentary on 2 Peter, Thomas Schreiner offers this helpful perspective: “Peter exhorted his readers to confirm their calling and election so that they might enjoy the assurance that they were numbered among the people of God. Such an exhortation should not undermine assurance, however, for one confirms calling and election by looking to God’s power and promises rather than to one’s own works.”
So Peter’s exhortation is not intended to promote works-based assurance. Our works do not earn or maintain our salvation, even as they can provide evidence of God’s grace. The confirmation Peter describes is ultimately the work of God in the believer’s life.
A community effort
Furthermore, the confirmation of election that Peter describes does not happen in isolation. Throughout the letter, Peter emphasizes the importance of Christian community, reminding readers that they have been born again into a spiritual family (1 Peter 1:22-2:3). The virtues listed in 2 Peter 1:5-7 are lived out among God’s people. We confirm our calling and election together, as fellow members of God’s household.
Therefore, Peter’s exhortation is both personal and communal. Each believer should diligently pursue spiritual maturity while also encouraging growth and perseverance in their brothers and sisters in Christ. Our election is made sure as God works in us by His Spirit and through the community of faith.
Perseverance as evidence of election
Considering Peter’s original audience highlights another key aspect of this passage. Peter’s readers were encountering skepticism about their faith and persecution for following Christ (see 1 Peter 1:6, 3:13-17, 4:12-19). In this context of hardship, Peter calls them to confirm their calling and election by clinging to Christ and continuing to grow spiritually, even in the midst of trials. Their perseverance through suffering would provide powerful evidence of God’s sustaining grace.
Similarly, as believers face various trials and temptations, their steady endurance and faith are proofs of God’s election. Times of testing will come, but as D. A. Carson notes, “The evidence of election is seen not so much in a moment of conversion or crisis but in perseverance.” Ongoing dependence on Christ in hardship confirms our status as God’s elect.
Assurance and gratitude, not pride
This passage contains a note of caution as well. While reflection on evidences of God’s grace can provide genuine assurance, it should never be a source of sinful pride. Our progress in godliness results entirely from the strength God supplies, not any goodness in ourselves (2 Peter 1:3). Confidence in calling and election should always lead to humility and gratitude, not a sense of deserving merit. Our perseverance results from God’s preservation.
John Calvin comments helpfully on the proper attitude believers should have toward their calling and election: “This sense of calling and election is …tempered with fear and trembling so we do not become overconfident and start thinking more of ourselves than we should. Rather it makes us humble and submissive.” As we confirm our calling and election, we should respond by praising God’s marvelous grace toward us.
Confident in Christ
In summary, Peter urges believers to find assurance and confidence in their calling from God and election by God as they see the fruits of salvation evidenced in their lives. This confirmation results from the Spirit’s work of sanctification and leads to gratitude and praise for God’s saving grace in Christ. While our subjective sense of assurance may vary, we can have full confidence in God’s objective promises to preserve his elect. Our election does not depend on us, but on the sure purpose and power of God.