The doctrines of election and calling, so foundational to Reformed theology, should stir deep reflection and humble worship in every believer. Scripture presents God’s sovereign choice as unassailable, yet it also calls us to a serious, diligent response. Does divine election make us passive? Absolutely not.
Consider once more the Apostle Peter’s words:
“Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.” (2 Peter 1:10 ESV)
Peter is not telling us to secure something God might take away. He is calling us to live in such a way that the reality of our divine calling and election becomes evident in our lives. God’s decree is sure, yet genuine faith is never dormant.
The Apostle Paul says the same thing:
“Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? Unless indeed you fail to meet the test!” (2 Corinthians 13:5 ESV)
This self-examination is not a threat to our assurance but a means to strengthen it. True regeneration produces visible fruit: faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love (2 Peter 1:5-7). As the Puritan John Owen rightly observed:
“The fruits of holiness are the only infallible evidence of our interest in election and regeneration.”
Such fruit does not earn salvation, it demonstrates that God’s electing grace has taken hold of us. A living faith will show itself in obedience, love, and holiness. This is not only for our own assurance; it is a powerful testimony to a watching world that the gospel truly transforms lives.
Paul reveals the grand purpose of our election in 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14: God chose us “from the beginning to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth… so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
What a magnificent and staggering truth! We are not chosen merely to escape wrath, but to be made holy and to share in the glory of our Savior.
Therefore, let us be diligent. Let us examine ourselves. Let us pursue holiness. In doing so, we confirm our calling and election, bring glory to our great God, and prove that Christ is powerfully at work in His church.
