New Life in Christ – It’s Forever

Recap We’re new creations with a new identity Eternal life – knowing God and Jesus Heaven – uninterrupted life with God Earthly life prepares us for heaven Jesus saves and intercedes It’s all grace Salvation is not ours to lose – it’s being kept in heaven for us

God is able “…for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day ” 2Timothy 1:12b (KJV)

2Peter 1:1-11 (TNIV) Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who through the righteousness of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours: Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

2Peter 1:1-11 (TNIV) His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

2Peter 1:1-11 (TNIV) For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.

2Peter 1:1-11 (TNIV) For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if any of you do not have them, you are nearsighted and blind, and you have forgotten that you have been cleansed from your past sins.

2Peter 1:1-11 (TNIV) Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Eternal Life defined “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” John 3:16 (NIVUK) “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them” John 3:36 (TNIV)

4 “R’s” The Reality of Salvation The Riches of Salvation The Responsibility of Salvation The Result of Salvation

Reality Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who through the righteousness of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours: Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 2Peter 1:1-2(TNIV)

Reality This is “saving” faith – “believing” “pistis” = “strong conviction” Same kind of faith for everyone We all have equal standing We’re all saved on the same basis – Jesus’ righteousness We all get the same package

Riches His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 2Peter 1:3-4(TNIV)

Riches “Divine power” We get everything we need Ephesians 2:3 “Blessed with every spiritual blessing” No exclusions or economy class We’re complete in Him – Colossians 2:10 “in Christ you have been brought to fullness” “Very great” = “exceedingly” “Precious” = “priceless”

Responsibility For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 2Peter 1:5-7(TNIV)

Responsibility For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 2Peter 1:5-7(TNIV)

Responsibility For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 2Peter 1:5-7(TNIV)

Responsibility Our involvement To grow in these qualities – “increasing measure” Not consecutive but cumulative “add to” = “increase in”

Result For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if any of you do not have them, you are nearsighted and blind, and you have forgotten that you have been cleansed from your past sins. 2Peter 1:8-11(TNIV)

Result Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ 2Peter 1:8-11(TNIV)

Result Effective and Productive Rich Welcome “barren” or “unfruitful” Blind – myopic – because of disobedience Lose the “assurance of salvation” Rich Welcome Full reward Faith to believe we’re saved by Jesus and to believe we’re kept by the Holy Spirit

Moving Onwards “Life can only be understood backward, but it must be lived forward” Soren Kierkegaard “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” Hebrews 11:1 (TNIV)

Moving Onwards Questions to consider Am I telling God that somehow I’m incomplete in my salvation? Where am I doubting that God has given me EVERYTHING I need for life and godliness? Which of the qualities mentioned do I need to start adding to in my life? How can I be more effective and productive in my spiritual life?