Peter Explains    

   Understanding Scripture and our response to it, we sometimes need help from a qualified person, or Holy Spirit-inspired scripture which sheds light on ... scripture. 

   Questions: Can we belong to Christ and later fall away? Does God only call/elect certain people, while others never have hope for salvation? 

   Peter the disciple was inclined to take matters into his own hands, even on occasions "suggesting" to his teacher what should be done. He was the lone disciple bold to walk on water at Jesus' invitation. At the empty tomb, John hesitated. Peter hurried right in.    

   This is the "follower" with courage to mingle with the hostile crowd when his teacher was arrested, but cowardly lied three times about being his disciple.  

   But Peter the apostle, now acquainted with his risen Lord and given the Holy Spirit, was much different. Reading his letters makes it obvious - uneducated Peter was a new man, born again, receiving knowledge from above like a prophet. 

   In second Peter 1, after listing qualities we should make every effort to add to our faith, he wrote, Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall. 

   In chapter 3, he shares inspired knowledge of "the last days," and "the day of judgment." Then he adds, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 

   Don't ask me. Ask Peter. If his word isn't trustworthy, what is? 

         Jimmy