Making Your Calling and Election Sure

by Mike Ratliff

10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and choosing sure; for in doing these things, you will never stumble; 2 Peter 1:10 (LSB) 

How can we know if we are truly in Christ? Or you may ask, “What is the fruit which genuine believers bear?” If true salvation is as impacting on a believers life as we contend then there should be verifiable evidence or fruit manifested in that life. The problem is in knowing what evidences really prove the presence of God in a person’s life and those that do not. I have noticed most professing Christians look at the wrong things in their self-evaluations to determine if they are in Christ. Real evidence of the presence of God in a person’s life will be the fruits of salvation. These fruits will in turn lead to outward manifestations of “goodness” or “religiosity” which, unfortunately, can be counterfeited. These outward manifestations are often what we look at to determine if we are a “good Christian” or not. My brethren, this is a fallacy. Any activity or attitude that can be counterfeited by a false believer cannot be used to verify ones salvation.

Let’s take a close look at these evidences that should never be used to verify our salvation. The first evidence that neither proves or disproves ones salvation is Visible Morality. We all seem to fall for the idea that if a person is a “good person” God surely will automatically accept them. Some atheists and agnostics are “good people.” However, the Bible is very clear in stating salvation comes only through a relationship with Jesus Christ. I have known many people who were kind and decent yet were not genuine believers. People with a strong conscience will not stray far from high standards of behavior. Believers do not have a monopoly on high moral standards. In the book of Matthew, a rich young man comes to Jesus seeking a savior.

16 And behold, someone came to Him and said, “Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” 17 And He said to him, “Why are you asking Me about what is good? There is only One who is good; but if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” 18 Then he *said to Him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “YOU SHALL NOT MURDER; YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY; YOU SHALL NOT STEAL; YOU SHALL NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS; 19 HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER; and YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.” 20 The young man *said to Him, “All these things I have kept; what am I still lacking?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 22 But when the young man heard this statement, he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property.
23 And Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I say to you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” 25 And when the disciples heard this, they were very astonished and said, “Then who can be saved?” 26 And looking at them Jesus said to them, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
27 Then Peter answered and said to Him, “Behold, we have left everything and followed You; what then will there be for us?” Matthew 19:16-27 (LSB) 

In these verses, a “good person” with Visible Morality comes to Jesus to fill the void in his life. Jesus tells him to put away everything else he valued in his life then come to follow Him exclusively. He would not do it. He was a person with high moral standards yet he was not a believer.

The next attribute that cannot be used to determine true salvation is Intellectual Knowledge. Many mistakenly believe that belief in God is the same thing as believing God. I pity the so-called Biblical scholars who have gone hard after intellectual biblical knowledge without one iota of faith. These are the same bunch who will issue statements every so often questioning the veracity of the Gospels or the Deity of Christ. I do not understand why people who are supposed to be intellectual believers do everything they can to water down and liberalize Christianity into just another fabricated religion. I do not know what their motives are, but it is obvious they do not know Jesus as Lord and Saviour.

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. (Romans 1:18-21 ESV)

The majority of the Jewish leaders in Jesus’ day had a great deal of head knowledge of their religion, but they were the ones who rejected Jesus as the Christ. Those who should have known and recognized Him missed Him. They had knowledge without faith.

17 But if you bear the name “Jew” and rely upon the Law and boast in God, 18 and know His will and approve the things that are essential, being instructed out of the Law, 19 and are confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, 20 a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of the immature, having in the Law the embodiment of knowledge and of the truth, 21 you, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that one shall not steal, do you steal? 22 You who say that one should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who boast in the Law, through your transgression of the Law, do you dishonor God? 24 For “THE NAME OF GOD IS BLASPHEMED AMONG THE GENTILES BECAUSE OF YOU,” just as it is written.
25 For indeed circumcision is of value if you practice the Law, but if you are a transgressor of the Law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. Romans 2:17-25 (LSB) 

Rightness with God comes only by believing on Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour not by knowing about God and the Law.

Another snare many fall for is Religious Involvement. Man is naturally religious. Many people who are deeply involved in religion are not genuine believers. Being faithful in church attendance is not an indication of true saving faith because anyone can do that. Remember only those who know Jesus as Lord and Saviour are truly saved. “Going to church” is simply religious works not an act of faith. In one of Jesus’ parables, He contrasted the genuine believers who are wise with the lost who are foolish.

1 “Then the kingdom of heaven may be compared to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Now five of them were foolish, and five were prudent. 3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, 4 but the prudent took oil in flasks along with their lamps. 5 Now while the bridegroom was delaying, they all got drowsy and began to sleep. 6 But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ 7 Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the prudent, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the prudent answered, saying, ‘No, there will not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.’ 10 And while they were going away to make the purchase, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut. 11 And later the other virgins also *came, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open up for us.’ 12 But he answered and said, ‘Truly I say to you, I do not know you.’ Matthew 25:1-12 (LSB) 

The wise know Christ and serve Him obediently. The foolish think their Religious Involvement will save them so they do not submit to Him as Lord or trust Him as Saviour.

The fourth indicator that should never be used to prove our salvation is Active Ministry. In every church I have been member I have seen people who have served in ministries for years who were not real believers. They thought they were, but they were trusting in religion and ministry to save them. In every case, I saw each one repent and come to Christ. However, many who have the title “Pastor” or “Preacher” or “Evangelist” or “Teacher” or “Deacon” or “Elder” do not even know Christ as Lord and savior. How can I say that? I have seen the evidence myself. I have heard the testimonies of those who have gone through seminary and entered the ministry and never knew they were lost. How can this happen? The only answer I have for that question is they used the wrong indications of true salvation instead of the correct ones.

Active Ministry can be counterfeited. Some of the hogwash I hear from some radio and television “evangelists” verifies that statement. Jesus Himself attacked them.

 21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. 22 Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, in Your name did we not prophesy, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name do many miracles?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’
24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and does them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. Matthew 7:21-24 (LSB)

What did Jesus say? He said not everyone who says Lord, Lord is really saved. He says many of them perform all sorts of religious activities, but their works are actually lawlessness. Only those who are obedient to the will of God by His grace are truly saved. Remember, Active Ministry can be counterfeited.

The fifth false indicator of true salvation is Conviction of Sin. Just because someone feels guilt about their sin does not mean they are saved. The Holy Spirit convicts the lost about their sin to draw them to Christ. Until the sinner repents and comes to Christ for salvation, they are still lost. When the Apostle Paul was imprisoned in Caesarea before being sent to Rome for trial he witnessed to the Roman procurator, Felix.

22 But Felix, having a more accurate knowledge about the Way, put them off, saying, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.” 23 Then he gave orders to the centurion for him to be kept in custody and yet have some rest, and not to prevent any of his friends from ministering to him.
24 But some days later Felix arrived with Drusilla, his wife who was a Jewess, and summoned Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 But as he was discussing righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and answered, “Go away for the present, and when I find time I will call for you.” 26 At the same time, he was also hoping that money would be given him by Paul; therefore he also used to summon for him quite often and converse with him. Acts 24:22-26 (LSB) 

Felix was convicted of his sins, but that did not bring him to salvation.

The sixth false indicator of true salvation is Assurance. Just because you or I might think we are saved because we believe we are does not mean we are. In fact, the self-righteous are the ones who attack the truth most vigorously. They believe they have a corner on the truth and are above everyone else. They believe they are the true believers because of their religiosity, but they do not know God and His truth. The religious leaders of Jesus’ day were perfect examples of this.

13 “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you shut off the kingdom of heaven from people; for you do not enter in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in. Matthew 23:13 (LSB) 

Their pride led them to believe they had the truth, but there Assurance was based on “works-righteousness” not faith which produced godly works as we see in the book of James.

The seventh and last false indicator of saving faith is Time of Decision. Just because someone makes a public decision to receive Christ as Lord and Saviour does not mean they really do. I have seen many come forward at altar calls, tearfully confessing their sins, asking to be led to Christ. Of course, we would attempt to do so. After a few Sundays, they were gone. They had no power in their life to remain faithful. They responded to conviction by the Holy Spirit, but did not believe. Jesus told a parable about the false and true believers.

11 “Now the parable is this: the seed is the word of God. 12 And those beside the road are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their heart, so that they will not believe and be saved. 13 And those on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy, and these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of temptation fall away. 14 And the seed which fell among the thorns, these are the ones who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with worries and riches and pleasures of life, and do not bear ripe fruit. 15 But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance. Luke 8:11-15 (LSB) 

The ones on the rock and the ones in the thorns are those who “believe”, but not with a whole heart. They fall away because they did not really believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Their Time of Decision was false and could not save them.

Here are the seven evidences that cannot be used to prove or disprove ones salvation: Visible Morality, Intellectual Knowledge, Religious Involvement, Active Ministry, Conviction of Sin, Assurance, and Time of Decision.

Genuine salvation produces fruit that is produced abundantly as we abide in Christ. The more we abide in Christ the more fruit is produced so we can bear it. We cannot manufacture it on our own. It cannot be counterfeited. Since none of it can be faked, we should examine each one so we can “know” whether we are truly saved or not. If these fruits are missing from our lives then we should be very concerned.

The first fruit that is produced in the life of a true believer is Love for God. The true believer abides in Christ and will, therefore, be living closer and closer to the Lord each day. This will cause the true believer to be changed from the inside out. The changes they see in themselves and the enormity of the sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross will bring deep gratification and Love for God. As the believer spends increasing amounts of time in the presence of God via worship, prayer, and the study of God’s Word they commune with Him deeper and deeper each day. They Love the Lord their God with their whole heart. The Psalmist compares our Love for God as in insatiable thirst.

1 As the deer pants for the water brooks,
So my soul pants for You, O God. (Psalms 42:1 LSB)

God is above all in the heart of the genuine believer.

25 Whom have I in heaven but You?
And besides You, I desire nothing on earth. Psalms 73:25 (LSB) 

The genuine believer, since he or she is abides in Christ and is Spirit-filled, loves God and that love grows continuously. The lost who are attempting to fake salvation cannot do this. It cannot be counterfeited.

 5 For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, 7 because the mind set on the flesh is at enmity toward God, for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, 8 and those who are in the flesh are not able to please God. Romans 8:5-8 (LSB)

The second fruit that is produced in the life of a true believer is Repentance from Sin. True salvation produces true repentance. No matter how hard unregenerate people try to repent, they cannot do it for long. They are simply trying to change via will power. The believer, since he or she is abiding in Christ, will be living a life of walking in repentance. Repentance from Sin is a hallmark of the abiding believer’s life. God changes the genuine believer from the inside out. Repentance from Sin is not something we have to try to do via will power. Thank God! Our part is to become a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1) then rely on His power to Grant Repentance in our hearts. This is the actual transformation that takes place in the heart of a believer who is Spirit-filled. A life of repentance is a pure life. A pure life lived before God is a holy life. There is no way a non-believer can fake or counterfeit this. However, lest we discourage younger believers or those struggling with repentance, this life of repentance will continue for the rest of our lives until we meet our Lord face-to-face. No one reaches perfection in this life.

Repentance from Sin is part our responsibility and part God’s. We must seek it and pursue it as the Holy Spirit convicts us, but God changes us.

20 Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of clay, and some to honor and some to dishonor. 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, having been prepared for every good work. 22 Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23 But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s slave must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, 25 with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may give them repentance leading to the full knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will. 2 Timothy 2:20-26 (LSB) 

God grants repentance to those who pursue godliness. This Repentance from Sin is a work of the Holy Spirit in the heart of the genuine believer.

The third fruit that is produced in the life of a genuine believer is Genuine Humility. The truly humble believer is that way because of the good work God has done in their heart. There is false humility, but it is actually pride pretending to be humble. Its goal is to bring recognition for being seen as humble. A non-believer can produce that form of humility. However, Genuine Humility is a fruit of salvation. The non-believer could never counterfeit it. Why? Genuine Humility is a product of “ἀγαπάω” love. This form if Love seeks the best for the one loved and is not concerned with self. Genuine Humility and “ἀγαπάω” love are two sides of the same coin. It is the outcome of God loving others through the believer. Only the genuine believer abides in Christ. As genuine believers worship God in Spirit and Truth, walk in repentance in the power of the Holy Spirit, take up their crosses and follow their Lord as a way of life God’s love flows through them to all around them. They will never be selfish or self-seeking. They will be treating all around them as Christ would.

Genuine believers are humble because they are working with God not working for God and that cannot be done without God. They approach God recognizing their utter spiritual bankruptcy before Him.

17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise. Psalms 51:17 (LSB) 

They recognize they are sinful when compared to God.

6 But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.” 7 Be subject therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Be miserable and mourn and cry. Let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you. James 4:6-10 (LSB) 

There is no way for a non-believer to produce this fruit. Genuine Humility is a fruit of true salvation.

The fourth fruit of salvation is Devotion to God’s Glory. As the maturing believer spends more and more time in genuine worship, walking in the Spirit, working with God, being a living Sacrifice, and being transformed through the renewing of their mind, their character will be changed. How? It becomes more and more Christ-like. Part of this change is an understanding of how vital it is to live for the glory of God. God is worthy of glory. We are not. The only good we do is submit to God as He works through us. The maturing believer understands this. The non-believer has no clue about this fact. When a non-believer tries to please God with religion, they are really after self-gratification not God’s glory.

The genuine believer who is working with God instead of for God is devoted to God’s glory. This devotion is reflected in the next two passages from Psalms.

3 Boast in His holy name;
Let the heart of those who seek Yahweh be glad.Psalms 105:3 (LSB) 

1 Not to us, O Yahweh, not to us,
But to Your name give glory
Because of Your lovingkindness, because of Your truth. Psalms 115:1 (LSB)

All praise and worship of God should come from a heart directed towards God like this. The non-believer cannot see this nor counterfeit it. They are dedicated to self-gratification in their self-focused religiosity.

The fifth fruit that is exclusive to true salvation is Continual Prayer. The non-believer does not really understand prayer. They see it as some sacred or holy exercise to try to sway God to please them. Continual Prayer is even stranger to them. The genuine believer who is working with God is in a constant state of communion with God. That is Continual Prayer. The self-focused believer has a problem with this one as well. The reason they are immature and fleshly is they are not doing this. This is not walking around all day continually talking to God. It is consciously keeping the Lord in your heart and on your mind all the time. This is meditating on God Himself. All decisions are made in light of that communion. It is intentional and the worship is continual.

16 Rejoice always; 17 pray without ceasing; 18 in everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (LSB) 

This attitude and abiding in Christ cannot be faked or counterfeited.

The sixth fruit of true salvation is Selfless Love. This is “ἀγαπάω” love directed towards others. It is the expression of True Humility. The presence of Selfless Love for other believers is an indicator of true salvation.

14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. The one who does not love abides in death. 1 John 3:14 (LSB) 

Selfless Love cannot be expressed by anyone consumed by self-gratification. It is present only in those who are owned and indwelt by the Holy Spirit. The self-focused, fleshly believer has a hard time with this as well because their focus on self most of the time rather than Christ. The believers who are working with God instead of for God express it because their focus is on Christ consistently.

The seventh fruit of true salvation is Separation from the World. This fruit in the life of a believer results in the jettisoning of worldly attitudes and activities that are replaced by godly pursuits. This comes as the vinedresser prunes us. The believer, who goes hard after God, abides in Christ and becomes filled with the Spirit fasts from secular attitudes and feasts on Christ’s character.

The ways of the world are going to be judged. The true believer must learn to become separate from them.

15 Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and also its lusts, but the one who does the will of God abides forever. 1 John 2:15-17 (LSB) 

The eighth fruit of true salvation is Spiritual Growth. The non-believer cannot do this. Only the genuine believer, because of the indwelling Holy Spirit, is being sanctified.

15 But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance. Luke 8:15 (LSB) 

In the parable of the sower from Luke 8, Jesus portrays the word of truth being scattered throughout the World. Some of the seed falls on bad or stony ground and does not grow. Some falls in thorns and is choked out. Only the seed that falls on good ground, the genuine believer, grows and produces fruit. This Spiritual Growth is not accomplished by habitual religiosity or will power. It is produced in the life of a true believer only. It will be manifest mostly in the heart of the Christ abiding believer and they are growing in Christ continually. The immature and self-focused believers will be seen struggling with sin and their flesh and back-sliding. Are they genuine?

The ninth and last fruit of true salvation is Obedient Living. This is living a life in obedience to the will of God. This life submitted to the Lordship of Christ. Many believe they are believers because of their religiosity.

21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Matthew 7:21 (LSB) 

The non-believer does not have the ability to be obedient to the will of God because their will is in bondage to sin. Their will is corrupt and is incapable of choosing to not sin. They do not know His will anyway. The immature believer may know the will of God, but they try to be spiritual by will power even though their regenerate heart now has the ability to choose to not sin. Sadly, it is still a haphazard process with them. The maturing believer abides in Christ and is submitted to the Lordship of Christ. God’s will is imparted to them constantly as they stay in His presence. With their regenerate heart and their ability to choose to obey God through His grace they walk in victory. This cannot be faked or counterfeited by a non-believer.

Here are the nine evidences that are the fruit of true salvation: Love for God, Repentance from Sin, Genuine Humility, Devotion to God’s Glory, Continual Prayer, Selfless Love, Separation from the World, Spiritual Growth and Obedient Living.

If the evidences in the first list are true of a believer, but the spiritual fruit from the second list are suspect then so is that person’s salvation. If the spiritual fruit in the second list are manifest in a believer’s life then they will also take on the evidences from the first list. The first list can be faked, but no one can fake the second list. In addition, many sincere people are like that. They may really believe they are truly saved, but have never come to that place in their life where they have received Christ as Lord and Saviour. If that is the case, they are able to be “religious,” but not have the relationship with our Lord that results in the fruits of salvation being manifest in their life.

Soli Deo Gloria!