Perhaps we have barely recovered from yesterday’s shocking words when, today, we hear the same language from the apostle Peter. He says that we may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
How seldom have we heard this message and how little have we therefore felt the need to - or found the faith to - reach out with every effort towards the virtues listed in verse 5-7, which Paul refers to as fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Peter expects this fruits of the Spirit not only to be ours, but to be increasing in measure, so that we will be able to lead fruitful lives for the Lord.
Anyone who is lacking these fruits, says Peter, is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins (:9). Because Peter speaks of ‘past sins’ we understand that cleansing also implies liberation. But the one who does not seek the hidden communion with God anymore, becomes self-centred, nearsighted and blind, loses sight of this world-empowering calling and election and is lost to it.
What a tremendous perspective the message of Jesus’ salvation offers us; what an enormous task is entrusted to us! Paul says, ‘And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing’ (2 Corinthians 4:3). But everyone who has come to know Jesus as his Savior becomes more and more eager to confirm his calling and election. Then we will grow ever more detached from anything this world offers. Whoever learns to live like this, will never more stumble.