A word study in 2 Peter 1:5-11
“But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge…..to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness…..to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. “for if these things are yours and abound, you will neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. “For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. “Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; “for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:5-11).
“Therefore” means because the development of these attributes leads the Christian to a deeper understanding of Jesus and His sacrifice, he or she should be even more diligent to secure the eternal reward that has been made possible.
“Diligent” carries with it the idea of not stopping but continuing in their intensity to add these seven attributes to their faith. “Call” refers to the gospel call that goes out to all people. Jesus first issued this call when He said, “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
“Election” is the result of the Christian’s acceptance of the gospel call. It is up to each individual as to whether he answers that call. God has given us the freedom to choose.