... and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:11, NIV

 

Who is keen to have access to the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour? I can only presume it is all of us who are reading this. We are assured of entrance into the kingdom through our faith, but at unguarded moments, many of us have experienced some doubt. My nine-year-old granddaughter’s love for God and her willingness to attend church is a joy to me. A few weeks ago, she came to me and asked, “Grandpa, why is it sometimes so difficult to believe in God?” How do you answer this if you sometimes struggle with the same question?

 

God knew that we would go through difficult patches regarding our faith, as it is very human to have doubts at times. Knowing this, he gave us some anchors to help us along. One of the most important anchors is the sacraments. In both baptism and communion, we find the tangible assurance that is sometimes difficult to grasp in the abstract idea of faith. God also gives us “brothers and sisters in the Lord”, those people sitting next to us in church or at Bible study. It may even be the ones who share the work of making up food parcels for the poor. Sometimes, when doubt gets a hold of us, it is comforting to have a group of fellow believers around us.

 

In this chapter, Peter gave us a “list” of things that one can use to measure faith. This does not mean that these “good works” alone will give you entrance into the kingdom. Entrance is only by the grace of God, but these things will give an indication of where you are on the road with God. Peter tells us in 2 Peter 1:5: “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, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.” Many more are not listed here. These are all characteristics of a kingdom-orientated person. If they are present in your life, be glad, as they are all anchors of faith.

 

Prayer: Our Father in heaven, let your kingdom come and give me daily assurance that I have entry into the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen