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Peter’s Counsel to Parents
you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ” (
2 Peter 1:5-11
).
Divine strength imparted
The apostle has presented before us the importance of making
continual advancement in the Christian life. There is no excuse for
our lack of spiritual understanding. The successive steps in the path of
progress are stated in the exhortation of the text, and we must take these
steps if we fulfill the requirement of God, and become fitted for the
heavenly courts. The work of progress is not left wholly dependent on
our weak human efforts; but as we endeavor to walk in the footsteps of
the Redeemer, divine strength will be imparted, that the righteousness
of the law may be fulfilled in us. Help has been laid upon One who is
mighty to save, and as we strive to add these virtues, He will multiply
grace, according to our need, from His own divine sufficiency.
Faith, the first round. Round two: Virtue
Faith is the first round in the ladder of advancement. Without
faith it is impossible to please God. But many stop on this round,
and never ascend higher. They seem to think that when they have
professed Christ, when their names are on the church record, their
work is completed. Faith is essential; but the inspired word says, “Add
to your faith virtue.” Those who are seeking for eternal life, and a
home in the kingdom of God, must lay for their character building
the foundation of virtue. Jesus must be the chief cornerstone. The
things that defile the soul must be banished from the mind and life.
When temptations are presented, they must be resisted in the strength
of Christ. The virtue of the spotless Lamb of God must be woven into
the character till the soul can stand in its integrity. “Submit yourselves
therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Example of Joseph
The young Christian will have severe tests and temptations. Satan
will not permit you to leave his banner of darkness to march under the
bloodstained banner of Prince Immanuel, without making an effort to
retain you in his service. He will present every attraction to cause you