Fire Insurance

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, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love... Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be all the more eager to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble." 
2 Peter 1:5-10 (NIV)

Have you ever bought insurance just to check a box? You pay the premium, file the paperwork, then forget about it until something goes wrong.

Sometimes we think about our salvation similarly. In today’s verse, the Apostle Peter writes to believers who are looking for assurance about their salvation. Notice that He doesn't point them backward to a moment they prayed a prayer. Instead, he points them forward to evidence of spiritual growth.

When you truly know Jesus, transformation follows. Peter explains how this growth happens: faith grows into goodness, goodness into knowledge, knowledge into self-control. Each characteristic builds on the last. It’s like God works in you, creating a spiritual ladder that reaches toward Christlikeness.

This growth doesn’t come from trying harder, but trusting more. You can't manufacture these qualities through willpower alone. They emerge naturally when the Holy Spirit lives within you.

Years ago, I heard some preachers call salvation "fire insurance," protection from hell's flames. But Jesus isn't insurance against anything. He's the destination.

Look at your life today. Do you see evidence of spiritual growth? Are you becoming more patient, more loving, more self-controlled? If so, take heart—these are confirmations that your faith is real.

Your salvation isn't just about avoiding hell. It's about knowing the One who makes heaven worth going to.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for saving me and transforming me. Help me see evidence of Your work in my life as I grow to become more like You. Assure me of my relationship with You. And let my words and actions show Your work of salvation in me. In Your name, Amen.