While many might be invited . . . not all will be admitted. And though there will be many who are admitted . . . not everyone will enter the same way. I think that’s a true statement concerning the kingdom of heaven.

“For God so loved the world” (John 3:16) . . . giving His Son as the atoning sacrifice for all mankind (John 1:29) . . . inviting all to believe and receive the gift of eternal life and to occupy a place He is preparing from them in His very presence (John 14:1-3). But though provision has been made for all . . . only some will be admitted . . . for others will refuse the invitation.

For those who are admitted, not all will make the same entrance. Paul says that each “admitted one” is building on a sure foundation, but that not all will build diligently. Some will build with gold, silver, and precious stones . . . others with wood, hay, and straw. And on the Day we “admitted ones” stand before the Master Builder, that which we’ve built will be tested by fire. “If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.” So, Paul says, “Let each one take care how he builds upon it.” (1Cor.3:10-14). Peter echoes that sentiment this morning as he encourages his readers to be focused on making an entrance.

Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.    (2Peter 1:10-11 ESV)

In Peter’s second letter he is quick to remind his readers that God has given to His own–to those who have believed the gospel of Jesus Christ, the power of salvation for all who believe (Rom. 1:16)–that He has given to His own “all things that pertain to life and godliness,” that we “may become partakers of the divine nature” (1:3-4). All believers have all the tools necessary to become increasingly practically what He has declared us to be eternally positionally . . . righteous. Believers are declared to be righteous in Christ . . . and through the sanctifying dynamic of the Spirit indwelling us, He has begun a work in us to conform us to the image and nature of His Son that we might exhibit His righteousness in and through us. Ours is to invite this work in our lives . . . to submit to this work . . . to engage in this work . . . and in doing this, Peter says, we are preparing to make an entrance.

While the work of salvation is finished on the cross, the reality of salvation is born out when we are “diligent to make your calling and election sure.” Peter says to make every effort to supplement your faith (1:5) . . . and when we do, it will keep us from falling . . . it will enable us to participate in that divine nature He has equipped us with . . . our imputed righteousness will be shown in a measure of practical godliness . . . and eventually “there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom.”

Who doesn’t want to make an entrance when they are ushered into the presence of the King? Who doesn’t want to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant?” Who wouldn’t want to receive a “crown of righteousness” (2Tim. 4:8) . . . or a “crown of life” (James 1:12) . . . in order that they might lay such rewards at the feet of Him who alone is worthy of all honor and praise? Though it’s not about us, shouldn’t we want to make an entrance for His glory? I’m thinkin’ . . .

Might God’s people not be content with simply being admitted into His eternal kingdom . . . but might we make every effort towards ensuring that one day we will be making an entrance.

By His grace . . . for His glory.