Welcome to Sound Doctrine Studies

From the moment of creation, through our fall into sin, to Jesus's redemptive work on the cross, and the ultimate restoration of God's sovereignty over all creation, the Bible unfolds a singular epic narrative that spans from Genesis to Revelation. Within its rich diversity, Scripture seamlessly weaves together with remarkable unity, comprising God's words that unveil His own thoughts and actions.

Maintaining biblical soundness is a critical safeguard for interpreting Scripture. It ensures that we confess and take delight in all that Scripture teaches, rather than pitting one passage against another or drawing conclusions from one passage that contradict another. Sound doctrine serves as God's roadmap for both the Christian life and the life of the church.

We engage with the teachings in God's Word with the intention of putting them into practice. God's Word serves a purpose beyond presenting facts; it is a roadmap guiding our journey from this world to the world to come. Each biblical doctrine, when embraced intellectually and applied emotionally, molds us into the likeness of Christ. Upholding biblical soundness motivates us to dedicate ourselves more fully to God in our thoughts, desires, and actions. As Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them in the Truth; Your word is Truth” (John 17:17).

The Bible not only instructs us to worship but also provides the reasons for worship (Psalm 95:1–7). Scripture reminds us that God has rescued us from sin, reconciled us to Himself, and committed to meeting all our needs, both now and forever. These are compelling reasons to praise Him, adore Him, joyfully express our worship, and humbly submit to Him in obedience.

Biblical soundness is the lifeblood of God's people, forming the foundation for the church's unity and testimony. The more we recognize that God is the One who brings life to the dead and gives sight to the blind (Ephesians 2:1–10, 2 Corinthians 4:3–6), the more boldly we will proclaim the gospel, pray for conversions, and trust God for the salvation of sinners.

On the final night with His disciples, Jesus imparts some of the Bible's most profound teachings on the Trinity. Jesus says, “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:11) Scripture fills our hearts with satisfaction in Christ due to His redemptive work. Sound Doctrine Studies will illuminate the riches of God's grace, bringing light, hope, and joy to those who engage with these resources.

This life is just a mist of breath then comes eternity. Would you like to know God more than just an initial introduction? This book shows the importance of knowing the One who knows all about you. This will encourage and challenge you to approach life and its decisions by saturating your mind in the Word of God. Ian Carlson is convinced that Scripture is the only authority to which believers should truly live by. Over 300 Scriptures are used within this book for his readers to make up their own mind on each topic.

  • First and foremost, have confidence in your eternal destination.
  • Understand how God uses trials to build you up.
  • Know God’s love and forgiveness.
  • Discover the peace of God.
  • How to run with endurance with full surrender & creating healthy changes.

Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

Don’t settle for less than God’s best for your life. May we keep our eye on the prize and run this race with full endurance. We have a choice to live for God without questioning Him or to question Him each step of the way.

What does it mean to be SOLD OUT for Christ?

Why do some people experience God profoundly while others struggle in their faith? Why does God reveal His presence to some but not to others? To name a few mighty men in the faith, consider Noah, Joshua, Hezekiah, Enoch, Billy Graham, Martin Luther, DL Moody, and Jim Elliot. One thing they all had in common was that they were sensitive to the Spirit of God. God was their focus, and He was the center of their lives. They wanted more of God, and they acted on their longing for Him. They developed a habit of responding to the Spirit, and not ignoring divine promptings. Their spiritual life was far above the ordinary.

  • Are you tired of the status quo Christian life?
  • Do you long for a spiritual breakthrough?
  • Are you looking to go the next level or get a fresh infusion of faith and spiritual passion?

If you answered yes, then this book is for you. We are called to live out our faith with purpose. Using God’s Word, Ian Carlson offers clear steps to becoming a child of God that moves forward in obedience to the things that matter most.

God is everywhere, and this is undeniable. Our Creator is here and now. He is our loving Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, whose love has embraced humanity despite our sinful nature. Within us lies the capability to know Him deeply, if only we will respond to Him through obedience. Our relationship with Him will mature through faith, love, and spiritual habits. If we do these things our knowledge of Him will deepen.

 

Embracing the Christian life should become as instinctive as changing clothes. Just as we discard the old and put on the new garments, we should willingly shed our old ways now that we perceive through spiritual eyes. Our responsibility is to continually shed what is no longer appropriate and put on the clothes God has given us.

Regrettably, many of us tread an unwise path. Although we claim citizenship in the new kingdom, we persist in wearing the fashions of the old realm. Attempting to blend in everywhere, we end up fitting in nowhere. We might blend into the old kingdom, but our true passport lies in the new kingdom, and yet, we are slow to adapt. In the early stages of our spiritual journey, this may feel uncomfortable and awkward.

What causes our hesitation? Why are we reluctant to embrace our new attire? Perhaps it's because we fear experiencing rejection, and nobody enjoys being rejected. However, it's important to remember that rejection is something everyone faces at some point. There's rejection from the world, and there's also rejection in the form of discipline from the kingdom of heaven. Wise decision-making demands that we make a choice. Attempting to dress for both kingdoms simultaneously is not a viable option.

Do you find yourself hesitating to fully commit to the kingdom of God? Are you holding on to remnants of your past citizenship? Let go without hesitation! Discard them as you would dispose of an old, worn-out set of clothes. We deny deceitful desires (Ephesians 4:22) and saturate ourselves in a new attitude (Ephesians 4:23). Our goal is to imitate Jesus Christ in righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:24). There is no greater wisdom than this. It’s a daily process.

Ephesians 4:21-24 states, “If indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, 22 that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, 23 and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.”

We live in a time when it is becoming more common to regard belief and disbelief as equally legitimate. As a result, an increasing number of people choose to view themselves as spiritual to avoid coming across as intolerant towards other viewpoints. Consequently, this trend has led to uncertain ideas regarding ethics and morality, as well as the spread of erroneous doctrines within our places of worship.

More than ever, we must stand firm on the clear teaching of God's Word. This book, “Spiritual Growth Takes Work”, Ian Carlson equips you to understand foundational truths of Christianity so you can be confident that your faith is built on solid ground to stand strong against false teaching. The various chapters in this book shed light on significant themes of Christianity, including spiritual development, practical steps of faith, the gravity of sin, and conquering temptation.

Theology matters. Our foundational beliefs affect every part of our lives. These beliefs influence how we interpret and engage with the ever-changing landscape of the world. As a result of cultural trends and social uproar, false teaching and uncertain moral ideas about right and wrong have come about. Despite these things, we are called to stand firm on the clear teaching of God's Word. Nothing is more hopeful and beneficial in our trying times than good theology. With vivid illustrations, clear explanations, and practical applications for believers today, this book will give you a biblical foundation upon which you can build a life of authentic faith.

Dr. Will Ryan invites readers to go on a journey considering a cultural understanding of the Bible and connecting many of the themes that have long held the church back from establishing an intimate knowledge of scripture that leads to a foundation of Godly living and pursuit of deeper spirituality. Readers will explore what walking with God looks like based on covenant principles applied to kingdom thinking. This is the Way takes a tough look at the current American Church and offers a better picture of set apart living based on the overall lens of scripture applied to the gospel, missional living, and philosophical questions of the scripture within our current cultural dynamics.

Would you like Revival in your Christian walk? If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, then I would hope that the answer is a resounding YES! With that said, then I pray that this book gives you the proper steps to take for revival in your life.

When we take a serious look at what the Bible calls us to do in order to experience revival in our life, we’ll see a theme throughout Scripture. The theme of examining ourselves and pointing towards glorifying God in all that we do. This book evaluates the tough questions that we must answer. Such as:

  • Am I in God’s Word to the point that I see spiritual maturity in my life?
  • Am I bearing fruit?
  • What are my habits, and how does God want me to change?
  • How do I get off the sinful worn path that I know too well?
  • What immediate action steps should I take to glorify God in all that I do?

“Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make NO PROVISION for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” Romans 13:14

Revival requires constant change. The change that is required by us is empowered to us through God by His Holy Spirit with limitless strength. It’s through His Spirit that we receive the resilience for our renewed nature. Living by the Spirit involves resisting the urges of the flesh, and we should never underestimate the significance in living a life that pleases God.
Paul gives great encouragement to us as it relates to revival. He says, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2

This book provides simple tools for individuals or groups to open the Bible regularly and dig into God’s Word.

Jesus commands us to make disciples. Many believers within the church have not experienced personal discipleship and may feel unsure about where to start. Carlson Bible Studies offers a solution by guiding you in establishing a strong foundation in your relationship with Christ. You will also be equipped with practical tools to assist others in their spiritual journey and foster growth in the Christian life.

Through this study you’ll discover:

  • Importance of Sound Teaching/Doctrine
  • Spiritual Discipline
  • Call for Godliness
  • Overseeing the Church
  • Fighting the Good Fight
  • Suffering as it Pertains to Being a Christian

Paul offers a personal challenge to Timothy to keep following Jesus no matter the sacrifice and risk. These 2 letters remind all believers to maintain faith and hope in Jesus’ resurrection and raise up faithful leaders who will teach the Good News of Jesus Christ!

Esta vida es sólo un suspiro y luego viene la eternidad. ¿Te gustaría conocer a Dios más que una simple introducción inicial? Este libro muestra la importancia de conocer a Aquel que sabe todo sobre ti. Esto te animará y desafiará a abordar la vida y sus decisiones saturando tu mente en la Palabra de Dios. Ian Carlson está convencido de que las Escrituras son la única autoridad según la cual los creyentes deben vivir verdaderamente. En este libro se utilizan más de 300 Escrituras para que sus lectores tomen sus propias decisiones sobre cada tema.

  • Ante todo, ten confianza en tu destino eterno.
  • Entienda cómo Dios usa las pruebas para edificarlo.
  • Conocer el amor y el perdón de Dios.
  • Descubrir la paz de Dios.
  • Cómo correr con total resistencia rindiéndose y creando cambios saludables.

Gálatas 2:20 dice, “Con Cristo he sido crucificado, y ya no soy yo el que vive, sino que Cristo vive en mí; y la vida que ahora vivo en la carne, la vivo por fe en el Hijo de Dios, el cual me amó y se entregó a sí mismo por mí.”

No te conformes con menos de lo mejor de Dios para tu vida. Que mantengamos la vista puesta en el premio y corramos esta carrera con total resistencia. Tenemos la opción de vivir para Dios sin cuestionarlo o cuestionarlo en cada paso del camino. ¡Elija construir su base firme!

Vision and Beliefs

Sound Doctrine Studies (SDS) exists to help people develop a close relationship with Christ.

God’s story is one of love and redemption. The message that most clearly shows this redemptive love is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus (1 John 3:16). Paul says this message is of “first importance” (1 Corinthians 15:3). As God reveals his nature through the stories of the Bible, the following teachings emerge as the central core doctrines.

God

There is one true God, eternally existing in three Persons: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These are equal and are one God. God created the world out of nothing, and by His power, He sustains all He has created (Romans 8:22-25; Ephesians 1:13-14).

Jesus Christ

Jesus was miraculously born of the virgin Mary (Matthew 1:20; Luke 1:35) and became flesh and blood (John 1:1-16; 29-34) without ceasing to be God. He lived a sinless life and performed many miracles to confirm His divinity. He died on the cross as a perfect sacrifice, paying the debt for our sins (Mark 10:45). On the third day after His death He arose from the dead, showing His victory over sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:3-8). He appeared to His disciples and then ascended into heaven, and now He sits at the right hand of God serving as our mediator.

Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son. He makes people aware of their need for Christ (John 16:8-11; 2 Corinthians 6:11). He indwells and empowers the believer (I John 4:13; Galatians 5:16-26). His presence in our life is a seal and a guarantee that we are God’s children (2 Corinthians 1:21-22). The Holy Spirit gives believers spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:7-11; Romans 12:4-8), which are to be used to help others.

Baptism

Baptism is an act of obedience and demonstrates our devotion to Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Bible

The Bible is the inspired Word of God and is the final authority in life and doctrine (2 Timothy 3:16).

Salvation

Salvation is a free gift of God. The death of Christ on the cross is the only sufficient payment for our sins. All have sinned, and salvation is available for any who put their trust in Christ as Savior (Romans 3:23; 6:23; John 3:16). Those trusting Christ should repent of sin, confess their faith, and be baptized (Romans 10:9; Acts 2:38).

Church

The church is the body of Christ on earth, empowered by the Holy Spirit to continue the task of reaching the lost and discipling the saved, helping them become fully devoted followers of Christ (Ephesians 4:1-16).

Christ’s Return

Christ will one day return and judge all people (1Thessalonians 4:13-18). Unbelievers will be separated from God’s presence in Hell, and believers will be welcomed into God’s presence in Heaven.

Frequently Asked Questions

What topics do your books cover?
Our books cover a wide range of topics, including theological discussions, spiritual growth, biblical teachings, and more.

Are your Bible study guides suitable for group studies?
Yes, our Bible study guides are suitable for both individual and group studies. They provide a comprehensive resource for exploring the scriptures.

How can I incorporate your devotional materials into my daily routine?
Our devotional materials are designed to be easily incorporated into daily routines, offering moments of prayer, meditation, and spiritual reflection.

“Sound Doctrine Studies has been a blessing to me. Their books have deepened my faith and provided valuable insights into scripture. I highly recommend their work to anyone seeking to grow in their spiritual journey.”

Sarah Johnson

“I would buy 1000 copies if I could of. Firm Foundation is perfect for new believers, those stuck on milk, and for those of us who feel caught in the mundane rat race of everyday life and have lost the fire for Jesus. Is it enough to merely believe? What evidence does your life provide that you have sacrificed your life to Jesus? This isn't a "best life now" feel good book. This is a God's Word based book, filled with Scripture that poses the questions: are you saved in Christ? How do you know? How do others know?”

Jeff Langford

Contact us

Feel free to reach out to us with any inquiries or to discuss collaboration opportunities.

Location

Sound Doctrine Studies
Northern Illinois, United States

About us

Sound Doctrine Studies was created by Ian Carlson, a Christian author based in Northern, Illinois, dedicated to producing literature that spreads the teachings of the Christian faith. His passion for sharing God's Word motivates individuals to strive after God, and deepen the understanding of Almighty God.

TOTAL COMMITMENT   |   DISCIPLESHIP   |   COUNTING THE COST

Matthew 16:24 “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up His cross and follow me.”

If you had to describe what Total Commitment to Christ looks like, how would you describe it?

When we read about Apostle Paul’s life throughout the pages of Scripture, we are shown a life that’s totally dedicated to Christ. He stands as a great example of a man sold out to Christ with unwavering commitment. So, what distinguished Paul as an effective servant of God? What’s the difference between a Christian who is fruitful and effective from one who is not? I’m convinced that the distinction lies in total commitment versus a willingness to compromise. 

  • Some believers willingly adhere to God’s Word, while others disregard His commands.
  • Some operate solely on biblical principles, while others blend spiritual wisdom with worldly counsel.
  • Some view life through the lens of biblical standards, while others compromise for personal desires.

This mindset hinges on our level of commitment to the principles outlined in God’s Word. Those who are totally committed display biblical integrity and consistency with God’s teachings. Therefore, the critical question arises: How can a man of God cultivate the discipline to immerse himself in God’s Word to the extent that he expresses total commitment? We must ask ourselves:

  • Do I care more about myself, or about honoring God? 
  • Do I prioritize personal comfort over spiritual growth, both for myself and others?
  • Is my focus centered on my own life or on loving God and others? 
  • What am I committed to?

Ultimately, it comes down to providing honest responses to these questions. We must bear in mind that achieving effectiveness always demands a sacrifice. Paul often compares training and ministry to athletic endeavors. In sports, individuals invest significant effort to come out victorious. Likewise, in our Christian journey, we are not in this to be mediocre, we are in this to win, and if we are going to win, then there’s a price to pay.

Commitment requires sacrifice. It requires us to exercise discipline by rejecting the temptations that appeal to our fleshly desires. We must be prepared to endure hardship, persecution, and rejection. Total commitment is wanting God’s honor, glory, and biblical integrity at any price.

 

Is Jesus Christ worth it?

Will you say no to comfort, and yes to the good things that Christ has prepared for you in advance?

If we ponder on where Satan primarily attacks Christians, it’s evident that his primary battleground lies in the realm of false beliefs. If Satan can entice us to entertain compromises in one or more areas, he can lead us into the clutches of sin. It’s vital for all Christians to be equipped with truth if we are going to counteract false beliefs. We need to be secure with the belt of God’s Truth. Ephesians 6:14 says, “Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness.” Ephesians speaks to the importance of integrity and commitment. Genuine affection for God’s Word develops total commitment. 

Historically, soldiers would bind themselves with a belt, tucking the corners of their garments within and securing it tightly, readying themselves for battle by fastening their swords. Similarly, readiness for spiritual warfare entails a deep love for God's Word—a complete devotion of heart, soul, and mind to align with what is righteous in God's sight.

Many Christians waver because they lack the earnest desire for spiritual maturity. Misinterpretation of God's Word often leads to compromise, while a carnal and worldly mindset fosters selfishness. Left unchecked, selfishness can dominate. Throughout Paul's letters, he emphasizes the importance of commitment. Yet, many believers fall short of the commitment that Christ calls us to exhibit. We must rise to the occasion and earnestly seek God's guidance in becoming who He intends us to be. In doing so, we will aspire to live lives totally committed to Christ.

One common misconception about commitment is that it's solely a feeling. True commitment extends beyond mere altar calls. While re-dedication and repentance are beneficial, showing action is the essence of genuine re-dedication and repentance. The foundation of commitment begins with loving the Lord Jesus Christ. John chapter 21 is a great illustration of showing this committed love. Following Jesus' resurrection, He instructed Peter to wait for Him on a mountain. However, Peter, wrestled with feelings of inadequacy and failure, and he reverted to his former occupation of fishing while waiting. Surrendering to self-doubt, he convinced himself that he was not up to the task. So, he went fishing, and the rest of the guys followed him.

John 21:15 says, “When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?’” Notice that Jesus called Peter by his old name because Peter was acting like his old self. Jesus was asking Peter if he loved Him more than these things, which could have been the boat, the fish, the nets, or everything else that went with that profession. It also could have meant if Peter loved Him more than all the other disciples because Peter made that claim before.

“Peter, do you really love Me?” Jesus uses the word ‘agape’ to describe this type of love, which is a supreme love at the highest level. Jesus wants to get to the heart of the matter: “Do you love Me, Peter?”

When Jesus commissions you and I for service, our love for our Savior must be established. We should not claim that kind of love if there’s no obedience to our life.

When Peter responds, he recognizes his inability to express the agape love that Jesus sought. Basically, he acknowledges his deficiency in loving Jesus as he ought to. Peter cannot claim the highest form of love. Although Peter feels it, he can’t claim it. With that said, Jesus continues, “Feed my lambs.” Now, what was Jesus asking Peter to do? He wanted him to feed his lambs, right? However, before He could ever commission him to feed His lambs, Jesus aimed to instill in Peter the importance of loving Him with the greatest devotion. Just like you and I, we will not serve our Lord with any kind of true commitment until we love (agape) Him. So, Jesus calls Peter to the ministry of feeding His lambs. 

Whether you are a pastor, teacher, or a recent convert, each of us has the opportunity to reflect Christ's love to others through our lives. We can do this at our job, in our neighborhood, or at family functions. We should bear in mind that we can always exemplify the love of Jesus Christ. Scripture instructs us not to live for ourselves but to prioritize loving God and others. We have been entrusted with a stewardship. Our Lord Jesus Christ sacrificed Himself for all and purchased us with His own blood, and we are to be a servant with the highest commitment. As we keep in step with prayer and devotion, we will witness Christ's transformative work through us.

Romans 5:8 “But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

  • When we deserved God’s wrath the most, He offered grace through the sacrifice of his Son Jesus Christ. This is the ultimate example of grace and mercy.

Philippians 2:6-8 “Who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

  • Jesus didn’t only sacrifice Himself on the cross; His entire life was a sacrifice. Although He was equal to God, He sacrificed His divine privilege to walk this earth as a human and live the perfect life we could not.

Jesus was totally committed to you. Are you ready to be totally committed to Him?

ALL IN   |   RENEW OUR MINDS   |   RE-FOCUS ON CHRIST   |   AMBASSADOR

James 3:10 says, “From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.”

When I pondered on this verse, I thought about how this can be related with everything we do. With our body, we praise God and worship at church, with the same body we go behind closed doors and we do things we are not supposed to do. As Paul says in Romans 7, we do things that we don’t want to do, but yet we do them. As a believer in Jesus Christ, we have the prompting of the Holy Spirit to change in areas that He wants us to change. But do we listen?

  • How long will I allow myself to struggle with alcoholism?
  • How long will I talk nasty, gossip, and cuss?
  • How long will I allow myself to struggle with porn?
  • How long am I going to allow my Bible to get dusty?
  • How long will I continue to gamble, live in bitterness, or live recklessly?
  • How long will I choose not serve, not to tithe, or not use my talents for God?

I’m not sure where you’re at on your spiritual journey, but I’m convinced that we as brothers should have a posture of daily examination. Until we are glorified in heaven, we will be on this sanctification road, which means that our Lord wants us to work on ourselves daily. Just to be clear, I’m not talking about us having a posture of living in shame. I’m talking about living in such a way that we want God to show us what He would like us to work on and then to be open to the changes that He shows us.

I’ve come to know that when I don’t take care of a sin, it always seems to grow larger than I would have ever thought it would. Just like a lie. When we lie, we constantly have to remember that lie and more lies are birthed out of our attempt to conceal the lie. Before we realize it, we have a mountain of lies that we must keep track of.

Before we started eating, I asked you to think of something that God wants you to take care of. Why? Because we must keep in mind that our sin will continue to grow whether we think so or not. Someone once said that “Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you wanted to pay.” Let’s commit to being a group of men who take sin seriously and recognize that NO SIN is too powerful for God to banish from our life! I accepted Christ 22 years ago, and for 20 years of my Christian journey, I was addicted to porn in such a way that I just thought that it was a permanent part of my life. I could not envision an end to the cycle of repentance and relapse. However, I experienced a breakthrough when I stopped neglecting my Bible and immersed myself in God’s Word. The love of Christ filled me to the point that I finally developed the hatred to that sin that I prayed for, for over 2 decades. I had to allow God’s Word transform me, not just rely on prayers and show no action. God wants us to show action and digest His Word like it’s a matter of death or life!

Romans 12:1-2 says, “I appeal to you therefore brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

I think of this life here on earth as just a mist of breath. Even if we thought about the amount of time from Adam & Even till now is seriously just a blink of an eye compared to eternity. Let’s make the most of the time we have.

2 Peter 1:3-15

“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities, you will never fall. 11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 12 Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. 13 I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, 14 since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. 15 And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.”

Since Peter knew that these believers were established in the truth (vs.12), he could have moved on, but instead, he said, “I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder.” (vs.13)

The really amazing part about this is the fact that Peter knew he was going to die a very bad death, but he continued strong in the Lord. Vs. 14 says, “Since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me.” The Bible doesn’t even leave us guessing about this matter. Jesus says to Peter in John 21:18-19, “Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go. This He said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God. And after saying this He said to him, ‘Follow Me.’”

The message is clear. Jesus wants us to take this relationship seriously. He took it seriously when He chose to come and live among us; to live a perfect life that we could not live, and to take our sin upon His shoulders and die for us.

Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

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