A Supported Faith
Text: 2 Pe 1:3-11
We come to church as people of faith, or because we desire faith, or perhaps we are exploring the Christian faith.
The section of the Westminster Confession of Faith before us this morning makes a clear point: faith is not meant to remain static. Some things remain the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, like the carets we see on people’s fingers—but faith is not one of them. True faith is living—growing, maturing, and bearing fruit.
This understanding is drawn directly from Scripture itself. So to begin, let us turn to God’s Word and read from 2 Peter 1:3–11:
3 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.
A Supported Faith
The apostle Peter reminds us that, by His divine power, Jesus has already given us everything we need for life and godliness—and it all begins with the gift of faith.
But faith is never meant to remain static. In verse 5, Peter calls believers to supplement their faith with a series of virtues. This raises two key questions: With what resources are we to do this, and with what kind of attitude?
The nuance of the Greek word translated as “to supplement” is difficult to capture in English, and a quick glance at various translations shows the challenges translators face.
Because of the long influence of the KJV and the popularity of the NIV, we often picture Peter as telling us to ‘add’ virtues to faith—like pouring gravy on pasta or topping up a stored-value card.”. But the Greek verb is far more intentional: it means to furnish or provide at one’s own expense. In ancient usage, it described a wealthy sponsor supplying everything needed for a choir or theatre performance—costumes, instruments, scores, and performers—entirely at their own cost
Applied to our passage, this means exercising the faith Jesus has given us, using it to produce virtues. In our journey of faith, virtues do not fall passively like air-drops; rather, we are called to invest effort, planning, and devotion, deliberately supplying one virtue after another so that our faith grows strong and matures.
To neglect this is, in a sense, to forget that we have been cleansed from sin. But pursuing virtues helps us stand firm in faith and look forward to a loving welcome into the eternal kingdom. Let us be clear: Peter is not teaching salvation by effort or performance. Faith and the promise of entry into the kingdom remain gifts—freely given by God. Yet this is the nature of the heavenward journey: God supports us by giving faith and everything needed for life and godliness, and we in turn support this journey by diligently doing what Peter urges us to do.
One more point is worth noting: while Peter calls us to use the gift of faith to produce virtues—each one invested to support the growth of the next—the list he provides is not exhaustive. His intent is that we keep pressing on, striving toward the fullness of agape love, which embraces and completes all the virtues we are called to embody.
What does it mean to support our faith, to actively nurture our journey with Christ? To answer this, at least in part, we turn to the assigned section of the Westminster Confession of Faith, which addresses repentance, good works, perseverance, and assurance.
“For each chapter, we’ll start with a summary to capture the main message. We will read specific sections only when necessary.”
Repentance
Repentance unto life is an evangelical grace, preached with faith in Christ, whereby sinners grieve over and forsake sin, turning to God in obedience. Though not meritorious, it is necessary for pardon. No sin is too small to condemn or too great to be forgiven. Repentance must be specific, confessed privately before God, and publicly when others are wronged.
Repentance is first and foremost an evangelical grace—a gift from God. It enables us to recognize the danger of sin and its moral and spiritual ugliness. While humans are capable of repentance, we often fail to do so on our own. God’s grace breaks into our lives, prompting us to approach Him with a contrite heart, genuinely turn from sin, and experience spiritual renewal and salvation.
The next line of the Confession reads, “Though not meritorious, it is necessary for pardon.” Most Christians would agree in principle, but modern culture, I am afraid, has eroded this conviction.
Today, society tends to go easy on sin. Sin is rarely addressed; instead, it is reframed as guilt, which is often relieved by seeing oneself as a victim of circumstances: I did wrong, but the situation forced me—I am almost innocent. Another, increasingly common trend is reframing wrongs as acceptable behaviors: greed becomes ambition, lust becomes freedom.
These shifts are widely accepted, making it harder to honestly confront the darkness in our own hearts. As one author writes, and I quote:
“None of us has a clue as to the depths of the capacity for evil that resides in our hearts even now, as converted people. The capacity that we have for sin is incalculable, and we have a deeply distorted view of our own righteousness, particularly in these days…”[i]
We like application in sermons, and WCF 15 gives us a ready one: stop going easy on sin. When God’s grace breaks into our lives—through the Bible, the Spirit’s voice, or the words of truth spoken in love by fellow believers—repent specifically, both privately and, when appropriate, publicly.
Why be specific? General repentance won’t reach the root of the matter. It won’t cultivate true godly sorrow or reveal how we have violated God’s holiness.
Public confession is even harder, but with God’s help, it is vital, because Christianity is a relationship shaped by reconciliation. Confessing, forgiving, and reconciling may not be unique to Christians, but it is a sure way to live a life touched by the One who went to the cross to reconcile us to God the Father.
Having looked at repentance, let us now turn to the next section: good works
Good Works
Good works are only those commanded by God and done in obedience through the empowering Spirit as fruits of true faith. Even so, believers must diligently stir up God’s grace to pursue obedience. These works glorify God, strengthen believers, and edify others, but they are neither meritorious for salvation nor free from imperfection. Through Christ, believers’ works are accepted despite their flaws, while the outward works of the unregenerate, lacking faith, remain sinful and unacceptable to God.
The word “commanded” in the summary, taken directly from WCF 16.1, points to God’s law. Good works are defined by God’s Word—a truth that speaks directly to the human condition.
Humanity, in its sinfulness, often calls evil good and good evil. No matter how wrong an act is, someone will try to justify it. Wars are started, gun ownership defended—all in the name of self-interest or self-defense. But the Confession reminds us: a work is good because God declares it so, not because we—or even society—say it is. As believers, we are called not only to recognize what is good, but to live it out through works shaped by Scripture, not the shifting opinions of the world—or even the church.
The Confession then urges us to be diligent in stirring up God’s grace to pursue obedience. Why? Because we have no natural ability to do good works, and left to ourselves, we tend toward laziness (WCF 16.3). But these truths are never excuses before God. Instead—and allow me to repeat this—we are called to stir up His grace within us and actively pursue obedience.
Here the Confession and 2 Peter speak with one voice: faith is not static. Our faith must be supported—by growing in virtues and putting those virtues into action through good works. That’s our part in this journey of faith. To put it simply: faith grows as it’s put to work.
But WCF 16 also gives us a warning.
Toward the end of the summary, we read words that can feel offensive: “the outward works of the unregenerate, lacking faith, remain sinful and unacceptable to God.” Even Christians may struggle with this. But the point is not to belittle unbelievers— it is to warn us all against works that are merely outward, not born of true obedience.
In Amos, God declares that He hates and rejects Israel’s offerings because they were nothing more than empty rituals. The Israelites in Amos’ day, unbelievers, and even we who are converted are capable of the same. WCF 16 reminds us that God desires service flowing from true obedience and a heart of worship.
And this warning brings us to application: to tune our heart to serve with genuine devotion. What better way than to return again and again to God’s Word? For good works are defined not by our standards, but by His law and His truth. Psalm 1 points the way: stay clear of evil and let God’s Word be the constant voice guiding us. That is the path to a fruitful life of good works—works pleasing to God because they flow from His Word and our delight in Him.
Having looked at 2 chapters on how we support our faith, we now turn to the next—how God supports us on our journey to heaven.
Perseverance of the Saints
Those accepted in Christ, called and sanctified, will persevere in grace and be eternally saved, not by free will but by God’s election, Christ’s intercession, the Spirit’s indwelling, and the covenant of grace. Yet they may fall into serious sins, suffering loss, discipline, and harm, though never utterly forsaken.
The doctrine of the perseverance of the saints is not an easy one. So let’s be clear about what it does and does not teach. It does not mean genuine Christians never stray. Scripture itself shows otherwise—Peter denied Christ, and David, though a man of faith, committed adultery and murder. What the doctrine affirms is this: true believers may fall seriously, but never full or final.
The doctrine is “tough” because it is controversial. —upheld in the Reformed tradition and some Baptist churches, but rejected by others. Both sides appeal to Scripture. Opponents often cite Hebrews 6:4–6, which warns that those who taste God’s goodness and then fall away cannot be restored.
Yet just three verses later we read: “Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation” (Heb. 6:9). The earlier words, then, are a warning, not a sentence of hopelessness. So yes—falling away and not be given a second chance is a real danger. But the doctrine of perseverance assures us that for those truly in Christ, it will never happen.
Why? Because perseverance does not rest on our weak will, but on God Himself.
- First, on God’s election. He is not fickle. When He chooses, there is no plan B—He finishes what He begins.
- Second, on His unchanging love. We often see signs that say MUST BUY or MUST TRY, and we think, “Buy first then say, try first then say.” But with God, it is love first, then say. He commits and He never turns back.
- Third, on Christ’s ongoing intercession, . He continually pleads before the Father to watch over and sustain His people.
- Fourth, on the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit, who seals and strengthens us.Together, the perseverance of the saints is a Trinitarian work.
- And finally, on the covenant of grace, where God Himself promises our redemption.
But let me be honest—am I fully convinced? Have I not seen Christians drift away and never return, at least so far? Can I say I have no doubts? No—I admit, doubts linger. Yet what better alternative is there? Faith is a gift, freely given, and so perseverance must rest on the God who gives it. I can only trust that He is serious about shaping us into a people of faith and bringing His work to completion. Some may say I am not thinking thoroughly enough. Perhaps. But this much I know: I am exercising faith.
Finally, we come to the last section assigned for today.
Assurance
True believers may attain certain assurance of salvation in this life, grounded in God’s promises, evidences of grace, and the Spirit’s witness. Though not immediate, this assurance is reached by diligent use of ordinary means, bringing joy, love, and obedience, though it may be shaken by sin, temptation, or God’s withdrawal; yet believers are preserved by the Spirit from utter despair.
This is the second time the Confession calls us to diligence. The first was a call to stir up God’s grace to do good works; this time it is a call to diligently seek assurance of salvation.
Now, assurance is not essential to salvation. Why then such urgency? Because it is deeply important for the Christian life. Without assurance, a believer may wrestle with fear of judgment, feel stagnant in faith, insecure in prayer, or unsure of God’s love. Such doubts rob us of joy and peace in our walk with Christ.
WCF 18 therefore urges us to seek assurance through the diligent use of the ordinary means of grace: worship, prayer, Scripture, fellowship, good works, and more. But we must beware of mistaking these practices as the basis of salvation. If we ever think we are safe merely because we are regular, diligent—even zealous—in worship or service, we have missed the point. The true mark of genuine faith is sincere love for Christ and a desire to walk before Him in good conscience. We may fail often, but we keep striving.
And again, we find WCF and 2 Peter speaking with one voice. The apostle says, “Be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election” (2 Pet. 1:10).
We Singaporeans like to be practical. So let me close with some practical reasons to seek assurance of salvation. Without it, we are more vulnerable to every wind of doctrine. With it, we grow in godliness. Assurance tells us who we are and whose we are—it grounds us in God. It steadies us in adversity, and when Satan accuses, it anchors us in confidence. In short, assurance strengthens us to face the world, the flesh, and the devil—especially the last.
Friends, these are not only practical reasons—they are essential for our long journey of faith. That is why WCF presses us: be diligent in seeking assurance.
With this, we close our three-part series on salvation, spanning from chapter 6 to chapter 18 of the Confession. May what we have shared deepen our understanding of faith and encourage us in faithfulness.
