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(1)
Turning to God from idols.
(2)
Serving the living and true God.
(3)
Waiting for His Son from heaven.
This faith covers past, present and future phases of life. They had turned in the past--
this was a "work of faith"; they were serving in the present--this was a "labour of love";
they had assurance for the future--this was their "patience of hope".
Using the language of Peter in the same connection we can surely say to all who
believe:--
"If these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren
nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ . . . . . give diligence to make
your calling and election sure" (II Pet. 1: 8-10).
To the elect of God His gospel is a living, spiritual power, and on its truth they rest
with assurance. As the elect of God they follow in the steps of the apostle and of his
Lord, enduring with spiritual complacency and joy whatever afflictions their belief in the
Word may entail.
The elect of God not only receive, not only suffer, not only follow, but they sound out
the Word themselves that others may hear. As Peter says in a similar context:--
"Add to your faith . . . . . give diligence to make your calling and election sure"
(II Pet. 1: 5-10).
To the beloved of the Lord there may come a settled conviction, a peace, an assurance,
a joy, which tribulation cannot remove, and which trouble cannot shake.
Every beloved one is an elect one, chosen by the God of love for Himself:--
"The Lord did not set His love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were . . . . . but
because the Lord loved you" (Deut. 7: 7, 8).
He chose us because He loved us. He loved us because He chose us. Leave it there.
Rejoice in it, take no credit to self, but "rest in His love".