2 Peter 1:10

Wherefore, brethren, give the more diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never stumble:

Calling and election ... are two of the biggest theological words in the New Testament; and this verse is invaluable in the revelation that neither calling nor election is a thing finally and irrevocably determined by God apart from what the Christian himself does. Also, any thought of impossibility as regards a Christian falling away and being lost is far away from the apostle's mind in a statement like this verse. "If" ye do these things! (See under verse 8). As Payne put it: "Note the emphasis on God's initiative and man's response; both are essential, or the Christian may fall (literally stumble)."[33] "All Christians have been called, but they must work out their salvation" (Philippians 2:12).[34] We are amazed at the comment of Wheaton, who said, "Peter even hints at the possibility that one can fall from grace!"[35] Reference to Peter's warnings in this letter as a "hint" reminds one of the gang leader in Boston, who when five of his henchmen were shot-gunned to death in the basement of a bar, said, "I believe there is a hint of opposition in this!"

[33] David F. Payne, A New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House, 1969), p. 600.

[34] James William Russell, op. cit., p. 590.

[35] David H. Wheaton, op. cit., p. 1253.