² Grace and peace be yours in abundance^(A) through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.^(B)

Confirming One’s Calling and Election

³ His divine power^(C) has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him^(D) who called us^(E) by his own glory and goodness. ⁴ Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises,^(F) so that through them you may participate in the divine nature,^(G) having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.^(H)

⁵ For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;^{(I) 6} and to knowledge, self-control;^(J) and to self-control, perseverance;^(K) and to perseverance, godliness;^{(L) 7} and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.^{(M) 8} For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive^(N) in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.^{(O) 9} But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind,^(P) forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.^(Q)

¹⁰ Therefore, my brothers and sisters,^[a] make every effort to confirm your calling^(R) and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble,^(S)