Peter's fall was not instantaneous, but gradual. Self-confidence led him to the belief that he was saved, and step after step was taken in the downward path, until he could deny his Master. Never can we safely put confidence in self or feel, this side of heaven, that we are secure against temptation. Those who accept the Saviour, however sincere their conversion, should never be taught to say or to feel that they are saved. This is misleading. Every one should be taught to cherish hope and faith; but even when we give ourselves to Christ and know that He accepts us, we are not beyond the reach of temptation. God's word declares, "Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried." Dan. 12:10. Only he who endures the trial will receive the crown of life. (James 1:12.)

Peters fald skete ikke pludseligt, men gradvis. Selvtillid fik ham til at tro, at han var frelst, og skridt for skridt blev taget på vejen, der førte nedad, indtil han fornægtede sin mester Vi kan aldrig være sikre, når vi stoler på os selv, eller føle, at vi kan være trygge over for fristelser så længe vi er i denne verden. De, der antager Frelseren, burde aldrig oplæres til at sige og føle, at de er frelst, hvor oprigtig deres omvendelse end måtte være. Dette er vildledende. Alle bør lære at nære håb og tro, men selv når vi overgiver os til Kristus og ved, at han har antaget os, er vi ikke uden for fristelsernes rækkevidde. Guds ord siger: "Mange skal sigtes, renses og lutres." Kun den, der holder ud i prøvelsen, vil modtage livets krone