Partaking of the Divine Nature -- Part II

In Part I of this article, Partaking of the Divine Nature, I explained how we as disciples may participate in God's nature by possessing godly qualities and bearing good fruit for His glory. In this second part of that article, please let me show how our participation in the divine nature enables us to also operate in the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit.

Peter said, “For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.” (2Pe 1:4).

Becoming partakers of the divine nature not only refers to sharing in God's qualities and characteristics, but also in His mighty deeds. The only way that is possible is through the power of the Holy Spirit, since we ourselves are not God, nor are we little gods. As I have already explained in my article, Supernatural Power for All Disciples, God has promised to baptize His children with His Holy Spirit, and those who have received that promised gift may operate in the same supernatural power that Jesus did. If you haven't read that article, I recommend you do so, because in it I prove and explain it from Scripture.

However, here are some more Scriptures that teach this same thing. Jesus said:

"Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it." (Joh 14:12-14)

Notice He made this promise to him who believes in Jesus, so it's based on personal faith in Christ. He promised that the one who believes would not only do the same works that Jesus did, but do even greater works than He did. That's pretty amazing, and He followed that up by essentially repeating Himself twice for emphasis, by saying that He would do "whatever" we ask in His name and that He would do "anything" we ask in His name. He used these two words "whatever" and "anything" to emphasize the lack of restriction on what is possible. Contrary to what some may think, this does not bring glory to the one asking but to the One whom we ask and to the One whose name we ask in.

Incidentally, as I taught in my article By the Spirit of God Alone, during His earthly ministry the Lord did all of his miracles and healing by the anointing of the Holy Spirit, leading by example and showing us how we are to do the same. He chose to empty Himself of the divine glory and power He had with the Father before He came to earth (Phil 2:6-7), so He had to operate supernaturally by the power of the Holy Spirit after the Spirit descended upon Him at His baptism (Matthew 3:16; Mark 1:10; Luke 3:22; John 1:32). Likewise, we are supposed to follow in His steps (1 Pe 2:21).

He said that all things are possible for believers. "And Jesus said to him, 'If You can? All things are possible to him who believes." (Mk 9:23). He was repeating back the same words that had just been spoken to Him by a father whose son suffered from seizures. That man had prefaced his request for the Lord's help with the words, "If You can..." and the Lord was assuring him that not only was it possible for Him to deliver his son from seizures, but that all things were possible by faith in Him.

This is what I want to emphasize today. When you put your faith in Christ, and you ask God in prayer, you can do all things. As Paul said, "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength." (Phil 4:13, NIV). All things includes everything. Our only limitation is the will of God, so as long as we are not violating the will of God, as long as we are not working iniquity (i.e., sinning), then we are free to do anything without restriction. Paul said, "Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom." (2 Cor 3:17b, NIV).

When you are in Christ, operating in the Spirit by faith, you can forget about all the limitations that normally govern life on earth as we know it. There are no barriers of time and space at that moment. We are not limited by anything whatsoever, so if God is willing He can even suspend gravity, as He did when Christ walked on water. I have read a testimony of a man of God working in Asia who was carrying the gospel to remote places, and the Lord enabled him to walk on water across a river to reach his target audience.

I have also read about a man who was praying in his bedroom for people in a far away country, and if my memory serves me correctly, when he finished, he had mud on his shoes as if he had actually gone to that place in the spirit. I know of another man who traveled to another country in prayer, who actually saw the geography beneath him as he flew there, and then he entered into the room of the sick pastor that he was praying for in that other country. That pastor had just called him two days earlier saying he had to retire from ministry because of a heart condition. After he laid hands on that sleeping man and prayed for him, he then laid hands on the man's wife who was sleeping beside him, and prayed for a renewal of her relationship with God. He called the pastor a couple days later and asked how his heart was doing. The man said that a strange thing had occurred a couple nights prior to that in the middle of the night, when he had a supernatural encounter with God, and the pain in his chest left him. Likewise, since that night his wife was now experiencing a fresh baptism with the Holy Spirit and was speaking in tongues again as she had in the past. In fact, the pastor told him it had been two days since she had spoken in her native language. All things are possible with God for him who believes.

The Scriptures give an account of Phillip being translated in the Spirit immediately after he baptized the Ethiopian eunuch. "When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea." (Ac 8:39-40, NIV). Why should we think it incredible that God could still translate people today. I have heard more than one such testimony of someone being translated in the Spirit in our modern day just as God did in the days of old in the Bible. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (He 13:8).

The apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian church, "So when you are assembled and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present, hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord." (1 Cor 5:4-5, NIV). How could Paul be with the Corinthian church in spirit during their assembly unless he was enabled by the Holy Spirit to do so? In fact, Paul did join them in spirit during that service through prayer. In that way, he participated with them in handing that man over to satan and putting him our of the church.

Don't forget that God is able "to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us." (Eph 3:20, NIV). God can do far more than you can ask or imagine. He'll go beyond your wildest dreams.

Closing Words
Through this study on how our participation in the divine nature enables us to also operate in the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit, I trust that your faith has been stirred, so that you may take God at His Word, believe Him, realize that He has removed all restrictions on what you can ask for, as long as they are within His divine will, and expect greater things from Him in prayer. I trust that you will have a renewed experience with Him, and that your prayer life would be revived. May these truths make you eager to go to the Lord in prayer, and enable you to step out by faith in supernatural ways that you have never before experienced or even thought possible. As you do so in the will of God, by faith in the name of Jesus, may you experience freedom in the Spirit, and see God do more than you ever dreamed or imagined. "May the Lord give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. May we shout for joy over your victory and lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the Lord grant all your requests." (Ps 20:4-5, NIV).

Attribution notice: Most Scripture quotations taken from the NASB, copyright The Lockman Foundation, all rights reserved, used by permission. Other Scriptures where noted were take from The Holy Bible NIV, copyright Zondervan, all rights reserved, used by permission.

Author's note:  If you enjoyed this post, you may also like Bearing Fruit in Every Good Work, Partaking of the Divine Nature -- Part II, By the Spirit of God Alone, Supernatural Power for All Disciples, Baptized with the Spirit, Gifts and Fruit of the Spirit: What's the Difference, Following in His Steps, Are We Really Little gods?, and the other posts available through the links on the Home page.  You may also access my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master."

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Him.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

_________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

The Spirit's Law of Life

Dear Kingdom workers, I know that there are some preachers who speak against God's Law, as though it were something sinful, so I want to encourage you today not to listen to the enemy's lies.  He twists the Scriptures, but the Holy Spirit leads us into all Truth.

The Spirit's Law
In his epistle to the Romans, the apostle Paul referred to the Law as the law of the Spirit of Life.  “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.” (Rom 8:2). First of all, this means it is the Spirit’s Law, which should not surprise us, since it is God’s Law, which was inspired by the Holy Spirit Himself.  As Paul says, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” (2Ti 3:16-17). 

“What shall we say, then? Is the Law sin? Certainly not!” (Rom 7:7a).  Yet most preachers treat it as though it is sin.  Quite the contrary!  “We know that the Law is spiritual.” (Rom 7:14a). Since the Law is spiritual, and it is the Spirit's Law, pure and holy, inspired by the Holy Spirit, we need to be careful never to treat it as if it is sinful.

The problem is not with the God’s Law.  The problem is with man’s sinful nature.  However, through Christ Jesus, I am set free from sin and death. This is the same Christ Jesus that was typified in the Law and about whom Moses prophesied in the Law.  It was through Christ Jesus that the law of the Spirit set me free.  Now that I am free from sin and death, I have power over sin and death.  And although I am no longer under the Law, yet because I am in Christ Jesus, I approach the Law differently now.  Now “the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” (Ro 8:4b).

Proper Understanding of the Law
Here is the way you must understand the Law. 

Law Leads Us to Christ to Be Justified by Faith
God’s Law was a tutor that led you to Christ. "Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith." (Gal 3:24).  We could illustrate the relationship between us and the Law (before we know Christ) like this:
Law -- > Christ.

Christ is the Goal of the Law
Another way to put this is to say that the goal of the Law is to lead us to Christ. Christ is the goal of the Law. "For not knowing about God's righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes." (Rom 10:3-4)

In Christ, the Righteous Requirements of the Law are Fulfilled in Us
Once you enter into Christ by faith, and are in Him, then the Spirit’s Law sets you free from the law of sin and death.  Once you put to death the sinful nature, which was the real problem to begin with, you approach the Law differently.  You are now a dead person as it relates to sin.  What was once a law of sin and death, because of the weakness of my sinful nature, has now through Christ Jesus become for me the Spirit’s Law of Life and love.  We could illustrate the relationship between us and the Law after we know Christ like this:

Christ -- > Law of Life (righteous requirements of the Law fully met in us).

The Law makes us conscious of sin. It leads sinful man to Christ.  Then Christ leads the one, whom He sets free from sin, into the Spirit’s Law of Life.  Now I can truly love the Lord my God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love my neighbor as myself, which are the two commandments that fulfill all the Law and the Prophets. Now I approach the Law not to be justified by the Mosaic covenant, but desiring to obey God’s commandments by the Spirit, so that the righteousness requirements of the Law might be fully met in me.

The New Way of the Spirit
I am not living according to the sinful nature any more, but according to the Spirit (Rom 8:4b). I do not serve in the old way of the written code, but in the new way of the Spirit (Rom 7:6).  I am no longer looking for instructions about circumcision, various gifts, sacrifices, food, drink, and ceremonial washings, which were merely shadows of the realities we have found in Christ (although I can still learn about God through those passages).  What matters now is keeping God’s commandments (1 Co 7:19). And that is only possible by the power of the Spirit.

I live my life for Christ by the Spirit, being led by the Spirit.  “For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.” (Rom 8:13-14).
 
Any good fruit you see coming forth from my life is the Spirit’s fruit, not mine. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Gal 5:22-23). 

Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (Jn 15:5). I am no longer a slave to sin, but now in Christ I have become a slave to righteousness.  “You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.” (Rom 6:18)

If we claim to live by the Law of the Spirit of Life, then let us always say, "Yes, Lord!" to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.  Let's be controlled by the Spirit, Who takes from the Law.  Let's live for righteousness, and submit to God's righteousness, rather than seeking to establish a righteousness of our own.  

The Difference Between Serving in the New Way vs the Old Way
Here is an example that shows the difference between serving in the new way of the spirit, rather than in the old way of the written code.  If we were serving according to the old way of the written code, we would read, "You shall not murder." Since our sinful nature would still be alive, as soon as we would receive the commandment not to murder, we would be tempted to do just that.  There would be times when we would get angry enough with people that we feel hatred toward them and say angry words against them like, "You fool!" or "You idiot!"  But as long as we did not physically take the life of another human being, we would assume that we have not broken the commandment and that we are righteous. 

On the contrary, if we are serving in the new way of the Spirit, our sinful nature has been put to death. So the Holy Spirit leads us to go beyond simply not murdering our neighbor, and we also do not even utter angry words like, "You fool!"  We do not harbor bitterness and resentment toward others.  We actually pray for our enemies, forgive them, and even love them.  Thus through Christ Jesus, and by the power of the Spirit, being led by the Spirit, we live a truly holy life, and the righteous requirements of that commandment are fully met in us.  That is the Law of the Spirit of Life.

As Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’  But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell."  (Mt 5:22-23)

Now take that illustration using that one commandment, and apply that to any other commandment.  In every case, the Law of the Spirit of Life goes way beyond the written code.  It is the high and holy intent of God's Law that the Holy Spirit always fulfills in those who are led by the Spirit.  It produces the fruit of the Spirit, against which you will never find a Law in the Bible.

It’s as if the written code was the maximum level of righteousness that one living under the Law could attain, but it is the minimum level for the one set free by the Law of the Spirit of Life.  For those of us who are in Christ, we are already righteous by faith, having received God’s own perfect righteousness.  Therefore, that is our starting point, in the realm of the Spirit; and the maximum level of fruitfulness we could potentially produce by the Spirit is without limit, since God is infinite, and He gives The Spirit without Limit.

For the man living under the Law, the glass of righteousness is half full, and he is always seeking to fill it.  For the man living by the Spirit, the glass of righteousness is already full to the brim, and he is always overflowing.  That is, he is always overflowing, provided he practices righteousness and doesn't practice lawlessness.  "Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness." (1Jn 3:4; cf., 1 Jn 3:8-10)

Those Led by the Spirit Can Submit to God's Righteousness
The apostle Paul explained it like this: "For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him." (Rom 8:6-9).

The implication of this passage is that while those who live according to the sinful nature cannot submit to God's law, those who live in accordance with the Spirit can and do in fact submit to God's righteousness, because their minds are set on what the Spirit desires. He enables us to put to death the misdeeds of the body (Rom 8:13), and leads us to pray and live according to God's will (Rom 8:27).

The Law is Profitable
As I have already mentioned, Paul wrote to Timothy, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” (2Ti 3:16-17). 

For those who are in Christ, the Law will always continue to be profitable, along with the rest of the Scriptures.  We do not neglect to teach from the Law, and focus only on the Scriptures written after Christ. It is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness. The reason we are supposed to use all Scripture for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness, is so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.  If we omit parts of Scripture that are unpopular, then the man of God will not be adequate or equipped for every good work.  Therefore, we must preach the whole counsel of God, as Paul did.

Seven Different Laws?
Scripture speaks of "the law of God" (Rom. 7:22, 25; 8:7; 1Co. 9:21), "the law of Christ" (1Co. 9:21; Gal. 6:2), "the law of faith" (Rom 3:27), and "the law of the Spirit of Life" (Ro 8:2).  Then there is the "royal law" (Js 2:8), which is the law of love, also known as the "law of liberty" (Js 2:12).  These are not seven different laws, are they?  Of course, not; they are seven different expressions for one and the same law -- the gospel.

The point is that since there are several expressions given in the New Testament for the law, which are used in a positive light, indicating they still apply to us as believers in Christ. Therefore, we must take heed and believe what those verses say regarding the Spirit's law of life that is found throughout Scriptures from Genesis to Revelation.

The law of God, the law of Christ, the law of faith, the law of the spirit of life, the royal law of love, and the law of liberty all refer to the same thing -- the gospel, and none of them are called "The Law of Moses", so that we do not confuse this with being "under" the Old Covenant with all its dietary, ceremonial, and ritual laws for Jews to follow.

Even if you disagree with me, and you think these biblical expressions actually refer to seven different laws, do you think they contradict one another on principle? Certainly they do not. There is one God and Father, one Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ His Son, and one Spirit.  God's will is supreme and there is no contradiction within Him.

There is such a thing as the gospel law or gospel rule, which is the rule of life in the Kingdom of God, by which all those who believe the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ must live. This is what the Spirit desires (Rom 8:5), and it is found all across the pages of the Old and New Testament Scriptures. Both Matthew Henry and John Wesley, two famous and well-respected English preachers from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, taught this and wrote about it in their commentaries, as I have written in my article called Wesley and Henry on the Gospel Law. 

Jesus said He did not come to abolish the Law and the Prophets, indicating He was in full agreement with the law of God.  "Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Mat 5:17-20).  

This is something to consider and pray about.  There is law and order in God's kingdom.  It's not a lawless kingdom. "Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness." (1Jn 3:4). Christ will one day tell those who practice lawlessness to depart from Him (Mat. 7:23), and they will be thrown into the furnace of fire (Mat 13:41). 

On the other hand, when you are living according to the law of the Spirit, He will convict you concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment. "And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment." (Joh 16:8).

Moreover, when you are living by the law of the Spirit, He will guide you into all truth. "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said that He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you."  (Joh 16:13-15).

The Spirit of God does not speak on His own initiative.  He takes of what is Christ's and discloses it to the disciple of Christ. And all things that the Father has are Christ's. Therefore, what the Spirit discloses to the disciple of Christ is that which belongs to the Father. This is how the law of the Spirit of Life works.  He discloses to us the law of Christ, the law of faith, the royal law of love, also known as the law of liberty. And since the Author of this law is the same as the Author of the law of God, there is harmony between the law of God and all things that the Spirit discloses.

Obedience is Essential for Disciples
Here are just some of the other articles I have written, which provide a clear and biblical response to the concerns that my obedience doctrine is legalism, especially the first three in the left-hand column:

Is Obedience Optional? The Law of Christ  Faith Works! The Law Fulfilled in Us The Law Established Through Faith The Cost of Discipleship The New Covenant Costly Grace Deleted Scriptures in the Bible? Did Jesus Nail the Law to the Cross? Practical Righteousness, a Lost Truth?

The Obedience of Faith Striving to Enter the Kingdom of God Aim for Perfection Righteous Deeds and White Robes Doing What is Right Your Rewards Are Based on Your Practice Partaking of the Divine Nature Walking in the Perfect Will of God Pressing on Toward the Goal Obedience by the Spirit Led by the Spirit

Putting it All Together
The Law of God is not sin.  On the contrary, it is spiritual.  But let us remember that it is the Spirit's Law that brings life for those who are in Christ. It was intended to lead us to Christ, so we could be justified by faith.  But once we are in Christ, through Him, the Spirit's law of life sets us free from the law of sin and death.

Then the Spirit of God leads the one who is in Christ to walk in love (in fulfillment of the Law) without interference from the sinful nature and without death.  Now in Christ and by the Spirit, the righteous requirements of the Law may be fully met in us. I emphasize "in Christ," since we can do nothing apart from the Lord Jesus (Jn 15:5). We have our minds set on what the Holy Spirit desires (Rom 8:5), and He enables us to actually produce the fruit of the Spirit, against which you will never find a Law in the Bible.

We are no longer under the Law, as if it were our means of justification. We are not under a law of works! You cannot rely on your obedience to the Law to save you, because it is only by grace that you are saved through faith (Eph 2:8-10).  We are not keeping up the law of Moses in conjunction with the gospel. However, we profit from the lessons in righteousness found in the Law, as the Spirit takes from the Law.  Since we live for Christ, as slaves to righteousness, our hearts are beating to keep God's commandments, and to find out what pleases Him.  As the apostle Paul said, "Find out what pleases the Lord." (Eph 5:10).  The goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a clear conscience and a sincere faith.  And if you keep His commandments, you will abide in His love (Jn 15:10).

The Spirit of the Law (Part II of this article)

Attribution notice: Most Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. "Love the Lord with All Your Heart" by my daughter, C.V. when she was fifteen years old on the blog, A Brush with Life. 

Author's note:  If you enjoyed this post, please see Part II, called The Spirit of the Law, as well as Wesley and Henry on the Gospel Law.  You may also like Law of Love in the New Testament, Led by the Spirit, Godly Attire and Adornment -- Seven Divine Revelations, Garments of Godliness, Keeping Sundays Holy, Is Tithing Required?, Is Practical Righteousness a Lost Truth?, and the other posts available through the links on the Home page.  You may also access my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master." 

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Him.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

Partaking of the Divine Nature

I'd like to discuss the subject of partaking of the divine nature, which is one that is misunderstood by some people. There are those who think it means we become little gods when we follow Jesus.  Others may incorrectly believe that this is all automatic, and happens without any participation on our part.  So let's see what the Scriptures say.

He Has Granted Us Everything
Paul said, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,” (Eph 1:3).  Paul was clear that God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.  We know that's a gift from Him that we cannot earn.

Peter also said, “Seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.” (2Pe 1:3).  This is similar to what Paul said, in that by God's power's, He has granted us everything pertaining to life and godliness.  All of this comes through the the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence, which is our Lord Jesus Christ. 

It's so amazing to realize that He has given us every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, and everything pertaining to life and godliness!  All of this is by His glorious grace, and was paid for by the precious blood of Jesus Christ that He shed for us on the cross. It's one more reason to rejoice in the Lord and be thankful! 

Becoming Partakers of the Divine Nature
Not only has God done all of that for us, but He has also granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature.  Peter said, “For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.” (2Pe 1:4)

What did Peter mean when he said we become partakers of the divine nature?  Here is the divine nature Peter meant:  moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love.

“Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2Pe 1:5-8)

Participation of the Disciple is Required
These qualities or virtues don’t just happen in your life automatically. Peter said that God has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature.  Therefore, it is by His precious and magnificent promises that you may become partakers of the divine nature.  You must claim those promises and apply them, which requires diligence and practice on your part. Peter said you must "make every effort" to add these virtues into your life. 

It is up to you to be diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you, which means you must confirm it.  Peter said,  “… be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you …” (2 Pe 1:10). This diligence requires participation on your part.  You may be called and chosen well enough, but you have to make certain about His calling and choosing you. You have a choice to practice these divine virtues or not. That’s why Peter said, “…as long as you practice these things…”  He also said, “Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless,” (2Pe 3:14).

You've got to grow in godliness.  You’ve got to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord.  As Peter said, “…but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” (2Pe 3:18).  The verb “grow” requires participation and action on your part.

Rewards and Punishment
There are either going to be rewards or loss, depending on whether or not you participate with the Lord and practice these virtues.

Rewards to those who do practice these things diligently and grow
Peter said, “Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.” (2Pe 1:10-11)

He said you will be useful and fruitful: “For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2Pe 1:8)

Peter said you would be in peace, spotless and blameless: “…be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless,” (2Pe 3:14).  That's how the Lord will find you during your life and at the end of your life.

Loss and punishment to those who do NOT practice these qualities or lack them
Now I'd like to talk about what happens if you lack these qualities in your own life or do not practice these virtues.

Peter said, “For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins.” (2Pe 1:9)

This means that you are spiritually blind and near-sighted.  You are not walking correctly anymore when you are blind. And as a result of that,  by implication, you fail to "make certain about His calling and choosing you." (2Pe 1:10). 

The Greek word for “certain” is “bebaios, which means stable (literally or figuratively): - firm, of force, steadfast, sure.” (Strongs)

So if you lack these qualities, you have failed to make your calling and election sure, stable, firm, and steadfast.  Therefore your calling and election is actually uncertain.  You may have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord Jesus, but if you again become entangled in those defilements, your last state is worse than before. 

“For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment handed on to them.” (2Pe 2:20-21)

If you lack these qualities, you are headed back into being entangled by the world’s defilements.  And for anyone who ends up like that, it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment handed on to them.  The punishment will be far worse than for those who never knew the way of righteousness.

Be careful you are not led away by the error of wicked, lawless men and fall from your own safe position: “You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness,” (2Pe 3:17).  Are your spiritual leaders teaching you this?  Are the preachers you listen to on the radio and TV preaching this?  What about the authors whose books, blogs, and articles you read?  And the videos you watch?  Beware of error, especially in this regard.

Putting it All Together
So we know that God has indeed given us everything we need for life and godliness, and that through His very great and precious promises, we may become partakers of His divine nature.  That means we can think like God, talk like God, and act like Him in moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love.

But this requires participation on our part.  It doesn't happen automatically.  You have to be diligent to make your calling and election sure.  You've got to make every effort to confirm it, by developing these virtues in your life. Then you'll be useful and fruitful.  You'll be found by the Lord in peace, spotless and blameless, and you will receive an abundant entrance into the kingdom of heaven.

You participation is necessary in order to avoid falling from your safe position. If you lack these qualities, you develop spiritual blindness and near-sightedness. You can no longer see the long-range rewards awaiting those who endure to the end.  You must be careful that after you have escaped the defilements of the world that you don't become entangled in them once again, or else your final condition will be worse than the first.  Beware of who you follow, because there are many wicked and lawless men teaching their own errors to others, and leading them down to destruction.  Don't be deceived into hell.  If you gave your life to Jesus at one time, and then drift away, it would be better for you not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment handed on to you.

That's why you need to repent of every sin, to the extent that you lack these qualities, and ask the Lord to forgive you.  Ask Him to cleanse you, making you spotless and blameless.  Ask Him to apply the cross to your earthly sin nature, and begin to apply His very great and precious promises of holiness, righteousness, and truth to your life, so that you may live in a way that is pleasing to Him.

Continued in Partaking of the Divine Nature -- Part II.

Attribution notice: Most Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. "Grow in Godliness" image courtesy of Act Like a Man.

Author's note:  This message has been beautifully expressed in a couple of poems my young daughters have written, called Perfect for the King and Reward of the Overcomer.  I encourage you to take a moment to read those.  And if you enjoyed this post, you may also like Bearing Fruit in Every Good Work, Partaking of the Divine Nature -- Part II, Following in His Steps, Godly Attire and Adornment -- Seven Divine Revelations and the other posts available through the links on the Home page.  You may also access my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master."  Some related articles I recommend are:

Doing What is Right	Righteous Deeds and White Robes.	Godly Attire and Adornment -- Seven Divine Revelations
Is Obedience Optional?	The Cost of Discipleship	Your Rewards Are Based on Your Practice
The Law Fulfilled in Us	The New Covenant	Deleted Scriptures in the Bible?

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Him.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

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Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.