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Logos Ministries Incorporated
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Introduction to
PARTAKERS OF THE DIVINE NATURE INTRODUCTION During 1995 and 1996, we made a study of the qualities of spiritual growth entitled "Imitators Of God." This study produced several insights that gave direction to our understanding. As we taught courses in Bible and led retreats concerning spiritual growth, several things stand out:
As people have discovered the nature of these qualities, there has been a genuine interest in making each one a part of their lives. This has been exciting to observe. Out of that study grew an awareness that there are a number of other qualities of spiritual growth that we had not touched. That awareness led to the study from which this volume emerged. The title, "Partakers of the Divine Nature" is a quotation from Scripture. It is found in II Peter 1:4 where the apostle said,
Peter's statement is very carefully stated – "in order that by them (promises) you might become partakers of the divine nature..." In the Greek text, this statement is in the subjunctive mood. This simply means that it expresses contingency, possibility. Our translator chose wisely when he used the words "might become partakers..." The fact that one has become a Christian, "having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust." (II Peter 1:4b) does not necessarily assure that he/she will grow in spiritual qualities. In fact, there is ample evidence that many become Christians and never grow in the likeness of Christ. To become a partaker in the divine nature is possible, but not required. The word "partakers" is "koinonos" (koinwnov") and means "to have in common," "to be partner." Luke used this word in Luke 5:10, to describe the business partnership between the families of Peter, Andrew, James and John. The word "nature" is phusis" (fuvsi") and means "what a person is by origin, or birth." It is what one is naturally." In Galatians 2:15, Paul described his conflict with the apostle Peter. In that context Paul said, "We are Jews by nature..." In II Peter 1:4, he said "we might become sharers in the divine nature." The divine nature is what God is. Peter spoke carefully when he said that God "has granted us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence for by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of the divine nature..." These words are filled with awe and silent reverence. Imagine! God has gifted us with everything necessary so that we might have the divine nature in common with Him. He offers us the opportunity to become "partners in the divine nature." It doesn't mean that we are divine. It becomes possible for people to see what we are and thereby understand a bit about who God is. The family resemblance shows. Knowing our faults and the rebellions of which God has cleansed us, it boggles the mind to think that God would even think of such an unimaginable gift. Observe that Peter said, "He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of the divine nature." In this statement, Peter indicated that our becoming "partakers of the divine nature" takes place through these "precious and magnificent promises." These promises are the gift from God and the source of that dramatic change of character that enables us to be "partakers of the divine nature." There is a growing number of Christians who realize they do not understand spiritual growth. They want to learn. They want to grow in the likeness of Christ. The qualities of spiritual growth in this study may be more demanding than some of those in the previous study. As I have discussed these qualities with Christian people, I have also found that the response is even more exciting. It is our hope that in the 13 chapters of this volume we can give insights into the nature and meaning of each quality of spiritual growth. We want to describe what the New Testament says about each one. As you study these great gifts of God, may the nearness of His presence be sensed in all its fullness. O. William Cooper Ebenezer House |
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