… so that through them you may participate in the divine nature …
Summary: How is it possible that we can participate in God’s divine nature? How is it possible that a hundred choral voices can join into one? There is a parallel here that might help us understand this passage.
Few phrases in the Bible are as intriguing as today’s passage. Peter says that God has given us everything we need for a godly life. He tells us that this gift comes through our knowing Jesus. (Not knowing about Jesus, but knowing Jesus personally.) Through knowing Jesus, he gives us promises that allow us to “participate in the divine nature.”
Jesus himself tells us that he and the Father (God) are one (John 10:30). Jesus expands on this idea more in his High Priestly Prayer in John 17: 20-23;
“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one — I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”
To take part in the divine nature, as John records, is to be one with God.
What does this mean? How is this possible?
In human terms, it is not possible. God is perfect, we are not. Yet the divine nature of God is such that God overcame that gulf between us. Through Jesus, we can are restored to God’s family. The rift that occurred in the Garden of Eden is healed in Christ.
Even though I am a flawed human being, God has put his Spirit in me (John 14:26). However much of myself I can surrender to God’s Spirit, that part of me participates in the divine nature. (See 1 Corinthians 3:10-15)
Many years ago, I sang in a choral group that had a great many professional voices. I sang bass and could hit notes below the range of others in my section. The choir director was a man of tremendous talent and knowledge. I learned a great deal during that time.
We worked hard that year and when Christmas came, our church combined choirs with another church, and the two choir leaders traded off between songs. During one of the choral pieces that the other church’s choir leader was directing, our choir director came and stood behind me and added his voice to ours.
It was a moment I will never forget.
His voice was magnificent! His range was far greater than mine and professionally trained. It was as if my voice became tiny and disappeared into his. It was like being lifted up on the wings of an angel. I felt as if I had been enveloped by an angel choir and that I was but a tiny part of the magnificent sound that our choir had momentarily become. At the same time, I knew I was still a part of the choir.
That is how I picture participating in the divine nature. God allows us to participate, to be lifted up in his power, to exalt in the joy of His perfection.
Application: Remain humble. Learn your part well.
Food for Thought: What happens to the “you” in you when you participate in the divine nature?
When I first became a Christian, I thought knowing about God and Jesus was enough. I did not realize until much later on that there was more to being a Christian than just going to church. It also involved reading the bible and developing a relationship with Him. I also thought I now had to be perfect and I constantly compared myself to others in church, always falling short comparing myself to them. And of course, always disappointed in myself for letting Him down as a result of always messing up and failing to hit what I deemed the “perfection” mark.
Over time, I learned that being more concerned about the gifts and talents He gave to me, allows me to worship and honor Him in ways that others can’t because there isn’t another me on the planet. I learned to embrace those gifts, talents and more importantly, my weaknesses and imperfections that He gave to me. One of my favorite verses is 2 Corinthians 12:9 “For my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” Amen!
When I allow myself to participate in the divine nature, I lose myself and I let go of my worries and imperfections. I am in awe of the magical moments appearing before me or that I am participating in because He is the grand Creator and He knows how to line everything up to perfection. I can appreciate what others are bringing with their gifts and talents rather than worrying about missing the mark or how I fall short in some area. God knows how to tune the symphony (or choir) so that it always plays just perfectly.
Thank you, Darla!
I appreciate your point about embracing our weakness and imperfections as well as our strengths. That is an important point! In the Grand Scheme of things, tenors cannot sing base and altos have different parts than sopranos for a reason. The other side of a strength is always going to look like a weakness to the world. But the world does not see the Choir or its Director. 🙂
I really liked you choir example; it is a frame of reference I think I will remember for a long time. What happens to the “me” in me when I participate in the divine nature? I often picture that there are “two me’s” inside, one that is capable of selfless action, that is capable of giving love and showing gentleness. There is also a me inside that is capable of evil, that is capable of cruelty and brutality. I would like to be able to say that mastered the “bad Chris” but the truth is that I do not possess the power to keep him tucked away. Participating in the divine nature keep my focus on Christ and His love, and strengthens my ability to show love. To use your example, if I am actively participating in the choir, and my focus is on the director (Jesus) and His direction, then I’m part of a harmony, facilitating peace. If not, then, well you get the idea (lol).
I really do like that choir example. 🙂
Chris,
My own experience with the good/bad me is that Jesus has been doing the heavy lifting of building up the good and pushing out the bad. Obviously, that requires cooperation on my part, but I want to encourage you — the Lord is at work in you. I can see it in your words.
Thank you for the encouragement Jeff! I appreciate you and thank the Lord for you each day.
I agree with Chris that your choir example is excellent. That is a very good and appropriate imagery. And by the way, you do have a nice voice.
I have always found it amazing that God wants us to be united in Him. He wants the oneness. He is always moving closer. He established a relationship with Abraham to move closer to people. Then His glory dwelt in a temple to be amongst us. Then He became one is us at the Incarnation. Then the Holy Spirit indwelled us. He is going to be surrounded us and inundating us – being the very light by which we live (Revelation 21 and 22). I think it is important to realize God does not just want to be a part of our lives – He wants to be one with us in constant intimate relationship. I find that very encouraging.
Thank you, Rich!
“He wants to be one with us in constant intimate relationship.”
What a great summation of our God’s intent! Taking a close look at Peter’s second letter has helped me see that more clearly than ever.
09-07-2021, 2 Peter 1:4c, What happens to the “you” in you when you participate in the divine nature?
People came from varied backgrounds and talents, under the direction of one gifted person. Together they made beautiful music. A second group joined them and as they became one chior, one body, their music became more powerful. In the end their voices were joined by the directer and their performance increased to a level beyond any prior expectations.
You knew you were part of it but “the music of this combination“ was the beautiful sound heard by the audience and dominated your ears. What a beautiful example of the body of Christ at work.
Justification Romans 3:21-26
We are justified, declared righteous, at the moment of our salvation in Christ. Justification does not make us righteous, but rather pronounces us righteous.
The thief on the Cross, Luke 23:39–43, We see a miracle as one thief, while in agony himself, heard the Spirit of God call him to repentance and acceptance of the forgiveness God was just about to provide through the death of Christ. While the disciples were abandoning the Lord, this man answered the call, and his sins were forgiven, including his blasphemy against the Son of God.
Sanctification This process of growth of Christ formed within us.
2 Peter 1:1-11, Romans 6:19, Hebrews 10:10
The Apostle Paul along with John are great examples of sanctification at work. Very different men, they were used by God to write much of the New Testament and during their lives, their obedience brought thousands to Christ and their books in the Bible have effected millions for God.
Paul died a martyr while John died of old age around A.D. 98.
A wide variety of people will become “justified” and out of these a smaller number will exchange “you” for “WE” as they begin the process of “sanctification” now. Responding yes to God’s call to put on the new person so He can use us as an active part of the Body of Christ, in a ministry predetermined and directed by Him. The “We’s” are not anyone special, They simply come in response to God’s Call and remain because this is where they are happy. They are home, able to be part of the beautiful music they make as one body and dropping out is simply not an option.
Great comments you guy’s. Jeff, your choir story was great!
Thank you, Ron!
I love reading the comments here and sharing in people’s stories. Watching God’s Word open up as it does is breathtaking.