“The New Creation” Day 11: The promises of God must be activated to produce the divine nature.

In one of Peter’s letters to fellow believers, he clearly references the requirement—on the part of the believer—to pursue a deeper knowledge of God.

“This letter is from Simon Peter, a slave and apostle of Jesus Christ. I am writing to you who share the same precious faith we have. This faith was given to you because of the justice and fairness of Jesus Christ, our God and Savior.”

‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT

Before elaborating further on growing in the knowledge of God, Peter makes clear that through the work of Jesus Christ, we have already been given everything we need in order to become like Jesus.

“By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.”

‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

As we have before discussed, the work of Jesus Christ made us able to be filled with the Holy Spirit of God. And, the Holy Spirit of God, brings with Him the spiritual “DNA” of Jesus Christ.

Notice, even though Peter is talking to fellow Christians who are filled with the Holy Spirit of God, he instructs that God has also given us great and precious promises through which, because of which, we can, we must, access the power to become like our Lord.

“And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.”

‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

As we have before discussed, at one time, we were servants to sin; but now, we can escape the corruption of the world and share in the divine nature.

“For this very reason, applying your diligence [to the divine promises], make every effort in [exercising] your faith to develop moral excellence, and in moral excellence, knowledge (insight, understanding), and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, steadfastness, and in your steadfastness, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly affection, and in your brotherly affection, [develop Christian] love [that is, learn to unselfishly seek the best for others and to do things for their benefit].”

‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬-‭7‬ ‭AMP‬‬

As we see in the above scripture, we accomplish adding these other virtues to our basic faith by exercising that faith, by believing that what God has said is true, and by obeying His word.

Indeed, responding to God’s promises by allowing our faith to produce all of the qualities evident in the divine nature, keeps us from falling short of what God has promised us.

“For as these qualities are yours and are increasing [in you as you grow toward spiritual maturity], they will keep you from being useless and unproductive in regard to the true knowledge and greater understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Sadly, failing to respond to God‘s promises by not allowing our faith to produce these other qualities, renders us useless, in terms of a true knowledge of God. [Remember, it is the Holy Spirit of God Who actually produces the inner work of forming us into the image of Jesus. However, without faith, the Holy Spirit will not, cannot, produce the qualities of the divine nature in our inner person.]

“For whoever lacks these qualities is blind—shortsighted [closing his spiritual eyes to the truth], having become oblivious to the fact that he was cleansed from his old sins.”

‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Those who are not involved in a process of being formed into the image of Jesus Christ, may well forget what God has done, and return to their former ways of being and doing!

Being diligent to make sure we are walking as He walked, will keep us from stumbling from our steadfastness.

“Therefore, believers, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you [be sure that your behavior reflects and confirms your relationship with God]; for by doing these things [actively developing these virtues], you will never stumble [in your spiritual growth and will live a life that leads others away from sin]; for in this way entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly provided to you.”

‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭10‬-‭11‬ ‭AMP‬‬

And note, our faithfulness toward growing into the full image of Jesus Christ, provides entrance into the Kingdom of God.

Child of God, not only are we a new creation, God has given us the means through which to walk, to live, as a new creation.

Peace to you.

Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!I’m