April 11

Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises, that by these you might be partakers of the Divine nature.—2 Peter 1:4.

We observe, that the value of the promises of the gospel is especially displayed by their connection with this end—that “you might be partakers of the Divine nature.”

To raise men to this state is matter of promise, and therefore of grace. We might have been left to the sin and degradation we had sought. And the promises thus given to us, all of them, suppose the covenant of grace. That covenant is a voluntary engagement on the part of God, founded in the atoning sacrifice of his Son, and by that sacrifice likewise ratified. The moment we embrace it by faith, it stands sure as to ourselves, and all its promises are our own. And when we consider their great design, to make us partakers of the Divine nature, how clearly and brightly does this display their value! They appear to us of unspeakable value; “exceeding great and precious.”

1. They are so in respect of the honor which this great attainment puts on man. Think of every thing called honor which excludes this. You give a man wealth, and power, and a name; and his heart is the corrupt seat of evils which will make all that he possesses a curse and a shame to him. Belshazzar sports in his splendid hall among his fawning courtiers; and the hand of God writes in blazing characters before him, “Thou art weighed in the balance, and art found wanting.” The true honor of man is in that which makes him here the object of the Divine approbation and favor, and hereafter of open acknowledgment. Among the true servants of God, all the aspiring children of ambition will desire to stand at last, their too tardy judgment at length confessing that all beside this was but dust, and lighter than vanity itself.

2. Consider this value in respect to interest. What is the real interest of man, but the attainment of the favor and image of God? It is not often that even our outward interests are disjoined from piety. Sometimes it may be so, but ordinarily, in our respective stations, godliness is indeed profitable to all things. It increases our happiness, and saves from many distresses. But even were it not so, how is it that interest is to be estimated? Do we say that that which is profitable for one day is more valuable than that which is profitable for our whole life? Take this, then, as your rule. Our life is but for a moment, our whole being is eternal; and if we are partakers of the Divine nature, then are our eternal interests secured. As without holiness no man shall see the Lord, so the holy man shall ascend the hill of the Lord, and dwell in his holy place.

3. Consider this value in respect of peace. There can be no peace to the wicked. Evil brings its own punishment with it in the disquietude which it occasions. "Can a man take fire in his bosom, and not be burned?" But the peace which is enjoyed when we are partakers of the Divine nature is peace of conscience, we know that God is reconciled to us; peace, as the result of the subjugation of disturbing appetites and passions; peace, as to the fruit of the conscious presence of God, and the testimony that we please him; peace, as the effect of calm, satisfied dependence on God, to whom we commit our way, and on whom our mind is stayed; a peace, this, which flows from the high and exhaustless fountain, remaining with us when other sources are dried up, and can yield us no supply.

4. Consider this value in respect of usefulness. Knowledge is a powerful instrument of God, when prompted by benevolence, and sustained by consistency of character. And where there is participation of the Divine nature, there we find all these elements of usefulness, knowledge, holiness, and love.

5. And, lastly, consider this value in reference to hope. Here alone is found true hope, the good hope through grace, the expectation of the righteous which shall not be cut off. Nor is this the hope of mere safety. It refers to the continual, eternal increase of the good which we enjoy. Finite can never become infinite; and, therefore, a perpetual advancement in knowledge, holiness, and love, is spread before us.

Recollect that you must thus partake of the Divine nature; or you can never have fellowship with God here or hereafter. "How can two walk together unless they be agreed?"

Recollect, these promises are to all who seek their accomplishment with their whole heart. God is faithful; nor can his word fall unfulfilled to the earth. And these promises are addressed to us in all their fullness. They show us that good, and perfect, and acceptable will which we are all called to prove, to experience for ourselves.

Examine them, therefore. See to what blessings they refer. Be not in ignorance of this the good pleasure of God respecting you.

And plead them in earnest prayer. Take with you these words in coming to God. In asking that his own promises to us be accomplished, we ask according to his will; and we know that if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us, and we shall have the petitions that we desire of him.