August 16
The Nature of the Divine Participation
The Christian's Daily Treasury"Partakers of the Divine nature." — 2 Peter 1:4.
THIS refers to believers, and furnishes us with a short but interesting description of them. Let us
PRESENT SOME REMARKS FOR THE RIGHT UNDERSTANDING OF THIS PASSAGE. Why is this new principle called a Divine nature? First, because it is derived from God. Secondly, because it leads to God. Thirdly, because it makes us like God. In what respects is the new nature like God?
As it is a living principle. The meanest insect in respect of its life is more excellent than the sun in the heavens. "A living dog is better than a dead lion." How much better, then, is a living saint than a dead sinner!
As it is a spiritual principle. "That which is born of the Spirit is spirit." It is so called in opposition to corrupt nature, which is styled flesh, because it has a spiritual discernment, delights in spiritual duties, and in the contemplation of spiritual objects.
As it is an active principle. God is an active Being; hence we read that he never shunbers nor sleeps. As soon as the new nature is implanted in the soul, it exerts itself in acts of faith, hope, love, and joy, inwardly in the heart; and outwardly in the life, by an obedience to God's commands and ordinances.
As it is a loving principle. "God is love," and the chief ingredient in the new nature is love: love to God, because of his glorious perfections and works; love to the saints, as they bear the Divine image; and love to our enemies, in compliance with the command of Christ.
As it is an immortal principle. "Whatsoever is born of God doth not commit sin, for his seed remaineth in him;" that is, the principle of the new nature remains. In the want of assurance, Christians may lose the beauty, sweetness, and fragrancy of the flowers of grace; but not the seeds and root of the heavenly principle.
As it is an enlightening principle. The Christian is renewed in knowledge, after the image of him that created him. The new creation, as well as the old, begins with light. Without light in the mind, there can be no grace in the heart, peace in the conscience, joy in the soul, or holiness in the life. God is light, and believers are the children of light.
As it is a holy principle. God is glorious in holiness, and believers are assimilated to the Divine likeness in moral purity.