WE WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE DIVINE NATURE

[We all know of souls that have started this wonderful journey of relationship with Jesus Christ our Lord and becoming heirs of God! Then for whatever reason they turned back, but our Father said:] “I will be a Father to you, and YOU WILL BE MY SONS AND DAUGHTERS, SAYS THE LORD ALMIGHTY.” (2 Corin. 6:18) [So, it is very important that we do all we need to do to assure our salvation!] “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO CONFIRM YOUR CALLING AND ELECTION. For if you do these things, YOU WILL NEVER STUMBLE, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Pet. 1:10-11) [Listen to this somewhat harsh reality:] “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined–and everyone undergoes discipline–then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all.” (Heb. 12:7-8) [What must we do to maintain this discipline?] “His divine power has given us EVERYTHING WE NEED for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them YOU MAY PARTICIPATE IN THE DIVINE NATURE, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” (2 Pet. 1:3-4) [However impossible it may seem to do all the Lord has asked of us, IT IS CERTAIN HE WILL EMPOWER US TO ACCOMPLISH HIS TASK:] “For this very reason, MAKE EVERY EFFORT to add to your FAITH goodness; and to GOODNESS, knowledge; and to KNOWLEDGE, self-control; and to SELF-CONTROL, perseverance; and to PERSEVERANCE [determination, I know I can do this!], godliness; and to GODLINESS, mutual affection; and to MUTUAL AFFECTION, LOVE.” (2 Pet. 1:5-7) [Peter gives us these words to prove the validation of his inspiration!] “For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but WE WERE EYEWITNESSES OF HIS MAJESTY. He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “THIS IS MY SON, WHOM I LOVE; with him I am well pleased.” (2 Pet. 1:16-17)

Be blessed as you praise The Lord, knowing that WE WILL PARTICIPATE IN OUR ABBA FATHER’S DIVINE NATURE!
-Bill Stockham