4 Through [g]these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world on account of lust.
2 Peter 1:4 (NASB) 中文
What are these?
Peter continues his thought here from verse 3. What are “these”? God’s own glory and excellence (v3) – the means by which He calls us. So it’s by His glory and excellence that God grants us promises, precious and magnificent as they are.
Let’s give some quick thought to grant. Grant is, “to give the ownership or benefit of (something) formally or publicly” (merriam-webster.com) These promises have been formally and publicly conferred upon us in such as way that we own them and gain great benefit for our life here and now and, as our eternal life continues, in Heaven.
Precious promises
And these promises are precious and magnificent. They are of the greatest value. Consider the parables Jesus told to help us understand eternal value – like the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:45-46) or the lost coin (Luke 15:8–10).
What are the promises of God? Here’s a partial list (just of Jesus’ promises) from gotquestions.org:
- Jesus promised rest (Matthew 11:28–30). Burdens are lifted at Calvary.
- Jesus promised abundant life to those who follow Him (John 10:10). Following Jesus brings us more spiritual fulfillment than we could have anticipated. We leave boring behind.
- Jesus promised eternal life to those who trust Him (John 4:14). The Good Shepherd also promised to hold us securely: “No one will snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:28).
- Jesus promised His disciples power from on high (Acts 1:8). In this power, they “turned the world upside down” (Acts 17:6, ESV).
- Jesus promised that He will return for us (John 14:2–3). From then on, we will be with Him always.
Divine nature
And we are told we will partake in the divine nature. What? Is this support for Buddhism, Hinduism, Mormonism and other religions and cults that say we can become God? Of course not. However we know from Genesis that mankind was created in the image of God.That image has been marred by sin. But it is redeemed in salvation and completed when we separate from our sinful bodies at death (or rapture). But partaking in the divine nature is more than this.
“When God saved us by faith in His promise (cf. John 1:12; 5:24; 6:47; et al.), He indwelt us, and we therefore possess the “nature” of God within us (cf. John 16:7; Acts 2:39). God’s Spirit in us manifests the likeness of God and Christ through us. He also gives us power that enables us to overcome (escape) the temptations of “lust” that result in “corruption” (cf. Gal. 5:16-17).” (Constable commentary)
RЯeflection
- It is time to reflect on the manifold, magnificent blessings our magnanimous God has given us! As we reflect, express thanks and praise.
- Maybe your mind has been poisoned by the idea that if you do the right things in this life you can earn either a higher status (in a reincarnation model) or even become a god (Mormonism). We encourage you to pray to The God of creation, the God of love who is love, the Judge of all the earth (including us and our sin), the Savior of mankind and ask Him to reveal Himself to you.
