“Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”
(2 Peter 1:4)
Through the exceeding great and precious promises of the gospel, God not only pardons sin. He also renews His people inwardly, allowing them to partake of His divine nature. This means that believers are graciously welcomed to share in God’s moral likeness through the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. They receive new hearts, new affections, new desires, and a new principle of spiritual life that was entirely absent before conversion.
This work belongs exclusively to those who have been united to Christ by faith.[1] Fallen man, left to himself, remains governed by the “corruption that is in the world through lust.” He may possess natural abilities, outward morality, religious knowledge, and even an interest in spiritual things, yet he cannot truly delight in the holiness and beauty of God apart from the regenerating work of the Spirit.
The new nature implanted by God enables believers to discern the excellency of spiritual things, both by enlightening the mind and by warming the heart to the truths of Scripture. Christ becomes precious, holiness becomes desirable, and the glory of God becomes the believer’s chief delight. This spiritual perception is itself a gift of grace, flowing from the indwelling Spirit who opens blind eyes and renews darkened hearts.
Left to themselves, His people would have remained strangers to spiritual life, unable to discern the beauty of Christ or the glory of the gospel. Yet in His mercy and sovereign goodness, He has called them out of darkness, given them His Spirit, and made them partakers of a holy nature that unites them with Himself.
This gracious work also displays the certainty of God’s saving purpose. He not only forgives His people but transforms them. The promises of the gospel accomplish what God intends, producing lives increasingly conformed to the image of His Son. Though sanctification remains incomplete in this life, the work itself is real, and the God who begins it will surely bring it to perfection.
Thus, every evidence of spiritual life—faith, love, repentance, holiness, and perseverance—are fruits of divine grace and therefore belong to the praise of God alone. He not only instructs us in holiness but has begun to form holiness within us. The God who gives the promises also gives the new heart by which those promises are embraced and enjoyed.
Contemplations:
- Adoring God For Giving New Life. Left to myself, I would never have loved Christ or desired holiness. Yet in Your sovereign mercy You gave me new life and implanted within me a new heart that longs after You. Every spiritual desire I possess is the fruit of Your grace. I praise You for making me a partaker of the divine nature and for beginning a work that You have promised to complete.
- Adoring God For The Gift Of Spiritual Understanding. I worship You because You have opened my eyes to behold the beauty of spiritual truth. Once the things of God were hidden from me, but by Your Spirit You have made Christ precious and Your Word delightful. Whatever understanding I have of Your holiness, wisdom, and mercy comes entirely from You. I praise You that You have not left me to my own darkness but have graciously taught my heart to know and love You.
- Adoring God For The Power Of The Gospel. I praise You for the exceeding great and precious promises of the gospel which inform my mind, strengthen my faith, encourage my obedience, and nourish my hope. Through these promises You continue the work of sanctification and conform me to the likeness of Christ. I adore You because Your promises never fail, and Your grace always accomplishes the purpose for which You have given it.
- Adoring God For Certain Transformation. I worship You because Your saving work is certain from beginning to end. You not only forgave my sins but have committed Yourself to making me holy. Thank You that Your Spirit continues to work patiently within me. I rejoice that one day I shall perfectly reflect the image of Christ and enjoy unbroken fellowship with You forever. All the glory belongs to You for such a marvelous salvation.
Prayer (Adoration):
Most holy and gracious Father, I adore You for the greatness of Your saving work. You not only pardon sinners; You renew them by Your Spirit and make them partakers of the divine nature through union with Jesus Christ.
I praise You for opening blind eyes, softening hard hearts, and giving spiritual life where there was only death. Every godly affection, every desire for righteousness, every delight in Christ, and every pursuit of obedience is the fruit of Your sovereign grace.
I adore You for the exceeding great and precious promises of the gospel. Through them You strengthen my faith, encourage my perseverance, and continue Your work of sanctification in me.
Though I remain imperfect in this life, You are steadily conforming me to the image of Your beloved Son. I rejoice that the day is coming when every remnant of corruption will be removed, and I shall behold Christ in perfect holiness.
Receive all praise for Your wisdom, Your mercy, Your power, and Your unfailing grace. May my life increasingly display the holy likeness You are pleased to form within Your redeemed people.
Through Jesus Christ my Lord, Amen.
Further Scripture References:
Heb. 12:10; 1 John 3:2; Eph. 4:24; 2 Peter 2:18
[1] Jonathan Edwards, Writings on the Trinity, Grace, and Faith, ed. Sang Hyun Lee and Harry S. Stout, vol. 21, The Works of Jonathan Edwards (New Haven; London: Yale University Press, 2003), 155-157.
