The Divine Nature

What is the divine nature? This phenomena is only mentioned twice in the New Testament. The first time it is mentioned is in the book of Romans. "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse." - Romans 1:20 The divine nature is again mentioned in 2 Peter. "Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires." - 2 Peter 1:4

What we do know is that the divine nature that we partake of is somehow wrapped up in our salvation. So then, what does the act of salvation entail. Salvation occurs when we come alive spiritually; when we are born of the Spirit. So salvation is surrounded by the concept of new life. With that in mind, let's explore the concept of new life in the world as Romans 1:20 advises us to do. New life in the world comes about through the seed. In the story of creation, the seed is mentioned six times alone, placing a significant amount of importance on where each creation contained this seed of life. But what we know of seeds is that they do not exist alone. New life within the seed cannot begin until there is a meeting between the masculine and feminine entities. At this meeting new life is quickened within the seed. This is not only confined to plant life but is evidenced in all life. The masculine gives birth to thought - the decision to act. The seed is then given of the masculine. The feminine receives the seed and within her is new life quickened and awakened and begins to grow.

So how do we see this occur in the divine nature? Well, we have the Father. The Father gave of himself, his only begotten Son. The Spirit within us enables us to proclaim that the Seed, Jesus Christ, is Lord. When we come to that profession of faith, new life is quickened and given birth to in us. We see the phenomena evidenced all throughout nature, take place in our very own spiritual life. As new life is born within us we allow the work and presence of God within us to grow and take shape. The more fertile we allow ourselves to be the more fruit we bear. Our fertility and openness is cultivated by the Spirit at work within our lives. As we grow in this divine nature we take on the likeness of Christ; we become more like him. The food that is used to nurture our spirits is that of faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and finally love. (2 Pet. 1:5-7) When we possess these nutrients in increasing measure, we become effective and productive in Christ (2 Pet. 1:8) (paraphrase mine).

The divine nature is none other than the process required for all new life to begin. The difference being that the source is directly from God and is evidenced spiritually within each and every one of us who are "saved". When we come to accept God's presence within us for what it truly is then we can partake of the divine nature as God intends. As seen in all new life, the conception is only the beginning and first steps. We must then continue on allowing the Spirit to nurture us and stimulate growth within us. It is a continual process of maturation until we reach our fullness in Christ.