EXCEEDING GREAT AND PRECIOUS PROMISES

"May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, that through these you may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of passion, and become partakers of the divine nature" (2 Peter 1:2-4, RSV).

Devotion 1 of 10

How does a person become more like God? What, if any, is the secret? Is conformity to the divine image the result of human discipline? Is it accomplished by means of a law principle? The answer is found in the promises of God.

INTRODUCTION

Unless directly confronted by God Himself, men have always had a difficult time taking Him seriously. Even religious people have thought little about killing God's "holy prophets," to say nothing of His "only begotten Son, full of grace and truth." Satan has deceived men into thinking they can "lightly esteem" the "God of their salvation" (Deut. 32;15)--and do so with impunity. Under the influence of our "adversary, the devil," principles of interpretation have been concocted that neutralize the Word of God, reducing the Scriptures to nothing more than a proceduralized manual of conduct. There are some demands made upon the people of God, and they do well to take them seriously. "Be ye holy, for I am holy" (I Pet.1:15). "Be ye therefore perfect..." (Matt.5:8). "Lay hold on eternal life" (I Tim.6:12,19). "Make your calling and election sure" (II Pet.1:10). Let none of us suppose that these are simply suggestions for a happy life. They are divine requirements: things that "accompany salvation" (Heb. 6:9). The question is, how can these things be accomplished?

THE SOURCE OF THE PROMISES -- HIS GLORY AND VIRTUE

The promises of God are "given" to us. They have been provided by, and because of, the will and nature of God. They are an expression of His Person. Peter identifies the "glory and virtue" of our Father as the source of these marvelous gifts. "Glory," from one point of view, is the sum total of God's attributes. It is the manifestation or revelation of what He is by nature. While God is the great self-existent One, His greatness will not allow Him to contain Himself. Even as the sun cannot be ultimately hidden, so the living God has not fully concealed Himself. He is seen in His creation, in His Law, in His prophets, in the Gospel, and, finally, in His Son. The failure to comprehend God is not due to Him obscuring Himself. It is due to man's blindness, induced by their submission to the devil. "Virtue" involves the goodness and excellence of God. Several versions translate this verse, "glory and goodness." Others employ the word "excellence," and still others "might." The thought here is of transcendent expression. It is something that is "good," leading to the blessing of mankind. This expression is also characterized by divine might. No earthly or demonic power can suppress this expression when it is received. God's "glory and virtue" also emphasize His compelling nature. These are manifestations that attract us to God, showing Him to gracious and good. The revelation of these qualities encourage those perceiving them to "draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of faith" (Heb. 10:22). God's nature compelled Him to give us good promises. The perception of His nature constrains us to accept them. We must never forget that our Father is transcendently righteous and strong. He is compelling and good. He never purposes iniquity nor leads to condemnation. HE IS CONSTRAINED BY HIS NATURE...NOT HUMAN NEED. If the latter were true, salvation would, without condition, be experienced by every one. PRAYER POINT: Father, your goodness compels me to seek the fulfillment of your great promises in me. Work in me that which is well pleasing in your sight. Fulfill your mromises in me!

-- TOMORROW: THE NATURE OF THE PROMISES --