Partakers of Christ's Nature

[RND]

???

How in the world can one be SDA and be preaching resting in Christ/partaking in the divine nature?

Easy. By understanding Christ's divine nature. "Resting" in Christ doesn't mean to ignore His commandments but rather to trust in Him to uphold His commandments in us.

Thinking you have to observe the Sabbath is resting in Christ??? (...the One who IS our Sabbath)???

Yes, just as thinking one has to flee from robbing banks or engaging in adultery is resting in Christ. The point being is that these things cannot be done without abiding in Christ.

Amazing how confused some Christians can get.....the gospel staring them right in the face, yet without revelation, they still see it with the Adam-ingrained, law-tinted glasses they've become accustomed to.

Here's praying...

I agree in some respect. We should instinctively know that the Gospel doesn't abolish the law it in fact establishes the law. If the law of God could have been easily removed then Christ did not need to die. The fact that even God Himself (Jesus) is subject to His own immutable law should help all concerned understand that Jesus died because of the sin the law reveals.

Christ's very nature was to obey, and be subjected to, the same law that God commanded that every man was to heed and to obey. If we desire to walk as He walked and partake in His divine nature then we will be even more in tune with the "spiritual" aspects of the law that only the Holy Spirit can reveal.

 

[christianmomof3]

To be a partaker of the divine nature is to be in an organic union with Christ. We are partaking of His very life - of Him as the bread of life and as the living water. We are one with Him in His life.

EGW seems to be saying we need to learn to act like Christ.
That is not partaking of the divine nature.

It is just an outward action.

We need to take Christ into us as our food, our drink, our air. We do this by praying, calling upon the name of the Lord, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs and enjoying Christ with other saints.
When we enjoy Him as our life and life supply, we are partaking of the divine nature.

 

[RND]

To be a partaker of the divine nature is to be in an organic union with Christ. We are partaking of His very life - of Him as the bread of life and as the living water. We are one with Him in His life.

EGW seems to be saying we need to learn to act like Christ.

The Scriptures seem to say the exact same thing.

Jhn 8:47 He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear [them] not, because ye are not of God.

1Jo 2:6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

1Jo 4:6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

That is not partaking of the divine nature.

It is just an outward action.

Abiding in Christ is not just an outward action but a complete lifestyle.

We need to take Christ into us as our food, our drink, our air. We do this by praying, calling upon the name of the Lord, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs and enjoying Christ with other saints.

Did you mean to leave out reading the word of God?

When we enjoy Him as our life and life supply, we are partaking of the divine nature.

Which, if you carefully read EGW you'll see she says the same thing.

"We have a great truth and great light; and if we walk in the light as it shines upon our pathway, we shall have increased light. Our works should correspond with our faith. Oh, why are we not more in earnest? Why do we not rise to our high privilege, and partake of the divine nature? As the wax takes the imprint of the seal, so must the soul receive and retain the moral image of God. We may become filled with his love, and transfigured by beholding his purity and righteousness. Our souls will become sluggish and our faith enfeebled unless we arouse and have a firm, steady, active faith. He "that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure." - The Review and Herald, April 12, 1887, paragraph 3

"All can not be first; all can not be masters. It is a great misfortune to be unable to see in others higher excellences and powers of greater usefulness than in yourself. Let us walk humbly before God, acknowledging Him as the great Master. If we will partake of the divine nature, God will fit us to find happiness in activity, and rest in wearing Christ's yoke. If we use aright the powers God has given us, praying, waiting, watching, and working, wearing Christ's yoke and learning daily of Him to be meek and lowly in heart, great joy will be brought into our lives." - The Signs of the Times , March 8, 1899, paragraph 8

"Men hear the words of Christ, but they are not doers of his words. The progressive character of the life of godliness is not agreeable to their ease-loving, selfish habits and desires. They do not partake of the broken body and shed blood of the Saviour of men. They are not willing to "crucify the flesh with the affections and lusts," that they may be renewed in true holiness, after the image of the Son of God. The word of God that tries the hearts of men, proves them wanting. They have no part in the Saviour's grace, no foundation for hope in his salvation. Says Jesus, "He that is of God heareth God's words." Those who receive the law and the testimony, and assimilate the truth of God, are partaking of the divine nature, growing up unto the full stature of men and women in Christ Jesus, and the word of truth is working their sanctification. Though they make no boasting profession of holiness, but manifest a meek and quiet spirit, working the works of Christ, they will stand before the throne of God, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing. They will be sanctified and glorified through obedience to the commandments of God, wrought by divine power, through the faith of the Son of God." - The Signs of the Times , April 13, 1888, paragraph 15

 

[Cross Reference]

Easy. By understanding Christ's divine nature. "Resting" in Christ doesn't mean to ignore His commandments but rather to trust in Him to uphold His commandments in us.

Yes, just as thinking one has to flee from robbing banks or engaging in adultery is resting in Christ. The point being is that these things cannot be done without abiding in Christ.

I agree in some respect. We should instinctively know that the Gospel doesn't abolish the law it in fact establishes the law. If the law of God could have been easily removed then Christ did not need to die. The fact that even God Himself (Jesus) is subject to His own immutable law should help all concerned understand that Jesus died because of the sin the law reveals.

Christ's very nature was to obey, and be subjected to, the same law that God commanded that every man was to heed and to obey. If we desire to walk as He walked and partake in His divine nature then we will be even more in tune with the "spiritual" aspects of the law that only the Holy Spirit can reveal.

"Love God and do as you please." Ever heard that remark before?

 

[RND]

"Love God and do as you please." Ever heard that remark before?

Sure. Hear it all the time from most "we're not under law we're under grace" Christians it seems. Of course, nothing could be further from the truth than to say "Love God and do as you please."

 

[RND]

As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: but as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy. 1 Peter 1: 14, 15.

The transforming power of Christ's grace molds the one who gives himself to God's service. Imbued with the Spirit of the Redeemer, he is ready to deny self, ready to take up the cross, ready to make any sacrifice for the Master. No longer can he be indifferent to the souls perishing around him. He is lifted above self- serving. He has been created anew in Christ, and self-serving has no place in his life. He realizes that every part of his being belongs to Christ, who has redeemed him from the slavery of sin; that every moment of his future has been bought with the precious lifeblood of God's only-begotten Son.

Christ is our pattern, and those who follow Christ will not walk in darkness, for they will not seek their own pleasure. To glorify God will be the continual aim of their life. Christ represented the character of God to the world. The Lord Jesus so conducted His life that men were compelled to acknowledge that He had done all things well. The world's Redeemer was the light of the world, for His character was without fault. Though He was the only begotten Son of God, and the heir of all things in heaven and earth, He did not leave an example of indolence and self-indulgence. . . .

Christ never flattered any one. He never deceived or defrauded, never changed His course of straightforward uprightness to obtain favor or applause. He ever expressed the truth.
The law of kindness was in His lips, and there was no guile in His mouth. Let the human agent compare his life with the life of Christ, and through the grace which Jesus imparts to those who make Him their personal Saviour, reach the standard of righteousness. . . .

Those who follow Christ will be continually looking into the perfect law of liberty, and through the grace given them by Christ, will fashion the character according to the divine requirements.

From God's Amazing Grace - Page 235​

 

[ticker]

Easy. By understanding Christ's divine nature. "Resting" in Christ doesn't mean to ignore His commandments but rather to trust in Him to uphold His commandments in us.

Yes, just as thinking one has to flee from robbing banks or engaging in adultery is resting in Christ. The point being is that these things cannot be done without abiding in Christ.

I agree in some respect. We should instinctively know that the Gospel doesn't abolish the law it in fact establishes the law. If the law of God could have been easily removed then Christ did not need to die. The fact that even God Himself (Jesus) is subject to His own immutable law should help all concerned understand that Jesus died because of the sin the law reveals.

Christ's very nature was to obey, and be subjected to, the same law that God commanded that every man was to heed and to obey. If we desire to walk as He walked and partake in His divine nature then we will be even more in tune with the "spiritual" aspects of the law that only the Holy Spirit can reveal.

...interesting take. Doesn't speak to me though. Sorry.

 

[ticker]

"Love God and do as you please." Ever heard that remark before?

...it pretty much says it all.

 

[RND]

...interesting take.

It is.

Doesn't speak to me though. Sorry.

No need to tell me sorry.

 

[MamaZ]

One has to understand what biblical grace is to understand that when one is under Grace it is not us working to achieve to be like Christ it is Christ in us finishing the work He began.

 

[Cross Reference]

One has to understand what biblical grace is to understand that when one is under Grace it is not us working to achieve to be like Christ it is Christ in us finishing the work He began.

So then what is it we are given to overcome after we become Christians?

 

[ticker]

So then what is it we are given to overcome after we become Christians?

...why do you think there's something WE need to overcome?

EDIT: ....and no, that's actually not a "slam". Just because someone simply disagrees with you (...which I now remember you had a problem with on your other thread), doesn't mean you need to get sore at them.

Peace

 

[ticker]

I'll bet you have never given it a thought

Oh, right....kinda like you BET I and others have gotten our beliefs from Bible commentaries.

LOL...you seem to know a lot! Why even bother with the questions?

and how it is that WE are not delivered from it..

Actually, we ARE delivered from it. Any on-going acts of vanity (or other kinds of sin) in a Christian is due to what Paul has called "indwelling sin" of the flesh. But WE are no longer vain...(we may just act like it ).

Here's a little verse you might find intereseting...

1 Corinthians 6 - "Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God."

The good news of the Gospel is that we have been delivered from the sinful nature and AREN'T those things anymore. Sorry to break it to ya

Peace

 

[Cross Reference]

Oh, right....kinda like you BET I and others have gotten our beliefs from Bible commentaries.

LOL...you seem to know a lot! Why even bother with the questions?




Actually, we ARE delivered from it. Any on-going acts of vanity (or other kinds of sin) in a Christian is due to what Paul has called "indwelling sin" of the flesh. But WE are no longer vain...(we may just act like it ).

Here's a little verse you might find intereseting...

1 Corinthians 6 - "Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God."

The good news of the Gospel is that we have been delivered from the sinful nature and AREN'T those things anymore. Sorry to break it to ya

Peace

101 son: we have not been delivered from our sinful nature. We are to overcome it. More 101: Vanity is not a sin. Learn those two things to take to yourself a different perspective of what being born again means.

You seem to know it all so I believe there is not much hope in explaining it to you. Suffice to say that we have an advocate with the Father. Go you know what an advocate does? Do you own a dictionary?

 

[MamaZ]

So then what is it we are given to overcome after we become Christians?

You will have to show me scriptual text so I can understand what you are talking about. For we overcome by the blood of the lamb.

 

[Cross Reference]

You will have to show me scriptual text so I can understand what you are talking about. For we overcome by the blood of the lamb.

The Bible is repleat with such teaching.

Listen, You would have us all to know that you understand the Bible. There should be no need for anyone to post anything to explain what it is we are to overcome as Christians. Satan isn't that which it is since Jesus did that part and now we are simply to resist him. That leaves only US. So I ask, what is it about US that we are to overcome? Are you completely faithful to Jesus Christ? Why not? Is there compromise in your life? Aren't learning how to be faithful to Him? How is it you don't believe lessons aren't necessary and aren't part of the program? Are we all transfigured when we get saved? Sorry but, your request doesn't make sense.

Here: [FONT=&quot]What I resent reveals who or what governs me.[/FONT]

 

[Cross Reference]

?

Answers to what?

If I own a dictionary?

I think this discussion is over...you got my answer. Sorry it doesn't speak to you.

Peace

Right. "Emptiness" never can speak.

 

[RTE (Road to Emmaus)]

RND,


He is to be our pattern.
No He is our life. Patterns are for copycats. You're a copycat.




The grace of Christ must mold the entire being
The grace of Christ is not dependent on us, otherwise it would be called "the grace of us".
So you use Christian-speak, but you mean something quite other. Watch below for proof of this.....




God works, and man works, that man may be one with Christ as Christ is one with God.
Proof that your "grace of Christ" is really a disguised "man tries hard".
Only God works, thus it is commanded "be still and know that I am God".




Then we sit together with Christ in heavenly places.
Perhaps for you it is future tense, but the born-again believer already sits there. "And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:". Note the present perfect tense.




Each person must obtain an experience for himself.
The old man can never become the new man of his own volition, otherwise he were already the new man by virtue of having the same desire as the new man.
No rather, the old man must be crucified by God, and the new man raised in his place. This has not occurred in your life, which is why you speak of the new man as a revamped old man.





When it all boils down, what you have said is simply "try to be a good person, and attach the name "Christ" to your efforts." Anyone can do that. Most religious people do. Being born again, however, is something entirely different, and will remain a mystery to you.

 

[Cross Reference]

RND,


He is to be our pattern.
No He is our life. Patterns are for copycats. You're a copycat.




The grace of Christ must mold the entire being
The grace of Christ is not dependent on us, otherwise it would be called "the grace of us".
So you use Christian-speak, but you mean something quite other. Watch below for proof of this.....




God works, and man works, that man may be one with Christ as Christ is one with God.
Proof that your "grace of Christ" is really a disguised "man tries hard".
Only God works, thus it is commanded "be still and know that I am God".




Then we sit together with Christ in heavenly places.
Perhaps for you it is future tense, but the born-again believer already sits there. "And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:". Note the present perfect tense.




Each person must obtain an experience for himself.
The old man can never become the new man of his own volition, otherwise he were already the new man by virtue of having the same desire as the new man.
No rather, the old man must be crucified by God, and the new man raised in his place. This has not occurred in your life, which is why you speak of the new man as a revamped old man.





When it all boils down, what you have said is simply "try to be a good person, and attach the name "Christ" to your efforts." Anyone can do that. Most religious people do. Being born again, however, is something entirely different, and will remain a mystery to you.

Question: What is the proof one is born again?

 

[RTE (Road to Emmaus)]

Proof to whom?