The astounding doctrine of deification

Michie said:

*You are in the Catholic forum*

There is one doctrine of the Church that changes everything... and I mean everything!

And once you get it, your understanding of salvation is radically transformed.

I'm talking about deification.

Yup! You and I are created to be divine!

St. Peter declares very clearly that we are destined to become "partakers" of the divine nature of God 2 Peter 1:4. But that's not the only place in Scripture thus amazing doctrine is found.

Continued below.
088: The Astounding Doctrine of Deification - Matthew Leonard

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chevyontheriver said:

This is SO SCARY to Protestants who first come across it.

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lecatholicpilgrim said:

Indeed. It was a "stumbling block" to me when I first heard it. "What? Seriously? This sounds like heresy." The concept is so rich that it deserves making a pause and reflecting on it to understand both ourselves, God, and the work He does in us.

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We are actually able to have the Spirit of Christ living within us which makes us adopted sons and daughters of God, but this does not make us part of the Godhead (see Romans 8:15, 23; Galatians 4:5; and Ephesians 1:5). Jesus is the natural Son of God because He is the Word incarnate; and the Word is part of the Godhead which now has a human component that was not there before the birth of Christ.
Christ’s Spirit makes us partakers of the divine nature (2Peter 1:4). The Greek word behind the word "partakers" is "koionos", which is defined as "a partner, associate, comrade, or companion". The Holy Spirit is called the "comforter" in John 14:16. The Greek word behind it is "parakletos" which is defined as "summoned, called to one's side, esp. called to one's aid". These do not mean that we become God (capital ‘G’). The words “god” and “gods” (lower case ‘g’) are used in Scripture, but these are creatures of God which are not part of the Godhead.
Humility toward God brings us grace. 1Peter 5:5-7 says to "be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time, Casting all of your care upon him; for he careth for you." This is essential for being as close to God as possible.
Christ’s humility toward the Father enabled the Father to work miracles through Jesus’ humanity. Our humility towards Christ enables Him to live within us and to share His graces from the Father with us.

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