The doctrine of subsequence

Pressing-On · #10 09-23-2013, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luke

2 Peter 1:4 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.

1. Who is this verse speaking to?
If we go back to verse one Peter there tells us that it is to those of like precious faith. Also it tells us in this verse that they babe escaped the corruption that is in the world. Therefore it is obvious from the context and from the scripture it self that it is addressed to Christians.

2. To whom were the promises given? Christians .

3. Why were they given? That by these ye MIGHT be partakers of the divine nature.

Just by simply examining each part of the scripture it is obvious that there is something spoken of here beyond salvation that is offered to Christians but not to sinners.

If people are partakers of the divine nature at the point of salvation what is the purpose of the exceeding great and precious promises. Why would Peter say that by these promises those who are saved might be or are enabled to partake of the divine nature if they already had. Also why would he specifically make having escaped the corruption that is in the world (being saved) a condition to receive these promises if we already received what the the promises offered?

I take note that Peter is leading up to gaining eternal life in verse 11, so I can only think he refers to our divine nature (might be) in the same way as is mentioned in I John 3:2 - We are sons of God NOW, but when He appears we will be like Him - "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is."

1 Corinthians 15:53-54 "For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory."