UNION WITH GOD IS THE RESULT OF REGENERATION-PART 2

At the outset, I want you to get this truth; A REGENERATED MAN IS ONE WITH 2 NATURES.
The Christian is a new creature-2 Corinthians 5;17-[Turn].

His body is the same, but the disposition of his soul, is changed. The unrighteous soul of man is made righteous, by the uncreated Righteousness of God.

Regeneration brings in a new nature, which contends with, and conquers the corrupt nature.

Isaac born into the tent, where Ishmael formerly dwelt alone, is an illustration of The New Birth.
Isaac [the new nature] MUST contend with Ishmael [the old nature] until the tent [body] falls in
Death, and Ishmael [the flesh] is cast out.

A Husbandman does not cut down an en-grafted tree, but only takes away, wild branches below the graft;
neither does a Regenerated man, crucify immediately his body, but mortifies its deeds.

2 Peter 1;4--[Turn].
Made ''partakers of the divine nature'' cannot be understood, in the literal sense, for man can never be a partaker of The Divine Essence.

The word, ''DIVINE'' means Godlike, and ''Partaker'' means companion.
Thus, the word ''Nature'' cannot be essence, or substance, but, it is a disposition, or moral qualities.

Here, Peter was teaching that, when we put off the vices of the flesh, we shall become partakers of the blessing of God, in a way, proper to believers.
We shall be One with God, as far as, our capacity allows.

Peter contrasted heavenly glory to the corruption of the world.


Now, Get this truth;
The moment, The New Life tastes the graciousness of the Lord, the saint is spoiled for the world.

The Lord's desire for His people is that, we be more and more conformed to His image, even now.

2 Peter doesn't refer to a God-Nature, but, to a God-like nature. The God-like Nature is made of those Divine qualities called;
1. The Image of God-Colossians 1;15-[Turn].
2. The Life of God-John 10;10-''The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy;
I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.''

As God became like us to redeem, so we become like Him, in Regeneration.

Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and Christians. are the children of God.
But, this doesn't make the Son-ship of Christ, or that, of Christians, the same nature.

Christ is the Son by Eternal Generation, believers are Sons by Regeneration.
Hence, to be the Son forever, and to be adopted, as a Son, are contrasts.

Another contrast, is that Christ has a Divine Nature inherently in Himself, and believers are only partakers of The Divine Nature.

Life is communicated immediately, by Regeneration;
but, once, life is imparted, the promises become a living message, to the New Life.

The mere words of a promise will not communicate Divine Life to men's souls.

Sanctification, not union with Christ is emphasized, in the 1st part of 2 Peter, Chapter One.

The ''exceeding great and precious promises,'' are given to those, who have obtained ''like precious faith''--
2 Peter 1;1--''SIMON Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;''

God calls His people to pursue glory as their object, thus gaining victory, over all their enemies.

Since those united with Christ, have escaped the corruptions of the world, Peter exhorts them to flee inward corruption, and add to their faith, Christian Graces.

Now, Get this truth; A like precious faith will produce like precious practice.

Regeneration signifies A New Birth-God first makes a man new, by giving him, a new heart-
Ezekiel 36;26--[Turn].

The Holy Spirit gives man an new understanding, thus, the commandment is new to the man--
I John 2;7-[Turn].

New Life must be cultivated, before it becomes a mighty tree of Righteousness--Psalm 1;1-3--
[Turn].
Years may pass before full stature is reached--

Even though the Regenerate has a new heart, life, standing, commandment, and state, yet in the future, he will have many new things, such as;
A New Body,
A New Name,
A New Robe,
A New Song and A New Home.