Mortality and Divinity: Knowledge

Embark on a journey through “Mortality and Divinity,” where each step uncovers the transformative power of Christian Virtues, beyond mere ideals, into the essence of a life shaped by Jesus’ love and grace. Delve into faith, hope, love, and more as we explore living as accurate reflections of God’s image. These virtues are concepts and invitations to deepen our relationship with our Creator and those around us. Together, let’s discover how these virtues weave into the fabric of our lives, guiding us to shape our communities and the world with the love of Christ.

“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, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:3–11, ESV)

Walking in the divine nature transcends the ordinary paths of faith to delve into the depths of knowledge intertwined with virtue. In his profound insight, the apostle Peter beckons us to add knowledge to our faith and virtue, highlighting a transformative approach to our spiritual walk.

At the core of this journey is the recognition that faith risks being reduced to mere superstition when stripped of the illuminating power of revealed knowledge. It’s not the mere act of believing that holds power but the substance of our beliefs and the actions they inspire. Hence, the call to infuse our faith with knowledge is not just an invitation but a crucial step toward a life that truly reflects the character of Christ.

Diving deeper, we discover that the quest for knowledge is anchored in the absolute truth of God’s word (John 17:17). Contrary to the prevailing winds of relative truth, which suggest that moral standards are subjective, the Bible lays down an absolute framework of right and wrong, accessible to all and not just a select few. This revelation is liberating, offering a path to salvation through the knowledge of truth (John 8:32), and is essential for anyone seeking freedom from sin.

But why is this knowledge so vital? The Scriptures serve as a divine mirror, revealing our sins and showcasing the righteousness to which we are called (Rom. 3:20; 7:7). Through God’s word, we understand the sins to avoid and the path of righteousness to follow, guided by divine revelation (Psa. 19:12; Jer. 10:23; Deut. 30:11,15). It acts as a restraint against sin (1 Tim. 1:8-10) and a source of sustenance for our faith, especially in times of adversity (Acts 20:32; Psa. 119:92).

The maturity of a Christian is evidenced by their ability to discern right from wrong through the seasoned knowledge of God’s word (Heb. 5:11-14). This maturity is not just about knowing Scripture but understanding how it applies to various aspects of life, from personal convictions to broader doctrinal issues. It requires navigating challenges with grace, seeking unity in diversity without compromising on the foundational truths of our faith (1 Cor. 15; Gal. 2; 1 John 4:1-6; Matt. 19:9).

The journey toward spiritual maturity and more profound biblical knowledge is personal and communal. It involves engaging with Scripture daily, participating in church Bible studies, and building a personal library of biblical resources to deepen our understanding (1 Tim. 4:13; 2 Tim. 2:15; 2 Pet. 3:18). This pursuit is not for the faint of heart but for those who seek to live out the divine nature in every aspect of their lives.

The absence of biblical knowledge is not just a shortfall; it’s a difficult path that leads away from the will of God (Hos. 4:6). As we seek to embody the divine nature, let us commit to enriching our faith with knowledge, understanding that this journey is not merely about acquiring information but about transforming our lives and the world around us with the truth of God’s word.

‌‌~PW 🌮🛶