Divine Nature
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. (KJV)
We have the opportunity to partake of the Divine Nature, the very essence of God. Currently we find ourselves immersed in Human Nature. Peter tells us there is a possibility to partake of the same Nature that God has. Some of us will shed our Human Nature and awaken to a much higher destiny. Once fully clothed with the Divine Nature, we will be the Manifested Sons of God. Every thought will be Divine. Gods thoughts will become our thoughts. We will know the will of the Father, for it will become our Nature. Those of us who fully mature will experience a change, casting off the confines of human mortality to enter the frontier of divine immortality.
Psalm 17:15
As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy Likeness. (KJV)
The Hebrew word "Likeness" in that verse comes from the root word meaning "kind" as in, kind-begets-kind. Cattle-beget-cattle, dogs-beget-dogs, birds-beget-birds etc.
Genesis 1:24-26
Then God said, "Let the earth bring forth living creatures after their kind: cattle and creeping things and beasts of the earth after their kind"; and it was so.
25 And God made the beasts of the earth after their kind, and the cattle after their kind, and everything that creeps on the ground after its kind; and God saw that it was good.
26 Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our Image, according to Our Likeness (NAS)
We have Gods seed within us. We are the earth that contains his seed. God made us in His image and likeness, kind begets kind. His seed has been sown within us and it will ultimately bring forth after His kind.
1 Peter 1:23
Being born again, not of Corruptible Seed, but of Incorruptible (Seed), by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. (KJV)
Is the seed of God perfect? Yes it is. When we read the parable of the sower, we find the seed falls on all types of ground. The seed is perfect but the ground is often a problem. I want to talk about those who produce the 100 fold, fully matured seed of God. We can be partakers of Divine Glory, but some choose the 30 fold or 60 fold realm.
Matthew 13:18-23
Hear ye therefore the parable of the Sower.
19 When any one Heareth the word of the kingdom, and Understandeth it Not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received Seed by the way side.
20 But he that received the Seed into stony places, the same is he that Heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;
21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
22 He also that received Seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
23 But he that received Seed into the Good Ground is he that Heareth the word, AND Understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an Hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. (KJV)
The problem is not with the seed. The seed is perfect. It is the very seed of God. The problem is with the ground. Adam was formed out of the dust of the earth. We are the garden in which God sows his seed. Some have stony ground, others have thorny ground but yet others have good ground.
What is the good ground that produces the 100 fold result of Gods seed? Verse 23 just showed us the Good Ground is he that Hears the Word AND Understands it. People all over the church realm hear the word Sunday after Sunday. But hearing alone is not good enough. We must also have Understanding. Those partakers of the 100 fold Divine Nature will have Spiritual Ears to Hear and Spiritual Eyes to See or Understand.
Some people refuse to mature. Sure they have become adults physically, but they remain children mentally. Many Christians are the same way. They accepted Jesus into their Heart/Spirits but refuse to let go of their carnal Soul/Minds. Most Christians do not even try to put on the Mind of Christ. They are happy to go to church each Sunday, but never give God more than a passing thought through the week. Other Christians start out really strong and try to make changes in their soul/mind to become like Jesus. But when they find its not easy, they eventually stop trying.
A 30 fold return on one seed is a lot and it has a lot of reward even in that realm. The best inheritance the Old Testament had to offer was a double portion. A double portion is 2 fold and that is far less than what Jesus brings. Those who are in the 30 fold realm are reaping great rewards in comparison to Old Testament standards. That makes them think that they are rich and in need of nothing. They think they see and understand when they actually are blinded.
John 9:40-41
And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also?
41 Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We See; therefore your sin remaineth. (KJV)
Those who go beyond the 30 fold realm to the 60 fold inherit double. They look at the 30 fold realm and say how can they be so blind not to see more. The 60 fold realm think they have now arrived because they have so much more than the 30 fold realm. Now theyre convinced that they have arrived. They too say they are rich in understanding and in need of nothing.
Rev 3:17
Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:(KJV)
Both the 30 and 60 fold realms tell their people that they have arrived and have all that God has to offer. This is the same as saying we Hear and Understand. The truth is that they Hear but only understand 30-60%. Those who enter the 100 fold realm must have a deeper understanding. They must sell all and follow Jesus. It will cost them everything.
Proverbs 4:7
Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, Get Understanding. (NIV)
The people I want to talk about are those who will not be satisfied with anything less than the very Nature of God. They can not settle for anything less than the fully matured seed of God. They will keep changing until they have put on the Mind of Christ and transcend this human nature to be exactly like their Father and Jesus his Son. Others will be falling on all sides, but they must keep pressing on toward their Divine destiny.
Jesus the Prototype
Jesus is the firstborn among many. The Greek word for firstborn <4416> is protokos. Proto-kos means Proto-type. You make a prototype before you make copies.
Romans 8:29-30
For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn <4416> among many brethren.
30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also Called: and whom he called, them he also Justified: and whom he justified, them he also Glorified. (KJV)
Jesus did not settle for anything less than the 100 fold inheritance. He is our saviour AND our pattern. Jesus received the 100 fold Glory of the Father. His Glory is the Glory of the Sun! There are lesser Glories of the Moon and Stars. What Glory would you like to receive?
1 Corinthians 15:41-42
There is one Glory of the Sun, and another Glory of the Moon, and another Glory of the Stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.
42 So also is the Resurrection of the Dead (KJV)
Notice that Glory of the moon and stars are a reflected Glory. They have no light of their own, but only reflect the Light or Glory of the Sun!
30 |
60 |
100 |
Stars |
Moon |
Sun |
Called |
Justified |
Glorified |
There are degrees of reward. Not all receive the same reward as many churches traditionally teach. The 30 and 60 fold realm can only reflect the light and have no light of their own. The Glory of the Sun is the Glory of the Father. Remember that Jesus shone like the Sun when he was Glorified.
Matthew 17:2
And (Jesus) was transfigured before them: and his face did Shine as the Sun, and his raiment was white as the light. (KJV)
The 100 fold Sons will shine with the same Glory Jesus has. They will be exactly like Jesus the prototype. They receive a different type of Glory. They do not reflect the light, they become the light. The 100 fold group become One with God.
John 17:22
And the Glory which thou gavest me I have given Them; that They may be One, even as We are One: (KJV)
Matthew 13:43
Then shall the righteous Shine forth as the Sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. (KJV)
Col 1:12
Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in Light: (KJV)
Matt 6:22
The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole Body shall be Full of Light.(KJV)
Image and Likeness
Genesis 1:26
And God said, Let us make man in our Image <06754> after our Likeness <01823> . (KJV)
These two words "Image" and "Likeness" have different meanings. One is but a "Shadow," while the other is a "Comparable Model." Here are the Strongs Hebrew & Greek Definitions:
Hebrew
ò
Image = Shadow
Likeness = Comparable Model
Image = Shadow
6754 tselem (tseh'-lem);
from an unused root meaning to shade; a phantom, i.e. (figuratively) illusion, resemblance; hence, a representative figure, especially an idol:
Likeness = Comparable Model
1823 demuwth (dem-ooth');
resemblance; concretely, model, shape; adverbially, like:
This difference also holds true in the Greek.
Greek
ò
Image = Profile or Shadow
Likeness = Similar in Appearance and Character
Image = Profile or Shadow
1504 eikon (i-kone');
a likeness, i.e. (literally) statue, profile, or (figuratively) representation, resemblance:
Likeness = Similar in Appearance and Character
3664 homoios (hom'-oy-os);
similar (in appearance or character):
It is important to understand the difference between Image and Likeness to fully understand what it means to partake of the Divine Nature. We will address this difference later, but for now keep in mind that an Image is a vague resemblance, while Likeness is better understood as an Duplicate Copy. A persons shadow is a vague resemblance of the person. Two brothers who look-alike would be an example of "Likeness." Theres a big difference between a mere shadow as opposed to a look-alike!
I John 3:2
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<3664> Him; for we shall see him as he is. (KJV)
Here is the same verse in the Weymouth translation:
1 John 3:2 Weymouth
Though we know we are now Gods children, the Glory of what we shall be has not yet appeared, but we know that, when He appears, We Shall Be Exactly Like Him.
We shall be EXACTLY LIKE HIM. Not the mere shadow of what we see now when we look into a mirror. His seed will produce perfection when placed in good ground. Gods seed is not defective that it can not bring forth. It is not weak, bringing forth something less than himself. There will be a group of Sons who will partake of the Divine Nature and become Like him. They will shine bright like the sun even as Jesus does, all others will but reflect the light.
Scribes Translators and Denominations
Scribes and Translators have added and changed words to the Bibles we read today. If a verse did not seem to make sense to their understanding, they would add a word! By adding one simple word, they changed the whole meaning of a verse. For example:
Psalm 37:23
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. (KJV)
In that verse we find the word "good" in italics. In the King James Version, the words in italics were added by the translators, and they do not appear in the original texts. That verse should not have the word "good" in it at all. It should read
Psalm 37:23
The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
That changes the whole meaning of the scripture. God said the steps of a man are ordered by him, not the steps of a good man. The translators changed the whole meaning by adding that word.
The real problem is most denominations base their doctrines on the KJV which contains hundreds of these types of mis-translations. Every translation has errors. We must search out these things to find out what God is telling us. It is so important to find what God is really saying, that we can not blindly follow the crowds of tradition. There are many voices in the land today but the Overcomers will only listen to the still small voice of the Spirit within. Be like a Berean and search the Word to see if these things be true. God has given us the tools to uncover the true meaning of his word.
Acts 17:11
These (Bereans) were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. (KJV)
We must search the word daily to see if our ideas are truth or merely tradition. We must learn to eat the meat of the word and spit out the bones of manmade concepts.
Sometimes the translators would change the word "God" (capital G) to read, "god" (lower case g). Psalms 82:6 says "Ye are Gods (Elohim)" but the translators changed it to read, "Ye are gods." We will go into that more later.
Both translators and denominations alike change the meaning of the word to fit their tradition. They read Gods word, they Hear it but they do not Understand it. This is not a new problem. The Old Testament scribes who copied original texts were guilty of the same deliberate mistakes. There were various sects of Jewish scribes, all with different viewpoints. Each group had different understandings of the same scriptures. Its much like the numerous denominations of today, all with their different understanding of scripture. Remember we must Hear AND Understand.
We should always be willing to change our understanding to conform with His word.
God is sovereign and this is part of his ultimate plan. God hid the true meaning of his word and kept it pure for those who would seek his truth.
Proverbs 25:2
It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of Kings is to search out a matter. (KJV)
Jesus spoke in parables to hide the understanding. Parables can be understood on a 30, 60 & 100 fold level. The Truth has been hidden until the time is right. There is a time appointed of the Father when He will reveal that which was hidden in his word. But the treasure is found only by those who dig for it.
There are many Bible translations today and all have translation errors. Here is an amazing verse which speaks of the Lying Pen of the Scribes! The scribes would deliberately change the wording of the original texts to fit their understanding. They would even change the names of God to fit their ideas.
Jeremiah 8:8-9
"'How can you say, "We are wise, for we have the law of the LORD," when actually the Lying Pen of the Scribes has handled it Falsely?
9 The wise will be put to shame; they will be dismayed and trapped. Since they have Rejected the Word of the LORD, what kind of wisdom do they have? (NIV)
The scribes & translators have changed the original Word of the Lord. They just could not believe it meant what it said, so they changed it. They had pre-conceived ideas that conflicted with the word, so they changed the Word instead of their Ideas!
Lets all pray right now that we will change our Ideas when we find they conflict with his Word. God is in control even in this apparent problem. We live in a day like no other. We have access to more study tools than any other generation that has ever lived. We can search the Bible ourselves with the benefits of computers. There are books available like Strongs and Youngs Concordances, allowing us to check out the Greek and Hebrew words without even learning those languages.
Proverbs 4:7
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with All Thy Getting Get Understanding. (KJV)
There are those of us who hear AND keep digging until we understand. We will not take anyones word for what God meant, not even our pastor! The Sons of God must find out for themselves what God is saying. There are many voices in the land today, all claim to Understand, yet they all disagree. How many doctrines we have laid down over the years because we found them only to be traditions? Those things we once held so dear as truth, we now clearly see to be manmade ideas. Once we thought we would fly away in a rapture, but now we see clearly that we will go through the tribulation. Many mistakenly think that everything coming from a pulpit is truth. We have been taught many erroneous ideas concerning God and his word.
The church teaches that to doubt their traditional doctrine is the same as doubting God. This is simply not so. How many times have we heard that if we doubted the "rapture," then we would surely miss it? People are kept in fear of straying from the high fences of the fold. We must search these things out for ourselves. We can understand his word as well as any, because God gives understanding, not man. Most churches are filled with people who never study or search out their beliefs.
To blatantly accept traditional doctrines in order to avoid making mistakes in understanding Gods word, is substituting one danger for another. They will warn you that if you study on your own, then you will end up in error. But in reality, y-o-u alone are responsible to search out the Word of God. People like to shift this responsibility to their religious leaders. That ends up being the blind leading the blind. Dont be afraid to study and learn on your own, being led by the Spirit. Because of this fear, many are deceived and remain immature. They opt for their weekly warm bottle of "the milk of the word" and a security blanket of denominational covering. Never learning to feed themselves, they rely on a pre-packaged pabulum formula which has been approved for them by headquarters. Those who mature begin to shun a baby bottle and learn to feed themselves. They must leave the nursery of tradition and dig into the Meat of the word. Then they will begin to grow and find new strength as they feed at the Masters table.
To begin the search for truth for ones self is a seemingly overwhelming task. Most start out simply to prove or support their tradition instead of seeking the truth. They will find no light of divine revelation until they let go of their pre-conceived ideas and manmade doctrines. We must keep our wineskins oiled and flexible. When God gives us new wine or new truth, we need to be able to expand our understanding without breaking. New wine always expands our minds.
Every denomination claims to come in the Name of the Lord. They all say, "Lord, Lord," but none of them have the Divine Nature. Each denomination claims to be "Anointed." The word Christ means Anointed.
Matthew 24:5
For Many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. (KJV)
"Many shall come in my name" Catholics, Lutherans, Episcopalians, Baptists, Pentecostals, Fundamentals, Evangelicals, Mormons, Jehovahs Witnesses etc., etc. You can add hundreds of names here, I do not want to leave any manmade organization out of that list. They ALL come in the name of the Lord. Yet they all have different levels of understanding.
Colossians 2:8-9
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. (KJV)
Jesus has the Divine Nature of God. In Him dwells the fullness of the Godhead bodily. We have no trouble accepting that All the fullness of God dwelt in the body of Jesus. Those who partake of the Divine Nature will have All the fullness of God dwelling in their bodies too!
Ephesians 3:19
And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that YE might be filled with All the Fulness of God. (KJV)
Each group has some truth but they add countless traditions and manmade rules and laws. They hold fast to these traditions and most never let go. Those precious few who try to speak out with new truth are quickly suppressed by their denominational hierarchy. When they begin to stray beyond the narrow confines of headquarters, they are reprimanded or transferred to another location. Those who dare to abandon the smothering doctrines and traditions are quickly rebuked and warned that they are getting into error. Those who swim against the tide of tradition are watched by the leaders and eventually asked to leave the group. Here is what Jesus has to say about the religious leaders of his day:
Mark 7:7-9, 13
Howbeit in vain do they worship me, Teaching for Doctrines the Commandments of Men.
8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the Tradition of Men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own Tradition
13 Making the word of God of none effect through your Tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye. KJV
Most sheep are led by the church, but the Sons are led by the Spirit. Maturity begins when the desire to be led by the Spirit overcomes the urge to be led by a committee at the home office. The fear of leaving the security of a group is what keeps one from fully maturing to become Like Jesus and putting on the Divine Nature. Every denomination today is saying, "I am Christ" by claiming to be "Anointed!" People think they will be saying, "I am Jesus" and that is what will deceive many. But even Baby Christians would Not be deceived by someone saying, "I am Jesus!" Its much more subtle than that. That verse said that many will be deceived! The deception is this: They will claim to understand and see when they do not. Today each denomination feels that they are Gods anointed, yet we see none in His Likeness.
We see no denomination with the Divine Nature of God. Yes they all have some truth, some thirty some 60, but none have the 100 fold Nature of God. There are many wonderful Christians in every denomination, but not all are interested in going beyond the confines of the teachings in their group. This lesson is for those who are seeking the meat of the word. It is for those who are ready to fully mature in the Lord.
Gen 1:27 So God created <01254>man in his own Image
When it says in Genesis that God "Created" man in his own Image, its better translated, "Is Creating" man. He is not finished creating him yet. The Hebrew word for "Create" does not express verb tense. The same Hebrew word is also translated "Shall Be Created." We somehow got the idea that God is finished creating man, but that is not so. He has been creating us all along. When he is finished creating us we will be Like Him!
Bara = To Create
1254 bara' (baw-raw');
a primitive root; (absolutely) to create; (qualified) to cut down (a wood), select, feed (as formative processes): -choose, create (creator), cut down, dispatch, do, make (fat).
Psalm 102:18-20
This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which Shall Be Created <01254>shall praise the LORD.
19 For he hath looked down from the height of his sanctuary; from heaven did the LORD behold the earth;
20 To hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to Death; (KJV)
There is a generation who shall be created called the 42nd generation. The Manifested Sons of God will be loosed from Death. They will be created in His Likeness!
Image = Shadow or Profile
Likeness = Comparable Model
God is creating man in his Image and Likeness. Those words mean two different things. Image is compared to a shadow or a silhouette. We have the Image of George Washington on our coins. When you look at a 25 cent piece, you see his profile or Image. When you see your shadow on the ground, it is your Image.
Luke 20:24
Shew me a penny. Whose Image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar's. (KJV)
The word "Likeness" means a "Comparable Model." Its not a mere shadow or profile, but rather more like an identical twin. An image of an automobile would be its shadow on the ground, while the Likeness would be another automobile sitting side-by-side. Therefore, even though we were created in His Image, we are still being created in His Likeness. Every Christian is now in the Image of God, but we see none who are in his Likeness, except Jesus.
Soon we will see those who are not only in his Image but also in His Likeness. Those who receive reflected glory are in his Image. Those who shine like the sun will be in his Likeness. There is a huge difference in Glory.
Psalm 17:15
As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy Likeness. (KJV)
We are forbidden to make any graven images of our God. Other religions made images of their gods out of wood and stone. Why did God emphatically tell us not to make any resemblance of Him? Because WE are the IMAGE of God. If you want to see an image of God, then look in a mirror! We are a shadow of what he is. Some will go beyond being an image to become LIKE Him.
Acts 17:29
We Are the Offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. (KJV)
Ye are Gods = Ye are Elohim
Jesus is our example. We should do what he did and say what he said. We need to put on the Mind of Christ, the same mind that Jesus has. He is the pattern Son. Jesus was accused of blasphemy by the religious leaders of his day. Jesus said he was the Son of God and then said, "Ye are Gods," quoting Ps 82:6.
Gods = Elohim
Ps 82:6-8
I have said, Ye are gods;<0430> and all of you are children of the most High.
7 But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes.
8 Arise, O God,<0430> judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations. (KJV)
Notice that the translators of the KJV put "God" in upper case in one spot, and then in lower case "god" in other places. The Hebrew word is the same in both instances, it is ELOHIM.<0430> Yes its true, You Are Elohim! Genesis 1:26 says that God<0430>Elohim made you in His image and likeness, therefore you are Elohim too. This is the B-i-b-l-e. Check it out for yourself.
Genesis 1:26
And God<0430>said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: (KJV)
We can be partakers of the Divine Nature. In this next passage we find the same thing. Jesus quoted that same scripture in Psalms. Here again the translators changed the words, it should all be God with a capital "G." Its the very same Greek word in each instance, THEOS.<2316>
John 10:33-36
The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a Man, makest thyself God<2316>.
34 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods<2316>?
35 If he called them gods<2316>, unto whom the word of God<2316> came, and the scripture cannot be broken;
36 Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God<2316>? (KJV)
The Pharisees told Jesus that he was just a Man who tried to make himself God. Jesus understood that he was a Son of God, and that made him a partaker of Divine Nature. Mankind has real Divine potential embryoed within his spirit. Jesus is right, we are Gods in Spirit, but not yet in Soul or Body. The real you is your Spirit. God is a Spirit. WE are his Sons.
Acts 17:28 For we are also His Offspring. (KJV)
Earthly fathers want their sons to grow up to be everything they are and more. How much more does our heavenly Father desire to see us grow up to be everything he is? He doesnt want us to remain babies forever. He wants us to grow up like Jesus did. Jesus IS God in Spirit AND in Soul AND in Body. We have the Same Spirit that Jesus has. We can put on the same Soul/Mind that Jesus has. We will also experience the same type of Glorified Body which Jesus currently has. The Overcomers will follow Jesus to become God in Spirit and Soul and even in Body, the way God planned it. When God is finished creating us, well be in his Likeness.
Romans 8:11
But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal Bodies by his Spirit (KJV)
The Body was never designed for the cemetery. God gave his son Jesus a glorified physical body to dwell in for eternity. We shall not all Sleep or Die, some will be transformed or metamorphosed to be Like Jesus, 1Cor. 15:51. We have the God-given potential to fully inherit the Divine Nature. God is reproducing Himself in us. There will be Sons who will grow up to become everything he is. Jesus did it and so will others. Is this blasphemy to you, or does something leap within when you hear these things? Do you have spiritual Ears and Eyes to both Hear and Understand what God is really doing on earth? The church realm simply does not understand this concept which Jesus taught openly. They do not even try to become perfect, like their Father in Heaven who is Perfect. They will even tell you that No person can ever attain perfection on earth, so why even try. Dont let them rob you of Your Inheritance. Dont listen to them. They just receive Jesus into their Hearts and are contented to keep their carnal minds. They do not want to go through all the necessary changes to become like Jesus and the Father.
Philippians 2:5-6
Let this Mind be in You, which was also in Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: (KJV)
Jesus is in the form of God and we are too. Adam was formed out of the dust of the earth. Even as a potter forms and molds a clay pot, God is molding us into His Likeness. The churches teach that it is robbery to be equal with God. They say that we are mere mortals and will never experience the Divine Nature. This is not something which we are making up, it is in the Bible. Jesus is our example. He is our elder brother and many will follow him all the way to the very Throne of God.
Revelation 3:21
To him that Overcometh will I grant to sit with me In My Throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. (KJV)
Do you remember the old joke, "Who is buried in Grants Tomb?" Answer . Grant is! Well now lets ask it a little differently, "Who sits in Gods Throne?" Answer . God does! Thats right, those who Overcome every enemy will sit in the very throne of God. The denominations simply can not see that happening. They have eyes but can not see, ears but can not hear. This is a marvelous destiny and some will make it. Gods plan from the beginning was to reproduce himself in man, to create a family that he can share his fullness with. There were no events in the Garden of Eden that were not planned by the Most High God. Adam and Eve didnt do anything that surprised God. There were no events which God did not intend to happen! Gods purpose was to create man from the dust of the earth, place his seed within him, then allow it to germinate for 6,000 years. He is still creating man even today. God knows what is good and what is evil. We could have never understood good until we experienced evil. God created the darkness so we can appreciate the light. If we were in a universe where there was only light and no darkness, then we could never appreciate or know the light. God knows both good and evil. In fact he created evil! People do not like to think that God created evil, but he did.
Isaiah 45:7
I form the Light, and Create Darkness: I make Peace, and Create Evil: I the LORD do all these things. (KJV)
Amos 3:6
shall there be Evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done it?(KJV)
Is there anything that God did not create? Those who are to grow up to become Like Jesus must know Good and Evil, like He does. We must choose the Good and reject the Evil. In order to become Like God we must have this knowledge of Good and Evil. It was Gods plan from the start. The concept that God created this whole universe and all the things contained therein, only to have his plans foiled by an unforeseen fall of man, is manmade tradition. God was totally aware that Adam would partake of the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil. He is sovereign and deliberately ordained the fall. How can we be Like him if we do not know the difference between good and evil?
Genesis 2:16-17
And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:
17 But of the tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. (KJV)
Did Adam die the same day he ate of the tree? No. In fact he lived 930 years (Gen.5:5). Was God wrong? No. A day unto the Lord is as a thousand years! Thats why Adam died when he was about 1,000. Adam had no concept of what was good and what was evil. God made everything and said it was Good. Adam could not even appreciate what that meant. Adam had no concept of good and evil. Adam also had no idea what death was, for there was no death yet. God had to teach it to him. The Father was not afraid that Adam would become like God, He PLANNED IT THAT WAY. God wanted Adam to have the knowledge of good and evil.
Genesis 3:22
The LORD God said, Behold, the Man Is Become As One Of Us, to Know Good and Evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the Tree of Life, and eat, and live for ever: (KJV)
God created that tree because he knows Good and Evil! If God had not ultimately wanted man to partake of that tree, then WHY was it in the Garden in the first place? People think the Knowledge of good and evil is a bad thing, but it is a good thing. Knowledge is good. God has this knowledge and we also need it to become Like Him. The plan is for us to shun evil and embrace the good.
Hos 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of Knowledge...(KJV)
This next verse in Isaiah says that Jesus had to KNOW to refuse the Evil and choose the Good. He is our example. If Jesus needed this knowledge, then so do we.
Isaiah 7:14-16
Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
15 Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may KNOW to Refuse The Evil, and Choose the Good.
16 For before the child shall KNOW to Refuse the Evil, and Choose the Good,... (KJV)
God is Good. How can we understand this concept if we do not have the Knowledge of what good is? Knowledge brings Understanding. Remember we must Hear AND Understand to have good ground. To be a partaker of the Divine Nature, its imperative we have the same knowledge and understanding He has. When God said that Man has become as one of US, knowing good and evil, I believe he was rejoicing. He was not disappointed that man now had this knowledge, but rather exceedingly glad. This was all part of his plan for man.
There was also a Tree of Life in the garden. Adam could not appreciate what the Tree of Life was, for there was NO death. How can one understand death when there never was any? How can we appreciate Life until we know what death is. Along with the knowledge of good and evil came the understanding that Life was Good and Death was Evil. Now Adams eyes were opened to see what life was all about. Adam was expelled from having access to the Garden of Eden because it was not yet time to partake of the Tree of Life. He then began what is now a 6,000 year training program that will end with Death being destroyed, and the Sons of God inheriting the Tree of Life. Death is the Last enemy to be destroyed. The Manifested Sons of God will have physical Immortality. They will have access to the Tree of everlasting Life that will make them immortal, just Like God. Is this heresy to you or are these words stirring something deep within your spirit? To most Christians these words are heresy. When the apostle Paul was accused of heresy, here is what he said:
Acts 24:14
But this I (Paul) confess unto thee, that after the way which they call Heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: (KJV)
We should also expect other Christians to accuse us of heresy. To know the difference between good and evil is an asset. If not, then God would not possess that knowledge. Even earthly parents want to teach their children the difference between Good and Evil or Right and Wrong. A child needs to know not to touch a hot stove or he will get burned. Mankind as a whole was in its infancy when Adam was created. He had to know right from wrong to become like his Father.
Over the past millennia, Gods Sons have been spiritually maturing. But we still find those who are mentally immature. We find that some men choose Evil and reject the Good. They are the selfish, carnal leaders of governments and churches who are only interested in self-gain and gratification. Babylon is not only found in governments but also in the churches. The money changers are still in the Temple today. The Love of Money is the root of all evil. Suppression is rampant everywhere in the world today. We see starving masses being governed by the super rich, both in world governments and church governments. The way of many is to Love Money and Use People. This is evil and must be shunned. It is Human Nature to be selfish and self-serving. greed and hate are rampant all over the globe. But God has a remnant! There is a people alive today who are being trained to choose the Good and refuse the Evil, like Jesus did. These will Love People and Use Money.
This deep lesson will only be embraced by those who are Mature, for it really is Strong Meat. Its not for everyone, because many remain immature. Babes need milk and would surely choke on these ideas.
Heb 5:14
But Strong Meat belongeth to them that are of Full Age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to Discern Both Good and Evil. (KJV)
1 Corinthians 2:6-10
We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the Mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.
7 No, we speak of God's Secret Wisdom, a wisdom that has been Hidden and that God destined for Our Glory before time began.
8 None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory.
9 However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" --
10 But God Has Revealed It To Us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. (NIV)
This hidden wisdom or understanding is for the Mature Sons of God. We will have the Glory that the Father has. It is the same Glory he gave to Jesus. We are placed here for an expressed purpose to partake of the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil as well as the Tree of Life. There will be a remnant that will make it all the way to the Throne of God.
Revelation 2:7
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that Overcometh will I give to eat of the Tree of Life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. (KJV)
The Overcomer must know good from evil, then choose the good. They must also realize that Mercy is Good. Those who sit in Gods Throne must grant mercy to all, even as He was merciful to each of them.
Hosea 6:6
For I desired Mercy, and Not Sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. (KJV)
Matt 12:7
If ye had known what this meaneth, I will have Mercy, and Not Sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless. (KJV)
One With God
John 17:22
The Glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that They May Be One, Even As We Are One: (KJV)
The Divine Nature is Gods Nature. It will also become the Nature of the Overcomers. They will be led by the Spirit even as Jesus is right now. They will be transformed from his Image into His Likeness. They will have their Spirits Circumcised, their Souls replaced with the Mind of Christ and their Bodies will also be changed. They will become changed in Spirit, Soul AND Body.
Phil 3:21
Who shall change our vile Body, that it may be fashioned LIKE unto His Glorious Body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. (KJV)
It pleased the Father that All fullness should dwell in Jesus. That is the Fullness of God, the Divine Nature. The same applies to YOU! It pleases the Father to give YOU All the Fullness of God as well. Those who follow Jesus to the throne of God will have the knowledge of good and evil. They will also partake of the Tree of Life and become the fully Mature Sons of God. We are offered the Divine Nature. We can partake as we desire, some 30 fold, some 60 fold and some 100 fold. There is a remnant who will carry the Seed of God to its full-term. They will realize the birthing of the manchild spoken of in Revelation 12. They will be manifested to the world for who they really are. The world will see the Glory of God. They will see the Father, Jesus and Those who are One with Them. What a divine and glorious destiny YOU have!
Acts 17:28 for You are the Offspring of God
Eph 3:19 that You be filled with All the Fullness of God
2 Peter 1:4 that You might be partakers of the Divine Nature
God Bless You Forever!
EE Brooks