The apostle Peter, in his second epistle, wrote: "Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth" (2 Peter 1:12). It is this that gives me license to address yet again a subject I have already written about.
In fact, Peter mentions it in the very first verses: "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of GOD, and of Jesus our Lord, According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that [pertain] unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 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" (vv. 2-4).
Within the Bible are precious promises that, if claimed, will enable us to develop the character of Christ. Some of you might be wondering whether this is really a possibility for you. Perhaps you are, like I was, more confident that they will be fulfilled to the next person sooner than yourself. Well it would be for you to remember that GOD "will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:4). All includes everyone, even you and me.
"But," you say, "why would GOD be so good as to do that for me? I am not worthy of such kindness." Well, that, my friends, is true; but thank GOD that worthiness is not a requirement! All that is necessary is a sense of our need as well as a believing and willing heart. GOD cannot help us if we do not feel we need His help, "for thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy [place], with him also [that is] of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones" (Isaiah 57:15). We must be believing because "without faith [it is] impossible to please [Him]: for he that cometh to GOD must believe that he is, and [that] He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him" (Hebrews 11:16). We must be willing because we are told in Isaiah 1:19 that "if ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land": That is all. If anyone is struggling to do this, don't be discouraged; He is ready and willing to forgive you. What is more, the strength you need to fulfill even these conditions is found in the verses themselves. Look:
"The word of God is the seed. Every seed has in itself a germinating principle. In it the life of the plant is enfolded. So there is life in God’s word. Christ says, “The words that I speak unto you, they are Spirit, and they are life.” John 6:63. “He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life.” John 5:24. In every command and in every promise of the word of God is the power, the very life of God, by which the command may be fulfilled and the promise realized. He who by faith receives the word is receiving the very life and character of God."[1]
Friends, GOD's power is even in the commands, as well as His promises, and it is ours for the taking. Not only do I believe this theoretically, but also practically. I accepted it in theory when I heard of it, but I never took GOD at His Word personally. Over the past few months, I reached the place where I was willing to do that, and I did it. I can testify that it has made a difference. For example, as long as I claim Philippians 4:6-7, I hardly worry or have angry outbursts such as before. I have found it to be true, and I encourage you today to do so as well, to the end that we all may be fitted for that eternal kingdom.
Blessings,
Jean
White, Ellen. Christ's Object Lessons, pg. 38 (emphasis supplied). [1]
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