Growth In Grace

[NetChaplain]

It is not salvation merely that we have received, but we are set here as saved ones to “grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 3:18), in mind and ways of Him by whom we live (Acts 17:28). Hence there are little children, young men and fathers (1 John 2), showing the grades, not of salvation, but of growth in the divine life (2 Pet. 1:4).

The New Testament makes it clear that the whole service of the Holy Spirit to saints now is to instruct them in the things of God, “that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God” (1 Cor. 2:12). And to this end are bestowed the ministerial gifts, “for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Eph. 4:12).

The Lord tells Peter to feed His lambs (John 21:15). Peter tells the elders to feed the flock of God (1 Pet. 5:1, 2). Pasture is knowledge of the Son of God by which we “grow up in Him in all things” (Eph. 4:14). The great delay to souls is the slowness of heart and dullness of faith to see ourselves on resurrection ground in the risen Lord Jesus, and then from this point growing in Him, “who is our life” (Col 3:4), and the source and spring of everything.

But now ministry in the Word, for the most part, is but urging on souls how they are accepted in Christ, and how happy they ought to be. Even this, indeed, is in advance of the general order and scope of evangelical teaching, which is simply presenting Christ on the Cross, suffering for sins.

Take up what “deeper life” book you may, even the best, and you will find that for the most part it treats of the way in which rest for the soul may be found, instead of starting the soul from peace, and leading it into those higher delights which a knowledge of the Lord Jesus imparts. No one can walk in the path of righteousness until he is in untroubled rest before the Father, and the uncertainty of the walk of many is in consequence of unsettled peace in the presence of the Father.

Does growth teaching today in general aim at leading souls on in Christ, or does it only aim at leading them up to Him for safety and rest from Him? Now it is as “complete in Him” (Col. 2:10) that I am to commence my growth and walk. If you do not start me from my new position, how can you advance me in my condition? I am not speaking of attainment here. I am merely insisting on the state of soul preparatory to growth.

If not settled on our position, we are like the Corinthians, but babes, carnal (1 Cor. 3); or like the Galatians, we need that “Christ be formed” in us - we are not prepared for growth (Gal. 4:19); or like the Hebrews, we “have need of milk and not strong meat”; we are “babes,” and “unskillful in the Word of righteousness” (Heb. 5: 12-14).

On the other hand, the little child of 1 John 2:13-20 is prepared for growth. He is in Christ, knows the Father, and has “an unction from the Holy One” (1 John 2:20). As Peter writes, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that you may grow thereby” (1 Pet. 2:2). Growth is the natural result of nourishment, where there is life and health; but if there be not life and health, there is no appropriation of the nourishment, the pasture.

If there be a healthy desire for growth, there will always be a seeking for truth to “grow thereby.” And the Lord never fails to provide pasture for His hungry sheep.

- J.B. Stoney

 

[james1523]

It is not salvation merely that we have received, but we are set here as saved ones to “grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 3:18), in mind and ways of Him by whom we live (Acts 17:28). Hence there are little children, young men and fathers (1 John 2), showing the grades, not of salvation, but of growth in the divine life (2 Pet. 1:4).

The New Testament makes it clear that the whole service of the Holy Spirit to saints now is to instruct them in the things of God, “that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God” (1 Cor. 2:12). And to this end are bestowed the ministerial gifts, “for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Eph. 4:12).

The Lord tells Peter to feed His lambs (John 21:15). Peter tells the elders to feed the flock of God (1 Pet. 5:1, 2). Pasture is knowledge of the Son of God by which we “grow up in Him in all things” (Eph. 4:14). The great delay to souls is the slowness of heart and dullness of faith to see ourselves on resurrection ground in the risen Lord Jesus, and then from this point growing in Him, “who is our life” (Col 3:4), and the source and spring of everything.

But now ministry in the Word, for the most part, is but urging on souls how they are accepted in Christ, and how happy they ought to be. Even this, indeed, is in advance of the general order and scope of evangelical teaching, which is simply presenting Christ on the Cross, suffering for sins.

Take up what “deeper life” book you may, even the best, and you will find that for the most part it treats of the way in which rest for the soul may be found, instead of starting the soul from peace, and leading it into those higher delights which a knowledge of the Lord Jesus imparts. No one can walk in the path of righteousness until he is in untroubled rest before the Father, and the uncertainty of the walk of many is in consequence of unsettled peace in the presence of the Father.

Does growth teaching today in general aim at leading souls on in Christ, or does it only aim at leading them up to Him for safety and rest from Him? Now it is as “complete in Him” (Col. 2:10) that I am to commence my growth and walk. If you do not start me from my new position, how can you advance me in my condition? I am not speaking of attainment here. I am merely insisting on the state of soul preparatory to growth.

If not settled on our position, we are like the Corinthians, but babes, carnal (1 Cor. 3); or like the Galatians, we need that “Christ be formed” in us - we are not prepared for growth (Gal. 4:19); or like the Hebrews, we “have need of milk and not strong meat”; we are “babes,” and “unskillful in the Word of righteousness” (Heb. 5: 12-14).

On the other hand, the little child of 1 John 2:13-20 is prepared for growth. He is in Christ, knows the Father, and has “an unction from the Holy One” (1 John 2:20). As Peter writes, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that you may grow thereby” (1 Pet. 2:2). Growth is the natural result of nourishment, where there is life and health; but if there be not life and health, there is no appropriation of the nourishment, the pasture.

If there be a healthy desire for growth, there will always be a seeking for truth to “grow thereby.” And the Lord never fails to provide pasture for His hungry sheep.

- J.B. Stoney

JB Stoney is one who has received the higher revelation of the Christian life and its true meaning. The majority of Christianity defines grace as unmerited favor, but this definition is insufficient and makes no sense when we start talking about "growing in grace" and thus the majority of Christianity thinks everything is here and now, or then and future, and has no concept that there is something that must grow, and if they do realize there is something that must grow, they invariably (and incorrectly) believe that the thing which is growing is their self. But if we understand that grace means God's presence that we can experience and enjoy, then growing in God's grace makes much more sense. Knowledge of Jesus Christ means subjective personal knowledge of His person by His grace (presence) with us. The purpose and result of this growth is so that Christ is formed in us. Growth is not about us growing to be a better behaved person or a less angry person or anything like that (although these things will result as a consequence of growing in grace) - it's about Christ being formed in us. Practically, Christ being formed in us means that the traits and even the person of Christ Himself as the Holy Spirit, spreads into our soul, (mind, emotions , will). This is otherwise termed by Paul as the Law of the Spirit of life (Romans 8:2). The principle (or law) of the Spirit of Jesus Christ (who is "the life"), causes Christ to be formed in us, thus giving us life and conforming our behavior from within, such that the resulting moral righteousness in our behavior results in life and peace (Rom 8:6), even to such a degree that exceeds mere outward righteousness (Matt 5:20), such that we may enter (or inherit) the kingdom of heaven as a reward (Matt 5:20), and which ultimately results in our glorification (Rom 8:30), which means to have our body physical transformed and conformed to the glorious resurrected body of Christ (Phil 3:21).

 

[NetChaplain]

HI James - Grace (salvation) is imparted, but what it brings (godliness) can only be imputed, for only Deity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) can possess its own godly attributes. The desire of God is to manifest His godliness through those to whom He imputes it, and this imputation results in the controlling of the believer by the Spirit of God (Gal. 5:17) through the new nature within the believer (Eph. 3:16)--in which we are "partakers" (2 Pet. 1:4) by imputation; meaning regardless of how godly we become in this life, its operation is always derived from God, by the Spirit--through our new nature and never from ourselves in the old nature.

 

[B-A-C]

It's interesting the definition of "partake" is "join in" or "share in", "take part in" or "engage in" as in being equally responsible.
On one hand nothing good comes from us, and it all comes from God. On the other hand he doesn't force us to act a certain way,
so at the very least it is our responsibility to yield to his will. Otherwise every sinful thing we do, is actually an act of God and we can
simply blame our sins on him. Godliness comes from God, but the will to become Godly comes from us.

Jas 4:7; Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
John 3:36; "He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him."
Acts 5:29; But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than men.
Acts 5:32; "And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him."

2 Thes 1:6; For after all it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you,
2 Thes 1:7; and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire,
2 Thes 1:8; dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
2 Thes 1:9; These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,

1 Pet 1:2; according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure.
1 Pet 4:17; For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

Obedience requires voluntarily choosing to follow God. God does not want enforced obedience. He wants those who choose to follow him.
God will persuade us and guide us to do the right things, but it's up to us to actually do them or not.

Deut 30:19; "I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants,
Jos 24:15; "If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

 

[B-A-C]

It's interesting, Jesus never forced anyone to follow him. The pharisee are a glaring example of those who refuse to follow him.
He even told the disciples, if people don't accept your message, shake the dust off your feet and move on to the next place.
( Matt 10:14; Mark 6:11; Luke 9:5; )

 

[NetChaplain]

he doesn't force us to act a certain way

Hi BAC - I believe we're close in our understanding the origin of godliness. I believe God causes (works) us to desire and do His will (Phil 2:13). Thus, He continually works in us, and not we work in us, and I think you may agree. The believer doing His will is as you've indicated, to "yield to his will," which is presenting ourselves in our new nature for Him to use.

 

[NetChaplain]

people don't accept your message

Those who reject your witness are not His, or they would be drawn by the Gospel message, as the religious leaders "resisted" His message (Acts 7:51).

 

[james1523]

HI James - Grace (salvation) is imparted, but what it brings (godliness) can only be imputed, for only Deity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) can possess its own godly attributes. The desire of God is to manifest His godliness through those to whom He imputes it, and this imputation results in the controlling of the believer by the Spirit of God (Gal. 5:17) through the new nature within the believer (Eph. 3:16)--in which we are "partakers" (2 Pet. 1:4) by imputation; meaning regardless of how godly we become in this life, its operation is always derived from God, by the Spirit--through our new nature and never from ourselves in the old nature.

Hi Netchaplain, I think you have it around the wrong way - (even though I don't believe in either imputation or impartation, as these are merely theological terms which have no practical meaning, because grace cannot be imparted - grace is a quality of a person), for the sake of this discussion I believe justification for salvation is imputed, godliness is imparted, until ultimately we become God (the nature, not the Trinity), otherwize known as divinization.

 

[NetChaplain]

I believe justification for salvation is imputed"
"until ultimately we become God."

I agree with the first, but misunderstand the second.

 

[james1523]

I agree with the first, but misunderstand the second.

At salvation God took His life and put it in your life. Now there is God's life in you and you have your life as well. Now are you human or are you God? Do you have two lives or do you have one life? If you take the life of a cat and put it into a dog, does the dog become a cat or does it stay a dog? The end goal of transformation and godliness is to be transformed into what? A cat? a dog? a Buddha? a natural person like Adam? Noah? God (the Person) became a man (Jesus Christ) so that man (natural, descendants of Adam, creation) could become God (so that human beings could exhibit divine virtues, bear the image of Christ). Meaning until we exhibit the virtues, nature and characteristics of God. Divinization (not divination) is the transforming effect of divine grace, the spirit of God, or the atonement of Christ. Galatians 2:20 , Romans 8:30. This means that God will take our natural virtues of joy, love, peace, kindness etc..(all these virtues which came from Him originally), and transform these virtues into human-divine joy, love, peace, kindness etc. Human-divine means like Jesus - who was both God and man...God and humanity joined together as one, as in the two becoming one, not a third entity or confusion of natures (God stays God and humans stay human), but a mutual existence and cohabitation of God and mankind, as in iron ( humanity) which is glowing with fire (God).

 

[NetChaplain]

James, the understanding I have is that God (Father) puts the life of His Son in the believer resulting in the unity (John 17:21-26) of son-ship with Him, not becoming God.

 

[LoveStory]

HI James - Grace (salvation) is imparted, but what it brings (godliness) can only be imputed, for only Deity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) can possess its own godly attributes. The desire of God is to manifest His godliness through those to whom He imputes it, and this imputation results in the controlling of the believer by the Spirit of God (Gal 5:17) through the new nature within the believer (Eph 3:16)--in which we are "partakers" (2 Pet 1:4) by imputation; meaning regardless of how godly we become in this life, its operation is always derived from God, by the Spirit--through our new nature and never from ourselves in the old nature.

Amen! Well said! :heart-animated:

The mind can calculate, but the spirit leads, and the new heart wants what the new heart wants... to follow.

(Ezekiel 36:26-27) 26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes...

(2 Corinthians 3:3) You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

new spirit - (Ps 51:10; Jer 31:33). Realized fully in the "new creature" of the New Testament (2 Co 5:17); having new motives, new rules, new aims.

new heart of flesh - impressible to what is good, tender.

stony heart - like "adamant" (Zec 7:12); the natural heart of every man.

 

[james1523]

James, the understanding I have is that God (Father) puts the life of His Son in the believer resulting in the unity (John 17:21-26) of son-ship with Him, not becoming God.

Unity results in partaking of the divine nature. This is a purpose of growth in grace and Christ being formed in us - Christ is formed in us so that we partake of Christ's nature.

 

[NetChaplain]

Yes, we are "partakers of the divine nature," but not His divinity, but His nature. Only His nature is divine but not our new nature (new man) which is from Him (Col. 3:10). Scripture is clear that only the Father, Son and Holy Spirit can be divine. Partaking of Christ's nature, a nature which is divine, provides the believer with the imputation of what the Spirit brings for us to be recipients of godliness, not producers.

We manifest what God produces in us, i.e., the branch (believer) manifests (displays) the "fruit" (godliness) which the Vine produces, resulting in glorifying Him and not us (John 15:8).

 

[NetChaplain]

Hi LS - Good to see your replies! Just wanted to share that it's my belief that the Eze. 36 and Jer. 31 prophecies are to Israel in the last days. Relating this to Christians in this present time comes from the teaching that the present Church is Israel, which conflicts with many Biblical teachings, but many still have yet to learn this.

God's blessings to your Family!

 

[james1523]

Yes, we are "partakers of the divine nature," but not His divinity, but His nature. Only His nature is divine but not our new nature (new man) which is from Him (Col. 3:10). Scripture is clear that only the Father, Son and Holy Spirit can be divine. Partaking of Christ's nature, a nature which is divine, provides the believer with the imputation of what the Spirit brings for us to be recipients of godliness, not producers.

We manifest what God produces in us, i.e., the branch (believer) manifests (displays) the "fruit" (godliness) which the Vine produces, resulting in glorifying Him and not us (John 15:8).

God is in us, yet the Bible also teaches that we are in God. The only reason God can be in us is because God became a man. Likewise, the only reason we can be in God, is if we become a "god". The Bible teaches that Christ is glorified in us, and we are glorified in Christ, so your statement saying He is glorified and not us, is only one side of the story. Many Christians only see themselves as fallen humans saved by grace, who get a pass into heaven. They may believe they are sons of God but this is only a theological term for them and they believe this is "in name only", that God calls us sons, but we are not actually sons. However by participating in the divine nature, the human creation also is considered divine. This is what it means to be a son of God, as opposed to a son of man. It is impossible to be a son of God and not be divine. We are all sons of men, but God wants to make us His sons. Whatever Christ is, we become like Him. Humanity does not become divine, nor do sons of God lose their humanity - the humanity and divinity is joined as one, and therefore are both human and divine. Also, by this human-divine union, the Bible says we are also glorified, not just Christ, but us as well in Christ (2 Thess 1:12, Rom 8:17, Rom 8:30).

 

[NetChaplain]

God is in us, yet the Bible also teaches that we are in God. The only reason God can be in us is because God became a man. Likewise, the only reason we can be in God, is if we become a "god". The Bible teaches that Christ is glorified in us, and we are glorified in Christ, so your statement saying He is glorified and not us, is only one side of the story. Many Christians only see themselves as fallen humans saved by grace, who get a pass into heaven. They may believe they are sons of God but this is only a theological term for them and they believe this is "in name only", that God calls us sons, but we are not actually sons. However by participating in the divine nature, the human creation also is considered divine. This is what it means to be a son of God, as opposed to a son of man. It is impossible to be a son of God and not be divine. We are all sons of men, but God wants to make us His sons. Whatever Christ is, we become like Him. Humanity does not become divine, nor do sons of God lose their humanity - the humanity and divinity is joined as one, and therefore are both human and divine. Also, by this human-divine union, the Bible says we are also glorified, not just Christ, but us as well in Christ (2 Thess 1:12, Rom 8:17, Rom 8:30).

If there were any Scripture to support man becoming divine the concept could be debated, but there's nothing to go on in my opinion, thus the issue can not be Biblically pursued (in my opinion). Plus I see no reason for man to become divine when God's divinity is more than sufficient.

 

[james1523]

If there were any Scripture to support man becoming divine the concept could be debated, but there's nothing to go on in my opinion, thus the issue can not be Biblically pursued (in my opinion). Plus I see no reason for man to become divine when God's divinity is more than sufficient.

The scripture that is clear on this matter is 1 Cor 15:42-49, 1 Cor 3:21-23, 2 Cor 3:17-18, 2 Cor 4:4, 2 Peter 1:4, Ps 82:6, John 10:30-42, Rom 8:17, Gal 4:7, Rev 3:21, Rev 21:7. The reason is that we cannot live forever or go to Heaven if we do not become a god, because the corruptible flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom (1 Cor 15:50, 2 Cor 5:17). The old creation is human, from Adam, the new creation is divine, from God. That there is no scripture is not true, and the concept of man becoming divine has been known and taught since the time of the early church, sadly lost, forgotten, or ignored by evangelical Christianity who only see themselves as nothing more than old creations saved by grace and sons of God in name only. Divinization is the purpose for God's transforming work in a believer's life.

 

[B-A-C]

I think we can become "like" God in some ways. But I certainly don't believe we ever become God. In fact what was Satan's sin? ( Ezek 28:2; Isa 14:14; )

What did Satan tell Eve? ( Gen 3:5; ) that she would be "like" God. In fact God acknowledges this in Gen 3:22; , knowing right from wrong is what made them "like" God.
We can have some of his attributes, we were created in his image, we can know good from evil, we will even have eternal spiritual/glorified bodies. Some of us
will even rule and reign with him. Some of us will judge others at the judgment. Some will become priests of God ( Rev 20:6; ) But we do not become God. ( Jas 2:19; Gal 3:20; )

But we will never take God's place as creator/ruler of the universe. To even desire this would be sin. We do not become divine Deities.
Some Mormons believe that Jesus was born as just a man, and became a god. They also believe that they all will become gods in a sense.
They all get their own planet to populate (that is why polygamy was encouraged in the old church) that they will rule over.

Jesus is God's "ONLY" begotten son. Jesus always existed, He created the heavens and the earth, and the entire universe. ( John 1:3; Col 1:16; )
Jesus is God. (a part of the Trinity) but the Trinity does not become "polyinity". Only the 3 remain God.

We are created beings, ( Gen 1:27; Gen 5:2; ) made to worship the one true God. ( Exod 20:5; Exod 23:24; Exod 34:14; Deut 26:10; 1 Chron 16:29; Psa 2:11; Psa 86:9; John 4:23-24; etc... )
Even in the after-life we will worship God. ( Rev 11:1; Rev 13:8; Rev 14:7; Rev 15:4; Rev 22:9; etc.. )

Even Jesus hands the kingdom back over to the Father.
1 Cor 15:24; then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power.
1 Cor 15:25; For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet.
1 Cor 15:26; The last enemy that will be abolished is death.
1 Cor 15:27; For HE HAS PUT ALL THINGS IN SUBJECTION UNDER HIS FEET. But when He says, "All things are put in subjection," it is evident that He is excepted who put all things in subjection to Him.
1 Cor 15:28; When all things are subjected to Him, then the Son Himself also will be subjected to the One who subjected all things to Him, so that God may be all in all.