“By which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature….” –  2 Peter 1:4

If, like me, you’re a shareholder or director in a business or company, you have rights, privileges, duties and responsibilities in regard to that entity.

Technically, it’s called ‘beneficial ownership’ and this has to be declared in writing with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB).

In our meditation today, the apostle Peter is affirming the believers in Christ that they are “partakers of the divine nature.”

In the original language, the word translated ‘partakers’ denotes one who shares something with someone else.

That is why Hebrews 2:14 says that Christ became a “partaker of flesh and blood,” which means He took on a human body and shared our nature as human beings.

The other Greek word for ‘partner’ is derived from ‘koinonos,’ which denotes “having something in common’ (from ‘koinos’ for ‘common’).

It is from this word that the Romans got the Latin word ‘communis’ hence the English words ‘community,’ ‘communion,’ ‘communicate,’ etc. 

In that context, to be partakers in something means to have communion/fellowship or take part in; to be a companion or to share in something.

Being a partaker means that you are a ‘sharer’ or ‘shareholder’ – basically a co-owner of shares, hence a ‘partner.’

Technically, being a partaker of the divine nature means you have ‘communion’ or you have a share in the divine life; you have an inherent and legally exercisable ‘beneficial ownership,’ as it were.

There are a few other things that the Bible says we are “partakers” of.

Ephesians 4:6 says we are “fellow heirs….and partakers of His promise in Christ through the Gospel.”

That means we have a share in God’s divine resources, which are available through the Good News of our Lord Jesus.

Secondly, Paul says in Philippians 1:7 that you are “partakers with me of grace.”

That means every Christian has a right to have access to the unmerited Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Are you an active or a ‘dormant partner’ in the ‘divine nature’? To what extent are you playing your role as a responsible shareholder who enjoys beneficial ownership?

Thirdly, Colossians 1:12 says that the “Father has qualified us to have the legal right to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.”

That means we’re join-heirs with Christ and we legally have an allocation in His inheritance.

Fourthly, we are also “partakers of the heavenly calling” (see Hebrews 3:1).

You have the right to belong to the group of ‘the called.’ No one has the power to exclude you!

Additionally, believers are also partakers [share in the communion] of the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 6:4).

Finally, we are “partakers of His holiness,” meaning that we’re part of the community of people who are set apart or separated for God’s eternal purposes (Hebrews 6:10).

So, no one has the right or power to declare you ‘unholy.’

As we saw earlier, being a “partaker” or ‘shareholder’ in these aspects of the divine realm gives us ‘beneficial ownership,’ which entails rights, privileges as well as duties and responsibilities.

Are you an active partner or a ‘dormant partner’ in the ‘divine nature’?

To what extent are you playing your role as a responsible shareholder who enjoys beneficial ownership?  

Prayer:

Almighty God, thank you for the gift of beneficial ownership in the divine life. I choose to be a responsible member of the community of faith who is committed to fulfilling all my duties and responsibilities as I enjoy the benefits thereof. In the Name of Jesus, Amen!