1:42 Peter 1:4

God has given exceedingly great and precious promises so that by them human beings may share in the divine nature and escape the corruption that is in the world through lust.RH Sep 19, 1912+2 To share in that nature is to be truly changed in heart, life and character, rebuilt after Christ's likeness and freed from the selfishness of the natural heart.RH Jun 1, 1905+2 Escape requires a living union with Christ, separation from the world, and victory over perverted nature unto holiness fit for heaven.Lt 216, 1908, par. 4+2 This is made possible because Christ united divinity with humanity, was tempted as human beings are yet without sin, and died to uplift and restore fallen humanity.Ms 109, 1894, par. 5+2 The promises must be claimed by living faith and obedience, with diligent effort, prayer, watchfulness and daily growth in faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and charity.Ms 54, 1899, par. 16–17+4

The verse declares that God has given exceeding great and precious promises so that by these promises people may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.RH Sep 19, 1912+4 These promises belong to His provision of all things pertaining to life and godliness through divine power and through the knowledge of Him who calls to glory and virtue.RH Sep 19, 1912+4 They are part of His plan for developing Christian character, and escaping by them requires a living connection with Christ, knowledge of His life and character, desire to become like Him, earnest effort to overcome temptation, and faith that His promises will be fulfilled.AA 529.1–3+2

Grace and peace are multiplied through the knowledge of God and of Jesus, while His divine power gives all things for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called to glory and virtue.Lt 139, 1898, par. 52–55+4 Participation comes through cooperation with God, resisting temptation, drawing strength from Him, and following the path of Christian growth set out in the surrounding verses, so that those who experience it know God and become lights in the world.Lt 139, 1898, par. 52–55+2 Believers live upon the plan of addition by cultivating the graces of the Holy Spirit, adding to faith virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and charity through constant diligence by the grace of Christ, while Jesus works for them upon the plan of multiplication.Lt 77, 1895, par. 1–2+4 By these promises the whole structure of human character is rebuilt and created anew in Christ Jesus after the likeness of Christ, sin is pardoned, lost man is recovered, the treasures of wisdom hidden in Christ are brought forth, and all heaven is laid open to supply every spiritual blessing needed to perfect a character after the divine similitude.Lt 77, 1895, par. 1–2+1 This is the faith that works by love and purifies the soul, with no graduation in the school of Christ, and those who do these things make their calling and election sure, shall never fall, and receive an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.Lt 64, 1906, par. 3–7+3

The verse belongs to the practical instruction of the first chapter of 2 Peter, to be read, studied, practiced daily and carried into experience, connected with verses 3 through 10 and with the first chapter of 1 Peter, giving comfort and encouragement and assurance to all who have obtained like precious faith.Lt 164, 1910, par. 3+4 Its words are to be obeyed in letter and spirit, calling for the converting influence of the Holy Spirit in church members, and letting these truths fill heart and mind gives strength to resist looking on the dark side and talking discouragement and enables an uplifting testimony.Ms 11, 1899, par. 6–8+2 No one can depend on another's experience for salvation but must become personally acquainted with Christ to represent Him, and no hasty temper, misshapen character, selfishness, envy, jealousy or impurity of soul, body or spirit can be excused, for God has called to glory and virtue and the call must be obeyed.Ms 11, 1899, par. 6–8+1 Without divine aid escape is impossible from the temptations and snares prepared by one who was once an exalted angel next to Christ, full of beauty, charm and powerful intellect, who through exalted holiness thought himself equal with God, led angels astray, was cast out with his sympathizers, set up his own kingdom to allure the world to his apostate banner, and captivates the world by falsehoods, misrepresentations and false theories making error appear as truth.Ms 11, 1899, par. 6–8 Discernment and escape come only through individual experience gained by receiving the knowledge of Jesus Christ, who has power over all flesh to give eternal life, whose exceeding great and precious promises are God's unfailing pledge to be a strong helper, to be believed, strengthened in, taken personally and appropriated rather than doubted or set aside.Ms 11, 1899, par. 6–8+2 By these promises through faith believers become partakers by making Christ's righteousness their own through repentance toward God and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ, which He made possible not by making the law of no effect but by dying to testify to its immutability and bring in everlasting righteousness, standing as substitute and surety so transgressors can be saved not in continuing transgression but by escaping corruption through lust, with the effect seen in works restoring God's moral image, changing the character and bringing new birth.Lt 30, 1893, par. 6–7+2 The chapter is precious because it calls to grow in knowledge by beholding Him who is Truth, with the Holy Spirit bringing the precious words of truth vividly to mind for salvation, making the neglected Word quick and powerful and giving every reason to trust, praise, look unto Him and live.Lt 25a, 1895, par. 6–9

Exceeding great and precious means the promises are full, broad, deep, abundant and sure, yea and amen, too rich for words, given at infinite cost through the goodness and righteousness of Jesus Christ, to be treasured, claimed, lived by and taught to children.Ms 163, 1898, par. 16–17+1 They are exceeding great by His divine knowledge and manifestation of rich grace, not to exalt self but that He may be exalted, and by them believers are to imitate His characteristics with the aim and end of life to be a partaker of the divine nature.Lt 25a, 1895, par. 10–13 Having such rich provision there is no cause to complain, fret and worry into gloom over lack of human appreciation, for God is assurance, sufficiency and exceeding great reward, to be trusted personally above human efficiency.Lt 25a, 1895, par. 10–13 This means becoming like Christ in character especially through overcoming selfishness and living in selfless love and service, without which transformation there is no inheritance of eternal life, and sharing means receiving divine power to overcome temptation while serving God in human nature, as Christ obeyed as a true human relying on divine power and is the example.Ms 7, 1866, par. 3–5+1 Help from Christ to escape and partake is essential for salvation and is fostered by feeding the mind on His life-giving Word, gaining knowledge and standing on eternal truth, so that even the very simplest can take hold through cooperation with God, standing in Christ and determined to become all God intended instead of drifting with temptation, drinking of the water of life, becoming complete in Christ, precious and beloved as Daniel was, and regarded as heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ to the immortal inheritance bought with precious blood.Ms 138, 1906, par. 20–22+1

Many great promises were first given to the ancient Jewish church as a favored people brought from Egypt trusting salvation sure, yet when Christ came to His own they received Him not, showing that great light and privilege alone do not preserve without personal faith and obedience.Ms 12, 1904, par. 27+2 Sharing in God's nature and escaping lustful corruption is possible only through the grace of Christ, for human beings have no power in themselves to keep God's law, so God sent His Son to bring this power.Ms 12, 1904, par. 27+1 Escaping and becoming partakers are bound together as the way to obtain the mansions of the blessed, by holding fast to Christ, trusting Him, striving to leave the world behind, and progressing toward God through successive steps of obedience with constant diligence.Ms 13, 1884, par. 54–55+1 This means learning heaven's language and developing a character fitted for heaven during the years of probation, for those neglecting God for worldly pursuits are not ready for heaven's purity and joy, while those training the mind to delight in spiritual things can receive its holiness without being overwhelmed.Lt 17, 1868, par. 22–24+1 Through union with Christ by faith in Him and the blessings of His sacrifice believers receive His virtues and nature, and appropriating His words gives spiritual life and strength.Ms 146, 1903, par. 3–5 The first chapter presents character building as adding grace to grace while the great Giver multiplies grace and peace, and becoming a partaker takes place now in the precious hours of probation by going on step by step growing up in the likeness of Christ, in the measure of limited abilities pure, holy and undefiled, reproducing truth through Christ's grace as source of all power and supply for every emergency.20MR 342.5+1 It happens only if man does his part and cooperates, placing himself in right relation to God as transformed, bringing forth fruit meet for repentance, casting off works of darkness, putting on the armor of righteousness, placing himself favorably to secure help for overcoming, fighting, wrestling, laboring, striving, running with patience, laying aside every weight and easily besetting sin, and keeping unspotted to stand without spot before the Judge, with forgiveness promised to him who repents, justification to him who believes, increase of grace to him who improves what he has, and the crown of life to him faithful to the end, while ruin rests at man's own door.10MR 288.2–289.1

To partake of the divine nature is to share in divine power, grace, life, attributes and possibilities as a present privilege on vantage ground that must not be neglected.Ms 121, 1909, par. 18–22+3 It means coming into right relation with God and living by Christ's righteousness, with work to do rather than idleness for all who are connected with Christ by living faith.Ms 121, 1909, par. 18–22+2 This instruction belongs in churches and schools, where sound teaching purifies and elevates the mind to grasp the lasting truths of salvation instead of fables and erroneous theories.20MR 339.4–5 It describes the character required for entrance into God's city, formed after Christ's likeness, in which a peaceful death or mere profession does not assure salvation but the life must show a heart in harmony with God and His people in love to God and neighbor, repentance, restitution, and living and working as God's children in spiritual-mindedness.Lt 95, 1901, par. 24–30+1 Attention to one's own salvation and wisdom to give others right instruction belong together with laying hold of these great and precious promises as the means of sharing and escaping.17MR 225.3–226.1

Sharing is real change of heart, life and character, being rebuilt anew after Christ's likeness, reflecting the divine image, overcoming the selfishness of the natural heart and revealing Christ's attributes in good works.RH Jun 1, 1905+3 It means giving up one's own way to follow the path Christ has marked out, and by that participation believers are made complete in Him and prepared for pure and holy characters that He can present to the Father.RH Jun 1, 1905 This comes through the truth as it is in Jesus and must be taught as to how the change takes place, its fulfillment appearing in true godliness manifested in every line of service.Ms 95, 1908, par. 33 Accepting Christ's righteousness makes a person a partaker, and though possessing humanity he may unite humanity with divinity and overcome, which is possible and a great thing requiring more of the Holy Spirit which God will give.8MR 290.2+1 By cooperating with God and earnestly separating from the world's corrupt influences, human nature through Christ's merits is brought into relation to angels, to Christ and to God, so that partakers reach the spiritual and intellectual heights God intends, since intellectual strength without spiritual power is useless, and even those in moral degradation can be made pure and unselfish to bear the divine credentials.5MR 339.1–2 Escaping Satan's temptations and deceptions requires this personal knowledge of Jesus Christ and divine aid, for without it none can overcome the snares prepared to mislead.RH Apr 24, 1900

To partake is to be united to Christ by faith as branch to vine, with Christ dwelling in the heart and His life and Spirit received, humanity joined to divinity without losing human identity and without becoming passive.4MR 352.3+3 God's requirement of perfection is accompanied by provision to meet it, so that through Christ's power the divine nature can be received and the striving for eternal life succeed.4MR 352.3 Sharing means receiving Christ's nature and grace to discern Satan's temptations and overcome corruptions driven by lust, and through His imparted merits the sinner is refined and purified to become a laborer together with God, with divine compassion imparted to the earnest seeker.Lt 166, 1908, par. 3–4 The great and precious promises are fulfilled as knowledge of God is gained, conforming the receiver to God's character as revealed in Christ so as to be fit in this life to dwell with Christ in heaven.Ms 73, 1901, par. 14 Christ brought His divine nature down to fallen humanity so that every person by living faith now may unite human nature with it and take hold of His divinity in sore temptation, for He was tempted in all points as humans are and bore human sins in His own body to make escape possible.Lt 61, 1906, par. 3–6 This partaking is a positive necessity and not optional, accomplished by Christ clothing His divine nature with human garb so the fallen order can connect with it and reveal the oneness He prayed for, His obedient life in human nature standing as sample and perfect pattern of what human lives must become, restoring the original purpose that man was created to obey God and showing obedience to be natural, which preparation is essential for all who will enter through the gates into the city among the sanctified.Lt 61, 1906, par. 3–6+1

The divine nature must be joined with human nature in every soul who will gain eternal life, after the pattern of Christ in whom divine and human united, since human nature alone is fallen, helpless and degraded.Lt 15, 1889, par. 8 Divine power is brought to man by the Mighty Helper to combine with human effort, and through bestowed grace man escapes corruption through lust and becomes a partaker.Lt 15, 1889, par. 8 Partaking means standing in the battle between the powers of darkness and the children of light with humiliation of self at every step, day by day gaining fitness for the life that measures with the life of God, purifying trust in Jesus, following His example and growing into His likeness until standing perfected before Him, made possible by His life of sacrifice and shameful death by which human beings take hold of His divinity.Ms 99a, 1908, par. 12

Partaking is sanctification through truth and the Holy Spirit, who purifies the heart, overcomes inherited and cultivated evil, imprints Christ's character and reproduces God's image, which human effort alone cannot effect.RH Jul 19, 1906+3 It is freely available and is shown in conduct not conformed to the world.RH Jul 19, 1906 It means vital saving union in which Christ dwells within and God's character is revealed in the life, the Holy Spirit renewing the mind and quickening the soul unto newness of life, with daily reception bringing eternal life, forgiveness, cleansing, self dead and Christ living within.ST Oct 3, 1900 The divine nature is imparted to all who receive and acknowledge Jesus as Saviour, giving power to become sons of God, born of God and not by human will, made possible because Jesus as Son of God manifest in flesh put away sin by His sacrifice on Calvary, was tempted in all points yet without sin, overcame by prayers and strong supplications, perfected a character after the divine similitude in human nature, and by perfect obedience procured redemption for all who will obey.RH Aug 31, 1905 Those who partake overcome Satan's assaults and escape corruption through lust because Christ by His Spirit energizes all who seek Him with the whole heart, and as they look to Jesus they catch divine rays of light, copy His pleasantness rather than harsh violence, walk as obedient children in the fear of God, and reveal love, justice and mercy in Christlikeness that draws others to the Saviour, though some still choose darkness because their deeds are evil.RH Aug 31, 1905 Christ's great sacrifice makes receivers partakers of His nature with hope of eternal life and an immortal inheritance, a life of godliness that includes parents leading children toward God.RH Jan 14, 1909 Union with God thus regenerates and transforms the whole person through Christ's religion, lifting above degrading vice, turning thoughts and desires toward God and heaven, and clothing with Christ's righteousness as protection from evil.CT 51.4–52.1 To become a partaker is to copy Christ's life and character, bringing daily victories over sin and strength for life's battles, and as this education is sought angels accompany believers and the Spirit raises a standard against the enemy.CT 388.4

Those who share become like Christ and the pure angels, bearing God's likeness and family resemblance, with earthly tastes changed to heavenly ones and fitness to value heaven and be happy in Christ's presence.ST May 20, 1897+2 Receiving the life and character of Christ appears in tender compassion for the weak and unfortunate and in willing acts of mercy and generosity, for feeding on Christ and receiving His words into the heart makes a person like Him so that life matches profession.ST May 20, 1897 It means coming into harmony with God's standard of righteousness, His holy law, which measures actions and serves as the test of character in the judgment.COL 313.1–314.1 Through the Spirit the heart is made pure, resistance to evil and victory over inherited and acquired tendencies to sin are enabled, and Christ's character is impressed upon the church.HSP 3.3 This transformation refines and ennobles character beginning in heart and mind and showing itself in actions, coming through receiving Christ's words of life.RH Aug 20, 1903 As Christ's life demonstrated that humanity can share, all that Christ received from God is available to believers when they ask and receive, to be claimed with persevering faith.COL 149.1–2 God's workers are to share in this way each day by overcoming corruption through lust, so that God can work through them and their lives become a source of blessing.RH Nov 24, 1910

Escaping the corruption in the world through lust requires a living and growing connection with Christ, separation from the world, and victory over perverted nature in His name unto holiness fit for heaven and the city of God.Lt 216, 1908, par. 4+4 This life is formed by keeping connection with God and walking with Him, not by avoiding trials or arranging a path free of difficulty, as Enoch's righteous walk illustrates, whose translation without death points to the hope of translation at Christ's coming.9MR 256.2–4+2 Every person has a battle to fight and must lay hold of the divine nature for help and strength, replacing worry with praise, putting away doubts and harsh words toward associates, and carrying that joy out fully.Lt 216, 1908, par. 4+2 Sharing is received through exercised, living faith by taking hold of divinity through Christ, who took human nature, was tempted as humans are, and stands beside the race to help in every emergency, divinity and humanity united in Him.Lt 196, 1903, par. 19–20+2 The pattern is Christ the perfect example, followed in character after the divine likeness and practiced in temperance in eating, drinking, and dressing, a hope Christ desires to kindle in the heart even at this late hour.Lt 216, 1908, par. 4+2

Lust and its corruption include not only sensual desire and licentiousness but desire for exaltation, power, worldly honor, riches, praise and position, selfishness, pride, covetousness, evil-speaking, impatience, folly, vanity, frivolity, inclinations of the unconverted mind, and every indulgence corrupting the mind.Ms 75, 1909, par. 8+2 Escape is possible if the conditions are complied with, and it rests with each person whether it will be done, for becoming partakers means being overcomers through the sacrifice of Christ, laying aside those vanities and obtaining victory through the blood of the Lamb and the word of testimony after the evidence of Christ's pure sinless life.Ms 75, 1909, par. 8+2 It comes only as workers place themselves under God's discipline and conform daily life to the pattern of the Saviour's earthly life, first weeding out every lame principle, which perfects them as Christian workers and makes their united influence a power for good.Ms 63, 1908, par. 11+2 It takes place day by day as a person gives himself to Christ for service as His instrument, to whom God withholds nothing but gives ability and sufficient grace to work out His will, pledged by Christ's wounded hands, with all power in heaven and earth cooperating for results as measureless as eternity.Ms 126, 1907, par. 45+2 Believers are not left to overcome by their own strength, for angels surround them and watch for their minds to turn toward heavenly things to take charge of the mind, while those who receive God's great gift in Christ with reverence and gratitude show a heavenly character as the Holy Spirit changes the disposition.Ms 75, 1909, par. 8+2 Difficulties are allowed so that by overcoming them strength is gained for God's work, and grounding in truth keeps even severest persecution from turning aside, the partaking coming by studying the Bible and Christ's lessons, living consistent lives on the plan of addition, daily living experience in obedience, and encouraging faith and living by faith.2MR 290.3–291.2+2 The promise belongs to this present life of test and trial in which each is accountable both for working out his own salvation and for influence for good or evil upon other souls, so that Christ's laying aside His kingly honors to suffer and die is not in vain, and in that day the redeemed cast their crowns at His feet while heaven rings with praise.2MR 290.3–291.2+1

Escape involves turning from evil in the carnal heart and love of the world, cleansing through obedience to truth, putting away sin, crucifying the flesh with its affections and lusts, and bringing appetites and passions under the divine will.RH Jan 28, 1909+2 Through faith in Christ's righteousness the repentant sinner is reconciled to God and becomes a partaker, for Christ's united divinity and humanity enabled Him to overcome temptation without sin, and He gives this overcoming power to those who accept His righteous character by faith.RH Sep 17, 1914+2 The sinner repents of breaking God's law, strives to overcome sin, keeps Christ before him, and through prayer, faith, and receiving needed blessings grows nearer God's standard, and as self is denied and the cross is lifted new virtues appear in character.9T 151.2–3+2 Sharing is revealed in a life shaped by Christ's love and compassion, reaching to those in need, suffering with those who suffer, rejoicing with those who rejoice, and showing tenderness to the weak and distressed, possible through union with Him and His grace filling and controlling the heart.RH Sep 17, 1914+2 Bearing the mark of the divine nature means replacing every worldly practice opposed to God's Word with deeds reflecting that nature, made clear to students through education shaped by divine instruction, and seen in this world in unselfish love reflecting His glory and bringing heaven's light into darkness.CT 56.2+2 Believers are to partake themselves in order to present Christ as the friend of sinners in a way that draws people away from the evil one's ranks and from working to destroy souls.RH Sep 17, 1914+2

Partaking and escaping are bound together as humanity's only hope of obtaining the mansions of the blessed, requiring deep experience, diligent effort, and holding fast to Christ in successive steps of obedience.ST Mar 8, 1899+2 Through Christ people may partake, the Son of man forming a humanity that blends with divinity, enabling cooperation with Him in healing life's corrupted springs and directing them into sanctified channels.ST Mar 8, 1899+2 Sharing is expressed in a life sanctified by truth that refines and elevates the receiver and rules out impure conduct and undue familiarity, calling workers' thoughts, words, and actions to match the sacred truth they teach.ST Oct 15, 1885+2 Believers become partakers through Christ's atoning blood when they place the will on God's side, becoming God's children assured that God loves them as He loves His Son.ST Mar 8, 1899+2 Christ's great condescension and humiliation call for putting away haughtiness and self-exaltation and cultivating humility, self-denial, and His meek and lowly example in overcoming sinful traits, without which there is no place in God's kingdom.ST Oct 15, 1885+2 The privilege comes through living faith with the hope of eternal life in the earth made new, and conversion making a child of God renews the heart and strengthens the intellect so that even those once thought ordinary may gain remarkable power to understand and share God's word when the Holy Spirit opens and applies it, not by the bare letter alone.ST Mar 8, 1899+2

Without escape there is no sharing, for one clinging to cherished sins has not escaped, while those who overcome faults, appetites, and passions through Christ become partakers and overcomers.ST Jan 25, 1899+4 God has done what is needed, for Christ came as man and lived a perfect human life showing what God is willing and able to do and making perfection possible, which requires dying to self and depending wholly on Christ, since without Him nothing can be done.ST Jan 25, 1899+2 If a person is a member of Christ's church he is a member of His body, and if of His body he is full of the divine nature, the glory of salvation belonging to God while partaking belongs to man's duty of obedience, carrying an inner glory unseen by fleshly eyes.GC 212.1–213.1+2 Entering into this privilege causes men to live purely, chastely, and holily and to deem all worldly glory contemptible beside the glory within, steadfastly revealing Christ's attributes and growing day by day toward full stature.GC 212.1–213.1+2 Angels give such enlarged views of Christ's character, work, power, grace, and love, and the Spirit's sanctifying work appears in thoughts, words, and deeds, so their lives bring life and salvation to those around them and in Christ they are complete.CT 491.2+2 This sharing is necessary to take part in spiritual strife and obtain spiritual victories, reflecting Christ's character in words and actions through converting power upon heart and mind, and by taking hold of His nature afflictions brought by Satan can be overcome, which is part of bringing the sick to Christ.CT 491.2+2 That escape includes resisting appetite and intemperate eating and drinking, since indulgence strengthens animal passions and weakens moral and intellectual powers, while self-control in food supports Christian perfection and helps parents and children stand apart from prevailing corruption.ST Jan 25, 1899+2

Sharing in divine nature is made possible only through Christ, who took human nature, joined divinity to humanity, humbled Himself and died to lift humanity up, being tempted as humans are yet without sin so that He can help the tempted.Ms 109, 1894, par. 5+4 The worker becomes one with Jesus and a laborer together with God by feeling dependence upon Christ, by feeding upon the word as the bread of life, and by leaning upon Him as wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption, abiding in Him moment by moment, for without Him there is no power to resist and overcome temptation.Ms 109, 1894, par. 5+2 Christ died to give even the young the opportunity to share, and proper instruction and character formation prepare them for eternal life.12MR 267.3–268.1 He became the sin-bearer so that people might share, His righteousness made over to believers while their sins were transferred to Him, that they might die to selfish life and rise through faith to walk in newness of life.Lt 338, 1907, par. 5–6 Sharing comes through cooperation and deep, strong, true union in which His grace fills the heart and His will controls the life, making people like Him in character and life, glorifying God in body and spirit and reflecting the beauty of the risen Lord in love in action toward the weak, the sorrowing, the distressed, suffering with those who suffer, rejoicing with those who rejoice, and ever reaching out a helping hand.Ms 144, 1901, par. 19+1 It means honoring God in every respect with assurance of pardoned sin testifying of His love, with pleasantness and fullness of joy when Christ is within, by refusing inconsistent earthly sensual lives that heap reproach on Him, by rising above the malarious atmosphere of the world, breathing the breath of God, feeding on the bread of life by eating His flesh and drinking His blood, believing His Word and believing in Him as personal Saviour, which gives eternal life and living connection with God, brings eternity into reckoning, and makes one live as in the presence of the heavenly host under guarding angels, cherishing God's love, growing in spirituality, recognizing God's ownership of every soul bought with a price, glorifying Him in body and spirit, praying in faith and honoring Christ by taking Him at His word.Ms 144, 1901, par. 19 This sharing is necessary for success in the Christian life and for overcoming a world filled with wickedness, giving strength from Christ to stand in unceasing warfare where the armor can never be laid off and one victory does not free from further assaults, requiring constant resistance with trust in Him, refusing a meager supply of grace and seeking full measure until there is unrestrainable joy.Lt 127, 1902, par. 4–6

He clothed divinity with humanity, laying aside royal robe, crown and command, born of humble parentage, living in poverty and suffering a shameful death on Calvary to satisfy justice, bear the curse and pay the penalty.Ms 108, 1905, par. 8–10+2 He came not to astonish but to instruct the world and save it from ruin, so that through His divine power men might be overcomers and become partakers, members of the royal family and children of the heavenly King, that they themselves might behold the glories of the eternal world to be given to the saints of the Most High.Ms 108, 1905, par. 8–10+1 He came to show what people may become by obeying heaven's principles, for through believing and obeying God's Word they may have eternal life and live pure holy lives in union with Christ and God.Ms 108, 1905, par. 8–10 Believers take hold of divine power as He did and overcome through Scripture, and as they behold Him, speak of Him and follow on to know the Lord they are changed into His likeness and the corruption in their nature is worked out.Ms 49, 1894, par. 39–42 Such advancement involves warfare with the power of darkness, for Satan opposes every step in the divine life, and special help and strength from God are required since people cannot overcome by their own strength, yet grace is given to each one.3MR 82.1 Sharing means escaping the world's corruption through lust, for one who lets animal passions rule and makes the mind's higher powers serve baser passions has failed to be sanctified through the truth and has not become a partaker.Lt 21, 1868, par. 3 To be a partaker is to become truly good and be transformed by His grace into His character, which makes a person truly great in God's sight and is shown in practical daily life through Christlike sympathy, tenderness and gentleness.Lt 70, 1894, par. 5–7

As representative He proves obedience is possible, for He kept the law as a true man depending on divine power, resisted every form of temptation from childhood to manhood and in the wilderness, and overcame as pattern and Captain.Lt 11, 1904, par. 2+4 God gave His Son to redeem, and becoming partakers is part of that purpose, making the redeemed vessels of honor fit for the Master's use.Lt 11, 1904, par. 2 God sent Jesus to make it possible for humanity to grasp divinity and for divinity to lift humanity to become one with Jesus Christ and thereby one with God, and to take hold of the divine nature and enter that unity, having escaped corruption through lust, is the standard and privilege to be claimed, while resisting the Holy Spirit's influence keeps from it.Ms 139, 1909, par. 13 Christ gave His life so the human family might share, His divine power offered as the heritage of every believing soul, making His divinity effective in salvation and enabling His intercession as High Priest.Ms 41, 1909, par. 11–12 Human beings can share because He gave His precious life to bind human life up with His own in the union of humanity and divinity, coming to this world and living a divine-human life to make sharing possible, so that human life becomes as harmonious as designed, which comes when a person is in harmony within himself as Christ's redeemed possession, and only then can he be in harmony with his Creator.Lt 55, 1902, par. 17 Following Jesus as the pattern in all things means sharing that sinless life He lived unsullied from a little child, growing up in the Spirit of God with not a word from His lips for which He could be condemned, with God's converting power coming into the voice so that not a coarse word and not a passionate word comes from the lips, being in Him the living vine and bringing forth fruit to His glory, separating from worldly things so light is communicated to others in darkness while preparing for coming scenes that can scarcely be anticipated.Ms 139, 1909, par. 23 This participation belongs with deliverance from sin and adoption as God's sons and daughters, enabling people to form characters that are a holy spiritual temple to the Lord, purified as a people eager to do good works.Ms 133, 1902, par. 35

Through His sacrifice, blood, merits and intercession fallen descendants of Adam may lay hold of divinity, receive moral power, be cleansed, reconciled and restored, with heaven opened and all blessings supplied for perfection of character.ST Mar 11, 1889+4 Sharing is the saving quality of the Christian life, a heavenly light to be shared with others so that society is better and people are led to salvation.ST Mar 11, 1889 God grants the privilege of sharing, and this participation is expressed in sharing blessings with others through loving unselfish service, which brings spiritual blessing and joy, draws people nearer to their Creator and to Christ, and strengthens a spirit of beneficence in the giver.SC 79.1–3 By coming under the Holy Spirit's influence members are to develop characters that reflect God's character, following Christ who revealed the divine nature in His earthly life, striving for perfection within their own sphere as He was perfect in His.STGC 46.3 Union with Him changes nature, the believer loving what He loves and hating what He hates, the life-giving principle communicated as a graft draws life and strength from the vine.ST Sep 14, 1882 Communion with God cultivates mind, heart and character and makes people partakers, divine power lifting thoughts from earthly things, freeing from the world's polluting and deceptive influence, purifying hearts, sanctifying affections and turning them from earthly things to heavenly things.ST Feb 27, 1907+1

He Himself first shows a human can partake, remaining united to divinity in sinless life, gaining in a new sense the title Son of God, bridging the gulf of sin and linking earth to heaven and finite humanity to the infinite God.STMW11 6.2–7.1+4 Becoming a partaker means receiving His life rather than allowing wicked thoughts to grow within, for one who does not spiritually feed on Him becomes defiled by evils arising from within, and those evils reveal the corruption of their source.STMW11 6.2–7.1 Salvation makes people partakers through knowing the Father and the Son, that they may be joined to Him and become heirs with Him, a gift made possible at the infinite cost of His life, so that neglecting it means rejecting the knowledge of God and risking eternal ruin.RH Nov 21, 1912 Sin has marred God's image in humanity, but He can restore it, and people become partakers through earnest prayer and conquest of self, shown in a pure heart and a life that restrains sinful practices, appetites and passions, growing toward perfection of character by strong faith in God rather than confidence in self.HSFM 283.5–284.1 Believers may share in His divine character by striving to follow Jesus their pattern and by cherishing hunger and thirst for righteousness, and sharing in His glory means being willing to suffer with Him.RH Jul 25, 1854 People can partake and escape corruption through lust, and Christian unity demonstrates the change, for they are one with one another and with Christ, and through Christ one with God.ST Feb 7, 1900 Those who partake exert a Christlike influence, helping and blessing everyone they meet.ST Nov 28, 1911

The exceeding great and precious promises become effective only when taken up in genuine living faith that shows itself in actions. Ms 54, 1899, par. 16–17+2 They must be claimed and appropriated personally, with praise and thanksgiving, believed with the whole mind and heart, and fed upon as the bread of life. Lt 42, 1907, par. 5–8+2 Such faith means abiding in Christ and receiving holy influences that shape the character, requiring daily conversion reflected in thoughts, words, motives, and daily work. Ms 54, 1899, par. 16–17+1 A person is continually being formed either by Christ or by worldly influences, so that without growth in piety and grace, worldliness and sin grow instead. Ms 54, 1899, par. 16–17+1

Fulfillment is conditional on compliance, obedience to God's Word and directions, and doing His will. Ms 41a, 1896, par. 24–25+2 It calls for repentance toward God and faith toward Christ, with confession, surrender, and new birth, since mere hearing without reform leaves souls in unbelief. Lt 140, 1906, par. 21–24+2 Partaking cannot be kept together with pleasing God while holding the friendship of the world, but requires diligently applying oneself to gain the knowledge that enables cooperation with God in blessing humanity, imitating Christ's example, yoking with Christ and learning His meekness and lowliness, and going forward and upward instead of binding oneself to the world with the cords of ambition. Lt 164, 1900, par. 10–13+1 The test facing God's people concerns obedience to His commandments, and those who share in that nature bear fruit to God's glory as living branches of the true Vine. Ms 97, 1909, par. 21+1 Obedience to the Word makes people partakers because truth sanctifies hearer, mind, and will, correcting errant inherited tendencies rather than allowing them to be cherished or passed on, and refining and ennobling the whole person in the building of character. Ms 41a, 1896, par. 24–25+2

God never gives a command without giving grace sufficient to fulfill it, providing power to obey and resist temptation. Lt 406, 1907, par. 3–4+2 With Christ everything can be done, and perfection even as the Father is perfect is possible in the human sphere. Ms 35, 1893, par. 21–22+2 Christ desires those perishing for lack of His life to share in divinity and by that sharing get free from the corruption in the world that comes through lust, and this sharing comes through connection with divinity as Christ had, gained by earnest study of the life of Christ especially in perplexity and trouble and by looking to Jesus in every circumstance. Lt 406, 1907, par. 3–4+1 Those who so share receive joys not sprung from earth, the privileges of sonship with God, knowledge of how to conduct themselves, and Christ's own experience to guide them and Christ's consolation to sustain them. Lt 406, 1907, par. 3–4+1 Sharing comes by accepting grace with complete dependence on Christ as the source of divine energy, making no claim from personal merit, feeling personal weakness and need for transformed character, with self-abasement and self-renunciation, and with a heart made penitent so that the Holy Spirit's pervading influence is seen in every connection and in daily walk and speech. Ms 35, 1893, par. 21–22+2

Becoming partakers requires diligent effort, earnest prayer, watchfulness, searching Scripture and carrying it out daily. Ms 117, 1909, par. 11–14+2 Experience is confirmed through service, refusing harmful desires, and cooperating with divine power on the plan of addition while God multiplies. Ms 11, 1899, par. 27+2 Obedience to God's laws helps escape the corruption in the world through lust, for His laws for human life are given to preserve from sin and injury and bring health and peace, while violating the laws of health brings suffering and leaves marks of transgression in character and body. Lt 128, 1905, par. 2–4+1 This means stepping forth in God-given manhood and womanhood, standing as faithful sentinels to hold back moral woe, practicing self-abstinence from intoxicating drink and other fleshly lusts, and earnestly hearing the messages God sends while mingling prayer with those who believe. Ms 11, 1899, par. 27+2

When God's people fall short of perfect obedience the promises remain beyond reach. 4MR 356.1–2+2 Great light and privilege do not preserve those relying on self or forms, loving riches, or exposing themselves rashly to needless danger. Ms 84, 1905, par. 5–6+2 Sharing in the divine nature means receiving life through faith in Christ the Life-giver and escaping the world's corruption through lust, for the gospel sanctifies the soul and gives eternal life in the Son to those who trust the promises and draw on divine strength. 4MR 356.1–2+1 Christ's sinless obedience and reliance on divine power show how to obey God's commandments, since divine power is the sinner's only hope, and as the believer beholds the Saviour he is changed into His image and bears God's mark, holding firmly to the truth because the truth holds him. Ms 29, 1899, par. 15+2 Living faith takes Christ at His word, and remaining one with Him brings power to overcome and bear lasting fruit, for God desires people to trust His Word and promises, and He can save and restore them completely. Ms 37, 1908, par. 22–24+1

Partaking of the divine nature is lived out by adding with all diligence, step upon step, faith and virtue and knowledge and temperance and patience and godliness and brotherly kindness and charity, climbing upon Christ as the ladder. Ms 143, 1907, par. 6–8+1 The exceeding great and precious promises are given not merely to bestow divine gifts but to impart the mind of Christ, making believers firm in principle, steadfast in faith, unswerving in truth and virtue, and unshaken in loyalty to God. Ms 180, 1898, par. 13–14 This is present privilege and power to overcome, bringing membership in God's royal family as children of the heavenly King with eternal glory in view, offered through Christ whose death opens mercy and whose gospel offers God's gift to sinners. 20MR 243.4+1 It is learned by following Christ's example, for though divine He took humanity and lived in perfect obedience to show what humanity may become, calling His followers to form characters in harmony with His and showing even the poor how to seek eternal riches. Ms 40, 1905, par. 1–2 In Him the weakness of humanity was united with the strength of divinity, and being tempted in all points yet without sin He knows how to help the tempted, so every young man and woman who follows in His footsteps can share the divine nature and escape corruption through lust by overcoming as He overcame. Ms 143, 1907, par. 6–8 A heart at peace with God rises above low earthly things, and as renewed by grace it grows more like Christ. Lt 21, 1886, par. 24–25

Those who keep adding will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of Christ, will make calling and election sure, will never fall, and will receive an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom. RH Apr 14, 1904 Those who lack these graces are blind, having forgotten cleansing from old sins. RH Apr 14, 1904 Sharing in the divine nature means loving as Christ loved and working as He worked, with sympathy and compassion that does not fail or grow discouraged, kept pure and elevated by continual communion with Jesus and willing obedience to love one another as He loved. ST Mar 19, 1894 Through union with the divine, human beings become what God intends, wholly given to God with renewed physical, mental, and spiritual power, receiving Christ's life with the Holy Spirit working in mind and heart to gain victories once made impossible by defects of character and weak faith. RH Jan 5, 1911 This participation cultivates understanding and brings clearer light as believers are connected with divine power, and Christ's life displayed God's character to show what humanity may become. RH Mar 8, 1906+1

Sanctification is progressive, learned step by step and day by day, growing into Christ's likeness toward full stature and completeness in Him, with no graduation in His school. RH Jun 26, 1900+1 Through close connection with God, trust in Him, and reliance on Christ's righteousness, believers gain experiential knowledge of His divine nature and are changed into His image, a transformation open to all and calling for faith, earnest desire, and effort in using God-given ability, revealed in a holy life that glorifies God. RH Jun 26, 1900 Christ's death and life of perfect obedience make it possible for those who receive Him as Redeemer to become partakers and at last stand before God without sin. RH Jun 29, 1905 Sharing means the human is brought into likeness to the divine, with every God-given faculty used for His glory and each advance in knowledge or cultivation of intellect moving the human toward the divine under heaven's principles. MYP 172.1 God seeks thus to restore men and women, once made in His image but lost through disobedience, enabling escape from corruption through lust, while devoting God-given powers to lust dishonors God and ruins the doer. SLP 10.1–13.1

The change is seen in careful, God-honoring choices each day, bearing the fruit of the virtues of the chapter in knowing Christ. RH Apr 14, 1904 Those who continually study God's Word and incorporate its knowledge of His will into thought and character become partakers, equipped to do God's work intelligently and acceptably and to reach the highest standard. Ms 135, 1898, par. 1 Man has no strength in humanity alone and becomes efficient and useful in God's service only by partaking, which means putting self aside, making room for the Holy Spirit upon the heart, living wholly sanctified to God's service, and enduring the Lord's discipline without complaining or fainting. Lt 47, 1895, par. 35–36 It requires learning meekness and lowliness of heart and distrust of self after Christ's example who acknowledged that of Himself He could do nothing, giving greater wisdom and spiritual efficiency than all human teaching. Lt 47, 1895, par. 35–36 Becoming partakers is the work of God's life in the soul through His love given through Christ, working with transforming power to perfect Christian character and flowing as a living stream of love and life to the world, received by taking the words of eternal life into heart and mind and being sanctified through the Spirit of truth, and revealed when speech is under the Holy Spirit's control. Lt 67, 1902, par. 31–33 Christ endured every temptation and gave an example of what humanity may become, and receiving His words belongs to seeking the love He gives. Ms 97, 1906, par. 13–18 Where workers share that nature they draw together in harmony, praying with humility, confessing sins, recognizing defects of character, and avoiding confusion. Lt 188, 1906, par. 18–20

Eternal life belongs only to those who become partakers and escape corruption, requiring thorough conversion and not mere theory, formality, or stirred feeling. Ms 86, 1894, par. 28–30+1 Jesus has given His divine nature to be laid hold upon by faith, so that through His merits every soul may overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil and win immortal life, with a crown of immortal glory for every overcomer, Christ helping at every step with angels round about and heavenly agencies working with man. Ms 86, 1894, par. 28–30 Laying hold means giving Jesus the mental, moral, and physical powers to be laid at His feet and used in winning souls, bringing peace now with Christ formed within as the hope of glory, and eternal reward in the morning of the resurrection when the dead come forth victorious over death and the grave, the gates of heaven opened, to dwell in His presence and see the King in His beauty. Ms 86, 1894, par. 28–30 Those who accept Jesus by faith as personal Saviour escape corruption through lust, a change requiring Christ's grace and power since sensual habits cannot be overcome by human strength, directing life toward holiness rather than trifling or corrupting conduct. Lt 6a, 1890, par. 65–70 It is the privilege of Christians in the last days to reach a high standard with cleansed and sanctified hearts, whence power goes forth from the church with melody in the heart and fullness of joy in God's power and grace. Ms 134, 1901, par. 37–39 Receiving God's Word daily and obeying it makes a person a partaker, for the Word nourishes the soul as food nourishes the body, forming Christ within, enlightening the mind, and causing growth in Christ and fruit-bearing. Ms 66, 1897, par. 18–21+1 Those who abide in Jesus and do His Word show participation in humility, obedience, meekness, and lowliness, for mere profession of love or faith that does not change character is only lip service and cannot save. Ms 26, 1885, par. 16–18 Sinners can thus become obedient children of God because One who knew no sin, equal with God, came and lived the law in humanity to testify it could be kept, and God gave up Jesus to bear human sin while men were yet sinners and rebels, so that pardon and life come to all who believe, for God is not willing that any should perish but that whosoever will should come through Christ and live. Lt 55, 1895, par. 68

Sharing in the divine nature is proved in becoming an overcomer, victorious and escaped from the corruption in the world through lust, and this entails conflict with darkness and Satan's snares that can only be met with God's help.Ms 8a, 1888, par. 23–24+1 It requires prayer as Enoch prayed, communion and walking with God, and a living connection that takes hold of divine power by daily, hourly faith, for mere church membership and high profession avail nothing without this union.Ms 118, 1904, par. 3–4 That union is shown by spirit, words, deportment, and business dealings with believers and unbelievers revealing the virtues that come from Christ, and by cooperation with Christ in which there is no need to become worthy before coming to Him, but to accept His terms, surrender own ways, submit to His will and let Him shape the character.Lt 130, 1898, par. 9–11+1 Fallen people can in this way obey God's law, for Christ's obedience demonstrates the possibility, and His victories at Calvary open the way to keep God's law through Him, with no other way.Ms 165, 1902, par. 30–32+1 The same sharing leads workers to draw together in harmony in humility, prayer, confession of personal sins, and recognition of defects of character, helping prevent confusion, while angels minister and guard each step of willing souls climbing heavenward.20MR 173.6–7

It is illustrated by Daniel and his companions, who through self-denial and obedience kept themselves in touch with God and became partakers, their chosen diet and refusal of the king's meat and wine being conscientious adherence to principle which God approved with clear minds, knowledge, wisdom, and moral purity.Lt 73, 1896, par. 50–53 In the home, parents must become partakers to reform the family and work as Christ worked, becoming more and more like Jesus and better representing His character, especially in dealing with human minds and molding children and youth as Christ's heritage with the remembrance that Christ died for every soul.Lt 421, 1907, par. 6 This requires being constantly a learner of Christ as the great Teacher who gave His life to save sinners, being disciplined in that school and doing one's very best, leaving nothing to boast of because nothing can be done without Him.Lt 421, 1907, par. 6 Guiding children patiently without anger, teaching obedience, praying with them, keeping tables free from intemperance and leading them toward God and immortality belongs to this work, for God's promises anchor the soul, soften the heart, and prepare it to do His will, and through connection with the Saviour people share His grace and love as sons and daughters of God.Lt 90, 1901, par. 5

People cannot perfect a true moral character by themselves, but through repentance they receive forgiveness, receive Christ's righteousness, become partakers of the divine nature, and escape the world's corruptions through lust, with Christ as the perfect pattern for God's sons and daughters.Lt 256, 1906, par. 21–22 Through faith a person converted to God becomes a partaker and is set apart for God's work, made an earnest worker who shares Christ's soul-saving spirit, love, and concern for those perishing in sin, and who works with God to save others.Ms 19, 1902, par. 9–11 Workers need the divine nature in their own character so they can speak with God and then with people, which is the spiritual fitness needed for effective work for souls.Ms 181, 1903, par. 4 Those who separate selfishness from their lives and love as Christ loved become partakers and receive special talents to help others, shown through compassionate, unselfish ministry that helps save people from sin and ruin.Ms 65a, 1900, par. 4–7

In education, youth in danger are to study the verse abundantly, build on the sure foundation, grow daily in knowing God, practice temperance and purity, and prepare for service as medical missionaries and workers.Lt 199, 1901, par. 33–35+1 Christ at a cost only He as Redeemer can understand took human nature on Himself and stood at the head of the human family so that humans by partaking of His divine nature might stand on vantage ground with God, and through His merits, though degraded by sin, a person may render perfect obedience to God's commandments and overcome corruption through lust.Lt 199, 1901, par. 33–35 This calls for personal acceptance of Christ by faith in His power to redeem and to restore the image of the Creator, developing a character like Christ's, no longer living as natural inclination dictates but living to bring the greatest honor to God and to give a representation of God completely opposite to Satan's representation.Lt 199, 1901, par. 33–35 Sharing is expressed in a Christlike character formed through the Spirit's sanctifying work, for God accepts only those who share that nature, and love for God and others with obedience to His commands places people in a position to work with God, love being the fruit bringing healing to others.Ms 108, 1903, par. 3–5 It means having the mind of Christ, refusing a divided life and compromise with the world, living out the law of God, feeding upon Christ, and following His humble, self-denying, self-sacrificing example who lived not to please Himself, so as to walk as He walked and stand in integrity as living sentinels for truth who come out and are separate.Lt 84, 1895, par. 16

Partaking means attaining a likeness of character to God by the imparting of His own grace, in the measure of limited human powers holy as He is holy, reproducing the truth and love that exist in God at the top of the ladder, receiving and retaining His moral image as wax takes the counterpart of the seal, and becoming filled and transfigured by His brightness as a cloud dark in itself when filled with light is turned to stainless whiteness.19MR 345.5–347.1 This happens as hands fasten to Christ the ladder and climb step by step heavenward with ever-increasing vigor, leaving guilt of the past behind and refusing to look down on things that poisoned happiness, kindled remorse, weakened the will and repressed better impulses, being drawn away from corruption that seeks to hold humanity to a low earthly level by blinding sensibilities, degrading desires, enfeebling conscience, crippling religious faculties and urging sway to the lower nature, in order to rise to God's divine ideal.19MR 345.5–347.1 Christ Himself makes believers partakers so they overcome corruption through lust, by individually opening the heart to Jesus so that through the Holy Spirit He comes in to mold and fashion the life anew in accordance with the divine image, received by entire surrender of will and way, repentance and pardon, renewal of heart, and indwelling of the Spirit of Christ and love of God, which banishes darkness, turns away deceptive powers, and brings believers to sit together in heavenly places with Christ Jesus.Ms 16, 1903, par. 15–26 Christ offered Himself as willing sacrifice, stooping from high command, giving up honor and glory and tasting death to rescue humanity from slavery to sin so people can share, leaving no excuse to remain dwarfed and crippled but calling for higher religious experience that sees the greatness of gospel hope, giving a second probation and every provision to gain experimental knowledge of the Redeemer's character and work.21MR 402.2–3

Partakers become lights, channels of blessing and laborers together with God, working to save souls, relieve suffering, proclaim truth and show unselfish love, compassion and unity that draw others to Christ.Ms 19, 1902, par. 9–11+1 Everyone may partake, and this is connected with Christ's gift of spiritual life: the living water He gives meets spiritual need, continually springs up within and leads to everlasting life.Ms 18, 1895, par. 15–16 Becoming a partaker means receiving Christ inwardly, represented by eating His flesh and drinking His blood, for without this wicked thoughts strengthen within and defile, while sharing is opposed to the corruption that produces evil from within.Ms 92, 1897, par. 14–15 A person who strives in cooperation with Christ becomes a partaker and escapes corruption through lust, receiving and believing in Christ as personal Saviour bringing power for transformation, Christ making available the power by which He overcame.Ms 127, 1905, par. 14–15 Christ's blood-bought people may through faith share His divine character and become members of God's royal family, His sons and daughters, invited to receive Him and become one with Him in escape from the world's corruption through lust.Lt 107, 1898, par. 23 Partaking comes through Christ, the bread of life and water of salvation, as part of the gift of eternal life bringing grace that enables use of talents in service to bring souls to Christ.Ms 92, 1903, par. 20

The promise belongs to this probation for last-day workers, ministers, physicians and sentinels, who must daily share and escape to stand firm, present solemn truth, resist worldliness and be ready for Christ's appearing and the holy city.Lt 84, 1895, par. 16+1 It means becoming meek and lowly like Christ, freed in His power from Satan's claims, with masterly self-assurance gone and no thread of selfishness woven into life, finding joy in following the Saviour's example, with life hid with Christ in God.Lt 174, 1902, par. 29–30 God's promises become ours through the gift of His Son, who equal with God took human nature and paid humanity's ransom, through whom humanity can become God's children and heirs of heaven and partake, revealing God's tender love known through experience.Ms 23, 1899, par. 12–14 Christ has provided for people to become partakers and assures them they can overcome as He overcame, His life showing that through the same divine power He received, people can obey God's law.Ms 141, 1901, par. 8–9 Knowing from experience how the divine joins with the human, those who share do not dismiss God's message because it comes from human lips as merely human, but discern the divine in it and receive it, for God must speak through human beings because sinful humanity cannot endure unveiled glory and an angel could not do the work, even as Christ took humanity to reach people and the aged persecuted John was given mysteries though he fell as dead and had to be revived and strengthened to receive them.Ms 165, 1904, par. 12–13

A partaker is changed by the Spirit of Christ: citizenship is above, the soul hidden with Christ in God, Satan no longer able to use that person to defile God's temple, bringing victory, ennobling thoughts, and regard for every person as precious because Christ died for each soul.Lt 58, 1894, par. 9–11 Being partakers means living Christ's life in this world, and those risen with Christ to walk in newness of life are God's elect, holy unto the Lord and acknowledged as His beloved, under solemn covenant to distinguish themselves by humility of mind, clothing in garments of righteousness, separate from the world, its spirit and practices, learning of Him who is meek and lowly in heart.19MR 236.4 If they realize they have died with Christ and keep their baptismal vow, the world will have no power to draw them aside to deny Christ, and when Christ who is their life shall appear, they also will appear with Him in glory.19MR 236.4

Approaching God as Father brings partnership as children of the heavenly King and members of the royal family with heaven as home, adoption, inheritance and an unbreakable tie to the redeemed.Ms 51, 1906, par. 5+4 Through faith the human character gives way to Christ's likeness in a consistent life devoted to bringing others to salvation, using time, strength, means and influence to win souls.Ms 51, 1906, par. 5+2 Becoming partakers sanctifies human affection without destroying it, guiding not a particle of God-given affection to destruction but into right channels, strengthening, purifying, uplifting and balancing it by Christ's virtues and merits while the dross and the sensual are taken away, giving tone, elevation and permanency to the affections.Lt 26, 1893, par. 24–28 Holding the exceeding great and precious promises by faith strengthens believers to remain faithful in duty and work without failing or becoming discouraged and to perfect holiness in reverence for God, calling for heartfelt self-denial and giving up lesser things for His sake because Christ gave His precious life for this sharing.Lt 178, 1899, par. 22+1 God Himself places His Spirit, His divine nature, where man can reach it, so that through Jesus Christ man connects with the One mighty in counsel, receives renovating energy to expel Satan and a divine anointing giving spiritual eyesight to discern whether the counselor is Satan or Christ, as protection when Satan and men form alliance in rebellion before the Lord comes with power and great glory, against whose selfishness and corruption believers must wage sharp warfare.Ms 44, 1890, par. 32+1

The promises are true life insurance securing guardianship now and immortal life to come, with full pardon, cleansing, peace, joy and strength to resist dwelling on darkness instead of worldly securities.4RED 61.2–62.1+4 Partaking of the divine nature means loving peace and contentment and cultivating the virtues that foster them, seeking to quiet anger, resentment, faultfinding and other passions that cause strife, living in harmony with heaven and following Christ's example in close connection with Him.4RED 61.2–62.1+1 As people unite with the world and adopt its ways they lose true peace and become marked by bitterness, jealousy and evil thoughts, while those who receive truth into the heart are emptied of selfishness and become light-bearers in a dark world influencing others toward life.ST Apr 26, 1877+1 God's precious promises are blessings offered on condition of obedience, received through sincere earnest faith to come into close connection with heaven, gain moral fitness for heaven and become channels of light to the world.3T 574.4 Sharing in the divine nature means receiving Christlike qualities through heavenly grace, with truth planted in the heart transforming the person to tender sympathy and love rather than harshness, contempt or partiality, and compassion for people in trouble and love for a fallen brother as God and Christ love showing participation in Christ's nature, since without continual grace human kindness is lost.STA 17.2+1

Becoming partakers fits character for heaven during probation, training the mind to delight in spiritual things and learn heaven's language so its holiness can be received without being overwhelming.ST Oct 3, 1895+4 The word comes in power to impress the mind with hope for those hungering and thirsting after righteousness and longing for heart purity and fellowship with the Spirit, so that those who learn of Christ look earnestly to Him to catch His Spirit and perfect holiness in fear of the Lord, with pure feelings and pure tender words, and the earnest of the inheritance leading them to walk in love drawing near to listen to the voice of the true Shepherd.ST Oct 3, 1895 Through unselfish service the sharing becomes more full, the image of God is restored in every power, and heaven is received into the heart.ST Apr 21, 1909 Sharing is a life transformed with self humbled, dead to the world's pride and ambitions, faith purifying the soul and working through love to produce compassionate righteous deeds and love among Christians rather than strife or self-exaltation, receiving Christ's Spirit with self dying and Christ living within and grasping God's promises while standing on eternal truth and letting God's light transform the heart from self-will and rigid attachment to one's own ways.Ms 76, 1893, par. 39–42+1 Living by the Word prepares professed believers to recognize opportunities to work for the unconverted and share truth, requiring weeding from the life every worldly practice opposed to God's word and putting in its place deeds bearing the mark of the divine nature, a transformation possible as the great work of these last days to be made clear in Christian education, leading to strict purity, true humility and simplicity seen in speech, dress, diet and influence superior to worldly learning, learning heaven's principles and living them now to fit for transfer to another world and develop character meeting God's approval.Lt 6, 1907, par. 1–2+1

Sharers will be crowned in honor with Christ, made kings and priests, enter through the gates into the city, receive an immortal inheritance and dwell with the royal family in eternal glory.Ms 73, 1894, par. 4+4 The higher life involves being molded to Christ's likeness and the divine similitude, cultivating heavenly graces during probation in preparation for the heavenly life.Ms 73, 1894, par. 4 People become partakers by keeping in touch with God and living in obedience to His will, as exemplified in conscientious self-denial, refusing defiling indulgence, studying and praying and making steadfast principle part of daily life, with God educating and giving knowledge, wisdom and understanding displayed in physical soundness and moral purity.20MR 116.1–5 God's great and precious gifts are fulfilled through Christ for those who are faithful, receive them and share them, with Christ's power given to meet sinners' needs but not communicated through impure channels, so humility, obedience and doing God's will prepare to receive His richest gifts.Lt 102, 1901, par. 27–28 God desires to raise fallen human beings to the divine ideal as His purpose in salvation and His one object in all His dealing, made possible by Christ giving His life on Calvary with the Holy Spirit striving to exalt each person, meaning leaving darkness to become children of light and forsaking world corruption for the holiness of God's kingdom, with obedience safeguarding the soul and qualifying to persuade others in darkness and in temptation how God helps and strengthens and that truest happiness and greatest blessing are found in innocence alone.Lt 178, 1902, par. 24–25 Power is provided for every son and daughter of Adam through Christ's virtue so that men may become partakers, proving genuine Christianity real despite counterfeits, with the exceeding great and precious promises including pardon and forgiveness based wholly on the atonement of the spotless perfect offering, shown in hearts cleansed and sanctified where power comes from grace rather than outward forms or musical accomplishments and worship reflects Christ's simplicity.Lt 30, 1895, par. 44–46+1

With such provision there is no excuse to remain deficient, complain or fear, for God is assurance and exceeding great reward, all heaven is interested, and refusal will leave the disobedient without excuse at final reckoning.Lt 48, 1897, par. 36–37+4 To be a partaker means not to judge the Word because the partaker knows the Word judges him, taking religion from the Word just as it reads instead of bringing religion to the Bible and reshaping, misplacing, subverting, misapplying or bending the Scriptures to prove human ideas true, with no liberty to cancel God's decisions, revise or endorse His Word to suit popular last-day heresies, or reject and trample any portion because it does not suit the world's measure or accommodate business practices.Lt 48, 1897, par. 36–37 Becoming a partaker is a blessed opportunity through accepting God's invitation and following Jesus to bear fruit to God's glory, developing character God requires formed not after earthly principles but after divine similitude as plainly revealed as Satan's principles are shown in the world's condition, for Christ came to show there is a God to be honored and a heaven to be won and how to gain the likeness, while all opposed to His will will at last be withered and blighted and truth of heavenly origin must not be dragged down to unconsecrated plans, with worldly principles in business bringing condemnation of God's law.Ms 75, 1895, par. 14+1 Amid a church condition unfavorable to Christlike growth, faithful souls determined to share that nature endure continual testing and temptation, watching and praying and trusting Christ to hear even the humblest prayer.Lt 134, 1901, par. 8–10 God wants to make each person a partaker by looking directly to Him who is able to save to the uttermost all coming in righteousness and truth with no yoke of human authority, urgent because earth's history is very near its close leaving no time to tamper with the enemy, enabling through exceeding great and precious promises growth toward full stature in Christ, with repentant people received and pardoned through Christ's death and the plan of redemption and receiving strength by coming in faith to climb toward perfection, watching words and actions and using each opportunity to honor God.Ms 43, 1908, par. 18–20+1