Page:Studies in the Scriptures - Series I - The Plan of the Ages (1909).djvu/202

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tures is no part of God's design, but would be an imperfec- tion, and that the change from one nature to another is not the rule, but the exception, in the single instance of the Christ it becomes a matter of deep interest to learn how the change is to be accomplished, upon what condi- tions it may be attained and in what manner it will be

effected.

The conditions on which the Church may be exalted with her Lord to the divine nature (2 Pet. i ; 4) are precisely the same as the conditions on which he received it ; even by following in his footprints (i Pet. 2: *r), presenting her- self a living sacrifice, as he did, and then faithfully carry- ing out that consecration vow until the sacrifice terminates in death. This change of nature from human to divine is given as a reward to those who, within the Gospel age, sac- rifice the human nature, as did our Lord, with all its inter- ests, hopes and aims, present and future even unto death. In the resurrection such will awake, not to share with the rest of mankind in the blessed restitution to human perfec- tion and all its accompanying blessings, but to share the likeness and glory and joy of the Lord, as partakers with him of the divine nature. Rom 8 : 17 ; 2 Tim. 2:12*

The beginning and development of the new nature is likened to the beginning and development of human life. As in the one case there is a begetting and then a birth, so also in the other. The saints are said to be begotten of God through the word of truth, (i Pet. 1:3;! John 5 : 18; James i ; 18.) That is, they receive the first impulse in the divine life from God through his Word. When, having been justified freely by faith in the ransom, they hear the call, "Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, [ransomed, justified and therefore] acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service" (Rom. 12:1); and when, in obedi- dicnce to that call, they fully consecrate their justified huraan*

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