FAQ - DIVINE
What is meant by Divine nature, etc.? What
is the meaning of the word nature in these connections? (A.P.N.)
<ANSWER>--The word "nature" in its true sense, as applied to
creatures, or beings, signifies the kind of organism and sphere of existence in which they
live and move and have their being. Thus when human nature is referred to, it signifies
the conditions of existence relating to the human race. The angelic nature is in a higher
and different sphere of existence than that of humanity. (`Psa. 8`.) As there is a vast
difference between the conditions of existence of a fish and a bird, so we may reasonably
suppose there is just as wide a difference between the human and angelic. The Divine
nature is the highest of all natures, and is different from all others in this regard--it
possesses inherent life and is, therefore, immortal. Whereas all other natures possess
life that is not inherent, but is sustained by partaking of the life-giving elements
peculiar to the different natures. A blending of natures would be a hybrid thing--a
monstrosity. The Lord Jesus experienced two changes of nature-- from spiritual to human
(`Heb. 2:16,17`) and then from human to Divine. It is promised in the Scriptures that the
faithful followers of Christ shall also experience a change of nature, and will
"became partakers of the Divine nature"- -the nature of God. `2 Pet. 1:4`.
Can we say that Jesus is divine and yet not worship Him as deity? (H.A.R.)
<ANSWER>--The Logos is designated "The Only Begotten Son" of God.
The thought conveyed by this expression is that the Logos, the Lord Jesus, is the only
direct creation or begetting of the Heavenly Father, while all others of God's sons
(angels as well as men), were His indirect creation through the Logos. Hence the
propriety, the truthfulness, of the statement, that He is the Only Begotten Son of God.
The Lord Jesus has ever been the agency or channel through whom the Divine purposes have
been accomplished. As the direct agent of the Heavenly Father it is appropriate that He
should be honored even as the Father is honored. And so it is written, "That all men
should honor the Son even as they honor the Father." (`John 5:23`.) After the death
and resurrection of the Lord Jesus, He was highly exalted, receiving glory, honor, and
immortality, the divine nature. In view of this high exaltation, and of His position of
special favor at the right hand of the Majesty an high, it is no cause for surprise that
we find it stated that all should bow the knee to Him: "Him hath God highly exalted,
and given Him a name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should
bow."--`Phil. 2:9`.
Was Christ human and Divine at the same time?
<ANSWER>--The word "Divine" signifies "the nature of
God." The Creator, God, is a Spirit Being glorious and immortal, dwelling in light
that is inaccessible to mortal man. One possessing the Divine, immortal nature could never
die. The human nature is the highest form of the earthly or fleshly nature. The Divine
nature is the highest form of the spirit nature. The spiritual nature is one thing and the
fleshly nature is another thing. (`1 Cor. 15: 44-46`.) The blending of the two natures
would produce a hybrid nature or being. As to which nature Christ possessed while in the
flesh, let the scriptures speak: "The Word (Logos, Jesus) was made flesh."
(`John 1:14`.) "Christ. . . being indeed put to death (A Divine being could not die)
in the flesh, but made alive in spirit." (`1 Pet. 3:18`.) "Since then the
children have one common nature of flesh and blood. He also in like manner partook of
these; in order that by means of His death He might vanquish him that hath the power of
death." (`Heb. 2:14`; see also `Heb. 2:6,7,9`.) From the Scriptures it is apparent
that the Lord Jesus left His spiritual nature and condition when He became the "Man
Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all." At His resurrection He received the
Divine nature and honor and glory as a reward for His obedience to the Father's will even
unto death. Nature is simply organism, and varies according to the form or quality of the
organism. The element of life is always the same.