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2 Peter 1:4
4 Whereby [dia] [hos] are given [doreomai] unto us [hemin] exceeding great [megistos] and [kai] precious [timios] promises [epaggelma]: that [hina] by [dia] these [touton] ye might be [ginomai] partakers [koinonos] of the divine [theios] nature [phusis], having escaped [apopheugo] the corruption [phthora] that is in [en] the world [kosmos] through [en] lust [epithumia]. KJV-Interlinear
4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. NASB
The spiritual life belongs to believers in Jesus Christ, only. No unbeliever has access to any form of a spiritual life, of any kind. And there is but one legitimate spiritual life in existence, anyway.
The many wonderful blessings that are available to believers, are likewise available only to mature believers, or those advancing toward that goal.
The phrases, ‘for by these,’ or ‘whereby,’ are a reference to Gods doctrine previously mentioned in the prior verses.
By means of this wisdom, from the knowledge and understanding of Bible doctrine, as well as the daily application of these principles to your life, are these promises of grace and peace, made available to you.
Note, that these things do not come to you automatically once you have believed in Christ. Just as a baby when born does not have immediate access to the family car, he has to grow up, learn to drive, after learning to read and write, and learn to be responsible, etc., before he can drive. Being born does not qualify you for driving.
And so, being born again, does not qualify you for the blessings of maturity. You have to grow up first. That should be obvious.
Those folks who think that they can simply believe in Christ and thus qualify for the magnificent blessings for mature believers, are mistaken. Likewise, no believer can believe in Christ and then substitute his own values and standards in place of those of Gods.
You can look around you and see that the people of the world will justify almost anything, in their own eyes. And even if billions believe something, their numbers alone do not make a thing right. Billions of people reject Christianity, and they are all wrong.
‘By them,’ means just that. By doctrine and only by doctrine, by growing up in a legitimate spiritual life, and only a legitimate spiritual life, can you attain spiritual maturity and thus qualify for the many promises which God has given to each one of us.
And finally, your spiritual life, is the only way that you can escape the evils that exist in the world. From decadent sin, to very subtle self-righteousness, to everything that opposes God, your only means of escaping it, is through your spiritual life.
As I write this study on this Christmas Eve, for tomorrows daily study, Christmas Day, I wish to thank from the very depths of my heart and soul, all those who have graciously supported me and this study. From my family to yours, we wish you the very merriest Christmas, and hope and pray that your Christmas and every day, will be wonderfully blessed.
And now to Him who is able to prevent you from falling, and to present you without blemish, before the presence of His glory, with exceeding joy. To the only wise God and Savior, even Jesus Christ our Lord. To whom be glory and majesty, dominion and power, before time, now and forever. Amen.
