THE SOURCE OF THE PROMISES -- Monday:
The promises of God are "exceeding great" and "precious." They extend beyond the perimeter of human wisdom, and have a value that dwarfs the worth of all other things. They are "given" to us, and are our to have and hold. They have been provided by, and because of, the will and nature of God. He has given them to us because He wanted to. They are an expression of His Person, and have been compelled by His own Divine nature. They are in perfect accord with who He is, what He has purposed, and how He regards us.
Peter identifies the "glory and virtue" of our Father as the source of these marvelous gifts. They (glory and virtue) are the Divine reservoir from which the exceeding great and precious promises have been drawn.
"Glory," from one point of view, is the sum total of God's attributes. It is the manifestation or revelation of what He is by nature. God's "glory" is the result of Him revealing Himself, doing a work, speaking a word, or subduing an enemy. When men recognize the work, word, or presence of the Lord, they have, to some degree, seen His "glory."
While God is the great self-existent One, His greatness will not allow Him to contain Himself. Even as the sun cannot be ultimately hidden, so the living God has not fully concealed Himself. He is seen in His creation, in His Law, in His prophets, in the Gospel, and, finally, in His Son. The failure to comprehend God is not due to Him obscuring Himself. It is due to man's blindness, induced by their submission to the devil.
"Virtue" involves the goodness and excellence of God. Several versions translate this verse, "glory and goodness." Others employ the word "excellence," and still others "might." The thought here is of transcendent, or superior, expression. It is something that is "good," leading to the blessing of mankind. This expression is also characterized by Divine might. No earthly or demonic power can suppress this expression when it is focused upon a person or people.
God's "glory and virtue" also emphasize His compelling nature. These are manifestations that attract us to God, showing Him to gracious and good. The revelation of these qualities encourage those perceiving them to "draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of faith" (Heb. 10:22). God's nature compelled Him to give us good promises. The perception of His nature constrains us to accept them.
We must never forget that our Father is transcendently righteous and strong. He is compelling and good. He never purposes iniquity nor prefers condemnation. HE IS CONSTRAINED BY HIS NATURE...NOT HUMAN NEED. If the latter were true, salvation would, without condition, be experienced by everyone.
The "exceeding great and precious promises" that have been given to us are not only legitimate, they have come from the best and most beneficial part of God's person. They have not been driven by His wrath, but by His grace. Vengeance did not prompt these promises, but God's love and tender mercy. Consequently, all of these promises are filled with good things, marvelous potential, and satisfying benefits for the soul. None of them are harmful, disappointing, or tend to weaken the soul. Men always become better when they embrace these promises. They are always encouraged and strengthened by them. In their embrace an adequacy is realized that enables men to face life confidently.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for being so gracious.