The Paraclete
By these he has given us very great and precious promises, so that through them you may share in the divine nature, escaping the corruption that is in the world because of evil desire. 2 Peter 1:4 CSB
Following the same idea from last week, when Peter writes “these,” in this verse, we refer back to verse 3 and “His divine power.” By Christ’s divine power, not only has He “given us everything required for life and godliness,” but also, He has given us “very great and precious promises.” These promises refer to Christ’s earthly promises, referring specifically to the ministry of the Holy Spirit that was to come when He ascended back to earth. “‘While he was with them, he commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Father’s promise. ‘Which,’ he said, ‘you have heard me speak about…’ you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth’” (Acts 1:4-5, 8). The Holy Spirit will never leave the hearts of a believer, and the Holy Spirit will continue to assist them to be obedient, going in line with the previous verse as being called to a life of “godliness.” The Holy Spirit is referred to as a “Counselor” in some passages (John 14:16-17, 16:7, 1 John 2:1) or paraclete in Greek meaning “the one called alongside to help.” Greek soldiers during combat would be paired up, so that if they were to be surrounded, they could fight back-to-back in order to not have any blindside. This partner concept was also known as a paraclete. The Holy Spirit acts as our battle partner, watching our back to make sure we stay on the path of righteousness. So, through “them” or the “great and precious promises” that Christ has given us, we are equipped to “share in the divine nature, escaping the corruption that is in the world because of evil desires.” As believers continue to pursue righteousness, they are transformed more and more to look like Christ, changing positively for the better. In doing so, believers step away further from the world that is “corrupted,” being distanced away from the negative aspects of the culture within the fallen world. This is akin to choosing a healthy meal over a grease filled burger. The burger may seem tasty for now, but can damage your arteries and make you feel sluggish, while the healthy meal will give you energy and strengthen your body. The world has “evil desires,” that will corrupt you and tear you down, but if you follow Christ, being filled with the Holy Spirit as a guide, and be obedient to Him, you will be transformed for the better, experience true joy and fulfillment in a life designed by God.
Blessings,
Isaac De Guzman
