Page 44 - AlNashra issue 2 - 2023

43 Issue 2 - 2023

possession of money, houses, and other material Apostle Peter says in the first chapter of his

goods; one might think that material possessions first epistle: “Therefore, preparing your minds

bring joy. Nevertheless, in my opinion, this is a for action, and being sober-minded, set your

misconception because material possessions are hope fully on the grace that will be brought to

necessary for us to live, but they do not grant you at the revelation of Jesus Christ… He who

our lives any meaning, and they are not, in the called you is holy, you also be holy in all your

first place, what bring us joy. A person who conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy,

recognizes that he was created in the image and for I am holy.” (Pet. 1: 13-16). The Apostle Paul,

likeness of God will not experience happiness or in turn, addresses the believers in Ephesus:

true joy unless he strengthens his relationship “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly

with God, Who created him in His image and loved children 2 and walk in the way of love,

likeness. From the moment a person discovers, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for

or knows, that the true fullness of life lies in us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

one’s behavior in accordance with the divine ... For you were once darkness, but now you are

commandment, they alone can know the value light in the Lord. Live as children of light... Be

of holy fasting and why we must experience and very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise

strive with it. but as wise...” (Ephesians 5: 1-16). Likewise, the

The Apostle Paul says in his second epistle: Apostle Paul himself addresses the believers
“According as his divine power hath given in Colossians, saying: “... Since you died with
unto us all things that pertain unto life and Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this

godliness. Knowledge of him that hath called us world, why, as though you still belonged to the

to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us world, do you submit to its rules... things that

exceeding great and precious promises: that by are all destined to perish with use?... So, having

these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, died with Christ - which is symbolized by the

having escaped the corruption that is in the thrice immersion in baptism - set your hearts on
world through lust” (2 Pet. 1: 3-5). Therefore, things above, where Christ is, seated at the right
with the Lord’s divine power, He promised us hand of God. Set your minds on things above,

to become partakers of the divine nature. The not on earthly things. For you died, and your