Making us like our brother

[Matthias]

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose. For those he foreknew, he also predestined to become conformed to the image of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.”

(Romans 8:28-29, NABRE)

 

[Matthias]

The Father is making his people divine.

 

[Lambano]

The Father is making his people divine.

3 See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. 2 Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. -1 John 3:1-2

Literally "Like God"?

 

[Matthias]

3 See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. 2 Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. -1 John 3:1-2

Literally "Like God"?

There is only one God. There will always be only one God. The Father.

When I say Jesus is divine, I mean Jesus is godlike.

 

[David Lamb]

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose. For those he foreknew, he also predestined to become conformed to the image of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.”

(Romans 8:28-29, NABRE)

English as a language is strange isn't it? I read the thread title, and I thought it was to do with people who say things like, "I don't like my brother," and then when the person is converted to Christ, they are caused to love their brother.

 

[Matthias]

The firstborn among many brothers, Jesus is the firstborn of the new creation.

 

[Lambano]

When I say Jesus is divine, I mean Jesus is godlike.

Or, "a god"?

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god. - John 1:1 NWT

 

[Matthias]

Or, "a god"?

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god. - John 1:1 NWT

No.

 

[Lambano]

The Father is making his people divine.

I've run into the term "theosis" in some discussions with a few Eastern Orthodox brothers (and a young man who was into Christian mysticism).

Here's what co-pilot dug up:

Theosis, or deification, is a central concept in Orthodox Christianity that refers to the process by which human beings are transformed into the likeness of God. It is considered the ultimate goal of human existence and is not merely about moral improvement but involves a real participation in the divine life. Theosis begins in this life and is consummated in the resurrection, emphasizing the call to holiness and union with God. This transformative journey is foundational to Orthodox theology, linking humanity's original vocation to salvation.

I'm not quite sure if this is the same thing you're talking about.

 

[Matthias]

I've run into the term "theosis" in some discussions with a few Eastern Orthodox brothers (and a young man who was into Christian mysticism)

Here's what co-pilot dug up:



I'm not quite sure if this is the same thing you're talking about.

Thanks. No, it isn’t what I’m talking about.

There is only one God. I’m not him and never will be. I / we will be like him in many ways.

***

A quick word to my readers. I’m just as opposed to Christian mysticism as I am to Jewish mysticism.

 

[Lambano]

Thanks. No, it isn’t what I’m talking about.

There is only one God. I’m not him and never will be. I will be like him in many ways.

Which properties of God will you have and which ones will you not have?

 

[Matthias]

Which properties of God will you have and which ones will you not have?

That would be a good topic for a new thread.

I’ll mention one here. Immortality.

 

[Matthias]

@Lambano how do you think God is making us like Jesus?

 

[ScottA]

3 See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. 2 Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. -1 John 3:1-2

Literally "Like God"?

Being made in the image of God and being His body, does not describe being "like" a "brother", but rather as being joined with Him as "of" Him and a part, yet to be fully realized by humanity. But the description of being "one flesh", should confirm what is actually meant.

 

[Matthias]

Just as Jesus is the ideal Israelite, he is the ideal human person in general.

 

[Matthias]

Let’s try this another way. We are like our brother the first Adam. The Father is making us like our brother Jesus, the second Adam.

 

[Matthias]

“those he foreknew” - this is notional preexistence.