2 Peter 1:4 English Standard Version (ESV) by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.

The KJV replaces may with might but the same question arises from the use of either. It implies that there is no guarantee. Is this a question of our ability to deny God’s promises? So I go to the Greek and find the word gnomai, Strong’s G1096. In every case where it is used there are no negative assertions. They are all positive outcomes.

Our inexact ability to translate accurately the meaning and intent of every word is hindered where one word has so many uses. This word is used in 24 different way and occurs 14 times without definition and used twice as a derivative of the word done.

How are we to distinguish the meaning of any particular usage in context to the rest of the passage? One way is to look at this promised. We are to be partakers of the divine nature. Since this includes words associated with escape from corruption in this world, one can assume this is a here and now experience.

The may part which could be construed as being an incomplete experience is for us to die before becoming mature. That still leaves us with our translation into perfection at our resurrection. Considering that we do not all mature at the same rate I will leave the understanding between you and the Holy Spirit.

These issues are complex, especially when translated into English, a very imprecise language. They are best left to the Holy Spirit to give us peace of mind. So why do I even speak to this issue?

Do not assume negative connotations surrounding the promises of God.

Ezekiel 37:14 English Standard Version (ESV) And I will put my Spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I am the Lord; I have spoken, and I will do it, declares the Lord.

 God said it. God will do it.

Ephesians 1:2 English Standard Version (ESV) Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Cultural norms differ from country to country and region to region. Greetings here in America are not any different but they tend to be less formal and are not as likely to extend a blessing. Cultural diversity is great in America and ethnic greetings tend to be shared only within that ethnic group.

Even the handshake has evolved into a complicated ceremony based on what is in fashion at the moment. That can change and does. It is harmless and often meaningless and that might be the problem.

Paul extends a blessing to his readers from God. Is that a reminder of where grace and peace originates or does that come from within Paul and then released by the power of the Holy Spirit? If it were a reminder from Paul then it would not carry as much weight as if the Holy Spirit was the vehicle of transference of the blessing.

2 Corinthians 5:20 English Standard Version (ESV) Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

Ambassadors are diplomates and diplomacy requires that the message being delivered is accurate in tone and content representing the interests of Christ.

I doubt we remember that when greeting friends. How about strangers? Do we greet them with the same casual familiarity as we do our friends? They don’t know us and possibly do not know Christ. Doesn’t that make a greeting as an ambassador from Christ even more important?

Granted this will not affect our eternal salvation but it just might affect someone else’s salvation.

When the clerk at the store asks me how I am doing, perhaps I should not tell them how I am feeling at the moment. It is an opportunity to use a diplomatic approach with measured words.

Grace and peace to you.