In the context of the Bible, the concept of participation is deeply rooted in the communal and relational aspects of faith. Participation in the biblical sense often refers to the involvement of believers in the life of the church, the body of Christ, and in the divine nature through faith and obedience.

Participation in the Divine Nature

The Apostle Peter speaks of believers as partakers in the divine nature. In 2 Peter 1:4 , it is written, "Through these He has given us His precious and magnificent promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, now that you have escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires." This participation is not merely a passive experience but an active engagement in the transformation and sanctification process, aligning one's life with God's will and character.

Participation in the Body of Christ

The Apostle Paul frequently uses the metaphor of the body to describe the church, emphasizing the interconnectedness and interdependence of its members. In 1 Corinthians 12:27 , Paul states, "Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it." Participation in the body of Christ involves using one's spiritual gifts for the edification of the church, fostering unity, and serving one another in love.

Fellowship and Communion

The Greek word "koinonia," often translated as fellowship or communion, encapsulates the idea of participation. In Acts 2:42 , the early church is described as devoting themselves "to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." This participation in fellowship is a vital aspect of Christian life, reflecting the communal nature of the faith and the shared life in Christ.

Participation in Suffering and Glory

Believers are also called to participate in the sufferings of Christ, which is seen as a pathway to sharing in His glory. In Romans 8:17 , Paul writes, "And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him." This participation in suffering is not without purpose; it is a means of spiritual growth and a testament to the believer's identification with Christ.

Participation in the Gospel

The call to participate in the gospel is a call to active engagement in the mission of spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. In Philippians 1:5 , Paul expresses gratitude for the Philippians' "partnership in the gospel from the first day until now." This participation involves both the proclamation of the gospel and living a life that reflects its transformative power.

Conclusion

The biblical concept of participation is multifaceted, encompassing spiritual, communal, and missional dimensions. It calls believers to an active and engaged faith, characterized by a deep connection with God, the church, and the world. Through participation, believers are invited to experience the fullness of life in Christ, contributing to the growth and unity of the body of Christ and the advancement of God's kingdom on earth.

A Persuasive to Steadfastness
... This union is further set forth by the vine and the branches. The branches are
participators with the stem, the sap of the stem is for the branches. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/a persuasive to steadfastness.htm

The End of Cambyses.
... Eastern world. How far these sisters were willing participators in the guilt
of their incestuous marriages we can not now know. The ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/darius the great/chapter ii the end of.htm

Preface
... right, death and life. In our heart of hearts we know it, and know that
we are participators, actors, in the conflict. But to every ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/preface.htm

Preface
... right, death and life. In our heart of hearts we know it, and know that
we are participators, actors, in the conflict. But to every ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /preface.htm

Matt. Ix. 27-30.
... His hand upon them, saying, "According to your faith be it unto you." And this He
doth to confirm their faith, and to show that they are participators in the ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xxxii matt ix 27-30.htm

The Prooemium. --Motives for Undertaking the Refutation; Exposure ...
... But we, as being their successors, and as participators in this grace, high-priesthood,
and office of teaching, [31] as well as being reputed guardians of the ...
/.../the refutation of all heresies/the prooemium motives for undertaking the.htm

John is Expelled from his Church by a Synod Held at Chalcedon on ...
... presbyter, and Paul the reader, were likewise summoned to appear there with him,
for these men were included in the impeachments, as participators in his guilt ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of scholasticus/chapter xv john is expelled from.htm

The Heretical Practices of the Marcites in Regard of Baptism.
... were prone, no doubt, to sin, but beyond the reach of danger, from the fact of their
belonging to the perfect power, and of their being participators in the ...
/.../the refutation of all heresies/chapter xxxvi the heretical practices of.htm

On the Feast of the Nativity, vi.
... men of good will.". II. Christians are essentially participators in the nativity
of Christ. Although, therefore, that infancy, which ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/sermon xxvi on the feast.htm

To the Bishop Sabinianus.
... in our day are by some men openly and boldly uttered, while among others their
utterance is overlooked, and by silence men become participators in the blasphemy ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/cxxvi to the bishop sabinianus.htm

Participators (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Participators (1 Occurrence). Philippians 1:7 as
it is righteous for me to think this as to you all, because ...
/p/participators.htm - 6k

Participation (9 Occurrences)

/p/participation.htm - 9k

Particular (8 Occurrences)

/p/particular.htm - 12k

Righteous (407 Occurrences)
... to you all, because ye have me in your hearts, and that both in my bonds and in
the defence and confirmation of the glad tidings ye are all participators in my ...
/r/righteous.htm - 36k

Tidings (169 Occurrences)
... to you all, because ye have me in your hearts, and that both in my bonds and in
the defence and confirmation of the glad tidings ye are all participators in my ...
/t/tidings.htm - 38k

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