When we are called to participate with Jesus we are not just given the example of Jesus. We’re given Jesus himself; he invites us to share in his nature.
“Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” – 2 Peter 1.4
Being “participants in the divine nature” means more than simply living a moral life or enjoying spiritual blessings in Heaven. It means, literally, that Christ has moved into our souls and into our bodies, into our mind and hearts, and into our dreams, loves, and hopes.
To be a participant in the divine nature also means that we fully participate in our human nature, like Christ did, and involve ourselves in the concerns of everyday life, albeit with divine authority and perspective.
The more holy we become, the more humble, self-renouncing, self-abhorring, and the more sensitive to every sin we become, the more closely we cling to Christ and are transformed into his image.
When Paul speaks about the glory of the children of God, he is talking about the restoration of this image within us. He’s talking about us becoming better versions of our true selves.
Adapted from Why God Died