Partake
Partake to receive a share. The saints are partakers of Christ and of the heavenly calling. By receiving Jesus Christ and his Spirit into their. hearts, they possess them and their blessings and influences as their own, and are effectually called to the heavenly glory (Heb 3:1-14; Heb 6:4). They are partakers of God's promises and benefits; they have 'an interest in all the promises, and shall receive every blessing therein contained (Eph 3:6; 1Ti 6:2). They are partakers of the divine nature, and of Christ's holiness, "when, through union with Christ and fellowship with him in his righteousness and spirit, their nature is conformed to Christ (2Pe 1:4). They partake of Christ's sufferings, and of the afflictions of the Gospel, when they are persecuted for their adherence to the truth and example of Christ (1Pe 4:13; 2Co 1:7; 2Ti 1:8). They partake of the grace of Paul, and other ministers, when they receive spiritual edification from their ministry (Php 1:7). Hypocrites are partakers of the Holy Ghost. Some of them in the apostolic age enjoyed his miraculous gifts and operations; and in every age they receive such convictions, or other influences, as are separable from a state of grace (Heb 6:4). Men become partakers in other men's sins by contriving, consenting, inclining to, rejoicing in, assisting to commit, or sharing the profits or pleasures of their sin; or by occasioning them by an evil example, or offensive use of things indifferent; by provoking or tempting to, or not doing all we can to hinder their sin; or by commanding, exciting, or hiring men to sin; or by defending, extenuating, or commending their sin; by neglecting to reprove, and promote the proper punishment of sin; and by not mourning over and praying against sin (Re 10:3-4; Eph 5:11).
