How much do we reflect on the idea that the people of God will have the glory of God? Revelation 21:11 promises that in the coming New Heaven and New Earth believers will have “the glory of God”. But this promise is not confined to Revelation ‒ it is a major New Testament theme. In a previous post we looked at the future luminosity of the body of Christ which is one dimension of God’s glorification of his people. Now we will consider what the New Testament says about this glorification in general. Warning: this is a very encouraging subject!
It is surprising how often scripture speaks of the glorification of believers. Apparently this is an important truth for believers to keep in mind. Some of the mentions of this theme in the New Testament include:
• In John 17:22 Jesus states in prayer that “The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one…”
• In Romans 8:17 we are “fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.”
• In Romans 8:21 creation waits to obtain “…the freedom of the glory of the children of God.”
• In I Corinthians 15:43 the bodies of believers will be “…raised in glory.”
• In II Corinthians 3:18 we all, “…beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.”
• In II Corinthians 4:17 our affliction is preparing “…an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.”
• In Philippians 3:21 Jesus “…will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body…”
• In Colossians 3:4 when Christ appears we will also “…appear with him in glory.”
• In I Thessalonians 2:12 God calls us “…into his own kingdom and glory.”
• In I Peter 5:10 God has called us “…to his eternal glory in Christ…”
• In II Peter 1:3 God has “called us to his own glory and excellence…”
(Bible quotes are from the ESV translation.)
This is a spectacular collection of verses. Each one is great for a time of meditation. From these verses we can say that believers should make it a high priority to dwell on our future beauty, pure virtue, and Christlike glory. This is important because it is so encouraging and serves as both an anchor and compass for orienting our lives. This life is full of trials and pain especially for the most devoted; God wants us to know that we will live in eternal blessedness.
It is not spiritually narcissistic for us to remind ourselves that we will be glorious one day. Our glory is from God and not from ourselves so by glorifying us God glorifies himself and so does not detract from his glory. Ultimately, all good glory is the one glory of God. Moreover, our glory produces in us healing and love, not self-exaltation. We should be clear that our blessedness will be blessedness in harmony and community with God and others, just as the Great Commandment teaches.
Recalling my future glorification centers me in God just as much as recalling my identity in Christ. Knowing what I will be changes my attitude about what I am. If I will be pure and beautiful and glorified then how can I participate in anything to the contrary now? Perhaps a daily prayer of recollection should include a mention of our future glory; for example: “I am your forgiven child, I have the gift of your spirit, my destiny is the New Creation and your never ending love.”
As always your comments and messages are greatly appreciated!
