Glorification
NOTES FROM PASTOR DAN - GLORIFICATION
We are saved by God’s grace for His glory. It is within this context that we ought to consider the biblical concept of glorification.
Glorification has within it, both an “already” and a “not yet” element. Already, we are participants in the glory of Christ, for He declared in His prayer, “The glory You have given me I have given to them that they may be one even as We are one” (John 17:22). We who have believed “through their word” experience the intense weight of His worth, might, holiness, goodness and grace each time we assemble in worship. We see in one another the glory of Christ and live in an abundant life that is available nowhere else, that is, life with and within the body of Christ. Christ is to be greatly glorified in the church now and forever and we, His people, are given the great joy of experiencing His powerful work within and through us (Ephesians 3:20-21). And this joy is certainly ours individually, but it is greatly multiplied living in a glorious community with other believers.
Already, we have been raised up and “seated with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” God has crowned us with His kindness, and He lavishes His grace upon His beloved children. We have been crafted by Him for good works that give Him great glory. We are His workmanship and the world will marvel at the beauty that is put on display in the good works of the church (Ephesians 2:4-10).
Already, we are like a “City set on a hill,” a “lamp put on a stand” to shine forth His light for all to see. He has exalted His church and regularly uses His children to be shining, glorious examples of His majesty, goodness, and love. It is God’s predetermined purpose to produce works of grace and mercy within His church. This is His eternal plan to elicit praise and glory throughout the world (Matthew 5:14-16).
Already, the Church is the bride of Christ and He is working to present this bride to Himself in splendor. Imagine the marvel of such a church in the midst of a dark and wicked world–a church that has been washed clean and made holy and then set in a place of honor for all the world to see (Ephesians 5:25027,32). Such a church reflects the ability of the Savior to transform even the lowest of sinners into a radiant bride that inspires worship and glory to the Father. However beautiful the church is now, we are not yet what we will be!
We have not yet experienced the full glory of our God, but one day He has promised to bring us into His Glory with Christ, “that where I am you may be also” (John 14:3). One day we will literally be in His presence. We will delight in His glory. We will receive the glory of overcomers: a white robe, a new name, position in the Temple of God, and a white stone of innocence. Christ will grant us the privilege to sit with Him on His throne with the Father in eternity (Revelation 2-3).
One day Christ will return and gather His people from the four corners of the earth. The dead in Christ will be resurrected, and the rest will be “caught up together with them” to reside with Him forever (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18). One day our work will be done, and we will depart from this body. In a moment we will be present with the Lord, and all that was unclear, dim, and difficult to understand will be known fully when we are “face to face” with Christ (1 Corinthians 13:12). One day His love will not only be in our hearts, but we will be in the very presence of the One who is Love (1 John 4:16-17). One day we will be at home with the Lord, and our walk of faith will reach its destination. Our earthly groanings will be “swallowed up by life” when that which is mortal is traded for immortality (2 Corinthians 5:4-10).
Already, “Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory…”
…One day, you will obtain “the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:8-9).
We are saved by God’s grace for His glory. It is within this context that we ought to consider the biblical concept of glorification.
Glorification has within it, both an “already” and a “not yet” element. Already, we are participants in the glory of Christ, for He declared in His prayer, “The glory You have given me I have given to them that they may be one even as We are one” (John 17:22). We who have believed “through their word” experience the intense weight of His worth, might, holiness, goodness and grace each time we assemble in worship. We see in one another the glory of Christ and live in an abundant life that is available nowhere else, that is, life with and within the body of Christ. Christ is to be greatly glorified in the church now and forever and we, His people, are given the great joy of experiencing His powerful work within and through us (Ephesians 3:20-21). And this joy is certainly ours individually, but it is greatly multiplied living in a glorious community with other believers.
Already, we have been raised up and “seated with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” God has crowned us with His kindness, and He lavishes His grace upon His beloved children. We have been crafted by Him for good works that give Him great glory. We are His workmanship and the world will marvel at the beauty that is put on display in the good works of the church (Ephesians 2:4-10).
Already, we are like a “City set on a hill,” a “lamp put on a stand” to shine forth His light for all to see. He has exalted His church and regularly uses His children to be shining, glorious examples of His majesty, goodness, and love. It is God’s predetermined purpose to produce works of grace and mercy within His church. This is His eternal plan to elicit praise and glory throughout the world (Matthew 5:14-16).
Already, the Church is the bride of Christ and He is working to present this bride to Himself in splendor. Imagine the marvel of such a church in the midst of a dark and wicked world–a church that has been washed clean and made holy and then set in a place of honor for all the world to see (Ephesians 5:25027,32). Such a church reflects the ability of the Savior to transform even the lowest of sinners into a radiant bride that inspires worship and glory to the Father. However beautiful the church is now, we are not yet what we will be!
We have not yet experienced the full glory of our God, but one day He has promised to bring us into His Glory with Christ, “that where I am you may be also” (John 14:3). One day we will literally be in His presence. We will delight in His glory. We will receive the glory of overcomers: a white robe, a new name, position in the Temple of God, and a white stone of innocence. Christ will grant us the privilege to sit with Him on His throne with the Father in eternity (Revelation 2-3).
One day Christ will return and gather His people from the four corners of the earth. The dead in Christ will be resurrected, and the rest will be “caught up together with them” to reside with Him forever (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18). One day our work will be done, and we will depart from this body. In a moment we will be present with the Lord, and all that was unclear, dim, and difficult to understand will be known fully when we are “face to face” with Christ (1 Corinthians 13:12). One day His love will not only be in our hearts, but we will be in the very presence of the One who is Love (1 John 4:16-17). One day we will be at home with the Lord, and our walk of faith will reach its destination. Our earthly groanings will be “swallowed up by life” when that which is mortal is traded for immortality (2 Corinthians 5:4-10).
Already, “Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory…”
…One day, you will obtain “the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:8-9).