Glory
by Larry White Aug. 12, 1992Rom.8:18-21
For I account the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory, which shall be revealed unto us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waits for the revelation of the sons of God. For the creature was subjected to vanity, not of its own will, but by reason of the one subjecting it in hope, because even the creature itself shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God.Rom.9:22-23
What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering vessels of wrath fitted unto destruction: and that he might make known the riches of his glory upon vessels of mercy, which he afore prepared for glory,1Cor.15:43-44
…it is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: it is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.2Cor.4:17-18
For our light affliction, which is for the moment, works for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.Eph.1:17-18
…that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him; having the eyes of your heart enlightened, that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,Col.1:26-27
…even the mystery which has been hid for ages and generations: but now has it been manifested to his saints, to whom God was pleased to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the expectation of glory:Col.3:4
When Christ, our life, shall be manifested, then shall you also with him be manifested in glory.1Thess.2:11-12
as you know how we dealt with each one of you, as a father with his own children, exhorting you, and encouraging you, and testifying, to the end that you should walk worthily of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.2Thess.2:12-13
But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, for that God chose you from the beginning unto salvation in sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: whereunto he called you through our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.2Tim.2:10
Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.1Pet.1:11
…searching what time or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did point unto, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glories that should follow them.1Pet.5:1
The elders among you I exhort, who am a fellow-elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, who am also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:1Pet.5:10
And the God of all grace, who called you unto his eternal glory in Christ, after that you have suffered a little while, shall himself restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you.Here is a definition of the term “glory”.
Glory = δόξα, doxa, to seem, primarily: An opinion, estimate, the honor resulting from a good opinion.
God’s glory is all of his characteristics for which he deserves praise, viz. goodness, righteousness, justice, mercy, kindness, holiness and love.
2Cor.3:17-18
Now the Lord is the Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit.The truth about us is that we were born naked and it is certain we can take nothing out of this world when we die. The essential thing about us is that our essence, what we are at the core of our being, is spirit – like God is a spirit. What we accomplish on this earth, what we build, how much wealth we accumulate, our accomplishments or any great performance, really doesn’t matter in the end. What matters is who we are inside, whether or not we were godly in our hearts and behavior, i.e. reverent toward God – mirroring his character. What we do take with us when we die is our character.
God is bringing many sons unto glory – but I believe that has everything to do with our character in Jesus Christ: whether we reflect his image and glory of goodness, righteousness, justice, mercy, kindness, holiness and love. These are the important things. These are the true riches of eternity.
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Rom.3:23
God has given us a way to restore his image in us through Jesus Christ. It’s through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth.
Being like God in his glory has to do with Christ being in us – his image formed in us and actively maturing in all his excellent and praise-worthy characteristics. Paul calls this: “the hope of Glory” The sure expectation of being just like Jesus.
So when we find ourselves building ourselves up in the world, achieving, and accomplishing things, amassing wealth and a good living – remember that it is all temporary and the real issues, accomplishments, attaining and building, are matters of the heart, in the spirit; being rich toward God.