What does it mean to be "called into His kingdom and glory"? Setting the Scene 1 Thessalonians 2:12 says, “We encouraged you, comforted you, and implored each of you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.” Paul reminds the Thessalonian believers that the Christian life is a response to a divine invitation—God Himself “calls” them into something magnificent and eternal. Hearing the Call • “Calls” (Greek kaleō) isn’t a vague suggestion; it’s an active summons from the living God. • This call is: – Personal: God knows each believer by name (John 10:3). – Powerful: He enables what He commands (2 Peter 1:3). – Purposeful: It directs us toward a clear destiny—“His own kingdom and glory.” Into His Kingdom—Present Reality • Colossians 1:13: “He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son.” • Right now, believers belong to a real, spiritual realm where Christ reigns. – New citizenship (Philippians 3:20). – New authority: under the rule of King Jesus, not the tyranny of sin. – New community: fellowship with other citizens of heaven (Ephesians 2:19). Into His Kingdom—Future Consummation • 2 Peter 1:11: “You will receive a lavish entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” • While the kingdom is experienced spiritually now, it will be fully manifested when Christ returns (Revelation 11:15). – Resurrection bodies (1 Corinthians 15:52–53). – A redeemed creation (Romans 8:21). – Perfect justice and peace under Christ’s visible reign (Isaiah 9:7). Into His Glory—Sharing in His Splendor • 2 Thessalonians 2:14: “He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” • “Glory” (doxa) refers to God’s radiant excellence and honor. – Present foretaste: the Holy Spirit indwells believers, reflecting Christ’s character (2 Corinthians 3:18). – Future fullness: we will see Him “as He is” and be like Him (1 John 3:2). – Eternal inheritance: a weight of glory beyond comparison (2 Corinthians 4:17). Living Worthy of the Call Paul’s exhortation—“walk in a manner worthy of God”—flows naturally from being called. Practical outworking: • Holiness: “As He who called you is holy, be holy in all you do” (1 Peter 1:15). • Perseverance: “Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord… bearing fruit in every good work” (Colossians 1:10). • Hope-filled endurance: present suffering can’t compare with the coming glory (Romans 8:18). • Loving service: citizenship in the kingdom means representing the King through sacrificial love (John 13:34–35). Encouraging Reminders from Other Passages • 1 Corinthians 1:9: “God, who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.” • 1 Peter 5:10: “After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” • Hebrews 12:28: “Since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be thankful.” In Christ, being “called into His kingdom and glory” is both a present privilege and a future promise. It reshapes identity, anchors hope, and fuels a life that reflects the character of the King until the day His kingdom and glory are fully revealed. |
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