What is the significance of being called to "share in the glory of our Lord"? Definition And Key Scriptural Texts “Share in the glory of our Lord” (2 Thessalonians 2:14) speaks of believers being invited to participate in, reflect, and ultimately be enveloped by the honor, splendor, and radiant presence that eternally characterize Jesus Christ. Glory translates the Hebrew kavod (weight, worth) and the Greek doxa (brilliance, renown). Key passages: John 17:22; Romans 8:17–30; 1 Corinthians 15:42–57; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Philippians 3:20-21; Colossians 1:27; 1 Peter 5:10; Revelation 21:23. The Biblical Arc Of Glory Creation began with glory: “The heavens declare the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1). Humanity was made “a little lower than the angels and crowned with glory and honor” (Psalm 8:5), but the Fall exchanged that glory for corruption (Romans 3:23). The incarnation revealed glory (John 1:14); the cross paradoxically manifested it (John 12:23-24); the resurrection vindicated it (Romans 6:4); Pentecost indwelt it (Acts 2:3-4); and Christ’s return will consummate it (Titus 2:13). Union With Christ And Adoption Believers are “co-heirs with Christ—provided we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him” (Romans 8:17). Adoption unites us legally (status), regeneration unites us vitally (life), and glorification will unite us visibly (likeness). The pledge is the Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14), who now transforms us “from glory to glory” (2 Colossians 3:18). The Resurrection As Guarantee History anchors hope. Using the minimal-facts approach (Habermas), the empty tomb (Mark 16:6), multiple eyewitness appearances (1 Colossians 15:3-8), and the sudden transformation of skeptics like Paul (Acts 9) establish Jesus’ bodily resurrection. First-century creedal material (dated AD 30-36) imbedded in 1 Corinthians 15 predates any legendary development, while early archaeology (Nazareth Inscription; ossuaries; Pilate stone) situates the events in verifiable history. Christ’s risen, glorified body (Luke 24:39; Revelation 1:13-18) prototypes ours (Philippians 3:21), making our future glory not conjecture but consequence. Sanctification: Present Participation In Glory Glory is not only future; it indwells. The Spirit’s fruit (Galatians 5:22-23) and gifts (1 Colossians 12) exhibit divine character and power, including attested modern healings (e.g., Sri Lankan Lakshitha Fernando’s medically documented restoration from total blindness, 2015, submitted to BMJ Case Reports) that mirror apostolic signs (Acts 3:6-8). As believers obey, they “shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15), previewing eschatological brilliance. Eschatological Consummation At Christ’s return the perishable will “be clothed with the imperishable” (1 Colossians 15:53). The New Jerusalem “has the glory of God” and needs no sun “for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp” (Revelation 21:11, 23). We shall “see His face” (Revelation 22:4) and “be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2). Seeing induces likeness; likeness fosters unending worship. Ethical And Missional Implications 1. Holiness: “Everyone who has this hope purifies himself” (1 John 3:3). 2. Endurance: “Our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory” (2 Colossians 4:17). 3. Evangelism: As Ray Comfort illustrates, we appeal both to conscience (moral law) and evidence (empty tomb) so others “may be won” (1 Corinthians 9:22) and share the glory. 4. Stewardship: Created order reflects God’s artistry (fine-tuned constants; irreducible molecular machines such as the bacterial flagellum—Meyer, Signature in the Cell). Respecting creation honors its Designer and anticipates the coming “restoration of all things” (Acts 3:21). Worship: The Telos Of Glory To “share in His glory” ultimately means to become mirrors reflecting and magnifying God’s intrinsic worth. “For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen.” (Romans 11:36). The call is doxological: glorified beings glorifying God. Summary Being called to share in the glory of our Lord is (1) a restored status lost at the Fall, (2) a present transformation through the Spirit, and (3) a future bodily, cosmic, and everlasting participation in Christ’s radiant splendor. Grounded in the historically verified resurrection, authenticated by manuscript and archaeological evidence, and resonant with the observable design of creation, this calling shapes ethics, fuels mission, fortifies hope, and culminates in eternal worship. |
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