Topical Bible: Glory: Eternal: Saints Called To

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The concept of eternal glory is a profound theme within the Christian faith, reflecting the ultimate destiny and reward for the saints—those who have been redeemed and sanctified through faith in Jesus Christ. This glory is not merely a temporal or earthly honor but an everlasting state of being in the presence of God, characterized by joy, peace, and the fullness of life.

Biblical Foundation

The New Testament provides a rich tapestry of references to the eternal glory that awaits the saints. In Romans 8:18, the Apostle Paul writes, "I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us." This passage highlights the future revelation of glory that surpasses any earthly trials or tribulations, emphasizing the hope and assurance of a future transformation.

In 2 Corinthians 4:17, Paul further elaborates, "For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison." Here, the temporary nature of earthly suffering is contrasted with the eternal weight of glory, underscoring the transformative process that trials can have in preparing believers for their ultimate inheritance.

The Nature of Eternal Glory

Eternal glory is intrinsically linked to the presence of God. In Colossians 3:4, Paul states, "When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory." This verse points to the eschatological hope of believers being united with Christ in His glory, a state of existence that is both communal and personal.

The Apostle Peter also speaks to this promise in 1 Peter 5:10: "And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you." This passage reassures believers of God's active role in their journey towards eternal glory, emphasizing His grace and faithfulness.

Participation in Divine Nature

The call to eternal glory is also a call to participate in the divine nature. In 2 Peter 1:3-4, it is written, "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. Through these, He has given us His precious and magnificent promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, now that you have escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires." This participation is both a present reality and a future hope, as believers are progressively transformed into the likeness of Christ.

The Role of Suffering and Perseverance

The path to eternal glory often involves suffering and perseverance. Romans 5:3-5 explains, "Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." This process of sanctification is integral to the believer's journey, as it refines and prepares them for the glory to come.

The Inheritance of the Saints

Eternal glory is also described as an inheritance reserved for the saints. In Ephesians 1:18, Paul prays, "I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints." This inheritance is not only a future promise but also a present reality that shapes the identity and mission of the church.

Conclusion

The call to eternal glory is a central tenet of the Christian faith, offering believers a vision of their ultimate destiny in Christ. It is a call to live in the light of eternity, to endure present trials with hope, and to anticipate the fullness of joy in the presence of God. Through the promises of Scripture, believers are assured of their participation in this divine glory, a reality that transcends the temporal and ushers them into the eternal.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Thessalonians 2:14
Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Peter 5:10
But the God of all grace, who has called us to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that you have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you.
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Library

The Communion of Saints.
... earth, and unnumbered multitudes crying: "We also glory in the Love that is eternal,
merciful, and ... in the unbounded communion of God's saints, who still ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxv the communion of saints.htm

Perseverance of the Saints Proved.
... him that hath called us to glory and virtue ... We have seen that election is eternal;
therefore election ... Again: Christians and saints, and the children and people ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xlviii perseverance of the.htm

The Good Count of the East
... John had suffered, as so many of God's best saints have been ... the Patriarch's life
to be compared to the exceeding and eternal weight of glory into which ...
/.../chapter lxxiii the good count.htm

All Saints' Day
... understand the bliss of that everlasting All Saints' Day which ... earth into the mystery
and the glory of self ... gazing on the one perfect and eternal sacrifice, and ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon i all saints day.htm

Prayer and Trouble (Continued)
... "But the God of all grace, who hath called us into his eternal glory, by Christ ... It
is in the fires of suffering that God purifies His saints and brings ...
/.../bounds/the essentials of prayer/vi prayer and trouble continued.htm

Of Deeper Matters, and God's Hidden Judgments which are not to be ...
... I gave them grace, I brought them glory; I know ... press them down; for being full of
Eternal Truth, they ... their peace concerning the state of the Saints, for they ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter lviii of deeper matters.htm

Saints, Sages, and Saviors: the Law of Service
... The saints, sages, and saviors of all time are they who ... But greater glory waits for
him who, in the bloodless ... For Light eternal, Joy and Peace, and robes of ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/allen/the way of peace/saints sages and saviors the.htm

The Fifty-Eighth Chapter: High Matters and the Hidden Judgments of ...
... I gave them grace: I brought them to glory. ... joys, forbear to dispute about the state
of God's saints. ... own inclinations and not as it pleases the Eternal Truth. ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the fifty-eighth chapter high matters.htm

Meditations for the Morning.
... thee to lose thy part and portion of the eternal bliss and glory of that day ... apprehended
by our faith), called the righteousness of the saints (Matthew 22 ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations for the morning.htm

The Kingly Priesthood of the Saints
... of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the ... this house be once more filled
with the glory of the ... time is coming when kings will be saints, and princes ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the kingly priesthood of the.htm