Topical Encyclopedia The concept of eternal glory as it pertains to the saints is a profound theme woven throughout the Scriptures, reflecting the ultimate hope and destiny of those who are in Christ. This glory is not merely a future promise but is intricately connected to the present life of believers, as they are being prepared for this eternal state.Biblical Foundation The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Romans, speaks of the glory that awaits the saints, emphasizing the transformative journey from suffering to glory. Romans 8:18 states, "I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us." This passage highlights the incomparable nature of the future glory that believers will experience, suggesting that current trials are part of the preparation process. 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 apostle underscores the idea that the trials and tribulations faced by the saints are instrumental in cultivating an eternal weight of glory, suggesting a divine purpose in earthly challenges. Preparation for Glory The preparation of the saints for eternal glory is a work of God, accomplished through the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit. In Ephesians 1:18 , Paul prays for the believers, "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 prayer reflects the necessity of spiritual enlightenment and growth in understanding the glorious inheritance that awaits. Moreover, the process of sanctification is described in 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 : "But we should always thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning to be saved by the sanctification of the Spirit and by faith in the truth. To this He called you through our gospel, so that you may share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ." This passage indicates that the calling and sanctification of believers are directed towards sharing in Christ's glory. The Nature of Eternal Glory The eternal glory prepared for the saints is characterized by its divine and incorruptible nature. In 1 Peter 5:10 , the apostle Peter assures believers, "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 promise of restoration and establishment in eternal glory is a testament to the enduring and unshakeable nature of the glory that God has prepared. Furthermore, the book of Revelation provides a vivid depiction of the eternal glory that awaits the saints. Revelation 21:23 describes the New Jerusalem, saying, "The city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God illuminates it, and its lamp is the Lamb." This imagery conveys the radiant and perpetual glory that will envelop the saints in the presence of God and the Lamb. Participation in Divine Glory The participation of the saints in eternal glory is ultimately a participation in the divine nature. As 2 Peter 1:3-4 explains, "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 conformed to the image of Christ. In summary, the eternal glory prepared for the saints is a central theme in Scripture, reflecting the culmination of God's redemptive work. It is a glory that surpasses all earthly suffering, is secured through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, and is characterized by its divine and incorruptible nature. The saints, as partakers of this glory, are called to live in anticipation of the fullness of this promise, as they are continually being prepared for their eternal inheritance. Nave's Topical Index Romans 9:23And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had before prepared to glory, Nave's Topical Index Library The Great Preparatives for the Saints' Rest. The Boasted Merit of Works Subversive Both of the Glory of God, in ... Against those who Fancy that in the Judgment of God all the ... Epistle Lxxx. Cyprian to Sergius, Rogatianus, and the Other ... The Unchangeableness of God Reprobation. The Introduction to the Work, with Some Account of the Nature of ... With How Great Reverence Christ must be Received A Morning Prayer for the Sabbath-Day. Meditations of the Blessed State of a Regenerate Man in Heaven. Resources What is a glory cloud? Is a glory cloud biblical? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that God is the King of glory? | GotQuestions.org What is the weight of glory in 2 Corinthians 4:17? | GotQuestions.org Glory: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Glory of God: Described As Great Glory of God: Enlightens God's People Glory of God: Exhibited in Christ Glory of God: Exhibited in his Name Glory of God: Exhibited to Moses Glory of God: God is Jealous of Glory of God: Saints Desire to Behold Glory of God: The Earth is Full of Glory of God: The Knowledge of, Shall Fill the Earth Glory of God: The People of God Glory of Hypocrites Turned to Shame Glory of the Church Shall be Rich and Abundant Glory of the Gospel Exceeds That of the Law Glory of the Gospel, Exceeds That of the Law Glory of the Wicked is in Their Shame Glory of the Wicked: Ends in Destruction Glory: Christ Is, to his People Glory: Eternal of God's People Shall be Rich and Abundant Glory: Eternal: Accompanies Salvation by Christ Glory: Eternal: Afflictions of Ministers Are, to Saints Glory: Eternal: Enhanced by Afflictions Glory: Eternal: Enhanced by Present Afflictions Glory: Eternal: Inherited by Saints Glory: Eternal: Present Afflictions not Worthy to be Compared With Glory: Eternal: Procured by the Death of Christ Glory: Eternal: Saints Afore Prepared To Glory: Eternal: Saints Called To Glory: Eternal: Saints Prepared Unto Glory: Eternal: Saints Shall Be, of Their Ministers Glory: Eternal: The Bodies of Saints Shall be Raised In Glory: Saints Shall Be, of Their Ministers Glory: Spiritual is Given by Christ Glory: Spiritual is Given by God Glory: Spiritual is the Work of the Holy Spirit Glory: Temporal is Given by God Glory: Temporal of Hypocrites Turned to Shame Glory: Temporal of the Wicked is in Their Shame Glory: Temporal: Ends in Destruction Glory: Temporal: Seek Not, from Man Glory: Temporal: The Devil Tries to Seduce By Glory: The Bodies of Saints Shall be Raised In Glory: The Gospel Ordained to Be, to Saints Glory: The Joy of Saints is Full of Select Readings: The Glory of God The Glory of God: Enlightens the Church The Glory of God: Exhibited in Christ The Glory of God: Exhibited in His Holiness The Glory of God: Exhibited in His Majesty The Glory of God: Exhibited in His Name The Glory of God: Exhibited in His Power The Glory of God: Exhibited in His Works The Glory of God: Exhibited to His Church The Glory of God: Exhibited to Moses The Glory of God: Exhibited to Stephen The Glory of God: God is Jealous The Glory of God: Highly Exalted The Glory of God: Plead in Prayer The Glory of God: Saints Desire to Behold The Glory of God: The Earth is Full of The Glory of God: The Knowledge of, Shall Fill the Earth Related Terms Strengthened (113 Occurrences) |