Topical Bible: Glory: Spiritual is the Work of the Holy Spirit

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In the Christian tradition, the concept of "glory" is deeply intertwined with the presence and work of the Holy Spirit. The term "glory" (Hebrew: כָּבוֹד, kavod; Greek: δόξα, doxa) often signifies the manifestation of God's presence, majesty, and holiness. Within the New Testament, the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in revealing and imparting this divine glory to believers.

The Holy Spirit as the Revealer of Glory

The Holy Spirit is instrumental in unveiling the glory of God to humanity. In 2 Corinthians 3:18 , the Apostle Paul writes, "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." This passage highlights the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, who enables believers to behold and reflect God's glory. The Spirit removes the veil that obscures our understanding, allowing us to perceive the divine nature and character of God.

Glory in the Life of Jesus Christ

The life and ministry of Jesus Christ are central to understanding the glory of God, as revealed by the Holy Spirit. John 1:14 states, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." The Holy Spirit testifies to the glory of Christ, affirming His divine sonship and mission. Through the Spirit, believers are drawn to the truth of Christ's identity and the redemptive work He accomplished.

The Spirit's Role in Sanctification

The Holy Spirit's work in sanctification is another aspect of how spiritual glory is manifested in the life of a believer. Romans 8:30 declares, "And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified." The process of sanctification, led by the Holy Spirit, is a journey toward glorification, where believers are progressively conformed to the image of Christ. This transformation is a reflection of God's glory, as the Spirit cultivates holiness and righteousness within the believer.

The Spirit's Empowerment for Witness

The Holy Spirit empowers believers to bear witness to the glory of God. Acts 1:8 records Jesus' promise, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." The Spirit equips and emboldens Christians to proclaim the gospel, thereby spreading the knowledge of God's glory throughout the world. This empowerment is a testament to the Spirit's role in advancing God's kingdom and revealing His glory to all nations.

The Future Revelation of Glory

The Holy Spirit also assures believers of the future revelation of God's glory. Romans 8:18 offers hope, stating, "I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us." The Spirit provides a foretaste of this future glory, sustaining believers through trials and tribulations. This eschatological promise underscores the Spirit's work in preparing the faithful for the ultimate unveiling of God's glory at the return of Christ.

In summary, the Holy Spirit is the divine agent through whom the glory of God is revealed, experienced, and anticipated in the life of a believer. Through the Spirit's work, Christians are transformed, empowered, and assured of the eternal glory that awaits them.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Corinthians 3:18
But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the LORD.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Holy Spirit in the Glorified Christ.
... Since, according to the spiritual side of His human nature, He was ... do for the human
nature in the state of glory? ... once that it was connected with a work of the ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxiii the holy spirit in.htm

The Holy Spirit in the Mystery of the Incarnation.
... then its loss might take away the glory and honor ... Hence the proper work of the Holy
Spirit consisted in ... to His human nature, also possessed spiritual life, was ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xix the holy spirit in.htm

The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
... it closes with the promise: "And the work of righteousness ... its later period, when
the vigorous spiritual life of ... was it to come in all its fulness and glory. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxiv the outpouring of the.htm

The Principle of Life in the Creature.
... to see the reflection of His glory in the ... visible world lies one invisible and spiritual,
with outer ... Christ's redemptive work also has visible and invisible ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/v the principle of life.htm

The Man to be Wrought Upon.
... This divine work comes to us from such infinite heights ... our consciousness, how can
we understand our spiritual birth ... support of our faith, for the glory of God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/i the man to be.htm

The Holy Scripture.
... who is the brightness of God's glory and the ... perfectly and to equip him for every
good work. ... letter, unspiritual, mechanically opposing the spiritual life, it ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xii the holy scripture.htm

Spiritual Gifts.
... Hence the internal connection between work, office, and gift. ... who is the reflection
of the glory of God ... And all the spiritual strength and insight, the inward ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxxvii spiritual gifts.htm

Edwards -- Spiritual Light
... of Christ by reason of that holiness and grace, is nevertheless immediately the
work of the ... This spiritual light is the dawning of the light of glory in the ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 3/edwards spiritual light.htm

The Communion of Gifts.
... the Word little more than a minister to his own glory. ... of love, of consecration,
frequently an abuse of spiritual gifts for ... we see in it not our work, but the ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxvii the communion of gifts.htm

The Communion of Goods.
... power in which Satan appears against the glory of Jehovah ... of man and of the Church
has a spiritual and a ... side, the Holy Spirit perseveres with His work so long ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxvi the communion of goods.htm