Topical Bible: Glory: Temporal: Passes Away

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In the biblical context, the concept of glory is multifaceted, encompassing both the eternal glory of God and the transient glory of human achievements and worldly splendor. The Scriptures frequently contrast the enduring glory of God with the fleeting nature of earthly glory, emphasizing the temporary and often deceptive allure of worldly success and beauty.

The temporal nature of human glory is poignantly illustrated in the Psalms and the writings of the prophets. Psalm 49:16-17 warns, "Do not be amazed when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases. For when he dies, he will carry nothing away; his abundance will not follow him down." This passage underscores the futility of placing trust in material wealth and the glory it brings, as it ultimately cannot be taken beyond the grave.

Isaiah also speaks to the ephemeral nature of human glory. In Isaiah 40:6-8 , the prophet declares, "All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall when the breath of the LORD blows on them; indeed, the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." Here, the glory of humanity is likened to the transient beauty of flowers, which quickly fade, contrasting with the eternal and unchanging word of God.

The New Testament continues this theme, with the Apostle Peter echoing Isaiah's words in 1 Peter 1:24-25 : "For, 'All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever.'" Peter uses this imagery to remind believers of the imperishable nature of God's promises compared to the fleeting nature of human accomplishments.

The Apostle James further elaborates on the transient nature of worldly glory in James 1:10-11 : "But the rich should exult in their humiliation, because they will pass away like a flower of the field. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its flower falls and its beauty is lost. So too, the rich man will fade away in the midst of his pursuits." James highlights the inevitable decline of those who rely on their wealth and status, urging believers to find their worth in God rather than in temporal achievements.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the concept of temporal glory in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 , where he contrasts the temporary afflictions of this life with the eternal glory that awaits believers: "For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." Paul encourages Christians to focus on the eternal glory promised by God, rather than the temporary and often misleading allure of worldly success.

Throughout Scripture, the message is clear: while human glory is fleeting and ultimately unsatisfying, the glory of God is eternal and fulfilling. Believers are called to seek the glory that comes from God, which endures forever, rather than the temporary glory of this world, which inevitably passes away.

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1 Peter 1:24
For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass wither, and the flower thereof falls away:
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Library

Let the Bodies Rejoice which the Evil one had Made Naked, that in ...
... that in the water they have put on their glory!) ... 3. Moses stretched out the temporal
Tabernacle;"the priests bathed ... was he saw, for thy faith passes not away ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn xi let the bodies.htm

Entering into the Infinite
... become eternal nor the eternal become temporal; appearance can ... for they are grounded
on that which passes away. ... but eternal simplicity is the glory of Truth. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/allen/the way of peace/entering into the infinite.htm

Letter xiii. --(For 341. ) Coss. Marcellinus, Probinus; Pr??f. ...
... we should not look at these temporal things, but ... For this land' passes away, as the
Lord said; but ... enemies are arrayed against us, should glory in afflictions ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter xiii for 341 coss marcellinus.htm

(On the Fast of Seventh Month, V. )
... not His steps, Whose name we glory in, and ... inseparably to eternal treasures, but
things temporal we must ... the fashion of this world passes away [1205] ." But as ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leo/writings of leo the great/sermon xc on the fast.htm

Temporary Hardening.
... The latter is absolute; the former passes away and dissolves ... persons who are now
in glory before the ... The temporal and the permanent hardening should not be ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxxiv temporary hardening.htm

Psalm IX.
... and abides, the latter sounds in the air and passes away. ... then to hope in and love
things temporal, and let ... judgment will come, in which both the glory of the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm ix.htm

Again, on Matt. vi. On the Lord's Prayer. To the Competentes.
... Thou wilt give everlasting glory with Thyself hereafter, give us in this earth temporal
support ... called, "day by day," when one day passes away, and another ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon vii again on matt.htm

Sermon for Septuagesima Sunday
... those who are above living for mere temporal things, and ... no end but the praise and
glory of God ... this sense of pleasure and interest passes away, their devotion ...
/.../ix sermon for septuagesima sunday.htm

There are Certain Moments in Life which Seem Weighted with the ...
... Take your share in them, and find God in every glory! ... Why crave for the power of
temporal things which passes away in the dust of destroyed kingdoms? ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xxviii there are certain moments.htm

Book Eleven the Eternal Creator and the Creation in Time. ...
... and then, by degrees, glimpse the glory of that ... and then, comparing eternity with
the temporal process in which ... on the other hand, nothing passes away, but the ...
/.../augustine/confessions and enchiridion/book eleven the eternal creator.htm