Topical Bible: Glory: Eternal: Saints Afore Prepared To

◄ Glory: Eternal: Saints Afore Prepared To ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of eternal glory as it pertains to the saints is a profound theme woven throughout the Scriptures, reflecting the ultimate destiny and reward for those who are in Christ. This glory is not a transient or earthly honor but an everlasting state of being in the presence of God, prepared for the saints from before the foundation of the world.

Biblical Foundation

The notion that the saints are prepared for eternal glory is rooted in the divine foreknowledge and predestination of God. In Romans 8:29-30 , the Apostle Paul writes, "For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified." This passage underscores the divine initiative in preparing the saints for glory, highlighting the unbreakable chain of salvation that culminates in glorification.

Eternal Nature of Glory

The eternal nature of this glory is emphasized in 2 Corinthians 4:17 , where Paul states, "For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison." Here, the temporary sufferings of this life are contrasted with the eternal weight of glory that awaits the saints, indicating that the trials of the present are purposeful in preparing believers for their future state.

Prepared by God

The preparation of the saints for eternal glory is an act of divine grace and purpose. Ephesians 1:4-5 reveals, "For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will." This passage affirms that the saints' destiny for glory is not an afterthought but a deliberate act of God's will, established before creation itself.

Participation in Divine Nature

The eternal glory prepared for the saints involves participation in the divine nature. 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 signifies a transformation and elevation of the saints to share in the divine life, a reality that is both present and future.

Inheritance of Glory

The inheritance of eternal glory is a central promise to the saints. In Colossians 1:12 , Paul encourages believers to give "thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light." This inheritance is not merely a future hope but a present reality that believers are to live in anticipation of, as they are already citizens of the heavenly kingdom.

Conclusion

The eternal glory prepared for the saints is a testament to God's sovereign grace and purpose. It is a glory that transcends the temporal and is rooted in the eternal counsel of God, ensuring that those who are in Christ will partake in the divine nature and enjoy the fullness of God's presence forever.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 9:23
And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had before prepared to glory,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Reprobation.
... in the same sense in which he elects the saints to holiness ... by patient continuance
in well-doing, seek for glory, honor, and immortality, eternal life; 8 ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/finney/systematic theology/lecture xliv reprobation.htm

The Sovereignty of God in Reprobation
... many, from grace itself, and from that eternal life which ... Saints in Heaven join in
singing the Song of Moses ... He might make known the riches of His glory on the ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter five the sovereignty of.htm

The Character of the Persons for whom this Rest is Designed.
... styled "vessels of mercy, afore prepared unto glory." "In Christ ... is designed for
them by God's eternal purpose? ... Therefore the saints in heaven sing a new song ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter iv the character of.htm

The Exaltation of Christ
... endured, so much the greater is their "eternal weight of ... here upon this lower earth
stand his saints, and they ... might make known the riches of his glory on the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the exaltation of christ.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... do: 'Grace reigns through righteousness, unto eternal life,[4 ... to make intercession
for the saints before the ... his priestly vestments being for glory and beauty ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment:
... a bright, a glorious anticipation to the saints; but how ... of Christ to be in heavenly
glory." "We acknowledge a resurrection in order to eternal recompence, and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the resurrection of the dead.htm

Covenanting According to the Purposes of God.
... of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, even us ... but as having predestinated
some to eternal life, and ... the living in Jerusalem."[526] The saints of God ...
/.../the ordinance of covenanting/chapter viii covenanting according to.htm

John Bunyan on the Terms of Communion and Fellowship of Christians ...
... how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem ... about the world to come, and
the glory of unseen ... the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment; the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/john bunyan on the terms.htm

The Sovereignty of God in Salvation
... of all things, but signifies that the saints were all ... Who on Jesus Christ believe,
By eternal destination, Sovereign ... Thy mercy, Doth both grace and glory give ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter four the sovereignty of.htm

Election
... Throughout the epistles, the saints are constantly called "the elect ... which are: that
no flesh should glory in his ... of his having elected so many to eternal life? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/election.htm