The concept of glory in the Christian faith is multifaceted, encompassing the divine radiance and majesty of God, as well as the honor and exaltation bestowed upon believers. Within this framework, the glory that saints shall receive through their ministers is a significant theme, reflecting the spiritual relationship and mutual edification between the congregation and those who serve them in ministry.

Biblical Foundation

The New Testament provides insight into the role of ministers as vessels through which God's glory is imparted to the saints. In Ephesians 4:11-13 , the Apostle Paul writes, "And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ." This passage underscores the purpose of ministers in preparing and edifying the saints, leading them toward spiritual maturity and unity, which is a reflection of God's glory.

Ministers as Instruments of Glory

Ministers are called to be faithful stewards of God's mysteries (1 Corinthians 4:1), serving as conduits through which the knowledge and grace of God flow to His people. Their role is not only to teach and shepherd but also to exemplify the glory of God in their lives, thereby inspiring the saints to pursue holiness and righteousness. As Paul exhorts Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:2 , "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and careful instruction." Through such diligent ministry, the saints are nurtured and equipped to reflect God's glory in their own lives.

The Glory of the Saints

The glory that saints shall receive is both a present reality and a future promise. In 2 Corinthians 3:18 , Paul describes the transformative process: "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 transformation is facilitated by the ministry of the Word and the work of the Holy Spirit, as believers grow in Christlikeness and reflect His glory more fully.

Furthermore, the ultimate glorification of the saints is anticipated in the eschatological hope of the resurrection. In 1 Peter 5:4 , Peter assures the faithful ministers, "And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away." This promise extends to all believers, as they are united with Christ in His glory at His return.

Mutual Glorification

The relationship between ministers and the saints is reciprocal, as the faithfulness of the congregation also brings glory to their ministers. In 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 , Paul expresses this sentiment: "After all, who is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when He comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy." The spiritual growth and steadfastness of the saints serve as a testament to the effective ministry of their leaders, resulting in mutual glorification before God.

In summary, the glory that saints shall receive through their ministers is a profound aspect of the Christian life, rooted in the transformative power of the Gospel and the faithful service of those called to lead. This dynamic relationship fosters spiritual growth, unity, and the ultimate glorification of the church as the body of Christ.1 Thessalonians 2:19,20
For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Great Preparatives for the Saints' Rest.
... with great dishonor, thou shalt receive it in glory. ... Their own consciences shall
cry out against them, and ... his old companions cannot; the saints neither can ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter ii the great preparatives.htm

Departed Saints Fellow Servants with those yet on Earth.
... the impenitent, why not as soon as they shall have put ... It belongs neither to glorified
saints, nor to angels of ... our birth day into the world of glory."We are ...
/.../sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxvii departed saints fellow.htm

The Introduction to the Work, with Some Account of the Nature of ...
... It seems the saints' joy shall be greater ... The same glory which the Father gave the
Son, the Son hath given them, to sit with him in his throne, even as he ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter i the introduction to.htm

The Misery of those Who, Besides Losing the Saints' Rest, Lose the ...
... an angry God above them, with those saints whom they scorned enjoying the glory
which they ... ears, which were accustomed to music and songs, shall hear the ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter vi the misery of.htm

The Necessity of Diligently Seeking the Saints' Rest.
... This sight you shall one day surely see. ... endless torments; also heaven opened, as
Stephen did, and all the saints there triumphing in glory; what a ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter vii the necessity of.htm

Desolation of the Earth.
... even all of them, lie in glory, every one ... time that, as foretold by Paul, "the saints
shall judge the ... Christ they judge the wicked, comparing their acts with ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /41 desolation of the earth.htm

Desolation of the Earth
... even all of them, lie in glory, everyone in ... time that, as foretold by Paul, "the
saints shall judge the ... Christ they judge the wicked, comparing their acts with ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 41 desolation of the.htm

Motives from the Necessities of the Work
... or strength of the saints, we shall thereby increase the glory of the King of saints;
for he ... when, besides all the rest of their sins, they shall have the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/article 3.htm

Concerning Persecution
... Christ's marks in Saint Paul's body were prints of glory. The saints have worn
their sufferings as ornaments. ... They shall increase our reward. ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/21 concerning persecution.htm

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God," &C.
... Speak of what ye will, you shall never draw a man ... and therefore Christ is the "King
of saints," Revelation 15 ... heaven, but he that gives grace, gives glory, Psal ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xvi but seek ye.htm

What is the Shekinah glory? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that Christ in us is the hope of glory? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that the heavens declare the glory of God? | GotQuestions.org

Glory: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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