Topical Bible: The Glory of God: Exhibited in Christ

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The concept of the glory of God is a central theme throughout the Bible, and it finds its fullest expression in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The glory of God, often understood as the manifestation of His divine attributes and presence, is revealed in Christ in a unique and profound way.

Old Testament Foreshadowing

The Old Testament provides numerous anticipations of the glory of God that would be fully revealed in Christ. Theophanies, such as the burning bush (Exodus 3:2-6) and the pillar of cloud and fire (Exodus 13:21-22), display God's glory in visible forms. The tabernacle and later the temple served as dwelling places for God's glory among His people (Exodus 40:34-35; 1 Kings 8:10-11). Prophets like Isaiah spoke of a coming Servant who would embody God's glory (Isaiah 42:1-8; 49:3).

The Incarnation of Christ

The New Testament reveals that the glory of God is supremely exhibited in Jesus Christ. John 1:14 declares, "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." In the incarnation, the eternal Word took on human flesh, and through His life, death, and resurrection, the glory of God was made manifest.

The Transfiguration

A pivotal moment in the revelation of Christ's glory is the Transfiguration. In Matthew 17:1-2, Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John, and His face shines like the sun, and His clothes become as white as light. This event provides a glimpse of His divine glory, affirming His identity as the Son of God and foreshadowing His resurrection glory.

The Miracles and Teachings of Jesus

Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus exhibited the glory of God through His miracles and teachings. In John 2:11, after turning water into wine at Cana, it is noted, "This, the first of His signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and thus revealed His glory, and His disciples believed in Him." His miracles were not merely acts of compassion but also demonstrations of divine power and authority, pointing to His divine nature.

The Crucifixion and Resurrection

The crucifixion of Christ, paradoxically, is a profound revelation of God's glory. In John 12:23-24, Jesus speaks of His impending death as the hour for the Son of Man to be glorified. The cross, a symbol of suffering and shame, becomes the ultimate display of God's love, justice, and mercy. The resurrection further reveals His glory, as Christ triumphs over sin and death, affirming His divine nature and the hope of eternal life for believers.

The Ascension and Exaltation

Following His resurrection, Christ's ascension into heaven marks His exaltation and the full restoration of His pre-incarnate glory. Philippians 2:9-11 states, "Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

The Revelation of Christ's Glory in the Church

The glory of God in Christ continues to be revealed through the Church, His body on earth. Believers are called to reflect His glory through their lives, as they are transformed into His likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18). The Church, as the bride of Christ, is a living testimony to His glory, proclaiming the gospel and manifesting His presence in the world.

The Future Revelation of Glory

The ultimate revelation of Christ's glory will occur at His second coming. Revelation 19:11-16 depicts Christ returning in glory and power, establishing His kingdom and executing judgment. Believers eagerly await this future manifestation, when the glory of God will be fully realized in the new heavens and new earth, and God will dwell with His people forever (Revelation 21:1-3).

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 1:14
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelled among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Corinthians 4:6
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, has shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 1:3
Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Patience of Christ.
... if they remembered and entered into the Patience of Christ. ... fulness and perfection
the Son of God exhibited in His ... when in His twelfth year the Glory of His ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/the patience of christ.htm

Christ, Though Known to the Jews under the Law, yet Only ...
... Properly, however, it means the promulgation of grace exhibited in the God-man Jesus ...
hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 9 christ though known.htm

The Same Conclusion Supported by the Transfiguration Marcion ...
... after that Moses and Elias had been exhibited along with ... Respecting the face of God,
however, he had already heard ... Then Moses said, "Show me Thy glory." And the ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xxii the same conclusion supported.htm

Christ's Millennial and Heavenly Glory in Company with his Saints.
... a picture of this very city exhibited to view ... of kingdom, so that, while the earthly
glory was announced ... His servants, the heavenly might have God Himself for ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xxv christs millennial and heavenly.htm

The Power of Christianity.
... as it is written, he that glorieth, let him glory in the ... It is the God incarnate
more than the God of the Jews ... of no use to say that Christ, as exhibited in the ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 44 the power of.htm

Christ's Conversation with the Rich Ruler of the Synagogue (Young ...
... (It is the high import of true morality that the glory of God, the only good and
holy one, is revealed in it.) Christ would not have exhibited, in his ...
/.../section 226 christs conversation with.htm

Letter i. The Christian's Mark.
... to others, so far as you maintain a holy life and conversation; for thereby the
moral image of Christ is exhibited. ... 3. The glory of God is promoted by ...
/.../letter i the christians mark.htm

The New Covenant: a Covenant of Grace
... of meetness for God's indwelling, that the glory of grace ... strong in the grace that
is in Christ Jesus"; when he tells us of "the grace of God" exhibited in the ...
/.../murray/the two covenants/chapter xiv the new covenant .htm

Life of a Christian Man. Scriptural Arguments Exhorting to It.
... Ever since God exhibited himself to us as a Father, we must be ... Ever since Christ
purified us by the laver of his ... it our endeavour to show forth the glory of God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sergieff/on the christian life/chapter i life of a.htm

Christ's Intercessory Prayer.
... Their glory was to be God's children ... God who cared for them, but by showing God's
holiness and ... Christ revealed Him; it was the Father's will His life exhibited. ...
/.../xvi christs intercessory prayer.htm