Our Incomparable Glory, Part 2.

Last week, we discussed our personal approach and perspective in suffering. Now we will consider our prize, a glory that is beyond our comprehension.

We should spend more time considering our future glory than our present suffering. This glory is only for those who know Jesus Christ. As we grow in our knowledge of Him, we are able to put His character on display. Salvation and sanctification are certainly glorious, but the glory Paul speaks of in Romans 8:18 is of another kind.

Paul wants us to consider our final glory that we will receive in eternity. Our finite minds cannot comprehend the glory that awaits us. Only Christ Himself and the apostle Paul have witnessed it. The announcement of this glorious future is not intended as a distraction from daily obedience, but as motivation to be more faithful (1 John 3:3).

The phrase "not worthy to be compared" uses a Greek word that describes a weight that causes something to move. Our trials in this life are feather-light when compared to the glory that will be ours in the future. That weight compels our attention and gives us momentum to obey.

Paul mentions his vision of future glory in 2 Corinthians 12:2-6. James Montgomery Boice quotes a speech by C.S. Lewis that defines glory as "brightness, splendor, luminosity," and even beauty. Every human being desires worth, accept, approval, brightness, splendor, luminosity, and beauty. Being created in the image of God, these are things that we crave; but being affected by our sinful natures, we have a hard time even defining or trying to achieve them. But "when human souls have become as perfect in voluntary obedience as the inanimate creation is in its lifeless obedience, then they will put on its glory, or rather that greater glory of which Nature is only the first sketch."

Many theologians concur that words cannot describe this aspect of perfection that will be given to and developed in us. We will enjoy for eternity the personal glory of practical, sinless perfection. This will result in the perpetual enjoyment of assurance (1 John 3:1-3)! Knowing this is our future compels us to prepare by becoming more Christ-like in this life (1 John 2:28-29).

Application Points

• Do you think and talk more about your trials or about our future glory? How can you adjust this balance in your personal thoughts? Your conversation?

Tools for Further Study

Cross References to Explore

• Hebrews 1:2-3 – Jesus expresses the glory of the Father.
• John 14:1-3 – We will receive rewards for persevering.
• 2 Peter 3:13-14, Revelation 20-21 – Aspects of future eternal glory.
• 1 Corinthians 15 – Our glory will be spiritual and physical.
• Colossians 3:1-2, Philippians 3:20-21, Hebrews 11:8-10 – The motivation of future glory.

A Hymn to Encourage: "O God My Joy"

O God, my joy, You reign above
In radiant splendor and beauty.
Your Word has drawn my heart to love
The awesome sight of Your glory.
Your blazing light and gospel grace
Shine brightly from my Savior’s face.
No other wonder would I see
Than Christ enthroned in His glory!

Sustained by joy in trial and pain,
I trust Your wisdom and mercy.
Through suff'ring that Your love ordains,
More like Your Son You will make me.
For Christ embraced the cross of shame,
Beholding glorious joys to come.
O give me faith like His to see
That suff’ring lifts me to glory!

Compelled by joy, I fight the sin
That turns my gaze from Your glory.
Your Holy Spirit dwells within;
His presence arms me for vict’ry.
Let death and hell against me rise;
Through death I'll gain eternal joys.
All pow'rs of hell will bend the knee
Before my great King of glory!