Brethren, as we study through the New Testament letters to the Christians we notice many recurrent themes.  Besides the admonition and correction found in the epistles, there is also Godly instruction, encouragement, and doctrine for our edification and spiritual benefit.  Yes, even though these letters were written to the first century brethren, Jesus Christ has seen to it that they have been preserved as Scripture for the saints living in the last days.  The meaning of the concept of being called unto glory” has been largely lost on our generation.  We need to familiarize ourselves with the Biblical meaning of the word glory.”  It is Paul who tells us in 1 Thessalonians 2:12 that God has called us into His glory.  What does that mean?

When you die, you go to heaven,” was the common catchphrase that so many of us grew up hearing and believing.  And when we came to the knowledge of the truth we learned that heaven is not the reward of the saved.   We rejected the false heaven and eternal hell-fire hypothesis, but still, we sometimes lacked a full appreciation of what it is that God has in store for those who love Him.  We try to picture what it will be like, reigning and ruling in the Kingdom of God on earth for a thousand years – some probably conjure up an image of ruling with a rod of iron as a king or powerful ruler might do (Revelation 5:10, 20:6, 19:15).  As spiritual kings and priests, our glorified state will carry the privilege and esteem of receiving worship (Revelation 3:9, 5:10).  And, only God is worthy of worship.  We cannot now imagine what it will be like to be a glorified being.

As it is written, eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love Him. But God has revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.”  (1 Corinthians 2:9-10)

Where has God revealed the wonderful things He has prepared for us?  The answer, of course, is He has revealed them in His Word – the Bible.  When we are fully born into the Kingdom of God, we will become glorified beings.  Let’s consider what that means because almost no one knows.  We can get an idea of what glorified” means by looking at Biblical examples.  Even the prophets of the Old Testament had very little understanding of how God’s dignity and glory would be in the resurrected saints.

God the Father is glorious beyond our comprehension – the Bible uses terms like, excellent glory.  [Jesus Christ] received from God the Father honor and glory, when there came such a voice to Him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (2 Peter 1:17)

In the same way that God’s presence makes something holy, God’s Holy Spirit within someone will make that person glorious.   God’s Spirit is in Christ, therefore, Paul could say of all true Christians, … Christ in you, the hope of glory.”  (Colossians 1:27)  Hope points us to the resurrection.  We are not yet glorified – that should go without saying.   "God has also sealed us, and given the earnest [pledge or security] of the Spirit in our hearts."  (2 Corinthians 1:22) That is because we are now only in receipt of a measure of God’s Spirit – a token or pledge of what we will receive in the resurrection. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see him as He is.”  (1 John 3:2)

Only a glorified being can look upon Christ in all his glory and live.  Not appreciating the magnificent brilliance of God's abiding presence, Moses asked Christ to see His glory, And He said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.”  (Exodus 33:18, 20)

I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”  (Romans 8:18)  God’s will is that we share in His Magnificent

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