Doctrines of Grace - Glorification
April 29, 1996 by William Payne
Glorification is the ultimate goal of salvation - Romans 8:30,17. Notice how Paul speaks of it as though it were already accomplished. The glorification of believers will be brought about at the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ - 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10. The second coming of Christ is certain - John 14:3; Matthew 24:30, 25:31
IT WILL BE:
a. Personal 1 Thessalonians 4:16
b. Visible Revelation 1:7
c. Glorious Mark 13:26
It will catch many by surprise 1 Thessalonians 5:2,3.
It will mark the end of time and usher in the eternal state 2 Peter 3.
A NUMBER OF ELEMENTS MAY BE CONSIDERED AS BELONGING TO THE BELIEVERS' GLORIFICATION:
Resurrection
This refers to the raising up of the dead and the transforming of their bodies. This stupendous truth is insisted on by the Lord Jesus and the New Testament writers - John 5:28-30; 6:39,40. Paul insists that the resurrection of believers is the inevitable outcome of Christ's resurrection - 1 Corinthians 15:20-22. Compare 1 Thessalonians 4:14-16. Believers who are living at the time of Christ's return will not see death, but shall be transformed - 1 Corinthians 15:51,52.
The resurrection body will be glorious indeed. It will be:
a. Not subject to death, decay or corruption 1 Corinthians 15:42,43,52,53
b. A perfect vehicle for the perfected spirit 1 Corinthians 15:44
c. Fitted for eternity 1 Thessalonians 4:17
d. Possessed of powers and abilities very different from our present body (Compare the activity of Christ after His resurrection.)
e. Conformed to Christ's glorious resurrection body 1 Corinthians 15:49; Philippians 3:21
The beholding of our beloved Lord and Saviour.
Isaiah. 33:17; Job 19:25-27; 1 John 3:1,2
Face to face with Christ my Saviour
Face to face what will it be,
When with rapture I behold Him,
Jesus Christ who died for me
(C.E. Breck)
The bride eyes not her garments
But her dear bridegroom's face;
I will not look on glory
But on my King of grace;
Not on the crown He giveth,
But on His pierced hands,
The Lamb is all the glory
In Immanuel's land.
(Anne R. Cousins)
Of all the things the saints long for they long for most to see Jesus and to behold His glory - John 17:24.
Total Perfection
a. Freedom from all sin Romans 8:29 Word, thought and deed
b. "We shall be like Him" 1 John 3:2 Compare Revelation 11:22-27 . What a thought!
c. Freedom from all sorrow and pain Revelation 21:4 Compare Psalms 16:11
d. Confirmation in holiness for ever Revelation 22:11
Unending and unbroken fellowship with God
The acknowledgement of believers as the children of God
Hebrews 11:16; 2:10-13; Matthew 10:32
Then will He own my worthless name
Before His Father's face,
And in the New Jerusalem
Appoint my soul a place.
(Isaac Watts)
The enjoyment of an environment suited to a glorified state
APPLICATORY THOUGHTS
How magnificent is God's purpose in salvation!
What a future the Christian has to look forward to!
What madness it is to turn away from such blessings!
Here is a truth to give us songs in the night.