2 Thessalonians 1:10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints… I. IN THE EXCELLENCE OF THEIR CHARACTER. Whatever contributes to the honour of an individual must in some way reflect His worth. The productions of an author form the medium of His praise. Thus creation is the medium of the Creator's glory because it displays His wisdom, power, and goodness. So at the last day the vast assembly of the redeemed deriving all that they possess from the Saviour will be the medium through which the efficacy of His atonement, the power of His grace, and the extent of His love will be manifested in an admiring universe. 1. In estimating the improvement of an individual or the advancement of a community, it is necessary to bear in mind their original condition. So informing a correct estimate of what the Saviour does for His people it is necessary to remember — (1) Their lowly origin. (2) Their ignorance of God, Christ, salvation, duty, destiny. (3) Their depravity. They were enemies of God, transgressors of the law, etc. 2. Who without grateful emotion can think of such as they shall finally appear in glory? (1) The mists of ignorance shall be dispelled. (2) All sin will be put away. (3) They as lesser luminaries will reflect the glory and the grace of the Sun of Righteousness. II. IN THE PERFECTION AND SECURITY OF THEIR BLISS. 1. There was a time when they were strangers to joy — through the indulgence of evil passions, the gratification of evil propensities, distance from God. 2. At the judgment and onwards their bliss will be — (1) Perfect. After their conversion it was by no means contemptible, but it was incomplete, and so imperfectly reflected Christ's glory. (2) Secure. Here it is interrupted and not seldom destroyed; by and by no danger will alarm, enemy intrude, or temptation seduce.Conclusion: Hence we see — 1. The dignity of the Christian character. 2. The Christian's glorious hope. (J. Kay.) Parallel Verses KJV: When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. |