Topical Encyclopedia The Transfiguration of Jesus Christ stands as a pivotal moment in the New Testament, revealing His divine glory and affirming His identity as the Son of God. This event is recorded in the Synoptic Gospels: Matthew 17:1-9, Mark 9:2-10, and Luke 9:28-36. The Transfiguration serves as a profound testament to the excellency and glory of Christ, offering a glimpse of His divine nature and the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets.Biblical Account In the Gospel of Matthew, the account begins with Jesus taking Peter, James, and John up a high mountain by themselves. "There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light" (Matthew 17:2). This radiant transformation signifies the divine glory inherent in Christ, a glory that had been veiled in His human form. The presence of Moses and Elijah, who appeared and conversed with Jesus, underscores the continuity and fulfillment of the Old Testament. Moses, representing the Law, and Elijah, representing the Prophets, bear witness to Jesus as the culmination of God's redemptive plan. Luke's account adds that they spoke of Jesus' departure, "which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem" (Luke 9:31), pointing to His impending crucifixion and resurrection. The Voice from the Cloud A significant aspect of the Transfiguration is the divine affirmation from God the Father. A bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice declared, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!" (Matthew 17:5). This pronouncement echoes the words spoken at Jesus' baptism (Matthew 3:17), reinforcing His divine sonship and authority. The command to "listen to Him" emphasizes the supremacy of Christ's teachings and His role as the ultimate revelation of God. Theological Significance The Transfiguration reveals the preeminence of Christ's glory, a foretaste of His exaltation and the eschatological hope for believers. The Apostle Peter, reflecting on this event, writes, "For we did not follow cleverly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty" (2 Peter 1:16). This eyewitness testimony affirms the reality of Christ's divine nature and the certainty of His second coming. Moreover, the Transfiguration serves as a source of encouragement and strength for the disciples, who would soon face the trials of Jesus' passion. It reassures them of His divine authority and the ultimate victory over sin and death. Symbolism and Imagery The imagery of light and whiteness in the Transfiguration is rich with symbolism. Light is often associated with God's presence and purity, as seen in the Old Testament theophanies (e.g., Exodus 34:29-35). The dazzling whiteness of Jesus' garments signifies His holiness and the transformative power of His glory. This imagery foreshadows the glorified state of believers, as Paul writes, "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory" (2 Corinthians 3:18). Implications for Believers For contemporary believers, the Transfiguration is a call to recognize and worship Christ in His full majesty. It invites Christians to live in anticipation of His return and to be transformed by His presence in their lives. The event also serves as a reminder of the importance of listening to and obeying Christ, who is the ultimate revelation of God's will and purpose. In summary, the Transfiguration of Christ is a profound manifestation of His divine glory and authority, affirming His identity as the Son of God and the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. It stands as a testament to His excellency and a source of hope and encouragement for all who follow Him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 17:2And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Peter 1:16-18 Library The Blessed Privilege of Seeing God Explained The Blessing of God. Heavenly Contemplation Assisted by Sensible Objects, and Guarded ... Man's Chief End The Christ of the Gospels. By Rev. Professor Schaff. The Evidences of Christianity, Deduced from the New Testament ... Jesus Only "For what the Law could not Do, in that it was Weak through the ... The Necessity for Praying Men Index of Subjects. Resources What is the Letter to Diognetus? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God create the world / earth? | GotQuestions.org Excellency: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Excellency and Glory of Christ in his Exaltation The Excellency and Glory of Christ in his Sinless Perfection The Excellency and Glory of Christ in his Transfiguration The Excellency and Glory of Christ in his Triumph The Excellency and Glory of Christ in his Words The Excellency and Glory of Christ in his Works The Excellency and Glory of Christ in the Calling of the Gentiles The Excellency and Glory of Christ in the Fulness of his Grace and Truth The Excellency and Glory of Christ in the Restoration of the Jews The Excellency and Glory of Christ is Incomparable The Excellency and Glory of Christ is Unchangeable The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Creator The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As God The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Head of the Church The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Incarnate The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Judge The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As King The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Lord of Lords The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Mediator The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As One With the Father The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Priest The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Prophet The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Shepherd The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the Blessed of God The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the First-Begotten The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the First-Born The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the Foundation of the Church The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the Image of God The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the Life The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the Son of God The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the True Light The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the Truth The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the Way The Excellency and Glory of Christ: Celebrated by the Redeemed The Excellency and Glory of Christ: Followed his Resurrection The Excellency and Glory of Christ: Followed his Sufferings The Excellency and Glory of Christ: Imparted to Saints The Excellency and Glory of Christ: Revealed in the Gospel The Excellency and Glory of Christ: Saints Shall Behold, in Heaven The Excellency and Glory of Christ: Saints Shall Rejoice at the Revelation of The Excellency and Glory of the Church are Abundant The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Augmented by Increase of Its Members The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Being Established The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Being the Body of Christ The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Being the Bride of Christ The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Being the Seat of God's Worship The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Being the Temple of God The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Eminent Position The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Graces of Character The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Members Being Righteous The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Perfection of Beauty The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Sanctification The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Strength and Defence The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Derived from Christ The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Derived from God The Excellency and Glory of the Church: God Delights In The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Result from the Favour of God The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Saints Delight In The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Sin Obscures Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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