Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the "eternal weight of glory" as the reward for saints is a profound theme in Christian theology, reflecting the ultimate hope and promise for believers. This reward is not merely a future expectation but a present encouragement for those who endure trials and tribulations for their faith.Biblical Foundation The phrase "eternal weight of glory" is derived from 2 Corinthians 4:17, where the Apostle Paul writes, "For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison." . This passage highlights the contrast between the temporary nature of earthly suffering and the everlasting nature of the glory that awaits believers. The "weight" of this glory suggests its substantial and overwhelming nature, far surpassing any earthly experience. Nature of the Reward 1. Eternal and Imperishable: The reward of the saints is described as eternal, emphasizing its unending nature. Unlike earthly rewards, which are subject to decay and loss, the glory promised to believers is imperishable. This is echoed in 1 Peter 1:4, which speaks of "an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you" . 2. Glorious and Magnificent: The glory that awaits the saints is not only eternal but also magnificent. Romans 8:18 states, "I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us" . This glory is both a reflection of God's majesty and a participation in His divine nature, as believers are transformed into the likeness of Christ. 3. A Reward for Faithfulness: The eternal weight of glory is a reward for those who remain faithful amidst trials. James 1:12 affirms, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him" . This reward is not earned by human effort but is a gracious gift from God to those who love and serve Him. Implications for Believers 1. Encouragement in Suffering: The promise of an eternal weight of glory provides profound encouragement for believers facing persecution, hardship, or any form of suffering. It assures them that their struggles are not in vain and that a far greater reward awaits them. 2. Motivation for Holiness: Knowing that a glorious reward is promised to the faithful motivates believers to pursue holiness and live lives that honor God. As 1 John 3:2-3 states, "Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure" . 3. Perspective on Life's Challenges: The eternal perspective provided by the promise of glory helps believers to view life's challenges in light of eternity. It encourages them to focus on the unseen and eternal rather than the seen and temporary, as Paul advises in 2 Corinthians 4:18, "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" . Conclusion The reward of saints, described as an "eternal weight of glory," is a central tenet of Christian hope. It assures believers of a future filled with God's presence and glory, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their faith and to live in anticipation of the fulfillment of God's promises. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Corinthians 4:17For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Judgment. The Eternity of God Prayer and Trouble (Continued) The Great Misery of those who Lose the Saints' Rest. A Believer's Privilege at Death Moses' Prayer to be Blotted Out of God's Book. The Antitype of the Christian Home. "The Eternity of Hell-Torments" Meditations of the Blessed State of a Regenerate Man in Heaven. On the Glory of Martyrdom. Resources Does God reward us for being obedient to His Word? | GotQuestions.orgHow can we store up treasures in heaven? | GotQuestions.org Are there different levels of Heaven? Are there three heavens? | GotQuestions.org Reward: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Reward: A Motive to Faithfulness The Reward of Saints is from God The Reward of Saints is Inestimable The Reward of Saints is of God's Good Pleasure The Reward of Saints is of Grace, Through Faith Alone The Reward of Saints is Satisfying The Reward of Saints: A City Which had Foundation The Reward of Saints: A Crown of Glory The Reward of Saints: A Crown of Life The Reward of Saints: A Crown of Righteousness The Reward of Saints: A House Eternal in the Heavens The Reward of Saints: A Kingdom The Reward of Saints: A Kingdom Immovable The Reward of Saints: An Enduring Substance The Reward of Saints: An Eternal Weight of Glory The Reward of Saints: An Incorruptible Crown The Reward of Saints: As Servants of Christ The Reward of Saints: Be Careful not to Lose The Reward of Saints: Beholding the Face of God The Reward of Saints: Beholding the Glory of Christ The Reward of Saints: Being Glorified With Christ The Reward of Saints: Being With Christ The Reward of Saints: Entering Into the Joy of the Lord The Reward of Saints: Everlasting Life The Reward of Saints: Everlasting Light The Reward of Saints: Fulness of Joy The Reward of Saints: Hope of, a Cause of Rejoicing The Reward of Saints: Inheritance Eternal The Reward of Saints: Inheritance Incorruptible The Reward of Saints: Inheritance of all Things The Reward of Saints: Inheritance With Saints in Light The Reward of Saints: Joint Heirship With Christ The Reward of Saints: Not on Account of Their Merits The Reward of Saints: Prepared by Christ The Reward of Saints: Prepared by God The Reward of Saints: Present Afflictions not to be Compared With The Reward of Saints: Reigning for Ever and Ever The Reward of Saints: Reigning With Christ The Reward of Saints: Saints May Feel Confident of The Reward of Saints: Shall be Given at the Second Coming of Christ The Reward of Saints: Shining As the Stars The Reward of Saints: Sitting in Judgment With Christ The Reward of Saints: The Prize of the High Calling of God in Christ The Reward of Saints: The Prospect of, should Lead to Diligence The Reward of Saints: The Prospect of, should Lead to Enduring Suffering for Christ The Reward of Saints: The Prospect of, should Lead to Faithfulness to Death The Reward of Saints: The Prospect of, should Lead to Pressing Forward The Reward of Saints: Treasure in Heaven 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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