Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the saints beholding the glory of Christ is a profound theme woven throughout the Scriptures, offering believers a glimpse into the eternal reward awaiting those who are in Christ. This reward is not merely a future promise but a present hope that shapes the life and faith of every believer.Biblical Foundation The promise of beholding the glory of Christ is rooted in the high priestly prayer of Jesus. In John 17:24 , Jesus prays, "Father, I want those You have given Me to be with Me where I am, that they may see My glory, the glory You gave Me because You loved Me before the foundation of the world." This prayer reveals the deep desire of Christ for His followers to witness His divine glory, a glory that is both eternal and bestowed by the Father. The Apostle Paul echoes this promise in his epistles, emphasizing the transformative power of beholding Christ's glory. In 2 Corinthians 3:18 , Paul writes, "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." Here, the act of beholding is not passive but active, resulting in the sanctification and transformation of the believer into the likeness of Christ. Eschatological Hope The ultimate fulfillment of this promise is eschatological, pointing to the time when believers will see Christ face to face. In 1 John 3:2 , the Apostle John assures the saints, "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." This future vision of Christ is the culmination of the believer's hope, where faith becomes sight and the temporal gives way to the eternal. The Book of Revelation provides a vivid depiction of this glorious encounter. Revelation 22:4 declares, "They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads." This imagery signifies an intimate and unbroken fellowship with Christ, where the saints are fully identified with Him and partake in His eternal glory. Theological Implications The reward of beholding Christ's glory carries significant theological implications for the believer's life. It serves as a source of encouragement and perseverance amid trials and tribulations. The Apostle Paul, in Romans 8:18 , affirms, "I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us." The anticipation of this glory provides strength and hope, enabling believers to endure hardships with the assurance of a future, incomparable reward. Moreover, the vision of Christ's glory is a call to holiness and purity. As 1 John 3:3 states, "And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure." The expectation of seeing Christ motivates believers to live lives that reflect His holiness, striving to be conformed to His image in anticipation of the day when they will behold Him in His full splendor. Practical Application The promise of beholding the glory of Christ invites believers to cultivate a deeper relationship with Him through worship, prayer, and the study of Scripture. By fixing their eyes on Jesus, the "author and perfecter of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2), believers are drawn into a closer communion with Him, experiencing a foretaste of the glory that is to come. In summary, the reward of the saints in beholding the glory of Christ is a central tenet of the Christian faith, offering both a present reality and a future hope. It is a promise that transforms the believer's life, providing strength, encouragement, and a call to holiness as they await the day when they will see their Savior face to face. Torrey's Topical Textbook John 17:24Father, I will that they also, whom you have given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which you have given me: for you loved me before the foundation of the world. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Meditations of the Blessed State of the Regenerate Man after Death ... Christ's Plea for Ignorant Sinners Of the Beatific vision. A Believer's Privilege at Death So Likewise Ye, when Ye Shall have done all those Things Christ. The Service Common to Two or More Monks. The Controversy Ended. Calvin -- Enduring Persecution for Christ The Controversy Ended Resources What are the five heavenly crowns that believers can receive in Heaven? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that we should not let our left hand know what our right hand is doing (Matthew 6:3 4)? | GotQuestions.org Who was Balaam in the Bible? | 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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