Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the saints being glorified with Christ is a profound theme in Christian theology, reflecting the ultimate hope and destiny of believers. This glorification is the culmination of the redemptive work of Christ and the sanctification process in the life of a believer. It signifies the transformation and exaltation of the saints, aligning them with the glory of their Savior.Biblical Foundation The New Testament provides a robust foundation for the doctrine of glorification. In Romans 8:17, the Apostle Paul writes, "And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him." This passage highlights the conditional aspect of glorification, linking it to the believer's willingness to share in Christ's sufferings. Further, Romans 8:30 states, "And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified." Here, glorification is presented as the final step in the divine plan of salvation, assured for those who are justified by faith. Nature of Glorification Glorification involves the complete transformation of the believer's body and soul. Philippians 3:21 declares, "He will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body, by the power that enables Him even to subject all things to Himself." This transformation is both physical and spiritual, reflecting the resurrection body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:42-43 further elaborates on this transformation: "So will it be with the resurrection of the dead: What is sown is perishable; it is raised imperishable. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power." The glorified state is marked by imperishability, honor, and power, contrasting sharply with the current human condition. Participation in Divine Glory The glorification of the saints is not merely an individual experience but a participation in the divine glory of Christ. In John 17:22, Jesus prays, "I have given them the glory You gave Me, so that they may be one as We are one." This unity with Christ and the Father is a central aspect of glorification, emphasizing the relational and communal dimensions of the believer's ultimate reward. Colossians 3:4 also speaks to this reality: "When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory." The appearance of Christ in glory is the moment when the saints will fully share in His divine splendor. Eternal Inheritance The glorification of the saints is closely tied to their eternal inheritance. 1 Peter 5:4 promises, "And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away." This crown symbolizes the eternal reward and honor bestowed upon the faithful. Revelation 21:7 further assures believers of their inheritance: "The one who overcomes will inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he will be My son." The glorified state includes the full realization of the believer's status as a child of God, with all the rights and privileges thereof. Conclusion The reward of being glorified with Christ is a central hope for the saints, encapsulating the promise of transformation, participation in divine glory, and eternal inheritance. This doctrine underscores the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan and the believer's journey toward eternal communion with the Triune God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 8:17,18And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. Torrey's Topical Textbook Colossians 3:4 Philippians 3:21 1 John 3:2 Library Whether the Saints Will Never Use their Agility for the Purpose of ... Whether Souls are Conveyed to Heaven or Hell Immediately after ... The General Service to Saints Andrew of Constantinople, Isidore of ... Easter Day Psalm CL. Departed Saints Fellowservants with those yet on Earth. Paul and his Requests for Prayer (Continued) The Lord's Prayer: the Preface in Matthew The Death of the Righteous Perseverance of Saints. 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) |