Topical Bible: The Sun: (Its Brightness) of the Future Glory of Saints

◄ The Sun: (Its Brightness) of the Future Glory of Saints ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The imagery of the sun's brightness is a powerful and recurring motif in the Bible, symbolizing the future glory and radiance of the saints in the presence of God. This metaphor draws on the sun's unparalleled brilliance and its role as a source of light and life, reflecting the transformative glory that awaits believers in the eschatological fulfillment of God's promises.

Biblical Foundations

The concept of the sun's brightness as a symbol of the future glory of the saints is rooted in several key biblical passages. In the Old Testament, the prophet Daniel speaks of the righteous shining "like the brightness of the heavens" (Daniel 12:3), suggesting a future state of exaltation and splendor for those who are faithful to God.

In the New Testament, Jesus Himself uses similar imagery in the Gospel of Matthew, declaring, "Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father" (Matthew 13:43). This statement is part of the Parable of the Weeds, where Jesus explains the ultimate separation of the righteous from the wicked and the subsequent glorification of the saints.

The Apostle Paul also alludes to this future transformation in his epistles. In 1 Corinthians 15:41-43, he compares the resurrection of the dead to the differing glories of celestial bodies, emphasizing that the resurrected body will be raised in glory and power, surpassing its earthly form.

Theological Significance

The brightness of the sun as a metaphor for the future glory of the saints underscores several theological themes. First, it highlights the transformative power of God's redemptive work. Just as the sun dispels darkness and brings life, so too will the glory of God transform believers, elevating them to a state of eternal radiance and purity.

Second, this imagery emphasizes the intimate relationship between the saints and God. The future glory of the saints is not an independent or self-derived brilliance but a reflection of God's own glory. As the sun is the source of light, so God is the source of the saints' future splendor, indicating a profound union with the divine.

Finally, the metaphor serves as a source of hope and encouragement for believers. The promise of future glory assures the faithful that their present sufferings and trials are temporary and will be eclipsed by the eternal joy and radiance of life in God's presence.

Conclusion

The sun's brightness as a symbol of the future glory of the saints is a rich and evocative image that captures the essence of Christian hope and eschatological expectation. It points to a future reality where believers, transformed by God's grace, will shine with a brilliance that reflects the glory of their Creator, dwelling eternally in His light and love. This promise of future glory serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring believers to persevere in faith and righteousness as they await the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Daniel 12:3
And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 13:43
Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who has ears to hear, let him hear.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Whether this Clarity was the Clarity of Glory?
... glory as to its essence, but not as to its mode of ... passion, as when the air is lit
up by the sun. ... be surpassed by that of Christ, just as the brightness of the ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether this clarity was the.htm

The Death of the Righteous
... to a believer is crepusculum gloriae, the daybreak of eternal brightness. ... will be
clear; their sanctity perfect; their sun will be in its full meridian ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/1 the death of the.htm

Faustus Repels the Charge of Sun-Worship
... wisdom in the moon, which is so inferior in brightness! ... by the Jews, and exists in
the sun and moon? ... flesh of animals, which contaminates Him with its impurity ...
/.../faustus repels the charge of.htm

Letter Xl to Thomas, Prior of Beverley
... Now in Thy brightness it becomes clear, Oh ... Ezekiel 18:4), without doubt righteousness
is its life; for ... whereof no stranger may partake"a Sun of Righteousness ...
/.../some letters of saint bernard abbot of clairvaux/letter xl to thomas prior.htm

Blessed Trust
... hoped to do, upon the last words preceding my text, 'The Lord God is a Sun and
Shield'"brightness and defence ... For how can the sun but pour its rays upon ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/blessed trust.htm

God the Holy Spirit the Love which Dwells in the Heart.
... It may radiate its brightness even in the animal, but Love ... As the sun shines brightly
into your chamber, while ... every heart and penetrated to its deepest stratum ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xx god the holy spirit.htm

Thoughts Upon the Appearance of Christ the Sun of Righteousness ...
... it is no wonder, For he is the brightness of the ... enlightened by the Sun, and then
reflects its light to ... I think of my blessed Saviour, the Sun of Righteousness ...
/.../private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon the appearance of.htm

One Metaphor and Two Meanings
... But seeing that that work has its twofold forms, Jesus ... Further, to the servant the
brightness of that future day ... you and the western sky when the sun is there ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/one metaphor and two meanings.htm

The Being of God
... The soul has a celestial brightness in it; as ... stars disappear at the rising of the
sun, oh, how ... into nothing when infinite majesty shines forth in its glory! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/1 the being of god.htm

On the Glory of Martyrdom.
... of the liquid air unfolds a pure brightness through a ... foliage whatever spot the canopy,
expanded by its curving branches ... of her months, nor does the sun run his ...
/.../on the glory of martyrdom.htm