Read 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18
Paul had much to say about the promised glory to come for the child of God. His magnum opus concerning the resurrection is found in 1 Cor.15, which we previously examined, but it was by no means the only time he referenced this doctrine that was a driving force in his life. Today’s devotion will focus on some additional Pauline perspectives on our future hope.
Glorification is our great COMPULSION.
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (II Corinthians 4:16-18).
Paul lists a number of difficulties he faced in serving Christ. Yet, he did not despair. He was a driven man, and this compulsion was maintained by looking ahead to the glory to come. His resolve was fueled by the hope he possessed. We may say with the old Gospel song, “It will be worth it all, when we see Jesus.”
Glorification is our great CONSUMMATION.
“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.” (Philippians 3:20-21).
All that we do for God, every service we render for others, and all hardship we endure is in view of the consummation of all things in glory. As we use this body for Him, the toll of that effort wears us down, but in the end we can press on, knowing that there is a new body being prepared in exchange for this worn out one.
Glorification is our great CONSOLATION.
“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.” (I Thessalonians 4:16-18).
There is no sorrow so deep as when we are separated from our loved ones by death. Likewise, there is no solace so delightful as when we will be reunited with them. That is the promise when Christ returns for His church. The dead in Christ will rise and the living saints will be changed—all of us glorified and taken to heaven, to be with the Lord and with one another forever. It is our message of consolation to one another.
What a happy hope! This was Paul’s perspective. Is it yours?
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