Glory
Summary
The divine glory traced from Sinai — that moral radiance and Spirit-light of God’s presence — is now unveiled in Christ himself. This chapter explores that glory as embodied in his teaching, his miracles as signs, the transfiguration, and his high-priestly prayer — and traces how it flows out to his people through the Spirit, producing in them the image of the heavenly man.
Paul wrote that the mystery hidden for ages is now revealed: "Christ in you, the hope of glory." (Colossians 1:27)[1] He had already declared that in Christ "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." (Colossians 2:2–3)[2] The glory of this age-ending wisdom was not understood by the rulers of this age: "Had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory." (1 Corinthians 2:8)[3]
To those who believe, Christ is "the wisdom of God" (1 Corinthians 1:24)[4] and "became for us wisdom from God — and righteousness and sanctification and redemption." (1 Corinthians 1:30)[5] This is a comprehensive glory: wisdom shining as righteousness, sanctification, and redemption simultaneously, all concentrated in one person.
Isaiah had seen this glory prophetically. John declares: "These things Isaiah said when he saw His glory and spoke of Him." (John 12:41)[6] At the wedding in Cana, Jesus "manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him." (John 2:11)[7] His glory was not self-generated — he said: "My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me." (John 7:16)[8]
On the mountain of transfiguration, that glory briefly broke through the veil of flesh: "His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light." (Matthew 17:2)[9] Peter later recalled: "We were eyewitnesses of His majesty... When He received honor and glory from God the Father." (2 Peter 1:16–17)[10] This was not a temporary loan of brightness — it was the future state already glimpsed.
In the upper room, Jesus prayed for the disciples' transformation: "The glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one." (John 17:22)[11] Paul traced the same flow: "As we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory." (2 Corinthians 3:18)[12]
The final goal is that the whole body shares in the Head's glory: "When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory." (Colossians 3:4)[13] The Spirit of Yahweh working in Christ is the same Spirit building the holy temple: "In whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit." (Ephesians 2:22)[14] Glory begun in the Son is completed in the many sons brought to glory with him.