Saturday
Saturday
Glory Revealed
We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him.
2 Thessalonians 1:12
Paul’s two Letters to the Thessalonians are well known for their many references to the Parousia, that is, the personal, visible, and glorious return of Christ. In fact, each of their eight chapters contains a mention of it. Particularly striking is the recurring reference in the Second Letter’s first chapter to the glory of Christ.
Firstly, the Lord Jesus will be revealed in his glory (v. 7). True, the word glory is missing from this verse, but the implication is there. The Parousia will be no paltry sideshow but rather an event of awe-inspiring cosmic splendor.
Secondly, the Lord Jesus will be glorified in his people (v. 10). That is, the revelation of his glory will not be objective only (so that we will see it) but also in his people (so that we will share it). The two glorifications (his and ours) will take place simultaneously, though the apostle’s emphasis is not so much on the glorification of the saved as on the glorification of the Savior in the saved.
Thirdly, those who deliberately reject Christ will be excluded from his glory (vv. 8–9). Their terrible fate is described as both destruction and exclusion. The implied tragedy is that human beings made by God, like God, and for God should spend eternity without God, irrevocably banished from his presence. Instead of shining with the glory of Christ, their light will be extinguished in outer darkness. Here, then, is the solemn alternative that the apostle sets before us. It is either participation in or exclusion from the glory of Jesus Christ.
Fourthly, meanwhile, Jesus Christ must begin to be glorified in us (v. 12). The glorification of Jesus in his people and their consequent glorification are not a transformation that is entirely reserved for the last day. The process begins now. Indeed, it must begin now if it is to be brought to its proper end when Christ comes. That day will not suddenly reverse the processes that are going on now; it will rather confirm and complete them.
For further reading: 2 Thessalonians 1:1–12