Glorification is the final stage in the order of salvation, according to Reformed theology. It refers to the final removal of sin from the life of the believer and their entrance into eternal life with God. Glorification happens after justification and sanctification. Here is an overview of glorification from a biblical perspective:
The Basis for Glorification
Glorification is made possible by the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. When He said “it is finished” (John 19:30), Christ meant that He had completed everything necessary for the salvation of His people. This includes not only deliverance from the penalty of sin through justification, but also eventual freedom from the presence of sin through glorification. Several passages link glorification to the work of Christ:
– Romans 8:30 says that those God predestined, He “also glorified.” Glorification is presented as a past action, secured by Christ for believers.
– Hebrews 10:14 says that “by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.” Christ’s sacrifice makes glorification a certainty.
– Ephesians 1:13-14 describes believers as being sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, “who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it.” The Spirit is the down payment on the full redemption to come.
God’s Purpose for Glorification
Glorification fulfills God’s purpose to redeem people made in His image (Genesis 1:26-27), who sinned and fell short of His glory (Romans 3:23). God planned salvation to restore the broken relationship between Himself and humanity. Glorification completes this restoration for the believer. Several passages describe glorification as the culmination of God’s saving work:
– Romans 8:18 calls the glory to be revealed “the glory that will be revealed in us.” Glorification brings God’s glory to us and in us.
– Colossians 1:27 describes “the hope of glory” residing in believers. The hope of redemption finds ultimate fulfillment in glorification.
– 1 John 3:2 says “when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.” Glorification enables us to share in the glory of seeing Christ face to face.
– 2 Thessalonians 1:10 mentions “on that day [Christ] comes to be glorified in his saints.” Christ’s glory shines fully through believers at glorification.
The Timing of Glorification
The Bible presents glorification as a future event in the life of all Christians. It will happen after death or at Christ’s second coming. Here are some key passages about the timing:
– Philippians 3:20-21 says “our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body.” Glorification comes when Christ returns.
– 1 Corinthians 15:43 says “it is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory.” The resurrection of the body brings glorification.
– 2 Corinthians 5:1 says, “we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” Death brings entry into God’s eternal glory.
– Romans 8:23 calls glorification “the redemption of our bodies” that we await. Full redemption comes at glorification.
While glorification awaits the future, the Bible also describes it as a current, settled reality. Believers can be assured that the God who began the work of salvation will complete it (Philippians 1:6). Glorification is as good as done.
The Nature of Glorification
What will glorification be like for the believer? Scripture paints a beautiful picture:
– We will be like Christ (1 John 3:2). Glorification results in full conformity to the image of God’s Son. We will reflect His glory.
– We will see God face-to-face (Revelation 22:4). The veil between humanity and the divine will be removed. Our knowledge of God will be complete.
– We will have resurrected bodies like Christ (1 Corinthians 15:20-23, 35-49; 1 John 3:2). Our bodies will be imperishable, immortal, powerful, and spiritual.
– Creation will be liberated from decay (Romans 8:21). The curse of Genesis 3 will be no more.
– Death, pain, and all effects of sin will cease (Revelation 21:4; 22:3). Suffering will give way to eternal joy in God’s presence.
– We will reign with Christ (2 Timothy 2:12; Revelation 22:5). Glorified believers will bear royal authority under the King of Kings.
This glorification has personal, ethical, and cosmic dimensions. We will magnify Christ. Creation will be renewed. The effects of sin will vanish. All things will be made right.
The Necessity of Glorification
Why is glorification required for salvation? Can’t a believer just remain in their current state with sin? No – ultimately we must be glorified because:
– Sin corrupts our participation in worship. As sinners, we cannot properly honor God (Romans 3:23). Only when sin is eradicated can we worship without impediment.
– Sin hinders our service. Our impure hearts fail to obey God’s commands fully (Matthew 26:41). Complete obedience waits for glorification.
– Sin affects creation under the curse. All nature groans for final redemption (Romans 8:18-22). Our state impacts the state of the cosmos.
– Sin leads to death. From dust we came and to dust we return because of the fall (Genesis 3:19). Glorification brings resurrection.
– Sin prevents seeing God. Nothing impure can stand in God’s presence (Revelation 21:27). Sin’s removal is needed to see God.
– God’s promises require glorification. He pledged eternal perfect life to believers (Titus 1:2). This necessitates the total removal of sin.
For these reasons, Scripture presents glorification not as optional but as a divinely mandated step in our salvation. Justification, sanctification, and glorification cannot be separated. Each leads to the next by God’s design.
Misconceptions about Glorification
Some common misconceptions about glorification should be avoided:
1. It is not annihilation or loss of consciousness. Glorified believers remain self-aware persons in communion with Christ.
2. It is not reincarnation into a better life form. There is no transfer of the soul – we receive resurrected bodies.
3. It is not absorption into God. Humanity remains distinct from divinity, though we will share in divine glory.
4. It is not automatic following justification. Sanctification must occur first and will extend to death.
5. It is not based on our works. Glorification comes by God’s grace alone, just like justification.
6. It is not happiness apart from holiness. Glorification means perfect holiness and freedom from sin. Joy accompanies that.
7. It is not complete after death. Glorification awaits the resurrection of the body at Christ’s return.
8. It is not universalism. Unbelievers face eternal condemnation, not glorification.
True glorification is a supernatural work of redemption by God alone. It surpasses any earthly hopes while fulfilling biblical promises. The glorified state will far exceed expectations. As John says, “what we will be has not yet appeared” (1 John 3:2).
Living in Light of Glorification
What should be the impact of glorification on believers now? Scripture calls for several attitudes and actions:
– Have hope and joy. Glorification means all tears will be wiped away (Revelation 21:4). This hope can uplift and sustain.
– Be watchful for Christ’s return. We do not know when glorification will occur and must be ready (Matthew 25:13).
– Purify yourself. We should become holy now in anticipation of unhindered fellowship with Christ (1 John 3:3).
– Suffer patiently. Present trials are producing future glory (Romans 8:18). Afflictions are momentary and light compared to eternal glory (2 Corinthians 4:17).
– Look to the unseen. Glory awaits that should give us eternal perspective now (Colossians 3:2). The best is yet to come.
– Do good works. God will complete through glorification the good work He began in believers (Philippians 1:6). Our efforts have eternal impact.
– Pray earnestly. We can cry “come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20), longing for glorification. Prayer aligns our hearts with God’s purposes.
Glorification promises unimaginable blessings completed in us by a gracious God. This amazingly comforting truth should move us toward greater Christlikeness today.
