Hope of glory

Today was an interesting  study as we came to Hebrews 2:10 that JESUS had to suffer to lead/bring us into glory.  It took a bit to enable my class to see that CHRIST is bringing us into the glory of GOD. Not just taking us to heaven.

GOD’s glory HE HIMSELF described in Exodus 33:18-19 as being HIS nature of being merciful, gracious, long suffering, abounding in goodness, and truth, keeping mercy and forgiving and so on.

GOD has determined that everyone who calls on the name of JESUS will be confirmed to the image (likeness of nature) of JESUS (Romans 8:29) who is the brightness of GOD’s glory and the express image of GOD’s person (Hebrews 1:3)

The HOLY SPIRIT is showing us more and more of JESUS nature and changing us into JESUS’ likeness (2 Corinthians 2:18).

When we claim the great and precious promises GOD has given us in HIS Word we begin to participate in JESUS’ divine nature (2 Peter 1:4).

Our trials and tribulations are working to bring us to glory/ to being conformed to JESUS’ image (1 Peter 1:7).

And JESUS is continually interceding for our complete (to the uttermost) sanctification /transformation into HIS likeness (Hebrews 7:25, 10:14). Then when we see JESUS face to face we will be like HIM for we will see HIM as HE is (1 John 3:1-2).

Yes, JESUS is bringing us into glory Hebrews 2:10 (showing us and changing us into what we should be). 

As 1 Peter 5:10 says, “But the GOD of all grace, who has called us unto HIS eternal glory by CHRIST JESUS, after you have suffered a while make you perfect, stabling, strengthen, settle you.”

CHRIST in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). What an awesome truth!  Now that is glory!

Hugs

Sharon

The hope of glory

I believe the Word of GOD, but I don’t always understand what certain phrases mean.  Yesterday, as I was awaiting friends to arrive, I picked up my Bible and read in Colossians. All of a sudden one such phrase that baffled me became crystal clear.  It is always exciting when that happens and I get another piece of the puzzle.

As our LORD JESUS began HIS ministry HE stood and read aloud from the scroll of Isaiah. 

“The SPIRIT of the LORD GOD is upon ME; because the LORD hath anointed ME to preach good tidings unto the meek; HE has sent ME to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; ……..to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called TREES of RIGHTEOUSNESS, the planting of the LORD, that HE (GOD the FATHER) might be glorified” (Isaiah 61:1,3).

Then JESUS said, “This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears” (Luke 4:21)

By faith (believing John 3:16) in JESUS the RIGHTEOUSNESS of GOD comes on us (Romans 3:21-22) and we have become GOD’s trees of RIGHTEOUSNESS and GOD had determined to develop us until our character is like that of JESUS CHRIST (Romans 8:29), the RIGHTEOUS ONE/ JESUS (Romans 5:8) whose blood cleanses all who believe in HIM and thereby come to GOD by HIM (JESUS Hebrews 7:25).

If you believe in JESUS you are the LORD’s workmanship created in CHRIST JESUS to do specific things that HE planned in advance for you to do (Ephesians 2:10).  The LORD GOD has planted each of us right where HE wants us (Acts 17:26-27) just as we might dig a hole and plant a tree in our yard. In HIS infinite wisdom, knowledge and power GOD ALMIGHTY has synchronized all things according to the counsel of HIS own will (Ephesians 1:11). 

Like any plant we start out as saplings and grow little by little (2 Corinthians 3:18).  In the same manner that the pounding and thrashing of wind and rain storms makes a tree trunk stronger so, the problems that come against us GOD uses (Romans 8:28) to achieve for us.  Through the troubles we are developed and grow stronger and stronger in the LORD, plus, as a bonus they earn us eternal rewards (2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

I’m amazed when I look back to how I reacted to the problems that hit me years ago, and then look at how troubles affect me today.  If you are like me, you will see a drastic difference, for each struggle we face develops us and prepares us for what lies ahead (James 1:2-4).  

GOD promises to direct us if we ask (Proverbs 3:5-7) that is if we are willing to do what HE says even if we don’t understand (James 1:5-7, John 7:17).  HE promises to equip us for whatever HE asks us to do (Colossians 1:12) and always stay by our side to help us (Hebrews 13:5-6).  And GOD also declares that as we use these and other PRECIOUS PROMISES from HIS word that we will slowly become more and more like JESUS.  We will take on the divine nature such as love, joy, peace, longsuffering (ability to put up with things), goodness, kindness, gentleness, faith and faithfulness, meekness (knowing that GOD alone is the source of our strength and everything we have) as well as self control.

We do NOT become GOD but as we grow in our KNOWLEDGE of GOD the FATHER and JESUS CHRIST (2 Peter 1:1-4, 2 Corinthians 3:18) we grow more and more in CHRIST’s likeness (HIS image/ glorious nature).

CHRIST Who is in the image of the invisible GOD (Colossians 1:15) is being FORMED in us (Galatians 4:19) just as GOD our FATHER promises (Romans 8:29).  That is what it means in Colossians 1:27 when GOD makes known the riches of the glory of the mystery among the Gentiles which is CHRIST in you the hope of glory.”

Wow! To participate in the divine nature… it blows my mind!

It all begins be just believing/ receiving the truth (John 3:16, 36, Romans 10:9-10) and calling on the name of the LORD (Romans 10:13).  From there just looking to HIM (pray and read the Word of GOD and get together with believers in JESUS) and doing what you know you should do. 

“For it is GOD which works (places) in you both to will (want what HE wants) and to (be able to) do of HIS good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13).

“For whom HE (GOD) did foreknow (know would believe in JESUS), HE (GOD) also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of HIS SON (JESUS), that HE (JESUS) might be the firstborn among many brethren” (Romans 8:29).

Hugs

Sharon