Glorification of Believers
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Definition and Overview:
Glorification is the final step in the process of salvation, where believers are transformed into the perfect image of Christ. It is the culmination of sanctification and the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive work in the life of a Christian. This transformation occurs at the resurrection or the return of Christ, when believers receive their glorified bodies and are fully conformed to the likeness of Jesus.

Biblical Foundation:
The concept of glorification is rooted in several key passages of Scripture. Romans 8:30 states, "And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified." This verse outlines the unbreakable chain of salvation, culminating in glorification. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that glorification is as certain as justification, highlighting the assurance of this future reality for believers.

In Philippians 3:20-21, Paul writes, "But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables Him to subject all things to Himself, will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body." This passage underscores the transformation of believers' bodies to be like Christ's resurrected body, free from sin and death.

Nature of Glorification:
Glorification involves both the physical and spiritual transformation of believers. Physically, it entails the resurrection of the body, as described in 1 Corinthians 15:42-44: "So will it be with the resurrection of the dead: What is sown is perishable; it is raised imperishable. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body." This transformation results in a body that is imperishable, glorious, powerful, and spiritual.

Spiritually, glorification means the complete eradication of sin and the full realization of holiness. Believers will be perfectly conformed to the image of Christ, as stated in 1 John 3:2: "Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is."

Theological Implications:
Glorification is the ultimate hope and assurance for believers. It signifies the completion of God's salvific work and the restoration of creation. Romans 8:18-19 speaks to this hope: "I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the revelation of the sons of God." This future glory provides comfort and motivation for believers to persevere through present trials.

Furthermore, glorification highlights the sovereignty and faithfulness of God in bringing His redemptive plan to completion. It assures believers that their salvation is secure and that God's promises will be fulfilled.

Practical Considerations:
The doctrine of glorification encourages believers to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on the hope of future glory rather than temporary earthly struggles. It calls for a life of holiness and dedication to Christ, as believers anticipate their ultimate transformation. The anticipation of glorification also fosters a sense of unity and purpose within the body of Christ, as all believers share in this common hope and destiny.
Subtopics

Glorification

Related Terms

Marveled (31 Occurrences)

Wondered (45 Occurrences)

Exaltation (9 Occurrences)

Glorification (1 Occurrence)

Wonderful (71 Occurrences)

Insomuch (24 Occurrences)

Multitudes (72 Occurrences)

Mediator (7 Occurrences)

Marvelled (27 Occurrences)

Surpassing (21 Occurrences)

Honored (51 Occurrences)

Seeing (442 Occurrences)

Praised (101 Occurrences)

Fashion (24 Occurrences)

Glorify (49 Occurrences)

Multitude (352 Occurrences)

Planting (57 Occurrences)

Amazed (75 Occurrences)

Filled (336 Occurrences)

Believed (135 Occurrences)

Begotten (77 Occurrences)

Immediately (141 Occurrences)

Body (562 Occurrences)

Believing (84 Occurrences)

Mourning (85 Occurrences)

Praise (487 Occurrences)

Wonder (148 Occurrences)

Gentiles (150 Occurrences)

Straightway (96 Occurrences)

Mourn (87 Occurrences)

Straight (196 Occurrences)

Image (126 Occurrences)

Though (623 Occurrences)

Quieted (8 Occurrences)

Vision (106 Occurrences)

Visited (40 Occurrences)

Zealous (40 Occurrences)

Understood (63 Occurrences)

Ordained (70 Occurrences)

Objections (1 Occurrence)

Ones (687 Occurrences)

Only (3813 Occurrences)

Jehovah-shammah

Justified (46 Occurrences)

Jehovahshammah

Joint-heirs (2 Occurrences)

Joram (26 Occurrences)

Joint (12 Occurrences)

Lame (35 Occurrences)

Later (89 Occurrences)

Luxury (8 Occurrences)

Labours (19 Occurrences)

Luxuriously (6 Occurrences)

Gripped (11 Occurrences)

Garland (6 Occurrences)

Goblets (12 Occurrences)

Gavest (36 Occurrences)

Granted (102 Occurrences)

Glorifies (3 Occurrences)

Walk (315 Occurrences)

Wanton (20 Occurrences)

Walking (189 Occurrences)

Waxed (57 Occurrences)

Wasn't (35 Occurrences)

Walked (178 Occurrences)

Including (90 Occurrences)

Islands (32 Occurrences)

Imaginations (9 Occurrences)

Illness (15 Occurrences)

Injured (28 Occurrences)

Insulted (18 Occurrences)

Includes (1 Occurrence)

Fulfilment (25 Occurrences)

Finding (57 Occurrences)

Foreordained (8 Occurrences)

Finished (157 Occurrences)

Finish (35 Occurrences)

Foolish (259 Occurrences)

Glorification
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