The phrase "great power and glory" is often associated with the majesty and divine authority of God, as well as the anticipated return of Jesus Christ. This concept is deeply rooted in biblical theology and eschatology, reflecting the ultimate triumph and sovereign rule of God over all creation.

Biblical References:

1. The Return of Christ:
· In the New Testament, the phrase is prominently featured in the context of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Matthew 24:30 states, "At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory." This passage highlights the visible and majestic return of Christ, a central tenet of Christian eschatology, where He will come to judge the living and the dead.

2. The Transfiguration:
· The Transfiguration of Jesus is another event that reflects His divine glory. In Luke 9:29-31 , it is described that "as He was praying, the appearance of His face changed, and His clothes became radiantly white. Suddenly two men, Moses and Elijah, began talking with Jesus. They appeared in glory and spoke about His departure, which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem." This event prefigures the glory that will be fully revealed at His return.

3. Old Testament Foundations:
· The Old Testament also speaks of God's great power and glory. In Psalm 145:11-12 , it is written, "They will tell of the glory of Your kingdom and speak of Your might, to make known to men Your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of Your kingdom." Here, the psalmist praises the eternal and majestic reign of God, emphasizing His mighty acts and the splendor of His kingdom.

4. The Glory of God:
· The glory of God is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, often associated with His presence and holiness. In Exodus 24:17 , "The sight of the glory of the LORD was like a consuming fire on the mountaintop in the eyes of the Israelites." This imagery conveys the awe-inspiring and overwhelming nature of God's presence.

Theological Significance:

The concept of "great power and glory" underscores the sovereignty and majesty of God, as well as the hope and anticipation of Christ's return. It serves as a reminder of God's ultimate authority and the fulfillment of His promises. The expectation of Christ's return in power and glory is a source of hope and encouragement for believers, affirming the eventual establishment of God's kingdom in its fullness.

Eschatological Hope:

The anticipation of Christ's return in great power and glory is a cornerstone of Christian eschatological hope. It assures believers of the final victory over sin and death, the restoration of creation, and the establishment of a new heaven and a new earth. This hope is not only future-oriented but also impacts the present, calling Christians to live in a manner worthy of the coming kingdom, characterized by faithfulness, righteousness, and readiness for the Lord's return.

Conclusion:

The theme of great power and glory is woven throughout the biblical narrative, from the Old Testament revelations of God's majesty to the New Testament promises of Christ's triumphant return. It encapsulates the divine authority and splendor of God, offering believers a vision of the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.