The concept of the glory of God is a central theme throughout the Bible, and its fullest expression is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The glory of God, often associated with His majesty, holiness, and divine presence, is revealed in Christ in a unique and profound way.

Old Testament Foreshadowing

The Old Testament provides glimpses of God's glory, often associated with His presence among His people. For instance, the glory of God filled the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34) and later the temple (1 Kings 8:10-11). These manifestations were temporary and pointed forward to a more permanent revelation. The prophets anticipated a time when God's glory would be revealed more fully. Isaiah prophesied, "The glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all humanity together will see it" (Isaiah 40:5).

The Incarnation of Christ

The New Testament reveals that the glory of God is supremely manifested in Jesus Christ. John 1:14 declares, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth" . In the incarnation, the eternal Word took on human flesh, and through His life, death, and resurrection, the glory of God was made visible.

The Transfiguration

A pivotal moment in the revelation of Christ's glory is the Transfiguration. In Matthew 17:1-2, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain, where He is transfigured before them. "His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light" . This event provided a foretaste of the divine glory that Christ possesses and would fully reveal in His resurrection and ascension.

The Cross and Resurrection

The glory of God is paradoxically revealed in the suffering and crucifixion of Christ. Jesus speaks of His impending death as the moment of His glorification: "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified" (John 12:23). Through the cross, God's love, justice, and mercy are displayed, and His glory is revealed in the redemption of humanity. The resurrection further confirms this glory, as Christ triumphs over sin and death, demonstrating His divine power and authority.

The Ascension and Exaltation

Following His resurrection, Christ's ascension marks His return to the Father and His exaltation to the right hand of God. Philippians 2:9-11 states, "Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" . In His exaltation, Christ's glory is fully recognized and acknowledged by all creation.

The Second Coming

The ultimate revelation of God's glory in Christ will occur at His second coming. Jesus Himself foretold, "They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory" (Matthew 24:30). At this time, Christ will return in majesty and splendor, and His glory will be fully revealed to all.

The Church and the Glory of Christ

The Church, as the body of Christ, is called to reflect His glory in the world. Believers are transformed into His image "from glory to glory" (2 Corinthians 3:18) through the work of the Holy Spirit. The Church's mission is to proclaim the gospel, thereby revealing the glory of God in Christ to the nations.

In summary, the glory of God is most fully and perfectly revealed in Jesus Christ. From His incarnation to His second coming, Christ embodies and manifests the divine glory, inviting all to behold and participate in the splendor of God.