The concept of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ is a central theme in Christian theology, reflecting His divine nature, majesty, and the honor due to Him as the Son of God. The glory of Christ is multifaceted, encompassing His pre-incarnate existence, His earthly ministry, His resurrection and ascension, and His future return.

Pre-Incarnate Glory

Before His incarnation, Jesus existed in a state of divine glory with the Father. The Apostle John writes, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1). This passage affirms the eternal existence and divine nature of Christ, who shared in the glory of God before the world began. Jesus Himself prayed, "And now, Father, glorify Me in Your presence with the glory I had with You before the world existed" (John 17:5), indicating His pre-incarnate glory.

Glory Revealed in the Incarnation

The incarnation of Christ is a profound manifestation of His glory. John testifies, "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" (John 1:14). Through His miraculous birth, sinless life, and divine teachings, Jesus revealed the glory of God to humanity. His miracles, such as turning water into wine at Cana, were signs that "revealed His glory, and His disciples believed in Him" (John 2:11).

Glory in the Passion and Resurrection

The glory of Christ is also evident in His suffering, death, and resurrection. Although the crucifixion was a moment of apparent defeat, it was, paradoxically, a display of divine glory. Jesus spoke of His impending death as a glorification, saying, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified" (John 12:23). His resurrection from the dead was the ultimate vindication of His divine nature and a powerful demonstration of His glory. Paul writes, "Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father" (Romans 6:4), highlighting the divine power at work in the resurrection.

Ascension and Heavenly Glory

Following His resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven, where He is exalted at the right hand of the Father. This exaltation is a continuation of His glorification. The writer of Hebrews states, "After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high" (Hebrews 1:3). In His heavenly glory, Christ intercedes for believers and reigns as King of kings and Lord of lords.

Future Glory at His Return

The future return of Christ will be a climactic revelation of His glory. Jesus Himself declared, "For the Son of Man will come in His Father's glory with His angels, and then He will repay each one according to what he has done" (Matthew 16:27). The Apostle Paul describes this event as "the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:13). At His return, every eye will see Him, and every knee will bow, acknowledging His supreme glory.

The Glory of Christ in the Church

The glory of Christ is also reflected in His body, the Church. Believers are called to live in a manner that reflects His glory, being transformed into His likeness. Paul writes, "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit" (2 Corinthians 3:18). The Church is tasked with proclaiming the excellencies of Christ, who has called us "out of darkness into His marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9).

In summary, the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ is a profound and encompassing truth that permeates His eternal existence, His redemptive work, and His ongoing reign. It is a glory that believers are invited to behold, reflect, and proclaim to the world.