The concept of "The Greater Glory in Christ" is a profound theme woven throughout the New Testament, emphasizing the surpassing majesty and divine splendor revealed in Jesus Christ. This theme is rooted in the understanding that Christ embodies the fullness of God's glory, surpassing all previous revelations and manifestations of divine presence.

Old Testament Foreshadowing

The Old Testament provides glimpses of God's glory, often associated with His presence among His people. The glory of God was visibly manifested in the cloud and fire that led the Israelites through the wilderness (Exodus 13:21-22) and in the Shekinah glory that filled the Tabernacle and later the Temple (Exodus 40:34-35; 1 Kings 8:10-11). These instances, however, were mere shadows pointing to the greater revelation to come in Christ.

The Incarnation of Glory

The New Testament reveals that the glory of God is fully and perfectly 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 Christ, the invisible God becomes visible, and His glory is made accessible to humanity.

The Transfiguration

A pivotal moment highlighting the greater glory in Christ is the Transfiguration, where Jesus' divine nature is momentarily unveiled to Peter, James, and John. Matthew 17:2 records, "There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light." This event underscores the divine glory inherent in Christ, affirming His identity as the Son of God.

The Glory of the New Covenant

The Apostle Paul contrasts the glory of the Old Covenant with the surpassing glory of the New Covenant in Christ. In 2 Corinthians 3:7-11, Paul explains that while the ministry of the law came with glory, it is far exceeded by the glory of the ministry of the Spirit. "For if what was fading away came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which endures!" (2 Corinthians 3:11). The New Covenant, established through Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection, reveals a greater glory that transforms believers into the image of Christ.

The Resurrection and Ascension

The resurrection and ascension of Christ further demonstrate His greater glory. Romans 6:4 states, "We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life." The resurrection is a testament to the power and glory of God, affirming Christ's victory over sin and death. His ascension into heaven, where He is seated at the right hand of the Father, signifies His exalted status and the completion of His redemptive work (Ephesians 1:20-21).

The Revelation of Glory in the Church

The Church, as the body of Christ, is called to reflect His glory in the world. Ephesians 3:21 proclaims, "To Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." Believers are transformed by the Spirit to reflect the glory of the Lord, being conformed to the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18).

The Future Glory

The greater glory in Christ will be fully realized at His second coming. Colossians 3:4 promises, "When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory." The ultimate hope of believers is the future revelation of Christ's glory, when He will establish His eternal kingdom and believers will share in His glory forever (1 Peter 5:10).

In summary, the greater glory in Christ is a central theme of the New Testament, revealing the fullness of God's presence and majesty in the person and work of Jesus Christ. This glory surpasses all previous revelations and is the hope and inheritance of all who are in Christ.