A Remarkable Unity

[Editor’s Note: This blog post discusses three ways the utterly remarkable glory of God is revealed through Jesus Christ, his Son. As we awaken to more of Christ for ALL he is, the reality of his glory will overwhelm and overcome us more and more. Oh, what joys await those who seek Christ for ALL he is!]

There’s a remarkable unity between God’s highest good and our highest good—between his one and only goal and our greatest delight. His aim from everlasting to everlasting is his glory “in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Cor. 4:6). God has purposed to manifest his glory through his Son. This corresponds completely to our greatest satisfaction.

Imagine LeBron James walking to the stadium and seeing a ten-year-old boy sitting alongside the road, looking needy and dejected. Filled with a desire to make this boy’s day, LeBron takes him to the stadium, seats him right behind the bench, and determines to play the best game of his life, which he does.

The boy has never seen him play so marvelously and, with the rest of the fans, becomes ecstatic. LeBron is praised for his excellence and the boy is thrilled to see him receive the accolades he deserves. LeBron did make his day—a day he will remember forever! LeBron’s decision was really good news!

But that good news cannot compare to the glory of Christ.

The Glory of Christ Revealed in Our Justification

Paul defined the gospel as “the gospel of the glory of Christ” (2 Cor. 4:4; emphasis added). Christ’s glory is the gospel. It demonstrates his glory from beginning to end. We see his glory in his perfect righteous life—being entirely spotless. We see his glory in paying for all our sins through his sacrificial death—making an end of them. There’s no salvation unless we see his glory by faith as such.

He receives all the credit and we receive all the benefits.

The Glory of Christ Revealed in Our Sanctification

Christ’s glory, though, does not stop at the moment we first believe in him for what he has accomplished, having been justified. It also continues with our sanctification— becoming more like him.

With all the saved ones we’ve been united to Jesus like a branch is united to a vine: “I am the vine; you are the branches.” He then stated: “Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

All our righteousness flows from him. There’s not a right thought, emotion, motive, word, or action that is produced apart from the Vine. That’s why Paul stated that the gospel is “the gospel of the glory of Christ.”

He receives all the credit and we receive all the benefits.

The Glory of Christ Revealed in Our Glorification

Lastly, his glory is seen not only in our justification and sanctification, but also in our glorification: “When he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed” (2 Thess. 1:10). Our glorification is the full manifestation of the Vine “in his saints.”

Consequently, when we see and relate to all the saints throughout eternity, we’ll marvel at Christ in them—marvel at his glory, having obtained our everlasting righteousness. Then we’ll truly know that “Christ is all, and in all” (Col. 3:11).

He receives all the credit and we receive all the benefits.

Then we will know, without any doubt whatsoever, that all glory belongs to Christ alone, and experiencing that will be our greatest satisfaction and delight for all eternity.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jan Blonk

Jan Blonk was born and raised in the Netherlands, and permanently moved to the U.S. in 2001. While raised in a Christian home, his life was radically changed in 1995 when the Lord opened his eyes to John 5:39, and he realized it’s all about Jesus. Jan is the author of An Unfathomable Gift! You can follow Jan at his website.