The message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ introduces believers into a whole spectrum of new life, hope, and riches in Christ. When we receive Christ as our Savior and Lord, we are vitally connected to Him and everything that constitutes His victory and position with the Father. We have been made partakers of the richness of His very being, Spirit and life.
Colossians 3:1–4 NKJV If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
We are interested in sharing with Christ in glory.
There are two phases of Christ’s glory which the Father has qualified us to enjoy.
The ultimate glory of Christ will be revealed when the redeemed are resurrected into the presence of God in heaven. There is an immediate glory that is revealed in the life changing power of Christ to save our soul.
We are most familiar with the ultimate glory that awaits the redeemed of the Lord.
“When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.”This appearance with Christ in glory will be without the things that have defiled, destroyed, and brought harm. We who have experienced the immediate change have this hope. When Christ appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. This entrance into His presence has been the hope that has sustained the household of believers from the beginning of the church. The Apostle Paul spoke about this in 2 Corinthians 5.
2 Corinthians 5:2–3 NKJV For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven, if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked.
2 Corinthians 5:4 NKJV For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life.
Do you have that earnest desire?
It is most difficult to even imagine the glory that awaits us in Christ. When we experience the immediate and present glory that is revealed in the life-changing power of Christ, we should “set our mind on things above.” This is why we think about heaven. It is why we think about the joy and the glory that awaits us. We will have no more sorrow, sighing or dying. Our old estate and condition will be changed and we will be clothed in robes of white, which is a testimony of our righteousness that is attained in Christ. There will be no more sickness, separation, pain, or crying. Every day, the things of heaven should be on your mind. You should be thinking about being in the presence of the angels of glory. You should be considering what it will be like to dwell in the presence and glory of God around the throne. Set your mind on things above.
How can we be prepared for that ultimate glory and transition?
We must experience the change that occurs when Christ appears in our lives. What do we know about this immediate glory? How can we have Christ’s glory in our lives?
God has provided a depth of the discovery of Christ that causes this mortality to be swallowed up by life.
We cannot afford to miss the victorious life that brings us into the experience of living without condemnation. God has provided a new life in Christ that is filled with the glory of His victory. Have you discovered the life of being clothed in Christ? Are you crying out to God to be “further clothed with Christ?” What is this glory of a life that is swallowed up by the life of Christ?
In Colossians 1:27 it says: “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
We need to discover the depth of what life in Christ is like. What does it mean for us in this present life and how does it change us? What do we have in Christ that we cannot enjoy without Him? How does “Christ in us” improve our fellowship with the Father? How does the Holy Spirit help us in this discovery of Christ? What do we look like and act like when we discover the depth of His glory, grace and power in our lives? When Christ appears, what is the glory that happens in us?
The discovery of Christ is much deeper than a superficial knowing about Him.
It probes the depth of the riches of God’s grace, mercy and power. It brings about the changes in us that are necessary for us to dwell in His presence without condemnation. The discovery of Christ brings us into the revelation of the depths of His love. The discovery of Christ demonstrates a new fullness of joy that the world cannot comprehend. The discovery of Christ envelopes us in His peace that passes understanding. The discovery of Christ shows us His patience, mercy and grace with us. The discovery of Christ reveals His faithfulness, power, and victory.
As we discover Him and this new life, the members of our old life must fall under subjection and obedience to Christ.
1 John 5:4–5 NKJV For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
Have you experienced the victory in Christ that overcomes the world?
How can the old members of our lives remain? As we discover Christ in all of His glory and power, it is easier to freely lay aside evil passion and desires. Anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, and filthy language fall from our lives. We have put off the old man with his deeds. There is a victory in Christ that overcomes the world.
Beloved, we all need to discover Christ in all of His glory.
Allow the Holy Spirit to bring you to Him. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you Christ in all of the glory of His resurrection and victory. Ask Him to take the veil away from your eyes so that you may clearly see. Ask Him to quicken your understanding so that you may know and comprehend Christ in all of His glory and power.
Colossians 3:4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory…
May this be the meditation of all of our hearts and minds throughout this year.
The Holy Spirit is active right now drawing us to Christ.
Listen to these words of Jesus: Matthew 11:28-29 NIV Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Whatever you have experienced in your past, you can come to Jesus Christ and find true rest and relief.
Do you want to discover Him? The Holy Spirit is active to take you into Christ’s glory right now. The discovery will remove the weariness and burden. The discovery will bring you into His glory and bring rest to your soul. In Christ is the fullness of joy and at His right hand are pleasures forevermore.
