Glorification

Glorification, from an evangelical Christian perspective, is the final and perfect stage of God's work of salvation in the lives of believers. It is the ultimate removal of sin's presence and effects, where believers will be completely transformed into the likeness of Christ, both in body and soul, in eternity (Romans 8:30). It is the culmination of justification and sanctification, bringing us into a state of perfect holiness and eternal communion with God.

Scripture on Glorification

The concept of glorification is woven throughout Scripture, even if the exact word "glorification" is not always used. It speaks to the future hope and destiny of those who are in Christ:

"And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified." This verse is foundational, presenting glorification as the final step in God's redemptive plan, a certainty for those He has called and justified. Romans 8:30 (ESV): 

"It is the same way with the resurrection of the dead. Our earthly bodies are planted in the ground when we die, but they will be raised to live forever. Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength." This passage speaks of the future resurrection body as a "glorious" body, free from the weaknesses and decay of our present existence. 1 Corinthians 15:42-43 (NLT): 

"But our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will transform our humble bodies to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him to subject everything to himself." Here, Paul emphasizes that Christ will transform our mortal bodies to be like His own glorious, resurrected body. Philippians 3:20-21 (CSB): 

"Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is." This verse assures us that when Christ returns, we will be made like Him, a profound aspect of glorification. 1 John 3:2 (ESV): 

"And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory." This highlights the sharing in Christ's glory as a future reality for believers. Colossians 3:4 (NLT): 

"and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him." This connects our present sufferings with the future promise of being glorified with Christ. Romans 8:17 (ESV): 

A Brief History of the Word and Concept

While the specific English word "glorification" may not appear in the Hebrew Old Testament, the concept of God's people being brought into His glorious presence and transformed is deeply rooted in biblical theology. In the Old Testament, the glory of God often manifested physically, such as in the cloud that led Israel (Exodus 16:10) or filled the tabernacle and temple (Exodus 40:34-35; 1 Kings 8:10-11). This visible glory symbolized God's holy presence and majesty.

In the New Testament, with the coming of Jesus Christ, the concept of glory takes on an even deeper personal dimension. Jesus is described as the "radiance of the glory of God" (Hebrews 1:3, ESV), and through Him, believers are promised to share in this divine glory. The theological development of glorification as the final stage of salvation became more defined as Christian thinkers reflected on the complete work of Christ and the believer's ultimate destiny. It stands as the assurance that God's work of salvation, begun in regeneration and justification, and continued in sanctification, will be brought to a perfect completion, making us fully fit for His eternal presence.

Detailed Application to Our Lives Today

The doctrine of glorification has profound implications for how evangelical Christians live their lives today:

Knowing that glorification is our ultimate destiny provides immense hope, especially in times of suffering and trial. The struggles of this life are temporary and pale in comparison to the eternal glory awaiting us (Romans 8:18; 2 Corinthians 4:17). This hope allows us to endure with patience and joy, knowing that God is working all things for our good and His glory.Hope in Suffering: 

While glorification is a future event, the promise of being perfectly like Christ should motivate us to pursue holiness now. Though we will only be fully free from sin in glory, the process of sanctification is our present journey towards that likeness. We are called to live lives that reflect the character of Christ, knowing that one day we will fully embody it (1 Peter 1:15-16).Motivation for Holy Living: 

Glorification helps us maintain an eternal perspective. Our earthly achievements, possessions, and even our struggles are temporary. Our ultimate home and reward are in heaven, where we will experience perfect communion with God. This perspective encourages us to hold loosely to worldly things and to invest in what has eternal value (Matthew 6:19-21; Colossians 3:1-2).Perspective on Earthly Possessions and Pursuits: 

The certainty of glorification underscores God's absolute faithfulness to complete the work He began in us. If God has predestined, called, and justified us, He will also glorify us (Romans 8:30). This provides deep assurance of our salvation and security in Christ, knowing that nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39).Assurance of God's Faithfulness: 

If glorification is the blessed destiny for those in Christ, then the greatest problem for humanity is "lostness" – being apart from Christ and thus apart from this glorious future. This understanding fuels a passionate desire to share the gospel, so others may come to faith in Jesus and inherit the same glorious future. We participate in the missionary task by sharing the good news that through Christ, salvation is offered, leading ultimately to glorification.Urgency for Evangelism: 

In essence, glorification is the blessed assurance that God's redemptive work is not only complete but perfectly accomplished in the believer, securing an eternity of perfect joy and likeness to Christ in His glorious presence. It gives purpose to our present, hope for our future, and a clear understanding of God's unwavering commitment to His children.