Glorification

Glorification—Final Consummation of EHAD 

In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed for Himself, His disciples, and all who would come after them (John 17). Two references about glorification run through His final prayer: 

1) The disciples to be EHAD as the Father and Jesus are EHAD (John 17:11, 21-23, 26). 

2) Glorification as a final consummation of becoming EHAD with God (John 17:5,17-19; 22-24). 

Upon ascension, Jesus is glorified in God’s presence with the glory He had before the world began (v. 5). Jesus has given us the same glory that the Father gave Him, that we may be EHAD just as Jesus and the Father are EHAD (v. 22). One day, we will see Jesus in His glory, the glory the Father gave Him before the creation of the world (v. 24). This same glory will transform us into His likeness of divine righteousness and will be our glory, because Jesus gave it to us (v. 22). 

The final chapter of our redemption is glorification. It is the finalization of our sanctification. From the moment of salvation, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit begins the transformation into the image of Christ. The work is not finished until we enter Eternity with God, where our sanctification is perfected. 

   There is a chasm between the righteousness of Christ, on one side, and the righteousness of a most righteous person, like the  Apostle Paul, on the other side. There is still an existing abyss between the sinless Jesus and the most righteous, unglorified person, like the Apostle Paul. Upon salvation, we are justified. Upon the work of the Holy Spirit, we are sanctified. But, only when we enter Eternity in Jesus’ presence are we conformed without sin into His sinless nature. This is the consummation of our sanctification. It starts on earth, but it is perfected in heaven. This is our glorification. It is a journey from the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16–20) to the multitude in heaven that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb (Revelation 7:9). Until then, we must fight the good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith. There is in store for us the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to us on that day (2 Timothy 4:7-8).