WE ARE NOT IN HEAVEN YET

"Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:12-13)

Devotion 34 of 37

GLORIFICATION, THE CONSUMMATE EXPERIENCE

In redemption, God accomplishes the recovery of men from the snare and devices of the wicked one--but the Divine work does not end there. The salvation of God involves the defeat of Satan–yet goes far beyond the unquestionable mortal bruise delivered to his head by the Son of man. Regeneration includes the remission of sins–yet provides for things much more extensive than ridding us of guilt.

Much of the disagreement and wrangling over salvation is nothing more than the result of restricted spiritual vision and understanding. Too often being "saved" is approached as though all Divine objectives are satisfied when the forgiveness of sin is realized. Although this may not be specifically said, yet reasoning is put forward that leaves people imagining this is the case. Such an attitude is the mother of slothfulness and carelessness.

The Holy Spirit extends Himself in Scripture to cast down the notion that nothing more remains to be done once your sins are forgiven and you are born again. God continues to work in His people "both to will and to do of His good pleasure" (Phil 2:13). When we come into Christ, the work has been "begun," and God must "carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Phil 1:6, NIV). The continual intercession of Christ is required (Heb 7:25). Because of our inabilities of expression, the Holy Spirit must also intercede for us (Rom 8:26). An innumerable company of angels are regularly dispatched to minister to those "who shall be the heirs of salvation" (Heb 1:13-14). What would lead anyone to imagine there is nothing more to be done?

God has created us in Christ Jesus "for good works," which He "prepared beforehand that we should walk in them" (Eph 2:10). There is growth in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ that is to be realized (2 Pet 3:18). The Holy Spirit is changing us "from glory unto glory," as we are being conformed to the image of God's Son (2 Cor 3:18; Rom 8:29). It simply is not possible to justify any view that leaves men thinking nothing more remains to be done.

It is true that the sure Foundation has been put into place, and is thorough and complete. It will never again require placement or replacement (1 Cor 3:11). No further sacrifice for sin will ever be necessary. Jesus has "offered one sacrifice for sins for ever" (Heb 10:12), thoroughly satisfying God and providing a just basis for the remission of sins. This is not the work of which I speak. Rather, the work that remains pertains to building on the foundation, and participating more fully in the sacrifice that was "once offered."

This brings us to the subject of this devotion: Glorification, the consummate experience. Until glorification takes place, the work is not finished in us, and it is never in order to conduct our lives as though it was completed.

"For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, THEM HE ALSO GLORIFIED" (Romans 8:29-30).

Here the "eternal purpose" of God is delineated, or briefly described. It involves His foreknowledge, which is a causal or working part of His character (Acts 2:23; Acts 15:18). In salvation God has been motivated by His own person and character. Divine predetermination, or predestination, is also integral to this purpose (Eph 1:5,11). Nothing related to our salvation is spontaneous or reactionary. Salvation is implemented by means of a Divine call, or summons. He calls through the Gospel (2 Thess 2:14), but it IS God Himself who does the calling. Those who are effectually called are also "justified," exonerated from all guilt and debt created by sin (Acts 13:39; Rom 5:1). Those who are justified will also be "GLORIFIED," perfectly conformed to the image of the Son, and divested of every aspect of the fall. Until this glorification takes place, the purpose of God has not yet been fully realized.

WHAT IS GLORIFICATION
Because of general deterioration within the professed church, little is being said about being glorified. Although this is the revealed purpose of God for His people, many are sadly lacking in any satisfying knowledge of it. Glorification is the grand culmination of being "conformed to the image of His Son." It is the consummate revealed experience for the believer. I say "revealed," because eternity will doubtless unveil more conformity to Christ, more growth, and more advance in the various aspects of out life with God.

Glorification includes the changing of our present "vile bodies." While we are in this world, our bodies are a primary handicap to us. They are the source of humiliation, weakness, and temptation. Salvation has addressed this matter, and marvelously so. How wonderful God's word is on this matter. "For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself" (Phil 3:20-21). This change is vividly described in the fifteenth chapter of First Corinthians. Speaking of the body, it is written: "The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body . . . For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" (1 Cor 15:42-44, 53-55). Until this happens, glorification remains to be accomplished.

In all of its aspects, glorification will take place when the Lord Jesus returns in all of His glory. It is when we see Him as He is, that we will be "like Him" (1 John 3:2). Speaking of this appointed conclusion, the Spirit says, "When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him IN GLORY" (Col 3:4).

And what influence is this knowledge to have upon us? The Spirit does not leave us to speculate about the matter. "Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all" (Col 3:5-11).

The word is certainly clear enough. Until glorification takes place, we believers have work to do. You may not choose to call it "work," but anyone engaged in it will be hard pressed to call it anything else. Should anyone choose to say they have no need of such an exhortation, they must repent, acknowledge the truth, and get to work. Those already engaged in this appointed activity are to be encouraged to continue in it, knowing God is supporting them in their labors, which are not in vain in the Lord.

PRAYER POINT: Father, I thank You for Your marvelous appointments, and for the revelation of those pertaining to my salvation. In the name of Jesus, I acknowledge the truth of what you have declared, and ask for grace to conduct my life in strict harmony with Your purpose. I am looking forward to being glorified.

-- Tomorrow: THE SANCTIFICATION OF THE SPIRIT --