The term “glory is used in different ways in the Bible.  The Hebrew term (kabod) has to do with “something weighty” (Theological Dictionary of the New Testament).  It is used of that which is important, or impressive or of honor.  The Greek term (doxa) “primarily signifies an opinion, estimate, and hence, the honor resulting from a good opinion” (W.E. Vine’s). 

The Bible sometimes speaks of our glorifying God.  “In the N.T…. giving God glory means acknowledging (Acts 12:23) or extolling (Luke 2:14) what is already a reality” (TDNT).  It should be evident that we can add nothing to Him.

The Bible also uses the term of “splendor” [Vine’s (see 1 Corinthians 15:40-41)].  I believe that it is in this sense that the term “glory” is used of the faithful’s existence in the after-life.

Jesus

Jesus prayed, “O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was” (John 17:5).  He said to the two men on the road to Emmaus, “Ought not Christ to have suffered these things and entered into His glory?” (Luke 24:26).  He was “received up in glory” (1 Timothy 3:16).  He has a “glorious body” (Philippians 3:20-21).

Us

God’s plan was for us to be a part of that heavenly glory.  Paul wrote, “We speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory” (1 Corinthians 2:7).  God has called us by the gospel to obtain glory (2 Thessalonians 2:14; 1 Thessalonians 2:12), eternal glory (1 Peter 5:10).  Jesus desired that we see Him in glory (John 17:24).  We’re told, “When Christ who is our life appears, then (we) also will appear with Him in glory” (Colossians 3:4).  However, we must be faithful.  Paul wrote, “If children, then heirs – heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him that we may also be glorified together” (Romans 8:17).  A glorified body awaits.  “There are also celestial bodies and terrestrial bodies; but the glory of the celestial is one and the glory of the terrestrial is another… So also is the resurrection of the dead.  The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in corruption.  It is sown in dishonor.  It is raised in glory.  It is sown in weakness.  It is raised in power” (1 Corinthians 15:40-43).  Jesus “will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body” (Philippians 3:20-21).  “It has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2).  Note: This does not mean that we’ll be like Him in every way.  It only means that we’ll have a glorified body suitable for that heavenly existence.

Glory For Me

“When all my labors and trials are o’er, And I am safe on that beautiful shore, Just to be near the dear Lord I adore will thro’ the ages be glory for me.

When, by the gift of His infinite grace, I am accorded in heaven a place, Just to be there and to look on His face will through the ages be glory for me.

Friends will be there I have loved long ago; Joy like a river around me will flow; Yet just a smile from my Savior I know will thro’ the ages be glory for me.

O that will be glory for me, Glory for me, glory for me; when by His grace I shall look on His face, That will be glory, be glory for me.”

(Song by Charles H. Gabriel)

Stay Focused

Paul prayed that the brethren knew “what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance” (Ephesians 1:18).  Stay focused (Colossians 3:13-14).