What Is GLORY? Are There Different TYPES OF GLORY?
Light or splendor is what I immediately think of when I think of ‘glory.’ Both the Greek word and Hebrew word for ‘glory’ bespeak of God’s splendorous intrinsic substance or essence and the perfection or excellence thereof, whether moral or otherwise. It’s basically the opposite of darkness or sin. You could say ‘glory’ involves all the attributes related to the LORD—light, splendor, excellence, honor, perfection, truth, holiness, etc.
There are different kinds of glory depending on the context. (Remember, the hermeneutical rule “Context is King”). Here are some types of glory in the Scriptures:
- There’s the glory of God’s manifest presence, which theologians refer to as Shekinah glory (Leviticus 16:2, 2 Corinthians 3:18 & Ezekiel 43:2-5).
- There’s the residual glory of spending time in God’s presence (Exodus 34:29).
- There’s the glory of the original physical creation, before the entrance of sin and the corresponding curse (Genesis 1-3).
- Even this present fallen Earth is filled with God’s glory for anyone who opens their eyes (Isaiah 6:3, Psalm 19:1-4 & Romans 1:19-20).
- There’s the glory given to Adam & Eve and, by extension, humanity (Genesis 1:26-28, Psalm 8:4-6 & Hebrews 2:6-8).
- There’s the glory of the Old Covenant, which revealed the truth of the Creator and gave light as to what the LORD considers sin in black-and-white terms (2 Corinthians 3:7-11).
- There’s the greater light of the New Covenant (Hebrews 8:6), which made available spiritual regeneration, freedom from the flesh and eternal life thru the message of Christ (ditto).
- There’s the glory of Christ incarnated (John 1:4-5, 1:9 & 17:24).
- There’s the glory of the truth that He gave the disciples and, by extension, you & me (John 17:22).
- There’s the glory of our future resurrection bodies, which are called glorified (1 Corinthians 15:42-44 & Philippians 3:21).
- There’s the glory of the New Jerusalem and the eternal age-to-come (Revelation 21-22; see specifically 21:11 & 21:23).
Related Topics:
What Is GLORY in the Sense of God’s (Shekinah) GLORY?
ETERNAL LIFE (“Heaven”): Questions & Answers
What Is GLORY? Are There Different TYPES OF GLORY?
What Will the Believer’s GLORIFIED BODY Be Like?
Is CHRIST’S BODY After Resurrection PHYSICAL or SPIRITUAL (or Both)?
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