Glorious
The word “glorious” is used in the King James Version of the Bible thirteen times. It can mean “dignity, honorable, to render esteem, magnify, splendid or gorgeous.” Of course, the context of a passage will determine its meaning. Let’s examine some things in the word of God that are described as being “glorious.”
What is Glorious?
The Gospel is Called Glorious
Paul stated, “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” (2 Cor. 4:4) The Gospel is considered glorious by Paul because it is the means by which those who are blinded by sin and wickedness of the world are able to see and find their way out from blindness. Thus, the glorious gospel of Christ shines to lead sinners from their sins.
Now, since the gospel is glorious, it should be the message presented or preached to mankind. Unfortunately in many religious circles, including within some churches of Christ, the gospel is not preached. Therefore, when the gospel is not preached, sinners are unable to find their way out of the grips of sin. It is each Christians responsibility to ensure that at our place of worship, that the glorious gospel is being preached because” it is the power of God unto salvation” (Rom. 1:16).
The Church Is Called Glorious
Paul, writing to the Ephesians concerning the church penned, “That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” (Eph. 5:27) The church is described as being splendid, full of glory, noble, and honorable. Since this is the case, how do we treat Christ’s glorious church? Now, the Lord’s church is not the building, yet the members of the body make up this glorious church.
Therefore, do we treat this glorious institution with the honor and respect she deserves? Do we love the church and if the answer to this is yes, can it be proven by our actions only? Likewise, do we call Christ’s church boring because we may have heard some of the same messages from as a child? Do we say that the church is dead and uninteresting and this is the reason why we do not attend every service and every opportunity that the church presents to us? Notice that Paul called the church, glorious! Don’t you think that it is about time we begin acting and living like we are a part of that glorious body?!
The Appearing of Jesus is Called Glorious
Again, Paul stated, “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” (Tit. 2:13). For many, the coming of the Lord will be a day of disaster. And for those who are not prepared to meet the Lord will not look upon his coming as being glorious. However, those who are living the Christian life on a daily basis and remaining faithful can look forward to the coming of Jesus. Imagine what a glorious time it will be!
Many times we do not think of the gospel, the church, and the appearing of Jesus as being glorious. Let us begin to hold these two entities and this single event in high regard. The way we live our lives will show others and determine if we believe the gospel, the church and that the appearing of Jesus are glorious. If our beloved brother Paul described this trio as being glorious, we should also do our best as members of the church to treat them with the respect, honor and reverence they deserve. If not, then how would you treat something that is so glorious?