The word ‘glory’ is a translation of a Hebrew word that originally meant ‘heavy’ or ‘weighty’; it means to give huge significance to something or someone. The word also has a sense of beauty, majesty or perfection. Psalm 19:1 says that ‘the heavens declare the glory of God’, meaning that as we look at the universe we see a reflection of His perfect beauty. God’s glory is perfectly expressed in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ. As we look at Jesus Christ, we see the revealed glory of God (John 1:14). However, Jesus Himself recognises that His glory is somewhat veiled by His human nature (John 17:5). Jesus’ unveiled glory was revealed first at the transfiguration (2 Peter 1:17-18, 1 Timothy 3:16); later in His death, burial and resurrection (John 12:23); and then at His ascension (John 12:16, 1 Peter 1:21). Finally, Jesus will return ‘in glory’ when He comes to judge the world and establish the new heavens and the new earth (Colossians 3:4). As human beings, we have all ‘sinned and fall short of the glory of God’ (Romans 3:23). No-one has lived up to His standard of perfect righteousness. However, as we accept Christ as Saviour and Lord, and live lives in obedience to Him, He is glorified in us (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12).
