Reasons to Rehearse the Gospel Daily — Reason 4: Transformed by Glory

June 4th. Day 4 of walking through “Reasons to Rehearse the Gospel Daily” — Part 1 of “A Gospel Primer for Christians.”

Today’s reason — Transformed by Glory.

“The glory of God is the most powerful agent of transformation available to mankind. It is so powerful that it transforms those who merely gaze upon it. The Apostle Paul gives personal testimony concerning this stunning fact. ‘That we all,’ he says, ‘beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory.’ {2 Cor. 3:18} From Paul’s testimony I learned that if I wish to become all that God wants me to be, and I must behold his glory each day.”

Milton Vincent, author of this primer, offers further insight on practical application of “beholding the Glory of God in order to be transformed by it” as he has this to say about this reason to rehearse the gospel daily...

“But where do I find God’s glory to behold? Indeed, the glory of God is revealed throughout all of Creation {Psalm 19:1}, But the Bible indicates that, outside of heaven, the glory of God and it’s thickest density dwells inside the gospel. It is for this reason that the gospel is described in Scripture as ‘the gospel of the glory of Christ’ and ‘the gospel of the glory of the blessed God.’ {2 Corinthians 4:4} Consequently, as I habitually gaze upon the glory of the Lord revealed in the gospel, I can know that actual deposits of God‘s very glory are attaching themselves to my person and transforming me from one level of glory to another. {2 Cor. 3:18} This transformation is deep and abiding, and unfailingly displays the glory of God to others. {2 Cor. 3:13}”

Wow! Talk about a power packed, and somewhat abstract, reason to rehearse the gospel daily! I’ve always been intrigued by the concept of God’s glory. The thoughts I have when thinking about it in a physical form, is when Moses had to hide in the cleft of the rock to allow the glory of God to pass in front of Him. {Exodus 33 & 34} Oftentimes, it is described as a blinding light or a cloud or a pillar of fire. It manifests in God’s presence. We know to look upon it without God’s permission or protection can cause death. It’s that holy and sat apart! Moses’ response to it was to fall on his face and worship.

We also hear it described as “heavy” or “weighty.” I think they are the humanly finite terms we used to describe it, because it’s so heavenly and eternal, words fail us within the confines of temporal/earthly definitions. C.S. Lewis, in his book, “The Weight of Glory” puts it this way...

“Now, if we are made for heaven, the desire for our proper place will be already in us, but not yet attached to the true object, and will even appear as the rival of that object […] If a transtemporal, transfinite good is our real destiny, then any other good on which our desire fixes must be in some degree fallacious, must bear at best only a symbolical relation to what will truly satisfy.”

But oh friend, the WEIGHT is worth the WAIT! The saving work of the Gospel of Christ gives way to the transforming work of His glory as it is revealed in and through us.

Yet another reason to rehearse the gospel daily and be fully convinced of its power and protection.