Looking for the blessed hope and the glorious appearing of
the great God and Savior Jesus Christ-Titus 2:13.
It is interesting to notice the various phases under
which the future perfecting of the Christian life and
felicity in Heaven is set forth in the New Testament.
Sometimes we read of the object of our hope as
being the resurrection from the dead; sometimes
we read of the "hope of righteousness" [Gal. 5:5];
sometimes we read of the "hope of eternal life" [Titus 1:2];
sometimes of the "hope of the glory of God"; sometimes
of the "hope of salvation" [1 Thess. 5:8].
But all these are but the many facets of the
one jewel, flashing many-colored and yet
harmonious light. Peter adds another general
expression when he sums up the felicities and
perfectness of that future life in this remarkable
and unusual phrase, "the grace that is to be brought" [1 Pet. 1:13].
Now, we generally, in our ordinary, popular,
religious speech, draw a broad distinction between
"grace" and "glory." But the use of the word here,
though unusual, and just because it is unusual, is
instructive and significant. It suggests to us the
great thought that all the lustrous light that lies
beyond, to the furthest distances of eternity, is
the free gift of love, undeserved, and bestowing
its treasures on those who have no claim to it,
at the end of countless millenniums, any more
than they had at the beginning. "Grace reigns
through righteousness unto eternal life" [Rom. 5:21];
and no man of the countless nations of the blessed
can say, "Give me the portion for which I have worked"
[see Luke 15:12], but all must bow and say, "Give me
from Thine own loving heart that which I do not deserve,"
"the grace that is to be brought at the revelation of Jesus Christ" [1 Pet. 1:13].
Then there is another thought suggested by this
remarkable expression, and that is the essential
identity of the Christian life here and hereafter.
We are accustomed to include all the virtues
and blessedness that here belong to faith and
love under that one common designation of
"grace," while, on the other hand, we name
the future heavenly state "glory." But, according
to the Apostle, grace and glory are one in essence.
The tender green of the springing corn is the
prophet of the yellow full ear.
What we have here is a spark which shall
be fanned yonder into a radiant flame. But
the difference is one of degree, and not of
kind. "Grace" is "glory" in the bud; "glory" is
"grace" in the fruit. There are many good
people who are so unduly conscious of their
imperfections and sins that they think it is almost
wrong in them to assume the tone of steadfast
anticipation which the New Testament sets before
us as proper for us, and who scarcely venture to
say, "I hope to enter into that rest." Brother! We
are neglecting a plain duty and impoverishing
ourselves unnecessarily, by the want of a treasure
which belongs to us, unless we are making
conscious efforts for our increase in hope as
in faith and charity.
In Celebration of Life in Him,
Dr.Jim DeBruhl, gembeaux@bellsouth.net
