God’s Glory

God’s Glory

“For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” 2 Cor. 4:6-18.

When Paul was finished explaining the light God had given him, he began to explain the tribulations through which he had to go. Why did he not lose courage, and why did he not begin to complain? Why was he not dissatisfied?—because God had given him light concerning the dying of Jesus that was to work in his body.

Jesus partook of flesh and blood just like the children. He came with a death over sin. He was tempted like we are, but He put to death all temptations. Heb. 2:14-18. Paul had received light concerning this glory of Jesus. Therefore he always bore the dying of Jesus in his body, so that the life of Jesus might also be revealed in his body, and that the works of the flesh, which Paul mentions in Galatians 5:19-21, might not be manifested—the very thing which is so common among people.

God had revealed to him that the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ should radiate from him. This is the fruit of the Spirit which Paul mentions in Galatians 5:22-23. Paul endeavored to explain this glorious revelation to the Corinthians. He concludes with a mystery as to how he could gain such glory in tribulations, and he says, “While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Cor. 4:18.

In verses 3-4 Paul writes that the gospel is “veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.”