How does the Bible describe the transformation from glory to glory?

The phrase "from glory to glory" is a profound and rich concept that is deeply embedded in Christian theology, particularly in the New Testament. It speaks to the transformative journey of believers as they grow in their relationship with God and become more like Christ. To understand this transformation, we need to delve into the biblical context, explore the theological implications, and reflect on how this process manifests in the life of a believer.

The phrase "from glory to glory" is found in 2 Corinthians 3:18, where the Apostle Paul writes, "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit" (NIV). This verse is part of a larger discourse where Paul contrasts the old covenant, represented by the law given to Moses, with the new covenant established through Jesus Christ.

In the old covenant, Moses' face shone with the glory of God after he encountered Him on Mount Sinai, but he had to cover his face with a veil because the Israelites were afraid to look at him (Exodus 34:29-35). This veil symbolized the separation between God and humanity due to sin. However, in the new covenant, this veil is removed through Christ, allowing believers to behold God's glory directly and be transformed by it.

The transformation "from glory to glory" refers to the progressive sanctification of believers. Sanctification is the process by which Christians are made holy, becoming more like Christ in character and conduct. This transformation is not instantaneous but occurs gradually as believers grow in their faith and deepen their relationship with God.

One of the key aspects of this transformation is the work of the Holy Spirit. In 2 Corinthians 3:18, Paul emphasizes that this transformation "comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the sanctification process, guiding, convicting, and empowering believers to live according to God's will. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to His disciples as a helper and guide (John 14:16-17), and it is through the Spirit that believers are enabled to experience this transformation.

The concept of "glory" in the Bible often refers to the manifestation of God's presence and His divine attributes. In the Old Testament, God's glory was often associated with physical manifestations, such as the cloud that filled the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34-35) or the fire on Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:17). In the New Testament, God's glory is revealed most fully in the person of Jesus Christ. John 1:14 declares, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth" (NIV).

As believers behold the glory of the Lord, they are transformed into His image. This transformation involves a renewal of the mind and heart, as described in Romans 12:2: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will" (NIV). The renewing of the mind is a crucial aspect of the sanctification process, as it enables believers to discern and live according to God's will.

The process of transformation "from glory to glory" also involves suffering and trials. James 1:2-4 encourages believers to consider it pure joy when they face trials because the testing of their faith produces perseverance, leading to maturity and completeness. Similarly, Romans 5:3-5 speaks of rejoicing in sufferings because they produce perseverance, character, and hope. These passages highlight that transformation often occurs through difficult and challenging experiences, refining believers and drawing them closer to God.

Moreover, the transformation "from glory to glory" is a communal process. The New Testament emphasizes the importance of the body of Christ, the church, in the sanctification of believers. Ephesians 4:11-16 speaks of the various roles within the church and how they work together to build up the body of Christ, leading to maturity and unity in faith. The mutual encouragement, accountability, and support within the Christian community are vital for believers' growth and transformation.

Christian literature has also explored the concept of transformation "from glory to glory." For example, C.S. Lewis, in his book "Mere Christianity," discusses the idea of becoming more like Christ and the role of the Holy Spirit in this process. He writes, "The real Son of God is at your side. He is beginning to turn you into the same kind of thing as Himself. He is beginning, so to speak, to 'inject' His kind of life and thought, His Zoe, into you; beginning to turn the tin soldier into a live man. The part of you that does not like it is the part that is still tin" (Lewis, 1952).

Similarly, John Piper, in his book "Desiring God," emphasizes the joy and satisfaction that come from beholding God's glory and being transformed by it. He writes, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him. The fight for joy in God is a fight to see Him as He is and savor Him above all things" (Piper, 1986). Piper's emphasis on finding joy in God aligns with the biblical theme of transformation through beholding God's glory.

The transformation "from glory to glory" ultimately points to the hope of future glory. While believers experience a foretaste of this transformation in their earthly lives, the fullness of it will be realized in the eschatological future when Christ returns. 1 John 3:2 declares, "Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is" (NIV). This future hope motivates believers to persevere in their faith and continue growing in their relationship with God.

In conclusion, the Bible describes the transformation "from glory to glory" as a dynamic and progressive process of sanctification, enabled by the Holy Spirit and rooted in beholding the glory of the Lord. This transformation involves the renewal of the mind, enduring trials, and participating in the Christian community. It is ultimately a journey toward becoming more like Christ and experiencing the fullness of God's glory both now and in the future. This profound concept encourages believers to continually seek God's presence, embrace the work of the Holy Spirit, and live out their faith with hope and perseverance.