Sunday, August 13, 2023

Glorification: Endurance to the end

"Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.” V33. “But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven"- Matthew 10:32-33

Although scripture initially focuses on the Crucifixion of Christ, it also emphasizes the glorious aspect of the resurrection. Christ's death and subsequent resurrection on the third day, as well as His ascension to Heaven, serve the purpose of not only the salvation of the believer but in perfecting the believer.
 Through the Holy Spirit, believers are presented to the Father, which brings glory not only to Christ but also to the Father. This presentation of believers to the Father can be seen as an act of glorification both God and the believer.• In relation to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, the concept of self-actualization can be likened to the desire for affirmation and recognition, symbolized by the phrase "atta boy!" 
Although entering heaven is the ultimate goal, believers also yearn for acknowledgment and validation. This goes beyond salvation and can be seen as a crown of life or a testament to one's faithfulness on Earth. It pertains to enduring till the end and the works of the believer.. 
 Timothy 2:20-21 conveys the metaphor of a Great House (representing heaven) containing vessels made of gold, silver, wood, and clay. These vessels serve different purposes, some for honor and some for dishonor. 
However, verse 21 highlights that if one purifies themselves from the dishonorable vessels, they can become vessels of honor, sanctified and useful to the Master, Jesus Christ. They become prepared for every good work. 
It's important to note that this message is not primarily about salvation, but rather for those who are already saved and going through the process of sanctification leading to glorification. When it mentions "deny him," it does not imply losing salvation, but rather setting aside from the rewards of heavenly recognition.
Instead of seeking external affirmation or recognition like an "atta boy" or "atta girl, from world recognition" the focus is on God's desire to boast about His children in heaven gates.
This illustrates that as believers, we have the potential to be vessels of honor, worthy of God's recognition and praise, as we contribute to His kingdom through our actions and attitudes.

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