Salvation: Eschatological Fulfillment – Glorification
- Pr Enos Mwakalindile
- Sep 28
- 4 min read
🌍 Series Title: From Grace to Glory – Salvation as a Journey into God’s New Creation
Introduction
What if salvation was not only about forgiveness in the past or transformation in the present, but also about a breathtaking future still to come? The final stage of salvation—glorification—points us to the moment when Christ returns, when all is renewed, and believers are restored to the fullness of their original vocation as God’s image-bearers and stewards of creation. Paul declares: “We will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye… the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality” (1 Cor. 15:51–53).
➡️ Glorification is salvation’s completion, when God’s people are freed from sin’s presence, restored to their calling as stewards, and live forever in unbroken communion with Him.
🔍 Glorification in the Drama of Scripture
Act 1 – Creation: Humanity was created for glory, made in God’s image to reflect His beauty and rule as faithful stewards over creation (Gen. 1:26–28; Ps. 8:5).
Act 2 – Fall: Sin marred the image, and humanity fell short of God’s glory (Rom. 3:23). The vocation of stewardship was fractured, and death overshadowed the story.
Act 3 – Israel: Israel’s hope for restoration pointed to a day when God would again dwell with His people and renew their calling as a light to the nations (Isa. 25:6–9; Ezek. 37:26–28).
Act 4 – Jesus the Messiah: In His resurrection, Jesus becomes the firstfruits of the new creation (1 Cor. 15:20). His glory anticipates ours, for “when Christ appears, we shall be like Him” (1 John 3:2). In Him, humanity’s original vocation is restored: to bear God’s image and to steward His creation in faithfulness and glory.
Act 5 – The Church and New Creation: At Christ’s return, believers will share in His glory (Rom. 8:18–21). Even now, the church carries the role of bearing Jesus’ glory in the world and living as God’s stewards, reflecting His image in community and creation care. The story ends with a beginning: a new heaven and new earth radiant with God’s glory, where redeemed humanity reflects His image and reigns with Him forever (Rev. 21:1–4).
📜 Key Texts That Illuminate Glorification
1 Corinthians 15:51–53 – Paul describes the “mystery” of resurrection: at the last trumpet, the dead will be raised imperishable and the living transformed. This is not a departure from creation but its renewal, echoing Isaiah 25:8 where God swallows death and Hosea 13:14 where redemption is promised. Humanity’s frailty is clothed with glory so that our vocation as image-bearers is restored.
Romans 8:18–21 – Paul declares that present sufferings are insignificant compared to the glory to be revealed. Creation groans under the curse from Genesis 3, awaiting liberation, a theme resonant with Isaiah 65’s vision of renewal. Glorification is the unveiling of humanity and creation together, restored to their purpose under God’s reign.
Philippians 3:20–21 – Paul reminds believers that their allegiance is to heaven’s rule, not earthly powers. Christ will transform our lowly bodies into the likeness of His glorious body, fulfilling Daniel 12:3’s image of the righteous shining like stars and 1 John 3:2’s promise that we will be like Him. This transformation equips humanity for its role in God’s renewed creation.
Revelation 21:1–4 – John envisions the new heaven and new earth where God dwells with His people. This fulfills Isaiah 65–66 and Ezekiel 37’s hope of restored presence. Death is abolished and every tear wiped away. Humanity’s vocation is renewed: to be God’s dwelling place and royal stewards, reflecting His glory in the restored creation.---
🛡️ What Does Glorification Teach Us About God?
Glorification reveals God as the One who completes His original purpose for humanity. From creation, people were called to bear His image and steward His world (Gen. 1:26–28). Sin fractured this vocation, but in Christ the task is renewed and will be brought to fulfillment. God is not satisfied with mere forgiveness or inward renewal; He intends the restoration of humanity’s true role as His image-bearers, sharing in His glory and ruling creation in fellowship with Him forever.
🔥 How Do We Live in Light of Glorification?
Endure with Hope – Present trials are temporary compared to eternal glory (2 Cor. 4:17).
Pursue Holiness – Live now in anticipation of the coming glory, reflecting God’s image as stewards of His world.
Proclaim the Hope – Share the gospel as the promise of a world made new, where humanity and creation are restored.
🛤️ Practices to Embrace Glorification
Daily Hope: Begin each morning declaring, “Christ will come again, and I will be changed.”
Worship with Anticipation: Let songs of resurrection and renewal shape your heart toward God’s promised future.
Acts of Renewal: Engage in creation care, justice, and reconciliation as signs of restored stewardship in the new world breaking in.
🤝 Group Discussion Questions
How does glorification complete the story of salvation and restore humanity’s vocation?
Which biblical picture of future glory (resurrection body, new creation, God’s dwelling) speaks most to you, and why?
How does hope of glorification shape the way you handle suffering and loss today?
In what ways can the church embody the hope of glorification and faithful stewardship now?
🙏 How Should We Pray in Response?
God of glory, thank You for the promise that salvation will one day be complete. Strengthen us to live with hope, endure trials, and reflect Your image as we await the return of Christ. Restore us fully to our calling as Your stewards, prepared for the day when we will be transformed and reign with You forever. Amen.
“We will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye.” (1 Cor. 15:51)
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