hope of glory

“To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:27

The mystery that Paul is speaking about in this verse is not some hidden or secret ritual that is still unknown to believers. Paul is boldly proclaiming about God’s unfolding plan for the world, the plan of redemption, that was given through Jesus Christ . For centuries, stretching back to Genesis, God revealed parts of His plan through the mouths and words of the prophets. Now, that plan that was once shrouded with mystery has become clear as day. The heart of this mystery is the new covenant that God has established through Christ, which is Christ in you the hope of glory. God himself through His son Jesus Christ is now personally present in the lives of believers. This was and is a radical in teaching, that salvation possible for all people who trust and believe in Christ. Paul was preaching about this glorious truth and revelation, that Christ himself will come and indwell you.

This separates Christianity from all other religions and beliefs in the world—they attempt to point man in the right direction and path while the God of the Bible provides power by the indwelling of Jesus Christ. This is a huge difference—Jesus Christ comes in and gives you the capacity and the power to walk in the Spirit after the heart of God. The indwelling Christ would be like rivers of living water flowing forth from the heart of the believer (John 7:37-39). It would be a well that would never dry up—through it may go through seasons of being parched, the promise is that this well is now permanently planted in the heart of the believer.

Jesus became Immanuel, God with us (Matthew 1:23), for the purpose that He could become God in us. This is one of the greatest truths of the Bible and yet many of us miss the power of this point. Jesus did not just come to die for forgiveness of sins, don’t stop there! He died so that He might live in and through believers. The source of their power is Him—this is the only way for change, deliverance, growth, healing, and perseverance to be made possible. Christ in us conquers loneliness, fear and inadequacy for He turns our weaknesses into strength by His strength and power. This is how we will reflect the power of Christ and the gospel to a dying and lost world, by being made by Him to look like Him.

“Go your ways and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and let men see Who it is that lives in you. Let Jesus speak through your mouth, and weep through your eyes, and smile through your face: let Him work with your hands and walk with your feet, and be tender with your heart. Let Him seek sinners through you; let Him comfort saints through you; until the day break and the shadows flee away” – Charles Spurgeon