“To the end he may stablish Your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.”
(1 Thessalonians 3:13)
The writer of Hebrews describes Christ as being “the brightness of God’s glory” (Heb. 1:3), a degree of radiance we’re not even able to imagine. So to understand that believers will one day share in that same glory (Rom. 8:17, John 17:22, 1 John 3:2) is also more than we can truly grasp or put into words. But as Colossians 3:4 declares, “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” At His return, the full splendor of His glory will be displayed through us. How humbling it is to realize that one day God’s saints will be adorned with the glory of Christ Himself.
The angels, who long to look into the mysteries of salvation (1 Peter 1:12), will stand in awe at the grace and glory bestowed upon redeemed sinners. Thomas Manton observes, “These angels shall wonder at the final effect, the glory He puts on His people. They stand by and admire what Christ means to do with creatures that are but newly crept out of dust and rottenness. The wicked are amazed and astonished when they see them so much loved and honored whose lives they counted madness and folly; they counted them the off-scouring of all things, yet Christ makes them shine as the stars in the firmament.”[1]
The saints themselves will be overwhelmed with wonder when united with Christ in glory. Heaven will far surpass all expectations, as the righteousness of Christ clothes them in dazzling splendor. Philippians 3:21 promises that Christ “shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body.” The glory of Christ, imparted to His people, will be the eternal theme of their praise.
Even now, the Spirit works to prepare us for this destiny, sanctifying our hearts and fitting us for holiness. And indeed, this glory is present now in part, as 1 Peter 4:14 affirms, “…the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon You.” Though the world may mock believers as foolish, God’s Spirit rests upon them, marking them as heirs of eternal splendor.
And then on that blessed day the church’s ultimate presentation before the Father will reveal the full weight of Christ’s redemptive work. The promise of 1 Thessalonians 3:13, that Christ will establish His people blameless in holiness, anchors our hope, assuring us that our Savior’s glory will shine through us for all eternity.
Contemplations
- Christ’s glory in me. I’m humbled that Your Spirit of glory rests on me, as 1 Peter 4:14 says, even in my weakness. I’m unworthy, yet You choose to adorn me with Christ’s righteousness. Forgive my doubts and help me live in a way that reflects Your glory now, trusting Your promise to make me blameless at Your coming.
- Heaven’s surpassing wonder. I can’t fathom the glory awaiting me in heaven, where I’ll stand with Christ in holiness (Colossians 3:4). Still I’m guilty of focusing on earthly things, neglecting the eternal splendor You’ve prepared. So stir my heart, Lord, to long for that day when I’ll see You face to face.
- Amazed by Your grace. The angels marvel at Your grace toward me, a sinner (1 Peter 1:12), and yet I often take Your salvation for granted, living as if I deserve it. Your mercy overwhelms me, Lord, that You chose me to shine like the stars. Teach me to praise You today, as even now I anticipate the glory You’ll reveal in me then.
- Transformed by Your power. Philippians 3:21 promises You’ll change my vile body to be like Yours, and still I cling to sin’s rags, forgetting the glory You’ve destined for me. My heart resists Your sanctifying work. Break my pride, Lord, and prepare me to stand in Your presence, glorifying You forever.
Prayer (thanksgiving)
O glorious God, You are the fountain of all holiness, the source of every splendor. I give You thanks for the radiant glory of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who adorns His saints with righteousness. Your promise in 1 Thessalonians 3:13 fills my heart with gratitude, for You will present Your church blameless before Your throne. I praise You for this hope, which anchors my soul amid my sin and weakness.
I thank You for the Spirit of glory that rests upon Your people, even now, as 1 Peter 4:14 declares. You do not despise my infirmities but use them to display Christ’s beauty. Thank You for His sacrifice, which clothes me in His righteousness, transforming a sinner into an heir of glory. Your grace, poured out through His blood, is beyond my comprehension, and I stand in awe of Your mercy that chooses me for such honor.
Your Word stirs my heart to gratitude, revealing the destiny of Your saints. Colossians 3:4 assures me that when Christ appears, I will appear with Him in glory. I thank You for this promise, which humbles my pride and lifts my eyes to heaven. Even the angels marvel at Your redeeming love (1 Peter 1:12), and I join their wonder, praising You for making me a vessel of Your glory.
I am grateful for Your unchanging faithfulness, for Your power that will change my vile body to be like Christ’s (Philippians 3:21). Thank You for the hope of heaven, where I’ll worship You forever with all Your saints. Your glory shines in Your redeemed, and I bless You for this divine gift.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further Scripture references for 1 Thessalonians 3:13
1 Cor. 1:8, Phil. 2:15, Col. 1:22, Jude 1:14, Matt. 25:31, 2 Thess. 2:1.
[1] Thomas Manton, The Complete Works of Thomas Manton, vol. 19 (London: James Nisbet & Co., 1874), 491.
