"Glory Revealed"
Romans 8:18 NASB
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
As Christian's we acknowledge the inherent reality of suffering in the world.
We are not blind to the fact that suffering is a part of being alive in a world impacted by sin and hardship.
However, our perspective on suffering is not one of despair! No, we have a profound hope and understanding that God has something larger planned. He is the One who controls all things, including the seemingly random or negative events, as they are part of a larger divine design.
This verse carries a weight of authenticity which can resonate deeply with anyone who has experienced their own share of pain.
* The "present time" mentioned, refers to our entire current age, not just temporary circumstances. "Present time" doesn't mean for the time being, nor does it end at death. It is the period between the first coming of Christ and his second coming."
When we realize this, we'll realize that the suffering in our current trials are temorary, nothing compared to the eternal glory awaiting us.
The world only knows time as measured by the clock and calendar, but Christian's recognize this present age as temporary.
We have an awareness of eternity and the hope beyond this life we live, just as we know that history has both a beginning and an end. But the world, of course, knows nothing about all this. It doesn't believe it, so It ridicules it, because they know nothing at all about it.
* The "glory which shall be revealed" is something already in existence and will be unveiled at Christ's return.
We are going to participate in the 'Grand Finale' of sorts. When the curtain will be drawn back and that glory is revealed! We won't be watching though... we will be participating, because it's going to happen to us!
Christ's return and the future glory is real!
2 Corinthians 4:17
"For our momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,"
When things go wrong with the non-Christian, where does he turn?
"Whatever the suffering, whatever the enduring... this life is only a moment. It's but a flash."
Philippians 3:20 NASB2020
"For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ"
"When things go wrong with the nonchristian, he's got nothing to fall back upon. He's got no comfort, he's got no consolation."
Now we can say whatever's happening to us, "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us."
"Lord thank you for this glimpse of a time close at hand! Thank you for the much needed hope it provides as we endeavor to seek after You, to draw closer to You, as we are transformed to be like You! In full glory! Hallelujah and Praise be unto Your name, the name above all names, Yahweh, Jehovah, Jesus Christ son of God and Savior, Amen."
* (excerpts revised) credit Martin Lloyd-Jones
Romans 8:18 NASB states, "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us." This verse encapsulates a cornerstone of Christian belief: the temporary nature of current sufferings contrasted with the eternal glory awaiting believers. The "present time" refers not to fleeting moments, but to the entire era between Christ’s first and second comings, emphasizing that current hardships are transient in the grand divine timeline. Christian theology teaches that suffering is an inherent part of living in a fallen world affected by sin. However, this suffering is not without purpose or beyond God’s sovereign control. Instead, hardships are seen as preparatory, refining believers and positioning them for participation in the "glory which shall be revealed" at Christ’s return. This future glory is described as something already existing but yet to be fully unveiled, marking the consummation of history and the renewal of creation. Supporting this, 2 Corinthians 4:17 highlights that "momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison," reinforcing that suffering yields eternal rewards. Philippians 3:20 further reminds believers that their "citizenship is in heaven," encouraging focus on the eternal rather than transient earthly troubles. From a practical standpoint, this hope provides Christians with resilience and perspective when confronting trials. Unlike non-Christians who may lack consolation or eternal hope, Christians find comfort in understanding that current adversities are temporary "flashes" in the continuum of eternity. This belief serves as a powerful motivator to "draw closer" to God and be transformed "in full glory," as the article emphasizes. The dynamic of suffering and glory also invites reflection on the nature of time and history. While secular perspectives measure life by clocks and calendars, Christianity views the present age as a temporary episode within a divinely orchestrated plan. This dual awareness of temporal hardship and eternal promise fosters a hopeful outlook that transcends present difficulties. In sum, Romans 8:18 and related scriptures encourage believers to view their sufferings through the lens of eternal glory. This eschatological hope not only provides comfort but also shapes Christian identity and endurance. Recognizing that current afflictions are incomparable to the future glory to be revealed enables Christians to live with purpose and anticipation for Christ’s return.