Glory to Glory Part II (a sermon about the Salvation Process)
by Chris Cumming
In part one of this sermon, “Glory to Glory”, we discussed what I consider to be a key definition verse of the Salvation Process and just how we develop the character of Christ.
I want to begin today by reading that verse and restating, in my words what we concluded from that discussion and study of it.
2 Corinthians 3:18
But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
And now in paraphrase from our discussion.
All true Christians with the Holy Spirit see and know Jesus Christ directly and openly. We see Him reflected in Spirit and through the Word of God. We see His glory in everything He does and says.
We are changed to His image as we persevere in the Process of Salvation---overcoming sin, invoking Godly principles and putting on Christ in every aspect of our lives…”from glory to glory” by the power of the Holy Spirit.
We do this by our full immersion into the Word of God. This full immersion permeates our reading, study, contemplation, prayer and meditation. These things all work together to change us into the character or image of Jesus Christ.
Today I want to take a closer look into how the Word of God compares itself with Christ, what it means to our Salvation and how all of this is going to be a focal point at that very moment Christ returns.
My purpose today will be to show you that Christ and the Word of God are One. It is because of this oneness, this sameness, that the Word of God can transpose or change us into the very image of Christ.
Let us begin with our own doctrine. Actually, the doctrine of this church is the Holy Bible. What we call our doctrines are our explanations of what we believe from the Word of God; based on the Word of God.
Listen now, as I read excerpts from our doctrine on the Bible, itself.
[1] “The Bible is God's written revelation to mankind. It contains God's instructions to man and the record of God's interaction with mankind. The Bible provides the answers to mankind's fundamental questions of life. It is the revelation of an omniscient, omnipotent and loving God; it reveals who God is, and what His plan and purpose for human beings is.”
[2] “The Church, of course, acknowledges that the Bible does not claim to be a textbook of comprehensive world history, science and technology, medicine or any other non-theological discipline. Nonetheless, the Bible is the Word of God, and as such, is the foundation of all knowledge, as well as being the storehouse of salvation.”
[3] One of the ways to begin to comprehend the unifying flow of the whole Bible is to follow its primary themes all the way through. Of all these, surely the most consistent, decisive and relevant is Jesus Christ. He, in essence, is the focal point of the entire Bible. He is the personality around whom everything revolves. Jesus Christ was the Creator of all things (Colossians 1:16); the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; the Rock of Israel as Messiah (Is. 9:53) and Lawgiver (Isaiah 33:22), and exemplified throughout the New Testament as Savior and King. He is the Redeemer of all mankind, the supreme Lawgiver and consummate Teacher. He was the firstborn from the dead and is the Captain of our salvation, our constant intercessor, and merciful High Priest. Jesus Christ is now the active head of God's Church and is prophesied throughout the entire Bible to return to earth as King of kings and Lord of lords to set up the Kingdom of God for all eternity.
Perhaps one of the most basic statements of how God has revealed Himself to man is found in Hebrews 1:1-2: "In many and various ways God spoke of old to our fathers by the prophets; but in these last days He has spoken to us by a Son."
[4] In summary, Christians should study the Bible diligently, respect it as the Word of God and seek its guidance through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (John 14:26; 16:13) and the teachings of the Church. In order to become like God, we must seek to understand the Bible, which is the clearest expression of the mind of God. This we can only hope to achieve through profound and regular Bible study, and through the internalized implementation of its precepts and values. ---end---
It is easy to see from our doctrine on the Bible that the Bible reveals who God, the Father and Christ are. It is the storehouse of Salvation. To use the words of our own doctrine, “He, in essence, is the focal point of the entire Bible.” Finally, it says the Bible is the mind of God.
…it reveals God
…it is the storehouse of salvation
…Christ is the focal point of the entire Bible
…it is the mind of God
Now, let us compare these doctrinal statements on the Bible with the doctrine of Jesus Christ…
Listen as I read excerpts from our doctrine on Jesus Christ…
[1] Jesus Christ is the Chief cornerstone and foundation of Christianity, the focal point of both Old and New Testaments and of biblical prophecy. He is the one around whom God's plan of redemption and salvation revolves.
Christ as the "Word of God" (John 1:1) has existed with the Father from eternity. He and the Father together devised a plan to reproduce themselves and to expand their family by means of the human creation. This creation as accomplished by the one who became Christ through the agency and power of the Holy Spirit.
[2] In order to fulfill the divine master plan of salvation, this great being divested Himself of all His power, might and majesty and took upon Himself "the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men" (Philippians 2:7). As envisioned, however darkly, by Abraham and Moses, and as prophesied by Isaiah and others, God's "Word" was now incarnate, the Son of God and the Son of man. As a human being, Jesus led a sinless, perfect life although He "was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin" (Hebrews 4:15). He overcame Satan's temptations and qualified to replace him as ruler of this world. He was our example who learned obedience through suffering; He became our Savior whose atoning death paid the death penalty for all the sins of mankind.
Note: What did Jesus say to Satan over and over in response to his temptations?
Luke 4:4
And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.
How does a person live by every word of God? He does so by putting all those words of God here (pointing to my head).
I now want to give you two excerpts from the sermon I gave on immersing ourselves into the Word of God.
1] David Jon Hill, a noted minister in the Church once said, “This Bible that you are studying is the very MIND AND THOUGHTS OF YOUR CREATOR-GOD!”
I believe this to be absolutely true and it answers the questions of how one may get closer to God and to know His will. Immerse yourself into the Mind of God. God’s Word IS His mind.
2] Now listen to this from the fly leaf of the Bible published by the D. L. Moody Institute:
The Bible…This book contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of life, the doom of sinners, the happiness of believers. Read it to be wise. Believe it to be safe. Practice it to be holy.
It gives light to direct you, food to support you and comfort to cheer you.
It is the traveler’s map, the soldier’s sword, the Christian’s chart.
It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully.
It involves the highest responsibility, rewards the greatest labor, and condemns all who trifle with it.
So, we can readily conclude that the Word of God is the mind of God, the Father and Jesus Christ. This makes our key verse of 2 Corinthians 3:18 clear. The more we look into the Word of God; ---the mind of Christ---, the more we are transformed into His image.
As stated in the purpose for today’s sermon, we now want to explore the Word of God to show how it compares itself to Christ. Clearly if the Word of God is the mind of Christ, in addition to Christ being pivotal of its entire text we should see descriptions for Jesus and the Word of God that are remarkably similar.
Notice as we do this, and I utter various scriptures that Christ is continually linked to the Word of God.
1] Both are called Holy
Word of God:
2 Timothy 3:14-15
But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Christ:
1 Peter 1:15-16
But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
2] Both are referred to as Light
Word of God:
Psalm 119:105
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Psalm 119:126-130
126 It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law.
127 Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.
128 Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.
129 Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.
130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.
Proverbs 6:20-23
20 My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
21 Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.
22 When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.
23 For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:
Christ:
Psalm 18:28
For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.
Psalm 27:1
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
John 8:12
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
John 12:45-46
And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
3] Both are called Truth
Word of God:
Psalm 119:43
And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments.
John 17:17
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
Christ:
John 14:6
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
4] Both make you Free
Word of God:
John 8:32
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Psalm 119:45
And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.
Christ:
John 8:36
If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
2 Corinthians 3:17
Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
5] Both are Perfect or Pure
Word of God:
Proverbs 30:5
Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
Psalm 119:140
Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.
Christ:
Ephesians 4:12-13
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
6] Both are Powerful
Word of God:
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Christ:
1 Corinthians 15:42-43
So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:
Matthew 24:30
And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
7] Both are able to Save
Word of God:
James 1:21
Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
Christ:
Acts 4:10-12
Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
So we see Both the Word of God and Christ described in essentially the same way by the same words…
Holy
A Light
Truth
Making you Free
Perfect and Pure
Powerful
Able to Save
Sometimes we see both Christ and the Word of God mentioned and discussed in the same breath. Notice a few scriptures.
Hebrews 2:3
How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
…and both of these are in the Word of God (that spoken by the Lord and those who heard Him).
Since childhood, we have heard that Jesus Christ is the WAY… Notice these scriptures…
2 Samuel 22:31
As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.
Psalm 18:30
As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.
Christ is a “buckler” and therefore, so is the Word of God. Interesting word this “buckler”. It means, “defense” and “shield”. Strong’s says, “figuratively, a protector; also the scaly hide of the crocodile”.
If we trust in God and Jesus Christ; something that is easier the more we immerse ourselves into the Word of God, the more Christ is our buckler. Whatever the problem, whatever the trial, whatever the persecution or tragedy, they are repelled like anything coming into contact with the hide of a crocodile.
Psalm 119:1-9---still speaking of Jesus being the WAY
1 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.
2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.
3 They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.
4 Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.
5 O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!
6 Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.
7 I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.
8 I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.
9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
At this point, are we beginning to see this connection, this linkage and this oneness of Jesus Christ and the Word of God? This linkage makes 2 Corinthians 3:18 clear just how we are changed into the image of Christ by looking into the gospel; into the Word of God. The Bible you hold in your hands today is the mind of Jesus Christ. The more we are in the mind of Christ; the more we are changed into that image.
This idea of becoming like Christ is at the heart of the entire Salvation Process. It is so important, that Christ, at His return will show, by His very presence, there in the sky this connection between Him and the Word of God, but more about that later.
Right now, I want to explore what the Bible has to say about this transforming process of us, the firstfruits of God being changed into His image.
How does it work? You might be asking, what am I supposed to do? How do I start the process and how do I keep it going? Let us look at some scriptures that will answer these questions.
Psalm 119:133
Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.
Psalm 119:116
Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.
Luke 24:45
Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
Hebrews 13:20-21
Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
This is Christ in you, working through the Holy Spirit. Each time we manifest the power of the Holy Spirit in the form of Godly principles (love, joy, peace, honesty, forgiveness, boldness and service) we take one step closer to the image of Christ and building His character. This is the meaning of the phrase “from glory to glory” in 2 Corinthians 3:18. The glory is not ours; it belongs to Christ as Hebrews 13:21 states… “to whom be glory for ever and ever.”
John 15:1-5
1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
Now in Ephesians 5 we find Paul attempting to solve or explain a mystery…
Ephesians 5:32---after giving the metaphor of a marriage
This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
At the Feast one year, I went through these verses and “solved” the mystery (it is always solved by Paul) by saying that the best marriage in the world is one in which both husband and wife act as Christ would in word & deed.
Notice verse 25…
Ephesians 5:25-26
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
This verse 26 is packed with great meaning to how we are to become like Christ using the Word of God. Notice as I read from the commentary regarding verse 26…
Eph 5:26
[That he might sanctify] The great object of the Redeemer was to purify and save the church. The meaning here is, that a husband is to manifest similar love toward his wife, and a similar desire that she should be prepared to "walk before him in white".
[And cleanse it with the washing of water] In all this there is an allusion doubtless to the various methods of purifying and cleansing those who were about to be married, and who were to be united to monarchs as their brides. In some instances this previous preparation continued for twelve months. The means of purification were various, but consisted usually in the use of costly unguents; see Esther 2:12. "Six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odors, and with other things for the purifying of women;". As such a virgin was purified and prepared for her husband by washing and by anointing, so the church is to be prepared for Christ. It is to be made pure and holy. Outwardly there is to be the application of water-the symbol of purity; and within there is to be holiness of heart; see the notes on 2 Cor 11:2, where Paul says of the Corinthians, "I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ."
[By the word] There has been much diversity of opinion respecting the meaning of this. Probably the sense of the expression is, that all this was to be accomplished by the instrumentality of the truth-the Word of God. By that truth they were to be sanctified (John 17:17); and in accordance with that the whole work from the commencement to the close was to be accomplished. It was not by external ceremonies, and not by any miraculous power on the heart, but by the faithful application of truth to the heart. ---Barnes’ Notes
“Probably the sense of the expression”? No, absolutely on point. We are sanctified, we are made pure, we are made ready, our lamps are full and we are changed into the very image of Christ by the “faithful application of truth to the heart”.
How do we apply it? I believe you know this. By reading, studying, referencing, contemplating, meditation, the invoking of the power of the Holy Spirit, in your repenting, in your overcoming sin and in your trust of God.
It is in the use of contemplating and meditation that we get down to this thing of “faithful application of truth to the heart” We have to make this Word a part of us. We have to choose the principles of God and key them to our actions and words.
We must stop focusing on the world around us and begin focusing on the world around us THROUGH God’s Word and truth.
We need to look for opportunities to apply Godly principles. The point is--- God is providing them all the time. But therein lies the problem…we only receive so much time.
This is why we must, by every means at our disposal look into the Word of God.
I know one lady in the congregation who tells me that she goes to listen to Jesus’ sermon on the mount on a regular basis. She is working at letting this multitude of truth and principle sink into her mind and heart and in the way she conducts herself. She meditates on it. She talks about it with other members. Most importantly, she applies these principles in her life and in daily situations she encounters. She is, after many years of doing this, the embodiment of these things….she is being transposed into the image of Christ. This is what we all need to do. Keep going to the Word of God, the mind of Christ.
This Word of God and Christ are One.
Our immersing ourselves into the Word of God and being transformed into the image of Jesus Christ is because of this Oneness between Christ and the Word of God
Let me share some concluding scriptures now, as we lead up to the fact that this concept, this changing ourselves into His image is so important that Christ is going to do something specific at His return that will definitely declare that He is One with the Word of God and that He is looking for firstfruits in that image.
Philippians 2:12-16
12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
John 5:39
Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
James 1:17-25
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
We have been discussing this oneness of Christ and the Word of God. We can see clearly that we become like Him by immersing ourselves into that Word. Christ knows how important this is and He will show it at His return to this earth, just as we, in that moment of judgment are changed into spirit beings. We are changed because we are in His image.
Revelation 19:5-13
5 And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.
6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.
10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
The Logos of Theos. The Word of God. This is the Image. Be in this image at
the return of your Christ!!