Winter 2005
Christ in You The Hope of Glory
An Excerpt from Times of Transition
Larry Fuhrken

“To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:27

“The glory of this latter house shall be greater than that of the former.” Haggai 2:9a

There have been many prophecies concerning God pouring out or revealing His glory in the earth like never before. When Jesus asked the Father to glorify His name, the Father answered, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again (John 12:28). Many times, and in many different ways, the Lord has glorified His name in the earth, but there remains a glory to be revealed that this world has not yet known.

When we discuss these things we must remember that the book of Revelation “unveils” the Lord, “which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty” (Revelation 1:8). He is coming to be glorified in the saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (2 Thessalonians 1:10). The hope of this glory is Christ in us. Jesus Christ is the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person. Praise God, He lives in us!

The glory of God in the earth is the result of the finished work of Jesus Christ. The early church experienced this glory when the Lord fulfilled His promise to send the Holy Spirit. Throughout this age, generations have experienced this same glory. The yearning in our hearts today is for a fulfillment, a completion of that which was begun when the Holy Spirit was given. The scripture says that we have been sealed (preserved with a signet) by the Holy Spirit unto the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:30).

That day of redemption is upon us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven (II Thessalonians 1:7), to make known His jewels (Malachi 3:17). We have and are experiencing the glory of God in a measure, but there is an increase until the whole earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea (Habakkuk 2:14).

“And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord has spoken it.” Isaiah 40:5

“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18

“But rejoice, inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, you may be glad also with exceeding joy.” 1 Peter 4:13

“The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed.” 1 Peter 5:1

We were created in the image and likeness of God, but we have fallen from that glory. The scripture tells us all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). We must reconsider this verse with a fresh anointing to hear what God is saying to us. We all have fallen short of His glory. The scripture does not say we have all fallen short of heaven. God has not called us to obtain heaven, He has called us to obtain the glory of God. We do not fully appreciate how much was lost in the garden, and likewise we don’t fully appreciate all that was accomplished in Jesus Christ. But one thing is certain, God has called us unto glory, and all that God purposed from the beginning will be accomplished in the earth. As you read the scriptures below, please hear the calling of the Lord afresh for this hour. If we are not fully persuaded from whence we have fallen, and have not yet seen to what we are called, we will most certainly put the emphasis on a much lower level than what God has intended, risking the chance of neglecting so great a salvation (Hebrews 2:3).

“That you would walk worthy of God, who has called you to His kingdom and glory.” I Thessalonians 2:12

But the God of all grace, who has called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that you have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” I Peter 5:10

“According as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that has called us to glory and virtue.” II Peter 1:3

”Whereto He called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” II Thessalonians 2:14

“For it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.” Hebrews 2:10

“Who will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life.” Romans 2:6-7

We are called to obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us, as the scripture commands, seek for glory, honor, and immortality. The reason I am spending a little time and using a variety of scripture on this particular subject is because many have adopted the notion that glory belongs to God and it is off limits to us. Now, I hope to make a very small distinction that can help us, because I honestly believe that the Lord wants us to have His glory more than we know or desire. If this is true, then we have to deal with the scripture that says that God will not give His glory to another.

“I am the LORD: that is My name: and My glory will I not give to another, neither My praise to graven images.” Isaiah 42:8

“For My own sake, even for My own sake, will I do it: for how should My name be polluted? and I will not give My glory to another.” Isaiah 48:11

God will not give His glory to another. There is no man, beast, or idol that will lay claim to the glory of God. The only hope of glory is “Christ in you.” It is not in your self. Lucifer declared out of self-will that he would ascend to the heavens and be like the Most High (Isaiah 14:12-14). It did not happen and it is not going to happen. This exertion of self has no place in the kingdom of God. The very things Lucifer thought to take by force was in God's heart to give out of love, and He has given all things to His Son Jesus Christ. It is only in Christ that we have this life, this hope, this expectation of the glory of God. Only that which is identified with the Lord and resonates with His character and His likeness will share in His glory. Who then is worthy? Only one, Jesus Christ. Seek to know Him; set your affections on Him.

“For you are dead, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall you also appear with Him in glory.” Colossians 3:3-4