Of Beholding The Glory Of Christ.

Adapted From A Sermon By

Philip Doddridge

Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.

(John 17:24 ESV)

Our text this morning, from a sermon adapted from Philip Doddridge titled "Of Beholding The Glory Of Christ," is John 17:24: Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.

The whole context of this section of John's Gospel is deeply moving; no other part of the Bible offers more sweet and powerful comfort than these final conversations of Jesus before his death. It is deeply moving and instructive to see how tenderly Jesus cares for his disciples, ensuring they are not left comfortless as he prepares to leave them. Knowing human nature perfectly, he could touch the deepest parts of the soul, speaking directly to the heart without relying on elaborate or decorative language that might entertain but not truly move us. His words were filled with divine grace, and just as his teachings were unique, so were his words of comfort.

In the previous chapter, he tells his disciples that his departure is not out of any resentment or lack of love, but for their ultimate benefit. He promises that the separation will not be forever; he will return to take them with him, and in the meantime, he will send the Holy Spirit from the Father to more than make up for his physical absence.

After speaking words to ease their grief and instill a sacred peace and joy in them, Jesus turns to pray to his Father in a deeply heartfelt and inclusive prayer, which is recorded in this seventeenth chapter. This prayer can be split into three sections: the first concerns Jesus himself, the second his immediate disciples, and the third, which includes the text we are focusing on, extends to all future believers worldwide, across time. He says, "I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word."{John 17:20}

So, if we are true Christians, we understand that Jesus was praying for us here. The blessings he sought are worth our pursuit: our unity and peace on Earth, and our joy in Heaven. He emphasizes unity in the verses before, wishing for all to be one as he and the Father are one; and in our text, he expresses his desire for his followers to be where he is, to witness the glory given to him.

Jesus was about to ask for the greatest divine favors for his followers, something very close to his heart, essential for their happiness. Therefore, with a term of endearment, he says, "Father, I desire (I imploringly ask it, and in virtue of the mutual contract which have passed between us, I with filial confidence claim and demand it,) that they also, whom you have (chosen to yourself from the face of sinful mortals, and by a peculiar covenant) given me (to be redeemed and sanctified and saved) may, (to complete your purposes of love to them and of honour to me, at length) be (brought to be) with me (in that world of exaltation and glory) where I am, (that is, where I shortly will be;) to see my glory that you (as my God and Father) have given me (as man and mediator, in consequence of that love with which) you loved me (as your first elect who you,) before the foundation of the world, (decreed to be head over all to your church.)"

This captures the essence of his words. While this could lead into deep theological debates, we will avoid those. This much is undeniably plain, Jesus prays for his followers to join him in heaven and enjoy the vision of his glory. Let us focus on this theme, hoping for divine guidance to inspire our deepest desires, brightest hopes, and strongest efforts towards this end. In considering this scripture, we will:

I. Explore what this glory is that Jesus wants his people to see.

II. Show how being able to witness this glory would be greatly joyful for a devout soul.

III. Prove that this joy awaits every true Christian in the afterlife.

IV. End with some practical thoughts on the matter.

I. Regarding the glory Jesus prays for us to see:

Unfortunately, describing it is beyond us. When the apostle Paul was taken up to heaven, he found the experience indescribable. Here on Earth, in our limited state, we dare not speculate beyond what scripture reveals. Scripture tells us that in heaven, Christ's presence is radiant with astonishing glory, he receives the deepest reverence from all beings there, and God has placed the governance of all creation into his hands. This is the glory Jesus wants us to behold.

1. The figure of Christ appears above with astonishing brightness and glory.

The apostle Paul talks about how the glorified body of our Savior sets the example for how our own humble bodies will be transformed at the resurrection. Jesus himself said that on that great day, the righteous will shine like the sun. So, it is clear that Christ's true form is incredibly radiant, far beyond our comprehension.

It is impossibe for us to say exactly how Jesus's body has changed now that it is glorified, but we can be sure there are some amazing enhancements. When he was transfigured on the mountain, his appearance changed dramatically—his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light, probably because of the glorious rays emitting from his body.

We can get more clues by looking at how Christ, who was in God's form, appeared in visions to prophets in the Old Testament and to the apostles after his ascension. Isaiah saw him on a high throne with his robe filling the temple. Ezekiel described his throne like sapphire, his body like amber with the brightness of fire, and a rainbow around his head. Daniel saw him with clothes white as snow, hair like pure wool, his throne like a fiery flame. When Jesus appeared to the apostle Paul near Damascus, he was brighter than the midday sun. And when John saw him, Jesus wore a long robe, had hair white as wool or snow, held seven stars in his right hand, and his face was like the sun at its peak.

While some of these descriptions might be symbolic, they all point to the same truth: Christ's presence in heaven is incredibly majestic and glorious, which is part of the glory he prayed his followers might one day witness.

2. The glory we are talking about also includes the respect and worship given to our blessed Savior by all the beings in heaven.

We could logically infer that this kind of worship was given to him, even if it wasn't explicitly stated in the scriptures. Certainly, those human spirits now perfected and blissfully in God's direct presence, aware that their eternal happiness comes from the sacrifices of the Lamb who was slain, would undoubtedly express the deepest gratitude for his generosity and love.

And although angels are not directly saved by Christ's redemption, they too must honor and worship Jesus Christ, who has been given a name far greater than theirs through his unique union with God, receiving in his incarnation the highest possible perfections human nature can have. This aligns with the apostle's declaration when God introduces his only begotten Son to the world, commanding, "Let all God's angels worship him."{Hebrews 1:6}

Elsewhere, it is said God has highly exalted him, giving him a name above every name, so that at Jesus's name, every knee should bow—in heaven, on earth, and below. Peter also mentioned that Christ has ascended to heaven where angels, authorities, and powers are subject to him. Clearly, if they are his subjects, they properly pay homage to him as their Sovereign Lord.

What is more, this worship by both angels and saints is vividly described in Revelation, where John sees the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders falling before the Lamb, singing a new song, and hears countless angels around the throne proclaiming the worthiness of the slain Lamb to receive all forms of praise. Every creature in heaven, including the highest angels, joins in saying, "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever."{Revelation 5:13} This text shows that the entire assembly of angels and saints bow before our exalted Redeemer, celebrating him with their music and laying their crowns at his feet. This is part of the glory the Father has bestowed upon him, which he prays his followers might witness.

3. Another glorious aspect of Christ's glory in heaven is his supreme role in managing the affairs of providence, now entrusted to his capable and faithful hands.

The Father has made our incarnate Redeemer the supreme ruler of the universe, with all events orchestrated by his wisdom and brought about by his intervention. John the Baptist tells us, "The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand."{John 3:35} Jesus himself said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me."{Matthew 28:18} The apostle Paul echoes this, saying God has put everything under his feet, making him head over all.

The notion that at some point Christ will surrender this kingdom to God the Father does not mean he will step down or retire to a lesser role, as some have suggested. Such an interpretation clashes with the enduring dignity of his human nature united with the Divine, and with scriptures that affirm the everlasting nature of his reign. It is unthinkable that he would ever set aside the symbols of his royal status, especially not on the day when redemption's work is fully realized, and all his chosen ones celebrate their victory.

Instead, when the apostle Paul speaks of Christ giving up the kingdom, it likely refers to some grand acknowledgment of God's ultimate dominion or a transformation in how his kingdom is administered, fitting for the glorious era to follow the Resurrection. But throughout the endless ages of triumphant eternity, the saints will always see their Redeemer as the King of kings and Lord of lords; his power, dignity, and splendor will forever be part of the joy derived from this divine vision.

This is how the Spirit of God describes Christ's glory in scripture, but surely, if we are fortunate enough to witness it firsthand, we will realize "we had not heard the half of it," and that God has described it in terms humble enough for our limited understanding and dull perceptions. Now, let us continue...

II. To demonstrate that it will be a great joy for the devout soul to witness and contemplate this glory.

Now what follows is meant more to aid our spiritual reflections than to teach us something we do not already know or doubt. It will become evident that seeing Christ's glory in heaven must be an indescribable joy for the souls of good people if we think about the magnitude of this glory and their special connection to it.

1. This will be clear when we consider the grandeur of the glory itself.

Human minds are naturally drawn to magnificent sights, so much so that a philosopher once said he would be content to die just for a close-up view of the sun. If that is the case for the sun, imagine the splendor of the Sun of Righteousness in heaven, where his light not only illuminates but also adorns and brings joy to every blessed being there. Even an angel, newly created and introduced to this scene, would gaze in both awe and ecstasy at Jesus, the only begotten of the Father, clothed in celestial light, surrounded by heaven's shining attendants, and wielding the Almighty's power. But,

2. There are significant reasons why this view would be even more delightful for a sincere Christian than for any other spirit. It is because this glory belongs to someone of their own nature, their Redeemer, and their friend, and it guarantees their own eternal happiness.

i) In heaven, Christians will see their own human nature elevated to the highest honor through Christ's glory.

This sight will fill them with immense joy. Even in our most exalted state in heaven, we remain human, retaining a special fondness for our nature. Seeing our nature so closely united with God, displayed in such splendor, will be profoundly satisfying. To think that he, once made lower than the angels, now rules over all principalities and powers as the man Christ Jesus, receiving worship from the highest cherubim, will fill us with joy unspeakable and full of glory. Despite any other advantages celestial beings might have, the fact that the Lord of Angels shares our nature and calls us brethren will surely earn us unique respect from those noble spirits.

ii) The Christian will find immense happiness in seeing Christ's glory because it is the glory of their Redeemer and friend, someone to whom they owe everything and for whom they harbor deep affection.

On earth, believers loved Christ without seeing him, considering him the fairest of ten thousand. In heaven, this love will only intensify when they see him face to face in all his glory, like subjects feeling a surge of loyalty upon seeing their prince. Moreover, seeing his glory firsthand will deepen our understanding of his love when he set aside that glory to save us, stirring even greater gratitude and love. It is undeniably joyful to behold the glory of someone so beloved.

Christians, reflect on your own feelings. Is there not joy now in knowing Jesus enjoys such honor and happiness? Did your heart not swell with joy thinking about your Lord and Savior's glory? Yet, our current love and understanding are but shadows of what they will be. When our love is perfected, and we see him face to face, how much more will our souls rejoice in our Savior! Our deep love for him will to some degree make his happiness feel like our own.

Imagine the soul's delight to forever gaze upon Christ's glorified body in heaven, reflecting on his suffering that brought us there. Let us indulge in this sweet meditation for a moment. "Oh, my soul, how delightful to see Jesus in his exalted glory and say, This is my Redeemer! He who was crucified outside Jerusalem for me! Now dressed in white, once he was drenched in his blood for our sake. That head now crowned with glory was once pierced with thorns. Those eyes, now majestic, once wept over our fate. Those hands, now ruling, were once nailed; that voice, now joyful, once cried out in despair on the cross. This is the man who died for my salvation! But behold, he lives forevermore, holding the keys to death, hell, and heaven!"

With these joyful declarations, we will forever encircle his throne, adoring the incarnate Deity seated there. "But oh, my Redeemer," the soul will say, "my praises are unworthy, yet I offer them eternally in service, rejoicing that your Father has rewarded you fittingly for your love and sacrifice."

This reflection, however imperfect, shows how beholding Christ's glory in heaven will be immensely pleasurable, knowing it is the glory of our Redeemer and Friend.

iii. It will assure us of our own eternal bliss, adding to our joy.

Our hope for eternal happiness hinges on God accepting Christ's atonement. By raising and glorifying Jesus, God visibly shows his justice is satisfied, removing the main obstacle to our joy. Christ, as the head of the church, ensures life flows to us, his body. It is unthinkable he would allow his members to suffer while he enjoys glory. He has promised, "because I live, you also will live,"{John 14:19} and we are hidden with Christ in God, destined to appear with him in glory. Jesus has shared his glory with us, as he said, "The glory that you have given me I have given to them."{John 17:22}

This thought will perfect our happiness: "That divine figure at the Father's right hand is Jesus, my brother and friend. Despite my unworthiness, his love surpasses all. My fate is intertwined with his, secure in his hands. No power on earth or hell can harm me here. Jesus is my portion and defense, ensuring my safety and happiness."

Considering all these points, it is clear that witnessing Christ's glory in heaven will be an unparalleled joy for the Christian, given its grandeur and their personal stake in it. We now move on,

III. To prove that every true Christian has the strongest reasons to expect this glorious happiness will be theirs.

Now, to prove this, we will consider the logical consistency of the idea and the clear evidence from scripture.

1. This can be reasonably argued from the inherent logic of the situation.

We have established that Jesus Christ has ascended to this supreme glory and happiness, and also that seeing him in this exalted state would be incredibly joyful for a good person. Naturally, such a person would deeply desire this, and would persistently pray for it. Considering their favored status with God, being adopted into his family with an inheritance of eternal life, it is reasonable to expect such a prayer will not be denied. Especially when we remember Christ's relationship with his followers, calling them brethren, parts of the same body, it seems only fitting they should dwell together eternally, which includes being where they can see his glory. But,

2. The matter is confirmed beyond doubt by the direct testimony of God's word.

The words of our text are enough to prove this point, as they are a prayer not just for the apostles or early disciples but for every true Christian across time. Jesus confidently stated, "Father, I know that you always hear me,"{John 11:41} suggesting none of his requests would be refused. This particular prayer, one of his last before his death, would surely be heard. Jesus was so sure of his prayers' success that he directly promised his followers they would be where he is. He said, "If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also."{John 12:26} And the apostle Paul assures us we will always be with the Lord, which means we will see his glory since that is what he prays for here. This is the divine promise securing our hopes. Nothing in the Bible is stated more clearly than this: every sincere Christian will be with his Redeemer in heaven, beholding his glory.

IV. Now, let us wrap up with some practical reflections on this topic.

Reflection 1: How immense are our debts to God and our Redeemer for granting us the hope of such bliss!

Consider how great this happiness is, and you will see that nothing can match the love that has prepared, purchased, and bestowed it. To be with Christ and see his glory! "Blessed Jesus," the devout soul might say, "if I could sum up my deepest desire, it would be this: to be with you where you are." Even in moments of private prayer or public worship, though I see you dimly, the joy is unparalleled. None of life's activities compare to those precious moments in your presence, despite their fleeting nature due to human weakness. I sometimes envy those who walked with you on earth, seeing your miracles, hearing your words. How willingly would I have followed you, even in your lowest moments, or to the cross itself, rather than leave you, whom my soul loves. And now, to think I might be with you where you are now! In heaven, not just to see but to share in your glory! How can I express my wonder and joy?"

These are your hopes, Christian, and they are wonderful. But never forget you owe them to the Father's grace and the Son's blood. Reflect on your natural state as a sinner under a curse; without Jesus stepping in, this glorious future would be lost, leaving you not just absent from his presence but suffering with the devil.

When you realize how your situation has been transformed, offer your most joyfull praise to God on the throne and to the Lamb forever. Let your life show genuine gratitude through obedience to his commands and fervent dedication to his cause.

Reflection 2: If being with Christ and witnessing his glory is what makes heaven blissful, then it is clear that no unrepentant sinner can share in that joy.

When someone has spent their life scorning the grace of a Redeemer, treating his sacrifice as meaningless, can they reasonably expect to enjoy his glorious presence? Imagine them standing before Christ in all his majesty. They might well be affected by the pomp and splendour of the appearance, but where would the joy come from that a good person feels? Where is the sinner's connection to Christ, his stake in his happiness that could make his glory theirs? Instead, will they not stand there like guilty rebels before a wronged king? Will his greatness not terrify them, and would thoughts like the following not haunt them even in heaven?

"That awe-inspiring, majestic figure, now radiant above all here, is Jesus, the Son of God; my foe and my judge. He once set aside his glory for sinners like me, died for us, and I remember, to my shame, how often he offered me grace, how lovingly he invited me to accept forgiveness and joy. But I repaid his kindness with spite, his love with hate. Like a mad fool, I scorned him until the very end. And now, what a wretch I am, fallen into his hands!

I see the day I never believed would come; I am in a place where he reigns supreme. Oh, my soul, how will he use his authority against you? I see his glory, hear the songs praising him, witness the homage from heaven's princes, and it fills me with dread. Alas, it is painfully clear he could easily avenge all the disrespect I showed him. I cannot help but fear that any message from his throne might be an order to seize me, dragging me off to darkness and fire."

Now, sinners, let your own logic decide if seeing Christ in heaven could bring you any joy with such thoughts, which you must have if you remain unrepentant. Unless you think this great King will accept your forced submission in heaven, reversing the entire gospel message, there is no foundation for such hope. No, the scriptures tell us when Jesus appears in glory, even his boldest enemies will be overwhelmed, wishing for mountains to hide them from his face and the wrath of the Lamb. This is a poignant and dire warning, suggesting they would find a mountain's weight easier to bear than his anger.

If an unrepentent sinner were to enter heaven, the sight of Christ's glory would not bring happiness but horror and despair.

Reflection 3: If our future bliss lies in seeing Christ's glory, how diligently should we prepare our hearts for such joy!

To this end, let us nurture our love for Christ, as nothing will enhance our joy in his glory more. True love for Christ will drive us to serve his interests, and the more we serve him here, the greater our joy in witnessing his glory there. We will earn his public praise as faithful servants, and his honor will reflect on us. Let this principle guide us: the deeper our love for Jesus now, the greater our happiness in his presence later. To fuel this love and zeal, let us rely on the Holy Spirit's guidance, sent by Christ from heaven to prepare us for the glory he promised. And one more thing,

Reflection 4: How reasonably may this hope fortify us against life's temptations and elevate us beyond the fear of death.

When compared to Christ's eternal glory, all worldly fame seems fleeting and trivial. Who would fret over earthly status when such divine glory awaits? The pleasures of the senses are nothing next to the pure, lasting joys from this source of life and light. Conversely, why let life's troubles dishearten us when we know they will soon dissolve in the light of such a brilliant future? As the apostle Paul might say, today's hardships are not worth comparing to the glory to come.

This vision of glory can shield us from life's temptations and calamities, and it should also lift us above the fear of death. Death, in itself, is daunting; it separates us from life's joys, closes our eyes, confines us to the grave, and ushers our souls into the unknown. Viewed this way, it is called the king of terrors.

But let faith correct this view. For true Christians, death leads us to a glorious Redeemer. Seeing death this way, why fear it? It becomes desirable, as the apostle Paul said, preferring to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. This is not just for the apostle Paul; if we are united with Christ by faith and dedicated to his service, we too will be where he is, seeing him on his throne amidst countless angels. Despite his splendour and exaltation, he will look kindly upon each of us, calling us his friends, and blessing us.

Imagine the joy when Christ, from his throne, might say to you, "Christian, welcome to this blessed land. You chose me in a world that rejected me, now I claim you as my friend where I am King. Here, you are safe from all enemies. I watched your struggles, your efforts to warm a cold heart with zeal, your private vows, your public service amidst adversity. I approved then, and now I reward you. Enter into your Master's joy. Father, I want this servant with me, to see the glory you have given me."

This honor awaits all saints, and if we are truly Christians, we will join him the moment we leave our bodies. Why then fear death?

To wrap up, commit fully to this Redeemer in an everlasting covenant. Here, strive to reflect his image more each day, serving his glory. Live in constant communion with him, devoted to him, eagerly awaiting the moment we are freed from this life's struggles to fully behold his glory, which even now, in anticipation, outshines all earthly splendor and disarms all the terrors of death.