Theology Terms Explained: “Glorification”

In this series on the blog, we’re providing sound doctrine for everyday people by providing you with clear and simple definitions that will strengthen your theological foundation. Each article covers 4 categories including: 

1. The Term – We lay out how it’s pronounced.

2. The Definition – We provide the Merriam-Webster definition and an everyday version.

3. The Biblical Connection – We show you where the term connects with Scripture.

4. Used in an Everyday Conversation – We use it in a basic conversation.

Here we go! 

The Term

“Glorification”

The Definition 

Merriam Webster: The closest word to “glorification” that Webster defines is the word “glorify.” It means “to make glorious by bestowing honor, praise, or admiration.” It also can be defined as “to elevate to celestial glory.”

FTG’s Expanded Explanation: Glorification is vital for the Christian to understand because this concept is tied to our hope for the future. Glorification is the final state for believers, in that we are no longer sinful, no longer sick, no longer in our human form, and no longer subject to the attacks of the evil one. Glorification is a promise from God that if we believe in His Son, Jesus Christ, we will have experienced justification, salvation, sanctification, and then glorification. This is the realization of every blessing and treasure that Christ has laid up for us in heaven (1 Peter 1:3-5). 

The Biblical Connection

New Testament writers used the hope of glory (or glorification) to stir up the joy and faithfulness of Christians. Peter points to our living hope as being tied to the resurrection and the guarantee of a heavenly inheritance one day in 1 Peter 1:3-5. He goes on to explain how the believer’s faith will be proven in the end saying:

“…the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which perishes though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,  obtaining as the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:7-9)

Paul points to final glorification in Romans 8:18, insisting that the present sufferings pale in comparison to future glory. He provides a similar encouragement to the church in Corinth saying, “For our momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison…” (2 Corinthians 4:17). In Romans 8:29-30, Paul declares the unbreakable promises of God and that nothing can separate the believer from the love of God when he writes, “For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.”

These promises from the New Testament writers were divine revelation from God to His people, reminding them that He will one day complete the work He has begun. 

One of the best chapters to study on what we will experience in our glorified state, and what it means that we will have a “glorified body” in 1 Corinthians 15 where Paul connects the resurrection of Christ to the promise that we will one day rise with Him after our own death. 

Further Study: 1 Corinthians 15; Romans 8, Colossians 3:4.

Used in Everyday Conversation

“Understanding the promise of future glorification gives me hope and causes me to long for heaven.”  

“Christians don’t have to wonder what happens after we die. When you understand the theological truth being final glorification, you can have peace knowing that God always keeps His promises.”  

“I can’t wait until my glorified state when I no longer sin, experience pain, or watch others endure the same.”