This final episode restates the hope of radical transformation in this life based on 2 Cor. 3:18. Salvation is all about beholding God's glory and being transformed. This theme is underscored in Jonathan Edwards' descriptions of conversion and growth in Christ, which, contrary to popular caricatures of his theology, does not harp on sin but on "holy relish," the sense of God's glory that deepened as he grew in Christ. And Edwards pinpoints how apprehension of this glory is absolutely essential "to count all things as loss" in order to gain Christ. Total repentance and commitment to Christ largely rests on visions of the glory of God in the face of Christ. The episode closes with an exhortation to embrace the bigger salvation picture, that we all behold the glory of Christ, and are ourselves transformed into "little Christs" in the process.
Glorify God by Regarding His works
This episode contrasts sinners and saints by focusing on the attitude over the "works of the Lord." Psalm 29:4-5 states that the fundamental sin of the wicked is that they do not regard the works of the Lord. Paul in Romans 1 suggests the same thing, "they do not honor Him as God or give him thanks." (Rom. 1:21) The essence of sin is failing to regard the works of the Lord, or "missing the glory of God." (Rom 3:23) and it is followed by the Great Exchange, where man exchanges the glory of God for an image in the form of corruptible man. This sin "problem" is reversed in salvation. God forgives our sin, and Christians, in gratitude for what Christ has done at Calvary, progressively seek to glorify God by marveling at the works of the Lord. And this is principally done by gazing on the glory of Christ. We are transformed as our capacity to give God glory, acknowledging His works, is filled up..with all the fullness of God. (Eph. 3:19)
“Tap in to God’s Glory Narrative”
"With all this talk about God's glory, why do we see so little of it now?" This episode answers that question and invites believers to tap into God's glory narrative. The angels remark that the whole earth is full of God's glory, but fallen mankind, consumed with self-centered desires exchanges the glory of God for images, and big surprise, sees very little of God's glory. In salvation, the moral image of God in man is being restored, and his capacity to perceive God's glory is enlarged. This episode calls believers to ponder the glory of God just in the created order, beginning with reflecting on our own creation ("fearfully and wonderfully made") and marveling at the entire universe. Holistic salvation means we can dump the near-sighted, self-centered lens of distorted fallen humanity and embrace our renewed capacity to behold God's glory through Christ. And, if that weren't enough, we ourselves partake of that glory and are transformed from glory to glory.
Illumination or Obfuscation, Dependent on the Heart’s Inclination
This episode continues the discussion on spiritual knowledge, which is not merely the cerebral apprehension of the Scriptures, but includes a heart that inclines towards the Lord.
To Live is Christ, to Die is Gain
This episode expands on the theme of the "veil" in 2 Cor 3:14-16, in which spiritual ignorance is a consequence of not turning to the Lord. Since the Christian life is much more than a past faith profession, and is more accurately a faith walk, Christians need to be vigilant in DAILY trusting Christ, otherwise the veil can potentially return. Humdrum, routine, and even boring Christianity is often indicative of a "check-the-box" approach to Christianity in which Christians are first delivered from the penalty of sin, and then are progressively delivered from the power of sin. But even victory over sin is not the end-all purpose of the Christian life. The goal is the experiential knowledge of God gained by daily turning to the Lord and beholding His glory. Paul beheld this glory, but still longed and groaned for more. "To live is Christ and to die is gain." (Phil 1:21) His life was consumed with living and beholding Christ, and his death was GAIN! It was gain because he saw God face to face and was finally given the uninterrupted experience of the beatific vision.
The Trinity Revealed in Salvation
This episode unpacks the role of each member of the Trinity in leading believers towards the beatific vision. In addition to uncovering the glory of Christ, the Holy Spirit reveals the thoughts of God the Father. (1 Cor. 2:11) The next verse states, "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we many know the things freely given to us by God." (12) Of course, the greatest gift "freely given to us by God the Father is Christ. (John 3:16) The Holy Spirit reveals Christ and the thoughts of the Father and Christ has "explained the Father." (John 1:18) That every member of the Trinity is united in uncovering the Godhead points to the inescapable conclusion that holistic salvation is all about the knowledge of God.
The Holy Spirit: Our Partner from Glory to Glory
This episode reviews and expands on the role of the Holy Spirit in every part of the believer's salvation journey, culminating in the beatific vision. "He CONVICTS the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment." (John 16:8-11) Christians CALL Christ Lord "through the Holy Spirit." (1 Cor. 12:3) The Holy Spirit CONFORMS believers into the image of Christ. (Rom 8:29) And He unCOVERS Christ's glory. (John 16:13-15) The sanctifying Spirit is our indispensable partner on the road towards the beatific vision.
Conviction and Illumination: Uncovering the Glory of Christ
This episode highlights the Holy Spirit's activity of uncovering the glory of Christ, the unveiling of which leads to personal transformation, according to 2 Corinthians 3:18. That uncovering was initially a dreadful encounter with the God of Truth, as the Holy Spirit convicted the world concerning sin, righteousness and judgment. Upon conversion, the Holy Spirit continues his work of uncovering the glory of Christ. "He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you." (John 16:14) The work of the Spirit is indispensable for "beholding the glory of the Lord" and "being filled up with all the fulness of Christ," degrees of the beatific vision available in this life.
Beholding the Glory..with the Spirit’s Help
This episode highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in uncovering the glory of Christ, culminating in "being filled up with all the fulness of God," (Eph 3:19), a description that smacks of the beatific vision. The disciples beheld Christ's glory (John1:14) and that very same glory is progressively uncovered by the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. Interestingly, this work begins with "the riches of God's glory" (v. 16) who, in the person of the Holy Spirit, strengthens the Christian with power in the inner man. The indwelt temple of the Holy Spirit trusts God more and begins to apprehend the love of God, potentially leading to "being filled up with all the fullness of God."
Beholding Christ’s Glory: the Pathway Ending in the Beatific Vision
In addition to rehashing the beatific vision as described in 1 John 3:2-3, this episode expounds on the theology of Paul regarding this issue, mostly from 2 Corinthians 3:18. While Paul acknowledges that the full manifestation of the beatific vision won't occur in this life (1 Corinthians 13:12), he nevertheless strongly suggests that degrees of it are possible in this life. "We all with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory.." This description matches the MEANS of becoming like Christ in 1 John 3:2-3. Hope (of the beatific vision) fixed on God corresponds with "beholding the glory of the Lord." This means is the ongoing mechanism of being transformed, leading the full manifestation of the beatific vision.