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.
Experiential Knowledge and the Fullness of God
This episode compares 1 John 2:12-14 and Ephesians 3:16-19, both descriptions of progressive growth in Christ, highlighting how the experiential knowledge of God is the culmination of the Christian walk. In the language of John, a father (or mother) is one who "knows Him who has been from the beginning," strongly implying one who has walked with God in time and has a track record of God's testimonies. Paul's description of mature Christian experience corresponds to "being filled up with all the fullness of God." The Christian has experienced the love of Christ which surpasses mere cerebral knowledge, and his individual capacity to experience God is filled up. Both of these advanced descriptions of sanctification mark the pathway towards the beatific vision, where believers will one day see God "face to face."
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."