The Hope Of Glory

“Christ in you, the hope of glory.” - Colossians 1:27

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Christ took our nature that He might dwell in us and be the spring of everlasting hope. The saints have not only a title to glory through Him, but a foretaste of glory in Him. The world knows nothing of this hope. It rises not from earthly fountains, nor is it supported by outward things. It is Christ Himself within the soul. He who once dwelt in the manger now dwells in the hearts of believers. This indwelling of Christ is the great mystery and the great mercy of the gospel.

Where Christ is present, there is heaven begun. He is the glory of saints on earth as well as the glory of saints in heaven. The believer may be surrounded with troubles, but He has Christ in Him, the hope of glory. He may walk through the valley of the shadow of death, but He has Christ in Him, the hope of glory. This hope will not deceive nor shame those who rest in it. As surely as Christ was born in Bethlehem, so surely shall believers reign with Him in glory. The union begun by faith shall be perfected by sight. He who is now formed within by grace shall be beheld with joy in the world to come.

Let the believer consider what it is to have Christ in Him. It is to have the life of God in the soul, the seed of immortality, the spring of everlasting joy. It is to have within the heart the One who will never leave nor forsake. It is to possess even now the pledge of eternal blessedness. Let the hope of glory elevate your thoughts, fortify your patience, and quicken your obedience. Christ in you is heaven begun, and heaven to come.

(Taken From John Flavel's sermon "The Excellency of Christ's Person")