The Glory Of The Terrestrial

The question some may continue to ask is, “How are we saved by Jesus’ resurrected life?” This is one of the places we faltered in our attempt to explain, preach and teach salvation. We did not see the depths of this word. We did not understand that Christ is the seed of God that was planted in the earth through death.

Romans 5:10

For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

We are saved by the resurrected life of Christ in our flesh. He is the new man we are said to have put on. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me (Galatians 2:20). Therefore, we must conclude that in plain layman’s terms; there has been a death and resurrection of our body. It is alive by the indwelling of Christ. It is a New Man. Now that brings us to something Paul said.

1 Corinthians 15:40,44

40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. 44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body.

There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.

According to this passage, there is a spiritual body and there is a natural body. Well, it is certain we have not received our celestial (spiritual) bodies as of yet. Therefore, the new creature, who is joined to Christ, lives in a terrestrial body. I believe Paul also said: “We have this treasure in earthen vessels.” He was acknowledging the fact that we are heavenly or celestial beings living in terrestrial bodies. Nevertheless, Paul declared that there is a glory of the terrestrial body, just as there is the glory of the celestial body.

What is the glory of the terrestrial body of the believer?

1 Corinthians 1:28-29

28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.

That which is of the world, fit to be despised, cannot glory in the presence of God. This certainly includes the unsaved, those who are of the flesh.

1 Corinthians 1:30-31

30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

But we are not of the world, nor are we of the flesh. But we are in Christ Jesus, who is in us. Therefore, we can glory in Him. Thus, the glory of the terrestrial body is the indwelling of Christ. Without Christ in the flesh, it has no glory.

2 Corinthians 3:18

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

When we look in the mirror we are beholding the glory of the Lord; for we are changed. Our flesh is free from the law of sin and is alive unto righteousness. If we continue in the Lord, we will move from this glory to another. We will inherit a new body awaiting us in the heavens.

Let us go a bit further and define this glory of the flesh of the believer.

2 Corinthians 8:23

Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellow helper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.

I love this passage. Paul refers to Titus and the other brethren whom he declares to be messengers of the churches (apostles). But he also refers to them as the glory of Christ. They are the personage of Jesus Christ in the flesh. If Christ lives in us then we too, are the personage of His present glory.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

The glory of the terrestrial is the suffering in the flesh for Christ’s sake. The power of Christ rests upon the flesh of the believer when he suffers for His sake.

1 Peter 4:14-16

14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. 16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

Peter is very candid here and in total agreement with Paul. The spirit of glory and of God rests upon the suffering servants. Peter makes this doctrine even more vivid.

1 Peter 2:19-21

19 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. 21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.

God is glorified when we fellowship in the sufferings of Christ. Remember, He can only be glorified in Christ Jesus. Therefore, make sure that not only are you suffering for Christ’s sake, but that you also suffer with the character of Christ. (26 THE FELLOWSHIP OF HIS SUFFERING) There is only one glory to be found in the flesh of the believer; the sufferings of our Lord Jesus Christ. From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus (Galatians 6:17).

Beloved, be encouraged.

Mary Banks Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ