Glory Little By Little

In our typical self assessment, we can so often look at failures, weaknesses and struggles as the true state of our souls. Isn’t it great that there is something going on in, and through, and underneath the challenges of the Christian life that ultimately defines who we are? That’s what Paul is saying to the messy Christians in Corinth when he writes,

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:18)

John Calvin wrote the following application on this verse in his Commentaries which I find very helpful.

“Observe, that the design of the gospel is this - that the image of God, which had been effaced by sin, may be stamped anew upon us, and that the advancement of this restoration may be continually going forward in us during our whole life, because God makes his glory shine forth in us by little and little.” (This quote comes from the brothers at First Importance)


Do you feel like you are a slow learner and stumbling grower in the walk of faith? Take comfort from Paul, and from Calvin – your ‘little by little’ glory advances are no less glorious than if God had made you holy all at once.