Jesus The Radiance of the Divine Glory

This phrase, which is a characteristic of Jesus rather than a name, is based on Hebrews 1:3, "who being the radiance of his glory".    The word means "effulgence" or "radiance", and "refulgence" or "reflection".  In commenting on Hebrews 1:3 the Greek Fathers favored the former meaning, the idea that Christ is the radiance or outflowing of the divine glory, the living embodiment of the Shekinah, a conception illustrated in the story of the Transfiguration -Mark 9:2f. 

For Christology the claim that Christ is the radiance of God's glory is far-reaching in its range.  Peake says that the metaphor expressed "the derivation of the Son from the Father, and his distinction from Him, under the figure of the radiance which streams forth from a body of light, and gains an independent existence of its own."  The point of the figure, he says, "lies less in the process than in the result: the Son is the manifestation of God to the world." 

As implying a result, "the Radiance of the Divine Glory" describes that which can be perceived.  The same is true of the name, "The Light of the World," but simpler as it may sound, the Johannine phrase, by reason of it frequent association with the idea of life, is even richer, in that it describes what is imparted and received as well as seen.  Both phrases imply the divine status of Christ under the figure of light, just as "the Image of God" does so in the terminology of form.

-excerpt was adapted from The Names of Jesus by Vincent Taylor pg 129-30.

Jesus The Radiance of the Divine Glory - Pt 2

Hebrews l:2-3, "Hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, who he had appointed heir of all things by whom also He made the worlds; Who being the brightness of His Glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the Word of His power, when He had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high."

In these scriptures, we find that our Heavenly Father and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, were divine images of each other. It is difficult for us to understand the Glory, Divine Nature, the tremendous implications of their Glorious images in their universal Kingdom and their thrones. The glorious radiance which emits around, through, emitting from their presence.

Mankind was created in their divine image but, through the fall, lost the luster, radiance, and completeness as a result. But, Jesus Christ gave himself as a ransom to purchase us with His own blood, and to restore us in our divine nature through the new birth. Therefore, all of God's creation of mankind is a divine act in creation of their image unto His own; thus, giving infinite value to each human being ever born.

Therefore, we can not and should not ever consider anyone of lesser value than the one our Heavenly Father and Lord Jesus has put on each of us ... especially, those whom He called and adopted into His divine creational relationship. When we fail to obey and see others as inferior and less than our Heavenly Father has called them, we are disobedient; thus saying, "God, you don't know what you are doing and I know more!" Repent and ask forgiveness.

It is time we learn to look at every individual and see them as valuable to our Heavenly Father and Lord Jesus Christ, to bless us and many others. He has created all of us for a special purpose. Therefore, all are very valuable. We each have the possibilities and opportunities, if we ask God, to have Him do great things for all mankind.

Heavenly Father, please use me for your glory. Help me see and seize the opportunities for service. Enlarge my area of influence and make me a soul winner and life saver, and bring glory to others, that they might see you in your Glory and desire to serve you! Help me to learn the value of each and every soul you have created in your image. Keep me from judging, labeling, or belittling anyone, anytime. Help me to measure up to your standard, as one restored into the image of Jesus Christ and you Heavenly Father. Amen
 

Please Email Us With Any Comments or Feedback At
mike@coppercountry.com