IS THERE A "GLORY LADDER"?

There are a number of poorly understood and often misinterpreted verses in the Bible. One of those seems to be 2 Cor. 3:18. Joyce Meyer uses the Amplified New Testament (Amp.) which renders said verse as follows: "And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in the ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit." Joyce has mentioned more than once about moving from "one degree of glory to another". If those degrees were rungs on a ladder, then there would be a "glory ladder". 

But does this verse really say that? A look at the other end of the translation spectrum takes us to the NLT (New Living Translation) which says: "And all of us have had that veil removed so that we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him and reflect his glory even more." This translation into English seems to capture the intent in the original Greek closer than many others. Other translations (NCV, CEV, NIV, KJV, NKJV, NASB, and ESV) seem to fall between the Amp. and the NLT. But what IS the intent of the original Greek? The "unveiled faces" (actually eyes) are Christians who have had their eyes opened to the truth of God's Word. And it is IN the Word of God that we see His glory. 

Further, by absorbing His Word, we begin to take on some of that glory --- a process known among theologians as "sanctification". I'm sure you all remember the sermon on "The Process of Salvation" which listed the ten steps of:  1. Physical birth,  2. Call,  3. Conversion (repentance),  4. Regeneration (Spiritual birth or "born again"),  5. Justification,  6. Adoption,  7. Sanctification,  8. Perseverance,  9. Physical death, and  10. Glorification. 

It is during sanctification that we begin to take on the "image of Christ" as we are predestined to do according to Rm 8:29. THEN, as a result of that sanctification, according to 2 Cor 3:18, we begin to reflect the glory of Christ, much like a mirror is able to reflect light. So, what about the "glory to glory part? The tenor of the verse, as a whole, would suggest that it is from God's glory that our glory comes. 

Want more good news? The "Rooted" series of sermons being preached by Mike Wilson is all about "seven rhythms" or techniques to improve your sanctification process and what committed follower of Jesus does not want that?

~ Arthur Van Eaton  

PRAYER REQUESTS:

• Please pray for the planning of Good News Clubs and Jesus Youth Challenge. Pray for Operation Christmas Child shoebox drop-off site. Also pray for Last Days of Jesus live nativity outreach in December       

CELEBRATE THE WINS:

Thank you for praying for our son Patrick. After just a week of looking he got a job at Weston Kia (Christian family owned) as the service department receptionist. He is so excited and we are so thankful for this opportunity for him to work in a Christian based business. Mike and Shawn Lutz

Are you looking forward to Sunday's worship service? Catch a preview by clicking on this link! 

A full-circle speaker will be coming to The Dalles, Thursday, October 6th at 7:30pm at First Christian Church to share his testimony of receiving a shoebox gift as a kid. Please join us!

•  Nursery childcare for our little ones 0-2 in Rm 102 with Tia Anderson.
•  Preschool Sunday School for 3-4 years old in Rm 101 with Tiffany Anderson.
•  K-2nd Grade will be upstairs in Rm304 with Karen Wilson & Anita Donivan.
•  3rd-5th Grade will be downstairs in Rm 104 with Patty VanEaton
•  Middle School/High School upstairs in Rm 301 with Trevor & Eedy Bachofner.
•  Adult Class in the downstairs Fellowship Hall taught by Mike Smith