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Romans 8:18
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (Rom. 8:18).
Paul here begins to show the Roman believers yet another reason they can be assured they no longer face the possibility of condemnation. The section we are moving into (vv. 18–25) is something of an aside, in which the apostle expands on the great inheritance awaiting the saints before returning to the work of the Spirit in verse 26. In this section, he argues from the greater to the lesser. The drama of redemption is greater than we might have imagined, he says, but if God can do all He has planned, He can save fallen human beings.
In the verses we studied yesterday, Paul assured the Romans that Christians are heirs of God. If they suffer with Christ (that is, if they are truly His) they will be glorified (that is, made like Him). In verse 18, Paul says more about these two experiences. In his view, any afflictions we endure now “are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Dr. James M. Boice points out three ways the glory that awaits us will be different from our present suffering. First, it will be more intense. As Paul says in 2 Corinthians 4:16–17, our sufferings “are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (NIV). The suffering we are called to endure now may seem crushing, but it will be as “light affliction” (2 Cor. 4:17) compared to the intensity of glory. Second, glory will affect our entire being. In the 2 Corinthians passage, Paul writes that “our outward man is perishing,” indicating that suffering primarily affects our bodies. But when we reach heaven, glory “shall be revealed in us.” It will affect us from our bodies to our souls. Third, glory will endure far longer. Again in 2 Corinthians 4:17, Paul writes that affliction is “but for a moment,” while glory is “eternal.” Our suffering may seem unending, but in comparison to eternity with God it is as nothing.
God created mankind with a certain glory, for Adam and Eve were the pinnacle of creation, made in God’s image (Ps. 8:5). However, that glory was darkened by sin. God’s plan of redemption, therefore, is designed to restore to man the glory he once possessed—and more. Our final state will be more glorious than that which Adam and Eve knew in Eden, for even they were unglorified created beings. And if the glory that awaits us is greater than that which the innocent Adam and Eve knew, how much greater is it than our present existence?
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
Are you passing through trials and tribulations? Have you been comforted by the knowledge that the glory Christ has for you in heaven will make these sufferings seem as nothing? Look to the Biblical promises of heavenly rest and comfort for strength in your present trials. And ask God to keep the hope of glory always before your eyes.
For Further Study
- Isaiah 40:29–31
- 1 Corinthians 2:9
- Hebrews 2:10
- 1 Peter 1:6–7