Living in the Garden of Grace: You Will Take It With You
Reflecting on the Promises of Romans 8:17
“It has often been said that you cannot take it with you.” Yet, as Kuykendall insightfully reminds us, there is one thing we can take with us—glory. Romans 8:17 reveals the astonishing truth that believers, as joint-heirs with Christ, will share in His glory. This is not merely a distant hope but a transformative reality that shapes how we view suffering and eternity.
Joint-Heirs with Christ: Sharing in His Glory
Paul’s declaration in Romans 8:17 unveils a staggering promise: “if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.” This is more than an inheritance of rewards and crowns; it is a promise of sharing in the radiance of Christ’s glory.
The shepherds who witnessed the angels at Christ’s birth experienced this radiance: “the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid” (Luke 2:9). For believers, this glory is not fleeting; it is an eternal reality we will share with Jesus.
Suffering and the Eternal Weight of Glory
Paul connects suffering with the glory to come:
“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17).
This truth transforms how we view trials and hardships. Our suffering, though temporary, works within us an eternal weight of glory—a depth and richness of Christ’s radiance that will endure forever.
Degrees of Glory: While all believers will experience glory at Christ’s return, Paul indicates that the degree of glory corresponds to how we walk with Christ through suffering. Those whose trials have driven them closer to the Lord will experience an even greater manifestation of His glory.
Living in Glory Now
Even as we await the fullness of glory, we are called to live in it now through our union with Christ. Paul writes of this ongoing transformation:
“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18).
This “face-to-face” relationship with Jesus allows His glory to shine in and through us, even amid life’s challenges.
A Prayer of Gratitude for His Glory
Lord, thank You for the promise that we will share in Your glory, both now and for eternity. Thank You for using our suffering to work within us an eternal weight of glory. Transform us moment by moment into the image of Your Son, that we may reflect Your radiance to a watching world. Amen.
A Final Thought
What we take with us into eternity is not earthly possessions but the radiance of Christ’s glory. As we embrace suffering and cling to Him, we are being prepared for the eternal joy of being glorified together with Jesus. Let this truth encourage us to live with hope, courage, and an ever-deepening intimacy with our Savior.