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What We Shall Be

[Part 1 – Study Aired Oct 1, 2024]
[Part 2 – Study Aired Oct 8, 2024]

 

As believers in Christ, we stand at the threshold of a profound transformation—a journey from our natural, earthly state to a spiritual, heavenly one. This transition culminates in a glorious spiritual state that often remains veiled to our current understanding. The Apostle Paul hints at this transformation in 2 Corinthians 5:17:

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

This verse speaks of a radical change, a new creation that begins the moment we come to faith in Christ. But what is the ultimate form of this new creation? What will we be when we fully transition from the natural to the spiritual?

The prophet Isaiah, centuries before Christ, foresaw this newness:

(Isaiah 43:19) “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.”

This Old Testament prophecy points to the transformative work of God, which finds its fullest expression in Christ and our future glorification.

The Apostle John, in his first epistle, acknowledges the mystery surrounding our future state:

“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” (1 John 3:2)

This verse encapsulates both the certainty of our transformation and the mystery surrounding its final form. We are already children of God, yet our ultimate spiritual state remains veiled.

The prophet Daniel also spoke of this future glorified state:

(Daniel 12:2-3) “And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.”

As we progress through this study, we must remember the words of our Lord Jesus in Luke 17:20-21:

“The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.”

This passage reminds us that the spiritual state we’re exploring is not an external, observable change, but an internal, spiritual reality. It begins in the heart and manifests in our lives as we grow in Christ, ultimately culminating in a glorified spiritual state.

To grasp these spiritual truths, we must heed the instruction of 1 Corinthians 2:13:

“Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.”

Our study will rely not on man’s wisdom or speculation, but on the teachings of the holy spirit as revealed in Scripture. We will compare spiritual truths with spiritual truths, using God’s Word to interpret itself and illuminate our understanding of what we shall become.

As we explore this topic, let’s approach it with humility, remembering the counsel of Proverbs 28:26:

“He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.“

Our goal in this study is not merely to satisfy curiosity about our future state, but to gain a deeper understanding of God’s ultimate purpose for us. As we review what we shall be, may we be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2), growing ever more into the image of Christ.

As we begin to explore this profound transformation, we must first understand our current natural state and its limitations. This understanding will serve as a foundation for grasping the magnitude of the change that awaits us.

As we learned in our previous study, the natural or carnal mind is fundamentally limited in its ability to grasp spiritual truths. Paul articulates this in Romans 8:6-7:

“For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.”

This aligns with what we saw in 1 Corinthians 2:14:

“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

The prophet Isaiah also spoke of this spiritual blindness:

(Isaiah 6:9) “And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.”

We previously discussed the concept of the ‘old man’ or ‘old nature’. Paul describes this in Ephesians 4:22:

“That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;”

This ‘old man’ corresponds to what Paul calls the “image of the earthy” in 1 Corinthians 15:49:

“And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.“

This earthy nature traces back to Adam’s creation, as described in Genesis 2:7:

“And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”

Paul further elaborates on this concept in Romans 5:12-14:

“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.”

TThis passage underscores how our natural state has always been fundamentally sinful, with Adam’s transgression serving as the point where sin and its consequences were fully realized in the world. This “reign of death” characterizes our natural state from conception, emphasizing our deep need for transformation through Christ.

Our previous study emphasized the importance of spiritual discernment in overcoming the limitations of our natural state. Hebrews 5:14 highlights this:

“But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”

The prophets recognized this need for divine insight. Jeremiah prayed:

(Jeremiah 10:23) “O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.”

As we concluded in our last study, our natural state necessitates a profound transformation. Jesus emphasizes this in John 3:3:

“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.“

Ezekiel prophesied about this transformation:

(Ezekiel 36:26) “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.“

Having grasped the limitations of our natural state, we can now turn our attention to the remarkable process of transformation that God initiates in believers. This journey from our carnal nature to a spiritual one is both gradual and profound, involving every aspect of our being.

As our last study showed the transformation from our natural state to our spiritual state is not instantaneous, but a progressive journey. Paul describes this process in 2 Corinthians 3:18:

“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

This gradual transformation is also reflected in the Old Testament. The Psalmist writes:

(Psalm 84:7) “They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God.”

This progression suggests that our transformation is an ongoing process, where we continually grow and mature spiritually.

A crucial aspect of this transformation involves putting off our old nature and putting on a new one. Paul explains this in Ephesians 4:22-24:

“That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”

This concept of exchanging an old nature for a new one is also present in the Old Testament. Isaiah prophesies:

(Isaiah 61:10) “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.”

The holy spirit plays a crucial role in this transformation process. Paul writes in Titus 3:5-6:

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;”

This work of the holy spirit was prophesied in the Old Testament. Joel declared:

(Joel 2:28-29) “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.”

The holy spirit’s work in us is transformative, enabling us to understand spiritual truths and empowering us to live according to God’s will.

It’s important to note that this transformation process often involves trials and suffering. James speaks to this in James 1:2-4:

”My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

Similarly, Paul writes in Romans 5:3-5:

”And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”

These passages reveal that our trials are not meaningless, but are part of God’s transformative work in our lives, producing perseverance, character, and hope.

A key aspect of this transformation is the renewal of our minds. As Paul exhorts in Romans 12:2:

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

Paul provides practical guidance for this mental renewal in Philippians 4:8:

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

This New Testament instruction echoes the Old Testament wisdom found in Psalm 1:2:

“But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.“

Both passages emphasize the importance of deliberately focusing our minds on godly things as part of our transformation process.

This renewal causes us to think and perceive in alignment with God’s truth, gradually shifting us from natural to spiritual understanding.

The Psalmist recognized the importance of this mental renewal:

(Psalm 51:10) “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”

It’s crucial to understand that this transformation is not just an individual process, but also a communal one. Paul describes this in Ephesians 4:15-16:

“But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.“

This New Testament teaching reflects the Old Testament concept of God’s people growing together, as seen in Malachi 3:16-18:

“Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.”

These passages highlight how our individual transformation contributes to and is supported by the growth of the entire body of believers.

As we contemplate this ongoing process of transformation, our hearts and minds naturally turn to its ultimate goal. What is the final destination of this spiritual journey? Scripture provides us with tantalizing glimpses of our future spiritual state, revealing a reality that far surpasses our current experience or imagination.

This transformation process is not just about us as individuals or even as the church, but is part of God’s grand plan for all of creation. Paul hints at this in Ephesians 1:9-10:

”Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:”

And again in Colossians 1:19-20:

”For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.”

These passages state that our transformation is part of a reconciliation and renewal of all men that God is working out through Christ. As we are transformed into Christ’s image, we participate in and contribute to this grand divine plan.

As we progress in our study, we will explore the ultimate outcome of this transformation – our future spiritual state.

As we have seen, Scripture provides glimpses of our future spiritual state, though much remains a mystery. Let’s explore what God’s Word reveals about what we shall be when we fully transition from the natural to the spiritual.

The ultimate goal of our transformation is to be conformed to the image of Christ. This conformity encompasses not just our appearance, but our entire nature, including perfect holiness and the fullness of knowledge. Paul writes in Romans 8:29:

“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”

This aligns with John’s statement in 1 John 3:2 and the Psalmist’s anticipation in Psalm 17:15. Part of this conformity includes attaining perfect knowledge and wisdom, as Paul elaborates in 1 Corinthians 13:9-12:

(1 John 3:2) “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.”

(Psalms 17:15) “As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.”

(1 Corinthians 13:9-12) “For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”

This fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy and Jeremiah’s promise of universal knowledge of the Lord.

(Isaiah 11:9) “They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.” 

(Jeremiah 31:34) “And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”

Peter reveals another aspect of our future state in 2 Peter 1:4:

“Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”

This concept of sharing in God’s nature echoes the original purpose of man’s creation as stated in Genesis 1:26-27:

“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”

Paul provides insight into the nature of our future bodies in 1 Corinthians 15:42-44:

“So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.”

This transformation of our bodies is further elaborated in Philippians 3:20-21:

“For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.”

The prophet Daniel also spoke of this glorified state in Daniel 12:3:

“And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.”

While we’ve focused largely on individual transformation, it’s crucial to understand that our future spiritual state has both individual and corporate dimensions. Paul often uses the metaphor of a body to describe the church (1 Corinthians 12:12-27), suggesting that our individual glorification is part of a larger, corporate glorification of the entire body of Christ. Our perfect unity with Christ will also mean perfect unity with each other, experiencing a level of community and harmony that far surpasses our current experience.

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Part II (October 8)

While these glimpses of our future state are awe-inspiring, they naturally lead us to consider the specific attributes that will characterize our glorified existence. Scripture provides us with further insights into the qualities and capacities we will possess in our spiritual state.

As we explore the attributes of our future spiritual state, we find several key characteristics revealed in Scripture. While we “see through a glass darkly” as (1 Corinthians 13:12) states regarding many aspects of our future state, God’s Word provides clear insights into certain attributes we will possess.

One of the most significant attributes of our spiritual state will be immortality and incorruption. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:53-54:

“For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.“

This fulfills the prophetic vision of Isaiah:

(Isaiah 25:8) “He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.”

In our spiritual state, we will no longer be subject to decay, disease, or death. Our existence will be eternal and incorruptible.

In our spiritual state, we will experience perfect holiness. Paul describes the church in its glorified state in Ephesians 5:27:

“That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.”

Jude affirms this in his doxology:

(Jude 1:24) “Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,”

This state of perfect holiness fulfills the Old Testament promise of Zechariah 14:20-21, where even mundane items will be holy to the Lord.

(Zechariah 14:20-21) “In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD; and the pots in the LORD’S house shall be like the bowls before the altar. Yea, every pot in Jerusalem and in Judah shall be holiness unto the LORD of hosts: and all they that sacrifice shall come and take of them, and seethe therein: and in that day there shall be no more the Canaanite in the house of the LORD of hosts.“

Perhaps the most profound attribute of our spiritual state will be unhindered communion with God. John describes this in Revelation 21:3:

“And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.“

This echoes God’s covenant promise in Ezekiel 37:26-27:

“Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them: and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore. My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”

In Revelation 22:4, John further states, “And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.” This direct, face-to-face communion with God will be the ultimate fulfillment of our created purpose and the source of eternal joy and satisfaction.

Our spiritual state will not be one of passive existence, but of active, purposeful service. Revelation 22:3 tells us:

“And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:”

This service will be a joy, not a burden, as we fulfill our created purpose in perfect harmony with God’s will.

In our spiritual state, we will experience perfect unity with Christ and with one another. Jesus prayed for this in John 17:21-23:

“That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.”

This unity will be a perfect reflection of the unity within the Godhead, demonstrating God’s love to all of creation.

As marvelous as these attributes of our future state are, they represent only part of the picture. Scripture reveals that our glorified existence will not be one of passive rest, but of active participation in God’s eternal kingdom. Our future state encompasses not only what we will be, but also what we will do. We will have specific roles and responsibilities that reflect our new nature and allow us to actively engage in God’s ongoing work.

One of the most striking aspects of our future role is that we will reign with Christ. Paul writes in 2 Timothy 2:12:

“If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:”

This verse underscores the connection between our present faithfulness and our future role. It encourages us to endure hardships, knowing that they prepare us for our future responsibilities.

This promise of reigning is not limited to Paul’s writings. In the book of Revelation, we see a glimpse of the glorified church, described in terms that echo both royal and priestly functions:

(Revelation 5:10)”And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.“

This verse presents a stunning picture of our future state. We are not merely subjects in God’s kingdom, but active participants in its governance. The dual role of kings and priests suggests that our reign will involve both authority and service, mirroring Christ’s own role as King and High Priest.

This concept of reigning with Christ fulfills the vision given to Daniel:

(Daniel 7:27) “And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.”

Our reign with Christ will be an extension of His authority and a fulfillment of God’s original mandate for humanity to have dominion over creation (Genesis 1:28).

(Gen 1:28) “And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.“

Paul reveals another aspect of our future role in 1 Corinthians 6:2-3:

“Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?”

This judicial role aligns with Daniel’s prophecy:

(Daniel 7:22) “Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.”

While Scripture doesn’t provide extensive details about this aspect of our future role, it clearly indicates a position of great responsibility and authority in the spiritual realm. The exact nature of this judgment remains a mystery, but it underscores the elevated status we will have in Christ.

Our glorified state will also be characterized by eternal worship and service to God. John describes this in Revelation 7:15:

“Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.”

This eternal service is further elaborated in Revelation 22:3:

“And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:”

This eternal worship and service fulfills Isaiah’s vision of continual worship in the new creation:

“And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD.” (Isaiah 66:23)

Our worship and service in the spiritual realm will not be a burden, but a joy and the fulfillment of our created purpose.

In our glorified state, we will perfectly reflect God’s glory. Paul hints at this in 2 Corinthians 3:18:

“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

This transformation will reach its completion in our spiritual state, fulfilling God’s purpose to conform us to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29). We will serve as living testimonies to God’s grace and power, reflecting His glory throughout His creation. However, it’s crucial to understand that our glorified state and service will not occur in isolation.

Our future spiritual state will be set within the broader context of an entirely new creation – a reality that forms the perfect backdrop for our eternal communion with God and service in His kingdom. This new creation is an integral part of God’s redemptive plan, providing the setting for our glorified existence.

This future state represents the culmination of God’s work, where we will reflect His image more perfectly than ever before. As we contemplate these future responsibilities, may we be inspired to serve God faithfully in our current state, growing in Christlikeness and preparing ourselves for the glorious roles that await us in eternity.

The Apostle Peter speaks of this new creation in 2 Peter 3:13:

“Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.”

This echoes the prophecy of Isaiah:

(Isaiah 65:17) “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.”

And again in Isaiah 66:22:

“For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain.”

John also provides a vivid description of this new creation in Revelation 21:1:

“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.”

This new creation will be the perfect environment for our glorified, spiritual state – a realm where righteousness dwells and where the effects of sin and corruption are completely absent.

Within this new creation, Scripture speaks of a heavenly city – New Jerusalem. The author of Hebrews refers to this city in Hebrews 12:22-24:

“But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.”

John describes this city in detail in Revelation 21:2:

“And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.”

The prophet Isaiah foresaw the glory of this city:

(Isaiah 60:1-3) “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.“

This heavenly city represents the dwelling place of God with His people, the center of the new creation where our spiritual state will find its fullest expression.

Ultimately, the new creation will be characterized by God’s all-encompassing presence. Paul describes this in 1 Corinthians 15:28:

“And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.”

This aligns with the prophecy in Zechariah 14:9:

“And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.“

The concept of God being ‘all in all’ suggests a reality where God’s presence, will, and glory permeate every aspect of existence. Practically, this will mean that every action, thought, and aspect of creation will be in perfect harmony with God’s nature and purposes, with no hint of sin or rebellion.

In this new reality, the distinction between the spiritual and physical realms as we know them will cease. God’s presence will permeate all of creation, and our spiritual state will allow us to fully perceive and interact with this divine reality.

Our future spiritual state will be set within the context of a completely renewed creation. This new heaven and new earth, centered on the heavenly Jerusalem, will be the perfect environment for our glorified existence. In this new reality, where God is all in all, we will experience the fullness of our transformation, living in perfect harmony with God, each other, and all of creation. As we anticipate this glorious future, may we be inspired to live as citizens of heaven even now, allowing the reality of the coming new creation to shape our present lives and priorities.

Understanding our future spiritual state is not merely an academic exercise. This knowledge should profoundly impact how we live in the present. As we anticipate our glorious future, Scripture provides guidance on how we should respond to this hope.

The Apostle John emphasizes the purifying effect of our future hope in 1 John 3:2-3:

“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.“

This purification process is reminiscent of the refiner’s fire described by the prophet Malachi:

(Malachi 3:2-3) “But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap: And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.“

The hope of our future state should motivate us to pursue holiness and Christlikeness in our present lives.

Paul exhorts us to focus our thoughts on our future spiritual reality in Colossians 3:1-4:

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.“

This mindset echoes the Psalmist’s devotion:

“Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.” (Psalm 73:25)

Our future state should shape our present priorities, causing us to value eternal things over temporal ones.

The hope of our future glory gives us strength to endure present difficulties. Paul writes in Romans 8:18:

“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

This perspective is reinforced in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18:

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

The prophet Isaiah also spoke of the strength that comes from hoping in the Lord:

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

Our future state provides us with an eternal perspective that helps us persevere through trials and tribulations.

Finally, the knowledge of our future state should cause us to live as citizens of heaven, even while we remain on earth. Paul writes in Philippians 3:20-21:

“For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.”

This heavenly citizenship should be evident in our conduct, as Peter exhorts in 1 Peter 2:11-12:

“Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.”

The hope of our future spiritual state should profoundly impact our present lives. This anticipation should serve as a purifying force, redirecting our focus towards heavenly matters, strengthening us during trials, and motivating us to live as citizens of heaven. As we look forward to our glorious future, may we find inspiration to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of our calling, allowing the reality of our future state to be reflected in our daily lives and actions.

As we conclude our study on what we shall be when we fully transition from the natural to the spiritual, let’s reflect on the key truths we’ve uncovered from Scripture:

The Apostle Paul prays in Ephesians 1:18:

“The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,“

Throughout this study, we’ve glimpsed the glorious hope of our calling in Christ. We’ve seen that we will be:

– Conformed to Christ’s image (Romans 8:29)
– Partakers of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4)
– Possessors of spiritual, incorruptible bodies (1 Corinthians 15:42-44)
– Endowed with perfect knowledge and understanding (1 Corinthians 13:12)

We’ve also explored our future roles, including reigning with Christ and eternal worship and service. All of this will take place in the context of a new creation, where God will be all in all.

This hope is not a vague wish, but a certain expectation based on God’s promises. As the prophet Jeremiah declared:

(Jeremiah 29:11) “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

With this glorious future in view, we are called to press on toward the goal. Paul expresses this beautifully in Philippians 3:12-14:

“Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.“

This forward-looking perspective should characterize our lives as we anticipate our future spiritual state. We’re called to actively participate in the transformative work of the holy spirit, allowing the hope of our future to shape our present reality.

The prophet Micah captured this attitude of hopeful perseverance:

(Micah 7:7-8) “Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me. Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me.”

As we conclude, let’s remember that the knowledge of our future spiritual state is not meant to merely satisfy our curiosity, but to transform our lives. It will purify us, motivate us to holiness, strengthen us in trials, and cause us to live as citizens of heaven even now.

May the words of the Apostle John resonate in our hearts:

(1 John 3:2) “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.“

Let this glorious hope of what we shall be inspire us to live lives worthy of our calling, eagerly anticipating the day when we shall fully transition from the natural to the spiritual, and see our Lord face to face.