Destined for glory

In Romans chapter 8, verses 28-32, Paul speaks about this secret hidden wisdom that's ordained for our glory:

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all - how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (NIV)

Notice there that key phrase again, "with Him, with Jesus." It's when we are identified with Jesus in His death, then we enter into the inheritance with Jesus. God graciously bestows upon us all things. We become heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ.

But there's a process and there are five stages outlined by Paul in this process here in Romans chapter 8. He says first, God foreknew us. Second, He predestined us. Third, He called us. Fourth, He justified, and fifth, He glorified. And all those are in the past tense.

Now those first two steps in the process took place in eternity before time ever began. Before time began God foreknew us, God predestined us, He arranged the circumstances of our lives - then in time God intervened, He called us through the preaching of the gospel. He invited us to accept our identification with Jesus. When we responded to the call, He justified us. He acquitted us of all guilt. He set us free from our sins. But when He had justified us, He didn't stop there. So many Christians have never seen this - He glorified us. He brought us up to share glory with Jesus in heaven as kings and priests. Not in the future. Notice, it's "He glorified us..." past tense. Just like every one of the others is past tense - so is that, "He glorified us together with Jesus..." This is again beautifully expressed by Paul in Colossians chapter 3, verses 1-4:

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. [Notice, it's the identification with the seated Christ on the throne.] Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, [that's your identification with Jesus in the historical past when Jesus died, you died.], and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. [That's the secret hidden wisdom. Our life is hidden with Christ in God. The world can't see it, but for you and me, it's the most real thing there is.]. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (NIV)

When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. We already share His glory, but it can't be seen. It's in the unseen invisible world. But when Christ appears in visible glory, then our glory too will be manifested.