Glorification: An Introduction

By Graham A. Cole, Series edited by Oren R. Martin, Graham A. Cole

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Glorification: An Introduction

By Graham A. Cole, Series edited by Oren R. Martin, Graham A. Cole

... Show All

How Sanctification Transforms Christians Into Glorified Beings

Facing sin, suffering, and an uncertain future, it’s easy to become pessimistic, but believers in Christ know the best is yet to come. God promises that one day he will redeem his image bearers and renew the earth. Few books are written on the doctrine of glorification, but its promise of restoration brings urgent hope for Christ followers.

In this addition to the Short Studies in Systematic Theology series, Graham A. Cole examines the concept of divine glory as well as God’s plan for redeeming individual believers, the church, and the universe. Identifying two phases of glorification—one in this life and a final transformation into Christlikeness—Cole defines the role of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in the sanctification process. Through careful study of Scripture, he shows Christians how their future identity as glorified beings should impact their perspective today.

  • Thoughtful and Theological: Walks through the plotline of Scripture to explain redemptive history, the Trinitarian work of glorification, and the future of unbelievers
  • Thorough Introduction: Studies the Old and New Testaments to explain God’s divine glory, including the stories of Moses, Isaiah, and Ezekiel, as well as the topics of creation, the incarnation, transfiguration of Jesus, and the picture of the new earth in Revelation
  • Great for Theologians, Pastors, and Students: This concise study dives deep into an overlooked area of eschatology and includes suggested resources for further reading

Read Chapter 1


Author:

Graham A. Cole

Graham A. Cole (ThD, Australian College of Theology) is emeritus dean and emeritus professor of biblical and systematic theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. An ordained Anglican minister, he has served in two parishes and was formerly the principal of Ridley College. Graham lives in Australia with his wife, Jules.

Product Details

Category: Theology
Format: Paperback
Page Count: 144
Size: 5.25 in x 8.0 in
Weight: 6.54 ounces
ISBN-10: 1-4335-6955-8
ISBN-13: 978-1-4335-6955-5
ISBN-UPC: 9781433569555
Case Quantity: 80
Published: April 19, 2022

Table of Contents

Series Preface
Introduction

Chapter 1: Our Glorious God
Chapter 2: The Glorious Divine Project
Chapter 3: The Pathway to Glory
Chapter 4: Glorification, the Prospect
Chapter 5: Who Will Be Glorified? Who Will Be Excluded?

Conclusion
Further Reading
General Index
Scripture Index

Endorsements

Glorification marries brevity and breadth in a solidly biblical, theologically astute, highly accessible, and sharply focused treatise. Graham Cole both broadens a young student’s theological horizon and reignites the preaching imagination of the veteran pastor. A true pastor-theologian, Cole is humbly dependent on God’s word, graciously conversant with biblical and theological scholarship, and vitally concerned that we know the glory of God.”
Douglas Webster, Professor of Pastoral Theology, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University

“This valuable series aims to be simple but not simplistic. Graham Cole’s volume Glorification certainly achieves this. The relevant issues are convincingly discussed within a perceptive outline of the traditional doctrine, and the glorification of believers is viewed in the wider contexts of God’s glory, creation glory, and future cosmic glory. Highly recommended.”
Peter Adam, Vicar Emeritus, St. Jude’s Carlton; Former Principal, Ridley College, Melbourne

“Graham Cole has given us a brilliant introduction to the doctrine of glorification. Each chapter is grounded in Scripture and informed by key thinkers, ancient and modern. Readers will find serious engagement with the individual, corporate, and cosmic aspects of glorification as Cole offers encouragement in God’s wise and glorious plan for his people.”
David S. Dockery, Distinguished Professor of Theology, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; President, International Alliance for Christian Education

“An old saw claims that some people are so heavenly minded they are of no earthly good. But today most Christians seem to be so earthly minded they are of no heavenly good. In this delightful volume, Graham Cole overcomes this eclipse of heaven by masterfully rehearsing God’s grand plan to glorify himself and pastorally reminding us that our chief end is to glorify God and enjoy him forever.”
C. Ben Mitchell, author, Ethics and Moral Reasoning: A Student’s Guide

“The Bible’s storyline can be considered from many angles. In this resplendent volume, Graham Cole traces the neglected theme of the glory of God. Remarkably comprehensive, Glorification ties together many central doctrines, including the Trinity, humanity, salvation, sanctification, and eschatology. The God of the Bible is glorious, and he shares his glory with us, both now and in the future. An enlightening, edifying, and encouraging read.”
Brian S. Rosner, Principal, Ridley College, Melbourne

“Graham Cole guides us through the neglected but precious biblical theme of glorification. The glorious God who created us to bear his image saves us, uniting us to Christ, conforming us into his image, and even sharing his glory with us. Reading Glorification not only deepens our theology; it compels us to rejoice in our glorious God and his gifts to us, especially our glorious purpose, our glorious identity, and our glorious future.”
Christopher W. Morgan, Dean, School of Christian Ministries, California Baptist University; Pastor, Immanuel Baptist Church, Highland, California

“Glorification is not merely one of many biblical themes. As Graham Cole compellingly argues, it is a one-word summary of the whole biblical story. The Creator God has in Christ begun—and is through the Spirit continuing—to complete a building project drawn up before the foundation of the world: the creation of a cosmos and a human community that would reflect God’s own glory. Why is there something rather than nothing? To communicate God’s greatness. This is the Christlike vocation in which the redeemed already participate and for which they continue to hope. Glorious!"
Kevin J. Vanhoozer, Research Professor of Systematic Theology, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

“Graham Cole is a superb theologian, and he has given us here a much-needed overview, at once succinct and profound, of the biblical doctrine of glorification. I gladly recommend this volume to God’s people everywhere.”
Timothy George, Distinguished Professor of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University; General Editor, Reformation Commentary on Scripture

“There has been a gap among evangelicals in writing about the wonderful and beautiful truth of glorification. This excellent book fills that gap. Grounding this doctrine in the divine glory of God, Cole keeps his finger in the text of Scripture and his eye on the edification of the believer. For believers, sanctification is glorification begun, while glorification is sanctification complete. In this exceptional book, we are reminded that God’s promises for glorification are sure and certain—the Lord who began a good work in you will bring it to completion in God’s glorious presence!”
Gregory C. Strand, Executive Director of Theology and Credentialing, Evangelical Free Church of America; Adjunct Professor of Pastoral Theology, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School