GLORIFIED PART 1

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: The Unchanging Love of God
2. Understanding the Context of Romans
3. Equality in Christ: No Superiority Among Believers
4. Correctly Interpreting Romans 3:9–10
5. Clarifying Romans 3:21–23
6. From Falling Short to Being Glorified: Romans 8:30
7. Conclusion and Thanksgiving

Introduction: The Unchanging Love of God

Pastor Leonard opens the message with warmth, greeting the audience alongside Pastor Lori. They share their joy in presenting what they call the “true gospel of grace message.” Pastor Leonard reminds listeners that everything in the Christian life flows from the revelation of God’s love. As believers grow in understanding how deeply God loves them, every area of life—marriage, relationships, and love for others—begins to transform.

He emphasizes that there is nothing we can do to make God love us more or less. His love is constant and perfect. Pastor Lori humorously joins in, suggesting that if she made his favorite meals, maybe God would love him more, but Pastor Leonard firmly responds, “No.” God’s love is not conditional on behavior. Even when we make mistakes or have disagreements, God’s love never diminishes.

They declare together that God loves us just as much as He loves Jesus, a truth that astonishes and comforts them every time they remember it. His love does not grow or shrink because it is already perfect and complete.

Understanding the Context of Romans

Before diving into the topic of glorification, Pastor Leonard explains the importance of proper hermeneutics—understanding who wrote the letter, to whom it was written, and what message it conveys in its context.

He reminds the audience that the Apostle Paul wrote the book of Romans before ever visiting the city. During that time, there was a division between Jewish converts who still adhered to the Law of Moses and Gentile converts who did not. The Jewish believers viewed themselves as superior because they continued to follow the law, while the Gentiles relied on faith.

Pastor Leonard relates this to modern times, noting that many Christians today still act as though their adherence to certain religious laws or moral rules makes them more righteous than others. But Paul’s intent in Romans was to break down that mindset and reveal equality in Christ.

Equality in Christ: No Superiority Among Believers

Pastor Leonard explains that Paul’s letter aims to unify Jewish and Gentile believers by showing that both are equally in need of a Savior. He quotes Romans 1:16, saying in full: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”

From the very beginning of Romans, Paul establishes that salvation is for everyone—Jews and Gentiles alike. There is no hierarchy, no superiority. The same righteousness of God is revealed to all who believe.

Correctly Interpreting Romans 3:9–10

Pastor Lori then reads Romans 3:9-10: “What then? Are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.”

They discuss how this verse has often been taken out of context. Many quote “There is none righteous, no, not one” as though it applies to believers today, but Paul was describing humanity’s condition before Christ (BC). Paul’s purpose was not to condemn the church but to show that both Jews and Gentiles were equally guilty of sin and equally in need of redemption.

Pastor Leonard explains that Paul’s intention was unity—to prove that no group is superior. All are sinners without Christ, and all are justified equally through faith in Him.

Clarifying Romans 3:21–23

Next, Pastor Lori reads Romans 3:21–23: “But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”

They stress that this passage continues Paul’s theme of unity. Paul was teaching that righteousness does not come through the law but through faith in Jesus Christ. Under Christ, all believers—Jew and Gentile—are equally righteous.

Pastor Leonard explains that people often quote verse 23 (“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God”) out of context. He clarifies that this refers to the condition before Christ, when humanity was separated from God’s glory. But now, under the new covenant, believers have been made righteous and restored to that glory through faith.

He underscores the transition: before Christ, all fell short; after Christ, all who believe are made righteous. This is not about failure—it’s about restoration and unity in Christ’s finished work.

From Falling Short to Being Glorified: Romans 8:30

To conclude the theological point, Pastor Lori reads Romans 8:30: “Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.”

Pastor Leonard draws attention to how this verse completes Paul’s thought. Romans 3:23 ends with “falling short of the glory of God,” but Romans 8:30 reveals that in Christ, we are now glorified. The same people who once fell short are now justified and glorified through Jesus.

He explains that this word “glorified” comes from the Greek doxazó, meaning “to honor, to magnify, to make glorious.” It implies brilliance, majesty, and divine favor. This is the believer’s new identity—we are highly favored and made radiant in Christ.

Pastor Lori exclaims, “Wait, so that’s us?” and Pastor Leonard affirms, “That’s us—highly favored of God.” This is what glorification means: being lifted into the brilliance of God’s love and righteousness through Jesus Christ.

Conclusion and Thanksgiving

Pastor Leonard closes Part 1 by thanking viewers for their love, support, and generosity in helping keep the ministry going and growing. He encourages everyone to continue seeking understanding and revelation in the Word, especially in maintaining proper biblical context.

He expresses his hope that this teaching deepened the audience’s understanding of hermeneutics—the importance of reading scripture in its correct context—and strengthened their faith in the truth that they are already righteous and glorified in Christ.

We hope this article has blessed you. Share this teaching with others so they, too, can understand the powerful truth that through faith in Jesus Christ, we are not only made righteous but glorified by God Himself.