Here’s a verse that I’ve been thinking about a lot lately:
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.
2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV)
This passage teaches that we become more and more like Jesus (“transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another”) by doing one simple thing: beholding the glory of the Lord.
This is why I’ve been spending more time this year focusing on the attributes of God in my Bible study. I’ve been reading through the Old Testament, looking for the answer to this question: “What does this passage teach me about God?”
God’s glorious attributes are on display repeatedly throughout Scripture – some passages more than others, of course.
But if you are reading the Bible with this goal in mind – to better understand and know the God of the universe – you will not be disappointed!
One passage that especially demonstrates the glory of God is Isaiah 6. I recently came across a great resource that dives into this passage with wonderful insight and clarity. It’s a Bible study by R.C. Sproul entitled “The Holiness of God.”
It’s available for free here:
https://connect.ligonier.org/library/holiness-of-god-app/about/
This study includes 6 sermons and a 70 page PDF.
The PDF contains the Bible study. I’ve completed the first lesson, and I gotta tell you, I loved it! There’s an outline of the sermon, some reading material, and well-written questions that take you deep into the meaning of the text.
If you listen to the sermons and diligently answer the questions, with a humble attitude and sincere dependence on the Holy Spirit to open the eyes of your heart, I believe strongly that you will behold the glory of God, and as a result, be transformed into the image of Christ, from one degree of glory to another.
If you’re looking for a good Bible study that focuses on the character of God, I give this one my highest recommendation.
Here’s what Jerry Bridges has to say about it:
“If it were proper to speak of one attribute of God as being more central and fundamental than another, the scriptural emphasis on the holiness of God would seem to justify its selection. Today we are inclined to emphasize the love of God, but we can never begin to appreciate His love as we should until we understand something of His holiness.
A person’s concept of God determines more than anything else what kind of life that person will live. Since an understanding of the holiness of God is so important to a right concept of God, the study of the holiness of God should be one of our highest priorities. This series of lectures by R.C. Sproul is designed to help you gain a true biblical concept of the holiness of God, to understand how His holiness affects each of us, and how we should respond in our daily lives to His holiness.”
By the way, Dr. Sproul’s website is packed with God-centered resources. You’ll find a boatload of excellent articles, sermons and Bible studies – most of them for free, and some for purchase.
Do yourself a favor and check it out today.
- 8 Great Bible Verses about the Goodness of God - April 23, 2024
- What the Bible Says about the Hands of Jesus (Thoughts on Psalm 24:1-2) - April 18, 2024
- Confessions of a Serial Sinner (Thoughts on Psalm 53:1) - April 10, 2024
