CHRIST IN YOU, THE HOPE OF GLORY

"To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory"  (Colossians 1:27).

Great profundity is packed into these few words. Here is something that God Himself makes known. It involves glorious riches, or treasures that bring glory to both God and man. There is also a profound mystery that is opened to us, revealing marvelous and beneficial glory. Here is something made known among "the Gentiles," formerly alienated from God and enslaved by the devil. The matter made known to us by God is not something unrelated to us, like learning of some abstract reality detached from us. Rather the riches of the mystery are made known by confirming that Christ is in us – not only that He is "in us," but that His presence is the guarantee of being "glorified together" with Him (Rom 8:17).
From one standpoint, it is strange to read of a mystery that is "rich in glory." It seems like a contradiction, but it is not. The "mystery" of reference is not something currently concealed. It is something that has been revealed by God--that is what makes it "glorious." In Christ Jesus, a "mystery" is something formerly concealed, but now made known (Rom 16:25; Eph 1:9; 3:3,4; 3:9; 6:19Col 1:26; 2:2). A "mystery" is also something that cannot be DISCOVERED BY men. Rather, it must be REVEALED to them. The point is, that this is realized in Christ Jesus.
"Glory" is a term describing the effects of that revelation upon us. When God opens this truth to the individual, spiritual and moral transformation takes place (2 Cor 3:18; 4:6). This is what takes grievousness out of the commandments (1 John 5:3). This makes Jesus' yoke "easy" and His "burden light" (Matt. 11:30). Such glory is related to "riches" because of the spiritual wealth it brings to the saved. They are better because of this glory – stronger, more able, wiser, and more discerning. Thereby they become sufficient for both life and death.
And what is "the riches of the glory of this mystery?" It is simply this; "Christ in you, the hope of glory." The "hope of glory" is the persuasion that you will ever be with the Lord; that you are not destined to remain forever in a state of handicap and restriction. "Weeping may endure for the night, but joy cometh in the morning" (Psa. 30:5). There is a "crown of righteousness" that shall be given to every triumphant individual by "the Lord, the righteous Judge" (2 Tim. 4:8). "Well done, good and faithful servant," will be shouted over every person who has lived by faith. Such will receive "praise from God" (1 Cor 4:5), and because of their hope, they know it! The Christ who saved and enables them, is dwelling within them! How marvelous to ponder!man have praise from God" (1 Cor. 4:5).

Is it possible to be dominated by such contemplations; to be "persuaded that He is able to keep that which I've committed unto Him, against that day" (2 Tim. 1:12)? Indeed it is! "Christ IN you" is the hope of that glory. Take special note of that affirmation. It is not your consistency that is the hope of glory. It is not the success of your endeavors for Him that is the hope of glory! Rather, it is Christ in you--your possession of Him--that is your pledge of coming glory!