Titus 2:13 the advent of the glory

… anticipating that happy expectation, even the advent of the glory of the great God and our Saviour Jesus, Christ…

Twice in these verses “advent” is mentioned. In verse 11 we read about the saving grace of God that made its advent to all humanity. That advent referred to the first coming of Christ, to His death and resurrection for the benefit of all people. Verse 13 speaks of “the happy expectation even the advent of  the glory…” that we look forward to. This apparition is related to the Second Coming of Christ, or his parousia (lit. presence). On that occasion He will not only arrive and be present, but He will also appear. In 2 Thessalonians 2:8, Paul mentions both concepts in one sentence: “the advent of his presence.”

The prospect of “the happy expectation” is “the advent of the glory.” In the first place this concerns “the glory of the great God” but then also that “of our Savior Jesus Christ”. Both are not identical because “the great God” is invisible by definition, while “Jesus Christ” is precisely His image and effulgence (Col.1:15; Heb.1:3). Hence, “the advent of the glory of the great God” automatically includes the advent of “our Saviour Jesus Christ”. What an expectation!

Delen: