True Greatness Defined by Pointing Others to Christ
True greatness, in a Christian theological context, is often understood as being realized through the act of pointing others to Jesus Christ and advancing his glory. This concept is rooted in biblical teachings that emphasize Christ as the source of grace, truth, and righteousness [3, 4].
The New Testament consistently highlights the centrality of Christ. The apostle Paul, for instance, found reason for boasting in "things pertaining to God" through Christ Jesus [6]. The ultimate goal of believers is to bring glory and praise to God through the "fruits of righteousness, which are through Jesus Christ" [4]. Similarly, the book of Romans concludes with an affirmation of glory given to God, "wise alone, through Jesus Christ" [5, 10]. The expectation of believers is "the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ" [2].
The act of leading others to Christ is seen as a path to spiritual distinction and glorification. Adam Clarke, in his commentary on Daniel 12:3, interprets "they that be wise" as those "thoroughly instructed in Christ's word and doctrine" who will "shine" through their holy lives and pure creed. He further states that "they that turn many to righteousness" by "preaching Christ crucified" will be like "bright luminaries in the Gospel kingdom of Jesus Christ" [7]. This perspective suggests that actively participating in the conversion of others to the Christian faith is a significant act of service and a mark of spiritual greatness.
John Calvin also emphasizes the reciprocal nature of glorification, noting that "those who have advanced the glory of Christ will also in their turn be glorified in him" [9]. He views this as a "twofold miracle" where God first allows His glory to be seen in believers, and then "irradiates us with his glory" in return, attributing this to "the grace of God and Christ" [9]. This idea is echoed in the expectation of Christ's second coming, where he "shall come to be glorified in his saints" [11]. The preaching of the Gospel, which leads to "glorious moral changes" and the "final glorification of all them who had here received the report," is part of the "glory that should follow" Christ's resurrection and ascension [8]. The early church's mission was characterized by "preaching the Kingdom of God, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, without hindrance" [1].
Sources
- Acts “preaching the Kingdom of God, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, without hindrance. -- Acts 28:31”
- Titus “looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ; -- Titus 2:13”
- John “For the law was given through Moses. Grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. -- John 1:17”
- Philippians “being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. -- Philippians 1:11”
- Romans “Romans 16:27 (Rotherham) — Unto a God, wise alone, through Jesus Christ, [unto whom] be the glory, unto the ages. Amen.”
- Romans “Romans 15:17 (NASB) — Therefore in Christ Jesus I have found reason for boasting in things pertaining to God.”
- Daniel (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Daniel 12:3: And they that be wise - Those who are thoroughly instructed in Christ's word and doctrine, shall shine - shall be eminently distinguished in the Christian Church by the holiness of their lives, and the purity of their creed. And they that turn many to righteousness - They who, by preaching Christ crucified among their brethren, shall be the means of converting them to the Christian faith; shall be as the stars - bright luminaries in the Gospel kingdom of Jesus Christ. This also may be applied to the case of holy and useful men, particularly the faithful ministers of”
- 1 Peter (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Peter 1:11: The glory that should follow - Not only the glory of his resurrection, ascension, exaltation, and the effusion of his Spirit; but that grand manifestation of God's infinite love to the world in causing the Gospel of his Son to be everywhere preached, and the glorious moral changes which should take place in the world under that preaching, and the final glorification of all them who had here received the report, and continued faithful unto death. And we may add to this the ineffable glorification of the human nature of Jesus Christ, which, throughout eternity, will ”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, section 73.3: is more especially worthy of notice, that those who have advanced the glory of Christ will also in their turn be glorified in him. For in this, first of all, the wonderful goodness of God shines forth — that he will have his glory be conspicuous in us who are covered over with ignominy. This, however, is a twofold miracle, that he afterwards irradiates us with his glory, as though he would do the same to us in return. On this account he adds, according to the grace of God and Christ . For there is nothing here that”
- Romans (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Romans 16:25: To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ,.... This may be understood of God the Father, who is the only wise God, originally, essentially, and infinitely; though not to the exclusion of the Son and Spirit; and whose infinite wisdom appears in the works of creation and providence, in redemption and salvation by Christ, and in the whole scheme of the Gospel so largely commended in the foregoing verses: and the glory of all is displayed in, and to be given to him through Christ as Mediator; as the glory of his power and wisdom, particularly mentioned, who is the ”
- 2 Thessalonians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Thessalonians 1:10: When he shall come to be glorified in his saints,.... Or by them who are set apart for holiness and happiness by God the Father; whose sins are expiated by the blood and sacrifice of Christ; to whom he is made sanctification; and who are sanctified by the Spirit and grace of God; and in whom Christ has a peculiar interest, through his Father's gift, his own purchase, and the power of his grace: and when he comes a second time he will be glorified in these persons; he will appear glorious to them; he will come in his own glory both as God and man; and in his F”