Glorification: An Introduction (Short Studies in Systematic Theology)

“Glorification marries brevity and breadth in a solidly biblical, theologically astute, highly accessible, and sharply focused treatise. Graham Cole both broadens a young student’s theological horizon and reignites the preaching imagination of the veteran pastor. A true pastor-theologian, Cole is humbly dependent on God’s word, graciously conversant with biblical and theological scholarship, and vitally concerned that we know the glory of God.”

“This valuable series aims to be simple but not simplistic. Graham Cole’s volume Glorification certainly achieves this. The relevant issues are convincingly discussed within a perceptive outline of the traditional doctrine, and the glorification of believers is viewed in the wider contexts of God’s glory, creation glory, and future cosmic glory. Highly recommended.”

“Graham Cole has given us a brilliant introduction to the doctrine of glorification. Each chapter is grounded in Scripture and informed by key thinkers, ancient and modern. Readers will find serious engagement with the individual, corporate, and cosmic aspects of glorification as Cole offers encouragement in God’s wise and glorious plan for his people.”

“An old saw claims that some people are so heavenly minded they are of no earthly good. But today most Christians seem to be so earthly minded they are of no heavenly good. In this delightful volume, Graham Cole overcomes this eclipse of heaven by masterfully rehearsing God’s grand plan to glorify himself and pastorally reminding us that our chief end is to glorify God and enjoy him forever.”

“The Bible’s storyline can be considered from many angles. In this resplendent volume, Graham Cole traces the neglected theme of the glory of God. Remarkably comprehensive, Glorification ties together many central doctrines, including the Trinity, humanity, salvation, sanctification, and eschatology. The God of the Bible is glorious, and he shares his glory with us, both now and in the future. An enlightening, edifying, and encouraging read.”

“Graham Cole guides us through the neglected but precious biblical theme of glorification. The glorious God who created us to bear his image saves us, uniting us to Christ, conforming us into his image, and even sharing his glory with us. Reading Glorification not only deepens our theology; it compels us to rejoice in our glorious God and his gifts to us, especially our glorious purpose, our glorious identity, and our glorious future.”

“Glorification is not merely one of many biblical themes. As Graham Cole compellingly argues, it is a one-word summary of the whole biblical story. The Creator God has in Christ begun—and is through the Spirit continuing—to complete a building project drawn up before the foundation of the world: the creation of a cosmos and a human community that would reflect God’s own glory. Why is there something rather than nothing? To communicate God’s greatness. This is the Christlike vocation in which the redeemed already participate and for which they continue to hope. Glorious!”

“Graham Cole is a superb theologian, and he has given us here a much-needed overview, at once succinct and profound, of the biblical doctrine of glorification. I gladly recommend this volume to God’s people everywhere.”

“There has been a gap among evangelicals in writing about the wonderful and beautiful truth of glorification. This excellent book fills that gap. Grounding this doctrine in the divine glory of God, Cole keeps his finger in the text of Scripture and his eye on the edification of the believer. For believers, sanctification is glorification begun, while glorification is sanctification complete. In this exceptional book, we are reminded that God’s promises for glorification are sure and certain—the Lord who began a good work in you will bring it to completion in God’s glorious presence!”