When Jesus was transfigured his face and clothes shone like the sun in brilliance. This was the unveiling of his Shekinah Glory. This is what will happen at his appearing (epiphaneia) in glorious light. (1 Tim 6:14-16)
The psalmist wrote that God is clothed in splendour and majesty and covered with light as a garment. (Ps.104:1,2) The prophet Malachi wrote that to those who fear his name the Lord will rise as the "sun of righteousness, with healing in his wings". (Mal 4:2) Peter described Christ's "majesty" as "megaleiotes" meaning "splendour, superb magnificence, mighty power, glory". He foretold that a new day, or "age", will dawn when the “morning star” will arise in the hearts of God's people. (2 Pet 1:17-19)
Morning Star comes from the Greek word "phosphorus", meaning "light bearer". It comes from "phos" meaning to shine or make "luminous", and "phero", "to bear or carry" and refers to the appearing of Jesus in splendour as personal fulfilment in hearts of believers at his coming in glory to establish his Kingdom on earth. The reference to Jesus as Morning Star, (pertaining to the dawn) endorses this theme. (Rev 22:16, 2:26-28) To those who follow him he gives a promise that they will rule the nations and receive the Morning Star. Jesus is the Morning Star who one day will appear as the “Sun of Righteousness” to govern the world in peace. He is the light who shines in darkness and brings God's government into the world. (Isa 9:1-7, John 1: 4-9, Rev 21:23,24)
HIS LIGHT IN BELIEVERS
A new day will dawn when Christ's light will arise and shine within believers. True believers already experience the indwelling of Christ by his Spirit. One day he will reveal himself to those who trust in his name and then the righteous will shine forth (and be resplendent) as the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. (Matt 13:43) The Morning Star will arise and shine within believers. We read something similar in Daniel 12:3; the righteous will shine like stars. Believers will appear with him in glory. "Christ is our real life. When he comes back, you will shine with him in all his glory". (Col 3:4 Simplified Living Bible) "When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in (the splendour of His) glory”. (Col 3:4 Amplified Bible) The word ‘appear’ is "phaino" which is derived from phos, to shine. People who saw Christ’s glory described it as brilliant light. When Moses saw God's glory he radiated that glory and his face shone so brilliantly he had to cover it. He had experienced such concentrated exposure to the Lord's presence that he wore a veil. This glory faded outwardly but one day it will remain and believers will share His Shekinah Glory.
Martyrs and faithful followers of Jesus will be given robes of pure white. (Rev 3:4,5,18, 6:11) The word "white" is derived from the word for light and is used to describe the brightness of Jesus in glory. (Matt 17:2, Rev 1:14) Those who are faithful to him will walk in the same whiteness, as pure light, and not be found naked. (Rev 3:4,5,18) God’s children will put on garments of pure white just as He is arrayed in garments of splendour and light. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, reflected this glory and his face looked like the face of an angel.
When Adam and Eve sinned they lost their spiritual covering and became naked. Prior to their fall they were clothed in the glory of God which departed when they chose death rather than life and immortality. However, one day Jesus will restore believers to be like him. Then he will present to himself his church, glorious and without spot or wrinkle. (Phil 3:21, Eph 5:27)
God's people will shine with His Glory. "The Lord shall be their everlasting light" and they will be planted by the Lord for "the display of his splendour". (Isa 60:19,20 and 61:3 NIV Bible)
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