Falling Short

I’m a short person, and it is very hard for me to reach some things.

What is the glory of God?

Jesus Christ came to show us, and share with us, the glory of God

According to the Bible, who falls short of the glory of God?

All that have sinned.

Key verse (Romans 3:23) in different versions

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. NIV & ESV

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; KJV

Since we’ve compiled this long and sorry record as sinners (both us and them) and proved that we are utterly incapable of living the glorious lives God wills for us, God did it for us. Message

You see, all have sinned, and all their futile attempts to reach God in His glory fail. Voice

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. NLT

[^LFor; Because] Everyone has sinned and ·fallen short [or is not worthy] of God’s ·glorious standard [or glorious presence; ^Lglory], EXB

We all have sinned, and do sin, but a person that is not in Christ Jesus cannot experience the glory of God, because they do not know God. A person cannot know God without Christ. A person that is in Christ may sin, but they should not remain in sin, but remain in Him. They should pray to their Father and repent.

Notice in the following Scripture, the words that describe a person that habitually acts in a certain way. For instance: an adulterER is someone who habitually lives their lives in an unfaithful way. An adulterER is who they are. 

Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 

A person, who is in Christ may fall short and sin and commit adultery for instance, but they should not remain in the sin, but in Him. They should not be living their lives in a way that would identify them as an adulterer. They should confess their sin, be forgiven and healed, and press on in the salvation that is in Jesus; the salvation work that destroys the works of the devil.

The works of the devil is sin.

The work of God is salvation.

A sinner remains in the sin work of the devil.

A saved person remains in the salvation work of God.

He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 1 John 3:8-9

My little children, I am telling you this so that you will stay away from sin. But if you sin, there is someone to plead for you before the Father. His name is Jesus Christ, the one who is all that is good and who pleases God completely. He is the one who took God’s wrath against our sins upon himself and brought us into fellowship with God; and he is the forgiveness for our sins, and not only ours but all the world’s. 1 John 2:1-2 TLB

A runner is someone who runs

A writer is someone who writes

A singer is someone who sings

A sinner is someone who sins

And a sinner falls short of God’s glory.

Christ did not fall short of the glory of God; Christ is the glory of God.

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 2 Corinthians 5:21

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15 

Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 1 Peter 2:22 

And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. 1 John 3:5 

Now that we’ve made that clear, let’s proceed.

Without Jesus Christ, we fall short of the glory of God

LIGHT OF GRACE AND TRUTH: Without Jesus Christ, we fall short of the glory of God; His glorious LIGHT of grace and truth.

When we trust in Jesus, we can reach for, benefit from, and be a partaker of the glory of God’s grace and truth. 

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. John 1:29

Jesus said,

I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. Jon 12:46

John and the Revelation of Jesus Christ

Glorious Light then, glorious Light now, glorious Light forever!

New Jerusalem coming down from heaven is described as having the glory of God as its Light, and that the glory of God is the Lamb of God. And that light is most precious. Christians behold the Lamb of God that takes away the sin by hearing the Gospel Light and believing it. Their names are written in the Lamb's book of life. They walk in that Light now and forever.

…Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife…shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious…And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: …And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life. 

Read entire text Revelation 21:9-27 

Christians are citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem, the City of the living God! 

But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. Hebrews 12:22-24 

The glorious Gospel LIGHT

We are introduced to the glory of God when we come face to face with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and we hear and BELIEVE.

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 2 Corinthians 4:4-7

The same [John] came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He [Jesus] was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:7-14

REST: Without Christ Jesus, we fall short of the glory of God; the glorious rest.

When we trust in Jesus, we can reach for, benefit from, and be a partaker of the glory of God’s rest. 

Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.Hebrews 4: 1

And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious. Isaiah 11:10 

All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:27-30 

SALVATION: Without Christ Jesus, we fall short of the glory of God;  His glorious salvation work.

When we trust in Jesus, we can reach for, benefit from, and be a partaker of the glory of God’s salvation. 

As we’ve said, God’s work is salvation and abundant life here, and eternal life with Him in Christ Jesus.

Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. John 6:28-29 

Meanwhile, we’ve got our hands full continually thanking God for you, our good friends—so loved by God! God picked you out as his from the very start. Think of it: included in God’s original plan of salvation by the bond of faith in the living truth. This is the life of the Spirit he invited you to through the Message we delivered, in which you get in on the glory of our Master, Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 Message

Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him 2 Timothy 2:10-11

Glorious LIFE: Without Christ Jesus, we fall short of the glory of God; His glorious life.

When we trust in Jesus, we can reach for, benefit from, and be a partaker of the glory of life with God. 

Resurrection glory

Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4 KJV

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: John 11:25 

Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. John 11:40-44 

There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. 1 Corinthians 15:40-44 

When we trust in Jesus, we can reach for, benefit from, and be a partaker of the glory of God’s righteousness. 

For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious. Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:9-18

Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:11 

Glorious FAMILY: Without Christ Jesus, we fall short of the glory of God; His glorious family.

When we trust in Jesus, we can reach for, benefit from, and be a partaker of the glory of God’s family.

Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. Romans 15:7

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Hebrews 2:9-11 

That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. Ephesians 5:27 

Glorious PRESENCE: Without Christ Jesus, we fall short of the glory of God; His glorious Presence.

When we trust in Jesus, we can reach for, benefit from, and be a partaker of the glory of God’s indwelling and eternal Presence.

Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 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: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Colossians 1:26-28 

Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. 2 Thessalonians 1:9-10 

That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Ephesians 3:16-19 

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter5:10-11

Glorious FORGIVENESS: Without Christ Jesus, we fall short of the glory of God; His glorious forgiveness.

When we trust in Jesus, we can reach for, benefit from, and be a partaker of the glory of God’s forgiveness.

Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? Romans 2:4 

For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter. 2 Corinthians 7:10-11 

Glorious LOVE: Without Christ Jesus, we fall short of the glory of God; His glorious love.

When we trust in Jesus, we can reach for, benefit from, and be a partaker of the glory of God’s great love.

Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. John 17:20-23 

Glorious NATURE: Without Christ Jesus, we fall short of the glory of God; His glorious nature.

When we trust in Jesus, we can reach for, benefit from, and be a partaker of the glory of God’s holiness.

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 2 Peter 1:3-4 

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. Jude 1:24-25 

We can ask the question as we go through life; Does this action, or do these words, live up to the glory of God in light of what we’ve just read?

Extra reading; some background about the glory!

And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory. (Moses to God)

And he said, 

I will make all my goodness pass before thee

I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee

I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious

I will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy. (God to Moses)

Exodus 33:18-19 

Now the Lord descended in the cloud and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord. 

And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed,

 “The Lord, the Lord God, 

merciful and gracious,

 longsuffering, and 

abounding in goodness and truth, 

keeping mercy for thousands, 

forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty..Exodus 34:5-7

The Old Testament is a testament of the glory of God in Christ Jesus.

Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. Luke 24:25-27 

Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people. Behold, the Lord hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvationcometh; behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. And they shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of the Lord : and thou shalt be called, Sought out, A city not forsaken. Isaiah 62:10-12 

Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth. And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. Acts 13:46-48

I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house. I am the Lord : that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. Isaiah 42:6-8 

PRAYER

Father in heaven, praise You for showing us Your glory by sending us Christ Jesus. Our salvation! Our righteousness! We believe the Gospel truth concerning Him; that He came to live for us, to die for us, and to rise again from the grave for us! Thank you for our new life in Him! We rest in this salvation work! Thank you for leading us to repentance and for forgiving us! We love Your Presence, now and forever. We know now, more than ever, that we are so very much loved by You! Help us function as a family as You have intended. May all that we do and all that we say reflect the glory of all the wonderful things we are blessed with in Christ Jesus.

Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:17