But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 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. (2 Cor 4:3-4)

The glory of Jesus Christ is hid in unbelievers; whether they are pagan or religious. The god of this age deprives sight of the light of the glorious gospel of Christ. This shining that cannot be seen is the radiant image of God, Jesus Christ. 2 Cor 4:6 calls this treasure of radiant glory – the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

This light or glory is the distinguishing seal between genuine and superficial professions of faith in Christ. Unbelievers fail of His glory. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God (Rom 3:23). Believers see and possess the glory presently. We shall shortly and fully behold Christ, thereby being transfigured into His Likeness (Joh 17:24; I Joh 3:2). Christianized religionists can be acquainted with facts about Christ and even sit in orthodox, fundamental churches rejoicing in another’s light (Joh 5:35) but not possessing the treasure of His glory. They hear “about” the glory but have no sight and desire. Religionists have no love, thirst, or hunger for the glories of Christ. The commands and exhortations of the New Testament have no all-satisfying draw. Blind facts have no compulsion. Glories seen breed desire for the fullness of the promises. In their unbelief, the sight of the unseen is deprived in their minds. They are blind.

However, it is the dim sight of unseen glory that marks a genuine believer (Heb 11:13). Therefore being justified by faith, we … rejoice in hope of the glory of God (Rom 5:1, 2). The waters of His glorious Person quench our thirst. Our hunger is fully satisfied in the Bread of Life. The eyes of [our] understanding being enlightened are enraptured by the beauty of the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him (Eph 1:17, 18). For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light (Psa 36:9). The corruptible emptiness of morality (“do this and live”) and unrestrained sensuality (“eat and drink, for we die tomorrow”) are forever destroyed by the grace of the glory of God, transforming us into His Image (2 Cor 3:18).

The present and end result for a genuine believer is Glory. The difficulties or denials along the way of Christ are not worthy to be compared to the possession of Himself (Joh 6:27, 60; Rom 8:18).) How would you answer His question? Will ye also go away? Those who have truly seen His glory respond. Lord, to whom shall we go? We have beheld your glory (Joh 1:14). Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God (Joh 6:67, 68-69).