Phil Rowlands

Hello, my friends!

Today I want to share with you some incredible truths about who we are in Christ and the glorious destiny God has planned for us. When God first created humanity, He had an amazing vision in mind. The Bible tells us in Hebrews 2 that God crowned mankind with glory and honour. But what does that really mean?

Friends, when we talk about the “glory” of God, we're referring to all of His amazing attributes shining forth. God is love, He is holy, He is righteous, He is good – all of these qualities and more make up His glory. And incredibly, when God made Adam and Eve, He crowned them with that same glory. They were meant to shine with the very character and nature of God Himself! Can you imagine what that must have been like? To have the fullness of God's Spirit dwelling within, illuminating every part of your being?

But that's not all. God also crowned humanity with honour by giving us a position of authority and dominion over the earth. Genesis 1:26 tells us that God said, “Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” What an incredible privilege and responsibility! God entrusted the care and rulership of His creation to mankind.

Sadly, we know the story didn't end there. Through sin, Adam and Eve forfeited that crown of glory and honour. The indwelling presence of God's Spirit was lost. And instead of exercising wise dominion over creation, humanity began to damage and exploit it. The perfect harmony that once existed was shattered. But friends, I have good news for you today – God wasn't content to leave things that way!

You see, God loved us too much to abandon His original plan for humanity. And so, He set in motion an incredible rescue mission, culminating in the coming of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 2:9 tells us, “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, might taste death for everyone.”

Do you see what God did there? Jesus, the eternal Son of God, humbled Himself to become one of us. He took on human flesh, with all its limitations and weaknesses. The One who had always existed in perfect unity with the Father subjected Himself to life in a fallen world. Why would He do this? So that He could reclaim for us everything that was lost in Eden!

Through His life of perfect obedience, His sacrificial death on the cross, and His glorious resurrection, Jesus has made a way for us to once again be crowned with glory and honour. Romans 8:30 puts it this way: “Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.” Did you catch that? If you are in Christ, you are already glorified in God's eyes!

Friends, this is such an important truth to grasp. So often we focus only on what we've been saved from – the penalty of sin and eternal separation from God. And that is certainly cause for rejoicing! But we need to understand that we've also been saved for something – to fulfill God's original purpose for humanity. He wants to restore to us the glory and honour that was lost.

Now, I know what some of you might be thinking. “Phil, I don't feel very glorious or honourable. I still struggle with sin and weakness. How can you say I'm already glorified?” And you're right – we don't yet see the fullness of our glorification. But here's the key – it's already a done deal in God's eyes. He sees us clothed in the righteousness of Christ. And day by day, He's working to transform us more into the image of His Son.

The apostle Paul puts it this way in 2 Corinthians 3:18: “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” It's a process, friends. Little by little, as we behold Jesus, His glory begins to shine through us more and more.

And what about that position of honour and dominion that was lost? Jesus has restored that too! Ephesians 2:6 tells us that God has “raised us up together and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” We once again have spiritual authority as we abide in Christ. We can push back the forces of darkness in Jesus' name. We can bring God's kingdom to bear in every area of life.

Now, I want to address something important here. Some of you may be going through incredibly difficult circumstances right now. You may be battling illness, facing financial hardship, or dealing with broken relationships. And you're wondering, “If I have all this authority in Christ, why am I still struggling?”

Friends, we have to remember that we live in what theologians call the “already, but not yet.” The kingdom of God has already broken into this world through Christ, but it has not yet been fully consummated. We still live in a fallen world where we face trials and tribulations. But here's the key – we don't face them alone or in our own strength!

Hebrews 2:18 tells us, “For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.” Jesus knows exactly what you're going through. He experienced the full range of human suffering and temptation. And now He stands ready as our great High Priest to provide the grace and strength we need in every situation.

So how should we then live in light of these truths? First, we need to fully embrace our identity in Christ. You are not defined by your past failures or present struggles. You are a child of God, crowned with glory and honour! Let that sink deep into your soul. Meditate on it daily. Ask the Holy Spirit to make it more than just head knowledge, but heart revelation.

We need to start walking in the authority Christ has given us. When faced with temptation, stand firm on the truth that sin no longer has dominion over you (Romans 6:14). In every area of life, partner with God to see His kingdom come and His will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Never forget that this life is just the beginning. As amazing as it is to experience God's glory and walk in His authority now, it's nothing compared to what awaits us in eternity! 1 John 3:2 declares, “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.”

Can you imagine it, friends? One day we will see Jesus face to face. And in that moment, we will be fully transformed into His likeness. Every trace of sin and brokenness will be gone forever. We will shine with the undimmed glory of God for all eternity, reigning with Christ over the new heavens and new earth.

What a glorious future awaits us! But here's the wonderful thing – we don't have to wait until then to start experiencing it. Right now, in this very moment, the life of Christ is pulsing within you if you're a believer. His glory is ready to shine through you. His power and authority are available to you.

Friends, I want to challenge you today – how will you live in light of who you really are in Christ? Will you continue to let circumstances and emotions dictate your identity? Or will you stand firm on the truth of God's Word, knowing that you have been crowned with glory and honour in Him? The choice is yours, my friends. But I pray you'll embrace the fullness of all that Christ has won for you.

It's important to remember that our journey of transformation is not just for our own benefit. God wants to use us to bring His light and love to a hurting world. As we grow in our understanding of who we are in Christ, we become more effective ambassadors for His kingdom. People should see something different in us – a reflection of God's glory that draws them to Him.

Friends, let's not take this lightly. The God of the universe has chosen to make His dwelling place in us! 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds us, “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.” Every day, we have the opportunity to partner with God in His redemptive work in the world.

As we walk in our true identity, we'll find that it affects every area of our lives. Our relationships will be transformed as we learn to love others with the unconditional love of Christ. Our work will take on new meaning as we see it as an opportunity to glorify God and serve others. Even our struggles and hardships can be redeemed as we allow God to use them to shape us and draw us closer to Him.

Remember, the enemy wants nothing more than to keep you from realising and walking in your true identity. He'll try to discourage you, to make you feel unworthy or incapable. But when those thoughts come, we need to remind ourselves of what God says about us. We are His beloved children, co-heirs with Christ, crowned with glory and honour!

Be blessed today my brothers and sisters. May the reality of your identity in Christ transform how you see yourself and how you live each day. And may His glory shine ever brighter through you as you walk closely with Him. Remember, you are royalty in God's kingdom – so hold your head high and live for His glory!

Phil