The radiance that emanated from Moses’ face and heart was the result of his having seen only a little of the fullness of God’s nature (Exodus 34:29). Even so, when the Israelites saw the change in Moses’ countenance, they knew he had had a supernatural experience. His sister, brother and the others exclaimed, “This man has been face to face with God. He has gone beyond” (see Exodus 34:29-35).
Today, we have something far more glorious than even Moses had. We actually touch and handle God’s glory. “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life” (1 John 1:1).
John is saying here, “God revealed the fullness of His glory to us in Christ. We saw His glory embodied in a person and we talked with Him. We even touched Him!”
Today we not only see the fullness of the glory of God but it now abides in us. His glory shines forth in our hearts: “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” (2 Corinthians 4:6).
Paul is saying here, “Jesus Christ, God in flesh, embodies all that God is. And since we know God is goodness, love, mercy, grace and long-suffering, we also can be assured that this is the nature of Christ. Since Jesus lives in our hearts, we know that the glory of God isn’t merely out in the cosmos somewhere. No, the fullness of His glory is in us, through the presence of Christ!”
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men” (Titus 2:11). Who is this grace? It is Jesus Christ—full of mercy, kindness, love!
“Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” (verse 12). Paul is telling us, “This grace that abides in you is the revelation of the goodness of Christ. And if you will abide in Him, His revelation will instruct you in holy living!”
