God's plan is that all be saved (1 Tm 2:4) by grace through faith (Eph 2:8) and works (Jas 2:24). However, the world will not believe unless we Christians are one as the Father and Jesus are one (Jn 17:21). The Holy Spirit makes us one (Eph 4:3; see 1 Cor 12:13) by manifesting God's glory (Jn 17:22). In summary, glory comes from the Spirit, Who makes us one. This unity opens the door for the world to believe and be saved.

Therefore, glory is very important in God's plan of salvation. The Spirit makes us one by transforming us from glory to glory (2 Cor 3:18). Glory is a complex concept, but to put it simply, glory means experiencing God's presence. When we experience God's presence repeatedly — "from glory to glory" — we become one as the Father and Jesus are one. For example, the Spirit accomplished the miraculous unity of Jews and Gentiles from the glory of Pentecost to the glory at Cornelius' household (Acts 10:44) to the glory at Antioch (Acts 11:23), etc.

Glory often includes the cross (see Rm 8:17-18; 1 Pt 4:13-14). Therefore, to become one through the glory from the Spirit, we must take up the cross daily, suffer, and even die with Jesus. The cost of Pentecost, unity, and glory is the cross. Will you take up the cross of Pentecost?

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 9, 2009

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