by Pastor Wendall Ward
Editor’s Note: Revelation Brings Elevation is the theme for the 2026 Be The Word Leadership Conference, July 16-18. We are thrilled to have Pastor Wendall Ward as one of our keynote speakers. Registration and information is at http://givebutter.com/Leader2026.
Part Two- Revelation Defined
In my previous blog I wrote that revelation is not merely information from God. It is the illumination that comes from the Word of God by the Spirit of God. Revelation lifts a believer into a greater understanding and experience of the kingdom of God (see John 3). In the revelation of how to enter and experience kingdom reality our understanding is elevated. This goes beyond our natural limitations. It shows us the blessings and benefits of how the kingdom is manifested in the earth.
Christ In You, The Hope Of Glory
One such benefit of the kingdom is the revelation in Colossians 1:24-27. It is there that the Apostle Paul reveals a truth that had been previously hidden but was now revealed to the Saints—”Christ in you, the hope of glory…”
Colossians 1:24-27… Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— THE MYSTERY that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is NOW DISCLOSED to the saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is CHRIST IN YOU, THE HOPE OF GLORY. NIV
A Shift In God’s Redemptive Plan
Like the Galatian Church, the predominately Gentile church in Colossae was under pressure from Jews in the church to follow Jewish Laws and rules in addition to the simple grace of the gospel. So, the Apostle Paul shares one of the most profound revelations in the New Testament. This news represents a monumental shift in God’s redemptive plan. And it signals the Father’s intention to bring in the “fullness of the Gentiles” (Romans 11:25) into the “glorious riches” of His Kingdom!
God’s Glory Is His Presence
The core meaning of the “glory” in the Old Testament was that God’s presence dwelt only with a particular (peculiar) people. God’s glory or presence came through the administration of a Tabernacle and then Temple ministry. However, Colossians 1:27 unveils the “mystery” hidden for ages: God now dwells directly inside believers, and this indwelling is not exclusive to Israel. God expanded His glorious riches to include Gentile believers worldwide.
His Presence In You
“Christ in You” means that Jesus does not just watch over you. It means his Spirit actively lives within you to change your character and provide strength. This internal presence is the absolute guarantee of your future resurrection, eternal life, and heavenly inheritance: “the hope of glory.”
The Apostle Peter mentions the function of the indwelling in 2 Peter 1:3-4.
“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may PARTICIPATE IN THE DIVINE NATURE and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
The Revelation of Christ In You
The revelation of “Christ in you” is essential to understand and apply to our lives for at least three reasons:
- Your worth is defined by the Christ that now dwells in you, not your performance.
- Your future is secure because Christ secures it personally and confirms it inwardly. This gives us great peace and confidence in the way we live now.
- Your spiritual growth happens by letting Christ live His life through you, rather than relying on your own willpower.
The Apostle Paul said it this way: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but CHRIST LIVETH IN ME: and the life which I now live in the flesh I LIVE BY THE FAITH OF THE SON OF GOD, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” (KJV)
The Great Revelation Brings Benefits
The indwelling Christ is now living His life through you. The great revelation of the “Christ in you…” is meant to bring you into the confident assurance. It also brings REST that Christ’s faith is at work in you. His faith is both to “will and to do” according to his good pleasure.
Divine Reality To Live From Every Day
In conclusion, the revelation of “Christ in you” is not merely a doctrine to admire, but a divine reality to live from every day. Once hidden, this truth is now made known to us. That is, God’s glorious presence is no longer confined to a place. Instead His presence dwells within His people both individually and corporately. This truth gives us unshakable worth, confident assurance, and power for transformation. As we yield to the indwelling life of Christ, we are elevated above fear, striving, and limitation into the fullness of His purpose and the hope of eternal glory that is in you NOW!