Few things trouble teenagers more consistently than their bodies. The persistent presence of comparison, insecurity, limitation, and awkwardness is made worse by the confusing culture they live in—a culture that either idolizes the body or treats it as disposable. Additionally, many teenagers—including those who profess Christ—often struggle to make God-glorifying choices with their bodies as they learn what it means to follow Jesus.
In this world of frustration, disappointment, and anxiety, the doctrine of glorification offers profound comfort and solid hope for those who trust in Christ.
We hear the certainty of this hope in Romans 8:30: “Those whom he justified he also glorified.” Notice the past tense. Paul speaks of our glorification as though it has already happened—such is his absolute confidence that it will happen. For teenagers who grieve the imperfections of their bodies, this promise changes everything.
What is Glorification?
Our salvation reaches its capstone in glorification, when God fully conforms us to the image of Jesus—sinless, whole, and resurrected in body and soul. Like every other aspect of our salvation, glorification is profoundly Christ-centered, made possible only through the Savior’s death and resurrection.
When believers die, their souls and bodies separate, and they immediately enter into the Lord’s presence (2 Cor. 5:8), which is “far better” than anything this life has to offer (Phil. 1:23). Yet, as unimaginably wonderful as this is, it is not glorification. Something even better still awaits those who belong to Christ.
Glorification occurs when Jesus returns. At that moment, a complete transformation will take place—one that is both spiritual and physical. John tells us, “When he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2). Paul promises that Christ “will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body” (Phil. 3:21).
In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul describes Jesus as the “firstfruits” of a resurrection harvest (v. 20). This word was an agricultural term, describing what the rest of the harvest would be like. In other words, Jesus’ resurrection is both the guarantee and the preview of our own. Paul describes our bodies as seeds sown in the ground but raised in glory. What is now perishable, dishonorable, weak, and mortal will be raised imperishable, glorious, powerful, and immortal (vv. 42–44, 50–53).
The reality of every believer’s glorification has massive implications for teenagers, three of which I’ll mention here.
Our Sin Is Not Forever
Teenagers can grow discouraged from the relentless fight against sin. Yet John tells us that when Jesus returns, we will be pure “as he is pure” (1 John 3:3). When glorification becomes a present reality, indwelling sin will be a thing of the past. Our bodies—once tools of sin—will finally be instruments of righteousness (Rom. 6:13).
This truth offers life-giving hope to students who are grieved by the gossip that comes from their mouths, the envy cultivated by their eyes, the bitterness lodged in their hearts, or the sexual sin committed with their bodies. One day, they will be—to use Augustine’s famous phrase—non posse peccare (not able to sin). They may feel emotionally bruised and battered now from their earthly spiritual fight, but ultimate victory is certain. Those in Christ will be glorified. As the old hymn puts it, they will “be saved to sin no more.”
Our Bodies Are Not Disposable
One of the most striking implications of glorification is what it teaches us about the value of our physical bodies. God values our bodies so highly that he promises not to discard them; instead, he will raise and glorify them. Jesus himself took on human flesh, redeemed it through his atoning death and victorious resurrection, and will remain embodied for eternity.
This truth challenges both ancient and modern attitudes toward the body. In the Greco-Roman world, many believed the body was evil and disposable. Even today, society often shares the same low view of the body. Helping students see this can be paradigm-shifting.
Consider two examples:
Sex
Hookup culture tells students that sex is “just physical” and that anything goes as long as it’s consensual. Movies, TV shows, music, social media, and peers often disciple teenagers to view the body as a tool for pleasure in a way that divorces it from the whole person, including the spiritual, emotional, and mental aspects of our being. Our culture therefore severs sex from commitment, love, and covenant. Instead, bodies are used without regard for the soul within them, and people are reduced to objects.
Pornography
The porn industry pushes this depersonalization to its extreme. The depiction of erotic behavior for sexual pleasure strips away an individual’s personhood. Porn disciples the student viewing it to see bodies with zero concern for the soul of the person shown.
In all the ways today’s society undervalues the human body, the doctrine of glorification points us to the value God assigns human bodies. The Bible shows that our bodies matter. They are gifts—despite being broken by sin—that will one day be redeemed and perfected when Christ returns. Therefore, we should treat our bodies—and one another’s bodies—with honor as we eagerly await “the redemption of our bodies” (Rom. 8:23).
Our Bodies Are Not Ultimate
Glorification also warns students against idolizing their bodies. Teenagers are often insecure about their appearance, comparing themselves to those who are stronger or more attractive. The temptation is to believe that a better body would finally satisfy their souls. However, the doctrine of glorification teaches them that salvation will not be found at the gym, in the makeup bag, or in a new wardrobe. Our bodies are part of a fallen world. They will have imperfections, blemishes, and weaknesses. Beauty is fleeting (Prov. 31:30), and strength will fade (Is. 40:30). We are all headed to the grave, but that is not our final destination.
Our ultimate destination is glorification.
With this in mind, we can encourage our students to steward their bodies for God’s glory—eating healthily, exercising, practicing personal hygiene (please!), etc. We can remind them that the true goal is not physical wellness or sculpted abs, but glorification, guaranteed by the death and resurrection of Jesus.
Our students so often feel disheartened by sin, insecure about their bodies, or discipled by a culture that both devalues and deifies the body. But the doctrine of glorification lifts their eyes beyond the present moment—and beyond the mirror. As they await the return of Christ, they can fight sin with hope, honor their bodies with dignity, and steward them to the glory of God—fully convinced that what is now weak and weary will one day radiate with the glory of the risen Lord.
Rooted Reservoir offers Bible-based curriculum to help your students grow in knowing God through his Word. We also offer topical studies, including one on biblical sexuality that will help you teach from a biblical framework.
