Another Glory of the Stars
40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.
41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.
42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:
43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:
44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
Besides the fact that the glory of the stars is a lesser kingdom of glory, there is another unique feature about the lowest kingdom. Unlike the celestial kingdom and the terrestrial kingdom, it contains innumerable divisions:
“For one star differeth from another star in glory.”
In the book of Job we learn that as spirits in heaven before coming to earth, we were referred to as stars:
4 Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. 5 Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? 6 Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; 7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? (Job 38:4-7)
In fact, even the fallen angels were once referred to as stars. John the Revelator tells us.
4 And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. (Revelation 12:4)
It is apparent that there are many divisions of the lowest kingdom of heaven for they are as innumerable as stars with different variations of glory or light. I love the image of the star because even in the lowest degrees of heaven, those who inherit that kingdom will shine as bright as the stars, some more brilliant than others.
It is a brilliant way to describe the different degrees of glory in heaven as well as the vastness of heaven and the vastness of rewards.
For me, the concept of the many heavens described by Paul only makes sense when you consider the following verse from the Book of Revelation, “
“12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” (Revelation 22:12)
We are so varied in our behavior, how is it possible to “give every man according as his work shall be” if there are not many degrees of reward. The same holds true for hell. Does a pickpocket have to pay a murder’s penalty? Can God reward every man alike or punish every man alike and still be just?
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