Again to quote the Westminster Shorter Catechism, the chief end of man is to glory God and to enjoy him forever. The goal put before humanity made in God’s image is to be in God’s presence forever in an environment of holiness glorifying and enjoying him in full. The realization of this goal is tied to the work of Jesus Christ in history. As Savior, he is the author and perfecter of our faith. As Second Adam, he is the leader of a new humanity. His death is unto the end of establishing righteousness in us, which is life to God. His resurrection is our resurrection. When we are raised on the last day, there will be a glorious transformation as our bodies are made fit for fellowship and full communion with God forever. The totality of his work means that we have been crucified with him. We no longer live, but Christ lives in us and the life that we now live in the flesh we live by faith in the Son of God (Gal. 2:20).
Danny Olinger is the General Secretary of the Committee on Christian Education of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. He serves as editor of the monthly periodical New Horizons in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church and is the author of A Geerhardus Vos Anthology and Geerhardus Vos: Reformed Biblical Theologian, Confessional Presbyterian.
