I’m thinking that, even though most of us have never taken training in judo or karate or one of the other martial arts, we know what someone is referring to when they talk about a white belt, or a green belt, or a black belt. It’s understood that a white belt is a beginner . . . a green belt is somewhere in the middle of martial arts capability . . . and that you don’t mess with a black belt. I was reading something that said that, while it is common today for people to buy a new belt as they progress through the ranks, at one time they had only one belt. It started out as white and then was dyed a different color as they progressed. The same belt worn throughout their training . . . transformed from white, to yellow, to orange, to green, to blue, to brown, to black as they grew in capability. Different colors indicating different degrees. Each color dye building on the previous color. And this morning, something I read in 1Corinthians 3 got me thinking about a black belt in glory.

“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” (2Corinthians 3:18 ESV)

If I’m reading this and applying this correctly, as believers, we all . . . ALL . . . are being transformed from one degree of glory to another. The NIV says we are “being transformed into the likeness with ever-increasing glory” . . . the NKJV and NASB say we are “being transformed into the same image from glory to glory” . . . and Peterson renders it this way in the MSG, “And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like Him.”

This is the work of sanctification . . . the progressive work undertaken by God to purify us . . . to make us holy . . . to conform within us the nature and image of His Son. It starts with taking hearts that are soiled with sin and making them white . . . “Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool” (Isa. 1:18). The Spirit of the living God determining to take those white hearts and write upon them a letter testifying of redeeming grace (2Cor. 3:3). And as He writes, as we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2Peter 3:18), our hearts take on some color.

A hue of having logged a few miles with Jesus starts to become evident. Subtle undertones are brought forth as we are refined in the fire. Just as the face of Moses shone after his encounters with the Lord, so too our countenance starts to take on a subtle glow as we spend time with Jesus and the indwelling glory of His Spirit starts to emit from our lives. But while Moses’ shine faded, the glory that is being formed within us increases in intensity . . . “from one degree of glory to another.” The “color” of our hearts being transformed . . . literally being transfigured (as was Jesus) . . . being dyed, if you will, to reflect the faithful, gracious work, of God’s Spirit in those He has redeemed for His own.

So, if according to God’s will . . . and if, by God’s grace . . . He desires to transfigure me into the image of His Son . . . to participate in the glory of the Risen King . . . why wouldn’t I sign up? Why wouldn’t I invite in His life transforming, sanctifying truth (John 17:17)? Why wouldn’t I desire to yield to the Spirit’s work of dying my heart to reflect the results of His instruction in righteousness? Why wouldn’t I “enter into training” as one who runs a race to win the prize (1Cor. 8:24)? Why wouldn’t I desire a black belt in glory?

Not that I might claim it as a result of my own effort, but solely of His amazing, sanctifying grace. Not that I might boast in self-righteousness, but give all glory to the One who has called me to be holy and has granted to me His divine power which pertains “to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence, by which He has granted to us His precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature” (2Peter 1:3-4).

Bring on the color . . . let’s go for the black belt . . . the next degree of glory for His glory . . . forever and ever, amen!