The Vision of the Glorious Christ (Isaiah) vs. The Vision of the Transcendent Christ (Daniel)

 

The Vision of the Glorious Christ (Isaiah) vs. The Vision of the Transcendent Christ (Daniel)

Isaiah 6:1 “I saw the Lord sitting on a high and exalted throne, and the train of His robe filled the temple.”
Isaiah 6:5 “Woe is me, for I am undone… for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.”

Daniel 10:5–6 “A man clothed in linen, girded with a belt of fine gold… His face like lightning, His eyes like torches of fire, His arms and feet like burnished bronze, and the sound of His words like the voice of a multitude.” 

Item	Vision of the Glorious Christ (Isaiah)	Vision of the Transcendent Christ (Daniel)
Meaning	Christ is seated on the high and exalted throne in glory, unaffected by the corruption on earth. His divine glory and human virtues are manifested.	Christ is transcendent, the Priest and King, the center and universality of God’s move on earth, essential for fulfilling God’s economy.
Symbols	High throne (divine glory), robe filling the temple  (human virtues and beauty),  temple filled  (glory manifested in humanity).	Fine linen (priesthood, humanity), golden belt (kingship, divinity), beryl (heavenly, divine, full of life), lightning face (light),  fiery eyes (searching/judging), shining bronze (tested, judging),  voice of many waters (powerful word).
Distinction	Emphasizes comfort in glory: in times of despair, turn eyes to Christ in glory.	Emphasizes sovereignty in transcendence: in captivity and trials, Christ is still sovereign, caring, and judging.
Explanation	Isaiah, in discouragement (death of Uzziah, people’s corruption), saw the glorious Christ. The vision teaches us not to look at the environment but to look upward to Christ, whose human virtues manifest divine glory.	Daniel, in exile, saw Christ as Priest and King, full of light, judgment, and authority. Christ cares for His people and governs all under heavenly rule to accomplish God’s purpose.
Examples	Isaiah confessed, “Woe is me, I am undone” (Isa. 6:5). The Lord cleansed him and sent him as a prophet. → Believers are strengthened in despair by beholding Christ’s glory.	Daniel remained faithful in exile, strengthened by the transcendent vision of Christ. → Believers in turbulent times trust Christ’s sovereign rule and care.
Application	In church life and spiritual walk, don’t focus only on corruption and decline, but look to Christ on the throne, whose human virtues comfort us.	Amid world turmoil, recognize Christ as Priest and King who still reigns, cares for His people, judges, enlightens, and works to fulfill God’s eternal purpose.
Scriptures	- John 12:41 “Isaiah said these things because he saw His glory and spoke of Him.” - Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”	- Daniel 4:26 “…till you know that the heavens rule, your kingdom shall be restored to you.” - Colossians 1:18 “…that in all things He might have the preeminence.”

 

Key Points:

• Isaiah’s vision stresses Christ’s glory manifested in His human virtues, comforting the discouraged.
• Daniel’s vision highlights Christ’s transcendence, sovereignty, and heavenly rule in the midst of captivity and trial.

Conclusion:

Both visions complement one another. In times of personal despair, we must behold Christ’s glory (Isaiah). In times of worldly turmoil, we must acknowledge Christ’s transcendence and sovereignty (Daniel). Together, they reveal a Christ who is both glorious in humanity and transcendent in divinity, reigning for God’s eternal purpose.

 

*Please refer to the June 2025 Summer Training, General Topic: Experiencing, Enjoying, and Expressing Christ (Part 3), Chapter 9: The Vision, Experience, Enjoyment, and Expression of the Supreme Treasure of Christ for the Genuine Church Life