The phrase “shine like the sun” comes from Jesus’ statement, “Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father” (Matt. 13:43). Basileia uses this phrase as a poetic way to express the overall, supreme goal of Basileia, which is Theosis. Shining like the sun can be imagined in different ways, such as putting on Christ, the restoration of the image of God in us, being made in God’s likeness, reopening the gateway that was closed to Adam of communion with God at the Tree of Life, participating in the life of God, entering the Kingdom of God, leaving Egypt through the desert to the Promised Land, exchanging corruption for incorruption, receiving the Holy Spirit, being built into a dwelling in which God comes and lives by His Spirit, being seated with Christ in heavenly places, and becoming by Grace what God is by nature.
Also see Theosis.