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Understanding and living the glory of God is the ultimate goal of a healthy local church. The next part of Grace Church’s mission statement is “to glorify God.” Though we hear this phrase often, it is very daunting to define what that means. What is glory? And how does it help us understand God and how we relate to Him?
God’s glory is infinitely mysterious at one level; many theologians find it impossible to define. It is too active to be compartmentalized by human terms. One author described glory as “the created brightness that surrounds God’s revelation of Himself.” Jonathan Edwards found himself at a loss to put God’s glory in commonly understood terms and took volumes probing out its aspects.
God’s glory is primarily understood in Jesus Christ. God has revealed Himself to us through Christ, the express image of the glory of God. When we are right with Him, we are able to glorify God through the way we live by His word, being matured to know our responsibilities and what it means to please Him as His redeemed people. This is doable, and it is a lifelong process to know and live the different aspects of bringing God glory.
The Old Testament word for “glory” is kabod. We also find 7 synonyms for kabod and 18 more related words used throughout the Old Testament. Those 7 close words boil down to 5 different definitions or aspects of God’s glory.
Majestic – set apart, high and wholly other; full of perfection, superior; unequalled works accomplished by a universal king who does exactly as He desires. Kingly – aesthetic beauty; authority of His universal reign Throne – illustrious exaltation; there are no worthy contenders; He is the only true Ruler. His glory is a fearsome sight to the wicked and inspires praise from the righteous. No man can claim to share this glory. Splendor – perfect kingship, honor, universal and powerful reign; specifically refers to God’s creation reflecting His glory. God is arrayed in splendor and the source of it. Outstretched Arm – God’s strength used to help the needy, given to the humble to experience on a personal level.
The Hebrew word kabod is the most important term used for glory in the Old Testament. Its literal meaning is “weight.” This word can connote not only physical weight but metaphorical weights of difficulty, importance, wealth, or reputation. It is also used to refer to the soul, the essence and whole being of a person. In relation to God, this word shows that there is a depth to Him. He has a weighty reputation and is “a great God deserving of honor and respect.” His uniqueness will not be shared with any creature because it is “a necessary aspect of His existence and cannot be taken away.” And yet God’s glory is much more imminent (among us) than transcendent (above and unreachable).
The most amazing aspect of God’s glory, repeated throughout the Bible, is His desire to share this unique glory with His own people. He progressively reveals Himself through His presence, miracles, and promises of future deliverance. His heart is one to give generously. He has the Throne and the Crown, but gives thrones and crowns to His humble, chosen servants. All the self-revelation of God is for the purpose of dwelling with humans and entering into a covenant fellowship with His creation. How incomprehensible!
*Much of the above section was used from “A Biblical Theology of the Glory of God” by Philippe Paul-Luc Viguier
Application Points Today’s sermon consisted mostly of teaching, so take some time to soak in what we learned of God’s glory. Dig deeper into the Scripture’s descriptions of God’s glory, and respond to Him in worship. Recognition of God’s Lordship should lead us to praise Him and show our respect through right behavior prompted by right faith.
Just like children are born with a desire to please their parents, every human has an innate question: How do we glorify and please God as our ultimate authority? We can only relate to this pure and majestic God through His holy and majestic Son. Have you come to the Lord Jesus on His terms? Once you know Jesus Christ, He shares His glory with you positionally, and you are forever approved by God. As you grow, you will progressively glorify God in whatever you do (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Tools for Further Study Key Cross References: Hebrews 1:3, Colossians 1:15 – Christ is the exact image of God. Psalm 149:4; Psalm 59:9-10, 18; Psalm 29:11, 1 Samuel 2:10 – God’s desire to impart His glory to His people. For complete cross references, refer to the sermon audio recording on the website.
A Hymn to Encourage: “Holy, Mighty, Worthy”
“Holy, holy, holy!” Seraph choirs extol Thee. Bending wings, they humbly sing of Thy lofty majesty! Thou alone art holy! Who on earth is like Thee? Grant that we, like Thee, may be holy, holy, holy.
“Mighty, mighty, mighty!” Sun and stars declare Thee. All creation joins to sing of Thy pow’r and deity! Thou alone art mighty! Naught was made without Thee! Grant that we Thy pow’r may see – Mighty, mighty, mighty.
“Worthy, worthy, worthy!” Saints in heav’n exalt Thee. Lamb, once slain, now raised to reign: Savior, Judge and conquering King! Thou alone art worthy! All was made to please Thee. Grant that we in heav’n may sing, “Worthy, worthy, worthy!”
“Glory, glory, glory!” We, Thy church, adore Thee. Called by grace to bring Thee praise; trophies of Thy pow’r to save! None shall share Thy glory! All shall bow before Thee. Father, Son and Spirit: One! “Glory, glory, glory!”