The Glory of God

THE GLORY OF GOD

The Essential Nature of God's Glory

For I am the LORD: I will not give my glory unto another, neither my praise to graven images. - Isaiah 42:8

The glory of God is His intrinsic worth and divine nature, an essential attribute that He will not share with any created being. It represents His supreme majesty and sovereign power over all creation.

Glory Manifested in Creation

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. - Psalm 19:1

Creation itself serves as a constant testament to God's glory. Every aspect of the natural world reveals His divine attributes and creative power.

Glory in the Temple

Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. - Exodus 40:34

Throughout the Old Testament, God's glory manifested in visible form, particularly in the tabernacle and temple, demonstrating His presence among His people.

The Glory of Christ

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. - John 1:14

Christ embodies the glory of God in human form, making the invisible God visible to humanity through His incarnation, life, death, and resurrection.

Glory in Salvation

To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. - Ephesians 1:6

God's redemptive work displays His glory through His grace, mercy, and love toward fallen humanity, culminating in the sacrifice of Christ.

The Weight of Glory

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. - 2 Corinthians 4:17

The concept of glory carries eternal significance, far outweighing temporal suffering and earthly concerns. It represents the ultimate reward for faithful believers.

Glory in Worship

Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. - Psalm 29:2

Worship is the proper response to God's glory, as all creation is called to acknowledge and exalt His majesty and splendor.

Future Glory

For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. - Habakkuk 2:14

Scripture prophecies a future time when God's glory will fill the earth completely, bringing all creation into perfect alignment with His divine purpose.

Glory in the Church

Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. - Ephesians 3:21

The church exists to manifest and declare God's glory, serving as His witness to the world through all generations.

Personal Glory

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. - 2 Corinthians 3:18

Believers are transformed by beholding God's glory, being conformed to Christ's image in an ongoing process of sanctification.

Glory in Creation's Purpose

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. - Revelation 4:11

All creation exists for God's glory, finding its ultimate purpose in bringing honor and praise to its Creator.

The Eternal Glory

And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. - Revelation 21:23

In the eternal state, God's glory will provide the light for the new creation, eliminating the need for natural luminaries.

Conclusion

The glory of God stands as the central theme of Scripture, encompassing His essential nature, His works in creation and redemption, and the ultimate purpose of all existence. It demands our worship, shapes our transformation, and promises our eternal destiny. This divine glory, fully revealed in Christ, continues to illuminate, transform, and direct all who behold it in faith.

Text by Zach Anderson (zmanderson@gmail.com). Placed in public domain at ultrafree.org. KJV text is used. Feel free to copy and share, free of charge.