The Glory of God

Posted on October 19, 2015 by America's Keswick in Freedom Fighters

The Glory of God

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. (Ephesians 1: 3-6)

Jonathan Edwards, that prince of preachers from New England, once described God’s glory as “the end for which God created the world.” Author and preacher John Piper, in describing worship, suggested it is “to behold and display His glory for the enjoyment of His redeemed people from every person, language, and nation.” The glory of God is a subject that is overwhelming.

In Ephesians 1, the apostle Paul is addressing the glory of God as he teaches the Ephesians that God chose us and predestined us for His glory (v. 5). God created people for His glory (v. 6). We are called to be the exhibits of His glory (v. 6). Just as Paul the apostle reminded the Ephesians about the glory of God, we are to be reminded that we are on the earth to bring honor and glory to God.

The obvious question then needs to be, “What does it mean to bring glory to God?” Does it mean that we are in some way to increase Him? It would be beyond imagination to think that we can somehow make God more than who He is. Perhaps a good way to understand this proposition would be to recognize that we are to display His glory, not increase His glory. For how can we increase the greatness and majesty of God? We are unable to do it.

The issue then becomes the need to increase His glory which is already available to all of us. The psalmist proclaims, The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament shows His handiwork (Psalm 19: 1). As we look to the universe and recognize the majesty of God, we are reminded of the words of theologian R.C. Sproul, “Men are never duly touched and impressed with a conviction of their insignificance, until they have contrasted themselves with the majesty of God.” This is where God’s glory is best seen.

When Jesus wanted to provide an illustration about worship, He did not choose a person who would appear to be one of the greatest intellects nor a person of high moral standing. Rather He chose a woman who previously had five husbands and was living with a man who was not her husband. They began to discuss worship and the topic became one of location of worship. This woman, known simply as the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4), desired to know why her people worshipped on Mt. Gerizim and the Jews worshipped in Jerusalem. Jesus quickly changed the tone of the conversation and said …They that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth; for the Father seeks such to worship Him (John 4: 23, 24). Powerful words from the One we are to glorify! This woman then went and told the people in her village that she, a woman with a deplorable past, had found the Messiah!

It is the purpose of each Christian to understand that we are on the earth to make Him known. The glory of God is best seen through lives that have been changed by the One who is to be glorified. Take time today and consider the importance of making much of Jesus through your life. We need to be the Jesus they see. Spend some time today thinking through various ways Jesus can be known through your life. God is pleased with this as it brings glory to Him. Dr. Dino Pedrone is the President of Davis College and is a popular speaker at America’s Keswick

Keswick, America’s  (2012-12-13). Real Victory for Real Life Volume 2 (Kindle Locations 9809-9844).  . Kindle Edition.

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 17-18; 2 Peter 2

Think About This: Remember that you are not practicing a sterile system of principles, but following a dynamic person who makes Himself real to you through His indwelling Holy Spirit. Lance Wallnau

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: For the mountains shall depart And the hills be removed, But My kindness shall not depart from you, Nor shall My covenant of peace be removed,” Says the Lord, who has mercy on you. Isaiah 54:10