God’s glory reveals to us who God is and gives us a proper opinion of Him. The glory of God is the measure and weightiness of His Presence, Power, Providence, and Praises revealed and unreavealed in the earth and in our lives. Kenneth Copeland said this of God’s glory -“The glory of God isn’t just a feeling, an event or an Old Testament experience —it’s a spiritual tsunami of everything contained in the character of God. It is the manifested presence of God, but more than just a presence, its power. The kind of power that resurrects, delivers, overcomes and transforms. It is greater and stronger than any other power in existence, and that same power belongs to us.”
Description of God’s glory:
- Most dictionary definitions of “glory” often describe it as great praise, splendor, or honor. The glory of God is the splendor that comes from Him.
- Psalm 19:1 states, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” Here the word glory is used in parallel with “handiwork” or His power or greatness. All of creation declares His praise and are evidence of His handwork. This includes you and I; sun, moon, and stars; animals on ground, sea, and air; mountains, hills, and valleys.
- Psalm 106:20 speaks of the “glory of God” in this way as well, saying, “They exchanged the glory of God for the image of an ox that eats grass.” Here, the glory of God is the greatness of who He is being exchanged and appropriated to a false god by idolaters. It is the weighty presence of His honor, might and power. Apostle Paul wrote of this in Romans 1:22, 23 about changing the glory of the incorruptible God by supposedly wise but foolish men.
- Proverbs 25:2 adds, “It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out.” – Again, this glory is God’s greatness or splendor, and His ability to conceal or reveal things.
- Jesus revealed the glory of God in Lazarus’ death saying, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it” (John 11: 4; 40). Our life situations and experiences can also result to God’s glory. God can, and will show up in our situations.
- In Acts 7:55, Stephen being persecuted looked into heaven just before his death and saw the glory of God. In this context, the greatness of God in heaven is revealed. God cannot be boxed. His ways are not our ways. Who would have imagined God revealing Himself in the persecution of His own? His revealed glory here was not to the people persecuting Stephen but to Stephen himself. It was revealed to encourage him even in persecution. Sometimes, we wish to be delivered from persecuting experiences but it is not every time that our wishes are met as we expect. However, God is faithful and powerful to deliver from us but we do not dictate how. He is sovereign and with the final decision to determine the outcome of things. Remember Jesus suffered in the hands of men, and everything He suffered turned to be for the glory He and the Father shares.
- In Romans, the phrase “glory of God” is used three times. Romans 3:23 says all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 5:2 speaks of the glory of God in the sense of His greatness. Romans 15:7 shares, “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” In this passage, the glory of God is used in the sense of honoring God.
The glory of God is emphasized in several places throughout Paul’s other writings. In particular, he notes in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Here again, the glory of God refers to honoring God with one’s life.
Hebrews 1:3 uses the phrase in another way, sharing, “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.” The author notes Jesus as the radiance of God’s glory.
The book of Revelation expresses God’s glory in three clear passages. First, Revelation 15:8 speaks of the sanctuary being filled with the glory of God. Revelation 21:11 notes the glory of God coming from the New Jerusalem. Revelation 21:23 adds that the glory of God serves as the light for the city.
Overall, the glory of God is used in a variety of ways in Scripture. It can refer to God’s greatness, His honor, His beauty, His power, and His light. In all, the glory of God acknowledges God’s supreme strength and our need to both acknowledge and serve Him.
Isaiah 43:7 declares that we are created in the image of God and for His glory. Our trust, confidence, and boast should be in Him. Thus, let us declare His praise in every places, and in every circumstances.
God bless you as you live for His glory!
We invite you to join us in celebration of God’s faithfulness
