Who deserves the glory if not us?

Understanding “Glory” in Scriptural Context

“Glory” in the Bible carries a sense of honor, weight, and splendor. Throughout Scripture, this concept is closely tied to divine power, majesty, and holiness. In the Berean Standard Bible, the term often denotes the infinitely praiseworthy nature of the One who is worthy to receive it. A classic expression of this is found in 1 Chronicles 16:29: “Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; bring an offering and come before Him. Worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness.”

The Source of All Glory

Scripture points to the existence of a being incomparably greater than humanity. By examining the created world, believers and skeptics alike encounter evidence of organization, design, and purpose. Scientific fields, including biochemistry, cosmology, and geology, continue to uncover layers of ordered complexity that many argue are best explained not by unintentional processes, but by a grand intelligence behind it all. Psalm 19:1 declares: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.”

Archaeological findings such as the Dead Sea Scrolls lend support to the textual consistency of the Bible by providing ancient manuscripts that confirm the continuity of fundamental teachings. This continuity underscores the consistent biblical theme of God’s sovereignty and majesty, showing that Scripture has declared from ancient times that our glory is nothing compared to the glory of God.

Why Glory Is Not Ours

1. Human Limitation

Unlike the self-sufficient One who created and sustains the universe, humanity’s knowledge and power are finite. Romans 3:23 explains the central challenge: “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Here, “falling short” highlights that humans, in their own merits, cannot attain the standard that belongs solely to the divine.

2. Dependence on Divine Provision

The biblical narrative shows that we are entirely dependent on God for existence, breath, and even every good work we might attempt. Acts 17:28 states: “For in Him we live and move and have our being…” By placing God in the central role of Creator and Sustainer, Scripture and various accounts of miracles and healings underscore that humans rely on a divine power beyond themselves, thereby disqualifying us from receiving ultimate glory.

3. Redemption Demonstrates God’s Plan

The process of salvation—rooted in Christ’s death and resurrection—reveals that humanity cannot save itself. Ephesians 2:8–9 emphasizes this gift aspect: “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.” This statement affirms the biblical position that humanity deserves no glory for redemption; it is a grace bestowed entirely by God.

The Proper Recipient of Glory

1. God as Creator

From Genesis 1 through passages in the Prophets, the Bible consistently upholds the truth that the universe is the handiwork of One creative mind. No matter the span of time you ascribe to Earth’s history, the hallmark of design is evident. Multiple geological formations—such as the rapid petrification processes discovered at Yellowstone’s mineral hot springs—point to phenomena that challenge strictly naturalistic models. These pointers to design magnify the One who stands behind such a creation, confirming He alone is worthy of honor.

2. God as Redeemer

The ultimate redemptive work centers on the life, death, and physical resurrection of Christ. Eyewitness testimonies—from Mary Magdalene at the tomb (John 20) to hundreds of people referenced in 1 Corinthians 15—attest to the historical fact of the resurrection. The expansion of the Church, the personal transformations of early Christian persecutors like Paul, and sources outside Scripture (e.g., writings by Josephus and Tacitus mentioning Christ) provide corroborative evidence that this event is rooted in real history. This powerful act, unique in all creation, establishes who rightly holds the glory: the Risen Savior.

3. The Spirit’s Role in Bringing Glory to God

The Holy Spirit, as Scripture teaches, draws attention not to humanity, but to the Triune God. Jesus declared in John 16:14, “He will glorify Me by taking from what is Mine and disclosing it to you.” The Spirit’s role is to magnify and elevate Christ’s finished work, ensuring that glory goes where it rightfully belongs.

Scriptural Evidence for God’s Exclusive Right to Glory

1. Isaiah 42:8: “I am the LORD; that is My name! I will not give My glory to another or My praise to idols.” God unequivocally declares that glory is not transferred to beings or objects.

2. Revelation 4:11: “Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power…” Here, the heavenly hosts recognize that only the Creator is worthy of receiving ultimate praise.

3. 1 Corinthians 10:31: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” This exhortation in everyday living expresses that even mundane activities are opportunities to reflect the glory back to the One who deserves it.

Practical Implications

1. Humility and Gratitude

Acknowledging that humanity is not the source of glory cultivates humility. Our achievements, talents, and even resources come from God. Recognizing this produces a life stimulated by gratitude rather than pride (James 4:6).

2. Purpose in Glorifying God

Believers understand their life’s higher purpose: bringing glory to God in conduct, vocation, worship, and service. Colossians 3:17 states, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

3. Worship and Acknowledgment

By dedicating worship to God alone, believers maintain a rightful relationship with the Creator. This worship extends beyond corporate gatherings. It encompasses everyday expressions of trust and obedience, thus demonstrating who truly merits praise.

The Consequence of Misplaced Glory

Scripture warns that transferring honor to humans or idols instead of the divine leads to distortion and emptiness (Romans 1:21–23). Historical examples—like the downfall of King Nebuchadnezzar when he claimed credit for his own greatness (Daniel 4)—show that self-exaltation contradicts the designed order. Rather than growth, it results in humiliation or worse.

Conclusion

Since all human achievement pales before the majesty and redemptive work of the One who created and sustains the universe, our rightful response is to ascribe honor, worship, and glory solely to God. Time and again, Scripture, historical evidence, and reason converge on the central truth that He alone is worthy of ultimate recognition, praise, and adoration.

In short: If not us, then who deserves the glory? It is the One who fashioned the cosmos, redeemed humanity through the resurrection of Christ, and continues to sustain and transform lives. That glory rightly and eternally belongs to God.