Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Meaning: The concept of "Glory in the Lord" refers to the act of giving honor, praise, and reverence to God, recognizing His supreme majesty, power, and holiness. It involves acknowledging God's attributes and works, both in creation and redemption, and responding with worship and adoration. The glory of the Lord is both intrinsic, as an essential aspect of His nature, and extrinsic, as it is revealed and recognized by His creation. Biblical References: 1. Old Testament: The Old Testament frequently speaks of the glory of the Lord as a visible manifestation of His presence. In Exodus 24:16-17, the glory of the Lord is described as a consuming fire on the mountain, signifying His holiness and power: "And the glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai. For six days the cloud covered it, and on the seventh day the LORD called to Moses from within the cloud. To the Israelites, the glory of the LORD looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain." The Psalms often exhort believers to give glory to God. Psalm 29:1-2 states, "Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness." 2. New Testament: In the New Testament, the glory of the Lord is revealed supremely in the person and work of Jesus Christ. John 1:14 declares, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." The Apostle Paul emphasizes that believers are to glory in the Lord, not in their own achievements or wisdom. In 1 Corinthians 1:31 , he writes, "Therefore, as it is written: 'Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.'" This reflects the understanding that all good things come from God, and thus He alone deserves the credit and praise. Theological Significance: 1. God's Intrinsic Glory: God's glory is an inherent part of His being. It is the sum of His attributes and the radiance of His majesty. Isaiah 6:3 captures this with the seraphim's proclamation: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory." 2. Revelation of Glory: God's glory is revealed through His creation, His acts in history, and most fully in Jesus Christ. Romans 1:20 notes that God's invisible qualities, including His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made. 3. Human Response: Believers are called to reflect God's glory in their lives. 2 Corinthians 3:18 states, "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." This transformation is a work of the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to live in a way that honors God. 4. Eschatological Glory: The ultimate revelation of God's glory will occur at the end of the age when Christ returns. Revelation 21:23 describes the New Jerusalem: "The city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp." Practical Implications: 1. Worship and Praise: Believers are encouraged to live lives of worship, continually giving glory to God in all circumstances. This includes both corporate worship and personal devotion. 2. Humility and Dependence: Recognizing that all good things come from God fosters humility and dependence on Him. Believers are reminded to boast only in the Lord, acknowledging His sovereignty and grace. 3. Witness and Testimony: As bearers of God's image, Christians are called to reflect His glory to the world, living as testimonies of His love and truth. This involves both verbal proclamation and a lifestyle that honors God. In summary, "Glory in the Lord" encompasses the recognition and response to God's majestic presence and works, calling believers to a life of worship, humility, and witness. Subtopics Glory of God: Described As Great Glory of God: Enlightens God's People Glory of God: Exhibited in Christ Glory of God: Exhibited in his Name Glory of God: Exhibited to Moses Glory of God: God is Jealous of Glory of God: Saints Desire to Behold Glory of God: The Earth is Full of Glory of God: The Knowledge of, Shall Fill the Earth Glory of God: The People of God Glory of Hypocrites Turned to Shame Glory of the Church Shall be Rich and Abundant Glory of the Gospel Exceeds That of the Law Glory of the Gospel, Exceeds That of the Law Glory of the Wicked is in Their Shame Glory of the Wicked: Ends in Destruction Glory: Christ Is, to his People Glory: Eternal of God's People Shall be Rich and Abundant Glory: Eternal: Accompanies Salvation by Christ Glory: Eternal: Afflictions of Ministers Are, to Saints Glory: Eternal: Enhanced by Afflictions Glory: Eternal: Enhanced by Present Afflictions Glory: Eternal: Inherited by Saints Glory: Eternal: Present Afflictions not Worthy to be Compared With Glory: Eternal: Procured by the Death of Christ Glory: Eternal: Saints Afore Prepared To Glory: Eternal: Saints Called To Glory: Eternal: Saints Prepared Unto Glory: Eternal: Saints Shall Be, of Their Ministers Glory: Eternal: The Bodies of Saints Shall be Raised In Glory: Saints Shall Be, of Their Ministers Glory: Spiritual is Given by Christ Glory: Spiritual is Given by God Glory: Spiritual is the Work of the Holy Spirit Glory: Temporal is Given by God Glory: Temporal of Hypocrites Turned to Shame Glory: Temporal of the Wicked is in Their Shame Glory: Temporal: Ends in Destruction Glory: Temporal: Seek Not, from Man Glory: Temporal: The Devil Tries to Seduce By Glory: The Bodies of Saints Shall be Raised In Glory: The Gospel Ordained to Be, to Saints Glory: The Joy of Saints is Full of Select Readings: The Glory of God The Glory of God: Enlightens the Church The Glory of God: Exhibited in Christ The Glory of God: Exhibited in His Holiness The Glory of God: Exhibited in His Majesty The Glory of God: Exhibited in His Name The Glory of God: Exhibited in His Power The Glory of God: Exhibited in His Works The Glory of God: Exhibited to His Church The Glory of God: Exhibited to Moses The Glory of God: Exhibited to Stephen The Glory of God: God is Jealous The Glory of God: Highly Exalted The Glory of God: Plead in Prayer The Glory of God: Saints Desire to Behold The Glory of God: The Earth is Full of The Glory of God: The Knowledge of, Shall Fill the Earth Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |