Topical Bible: Glory: God Is, to his People

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The concept of "glory" in the Bible is rich and multifaceted, often referring to the majesty, honor, and divine presence of God. In the context of "God is glory to His people," it emphasizes the manifestation of God's splendor and the profound impact of His presence among His followers.

Divine Presence and Revelation

The glory of God is frequently associated with His presence and revelation to His people. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word "kavod" is often used to describe God's glory, signifying weightiness or importance. God's glory is revealed in various ways, including through creation, His acts of deliverance, and His covenant relationship with Israel. In Exodus 24:16-17, the glory of the Lord is depicted as a consuming fire on Mount Sinai, demonstrating His holiness and power: "And the glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai. For six days the cloud covered the mountain, 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."

God's Glory in the Tabernacle and Temple

The glory of God was also manifest in the tabernacle and later in the temple, symbolizing His dwelling among His people. In Exodus 40:34-35, the cloud covering the tent of meeting and the glory of the Lord filling the tabernacle signified His presence: "Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Moses could not enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle." Similarly, in 1 Kings 8:10-11, during the dedication of Solomon's Temple, the glory of the Lord filled the house, preventing the priests from performing their duties.

Glory in the New Testament

In the New Testament, the Greek word "doxa" is used to describe glory, often in relation to Jesus Christ and the revelation of God's character through Him. 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." Here, the glory of God is embodied in Jesus, who reveals the Father to humanity.

Glory in the Life of Believers

For believers, God's glory is not only a future hope but also a present reality. The Apostle Paul speaks of believers being transformed into the image of Christ, from glory to glory, by the Spirit of the Lord (2 Corinthians 3:18). This transformation reflects the ongoing work of sanctification, where God's glory is increasingly revealed in the lives of His people.

Eternal Glory

The ultimate expression of God's glory to His people is found in the promise of eternal life and the hope of sharing in His glory. Romans 8:17-18 speaks of believers as heirs with Christ, sharing in His sufferings and future glory: "And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him. I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us."

God's Glory as a Source of Worship and Praise

The glory of God elicits worship and praise from His people. In Revelation 4:11, the heavenly hosts declare, "Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created." The recognition of God's glory leads to adoration and reverence, as His people acknowledge His sovereignty and majesty.

In summary, the glory of God is a central theme in Scripture, reflecting His divine nature, presence, and the transformative impact on His people. Through His glory, God reveals Himself, dwells among His people, and promises a future hope of eternal communion with Him.

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Psalm 3:3
But you, O LORD, are a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of my head.
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Zechariah 2:5
For I, said the LORD, will be to her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the middle of her.
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Library

Christ's Pastoral Prayer for his People
... Oh, what a blessed distinction does the grace of God make between ... Let him have all
the glory of it; yet let us note how well he speaks of his people For I ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 39 1893/christs pastoral prayer for his.htm

Our Requests Made Known unto God
... ceasing in order to have joy unspeakable and full of glory. God's praying people
discover that the joy of the Lord is their strength, and His abiding presence ...
/.../anderson/prayer availeth much/chapter 2 our requests made.htm

A view of God's Glory
... see God's glory. If you take sovereignty alone, you will not understand God. Some
people only have an idea of God's sovereignty, and not of his goodness; such ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 54 1908/a view of gods glory.htm

The Ascension of Messiah to Glory
... of glory . The everlasting gates unfolded wide, and He entered into the holy place,
not made with hands, there to appear in the presence of God for His people,. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxvi the ascension of.htm

The Death of Christ for his People
... to his comfort; he laid down, first one glory, and then ... ransom." And there was nought
left now but his own life ... the other hand to reconcile us unto God; and had ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 46 1900/the death of christ for.htm

Daily Blessings for God's People
... the re-united manhood enter into the fulness of the glory with a manifested Saviour.
These issues from death belong to God, and God secures them to his people. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/daily blessings for gods people.htm

Our Lord's Prayer for his People's Sanctification
... Lord Christ: his own words concerning his people are these ... as sanctification, whereby
the man of God is removed ... of darkness, and is changed from glory unto glory ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/our lords prayer for his.htm

Impossible with Man, Possible with God
... Oh, let us in faith believe that the omnipotent God will work to do among His people
more than we can ask. ... unto him be glory." Let our hearts say that. ...
/.../murray/absolute surrender/impossible with man possible with.htm

The Abiding of the Spirit the Glory of the Church
... doing so little as compared with other people, therefore let ... amazing productions
of Solomon, all fell short of His glory. What house could man build for God? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/the abiding of the spirit.htm

He is Lovely in his Relations.
... proud: how the Lord Jesus is pleased to glory in his ... 5. No friend in the world loves
his friend with as ... Christ endured the storms of the wrath of God, the heat ...
/.../flavel/christ altogether lovely/he is lovely in his 3.htm