Topical Bible: Glory of God: Enlightens God's People

Bible > Topical > Glory of God

◄ Glory of God: Enlightens God's People ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of the "Glory of God" is a profound and multifaceted theme throughout the Bible, signifying God's majestic presence, divine nature, and the manifestation of His power and holiness. The glory of God is not only a testament to His greatness but also serves as a source of enlightenment and guidance for His people.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Old Testament, the glory of God is often associated with His presence among His people. The Hebrew word for glory, "kavod," conveys a sense of weightiness and honor. One of the most vivid depictions of God's glory is found in the account of the Exodus, where the Israelites witnessed the glory of God in the form of a cloud and fire. Exodus 24:16-17 states, "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. And the sight of the glory of the LORD was like a consuming fire on the mountaintop in the eyes of the Israelites."

The glory of God also filled the Tabernacle, signifying His dwelling among His people. In Exodus 40:34-35 , it is written, "Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Moses was unable to enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle."

Prophetic Visions

The prophets also experienced the glory of God, which often served as a revelation of His will and a call to repentance. In Isaiah 6:1-3 , the prophet Isaiah describes his vision of the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne, with seraphim calling out, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth." This vision not only revealed God's holiness but also enlightened Isaiah to his own sinfulness and the need for purification.

Ezekiel's visions are similarly filled with the imagery of God's glory. In Ezekiel 1:28 , he describes the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD, which he saw as "the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day." This vision was a source of encouragement and enlightenment for Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile, affirming God's sovereignty and presence even in times of distress.

New Testament Revelation

In the New Testament, the glory of God is most fully revealed in the person 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." Jesus is the embodiment of God's glory, and through Him, believers are enlightened to understand the nature and character of God.

The transfiguration of Jesus is another significant event where the glory of God is revealed. In Matthew 17:2 , it is recorded, "There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light." This moment provided Peter, James, and John with a glimpse of Christ's divine glory, reinforcing their faith and understanding of His mission.

The Church and the Glory of God

The glory of God continues to enlighten His people through the Church, which is called to reflect His glory to the world. In 2 Corinthians 3:18 , Paul writes, "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 process of sanctification, where believers grow in holiness and understanding, becoming more like Christ.

The ultimate hope for believers is to share in the glory of God eternally. Romans 8:18 assures, "I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us." This future glory is a source of encouragement and enlightenment, motivating believers to live faithfully in anticipation of the fullness of God's glory.

In summary, the glory of God is a central theme in Scripture, serving as a source of enlightenment and guidance for His people. From the Old Testament manifestations to the revelation in Christ and the ongoing work of the Spirit, God's glory continues to illuminate the path of believers, drawing them closer to Him and transforming them into His likeness.

Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 60:1,2
Arise, shine; for your light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen on you.
Nave's Topical Index

Revelation 21:11,23
Having the glory of God: and her light was like to a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Poor Man's Friend
... lowest, and the two meet, there is "glory to God ... bitter ingredients of this cup of
sorrow, it is God's people. ... Now, until God enlightens us, we seem to have a ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/the poor mans friend.htm

Book 3
... of grace, for the full conviction of which the Holy Spirit enlightens our minds
and ... of every thought of our own glory, giving the whole glory to God.4. That ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/book 3.htm

On the Feast of the Epiphany, iii.
... birth of Christ, he ascertains what had been prophesied: truth enlightens the wise
men ... he should be the father of all nations, "giving glory to God and being ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/sermon xxxiii on the feast.htm

Effectual Calling
... It not only enlightens, but quickens it makes alive ... the morning star which ushers
in the sunlight of glory. ... in ignorance, and did neither know God nor yourself ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/effectual calling.htm

Treatise viii. On Works and Alms.
... Thus the day equally enlightens, the sun gives radiance ... gratuitous bounties, is an
imitator of God the Father ... What, dearest brethren, will be that glory of those ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise viii on works and.htm

Letter ii. The Importance of a Thorough Knowledge of the Doctrines ...
... it a subject of daily prayer, that God would enable ... He enlightens the understanding,
to lead it into a ... to your pride, self-confidence and vain-glory, and exert ...
/.../letter ii the importance of.htm

John Chapter iii. 29-36
... fall from his own glory, and rise into the glory of God. ... hast heard from John, is
of Him that enlightens, not of ... therefore, the Son is the Word of God, and the ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xiv john chapter iii.htm

We are Drawing Near the End, and to the Highest Conclusions of ...
... ever within those boundaries; for He inhabiteth the praises of His people. ... dims;
yes, even sun and moon unneeded for "The glory of God enlightens it, and ...
/.../jennings/old groans and new songs/chapter xi we are drawing.htm

The World, Created by God, Still Cherished and Protected by Him. ...
... breasts are eloquent enough to celebrate the glory of God ... he reminds us that God,
Who enlightens all, has ... In the wilderness God caused a south wind to blow, and ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 16 the world created.htm

Concerning the Scriptures.
... in my duty, to do all to the glory of God, and ... in us, and so discern the stamp of
God's Spirit and ... and profitable unto us, as the same Spirit enlightens us to ...
/.../proposition iii concerning the scriptures.htm