Topical Bible: Glory of God: The People of God

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The concept of the "Glory of God" is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting God's majesty, holiness, and divine presence. The people of God, both in the Old and New Testaments, are called to reflect and participate in this glory, serving as a testament to God's power and grace in the world.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the glory of God is often associated with His presence among His people, Israel. The Hebrew word for glory, "kavod," conveys a sense of weightiness and honor. God's glory is manifested in various ways, such as the pillar of cloud and fire that guided the Israelites through the wilderness (Exodus 13:21-22). The glory of God filled the Tabernacle (Exodus 40:34-35) and later the Temple built by Solomon (1 Kings 8:10-11), signifying His dwelling among His chosen people.

The people of Israel were called to be a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" (Exodus 19:6), set apart to reflect God's glory to the surrounding nations. Their obedience to God's commandments and their worship were intended to demonstrate His holiness and righteousness.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the glory of God is most fully revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. John 1:14 states, "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, as the incarnate Word, embodies the glory of God, revealing His character and purpose.

The people of God, now expanded to include both Jews and Gentiles, are called to reflect this glory through their lives in Christ. The Apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 3:18 , "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 manner that honors God.

The Church as a Reflection of God's Glory

The Church, as the body of Christ, is a primary means through which God's glory is displayed in the world. Ephesians 3:21 declares, "to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." The unity, love, and holiness of the Church serve as a witness to God's glory and His redemptive work through Christ.

Believers are called to live lives that reflect God's glory, as seen in Matthew 5:16 : "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." The ethical and moral conduct of Christians, empowered by the Holy Spirit, is a testament to God's transformative power.

Eschatological Hope

The ultimate fulfillment of God's glory among His people is eschatological, pointing to the future consummation of His kingdom. Revelation 21:23 describes the New Jerusalem, where "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." In this eternal state, the people of God will dwell in the fullness of His glory, experiencing perfect communion with Him.

Throughout Scripture, the glory of God is intricately linked with His people, who are called to be vessels of His presence and power in the world. This calling is both a privilege and a responsibility, as believers are to live in a way that honors and magnifies the glory of their Creator and Redeemer.

Nave's Topical Index

Deuteronomy 5:24
And you said, Behold, the LORD our God has showed us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the middle of the fire: we have seen this day that God does talk with man, and he lives.
Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 102:16
When the LORD shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory.
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Library

Constantine Gives Glory to God, Makes Grateful Acknowledgment of ...
... Book II. Chapter LV."Constantine gives Glory to God, makes Grateful Acknowledgment
of the Sign of the Cross, and prays for the Churches and People. ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter lv constantine gives glory to.htm

A view of God's Glory
... Put the two together, goodness and sovereignty, and you see God's glory. If you
take sovereignty alone, you will not understand God. Some people only have an ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 54 1908/a view of gods glory.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

The Blessing of God.
... His people. That heart might have been full of love, and we might never have known
it; but it is the will of GOD that "the light of the knowledge of the glory ...
/.../taylor/separation and service/part ii the blessing of.htm

Waiting on God
... in the humble, silent acknowledgment of God's glory and nearness ... Oh, that God might
make every minister what Moses ... of Mount Sinai; "Moses led the people out to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/the masters indwelling/iii waiting on god.htm

Strong Faith in a Faithful God
... glory to God. The pith of it is this: that if God hath the keeping of us, he will
perfect the keeping in the day of Christ. In the hand of Jesus all his people ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/strong faith in a faithful.htm

The Best of All, God is with Us
... work that we shall have dons shall produce glory to God ... and shall do greater things
for the Lord God of Israel. ... to be any question of ours what people will do ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/the best of all god.htm

Our Requests Made Known unto God
... One must pray without 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 ...
/.../anderson/prayer availeth much/chapter 2 our requests made.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

Kept by the Power of God
... Some people think that they never can get so far as that every word of
their mouth should be to the glory of God. But it is what ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/absolute surrender/kept by the power of.htm