Topical Bible: The Gifts of God: Spiritual: Glory

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Definition and Nature

In the Christian theological framework, "glory" is a multifaceted concept that encompasses the majesty, honor, and divine presence of God. It is both an attribute of God and a gift bestowed upon believers. The glory of God is often described as the visible manifestation of His divine nature and character. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for glory, "kavod," conveys a sense of weightiness or significance, while in the New Testament, the Greek word "doxa" is used, which implies brightness, splendor, and honor.

Biblical References

The glory of God is a central theme throughout Scripture. In the Old Testament, God's glory is often associated with His presence among His people. For instance, in Exodus 24:16-17, the glory of the Lord settles on Mount Sinai, appearing as a consuming fire. Similarly, the glory of God fills the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34) and later the temple (1 Kings 8:10-11), signifying His dwelling among His people.

In the New Testament, the glory of God is 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 is the ultimate revelation of God's glory, embodying divine attributes and fulfilling God's redemptive plan.

Glory as a Gift to Believers

The New Testament further elaborates on the concept of glory as a spiritual gift to believers. Romans 8:17 declares, "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." This passage highlights the believer's future participation in God's glory, a promise of transformation and eternal life.

Moreover, 2 Corinthians 3:18 speaks of the transformative power of God's glory in the life of a believer: "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." This transformation is an ongoing process, facilitated by the Holy Spirit, leading believers to reflect God's character more fully.

The Purpose of Glory

The gift of glory serves several purposes in the life of a believer. Firstly, it is a source of hope and encouragement, pointing to the future inheritance and eternal life promised to those in Christ. Secondly, it serves as a means of sanctification, as believers are progressively transformed into the likeness of Christ. Lastly, the glory of God is a testimony to the world, as believers reflect His character and love, drawing others to Him.

Practical Implications

Understanding glory as a spiritual gift has practical implications for Christian living. Believers are called to live in a manner that honors and reflects God's glory. This involves a commitment to holiness, love, and service, as well as a willingness to suffer for the sake of Christ, knowing that such suffering leads to greater glory (2 Corinthians 4:17).

In summary, the concept of glory in the Bible is both an attribute of God and a profound gift to believers. It encompasses the presence, majesty, and transformative power of God, offering hope and purpose to those who follow Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 84:11
For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 17:22
And the glory which you gave me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of a Spiritual Meeting of God and Ourselves
... OF A SPIRITUAL MEETING OF GOD AND OURSELVES. ... The soul should also rest in God above
all the jewels and all the gifts which it may send back to God by its own ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter xxv of a spiritual.htm

The Spiritual Gifts.
... and affection sanctified and raised to the spiritual sphere, or ... the experience of
the saving love of God in Christ ... but the soul of all the gifts, guarding them ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 45 the spiritual gifts.htm

Man Summoned by God's Glory and Energy
... the blessed activities of a Christian life, the gifts that His ... symbol and lift it
up into the spiritual region, and it is just this: the glory of God in its ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/man summoned by gods glory.htm

Measureless Power and Endless Glory
... that, in the outer world of Providence and earthly gifts, prayers and ... the outward
province; the second, the inward and spiritual sphere in which God was to ...
/.../measureless power and endless glory.htm

The Communion of Gifts.
... And by this God's true children are best known ... household of faith of their individual
gifts, not understanding ... satisfied, whether there is a spiritual gain for ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxvii the communion of gifts.htm

Spiritual Gifts.
... different nature are the extraordinary, purely spiritual charismata, of ... outside of
the Kingdom of God; and the ... But those natural gifts appear in the Church in ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxxvii spiritual gifts.htm

Of a Three-Fold Unity which is in us by Nature
... The second unity, being in the spirit and wholly spiritual, is supernaturally adorned ...
and through the inflow of the grace and the gifts of God; and through ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter ii of a three-fold.htm

Spiritual Desolation.
... The masters of the spiritual life say that souls thus ... have come to perfection without
these supernatural gifts; the only ... If God does not wish to raise us to ...
/.../de liguori/uniformity with gods will/6 spiritual desolation.htm

Letter xvii. --Confidence in God.
... those who have appealed to me, the gifts and graces ... possession, which sullies it."
On this account God withdraws what ... to make any progress in the spiritual life ...
/.../de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/letter xvii confidence in god.htm

From the Gifts of Divine Grace which we Receive through Christ He ...
... Chapter V. From the gifts of Divine grace which we ... the grace of Christ is contained
the whole grace of God. ... as it is certainly wanting in spiritual wisdom and ...
/.../cassian/the seven books of john cassian /chapter v from the gifts.htm