Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the glory of God is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting His majesty, holiness, and divine nature. The eternal aspect of God's glory underscores its unchanging and everlasting nature, transcending time and creation.Old Testament Foundations The Hebrew word for glory, "kavod," often conveys the idea of weightiness or significance, pointing to God's supreme importance and honor. In the Old Testament, God's glory is frequently associated with His presence and power. For instance, in Exodus 24:16-17, the glory of the Lord settles on Mount Sinai, appearing as a consuming fire to the Israelites: "The glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days. On the seventh day He 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 eternal nature of God's glory is also evident in passages like Psalm 104:31, which declares, "May the glory of the LORD endure forever; may the LORD rejoice in His works." This verse highlights the perpetual and unending nature of God's glory, which is not subject to decay or diminishment. New Testament Revelation In the New Testament, the Greek word "doxa" is used to describe glory, often in relation to the revelation of God's character and the work of Jesus Christ. The eternal glory of God is revealed in the person of Jesus, who is described as the "radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His nature" (Hebrews 1:3). This passage emphasizes that Jesus embodies the eternal glory of God, making it visible and accessible to humanity. The Apostle Paul frequently speaks of the eternal glory of God in his epistles. In 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, he contrasts the temporary afflictions of this life with the eternal weight of glory that awaits believers: "For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." Here, Paul underscores the enduring and incomparable nature of God's glory, which believers will fully experience in eternity. Eschatological Fulfillment The eternal glory of God is a key element in eschatological visions, where God's ultimate plan for creation is fulfilled. In Revelation 21:23, the New Jerusalem is described as having no need for the sun or moon, "for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its lamp." This imagery portrays a future where God's eternal glory is the source of light and life, fully realized in the new creation. The eternal nature of God's glory assures believers of His unchanging presence and the fulfillment of His promises. As stated in 1 Peter 5:10, "And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you." This verse offers hope and assurance that God's eternal glory is the ultimate destination for those who are in Christ. Theological Implications The eternal glory of God has profound theological implications, affirming His sovereignty, immutability, and faithfulness. It serves as a reminder of God's transcendence and the ultimate purpose of creation—to reflect and participate in His glory. Believers are called to live in light of this eternal glory, as Paul exhorts in 1 Corinthians 10:31, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God." In summary, the eternal glory of God is a foundational truth that permeates Scripture, revealing His divine nature and the ultimate hope for humanity. It is a glory that is both a present reality and a future promise, inviting believers to worship and live in anticipation of its full revelation. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 104:31The glory of the LORD shall endure for ever: the LORD shall rejoice in his works. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library But Truth, to the Eternal Praise and Glory of God... To Enjoy Communion with God is to Abide with Him in the Fruition ... The Power and Glory of God Shine Forth in the Weakness of Human ... Divine Election and Reprobation Of the Sovereign Praise which God Gives unto Himself, and How we ... He Contends that These Testimonies Already Alleged Cannot be ... That the Happiness of Dying in Heavenly Charity is a Special Gift ... The Ascension of Messiah to Glory That the Holy Light of Glory Will Serve for the Union of the ... A Theodicy, or, Vindication of the Divine Glory Resources What is the meaning of “from glory to glory” in 2 Corinthians 3:18? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the glory of God? | GotQuestions.org Why will God not give His glory to another (Isaiah 42:8)? | GotQuestions.org Glory: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus 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) |