Topical Bible: The Glory of God: Exhibited to His Church

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The concept of the glory of God is central to Christian theology and is profoundly exhibited to His Church throughout Scripture. The glory of God refers to His majestic presence, His divine attributes, and His supreme holiness. It is both a revelation of His character and an invitation for His people to participate in His divine nature.

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. God's glory was visibly manifested in the cloud and fire that led the Israelites through the wilderness (Exodus 13:21-22). This theophany was a tangible sign of God's guidance and protection.

The tabernacle and later the temple served as dwelling places for God's glory. In Exodus 40:34-35, the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle, signifying His presence among the Israelites: "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" . Similarly, at the dedication of Solomon's Temple, the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD, demonstrating His acceptance and blessing (1 Kings 8:10-11).

The Prophetic Vision

The prophets also spoke of God's glory in relation to His people. Isaiah envisioned a time when the glory of the LORD would be revealed to all flesh (Isaiah 40:5). Ezekiel witnessed the glory of the LORD departing from the temple due to Israel's sin (Ezekiel 10:18-19), yet he also foresaw its return in a future restoration (Ezekiel 43:2-5).

New Testament Fulfillment

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 radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being (Hebrews 1:3).

The transfiguration of Jesus is a pivotal moment where His divine glory is unveiled to Peter, James, and John (Matthew 17:1-8). This event foreshadows the ultimate revelation of His glory in His resurrection and ascension.

The Church as the Reflection of God's Glory

The Church, as the body of Christ, is called to reflect God's glory. Believers are transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory through the work of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18). The Church is described as a "chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9).

The apostle Paul emphasizes that the Church is the temple of the Holy Spirit, where God's glory dwells (1 Corinthians 3:16). The unity and love within the Church serve as a testament to the world of God's glorious presence.

Eschatological Hope

The ultimate exhibition of God's glory to His Church will occur at the end of the age. 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" . The Church will dwell eternally in the presence of God's glory, experiencing the fullness of His majesty and love.

Throughout Scripture, the glory of God is a dynamic and transformative force, drawing His people into deeper communion with Him and empowering them to reflect His character to the world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 102:16
When the LORD shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Christ's Millennial and Heavenly Glory in Company with his Saints.
... a picture of this very city exhibited to view ... of kingdom, so that, while the earthly
glory was announced ... His servants, the heavenly might have God Himself for ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xxv christs millennial and heavenly.htm

Christ Glorified as the Builder of his Church
... be said, "Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth ... He
shall have all the glory, and he ... that his handiwork has been exhibited upon us ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/christ glorified as the builder.htm

On the Church of the New Testament, or under the Gospel
... preaching of the gospel is constantly exhibited, or those ... Christ, the image of the
invisible God, the express ... person, and the brightness of his glory, and the ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation lii on the church.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xvii. 1, "After Six Days Jesus ...
... "For the heavens declare the glory of God ... "When they heard this, they fell" to the
earth. See then in the Church is exhibited to us the Kingdom of God. ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xxviii on the words.htm

The Ascension of Messiah to Glory
... They exhibited a faint and general outline of the mediation ... there to appear in the
presence of God for His ... The glory is properly His own, the benefit redounds ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxvi the ascension of.htm

Introduction
... bring forth fruit to the honor and glory of God ... being with philosophic contempt,
or thank God that he ... tenderness of his heart, are beautifully exhibited in his ...
/.../the epistle of paul to the philippians practically explained/introduction.htm

(As to Whether a Priest May Minister after a Lapse. )
... the holy Church, that if they have fallen, and thereafter have exhibited a right ...
says: "All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/vi as to whether a.htm

Man's Greatness and God's Greatness.
... beyond the grave, when this shall be exhibited in full ... of everything in the universe
is God's glory, and to ... in Scripture, when it is said that God dwells with ...
/.../robertson/sermons preached at brighton/xviii mans greatness and gods.htm

His Theology and Exegesis.
... all merit of their own and give all glory to Him who ... and speaks out of a heart
overflowing to God and man ... To the last moment of his life he exhibited that calm ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/chapter xiii his theology and exegesis.htm

The Power of Christianity.
... who was made unto us wisdom from God, and righteousness ... written, he that glorieth,
let him glory in the ... Caligula, Nero, and Domitian, and exhibited a picture ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 44 the power of.htm