Topical Bible: The Glory of God: Great

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of the "Glory of God" is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting the majesty, holiness, and divine presence of God. The term "glory" in the biblical context often translates from the Hebrew word "kavod" and the Greek word "doxa," both of which convey a sense of weightiness, honor, and splendor.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the glory of God is frequently associated with His manifest presence among His people. One of the most vivid depictions is found in the account of the Exodus, where God's glory is revealed in a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, guiding the Israelites through the wilderness (Exodus 13:21-22). The glory of God also fills the Tabernacle, signifying His dwelling among His people: "Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle" (Exodus 40:34).

The prophet Isaiah provides a profound vision of God's glory, emphasizing His holiness and majesty: "In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of His robe filled the temple" (Isaiah 6:1). This vision underscores the transcendence and purity of God's glory, which is beyond human comprehension.

New Testament Revelation

In the New Testament, the glory of God is most fully revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. The Gospel of John 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" (John 1:14). Jesus embodies the glory of God, revealing His character and divine nature to humanity.

The transfiguration of Jesus is another significant moment where His divine glory is unveiled: "There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light" (Matthew 17:2). This event affirms Jesus' divine identity and His role as the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

Theological Significance

The glory of God is not only a manifestation of His presence but also a reflection of His attributes, including His holiness, righteousness, and sovereignty. The Apostle Paul writes, "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen" (Romans 11:36). This doxology highlights the centrality of God's glory in creation and redemption.

Believers are called to live for the glory of God, reflecting His character in their lives. Paul exhorts the Corinthians, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31). This call to glorify God encompasses all aspects of life, urging Christians to honor Him in their actions and decisions.

Eschatological Hope

The ultimate revelation of God's glory is anticipated in the eschatological hope of the new creation. The book of Revelation 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 its lamp is the Lamb" (Revelation 21:23). This vision portrays a future where God's glory is fully realized, illuminating and sustaining the eternal dwelling of His people.

Throughout Scripture, the greatness of God's glory is a testament to His unparalleled majesty and the hope of His eternal kingdom. The glory of God serves as a reminder of His presence, a call to worship, and a promise of the ultimate fulfillment of His divine purposes.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 138:5
Yes, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD: for great is the glory of the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On Hearing These Matters, those who were Present Gave Great Glory ...
... 39 On hearing these matters, those who were present gave great glory
to God? On hearing these matters, those who were present ...
/.../39 on hearing these matters.htm

God Revealed in his Works. 1 Great God! the Heavens' Well Ordered ...
... RELIGION OF NATURE. 168. " God revealed in his Works. 1 Great God! the heavens'
well ordered frame Declares the glory of thy name. 168. LM6l. Watts. ...
/.../adams/hymns for christian devotion/168 god revealed in.htm

The Preface
... of both, this would still be another Addition to the Glory of so great a Name; and ...
them over from Infidelity, and Atheism; to the Cause of God and Religion. ...
/.../beveridge/private thoughts upon a christian life/the preface.htm

The Ascension of Messiah to Glory
... chiefly His Son is the brightness of His glory, and the ... Person (Hebrews 1:3) . No
one has seen God at any ... This was the great design of His Advent, to make God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxvi the ascension of.htm

Pious Parents, under Such a Dispensation, May Conclude it is Well ...
... Did he think the Life of this Child too great a Good to grant ... my Brethren, venture
to say, "What tho' I be a Child of GOD, and an Heir of Glory, it matters ...
/.../ii pious parents under such.htm

Hymns of the Early Church
... Pentecost. To God the Holy Ghost. Spirit of Light, Thy glory pour,. ... ton piston oiketen
sou, anapouson os eusplanchnos. Almighty God, great Source of all,. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/brownlie/hymns of the early church/

Impossible with Man, Possible with God
... Let us receive this as the first great lesson in the spiritual life: "It is impossible
for me, my God; let there ... end of self, and let it be my glory to be ...
/.../murray/absolute surrender/impossible with man possible with.htm

Modern Examples of Prayer
... and prayer, I had a view, that for me was extraordinary, of the glory of the Son
of God as Mediator between God and man, and of His wonderful, great, full, pure ...
/.../bounds/the weapon of prayer/xi modern examples of prayer.htm

"Getting Things from God"
... For him to have done so would have been great unkindness. ... Had there been, I doubt
not that volumes could have been written to the glory of God's grace and ...
/.../goforth/how i know god answers prayer/i getting things from god.htm

Sacred Poems and Hymns
... Man's Fall and Restoration. HYMN XV. The Heavens declare the Glory of God.--Ps.
xix. ... HYMN XLV. God's great Deliverance of His People.--Ps. cvii. HYMN XLVI. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/montgomery/sacred poems and hymns/