1.1 Glory as a Biblical Term: The term 'glory' in the Bible often refers to the visible manifestation of God's presence and majesty. It is a reflection of His divine nature and character. The Hebrew word for glory is "kabod," which means weight, honor, or dignity, while the Greek word is "doxa," which means opinion, judgment, view, or splendor. Glory is therefore a term that encapsulates the greatness and grandeur of God. Exodus 24:16-17
1.2 Glory as God's Nature: Glory is not just an attribute of God; it is part of His very nature. God's glory is the sum total of all His attributes and character traits. It is the fullness of who He is – His love, mercy, justice, power, wisdom, and holiness. God's glory is intrinsic and inherent to His being. Psalm 19:1
2.1 Glory Revealed in Creation: God's glory is revealed in the beauty and complexity of creation. The heavens, the earth, and all living creatures reflect the glory of God. They are a testament to His power, wisdom, and creativity. Psalm 19:1
2.2 Glory Revealed in Jesus Christ: The glory of God is most fully and perfectly revealed in Jesus Christ. Jesus is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being. In Jesus, we see the glory of God's grace and truth. (Hebrews 1 3, (John 1 14) John 1:14
3.1 Glory for God's Pleasure: God created the universe and everything in it for His glory. He delights in His creation and finds pleasure in it. God's glory is the ultimate purpose and goal of all His works. Revelation 4:11
3.2 Glory for Our Benefit: God's glory is also for our benefit. As we behold the glory of God, we are transformed into His likeness. We are filled with joy, peace, and hope. We find our purpose and fulfillment in glorifying God. 2 Corinthians 3:18
4.1 Worship and Praise: Our appropriate response to God's glory is worship and praise. We are to acknowledge His greatness, thank Him for His goodness, and proclaim His deeds among the nations. Psalm 96:3
4.2 Living for God's Glory: We are also to live for God's glory. This means honoring God in our thoughts, words, and actions. It means seeking His will in all things and striving to reflect His character in our lives. (1 Corinthians 10 31, (Matthew 5 16) Matthew 5:16