Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar conclude their eight-episode series, “What Is the Gospel?” with today’s discussion on God’s glory.
The glory of God, much like the beauty of His holiness, is challenging to define. The guys kick off the discussion by examining how the glory of God is the manifestation of His infinite perfection through His works and attributes. The world itself was created with the primary purpose of bringing glory to God, a truth most poignantly demonstrated at the cross, where God’s glory and goodness intersect in a profound way.
God’s glory is intricately linked to His holiness. Despite the worldly perception that God is attention-seeking, the truth is that all of creation reflects His glory. The guys examine this fact in contrast to human leaders who demand glory for self-interest whereas God’s demand for glory stems from His inherent and eternal glory. The purpose of humanity, as bearers of the image of God, is to glorify Him and find ultimate joy in Him.
Glorifying God is a comprehensive endeavor which involves acknowledging and passionately exalting Him in all aspects of life. It is a continuous process of enjoying His presence and obeying His commands. Additionally, glorifying God includes displaying His works to others and embracing the gift of salvation that He freely offers. While humanity falls short of bringing perfect glory to God, we can reflect His glory to others through our lives.
Scripture promises a future glorification for believers, where they will receive glorious bodies and experience full restoration when Christ returns. This transformation includes an inward beauty of holiness, a process initiated in this life and fully realized in the future.
The importance of linking God’s glory with His holiness is consistently emphasized. The reality of God’s wrath, the impending Judgment Day, and the existence of Hell are crucial aspects that should not be overlooked. Christians are encouraged to live out these truths, sharing the gospel fervently and recognizing the brevity of life. The focal point remains on Christ, who is our hope, and the understanding that we were created not only to know God but also to make Him known.
The gospel is not merely an entry point into Christianity but an ongoing journey that beckons believers to look deeper into Scripture, perceiving the profound glory and magnificence of God. To wrap up, the guys talk about fellowship over the Word with other believers and how it allows the transformative impact of God’s truth to shape and guide our lives.