Using Stories and Examples to Point to God's Glory
The glory of God is a central theme in biblical thought, encompassing His inherent majesty, power, and works, and is frequently highlighted through narratives and examples [1]. The Psalms, in particular, often call believers to declare God's glory and wonderful deeds among all peoples [2].
One primary way God's glory is revealed is through His attributes. His majesty is evident in passages like Psalm 93:1 and 104:1, while His power is displayed in events such as the Exodus (Exodus 15:1, 6) and in the lives of believers (Romans 6:4). God's holiness is also a facet of His glory, as seen in Exodus 15:11 [1]. The creation itself testifies to His glory, with Psalm 19:1 stating, "The heavens declare the glory of God" [1].
The Bible also presents specific instances and individuals through whom God's glory is manifested. Moses beheld God's glory on Mount Sinai (Exodus 33:18-23, 34:5-7), and Stephen saw the glory of God at his martyrdom (Acts 7:55) [1]. The Church, too, is a vessel for God's glory, being enlightened by it (Isaiah 60:1-2; Revelation 21:11, 23) [1].
Jesus Christ is presented as the ultimate revelation of God's glory. He is described as the image of God (Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:3) and the radiance of God's glory (Hebrews 1:3). His divine nature, His role as the Son of God, His unity with the Father, and His offices as Creator, Mediator, Prophet, Priest, King, and Judge all point to His excellency and glory [4]. John's Gospel states that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and "we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father" (John 1:14) [1].
Even human afflictions can serve to promote God's glory, as seen in the healing of the man born blind (John 9:1-3) or the raising of Lazarus (John 11:3-4) [5]. These narratives demonstrate God's power and faithfulness, turning difficult circumstances into opportunities for His glory to be revealed [5]. Believers are commanded to glorify God (1 Chronicles 16:28) and are obligated to do so (1 Corinthians 6:20), particularly through praise (Psalm 50:23) and by relying on His promises (Romans 4:20) [6]. The psalmist expresses this desire, saying, "I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works" (Psalm 145:5 KJV) [3].
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Glory of God, The — Exhibited in Christ -- Joh 1:14; 2Co 4:6; Heb 1:3. Exhibited in His name. -- De 28:58; Ne 9:5. His majesty. -- Job 37:22; Ps 93:1; 104:1; 145:5,12; Isa 2:10. His power. -- Ex 15:1,6; Ro 6:4. His works. -- Ps 19:1; 111:3. His holiness. -- Ex 15:11. Described as Great. -- Ps 138:5. Eternal. -- Ps 104:31. Rich. -- Eph 3:16. Highly exalted. -- Ps 8:1; 113:4. Exhibited to Moses. -- Ex 34:5-7; 33:18-23. Stephen. -- Ac 7:55. His Church. -- De 5:24; Ps 102:16. Enlightens the Church -- Isa 60:1,2; Re 21:11,23. Saints desire to behold -- Ps 63:2; 90:16. God”
- Psalms “Psalms 96:3 (NASB) — Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.”
- King James Version “[KJV] Psalms 145:5 — I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Excellency and Glory of Christ, The — As God -- Joh 1:1-5; Php 2:6,9,10. As the Son of God -- Mt 3:17; Heb 1:6,8. As one with the Father -- Joh 10:30,38. As the First-born -- Col 1:15,18. As the First-begotten -- Heb 1:6. As Lord of lords, &c -- Re 17:14. As the image of God -- Col 1:15; Heb 1:3. As creator -- Joh 1:3; Col 1:16; Heb 1:2. As the Blessed of God -- Ps 45:2. As Mediator -- 1Ti 2:5; Heb 8:6. As Prophet -- De 18:15,16; Ac 3:22. As Priest -- Ps 110:4; Heb 4:15. As King -- Isa 6:1-5; Joh 12:41. As Judge -- Mt 16:27; 25:31,33. As Shepherd -- Isa 40:10,11; Joh”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Afflictions Made Beneficial — In promoting the glory of God -- Joh 9:1-3; 11:3,4; 21:18,19. In exhibiting the power and faithfulness of God -- Ps 34:19,20; 2Co 4:8-11. In teaching us the will of God -- Ps 119:71; Isa 26:9; Mic 6:9. In turning us to God -- De 4:30,31; Ne 1:8,9; Ps 78:34; Isa 10:20,21; Ho 2:6,7. In keeping us from again departing from God -- Job 34:31,32; Isa 10:20; Eze 14:10,11. In leading us to seek God in prayer -- Jdj 4:3; Jer 31:18; La 2:17-19; Ho 5:14,15; Jon 2:1. In convincing us of sin -- Job 36:8,9; Ps 119:67; Lu 15:16-18. In leading us to con”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Glorifying God — Commanded -- 1Ch 16:28; Ps 22:23; Isa 42:12. Due to him -- 1Ch 16:29. For his Holiness. -- Ps 99:9; Re 15:4. Mercy and truth. -- Ps 115:1; Ro 15:9. Faithfulness and truth. -- Isa 25:1. Wondrous works. -- Mt 15:31; Ac 4:21. Judgments. -- Isa 25:3; Eze 28:22; Re 14:7. Deliverance. -- Ps 50:15. Grace to others. -- Ac 11:18; 2Co 9:13; Ga 1:24. Obligation of saints to -- 1Co 6:20. Is acceptable through Christ -- Php 1:11; 1Pe 4:11. Christ, an example of -- Joh 17:4. Accomplished by Relying on his promises. -- Ro 4:20. Praising him. -- Ps 50:23. Doing all ”