Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Significance Divine honor refers to the reverence, respect, and veneration due to God as the supreme being and creator of the universe. It encompasses the acknowledgment of God's majesty, holiness, and authority. In the biblical context, divine honor is both a duty and a privilege for believers, reflecting their relationship with God and their understanding of His nature. Biblical Foundations The concept of divine honor is deeply rooted in Scripture, where God is consistently portrayed as deserving of all glory and praise. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word "kabod" often translated as "glory," conveys the weightiness and splendor of God's presence. The psalmist declares, "Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness" (Psalm 29:2). In the New Testament, the Greek word "doxa" is used to express the honor and glory attributed to God. The apostle Paul writes, "To the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen" (1 Timothy 1:17). Expressions of Divine Honor 1. Worship and Praise: Worship is a primary means of expressing divine honor. Believers are called to worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:24). The Psalms are replete with calls to praise God for His mighty acts and His excellent greatness (Psalm 150:2). 2. Obedience and Service: Honoring God involves living in obedience to His commandments and serving Him faithfully. Jesus emphasized this when He said, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments" (John 14:15). 3. Holiness and Righteous Living: Believers honor God by living holy and righteous lives, reflecting His character. Peter exhorts, "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do" (1 Peter 1:15). 4. Proclamation and Witness: Sharing the gospel and bearing witness to God's work in one's life is another way to honor Him. Jesus commissioned His followers to "go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15). Consequences of Withholding Honor Scripture warns of the consequences of failing to honor God. In Romans 1:21, Paul describes those who, "although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened" . This lack of honor leads to spiritual decline and separation from God. Divine Honor in the Life of Jesus Jesus Christ, as the Son of God, perfectly exemplified divine honor. He consistently sought to glorify the Father through His words and actions. In John 17:4, Jesus prays, "I have glorified You on earth by accomplishing the work You gave Me to do" . His life and sacrificial death serve as the ultimate model for believers in honoring God. Eternal Honor The Bible assures that divine honor will be fully realized in eternity. In Revelation, the heavenly hosts continually worship God, proclaiming, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!" (Revelation 5:12). This eternal perspective encourages believers to live lives that honor God now, in anticipation of the glory to come. |