Topical Bible: The Glory of God: Reverence

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The concept of the glory of God is central to Christian theology and is intricately linked with the idea of reverence. Reverence, in the biblical sense, is a profound respect and awe for the divine majesty and holiness of God. It is an acknowledgment of His supreme authority and an appropriate response to His glory.

Biblical Foundation

The glory of God is often depicted in Scripture as a manifestation of His divine presence and power. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word "kavod" is frequently used to describe God's glory, conveying a sense of weightiness and honor. In the New Testament, the Greek word "doxa" is used, emphasizing brightness and splendor.

Reverence for God's glory is commanded and exemplified throughout the Bible. In the book of Exodus, when Moses encounters God in the burning bush, he is instructed to remove his sandals because he is standing on holy ground (Exodus 3:5). This act of reverence acknowledges the sacredness of God's presence.

Expressions of Reverence

Reverence for God's glory is expressed through worship, obedience, and fear of the Lord. Worship is a primary means by which believers honor God's glory. In Psalm 29:2, the psalmist exhorts, "Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness." Worship involves both adoration and submission, recognizing God's worthiness and responding with humility.

Obedience is another expression of reverence. In Deuteronomy 10:12-13, Moses instructs the Israelites, "And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God by walking in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD that I am giving you this day for your own good?" Obedience to God's commands is a tangible demonstration of reverence for His authority and glory.

The fear of the Lord, often misunderstood, is a profound respect and awe for God's holiness and power. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." This fear is not terror but a recognition of God's greatness and a desire to live in accordance with His will.

Reverence in the New Testament

In the New Testament, reverence for God's glory is exemplified in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Jesus consistently pointed to the Father, glorifying Him 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 was a perfect model of reverence, demonstrating complete submission to the Father's will.

The apostle Paul also emphasizes reverence for God's glory in the life of believers. In 1 Corinthians 10:31, he instructs, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God." This comprehensive approach to living underscores the importance of reverence in every aspect of life.

The Role of the Church

The church, as the body of Christ, is called to reflect God's glory and cultivate a culture of reverence. Corporate worship, teaching, and fellowship are avenues through which the church can honor God's glory. In Ephesians 3:21, Paul writes, "to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." The church's mission is to glorify God and lead others to a reverent understanding of His majesty.

Conclusion

Reverence for the glory of God is a foundational aspect of the Christian faith. It involves recognizing God's holiness, responding with worship and obedience, and living in a manner that reflects His greatness. Through reverence, believers honor God and bear witness to His glory in the world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 59:19
So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Reverence in Worship.
... in Church is done on a principle of reverence; it is ... and night," saying, "Holy, holy,
holy, Lord God Almighty." Such ... be the way of the Saints in glory, for we ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon i reverence in worship.htm

The First Petition Is, Hallowed be Thy Name. ...
... he would compel the whole human race to reverence it ... Then since God manifests himself
to us partly by his word ... he has inscribed the marks of his glory, and these ...
/.../of prayer--a perpetual exercise of faith/chapter 41 the first petition.htm

The Glory of the Son.
... They rejected the Christ of God, but would readily ... They sought human glory and elevation,
and hence could not ... The reader should note the reverence with which ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the glory of the son.htm

The Glory of the Trinity
... thought of God's wisdom, God's power, God's goodness, God's glory. ... saintly philosopher
Faraday, now with God,""How could ... life is one act of reverence to that ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xvi the glory of.htm

What it is to Know God, --Tendency of this Knowledge.
... to his authority in all things, to reverence his majesty ... that it equally appertains
to his glory to store ... Loving and revering God as his father, honouring and ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 2 what it is.htm

Question Lxxxi of the virtue of Religion
... We do not show reverence and honour to God for His own sake"for He in Himself is
filled with glory to which nought can be added by any created thing"but ...
/.../aquinas/on prayer and the contemplative life/question lxxxi of the virtue.htm

Waiting on God
... May I ask, with reverence: What is God for ... trees, the green grass, the bright sun,
God created that they might show forth His beauty, His wisdom and His glory. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/the masters indwelling/iii waiting on god.htm

The Eternity and Unchangeableness of God.
... their glory, as Moses behoved to be veiled, yet they cannot behold his glory, but
must ... And being thus composed in reverence and fear to God, they are ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture viii the eternity and.htm

Impossible with Man, Possible with God
... to understand that he does not need a little of God's power, but he needs"with
reverence be it said ... He was strong in faith, giving glory to God, because he ...
/.../murray/absolute surrender/impossible with man possible with.htm

The Principle of Life in the Creature.
... Applying this in all reverence to the court of the King of heaven, it is ... We conclude,
then, that God's glory is reflected most in His children; and since no ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/v the principle of life.htm