Introduction

The concept of witnessing God's glory is a profound theme throughout the Bible, reflecting the majesty, holiness, and divine presence of God. God's glory is often revealed through His creation, His mighty acts, and His presence among His people. This entry explores the biblical understanding of God's glory and how it is witnessed by humanity.

Old Testament Witnesses

In the Old Testament, God's glory is frequently associated with His presence and power. One of the most significant instances is found in the book of Exodus, where Moses encounters God's glory on Mount Sinai. Exodus 24:16-17 states, "And the glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai. For six days the cloud covered the mountain, and on the seventh day the LORD called to Moses from within the cloud. And the sight of the glory of the LORD was like a consuming fire on the mountaintop in the eyes of the Israelites."

The tabernacle and later the temple were also places where God's glory was manifest. In Exodus 40:34-35 , it is recorded, "Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Moses could not enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled upon it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle."

The prophet Isaiah had a vision of God's glory in the temple, as described in Isaiah 6:1-3 : "In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of His robe filled the temple. Above Him stood seraphim, each having six wings... And they were calling out to one another: 'Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth.'"

New Testament Revelation

In the New Testament, the glory of God is most fully revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. The Gospel of John emphasizes this in John 1:14 : "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."

The transfiguration of Jesus is another pivotal moment where His divine glory is witnessed by Peter, James, and John. Matthew 17:2 describes the event: "There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light."

The apostle Paul speaks of the transformative power of witnessing God's glory in 2 Corinthians 3:18 : "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."

The Glory in Creation

The natural world is a testament to God's glory, as seen in the Psalms. Psalm 19:1 declares, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands." This passage highlights how creation itself is a witness to the majesty and splendor of the Creator.

The Glory in the Church

The church, as the body of Christ, is called to reflect God's glory. Ephesians 3:21 states, "to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." Believers are encouraged to live in a manner that reflects God's glory to the world.

Eschatological Glory

The ultimate revelation of God's glory will occur at the end of the age. Revelation 21:23 describes the New Jerusalem: "The city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its lamp." This future vision underscores the eternal and all-encompassing nature of God's glory.

Conclusion

The Bible presents God's glory as a central aspect of His nature, revealed through His creation, His acts, and most fully in Jesus Christ. Believers are called to witness and reflect this glory in their lives, anticipating the ultimate revelation of God's glory in the new creation.