““Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God!” – Revelation 19:1 (NKJV)
If salvation is the gift, then glory is the rightful response. Glory belongs to God because of who He is, what He has done, and what He alone deserves
Glory is not just about brightness or fame, it is about the weight of God’s presence, beauty, holiness, and majesty.
In Revelation 19, when heaven roars with praise, it includes this resounding truth:
“Glory belongs to our God.”
Let’s explore what it means to live for God’s glory and why it’s dangerous to seek it for ourselves
What Is the Glory of God?
The Hebrew word for glory, kabod, literally means weight or heaviness, something of substance and worth. The Greek word doxa means splendor, honor, or renown
God’s glory is:
- His unmatched excellence and majesty
- His manifest presence revealed to His people
- His beauty on display through creation, salvation, and judgment
Biblical Examples of God’s Glory
1. The Glory in Creation – Psalm 19:1
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands”
Creation is God’s megaphone, constantly broadcasting His greatness. The sun, stars, oceans, and mountains all exist to reflect His glory, not our admiration of nature
2. The Glory in the Wilderness – Exodus 16:10
“As Aaron was speaking… they turned to the wilderness, and behold, the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud.”
God’s glory led Israel through the wilderness, visible as a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night (Exodus 13:21). His presence wasn’t abstract; it was manifested in power and protection. It was the full expression of God’s glory by His presence
3. The Tabernacle and the Temple – Exodus 40:34 / 1 Kings 8:11
“Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.” Exodus 40:34
“The priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled His temple.” 1 Kings 8:11
When God’s glory filled His dwelling place, human activity had to stop. His glory was overwhelming; it silenced agendas and arrested attention
4. Moses’ Cry for Glory
“Then Moses said, ‘Please, show me Your glory.’ Then He said, “I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” Exodus 33:18-19
Moses had already received God’s promise of His presence and rest for His people, but he wanted something deeper: to behold the very essence of God. The Lord responded with a revelation of His name and nature (Exodus 34:5-7)
The Goodness of God, the Name of the Lord, The Graciousness and Compassion of God are expressions of God’s Glory revealed towards us
5. Jesus (The Word), the Radiance of God’s Glory
“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” Hebrews 1:3
Jesus is the visible glory of the invisible God. In Him, we see the glory not only of majesty but of meekness, love, sacrifice, and truth
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14
Jesus is the Word made flesh, and in Him we behold the fullness of God’s glory
The written Word leads us to the Living Word, who radiates the exact image of the Father’s glory (Hebrews 1:3)
The Word Reflects the Glory of God’s Character
“The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul… The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.” Psalm 19:7-8
The radiance of God’s glory is reflected in the purity and perfection of His commands.
God’s Glory is Manifested through His Promises
“By which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature…” 2 Peter 1:4
God is glorified when we trust in His Word and walk by faith, because it demonstrates that we see Him as worthy to be glorified in all
The Word Transforms Us into Vessels of Glory
God’s glory doesn’t just remain in the Word; it enters those who believe and obey it
“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image…” 2 Corinthians 3:18
The Word is like a mirror, it shows us God’s glory and shapes us into it
“The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” Psalm 119:130
The Word is a Revelation of God’s Glory
6. The Glory in the Cross
Jesus referred to His crucifixion as the moment He would be glorified
“Now is the Son of Man glorified…”
“Father, glorify Your name!” Then a voice came from heaven, ‘I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.’” John 12:23–28
In the upside-down economy of the Kingdom, the glory of God was most clearly revealed not on a throne, but on a cross. Sometimes believers are asking God for His glory, yet refuse to carry their own cross to follow Jesus
7. The Glory Yet to Be Revealed
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18
“And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts…” Romans 5:3–5
“The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.” Revelation 21:23
We live between the glory revealed in Christ, the glory being revealed through our journey and the eternal glory to come. One day, we won’t just see glimpses, we’ll dwell fully in the light of His glory forever
What Does It Mean That Glory Belongs to God?
1. God Will Not Share His Glory with Another
“I Am the Lord; that is My name! I will not give My glory to anyone else, nor share My praise with carved idols.” Isaiah 42:8
Jesus, in His high priestly prayer, said:
“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you…” John 17:1–5
Even Christ, though one with the Father, never took glory apart from the Father. He modeled perfect submission and always pointed glory back to God
God is zealous for His glory because no one else is worthy of it. When we try to take credit, steal attention, or live for applause, we are touching what is not ours
2. All Glory Must Flow to Him and from Him
“For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen.” Romans 11:36
All ministry, gifts, talents, influence, and blessings must point to the glory of God
Any attempt to glorify self will invite correction or even judgment
True worship is giving God the glory due His name (Psalm 29:2)
Our calling is not to shine independently but to reflect the Light of Christ
The goal of your life, gifts, work, and worship is simple: TO GLORIFY GOD
3. We Reflect, Not Generate Glory
“We all… are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory.” 2 Corinthians 3:18
Like the moon reflects the sun, we reflect the glory of God by becoming more like Christ. He increases as we decrease (John 3:30)
Practical Application: Living for His Glory
✔️ Examine your motives:
Are you doing ministry, business, or relationships for God’s glory or your own recognition?
As a parent, worker, student, or leader, live to reflect Him
“Therefore, …Whatever you do… do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31
✔️ Worship with reverence:
Let worship be less about feelings and more about magnifying His holiness
Don’t treat the presence of God lightly. Cultivate wonder again
“Tremble before Him, all the earth!” Psalm 96:9
✔️ Resist the urge to perform:
Glory-seeking kills intimacy. Stay hidden in God, He reveals whom He chooses
Stop seeking applause. Point others to Jesus
“He must increase, I must decrease.” John 3:30
✔️ Let suffering refine you:
Your suffering, when surrendered to God, reveals His strength and sufficiency
“These light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory…” 2 Corinthians 4:17
Let Heaven’s Cry Be Our Commitment
The Church is not called to entertain the world; we are called to glorify God. In every sermon, every song, every decision, may this be our banner:
“Glory belongs to the Lord our God!”
When God is glorified, souls are drawn, nations are shaken, and worship becomes pure
Prayer:
Father, I acknowledge that all glory belongs to You. Forgive me for the times I’ve sought glory for myself. I lay down my need for recognition, applause, or success. Let my life be a mirror that reflects Your greatness. Fill me with holy awe. Let my voice, my work, and my worship declare: ‘Glory belongs to You alone!’ In Jesus’ name, Amen
Lord, open my eyes to behold the wonders of Your Word. Let me not only read it, but encounter Your glory through it. Transform me as I behold You, and may my life reflect the radiance of Your truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen
Series Recap:
✅ Part 1: Salvation belongs to our God
✅ Part 2: Glory belongs to our God
✅ Part 3: Honor belongs to our God
🔜 Part 4: Power belongs to our God
To Him be the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:11)
The Anointed Scribe’s Lamp 