Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Significance Ascribing glory to God involves recognizing and declaring His supreme worth, majesty, and holiness. It is an act of worship and reverence, acknowledging God's attributes and deeds. The concept of giving glory to God is central to Christian theology and practice, emphasizing the believer's response to God's revelation and grace. Biblical Foundation The Bible frequently calls believers to ascribe glory to God, underscoring His unparalleled greatness and the honor due to Him. In 1 Chronicles 16:28-29, the psalmist exhorts, "Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; bring an offering and come before Him. Worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness." The Psalms are replete with calls to glorify God. Psalm 29:1-2 states, "Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness." This passage highlights the universal call to recognize God's glory, extending even to the heavenly hosts. Theological Implications Ascribing glory to God is rooted in the recognition of His intrinsic glory, which is the sum of His attributes and perfections. God's glory is both inherent and manifest. Inherent glory refers to God's essential nature, while manifest glory is the revelation of His presence and power in creation and redemption. The act of ascribing glory to God acknowledges His sovereignty and lordship over all creation. It is a response to His self-revelation in Scripture and through Jesus Christ, who is described as "the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His nature" (Hebrews 1:3). Practical Expressions Believers ascribe glory to God through various expressions of worship, including prayer, praise, and obedience. Worship services often include hymns and songs that declare God's glory, reflecting the biblical mandate to "declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples" (Psalm 96:3). In addition to corporate worship, personal devotion and daily living are avenues for glorifying God. The Apostle Paul instructs, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31). This comprehensive approach to life underscores the believer's call to reflect God's glory in every aspect of existence. Eschatological Perspective The ultimate fulfillment of ascribing glory to God is eschatological, pointing to the time when all creation will acknowledge His glory. Revelation 5:13 envisions this future reality: "Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: 'To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, forever and ever!'" Conclusion Ascribing glory to God is a fundamental aspect of Christian worship and life, rooted in the recognition of His divine nature and works. It is both a present duty and a future hope, as believers anticipate the day when God's glory will be fully revealed and universally acknowledged. |