What the New Testament Says About Glorifying God by Myra Kahn Adams for Town Hall
Thanks for joining us to learn what the New Testament says about glorifying God. Last week in Vol. 136, we covered this topic from the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible perspective. And to refresh, here are two verses from a prayer/psalm attributed to King David that succinctly summarizes the Old Testament’s teaching:
“There is no one like You among the gods, O Lord, Nor are there any works like Yours. All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O Lord, And they shall glorify Your name. For You are great and do wondrous deeds; You alone are God” (Psalm 86:8-10).
Last week we also discussed how “God’s glory” was in the news after NASA released the “Pillars of Creation.” (A fine example of your tax dollars at work in the heavenly realm.)
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Today our New Testament study begins with acknowledging that the glory of God “became flesh” in the illustrious opening verses of John’s gospel:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning” (John 1:1-2). “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John:1-14).
Theoretically, this Bible study could end here since one could argue that John’s opening passages and Psalm 86’s verses perfectly explain God’s glory and His glory in Jesus Christ. But keep reading for more inspiration.
Last week’s study concluded with a preview of two New Testament verses illustrating how you can glorify God by believing in Christ:
“Christ in you the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). And:
“In order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 4:11).
Now we ask: “What does it mean to glorify God?” While researching this study on Cripplegate, I found a commentary with that title question authored by a missionary named Jordan Standridge, who wrote:
