“For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.”
— Romans 11:36 (NASB1995)
The End of All Things: God’s Glory
From creation to redemption, from the cross to the crown—the story of Scripture is the glory of God.
Everything God has done is to display:
- His holiness
- His love
- His justice
- His mercy
- His majesty
The early Church understood this. Their lives were not lived for fame, comfort, or applause. They lived—and died—for the glory of God alone.
“Let us glorify God in our bodies, for He has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
— 1 Clement, c. AD 96
Soli Deo Gloria Misunderstood
Today, even in churches that affirm “Glory to God alone,” glory is often subtly shared:
- Glory given to human leaders or theological systems
- Glory absorbed through performance or success
- Glory lost to personal ambition, reputation, or control
But God says:
“I am the Lord, that is My name; I will not give My glory to another…”
— Isaiah 42:8
The Early Church Refused the Spotlight
When early believers were praised, they pointed upward:
- They didn’t build fame around themselves
- They didn’t elevate certain teachers above others
- They rejected all attempts to make men great
“We are not the light. We bear the light. Let no man glorify himself.”
— The Epistle of Barnabas, c. AD 100
Even their martyrs didn’t seek honor. They only sought to honor Christ.
Everything for His Name
To glorify God is not just to say “Glory to God.” It is to:
- Worship Him alone
- Obey Him completely
- Point others to Him intentionally
- Live in such a way that He—not we—is praised
Paul wrote:
“Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
— 1 Corinthians 10:31
The early Church didn’t seek applause. They sought faithfulness. And when God was glorified through their lives and deaths, that was enough.
Glory Robbers Today
We rob God’s glory when we:
- Take credit for fruit that only the Spirit can produce
- Center ministries around personalities instead of Christ
- Make theological allegiance more important than worship
The early Church was anonymous in the world—but radiant in heaven.
“Their names are not known among men, but their witness is written in the Book of Life.”
— The Martyrdom of Polycarp, c. AD 155
Kingdom Discipleship Reflection
- Is my life drawing attention to God—or to myself?
- Am I seeking God’s glory—even when it costs me recognition, comfort, or approval?
- Have I replaced God’s glory with the praise of man, ministry, or movement?
This week, meditate on Isaiah 42:8 and Romans 11:36. Ask:
“Lord, is there any place in my life where I am receiving what belongs only to You?”
Then surrender it.
“Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to Your name give glory because of Your lovingkindness, because of Your truth.”
— Psalm 115:1
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