PART 5: SOLI DEO GLORIA

Allegiance denominations are generally waning in this “post-modern” era. Along with the rise of non-denominationally aligned churches has been a growing doctrinal vacuum as preachers become life-coaches and the emphasis is on making the Bible a “How to…” book. A casual reading of some of these churches doctrinal statements reveals some glaring departures with historic Christianity, which should cause us to wonder how or why they differ so much with the 5 Pillars of Biblical Christianity…

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The final statement in The Five Pillars of Biblical Christianity is Soli Deo Gloria – for the glory of God alone! The reason we are saved is so that we can glorify God. In one sense it is true that reason Christ died for us was to save us from our sins and the just wrath of God for our sin. But the main reason Christ died to redeem us was for the glory of God.

How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?
John 5:44

The glory that comes from God is when we give God glory. One of Christ’s last prayers was that His disciples would see His glory (John 17:24). Therefore God’s glory, His radiant magnificence, is visible and apprehendable. God’s glory is described several times in Scripture. In this sense, God’s glory is a visible reality (a noun). God’s glory is variously described as being like a cloud (Exodus 16:10), a devouring and consuming fire (Exodus 24:17), fire and smoke-like cloud (2Chronicles 7:1), and a brightly glowing cloud (Ezekiel 10:4).

But in another sense glory is what we should give God. Therefore, living for the glory of God is a verb: it is something we should do. The real purpose of our salvation is not merely to avoid hell, but to give God glory! God has saved us for His glory.

so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.
Ephesians 1:12

God is glorified in His people. When people surrender to Christ, God is glorified. Psalm 85:9 says that the land will be filled with God’s glory when salvation comes to those who now fear Him. According to Second Corinthians 4:15 when God’s grace is increasingly received by people it results in thanksgiving to the glory of God. To live for the glory of God is to champion His Gospel of Grace!

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OUR PURPOSE IS TO GLORIFY GOD

God is most glorified in me when I am most satisfied in Him.
John Piper

The first article in the Westminster Shorter Catechism asks and states –

Q.1 What is the chief end of man?

A. The chief end of man is to enjoy God and glorify Him forever.

The purpose of your life is to enjoy and glorify God! Enjoy, glorify. Enjoy the wonders of God- His creation, His redemption stories, His condescension. Marvel at His love. Rejoice in His gifts toward us. Rest in grace. Celebrate His provision of family and church. Enjoy God! And simultaneously glorify Him. Live to honour Him. Live to make Him pleased. Live to let others see and know Him. Live to worship Him boldly. Live to praise Him. Live to explore the gifts He has given you. Thank Him for the things you didn’t think anyone else should be thanked for. Glorify God!

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WHERE GLORIFYING GOD BEGINS

Salvation is the doorway to being able to glorify God. We are saved to give glory to God. For some Christians this means what they do on Sunday in a church service.

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
First Corinthians 10:31

So practical and invasive is the desire to glorify God that even our mundane time together should in some way glorify God (Romans 15:7). What many take for granted, the church, is described in the New Testament as “the glory of God” (2Corinthians 8:23).

Many people spend a great proportion of their lives searching for their life’s purpose. No matter what conclusions anyone comes to regarding this pursuit, one thing is certain: everyone’s purpose is to glorify God!

A SUMMARY OF THE FIVE PILLARS OF BIBLICAL CHRISTIANITY

The Revelation of Salvation:	Scripture Alone (Sola Scriptura) (Not the writings of a man of group)
The Provider of Salvation:	Christ Alone (Solo Christo) (Not any human “Vicar”)
The Basis for Salvation:	Grace Alone (Sola Gratia) (Not because we can earn it)
The Means of Salvation	Faith Alone (Sola Fide) (Grace is received by the gift of faith)
The Reason for Salvation	Only for God’s Glory! (Soli Deo Gloria)