The Glory Of God

I’ve really enjoyed writing the guest blog this month (and love all that Tim, Al and Worship Central are doing – thanks guys!). In my first piece I shared a few thoughts about what the holiness of God is. For my last one, I’d love to share a few thoughts on what His glory is. When I say ‘share’, what I really mean is I’d like to steal some great thoughts on this theme from John Piper, and pass them onto you!

Glory has to be one of the most used worship words these days (and for good reason) – but because of that, we need to be really clear about what we mean by it. For many people it’s one of those words we kind of know what we’re talking about conceptually, but would find it hard to express the meaning if were asked for a concise definition. That’s where Mr Piper comes in. I love the way he describes to us what the word ‘glory’ is all about: “ The glory of God is the manifestation of his holiness. God's holiness is the incomparable perfection of his divine nature; his glory is the display of that holiness.”

So in other words, the holiness of God is everything about God that makes Him matchless, perfect and high above all others – and His glory is the shining of that holiness. Or as Piper goes on to explain: “ ‘God is glorious’ means God's holiness has gone public. His glory is the open revelation of the secret of his holiness… The holiness of God is his concealed glory. The glory of God is his revealed holiness.” I love that – it’s what inwardly and instinctively we already knew, but defined in a few concise sentences that really help get a handle on what we’re talking about.

So next time you’re writing or leading a song about the glory of God, remember it as this – the holiness of God going public. Fantastic! (John Piper quotes from www.soundofgrace.com)

Matt is married to Beth and they have four children; Maisey, Noah, Rocco and Jackson. Based in Atlanta they are part of a team starting 'Passion City Church' with pastors Louie and Shelley Giglio. Matt's songs include 'Heart of Worship,' 'Blessed be Your Name,' 'Never let go' and 'Dancing Generation.' His new album 'We shall not be shaken' is now available. For more information visit www.mattredman.com.