God’s Glory Alone—The Majestic Heart of Christian Faith and Life
Overview
Historians and theologians have long recognized that at the heart of the sixteenth-century Protestant Reformation were five declarations, often referred to as the ‘solas’: sola scriptura, solus Christus, sola gratia, sola fide, and soli Deo gloria. These five statements summarize much of what the Reformation was about, and they distinguish Protestantism from other expressions of the Christian faith. Protestants place ultimate and final authority in the Scriptures, acknowledge the work of Christ alone as sufficient for redemption, recognize that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone, and seek to do all things for God’s glory. In God’s Glory Alone—The Majestic Heart of Christian Faith and Life, renowned scholar David VanDrunen looks at the historical and biblical roots of the idea that all glory belongs to God alone. He examines the development of this theme in the Reformation, in subsequent Reformed theology and confessions, and in contemporary theologians who continue to be inspired by the conviction that all glory belongs to God. Then he turns to the biblical story of God's glory, beginning with the pillar of cloud and fire revealed to Israel, continuing through the incarnation, death, and exaltation of the Lord Jesus Christ, and culminating in Christ's Second Coming and the glorification of his people. In light of these wonderful biblical themes he concludes by addressing several of today's great cultural challenges and temptations—such as distraction and narcissism—and reflecting on how commitment to God's glory alone fortifies us to live godly lives in this present evil age.
Top Highlights
“Anyone who wishes to know the great God of glory must see him through the humility of the cross.” (Page 16)
“The Reformers may not have spoken explicitly of ‘the five solas,’ but the magnification of Christ, grace, faith, Scripture, and God’s glory—and these alone—suffused their theology and ethics, their worship and piety. Christ alone, and no other redeemer, is the mediator of our salvation. Grace alone, and not any human contribution, saves us. Faith alone, and no other human action, is the instrument by which we’re saved. Scripture, and no merely human word, is our ultimate standard of authority. God’s glory alone, and that of no creature, is the supreme end of all things.” (Page 14)
“‘the glory of God is the weight of the majestic goodness of who God is, and the resulting name, or reputation, that he gains from his revelation of himself as Creator, Sustainer, Judge, and Redeemer, perfect in justice and mercy, loving-kindness and truth.’” (Page 23)
“The alleged problem is this: the emphasis on God’s glory and God’s glory alone seems to demean human beings. If God’s glory implies humanity’s debasement, is such a God really worthy of our praise?” (Page 18)
“‘Glory to God’ was the theme of the angelic host that announced Jesus’ birth to the shepherds in the field and of the heavenly throng whose songs John recorded in Revelation.” (Page 13)
- Title: God’s Glory Alone—The Majestic Heart of Christian Faith and Life
- Authors: David VanDrunen, Matthew Barrett
- Series: The 5 Solas Series
- Publisher: Zondervan
- Print Publication Date: 2015
- Logos Release Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subjects: Glory of God › Christianity; Reformed Church › Doctrines
- ISBNs: 9780310578093, 9780310578003, 0310578094
- Resource ID: LLS:9780310515821
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2023-06-01T21:50:24Z