January 4, 2004

THE GLORY OF GOD

Romans 1:21-23

   "They glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful..." was Paul's indictment of the nations (Romans 1:21). Such words might seem a minimal charge, but such is not the case. This denial of glory to God is the response of those who "knew God." Thus it was not out of ignorance but intentional dishonor. Next they "changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like unto corruptible man...birds...four-footed beasts, and creeping things" (1:23).

   Glory is from the Greek doxa from which we get doxology, a word of praise. Praise, honor, dignity and worship are translations used in the Bible. Doxazo is the verb meaning to give or render honor and praise. Glory is a theme in Romans and throughout the Bible.

   Paul's verdict after every defense was exhausted was that "all have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (3:23). This was not our sin in Adam, for he is not mentioned in this section of Romans. This is the verdict because of deeds of dishonor to God in which we all have participated. One might expect that the words following "all have sinned..." to be the charge of grotesque crime, murder, treason, or such. To "come short of glory" is frankly a charge, the seriousness of which escapes many. But should it?

   The twenty-four elders are seen casting their crowns before the Lord on His throne saying, "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they... were created" (Rev. 4:11). Man "is the image and glory of God" (1 Cor. 11:7). Of all created beings, the only one made in God's image and glory was man--the one here denying Him that very glory! Is this a trivial charge, or the crime of the ages?

   Man has come short, far short, of God's glory, but is there remedy? Just as God's glory is identified with creation, so it is with redemption. Abraham was "strong in faith giving glory to God" (4:20). Believers today are "justified by faith" and "have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ...and rejoice in hope of the glory of God" (5:2). What they did not do by nature, they will do by grace, "that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy" (15:9).

Ivan L. Burgener