Glory of God

Through Him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:2

As we have studied through Romans this fall, I have been challenged by how rich and deep the love of God is towards sinners like us. And as we went through Romans 5, this little phrase stuck out to me: “the glory of God.” Paul says that we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Do you think about the majesty of God’s glory? Do you ever ponder the fact that one day we will fully rejoice in the light of His glory? God’s glory, His awe inspiring presence is the source of our hope. Our hope is sure because we know God will keep His promises. He is glorious; there is no sin found in Him. Because we have peace with God, we now have a sure hope.

However, this was not always the case. God’s glory was not always our hope.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23

Before salvation, God’s glory is not our hope. His glory clearly marks our condemnation. God’s glory reveals that all of us are sinners. His glory seals our doom. Jesus made this clear when he was speaking with Nicodemus in the garden:

And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” John 3:19-21

However, because of the work of Jesus on the cross we can now have peace with God. By faith, we can be made part of God’s family and be at peace with him. Now, God’s glory transforms from being the very thing that sealed our punishment to the very essence of our hope. The light of His glory once repelled us and caused us to seek darkness. Now we can rejoice in the light. We can now be in reverent awe of His glory and rejoice in the fact that we are at peace with Him.

Take time today to reflect on the glory of God. If you are at peace with God, this is our hope and joy! If you are not sure, then this is the time to accept God’s offer of salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. Psalm 34:5