The Glory Of God – Ephesians 1:6
“to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.” (ESV)
Forgiveness of sin is the heart of our redemption in Christ. But that is different than saying God’s primary motivation for redemption is forgiveness of sin. This, says Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, is to place the human being at the center of salvation rather than God. Instead, the glory of God is the great motive that led God to plan and purpose redemption in Christ. As Christians we are often lethargic about our salvation. But Paul says we are redeemed to praise Him. Why should Advent illicit praise to God? Chiefly, because in the coming of Christ we see the revelation of God’s glory. Although the glory of God is difficult to define, the term implies God’s beauty, majesty, splendor, greatness, might and eternity. Lloyd-Jones walks through various passages in order to demonstrate how this theme runs throughout Scripture (Genesis 3:24; Exodus 40:34-37; Isaiah 6; Luke 2:14; 2 Corinthians 4:6). Placing the glory of God at the front of our minds will have great effects in our evangelism ministry. By emphasizing the glory of God in our proclamation of the gospel we shall be much more apostolic in our method. While God is about His glory, the highest manifestation of that glory is found in the salvation of sinners. The church is, indeed, highly favored. MLJ Trust