Glory of God (Gloria Dei)
1. Opening remarks
...with the hope that the “light of the knowledge of the glory of God” shines on every Christian’s heart and on the land of Mongolia… (2 Corinthians 4:6)
Throughout Christian history, whenever there was a revival and reformation, there was special acknowledgement and enlightenment. God blessed the lives and spirits of his people and made the church the channel of his light and blessings in the world when the church and Christians acknowledged ‘the glory of God’, experienced the joy of partaking his glory, and testified to this with all their heart and spirit.
However, the church became the forerunner of corruption and immorality, and the object of disaster and mockery, when the church followed worldly goals and desires and forgot about the glory of God, but pursued the glory of their own church through ‘growth’ and ‘authority’.
In order for the church and Christians to be witnesses of the living God and to be the channel of the glory of God for the world, by carrying out the mission of preaching the gospel, they have to strive to rediscover the glory of God, experience and enjoy his glory, announce his beautiful virtue, and boast of the glory of God.
Can we be a channel of blessings from God? Or will we be the object of disaster and mockery in the world? Of course, we have to choose to be a channel of blessings from God! And we have to focus our minds and thoughts on the glory of God, which is the source of blessings.
2. Whatever you do, do it for the glory of God!
The Bible says “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).
This passage clearly teaches what Christians and the church (the body of Christ) need to focus on the most. In other words, this passage explains that the meaning, purpose and driving force of life is the glory of God. Furthermore, this passage shows that the glory of God is not a theoretical or imaginary subject, but an answer to many problems amongst Christians in the church.
The Corinthian church worked hard too, but was lost due to many problems. More specifically, the Corinthian church was divided into followers of Paul, followers of Apollo, followers of Cephas, and followers of Christ. They also had many other issues and problems: sexual immorality, lawsuits over concessions, marriage, eating of meats sacrificed to idols, idol worship, sacrificing to false gods, head covering, the Lord’s supper and spiritual gifts. The Corinthians were not edifying other congregations in the world.
In order to solve this problem, Paul said
“Everything is permissible”—but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible”—but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others. (1 Corinthians 10:23-24)
And also: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).
When people focus on their own gains, conflicts and disputes happen. But when people turn their attention to the glory of God they find clues to solve their problems. Therefore, the glory of God is a very real answer to solving problems within the church. We have to see the glory of God as the only real answer.
The church and Christians have to pay attention to the glory of God first. Not only the beginning and ending of every ministry, but also the beginning and ending of every problem has to be about the glory of God.
3. Glory in the Old Testament[1]
1) The basic literal meaning of ‘glory’ (kabod)
The most frequently used noun for ‘glory’ is kabod (dwbk), and the adjective is kabed (dbk). The original meanings of kabod are ‘physical heaviness’, also ‘a heavy object’ or ‘many’. Therefore kabod was used to indicate a heavy object, wealth, abundant possessions, a rich person, a multitude, or a large army.
He was an old man and heavy [kabed, dbk]. (1 Samuel 4:18)
He used to cut his hair from time to time when it became too heavy [kabed, dbk]. (2 Samuel 14:26)
[Jacob] has gained all this wealth [kabod, dwbk] from what belonged to our father. (Genesis 31:1).
For he will take nothing with him when he dies, his splendor [kabed, dbk] will not descend with him. (Psalms 49:17)
The king of Assyria with all his pomp [kabod, dwbk]. (Isaiah 8:7)
The splendor [kabod, dwbk, abundance] of his forests and fertile fields. (Isaiah 10:18)
He used to cut his hair from time to time when it became too heavy [kabed, dbk]. (2 Samuel 14:26)
[Jacob] has gained all this wealth [kabod, dwbk] from what belonged to our father. (Genesis 31:1).
For he will take nothing with him when he dies, his splendor [kabed, dbk] will not descend with him. (Psalms 49:17)
The king of Assyria with all his pomp [kabod, dwbk]. (Isaiah 8:7)
The splendor [kabod, dwbk, abundance] of his forests and fertile fields. (Isaiah 10:18)
2) The word glory (kabod) when used figuratively regarding people
The word glory (heaviness) is often used figuratively regarding a person. In this case, the meaning changes. For example, when figuratively speaking someone is glorious (heavy), this word indicates that he needs to be carefully looked at because of his high position, ability, value, importance or wealth. Therefore when the word glory (heaviness) is used regarding a person figuratively, this word describes his superior status, power, value, significance, and wealth. Furthermore, it also means that he deserves honor and respect.
All the honor [kabod, dwbk, outstanding wealth, honor, position and value] accorded in Egypt. (Genesis 45:13)
Haman boasted to them about his vast [kabod, dwbk, superior status and fame] wealth. (Esther 5:11)
To give him dignity and honor [kabod, dwbk, superior status, importance and worth]. (Exodus 28:2)
Haman boasted to them about his vast [kabod, dwbk, superior status and fame] wealth. (Esther 5:11)
To give him dignity and honor [kabod, dwbk, superior status, importance and worth]. (Exodus 28:2)
3) The word ‘glory’ (kabod) when used regarding God
God is the Creator, Ruler and Judge of all things. He started history, controls history and will finish history. His exclusive superior worth, status, power and significance can never be yielded to another creation.
Therefore when the word glory is used regarding God, it indicates his internal attributes and his exclusive superiority. Therefore the glory of God is closely intermingled with the holiness of God. The glory of God is a natural attribute of God, which cannot be added or reduced by men. God is “I AM” (Exodus 3:14), “the God of glory” (Psalm 29:3, Acts 7:2), and “the Holy God”.
Therefore, glory as the natural attribute of God belongs only to God.
There also I will meet with the Israelites, and the place will be consecrated by my glory [kabod, dwbk]. (Exodus 29:43)
Among those who approach me I will show myself holy; in the sight of all the people I will be honored [kabad, dbk]. (Leviticus 10:3)
Holy, holy , holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory. (Isaiah 6:3)
I will gain glory within you [kabad, dbk]. They will know that I am the Lord,
when I inflict punishment on her and show myself holy within her. (Ezekiel 28:22)
The Lord is exalted over all the nations, his glory [kabod, dwbk] above the heavens. (Psalms 113:4)
I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not give my glory [kabod, dwbk] to another or my praise to idols. (Isaiah 42:8)
Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory [kabod, dwbk], whom I formed and made. (Isaiah 43:7)
For my own sake, for my own sake, I do this. How can I let myself be defamed? I will not yield my glory [kabod, dwbk] to another. (Isaiah 48:11)
Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory [kabod, dwbk] and the Ascribe to the Lord the glory [kabod, dwbk] due his name. (1 Chronicles 16:29)
Ascribe to the Lord the glory [kabod, dwbk] due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. (Psalms 29:2)
Among those who approach me I will show myself holy; in the sight of all the people I will be honored [kabad, dbk]. (Leviticus 10:3)
Holy, holy , holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory. (Isaiah 6:3)
I will gain glory within you [kabad, dbk]. They will know that I am the Lord,
when I inflict punishment on her and show myself holy within her. (Ezekiel 28:22)
The Lord is exalted over all the nations, his glory [kabod, dwbk] above the heavens. (Psalms 113:4)
I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not give my glory [kabod, dwbk] to another or my praise to idols. (Isaiah 42:8)
Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory [kabod, dwbk], whom I formed and made. (Isaiah 43:7)
For my own sake, for my own sake, I do this. How can I let myself be defamed? I will not yield my glory [kabod, dwbk] to another. (Isaiah 48:11)
Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory [kabod, dwbk] and the Ascribe to the Lord the glory [kabod, dwbk] due his name. (1 Chronicles 16:29)
Ascribe to the Lord the glory [kabod, dwbk] due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. (Psalms 29:2)
4) God is the foundation and the distributor of all the glory in the world[2]
God is I AM and the God of glory. He covers whole world with his glory and gives his glory to the people he wants to. In this manner, he is the foundation and the distributor of all the glory.
He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor [kabod, dwbk]. (1 Samuel 2:8)
I will give you what you have not asked for—both riches and honor [kabod, dwbk]. (1 Kings 3:13)
I will give you what you have not asked for—both riches and honor [kabod, dwbk]. (1 Kings 3:13)
5) Words translated as ‘glory’ other than kadad
These words are also translated as ‘glory’: (adderet, trda)-magnificence, (ora, hr/a)-light, (gaawa, hWag)-excellency, (hadar, rdh)-majesty, (hod, dwh)-splendor, (yipa, h[Py)-brightness, (yeqar, rqy)-preciousness, (tipara, hraPt)-beauty, (shem, mv)-name, (tehilla, hlht)- praise, and (chebi, ybx)-ornament. These words enrich the word ‘glory’ in various ways.
He is your shield and helper and your glorious (gaawa, hWag) sword. (Deuteronomy 33:29)
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory [hod, dwh] above the heavens. (Psalms 8:1)
O king, the Most High God gave your father Nebuchadnezzar sovereignty and greatness and glory [hadar, rdh] and splendor. (Daniel 5:18)
His glory [tehilla ,hlht] covered the heavens and his praise filled the earth. (Habakkuk 3:3)
The honor [tipara, hraPt] of the house of David and of Jerusalem’s inhabitants may not be greater than that of Judah. [Zechariah 12:7)
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory [hod, dwh] above the heavens. (Psalms 8:1)
O king, the Most High God gave your father Nebuchadnezzar sovereignty and greatness and glory [hadar, rdh] and splendor. (Daniel 5:18)
His glory [tehilla ,hlht] covered the heavens and his praise filled the earth. (Habakkuk 3:3)
The honor [tipara, hraPt] of the house of David and of Jerusalem’s inhabitants may not be greater than that of Judah. [Zechariah 12:7)
The God of heaven has given you dominion and power and might and glory [yeqar, rqy]. (Daniel 2:37)
O king, the Most High God gave your father Nebuchadnezzar sovereignty and greatness and glory [hadar, rdh] and splendor. (Daniel 5:18)
O king, the Most High God gave your father Nebuchadnezzar sovereignty and greatness and glory [hadar, rdh] and splendor. (Daniel 5:18)
4. Glory in the New Testament
The New Testament translated many words indicating ‘glory’, including kabod, as doxa (δόξα). Originally, the word doxa meant ‘thought’ or ‘opinion’ in ancient Greek. This is how the meaning of this word became ‘glory’ in the New Testament.
Ptolemy Philadelphus (285-246 BC) was translating Hebrew books of laws into Greek in order to place them in Alexandria’s well-known library. It is said that 72 scholars participated in this work, and that is why the Greek Old Testament is called the Septuagint (Septuaginta), which means 70 in Latin and is abbreviated as LXX. After this, other Old Testament scriptures were also translated, and the translation of all of the Old Testament was completed in 132 BC. This version of the translation functioned as the bridge between the Old Testament and the New Testament. Later, when Christians recorded the New Testament, they translated the Hebrew Old Testament into Greek based on the Septuagint. Therefore the Septuagint became a very important resources for Christians.[3]
When the Septuagint was translated, doxa was mainly used to express the Hebrew word kabod, and became a representation and a general term to express ‘glory’. Also, many other words that were translated as ‘glory’ in the Old Testament were translated as doxa in the New Testament.
Furthermore, when the New Testament was being written, doxa was used to translate glory according to the Septuagint. Doxa in the New Testament means the divine nature of God and his greatness, superior ability, power, honor and fame.
The following is what the New Testament emphasizes regarding glory. Glory is God’s natural internal attribute. Glory belongs to God only and needs only to be ascribed to him. Therefore, when a man has glory, he is participating the glory of God by the grace of God. It is a sin leading to judgment for a man to glorify himself or to try to be glorified by others.
1) Glory as the natural internal attribute of God
For yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory. (Matthew 6:13)
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. (Romans 11:36)
Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Timothy 1:17)
You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being. (Revelation 4:11)
Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God. (Revelation 19:1)
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. (Romans 11:36)
Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Timothy 1:17)
You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being. (Revelation 4:11)
Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God. (Revelation 19:1)
2) Jesus Christ and glory
Doxa when used regarding God in the Old Testament is used regarding Jesus Christ in the New Testament. This is because Jesus Christ is believed to be equal to God in the Old Testament. Therefore, the glory of God the Father is the glory of Jesus the Son. Furthermore, the relationship between God the Father and Jesus the Son is reflected in the word glory.
We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)
For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done. (Matthew 16:27)
When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. (Matthew 25:31)
And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. (John 17:5)
For if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. (1 Corinthians 2:8)
But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. (Acts 7:55)
Just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. (Romans 6:4)
Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. (1 Peter 1:21)
To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever! (Revelation 5:13)
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being. (Hebrews 1:3)
For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done. (Matthew 16:27)
When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. (Matthew 25:31)
And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. (John 17:5)
For if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. (1 Corinthians 2:8)
But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. (Acts 7:55)
Just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. (Romans 6:4)
Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. (1 Peter 1:21)
To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever! (Revelation 5:13)
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being. (Hebrews 1:3)
3) The glory of men and the glory of God
It is typical for people to try to glorify themselves or to be glorified by others. When people do not glorify God, they are not acknowledging God as God, which leads them to judgment.
So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. (Matthew 6:2)
For they loved praise from men more than praise from God. (John 12:43)
How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God? (John 5:44)
Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died. (Acts 12:23)
For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. (Romans 1:21)
And exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. (Romans 1:23)
They were seared by the intense heat and they cursed the name of God, who had control over these plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify him. (Revelation 16:9)
For they loved praise from men more than praise from God. (John 12:43)
How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God? (John 5:44)
Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died. (Acts 12:23)
For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. (Romans 1:21)
And exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. (Romans 1:23)
They were seared by the intense heat and they cursed the name of God, who had control over these plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify him. (Revelation 16:9)
4) Give glory only to God
God is the foundation and giver of all the glory in the world, therefore, all the glory needs to be given to God only.
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. (Romans 11:36)
You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. (1 Corinthians 6:20)
So, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)
To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Philippians 4:20)
You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. (1 Corinthians 6:20)
So, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)
To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Philippians 4:20)
5) We participate in the glory of God by his grace
And we who with the unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into the likeness with ever-increasing glory, whence comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:18)
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness”, made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:6)
I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints. (Ephesians 1:18)
...encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God who calls you into his kingdom and glory. (1 Thessalonians 2:12)
He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Thessalonians 2:14)
...who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. (Philippians 4:21)
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness”, made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:6)
I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints. (Ephesians 1:18)
...encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God who calls you into his kingdom and glory. (1 Thessalonians 2:12)
He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Thessalonians 2:14)
...who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. (Philippians 4:21)
5. The pathway by which God reveals his glory
1) Coming upon
Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. (Exodus 40:34)
But when the assembly gathered in opposition to Moses and Aaron and turned toward the Tent of Meeting, suddenly the cloud covered it and the glory of the LORD appeared. (Numbers 16:42)
And the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled his temple. (1 Kings 8:11)
When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple. (2 Chronicles 7:1)
I love the house where you live, O LORD the place where your glory dwells. (Psalms 26:8)
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)
But when the assembly gathered in opposition to Moses and Aaron and turned toward the Tent of Meeting, suddenly the cloud covered it and the glory of the LORD appeared. (Numbers 16:42)
And the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled his temple. (1 Kings 8:11)
When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple. (2 Chronicles 7:1)
I love the house where you live, O LORD the place where your glory dwells. (Psalms 26:8)
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)
2) The hypostasis and ministries of Jesus Christ
To the only wise God be glory forever though Jesus Christ! Amen. (Romans 16:27)
...for no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. (2 Corinthians 1:20)
...and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:11)
In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. (Hebrews 2:10)
To the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. (Jude 1:25)
...for no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. (2 Corinthians 1:20)
...and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:11)
In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. (Hebrews 2:10)
To the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. (Jude 1:25)
3) Demonstrating power and miracles
...who sent his glorious arm of power to be at Moses right hand, who divided the waters before them, to gain for himself everlasting renown. (Isaiah 63:12)
This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed at Cana in Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him. (John 2:11)
Immediately [the paralytic] stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. Everyone was amazed and gave glory to God. They were filled with awe and said, ‘We have seen remarkable things today.’ (Luke 5:25-26)
The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother. They were all filled with awe and glorified God. ‘A great prophet has appeared among us,’ they said, ‘God has come to help his people.’ (Luke 7:15-16)
Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and glorified God. (Luke 13:13)
When he heard this, Jesus said, ‘This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.’ (John 11:4)
This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed at Cana in Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him. (John 2:11)
Immediately [the paralytic] stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. Everyone was amazed and gave glory to God. They were filled with awe and said, ‘We have seen remarkable things today.’ (Luke 5:25-26)
The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother. They were all filled with awe and glorified God. ‘A great prophet has appeared among us,’ they said, ‘God has come to help his people.’ (Luke 7:15-16)
Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and glorified God. (Luke 13:13)
When he heard this, Jesus said, ‘This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.’ (John 11:4)
4) The word of good news
…the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. (2 Thessalonians 3:1)
5) Defeating enemies and judging them
The Egyptians will know that I am the LORD when I gain glory though Pharaoh, his chariots and his horsemen. (Exodus 14:18)
Your right hand, O LORD, was majestic in power. Your right hand, O LORD, shattered the enemy. (Exodus 15:6)
This is what the Sovereign LORD says: ‘I am against you, O Sidon, and I will gain glory within you. (Ezekiel 28:22)
I will display my glory among the nations and all the nations will see the punishment I inflict and the hand I lay upon them. (Ezekiel 39:21)
Your right hand, O LORD, was majestic in power. Your right hand, O LORD, shattered the enemy. (Exodus 15:6)
This is what the Sovereign LORD says: ‘I am against you, O Sidon, and I will gain glory within you. (Ezekiel 28:22)
I will display my glory among the nations and all the nations will see the punishment I inflict and the hand I lay upon them. (Ezekiel 39:21)
6) Saving and giving grace
He is your shield and helper and your glorious sword. Your enemies will cower before you, and you will trample down their high places. (Deuteronomy 33:29)
Moreover I will give you what you have not asked for—both riches and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. (1 Kings 3:13)
Through the victories you gave, his glory is great; you have bestowed on him splendor and majesty. (Psalms 21:5)
Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for you name’s sake. (Psalms 79:9)
Surely his salvation is near those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land. (Psalms 85:9)
Moreover I will give you what you have not asked for—both riches and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. (1 Kings 3:13)
Through the victories you gave, his glory is great; you have bestowed on him splendor and majesty. (Psalms 21:5)
Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for you name’s sake. (Psalms 79:9)
Surely his salvation is near those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land. (Psalms 85:9)
7) Abundantly providing
For you will nurse and be satisfied at her comforting breasts; you will drink deeply and delight in her overflowing abundance. For this is what the LORD says: “I will extend peace to her like a river, and the wealth of nations like a flooding stream; you will nurse and be carried on her arm and dandled on her knees.” (Isaiah 66:11-12)
What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory. (Romans 9:23)
I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength. (Ephesians 1:18-19)
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)
What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory. (Romans 9:23)
I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength. (Ephesians 1:18-19)
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)
6. The way men can ascribe to God the glory due his name
1) Worship: Acknowledging God as God and showing respect to him
The English word worship is a compound words; ‘worth’ and ‘ship’ (a man or being who has a status or title). Therefore, it means a person of high worth, a significant being, a divine being. Furthermore, this word means to show respect to a highly valued being. Therefore worship is giving respect to the highly valuable and significant God. In other words, worship is acknowledging God and God and expressing our respect to him.[4]
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name. Bring an offering and come before him; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness. (1 Chronicles 16:29)
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness. (Psalms 29:2)
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come into his courts. (Psalms 96:8)
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness. (Psalms 29:2)
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come into his courts. (Psalms 96:8)
2) Thanksgiving and praise
You who fear the LORD, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, honor him! Revere him, all you descendants of Israel! (Psalms 22:23)
My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music. Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth. (Psalms 57:7-11)
Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious! (Psalms 66:2)
May they sing of the ways of the Lord, for the glory of the Lord is great. (Psalms 138:5)
Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens. (Psalms 148:13)
All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. (2 Corinthians 4:15)
My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music. Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth. (Psalms 57:7-11)
Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious! (Psalms 66:2)
May they sing of the ways of the Lord, for the glory of the Lord is great. (Psalms 138:5)
Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens. (Psalms 148:13)
All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. (2 Corinthians 4:15)
3) Good deeds and the fruit of righteousness
Then will all your people be righteous and they will possess the land forever. They are the shoot I have planted, the work of my hands, for the display of my splendor. (Isaiah 60:21)
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)
This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. (John 15:8)
You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. (1 Corinthians 6:20)
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. (1 Peter 2:12)
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)
This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. (John 15:8)
You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. (1 Corinthians 6:20)
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. (1 Peter 2:12)
4) Boasting of God and proclaiming him
‘To boast’ is halal (llh) in Hebrew, which means to praise or to glorify. In Greek, to boast is kaukhaomai, which means to be glad or to glorify. In other words, to boast means to glorify in both languages.
The word to proclaim is safar (rps) in Hebrew and apanggello in Greek; safar means to explain carefully, and apanggello means to deliver news. Therefore to boast of God or to proclaim what God has done means to talk about God we believe in and glorify him.
Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all people. (1 Chronicles 16:24)
Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. (Psalms 96:3)
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. (Psalms 20:7)
My soul will boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. (Psalms 34:2)
Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. (Psalms 105:3)
But in the Lord all the descendants of Israel will be found righteous and will exult. (Isaiah 45:25)
But let him who boasts boast in the Lord. (2 Corinthians 10:17)
May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. (Galatians 6:14)
For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh. (Philippians 3:3)
He says, ‘I will declare your name to my brothers; in the presence of the congregation I will sing your praises.’ (Hebrews 2:12)
Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. (Psalms 96:3)
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. (Psalms 20:7)
My soul will boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. (Psalms 34:2)
Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. (Psalms 105:3)
But in the Lord all the descendants of Israel will be found righteous and will exult. (Isaiah 45:25)
But let him who boasts boast in the Lord. (2 Corinthians 10:17)
May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. (Galatians 6:14)
For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh. (Philippians 3:3)
He says, ‘I will declare your name to my brothers; in the presence of the congregation I will sing your praises.’ (Hebrews 2:12)
7. The situation of society and of churches right before the Reformation
As Catholic theologian Hans Küng pointed out, medieval times[5] were not ideal times where Christian ideas and values ruled. Nor were the Dark Ages. Medieval means the time in-between ancient and modern times; the underlying idea is that medieval times were relatively valueless and less important when compared to ancient and modern times.
The idea that medieval times were the Dark Ages came from humanists who pursued the Renaissance (Rinascimento).[6] Reformers consider medieval times as the times when priests, including popes, betrayed the true Christian faith, and Protestant historians in 19th and 20th centuries considered this period the Dark Age because it was a fruitless time in church and theology.[7]
However, medieval times, especially after the late 14th century, were a time of transformation in areas such as politics, economy, society and religion.
The West became politically, mentally, culturally and religiously unified under the control of Church.[8] However, this unity under the control of Church started breaking in pieces toward the end of medieval times. Here are some of the causes.[9]
The political power of the Pope was most exercised during the Crusades, from 1095 to 1291. However, due to these wars, the division of Christianity was accelerated and the power of the Pope was seriously challenged. Through the Crusades, the world view of the West was widened. As a result, Renaissance and Humanistic movements grew because they pursued the intellectual renewal and further development of art and education. Humanistic movements pursued discovering foundations, so as scholars strived to find the precise origin of ancient literatures, the field of textual criticism was born. As a result, studying the original language of the Bible was actively pursued, which became one of the causes of the Reformation.
In the 12th and 13th centuries, a monetary economy and the bourgeois level was formed because Crusaders traded using a monetary system. The bourgeois supported kings in order to restraint local lords and serfs’ power. Through the support from the bourgeois for kings who pursued gains for their own territory, modern countries were developed and became independent. Nationalism, where people have a sense of belonging to a country, also became strong, causing further weakening of the influence of the Pope, who insists on his authority over the whole universe.
The Crusades influenced many other areas in European society. Positive influences came from importing gun-powder, glass, eye-glasses, compasses, paper, printing, alchemy and medicine from the East, which transformed European society and led to the development of advanced technologies. These advanced technologies helped them discover the New World. Furthermore, active cultural and commercial exchange between the West and the East resulted in accumulation of assets, the foundation of capitalism.
On the other hand, the negative effects of the Crusade war was the deepened animosity between East and West, which resulted in closing the door of mission work among Muslims.
Christendom became smaller when Constantinople, the capital of Eastern Orthodoxy, was captured by Sultan Mohammed II and his troops in May 29th of 1453.
The Black Plague that began in 1437 claimed the lives of one third of the European population in three years. This pandemic closed all markets and caused serious problems in every economy. Many young people died of this Black Plague, and everyone had to live in fear of death. People dreaded the Black Plague, death, hell and the judgment of God. Because people relied on pilgrimages, the relics of saints and magic or superstitions to find peace in their hearts, Christianity was strongly combined with local superstitions.
At the same time, the fate of the Catholic Church was determined by the political situation of many countries. The Catholic Church moved its Holy City to Avignon in France under the control of king of France from 1309 to 1377 due to political instability which endangered the Pope; this is called the “’Papal Babylonian Captivity’ because it was similar to the Babylonian captivity of Israelites. In addition, there were three popes who all claimed the authenticity of the papacy at one time between 1378 and 1409.
Among church fathers (including the Pope, cardinals, priests and monks), sexual corruption and immorality worsened the chaotic situation. The Church had lost its purpose and mission. It had drifted toward secular values like a ship drifts on the ocean.
During this time, the popes considered building a grand and beautiful cathedral and filling it with art as their goal and great achievement. In order to finance the construction of the grand cathedrals, they collected all kinds of taxes as well as tithes and special offerings. They even sold indulgences to satisfy their desires. All these thing led to a situation where social and religious reformation was inevitable.
8. The glory of God: The power which reforms the church and transforms society
Out of the many reformers, I would like to take a careful look at Luther and Calvin, in order to restate that the most important value and idea of the Reformation was the glory of God.
1) The Reformation of Martin Luther and the glory of God[10]
Roland Bainton described the faith of ordinary German people:
In their ideas, the forest, wind and water were filled with fairies, goblins, mermaid and witches. They brought storms, floods and pests. Evil spirits are behind people’s sins and depression. Luther’s mother believed that these creatures stole milk or butter. Luther was never free from this type of faith either.[11]
However, as Luther read the Bible and studied, he understood the gospel. The gospel he understood was faith in the sacrifice of Christ; men can be righteous only through faith. In order to be righteous, man’s own effort is useless. Men can be righteous only through the faith that our merciful God gives us.
This was a Copernicus revolution, which got rid of man from the center of the work of salvation and theology and placed God there instead, compared to medieval theology which emphasized man’s efforts on morality in God.[12]
Thus Luther’s reformation was closely linked with theology. His God-centered theology, through his theological reformation effort, became the reformation program of church and society.[13]
When Luther presented his 95 theses to the corrupted and rotten church, he was ordered to appear and recant his claim at Diet of Worms by the Holy Roman Empire. However, on April 18th in 1521, at the Diet of Worms which the Emperor Charles V attended, he risked his life by stating the following:[14]
Here I stand. I cannot do otherwise. God help me. Amen. (Hie stehe ich. Ich kan nicht anders. Gott helff mir. Amen.)
It should also be noted that Watson said Luther’s motto was, “Glory to God only!”[15] In his Let God be God!, Watson stated that the reason Luther criticized the Roman Catholics under the papal authority and pursued the Reformation was because the papal system covered the glory of God, and the Church did not let God be God because it attempted to steal God’s attributes.[16]
And Watson said,
In Luther’s idea, what does it mean to glorify God and to let God be God?... This can be summarized in his theology of ‘faith only and, grace only.’ These two are one. Glory of God is His grace. That is His justice and grace of Christ. That is love that is given to us freely... therefore the only thing we can do to give glory to God for his Name is acknowledging His glory which is revealed to us... the only way we can let God be God is letting treat us in His way in Christ. It is, as Luther said, letting God do what He wills to do.[17]
We need to deeply appreciate Watson’s understanding of Luther’s theology and faith because he shows how Luther erupted the power of his generation to find a new life and order in the middle of chaos and disorder. Watson helps us see that when the church and the saints look at the glory of God, in order words, when we decide to live for the glory of God, a new way opens.
Watson claims that “Glory to God Only (Soli Deo Gloria)” is not the Calvinists’ exclusive possession, but also was Luther’s theology and principle of his faith. He pointed out that if ‘Glory to God’ means God’s sovereignty to Calvin, it is ‘God’s love as a Father’ which fundamentally determines God’s sovereignty.[18]
In his Lectures on Galatians, published in 1535, Luther stated this:
My doctrine is emphasizing and teaching only the grace and glory of God. In the problem of salvation, I condemn men’s righteousness and wisdom. I cannot go against this because I give God what belongs to Him and give man what belongs to him.[19]
Also Luther asserted during his debate against Erasmus that the theme of the Glory of God is the highest value which helps us understand the salvation of God:
Let us take it that there are three lights-the light of nature, the light of grace, and the light of glory, to use the common and valid distinction. By the light nature it is an insoluble problem how it can be just that a good man should suffer and a bad man prosper; but this problem is solved by the light of grace. By the light of grace it is an insoluble problem how God can damn one who is unable by any power of his own to do anything but sin and be guilty. Here both the light of nature and the light of grace tell us that it is not the fault of the unhappy man, but of an unjust God; for they cannot judge otherwise of a God who crowns one ungodly man freely and apart from merits, yet damns another who may well be less, or at least not more, ungodly. But the light of glory tells us differently, and it will show us hereafter that the God whose judgment here is one of incomprehensible righteousness is a God of most perfect and manifest righteousness. In the meantime, we can only believe this, being admonished and confirmed by the example of the light of grace, which performs a similar miracle in relation to the light of nature.[20]
2) The Reformation of John Calvin and the glory of God
John Calvin was born in 1509 in Noyon in the Picardy province, which is near Normandy, in northern France. John Calvin was his English name, and his French name was Jean Cauvin. We often identify him as Jean Calvin because that was his Latin name.
From Geneva in Switzerland, Calvin realized his dream of religious reformation. Geneva was an unusual city which did not belong to France nor to Switzerland; it became independent in the 16th century and maintained its independence until 1798.[21]
Calvin, who was one of the second generation religious reformers, received a great theological inheritance from Luther and other first generation reformers. Williston Walker pointed out the following:
John Calvin, the second generation reformer, did not try to be a creative thinker. He willingly admitted that with the works of Luther, he could not accomplish what he has done. He accepted Luther’s teaching that “we are called righteous by our faith” and sacraments as the signs of covenant. He learned a lot from Bucer; the glory of God (that everything was created for the glory of God), predestination as the doctrine that gives confidence to Christians, and emphasis on Christians’ persistent strives to live according to the will of God as a result of predestination. However, it was Calvin’s ability to systemize and clarify all these things.[22]
However, the importance of Calvin’s contribution to the Reformation can never be underestimated. Timothy George summarized Calvin’s important role in the Reformation:
At this precise moment, with Zwingli dead and Erasmus dying, with Luther quiescent (if not quiet!), the Roman Church resurgent, the Radical Reformation fragmented and soon to be further discredited by the bloody spectacle of Muenster, John Calvin emerged as the leather of a new movement and the re-formulator of a new theology.[23]
Timothy George continued to explain that Calvin’s theology was pursuing the glory of God. Regarding the life of Calvin, George described that:
His life’s goal was to be a faithful servant of the Word of God. The light which emanates from his witness still shines-post tenebras lux!-not, to be sure, as a reflection of his own brilliance, but as a means of illumination to point men and women toward the adoration of the true God, whose glory is revealed in the face of Jesus Christ.
Most scholars agree that the core of Calvin’s theology was the glory of God. Wilhelm Niesel said:
The idea of the glory of God penetrates Calvin’s theology as whole, and that is the last key to understanding Calvin’s theology. This concept of God which is closely related to the doctrine of predestination is the chief point of his theological system, and everything else is deduced from here.[24]
Ernest Troeltsch evaluated Calvin’s ideas:
To Calvin the chief point is not the self-centered personal salvation of the creature, and the universality of the Divine Will of Love, but it is the Glory of God, which is equally exalted in the holy activity of the elect and in the futile rage of the reprobate.
Catholic theologian Louis Bouyer affirmed the importance of the glory of God in Calvin’s theology, meditation and life:
Calvin’s most important contribution to Protestant spirituality was his conception of God’s glory, or, to put it better, God’s glorification, as the final end of Christianity.[25]
In fact, Calvin hoped to reveal the glory of God throughout his entire life. He articulated that the purpose and principle of Christian life is the glory of God.
We are consecrated and dedicated to God in order that we may thereafter think, speak, meditate, and do, nothing except to his glory.[26]
Calvin always gave a short prayer before his lectures on the Bible:
Lord! Let us mediate on the mystery of your holy wisdom with ever increasing piety so that we can glorify you as we study![27]
Is it an accident that Calvin’s theology, life and thoughts are completely focused on the glory of God? Or did Calvin intend it? We can find the answer from the letter he wrote to Roman Catholic Cardinal Sadolet in 1539:
It is not very sound theology to confine a man’s thoughts so much to himself, and not to set before him, as the prime motive of his existence, zeal to illustrate the glory of God. For we are born first of all for God, and not for ourselves. As all things flowed from him, and subsist in him, so, says Paul, (Romans 11:36,) they ought to be referred to him.[28]
We may wonder, “What is the big deal with Calvin’s theological talk about the glory of God? The world operates by itself with its own principles apart from the word of God!”
However, history proves that the reformation of society is possible when we focus on the glory of God and put all of our energy and hearts on the glory of God. Then, let us examine how society was reshaped by God’s hands when Calvin pursued the glory of God with all his might and heart.[29]
First of all, when Calvin said that Christians should have completely God-centered lives and live for the glory of God, it naturally led to a re-evaluation of our labor. As a result, people had confidence that their jobs were their callings and people were fervent in doing good deeds. Manual industries and merchandise were recognized as honorable jobs and provided the foundation for modern capitalism. This is a refutation of Karl Marx’s assertion that the economic situation determines religious viewpoints. Rather, it proved that religious viewpoints determine economic development.
Furthermore, Calvin’s Presbyterian Church system, a cooperative system, accelerated the formation of an autonomous and self-governing society, and indirectly contributed to the development of modern democratic systems. This shows that faith focusing on the glory of God does not ignore society or only focus on the life after death, but dynamically transforms society.
Calvin’s theology, which is God-centered and in which the glory of God is the purpose, no less the apex, is too important to consider it as one of many theories. The Church and Christians have to look at the glorious God, hope to participate in God’s glory, and live for the glory of God. These have to be the core of all church teachings and ministries. And Calvinism is, thus, the faith and theology that focus on the glory of God.
Joel R. Beeke describes the characteristics of Calvinism properly:
Calvin tried to place all affairs in history and the universe under the government of Christ so that the life of man glorifies God. This is why Calvinism cannot be explained as a one doctrine, 5 doctrines, 10 doctrines or 20 doctrines. Calvinism is as complex as life itself.[30]
9. Glory of God in Catechism
In every age, the true Church has reaffirmed, defended, explained, confessed and educated based on the word of God. The confessions of faith and catechisms have been formed for this purpose. This is not only to meet the needs within the church to educate and train Christians, but also to protect Christians and defend their faith from heretic groups who try to destroy true faith.
We see that “Glory to God Only (Soli Deo Gloria)” has always been the main subject of the catechisms.
1) Catechism of the Church of Geneva of Faith[31]
The Catechism of the Church of Geneva of Faith was first written by Calvin in 1536, then revised in 1538, 1541 and 1546.
Master : What is the chief end of human life?
Scholar: To know God by whom men were created.
M: What reason have you for saying so?
S: Because he created us and placed us in this world to be glorified in us. And it is indeed right that our life, of which himself is the beginning, should be devoted to his glory.
M: What is the highest good of man?
S: The very same thing.
M: Why do you hold that to be the highest good?
S: Because without it our condition is worse than that of the brutes.
Scholar: To know God by whom men were created.
M: What reason have you for saying so?
S: Because he created us and placed us in this world to be glorified in us. And it is indeed right that our life, of which himself is the beginning, should be devoted to his glory.
M: What is the highest good of man?
S: The very same thing.
M: Why do you hold that to be the highest good?
S: Because without it our condition is worse than that of the brutes.
2) The Westminster Shorter Catechism[32]
The Westminster Shorter Catechism was written by Puritans at Westminster, Brittan in 1647.
Q1. What is the chief end of man?
A1. Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.
A1. Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.
10. Closing statement
The Bible says, “For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength” (1 Corinthians 1:25).
When we acknowledge God and give glory to him who is our rightful owner, God will lead us with wisdom and power that are far beyond our imagination and might.
This publication is dedicated to the hope that the Mongolian church and Christians everywhere would further mature in their understanding and acknowledgement of the glory of God.
[1] Based on the following resources:
Gerhard Kittel, ed., Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, trans. Geoffrey W. Bromiley, Vol. II.
William L. Holladay, A Concise Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament.
R. Laird Harris, ed., Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament, Vol. 1, Vol. II, Index Vol.
Korea Bible Research, Biblical Hebrew Dictionary, Vol 1.
The Biblical Word Study Greek Dictionary, Vol. II.
The Biblical Word Study Greek Dictionary, Vol. II.
Encyclopedia of the Bible, Vol. 8.
Jonathan Edwards, The End for Which God Created the World.
[2] Through the records in Daniel, we understand that all glory belongs to God alone, and he shares his glory with men.
1. After eating grass like a cow, Nebuchadnezzar realized that the most high God governs the world and gives it to anyone he wants to (Daniel 4:1-37).
2. When Belshazzar, son of Nebuchadnezzar, was drinking from the gold and silver goblets taken from the Jerusalem temple, a finger appeared and wrote “mene, mene, tekel, parsin”. This means, “You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting, and your kingdom will come to an end” (Daniel 5:1-31).
[5] Defining the exact medieval period is not as simple as it seems. However, the medieval period in this article is between 590 AD, where Gregory who set a frame for the medieval church became a pope, and 1517 AD where Luther started the Reformation.
[6] Renaissance means ‘resurrection’ or ‘revival’. This was a movement during the 14th through 16th centuries where people pursued the revival of ancient classic Greek and Roman cultures in languages and arts. Renaissance is a French word that English adopted, and it is Rinascimento in Italian.
[7] Hans Küng, Das Christentum Wesen und Geschichte, trans. Jong Han Lee, Nature and history of Christianity, 366.
[8] Kurt Dietrich Schmidt, Kirchengeschichte, trans. Byung Sik Jung, Living Church History, 264.
Justo L. Gonzalez, The Story of Christianity, Vol. II, trans. Yong Il Seo, Medieval Church History, 170-190.
Williston Walker, A History of the Christian Church. 4th edition, trans. In Sul Song, Christian Church History Volume I, 417-444.
Thomas M. Lindsay, A History of the Reformation, Vol. I. trans. Hyung Gi Lee, Jong Soon Cha, History of Reformation (I), 15-127.
Jong Soon Cha, Church History, 200-209.
Hyung Gi Lee, World Church History, Vol. I, 655-712.
[10] Due to the theme of this article, the history of how Luther turned around and how he found the gospel are not mentioned.
[11] Roland H. Bainton, Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther, trans. Jong Tae Lee, The life of Martin Luther, 27.
[14] Heiko Augustinus Obermann, Luther: Mensch zwischen Gott und Teufel, trans. 이양호, 황선국, 하나님과 악마 사이의 인간 루터, 68.
[15] Philip S. Watson, Let God be God!: An Interpretation of the Theology of Martin Luther, trans. 이장식, 프로테스탄트 신앙원리, 112 ff.
[20] E. Gordon Rupp, ed., The Library of Christian Classics. Ichthus Ed.: Luther and Erasmus on Free Will, 331-332.
[22] Williston Walker, A History of the Christian Church, 4th ed., Vol. II. Trans. In Sul Song, Christian church history, Volume II, 531-532.
[23] Timothy George, Theology of the Reformers, trans. Eun Seon Lee, Young Min Pi, Theology of reformers, 201.
[24] Wilhelm Niesel, Die Theologie Calvins, trans. Jong Seon Lee, Theology of Calvin, 15.
“Refer to Kurt Dietrich Schmidt, op. cit., 383-384, to understand the differences between Luther and Calvin regarding the glory of God.
[25] Louis Bouyer, A History of Christian Spirituality, vol. III, p.93.
[26] John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, III-VII-1.
[28] Calvin, “Reply by John Calvin to the letter by Cardinal Sadolet to the Senate and People of Geneva”, in J.K.S. Raid, ed., The Library of Christian Classics. Ichthus Ed.: Calvin: Theological Treatises, 228.
[29] Referred to Hans Küng op. cit., 715-723 for the effects of Calvin’s idea ‘Glory to God only’ on the socio-economy. It is true that the relationship between Calvinism and capitalism has been historically debated. Although capitalism was not born from Calvinism completely, it is generally accepted that the ethics and spirit of Calvinism have contributed in development of capitalism. Please refer to the following books: Max Weber, Die protestantische Ethik und der Geist des Kapitalismus, trans. Deok Young Kim, Ethics of Protestanism and the Spirit of Capitalism. William Stanford Reid, Was John Calvin the Founder of Capitalism?, trans. Chi Mo Hong, Is John Calvin the Founder of Capitalism?.
[30] Joel R. Beeke, Living for God’s Glory: An Introduction to Calvinism, trans. Ho Seop Shin, The Life for the Glory of God, Calvinism. 22.
[31] John Dillenberger, ed., John Calvin: Selections from His Writings, 249.
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