The word “glory” appears so many times in scriptures both in the Old and New Testaments and beyond its biblical significance, the term “glory” is often used in secular contexts to describe something truly magnificent or awe-inspiring.
For believers, however, the glory of God represents something far more profound – a divine radiance that can transform lives and deepen their faith.
Yet, many Christians grapple with practical questions about this spiritual phenomenon.
How can one truly experience God’s glory in their daily life? Is it possible to lose touch with this divine presence?
Does accessing God’s glory require specific spiritual disciplines like prayer and fasting?
In exploring these questions, we will look into the scriptures to uncover the definition of glory, the purpose of God’s glory, its benefits on the lives of believers, and how we can open ourselves to its transformative power.
GLORY MEANING IN HEBREW
The concept of “glory” in Hebrew is primarily represented by the word “kavod” (כָּבוֹד). Here’s a breakdown of its meaning and significance:
- Root meaning: The word “kavod” comes from the root word meaning “heavy” or “weighty.” This implies something of substance, importance, or gravitas.
- Honour and respect: In many contexts, “kavod” is used to denote honour, respect, or high esteem.
- Splendour and majesty: When referring to God, “kavod” often describes His splendour, majesty, and magnificent presence.
- Visible manifestation: In some biblical passages, God’s “kavod” is described as a visible manifestation of His presence, often associated with bright light or fire.
- Character and essence: The glory (kavod) of God can also refer to the sum of His attributes and the essence of His being.
- Reputation: In broader usage, it can refer to one’s reputation or the honour bestowed upon someone.
- Wealth or abundance: In some contexts, it can also imply wealth or abundance, as these were often seen as signs of honour or blessing.
GLORY MEANING IN GREEK
Glory in the Greek is the word “doxa”.
“Doxa” means to honour something, or to praise, or dignity or to exalt something.
Which means, your glory is your dignity. Your glory is your praise and your glory exalt you above all things.
HOW ADAM LOST THE GLORY OF GOD
Let’s begin with Adam, it is important to note that before Adam fell, he shared the same Glory with God but it was hinged on these words “Thou shall not eat of this tree in the garden” which means any day he goes against this law of God, the glory would not abide with him anymore.
It was the Glory of God on Adam that made things submitted under him and gave him control over everything on the earth.
It was the glory of God that made his name famous in the garden. It was the glory that made him different.
God shared that glory with him because he made Adam God on earth and clothed him with the same glory to do heaven on earth.
Let’s see the book of Psalms 8:4-6, 8 (KJV) to understand the heavy honour and respect given to man:
Verse 4: What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
Verse 5: For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.
Verse 6: Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:
Verse 7: All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;
Verse 8: The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.
God clothed Adam with his glory to do his will on earth just as God is doing in heaven by having dominion over all things.
When Adam fell, the glory of God left him and all things fled from his control. Hence, the will of God in heaven ceased operating on earth because man fell from heavenly glory.
Meaning, that the glory that gave him dignity and exalts him above all things left him and it affected all men.
HOW TO EXPERIENCE GOD’S GLORY IN YOUR LIFE
In Romans 3:23 KJV, the Bible says: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.
When you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, the glory of God has been restored upon you but to experience this glory, your eye has to be single (Matthew 6 vs 22) which means you must see this truth with your mind that this truth belongs to you now.
Just like you know without a shadow of a doubt 1 plus 1 equals 2.
You must see the glory restoration as your present reality in Christ today not tomorrow.
When your eye is single, your whole body will be filled with light (Matthew 6 vs 22), many at times believers fail to access the things that Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection have gotten for them because the mind has yet to see and comprehend to receive these blessings.
Here is what you need to do, Philemon 1 vs 6 says – That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
Question: How can your faith be effectual?
Answer; It is by acknowledging, or accepting thereby confessing that good things are in you including the glory of God which is in Christ Jesus. Glory! Halleluiah!
This further means that since you have the Lord Jesus, the glory of God the Father is in you.
The same glory that makes God to be God is in you.
The glory that makes things in heaven and things on earth exalt God’s name and to submit to God is upon you who carry the Spirit of God in you as well.
Jesus restored that glory. You now share the same glory with God.
SCRIPTURES ABOUT THE GLORY OF GOD
Colossians 1 vs 27: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
Romans 5 vs 2: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Romans 15 vs 7: Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.
2 Corinthians 4 vs 6: For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 5 vs 10: But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you.
Hebrews 2 vs 10: For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
BENEFITS AND PURPOSE OF GOD’S GLORY
Luke 10:19 (KJV) says: Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
The benefits and purpose of God’s glory is to exalt you and to make all things submit to you.
All things here include “principalities” that have been put under your control, you have the right to manifest heaven on earth.
You are to do the will of God on earth just as it is done in heaven because you share the same glory with God.
The glory of God on you that magnifies your name before the earth. It is the glory of God on you that gives you dignity and beauty before many.
Above all, it is the glory of God on you that makes demons identify or recognize you as Christ.
GREEK AND HEBREW TRANSLATION FOR GLORY
My passion lies in reaching out to young adults in communities and schools, witnessing the transformative power of faith in their lives.
This blog extends my ministry, sharing insights, encouraging believers, and exploring Christ's teachings in daily life.
Welcome, Brother James.
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