Taken from Dr. James Anderson’s lectures in Introduction to Theological and Pastoral Studies, Fall 2014

Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)

8/9/2015

I.A.1.Soli Deo Gloria Defined

  • “The ultimate end of all God’s works in creation and redemption is his own glory alone.”
  • God’s glory: the radiant splendor of God—displayed both in his character and in his works.
  • To glorify God: to reflect or celebrate that radiant splendor of God.
  • An important distinction: ultimate ends versus proximate ends.
  • Soli DeoGloria in the Westminster Confession of Faith:

–“There is but one only, living, and true God, who is infinite in being and perfection, a most pure spirit, invisible, without body, parts, or passions; immutable, immense, eternal, incomprehensible, almighty, most wise, most holy, most free, most absolute; working all things according to the counsel of his own immutable and most righteous will, for his own glory; most loving, gracious, merciful, long-suffering, abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin; the rewarder of them that diligently seek him; and withal, most just, and terrible in his judgments, hating all sin, and who will by no means clear the guilty.” (2.1)

I.A.2.Soli Deo GloriaDemonstrated

  • Exegetical Basis

–Isaiah 42:8

–Isaiah 43:6-7

–Isaiah 48:9-11

–1 Corinthians 10:31

  • Theological basis:

–(1) God is, by his very nature, the highest and most glorious of beings.

–(2) God is, by his very nature, the beginning (source) and the end (goal) of all things.

–(3) If God were to seek the glory of another, he would be denying his own nature.

–(4) Therefore, God must work all things ultimately for his own glory alone.

I.A.3.Discussion Questions

  • (1) Is SoliDeo Gloria necessary to the gospel? (Explain your answer!)
  • (2) What’s the logical connection between Soli Deo Gloria and the other four Solas?
  • (3) If God created us for his own glory, does it follow that he had to create us—otherwise he wouldn’t have been glorified?

I.A.4.Soli Deo GloriaDefended

  • Objection #1: “If we have to do everything for God’s glory alone then we can’t do anything for the sake of our fellow human beings, e.g., for our children simply because we love them.”
  • Objection #2: “If God is sovereign and works all things for his glory then even our sins must glorify him!”

I.A.5.Soli Deo Gloria in the Christian Life

  • Soli Deo Gloria points us back to the other four Solas and all their implications.
  • Soli Deo Gloria enlarges our love and passion for God and our hatred for sin.
  • Soli Deo Gloria implies that it is right and good for us to seek our own pleasure in God.
  • Soli Deo Gloria demands that we honor the image of God in our fellow human beings.
  • Soli Deo Gloria means that God is as committed to our salvation as he is to his own glory.
  • Soli Deo Gloria guards us against seeking our own glory in any of our endeavors.
  • Soli Deo Gloria encourages us to regularly re-evaluate all our activities and goals in life.
  • Soli Deo Gloria drives us to make our worship God-centered rather than man-centered.
  • Soli Deo Gloria reminds us to seek the ultimate approval of God, not man (Gal. 1:10).
  • Soli Deo Gloria gives us a significant motivation for evangelism and worldwide mission.
  • Soli Deo Gloria means that the ultimate aim of all scholarship/work is to glorify God.
  • Soli Deo Gloria encourages us to glorify God in all our seminary/career endeavors.