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NASB | Isaiah 42:8 "I am the LORD, that is My name; I will not give My glory to another, Nor My praise to graven images. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Isaiah 42:8 "I am the LORD, that is My Name; My glory I will not give to another, Nor My praise to carved idols. |
Bible Question:
In order to reflect on this verse, we need to understand what the glory of God is. According to His Word, what is the glory of God? Secondly, God does not give His glory to another, but I'm wondering are there times when man attempts to "share" it? What are some of the ways men "share God's glory" and how might you recognize this in yourself or others? Please post any instruction you have received from this study. Thanks! |
Bible Answer: Great Question Momapbs, The WESTMINSTER SHORTER CATECHISM begins with: Q. 1. What is the chief end of man? A. Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever. Perhaps the best place to start is with the definition from a Bible dictionery (Easton's). Glory - (Heb. kabhod; Gr. doxa). (1.) Abundance, wealth, treasure, and hence honour (Ps. 49:12); glory (Gen. 31:1; Matt. 4:8; Rev. 21:24, 26). (2.) Honour, dignity (1 Kings 3:13; Heb. 2:7 1 Pet. 1:24); of God (Ps. 19:1; 29:1); of the mind or heart (Gen. 49:6; Ps. 7:5; Acts 2:46). (3.) Splendour, brightness, majesty (Gen. 45:13; Isa. 4:5; Acts 22:11; 2 Cor. 3:7); of Jehovah (Isa. 59:19; 60:1; 2 Thess. 1:9). (4.) The glorious moral attributes, the infinite perfections of God (Isa. 40:5; Acts 7:2; Rom. 1:23; 9:23; Eph. 1:12). Jesus is the "brightness of the Father's glory" (Heb. 1:3; John 1:14; 2:11). (5.) The bliss of heaven (Rom. 2:7, 10; 5:2; 8:18; Heb. 2:10; 1 Pet. 5:1, 10). (6.) The phrase "Give glory to God" (Josh. 7:19; Jer. 13:16) is a Hebrew idiom meaning, "Confess your sins." The words of the Jews to the blind man, "Give God the praise" (John 9:24), are an adjuration to confess. They are equivalent to, "Confess that you are an impostor," "Give God the glory by speaking the truth;" for they denied that a miracle had been wrought. "Secondly, God does not give His glory to another, but I'm wondering are there times when man attempts to "share" it? (mommapbs) A better question might be "are there times when man DOES'NT atempt to share God's glory with himself?". "What are some of the ways men "share God's glory" and how might you recognize this in yourself or others?" Adam and Eve sought to usurp the glory, which is God's alone, by partaking of the forbiden fruit which they believed would elevate them to God's level of being. A truly heinous crime against the rightfull Soveriegn of all. I see this in the church when man attempts to take credit for his own salvation. Of course we deny that we do such a thing, but if God simply makes salvation available and man is the one who holds the key to it's actual manifestation, then man has something to boast about!(I do not say that all who hold the doctrine of free will are guilty of such a sin. In fact as a free willer myself at one time, I knew in my heart that it was God who changed me so that I could believe. Nevertheless, this doctrine opens the door to boasting). I see it in myself when I bring a newcomer to church and find myself wondering if anyone has noticed the number of newcomers I have brought in. At times like this I thank God for Romans chapter 7. I look forward to reading the responses from others on this very important topic. Thanks for asking it. Soli Deo Gloria, John Reformed |