GLORY: WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

PREFACE

                           

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HOLY GLORY

“…Moses said, “…show me your glory.” …The Lord said, “I will cause all my GOODNESS to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence …” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV).

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God’s HOLY GLORY is basically manifested in the MANY expressions of his invisible PRESENCE. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). Jesus said, "I and my Father are…ONE…" (John 10:30 KJV).  “…Now the Lord is that Spirit…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). “… the Lord, in your presence …” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV). “… You set me in Your presence forever…” (Psalms 44:12 NASB). “…YOU MAKE HIM “MOST” BLESSED forever … in YOUR PRESENCE…” (Psalms 21:6 NASB).

“…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…Christ in you, …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…the Spirit of God dwell[s] in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).  ^“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me…” (Galatians 2:20 KJV). “…if Christ be in you… [then] …the Lord …[is] … in your presence …” (Romans 8:10 KJV & Exodus 33:16-23 NIV).

Thus, God’s HOLY GLORY is the manifestation of his invisible PRESENCE witnessed in the HOLY GOODNESS of his character, in his HOLY GOOD DEEDS, and through his HOLY eternal power.  “… “I will cause all my GOODNESS to pass in front of you …” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV). “… since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made…” (Romans 1:20 NASB). “…. the whole earth is full of [God’s]…glory (manifested goodness or good deeds)…” (Isaiah 6:3). “….God saw every thing he had made……and, [said] … it was VERY GOOD…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

Thou are GOOD and doest GOOD…” (Psalm 119:68 KJV). The bible says, “…for the lord is GOOD…” (Psalm 100:5 KJV). ““…Oh how great is thy GOODNESS…” (Psalm 31:19 KJV). “…for he is GOOD…” (Psalm 107:1 KJV). “..The lord is GOOD…” (Nahum 1:7 KJV). “…GOOD and upright is the Lord…” (Psalm 25:8 KJV). “…For thou, Lord, is GOOD…” (Psalm 86:5 KJV). Thou are GOOD and doest GOOD…” (Psalm 119:68 KJV).

God’s HOLY GOODNESS is witnessed in the desirable qualities of his nature, his MANY benevolent kindnesses, and his everlasting, righteous excellence.

God’s HOLY GLORY is also manifested in the proclamation of his HOLY NAME. “… Glory in His holy name …” (1 Chronicles 16:10 NASB).  “…I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence …” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV). “…THY NAME is GREAT in might…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

The various forms of the TRUE God’s name(s) carries with them DIVINE meaning, DIVINE purpose, DIVINE sovereignty, DIVINE POWER and HIGHLY distinguishes him (the GOD/Father of Jesus Christ and his followers) from any other false gods. “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

“…Moses said, “…show me your glory.” …The Lord said, “I will cause all my GOODNESS to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence …” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV).

What is God’s HOLY GLORY in this verse? God’s HOLY GLORY embodies ALL the manifestations of his presence witnessed in his HOLY GOODNESS, his HOLY GOOD DEEDS, and his HOLY NAME that distinguishes him from ALL other false gods. “…Thou (God) are GOOD and doest GOOD (holy goodness)…” (Psalm 119:68 KJV). “… Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful (holy) deeds among all the peoples…” (1 Chronicles 16:24 NASB). “… Glory in His holy name …” (1 Chronicles 16:10 NASB).  

As a child you were told not to look directly at the sun.  If you do happen to look at the sun with the naked, human eye, the damage to the retina is irreversible.

God’s HOLY GLORY is more brilliance than that of the sun. “… And the city had no need of the sun … for the (holy) glory of God did lighten it …” (Revelation 21:23 KJV).

God’s HOLY GLORY is manifested through his creations.  His HOLY GLORY alone is so SET APART from SIN and SO PURE it is like a blinding, transparent light that is too brilliant for the naked human eye. “… It shone with the GLORY of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal…” (Revelation 21:11 NIV).

In Exodus, “…Moses said, “…show me your glory.” …The Lord said …“you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.” … When my GLORY passes by, I will …cover you with my hand until I have passed by …” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV).

Looking directly at the sun damages the eyes, looking at God’s HOLY Glory will kill you. “…You cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live …” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV).

God’s HOLY GLORY embodies ALL the manifestations of his presence witnessed in his HOLY GOODNESS, his HOLY GOOD DEEDS, and his HOLY NAME that distinguishes him from ALL other false gods. “…Thou (God) are GOOD and doest GOOD…” (Psalm 119:68 KJV). “… Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples…” (1 Chronicles 16:24 NASB). “… Glory in His holy name …” (1 Chronicles 16:10 NASB).

God’s HOLY Glory, UNLEASHED, is too RADIANT on the human eye, he has to put it in earthen vessels. “… When my GLORY passes by, I will …cover you with my hand until I have passed by …” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV). “ …we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us...” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV).

God’s HOLY Glory distinguishes HIM from all other false gods “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

His HOLY Glory marks him with supreme and superior magnificence MATCHED by NO other deity or human.  “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “…majestic in holiness…” (Exodus 15:11 KJV).

God’s HOLY glory establishes him in a category all by himself, “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “…You are very GREAT; You are clothed in SPLENDER and MAJESTY, Covering Yourself with LIGHT as with a cloak…”(Psalm 104:1-2 NASB). “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

His HOLY Glory places Him HIGH above all other worldly riches, above earth, or heaven. “…His radiance is like the sunlight; He has rays flashing from His hand…” (Habakkuk 3:4.NASB). “… Let Your glory be above all the earth…” (Psalms 57:5, 11 NASB). “… His glory is above earth and heaven…” (Psalms 148:13 NASB).

God’s HOLY Glory is flawless and “…there is none like unto thee, O LORD; thou art GREAT, and THY NAME is GREAT in might…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “…. the whole earth is full of [your]…(HOLY) glory…” (Isaiah 6:3).

There are many explanations and definitions for God’s HOLY GLORY. I will only discuss three aspects of God HOLY GLORY: the visible or audible manifestation of his HOLY Glory, the power of his HOLY Glory, and the radiant witness of his HOLY glory.

The visual or audible manifestations of his HOLY GLORY was often reported in the bible ^“..And ye said, Behold, the Lord our God hath SHEWED us his GLORY and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: we have SEEN this day that God doth talk with man, and he liveth…” (Dueteronomy 5:24 KJV). “…The heavens declare the GLORY of God…” (Psalms 19:1 KJV).  “…The heavens are telling of the glory of God…” (Psalms 19:1 NASB). “…God’s glory is on tour in the skies…” (Psalms 19:1 MSG).

“… The heavens declare His righteousness, And all the peoples have seen His glory…” (Psalms 97:6 NASB).

“It came even to pass, as … [they] praised the Lord, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the Lord; So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the GLORY of the Lord had filled the house of God…” (2 Chronicles 5:13-14 KJV).

“…..Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest SEE the GLORY of God?” (John 11:40 KJV).

“….The God of GLORY APPEARED unto our father Abraham…” (Acts 7:2 KJV).

“… the glory of the Lord appeared to all the congregation...” (Numbers 16:19 NASB).

“… He has appeared in His glory…” (Psalms 102:16 NASB).

“…Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and SAW the GLORY of God…” (Acts 7:55 NIV).

“And the temple was filled with smoke from the GLORY of God and from his power … ”(Revelation 15:8 KJV).

“… to the eyes of the sons of Israel the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a consuming fire on the mountain top…” (Exodus 24:17 NASB).

 “And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the GLORY of God did lighten it…” (Revelation 21:23 KJV).

“And [For 40 years] [God’s glory] went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light (His glory); to go by day and night…Moses could not enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the GLORY of the Lord filled the tabernacle.  So the cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the SIGHT of all the Israelites during all their travels…” (Exodus 13:21 KJV; Exodus 40: 35-38 NIV).

“… The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people “SEE” HIS GLORY…” (Psalm 97:6 KJV).

The pillar of cloud, pillar of fire, and the smoke represented God’s presence and were visual manifestations of his GLORY. These objects of God’s GLORY were visible to the Israelites.  ^“…Behold, the Lord our God hath SHEWED us his GLORY and his GREATNESS …” (Deuteronomy 5:24-25 KJV).

In the midst of the fire they heard the audible manifestation of his HOLY GLORY ^“…Behold, the Lord our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: …” (Deuteronomy 5:24-25 KJV).

The POWER of his HOLY GLORY is manifested through his presence witnessed in his HOLY GOOD DEEDS. “…..This sickness is not unto death, but for the GLORY of God…” (John 11:4 KJV). “…Jesus said to her, "Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will SEE THE GLORY OF GOD?…”(John 10:40 NASB). “…Jesus said…I AM the resurrection and I AM the life…..” (John 11:25 KJV). “And HE THAT WAS DEAD CAME FORTH, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go...” (John 11:43-44 KJV).

“….HE THAT WAS DEAD CAME FORTH...” was the manifestation of the POWER of his HOLY GLORY and HOLY GOOD DEEDS. “….I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…all GLORY to God, who is able, through his mighty power … to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think …” (Ephesians 3:20-21 NLT).

The RADIANCE of his HOLY GLORY is manifested in his presence and witnessed “THROUGH” Jesus Christ. “…The Son is the radiance of God’s GLORY and the exact representation of his being…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV).

“And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the GLORY of God the Father” (Philippians 2:11 KJV).

 “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…” (2 Corinthians 4:6 KJV).

“If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the GLORY and the power for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 4:11 NIV).

“And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the GLORY of God did lighten it, and the Lamb (Jesus) is the light thereof…” (Revelation 21:23 KJV).

“… His glory is great through Your salvation…” (Psalms 21:5 NASB).

When you know what his HOLY GLORY is, like the angels, you can personally recognize God’s HOLY GLORY when you SEE it. You can acknowledge it, praise it, or reverence it.  “…“Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his GLORY…” (Isaiah 6:3). “…the earth is filled with the LORD's GLORY…” (Number 14:21 NLT).

Remember, Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, said “….everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus [our]… Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ…” (Philippians 3:8 NLT).

 “…Jesus Christ is Lord, to the GLORY of God the Father…” (Philippians 2:11 KJV). “The Son (Jesus) is the radiance of God’s GLORY and the exact representation of his being….” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV). “….everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus [our]… Lord. …” (Philippians 3:8 NLT).

As his child, God wants you to see his HOLY GLORY and experience the power of his HOLY GLORY. “He said to [them].., "You are My Servant, Israel (followers of Christ), In Whom I will show My GLORY…” (Isaiah 49:3 NASB).

You are servants of God. He WANTS to show you His HOLY Glory which he confirms “through” Christ. “….The Word (Jesus) became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we [can see] His (God’s) GLORY  (goodness, good deeds)…” (John 1:14 NASB). You can see God’s HOLY Glory because, “… The Son (Jesus) is the radiance of God’s GLORY and the EXACT representation of his being….” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV).

God’s HOLY GLORY is the PRESENCE of God himself and ALL the RICHES that COMES with him. What are the “riches” of His HOLY GLORY? “…The mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make KNOWN what is the RICHES of the GLORY…..; which is CHRIST IN YOU, the hope of glory:…” (Colossians 1:25-28 KJV). “…I pray that out of the riches of His GLORY, He may strengthen you with POWER through His Spirit in your inner being…” (Ephesians 3:16 NIV).

The manifestation of his presence witnessed through the RICHES of his HOLY GLORY is “Christ in YOU.” The question changes FROM: “What is God’s Glory,” TO: “Where is His Glory?”

This truly boggles the mind, but it is nonetheless true, His HOLY Glory is IN YOU!  “…To whom God would make KNOWN [where]… the riches of the glory [is]….. which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:…” (Colossians 1:25-28 KJV).“ …We (YOU) have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the POWER may be of God, and not of us...” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV).

God’s HOLY GLORY is his manifested PRESENCE experienced through Christ Jesus. “…Know ye not your own selves …that Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians KJV). “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV). “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” (1 Corinthians 6:19 KJV). “…God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people” (2 Corinthians 6:16 KJV).

“… We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves…” (2 Corinthians 4:7 NLT).

Believers have RECEIVED the GIFT of the HOLY GLORY (God’s presence) through the indwelling Holy Spirit. When you don’t know the value of something you will abuse it. Paul knew he had received something priceless and valuable. “….everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus [our]… Lord. …” (Philippians 3:8 NLT).

The “…riches of God’s (Holy) glory….” highly contributed to the welfare, overall health, and healing of ALL mankind. “…I will put a new spirit in you. …” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).  “…May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together—spirit, soul, and body …” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 MSG). “…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole…” (Acts 9:34 KJV). NLT).

God’s HOLY GLORY is his manifested PRESENCE witnessed through his creation, his grace, his mercy, his salvation in Jesus Christ, his love, his indwelling Holy Spirit, the way he sustains and upholds the world, through his magnificent promises, though his many benevolent, gracious, and good deeds, through the air we breathe, through sunshine and rain, through his refuge and strength, through his many comforts, and the list could go on and on. “ … I will extol You, my God, O King, And I will bless Your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless You, And I will praise Your name forever and ever. Great is the Lord, and highly to be praised, And His greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall praise Your works to another, And shall declare Your mighty acts. On the glorious  splendor of Your majesty And on Your wonderful works, I will meditate.  Men shall speak of the  power of Your awesome acts, And I will tell of Your greatness.  They shall eagerly utter the memory of Your abundant goodness And will shout joyfully of Your righteousness. The Lord is gracious and merciful; Slow to anger and great in lovingkindness. The Lord is good to all, And His mercies are over all His works. All Your works shall give thanks to You, O Lord, And Your godly ones shall bless You. They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom And talk of Your power; To make known to the sons of men Your mighty acts And the glory of the majesty of Your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And Your dominion endures throughout all generations. The Lord sustains all who fall
And raises up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all ^[look to You, And You give them their food in due time. You open Your hand And satisfy the desire of every living thing. The Lord is righteous in all His ways And kind in all His deeds. The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He will also hear their cry and will save them. The Lord keeps all who love Him, But all the wicked He will destroy. My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord, And all flesh will bless His holy name forever and ever…” (Psalms 145 NASB).

When you say “GLORY” you are giving PRAISE to the manifested PRESENCE of God witnessed in healing, love, everything that has breath, music, certain people that “contain” his glory, spirit-filled sermons, all of creation, Godly deeds, conversions, the birth of a baby, a flower, the stars, a bird, etc. “… Praise Him in the heights! Praise Him, all His angels; Praise Him, all His hosts! Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all stars of light! Praise Him, highest heavens, And the waters that are above the heavens! Let them praise the name of the Lord, For He commanded and they were created. He has also established them forever and ever; He has made a decree which will not pass away.  Praise the Lord from the earth, Sea monsters and all deeps; Fire and hail, snow and clouds; Stormy wind, fulfilling His word; Mountains and all hills; Fruit trees and all cedars; Beasts and all cattle; Creeping things and winged fowl; Kings of the earth and all peoples; Princes and all judges of the earth; Both young men and virgins; Old men and children. Let them praise the name of the Lord, For His name alone is exalted; His glory (manifested PRESENCE) is above earth and heaven. And He has lifted up a horn for His people, Praise for all His godly ones; Even for the sons of Israel, a people near to Him. Praise the Lord!” (Psalms 148 NASB).

Everything that belongs to God will manifest his HOLY GLORY. Believers BELONG to God and “contain” his HOLY GLORY through the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “ “…That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.)….” (Romans 8:8-11 NLT).

God’s people and ALL of his creation will exhibit his HOLY GLORY. “…Let every created thing give praise (be a witness of his PRESENCE) to the Lord…” (Psalms 148:5 NLT).

His HOLY GLORY is his manifested PRESENCE witnessed through the natural world in many ways, including through God’s people, who BELONG to him. “… All Your works shall give thanks to You, O Lord, And Your godly ones shall bless You…” (Psalms 145 NASB).

No matter how God chooses to manifest his PRESENCE his HOLY GLORY is the SOURCE of it ALL!! “[God’s] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

God’s HOLY GLORY is CLEARLY manifested in the MANY expressions of his invisible PRESENCE. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “… the Lord is that Spirit…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). “… the Lord, in your presence …” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV). “… [God makes YOU] ... “MOST” BLESSED forever … in … [his] … PRESENCE…” (Psalms 21:6 NASB).

GLORY! HOLY GLORY!!

Dr. Pensacola H. Jefferson

Professional Pastoral Counselor

YADA Counseling Ministry

MOUTHPIECE FOR HIS HEART

Colton’s Point, Maryland