Why Do You Exist? Part 2

In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth...

Ephesians 1:11-13

A few days ago, we began to consider how Ephesians 1:12 answers the question: Why do you exist? The succinct answer in this verse is: You exist for the praise of God's glory. That gets right to the point. But what does it mean?

The Greek word for glory is doxa (related to our word "doxology"). In classical Greek, it meant "opinion or notion." It came to refer to the high opinion people have of someone, that person's "reputation or honor." Thus, God's glory could be said to be his outstanding reputation and honor. Yet, in biblical usage, doxa is used for God's "radiance or splendor." Thus, it has to do, not just with how people regard God, but also with the revelation of God's own marvelous nature. If, for example, God is blazing light, then his glory is the radiance that emanates from him. God's glory is the revelation of his character. It inspires and shapes our perception of God and motivates our worship of God.

Thus, it makes sense that there should be a necessary connection between God's glory and our praise as in the phrase "for the praise of his glory." When we perceive the wonderful character of God (his glory), we are drawn to express our own awestruck wonder (through praise). For example, we find this association of praise and glory in Psalm 66:1-2: "Shout for joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious."

The more we perceive God's glory, the more we consider his self-revelation to us, the more we reflect on his marvelous deeds, the more we will be drawn to praise him with our words and our lives, indeed, with our very being.

QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER REFLECTION: In what ways does the glory of God inspire your praise? When you hear the phrase "God's glory," what comes to mind? What ideas? What images? What experiences? How has God made his glory known to you?

PRAYER:
To God be the glory, great things He hath done,
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,
And opened the life-gate that all may go in.

Refrain:

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the earth hear His voice;
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the people rejoice;
Oh, come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory; great things He hath done.

Oh, perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,
To every believer the promise of God;
The vilest offender who truly believes,
That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.

Great things He hath taught us, great things He hath done,
And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son;
But purer, and higher, and greater will be
Our wonder, our transport when Jesus we see. Amen.

"To God Be The Glory" by Fanny Crosby, 1875. Public domain.