Soli Deo Gloria

 

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. (Romans 11:33-36 ESV).

 

In the brief reflections over these past few days I’ve chosen to concentrate on an understanding of the five solae of the Reformation. I’ve attempted to cover a lot of material about Scripture alone, Christ alone, grace alone, and faith alone. And now, as we focus for a few days on glory to God alone, it’s important to note that this teaching is not in any way less significant because it comes last. Indeed, we might even say it is the most important of the five. Without a doubt, God’s glory is at the heart of the five core teachings about the truth of our salvation. With so many churches chasing after their own glory, I hope you can see the incredible danger a misunderstanding of this principle presents.

 

Scripture alone glorifies God’s unique revelation of himself and his plan for salvation. Christ alone glorifies God’s wisdom and love in sending his only begotten Son. Grace alone glorifies God’s mercy in reaching out to lost sinners. Faith alone glorifies God’s gift of faith to channel his love and mercy. So, all four of these key principles point to God’s glory alone. No one else can claim any credit. Let me be even clearer… the three “b’s” of most churches and denominations (buildings, budgets, and baptisms) do not give a clear picture of the work of God.

 

The apostle Paul has God’s glory in mind when, after a long explanation about God’s plan of salvation, he responds in awe and wonder in the passage we have read today, recognizing that salvation—and indeed all things—come from him, through him, and for him. As wonderful and amazing as salvation is for us, it is ultimately not about us. What God has done for us echoes his glory. “To [God] be the glory forever!”

 

This is not to say that growth is not good, whether it is in physical facilities or membership. It is to say that these are not the litmus test of success. The question must be directed toward how we are glorifying our great God!