Soli Deo Gloria: to God Be the Glory!
Scripture Reading — Romans 11:33-36
From him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.
In our reflection this month on the five solae of the Reformation, we have covered 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.
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.
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!”
Father in heaven, we thank you for your love and mercy. Help us to glorify you in all that we do and say. And help us, we pray, to radiate your glory in the world. Amen.
About the author — Kurt Selles
Kurt Selles is the director of ReFrame Ministries and serves as the Executive Editor of Today. He is a graduate of Calvin College and Seminary, and received his PhD from Vanderbilt University. Before coming to ReFrame, he served 19 years in Taiwan and China with CRC World Missions. Kurt later taught missions at Beeson Divinity School, where he also acted as the director of the school’s Global Center. Kurt and his wife, Vicki, reside in Grand Rapids and have three adult children.
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