Lecture on the Glory of God and the Five Solas

Introduction

• Speaker: Pastor Clint
• Occasion: Conclusion of a series on the Five Solas
• Focus: Glorifying God and enjoying Him forever, as stated by the Westminster Catechisms.

Chief End of Man

• Main Question: What is the chief end of man?
• Answer: To glorify God and enjoy Him forever.

The Five Solas Series

1. Sola Scriptura: Scripture alone is the final authority for faith and practice.
2. Solus Christus: Salvation is in Christ alone.
3. Sola Gratia: Salvation is by grace alone.
4. Sola Fide: Salvation is through faith alone.
5. Soli Deo Gloria: Salvation is for the glory of God alone.

Focus on Soli Deo Gloria

• Key Text: Ephesians 1:3-14 (a single sentence in Greek about God’s sovereign grace).
• Main Point: Every glorious gift of grace in Christ is given for the glory of His name.

Interpretation of Ephesians 1:3-14

• Purpose of All Blessings: To glorify God.
• Structure:
  • Verse 3: Blessings in Christ.
  • Verse 6: Adoption for the praise of His glory.
  • Verse 12: United in Christ for His glory.
  • Verse 14: Sealed by the Spirit for His glory.

God’s Worthiness of Glory

• God is worthy of praise not because He lacks but because He is inherently glorious.
• Attributes of God: Holiness, power, wisdom, justice, mercy, faithfulness.

Biblical Examples of God’s Glory

• Creation: Heavens declare God's glory.
• Redemption: Israel’s exodus glorified God.
• Provision: Psalm 23 – God leads for His name’s sake.
• Patience: God defers anger for His glory.
• The Cross: Christ's work on the cross reveals God’s glory.

God’s Glory in the New Testament

• Jesus’ Prayer: John 17 - Christ prays for the glory of God.
• Apostolic Teaching:
  • 1 Peter 2:9: Church to proclaim God’s excellencies.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:31: Do everything for God’s glory.

Theological Insights

• Doctrine of Election: God chooses and adopts by grace.
  • Pastoral Exhortations:
    • Believe in election.
    • Secure in God’s adoption.
    • Maintain humility in understanding election.
    • Encourage bold, non-manipulative evangelism.

Christ’s Redemption

• In Christ Alone: Believers are redeemed and forgiven.
• Glory Through Suffering: The cross exemplifies God’s glory through suffering.
• Cosmic Reconciliation: All things united in Christ.

Role of the Holy Spirit

• Sealing by the Spirit: Guarantee of inheritance.
• Transformation: Spirit transforms believers to be like Christ.

Conclusion

• Summary of Blessings in Christ:
  • Chosen for adoption by the Father.
  • Purchased by the Son for reconciliation.
  • Sealed by the Spirit for inheritance.
• The Five Solas: Matter for preserving the glory of God in salvation.
• Final Charge: Do all for God’s glory and live out these truths as individuals and as a church.