The manifestation of God's presence, beauty, and holiness.
The Glory of God
The manifestation of God’s presence, beauty, and holiness
1. The Biblical Definition
In Scripture, the glory of God is not a vague feeling or a poetic idea. It is the manifested reality of who God is—His presence, His weight, His beauty, His holiness, and His power made visible and tangible.
Key Biblical Terms
Hebrew: kābôd (כָּבוֹד)
Literally carries the idea of weight, heaviness, honor, splendor.
It can refer to material wealth or honor (Gen 31:1), but when applied to God, it speaks of the weighty manifestation of His being (Exod 24:16–17).
God’s glory is not just His reputation; it is His substantial, felt presence.
Greek: doxa (δόξα)
Originally related to “opinion” or “reputation,” but in the New Testament, especially in relation to God, it means radiance, splendor, majesty, honor.
It often describes the visible or perceivable manifestation of God’s nature (Luke 2:9; John 1:14).
A Working Definition
Putting this together:
The glory of God is the manifested presence, beauty, holiness, and power of God—His “weighty” reality revealed in such a way that it can be seen, sensed, or experienced.
It is not merely that God is glorious (He always is), but that His glory is when who He is becomes revealed, perceived, and often felt in time and space.
2. Old Testament Foundation
The Old Testament is saturated with the theme of God’s glory. Israel’s entire history is framed by encounters with the manifest presence of God.
1. The Glory in the Exodus
Pillar of cloud and fire – God’s glory led Israel:
“The LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud… and by night in a pillar of fire” (Exod 13:21–22).
This was not symbolic only; it was a visible manifestation of His presence and guidance.
Mount Sinai – The glory as consuming fire:
“The glory of the LORD rested on Mount Sinai… the appearance of the glory of the LORD was like a consuming fire” (Exod 24:16–17).
God’s glory is awesome, holy, and fearful. It reveals both His nearness and His otherness.
2. The Tabernacle and the Temple
Tabernacle filled with glory:
“Then the cloud covered the tabernacle of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle” (Exod 40:34–35).
Moses could not enter because the glory was so intense. God’s glory sanctified the place.
Solomon’s Temple:
When the ark was brought in and sacrifices were made, “the house of the LORD was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not continue ministering… for the glory of the LORD filled the house of God” (2 Chron 5:13–14).
The glory of God interrupts human activity. When He manifests, our programs must yield.
3. The Prophets and the Promise of Glory
Isaiah’s vision:
Isaiah saw the Lord on His throne, high and lifted up, with seraphim crying, “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!” (Isa 6:1–3).
Notice: the whole earth is full of His glory, even when not everyone perceives it. Glory is both present and yet often unseen.
Ezekiel’s visions:
Ezekiel repeatedly speaks of “the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD” (Ezek 1:28).
He also describes the tragic departure of the glory from the temple because of Israel’s sin (Ezek 10–11).
Future promise:
“For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea” (Hab 2:14).
Not only will the earth be full of His glory (it already is), but the knowledge (awareness, experience) of that glory will fill the earth.
The Old Testament presents God’s glory as visible, powerful, holy, and sometimes terrifying—yet also as the very center of Israel’s life and worship.
3. The Fulfillment in Christ
All the Old Testament manifestations of glory point to a greater revelation: Jesus Christ Himself.
1. Jesus as the Embodiment of Glory
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).
The Greek word for “dwelt” is literally “tabernacled.” Jesus is the true Tabernacle where God’s glory dwells among men.
In Christ, God’s glory is not only a cloud or a fire; it is a Person. The invisible God becomes visible (Col 1:15; Heb 1:3).
2. The Miracles of Jesus as Manifestations of Glory
At Cana, when Jesus turned water into wine, “This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him” (John 2:11).
His miracles were not mere demonstrations of power; they were revelations of His glory, leading people to faith.
3. The Transfiguration
On the mountain, Jesus “was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light” (Matt 17:2).
Peter later recalls this as seeing His “majesty” and being “eyewitnesses of His majesty” (2 Pet 1:16–18).
This event pulls back the veil and shows the radiant glory that belongs to Jesus as the Son of God.
4. The Cross and Resurrection as the Pinnacle of Glory
Jesus speaks of His impending death as His glorification:
“The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified” (John 12:23).
The cross reveals the glory of God’s love and justice; the resurrection reveals the glory of His power (Rom 6:4).
In Christ’s death and resurrection, we see the fullness of God’s character—His holiness, mercy, wisdom, and power—put on display.
5. Christ in Us: The Hope of Glory
Paul declares the mystery: “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col 1:27).
The ultimate purpose of God’s glory in Christ is not only to be seen by us, but to be shared with us.
Jesus prayed, “And the glory which You gave Me I have given them” (John 17:22).
In Jesus, the glory of God is no longer confined to a temple made with hands. It is revealed in a Person—and then imparted to His people.
4. The Power for Today: The Holy Spirit and the Glory of God
This is where the continuationist reality becomes vital. The glory of God is not a closed chapter in biblical history. The same Spirit who manifested God’s glory in the Old Testament and in Christ now dwells in believers and in the church.
1. The Spirit as the Spirit of Glory
“If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you” (1 Pet 4:14).
The Holy Spirit is specifically called the Spirit of glory. Where He rests, glory is present.
2. We Are the Temple of Glory
“Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (1 Cor 3:16).
Under the Old Covenant, the glory filled a physical building. Under the New Covenant, the glory fills people.
The same God who filled the tabernacle and the temple now fills His church with His manifest presence.
3. Transformation from Glory to Glory
“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Cor 3:18).
As we behold the Lord (through the Word, worship, and fellowship with Him), the Holy Spirit transforms us into His likeness.
Glory is not static; it is progressive. The Spirit leads us into ever-increasing measures of Christlike glory.
4. Glory and Power in the Church
Paul prays that God “would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man” (Eph 3:16).
God’s glory and His power are intertwined. When His glory is manifested, His power is at work—healing, delivering, transforming.
The climax of Paul’s prayer:
“To Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever” (Eph 3:21).
God intends His glory to be seen in and through the church—in every generation.
5. Expecting Manifestations of Glory Today
Because the Spirit has not changed, we should expect:
Manifest presence in gatherings: times when the sense of God’s nearness becomes unusually strong (Acts 4:31).
Miracles and healings as signs of His glory (Acts 3:6–10; John 11:40).
Conviction of sin and deep repentance under the weight of His holiness (Acts 2:37).
Prophetic revelation that unveils His heart and purposes (1 Cor 14:24–25).
We are not called to a dry, theoretical Christianity. We are called to walk in and manifest the glory of God by the power of the Holy Spirit.
5. Practical Application: Walking in the Glory of God
Here are 5 concrete steps for believers who desire to live in the reality of God’s glory.
1. Pursue Holiness and Repentance
The glory of God is inseparable from His holiness.
“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord” (Heb 12:14).
Sin grieves the Spirit (Eph 4:30) and hinders the manifestation of His presence.
Regularly invite the Lord to search your heart (Ps 139:23–24). Confess and forsake sin quickly (1 John 1:9).
Action: Make repentance a lifestyle, not a rare event. Ask the Holy Spirit daily, “Is there anything in my life resisting Your glory?”
2. Cultivate a Life of Worship and Adoration
Glory is attracted to worship that is in spirit and truth (John 4:23–24).
The psalmist says, “You are holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel” (Ps 22:3). God enthrones Himself in the praises of His people.
Worship shifts our focus from ourselves to the Lord, allowing His glory to be revealed.
Action: Set aside daily time to worship God—not just to ask for things, but to magnify His name, declare His attributes, and thank Him for who He is.
3. Behold the Lord in His Word
We are transformed “by beholding” (2 Cor 3:18).
The primary way we behold the glory of the Lord today is through Scripture, especially as it reveals Christ.
As you meditate on the Gospels, you are looking into the face of Jesus (2 Cor 4:6).
Action: Read the Bible not only for information, but for revelation of Jesus. Ask the Spirit, “Show me Your glory in this passage.” Expect Him to unveil Christ to your heart.
4. Step Out in Faith to Release His Glory
God’s glory is not only to be experienced, but also expressed.
Jesus said, “He who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do” (John 14:12).
When you pray for the sick, share the gospel, or minister deliverance in Jesus’ name, you are giving the Holy Spirit an opportunity to manifest God’s glory.
Action: Begin to act on the Word. Pray for people expecting God to move. Speak with boldness (Acts 4:29–31). The more you step out, the more you will see.
5. Live with Eternal Perspective
Glory is both a present reality and an eternal destiny.
“For our light affliction… is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Cor 4:17).
When you live for eternity, you become less controlled by fear, compromise, or the opinions of others—and more aligned with God’s purposes.
Action: Regularly meditate on the promises of future glory (Rom 8:18; Rev 21–22). Let the hope of glory shape your decisions, priorities, and sacrifices.
6. Key Scriptures on the Glory of God (with Brief Commentary)
Exodus 33:18–19 – “Please, show me Your glory.”
Moses’ cry reveals that knowing God’s ways was not enough; he longed for a deeper revelation of God Himself. God responds by proclaiming His goodness and name. Glory is closely tied to God’s character.
Exodus 40:34–35 – “The glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.”
When everything was built according to God’s pattern, His glory came. Obedience and alignment with God’s instructions prepare a place for His manifest presence.
2 Chronicles 5:13–14 – “The house… was filled with a cloud.”
Unified worship (“as one”) and exaltation of God’s goodness and mercy preceded the outpouring of glory. When God’s people are in unity and true worship, His glory often manifests powerfully.
John 1:14 – “We beheld His glory… full of grace and truth.”
Jesus is the perfect revelation of God’s glory. Notice the balance: glory is not divorced from character; it is “full of grace and truth.” Any manifestation that contradicts grace and truth is not true glory.
John 11:40 – “If you would believe you would see the glory of God.”
Spoken before the raising of Lazarus. Jesus links faith with seeing God’s glory. Expectation and trust in God open the door for His glory to be revealed in miraculous ways.
2 Corinthians 3:18 – “Transformed… from glory to glory… by the Spirit.”
The Christian life is a journey of increasing glory. The Holy Spirit is the agent of transformation as we continually behold the Lord.
Ephesians 3:20–21 – “To Him be glory in the church… to all generations.”
God’s plan is for His glory to be revealed in the church, not just in isolated individuals, and this is for all generations, including ours. This undergirds a continuationist expectation of ongoing manifestations of His power and presence.
Final Encouragement
The glory of God is not reserved for a special few or for a bygone era. In Christ, and by the Holy Spirit, you are called to:
Know His glory,
Carry His glory,
Reveal His glory.
Let Moses’ cry become your own: “Please, show me Your glory” (Exod 33:18). Then, in faith, align your life with His Word, yield to His Spirit, and expect the God of glory to make Himself known—in you, through you, and among His people today.