“To the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory.” – Ephesians 1:12 (NASB)
The Williams Translation renders this verse, “that we who had first put our hope in Christ might praise His glory”. When the Apostle Paul says “we”, he’s talking about himself and his co-laborers. They were the first to have hope in the Savior and then shared the message with others. They were the first to believe and then spread their faith, receiving the same blessings. Their hope was based on the Savior, Jesus Christ.
The basic meaning of “glory” in Hebrew is derived from the word kabod, which originally meant “heavy” and later developed into the weight or worth of persons, places, and things. “Glory” is used to describe God’s personal presence, power, and majesty, as well as His presence in creation and His theophanies in relation to His covenant people. It is also used in connection to God’s kingship, ethical nature, and His presence in the Tabernacle, Temple, and Ark of the Covenant. In eschatological context, “glory” is linked to the return of God in Christ to His temple, the gathering of the world to Himself, and the establishment of the “new” Jerusalem. The purpose of creation is to glorify God in Christ, as everything is created for His glory, and all actions are to be done unto Him for His glory.
The magnificence of God’s glory; the very essence of His presence, His power, greatness, and His close presence among us, His people, is a cause for joy and celebration. From the beginning of the world to the Israelites’ journey out of Egypt, from when He gave His law on Mount Sinai to His continuous care and judgment, the splendor of God has been a guiding force in our lives. It is the actual presence of God in Christ in the tabernacle and the temple, and His righteous kingship, that fills us with awe and amazement. God’s splendor includes the wealth and honor of nations, the greatness of kings, and the essence of humanity.
As we look to the future, we eagerly await Christ’s return to His new temple, the gathering of the world to Himself, and the arrival of the “new” Jerusalem. The very purpose of creation is to bring glory to God, and everything we do should be aimed towards this ultimate goal. Let us sing and praise His splendor, for we are made for His magnificence. Everything we do, all of our endeavors, should be focused on bringing glory to His name. This is the very essence of our existence and the foundation of our greatest joy and fulfillment.
In recognizing and celebrating His glory, we affirm our purpose and of God’s life-changing power in our lives. Our praise reflects the deep relationship between God and human experience, guiding us towards spiritual fulfillment and the salvation of our souls. Hallelujah!
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