Question: I am reading in Eph 1 this morning and found verse 12 which says, " to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory." I am struggling with "praise of His glory". Are we to be praised by His glory? Or are we to praise His glory? I struggle even understanding what "His glory" is. What does this mean for us? Are we to do something with this verse as in do some action or just understand something?
Answer:
Part of the answer is found in the words "to the end", which is connected with the previous verses, beginning in verse 7. These verses talk about our redemption and its purpose, "to the end" that we (the Redeemed) are to be "to the praise of His glory". Perhaps a better translation would be that we are "to be unto praise of the glory of God."
This verse sets out the "doxalogical" purpose of the believer. "Doxa" is the Greek word for glory and splendor. The believer, as a response to grace, is to give himself to praise the glory and splendor of God.
The role of praising the Glory of God is displayed strongly in verse 14 where we are told of the gift of the Holy Spirit, who is a pledge of our inheritance. Why did God give the Spirit as a pledge? Paul says it was "to the praise of His glory." The scripture consistently speaks of the role of the Spirit in pointing others to Jesus and praising the Father. This same role of the indwelling Spirit of God is given to believers.
God's glory is God's "splendor." As believers, we are to "brag on" the splendor, majesty, power, and righteousness of God. This is why we are saved.
God does nothing that does not come from the motivation of His own glory. He will share anything but His glory, as our "holy history" has displayed time and time again. When we mess with God's glory, we are in very dangerous territory. When we speak, sing, preach, pray, and live "to the praise of His glory", then we are fulfilling the purpose of our lives. So, everything we do should be "to the praise of His glory," that is, "to brag about His splendor!"
So I close by reminding us how great God is! He is great, powerful, glorious, splendid, and majestic. Everything on heaven and earth is His. He is the King, Supreme Ruler over all! (1 Chronicles 29:11).
2 comments:
Yep!
I'm gonna get grammarish in your comment box (just because I really love this chapter). I hope that's OK! :)
εἰς τὸ + the infinitive εἶνα ἡμᾶς relates purpose in v. 12 (so that we might be) and it is connected to εἰς ἔπαινον δόξης αὐτοῦ (to the praise of his glory) before the perfect participle "the ones having hoped," making the emphasis lie in the chief purpose for God's spiritual blessings for the ones who hope in Jesus.
So, following v. 11 (also see vs. 6, 14), even the grammar is quick to point out the theological truth that God "does nothing that does not come from the motivation of his own glory." O, but how great is God's grace for us! He is most glorified in us when he saves us to the praise of his glory!
I also agree with F.F. Bruce that "praise of his glory" might very well be a Hebraic phrase, like what is found in Isaiah 43:20-21: " . . . to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise."
Excellent question and answer post!
Thanks, Kevin!
I love it when people get grammarish!
If words mean something then grammar is important...especially Greek or Hebrew grammar.
I'm constantly amazed how accurate the Word of God is in the words that were chosen to communicate truth.
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