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Cultivating a Deeper Understanding of God's Character and Glory

A deeper understanding of God's character and glory involves recognizing His attributes as revealed in scripture and through Christ, leading to a more profound relationship with Him. This pursuit is not merely intellectual but transformative, impacting one's walk and spiritual growth [14].

The glory of God is exhibited in various ways, primarily through Christ, as seen in John 1:14, 2 Corinthians 4:6, and Hebrews 1:3. It is also displayed in His name, His majesty, His power, His works, and His holiness [5]. For instance, Psalm 19:1 states that "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork," illustrating His glory through creation [5]. The declaration of God's glory serves to extend knowledge of His perfections throughout the world [10].

Understanding God's character involves apprehending His excellency and glory, particularly as manifested in Christ. Christ's glory is evident in His divine nature as God (John 1:1-5; Philippians 2:6, 9-10), as the Son of God (Matthew 3:17; Hebrews 1:6, 8), and as one with the Father (John 10:30, 38) [3]. He is described as the image of God (Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:3) and the Creator (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 1:2) [3]. These aspects highlight His inherent glory. Furthermore, Christ's roles as Mediator, Prophet, Priest, King, Judge, and Shepherd all contribute to a comprehensive understanding of His character and, by extension, God's character [3].

A key aspect of God's character is His loving-kindness, which is experienced through Christ (Ephesians 2:7; Titus 3:4-6) [4]. This loving-kindness is described as great (Nehemiah 9:17), excellent (Psalm 36:7), good (Psalm 69:16), marvelous (Psalm 17:7; 31:21), multitudinous (Isaiah 63:7), everlasting (Isaiah 54:8), and merciful (Psalm 117:2) [4]. It is considered "better than life" (Psalm 63:3) [4]. A consideration of God's dealings provides knowledge of His loving-kindness, and it is through this attribute that saints are drawn to Him, preserved, quickened, and comforted [4].

The pursuit of a deeper understanding of God's character and glory is a continuous process. Colossians 2:2 speaks of gaining "all riches of the full assurance of understanding, that they may know the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ" [1]. This suggests a profound and assured comprehension. Similarly, Ephesians 3:18 encourages believers to "be strengthened to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth" of God's love [2]. Jamieson, Fausset & Brown interpret this as understanding the full dimensions of the spiritual temple, corresponding to "the fulness of God" [16]. This implies a vast and immeasurable scope to God's character and glory that believers are called to grasp.

This understanding is not merely theoretical but has practical implications for one's life. True knowledge of God's will is inseparable from walking conformably to it, leading to a life "worthy of the Lord" and "well-pleasing to God" [14]. This involves being fruitful and growing in the knowledge of God [14]. John Gill, commenting on 2 Peter 1:2, suggests that a multiplication of grace can mean a larger discovery of God's love and favor, an increase in the exercise of spiritual graces, or a clearer view and more enlarged knowledge of God and Christ [11]. This indicates that spiritual growth is intertwined with an expanding understanding of God.

Humility is essential in this pursuit, as Christ Himself is an example of humility (Matthew 11:29; John 13:14-15; Philippians 2:5-8) [8]. Those who are humble are regarded, heard, and delivered by God, and they enjoy His presence [8]. Humility leads to receiving more grace and is a prerequisite for honor [8]. Diligence is also required in seeking God, obeying Him, hearkening to Him, striving for perfection, and cultivating Christian graces [7]. This active engagement reflects a commitment to knowing God more deeply.

Afflictions can also play a role in promoting the glory of God and teaching individuals His will [6]. They can turn people to God, keep them from departing from Him, and lead them to seek Him in prayer [6]. This suggests that even difficult experiences can contribute to a deeper understanding of God's character and His purposes.

The knowledge of God's glory is not confined to individual experience but is destined to fill the earth. John Gill, commenting on Habakkuk 2:13, states that "the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord," referring to the glory of Jesus Christ—His person, His office as Mediator, and the fullness of grace in Him [9]. This future global understanding underscores the ultimate significance of God's glory. Matthew Henry, in his introduction to Psalm 8, emphasizes the importance of meditating on and admiring God's glory and greatness, noting that God's goodness is an integral part of His glory [12]. The psalm begins and ends with the acknowledgment of God's excellent name, with instances of His goodness to humanity serving as proof of His glory [12].

The Lord increases those who fear Him, not only in temporal blessings but also in spiritual ones, such as the gifts and graces of the Spirit and a greater knowledge of God and Christ [15]. This ongoing increase signifies that the journey of understanding God's character and glory is continuous and ever-expanding. The "fear of the Lord" itself, which is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge, is understood through the Gospel, leading to an apprehension of God's pardoning grace and mercy [13].

Sources

  1. Colossians “that their hearts may be comforted, they being knit together in love, and gaining all riches of the full assurance of understanding, that they may know the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, -- Colossians 2:2”
  2. Ephesians “may be strengthened to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, -- Ephesians 3:18”
  3. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Excellency and Glory of Christ, The — As God -- Joh 1:1-5; Php 2:6,9,10. As the Son of God -- Mt 3:17; Heb 1:6,8. As one with the Father -- Joh 10:30,38. As the First-born -- Col 1:15,18. As the First-begotten -- Heb 1:6. As Lord of lords, &c -- Re 17:14. As the image of God -- Col 1:15; Heb 1:3. As creator -- Joh 1:3; Col 1:16; Heb 1:2. As the Blessed of God -- Ps 45:2. As Mediator -- 1Ti 2:5; Heb 8:6. As Prophet -- De 18:15,16; Ac 3:22. As Priest -- Ps 110:4; Heb 4:15. As King -- Isa 6:1-5; Joh 12:41. As Judge -- Mt 16:27; 25:31,33. As Shepherd -- Isa 40:10,11; Joh”
  4. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Loving-Kindness of God, The — Is through Christ -- Eph 2:7; Tit 3:4-6. Described as Great. -- Ne 9:17. Excellent. -- Ps 36:7. Good. -- Ps 69:16. Marvellous. -- Ps 17:7; 31:21. Multitudinous. -- Isa 63:7. Everlasting. -- Isa 54:8. Merciful. -- Ps 117:2. Better than life. -- Ps 63:3. Consideration of the dealings of God gives a knowledge of -- Ps 107:43. Saints Betrothed in. -- Ho 2:19. Drawn by. -- Jer 31:3. Preserved by. -- Ps 40:11. Quickened after. -- Ps 119:88. Comforted by. -- Ps 119:76. Look for mercy through. -- Ps 51:1. Receive mercy through. -- Isa 54:8. Are ”
  5. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Glory of God, The — Exhibited in Christ -- Joh 1:14; 2Co 4:6; Heb 1:3. Exhibited in His name. -- De 28:58; Ne 9:5. His majesty. -- Job 37:22; Ps 93:1; 104:1; 145:5,12; Isa 2:10. His power. -- Ex 15:1,6; Ro 6:4. His works. -- Ps 19:1; 111:3. His holiness. -- Ex 15:11. Described as Great. -- Ps 138:5. Eternal. -- Ps 104:31. Rich. -- Eph 3:16. Highly exalted. -- Ps 8:1; 113:4. Exhibited to Moses. -- Ex 34:5-7; 33:18-23. Stephen. -- Ac 7:55. His Church. -- De 5:24; Ps 102:16. Enlightens the Church -- Isa 60:1,2; Re 21:11,23. Saints desire to behold -- Ps 63:2; 90:16. God”
  6. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Afflictions Made Beneficial — In promoting the glory of God -- Joh 9:1-3; 11:3,4; 21:18,19. In exhibiting the power and faithfulness of God -- Ps 34:19,20; 2Co 4:8-11. In teaching us the will of God -- Ps 119:71; Isa 26:9; Mic 6:9. In turning us to God -- De 4:30,31; Ne 1:8,9; Ps 78:34; Isa 10:20,21; Ho 2:6,7. In keeping us from again departing from God -- Job 34:31,32; Isa 10:20; Eze 14:10,11. In leading us to seek God in prayer -- Jdj 4:3; Jer 31:18; La 2:17-19; Ho 5:14,15; Jon 2:1. In convincing us of sin -- Job 36:8,9; Ps 119:67; Lu 15:16-18. In leading us to con”
  7. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Diligence — Christ, an example -- Mr 1:35; Lu 2:49. Required by God in Seeking him. -- 1Ch 22:19; Heb 11:6. Obeying him. -- De 6:17; 11:13. Hearkening to him. -- Isa 55:2. Striving after perfection. -- Php 3:13,14. Cultivating Christian graces. -- 2Pe 1:5. Keeping the souls. -- De 4:9. Keeping the heart. -- Pr 4:23. Labours of love. -- Heb 6:10-12. Following every good work. -- 1Ti 5:10. Guarding against defilement. -- Heb 12:15. Seeking to be found spotless. -- 2Pe 3:14. Making our call, &c, sure. -- 2Pe 1:10. Self-examination. -- Ps 77:6. Lawful business. -- Pr 27:”
  8. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Humility — Necessary to the service of God -- Mic 6:8. Christ an example of -- Mt 11:29; Joh 13:14,15; Php 2:5-8. A characteristic of saints -- Ps 34:2. The who have Regarded by God. -- Ps 138:6; Isa 66:2. Heard by God. -- Ps 9:12; Isa 10:17. Enjoy the presence of God. -- Isa 57:15. Delivered by God. -- Job 22:29. Lifted up by God. -- Jas 4:10. Exalted by God. -- Lu 14:11; 18:14. Are greatest in Christ's kingdom. -- Mt 18:4; 20:26-28. Receive more grace. -- Pr 3:34; Jas 4:6. Upheld by honour. -- Pr 18:12; 29:23. Is before honour -- Pr 15:33. Leads to riches, honour, ”
  9. Habakkuk (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Habakkuk 2:13: For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord,.... Of the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ; of the glory of his person, as the Son of God, and truly God; which is essential to him, and underived; the same with his Father's, and what transcends the glory of all created beings; and of the glory of his office as Mediator, which itself is glorious and honourable: and this his glory lies in his fitness for it; in his faithful performance of it, and the honour given him by his Father upon it; as well as in the fulness of grace in him, which makes”
  10. Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 145:11: The declaration of God's glory is for the extension of His knowledge and perfections in the world.”
  11. 2 Peter (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Peter 1:2: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you,.... By a multiplication of grace may be meant a larger discovery of the love and favour of God; which though it admits of no degrees in itself, being never more or less in God's heart, yet, as to the manifestations of it, it is different, and capable of being increased, and drawn out to a greater length; or else an increase of the internal graces of the Spirit of God, as to the actings and exercise of them; or a larger measure of the gifts of the Spirit, for greater usefulness among them; or a clearer view, and a more enlarged k”
  12. Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 8 (introduction): This psalm is a solemn meditation on, and admiration of, the glory and greatness of God, of which we are all concerned to think highly and honourably. It begins and ends with the same acknowledgment of the transcendent excellency of God's name. It is proposed for proof (Psa 8:1) that God's name is excellent in all the earth, and then it is repeated as proved (with a "quod erat demonstrandum" - which was to be demonstrated) in the last verse. For the proof of God's glory the psalmist gives instances of his goodness to man; for God's goodness is his glor”
  13. Proverbs (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Proverbs 2:5: Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord,.... The grace of fear, and the exercise of it: which is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge, and is a treasure itself, Pro 1:7. By means of the Gospel the Lord works it in the hearts of his people by his Spirit; and by the same leads them into the riches of his special grace and "goodness", which they are influenced by to "fear", and the Lord for the sake of it: and particularly they are led hereby to the pardoning grace and mercy of God, which is with him, that he may "be feared"; and it is the Gospel which induces ”
  14. Colossians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Colossians 1:10: Greek, "So as to walk"; so that ye may walk. True knowledge of God's will is inseparable from walking conformably to it. worthy of the Lord-- (Eph 4:1). unto--so as in every way to be well-pleasing to God. pleasing--literally, "desire of pleasing." being fruitful--Greek, "bearing fruit." This is the first manifestation of their "walking worthy of the Lord." The second is, "increasing (growing) in the knowledge of God (or as the oldest manuscripts read, 'growing BY the full knowledge of God')"; thus, as the Gospel word (Col 1:6) was said to ”
  15. Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 115:14: The Lord shall increase you more and more,.... The Word of the Lord, as the Targum, shall do it; in a temporal sense, with a numerous posterity, with riches, wealth, and honour; and in a spiritual sense, with an addition of spiritual blessings; with renewed instances of divine layout: with an increase of the gifts and graces of the Spirit of God, as faith, hope, love, joy, patience, humility, and other graces; and with more knowledge of God and Christ, and of divine and spiritual things. You and your children; not only they that feared the Lord of the present gene”
  16. Ephesians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ephesians 3:18: May be able--even still further. Greek, "May be fully able." breadth . . . length . . . depth . . . height--namely, the full dimensions of the spiritual temple, answering to "the fulness of God" (Eph 3:19), to which the Church, according to its capacity, ought to correspond (compare Eph 4:10, Eph 4:13) as to "the fulness of Christ." The "breadth" implies Christ's world-wide love, embracing all men: the "length," its being extended through all ages (Eph 3:21); the "depth," its profound wisdom which no creature can fathom (Rom 11:33); the "height," ”
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