God's Glory Alone---The Majestic Heart of Christian Faith and Life
What the Reformers Taught...and Why It Still Matters
by David VanDrunen
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Pub Date Dec 01 2015 | Archive Date Aug 22 2017
Zondervan Academic | Zondervan
Description
Historians and theologians have long recognized that at the heart of the sixteenth-century Protestant Reformation were five declarations, often referred to as the "solas": sola scriptura, solus Christus, sola gratia, sola fide, and soli Deo gloria. These five statements summarize much of what the Reformation was about, and they distinguish Protestantism from other expressions of the Christian faith. Protestants place ultimate and final authority in the Scriptures, acknowledge the work of Christ alone as sufficient for redemption, recognize that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone, and seek to do all things for God's glory.
In God's Glory Alone—The Majestic Heart of Christian Faith and Life, renowned scholar David VanDrunen looks at the historical and biblical roots of the idea that all glory belongs to God alone. He examines the development of this theme in the Reformation, in subsequent Reformed theology and confessions, and in contemporary theologians who continue to be inspired by the conviction that all glory belongs to God. Then he turns to the biblical story of God's glory, beginning with the pillar of cloud and fire revealed to Israel, continuing through the incarnation, death, and exaltation of the Lord Jesus Christ, and culminating in Christ's Second Coming and the glorification of his people. In light of these wonderful biblical themes he concludes by addressing several of today's great cultural challenges and temptations—such as distraction and narcissism—and reflecting on how commitment to God's glory alone fortifies us to live godly lives in this present evil age.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9780310515807 |
| PRICE | $16.99 (USD) |
Average rating from 8 members
Featured Reviews
Jeanie S, Reviewer
Soli Deo Gloria-Glory to God alone. - It is not sufficient for anyone, and it does him no good to recognize God in his glory and majesty, unless he recognizes him in the humility and shame of the cross. Martin Luther.
The 5 sola's of the reformed faith..
Glory to God Alone is not just Christianeeze, it is not pie in the sky, or a good ideal, it is seeing and knowing who God is in all his glory. Glory is also not an egoistical attribute that some might claim but it is the glory of God that is for our good. The beautiful sunrise this morning displays God's glory. The mountain view, the ocean tide, - starting with creation, we all know God's glory. God is creator and holds all together.
To better understand the 5 sola's of the reformed faith it is the magnification of Christ, grace, faith, Scripture, and God's glory-and these alone-suffused their theology and ethics, their worship and piety. Christ alone, and no other redeemer, is the mediator of our salvation. Grace alone, and not any human contribution, saves us. Faith alone, and no other human action, is the instrument by which we're saved. Scripture, and no merely human word, is our ultimate standard of authority. God's glory alone, and that of no creature is the supreme end of all things The 5 sola's are not independent of each other but compliment and in relationship with each other expresses the joy of our salvation and the majesty of God. It reminds us that we are not God. It keeps the focus off us and our self-glorification to proper worship with the purpose of God's glory. "Be still and know that I am God" Psalm 46:10.
The book covers what the Glory of God is and what it is not. The teaching of the great reformers of the Glory of God in salvation. What self-denial is and how narcissism ultimately not only steals glory from God but us as well. God's glory displays all the attributes of God for our redemption in a fallen evil world. What is the Glory of God in worship and why it matters. We only have to look at Exodus to see why it matters in their exchange for God's glory to worthless idols. It is the Glory of God that we see the good of others and serve to strengthen the church.
Some quotes that I found encouraging and helpful.
In God's glory is our dignity. In God's glory is our delight. Our glorification lies in ascribing all glory in heaven and earth to him.
The glory of God alone implies the right purpose of all of life-a God centered purpose. All who share this radical view of Christianity make the ultimate purpose of life God's glory, not their own self-fulfillment or self-realization.
Worship is a distinct activity in which we set aside other tasks and set our minds and hearts fully upon the Lord in order to receive his word and to respond to him with prayer in song.
Soli Deo Gloria is about God and how he glorifies himself, but on magnificent way God glorifies himself is through glorifying us and enabling us to glorify him through faith, worship, and whole-hearted service to him and our neighbors. What a bounteous God we have who has authored this story of divine glory and invited us to be such a vital part of it-by faith alone, by grace alone, and by Christ alone.
Glory to God is not in our conduct but in our worship and prayer, we put ourselves in a great foundation of faith that we seek to live righteously. The only thing that I struggled with and by God's grace alone, was the joy versus happiness. While reading this text, I am also reading Happiness which gives a great argument that joy and happiness are the same. I hope if you are considering reading this book you will also select this one. It goes well in giving Glory to God.
You cannot go wrong in the study of the solas. They are rich and satisfy while hungering to know more.
A Special Thank You to Zondervan Books and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review
Todd P, Reviewer
This was an excellent book on the glory of God above all things. John Piper first introduced me to this idea a decade ago: that if you focus your life on glorifying God and making much of Him, then you will necessarily be a healthy, growing Christian. VanDrunen takes us through quotes from the reformers, creeds of the Christian faith, and the Bible itself to show the gloriousness of our great God. . I would highly recommend this book for Christians looking to better understand the Solas.
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