The FIve Solas: Soli Deo Gloria

For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.  Romans 11:36

Ah, the fifth Sola. As stated in the Westminster Shorter Catechism: “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” Soli Deo Gloria! All I do, all I say, all I think is to that end—to glorify God. Soli Deo Gloria wraps up the soul purpose of man and ties it with a neat little bow. It is not about me; it is all about God. I cannot tell you how many times I have gotten that wrong.

Think about it: all things are caused by or originate in God (are from him), are powered or sustained by Him (are through him), and are for His pleasure (are to him). To whom else belongs the glory! Paul reminds the Romans (11:33) of the deep, deep ways of God: Oh the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!     

Listen to the sounds from around the throne in heaven: “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power, for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created” (Revelation 4:11 KJV). And at the end of time, saved or not, every tongue (will) confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:11).

In what is known as His high priestly prayer (John 17), Jesus clearly states that His work on earth was Soli Deo Gloria, to glorify His Father; “I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do” (17:4). 

So why not I? As Paul reiterates: To him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen (Ephesians 3:20-21). Glorifying God should filter down into every nook and cranny of my everyday life: So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). The end result, that others may see your good deeds and glorify God in return (1 Peter 2:11).

Soli Deo Gloria! Only to God’s glory.

Nancy P