Why do people get glory? Because of who they are and/or what they’ve done. A politician or monarch or employer will get glory because of who they are. A successful athlete or cure-finding scientist or trophy-winning chef will get glory because of what they’ve done.
Why does God deserve all glory? It’s because of who he is AND what he has done.
The 5th slogan made famous by Martin Luther and his posse during the Protestant Reformation of the 1500s helps to summarise the other four.
SOLI DEO GLORIA = Glory to God Alone.
Bible Alone, Grace Alone, Faith Alone and Christ Alone show us that salvation belongs to God. His Word is our final authority. He gives us a gracious gift we don’t deserve. Our faith is in what God has done. And Jesus has done it all! He cries “It is finished” from the cross. This means that God has done everything necessary to achieve our justification and salvation.
We like glory. We love to make ourselves glorious! It’s one thing to steal glory from your friend, neighbour or sporting opponent, but it’s another thing altogether when you try and steal glory from God!! Who do you think you’re messing with!!
World Catholic Youth Day 08 is coming soon. The RTA is doing a good job at advertising it on their flashing signs on main roads in Sydney and surrounding areas. As WCYD08 gets closer, there will be lots of discussion about the differences between the Roman Catholic Church and Protestant Christianity.
