This article is a summary from the following episode: The Danger of God's Glory without the Gospel
If we asked you, "What is the glory of God?"—how would you answer?
There’s a lot of talk about God's glory in the church today, especially among serious-minded evangelicals. And that’s a good thing. God's glory is real. It’s wonderful. It’s something we absolutely should care about.
But here's the problem: if we talk about God's glory without talking about the gospel—without talking about His mercy, His grace, His heart for sinners—we can actually end up misrepresenting Him. We can paint a picture of God that's cold, distant, and terrifying, rather than the God who delights in saving us.
We want to talk about the danger of separating God's glory from the good news—and why the Bible never does.
God's Glory Is Tied to Redemption
Yes, God is passionate about His own glory. The Scriptures are clear about that. He will be glorified in all the earth. He will be glorified in judgment. He will be glorified in creation. No one is arguing otherwise.
But the primary way God reveals His glory—the primary way He invites us to see and savor it—is through redemption. Through the cross. Through the person and work of Jesus Christ.
From the beginning of the Bible to the end, God's glory is most clearly seen in His grace toward sinners.
The story of Scripture isn't mainly about God flexing His power for its own sake. It’s about God pursuing His people, binding His heart to them, redeeming them at infinite cost to Himself—and delighting in it.
When we talk about God's glory, we can’t skip the gospel. Otherwise, we leave people thinking that God is primarily about Himself, and we’re just footnotes in His story. That's not how the Bible talks.
God’s Heart Is for His People
There’s a way of talking about God's glory that, even unintentionally, can make Him sound cold and robotic. As if He saved us simply because it was necessary for His plan, not because He loves us.
But Scripture tells a different story.
God didn’t save us because He had to in order to get more glory. He saved us because He loves us. He delights in us. He rejoices over us.
“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17)
Jesus didn’t go to the cross because the Father forced Him to. He set His face like flint toward Jerusalem out of love for us. For the joy set before Him—the joy of redeeming His people—He endured the cross (Hebrews 12:2).
God’s glory and our good are not in competition. In fact, they’re beautifully bound together. God is most glorified when He saves sinners and brings them home.
God Isn't Ashamed of Us
If we're not careful, all our talk about God's sovereignty and glory can leave people feeling like they’re barely tolerated by God. As if He’s primarily concerned about His reputation, and we’re just along for the ride.
But the Bible paints a different picture.
God is not ashamed of His people. Jesus is not ashamed to call us His brothers and sisters (Hebrews 2:11). The Father loves us with the same love He has for His Son (John 17:23).
When we fail, we don’t have to hide. We don’t have to wonder if God is done with us. We run to Him, not from Him—because we know He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).
The cross doesn’t just prove God's justice. It proves His love.
Preach the Gospel, Not Just Glory
We need to talk about the glory of God. Absolutely. But let's talk about it the way the Bible does.
Let’s show people God's glory in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6). Let’s hold up a Savior who bore our shame, carried our griefs, conquered our sin, and welcomes us with open arms.
The glory of God is not an abstract concept. It’s personal. It has a name and a face: Jesus.
And when we see Him—bleeding, dying, rising, reigning—we see the heart of God. We see a glory that stuns us, humbles us, and draws us in.
Rest in the God Who Loves You
Christian, your God is not cold toward you. He is not merely using you for His plans. He has set His love on you from all eternity. He rejoices over you with singing. He is preparing a place for you. He delights to call you His own.
God’s glory isn’t against your good. His glory is your good.
So rest. Rejoice. And behold the glory of God—in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
