This chapter deals with an issue that clearly, in my opinion, distinguishes between the Calvinist and the non-Calvinist’s understanding of Scripture.
“What is the final goal of all things? What is the destination of predestination? The answer is this: the glory of God. “For of him and through him and to him are all things, to whom be glory for ever. Amen” (Romans 11:36). God created all things and is worthy of worship (Revelation 4:11). The doctrines of grace could also be called the doctrines of glory. Grace leads to glory. Grace now, glory later (Psalm 84:11).
The chapter is divided into five subdivisions.
What Is Glory? Three paragraphs discussing the concept of divine glory. Passages cited include 1 Chronicles 29:13; Romans 1:19–20; Matthew 5:8; 1 John 3:2; Exodus 28:2, 40; Job 40:10; Isaiah 28:5; 33:17; Psalm 90:17; Song of Solomon 5:16. Thomas Watson is also quoted.
The Revelation of Glory. Six paragraphs discussing glory shown and glory received. The first is the revelation of divine glory; the second is the reflection of glory back to God. “This is a major theme in Calvin’s theology.”
Future Glory. Four paragraphs. The author asserts, “The ultimate goal is not salvation but glory.” This is the point of contention between Calvinists and non-Calvinists, in my opinion. I suspect that most non-Calvinists would insist that the ultimate goal is not glory but salvation.
Christological Glory. Two paragraphs.
Conclusion. “If
Lutherans emphasize sola fide, Calvinists emphasize soli Deo gloria.
Abraham Kuyper identifies this as “the fundamental principle of the Reformed
churches: ‘That all things must be measured by the glory of God.’ Calvinists
are ‘Doxistas’ – ‘glory-givers.’ We love to sing, ‘To God be the Glory.’
Arthur C. Custance once said that the chief end of man can be summed up in
three words: ‘to please God.’ May it be so in our lives. Amen.”
