God Is Glorious

July 21, 2025 / by Dr. Jeff VanGoethem

The biblical terms for glory, at their root mean “weightiness” (importance) and “brightness” (heavenly radiance).

I have found it difficult to imagine God’s “weightiness” and “radiance” in the eternal, heavenly realm, where none of us have ever been.

I’ve found that such thoughts draw me toward unhelpful abstractions. After all the Bible says that “God alone is immortal and dwells in unapproachable light” (1Tim. 6:16).

Thus when I think of God’s glory, I prefer to think of His glorious supremacy which is certainly part of the biblical meaning. God’s glory is more than this of course, but while we live in this fallen and troubled world, one way to apply the truth of God’s glory is to think of supremacy. He is greater, better, higher than the creation we live in and the creatures He has made.

And we should note well that this supremacy does break into our world. That’s when we say “Glory!” His glory, including His supreme love, holiness, righteousness, goodness, justice, beauty, wisdom, et.al., touches our world in a myriad of awesome ways. And so we do see God’s glory. We see His greatness and supremacy in His touch of our world.

Some years ago I worked hard to arrange a tour to Israel. The week before departure, Yasser Arafat started an intifada, on-going violent riots over in Israel. We had to cancel the trip. I took a studied interest in Arafat after that and did not like what I saw. When he finally died, I said, “glory.” God’s glorious justice had finally taken out this wicked, blood-thirsty murderer. I read some years later that he may have found Jesus through his wife in his last days. I hope it is true. If so, I say “glory” to that too. We see God’s glory in many and often surprising ways as His supremacy over creation and creature is displayed before our eyes.

Thus is God’s glory revealed in this world. His supremacy over creation and creature is evidenced. When a soul is saved, we see the glory of God. When a baby is born, we see the glory of God. When powerful events of nature fall upon humanity, we see the glory of God. When a wicked nation is brought down, we see the glory of God. When a just and righteous law is passed, we see the glory of God. When a brother or sister is raised up from illness or despondency, we see the glory of God. When we see a beautiful work of art or hear a magnificent piece of music, this too is the glory of God. In all such ways, we see the supremacy of God touching and impacting our world through His truth, goodness, justice, love, beauty, etc. The eyes of faith see His supremacy over creation and creature.

As mentioned above, there is a hint in the New Testament term for glory of “radiance” or “brightness.” Yes God is seen, He radiates His glory in the ways and means by which He impacts this world. The eyes of faith see this. Let us pay attention and give Him glory.

Pastor Jeff VanGoethem has been in pastoral ministry for 40 years, including nearly twenty as Senior Pastor of East White Oak. He has returned to East White Oak after pastoring in Dallas, Texas to serve as Associate Pastor of Spiritual Development and Missions. He is married to Karen. They have four daughters and five grandchildren.