But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18, AV)
I believe that there is a part of every person that seeks glory. It has to do with our fleshly nature. We want to be puffed up. In sports, business, and entertainment, people see the opportunity for awards that they may stand up in front of people and receive recognition. In fact, it does feel good.
As a young man, I excelled in certain things. In sport shooting, fishing, and in my military studies in college. For these I received various trophies and awards. Honestly, I reveled in the glory during the presentation of these awards. However, after graduation from college, things changed. Yes, all earthly glory that man may receive is fleeting. Yet there is a glory which never will fade.
In a fitting conclusion to the letter that Peter wrote, we see this closing doxology. “To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” To our Lord Jesus Christ be the glory now and forever. Christ’s glory is not fleeting. It will stand forever.
All glory belongs to Jesus. He has made all things possible. He is the infinite God, the second person of the Trinity who left the glories of heaven and became fully man. He lived an impeccable life and died on a cross for our benefit so that we could partake in eternal glory. We did not deserve a thing and He forsook the outward manifestation of deity so that we could experience eternal blessing. He deserves and is due all glory forever.
Because of Christ, we have the glorious promises of heaven, His indwelling power and presence, deliverance from bondage to sin and its penalty, victory over the power of sin, growth in His likeness, the knowledge of truth, peace with God, a glorious inheritance, and I could go on but space will not permit. The point is that He, Jesus is to be given all glory and honor now and forever.
We, because of all the blessings Jesus has made available to us, should live in such a way as to give Him all the praise, honor, and adoration. Our lives should glorify Him. We live for His glory by letting his glory shine through us in our good works. As we live the Christian life by the power of the indwelling Spirit, we demonstrate the power of Christ. Let us live in such a way that our lives are a living doxology giving glory to Jesus, our God and Savior.
Renewing the Heart 