God’s Glory Revealed: From Judgment to Redemption

God’s Glory Revealed: From Judgment to Redemption:

“You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.” – Amos 3:2 (KJV)

These words from the prophet Amos might seem harsh at first glance. They speak of God’s judgment on Israel for their disobedience and sin. Yet, even in judgment, God’s ultimate purpose is to reveal His glory. How can this be? Rom. 11:22 talks about the goodness of God and the severity of God in one unified statement. If we overemphasize the one without declaring the other, we demonstrate what Paul elsewhere called “another Jesus.” Let’s make a choice reflecting humility of spirit and learn something profound about how God gets the glory for Himself. Getting glory for Himself is, in large part, why He created man in His image in the first place. God wants to know and be known of us – in His glory, and His glory is both severe and merciful in nature at the same time.  

Let’s go deeper.

Amos 3:2 highlights God’s unique relationship with Israel. He chose them, set them apart, and showered them with blessings. But their unfaithfulness grieved His heart. Their coldness of heart hid God’s glory under a cloak of ungodliness and disobedience. Is that still possible today? Some teach that in Christ, falling short and turning away from God bears little or no consequences. Is this true? In the time of Amos, their idolatry and injustice demanded a response. God, being holy, cannot tolerate sin before or after the work of the Cross. His judgment, therefore, is a testament to His unwavering righteousness and His commitment to His covenant.

But judgment is not the final word. God’s glory is also magnificently displayed in His redemptive love.

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.”² – 1 Timothy 1:15 (KJV)

The Apostle Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, experienced the overwhelming grace of God in Christ Jesus. This verse encapsulates the heart of the Gospel: Christ came to save sinners. Even the “chief” of sinners, like Paul, can find forgiveness and new life through faith in Jesus. Why did God show Paul mercy? His redemptive heart is undeniable, but He also showed mercy to Paul, and for the same reason, He demonstrated severity in Amos’ day – to bring glory to Himself and manifest His nature to mankind. 

God’s glory shines through the sacrifice of His Son. Jesus, fully God and fully man, willingly took our place on the cross, bearing the punishment we deserved. Make no mistake – there is not one sin committed among men from Adam until today that was left undealt with. Before the Cross, God dealt with sin through the law of Moses. After the Cross, sin – your sin and mine is dealt with through the sacrifice of Jesus. His death and resurrection conquered sin and death, offering salvation to all who believe. We should be very sensitive as believers in this regard, for if we sin willfully and capriciously, we suffer in spite of the Cross. Still, let’s walk in humility and contrition being thankful that the work of the Cross becomes an intervening influence, paying for our sins through the suffering of Jesus, motivating us (hopefully) to abhor the sin in our lives that so brutally found its price exacted on the One who loves us so much. 

This amazing grace doesn’t diminish God’s justice; it fulfills it. Romans 3:25-26 (KJV) explains, “Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.”

God’s glory is revealed in both His judgment and His mercy. His holiness demands justice, but His love provides a way for sinners to be reconciled to Him. Through Christ, we see the perfect balance of God’s attributes, showcasing His infinite wisdom and power.

Responding to God’s Glory:

This understanding of God’s character should lead us to a place of both awe and action. Here are five ways to respond:

• Repentance: Acknowledge your own sinfulness and need for God’s forgiveness. Turn away from anything that separates you from Him.
• Faith: Place your trust in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Believe that His sacrifice on the cross paid the penalty for your sins.
• Worship: Express your gratitude and adoration to God through prayer, praise, and thanksgiving.
• Obedience: Strive to live a life that honors God and reflects His character. Follow His commands and seek to please Him in all you do.
• Witness: Share the good news of God’s love and salvation with others. Be a bold ambassador for Christ, inviting others to experience His grace.

As we grasp the depth of God’s character revealed in both judgment and redemption, we are filled with awe and reverence. Let us join the psalmist in proclaiming, “Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake.” (Psalm 115:1, KJV)