The Five Solas
Soli Deo Gloria
August 30, 2026
The lesson concludes the Reformation theme Sola Deo Gloria by defining God's glory as the sum of his perfect attributes revealed in creation and redemption (manifested as splendor, majesty, fire, and cloud), showing that humanity is crowned with honor as God's image-bearers yet marred by sin, and that recognition of God's glory should drive worship and humble, grateful service.
Summary
In a Sunday school closing of the five solas, the teacher asks inductive questions about what God's glory is and what it means to act for God's glory, drawing on Exodus, 1 Chronicles, and the temple/creation imagery. God's glory is linked to splendor, majesty, and visible manifestations like fire and cloud (and the giving of the law), and is displayed both in creation and in acts of deliverance. Humanity is made in God's image and therefore is crowned with glory and honor as a gift from the Creator, but sin distorts our reflection of that glory and our ability to fulfill our created purpose. Recognizing God's glory (his holiness and perfect attributes) prompts full worship and motivates humble, grateful service.
Key Points
- Context: Sunday school session concluding a study of the five solas, opened and closed in prayer.
- Central question: What is the glory of God and what does it mean to do something for God's glory?
- Definition: God's glory = manifestation of his holiness; the sum of his perfect attributes revealed in creation and redemption.
- Biblical images: Exodus (God getting glory over Pharaoh; Exodus 24: fire, cloud, the law as aspects of God's presence); 1 Chronicles (declare his glory among the nations; splendor and majesty).
- Creation and deliverance (redemption) both testify to God’s glory; the heavens and the temple attest to his magnificence.
- Humanity: made in God's image and crowned with glory and honor as a gift from the Creator, not an inherent right.
- Problem: sin distracts and prevents us from fully reflecting the glory God intended.
- Response: recognition of God’s glory leads to filled worship and energizes humble, grateful service.
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