God's Glory Alone—The Majestic Heart of Christian Faith and Life
What the Reformers Taught...and Why It Still Matters
- Theology
- Publisher: Zondervan Academic (Zondervan)
- Published: 2015
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Publisher's Description
Renowned scholar David VanDrunen tracks the historical and biblical roots of the idea that all glory belongs exclusively to God. God's Glory Alone is a beautiful reflection on how commitment to God's glory alone fortifies us to live godly lives in this present age. Reinvigorating one of the five great declarations of the Reformation— soli Deo gloria —VanDrunen: Examines the development of this theme in the Reformation, in subsequent Reformed theology and confessions, and in contemporary theologians who continue to be inspired by the conviction that all glory belongs to God. Turns to the biblical story of God's glory, beginning with the pillar of cloud and fire revealed to Israel, continuing through the incarnation, death, and exaltation of the Lord Jesus Christ, and culminating in Christ's Second Coming and the glorification of his people. Addresses several of today's great cultural challenges and temptations that attempt to draw us away from a God-centered instead of self-centered way of life. This book leads you into a renewed sense of awe and adoration for our Creator and Redeemer as it mines deeply into the biblical and theological truths about God's glory that stand at the center of the Christian faith. —THE FIVE SOLAS— Historians and theologians have long recognized that at the heart of the sixteenth-century Protestant Reformation were five declarations, often referred to as the "solas." These five statements summarize much of what the Reformation was about, and they distinguish Protestantism from other expressions of the Christian faith: that they place ultimate and final authority in the Scriptures, acknowledge the work of Christ alone as sufficient for redemption, recognize that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone, and seek to do all things for God’s glory. The Five Solas Series is more than a simple rehashing of these statements, but instead expounds upon the biblical reasoning behind them, leading to a more profound theological vision of our lives and callings as Christians and churches.
Endorsements (8)
“Praise for God’s Glory Alone “This book mines deep biblical truths about God’s glory in a way that shows how we should think and act in God-centered rather than self-centered ways. A wonderful book that leads us into awe and adoration.”
“Between these covers, one of our day’s most thoughtful and prolific Reformed thinkers serves up a robust and edifying exposition of the cardinal cry of the Reformed tradition, soli Deo gloria. As VanDrunen deftly demonstrates, this “sola” is no ordinary slogan; everything turns on what these three little words declare and his God-centered and Christ-focused treatment draws out the heart of Scripture, through the Reformed tradition, and applies it directly to our ever too vanity-distracted lives. Take this book up; it will do you much good.”
“The solas of the Reformation too easily devolve into empty slogans. David VanDrunen’s book is a precious remedy against such devolution. VanDrunen traces the radiant arc of God’s glory from its internal fullness in the blessed Trinity to its external manifestation in creation and covenant, in the triune work of salvation, and in God’s eternal kingdom. Along the way, he addresses the vices that inhibit us from admiring and answering God’s glory and provides practical instruction in the virtues that promote awe and adoration in the presence of our glorious God. Reading this book will reinvigorate wonder and worship to the glory of God alone.”
“This book does much more than defend a reformation slogan. VanDrunen’s examination of soli Deo gloria explores who God is and who God intends us to be. Clearly and occasionally wonderfully written, thorough, wise, and biblically deep, it says so much that Christians in our day should hear that I find myself picturing venues—Sunday School, student discussion groups, class assignments—where I can use it. Read it and grow.”
“The Protestant Reformation was driven by a renewed appreciation of the singular fullness of the triune God and his unique sovereignty in all of human life. But that profound reality expressed itself with regard to many questions and in a number of forms, ranging from facets of the liturgy to soteriological tenets and back again. I’m delighted to see this new series expositing the five most influential expressions of that God-centeredness, the pivotal solas of the Protestant Reformation. By expounding the biblical reasoning behind them, I hope these volumes will invigorate a more profoundly theological vision of our lives and callings as Christians and churches.”
“The Reformation’s 500th Anniversary will be celebrated as a significant historical event. However, The Five Solas series explores the contemporary relevance of this legacy for the global church. Superb evangelical scholars have been enlisted not only to summarize the ‘solas,’ but to engage each from historical, exegetical, and constructive perspectives. These volumes demonstrate that, far from being exhausted slogans, the Reformation’s key themes need to be rediscovered for the church’s very existence and mission in the world.”
“I welcome this new series and its substantial engagement with the great themes of Reformation theology.”
“A timely project, and not simply because the 500th anniversary of the Reformation will soon be upon us. Much of ‘who we are’ is determined by “where we have come from”; at a time when even so significant a part of our past as the Reformation is, for many, little more than a name, informed, accessible treatments of its basic principles are welcome indeed.”
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