책 출간이 눈 앞으로 다가왔습니다. 4월 출간 예정으로 마지막 작업이 들어갔으니 큰 변수가 없다면 이번달에 출간되리라고 생각합니다. 다 완성 되었다고 생각했는데, 편집을 담당하시는 송과장님께서 몇가지를 추가로 부탁하셨습니다. ‘함께, 통해, 서로, 나누며’ 등의 반복되는 부분을 조금더 수정해 주기를 부탁하셨습니다. 그리고 각주 작업 몇가지가 더 필요했습니다.
한번 책을 수정하고 마무리하는데에는 꼬박 오일 정도가 걸립니다. 정신력과 체력의 바닥까지 짜내어 사용해야 합니다. 마지막 과정은 특히 쉽지 않았습니다. 다가오는 고난 주간에 대한 준비가 겹쳤고, 체력적으로도 많이 지친 상태였습니다. 고민하고 골몰하면서 마지막 수정을 마쳤습니다. 충분히 완성도를 높였다고 생각했는데 이상하게 부족한 부분이 또 보였습니다. 고치고 고치고 또 고쳤습니다.
송과장님께서 마지막으로 ‘저자의 서문’을 부탁하셨습니다. 의무는 아니라고 하셨지만, 저자로서 영광스러운 부분이고 어떻게 보면 개인적인 표현을 쓸 수 있는 유일한 공간이기 때문에 꼭 쓰겠다고 말씀드렸습니다.
참 고민이 되었습니다. 도대체 어떤 말을 쓰는게 좋을까? 사실 제 책을 생각하면 제 마음은 오히려 처연한 마음이 듭니다. 비가 쏟아지는 그 때, 도서관에서 외롭게 자료들을 뒤지던 그날의 제가 눈 앞에 있는 것처럼 느껴집니다. 공부하는 동안 주를 옮기는 이사를 몇번을 했고, 사역지를 옮겨야 했고, 힘에 진하게 일했습니다. 그저 포기하지 않기 위해서 부단히 애를 썼습니다. 공부도 책 출간도 중간에 수도 없이 포기하려고 했기 때문에, 지금 이 자리에 도달한 자체가 기적이라 생각합니다.
아내 의견을 물어보니 이렇게 말하더군요. ‘오빠, 꼭 축복의 말로 적으면 좋겠어, 그리고 성령님의 역사가 있으면 좋겠다고 적으면 좋겠어’ 저의 북클럽에 대한 철학을 가장 잘 아는 아내이기 때문에 참 좋은 의견이라고 생각했습니다. 제가 책을 준비하기 위해서 애를 쓴 이야기들을 굳이 책에 담지 않아서 좋았습니다. 그것은 그대로 하나님께서 알아주시면 충분합니다. 오히려 많은 축복의 말로, 그리고 성령님의 역사를 기대하는 저의 바램을 담았습니다.
오랫동안 준비한 어떤 것이 끝맺음을 본다는 것은 인간에게 주시는 하나님의 가장 큰 축복 중에 하나라고 생각합니다. 어린 시절부터 꿈꾸던 이루던 일을 위해서 공부를 마쳤고, 또 다시 책을 내기 위해 거의 삼년을 준비했습니다. 쉽지 않았지만 그 시간을 은혜로 이겨냈고 그것이 그저 감사할 따름입니다.
오늘 운전하는데 볼티모어에 찾아온 봄이 새삼스럽게 더 아름답게 느껴졌습니다. 겨우내 아무것도 보이지 않던 마른 가지의 끝에서, 말로 형용할 수 없을 정도의 아름다운 초록의 봉우리들이 피어났습니다. 그 초록의 생명의 빛이 세상을 가득 채웠습니다. 기적입니다.
이제 어떤 형태로든 저의 삶에 새로운 페이지가 다시 시작되려고 합니다. 아주 조금 마음에 여유를 가지고 오랜만에 개인적인 글을 쓸 수 있다는 것도 감사할 따름입니다. 저의 작은 인생 가운데 허락하신 하나님의 일하심이, 다른 분들에게 큰 축복이 되었으면 좋겠습니다. 다른 이를 축복하는 인생으로 살아가고 싶습니다. 지금까지 저를 인도하신 하나님께서 앞으로도 신실하게 인도하실 것을 믿고 기대합니다.
이 곡은, 2016년도에 발매된 아이자야씩스티원의 새로운 마음 앨범에 수록된 곡이다. 예수 그리스도를 믿음으로 새로운 마음을 주시는 하나님의 능력과, 새로운 마음으로 오직 주님만 섬기며 주님의 영광을 드러내겠다는 아름다운 결단을 담은 탁월한 곡이다.
3. 말씀으로 바라보기
에스겔 36:26 또 새 영을 너희 속에 두고 새 마음을 너희에게 주되 너희 육신에서 굳은 마음을 제거하고 부드러운 마음을 줄 것이며36:27 또 내 신을 너희 속에 두어 너희로 내 율례를 행하게 하리니 너희가 내 규례를 지켜 행할지라
죄로부터 정결하게 함을 받는 제사 의식은 참된 회개, 그리고 개인의 내면 영혼을 거듭나게 하고 새롭게 힘을 주시는 성령의 역사가 없다면 공허하고 무의미한 것이 될 것입니다. 하나님께서는 백성들을 단지 물리적으로만 그 땅에 회복시키시는 것이 아니라, 그들이 하나님을 따르고 그분의 뜻을 행할 수 있도록 '새 마음'과 '새 영'을 주심으로써 영적으로도 회복시키실 것입니다.
Earl D. Radmacher, Ronald Barclay Allen, and H. Wayne House, The Nelson Study Bible: New King James Version (Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers, 1997), Eze 36:26–27.
에스겔 14:6 그런즉 너는 이스라엘 족속에게 이르기를 주 여호와의 말씀에 너희는 마음을 돌이켜 우상을 떠나고 얼굴을 돌려 모든 가증한 것을 떠나라
골로새서 3:5 그러므로 땅에 있는 지체를 죽이라 곧 음란과 부정과 사욕과 악한 정욕과 탐심이니 탐심은 우상 숭배니라
바울이 2장 20-23절에서 그리스도인들에게 경고한 율법주의에 대한 해결책은 무율법주의나 죄를 지어도 된다는 방종이 아닙니다. 오히려 그리스도 안에서 신자는 육신의 행실을 죽일 능력이 있으며, 또한 그렇게 하도록 요구받습니다. 죄에 대하여는 죽고 그리스도 안에서는 산 자가 된 그리스도인들은, 그리스도 밖에서의 이전 삶의 악한 행실이 아니라 하나님의 뜻에 합당한 방식으로 살아가야 합니다.
Joel R. Beeke, Michael P. V. Barrett, and Gerald M. Bilkes, eds., The Reformation Heritage KJV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, 2014), 1730–1731.
빌립보서 1:11 예수 그리스도로 말미암아 의의 열매가 가득하여 하나님의 영광과 찬송이 되기를 원하노라
4. 찬양에 대한 묵상
이 찬양은, 마음을 새롭게 하시는 여호와 하나님의 능력에 대하여 초점을 맞추고 있다. 성도의 거듭남은 단순히 외적인 모습이 바뀌는 것이 아니라, 우리의 내면이 바뀌는 것이다. 성령 하나님께서 우리를 찾아오시며 예수 그리스도를 믿게 하시고, 우리의 영혼을 거듭나게 하심으로 우리의 내면이 변화되는 것이다. 이러한 근원적인 변화를 통해서 하나님께서는 우리를 주님의 자녀로 삼으시고, 점진적으로 주님의 자녀다운 모습으로 만들어 가신다.
우리의 이러한 변화를 바탕으로 하나님께서는 우리의 삶의 초점을 주님께 맞추기를 원하신다. 이전에는 탐욕에 젖어 우리 자신을 위해 살았다면, 이제는 나 자신을 부인하고 오직 하나님의 영광을 위하여 삶을 드리며 그분의 이름이 높아지도록 하는 것이다. 이것이 성도의 영광스러운 부르심의 목적인 것이다. 이 찬양을 부를 때마다, 우리의 마음을 새롭게 하신 주님의 능력과, 우리의 삶의 아름다운 목적을 기억하며 주님께 우리 자신을 온전히 드리는 성도님들 되시기를 기대한다.
요한복음 4:3 유대를 떠나사 다시 갈릴리로 가실새 4 사마리아를 통과하여야 하겠는지라 요한복음 4:16 이르시되 가서 네 남편을 불러 오라 17 여자가 대답하여 이르되 나는 남편이 없나이다 예수께서 이르시되 네가 남편이 없다 하는 말이 옳도다 18 너에게 남편 다섯이 있었고 지금 있는 자도 네 남편이 아니니 네 말이 참되도다 요한복음 4:14 내가 주는 물을 마시는 자는 영원히 목마르지 아니하리니 내가 주는 물은 그 속에서 영생하도록 솟아나는 샘물이 되리라 요한복음 4:28 여자가 물동이를 버려 두고 동네로 들어가서 사람들에게 이르되 29 내가 행한 모든 일을 내게 말한 사람을 와서 보라 이는 그리스도가 아니냐 하니
4:10 하나님의 선물: 예수님께서는 자신을 하나님의 영적인 복을 베푸시는 분으로 계시하셨습니다. 예수님께서는 오직 그리스도를 통하여 성령 안에서 하나님과 연합할 때만 발견할 수 있는 기쁨이 넘치는 삶을 상징하기 위해 신선하고 흐르는 물이라는 표현을 사용하셨습니다
4:14 결코 목마르지 아니하리니: 육체적인 욕망은 반복적인 충족을 필요로 하며 우리를 결코 온전히 만족시키지 못합니다. 그러나 그리스도는 마음을 만족시키는 내면의 활력의 근원이 되시며, 영원토록 완전한 행복으로 인도하십니다.
Joel R. Beeke, Michael P. V. Barrett, and Gerald M. Bilkes, eds., The Reformation Heritage KJV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, 2014), 1516.
4. 찬양에 대한 묵상
이 찬양은 요한복음 4장의 사마리아 여인의 이야기를 배경으로 하고 있다. 그 여인은 자신의 죄로 인한 수치심을 안고 살아가는 사람이었으며 다른 사람의 눈을 피하는 사람이었다. 그러나 예수님께서는 여인을 친히 찾아가시고 친절하게 대화하시며 그녀에게 예수 그리스도에 대한 믿음을 결국 심어주신다.
예수님께서는 자신이 바로 하나님의 선물이며, 영원히 목마르지 않게 하는 분이심을 선포하신다. 인간은 육체적인 욕망 속에서 살아가며 끊임없이 갈증을 느끼지만, 예수 그리스도를 믿음으로 성령을 받고, 영혼 안에서부터 차오르는 그 어떤 것과도 비교할 수 없는 만족함을 누리게 되는 것이다.
우리가 삶의 여러 가지 일들 속에서 실망하고 여전히 목마르다고 느낄 때에, 우리는 다시 한번 예수 그리스도께 마음을 돌이켜야 한다. 그분만이 우리의 구원자이시며 인도자이시며 또한 위로자이시기 때문이다. 주님 안에서만 가장 완전한 만족을 누릴 수 있음을 믿고 주님을 의지할 때에, 우리는 삶을 살아갈 수 있는 흔들릴 수 없는 희망을 누리게 되는 것이다. 그러므로 이 찬양을 통해서 가장 완전하신 예수 그리스도의 은혜를 깨닫고 그분으로 마음을 가득 채우는 성도님들 되시기를 기대한다.
시편 16:11 주께서 생명의 길을 내게 보이시리니 주의 앞에는 충만한 기쁨이 있고 주의 오른쪽에는 영원한 즐거움이 있나이다 16:11 You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
생명의 길 : 하나님의 언약은 사람이 충만한 삶을 향하여 걸어갈 수 있는 “길”을 제공합니다. 이것이 주님께서 자신을 따르는 자들에게 알리신 것입니다. 하나님의 임재를 누리는 것이 언약의 목표입니다. “즐거움”이라는 단어는 “즐거운 곳”과 관련이 있습니다. 시편 기자가 이 땅의 삶에서 시작한 기쁨은, 오는 세상에서 영원히 충만하게 될 것입니다.
J. I. Packer, Wayne Grudem, and Ajith Fernando, eds., ESV Global Study Bible(Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2012), 740.
갈라디아서 5:1 그리스도께서 우리를 자유롭게 하려고 자유를 주셨으니 그러므로 굳건하게 서서 다시는 종의 멍에를 메지 말라 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
영적이 자유는 “해야만 하는 삶”이 아니라 “감사하는 삶” 그리고 “관계를 원하는 삶”을 사는 것입니다. 우리는 하나님께 용납 받기 위해서가 아니라 용납 받아졌기 때문에, 하나님을 기쁘시게 하기 위하여 그리고 우리의 순종에 대한 인정을 얻기 위해서 노력해야 합니다.
고린도후서 3:17 주는 영이시니 주의 영이 계신 곳에는 자유가 있느니라 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
자유 : 성령님은 신자들에게 두려움 없이 하나님의 임재로 나아갈 수 있는 자유를 주시고, 죄와 사망으로부터 그리고 의를 얻기 위한 수단인 율법의 속박으로부터 자유케 하십니다.
Douglas J. Moo, “The Letters and Revelation,”in NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible, ed. D. A. Carson (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2018), 2086.
베드로전서 2:16 너희는 자유가 있으나 그 자유로 악을 가리는 데 쓰지 말고 오직 하나님의 종과 같이 하라 (개역개정) 2:16 Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. (NIV)
하나님의 종과 같이 하라 : 역설적인 점은, 그리스도인들이 자유롭기도 하고 속박되어 있기도 하다는 것입니다. 그들은 “자유로운 사람”으로 살아가면서 동시에 “하나님의 종” 이기도 합니다.
성도는 그리스도 안에서 하나님의 자녀가 된 자들이다. 그들은 마치 어미 새 안에서 평안과 보호를 누리는 새끼 새처럼, 하나님의 품 안에 그분의 그늘 아래에 거하는 자들이다. 하나님께서는 한 없는 은혜와 사랑을 그들에게 베푸시며, 그들에게 필요한 것들을 공급하시고 돌보신다.
이러한 성도에게 주어진 자유는 영원하고 완벽한 자유인데, 왜냐하면 예수 그리스도께서 자신의 죽으심으로 그 자유를 우리에게 선물로 주셨기 때문이다. 성도는 죄와 사망의 권세로 부터 완전히 자유로워졌다. 더 이상 우리는 지옥에 대한 두려움에 지배 받지 않는 자들이 되었다. 더 나아가 우리와 함께하시는 예수 그리스도를 묵상하고 그분과의 관계가 깊어질 수록, 성도는 넘치는 영적인 자유와 기쁨을 맛보게 되는 것이다.
하나님께서 선물로 주신 성도의 자유는, 놀라운 역설을 가지고 있다. 성령님께서 우리를 완전히 자유하게 하셨지만, 그럼에도 불구하고 오히려 더욱 하나님의 종으로 살아가게 하신다는 것이다. 다시 말해서, 우리는 하나님을 위하여 그리고 다른 성도들을 위하여 우리가 가진 자유를 완벽하게 포기할 수 있는 사람들이 된 것이다. 그래서 바울 사도는 하나님의 종처럼 살아가라고 권면하며 말씀하신다.
이 찬양을 부를 때 마다, 그리스도 안에서 누리는 하나님의 사랑과 우리의 자유가 얼마나 놀라운지를 깨닫고 감사할 수 있기를 원한다. 그리고 오히려 나의 삶 전부를 통해, 하나님과 다른 이들을 기꺼이 섬기는 주님의 자녀로 살아가시기를 기대한다.
Under the title “Soli Deo Gloria,” I would like to preach the Word of God. Some of you may know the Korean actor Hwang Jung-min, one of the greatest actors in Korea. He starred as the leading role in three separate films that each drew more than ten million viewers.
In 2005, he played the lead in the movie You Are My Sunshine, which became one of the most successful melodramas in Korean film history. Through this film, he gained immense popularity and received the Blue Dragon Best Actor Award.
Yet what left a deep impression on many was his acceptance speech. He said, “To be honest, I always tell people that I’m just a mere actor. Around sixty staff members and actors set such a splendid table; all I have to do is enjoy the meal. Yet all the spotlight comes to me, and I feel so sorry about that.”
This statement deeply moved people because, at the peak of his career, he did not glorify himself but gave the glory to others. In a moment when he could have lifted himself up, he instead humbled himself and honored those around him, leaving an unforgettable impression of true humility.
*The Five Solas of the Reformation
Through this fall revival, we have been reflecting deeply on the five Solas of the Reformation. These five declarations are: Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone), Sola Gratia (Grace alone), Sola Fide (Faith alone), Solus Christus (Christ alone), and finally, Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God alone).
Our Presbyterian faith, if traced back to its roots, leads us to a time when the church had become corrupted and darkened. It was an era when the pope held political power, and many clergy neither preached the gospel nor cared for the souls of believers. Filled with greed for money, they began to sell indulgences, claiming that even the sins of the dead could be forgiven through payment. Reformers such as Martin Luther rose to oppose this system because it was utterly contrary to the teaching of Scripture.
The most amazing thing is that through this process, the gospel that had been hidden for centuries in the medieval church began to shine forth again. People’s hearts started to change. Instead of relying on papal decrees or church traditions, they began to think based solely on the Word of God.
In the Middle Ages, it was taught that God’s grace alone was not enough—that humans had to add their good works in order to be saved. But the reformers rediscovered the biblical truth that salvation comes only by the grace of God. This gospel truth began to stir and awaken souls. And they came to understand clearly, according to Scripture, how salvation truly happens: that Jesus Christ alone is the righteousness of sinners, and that salvation comes only by faith in Him alone.
Therefore, the natural direction of those who are saved by faith in Christ is summarized in this final declaration: “Soli Deo Gloria” — Glory to God alone.
*What Is Glory?
When you hear the word “glory,” what comes to your mind? The Korean word for “glory” (영광, 榮光) is made up of two Chinese characters: “young” (榮) meaning honor or dignity worthy of respect, and “gwang” (光) meaning light or brilliance. So, simply put, “glory” refers to a beautiful and shining honor or dignity.
However, in the Bible, the word “glory” usually translates the Hebrew word “kabod,” which literally means “weight” or “heaviness.” Therefore, when Scripture says, “The glory of God,” it signifies that God Himself is weighty, important, and of infinite worth. In Greek, the New Testament uses the word “doxa,” which originally comes from a verb meaning “to think.” Over time, it developed into the sense of a favorable opinion, then reputation, praise, and honor.
In conclusion, the glory of God in the New Testament refers to God’s reputation, His praise, and His exalted honor. It means that His name is lifted high, His character is made known, and His majesty is recognized among all creation.
*Only God Is Glorious
Let us think for a moment. Sometimes we describe a person as “glorious”—a truly great or admirable person. But what do we realize as we live longer? The glory and reputation of human beings always change. Someone we once considered honorable and admirable may later disappoint us, and the person we thought was great turns out not to be so.
However, the glory of God is completely different. His greatness, majesty, and exaltation never change. As the Lord declares in Isaiah 42:8 (ESV):
“I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols.”
Here, notice that before speaking of His glory, God first declares His name: “I am the Lord.” The name “Yahweh” means “I AM WHO I AM,” the One who exists by Himself.
We must remember how important that name is. We all depend on something—our parents, the air we breathe, water, and food to survive. Without these, we cannot live. We are also bound by time and space; we exist within limits. But the Lord is not like us. He depends on nothing. He is perfect in Himself, the Creator of the universe and of humankind, and the Lord of all. Therefore, His weight, importance, and exaltation far exceed our comprehension. The glory of God never fades and never changes.
Thus the Lord proclaims, “I am glorious, and My glory belongs to Me alone. I will not share it with anyone else.”
*Not to Us, O Lord
With this background in mind, we can now understand today’s passage in a deeper way. Psalm 115:1 (ESV) says,
“Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!”
Here we notice that the psalmist repeats the same phrase twice: “Not to us, not to us.” In Scripture, repetition always emphasizes importance. The psalmist is pleading with God, “Do not let glory be given to us.” Why? Because human beings are unworthy of glory. He is praying that people would not exalt themselves or take the place that belongs to God alone.
The psalmist then explains the reason: “For the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness.” This is a sharp contrast between human frailty and God’s perfection. Human love and truthfulness are weak and unstable, but the Lord is abounding in steadfast love and utterly faithful in all His ways. Thus, the psalmist confesses that only God deserves glory, because only He is truly gracious, true, and trustworthy.
*Look at the Reformation
How do you feel when you read this verse? As I prepared for this revival and for today’s message, the phrase “for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness” touched my heart deeply. Especially when viewed in connection with the Reformation, it becomes even more meaningful.
Think about it—though the early church once flourished and Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire, humanity gradually became corrupted, and the church began to collapse. It seemed as if the church had lost the ability to correct itself. Yet the faithful and gracious God did not abandon His church. Out of His mercy, He revived and restored it again.
There is a book called Table Talk, which is not written by Luther himself but by his students and colleagues who recorded the conversations he had during his lifetime. This collection reveals Luther’s candid thoughts and helps us understand his inner world. In one passage, Luther said:
“High church officials, idolized saints, rich moneylenders, and greedy cattle traders—these are not the servants of God, nor is it desirable that they should be. Moreover, it brings no honor to God that such people are called His servants, for they ascribe glory and honor to themselves.”
When I read this, one sentence struck my heart the most: “They ascribe glory and honor to themselves.” Through this statement, we can understand how Luther saw his times—it was an age when human beings stole the glory of God.
In other words, it was a time when people exalted themselves, claiming greatness, even saying that salvation rested in their own hands. They elevated human authority above God’s Word. That was the spiritual darkness Luther faced in his generation.
*Sinners Who Steal God’s Glory
What we must clearly understand is that the attempt to steal God’s glory and to exalt oneself is not merely a problem of the Middle Ages. It is the fundamental evil that lies at the very heart of fallen humanity. In Genesis 3:4–5 (ESV), the serpent tempts Eve, saying,
“You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
This temptation is not simply about disobeying God’s command—it is far deeper. The serpent deceives humanity with a lie that strikes at the core of worship: “You can be like God.” In other words, instead of exalting God and giving Him glory, the serpent whispers, “Take His place. Seize His glory. You can become the center.”
And what was the result? Genesis 3:6 (ESV) says,
“So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.”
Thus, the fall of humanity was the tragic attempt to rise to the place of the most glorious God. Not only did that effort fail, but it resulted in complete spiritual separation from God, bringing about the most miserable consequence in human history.
*The Living God and the Powerless Idols
Then how does God respond to this human rebellion and fall? His work is truly marvelous. God did not abandon fallen humanity. Out of His mercy and steadfast love, He made a promise to save them. In Genesis 3:15 (ESV), God proclaims His redemptive plan:
“I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”
In other words, God did not give up on those who turned away from Him. Instead, He promised to send One who would crush the serpent’s head, redeem sinners, and lead them back to Himself. Therefore, the Lord our God is alive, working on behalf of sinners, full of compassion and grace, and never giving up on His people.
In this sense, today’s Psalm 115 has an incredibly powerful structure. The psalmist compares the living and glorious God with lifeless idols. He draws a vivid contrast between the majestic Lord and powerless images of silver and gold. The description is so detailed that it almost sounds ironic:
“Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands. They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see. They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell. They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; and they do not make a sound in their throat.” (Psalm 115:4–7, ESV)
Why did people in ancient times—and even today—make idols out of gold and silver? Because they wanted them to look glorious. They wanted to display something impressive and majestic. Yet, in reality, those idols are utterly powerless. Scripture declares that they can do nothing. But the Lord, the living God, is completely different—He alone is the One who works, shows mercy, and reveals His glory. He alone is the glorious, living God.
*The Work of the Holy Spirit
Then how can humanity—who from the very beginning sought to exalt themselves and steal God’s glory—be changed? God has a clear plan for this. He sends the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts. In Ezekiel 36:26–27 (ESV), the Lord declares,
“And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.”
This means that when God saves a sinner, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within them, giving them a new heart—a tender, living heart instead of a hardened one. In other words, salvation is not simply a change in behavior, but the miraculous work of God’s Spirit who renews our hearts so that we come to believe and confess Jesus Christ as Lord.
Before, people lived exalting themselves, thinking they were great and self-sufficient. But now, through the Spirit’s renewal, they live to honor God, to recognize His glory, and to magnify Him in every moment. Titus 3:5 (ESV) says,
“He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.”
Notice the phrase “renewal of the Holy Spirit.” The Greek word for “renewal” also appears in Romans 12:2 (ESV):
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Thus, the renewal of the Spirit is directly connected to the renewal of the mind. Believing in Jesus and being transformed by the Spirit means a complete change of heart and attitude. We begin to long for God’s will, to honor His greatness, and to live for His pleasure. This is the true meaning of salvation.
*Open Your Eyes to the Glory of God
In this context, I have often realized in my ministry that many believers think of salvation in a very self-centered way. They tend to believe that salvation is merely about entering heaven. Of course, that is true—God has saved us to make us His children and to lead us into His eternal kingdom.
However, salvation means far more than simply going to heaven. The Bible shows that salvation is actually a transfer of glory. Humanity, who once tried to steal God’s glory, is now restored to give all glory back to God alone. In this way, salvation can be perfectly understood as the return of glory to its rightful place.
Therefore, the ultimate purpose of our salvation is not just personal blessing or comfort, but to recognize God’s greatness in everything He does and to live as people who exalt His name. True believers are those whose eyes have been opened to see the majesty of God and who respond with worship, praise, and thanksgiving.
*Worthy of Glory
In this light, when we look at Ephesians chapter 1, we find a repeated theme that runs throughout the passage—the glory of God. This chapter magnificently reveals God’s power and love in choosing and saving us. Ephesians 1:6 (ESV) says,
“To the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.”
This means that our salvation by grace is not the end of our story. Rather, the right response to such grace is to praise the greatness and glory of God who saved us. We cannot help but lift up His name in worship.
In Ephesians 1:12 (ESV), Paul continues,
“So that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.”
And in Ephesians 1:14 (ESV), he writes,
“Who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.”
Here, the “guarantee” refers to the Holy Spirit. The Spirit’s indwelling presence assures us that God has paid the price for our sins and will surely bring us to final redemption.
Therefore, as the psalm declares, because our triune God is full of steadfast love and faithfulness, because He has completely saved us, we cannot help but praise the glory of His grace. A true believer is someone who, by spiritual sight, recognizes the greatness and majesty of God—and lives to exalt Him alone.
*Give Glory to the Lord
So then, how can we practically give glory to God in our daily lives? 1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV) says,
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
What stands out here are the words “whatever you do.” This phrase means exactly what it says—everything we do in life. And the words “whether you eat or drink” include even the smallest, most ordinary things in our daily routine.
This teaching was revolutionary for people in the Middle Ages. Back then, many believed that the best way to please God was to enter a monastery or live a religious life within the church. They thought that only those who devoted themselves to prayer or worship were truly pleasing to God, while the tasks of everyday life—working, farming, raising families—were merely secular necessities.
But Scripture teaches something very different. From the beginning, the Bible shows that every part of life is connected to God. Worship inside the church is important, but so is how we live outside the church. Every action, big or small, can reveal God’s glory when done in faith.
*How Are We Living?
When we look around today, we can see that the same misunderstanding that existed in the Middle Ages still remains in people’s hearts. Many believers unconsciously divide life into two categories—the sacred and the secular. They think that the work of the church is holy, but ordinary work in the world is not.
This dualistic mindset leads to a serious problem. Even among those who pray fervently and worship faithfully, there are sometimes people who are not respected at work, not trusted in their families, or even criticized in society. They fail to see that their everyday life is meant to reflect God’s greatness. They think, “I just work to make a living,” without realizing that their labor can glorify God.
Martin Luther strongly opposed this kind of thinking. Speaking to those who despised the everyday vocations of believers, he said:
“He fiercely criticizes those who think that a believing farmer or worker faithfully doing his job is less precious before God than monks, friars, or nuns.”
And again, addressing those who envy others instead of being faithful in their own calling, he said:
“It is truly sad that so few people are satisfied with the vocation and calling God has given them. Most of us think that other people’s situations are better than our own. Yet to serve God rightly is to stand firmly in the place where He has called us, no matter how humble or simple it may be.”
The Bible and the Reformation both teach us this truth: the most important thing for believers today is to glorify God wherever they are. People focus on how good their job is or how much they earn, but God focuses on whether His glory is revealed through their lives. Even if one’s job seems lowly in human eyes, if that person works diligently and faithfully to reveal God’s greatness, that life is truly Reformed and genuinely biblical.
*The Resolution of the Trainees
As we come to the close of today’s message, let me share one final story. Earlier, I mentioned the actor Hwang Jung-min’s acceptance speech—but there’s another part that many people don’t know. When he stepped onto the stage after being announced as Best Actor, he said, with a shy but sincere voice,
“First of all, I want to thank God. I’ve always been thankful in my heart but haven’t expressed it publicly—so today, I give thanks to God first.”
That confession deeply moved me. At the very pinnacle of his career, he wanted God to be glorified first. It revealed a man of pure faith standing in the spotlight yet humbly giving credit to the Lord.
Recently, while serving in the two-month training for newly elected deacon and deaconess candidates, I had many meaningful conversations with them. What impressed me most was their humility and deep faith. During our second session, we reflected on Romans 14:8 (ESV):
“For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.”
After meditating on this verse, the trainees shared their hearts with me. They said things like:
“I love the confession that I belong to the Lord.”
“I accept it as a fact that I am His.”
“I want to please God and love my neighbors.”
“I repent for not always living as a child of God.”
“I want to resemble the service and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.”
“I will always remember why I live—to honor Him.”
“I will trust the Lord in every situation.”
“I will lay myself down, give thanks for His grace, and grow to resemble the Father.”
“I will strive to treat every church member with love.”
Through these confessions, I became convinced that these are truly precious servants of God—people who desire to dedicate their whole lives to Him. And through them, I believe our church will be built up with even greater strength and grace.
*Conclusion
As we conclude, let us ask ourselves an important question: Whose glory are we living for? Whom do we truly exalt through our lives?
My earnest prayer is that in every moment of our lives we would lift up and glorify our Father God, who has saved us and guides us by His grace. In our homes, our workplaces, our businesses, our schools, and in every relationship, may we reveal the love, mercy, wisdom, faithfulness, and excellence of God.
May all of us live to exalt His glory alone, giving Him the highest praise with our hearts and lives. I bless you, beloved brothers and sisters, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ— that you may live every day Soli Deo Gloria, to the glory of God alone.
