Soli Deo Gloria
Creation exists for God’s glory. Salvation exists, first, for God’s glory. All things serve this one supreme end—soli Deo gloria. The meaning of this slogan captures the champion aim of the Reformation, namely that in all things, religious or otherwise, life is lived for the glory of God alone.
The Reformation rediscovered God as the center and goal of life. As it is written, “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). But its principle is not just “glory to God” but “glory to God alone!” It is the soli ("alone") part that conflicted with Rome.
God alone is deserving of glory in salvation and in all matters of the church. God shares His glory with no one. This is the chief end of all of the other solas. It reflects the restoration of God to the center of reality and orders all things accordingly. It humbly bows in acknowledgement that all things are from Him, through Him, and to Him. And it opposes every effort of man to seek the praise and glory of men.
This revived perspective gives a profoundly new outlook on all of life. While it most immediately pertains to the gospel itself, through the gospel it touches everything.
Living for the glory of God purifies and delights the soul. It is the only orientation of life that answers the design and purpose of both creation and salvation. Soli Deo gloria redirects our world to be rightly God-centered with deep-seated meaning and satisfaction. The Reformation restored to humanity the reality that sunsets, stars, mountains, music, food, love, and a host of other natural gifts of God ring with His glory for our joy.
(See also: Soli Deo Gloria)
