The Father’s Glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus

God the Father: Knowing the First Person of the Trinity

The Ultimate Purpose: The Father’s Glory

Ephesians 3:21:

“To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

This single verse gives us the end goal of all creation, salvation, and redemption: the glory of God the Father.

Not merely in heaven. Not only in Christ. But also in the church.

What Is the Glory of the Father?

God’s glory is the radiance of His attributes—His holiness, power, wisdom, justice, love, and mercy made visible. When the Bible speaks of glorifying God, it means revealing and responding to who He is.

The Father is not lacking in glory. He is full of it. But He is also pleased to reveal that glory in the Son and display it through the church.

The Glory of the Father in Christ

John 1:14:

“We have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father…”

Jesus is the perfect image of the invisible God (Col. 1:15). He is the radiance of the Father’s glory (Heb. 1:3). Everything the Son did—every miracle, every teaching, every act of obedience—was to glorify the Father.

John 17:4:

“I glorified You on earth, having accomplished the work that You gave Me to do.”

Christ came not only to save sinners, but to glorify His Father.

The Glory of the Father in the Church

Astonishingly, the same glory revealed in Christ is now reflected in His body—the church.

2 Corinthians 3:18:

“We all… are being transformed… from one degree of glory to another.”

The Father is glorified when His people:

• Bear fruit (John 15:8)

• Love one another (John 13:34–35)

• Worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:23)

• Proclaim His Gospel among the nations (Matt. 28:19)

  
  

The Church Is the Display of God’s Wisdom and Glory

Ephesians 3:10:

“So that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known…”

The church is not a side project—it is the stage upon which the Father displays His eternal plan. The gathered people of God are a visible testimony to His glory, grace, and greatness.

Christ Is Central—but the Father Is Ultimate

Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life—but the goal is always the Father.

1 Corinthians 15:24:

“Then comes the end… when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father…”

Even Christ’s redemptive work ultimately aims to glorify the Father and present His redeemed bride—the church—blameless and radiant.

How Should We Respond?

1. Live for the Father’s Glory

In all things—preaching, parenting, suffering, serving—the target is not self, but the Father’s glory.

“Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Cor. 10:31)

2. Worship with a Trinitarian Focus

We sing to the Son, empowered by the Spirit, unto the glory of the Father. Let our churches echo the doxology: “Glory be to the Father…”

3. Build the Church as a Display of God’s Glory

Discipleship, unity, purity, and love are not just church goals—they are means of glorifying the Father in the world.

The Father’s Glory Is Forever

Ephesians 3:21 doesn’t stop at this age—it stretches into eternity:

“Throughout all generations, forever and ever…”

The Father’s glory in Christ and the church will never fade. His plan will not be thwarted. His bride will not be lost. His Son will be exalted. His church will shine with reflected glory—forever.

Conclusion: Glory to the Father

Let your heart beat with the pulse of heaven: Glory to the Father.

Let your church reflect the radiance of His grace.

Let your life point to His worth.

Because from Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things.

“To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus, throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Eph. 3:21)