God's Glory Alone {A Book Review}

God's Glory Alone: The Majestic Heart of Christian Faith and Life, by David Vandrunen (Zondervan, 2015). 

Published around the 500-year anniversary mark of Martin Luther's famous nailing of his 95 Theses, this book is a part of "The 5 Solas Series" that covers the five solas of the Reformation: God's Word Alone, Christ Alone, Grace Alone, Faith Alone, and God's Glory Alone.

I cannot begin to express what a blessing it was to read God's Glory Alone. I really did not know what to anticipate from this book, except that it would probably be a bit more theologically in-depth than many of the books I tend to read. However, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that, while it was indeed a theologically-rich book, it was also easily understandable for me, a lay-person, if I simply took the time to read it slowly and carefully. 

Soli Deo gloria is a familiar phrase to many of us; we are also familiar with what is often called "the doxological purpose of God", or the idea that everything in life is about God's glory. But what exactly does it mean that everything is about God's glory? This is the question that David Vandrunen strives to unpack. 

After a short discussion about what those involved in the reformation believed about the glory of God, Vandrunen then lays the groundwork for what "God's glory alone" even means by tracing "the revelation of God's glory through many of the key events in biblical history" (pg 170). Vandrunen begins with the pillar of cloud in the wilderness; he then follows the Israelites through their desert wanderings and tabernacle worship, on to the building of Solomon's glorious temple, and eventually, the Old Testament prophets' visions of the glory of God. This historical account of the revelation of the glory of God culminates with the manifestation of "the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature" (Heb. 1:3, ESV) as revealed to mankind through the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ (Jn. 1:1). 

You can practically feel the tension mounting as Vandrunen outlines each of these events in history, for in each instance, there remains a tangible conflict: while God's glory is revealed in part, it remains veiled, for "it demonstrated a problem more than it provided a solution. Something greater was necessary if God's glory was to be fully revealed and was truly to bless his people" (pg 52). Of course, we understand that the glaring problem that stood between God's magnificent glory and mankind was, and still is, sin.

Following this historically true narrative of the revelation of God's glory and how He chose to embody Himself in human flesh as the very essence of His glory can result in nothing less than incredible awe and wonder in the believer's heart. One cannot help but echo the words of the Psalmist when he asks "O LORD, what is man that you regard him, or the son of man that you think of him? Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow" (Ps. 144:3-4, ESV). 

But Vandrunen does not simply cause his readers to stand in awe of the glory of God. While it would not be insufficient to have finished God's Glory Alone in this manner, Vandrunen takes it a step further and invites us, as believers, to consider that these marvelous truths concerning God's glory apply to us "in our own times and places, with our own limitations and challenges." These things also cause us to consider questions such as "What are the challenges of our own age? What temptations and seductions have an especially strong hold upon us as we strive to fulfill our chief calling, to glorify and enjoy God? What things should make us especially vigilant?" (pg 109). 

Or to put it another way: What are the implications of living in light of the glory of God alone? 

The ensuing chapters (chapters 6-8) outline some very specific, yet practical, applications for believers living in the twenty-first century. In fact, Vandrunen even goes so far as to address the modern issue of our ever-present technology; he also exposes the many attitudes and tendencies of our culture for what they really are: narcissism. In each case, Vandrunen constantly points it back to how these commonplace attitudes and objects in today's culture distract us from our walk with God and all of life being about His glory alone. Needless to say, this entire discussion proves to be incredibly practical! 

Throughout the entire book, I was amazed to find an abundance of Scripture woven in and out of sentences, from the beginning of the book to the very end, like one continuous thread; almost every paragraph included at least one quote or reference, if not more! In fact, if all the Scripture quoted or referred to in God's Glory Alone were weighed against Vandrunen's own words, I would not be surprised if they came out about equal in quantity! Indeed, the entire book is thoroughly saturated with Scripture! 

I have come across only one other book where the author writes in such a way that Scripture seems to be a natural overflow from his heart. As I consider my own style of writing in conjunction with my desire to continually point those who read what I write towards a clearer understanding of God and His character, I find this particular style of writing to be encouraging, as well as challenging: what better way to point others towards a greater understanding of God than to let the very words of Scripture--the words inspired by God Himself--to speak for themselves?

While God's Glory Alone may demand for a slower and more intentional reading than the average book about God might require, I am convinced that many a layperson would be greatly encouraged and blessed by this careful examination of the glory of God! 

(Note: Because Vandrunen writes from a reformed background, there are a few times where this particular thrust of his theological persuasion influences his writing. However, I don't believe the handful of times that this happens throughout the book is sufficient grounds to discard the entire book. Rather, as with any book, we must read with discernment and wisdom, always comparing it back to the truth of Scripture.)