In his book, God’s Glory Alone: The Majestic Heart of Christian Faith and Life, David VanDrunen does an amazing job of communicating the essential and historical reformational truths of 500 years ago; namely, God’s glory alone in salvation and why it still matters today for every Christian in faith and life. For sure, this book centers around the greatest of all topics or subjects – God Himself.

VanDrunen takes the reader back to the turbulent times of the 16th century and examines how the Protestant Reformation distinguished itself with all of its five “solas,” (i.e. “the onlys”) that changed religion forever in the known world. VanDrunen’s effectiveness is found in his delineation of three main chapter divisions. He first evaluates the glory of God in reformed theology; second, he describes the glory of God in Scripture; and lastly, he presents how Christians may live for God’s glory in today’s world.

In VanDrunen’s first section regarding God’s glory in reformed theology, he shows how reformers crystalized their thoughts into two invaluable issues—religious authority and the doctrine of salvation. Nothing is more important for Christians then and today.

I am thankful for the reformers’ lasting theology found in confessions and catechisms. These have become valuable as 21st century churches desire to affirm the faith that the church has believed as necessary and vital. We cannot take for granted how the church rediscovered the gospel during this unique time.

In VanDrunen’s second section, he records and explains many scriptural passages that make the point that the great God of Scripture is for Himself and His glory. Many benefit from this reality, but nevertheless, God is God, and He must act for His own glory. But oh how sinners benefit in Christ!

Readers receive a real lesson in the glory cloud of Israel, revealed in the Old Testament, as well as the gospel accounts in the New Testament and subsequent epistles of God’s culminating glory seen in the incarnate Word—Jesus Christ Himself.

Finally, in the last section, VanDrunen handles the importance of why Christians today must live in light of God’s glory. Anchored in the Protestant Reformation truths of Scripture, the Christian today can respond in prayer and worship. When God saves, God alone gives the enabling Spirit for fruitful prayer and dynamic worship, thus disarming the need and control of so many distractions that hinder our Christian life today.

David VanDrunen makes the reader ponder the need for one’s involvement in corporate worship, where the Word and Sacraments are truly received and enjoyed. Glorifying God is vital in this pursuit. Make it a point this year to pick up a copy of this book and read about these truths in God’s Glory Alone: The Majestic Heart of the Christian Faith and Life.