Doxology: An Eruption of Praise

Can you imagine what it was like to be one of the authors of the books of the Bible, sitting there as an instrument of Almighty God, bringing his word to the world, writing about the power of God or the incarnation or the promise of eternal life? Is it any wonder that they sometimes erupted in praise? As you read through the scriptures you will find verses that seem to flow out of the author’s saturation with the goodness and glory of God. They are known as doxologies. They are typically short expressions of praise to God. Here is a definition from The American Heritage Dictionary.

“An expression of praise to God, especially a short hymn sung as part of a Christian worship service.”¹

Doxologies are a part of different denominations’ traditions, but they are also found in the scriptures. Here is an example of a doxology to God. Notice the sentences leading up to the praise at the end.

Praising God

“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, OR WHO BECAME HIS COUNSELOR? Or WHO HAS FIRST GIVEN TO HIM THAT IT MIGHT BE PAID BACK TO HIM AGAIN? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.” Romans 11:33-36 (NASB)

To him be the glory forever indeed! How could these sentences not result in an eruption of praise? I can feel Paul’s excitement and devotion, and I gladly echo his Amen!

Here is another example.

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forevermore. Amen.“ Galatians 1:3-5 (NASB)

Surely writing about the sacrifice of Jesus and how he saved us according to the will of God should lead to praise, and it does! How could it not? How beautiful. Have you ever had moments like these when you were so filled with the joy of what God has done that your heart sung? Have you ever felt so loved by him and comforted by his presence that your spirit overflowed? In those moments, it is fitting to erupt in praise.

To see a few more check out Romans 16:27, Philippians 4:20, and 1 Peter 5:11

Praising Jesus

There are also doxologies that are specific to Jesus. This is fitting because he is God. In the following verses, Paul’s telling of his trials and his deliverance and his future hope ends in an eruption of praise.

“At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” 2 Timothy 4:16-18 (NASB)

Paul was not the only writer to give praise to Jesus this way. John’s praise follows a wonderful list of testimony about Jesus. It is easy to understand why writing these things would lead to praise. They are all glorious.

“John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace, from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood– and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father–to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” Revelation 1:4-6 (NASB)

For another doxology to Jesus see 2 Peter 3:18. There are more doxologies in the Bible, but I will share just one more here. Let’s take a look into heaven.

“Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.” And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, “To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever.“ And the four living creatures kept saying, “Amen.” And the elders fell down and worshiped.” Revelation 5:11-14 (NASB)

What a scene of praise! He who sits on the throne and the Lamb deserve it all. They are awesome! What they have done and are doing and will do stirs the heart to worship and thanksgiving and praise. We are blessed beyond measure to be loved by them and to know them. We are blessed that we can utter our own doxologies everyday as we reflect on the wonder that is our God. Let our hearts erupt often in words of praise. Let’s enjoy a part of heaven now and echo Amen. To him be the glory forever! Amen!