Doxology

A RESPONSE

OF PRAISE AND ADORATION

(Greek: δοξολογία, from δόξα, doxa, "glory, splendor, grandeur" and -λογία, -logia, "word or speaking") is a word or speaking about the glory of God. It can be expressed as a short hymn of praises to God, often added to the end of psalms or hymns. A doxology is expressed through words of praise and adoration to God in response to His revelation to us. In a sense all of our singing about God and to God is a doxology, it is our way of expressing the greatness of who God is through words often accompanied with music.

When people hear the word doxology they often associate it with the short chorus that is sung at the end of many worship services. This chorus commonly referred to simply as The Doxology or The Common Doxology, begins with "Praise God, from whom all blessings flow". It was written in 1674 by Thomas Ken, a priest in the Church of England. The song calls us to recognize God as the creator of all things. It becons all of creation to give praise and point back to their creator. Finally, the chorus is distinctly trinitarian confessing that God is three-in-one, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. It expresses the truth that we worship God the Father, through the son, by the power of the Holy Spirit. The words to the chorus are:

"Doxology"

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise him, all creatures here below;

Praise him above, ye heavenly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Amen.

We can see doxologies expressed all throughout scripture. A doxology is commonly partnered with a benediction, which is a bestowing of a blessing upon Gods people. The biblical authors speak often of the glory of God. Here are just a few examples:

Jude 1:24-25

"Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen."

Eph. 3:20-21

"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."

1 Tim. 6:15b-16

"He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen."

Hebrews 13: 20-21

"Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen."

The Psalms also call us to "doxology" or praising God. Psalms 96 calls us to tell of his salvation, to declare his glory and to speak of His marvelous works!

Worship in the Splendor of Holiness

1 Oh sing to the Lord a new song;
    sing to the Lord, all the earth!
2 Sing to the Lord, bless his name;
    tell of his salvation from day to day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations,
    his marvelous works among all the peoples!
4 For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised;
    he is to be feared above all gods.
5 For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,
    but the Lord made the heavens.
6 Splendor and majesty are before him;
    strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.

7 Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples,
    ascribe to the Lord glory and strength!
8 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
    bring an offering, and come into his courts!
9 Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness;[a]
    tremble before him, all the earth!

10 Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!
Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity.”

11 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;
let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
12 let the field exult, and everything in it!
Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy
13 before the Lord, for he comes,
for he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness,
and the peoples in his faithfulness.