“To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
To Him be the glory
The first epistle of Peter ends in a doxology. Since God is the God of “all grace,” he deserves the glory. Since God sustains us during the trial, we should laud his glory for his intervention into our lives.
“To Him” indicates that Christianity is personal. “To” makes it plain Peter ascribes special praise to a person he holds in deference. The apostle clearly directs his praise to God, the One who turns suffering into a blessing.
and the dominion
The word “dominion” is a particular term for power. It conveys the idea of force, strength, might, and primarily manifested power. “Dominion” is an undertaking displaying great power, implying supernatural force.
“He has shown strength with His arm;
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts” (Luke 1:51).
“Dominion” is the power to rule or control. This term carries the idea of sovereignty. The root of this word derives from “creator.” God governs the circumstances and situations of your life (cf. Romans 11:36). He possesses the ruling power in your life.
“Who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen” (1 Timothy 6:16).
God has sovereignty over death.
“Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil” (Hebrews 2:14).
God has dominion over our ministries.
“If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 4:11).
God has sovereignty over our salvation. Jude also praises God’s majesty and power in preserving the believer’s salvation.
“Now to Him who is able to keep [guard] you from stumbling,
And to present you faultless
Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,
To God our Savior,
Who alone is wise,
Be glory and majesty,
Dominion and power,
Both now and forever.
Amen” (Jude 24, 25)
The sovereign dominion of King Jesus gave the Christian the right to rule for God.
“And has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen” (Revelation 1:6).
In eternity, there will be praise for God’s sovereign power.
“And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying:
‘Blessing and honor and glory and power
Be to Him who sits on the throne,
And to the Lamb, forever and ever!'” (Revelation 5:13).
Peter praises the Lord for his ruling power. He had just finished talking about what the power of God could do in individual lives (1 Pe 5:10). God can strengthen Christians in suffering by His sovereign actions.
forever and ever.
Christians will spend eternity celebrating the glory and power of God, that is, his dominion over everything.
Amen
The word “amen” means so be it. Peter concludes his epistle with an affirmation of his belief in the glory and sovereignty of God for all situations. Peter says in effect, “I believe in God’s glory and ruling power for any situation in life.”
PRINCIPLE:
We praise God for His ruling power, that is, for his sovereignty.
APPLICATION:
God always draws us back to the purpose of creation– to give glory to God’s work and attributes. He perfects, stabilizes, strengthens, and settles us through it all. We can give God specific praise for His sovereign work, even during our heartaches.
