What stirs your heart to worship? For many, it’s the beauty of creation, the depth of God’s love, or the wonder of salvation. But in Revelation 19, the heavenly host gives us a deeper glimpse into why God is eternally worthy of our praise. They cry out in a resounding anthem: “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God.” This heavenly chorus reminds us that praising God’s attributes — His salvation, glory, and power — is central to worship. These attributes not only reveal who God is but also transform how we live. Let’s dive into why these qualities compel us to lift our voices in praise.

Salvation, glory, and power – these words aren’t just religious jargon. They’re a revolutionary proclamation that challenges everything our culture teaches about self-sufficiency, personal glory, and human potential.

In this post, we’ll explore the richness of three of God’s attributes and why they compel us to cry, “Hallelujah!” By the end, you’ll have a deeper understanding of what it means to praise God for His salvation, glory, and power—and how that changes your life today.

The Meaning of Hallelujah

Before diving into God’s attributes, let’s first understand the significance of the word “Hallelujah.” This powerful exclamation combines two Hebrew words:

1. “Hallel” – a verb meaning “praise”
2. “Yah” – a shortened form of Yahweh, God’s personal name

Literally, “Hallelujah” means, “Praise the Lord.” It’s a call to worship, an expression of joy, and a recognition of God’s supremacy. Surprisingly, though it’s common in Christian worship, the word only appears four times in the New Testament—all in Revelation 19. This rarity highlights its significance in the context of praising God’s attributes. It also focuses our attention on three of His unmatched attributes: salvation, glory, and power.

Praising God’s Attributes: Salvation

The first attribute mentioned in this heavenly praise is salvation. But why does salvation belong to God, and why should we praise Him for it?

Our Need for a Savior

Humans struggle with a fundamental truth: we cannot save ourselves. Our best efforts, moral achievements, and personal righteousness fall dramatically short of God’s standard. No amount of good deeds, religious rituals, or self-improvement can bridge the gap between our sinfulness and God’s holiness.

To understand the significance of God’s salvation, we must first recognize our desperate need for it. Every human being is a sinner in need of a Savior. The Bible is clear: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Left to ourselves, we’re incapable of earning salvation. No amount of good deeds can cancel the debt of our sin.

God’s Plan of Salvation

Here’s the good news: salvation isn’t something we achieve—it’s something God provides. Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, “By grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” God alone provides redemption and forgiveness of sins. In fact, God planned our salvation before the world even began!

Ephesians 1:4-5 tells us, “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.” Every aspect of salvation is His sovereign work: He chose us in Christ, redeemed us through His blood, and forgave our sins.

Why Praise Him for Salvation?

Because He has done what we could never do. He rescued us from sin, death, and judgment. The weight of this truth should move us to heartfelt praise. When we cry, “Hallelujah! Salvation belongs to our God,” we’re acknowledging that our hope rests entirely in Him. We are acknowledging that God saved us by His sovereign action, apart from any merit or contribution on our part. It’s a gift we could never earn or deserve.

Practical Application: Cultivating Gratitude

Given this incredible truth, how can we cultivate a heart of praise for God’s salvation? Here are a few practical steps:

1. Regularly reflect on your salvation story
2. Keep a gratitude journal, noting specific aspects of your salvation
3. Share your testimony with others, giving glory to God
4. Participate in communion, remembering Christ’s sacrifice

By focusing on God’s saving work, we’ll naturally be moved to praise Him more frequently and fervently.

Praising God’s Attributes: Glory

The second attribute mentioned in this heavenly chorus is glory. But what exactly is God’s glory, and why should it inspire our praise?

Understanding God’s Glory

To grasp the significance of God’s glory, we need to explore two key words the Bible uses to describe this attribute:

1. Hebrew: “Kabod”
   • Means something is “weighty” or significant
   • To speak of God’s glory is to celebrate His weightiness or importance
2. Greek: “Doxa”
   • Speaks of brilliance, radiance, and majestic splendor
   • Describes the awe-inspiring nature of God’s presence

Together, these words paint a picture of God’s glory as both weighty and resplendent. His glory is His infinite worth and the radiant display of His divine nature. God’s glory, then, encompasses His supreme importance and His breathtaking majesty.

God’s Glory in Contrast to the World

We live in a time where God’s glory is often ignored or diminished. Many regard Him as inconsequential, relegating Him to the margins of their lives. Even when He’s acknowledged, His influence on people’s lives and decisions is minimal. This low view of God has devastating effects, leading to a society that values fleeting pleasures over eternal truths.

Yet, God deserves all praise because He alone possesses the beauty, splendor, and majesty our souls long for. He alone should be esteemed above all else. Scripture reminds us: “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork” (Psalm 19:1). His glory is woven into creation and revealed supremely in Jesus Christ. When we sing, “Hallelujah! Glory belongs to our God,” we’re aligning our hearts with the reality of His unmatched splendor.

Practical Application: Recognizing God’s Glory

How can we cultivate a greater awareness of God’s glory in our daily lives? Consider these suggestions:

1. Spend time in nature, marveling at God’s creative power
2. Study the attributes of God in Scripture
3. Practice the spiritual discipline of silence and solitude
4. Engage in corporate worship, joining with others to declare God’s glory

As we intentionally focus on God’s glory, our hearts will naturally overflow with praise.

Praising God’s Attributes: Power

The final attribute mentioned in this heavenly praise is power. But what makes God’s power so praiseworthy?

The Infinite Power of God

God’s power is unlimited and unmatched. He created the universe by speaking it into existence (Genesis 1). He sustains all things by His mighty word (Hebrews 1:3). And He demonstrated His power most profoundly in raising Jesus from the dead (Ephesians 1:19-20).

Colossians 1:16-17 beautifully illustrates this: “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”

God’s Power in Salvation and Sustenance

God’s power is not only displayed in creation but also in salvation. He has the power to save His people, keep His promises, and ensure that His purposes are fulfilled. Philippians 1:6 assures us, “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

Moreover, His power sustains us daily. He supplies all our needs, strengthens us in trials, and gives us the grace to endure. God’s power is a source of comfort and confidence. Knowing that He is in control enables us to trust Him in every circumstance. When we proclaim, “Hallelujah! Power belongs to our God,” we’re celebrating the reality that nothing is too hard for Him.

As Isaiah 46:10 declares, “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’”

Practical Application: Trusting in God’s Power

How can we live in light of God’s infinite power? Here are some practical steps:

1. Pray boldly, knowing nothing is too difficult for God
2. Face challenges with confidence, trusting in God’s strength
3. Study God’s promises in Scripture, knowing His power will fulfill them
4. Share stories of God’s power at work in your life

As we recognize and rely on God’s power, our praise for Him will naturally increase.

The Synergy of Salvation, Glory, and Power

When we reflect on God’s attributes of salvation, glory, and power as a whole…we uncover a breathtaking synergy that deepens our understanding of God’s nature. These attributes are not isolated qualities; they work together in perfect harmony, revealing the beauty of who God is and why He is worthy of our praise.

God’s Power Enables Our Salvation

Salvation is possible only because of God’s infinite power. Without His power, there would be no cross, no resurrection, and no victory over sin and death. His power is what overcame the grave, defeated Satan, and secured eternal life for His people. As Paul writes, “The gospel…is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). This truth magnifies the reality that our salvation is entirely dependent on His strength, not our own.

God’s Salvation Reveals His Glory

The work of salvation isn’t merely an act of power—it’s also a revelation of God’s glory. When we see the depth of His mercy, the cost of the cross, and the magnitude of His love, we’re drawn to worship Him for His weighty, radiant glory. In fact, Ephesians 1:6 tells us that salvation occurs “to the praise of His glorious grace.” Every redeemed soul is a living testimony of God’s majestic splendor.

God’s Glory Displays His Power

God’s glory is not a passive trait—it is active and dynamic, displaying His unmatched power. Creation itself declares the glory of God (Psalm 19:1), and the heavens proclaim His might. Likewise, the redemptive work of Christ is a display of His power to save, sustain, and transform lives. His glory, seen in the brilliance of His works, constantly points us back to His divine strength and sovereignty.

A Complete Picture of God’s Praiseworthy Nature

Together, these attributes form a cohesive and awe-inspiring portrait of God. His power enables salvation, salvation unveils His glory, and His glory magnifies His power. Each of God’s attributes reinforces and amplifies the others, creating a perfect harmony that leaves us in awe.

When we proclaim, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God,” we’re not just reciting theological truths. We’re declaring the magnificent unity of His nature and acknowledging that He alone is worthy of all honor, worship, and praise.