What does Galatians 1:5 mean?

In a collection of simple phrases, Paul has begun his letter to the Christians in Galatia with the facts of "the gospel," the good news about Jesus.

Jesus gave His life to pay for our sins. He did it so that we can be delivered from the world system built on human sinfulness. He also did it in obedience to God's will. Jesus' willingness to die on the cross fulfilled God's plan, and Jesus' God-given purpose (Galatians 1:4). After this, God the Father raised Christ from the dead (Galatians 1:1).

Paul concludes this compact gospel message in this verse with the declaration that God will receive the glory forever and ever. This fits with what Jesus said in John 17:1, "Glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you." The ultimate result of Jesus' death on the cross, His resurrection from the dead, and our salvation through faith in Him is that God will be glorified forever.

The word "glory" shows up repeatedly in the New Testament. It involves the idea that what is truly significant will be shown to be so and given the appropriate amount of recognition, attention, and praise. It will be seen for the worth it truly carries and appreciated for it. In that sense, God's act of grace through "the gospel" will result in His glory being revealed and praised for eternity.