Some theologians propose that God's ultimate aim is to establish and uphold His own glory, portraying God as primarily a receiver rather than solely a giver. This perspective suggests that God's actions, including creation and redemption, serve this self-centered purpose; everything He does is aimed at garnering glory for Himself. Such a view raises concerns about the nature of divine love, particularly when comparing it to the human experience of love.

Karl Barth, a prominent theologian, criticized this interpretation, suggesting that it portrays God as selfishly consumed with His own glory. In contrast, Luther would argue that this notion reflects a conditional form of love, where divine generosity is merely a means to an end, undermining the essence of giving and forgiveness that characterizes true divine love. This challenges the understanding of God's nature and His relationship with humanity.