Genesis holds not only the record of God creating the world, but it also holds the account of the fall of that creation, as well as a promise from God Himself that someday, He would redeem that creation back to Himself and defeat Satan (Genesis 3:15). Creation was for God's glory (Colossians 1:16, "For by Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him"), so it only makes sense that Redemption/Salvation is also for God's glory.
While Redemption effects creation, the purpose of it (along with the fall of creation) was to demonstrate God's glory in the best way possible. His acts of kindness, His demonstrations of mercy, His love are all things that BRING HIM ALONE GLORY. His glory cannot be taken from Him, nor can it be lessened by a fallen creation, in fact, it is magnified in the very fallen creation that He will one day renew completely (Isaiah 12:22, Psalm 106:8, Romans 8:19-22, Titus 2:14).
All of the universe was made for God's glory, all of creation will be redeemed, some day for God's glory. Salvation, too, then is for God's glory, for it is through the perfect life, cursed death and miraculous Resurrection of Jesus Christ that all of creation will one day be restored.
Jesus Christ is the Instrument of God through which God's glory is most revealed (Romans 16:27, "To the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen"; II Corinthians 1:20, "'For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through Him the "Amen" is spoken...to the glory of God'"; Hebrews 1:3 "The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven").
Jesus Christ, perfect in everyway, very God Himself (Revelation 22:13, "'I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End'"; Philippians 2:6, "[Jesus Christ] who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped"; Hebrews 1:8, 10, 11 & 12, "But about the Son He says, 'Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom. He also says, 'In the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed. But you remain the same, and your years will never end'"), was given, by God the Father, the task of salvation/redemption. John 17 holds the record of one of Jesus' prayers, in which He said, "I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do,'" clearly in reference to this salvation, His work, His assignment from God the Father.
While the Bible does regularly speak of the benefits of salvation towards creation, the ultimate truth is that salvation/redemption are all works done to BRING GOD GLORY. Even in Psalms, it is clear that salvation is for God's glory, for His "Name's Sake" (25:11; 79:9; 106:8; 109:21; 143:11).
All Glory to God forever more!
All praises and honor
for His Sake He has redeemed what once was fell,
for His Name's Sake He died and rose as well!
This Week's Challenge: Examine your own life and heart...what do you feel the reason is that God redeemed you? Who deserves the glory for that? Who deserves the glory in all situations? It's easy for us to answer "God, of course." But in your heart-of-hearts, do you REALLY feel that way? If so, rejoice in His awesome glory. If not, rejoice in His awesome glory! If you struggle with giving Him the glory, just start to do it...one step at a time...one thing at a time. He will move in your heart, changing you...convincing you to give Him ALL the glory.
No comments:
Post a Comment