To Him Be the Glory… All Things Are From Him, Through Him, and To Him

We marvel at brilliant design. Whether it’s the construction of the pyramids, the complexity of robotics, or the simplicity of a well orchestrated musical piece or art, we instinctively glorify the mind behind the masterpiece.  This is true of Paul’s final words in Romans 11. After unfolding God’s mysterious plan of salvation from chapter 1 to 11, Paul is moved to worship in which he glorifies God and attributes all of creation and salvation is from Him, through Him, and to Him.  Paul’s premise is summed up here.  All of His work in creation, the cross, judgement, salvation, sanctification, and glorification comes from him, is through him, and to Him. He alone receives the glory. Soli Deo Gloria!

All Things Are From Him

From the very beginning, from eternity past, God had a plan.  He is the initiator and began with His word (Jn 1:1).  Time, space, matter, and life are not accidents or products of random forces for they are from Him.

“For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory…”
— Hebrews 2:10, LSB

Creation however was not the end goal.  Instead it was created with the goal of redemption.  He is the author of salvation and the One who began a good work in His elect (Phil 1:6).  From the foundation of the world he has been working for the praise of His name. 

All Things Are Through Him

Not only is God the source, He is also the means. All things exist and function through Him both in creation and redemption.

“For by Him all things were created… all things have been created through Him and for Him.”
— Colossians 1:16, LSB

Christ is at the heart of this message.   Not only is He the Creator but He is also the Redeemer through whom we are saved. Even more soe  and is the source of our Christian life.  

• We are justified through Him (Romans 5:9).
• We are sanctified through Him ( Romans 5:1-2).
• We have access to the Father through Him (Ephesians 2:18).
• We offer acceptable worship through Him (Hebrews 13:15).
• The Church glorifies him for all eternity (Ephesians 3: Romans 15:5-6).
• We are glorified through Him (Romans 8:30).

Everything in redemptive history, from the shedding of His blood to the intercession at the right hand of God, is accomplished through Christ.

All Things Are To Him

The point of it all, the reason everything exists, His work in redemption, is all for His glory.  God did not create the universe and all living life simply to step back and see how it plays out.  His purpose was to bring glory to Himself.  Everything exists for His glory.  

“Worthy are You… for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed and were created.”
— Revelation 4:11, LSB

Creation itself declares His glory (Psalm 19:1). The elect were predestined to the praise of His glory (Ephesians 1:5–6). Even our sanctification, our daily walking in righteousness, is to Him, as we live for the one who died and rose on our behalf (2 Corinthians 5:15).

He is not glorified only in the act of creation, but also in the ongoing work of salvation. Isaiah 43:7 declares that God’s people are created for His glory. He will not share His glory, and He will not fail to receive it.

And Every Tongue Will Confess

The glory of God will be known to all mankind in all of history. Whether willingly or not, every person will one day join in the doxology of Romans 11:36.  

“…every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
— Philippians 2:11, LSB

At the end of the age, when every knee bows and every mouth confesses, there will be no confusion about who receives the glory. It will not be given to man, or angels, or even to creation itself. All glory will be given to Him.  Soli Deo Gloria!

To Him Be the Glory Forever. Amen.

When Paul completed his gospel discourse in Romans 11 he didn’t offer a closing argument.  He simply was moved to worship God.  The more we grasp the gospel and God’s saving work in our lives the more we are moved to praise.  Let us be moved to worship him in every aspect of our life. For every part of life is from Him, through Him, and to Him. 

“Not to us, O Yahweh, not to us, But to Your name give glory Because of Your lovingkindness, because of Your truth.”
— Psalm 115:1, LSB