Rex Banks.

Introduction

If we were looking for a slogan to sum up the dominant world view of modern Western society, it would be difficult to go beyond the words of the ancient Greek philosopher Protagoras, an early Sophist, who wrote that "Man is the measure of all things..." Ours is, after all, a society dominated by secularism, and it is hardly surprising that in such a setting the realization of man's hopes in the here and now has become our holy grail, and the glorification of human achievement in the here and now our primary focus. Since the close of the seventeenth century, theism has been losing ground to humanism at an accelerating rate and this is reflected in every sphere of public life.

Now although we may be reluctant to admit it, this displacement of God and this preoccupation with man's aspirations has also taken its toll upon many of us who profess to follow Christ. Having imbibed the spirit of the age in which we live, it is difficult for us to be God-focused rather than self-focused. Increasingly we talk about "meeting our felt needs" rather than about the sovereignty of God. Increasingly we hear the comment made that "God just wants me to be happy," while hearing less and less about the Lord's having called us to holy living. Increasingly the "gospel of prosperity" is preached to receptive ears while little is heard about the cost of discipleship and the demands of Christian service. We are in many ways mirrors of the man-centred age in which we live. C.S. Lewis captured the spirit of the age when he wrote:

"The ancient man approached God (or even the gods) as the accused person approaches his judge. For modern man the roles are reversed. He is the judge: God is in the dock. He is quite a kindly judge: if God should have a reasonable defence for being the god who permits war, poverty and disease, he is ready to listen to it. The trial may even end in God's acquittal. But the important thing is that man is on the Bench and God in the Dock." (God in the Dock)

In the following paragraphs we will look at just a few of the many passages of scripture which serve to remind us that Christians have been called, not to mirror the dominant world view of their time, but for one primary purpose, namely the glorification of God. This and this alone is the great end for which the entire creation exists and for which you and I were created. This and this alone is the great goal worthy of all our efforts, and the only pursuit promising us real satisfaction.

Discipleship brings with it joy, satisfaction, concern for one's fellow men and the like, but these are the fruits of the gospel not the goal to which it moves. The goal of the gospel, the very purpose for which it was designed, is God's glorification, and we must be careful that nothing else, however noble or appealing displaces this goal. Now let's look at the scriptural basis for such a claim.

The Glory of God

Scholars tell us that some twenty-five different Hebrew words are rendered by doxa (glory) in the Greek translation of the Old Testament, but the word most frequently used means "difficult", "weight", "heaviness", "worthiness", "reputation", "honour", "brightness". It is employed to speak of men of substance and importance (e.g. Gen 45:13; Esther 5) but it is used mainly to describe God's glory, and in this context it is important to note that glory is an essential feature of the divine nature without which God would not be God. God's very name or character is such as to demand the ascription of glory (e.g. Psa 29:2) and so majestic is this divine glory that to see His face is to die. (Ex. 33:20) Since glory belongs to God intrinsically, He warns against idol worship with the words "My glory I give to no other..." (Isa 42:8) Scripture speaks of the greatness (Psa 138:5) and eternality (Psa 104:31) of God's glory, and also of its richness, (Eph 3:16) and of its exalted nature, (Psa 8:1) but it is what the inspired writers say about the relationship of the created realm to Jehovah's glory that concerns us here.

According to the Psalmist, "The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands". (Psa 19:1) The Lord's name is "majestic...in all the earth" and He has displayed His splendour "above the heavens". (Psa 8:1) Through "what has been made" God's "eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen". (Rom 1:20) Thus the grass beneath our feet and the most distant stars in the universe manifest the glory of the Creator and inspiration tells us that this is creation's primary purpose.

But if it is true that the whole of creation is designed to glorify its Creator, it is also true that "(t)he Creator's highest glory can be promoted only by such beings as are at once rational, moral, free, holy". (Wilbur F.Tillett I.S.B.E. 4:2482) Yes the heavens do indeed declare God's glory, but it is in man, the thinking, moral agent bearing the image of the divine, (Gen 1:26) that the creation manifests God's glory in the highest degree. Inanimate objects like the sun, the moon and the stars, along with creatures of instinct like lions and tigers show forth the glory of the Creator, but the real motive and meaning of the universe is to be found in man, who alone possesses an eternal spirit, (Eccles12:7) free will ( Josh 24:15) and a notion of infinity. (Eccles 3:11)

In view of the fact that man exists to glorify God, it is not surprising to learn that humanity's redemption in Christ has as its basic purpose the glorification of God the Redeemer. In the Old Testament Jehovah speaks of the children of Israel, His covenant people, as those "whom I have created for My glory". (Isa 43:7) In the New Testament Paul tells us that the blessings bestowed upon Christians are "to the praise of the glory of His grace," (Eph 1:6; cf v. 12) meaning that salvation in Christ has as its primary aim the glorification of God on account of His gracious gift. The existence of the church glorifies God (Eph 3:21) and thus it is His glory, not man's happiness which is the great goal of redemption. Yes, of course redemption in Christ brings with it a peace and joy which "surpasses all comprehension," (Phil 4:7) but the point is that humanity's well-being is not the great goal of redemption in Christ. The great goal of redemption and indeed of everything else is the glorification of God.

Glorifying God

When Paul instructs us to "do all to the glory of God" (1 Cor 10:31), he is not of course suggesting that man can add to God's glory or implying that God's glory is somehow deficient unless supplemented by human activity. This is clear from the fact that God is perfect in all His attributes. When man is urged to glorify God, he is not being told to add to His essential worthiness but rather he is being instructed to recognise, reflect and declare that glory. (Sometimes theologians speak of God's "essential glory" and of His "declarative glory"). In this context consider the following brief comments which just touch the hem of the garment:

God is glorified when Christians bear fruit

Christ's striking allegory of the vine (Jn 15:1-16) sets forth the important truth that true discipleship is evidenced by spiritual fruit bearing, (Jn 15:2, 5) and in this context the Lord says: "By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be my disciples". (Jn 15:8) Now Jesus does not tell us in so many words just what He meant by "fruit," but notice carefully that whatever this fruit is, it constitutes proof of discipleship. This is significant because elsewhere Jesus reminds us that the fully-trained disciple is "like His teacher". (Lk 6:40) Certainly then bearing fruit involves developing qualities which make us more like Christ.

Now, when God becomes man, what does He reveal about the divine nature? We read and then we marvel. A cross outside an ancient city proclaims that "God is love" (1 Jn 4:8) and teaches you and me that without love discipleship is impossible. The weeping Man at the entrance of the tomb (Jn 11:35) teaches us that our God is a God of compassion (Ex 34:6) and challenges us to show mercy to the weary, the weak and the wounded. The Teacher, gently washing the feet of a disciple who would soon deny knowing Him (Jn 13:6-9) reveals that God delights in forgiveness (Matt 18:21, 22) and that He demands the same of His followers. (Matt 6:14) The Man never told a lie, (1 Pet 2:21) fearlessly condemned hypocrisy (Matt 23) and lost Himself completely in His Father's service (Jn 4:34), and when He calls upon His followers to bear fruit He is calling upon them to do the same.

Fruit bearing then includes personal transformation. (2 Cor 3:18) Yes doctrinal accuracy is vital (see "Salvation in One Body") but without love, mercy, forgiveness and the like discipleship is a sham, a shell without content, form without substance. We glorify God by consciously striving to be more like Him, hour by hour, week by week, year by year until He takes us home. Perfection is beyond us but aiming for it is not.

God is glorified when we trust His promises

God's promise to the aged Abraham that he and his barren wife would produce an heir illustrates the point. We are told that " with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief, but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God ..." (Rom 4:20) Abraham glorified his Lord by trusting His promises; we glorify his Lord and ours by doing the same.

When Christians "seek first His kingdom and His righteousness" trusting that "all these things (necessary for life) shall be added" to them (Matt 6:33) God is glorified. When you and I go to God in prayer, accepting His assurance that the peace which "surpasses all comprehension" will crowd out the anxiety which threatens our hopes and dreams (Phil 4:6, 7) then God is glorified by our trust. When we resist the siren song of sin confident in His promise that He "will not permit ...(us) to be tempted beyond what ...we are able" (1 Cor 10:13) we glorify God by our faith. In a word, the Father is glorified when His sons and daughters come to Him in childlike faith knowing that He numbers the very hairs of their head. (Matt 10:30)

God is glorified when His people resolve to remain faithful even in the face of suffering

In Peter's words "if anyone suffers as a Christian let him not feel ashamed, but in that name let him glorify God". (1 Pet 4:16) If tradition is correct, it is not long after having written these words that the apostle himself glorified God by a martyr's death ( Jn 21:19) joining a multitude of saints who paid the ultimate price for their faith. (Rev 6:9)

As one who knows nothing about real persecution I cannot speak from experience, but scripture certainly affirms that Christians should not be surprised if they are called upon to suffer for their faith. (1 Pet 4:12) In fact Paul describes suffering for Christ in terms which suggest that it is a gift (Phil 1:29) which is understandable if such suffering glorifies God. Knowing that loyalty to Christ in face of persecution and hardship glorifies God, some saints of old left their prison cell "rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name". (Acts 5:41) Let's not court suffering and persecution, but if it does come let's pray for the wisdom to do the same. (Jas 1:2-6)

God is glorified when the Christian understands the implications of the fact that his body is a "temple of the Holy Spirit" (1 Cor 6:19)

In the Corinthian letter Paul writes to brethren living in city notorious for its immorality. Having warned them about the eternal consequences of sexual licence he concludes: "For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body". (1 Cor 6:20) When the Christian forgets that "the body is not for immorality" (1 Cor 6:13) he fails to glorify his Lord.

Now its not politically correct to say so today, but scripture is adamant that the practice of homosexuality is a barrier to the kingdom of God. (1 Cor 6:9) Similarly, de facto relationships may be the norm today, but regardless of what society may think about such partnerships, in God's view they are still sexually immoral unions. In a world where many marriages end in divorce, we will not win any popularity contests by pointing out that according to Jesus unscriptural divorce followed by remarriage results in adultery. (Matt 5:31, 32; 19:9) In a different context Paul once asked the question: "Have I therefore become your enemy by telling you the truth?" (Gal 4:16) The truth is that the Christian is to "(f)lee immorality" (1 Cor 6:17) and to glorify God in his body by valuing purity. This may not be fashionable but it is scriptural.

God is glorified when Christians refuse to let personal differences and preferences create divisions among them

Romans chapter 14:1 to 15:13 contains Paul's discussion of the "weak" and the "strong" and the obligations which they owe to each another. The terms "weak" and "strong" do not refer to weakness or strength with respect to faith in Christ but relate to scruples about matters of indifference, matters which involve opinion not doctrine. With respect to such matters Paul lays down the following rule: "Wherefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God". (Rom 15:7)

When men and women with diverse backgrounds and widely divergent views on matters of opinion come to Christ, one word must sum up their relationship with one another: "acceptance!" Acceptance enables Christian men and women from every imaginable background to "be of the same mind with one another" (Rom 15:5) and to "glorify the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ" with "one voice". (Rom 15:6, 7)

Acceptance involves the pursuit of "the things which make for peace and the building up of one another" (Rom 14:19); acceptance involves the refusal to "judge one another" (Rom 14:13) in matters of opinion; but most important of all acceptance of one another by Christians glorifies God.

God is glorified when His word is respected

"Whoever speaks" says Peter, let him speak as it were the utterances of God....so that in all things God may be glorified". (1 Pet.4:11) Likely this exhortation is addressed to spiritually-gifted individuals during the apostolic age who spoke under the influence of the Holy Spirit, but the principle it exemplifies is universal and eternal. Quite simply God is glorified when those who teach the gospel of Christ are faithful to the truth. Human speculation must not replace divine wisdom. Sound doctrine "will ensure salvation" for the teacher and the taught (1 Tim 4:16) but a contaminated or diluted message places both in jeopardy. (Gal 1:6ff) The Lord's chilling words to the false prophets of Ezekiel's day stand as a sombre reminder that God will not tolerate the teaching of error in His name: "Because you have spoken falsehood and seen a lie, therefore behold, I am against you". (Ezek 13:8)

God is glorified when Christians render service on the basis of the strength which God supplies

Jesus made it clear by word and deed that He had come "not to be served, but to serve" (Matt 20:28) and by tireless teaching and example He sought to teach His disciples the novel lesson that the path to true greatness lies in service (e.g. Matt 20:16; 21:26; 27; 23:8-12). Years later, having learned this lesson well, Peter echoes His Master when he writes to the brethren: "whoever serves let him do so as by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ..." (1 Pet 4:11) Peter has learnt that greatness and service go hand in hand, but he has also learnt the even more important lesson that the great goal of Christian service is God's glorification. Paul also understood very clearly that although his collection for the saints brought relief and joy to multitudes, this great work of service had as its ultimate goal "the glory of the Lord Himself". (2 Cor 8:19)

Jesus walked among the blind and opened their eyes; He healed the lepers and restored them from exile; He raised the dead and returned them to their families; He embraced a cross of wood in a world of sin-darkened men and gave them a light to guide them home. But while Jesus did all this out of love for mankind He never lost sight of the great goal to which His life moved: God's glorification. On the night before He died He summed up His ministry in these words to His Father: "I glorified Thee on earth, having accomplished the work which Thou hast given Me to do". (Jn 17:5) We must make certain that in a secular, man-centred world Jesus goal is our goal.

Conclusion

The churches of Christ in Hamilton and throughout the world are made up of frail human beings who are doing their imperfect best to glorify God in imitation of Jesus. He did His work perfectly, we know that we fail daily. But although we are not infallible, we do possess an infallible guidebook, the Word of God. Scripture tells us that when we chose to glorify God by obeying the gospel (see "Accepting God's Gift") we are added to the church spoken of in the Bible (see "Salvation in One Body"). If what you have read sounds scriptural, please contact us for more information about the church in Hamilton or the local church of Christ closest to you. God bless as you continue to study His word. Home|Contents