What does Romans 11:36 mean?
What is the meaning of Romans 11:36?

For from Him

Everything finds its origin in God.

• Creation itself begins with Him: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1).

• John underlines the same truth: “Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made” (John 1:3).

• Every blessing traces back to His generous heart: “Every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17).

• Paul echoes it: “All things were created through Him and for Him” (Colossians 1:16).

The phrase reminds us that nothing—visible or invisible—exists independently of God’s initiating will.


and through Him

God not only starts all things; He also sustains them.

• “He upholds all things by His powerful word” (Hebrews 1:3).

• “In Him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17).

• Even our daily movement depends on Him: “For in Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28).

Our ongoing existence, order in the universe, and every heartbeat are carried along by His active involvement.


and to Him are all things

The goal of everything created is the glory and pleasure of God.

• “Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist” (1 Corinthians 8:6).

• History is heading toward “the fullness of time, to bring all things in heaven and on earth together in Christ” (Ephesians 1:10).

• One day “every knee should bow… and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11).

• In heaven the elders proclaim, “Worthy are You… for You created all things” (Revelation 4:11).

Everything—from galaxies to personal gifts—finds its ultimate purpose “to Him.”


To Him be the glory forever! Amen.

The only fitting response is unending praise.

• David declared, “Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory” (1 Chronicles 29:11).

• All creation joins the chorus: “To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise… forever and ever!” (Revelation 5:13).

• Jude closes his letter, “to the only God our Savior be glory… for all eternity. Amen” (Jude 25).

Paul’s doxology in Romans 11:36 invites believers to echo heaven’s worship here and now, recognizing that glory belongs to God alone, without end.


summary

Romans 11:36 gathers the entire sweep of biblical revelation into one sentence: God is the source (“from Him”), the sustainer (“through Him”), and the goal (“to Him”) of absolutely everything. Because that is true, eternal glory rightfully belongs to Him. Recognizing these truths fuels humble worship, confident dependence, and purpose-filled living that points all honor back to our Creator, Redeemer, and King.

Does Romans 11:35 suggest that God is self-sufficient and independent from creation?
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