Topical Bible: Glorifying God: All, by Nature, Fail In

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Introduction

The concept of glorifying God is central to Christian theology and practice. It encompasses the recognition and proclamation of God's supreme worth, majesty, and holiness. However, Scripture reveals that all humanity, by nature, fails to glorify God as He deserves. This entry explores the biblical basis for this understanding, the nature of human failure, and the implications for believers.

Biblical Basis

The Bible consistently affirms that glorifying God is the ultimate purpose of creation. In Isaiah 43:7, God declares, "everyone called by My name and created for My glory, whom I have indeed formed and made." The Apostle Paul echoes this in 1 Corinthians 10:31, urging believers, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God."

Despite this divine purpose, Scripture also reveals the universal failure of humanity to fulfill it. Romans 3:23 states, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." This verse underscores the inherent sinfulness of humanity and the consequent inability to glorify God perfectly.

The Nature of Human Failure

Humanity's failure to glorify God is rooted in the fall of man. In Genesis 3, Adam and Eve's disobedience introduced sin into the world, corrupting human nature. This original sin has been inherited by all their descendants, as articulated in Romans 5:12: "Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, so also death was passed on to all men, because all sinned."

This sinful nature manifests in various ways, including idolatry, self-centeredness, and rebellion against God's commands. Romans 1:21-23 describes how people "knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images of mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles."

Implications for Believers

While all humanity fails to glorify God by nature, the redemptive work of Jesus Christ offers a path to restoration. Through faith in Christ, believers are justified and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live lives that honor God. Romans 8:29-30 speaks of believers being "conformed to the image of His Son," indicating a transformation that enables them to reflect God's glory.

Believers are called to live in a manner that glorifies God, as seen in Matthew 5:16: "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." This call involves a life of obedience, worship, and witness, as believers seek to honor God in all aspects of their lives.

Conclusion

The biblical narrative reveals that all humanity, by nature, fails to glorify God due to the pervasive impact of sin. However, through Christ's redemptive work, believers are empowered to live lives that reflect God's glory, fulfilling their ultimate purpose.

Nave's Topical Index

Romans 3:23
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Nave's Topical Index

Library

God's Glory the Chief End of Man's Being
... quickened again for that same fruit of praises and glorifying of God ... This is the
work of God to believe ... our seal, and to give our testimony to all his attributes ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture i gods glory the.htm

Book ix. In the Last Book we Treated of the Indistinguishable ...
... And this means that the glorifying should reinstate Him in ... Father with Himself; that
He should resume all that He ... Him the nature of the form of God, but that ...
/.../hilary/the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/book ix in the last.htm

The Words of Christ with and Concerning his Betrayer. (John, xiii. ...
... All were anxious to know whom he alluded to; but ... therein its highest moral perfection),
and God is glorified in him (as the moral glorifying of human ...
/.../section 267 the words of.htm

Knowledge. Worship. Gratitude.
... Oh, to rejoice in God all the day, and to make him ... do not delight in God we do not
fitly adore God. There is another way of not glorifying God as God, and that ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 30 1884/knowledge worship gratitude.htm

New Covenant Obedience
... shall actually work in thee every moment all He asks ... the wonderful power to will
and do as God wills ... delighting in His creature; the child glorifying the Father ...
/.../murray/the two covenants/chapter xiii new covenant obedience.htm

Why all Things Work for Good
... Do all to the ... to lift up God's name in the world, and to cause others to have high
reverential thoughts of God, this the Lord interprets a glorifying of Him ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/why all things work for.htm

The Blood of the Covenant
... Throw yourself into the glorifying of God. The task of saving yourself is not yours,
Jesus has done it all. You may sing,. "A charge to keep I have,. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 20 1874/the blood of the covenant.htm

Love of Home.
... It is much to his praise. Since such homes are so rare they are all the more glorifying
to God, and we should ... In your home is the place to shine for God. ...
/.../orr/food for the lambs or helps for young christians/love of home.htm

The Excuses of Sinners Condemn God
... press, and men have seemed to be never weary of glorifying this dogma ... vengeance of
God has not yet burst forth to smite all His guilty ... O! what patience in God! ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/v the excuses of sinners.htm

A Jealous God
... doubt, have been the result of their glorifying themselves ... for us, shall take terrible
vengeance upon all his adversaries ... I am not afraid for the Church of God! ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/a jealous god.htm