Praise, as an expression of reverence and adoration towards God, is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith. The Bible consistently emphasizes that all men are called to praise the Lord, highlighting the universality and necessity of this act of worship.

Biblical Foundation

The obligation for all men to praise God is rooted in the very nature of God as the Creator and Sustainer of all things. Psalm 150:6 declares, "Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Hallelujah!" This verse underscores the comprehensive call for all living beings to engage in praise, emphasizing that the act of praising God is not limited to a select group but is a universal duty.

In the New Testament, the call to praise is reiterated. Hebrews 13:15 instructs believers, "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that confess His name." This passage highlights the continuous nature of praise, suggesting that it is an ongoing obligation for all who acknowledge the name of the Lord.

Theological Significance

The obligation to praise God is deeply connected to His attributes and works. God is worthy of praise because of His holiness, sovereignty, and the mighty acts He performs. Psalm 145:3 states, "Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; His greatness is unsearchable." This verse points to the infinite nature of God's greatness, which demands a response of praise from all creation.

Furthermore, praise is a response to God's redemptive work through Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:6 speaks of the purpose of God's grace, "to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the Beloved One." Here, praise is seen as a natural response to the grace and salvation offered through Christ, reinforcing the idea that all who have received this grace are obligated to praise God.

Universal Call to Praise

The call to praise extends beyond the community of believers to all nations and peoples. Psalm 117:1 exhorts, "Praise the LORD, all you nations! Extol Him, all you peoples!" This universal call reflects the biblical vision of all humanity recognizing and honoring the sovereignty of God.

In the eschatological vision of Revelation, the universality of praise is vividly depicted. Revelation 5:13 describes a scene where "every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them," join in a chorus of praise to God and the Lamb. This imagery reinforces the ultimate fulfillment of the obligation for all creation to praise God.

Practical Implications

The obligation to praise God has practical implications for daily life. It calls individuals to cultivate a heart of gratitude and worship, recognizing God's presence and work in every aspect of life. Colossians 3:16 encourages believers, "Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." This verse highlights the role of praise in community life and personal devotion, urging believers to express their gratitude through song and teaching.

In summary, the obligation for all men to praise God is a central theme in Scripture, rooted in the recognition of God's greatness, His redemptive work, and His universal sovereignty. This call to praise is not only a duty but a privilege, inviting all creation to participate in the worship of the one true God.Psalm 107:8
Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 145:21
My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Human Government.
... which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the ... Arbitrary legislation can never
be really obligatory. ... good of being, and is conditionated upon its necessity ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xx human government.htm

The Sin of Silence
... do, and for doing which he deserved no thanks nor praise. ... Both forms of service are
obligatory upon each of us ... away, and the sun would shine down upon men again ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/the sin of silence.htm

Divine Sovereignty.
... God's attributes and relations render it obligatory upon him to ... give to another,
neither my praise to graven ... the general tenor of scripture upon this subject. ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xlv divine sovereignty.htm

Covenant Duties.
... By commands to all; by promises, by invitations and ... To vow and swear to do so is
therefore obligatory upon them ... in the Psalmist's vow,""I will praise thee, O ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter iv covenant duties.htm

The Doctrine of the Apostolic Church
... that the ceremonial law had ceased to be obligatory. ... and angels, uniting in the
celebration of His praise. ... the learned Greek, who looked upon all religion with ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter ii the doctrine of.htm

Moral Government.
... him and to each other, render it obligatory upon him to ... of right and wrong, nor of
praise-worthiness and ... for example, must be conditioned upon the perception ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture ii moral government.htm

Moral Depravity.
... claimed, that its being enjoined as obligatory upon the eighth ... of right and
wrong"of praise and blameworthiness ... rectify, by so forcing truth upon the attention ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxiv moral depravity.htm

Moral Obligation.
... that men of sound mind are praise-worthy or ... be good will, for how could involuntary
love be obligatory? ... It is upon this assumption that the doctrine of total ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture iii moral obligation.htm

Foundation of Moral Obligation.
... he would be just ns virtuous and worthy of praise as now ... Except a man forsake all
that he ... it the tendency or utility of love that makes it obligatory upon us to ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture iv foundation of moral.htm

The King 'Blessing' his People
... into two petitions, preceded by praise for national ... and look from that height upon
all the way by ... imposed by rightful authority, and obedience was obligatory. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the king blessing his people.htm

What does it mean to give a sacrifice of praise (Hebrews 13:15)? | GotQuestions.org

What are the psalms of praise? | GotQuestions.org

What is a garment of praise (Isaiah 61:3)? | GotQuestions.org

Praise: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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