Topical Bible: The Heathen: The Glory of God to be Declared Among

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The term "heathen" in biblical context often refers to nations or peoples who do not worship the God of Israel, typically those outside the covenant community of Israel. The Bible, however, consistently emphasizes God's desire for His glory to be declared among all nations, including the heathen. This theme is woven throughout both the Old and New Testaments, highlighting God's universal sovereignty and His plan for redemption that extends beyond Israel to encompass all peoples.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament lays the groundwork for the declaration of God's glory among the heathen. In Genesis 12:3, God promises Abraham, "I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you, and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you." This covenantal promise indicates God's intention to extend His blessings to all nations through Abraham's descendants.

The Psalms frequently call for the nations to recognize and worship the Lord. Psalm 96:3-4 exhorts, "Declare His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all peoples. For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods." This psalm, among others, underscores the call for Israel to be a light to the nations, proclaiming God's majesty and works.

The prophetic books also echo this theme. Isaiah 49:6 states, "It is not enough for you to be My Servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob and restore the protected ones of Israel. I will also make you a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth." Here, the Servant of the Lord is commissioned to bring salvation beyond Israel, to the very ends of the earth.

New Testament Fulfillment

The New Testament reveals the fulfillment of God's plan to declare His glory among the heathen through the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 commands, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you." This directive from Jesus to His disciples underscores the mission to spread the gospel to all nations, transcending ethnic and cultural boundaries.

The Book of Acts records the early church's obedience to this commission, as the apostles and early Christians spread the message of Christ throughout the Roman Empire and beyond. Acts 13:47 quotes Isaiah, affirming the mission: "For this is what the Lord has commanded us: 'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'"

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, frequently addresses the inclusion of the Gentiles in God's redemptive plan. In Romans 15:9-12 , Paul writes, "And, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy. As it is written: 'Therefore I will praise You among the Gentiles; I will sing hymns to Your name.' Again, it says, 'Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people.' And again, 'Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and extol Him, all you peoples.' And again, Isaiah says, 'The Root of Jesse will appear, One who will arise to rule over the Gentiles; in Him the Gentiles will put their hope.'"

Theological Implications

The declaration of God's glory among the heathen is a testament to His universal lordship and the inclusivity of His salvation plan. It reflects the biblical narrative of God's desire for all people to know Him and worship Him. This theme challenges believers to engage in missions and evangelism, recognizing that the gospel is for every tribe, tongue, and nation.

The Bible's consistent message is that God's glory is not confined to a single nation or people but is to be proclaimed and recognized among all the earth. This divine mandate calls for the church to actively participate in God's mission, ensuring that His name is exalted among the heathen, fulfilling the vision of a redeemed humanity united in worship of the one true God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Chronicles 16:24
Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvelous works among all nations.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 96:3
Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

"Behold Your God!"
... oath. As surely as God lives and reigns, His glory should be declared "among
the heathen, His wonders among all people." Psalm 96:3. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 26 behold your god.htm

Preaching among the Heathen
... remain forever closed, and often, as God's servants have ... to establish memorials to
the glory of His ... were inhabited largely by a heathen, superstitious people ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 18 preaching among the.htm

Hope for the Heathen
... God's purpose was lost sight of, the heathen came to ... The whole earth is full of His
glory." Isaiah 6 ... a revelation of the beneficent design of God in scattering ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 31 hope for the.htm

"The Prophets of God Helping Them"
... I am very sore displeased with the heathen that are ... fire round about, and will be
the glory in the ... God had commanded that Jerusalem be rebuilt; the vision of ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 46 the prophets of.htm

John i. 11
... Paul enumerates, they after the coming of Christ saw the heathen and themselves ... For
all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God: being justified ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily ix john i 11.htm

Results of Transgression
... for the enlightenment of those who were ignorant of God and His ... been shielded from
the evils practiced by the heathen, and the Lord of glory would have ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 4 results of transgression.htm

Ahaz
... the fire, according to the abominations of the heathen, whom the ... of His infinite
love for the erring, God has borne ... their words bore fruit to the glory of God. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 27 ahaz.htm

"We have Seen his Star"
... in the heavens upon that night when the glory of God ... Abraham went forth at the call
of God, "not knowing ... denounce the Greeks and Romans as heathen, and sinners ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 6 we have seen.htm

"The House of Israel"
... God had given, forbidding intermarriage between His people and the heathen, and
prohibiting ... Plainly He set before them the glory of God's purpose, which ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 59 the house of.htm

Corinth
... and of His Son, they appealed to the heathen to behold ... a mystery, even the hidden
wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: which none ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 24 corinth.htm