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Romans 11:36
For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.
Paul brings his doxology of praise to God to a conclusion with this magnificent verse that encapsulates the position God occupies in the cosmos and should occupy in our affections. As Dr. James M. Boice points out: “In our unsaved, unregenerate state, everything revolves around ourselves. We are the measure of all things. Everything in the universe is for us and for our glory.” He is right, of course; the sinful, fallen heart is indeed completely preoccupied with itself. Only by the radical work of regeneration by God’s Holy Spirit are we enabled to see the truth: “Of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever.”
When Paul speaks of “all things” here, he has in mind the entire created universe and all the creatures that populate it. See how high he lifts God up in relation to the creation. Everything is “of Him”; that is, it comes from Him, for He conceived of it when He existed in ineffable solitude. Everything is “through Him,” that is, created by Him ex nihilo, or “out of nothing,” simply by the word of His power. He not only conceived of the universe and its inhabitants, He brought them into existence or being and sustains them from moment to moment. Finally, everything is “to Him.” This statement touches on the reason for which He created the universe. Was it His goal to form a world to be inhabited by beings with whom He might have fellowship? Was He simply aiming to create something beautiful? Did He merely need to pass the time? No, He created to the end that He might be honored and glorified.
And so Paul concludes this great hymn of praise with these words: “to whom be glory forever. Amen.” God is very great in His knowledge, His wisdom, His self-sufficiency, His grace, His power, and countless other ways. He deserves glory. And as His creations, we are “of Him and through Him and to Him.” We are for His glory, and it should be our constant ambition to make His greatness known, both by teaching of Him and making known His great acts as Paul has done throughout Romans, and by singing His praises as Paul has done here at the end of chapter 11. We whose eyes have been opened to see that we live not for our own glory are called to lift up the God who alone deserves all honor and praise.
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
Take time today to consider how you can bring greater honor to God in your home, your school, your workplace, your church, and elsewhere. What concrete things can you do to lift Him up? In all that you do, make it a priority to ask God to take away your natural desire for your own glory and to give you the desire to see Him honored.
For Further Study
- Isaiah 42:8
- Isaiah 48:11
- 1 Corinthians 8:6
- Ephesians 4:4–6
- Colossians 1:16