The missing expression comes from the Greek word Husteréo, which means not being able to reach the finish line or not reach the end. According to the text above, the purpose or purpose that man lacks is the glory of God. Throughout the history of the Church, there have been many opinions about the exact meaning of this expression; However, the most common and approved interpretation is this: man does not have the glory of God means that he has not been able to glorify God as he should and has lost his exclusive privilege of carrying or reflecting the glory of God.
The scriptures teach that God created man for his honor, praise, and goodwill; we breathe only to be returned in praise and worship; our hearts beat to the rhythm in such a way that they beat for it, thus being completely satisfied; our minds have their great complexity. having great thoughts about it and being astonished, our physical strength allows us to serve you and fulfill your will, in short, we are his, for him and for him. [1] We found our sunum bonum by loving him with all our heart, soul, spirit, and strength, and doing everything we do for his glory. [2]
- Should man be completely fascinated with God? Any satisfaction that does not originate in him is an idol.
- And even the humblest tasks of eating and drinking must be performed for his glory or not done [3].
Westminster’s brief catechism is right to declare that “man’s primary purpose is to glorify God and enjoy him forever” (P. 1). It is man’s privilege and duty to value God above all things, to be fully satisfied in him, and to live before him with reverence, gratitude, obedience, and worship. The man was like that in his original state before the fall, and he never will. be complete until I return to what it was and the purpose for which it was created.
It is the clear testimony of Scripture that God created man for his own glory, but man deliberately failed in that purpose. Paul’s letter to the church in Rome better illustrates this terrible reality: because, knowing God, they did not glorify him as God, nor did they thank him; on the contrary, they have become empty in their own reasoning, their foolish hearts have been darkened. Instilling themselves in the sages, they went mad and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into the likeness of the image of corruptible man, as well as birds, quadrupeds and reptiles. [4] According to this text, all men know enough about the one true God that they have no excuse before him in judgment. However, man represses what he knows to be true and rebels against the purpose for which he was created, the glory and honor of God. Departing from the truth, he is cloaked in darkness and vanity. Instead of repenting, he struggles with what he knows to be true and continues his downward spiral into ever greater moral darkness, degradation, and futility.
The sin that marks the life of all men is the very antithesis of God’s glorification and demonstrates how inappropriate and inappropriate man has become [5]. He departed from the purpose for which God did so and departed from the sole reason for his existence. He left the glory of the God incorruptible and became the object of worship [6]. He rejected God’s will and subdued himself. Isn’t it surprising that you’re unsuccessfully looking for the meaning of your life and that your biggest attempts to make sense are absolutely ridiculous?
It is important to note that man’s failure to glorify God not only leads to meaningless existence, but is also the mother of all other sins. The long list of debauchery and vices listed in Paul’s opening address to the Romans is only the result of a great sin above all: every man’s refusal to recognize and honor God as such [7]. It is Pandora’s box of scripture and fills the whole world with chaos and destruction. [8]
This brief discussion of God’s glory is particularly important when it comes to the “pleasant” mythological atheist. People often try to dispel the affirmations of Christianity by alluding to the atheist who does not believe in God, nor praise God, but who is a man of good moral conduct who seeks the good of mankind. The argument is that it is unfair to bring such a man to justice and condemn him simply because he sees insufficient evidence to support belief in God’s existence.
This argument, while popular, does not stand the test of scripture. First, the scriptures declare that there are no true atheists. All men have a knowledge of the one true God, for what we know of God is evident in them; because God has shown them this through creation, so they are inexcusable. [9]
Second, the scriptures declare that the problem of atheist is not intellectual, but moral; According to the Psalmist, it is the fool who says in his heart that there is no God, and not for intellectual reasons, but for reasons his own corruption and his desire to do evil. He doesn’t love God or his morality, so he denies both. [10] It is not the intellectual refinement of the atheist that forbids him to believe in God, but his wickedness and injustice that leads him to suppress the truth. [11]
Third, the scriptures argue against the possibility of an atheist of good moral conduct, because without God’s grace, “there is no justice, not even one. “[12] The fact that a man is proud of his morality does not make him a person of good moral conduct. It’s not the listeners or moral defenders who are really fair, but who actually do what they stand for. [13]
Fourth, the argument that it is unfair to condemn the atheist with good moral behavior represents a clearly humanistic and anthropocentric view of reality. In a man-centered universe, man is accountable before man, but in a God-centered universe, man is primarily accountable to God, and only secondly to man. Although the atheist boasted that his righteousness to his neighbor was truthful, he failed in his relationship and primary responsibility to the God who gives him life, encouragement, and everything. [14] This sin against God is infinitely greater than any immorality he might commit against his neighbor.
Ultimately, the seemingly moral atheist is guilty of not only refusing to glorify God, but also trying to steal his glory. All men are born morally corrupt and radically depraved. The only thing that stops the wickedness of men and makes them look beautiful is the common grace of God. If God took away this grace and men were allowed to dominate the depravity of their own hearts, the human race would be rapidly annihilated; it would literally be hell on earth, at least while it lasted. Divine grace holds society together, so that God can perform a work of redemption amid the depravity and powerlessness of mankind. It is not the humanistic atheist or evolved morality that prevents him from being a serial killer and allows him to do what seems right, but the merciful providence of God, operating all things according to his advice. be. [15] Therefore, the crime of the atheist is to vehemently deny the God who by grace holds him back in his evil and gives him the appearance of goodness. The atheist then claims that the work is his and receives the glory that is due to God. He is a thief of the worst kind, a despicable charlatan. His condemnation is just. [sixteen]
[2] Sunum bonum is a Latin expression meaning “much larger”. Man finds his greatest purpose or end in God. Matthew 22. 37; 1 Corinthians 10:31.
[5] Sin is the antithesis or the opposite of God’s glorification
[8] In mythology, Pandora’s box contained all the evils of humanity. Zeus gave it to Pandora, who opened the box against his order.
[10] Psalm 14: 1-3; 53. 1-3 The word foolishness is translated from the Hebrew word nabal, which refers to a foolish or foolish person; it should be noted that nabal is a moral term and does not refer to a victim of ignorance who wants wisdom, but to someone who despises wisdom and is deliberately ignorant.
From chapter 13 of the book book?by Paul Washer, who will publish Faithful Editor. We had the opportunity to translate it and the privilege of being able to share with you brief excerpts from each chapter.
Translation: Vin-cius Musselman Pimentel. Un revised or modified version. Published with permission.
© Faithful Editor. All rights reserved. Original: Destitute Sinners (Paul Washer) [13/26]
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