THE ULTIMATE END OF CREATION

By Gary Ray Branscome

The words, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the sky displays his handiwork,” and the words, “Who has known the mind of the Lord?… For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever,” tell us that the ultimate end of all creation is the glory of God (Psalm 19:1). However, the glory that belongs to God is not the egotistic glory sought by sinful men, but the glory deserved by the one who created all things “very good,” and has provided salvation for those who were by nature “hostile to God” (Gen. 1:31, Rom. 8:7)

The words, “The LORD has made all things for Himself” // “Our God is in the heavens: He has done whatever He has pleased,” tell us that God created all things for Himself (Psalm 16:4 and 115:3). The words, “The heaven of heavens, belongs to the LORD: but He has given the earth to the children of men,” tell us that even though God created man for Himself, the world is for man’s benefit (Psalm 115:6). And, the words, “Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, because of your mercy and truth,” tell us that God is to be glorified not only because He made us, but also because of His mercy in Christ Jesus (Psalm 115:1).

“Praise the LORD. Sing to the LORD a new song, and His praise in the congregation of saints. Let Israel rejoice in Him who made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. Let them praise His name with dancing: let them sing praises to Him with the tambourine and harp. For the LORD takes pleasure in His people: He glorifies the humble with salvation. Let the saints rejoice in this glory: let them sing aloud on their beds. Let the high praises of God be in their mouth” (Psalm 149:1-6)