This week I would like to address Westminster Shorter Catechism #1. Scripture teaches that the primary purpose of humanity is to glorify God and enjoy Him eternally. To glorify means to exalt, make much of, and to bless. Humans cannot add to God’s glory. However, we can elevate Him, praise, and enjoy Him. This is evident in Scriptures that say, “The Lord lives and blessed be my rock” (Psalm 18:46, ESV); “So glorify God in your body” (1 Corinthians 6:20, ESV); and “Rejoice and exult with all your heart” (Zephaniah 3:14). If God is the supreme and greatest being in the universe, then it is logical that human life would be centered around obeying Him. However, “exulting” in Him may seem unusual to the average person.
Exulting in God may seem strange to us due to the effects of sin on the world. Scripture describes human blindness to exulting in God as follows: “For although they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks to Him…and their foolish hearts were darkened” (Romans 1:21, ESV). The Bible states that because of sin, humans are quick to exult in created things but slow to glorify the living God. In fact, if we are honest, in our flesh, we do not even desire to enjoy God. Therefore, what is the solution?
The solution to cosmic blindness lies in God’s gift of salvation. By honoring His people, God empowers them to honor Him. The Lord Jesus rejoices over those who trust in Him, inspiring them to rejoice in Him. Furthermore, God exults in saving sinners, enabling them to exult in Him. Consider the following Scriptures as evidence of God’s honor, blessing, and exultation in those who trust in Him: “For those who honor me I will honor” (1 Samuel 2:30, ESV); “And those whom he justified he also glorified” (Romans 8:30, ESV); “The glory that you have given to me, I have given to them” (John 17:22, ESV); “He will exult over you with loud singing” (Zephaniah 3:17, ESV).
However, how can God glorify and honor those who rejected Him? The answer lies in Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection from the dead. Only by looking to Christ crucified can sinners find the God who exalts them to new life. In Christ alone, God shines the light of the knowledge of His glory into our hearts. The Father delights in every single Christian because they possess His Spirit and God must delight in himself. Therefore, he delights in you! If you have lost a desire to truly enjoy God, this passage is especially for you. God desires you to honor and glorify Him by first seeing how He has honored and glorified you in Christ.
We bless God because He first blessed us. This is perfectly captured by the Apostle Paul, who says, “Blessed be the God…who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 1:3, ESV). Let us pray that the Lord’s honor and glory in salvation would bring us joy today.