WHY DID GOD CREATE US?

WHY DID GOD CREATE US?

Why did God create us? He created us for his glory.  In Isaiah 43:7, God refers to his people as “everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made”.  He made us and he made us for his glory. 

The first question of the Westminster Catechism deals with this.  It asks “What is the chief and highest end of man?” The answer is “Man's chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully to enjoy him forever.”

The Westminster Confession puts it this way “It pleased God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, for the manifestation of the glory of His eternal power, wisdom, and goodness, in the beginning, to create, or make of nothing, the world, and all things therein whether visible or invisible, in the space of six days; and all very good.”

Since we were created for God’s glory, we should live in a way that brings glory to him.  Paul said, In 1 Corinthians 10:31, to do it all to the glory of God.  In Matthew 5:16, Jesus said “let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise (or give glory to) your Father in heaven.”  It is not that we add anything to God’s glory, but that we reveal it to the world. 

In contrast, Paul describes the world as those who “although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.” 

Because we are created to bring glory to God and to enjoy him, or to be satisfied in him, we are only fulfilled when we do.  When we live a life that seeks to glorify ourselves, we feel empty and unfulfilled. The great philosopher and theologian Augustine said “You have made us and directed us toward yourself and our heart is restless until we rest in you.”  (Confessions 1:1).

Resolve to live for the glory of God this week. Work for the glory of God. Love your spouse to the glory of God. Parent for the glory of God. Worship for the glory of God.