Answer to The Ultimate End

God fashioned the universe to display the infinite worth of his attributes. In examining the whole of scripture, we are never given the impression that the chief end of God is to save humanity or have relationships with humans. God’s ultimate objective is to uphold the glory of his name. Praise the Lord that he seeks to be glorified through the delight of his people. Throughout scripture, we see God’s zeal for his own glory from creation of the universe to the formation of the new heavens and the new earth. We see this single-minded focus as he states through the prophet Isaiah, “For my name’s sake I defer my anger, for the sake of my praise I restrain it for you, that I may not cut you off. Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction. For my own sake, for my own sake, I do it, for how should my name be profaned? My glory I will not give to another (Is. 48:9-11).” As I read these verses my mind reflects on Romans 11:36 as Paul confirms that “for from him and through him and to him are all things.” God causes things to happen, sustains them, and shines gloriously through all his wondrous deeds. God chooses us before the creation of the world and adopts us as sons so that we might praise his glorious grace (Eph. 1:4-6). God forgives our sins not driven solely by his love for wicked humanity, but behind his mercy toward the elect is a desire to make his glory known. “I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins (Isaiah 43:25).” So what does this mean for us? It means that we ought to evaluate our daily actions, thoughts, and interpretation of scripture. Are we driven by a belief that God is good for helping us achieve our own salvation, or are we fueled from an understanding that from our salvation to every good work we do, our ultimate purpose is to bring glory to God? “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31).”