The Glory of God in Salvation Forever.

Alva J. McClain said, "the person who knows well the first 11 chapters of the book of Romans knows more about the philosophy of human history than all the wisest historians that the world has ever seen. There is a philosophy of history here that is unmatched. It makes the historians on the earth appear like children playing with their toys." This passage simplifies what man has complicated. Paul reflects on the beauty of simplicity in salvation: humanity is composed of 2 groups of people, who both have 1 Savior. God has given our biggest difficulty the simplest solution in Jesus Christ.

Paul's Refrain

Paul's song in Romans 11:33-36 has a refrain: "To Him be the glory forever. Amen." Previously, we discussed the depth of the riches, wisdom, and knowledge of God displayed in salvation. We could insert the word "therefore" before the second part of verse 33. We cannot trace those divine depths without divine help. God has given us help through divine revelation in His Word and divine humanity in Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:19-20, 2:9). The divine Holy Spirit within us helps us understand divine revelation.

Paul's Song

Verse 34 could also begin with the word "because." No one can add to infinite wisdom. Paul quotes 2 questions from the Old Testament in verses 34-35 (Isaiah 40:13, Job 41:11), reflecting in reverse order the riches, wisdom, and knowledge of verse 33.

Christ is the fullness of God's revelation of knowledge, wisdom, and riches (Ephesians 1:3-10, Colossians 1:27). If you want to be the smartest, wisest, and richest person, then know God's Son. This idea seems narrow-minded and even silly to unbelievers, yet it is reality (1 Corinthians 1:18, 1:27, and Ecclesiastes 12:12-13).

The word "for" in verse 36 could also be read as "therefore." The answer to the questions of the previous verses is the Lord Jesus Christ, who sustains all things and is the source and goal of all things. Everything comes from, begins, and ends with Christ (Philippians 2:9-11, Hebrews 1:3).

All these truths cause us to glorify God with our words of praise and with our own lives (1 Corinthians 10:31, Colossians 3:17, 3:23-24).

Application Points

• Don't covet the world's riches or knowledge or apparent wisdom. All these are most fully and truly found in Christ. If God has blessed you with worldly riches and knowledge, enjoy His blessings; but know that your primary wealth is your position in Christ. With this perspective, material blessings will not become a spiritual distraction.
• How does the wisdom, knowledge, and wealth that you have in Jesus Christ influence your lifestyle? Do you do everything for the glory of God? Only in Jesus Christ are we able to glorify God in all that we do and say. When we own Him, He lives through us. Do you know Him?

Tools for Further Study

A Hymn to Encourage: "Jesus, My Lord, My God, My All"

Jesus, my Lord, my God, my all,
Hear me, blest Savior, when I call.
Hear me and from thy dwelling place
Pour down the riches of your grace.

Jesus, my Lord, I do adore.
O help me love You more and more.
Jesus, my Lord, I do adore.
O help me love You more and more.

Jesus, too late for You I've sought.
How can I love thee as I ought?
And how to praise your matchless fame,
The glorious beauty of your name?

Jesus, what did you find in me
That you have dealt so lovingly?
How great the joy that you have brought,
So far exceeding hope or thought!

Jesus, of you shall be my song;
To you my heart and soul belong.
All that I have is yours alone,
And you, blest Savior, are my own.