Exalting God's name is a central theme in the Bible, reflecting the reverence, honor, and worship due to the Creator. The act of exalting God's name involves recognizing His supreme authority, holiness, and the majesty of His character. This entry explores the biblical basis for exalting God's name, its significance, and how believers are called to participate in this act of worship.

Biblical Basis

The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of exalting God's name. In the Old Testament, the Psalms are replete with calls to magnify and exalt the Lord. Psalm 34:3 invites believers, "Magnify the LORD with me; let us exalt His name together." This verse highlights the communal aspect of worship, encouraging believers to join together in lifting up God's name.

In the New Testament, the exaltation of God's name is closely tied to the person and work of Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:9-11 states, "Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." This passage underscores the exaltation of Jesus as integral to glorifying God.

Significance

Exalting God's name is significant because it acknowledges His sovereignty and the truth of His attributes. God's name represents His character and His deeds. In Exodus 34:5-7 , God proclaims His name to Moses, revealing His nature: "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth, maintaining loving devotion to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin."

The act of exalting God's name is also an expression of gratitude and recognition of His works. Psalm 145:1-2 declares, "I will exalt You, my God and King; I will bless Your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless You, and I will praise Your name forever and ever." This ongoing praise reflects a life oriented towards worship and acknowledgment of God's continual blessings.

The Call to Believers

Believers are called to exalt God's name through worship, obedience, and proclamation. Worship involves both personal and corporate expressions of adoration. Hebrews 13:15 encourages believers, "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that confess His name."

Obedience to God's commands is another way to exalt His name. Jesus taught that living according to God's will brings glory to the Father. In Matthew 5:16 , He instructs, "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

Proclaiming God's name to others is a vital aspect of exalting Him. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 calls believers to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you." Sharing the gospel exalts God's name by spreading the knowledge of His salvation.

Conclusion

Exalting God's name is a profound expression of faith and devotion, rooted in the recognition of His divine nature and works. Through worship, obedience, and proclamation, believers participate in the exaltation of God's name, fulfilling their calling to honor and glorify Him in all aspects of life.