The concept of the Final Exaltation of God is a central theme in Christian eschatology, reflecting the ultimate glorification and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and majesty at the culmination of history. This exaltation is anticipated in both the Old and New Testaments, where God's supreme authority and glory are affirmed and celebrated.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament lays the groundwork for understanding God's exaltation through His acts of creation, deliverance, and judgment. In the Psalms, God's exaltation is a recurring theme, as seen in Psalm 46:10 : "Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted over the earth." This verse underscores the certainty of God's ultimate recognition and honor among all peoples.

The prophetic literature also anticipates a future time when God's glory will be universally acknowledged. Isaiah 2:17 declares, "The pride of man will be humbled, and the loftiness of men will be brought low; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day." This passage points to a future day of the Lord when human arrogance will be subdued, and God's supremacy will be manifest.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the Final Exaltation of God is closely linked 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 highlights the exaltation of Christ as integral to the glorification of God, with every creature ultimately acknowledging His lordship.

The Book of Revelation provides a vivid depiction of God's final exaltation. Revelation 5:13 proclaims, "And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying: 'To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power forever and ever!'" This vision portrays a cosmic worship scene where all creation joins in exalting God and the Lamb, signifying the consummation of God's redemptive plan.

Theological Implications

The Final Exaltation of God carries profound theological implications. It affirms God's ultimate victory over sin, evil, and death, as well as His rightful place as the sovereign ruler of the universe. This exaltation is not merely a future event but also a present reality that believers are called to anticipate and reflect in their lives. The anticipation of God's final exaltation encourages Christians to live in a manner that honors God, aligning their lives with His purposes and proclaiming His glory to the world.

Practical Application

Believers are encouraged to participate in the exaltation of God through worship, obedience, and witness. Worship is a foretaste of the eternal praise that will be offered to God, as seen in Hebrews 13:15 : "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 reflects His lordship in the believer's life, while witnessing to others about God's greatness and salvation extends His glory to the ends of the earth.

In summary, the Final Exaltation of God is a pivotal theme in Scripture, encapsulating the ultimate recognition of God's glory and authority. It is a future hope that shapes the present life of the believer, calling for a response of worship, obedience, and proclamation.