Topical Encyclopedia
Introduction: The concept of God's reputation is a significant theme throughout the Bible, reflecting His character, actions, and the perception of His nature by humanity. God's reputation is intertwined with His holiness, justice, mercy, and faithfulness, and it is often depicted as a motivation for His actions and a reason for human worship and reverence.
Biblical Foundations:1.
God's Name and Glory: God's reputation is closely linked to His name and glory. In the Old Testament, God's name is a representation of His character and authority. The psalmist declares, "Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Your name be the glory, because of Your loving devotion, because of Your faithfulness" (
Psalm 115:1). God's reputation is upheld by His steadfast love and faithfulness, and His glory is the ultimate end of all creation.
2.
God's Actions for His Name's Sake: Throughout Scripture, God acts for the sake of His name, which is synonymous with His reputation. In
Ezekiel 36:22-23, God speaks to the house of Israel, saying, "It is not for your sake that I will act, O house of Israel, but for My holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you went. I will show the holiness of My great name, which has been profaned among the nations—the name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD, declares the Lord GOD, when I show My holiness in you before their eyes" . Here, God's actions are motivated by a desire to vindicate His holy name and restore His reputation among the nations.
3.
God's Reputation Among the Nations: God's reputation extends beyond Israel to the entire world. The narrative of the Exodus demonstrates how God's mighty acts established His reputation among the nations. In
Joshua 2:9-11, Rahab acknowledges the fear and awe that God's deeds have inspired: "I know that the LORD has given you this land and that the fear of you has fallen upon us, so that all who live in the land are melting in fear because of you. We have heard how the LORD dried up the waters of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites across the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. When we heard this, our hearts melted and everyone's courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below" .
4.
God's Reputation and Human Response: The reputation of God demands a response from humanity, often in the form of worship, obedience, and reverence. In
Malachi 1:11, God declares, "For My name will be great among the nations, from where the sun rises to where it sets. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to My name, because My name will be great among the nations, says the LORD of Hosts" . The greatness of God's name calls for a universal acknowledgment of His sovereignty and holiness.
5.
Christ and God's Reputation: In the New Testament, the reputation of God is further revealed and magnified through 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" . The exaltation of Christ serves to enhance God's reputation, as it reveals His redemptive plan and ultimate authority.
Conclusion: The reputation of God is a central theme in the biblical narrative, reflecting His character and actions. It serves as a foundation for His interactions with humanity and the world, calling for a response of worship and reverence. Through His deeds, both in the Old and New Testaments, God's reputation is established and magnified, ultimately pointing to His glory and sovereignty.