Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Significance God's worthiness refers to His inherent and unparalleled value, deserving of all honor, glory, and praise. This concept is central to Christian theology, emphasizing God's supreme nature and His rightful place as the object of worship and adoration. God's worthiness is rooted in His attributes, actions, and the relationship He maintains with His creation.
Biblical Foundations The Bible consistently affirms God's worthiness, highlighting His majesty, holiness, and sovereignty. In
Revelation 4:11 , the heavenly hosts proclaim, "Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and came to be." This passage underscores God's worthiness as Creator, emphasizing His authority over all creation.
In
Psalm 96:4-5 , the psalmist declares, "For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols, but it is the LORD who made the heavens." Here, God's worthiness is contrasted with the worthlessness of idols, affirming His unique position as the true and living God.
Attributes of God Highlighting His Worthiness 1.
Holiness: God's holiness sets Him apart from all creation, making Him worthy of reverence and awe.
Isaiah 6:3 records the seraphim calling out, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth." This thrice-repeated declaration of holiness emphasizes God's perfect purity and moral excellence.
2.
Love and Mercy: God's worthiness is also demonstrated through His love and mercy. In 1
John 4:9-10 , it is written, "This is how God’s love was revealed among us: God sent His one and only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him. And love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins." God's sacrificial love, manifested in the sending of His Son, underscores His worthiness of our devotion.
3.
Sovereignty: God's sovereign rule over the universe further establishes His worthiness. In
Daniel 4:35 , it is stated, "All the peoples of the earth are counted as nothing, and He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth. There is no one who can restrain His hand or say to Him, 'What have You done?'" God's absolute authority and control affirm His rightful place as the object of worship.
Expressions of God's Worthiness in Worship Worship is the appropriate response to God's worthiness, as believers are called to ascribe to Him the glory due His name.
Psalm 29:2 exhorts, "Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness." Worship involves both personal and corporate expressions of adoration, thanksgiving, and obedience.
The New Testament also emphasizes worship as a response to God's worthiness. In
Romans 12:1 , Paul urges believers, "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." This call to present oneself as a living sacrifice highlights the comprehensive nature of worship, encompassing all aspects of life in recognition of God's worthiness.
Conclusion While this entry does not include a formal conclusion, it is evident that God's worthiness is a foundational aspect of Christian belief, deeply rooted in Scripture and reflected in the life and worship of believers.