God’s Great Purpose
Dr. Charles Stanley, continuing his series on worship, reveals that the ultimate purpose for which God created humanity and the entire universe is worship. This is God’s great purpose that often gets “mixed up” by people. Stanley emphasizes that worship is not merely a segment of life or ministry, but the foundation upon which everything else rests.
I. The Revelation of Eternal Worship (Revelation 4)
Stanley draws on Revelation chapter 4, where the Apostle John is shown a vision of heaven. This glimpse into eternity establishes the supreme reality of worship.
The Scene in Heaven:
- A door was opened in heaven, and a trumpet-like voice invited John to “Come up hither” to see “things which must be hereafter”.
- Immediately, John saw a throne set in heaven, with One seated upon it, surrounded by a rainbow likened to an emerald.
- Around the throne were twenty-four elders sitting on seats, clothed in white raiment and wearing crowns of gold.
- From the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices, with seven lamps of fire burning, representing the seven spirits of God.
- Four living creatures (or beasts) were also present, full of eyes, constantly proclaiming: “Holy holy holy Lord God Almighty which was and is and is to come“.
The Act of Eternal Worship:
When the four living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to the eternal God, the twenty-four elders respond by falling down before the throne. They worship God, casting their crowns before the throne and declaring: “Thou art worthy oh Lord to receive glory and honor and power for thou hast created all things and for thy pleasure they are and were created“. Stanley notes that God never does anything without a definite purpose, and the ultimate reason all things were created was for His pleasure.
II. God’s Great Purpose: Created to Worship Him
Stanley asserts that only human beings, among all of God’s vast creation, possess the capacity to bow down and worship the Creator.
Worship is the Ultimate Goal:
- God’s ultimate purpose for our existence, and the reason for everything He does for us, is that we might worship Him.
- A higher purpose exists than merely serving God, winning souls, or engaging in ministry—it is worshiping Him.
- The entire creation of the world and humanity itself finds its reasonable, rational explanation in the fact that God wanted to create human beings who would choose to love, worship, and praise Him above the idols of the earth.
