To the only wise God, through Jesus Christ — to him be the glory forever! Amen. (Romans 16:27)
Do you find yourself more intrigued with theological discussions than God’s glory? Think about this entire letter written to the Romans. This is a theological buffet for anyone looking to discuss the depravity of man, ordo salutis, Calvinism and Arminianism. If you’re like me, those things get my mind going and discussions about theological nuances are important but they aren’t the most important thing there is. For Paul, all the theology in the world must lead to one place.
In Romans 16:27 Paul ends his letter to the Romans by saying, “To the only wise God, through Jesus Christ — to him be the glory forever! Amen.” That is the end of all he has written. His goal is that God would receive glory. More than discussions about who is the weaker brother or stronger brother, the place of Israel in the New Covenant, or even whether or not there is such a thing as predestination is the question about who receives glory. And for Paul every discussion and theological point should have as its goal the glory of God forever. So the next time you’re tempted to argue or debate, ask yourself “Am I debating or arguing because I want God to receive glory? Or am I debating or arguing to fuel this desire I have to be right? Am I just debating to debate?” If so repent and be reminded that in one of the greatest theological discussions ever written, the Apostle Paul had a point, make much of God and help others to do the same.