Why did God create the world?

“The heavens declare the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1)

God gave us a hint of what he is like…the universe. The universe is declaring the glory of God and the reason we exist is to see it and be stunned by it and glorify God because of it.  Resounding through the whole Bible — from eternity to eternity — like rolling thunder is: God created the world for his glory.

Paul says in Romans 1:20–21,

His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God…

The great tragedy is that while human beings were made to glorify God, we have all fallen short of this purpose and “exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man” (Romans 1:23).  Not little idols that sit on tables or altars, but ones who stare back at us in the mirror.

But none of this took God by surprise.

Sometimes people talk about God sending Jesus Christ to earth as if it was an afterthought on God’s part.  This kind of thinking leads one to believe that what happened in the Garden of Eden caught God by surprise.  But sin was no surprise, neither was grace.

[God] has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began. (2 Timothy 1:9)

Yes, the heavens declare God’s glory.  Sure this planet and the beauty of nature also bring God glory.  But the greatest glory comes from the lives and lips of those who have been saved and redeemed by His grace.  From those who know who Jesus Christ is, what the cross represents, and those who realize that it was all planned and determined before time began. 

Before sin or failure.  Before rebellion and the fall.  Before the darkening of men’s hearts and hell’s attacks, God planned a way of entering people’s lives whatever shape they’re in, however lost and hopeless they may seem, and bring hope, purpose, and the realization that there is a God who loves them so much.  And in return, they give him glory forever and ever!