O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counseller? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
— Romans 11:33-12:2
In the first eleven chapters of Romans, Paul has talked about grace, justification by faith, sin, salvation, and the roles of the Jew and Gentile in the body of Christ. In this doxology you can just feel how overwhelmed and filled with joy the author is after expounding upon God’s perfect plan. He thus sums up the doctrinal portion of the book and the doxology itself by the powerful words,
“For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen” – Romans 11:36
- Of Him are all things
- Through Him are all things
- To Him are all things
In these days of uncertainty, it is important to remember that OF HIM, THROUGH HIM, AND TO HIM are all things. Today we will examine this first point.
Of Him Are All Things.
“For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers…” (Colossians 1:16).
OF HIM were the heavens strung up. OF HIM was the earth set on its foundations. Though most of the world have rejected the Lord, they still unknowingly appreciate His work of creation. Many artists try to replicate His masterpieces. Many campers and hikers enjoy His handiwork. Many of the Lost advocate for the preservation of the things which belong to Him! “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein” (Psalm 24:1).
At the time of this post, the world is experiencing an international pandemic of coronavirus. There is uncertainty all around us. The fact remains that creation is still subordinate to its Creator. The coronavirus CANNOT act outside of what its Lord allows it to do! Of Him are ALL things including every little aspect of creation.
Notice though that Colossians 1:16 also says thrones, dominions, principalities, and powers were also created by Him. Of Him the president is allowed to have power. “He removeth kings, and setteth up kings” (Daniel 2:21). Of Him governments are raised up and dismantled. America’s economy had been improving by leaps and bounds . . . until a microscopic coronavirus subordinate to the Lord God Almighty showed America was not invincible. NOT of America, NOT of us, NOT of earthly powers, but OF HIM are all things!