022 RIC Biblical Articles - For of Him, trough Him, to Him

022 RIC- Biblical Articles  For of Him, through Him, to Him. March 21, 2025

Click here to listen

Greetings, precious soul,

‘For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.’ (Romans 11:36)

A tree does not live by itself. Its roots search deep into the ground for nourishment, its trunk supports the branches, its leaves receive light. Without soil, it would wither; without a trunk, it would break; without light, it would die. Everything the tree needs comes from outside itself. It cannot exist without the source that sustains it.

The same is true for man. He lives, thinks, works, seeks, and desires. But where does he come from? What sustains him? And what is the purpose of his existence? Scripture—God's Word, the Bible—gives a clear answer: 'For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.' (Romans 11:36).

God's Word is trustworthy and speaks truth. God's Word has the final authority over faith and how we must live. Neither our own thoughts nor the opinions of others should ever be more important than what the Bible says. But what does Paul say in Romans 11:36?

Everything begins with Him. Nothing exists by itself. 'For of Him' means that everything has its origin in God. He is the Creator, the Source of all things. 'In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.' (Genesis 1:1). He called light into existence, formed man from the dust, and breathed life into him. There is nothing that does not come from Him.

Everything is sustained by Him. 'Through Him' means that everything continues to exist by His power. In Him, we live, move, and have our being. The breath in our lungs, the start of a new day, the beating of our heart—everything depends on His will. Man often believes he sustains himself, but without Him, everything would cease to exist.

Jesus Christ is the only Mediator between God and man. At the cross of Calvary, He accomplished the work of reconciliation by bearing the punishment for sin. Because of this, restoration between God and man is possible. Through His resurrection, His ascension, and the outpouring of the Spirit, God ensures that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.

Everything exists for His glory. 'To Him' means that everything ultimately has its purpose in God. 'The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.' (Psalm 19:1). Creation is not random; life is not an accident. Everything that exists points back to its Maker.

This leaves no room for pride. If everything is for of Him, sustained by Him, and leads to Him, then man has nothing to boast about. 'Where is boasting then? It is excluded.' (Romans 3:27). Not our strength, not our wisdom, not our works are the foundation of our existence. It is all grace.

And this grace is received not by works, but only by faith. 'For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.' (Ephesians 2:8-9).

A tree that separates from its roots withers. A man who separates from God is lost. But whoever acknowledges that everything is from Him, through Him, and to Him finds the place for which he was created. Life only makes sense when it is not about us, but about Him.

That is why Paul ends with praise: 'To whom be glory forever. Amen.' Everything is His, everything is sustained by Him, everything is for of Him. That is not a heavy burden, but a liberation. Whoever tries to carry himself alone will stumble. But whoever leans on Him will stand firm.

What a certainty, what love, what mercy, beloved! He who has called us and drawn us to Himself in Christ—to Him belongs all glory, forever. His redemption is entirely His work. Therefore, dear reader, all honor belongs to Him. Everything is to the praise of Him who created heaven and earth.

'Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but to Your name give glory, because of Your mercy, because of Your truth.' (Psalm 115:1).

Whoever seeks himself is left empty. But whoever seeks Him finds abundance.

But who do you seek?

Amen! Maranatha!