As we began the catechism questions in the worship service, The Catechism starts off with questions of highest import.
Question 1: Who is the first and best of beings? Answer: God is the first and best of beings.
Isaiah 44:6; Psalm 8:1; 96:4; 97:9, 1 Samuel 2:2
First has more than one meaning. Chronologically it means first in time, or in this case, eternity. Additionally, it means first in position, rank, or accomplishment, as it says in Isaiah 44:6-7a: “Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: ‘I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God besides Me. Who is like Me? Let him proclaim and declare it…”
He is best: “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth, who have displayed Your splendor above the heavens!” (Psalm 8:1) Being best of beings extends far beyond power and glory. “There is no one holy like the Lord…” (2 Samuel 2:2a) Holy is so unreachable and unfathomable to us. We can better understand and appreciate a best being who “…is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His deeds.” (Psalm 145:17)
He is best at being best, that is, He is best at any and all areas of which you may think.
Question2: What is the chief end of man? Answer: Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever. 1 Corinthians 10:31; Psalm 16:11, 37:4, 73:25-26; Isaiah 43:7
What is our purpose for existing, our reason to remain alive, the goal around which we should center our lives? The answer given is twofold when the question asks for just one. I think that they are really one answer given from two perspectives, God’s and ours. Enjoying God, while obviously a great benefit to us, is the ultimate way to glorify God. Our passion of enjoyment of Him communicates more solidly than words that He is valuable and worthy of my attention, worship, witness, relationship, obedience, and our whole life. The more I cherish and desire Him, the more He is glorified. Therefore, do not look at your belief in God as a responsibility to be fulfilled but a relationship to be sought out.
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