“Because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful” (Romans 1:21).
There were at least two distinct times in the history of mankind when every living soul on the face of the earth knew the true God. Adam, Noah, and their immediate families were well aware of a God who was the great Creator of the universe and an awesome Judge of sin.
But, in the succeeding generations, mankind began a downward spiral leading to idolatry, pride, paganism, and gross immorality (Romans 1:21–23). This terrible apostasy began when men would not glorify God for who He was nor be thankful for what He had done.
Giving glory to God and being thankful should be the daily activity of true believers. It certainly was with Bible writers. For instance, the Apostle Paul exclaims, “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 of Him [He is the source and Creator of all things], and through Him [‘He upholds all things by the word of His power’—Hebrews 1:3 or Colossians 1:17], and to Him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen” (Romans 11:33,36).
This is definitely the message of heaven. “Thou are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: . . . Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing. Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever” (Revelation 4:11; 5:11–13). In eternity we will constantly glorify and thank God for all things. May we begin practicing now. NPS
