The Case for God’s Self-Exaltation: A Response to John Piper
Isaac Megbolugbe
February 5, 2025
John Piper’s argument that God is not an idolater because He seeks His own glory and praise has sparked debate. While some struggle to reconcile God’s self-exaltation with His loving nature, I propose that Piper’s perspective offers a profound insight into God’s character.
As the only self-existent Being, God is sufficient in Himself, knowing His own identity and worth. Our existence, on the other hand, is dependent on Him. Our fellowship with God is interdependent, and living with Him in Heaven will be mutually reinforcing. As God manifests His divinity in us, our nature will become intertwined with His, reflecting His glory.
Piper argues that God’s self-exaltation is not idolatry because it is rooted in His unique nature as the all-glorious, self-sufficient Creator. Unlike humans, who must prioritize humility, God’s pursuit of His own glory is essential to His character. If God were to deny His own worth, He would commit idolatry, undermining the foundation of our faith.
I agree with Piper that God’s self-exaltation is, in fact, an expression of His love. By pursuing the praises of His name, God invites us to share in His joy and glory. Our worship is a response to fellowshiping with Him, acknowledging His infinite worth and beauty.
In conclusion, God’s self-exaltation is not idolatry, but rather a fundamental aspect of His nature. It is the source of our joy, our hope, and our worship. As we come to understand and embrace this truth, we will find ourselves drawn deeper into the loving heart of God, where His glory and our joy become forever intertwined.
The Implications of God’s Self-Exaltation
If we accept that God’s self-exaltation is not idolatry, but rather a fundamental aspect of His nature, several implications follow:
1. Worship is not optional: If God’s glory is the ultimate goal of creation, then worship is not something we can choose to do or not do. It is the very purpose for which we were created.
2. Our joy is found in God’s glory: If God’s self-exaltation is the source of our joy, then we will only find true fulfillment when we are focused on His glory.
3. Humility is not the same as self-abasement: While humans are called to humility, this does not mean we should deny our own worth or value. Rather, we should recognize our worth in relation to God’s infinite worth.
4. God’s love is not diminished by His self-exaltation: In fact, God’s love is only magnified by His pursuit of His own glory, as it invites us to share in His joy and glory.
Conclusion
In conclusion, John Piper’s argument that God is not an idolater because He seeks His own glory and praise offers a profound insight into God’s character. By understanding that God’s self-exaltation is rooted in His unique nature as the all-glorious, self-sufficient Creator, we can see that it is not only compatible with His loving nature but also essential to it. As we come to terms with this truth, we will find ourselves drawn deeper into the loving heart of God, where His glory and our joy become forever intertwined.
The Beauty of God’s Self-Exaltation
When we grasp the concept of God’s self-exaltation, we begin to see the beauty of His character. We see that His pursuit of glory is not a selfish act, but rather an invitation for us to share in His joy and glory.
In fact, God’s self-exaltation is the very thing that allows us to experience joy and fulfillment. When we worship God and acknowledge His glory, we are participating in the very thing that brings Him joy. This is the essence of worship – to acknowledge and celebrate God’s glory.
Furthermore, God’s self-exaltation is what makes His love so amazing. He doesn’t need us to complete Him or to make Him happy. He is already complete and happy in Himself. Yet, He chooses to love us and invite us into His joy.
This understanding of God’s self-exaltation also helps us to see the importance of worship in our lives. Worship is not just a ritual or a duty, but rather a response to God’s glory. It is a way for us to acknowledge and celebrate His worth and value.
Conclusion
In conclusion, God’s self-exaltation is not idolatry, but rather a beautiful aspect of His character. It is the source of our joy and fulfillment, and it invites us to share in His glory. As we come to understand and embrace this truth, we will find ourselves drawn deeper into the loving heart of God, where His glory and our joy become forever intertwined.
May we learn to worship God in spirit and truth, acknowledging His glory and celebrating His worth. May we find joy and fulfillment in His self-exaltation, and may we forever be changed by the beauty of His character.