Romans 11:36 (KJV)

36. For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

Christianity does not have a mantra like the cults, but if we did, this ought to be it. This verse is monosyllabic yet deeply profound. It is the only verse in Romans 11 chosen as a text by Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892). In the first half of this verse we find a doctrine from God we ought to grasp and in the last part a devotion to God we ought to give.

1. A Doctrine to Grasp "For of him, and through him, and to him are all things . . ." This verse is speaking to us of God. We can break it down into simple terms like this: He is the architect (of Him), agent (through Him), and appraiser (to Him) of all things. Or more directly, He is the source of, sustainer in, and Sovereign over all things. He decrees all things and then brings all things to pass for His own glory and honor.
   1. In this Creation . . .
      What we call nature or attribute to laws of physics the Bible attributes to God. Whether it be the stars above us, the seas below us, the weather around us, or the cosmos beyond us, all things come from God and are controlled by God.
      "By Him all things consist" (Colossians 1:17). "He ruleth by His power" (Psalm 66:7).
      "He causes the fog, he makes the lightning, he brings the wind" (Psalm 135:7).
   2. In your Salvation
      Do you have faith in Christ? It is of Him, through Him and to Him. Have you repented of your sin? It is of Him through Him and to Him. Salvation is of the Lord. But what about reprobation (the judgment of the wicked)? It is of Him, through Him, and to Him. God has a purpose in both salvation and judgment.
      "For God hath not appointed us to bear His wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us" (I Thessalonians 5:9).
   3. In every Situation . . .
      All things redound to the glory of God. That means even evil done to you is ultimately of Him, through Him and to Him. Notioce, God does not create the wickedness, but He decrees the evil and thus we can call it good that evil exists. To say it is good that evil exists is not the same thing as saying that evil is good. God always uses evil for His holy purpose. Joseph said to His brothers, "What you did as evil God intended for good to accomplish His purpose" (Genesis 50:19).
2. A Devotion to Give "To whom be glory for ever. Amen" When a person understands the doctrine of this verse, He will be able to rest and relax. What is it that concerns you? All things are of Him, through Him, and to Him. Do you find yourself in an unexpected, surprising situation? God is working all things to bring glory to Himself. In other words, in every situation, one of the attributes of God is being revealed. It could be that God is teaching you about His mercy, His grace, or His sufficiency. It may be that God is teaching you of His faithfulness, or His power, or even His righteous judgments. To God belongs all the glory forever. Amen.