The Original Gospel

Why are we here? What was God’s intention when He created the earth and filled it with life? These questions have stirred hearts for generations, and thankfully, Scripture gives us a clear and compelling answer: God’s purpose is to fill the earth with His glory.

A Divine Declaration

God’s own words to Moses in Numbers 14:21 ring with certainty and vision:

“But truly, as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD.”

This isn’t a vague hope – it’s a divine promise. Revelation 4:11 echoes this purpose, declaring that all things were created by God’s will and for His glory. The earth was not an accident, nor was mankind an afterthought. We were created intentionally, with a purpose rooted in God’s eternal character.

The Earth Was Made to Be Inhabited

Isaiah 45:18 affirms that God did not create the earth “in vain,” but formed it “to be inhabited.” This means the earth was designed to be lived in – not just physically, but spiritually. Humanity was created to reflect the glory of God, to embody His character, and to walk in His ways.

Psalm 72:19 captures the ultimate vision:

“And blessed be His glorious name forever! And let the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen and Amen.”

The Promises to Abraham: A Glorious Inheritance

God’s purpose unfolds through His promises, beginning with Abraham. In Genesis 13:14–17, God promises Abraham a land and a seed. Galatians 3:16 reveals that this promise centers on one Seed – Christ. Yet Hebrews 11:13, 39–40 reminds us that Abraham has not yet received the fulfillment of these promises. He, along with all faithful believers, awaits the day when God’s purpose is fully realized.

Through Christ, baptized believers become Abraham’s seed and heirs of the promise (Galatians 3:27–29). This means we are part of God’s unfolding plan to fill the earth with His glory – not just as spectators, but as full participants.

What Is God’s Glory?

When Moses asked to see God’s glory, the Lord revealed something profound – not dazzling light or cosmic power, but His character:

“The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin…”
—Exodus 34:6–7

God’s glory is who He is: merciful, gracious, patient, faithful, and forgiving. To reflect His glory is to reflect His character.

God’s Name Reveals His Purpose

Even God’s memorial name, Yahweh (יהוה), speaks of His purpose: “I will be who I will be.” It’s a name that points forward – a declaration of becoming, of unfolding purpose. When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He began with reverence for this name:

“Hallowed be Thy Name.” (Matthew 6:9)

To hallow God’s name is to honour His character and purpose in our lives.

The Big Picture: From Creation to Fulfillment

We were created in God’s image to reflect His glory. Jesus Christ is the perfect fulfillment of that image – the one who fully embodied God’s character. Through Him, we are called into that same purpose.

Of Jesus it is said, “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14.

The promises to Abraham, the calling of believers, and the character of God all point to a future where the earth will be filled with His glory. It’s not just a hope – it’s a certainty. And we are invited to be part of it.

Final Thought

God’s purpose from the beginning has been to fill the earth with His glory through a people who reflect His character. Though this has only been perfectly fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the journey continues. As believers, we are heirs of the promise, called to live lives that breathe in His mercy and breathe out His truth. Let us walk in that purpose – with joy, with reverence, and with the hope of a world transformed by His glory.

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