Preferring Created Glory Over God’s Supremacy

Depravity is fundamentally understood as a deep preference for the glory of created things over the glory of God. This condition is not merely about breaking God’s laws or engaging in lawlessness; rather, it is a heart issue characterized by valuing, treasuring, and finding satisfaction in anything other than God. This preference extends to all aspects of life, including family, work, ministry, pleasures, and achievements, revealing a profound inclination that blinds individuals to the infinitely greater glory of God Himself ([07:45]; [08:24]; [08:41]).

The first and greatest commandment calls for loving God with all one’s heart, which means preferring Him above all else. Loving God involves delighting in Him, treasuring Him, and being satisfied in Him, not merely obeying commandments as external rules. Obedience is the fruit of love, not its definition. It is possible to obey laws begrudgingly and still be in sin if the heart is not truly satisfied in God. Jeremiah 2:13 illustrates depravity as spitting out the “Fountain of Living Waters” (God) and choosing broken cisterns that hold no water. Similarly, John 3:19-21 describes depravity as loving darkness rather than light, reflecting a hatred of God’s glory rather than a mere bad choice ([11:21]; [12:18]; [12:58]; [15:08]; [16:48]; [20:08]).

Depravity is an attack on God’s glory. Romans 3:23 states that all have sinned and “fall short of the glory of God,” which means having exchanged or preferred the glory of God for created things. Romans 1:23-25 further explains that people exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images of created things and thus worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator. This exchange directly contradicts and opposes God’s purpose to be glorified ([25:10]; [26:43]; [27:26]; [30:17]; [31:58]).

Failing to be satisfied in God nullifies both the joy of the redeemed and God’s ultimate purpose. God’s purpose (Boule) is twofold: to uphold and display His glory and for His redeemed people to enjoy Him maximally. When created things are preferred over God, both His glory being displayed and human joy in Him are rejected. This rejection is a form of treason against God’s purpose and warrants infinite punishment. The key theological principle is that God is most glorified in a person when that person is most satisfied in Him. Seeking satisfaction elsewhere than God results in the failure of all aspects of God’s purpose, not merely one half ([00:30]; [32:49]; [33:08]; [33:32]; [35:06]; [35:26]).

Biblical and historical theology affirm that satisfaction in God is inseparable from glorifying Him. The Westminster Catechism declares the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever, showing that enjoyment and glorification are united. Theologians such as B.B. Warfield and Jonathan Edwards emphasize that God is glorified not only by being known but by being rejoiced in. Philippians 1:20-21 reveals Paul’s desire that Christ be magnified in his life and death because he is satisfied in Christ. Matthew 5:11-16 teaches that joy and satisfaction in Christ empower believers to shine as salt and light, glorifying God even amid persecution ([35:58]; [37:51]; [41:47]; [43:33] to [46:55]; [48:55] to [54:02]).

The seriousness of depravity lies in its nature as a direct attack on God’s glory and purpose. It leads to spiritual blindness and rebellion, rendering individuals incapable of saving themselves. Recognizing the depth of depravity fosters humility, authentic repentance, and a greater appreciation of God’s grace ([33:32]; [58:12]; [01:01:30] to [01:03:47]).

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