Creation of the world was not a necessary act that God undertook to overcome loneliness…(and) God certainly did not create the world in order to become more glorious (Jn. 17:5). …(On the contrary, God created the world) because He looked forward to the greater blessings that would be His as His glory and goodness met real needs in the lives of people whom He would create, who would depend on Him for joy and fulfillment. …God’s ultimate purpose is to increase His joy by sharing the blessing of the Trinity in creation.
— Daniel Fuller (1925–2023), Theologe, Professor für Hermeneutik und Dekan am Fuller Theological Seminary
Related Bible passage: JHN.17.5
Topics: God, Jesus & the Holy Spirit, Joy & Gratitude, Meaning & Identity
Occasions: For Reflection
Daniel Fuller
Daniel Fuller (1925–2023) war ein US-amerikanischer evangelikaler Theologe und wirkte über vier Jahrzehnte als Professor für Hermeneutik und Dekan am Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena. Er entwickelte Methoden zur grammatischen Diskursanalyse biblischer Texte und betonte die Kontinuität beider Testamente, stieß jedoch mit seinen Thesen zur Irrtumslosigkeit der Schrift und zum Verhältnis von Glaube und Gehorsam auf scharfe Kritik konservativer Theologen. Für heutige Bibelleser ist er vor allem durch seinen hermeneutischen Ansatz bedeutsam, der namhafte Prediger und Ausleger wie John Piper nachhaltig prägte.
All quotes by Daniel Fuller (20)
You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.
Augustine of Hippo
Jesus calls us not to a new religion, but to life.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
I would not be able to seek you if you had not already found me.
Augustine of Hippo
When you see a child, you catch God in the act.
Martin Luther
God does not love us because we are lovable, but because his nature is love.
Oswald Chambers
God seeks you more than your offering.
Augustine of Hippo
God has his ear at your heart.
Augustine of Hippo
God is closer to us than we are to ourselves.
Augustine of Hippo