1 Timothy 1:17 17Now to the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
The only worthy response we can give to God’s provision of eternal life (verse 16) is to join Paul in this doxology, which is a song of praise. Doxologies in the New Testament typically have four parts, each of which is present in this verse: 1) the one who is praised, 2) the words of praise, 3) a time indicator, and 4) a concluding “amen.”
In the first component, Paul lists four descriptions of God. First, God is the King of the ages, referring to God’s position as eternal sovereign over all creation (Genesis 21:33; Psalm 10:16; 74:12; 90:2; Isaiah 26:4; Habakuk 1:12). God is the only one beyond time and creation. Through Jesus’ ministry, God’s eternal reign broke into the fallen world to forever change the outcome of humanity.
Second, God is immortal, literally, beyond death. This idea is close to the God’s eternality. All of creation is subject to death or destruction. The only source of life and existence is through Christ (Colossians 1:16-17). God does not change but called time into existence (Psalm 102:26-27; Isaiah 41:4; 48:12; Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 1:11-12; James 1:17). There was never a time God did not exist and there will never be. God is beyond the constrains of the created order.
Third, God is invisible. In the closing doxology to the letter in 6:16, Paul adds further description of God’s invisibility as the one “who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see.” We cannot see God because God’s glory is so overwhelming. Moses was the closest to see God, and he had to hide behind a rock, seeing only the fading glory of God (Exodus 34:18-23). Christ is the image of the invisible God (Hebrews 1:3).
Fourth, God is the only God. The echoes the Shema of Deuteronomy 6:4-9). All other gods are human fabrications made of created materials (1 Corinthians 8:4-5). Christians are monotheists who believe that God has revealed himself in three persons: Father, Son, and Spirit. Paul was not concerned about working out any doctrine of the Trinity but referred to each person throughout his letters, often in regard to how we experience salvation.
The third component of the doxology is the praise statement in which Paul gives honor and glory to God. Recognizing the position and authority of God is essential as an expression of our faith in God. We must give the respect he deserves and recognize his glory. The only proper response anyone can give to the almighty God is worship. Praise to God and the Lamb will continue forever (Revelation 4-5). The place of God is confirmed with the final Amen, so it is and so shall it always be. Worship is the proper and only response we should give to what God has provided for us through Jesus Christ.
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