Godly Jealousy by K. Erik Thoennes - Conclusions

Having finished Godly Jealousy by K. Erik Thoennes(Thoennes, K. Erik. Godly Jealousy: a Theology of Intolerant Love. Scotland: Christian Focus, 2005. p216), I will share some of Thoennes material from the the final chapter of the book. In this chapter he makes some concluding remarks that help the reader sum up the major themes of the book.

Thoennes narrows his work down to four main conclusions:

1. the theocentric perspective at the heart of godly jealousy
2. the legitimacy of this deeply felt godly emotion
3. the rejection of religious pluralism
4. limitations and applications

Here are some quotes from the concluding material:

"We have seen that God's primary goal in human history, a goal for which he is intensely jealous, is his own glory and honor. This jealousy is foundational to all godly jealousy. God desires the fidelity of his people because he loves them, but ultimately because he is most glorified when they ascribe to him the honor that belongs to him alone." (258)

"Any cause of Scripture is part of the greater purpose of displaying God's glory. God is righteous, and therefore values above all else what is of ultimate value." (258)

"God's jealousy for his glory does not conflict with his love. God is unique in that he alone is able to perfectly love while seeking his own glory. God's perfect justice and love necessitate his own self-exaltation." (259)

"God's ardent interest in his own glory and honor is a part of his eternal nature. However, before creation, God's jealousy would have not had occasion for expression. The perfect expression of relationship within the triune godhead would have left no place for God's jealousy to be provoked. After creation, God's jealousy is provoked by his finite creatures who deny him his rightful honor.From God's jealous reaction to Satan's rebellion ... to the final, violent reclaiming of his kingdom ... this jealous reaction to an abrogation of his honor is present throughout the history of redemption. God's intense desire to protect his own glory ... is not a peripheral or accidental attribute. It is a necessary attribute of his divine nature and a necessary aspect of divine love." (275)