Doxology to the King

“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:17

In this stirring doxology to the One Who allowed him into the ministry (v. 12-13), Whose grace “was more than abundant” ( v. 14), Who “came into the world to save sinners” (v. 15), Who showed mercy and longsuffering, and Who grants “eternal life” (v. 16), Paul uses several majestic descriptive terms. Each deserves our attention.
   
The King eternal. God’s sovereign kingship is in view here. The phrase literally translates, the “King of the ages.” “But the Lord is the true God; He is the living God and the everlasting King” (Jer. 10:10). He is the King, and we must stand in submission to him.

Immortal. The Greek word used here implies more than mere exemption from death. A fuller meaning would include total incorruptibility - i.e. the inability to realize that the believer’s crown in glory will be likewise incorruptible (1 Cor. 9:25) as will his resurrection body (1 Cor. 15:52).
   
Invisible. God is a Spirit, and as such cannot be seen. He has chosen to appear on numerous occasions, most notably as Christ “the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation” (Col. 1:15). Seen or unseen, He merits our praise.

The only God. God is unique in His existence and wisdom.“The only wise God” (Rom. 16:27). He stands alone, solitary, apart from all others.

Surely to this eternal, incorruptible, unseen, unique, wise, sovereign King belongs “honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.”