This episode contrasts sinners and saints by focusing on the attitude over the "works of the Lord." Psalm 29:4-5 states that the fundamental sin of the wicked is that they do not regard the works of the Lord. Paul in Romans 1 suggests the same thing, "they do not honor Him as God or give him thanks." (Rom. 1:21) The essence of sin is failing to regard the works of the Lord, or "missing the glory of God." (Rom 3:23) and it is followed by the Great Exchange, where man exchanges the glory of God for an image in the form of corruptible man. This sin "problem" is reversed in salvation. God forgives our sin, and Christians, in gratitude for what Christ has done at Calvary, progressively seek to glorify God by marveling at the works of the Lord. And this is principally done by gazing on the glory of Christ. We are transformed as our capacity to give God glory, acknowledging His works, is filled up..with all the fullness of God. (Eph. 3:19)
“Let the King of Glory Come in!”
This episode fundamentally describes all of redeemed mankind's purpose, in light of the end of creation and the heavenly hosts. Ecclesiastes 3:11 states that God has placed eternity in the heart of man so that God's works cannot be known from beginning to end. Man is called to uncover God's works and give Him glory, and this is precisely what we will be doing for all eternity. The angels are presently declaring that the whole earth is full of God's glory. The created order is full of God's glory, and that order of beings with the capacity to perceive and honor that glory are doing just that. This larger narrative, of course, highlights the one creature that seems oblivious to the glory of God, fallen man, who has exchanged God's glory for an idolatrous image (Rom. 3:23). The purpose of salvation should be seen through this narrative, that God would remake mankind for the purposes of glorifying God as he uncovers God and His works for all eternity, giving Him glory. The redemption of the created order should also be see through this glory narrative, which is presently groaning "for the freedom of the glory of the children of God." (Rom. 8:21) Both creation and mankind's hope rests completely on the work of "the king of glory," the Lord Jesus Christ. "Lift up your heads, O gates..that the King of glory may come in!" (Psalm 24:9)
Focus on Ministry not on Sin
This episode elaborates on the two possible fruitless results of a sin-obsessed life in sanctification, as opposed to a God-obsessed life. The ultimate purpose of the redemption of Christ should be to serve the living God, according to Hebrews 9:14. But if the Christian life becomes mostly about getting the victory over sin, potential ministry becomes the casualty. If one is outwardly successful in self-denial and controlling manifestations of sin, then smug self-righteousness can set in. If, on the hand, the Christian struggles to gain traction over his issues with sin, self-condemnation and even further self-medication can result. In both cases, the misplaced focus on the ultimate ministry objective of the Christian life is obscured. The answer is of course to place sin issues in their proper perspective, and this provides the most enduring motive to holistically serve God.