Coram Deo

“He that sets God in his presence, dares not sin in his presence”

Thomas Case (1598-1682)

Coram Deo. You may have never heard the term but you surely know meaning. The Christian is called to live their life “Coram Deo”. This is the call and highest goal of all true believers.

Coram Deo means to live before the face of God. To explain a little we can understand it to involve living in the presence of God, under the authority of God, to the honor and Glory of God. Having a consciousness of God at all times.

Everyone lives before the face of God as God is omniscient. We cannot hide from Him, He sees all. But for the Christian, to live before the face of God is as Martin Luther explained, to live not as a people living for the watching world, or to live in darkness, hiding a secret life.

The Christian should live before the face of God. Living all of life in the presence of God, aware of the eye of God upon us. Seeking to fully commit to the will of God according to the word of God. Our whole life should be lived willfully open to God.

Under the authority of God, recognizing His word to be truth and His will, no matter what way it takes us in life, to be perfect. Ready to submit and follow. Allowing the world and its perishable treasures to fall away and the criticisms of those around to land on a deaf ear if they try to draw us away in any way.

To the honor and glory of God. The Westminster short and larger catechism question 1 is:

• . 1. What is the chief end of man?
• A. Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.

In order to glorify God and enjoy Him for ever we must first understand the we are living our entire life Coram Deo. We must follow His word and set our eyes on Him. We must seek that which is most important.

Our greatest desire should be to live in the presence of God. It’s not a daily achievement we should shoot for but a minute by minute, second by second constant thought process that we should strive for in life and prayer.

As the quote from Thomas Case says “He that sets God in his presence, dares not sin in his presence”, if we understand that we are always before the face of God and we set Him as our top priority, we will fear sin even more.

Coram Deo. Before the face of God.