Monday, March 4
Read Revelation 14:7 along with Ecclesiastes 12:13-14. What does it mean to “fear God”? How does the concept of fearing God relate to the gospel, and what does the gospel have to do with keeping God’s commandments? (See also Romans 7:7-13). What is the connection between fearing God and glorifying Him?
The call to “fear God and give glory to Him” (Revelation 14:7, NKJV) is proclaimed in the context of the “everlasting gospel”. A realization of what Christ has done for our salvation results in a positive response to Him.
In the Bible, fearing God and giving glory to Him are closely related (Psalms 22:23, Revelation 15:4). Together, they designate a right relationship with God (Job 1:8) and obedience to Him.
To fear God does not mean to be afraid of Him but to take Him seriously and allow His presence in our lives. God’s end-time people are the ones who fear God (see Revelation 11:18, Revelation 19:5). God desires His people to love Him (Deuteronomy 11:13, Matthew 22:37), obey Him (Deuteronomy 5:29, Ecclesiastes 12:13), and reflect His character (Genesis 22:12).
It is important for God’s people to give Him glory because “the hour of His judgment has come” (Revelation 14:7, NKJV). The judgment in view here is the pre-Advent investigative judgment, which takes place prior to the Second Coming. The purpose of this judgment is to reveal whether or not we are truly serving God - a choice made manifest by our works (2 Corinthians 5:10). At the conclusion of this judgment, the destiny of every person is decided (Revelation 22:11), and Jesus will come to bring His reward to every person according to his or her deeds (Revelation 22:12).
Judgment in Revelation 14 is a part of the gospel. To those who are in a right relationship with God, judgment is good news; it means vindication, salvation, freedom, and eternal life. However, it is bad news for the disobedient, unless they repent and turn to God by accepting this end-time, judgment-hour message. God does not want anyone to perish but all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
How could you stand, alone, in the judgment? What verdict would your life reveal? What does your answer tell you about the need for the gospel and why it is linked so closely together with judgment in the first angel’s message?
