Revelation 14:6-13 The fear of God is the foundation to salvation through Jesus Christ

Revelation 14:6-13

And I saw another angel flying in midheaven, having an eternal gospel to preach to those who live on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people; and he said with a loud voice, “Fear God, and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come; worship Him who made the heaven and the earth and sea and springs of waters.”And another angel, a second one, followed, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who has made all the nations drink of the wine of the passion of her immorality.”Then another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever; they have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.” Here is the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus. And I heard a voice from heaven, saying, “Write, ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on!’” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “so that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow with them.”

Background

At the sounding of the seventh trumpet, the members of the 144 thousand are raptured. After they are raptured, who will continue to preach the gospel of salvation to humanity? John saw the angels taking over the task of preaching the gospel to every tribe and nation. As opposed to the gospel of forgiveness through Jesus, the gospel of the fear of God immediately appeals to peoples of all ages, races and religions. The psalmist said, “Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the LORD.” –  Psalm 34:11. Needless to say, one who does not fear God, will certainly not believe in Jesus Christ. Today’s devotion teaches us that: The fear of God is the foundation to salvation through Jesus Christ. 

Observation 

Thereafter, John saw three angels broadcasting an eternal gospel comprising three messages. The word “eternal” means perpetually and permanently valid. In view of the imminent judgment of God, the angels announce:

A. God’s judgment is near. Therefore, fear God and obey Him. It is an appeal to repentance and conversion to the God who created heaven and earth.

B. Babylon, the greatest nation in the world who leads the nations into sin is about to go into destruction. Therefore, all must distant themselves from it. Otherwise, they will suffer the same destruction.

C. Those who receive the mark of the beast will be tormented by the wrath of God. To receive the mark of the beast is to ally with him and submit to his will. Therefore, do not receive the mark of the beast. 

In essence, the gospel calls all to fear God and stand up against evil by dissociating from those who do evil; Babylon. Saints are characterised by their perseverance in doing what is right while resisting evil. If they die while doing God’s will, they are considered blessed and all their works will be remembered in heaven. 

Truth

The fear of God is the foundation to salvation through Jesus Christ. 

From the time of Adam to the seventh trumpet, the gospel message is consistent: all who fear God will be saved. For the fear God, is the foundation to faith in Christ. The bible says:

Work out your salvation with fear and trembling. – Philippians 2:12b

The pharisees supposed by their sacrifices, their salvation was assured. Similarly, many church goers supposed by Jesus’s sacrifice, they are unconditionally exonerated from all their sins. Jesus corrected the Jews who believed in Him, who thought they could live as they liked without consequences:

“On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws (who do not fear God).’ – Matthew 7:22-23 

What is the fear God?

The fear of God is an attitude towards God and towards life.

a. To fear God is to take joy in obeying His commands amid tribulations or persecutions. The psalmist said, “How joyful are those who fear the LORD and delight in obeying his commands.” – Psalm 112:1 

 b. To fear God is to trust God to help us and protect us from evil. The psalmist said, “All you who fear the LORD, trust the LORD! He is your helper and your shield.” – Psalm 115:11. 

c. To fear God is not to withhold our most precious possessions from God. When Abraham did not withhold his son Isaac from being sacrificed, the angel proclaimed, “Do not lay a hand on the lad; for now I know that you fear God.” – Genesis 22:12.

d. To fear God is to wear righteousness like a belt and truth like an undergarment (see Isaiah 11:2, 5). Even in the thick of persecution, Jesus publicly proclaimed that He is the Son of God (see Matthew 26:63-65). Many expediently give in to persecution by admitting to a crime they did not commit in exchange for leniency. For such fear men more than God. Consequently, they invalidated all the good works they did only to be publicly labeled a fraud.

Therefore, the enemy of the fear of God is the fear of men. Jesus understood our fears, so He said, “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” – Matthew 10:28. 

Jesus encourages us not to focus on the harm men can do to us. But focus on the reward and the glory that await us who fear God. Indeed, there is great reward for us who persevere in fearing God and are faithful to Christ.

Application

a. Do not lean on your own understanding but seek to know God’s perspective in every circumstance and obey Him. And trust that God is faithful to help and protect you from evil. 

b. Consider the things that you desire? Do not hold onto them, but give them all to God. And He will bless and fulfil the desires of your heart. 

c. Work hard to offer your life as a perfect testimony to God.

Prayer

Dear Lord, create in me the fear of God. Give me strength and grace to walk through the valleys and mountains of life. Make my life a beautiful testimony of perseverance amid the many adversities. I look forward to the day when I exchange my crown of thorns for a crown of glory. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.