What does worship have to do with judgment?
(Exodus 20:2-11; Acts 17:23-24; James 2:13, 18, 20; 1 John 4:10-14; Rev.14:7) Blog May 07-13, 2023
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: The three angels of Revelation 14 call humanity to enter God’s judgment. They carry the everlasting gospel and tell us how to prepare for a judgment that will examine our works and require obedience to God’s Law. This judgment brings to a close Christ’s heavenly ministry of mercy. When it is finished there will be no further hope of salvation for the lost.
Why?
1. Why does the first angel of Revelation 14 mention “worship” as a preparation for judgment? Chapters 13 & 14 in Revelation show that the controversy between Christ & Satan is over worship & that worship will be the final test that divides the world (Rev. 13:4, 8, 12, 15; 14:7, 9, 11).
2. What objects of worship does Revelation list? Revelation lists God (the Father, Son, & Holy Spirit) as the true object of worship & Satan, the beast, the image of the beast, angels, & created things as false objects of worship (Rev. 1:8, 11, 17-18; 4:10-11; 9:20; 13:8; 14:9-11; 19:10; 22:9).
3. Why should we worship God rather than the Satanic trinity? While the Satanic trinity has much power & earthly authority its members had NO part in our creation nor in our redemption. Rather, they are created beings like us & not worthy of worship (Eze. 28:2, 15; Col. 2:16; Heb. 1:1-8).
4. What reason does the first angel give that we should worship God? The reason we should worship God is that he made heaven, earth, the sea, & the fountains of waters (Rev. 14:7).
5. From what source is the first angel quoting when referring to creation? The first angel is quoting from Exodus 20 when referring to creation (Ex. 20:11).
6. What reason to worship God does the Bible continually give? The Bible continually gives “creation” as the reason we should worship God (Neh. 9:6; Psa. 95:6; Acts 17:23-24; Rev. 14:7).
How?
7. Where in the Bible are we given a brief description of how to worship God? The Ten Commandments give us a brief description of how to worship God (Ex. 20:2-17).
8. Which commandment especially points to God as Creator? The fourth commandment specifically points to God as Creator (Ex. 20:8-11).
9. If true worship is especially defined in the fourth commandment, what must be the specific test in earth’s final crisis? In earth’s final crisis the day of worship must be the specific test (Dan. 7:25; Rev. 12:17; 14:12).
True Worship
10. What do the Bible writers say that the commandments are? The Bible writers say that the commandments are holy, just, & good: an expression of love (Matt. 22:37-39; Rom. 7:12; 13:10; 1 John 5:3).
11. Since love is the fulfilling of the law, then what must true worship be? True worship is love for God & for our fellow men (Matt. 22:37-39; John 4:23-24).
12. How did God demonstrate his love for us? The Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. The Son died for us while we were yet sinners. The Holy Spirit gives us faith to believe the Gospel & indwells those who believe. God is love (Rom. 5:6-8; 8:9; 1 John 4:10-14).
13. How does our love for God compare to his love for us? Our love for God is extremely small in comparison to God’s love for us (Rom. 3:10, 19; 1 John 4:10).
14. Because our love for God (our worship) is so weak, what is our only hope in judgment? Our only hope in judgment is the mercy of God that is willing to accept the life & sacrifice of Jesus as our Substitute & Surety if we are found in him (Psa. 35:24; 2 Cor. 5:21; Col. 2:10; Jam. 2:13).
15. If we have a Substitute in judgment, then why should we care if we have love (true worship) or not? Only those who trust in Jesus have a Substitute & that faith (trust) is only evidenced by our acts of love. Our life record reveals whether we have a Substitute or not (Eccl. 12:13-14; Matt. 12:36-37; Rom. 2:7-10; 2 Cor. 5:10; Jam. 2:18-20).
16. How will true believers demonstrate their love for God in the final crisis? True believers will demonstrate their love for God in the final crisis (test) by keeping God’s Commandments – especially the fourth (Ex. 31:16-17; John 14:15; Rev. 12:17; 14:7, 12).