Overview
This sermon explores the theme of heavenly worship as depicted in Revelation chapters 4 and 5, emphasizing worship for God's holiness, power, eternality, and judgment. It connects biblical worship with both God's mercy and his coming judgment, encouraging believers to revere God and share the gospel.
Structure of Revelation and Heavenly Worship
- Revelation chapters 1–3 focus on Christ ministering to the church on earth.
- Chapters 4–5 shift the scene to heaven, centering on God's throne and impending judgment.
- The vision highlights worship for God's coming judgment, involving both angels and glorified saints.
- The church is symbolized by 24 elders who are present in heaven before God’s throne.
Elements of Worship in Heaven
- Angels and glorified believers worship God for his holiness, power, and eternality.
- Worship is characterized by declarations of "holy, holy, holy," acknowledging God's absolute separation from sin.
- Angels (cherubim) are depicted as agents of God’s judgment, announcing and executing divine wrath.
- Five hymns of praise escalate from angelic beings to encompass all creation.
Biblical Precedents for Worshiping God's Judgment
- The Psalms frequently contain prayers for God’s judgment on the ungodly (imprecatory prayers).
- Prayers and praises for God’s vengeance are consistent with scriptural history and prophecy.
- The New Testament also affirms God’s judgment, cursing unbelief and false teachings.
Theological Foundations for Praising God's Judgment
- God’s judgment is rooted in his word, covenants, nature (holiness, justice), and power.
- Divine judgment is necessary for the final redemption of creation and humanity.
- God’s mercy is always present, but once rejected, judgment remains.
Characteristics of God Highlighted in Worship
- Holiness: God is utterly separated from all evil and must judge sin.
- Power (Almighty): God has the absolute ability to enforce his will and destroy sin completely.
- Eternality: God’s purposes and judgments endure forever, assuring both eternal blessing and punishment.
Response to God’s Judgment and Worship
- Worship is the appropriate response to God’s sovereignty, not fear.
- Saints respond to God’s holiness and power by casting their crowns before him, acknowledging his worthiness.
- Final judgment brings eternal glory to God and eternal consequences for the unrepentant.
- Believers are compelled to compassion and evangelism, driven by the reality of judgment and the sweetness and bitterness of God’s ultimate triumph.
Recommendations / Advice
- Worship God for his holiness, power, and eternality, recognizing the necessity of judgment.
- Embrace the sweetness of God’s victory, but retain compassion for those not yet saved.
- Remain committed to sharing the gospel, motivated by both the glory of God and the reality of eternal judgment.