Repentance

Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth– Revelation 14:7

This message comes from an angel, in the last days, and is part of the “everlasting gospel” which he preaches to all the inhabitants of earth (verse 6).

This is a message then which you are meant to hear, and should receive, no matter who you are or where you come from. It is directed toward “every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.” Why? Because God made heaven and earth.

You are walking on God’s ground, breathing God’s air, enjoying God’s sun, and looking up into God’s sky. And the same God who made heaven and earth is coming soon in judgment. Every eye will see Him and every knee must bow to Him.

So, the angel proclaims, fear God and give Him the glory He is due. The implied subject is “You!” This is not a message for other people, or for a group of people — it is a direct and authoritative and gracious command for you to fear God and give Him glory.

Perhaps you already are a believer in Jesus Christ, and have confessed and repented of your sins. Is this message not to you also? Shouldn’t we all embrace the everlasting gospel, at every point in our lives? Is it not always a timely reminder to be told “fear God, and give him glory,” since we so easily become distracted from this one great priority for our life?

What a joy it should be to a believer to hear these words: “worship Him!” It is but the encouragement to our heart’s desire, the command that we delight to obey.