God’s Worthiness of Worship in Revelation
Revelation is ultimately about God’s worthiness to be worshiped. Several times throughout the book, the theme of God’s “worthiness” is brought to the forefront, often in stark contrast to the worship of the dragon or the beast. In the final days of the Tribulation, the whole world, except the elect, will worship Satan. Perhaps, the central question becomes: Who is truly worthy of the world’s allegiance and worship?
When God pours out His judgments upon the earth, as seen in chapter 16, the angels praise God for His “righteous and true” judgments. The saints, far from cowering in fear, experience joy and triumph as they witness the outpouring of God’s wrath. They will rejoice in the unveiling of the God who is holy, just, and true—the God who will not abandon His people to the forces of evil but will set all things right.
Yet, as we are sadly reminded, most of the world at that time will blaspheme God. His judgments will only enflame their hatred.
This is a hard truth for a church that celebrates God’s grace. We are accustomed to worshiping our Lord for the praise of the glory of His grace, a grace most powerfully demonstrated at the cross. The cross, of course, is a central demonstration of God’s character, revealing His justice, love, and mercy.
But the judgments in Revelation also reveal God’s character, showcasing His holiness, justice, and righteousness. Revelation is not just a book of judgments; it is a revelatory masterpiece that unveils the totality of God’s character and His infinite worthiness.
Revelation is not just a book of judgments; it is a revelatory masterpiece that unveils the totality of God’s character and His infinite worthiness.
As we approach the end of the Book of Revelation, we are moved to expand our understanding of God. He is truly the God of grace and love but also of sovereign power, righteousness, holiness, and justice. He, in His entirety and every aspect of His being, deserves our worship.
Revelation strips away our limited perspectives and shows us the transcendent majesty of the one true God. It is, after all, ”the Revelation of Jesus Christ” (1:1), the Lamb and the Lion, the Savior and the King, in all His glory.