What does Revelation 14:7 mean?

Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. Revelation 14:7

Explanation

Revelation 14:7 contains a significant message delivered by an angel flying in mid-heaven, proclaiming the “eternal gospel” to those on earth. The verse emphasizes the urgent call to revere God because the moment of His judgment has arrived. The command to fear God and give Him glory is presented as a reaction to the impending judgment. Worshipping the Creator is highlighted, pointing to His sovereignty over all creation, including heaven, earth, the sea, and water sources. This verse suggests a turning back to the worship of the one true God in a time when false worship is rampant.

Historical Context

Revelation, attributed to the Apostle John, was written during a time of persecution for the early Christian church, likely towards the end of the first century A.D. The book is apocalyptic, a genre popular among Jews and Christians of that era, which used symbolic imagery to convey messages about the end times, divine judgment, and the ultimate triumph of God. Revelation especially addresses the challenges facing the seven churches in Asia Minor, encouraging them to persevere in faith despite persecution.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse can be understood in several ways:

• Adventist Perspective: Seventh-day Adventists view this angel as representing the first of three angels’ messages warning of the imminent Second Coming of Christ, urging Sabbath worship as foundational.
• Futurist Perspective: Many see this as a literal event that will occur during the end times, calling all peoples to repent before the final judgment.
• Historicist Perspective: This approach interprets the verse as part of a historical continuum, unfolding through the ages until culminating in the end times.
• Idealist Perspective: For those holding this view, the text symbolizes the ongoing struggle between good and evil and the eternal principles involved, rather than specific historical events.

Practical Applications

The verse’s call to “Fear God and give glory to him” invites reflection on one’s own reverence and respect for God. It encourages believers to live in a way that honors God, acknowledging His authority and judgment. It prompts a lifestyle of worship, recognizing God as the creator, and can inspire care for creation. The message also suggests urgency in repairing one’s spiritual life, implying that the time to seek forgiveness and make amends with God and others is now.

Cross-References

• Psalm 96:9: “O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.”
• Ecclesiastes 12:13: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”
• Daniel 7:10: “A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.”
• Acts 17:24: “God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;”

Language Study

In the original Greek text, significant terms include:

• “Fear” (φοβήθητε – phobēthēte): Typically implies reverence, respect, and awe.
• “Glory” (δόξαν – doxan): Represents honor, praise, and worshipful recognition.
• “Judgment” (κρίσις – krisis): Connotes decision, specifically divine judgment or a tribunal.
• “Worship” (προσκυνήσατε – proskunēsate): Means to prostrate oneself in homage, to reverence, or adore.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Ancient myths and religions often include a day of reckoning or judgment by a deity or deities. In Egyptian mythology, for example, the concept of Maat involves a judgment after death to determine one’s eternal fate. Revelation 14:7 can be seen as parallel to these ideas but firmly rooted in the monotheistic, Christian belief system, replacing a pantheon of gods with the singular Creator God of Judeo-Christian belief.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse does not directly relate to scientific topics, the reference to God as the Creator of heaven, earth, the sea, and water sources can intersect with discussions on the origins of the universe and environmental stewardship. The recognition of the natural world’s divine origin might encourage believers to engage with contemporary scientific conversations around ecology and conservation.

Commentaries

Commentators offer a variety of understandings of this verse:

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary: Suggests the angel’s message as a universal call to acknowledge God’s glory and the necessity of worshipping Him truthfully and sincerely.
• The Pulpit Commentary: Emphasizes the universal scope of the message, addressing “every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.”
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible: Notes the connection between giving glory to God and the idea that the hour of judgment had come, following the central theme of Revelation regarding judgment.

Each of these commentaries reinforces the idea that Revelation 14:7 is a pivotal call to return to true worship and recognition of God’s imminent judgment.