The First Angel's Message: A Call to Fear God and Give Glory to Him In Revelation 14:6-7, we find a powerful message that resonates through time and history, urging the world to listen to an urgent call: "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." This is not merely a message for a select group of people, but for every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. This message is to be proclaimed with a loud voice because it is of eternal significance. But what does it mean to “fear God”? And why is this message so important to both the world and the Church today?
What Does It Mean to Fear God?
The concept of fearing God is one that is often misunderstood. To many, fear is synonymous with dread or terror. But the fear of God as described in Scripture is not about living in constant fear or anxiety. It is about having a deep reverence, awe, and respect for God's holiness, His authority, and His power. To fear God means to honor Him as the Creator and Sovereign King of the universe, recognizing that His ways are perfect, His laws are just, and His judgment is sure.
The fear of the Lord is not a paralyzing fear, but one that inspires obedience, trust, and a longing to live according to God's will. Proverbs 1:7 tells us that "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge," while Psalm 34:11-16 provides a clear picture of how this fear manifests in our lives: "Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the Lord. What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it."
This is the essence of fearing God: to turn away from sin and pursue righteousness. To hate evil and love what God loves. Proverbs 8:13 reinforces this truth by stating, "The fear of the Lord is to hate evil." This is the kind of fear that brings wisdom, life, and peace (Proverbs 14:27, 19:23).
Why Are We to Fear God?
The first angel's message in Revelation 14 connects the call to fear God with the reality of judgment: “for the hour of His judgment is come.” This speaks to the urgency of the message. The time of reckoning is near, and we must examine ourselves. The fear of God involves understanding the seriousness of sin and the reality that we are all accountable to God for our lives and choices.
In Matthew 22:10-14, Jesus shares the parable of the wedding feast, where guests are examined to see if they are wearing the proper wedding garment. The garment represents the righteousness of Christ, which all must wear to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. It is not enough to simply profess faith in Christ; one must be clothed in His righteousness, which is revealed in a life of obedience to God's commandments. Those who do not live according to God's will—those who continue in sin and reject His ways—will be cast out.
The reason we are called to fear God is because we are in the time of judgment. Since 1844, the investigative judgment has been taking place, and it is soon to conclude. We are to be ready. This means living lives that reflect the righteousness of Christ. As Revelation 14:12 states, the saints of the last days will be those who "keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus." God's law is still relevant and binding today. To fear God is to love His commandments and live by them, understanding that obedience is a reflection of our love and reverence for Him.
The Urgent Call to Worship the Creator
The first angel's message also reminds us to “worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” This is a direct appeal to recognize and honor God as the Creator. It calls us to worship God as the one true God, the Creator of the universe, and to follow His command to keep the Sabbath holy, which is a sign of His creative power (Exodus 20:8-11).
In Revelation 14, we are told to worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). This means recognizing the Father as the only true God and aligning our lives with His will. The Sabbath, created at the beginning of time, is a sign of our allegiance to God and a reminder that He is the Creator, the one who deserves our worship and honor.
The Danger of Failing to Fear God
The call to fear God is urgent because those who fail to do so will face the consequences of their choices. As we have seen in the parable of the wedding feast, it is not enough to think that we are fine simply because we have been invited or because we claim to believe. The man without the wedding garment was cast out, and the foolish virgins were locked out of the marriage feast. These represent those who do not take seriously the need for transformation through Christ's righteousness. They may profess faith, but they have not truly been converted or clothed in the righteousness of Christ.
In the same way, many in the Church today do not understand what it means to be truly converted. Many accept only the first part of salvation—justification—believing that they are saved by grace but neglect the second part—sanctification—where God works in us to overcome sin and live righteous lives. True fear of God leads to repentance and transformation. It leads to victory over sin and the willingness to walk in God's ways.
The Invitation: Will You Fear God?
The message of the first angel is clear: "Fear God, and give glory to Him." This is not merely a call for the world, but also for the Church. If we are truly His, we must turn away from sin, embrace righteousness, and live according to His commandments. This includes acknowledging God as the Creator and honoring His Sabbath.
As we approach the closing of the investigative judgment, the question we must ask ourselves is: Do we have on the wedding garment of Christ's righteousness? Have we truly surrendered our lives to Him, allowing His Spirit to work in us and transform us into His image? Are we living in the fear of God, walking in His ways, and loving righteousness?
The hour of judgment is upon us. Let us make sure that our lives reflect the fear of God, the love of righteousness, and the obedience to His commandments. Let us hunger and thirst for His righteousness, so that we may be filled and prepared for His coming.
Conclusion
Malachi 3:16-17 tells us that those who fear the Lord will be recognized and remembered by God: "Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon His name. And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels."
Let us be among those who fear the Lord and give glory to Him. Let us keep His commandments and prepare for the judgment that is soon to come. May we be found clothed in the righteousness of Christ, ready for His return.
Are you ready? Will you choose to live in the fear of God today?
Revelation 14:7: "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."
In Christ
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