Paul looked froward to the glory of eternity when he said, ". . . at the name of Jesus every knee will bow– in heaven and on earth and under the earth– and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father." (Philipians 2:10-11 NET)). He said this right after he described Jesus’ humility in going to the Cross. What a contrast! From the most humbling, degrading and horrific circumstances man can imaging to glory that is far beyond man’s imagination!
The reason every knee will bow to Jesus’ lordship and give glory to the Father is that His worth will finally be fully appreciated. John sees this worth described and worshiped in Heaven when He is given the privilege of a glimpse of Heaven.
Revelation 4 and 5 are a vignette of the worship that will go on in Heaven through eternity. In chapter four, the majestic and mysterious angelic beings cry out in constant antiphonal worship, "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come! (4:8)" They continually, "give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever (4:9)." Around the throne of God there are 24 "elders" who most likely represent the redeemed Church. Here the Church is seen casting their crowns received for faithful service down in worship at the feet of God. As they do this, they proclaim, "Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created."
This is the beginning of the end. The vindication of God’s glory is beginning. God’s wrath against sin and rebellion is about to be unleashed, His judgement against those who refuse to willingly bow in worship. But before this happens, God vindicates the justice of His coming acts of judgement and wrath. He demonstrates that the recipients of judgement are fully deserving of this judgement.
The scene in Heaven is hushed as the hosts of Heaven wait for one who is worthy, justified in unleashing the judgement of God. And then it happens. One steps forward. One who looks like a lamb that has been slain. He takes possession of the scrolls that declare and unleash God’s judgement. And all of heaven bursts forth with the declaration of His worth, "Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth (5:9-10)."
Worthy! Why? Because Jesus is the lamb who gave His live for the redeemed. These are a people who have been ransomed, "for God." Its all about Him and the worship of His glory. These are a kingdom and priests "to our God." These are the ones who exist for eternity in their priestly role of giving honor, service, and worship to the God of glory!
John's glimpse of this glorious scene in Heaven comes to a close,
Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they sang: "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!" Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!" The four living creatures said, "Amen," and the elders fell down and worshiped. (Revelation 5:11-14 NIV)
May we, this day, bow, shout, sing, delight in, praise, and worship the Triune God of glory. He is worthy of our praise now, and for all eternity.
Soli Deo Gloria
Next: The Importance of Theo-centric Theology
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