“Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? For thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.”– Revelation 15:4 (KJV)
“Who will not fear you, Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.”– Revelation 15:4 (NLT)
“Who wouldn’t fear you, O Lord, and give glory to your name? Only you are holy. All nations will come to you and worship at your feet, for your acts of judgment have been revealed.”– Revelation 15:4 (MSG)
What Does Revelation 15:4 Mean?
This verse from the book of Revelation calls us to recognize the glory and holiness of God. It highlights the reverence that we should have for God, who alone is worthy of our fear and reverence. When we read this verse, we are reminded that God’s judgments and actions are true, just, and ultimately lead people from all nations to worship Him.
In the context of the final days, the verse provides us with a picture of how all humanity will eventually acknowledge God’s sovereignty. This moment is both terrifying and awe-inspiring, illustrating that even the nations against Him will recognize His authority and align themselves to worship Him. This call to glorify God emphasizes His unique nature as the only holy being, setting Him apart from all creation.
Revelation 15:4 Explanation and Commentary
In Revelation 15:4, the apostle John presents a scene filled with worship and adoration before the throne of God. This particular verse emerges from a segment of spirits singing praises and acknowledging God’s holiness. As we reflect on the phrase, “Who will not fear you, Lord,” we recognize that fear here means a deep respect and reverence for God rather than a paralyzing dread. This reverence stems from the understanding of God’s power over creation and His ability to execute judgment. Knowing that God is holy encourages us to approach Him with humility and awe.
The affirmation that “You alone are holy” serves as a declaration that God is set apart from everything else. In a world where people might worship money, power, or fame, this verse draws us back to the essence of worship. God is not merely one of many options; He is the only source of true holiness. It is the acknowledgment of His uniqueness that inspires all nations to bow before Him in worship.
Furthermore, this verse asserts that all nations will come and worship before Him. This is a promise of unity among all people from multiple backgrounds, ethnicities, and cultures, gathered at the feet of the Creator. It reflects God’s heart for all humanity, emphasizing that His love and mercy extend to every corner of the earth. God’s righteous acts are revealed throughout history, reminding us of His justice and fairness in all situations.
As we grapple with this scripture, we also notice how it resonates with other Bible passages emphasizing God’s omnipotence and dominion over the earth. Psalm 86:9 echoes this sentiment, stating that all nations will come before God and glorify His name. In these moments, we may find our own hearts ignited with similar praise, bringing us closer to understanding the character of God.
Context of Revelation 15:4
This verse is nestled in a significant portion of the book of Revelation where John depicts visions of the end times, including visions of judgment and awe-inspiring worship. Chapter 15 is particularly noteworthy for introducing the “seven angels having the seven last plagues,” setting the stage for the final judgments upon the earth. In these trying times, God’s people are comforted by the assurance of His justice and power.
The imagery in Revelation draws from Old Testament themes of worship and judgment, which reflects God’s holiness and transcendence. Through these visions, John encourages the early church facing persecution to hold steadfast to their faith, reminding them that they will ultimately prevail alongside God. The call for all nations to worship signifies hope that unity and reverence for God will triumph over division and adversity.
As we further explore the context, we can look at the surrounding chapters in Revelation. The text paints a vivid picture of angels and believers gathered in worship, proclaiming God’s greatness. This perfect adoration contrasts the chaotic scenes unfolding on earth, solidifying the promise that God will reign supreme. It promotes a sense of anticipation and excitement about God’s ultimate victory and the fulfillment of His plans.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Revelation 15:4
This verse has several key components worth breaking down. The first part is the call to fear God and glorify His name. This beckons us to recognize and reflect on how we currently regard God in our lives. Are we often distracted by worldly pursuits? Do we sometimes forget His power and authority? Addressing these questions can help us align our hearts with the reverence that God deserves.
The next line insists on God’s holiness, which acts as a reminder that God is not an ordinary being. His ways and thoughts are higher than ours, leading us to humbly surrender to His will. In declaring His holiness, we must interrogate our understanding of what holiness means and how this attribute should influence our relationship with Him.
Next, we read that all nations will come to Him. This prophetic vision illustrates God’s intention of gathering people from every tribe and tongue, united in worship before Him. It highlights the inclusivity of God’s love and the reality that salvation is offered universally. We should take time to think about the responsibility this places on us to be ambassadors of God’s love, sharing the gospel so that all nations can hear and come to Him.
Lastly, reflecting on God’s judgments being revealed encourages us to witness God’s righteousness manifested throughout history. It instructs us to remember God’s faithful actions in our lives and throughout the lives of those who have come before us. When we recognize His roles and actions, we can build a strong foundation for our faith, knowing that God’s plans will ultimately succeed.
Lessons to Learn From Revelation 15:4
There are several powerful lessons we can draw from Revelation 15:4. The first is the importance of reverence for God. In an ever-busy world, it’s easy to allow distractions to disrupt our relationship with God. We must continually strive to cultivate a heart that fears Him, embraces His holiness, and exhibits respect through our actions and words.
Moreover, this passage underscores the importance of worshipping God and giving Him glory. As we reflect on our lives, we have to ask ourselves if we genuinely involve Him in moments of praise, whether in private worship or communal gatherings. Genuine worship can transform hearts and lives, making it a vital piece of our faith.
Another valuable lesson we can identify is the universal reach of God’s love. As we think about all nations coming to worship, we become inspired to promote inclusivity in our communities. This verse calls us to rethink how we engage with others. Are we creating welcoming environments for everyone to feel God’s love and grace? Should we reach out beyond our comfort zones and promote fellowship with those who may not be like us?
Ultimately, we learn that God’s judgments reveal His character. In a world where injustice may seem rampant, we can take comfort knowing that God is just and will set all things right. This promise can empower us as we face challenges in our lives and communities, giving us hope as we persevere through hardships.
Final Thoughts
Revelation 15:4 is a profound verse that encourages us to embrace our feelings towards God in reverence, praise, and worship. It emphasizes that He alone is holy and worthy of our awe. Each time we gather to worship, we are participating in a beautiful glimpse of what is to come when all nations unite before God.
In a time when we are surrounded by division and uncertainty, we are reminded of the promise that God will right the wrongs and ultimately be worshipped by all. As we reflect on our faith, let us aim to walk in a manner that glorifies Him daily.
If you desire to further your exploration of biblical teachings, we encourage you to consider reading more about love in 1 John 4:21 or dive into 1 John 4:20 to understand how love should guide our interactions with others. Each verse can enrich our spiritual journey as we collectively strive to honor our holy God.