Worship Application From Revelation Seven Fifteen To Seventeen
Worship Application from Revelation 7:15 to 17
Revelation 7:15-17 presents a vivid image of the redeemed serving God day and night in His temple, with God dwelling among them and wiping away every tear from their eyes [2]. This passage is part of a larger section describing the sealing of the 144,000 and the great multitude that no one could count, who have come out of the great tribulation.
The worship described in Revelation 7:15 is characterized by service to God "day and night in his temple" [2, 3]. This echoes the language of other biblical passages that describe the heavenly worship, such as Revelation 4:6 and 5:8 [1]. The image of serving God in His temple highlights the intimate relationship between God and His people, where they are able to worship Him without interruption or distraction.
The presence of God among His people is a central theme in Revelation 7:15-17. The passage states that "He who sits on the throne will spread his tabernacle over them" [2]. This image is reminiscent of the Old Testament concept of the tabernacle, where God dwelled among His people (Exodus 25:8). The use of this imagery in Revelation emphasizes the idea that God is present with His people, providing them with shelter and protection.
The worship described in Revelation 7:15-17 is not limited to a specific time or place. Rather, it is an ongoing and continuous activity that takes place "day and night" [2]. This highlights the idea that worship is not just a periodic or occasional activity, but rather a fundamental aspect of the Christian life.
In the view of some Reformed theologians, such as John Calvin, the worship described in Revelation is closely tied to the sacraments, particularly the Lord's Supper [4]. Calvin argues that the Lord's Supper is a means by which Christ is made present to believers, and that it is a source of spiritual nourishment and strength. This understanding of the sacraments is reflected in the Westminster Confession of Faith, which describes the Lord's Supper as a "spiritual nourishment and growth in grace" [7].
The early church fathers also emphasized the importance of worship and the sacraments in the Christian life. For example, Augustine wrote that the Lord's Supper is a "sacrament of unity" that binds believers together with Christ and with one another [5]. Similarly, Hippolytus emphasized the importance of living a virtuous life, and of avoiding "foolish and unlearned questions" that can lead to strife [6].
The passage in Revelation 7:15-17 also highlights the theme of comfort and consolation in the face of suffering. The image of God "wiping away every tear from their eyes" is a powerful expression of His care and compassion for His people [2]. This theme is echoed in other biblical passages, such as Revelation 21:4, which states that God will "wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore".
The worship application from Revelation 7:15-17 is therefore one of hope and comfort in the face of suffering, as well as a call to ongoing and continuous worship of God. It emphasizes the importance of the sacraments and the presence of God among His people, and highlights the theme of comfort and consolation in the face of adversity.
The early Christian understanding of worship as a holistic and ongoing activity is reflected in the writings of the patristic authors. For example, Lactantius emphasizes the importance of living a virtuous life, and of worshiping God with "supplications, prayers, psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs" [8]. This understanding of worship is still relevant today, and is reflected in the practices of many Christian traditions.
Sources
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Revelation 15:7 cross-references: Psalms 75:8, Jeremiah 25:15, 1 Thessalonians 1:9, Revelation 4:6, Revelation 5:8, Revelation 10:6, Revelation 15:1, Revelation 16:2, Revelation 21:9”
- Revelation “Therefore they are before the throne of God, they serve him day and night in his temple. He who sits on the throne will spread his tabernacle over them. -- Revelation 7:15”
- Revelation of John “Revelation of John 7:15 (ASV) — Therefore are they before the throne of God; and they serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall spread his tabernacle over them.”
- CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 99: the efficacy and fruit of his nativity, death, and resurrection, eternal. All this Christ has elegantly expressed in these words, “The bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world” ( John 6:51 ); doubtless intimating, that his body will be as bread in regard to the spiritual life of the soul, because it was to be delivered to death for our salvation, and that he extends it to us for food when he makes us partakers of it by faith. Wherefore he once gave himself that he might become bread, when he g”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “NPNF1 Vol 7: Augustine — Homilies on John — CHAPTER VI. 41-59. (part 13): Lord's table it is taken, by some to life, by some to destruction: but the thing itself, of which it is the sacrament, is for every man to life, for no man to destruction, whosoever shall have been a partaker thereof. 16. But lest they should suppose that eternal life was promised in this meat and drink in such manner that they who should take it should not even now die in the body, He condescended to meet this thought; for when He had said, "He that eateth my flesh, anti drinketh my blood, hath eternal life," He forthwi”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 5: Hippolytus, Cyprian, Caius, Novatian — EXHORTATION TO REPENTANCE.[1] (part 7): and some for contempt. Therefore if any one shall amend(1) himself from these things, he shall be a vessel sanctified for honour, and useful for the Lord, prepared for every good work. Moreover, flee youthful lusts: but follow after righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call upon the Lord from a pure heart. But avoid questions that are foolish and without learning, knowing that they beget strifes. And the servant of the Lord ought not to strive; but to be gentle, docile to all men, patient ”
- Westminster Confession of Faith (Reformed) “Westminster Confession of Faith (Reformed, 1646), CHAPTER 10: CHAPTER 10 Of Effectual Calling 1. All those whom God hath predestinated unto life, and those only, he is pleased, in his appointed and accepted time, effectually to call, by his Word and Spirit, out of that state of sin and death, in which they are by nature, to grace and salvation, by Jesus Christ; enlightening their minds spiritually and savingly to understand the things of God, taking away their heart of stone, and giving unto them a heart of flesh; renewing their wills, and, by his almighty power, determining them to that which”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 7: Lactantius, Venantius, Asterius, Victorinus, Dionysius — THE PAULINE NORM.(1) (part 1): 1. Supplications. 2. Prayers, Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs. 3. Intercessions. 4. General Thanksgiving. The Kiss of Peace. 5. Anaphora.(2) The Lord Jesus the same night in which He was betrayed took bread: And when He had given thanks, He brake it, And said, Take, eat: this is my Body, which is broken for you: This do in remembrance of Me. After the same manner also He took the cup, when He had supped, Saying, This cup is the New Testament in my Blood: This do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in r”