First command – “Fear God” refers to a holy reverence
that recognizes the sovereign authority and power of God to
deal with man in His holy wrath and recognize the true God
who can destroy the soul rather than just the body as with
the beast.
Second Command – “Give Him glory” refers to the praise and
honor that should accrue to God from man due to man’s
knowledge and high estimation of God as the sovereign
Creator of the universe.
Third Command – “Worship Him,” means to show reverence or
respect. This word emphasizes the external display as seen
in obedience, prayer, singing, and formal worship, while the
word “fear” emphasizes the mental attitude behind the
worship. In the Tribulation, men will be forced to fear and
formally acknowledge the beast and his image. In this
message, the angel is demanding that men reject the beast
and formally turn to God to worship Him.
Why fear God, give Him glory, and worship Him?
First reason – “because the hour of judgment has come,” this
is a reference to the final judgments of the Tribulation,
the bowl judgments which are about to occur. These will
conclude with the return of Christ Himself (Revelation 19)
and lead to the removal of all unbelievers. The emphasis is,
do not delay because the time is short.
Second reason – is seen in the reference to God as the
Creator, this calls attention to the ageless and universal
message of the creation itself. Age after age creation has
called man to recognize God’s existence and to seek after
Him.
