In the sermon titled "A Great Voice of Much People," Paul Mahan addresses the theological concept of heavenly worship as depicted in Revelation 19. He argues that the worship of a great multitude in heaven is a continuation of the worship that occurs on earth, emphasizing the unity and harmony of the believers' praise. Mahan illustrates this using Scripture references such as Revelation 19:1-9, which describes the collective worship of the redeemed, and Revelation 1:1-2, highlighting the revelation of Jesus Christ as central to the faith. He notes that true worship begins with the fear of the Lord and calls believers to recognize their election and redemption through Christ alone. The significance of this message lies in its affirmation of the Reformed doctrines of salvation by grace alone and the eternal joy of the communion of saints, culminating in the eschatological hope of being with Christ.
Key Quotes
“This whole book is concerning Christ... They're saying and doing in heaven what they began saying and doing on earth.”
“Happily ever after... Well, it's not going to end that way with most people. But it will with God's people.”
“The testimony of Jesus is the spirit, heart, and soul of all prophecy.”
“True worship begins with the fear of the Lord. And all who fear, repent.”
The Bible reveals that worship in heaven is characterized by a unified voice of praise to God, declaring His glory and salvation.
The book of Revelation, particularly chapter 19, provides a vivid depiction of worship in heaven. It describes a great multitude praising God with a singular voice, exclaiming 'Hallelujah!' This expression of praise is not just a ceremonial practice; it is a heartfelt response to God's righteous judgments and His omnipotent reign. Heaven's worship mirrors the earthly worship of God's people, emphasizing that all who are redeemed, the elect of God, share in this glorious anthem of praise. The essence of this worship is the acknowledgment of Christ's finished work and the salvation He has provided, which is fundamental to the identity of every believer.
Revelation 19:1-4
God's judgments are affirmed as true and righteous because they are founded on His character, which is faithful and unable to lie.
In Revelation 19:2, it states that 'true and righteous are His judgments.' This assertion is grounded in the nature of God Himself, who is depicted as faithful and true throughout Scripture. God's character assures us that what He declares is just and perfect. The angels and elders in heaven affirm this, acknowledging that His judgments are fair and just, holding true in light of divine sovereignty. When believers grasp this truth, it deepens their confidence in God's governance of all things and encourages them to trust in His purposes, even amid trials and tribulations. Therefore, God's judgments are not merely arbitrary decisions; they arise from His unchanging holiness and justice.
Revelation 19:2
The concept of election is crucial for Christians as it emphasizes God's sovereignty in salvation and reassures believers of their security in Christ.
Election signifies God's sovereign choice in salvation, affirming that it is His initiative and not based on human merit. As expressed in Revelation 19:9, those who are blessed to be part of the marriage supper of the Lamb are identified as 'called.' This notion of divine calling underscores God's grace and serves as a profound comfort to believers. It conveys that salvation is not a product of human effort but stems from God's gracious will. This understanding fosters humility and gratitude in the heart of every Christian, recognizing that they were chosen not because of their own righteousness, but solely due to God’s mercy and love. In a world rife with uncertainty, the doctrine of election affirms the certainty of God's promises and His commitment to His chosen people.
Revelation 19:9
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