Songs of Praise to God (Doxology)

God is worthy of our praises at all times, and the songs of praise to Him must be in line with the scripture. Heaven has been described as a place of utmost praise, where heavenly beings praise God continually. Psalm 146:2 - While I live will I praise the Lord: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being. The followings are discussed: Praise the Omnipotent God; Praise Christ the Redeemer, and Worship God who Reigns.

Praise the Omnipotent God: John experienced the worship and praise of God in the isolated place he was exiled. He was lifted up in the spirit to experience the happenings around the throne of God. Heavens sing the attributes of God, which are glory, honour, power, might and wisdom (Genesis 4:8-11). The worship in the heaven is to acknowledge God as the omnipotent  Creator. He combined wisdom and power in the creation. While power and might are magnified by wisdom, wisdom is required to control power. God is worthy of our praise for who He is and what He has done.

John, in the vision, saw a great number of people (Jews and others)  around the throne, praising God for His provision of salvation. He saw Angels, heavenly beings and a large number of people from different groups praising God. The role played by the angels in the songs is to rejoice with the redeemed in the worship and adoration of God (Revelation 7:11-12). The angels are the created beings, the messengers of God. They make the seventh-part declaration of praise before God, crying out, Amen. God is worthy to be praised, Amen. Thanksgiving, honour and respect are due to Him because of His power and authority.

Praise Christ the Redeemer: In the revelation given to John, Jesus is revealed as the Lamb of God who stands as God's offer for redemption and salvation (Revelation 5:9-13). He is the power and authority of God for salvation. According to the revelation he has the authority for righteous judgment. Only those who are redeemed will share Christ's throne (Exodus 19:6; 1 Peter 2:5-10). God has given believers the grace to share Christ's glory, not only in his heavenly kingdom, but on this earth also (Revelation 2:26-27). Jesus is the Lamb of God as described in the revelation (John 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:7; 1 Peter 1:19). Angels join in the praise of him. He is praised for being the Redeemer, and as the One to whom all glory, riches, wisdom, strength, honour and blessing belong.

All the redeemed, as a great multitude of nations, people and tongues stood before the throne, worshipping God and the Lamb (Revelation 7:9-10). This can  be described as worship before the throne by 'the Church'. The Church, at that time will be the gathering of those who are redeemed and saved. God sent Christ, the Messiah through Israel for the blessing of all nations. He had fulfilled His covenant with Abraham through Christ, the final fulfilment of His plan for redemption and restoration will also come to pass.

Worship God Who Reigns: We should worship God for His eternal reign. The day is coming when the kingdoms of earth will be replaced by the kingdom of heaven. God has started working on His plan to end the violence, abuse, ignorance and perversion of faith in Him with the goodness and glory of the coming kingdom. Those who make it to the heavenly kingdom will reign with God and experience eternal peace (Revelation 11:15-18). All problems we are facing in this earth will be part of the old world that is passing away. God has assured us of the final victory over all evil and the day is coming when Hallelujah will be our song of victory.

God is praised for replacing the kingdoms of this world with His kingdom. It has been recorded that Babylon will fall, this means destruction of evil and ungodly world system. The Heavenly multitude will praise God for His salvation, truth and righteous judgement (Revelation 19:1-3). As the people of God we should rejoice for the victory God will bring over sin and evil. As Christian we should rejoice for being the bride of the Lamb, people that will reign with Christ in God's eternal kingdom. Our highest priority should be doing what God requires of us. To God be the glory. Lesson texts: Revelation 4:8-11; 5:9-13; 7:9-12; 11:15-18; 19:1-7).