How can fear of God lead to repentance, as seen in Revelation 11:13? Setting the Scene in Revelation 11:13 “ And in that hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city collapsed. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the rest were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.” What Happens in the Verse • A sudden, unmistakable act of divine judgment (the earthquake) • Massive loss of life that leaves survivors “terrified” • Immediate response: the survivors “gave glory to the God of heaven,” a phrase Scripture consistently links with repentance and true worship (cf. Joshua 7:19; Psalm 96:7–9; Revelation 14:7) How Holy Fear Works Toward Repentance 1. Recognition of God’s Sovereignty • The quake shatters any illusion of human control. • Psalm 99:1: “The LORD reigns, let the nations tremble.” 2. Awareness of Personal Accountability • Hebrews 9:27: “It is appointed for men to die once, and after that to face judgment.” • Catastrophe confronts each survivor with mortality and coming judgment. 3. Conviction of Sin • John 16:8 explains that the Spirit convicts “of sin, righteousness, and judgment.” • Fear opens the heart to this convicting ministry. 4. Turning (Metanoia) • Acts 2:37–38 shows fear-struck listeners crying, “Brothers, what shall we do?” leading to repentance and baptism. • Revelation 11:13 parallels this: terror → giving glory → implied turning from rebellion. 5. Embracing Mercy • Psalm 130:3–4: “If You, O LORD, kept a record of sins… but with You there is forgiveness, that You may be feared.” • Fear that drives one to God discovers His readiness to forgive through Christ (Romans 5:8–9). Biblical Pattern of Fear Preceding Repentance • Nineveh: Jonah 3:5–10 – fear of imminent destruction led to sackcloth, fasting, and God’s relenting. • Israel at Sinai: Exodus 20:18–20 – trembling people urged to “fear God, so that you will not sin.” • Ananias and Sapphira: Acts 5:5–11 – “great fear seized the whole church,” purifying the community. Healthy vs. Unhealthy Fear • Healthy (Reverential) Fear – Springs from recognizing God’s holiness – Leads to confession, obedience, worship • Unhealthy (Paralyzing) Fear – Centers on self-preservation alone – Ends in hiding or hardness (Genesis 3:10; Revelation 6:16) Practical Takeaways • Reflect on God’s mighty acts—past, present, and prophesied—to maintain reverent awe (Psalm 111:2–10). • Let the certainty of judgment stir urgency to repent daily (2 Corinthians 7:1). • Translate fear into worship by giving God glory now, not waiting for crisis (Hebrews 12:28–29). |
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