Compare Revelation 6:15 with Philippians 2:10. How do both passages address submission? The Scene in Revelation 6:15 “Then the kings of the earth, the nobles, the commanders, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and free man hid in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains.” • The language is literal and sweeping: from kings to slaves, every rank is present • Terror drives them underground, acknowledging the inescapable authority of the One who has opened the sixth seal (Revelation 6:12–17) • Their hiding is an involuntary response to divine judgment—submission expressed through fear, not love The Honor of Philippians 2:10 “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.” • The scope is the same: every creature in every realm • Bowing here is an act of worship springing from the exaltation of Christ (Philippians 2:9–11) • Submission arises willingly from recognizing His lordship and glory A Single Reality: Universal Submission Both passages declare that all created beings will submit to Christ • Revelation 6:15 pictures submission under judgment • Philippians 2:10 portrays submission in worship and adoration The certainty is absolute; the manner differs Forced Versus Willing Submission • Revelation: compelled, fearful, desperate, trying to hide (cf. Isaiah 2:19) • Philippians: voluntary, joyful, open confession of Jesus as Lord (cf. Psalm 95:6) • The heart posture determines whether submission is experienced as dread or delight Other Scriptures Echoing the Theme • Isaiah 45:23 and Romans 14:11 — every knee will bow, every tongue confess • Psalm 2:1–12 — kings warned to submit and “kiss the Son” lest He be angry • James 4:7 — believers called to “submit yourselves therefore to God” in humility now, rather than face forced submission later Living Out Submission Today • Choose the Philippians path: bow willingly, confess openly, worship gladly • Let present obedience anticipate the future universal bowing (1 Peter 3:15) • Stand in holy awe that the same Christ who receives joyful worship will also execute righteous judgment, and let that awe shape holy living (Hebrews 12:28–29) |
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