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The Attributes of Eternal Praise

Let me point out three great attributes of our eternal praise: First, praise is to be corporate. Second, praise is to be unified. Third, praise is to be the atmosphere of our lives.

Our Praise Should Be Corporate

In the verses we looked at from Revelation yesterday, it's clear that the angels, the saints, and the many creatures of God are praising God as a group. There is no mention of individuals offering praise alone in heaven. The praise in heaven is corporate, and it is praise that is joined to the praise of all others who exalt God and proclaim Jesus as Lord.

Many Christians I know believe that praise is intended only for their private prayer closets or their personal worship. Not so! Our voices join with the voices of countless other believers on this earth to create a great outpouring of praise that flows upward to heaven. 

Our Praise Should Be Unified

Not only is the praise in heaven corporate, it is also expressed in a unified message. The angels, saints, and creatures of God are all “on the same page” when it comes to what they say in praise. The book of Revelation provides several major areas on which to focus our praise:

• The Holiness of God

Around the throne of heaven are four "living creatures" who "day and night…never stop saying: 'Holy, holy, holy' " (Revelation 4:8). 

• The Omnipotence of God

In heaven, God is honored as "the Lord God Almighty" (Revelation 4:8). Heaven offers praise to God’s “power and strength” (Rev. 7:12). God is not a “higher power,” He is the highest power.

• God’s Eternal Presence

The Lord is described in the praise songs of heaven as being the One "who was, and is, and is to come" (Rev. 4:8). He is also described as the One "who lives for ever and ever" (Rev. 4:9). 

•       God Our Redeemer

In Revelation we read that the creatures and the elders in heaven sing the following to the Lord Jesus: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals [thereby releasing God's judgment on the earth], because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation" (Revelation 5:9). 

•      God Our Provider

Again and again, we find the Lord acknowledged as the Source of all provision to us. The Lord is the Giver of "every good and perfect gift" (Jas. 1:17).

•    God Our Sovereign Ruler

In Revelation 11:15 we read: "There were loud voices in heaven, which said: 'The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever!'" 

•   God Our Creator and Sustainer

The worshippers in heaven proclaim to the Lord: "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being" (Revelation 4:11).

He knows all of our talents, abilities, and skills; our propensities, capacities, and desires. All these things have come from Him.

He is the One who gives seed to the sower and bread for our nourishment (see 2 Corinthians 9:10).

Our Praise Should Be the Atmosphere of Our Lives

What is the atmosphere of your life? Do your words of praise line up with the worship of God in heaven? Are you involved in a community of believers that regularly and enthusiastically praises the Lord?

The faithful practice of true praise puts a person in direct line with all of the power available in heaven and on earth. A life of praise links us to God's eternal purpose and His perfect plan for us. It creates in us a landing pad for the angels of heaven to become our ministering servants. It establishes an environment that is creative, energetic, and evangelistic. It produces a community of faith in which needs are met and challenges are overcome.

Verse to think on:

Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.—Revelation 15:4