Read Psalm 97.
This wonderful song is a universal call to praise the One and only God. The psalm is full of theology and answers some basic questions to which every human being must respond.
1. Who is God? (vv.1-5)
Inspired by the Holy Spirit, the writer provides a view of the LORD on His throne.
The visuals are further described in Isaiah 6 and Revelation 4. Note also the sounds and power that emanate from His presence. His rule is founded upon the character qualities of righteousness and justice. These two qualities are emphasized in light of His coming judgment upon the earth.
The Apostle Peter gave a matching preview of this coming in judgment.
"But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly...then the heavenly bodies will burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed." (2 Peter 3:7-10)
2. What about other beliefs? (vv.6-9)
Don't we all worship the same God? The Creator of all things, the eternal God, claims absolute exclusivity. The Bible does not mince words concerning other belief systems. All others will be put to shame and even now are worthless. There is an invitation here for all those so called gods to worship the LORD alone.
When the Philistines placed the Ark of God before their idol Dagon, that false god fell to the ground before the Ark and broke in pieces. (1 Samuel 5)
Jesus could not have been clearer on this point. "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)
3. What should we who know Jesus do about this spiritual warfare? (vv.10-12)
-Hate evil. Believers must not tolerate personal sin, nor be complacent about the sin around them.
-Know that God delivers His own from evil people. Indeed, the enemy of our souls has already been defeated.
-Rejoice and give thanks.
"For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith." (1 John 5:4)
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