The Commandments of God vs. the Commandments of Men: Worship, Wrath, and Allegiance

 

“The Commandments of God vs. the Commandments of Men: Worship, Wrath, and Allegiance”

Opening Scripture: Revelation 13:11–17

We live in an age when lines between truth and error, loyalty and compromise, have grown increasingly blurred. The Bible, however, paints a vivid picture of a coming conflict—one that is not simply political or economic, but fundamentally spiritual. Revelation chapters 13, 14, 16, 19, and 20 speak with urgency about a final showdown over worship—a contest between the commandments of God and the commandments of men. The question is not merely, What do you believe? but Whom do you obey?

The Beast and the Image: Counterfeit Worship and False Allegiance
(Revelation 13:11–17)

John sees a second beast rising out of the earth—one that speaks like a dragon and causes the world to worship the first beast. He performs great signs and deceives the people into setting up an image to the beast. Then, laws are enacted: all who do not worship the image will be killed, and economic sanctions are placed on those who refuse the mark.

This is more than political tyranny—it is enforced worship. It is humanity, under satanic deception, choosing man's authority over God's law. This beastly power exalts itself, demanding the kind of reverence and obedience that belongs only to God.

The Patience of the Saints: A Remnant Who Keeps God's Commandments
(Revelation 14:9, 11, 12)

In sharp contrast, the third angel’s message gives a solemn warning: If anyone worships the beast and his image... he shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God. Then we read a defining statement in verse 12:

“Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.”

This contrast is crystal clear: On one side, we have a system that compels false worship and sets aside God’s commandments. On the other, we see faithful believers, holding fast to God's law even in the face of death. The test centers on worship—on allegiance. Will we bow to human institutions or remain loyal to the Creator?

The Wrath of God and the Wrath of Man
(Revelation 14:10; Romans 1:18–25)

Paul writes in Romans 1:18 that the wrath of God is revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness. This parallels Revelation 14:10, where those who worship the beast will drink the cup of God’s wrath.

Notice the connection: the people in Romans exchange the truth of God for a lie and worship the creature rather than the Creator (Romans 1:25). This is exactly the crisis in Revelation. Instead of honoring the Creator—whose sign of authority is embedded in the Sabbath commandment—people worship the image, a human invention. This is not just disobedience; it is false worship, which provokes God’s wrath.

The Outcome of Each Choice
(Revelation 16:2; 19:20; 20:4)

Those who accept the mark are struck with painful sores (Rev. 16:2), are deceived and ultimately destroyed with the beast and false prophet (Rev. 19:20), and miss out on the first resurrection. But Revelation 20:4 speaks of those who were beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image. These are raised to reign with Christ—a powerful promise of vindication and reward.

The issue of worship in Revelation is not merely symbolic. It is the final test of loyalty—will we obey God’s commandments or yield to man’s decrees? The beast demands worship, but so does God. The difference is that God's call is based on truth, love, and freedom—man's is based on coercion and deception.

In the end, every human being will give their allegiance to one of two powers. Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters.” The last great conflict centers on that choice. May we, like the saints described in Revelation, be found keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.

Friends, the commandments of God are not mere suggestions—they are the foundation of His government and the reflection of His character. As the world moves toward confusion and counterfeit worship, let us stand firm on His Word. Let us worship the Creator, not the creature. And when the test comes, may we be found faithful. Amen!

More: Sabbath School Lesson 12 - Precursors