1844 must continue until the cases of all are decided , both of the living and the dead ; hence it will extend to the close of human probation .
That men may be prepared to stand in the judgment , the message commands them to " fear God , and give glory to Him ," " and worship Him that made heaven , and earth , and the sea , and the fountains of waters ." The result of an acceptance of these messages is given in the word : " Here are they that keep the commandments of God , and the faith of Jesus ." In order to be prepared for the judgment , it is necessary that men should keep the law of God . That law will be the standard of character in the judgment . The apostle Paul declares : " As many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law , . . . in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ ." And he says that " the doers of the law shall be justified ." Romans 2:12-16 . Faith is essential in order to the keeping of the law of God ; for " without faith it is impossible to please Him ." And " whatsoever is not of faith is sin ." Hebrews 11:6 ; Romans 14:23 .
By the first angel , men are called upon to " fear God , and give glory to Him " and to worship Him as the Creator of the heavens and the earth . In order to do this , they must obey His law . Says the wise man : " Fear God , and keep His commandments : for this is the whole duty of man ." Ecclesiastes 12:13 . Without obedience to His commandments no worship can be pleasing to God . " This is the love of God , that we keep His commandments ." " He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law , even his prayer shall be abomination ." 1 John 5:3 ; Proverbs 28:9 .
The duty to worship God is based upon the fact that He is the Creator and that to Him all other beings owe their existence . And wherever , in the Bible , His claim to reverence and worship , above the gods of the heathen , is presented , there is cited the evidence of His creative power . " All the gods of the nations are idols : but the Lord made the heavens ." Psalm 96:5 . " To whom then will ye liken Me , or shall I be equal ? saith the Holy One . Lift up your eyes on high , and behold who hath created these things ." " Thus saith the Lord that created the heavens ; God Himself that formed the earth and made it : . . . I am the Lord ; and there is none else ." Isaiah 40:25 , 26 ; 45:18 . Says the psalmist : " Know ye that the Lord He is God : it is He that hath made us , and not we ourselves ." " O come , let us worship and bow down : let us kneel before the Lord our Maker ." Psalms 100:3 ; 95:6 . And the holy beings who worship God in heaven state , as the reason why their homage is due to Him : " Thou art worthy , O Lord , to receive glory and honor and power : for Thou hast created all things ." Revelation 4:11 .
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