What does the phrase to His God and Father mean in Rev 1:6?

The phrase "to His God and Father" points to the ultimate purpose of human redemption through Jesus Christ. The Savior did not merely free us from the penalty of sin, but elevated us to the status of a royal priesthood for eternal ministry and intimate communion with the Heavenly Father. This biblical expression from the Book of Revelation unveils the nature of the Godhead, the uniqueness of Christ's mission, and the calling of every Christian in the great controversy between good and evil.

The Context of the Apostolic Doxology

On the island of Patmos, the apostle John addresses the seven churches of Asia, praising the One who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood. Immediately following this comes a solemn declaration regarding the new status of redeemed humanity:

“and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” Rev 1:6

In the original Greek, the phrase "τῷ Θεῷ καὶ Πατρὶ αὐτοῦ" grammatically designates one Person of the Godhead. It does not refer separately to "God" and separately to "the Father," but to the God who is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Savior offered Himself as a sacrifice to restore the bond severed by sin between humanity and the Creator, making us His possession and His servants.

Christ as the God-Man in Relationship with the Father

For Adventist theology, this verse harmoniously emphasizes the mystery of the incarnation of the Son of God. In becoming human, Jesus voluntarily took on a position of dependence upon His Heavenly Father. This is precisely why He calls the Father His God, while remaining equal to Him in divine essence. The Lord clearly testified of this on the day of His glorious resurrection:

“Jesus said to her, ‘Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, "I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God."’” John 20:17

Addressing the Father as His God, Christ stands as the representative of the human race, the second Adam. He gained the victory where the first man fell, and He now represents us before the throne of grace. Ellen White repeatedly emphasized in her writings that the bond between the Father and the Son is so close that through Christ, the Father's love is poured out in full measure upon every repentant sinner.

Kings and Priests: Biblical Heritage and Calling

The words about kings and priests hearken back to God's Old Testament covenant with the people of Israel at Mount Sinai. Back then, the Lord offered the people a special covenant status:

“‘And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.” Exod 19:6

The apostle Peter echoes this truth, affirming that the New Testament church is a royal priesthood, called to proclaim the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. Serving "His God and Father" means becoming His representatives on earth and having direct access to His grace without earthly intermediaries, since our only High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary is Jesus Christ Himself.

Practical Significance for the Believer's Life

Understanding that we have been made priests to God and the Father fundamentally transforms our daily life. This is not merely an honorary title, but a responsibility and a privilege. Every Christian today is called to carry out spiritual ministry, offering sacrifices of praise, prayer, and practical help to others. We are called to rule over our sinful inclinations through the power of the Holy Spirit, acting as kings, and to intercede for others in prayer, acting as priests before the Father. This gives us the deep assurance that we are cherished children in the family of God.