“The Everlasting Gospel”
Revelation 14:6-13

“Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth – to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people.” [Rev 14:6]

When we think of the “gospel” [literally “good news”] we think of the gospel of salvation or the gospel of grace. But in our passage this morning, “the everlasting gospel” is a gospel of judgment. The context of the next verse supports this: “saying with a loud voice, ‘Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come” [Rev 13:7].

“Ordinarily, one would expect this to refer to the gospel of salvation. In verse 7, however, the content of the message is quite different, announcing the hour of God’s judgment.” [Walvoord]

God’s judgment is good news because it ushers in God’s glory. It purges sin from this earth so that the glory of Christ’s Return follows. Our text this morning reveals a gospel of judgment.

In loosing the 5th seal [Rev 6:9], the martyred saints cried out, “How long O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” Revelation 14:6 is the end of the Tribulation, and John sees an angel with “the everlasting gospel” of judgment. It will not be good news for the unrepentant earth dwellers, but will be good news for the martyred and living saints who “worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.” [Rev 14:7b]

This is a theme that runs through the Bible and one we have even seen in our midweek study of Ezekiel. Judgment precedes glory because of sin. Before we can experience God’s glory, our sin must be dealt with and the way is the Cross of Calvary. Judgment has been rendered upon the Lamb of God slain for the sins of the world, so that we can know God’s glory.

For all of us on this side of the Cross we have a choice to make. Will we turn away from sin or force God’s hand of judgment? There is a time of mercy for sure [a time to repent], but if we continue to choose our own way He will judge [i.e., correct]. It is the way of a loving Father.

Yes, even today we can experience a certain degree of judgment so that the sin we hold on to is purged. It is because God’s desire is that we come to know and experience His glory.