The Eternal Gospel

Scripture: Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people. And he said with a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.” Revelation 14:6-7

Observation: The gospel of Jesus is that God has provided a Messiah and redeemer to reconcile everyone to him, and that by faith in Jesus Christ all can receive the forgiveness of sins and eternal life in heaven. However, this angel brings a different message, and it is the "eternal gospel" - a gospel that pre-existed the arrival of Jesus, and still exists in Revelation after the second coming of Jesus. That eternal gospel is that God is the creator of all things, and we are to glorify and honor and worship him.

Application: This, too, is good news, and I would personally summarize it as follows:

-- When it comes to questions of belief, there is an absolute truth ... God, the one God, father of Jesus, is the creator of heaven and earth.

-- We are to love God, giving him all glory and honor, for that is how we will be judged in the end.

For Christians, we have the added good news of an intercessor - by our faith in Jesus, he is able to provide us with salvation. However, our faith in Jesus never exists in a state that does not include belief in and worship of God. You cannot believe Jesus is the son of God, sent to earth out of God's love for us, and then not believe there is a loving God who created earth.

Therefore, this is the "eternal" gospel ... the good news that there is a loving God!! God's love for us pre-existed us, and it continues forever. We get to live forever in that love when we choose to return that love to him - when we choose to honor our father in heaven and worship him. And in heaven, that love-and-worship relationship will go on for eternity.

Meanwhile, on earth ... the hour of judgment approaches for those who do not worship God ...

Prayer: Lord, this is why I cry during worship ... I know it is a burden you have placed on me, to be so moved when I worship because worship is at the core of relationship with you. May my worship continue far beyond any singing I do. May it be evidenced in my work, and my words, and my service, and my daily walk. In everything I do, may I become a living sacrifice to you, holy and pleasing in your sight, as my true act of worship. Amen, and amen.