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 judgement has come and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.” Rev 14:6-7
“If anyone worships the beast…he also will drink the wine of God’s Wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger…” (excerpts from Rev 14:9 and 10)
Observation: What is the basis of the Gospel? Perhaps the foundation of the Gospel is simple (but not talked about as much): Fear God and give him glory because he is Creator of all things.
Analysis: Sometimes I talk about the Gospel in a way to communicate a wonderous benefit like going to heaven when dead.
Can’t beat that but as I am sitting here it is making me think that this message is like “What are you doing after winning the Super Bowl? I am going to Disney World.” Pretty sharp, I know, but I can’t help thinking that way.
What should I be saying, then?
I think that studying the subject of the Gospel broadens the possibilities of what and how I respond to the world around me with the Gospel.
For instance, I read v. 9 and 10 about the Cup of God’s Wrath. Of course, it is the same Cup that Jesus asked the Father to remove (Mark 14:36) but said, “Not my will, but yours.”
Thinking and talking about the Wrath of God seems like such a downer. Emphasizing the Love of God is giving a lop-sided view of the Gospel.
I can realize the above intellectually and for the life of me it is difficult to represent the Gospel in a complete way—without preaching the entire and complete Gospel to myself. To do that means I need to study the complete Gospel—God’s Attributes, the Doctrines of the Church (including the doctrine of Sin), etc.—all of these contribute to my understanding and subsequent, fall on my face, surrendered worship of the Most High God.
I find myself working at understanding the Gospel daily. Sometimes I don’t rejoice because the cares of this life interrupt—I will bet that is what everyone encounters. However, while the road of righteousness is narrow, it is the steady and insistent plodding forward that represents the endurance of the saints.
Persevere to the end, my friends.
Prayer: Father, how much do I want to learn about Your Eternal plan, the Gospel. I want to learn as much as You care to reveal. The stuff I want to learn is not secret but are revealed by Your Word and through You, the Holy Spirit.
Hear my cry, O Lord. Help me persevere to the End. AMEN.