November 6, 2022

…they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: “Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them. Acts 4:24

At least six times* in Scripture, the one, true God is described in this way. And His identity as Creator “who made . . .” is repeatedly tied to His identity as Redeemer. This positive identification is further developed in the connection between our heavenly Father and His only Son. Jesus Himself said, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:9).

But each of us must remember, especially as we enter into the season of celebrating “Immanuel, God with us” (Matthew 1:23), that the one hundred percent victory-after-victory over the temptation to sin that Jesus won was won as a human. Jesus, fully human and tempted by Satan as we are, gave us the example of victory through the written word: “It is written…” He said (see Matthew 4, Luke 4). As a child growing up, He was taught the Scriptures, just as we are. His oneness with the Father was diligently and faithfully maintained through prayer. And He prayed for all of His followers thus:

“Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As you sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth. I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one . . . that the world may believe that You sent Me.” John 17:17-21

Beloved, it is our privilege to be united in the sacred duty as angel, or messenger, of the everlasting gospel to the world—the only true message of salvation. Now, at the end of the age (Matthew 28:20) we still have the promise that He is with us. The love of God is so great that no one is out of the reach of salvation. And this is why His final message to be shared with the world, given to us through John the Revelator, begins with these words:

“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—saying with a loud voice, “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgement has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.” Revelation 14:6-7

*Exodus 20:11; Nehemiah 9:6; Psalm 146:6; Acts 4:24; 14:15; Revelation 14:7