September 1: A PLAN WITH A PROMISE

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. Revelation 14:6

John the Revelator had interacted with a mighty angel in chapter 10 who had a little book open in his hand (10:2). The only book of Scripture that had previously been closed—regarding its full meaning—in the past was Daniel (Daniel 12:4,9). Today’s opening verse is a continuation: “Go, take the little book which is open…eat it; and it will make your stomach bitter, but it will be as sweet as honey in your mouth.” (Revelation 10:8,9) The sweetness comes with the marvelous revelation of understanding. But bitterness comes as the thrilling message is shared, because most people reject it. And [the angel] said to me, “You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, tongues, and kings.” (10:11)

Thus, we continue into the message to be shared with the world: it is the everlasting [unaltered] gospel, and our merciful God plans for everyone to have the opportunity to hear it. The message is both about and to all of those who dwell on the earth. The main fact about them is that God loves them all. He cares deeply that they hear the true, complete, and unaltered Good News of His salvation. Therefore, the last-day message to them is meant to counteract the devil’s counterfeit gospel (see 2 Corinthians 11:4; Galatians 1:6) that leads people away from God by misrepresenting Him; yet He draws people to Himself with the truth about His character.

The last-day saints who endure the final tribulation period are given firm assurance of Christ’s promise to be with them and to sustain them. The great eschatological showdown will not hinder this special group from delivering the final message of warning to the world, portrayed as three very vocal angels flying through the earth’s atmosphere with special messages targeted for our times. They are infused with instructions, plain facts, and hope! Over the next several days, we will peer deeply into these messages, bathed in God’s tears—a condensed message that spans the entire Bible.

Revelation 14:6 is the only verse in Scripture that describes the gospel as everlasting. At a time when the devil’s counterfeit gospel is sweeping the globe, when soon only those who accept the beast’s mark will be allowed to conduct business (buy and sell), there is no greater truth needed than the Good News of God’s everlasting salvation. The gospel is everlasting because, like God, it never changes (Malachi 3:6). The gospel is everlasting because God’s promises are a guaranteed reality. It is a plan conceived before the world was created (Titus 1:2) and it is about a salvation that lasts for eternity.

The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.” Jeremiah 31:3