"Then I saw another angel flying in midheaven, 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)
The last angel we saw mentioned was in chapter 11—the seventh angel, we’re not told who this gospel-bearing angel is. This angel preaches the gospel from the vantage point of “midheaven,” which implies that it is visible, reaching the expanse of the earth with the gospel. Here he emphasizes the global aspect of the gospel. The eternal nature of the gospel shows that it transcends seasons, centuries, and ideologies to speak the truth of God to all humanity. The gospel is not just for a small group in a few centuries. The gospel is for the world. Because it is “an eternal gospel,” then it bears eternal accountability for all humanity. Everyone in “every nation and tribe and tongue and people” has a responsibility toward the gospel of Jesus Christ. John calls additional attention to this accountability when he refers to God as the one “who made the heaven and the earth and sea and springs of waters.” He’s not as the dragon, who has no power to create, but only deceives and destroys. God created the earth that we enjoy; but He is no absentee landlord. He calls us into accountability to the eternal gospel. And what kindness has been shown to a world of rebels by offering to us the good news of the Savior, Christ Jesus the crucified and risen Lord!
(Phil A. Newton)
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