THURSDAY DECEMBER 25, 2014 THE CLIMAX OF THE GOSPEL But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, then the mystery of God is finished, as He preached to His servants the prophets (Rev. 10:7, NASB). Significantly, Revelation 10:7 is the only other verse in Revelation (besides Revelation 14:6) that specifically refers to preaching the gospel (the Greek word translated preached is euangelizo, to proclaim good news). These two chapters are special for Seventh-day Adventists, because we find our calling and commission described in them. In other words, God has specifically commissioned us, in a way He has no other group, to proclaim the everlasting gospel. As we have seen, the gospel is the same from Genesis to Revelation. The law is the same. The covenant is the same. Jesus, Paul, and James all affirm that the gospel is the same one believed by Abraham (John 8:56, Rom. 4:13, James 2:21-23). Some have difficulty with this assertion only because they define the gospel more narrowly than Scripture. Abrahams obedient faith, however, originated through his foreseeing Jesus sacrifice. We do not need to balance faith with works in order to be saved. Faith alone is sufficient, but it must not be an intellectual faith as the devils have, nor a presumptuous faith that claims the promises of God without complying with the conditions of salvation; rather it must be a faith that works. WHY are the references in Revelation 12:17 and Revelation 14:12 to keeping the commandments, and to the testimony and faith of Jesus, significant in the context of the everlasting gospel? The decisive issue at the end of time is: whom will we worship and obey? The God who made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters? (Rev. 14:7). Or the beast and his image? Obedience to the commandments (including the Sabbath) through the faith of Jesus signifies those who remain faithful to the end. True religion demands both faith and obedience. Though often in the midst of reproach and persecution, a constant testimony has been borne to the perpetuity of the law of God and the sacred obligation of the creation Sabbath. These truths, as presented in Revelation 14 in connection with the everlasting gospel, will distinguish the church of Christ at the time of His appearing. For as the result of the threefold message it is announced: Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. -Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, pp. 453, 454.
Posted on: Thu, 25 Dec 2014 17:22:47 +0000