“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John” (Revelation 1:1).
The book of Revelation is built on a promise: “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near” (Revelation 1:3). The messages within this sacred book were not intended to be locked away or ignored. They are to be spread throughout the world. This is reinforced once more at the end of the book: “Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book” (22:7).
Pastors who are faithful to the Word of God will not neglect preaching on the prophecies found in John’s apocalypse. This includes the special messages of Revelation 14:6–13. Notice that the message of the first angel is called the “everlasting” gospel. It is not a temporary sermon for just a few people. It is to go to “every nation, tribe, tongue, and people” (v. 6).
The message of the second angel states, “Babylon is fallen” (v. 8) and warns people to come out of Babylon (vv. 1, 2, 4). Unless you understand that Babylon is a false religious system, you cannot leave her. This is a message of preparation for the soon coming of Christ. The third angel’s message warns against worshiping “the beast and his image” (14:9–11). It is a sobering warning that there will soon come a time when a false religious power will seek to force everyone to break God’s fourth commandment apparently.
These three angels’ messages are summed up by identifying God’s people: “Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus” (v. 12). In the face of the overwhelming deception and persecution that is soon to come, how could any genuine religious leader not want to warn people?
Father in heaven, thank you for sending this end-time message of warning to help your people prepare for your soon return.
For Further Study: Ezekiel 3:17–21; 2 Peter 1:12; Matthew 28:18–20
What's on your mind