The Everlasting Gospel: A Proclamation, not a Salvation Message

The Everlasting Gospel: A Proclamation, not a Salvation Message

Revelation 14:6-7 describes a striking moment during the tribulation:

“And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth… Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.”

Many assume this angel is preaching the same gospel Paul declared in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. But the message here is different. It contains no mention of Christ’s death, burial, or resurrection. No call to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. No offer of justification or eternal life. Instead, it is a global proclamation of God’s authority and a warning of imminent judgment.

This is not the gospel of grace. Nor is it the gospel of the kingdom. It is the everlasting gospel—a declaration of who God is and what He is about to do. It calls all nations to fear, glorify, and worship the Creator. It affirms His eternal right to judge. But it does not save.

What Is a Gospel?

The word “gospel” simply means “good news.” Scripture uses it in different contexts:

• The gospel of the kingdom (Matthew 4:23) was good news to Israel about the coming reign of Messiah.
• The gospel of grace (Acts 20:24) is good news to all about salvation through Christ’s finished work.
• The everlasting gospel (Revelation 14:6-7) is good news that God is still sovereign—even in judgment.

Each gospel is true. Each is good. But each must be understood in its context. The everlasting gospel is not a plan of salvation—it is a call to acknowledge God’s authority before His wrath is poured out.

The Examples of Paul and Titus to Boldly Proclaim the Gospel

The Examples of Paul and Titus to Boldly Proclaim the Gospel

A Call to Every Believer

Preaching is not exclusive to ordained ministers—it is the calling of every believer. Whether clergy or layman, every follower of Christ has the divine responsibility to proclaim the gospel with conviction and love. The world is filled with opposition, false teachings, and spiritual struggles, yet the gospel remains the power of God unto salvation. But for it to reach hearts, someone must speak it out.

Scripture reveals the lives of faithful men who endured immense challenges yet never wavered. Among them, Paul and Titus serve as shining examples of unwavering dedication. Their ministry was not one of ease, but of perseverance, facing obstacles that sought to silence the truth. And yet, they pressed on. Their faithfulness speaks to us today, calling us to rise, speak, and boldly proclaim God’s salvation in Christ.

Paul and Titus: Faithfulness in the Face of Hardship

Paul’s ministry culminated in two arrests in Rome, each bearing profound significance. His first imprisonment (AD 60–62) saw him under house arrest, still able to teach and encourage. Released after this period, he continued his labour for the gospel, strengthening churches and appointing leaders. This was when he penned his letter to Titus, urging him to establish order and appoint elders on the island of Crete, a land known for deception and moral corruption.

Preaching Christ: The Heart of the Matter

Preaching Christ: The Heart of the Matter

In Philippians 1:14-18, we find Paul reflecting on his imprisonment and its unexpected effects on the spread of the gospel. His captivity has emboldened others to preach with greater courage, but Paul notices that not everyone does so with pure intentions. Some preach out of envy and rivalry, while others preach out of goodwill and love. Despite the mixed motives, Paul’s remarkable conclusion is that what truly matters is that Christ is preached.

Reflecting on this, Paul asks, "What then?" How should it affect my feelings when others preach from envy or rivalry? His answer is profound: regardless of their motives—whether in pretense or truth—the key point is that Christ is being proclaimed.

"Pretense" means hiding one’s true motives and giving others a false impression. It involves trying to cover up true intentions, often for personal gain. Paul did not support this kind of deception, but he did support spreading the message of Christ. For him, the core message—that Jesus Christ is the Saviour—and saving souls was more important than any competition or rivalry.

This serves as a powerful reminder that the proclamation of Christ, regardless of the manner, possesses the potential to impact and transform lives. Although it is preferable for preachers to be well-educated and sincere in their motives, any form of announcing the Saviour is preferable to silence.

Paul's kindness and understanding of this matter offers a few important lessons for us to consider. For example, if others are more popular or successful, we should celebrate their success because it means Christ is being preached. When other ministers preach, even if we see errors in their messages, yet the grace gospel is proclaimed, we can still find joy in the fact that Christ is magnified. When we can't preach because of other commitments, we should rejoice that others are able to share the message of Christ. No matter what the circumstance, what the intentions, or who is preaching, if it is proclaiming the free gift of justification through the cross and resurrection of Christ, we should rejoice in their contributions to God's work and to the furtherance of our blessed grace gospel.

In a world where so many things can hinder and affect the spread of the gospel, let us look at things the way Paul did. Let us celebrate the shared goal of making Christ known to all.