The Message in the Last Days that Goes to the Whole World has 3 Parts.
It is time for us to remember both the chiastic structure and the sanctuary overlay of Revelation. The current section under discussion (Revelation 12 -14) began in Revelation 11:19 with John being given a virtual tour of the heavenly sanctuary. V19 was the beginning of an internal chiasm that ended in Revelation 12:17. As such the ark of the covenant (which contained the Ten Commandments) was seen in heaven. The lightening, thunder and earthquake of 11:19 is reminiscent of Sinai when the Law was given to Moses. (Exodus 19:16). The biblical account of the Ten Commandments being given at Mount Sinai includes descriptions of thunder, lightning, and a thick cloud on the mountain. The people in the camp trembled at the sound of the trumpet and the powerful display of nature. This grand spectacle was meant to emphasize the presence and holiness of God.
The end of this internal chiasm (Revelation 12:17) represents that group of people who stand for what was in the ark of the covenant seen in heaven. They also suffer the attacks of the enemy of souls. A fresh internal chiasm begins in Revelation 12:17 and terminates in Revelation 14:1 with the announcement of the 144,000. Thus the two verses are complimentary – they are referring to the same group. This passage is also linked to Revelation 7 where the 144,000 are listed in military terminology as we noted in our study of Revelation 7. This is God’s church militant – mobilized against the trinity of evil. Revelation 13, among other things, had documented the beasts attack on God’s commandments and His people throughout the ages reaching its climax in the last days with the final abomination of desolation mentioned by Daniel (Remember, in His Second advent sermon, Jesus told us to understand this – Matt 24:15.) Now we will see that group who will proclaim God’s last warning message to a judgment bound world (Revelation 14 :1-5.) We will also now study the content of this message that must go to every kindred, nation, tongue and people.
“And I saw another angel flying in midheaven with an eternal gospel to preach to those who live on the earth, and to every nation, tribe, language, and people; and he said with a loud voice, “Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come; worship Him who made the heaven and the earth, and sea and springs of waters.” – Revelation 14:6-7.NASB
This is the first of the three angels’ messages that are proclaimed in the end of our world’s history that will bring a polarization of the earth’s population under one of two banners – for or against God.
In this text, God shows his caring concern for people from every nation, every family group, every language group, every colour and culture, and every ethnic type. No matter how much they oppose Him, no matter how perverse their behaviour may seem, Jesus died for them (Rev 5:9; 2 Cor 5:14). They are valued in terms of the infinite value of the cross.
God shows a breath-taking lack of prejudice
Multi-culturalism is not just a politically correct fad; it is fundamental in God’s attitude toward people in all their infinite variety. God shows no partiality; He cares for all people!
In year 8 English I teach a unit on voice where among other things we look at the “I have a dream” speech of Martin Luther King and examine its context in the civil rights movement in America during the 1960s and 70s. Other things in year 8 English are designed to help students see the world through others’ eyes – refugees, other cultures, and the marginalised. This is what God wants us to do with the great commission (Matthew 28:19). Every nation, tribe, language, and people.
Imagine what it is like to be looked at with suspicion wherever you go. To be stopped by the police on a regular basis, simply because you are black and driving a nice car. To be ignored in a clothing store while others get lots of help. To face a glass ceiling on the job; positions only open to the “right kind of people.” To be unwanted even in some churches, simply because of differences.
We need to learn to see through God’s eyes. It was God who chose to create human beings in all their variety. It is God who dwells inside people of every nation, tribe, and language. It is Jesus who died for everyone. How they feel and how they live matters to Him. The “everlasting gospel” is a wonderful message of “whosoever will” may come and drink freely from the well of salvation and eternal youth. (Revelation 22:17) “Whosoever” is an all inclusive pronoun that excludes no one. The same word/pronoun is found in John 3:16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” There is no exclusion zone around the cross!
The “eternal good news” (NLT) is very simple, and yet extremely complicated. A child can understand it, and yet the most learned can’t comprehend its depths. God invites humanity to receive eternal life – whosoever will. But why do we need this offer? Because we are sinners, and the wages of sin is death (Romans 3:23 and 26.). How do we receive this eternal life? It’s simple. “Ask…” (Matthew 7:7) Confess our condition (Ephesians 1:7) Receive his offer (John 3:16-17.) It is a gift that you could never earn or deserve (Romans 5: 15-17)
By accepting Him we receive life. From Jesus own lips, “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes has eternal life.” John 6:47