Our Scripture meditation is based on Revelation 14:6-7, next week’s First Reading. For a meditation on the Epistle Lesson, click HERE.
[6] Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people. [7] 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.”
The Lutheran Reformation, which started more than 500 years ago, was not solely about returning Christendom to its original biblical teaching. It was also about re-engaging the Church in God’s mission.
In Revelation 14:6 an angel is described as flying to proclaim the “eternal Gospel”. To this day the Roman Catholic Church incorrectly teaches this Gospel, saying that Christians must earn the merits of Christ’s forgiveness. This in unbiblical. The Scripture clearly teaches that people are saved by God’s grace through faith in Christ. Jesus has already done all the work necessary for salvation. (Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 3:23-24)
Revelation 14:6 is also an echo of Matthew 28:19, a reminder that God’s mission is to make disciples of Jesus of all nations. God has graciously decided to engage His people in this mission. Each congregation shares the “eternal Gospel” with its own members and the community. In fact, we as church members take this Gospel with us into our various God-given vocations.
I long for the day when Christendom is reunited around orthodox biblical teaching. May this happen before the return of Christ!
Until next week, the Lord bless and guide.
