In this episode of ‘Hope for Today,’ we delve deep into Revelation 14, exploring the extraordinary proclamation of the everlasting gospel by the angels. Discover how every nation, tribe, and tongue will hear the message of salvation amidst God’s impending judgment. Learn about the crucial role of angels and the 144,000 in spreading God’s word to all corners of the world during the tribulation period. This discussion offers insight into divine grace and finality as we navigate through biblical prophecies.
I heard this at the pastor’s conference up in the Northwest, frightening things about what’s going on among so-called evangelicals and what they are saying. They are perverting the true gospel of Christ. And there never has been a day when we need to listen with careful ears and be like Berean Christians who search the scriptures daily to see whether those things are so. Be careful. It It all sounds so good, but they are changing the meanings of words. They are changing the doctrinal issues of the gospel, and it’s getting very dangerous.
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This is Hope for Today. On our last broadcast in Revelation 14, 1-5, we saw the Lamb standing on Mount Zion. But today, in Revelation 14, verses 6-13, a dramatic shift. An angel flies through the sky with the everlasting gospel, proclaiming it to every nation, tribe, and language. God’s judgment is announced, His wrath is warned, and the eternal destiny of men and women, it’s laid bare. It’s a message of grace and a message of finality. Today, David takes us into the gospel and God’s judgment. Stay tuned. Just ahead of that, we want to tell you about a powerful resource we have on our homepage. It’s a free resource called Food for Faith. This is a 160-page book that you can download, written by our good friend Richard A. Bennett. And so many listeners have told us how important, how encouraging this book truly is. It’s designed to build your faith, encourage your walk with the Lord, and it’s been translated into multiple languages. languages. Best of all, again, as I said, it’s absolutely free. You can download Food for Faith. There’s a link right there on the homepage. Keep it, share it with as many friends and family as you like. Visit davidhawking.org and look for Food for Faith. And as promised, here’s David with today’s study, The Gospel in God’s Judgment, found in Revelation chapter 14, verses 6 through 13.
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And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth and to every nation and kindred and tongue and people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God and give glory to him, for the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him that made heaven and earth and the sea and the fountains of waters. And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen. that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast in his image and receive his mark in his forehead or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation, and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.” and the smoke of their torment ascendeth up forever and ever, and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast in his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. Here is the patience of the saints. Here are they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth. Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them. In verse 6 and 7, I call this the proclamation of the gospel. God is not done proclaiming the gospel because the church is raptured. In the tribulation period, as we learned back in chapter 7, There will be a great multitude out of every nation, tribe, tongue, and people who will come to know the Lord during the tribulation period. It is the harvest at the end of the age spoken of in the parables of our Lord. It is going to be the biggest influx of people coming to the Savior. I believe, greater than any other comparable period of time in church history. We’re going to see a great multitude that no man can number, the Bible says. Isn’t that great? I just see it up in heaven where we’ll be watching this, this great revival as we see millions of people turning to the Lord. What a great thing that’s going to be. You know, the Bible says when one sinner repents, there’s joy in the presence of the angels. And I can only imagine that when we’re there with the fullness of joy and in the Lord’s presence, that we see all those angels going crazy. We’ll probably flip out a little too. Being so excited with all the people that are coming to know the Lord that will soon join us in celebrating the kingdom of God on earth. Now, when it says another angel, that immediately says, well, where was the other one? Back to chapter 8, verse 13, I think is our answer. I know it’s been a while since we have connected with one of these angels proclaiming God’s message, but it’s interesting that in our passage, the angel is indeed flying in the midst of heaven. with the everlasting gospel. Verse 6 says of chapter 14, I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven. So you expect to see the same thing earlier, and I think what you have is in chapter 8, verse 13. And I beheld and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven. Now this one’s announcing the last three trumpet judgments. Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels which are yet to sound. So that angel flew in the midst of heaven, and that angel announced the coming judgment of God. Now we have another angel flying in the midst of heaven. So chapter 14, verse 6, picks up where 8.13 left off, that is, as it relates to angels. Now what is this angel’s message? Verse 6 says, “…he has the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people.” Now, there are several things I draw to your attention. One is that according to this passage, the gospel is an everlasting gospel. There are some religious groups that try to tell us the gospel is different in different ages, that God had a different plan in times past than what he has today. That’s not so. There’s no definite article, by the way, in front of the everlasting gospel. It’s just an everlasting gospel. It’s dealing with the nature of the gospel. The gospel literally brings everlasting life, and it has been God’s message all along. There has been no other gospel. There’s only been one. Turn back to Galatians chapter 1. To show you the importance of this, the Bible warns us to not listen to any other gospel. In Galatians chapter 1, in verse 6, Paul wrote to the churches of what is today central Turkey or the province of Galatia, and he said, I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel, which is not another. Now there’s a play on the word another here. When it says, which is not another, it means it’s not another of the same kind. This other gospel you’re following is another of a different kind. He says, there are some that trouble you and would pervert the gospel of Christ. Now, verse 8 says, though we are an angel from heaven. Preach any other gospel. Well, in Revelation 14 and verse 6, we have another angel in the midst, flying in the midst of heaven, preaching the gospel. But he says, if it’s not this true gospel, this one gospel, if you, even if an angel preaches any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be, what? Accursed, damned. That’s strong language. So if someone else comes and preaches any other gospel, says verse 9, then you have received, let him be accursed. God mentions no words about it. Back to Revelation 14. The gospel is not only an everlasting gospel, but if I’m reading Revelation 14 right, the gospel in the tribulation will reach all nations by the end of that period. Now there’s a lot of argument about this, but have you ever heard a preacher say something that we all ought to witness because you never know who that last soul is before the church is raptured. Well, wait a minute. That isn’t the last person to be won when the church is raptured to heaven. Why, there’s going to be a greater number of people saved in the tribulation period. But where do people get this idea? First of all, in verse 6 it says, to them that dwell on the earth, to every nation, every kindred, every tongue, every language. Over 3,000 of them have yet to receive one verse in their own language. Every tongue and every people. Well, go back, if you will, please, to Matthew 24. Matthew 24. And I believe this coincides beautifully with what Jesus said. In fact, helps us to understand what Jesus said. Matthew chapter 24. In describing the tribulation period in Matthew chapter 24, we come to verse 13 and 14. I want you to look at that carefully in your Bible. Matthew 24, 13 and 14. It says, but he that shall endure unto the end. People say, well, the end of what? That’s the end of the tribulation period, the end of the age from a Jewish point of view. It is not the end of the church period with us being raptured before the tribulation. He that endures unto the end, meaning people in the tribulation, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations. And then shall the end come. So now we have clarified the timing. It’s not till the end of the tribulation that God’s purpose is fulfilled, that all nations will indeed hear the gospel of Christ. Back to Revelation 14. There are many who believe that because of what is said in Revelation 14, 1 to 5, about the 144,000 standing before on Mount Zion with the Lamb, that they are indeed the ones that will take the everlasting gospel to all the nations of the world. First of all, we know in chapter 7 when it lists the great multitude of Gentiles, right before that it lists the 144,000 Jews, 12,000 from each tribe whom God will seal and protect. And then chapter 7 verse 9 says, After this I saw a great multitude. Apparently as a result of what the 144,000 Jews do. And here in chapter 14 we see the same thing. They’re on the Mount Zion with the Lamb of God. They follow the Lamb wherever he wants them to go. And then in chapter 14, verse 6, it says the everlasting gospel will be preached in the whole world. Is it meaning just the angel does it? I don’t think that’s true any more than in verse 8 that the angel is the one who causes Babylon to fall. Or in verse 9, that the angel is the one who will exercise God’s wrath in terms of hell towards those who have rejected him. I think what the angels are doing are proclaiming what is going to happen during the tribulation. So how is God going to fulfill this, that every nation, tribe, and tongue, and people is going to hear the gospel in that relatively short period of time? That is very, very interesting. It takes right now about 12 years to get the New Testament translated into somebody’s language, even with our computer skills going into a new language. They’re trying to narrow that time down. And yet there’s still over 3,000 dialects. There’s 16,000 hidden people groups that have not been penetrated with the gospel. So now how is God going to get that done in a short period of time? Let’s say if the rapture happened tonight. And I think the answer is that the 144,000 are going to be supernaturally empowered by God to speak in all the languages of the world without any previous knowledge of the language. You say, well, why do you believe that? Well, because in Joel’s prophecy, which Peter quoted in the day of Pentecost, and he said that when they spoke in tongues on that day, and every man heard in his own dialect, that it was introducing the great period of time known as the pouring out of the Spirit on all flesh. As we look at that, we notice in Joel chapter 2 that the prophecy goes all the way in the tribulation period. It says when the sun is turned into darkness and the moon into blood, before that great and terrible day of the Lord come, and whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. My point is simply this. If we read the prophecy right, God introduces the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. and he will conclude it in the exact same way that he began it. You’re going to see Jews once again, 144,000 of them, supernaturally equipped by God to speak not in prayer language, not in devotional talk. We’re talking about being able to communicate in all the dialects of the world that have yet to receive the gospel in their own language. Same thing that happened on the day of Pentecost, reduplicated in tribulation times. You say, are you sure? No, no, I’m not. But you’ve got to figure it out for yourself. There is a connection when Peter said, this is that which Joel said. And Joel talks about tribulation times. I believe it’s very significant. The proclamation of the gospel. Let me tell you one other thing about the gospel. Not only that it’s an everlasting gospel, that it’s designed to reach all nations by the end of the tribulation, but also it’s a message that brings men to God to do two things. One, to give glory to him, and two, to worship him. Don’t pass over quickly, verse 7. It says, saying with a loud voice, fear God and give glory to him. The statement fear God is a common expression, especially the Jewish people, for believing in the Lord. God-fearers. And give glory to him. for the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him that made heaven and earth and the sea and the fountains of waters. If you’re following this carefully, that verse teaches there are two reasons for such a response to God. That is to give glory to him and to worship him. There are two reasons. One, the hour of his judgment has come. The closer we get to the judgment of the tribulation, the more imperative it is to warn people. And to plead with people to turn to Christ before it’s too late. One of the reasons for such a response to God. The hour of his judgment has come. I don’t think we ought to mess around with people. I think we ought to tell them what God’s word says. There’s a terrible judgment coming on this world. More serious than the world has ever seen. Usually they just know a common term like Armageddon, but they really don’t know the terrible tragedies, the awful plagues and judgments that are going to come into tribulation. And the Lord’s message to people, flee the wrath of God to come. Is it really the gospel when there is no negative part of it? Is it really the gospel to say, well, there’s a heaven, but we won’t talk about the other one. No, there’s heaven and hell. There is redemption as well as judgment. And when we look at the issue of the gospel, the gospel is salvation from something as well as to something. We are saved certainly to eternal life, my friends, but we are saved from the consequences of sin and death and hell itself. It is a very serious issue. Judgment is coming. It’s appointed and a man wants to die. After this, the judgment begins. Revelation 20 says, all the dead who are unbelieving are going to stand before God and be judged at that great white throne. And whoever was not found written in the book of life will be cast into the lake of fire. And these aren’t my words. They’re the words of the Bible. They’re God’s words. Yes, we have a message that announces judgment is coming. The hour of his judgment has come. But there’s a second reason for that response to God in verse 7. And that is that he made heaven and earth, the sea and the fountains of waters. Why is that an issue? Turn back to Romans chapter 1. Romans chapter 1. Well, it’s a very serious issue as it relates to the issues of the gospel, what you believe about God’s creation. Romans chapter 1, verse 18. The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who hold the truth, and literally suppress it or hold it down, in unrighteousness. Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it unto them. You say, well, how? For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even as eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse. Because when they knew God… They glorified him not as God, neither were thankful, but became vain in their imaginations. Their foolish heart was darkened, professing themselves to be wise. They became fools and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image. What’s the Antichrist and false prophet going to do? Set up an image, chapter 13, into an image made like corruptible man and birds and four-footed beasts and creeping things, wherefore God gave them up. The whole point is, as you read down in verse 32, who knowing the judgment of God, that they who commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them to do them. Their whole lifestyle now demonstrates they’re having nothing to do with the Creator. They’re exchanging the glory of the Creator for something they’ve designed. Boy, that’s exactly what the world’s religions are doing today. That’s exactly what New Age thinking is all about. We need to be warned about what’s happening. It’s very serious. Judgment is coming. What is the reason behind such a response of giving glory to God and worshiping Him? Answer, the hour of His judgment has come, number one. Number two, He made heaven and earth, the seas and the fountains of waters, and we better pay attention to He who is the Creator. Payday someday. God’s judgment is coming.
SPEAKER 02 :
A sobering, sobering reminder from Bible teacher and author David Hawking here on Hope for Today. David will be back in a moment to close out our time in the Word. Some additional thoughts and teaching, so do stick around for that. First, though, David’s son Matt and I want to share a great resource that will encourage you in your faith when times get tough and you need some hope.
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Matt? Each month, Jim, we hear from our listening family regarding the trials and tribulations they are facing. Members of our staff are experiencing deep hurts and pains. And as a nation, we’re reeling from these recent events. Yeah, these are difficult days indeed, Matt. So how do we keep our hearts focused and trusting in the Lord? How do we hang on to hope? Yeah, well, this month we’re featuring my dad’s book, Hope in Difficult Times. Hope in Difficult Times is 195 pages of encouragement. Faith-Building Guidance, biblical direction for every discouragement of your life. And it’s just $20. Matt, Inside Your Dad takes readers through a biblical study of hope and its role in the life of believers.
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He shows us God’s merciful guidance. character for those times when the hopelessness we face comes from our own sin, rebellion, or cowardice.
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Yeah, and it also includes a powerful study from Peter’s life. Boy, he’s a good example. Amen. Well, Matt, how about the discouragement we endure when we’re targeted by gossip, rumors, and accusations? Yeah, exactly. Well, there’s hope from God’s word from these seasons, and my dad lays it out inside this book, Hope for Difficult Times. Matt, how about those times when we fail and desperately need restoration? Yeah, you know, there is hope from God’s Word. Amen. And you’ll discover and realize it when you read Hope for Difficult Times. It isn’t just about wishing upon a star hope. Hope is the confidence that God cares, loves, has a purpose, and will complete His work in and through our lives. Yeah, and gives us the abundant blessing of eternity with Him.
SPEAKER 02 :
Wow. Amen. Amen. Well, get your copy of Hope for Difficult Times today for $20 from Hope for Today. Read, enjoy, and then share with a friend who also needs hope. And don’t forget to always pray for Hope for Today. Get your copy of Hope in Difficult Times today. as well as the Revelation series study notes. These are David’s original sermon notes for the entire series that you’re currently hearing on Hope for Today in Revelation. We also have the Revelation series on MP3 audio and on DVD, and you can order those resources today as well. Call us at 800-75-BIBLE, that’s in the U.S., or 888-75-BIBLE in Canada, or visit us at davidhawking.org. And quickly, let me speak straight to your heart, from my heart to your heart. This daily broadcast, Hope for Today, doesn’t exist because of big corporate sponsors or a church or major organization behind us. And this broadcast also doesn’t compromise the message to please the culture. We’re on the air because of God’s faithful people who stand with us. And if you’ve been fed by these teachings, if you value hearing the Word of God taught without apology, without watering it down, then we could use your help. Every gift, large or small, goes directly to keeping these programs broadcasting on these stations, streaming online, and free for anyone who’s hungry for the truth. So here’s what you can do. Would you prayerfully consider sending a gift today? You can send your donation by mail, if you like, to Hope for Today, Box 3927, Tustin, Tustin is T-U-S-T-I-N, California, 92781. In Canada, write to Hope for Today, Box 15011, RPO7OAKS. Abbotsford, B.C., and Abbotsford is A-B-B-O-T-S-F-O-R-D-B-C-V-2-S-8-P-1. Or call us at 800-75-BIBLE in the U.S. or 888-75-BIBLE in Canada, and Bible by the numbers 24253. Let’s get back to David.
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We are excited about Revelation. Well, that should be obvious to many of you. Sometimes people ask me, how close are we? Well, I don’t know. We don’t know the day nor the hour when the Son of Man will come. And that’s a Jewish idiom, for you don’t know anything. You don’t know the month. You don’t know the year. The words of our Lord are, watch and be ready for an hour when you think not. the Son of Man comes. Well, we’re still in chapter 14, and we’re picking it up at verse 6. It says, “…I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation and kindred and tongue and people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, 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. Wow, the gospel in God’s judgment. I hope you’re following with us. If you miss any of the broadcasts, just go to the website davidhocking.org and pick up the broadcast that you missed and catch up and be with us every day that’s possible for you. Well, it’s pretty exciting. 144,000 Jews taking the gospel to the entire world. There will be many, many people who come to know the Lord during that terrible period of time. The believers of today will be raptured and be with the Lord. But that doesn’t mean He’s done saving people. It will be great when the Lord comes again and the Lord’s angels broadcast His message. God bless you.
SPEAKER 02 :
Amen. Thanks, David. Like David said, if you missed any part of today’s program or if you missed a recent broadcast, you can find these programs on our website at davidhawking.org. But only for a limited time, so do check that out today, along with all the other resources we have waiting for you. Well, join us for day two of The Gospel and God’s Judgment, tomorrow on Hope for Today.
