What is the everlasting gospel?
The wording of the everlasting gospel occurs exactly once in the holy scriptures. In Revelation 14:6 an angel addresses an everlasting gospel to mankind, to us.
First of all, let us say You will not experience a “new gospel” here! Therefore, a good introduction to the topic is an overview of the Bible texts that actually contain the word gospel. Very quickly it becomes clear in which context the gospel is connected. Kingdom of God, grace, healing, life, testimony (reporting), proclamation, fulfillment, resurrection, salvation, faith, conversion, baptism, Son of God. But in order.
What happened?
The many years after Eden leave a questionable picture on humans. Unrest, hunger, poverty, strife, abuse, death. In the search for solutions we are now technically advanced. Do we also have a solution for the problem against death? Death is not a problem of matter. Death is a problem of a man who kills his own body. After sin entered Adam and Eve’s world, God revealed to them a plan of salvation. In today’s language the gospel.
Where does the gospel suddenly come from? In a speech Paul now explains this connection as follows: “And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers, God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again” (Acts 13:32). Paul also writes to the Galatians: “And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.” (Gal. 3:8) The saving message of the gospel is not a sudden appearance. It was given by God in early years, to people as a promise, after Adam and Eve had rejected trust in God.
Why the necessity and urgency to announce them? Waiting for salvation is a real part of living with God in this world. The waiting for longing for peace, security, truth, peace, love, security, harmony, etc. sometimes makes us despair. This waiting had now come to an end. “The time is fulfilled, …” (Mk. 1.15). Knowing the short time, our Savior used this time for what He was commissioned by His Father to do (John 4:34; 5:30; 6:38; 8:28,29).
Are there not already passable solutions to man’s sinful problem? Man’s attempts to limit the consequences of sin, which become visible through self-destruction, illness and death, are impossible. Some would say limited. Medical solutions are limited to solutions of the biochemical household, other solutions include spiritual aspects. The perfect salvation from the dependence of sin, which becomes visible in the form of selfishness, is offered only by this gospel of the Son of God. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” (Rom. 1:16). There is only this way to become completely free in every way and to receive eternal life (John 6:53).
What distinguishes the writings of the Old and New Testament? The writings of the Old Testament contain the promises of salvation, while those of the New Testament tell us about its fulfillment. “[namely the Gospel] of his Son, who came forth from the seed of David according to the flesh” (Rom. 1:3). To his faithful companion Paul writes the following explanation. “Who hath saved us [Jesus], and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Tim. 1:9,10). Paul makes it clear that the promise in Jesus Christ has been realized.
Why the addition “eternal”/”everlasting”?
The gospel is still current and valid, and also necessary. Because man has not been able to stop the consequences of sin, nor will he. Therefore there is still a time of possible conversion for everyone who believes. The message today is also an urgent message: “Get out of Babylon. (Offg. 18,1ff) Parts of the gospel are still waiting for the final fulfillment. It will be the final redemption from the corruptible body, which can no longer be restored, no matter what form of medication is used. (1. Cor. 15,54)
Without going into the different statements about ‘everlasting’ this verse is mentioned. “Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began [some from eternal times], but now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith.” (Rom. 16, 25.26) God’s promises are certain. This promise will also soon be fulfilled. Something that was closed in its entirety will finally be revealed with the return of Jesus.
The addition ‘eternal’ or ‘everlasting’ therefore always indicates a prophetic fulfillment, usually together with a message of judgment, as in the time of Noah or of Sodom and Gomorrah (Jud. 7).
