In what ways does Revelation 14:6 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28? The Everlasting Gospel Declared “Then I saw another angel flying overhead, with the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation and tribe and tongue and people.” (Revelation 14:6) The Great Commission Defined “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” (Matthew 28:18-20) Five Clear Connections • Global Scope – Revelation 14:6: “every nation and tribe and tongue and people.” – Matthew 28:19: “all nations.” The same worldwide horizon confirms that heaven and earth share one missionary blueprint. • Unchanging Message – “eternal gospel” (Revelation 14:6) parallels the never-altered command to teach “all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20). – 1 Peter 1:25: “the word of the Lord stands forever.” • Divine Authority – In Matthew, Jesus speaks with “all authority.” – In Revelation, an angelic envoy sent from that same throne declares the gospel, underscoring heaven’s backing. • Urgency at the End of the Age – Jesus promises His presence “to the very end of the age.” – Revelation shows that even in the climactic Tribulation scene, the gospel still goes forth. God guarantees that the Great Commission will be completed. • Inclusive Invitation, Singular Response – Revelation’s angel calls all peoples to fear God and worship (see v.7). – The Commission calls for baptism and obedience—visible acts of worship. Both passages demand a decisive turning to God through Christ. Wider Biblical Echoes • Mark 16:15—“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” • Acts 1:8—“You will be My witnesses…to the ends of the earth.” • Psalm 96:3 / 1 Chronicles 16:24—“Declare His glory among the nations.” These texts form a continuous thread from Old Testament promise to apostolic command to apocalyptic fulfillment. Assurance of Completion Revelation 14:6 offers a preview: if human messengers falter, heaven will still finish the task. The Great Commission therefore rests on God’s sovereignty, not human strength alone. Implications for Our Witness Today • Confidence: The success of the gospel is guaranteed by God’s own decree. • Motivation: The angelic proclamation shows the value heaven places on every soul. • Faithfulness: Our present obedience aligns us with God’s unstoppable plan. • Perspective: Missions is not merely a church program; it is the storyline of history, climaxing in Revelation’s vision. |
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