Why is the Gospel Eternal? (Rev 14:6-7)

"...he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people" (Rev 14:6).

The gospel. Like a multifaceted jewel, Scripture describes the gospel with various terms, each looking at it from a different viewpoint: the gospel of God (Mk 1:14; Rom 1:1), the gospel of the kingdom (Mt 4:23; Mt 24:14), the gospel of the grace of God (Acts 20:24), the gospel of the glory of Christ (2 Cor 4:4), the gospel of salvation (Eph 1:13). In Revelation, it is the eternal gospel (Rev 14:6).

Why is the gospel eternal? The gospel is "eternal" because it points to a message that is permanently valid. It also provides the means to eternal life.



What is the scope of the gospel? "...those who live on the earth" and "every nation, tribe, language and people" show that the gospel is universally applicable. The fourfold description of the Creator's handiwork--heaven, earth, sea, springs (Rev 14:7b)--reflects the four spheres affected by the first four trumpet judgments (Rev 8:7-12) and the first four bowl judgments (Rev 16:2-9). The "gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come" (Mt 24:14; cf. Mk 13:10).

How should one respond to the gospel? "Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water" (Rev 14:7). When one rejects the gospel, they invite God's wrath, judgment and hell upon themselves. God's righteous judgments are the outpouring of His wrath against the stubborn and unrepentant world (Rev 16:9, 11, 21; 9:20-21).

How is the gospel best explained? With these four key words:

1. Creation
2. Fall
3. Redemption
4. Restoration/Consummation

Or these four other key words:

1. God
2. Man
3. Christ
4. Response (Faith and Repentance)

References:

1. Morris, Leon, The Book of Revelation: An Introduction and Commentary (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries). Downers Grove: Inter-Varsity Press, 1987. 173-174.
2. Johnson, Dennis E., Triumph of the Lamb: A Commentary on Revelation. Phillipsburg: P&R Publishing Company. 2001.
3. MacArthur, John, Because the Time is Near: John MacArthur Explains the Book of Revelation. Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2007. 231-232.
4. MacArthur, John, The MacArthur Study Bible. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, updated edition, 2006.