The Angelic Preacher

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"And I saw another angel flying in midheaven, having an eternal gospel to preach to those who live on the earth..." - Rev. 14:6-7 (NASB)

   We came to this passage during our verse-by-verse study last night at church and I wanted to share a couple of thoughts with you. The NT is clear that the preaching of the gospel is the responsibility and privilege of the church (see Matt. 28:18-20, Acts 1:7-8). The task was never left to an angelic being. In fact, after the birth of Jesus, the only angelic proclamations that we see is that which announced Jesus' resurrection at the tomb. If this is true, then why is this angel, in Revelation 14, flying around preaching? There is no one else to preach. Dr. Stanley Horton and others agree that by this time in the tribulation all Jewish and Gentile believers across the globe have been decimated by the antichrist and his reign. Although there is no one to preach, the gospel message is still valid and available This is reminiscent of Noah's situation (Gen. 6-7). After building this enormous land-based boat over a one-hundred twenty year period, and after all the animals lined up two-by-two and marched onto the ark, and after he and his family boarded along with food and water for the journey, the massive door was left open for seven full days (Gen. 7:7-10). Although we may not fully understand why this was so, it appears that the LORD left the door open for a short time just in case someone changed their mind. Personally, I believe that any of those who had watched, ridiculed, and ignored Noah during his construction feat could have walked into the boat during that week-long period and lived. The sad reality is that in the cases of Noah, and the angelic preacher in Revelation 14, not one repentant soul is recorded.
   One other thought comes to mind looking at this passage and Noah's account: Men are without excuse. There is a message of judgment that our world does not want to hear. The Bible is clear that every living soul will stand before Christ one day. Those who choose not to accept and follow Jesus will not be able to declare that they never had a chance. Scripture shows us time and again that the LORD is continually reaching out to those who are lost in darkness without Him, but that door will close eventually. It is worthy noting that Noah was never instructed to close the door. The LORD Himself closed it when He was ready (Gen. 7:14). If you are still watching from the outside, it's time to accept the message and follow Jesus. The LORD will extend the invitation as long as possible, but not forever. Looking at the events that are happening in our world today, you can almost hear the door of salvation creaking closed. 



*Special note: I approach Revelation from a pre-tribulation, pre-millenialial, futurists point of view, a view held by the General Council of the A/G, among others.

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