A MESSAGE WORTH SHARING: PART 1

 

Christ came to redeem us and will return again to take home what He purchased at such an infinite cost. This message is clearly depicted in the book of Revelation and it was written to prepare the world for Christ's return (Revelation 14:6-7 "6 Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people— 7 saying with a loud voice, “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.” This is an urgent message for this generation, thus, worth sharing. 

Christ's atoning death was universal; that is, it was made for all people who have ever lived, regardless of when or where. Thus the gospel speaks to people of every language group culture, and background. It bridges ethnic divides. This is good news that Jesus, in His life, death, and resurrection, has triumphed over principalities and powers of hell. He came once to deliver us from the penalty and power of sin and is coming again to deliver us from the presence of sin. He died the death we deserve so that we can live the life He deserves.

 

Throughout salvation history, God has regularly sent a special message the prophetic word to prepare people for what was coming. This means that God is never caught off guard (Isaiah 46:9-10). He prepares His people for the future by sending prophets to reveal His message before the judgment falls (Amos 3:7). In the days before the flood, God send a message to the world through Noah that the flood was coming. In Egypt, God raised up Joseph to prepare for the famine during the seven years of plenty. 

 

Peter's present truth message in the first century as revealed in 1 Peter chapter 1, was that Christ had come. The father's love was revealed through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. Although the "wages of sin is death," through Christ eternal life has been secured for all. It is our choice whether by faith we will receive it.  This message of salvation in Jesus will never be out of date. It is the present truth for every generation.

 

The Bible's last book, Revelation, presents Jesus and His eternal salvation in an end-time context to prepare people for His soon return. From the beginning to the end, Revelation reveals Jesus and His work in behalf of humanity. Jesus is the true witness of His father's character. He is the "ruler over the kings of the earth." He is the One "who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father" (see Rev 1:1-6 NKJV). Thus Revelation is all about Jesus and His end-time message to get a people ready for His soon return.

Are your thoughts more about prophetic symbols than Jesus? Why do you think Jesus gave us prophesies in Revelation? How do they reveal His loving plans for humankind?