Foreword
Most Christians are aware that the word “gospel” means “good news.” Much of Christendom acknowledges that it is certainly “good news” that Jesus Christ came to earth as a babe, lived as a man, died on the cross for our sins, resurrected from the dead, and ascended to heaven to intercede for His people.
Yet what should we understand by “the everlasting gospel”? This concept involves greater depth of meaning. From what does Jesus actually save us? How far-reaching is the plan of redemption, and what does salvation actually encompass?
“John in the Revelation foretells the proclamation of the gospel message just before Christ’s second coming. He beholds an angel flying ‘in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come’ (Revelation 14:6, 7).
“In the prophecy this warning of the judgment, with its connected messages, is followed by the coming of the Son of man in the clouds of heaven. The proclamation of the judgment is an announcement of Christ’s second coming as at hand. And this proclamation is called the everlasting gospel. Thus the preaching of Christ’s second coming, the announcement of its nearness, is shown to be an essential part of the gospel message.
“The Bible declares that in the last days men will be absorbed in worldly pursuits, in pleasure and money-getting. . . .
“So the message of Christ’s soon coming is designed to arouse men from their absorption in worldly things. It is intended to awaken them to a sense of eternal realities, that they may give heed to the invitation to the Lord’s table.”—Christ’s Object Lessons, pp. 227, 228.
“The angel that proclaims the everlasting gospel proclaims the law of God; for the gospel of salvation brings men to obedience of the law, whereby their characters are formed after the divine similitude.”—Selected Messages, bk. 2, p. 106.
This is a powerful message. When received in its fullness, it transforms our priorities in life, energizes our will into service, and equips us to rightly reflect and warmly radiate the beauty and spirit of Jesus Christ.
“Could the intense interest which the angels have for man be put into voice that would be heard by the human agent, what appeals would be heard in burning words to communicate to others that which heaven had communicated to them.”—My Life Today, p. 304.
That the Lord may inspire us to obtain the rich blessings He intends for us through the study of these lessons is the earnest prayer of the
The General Conference Sabbath School Department
