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What Does the Bible Teach About Proclaiming the Good News and Declaring God’s Judgments?
Proclaiming the Everlasting Good News
The message of the Bible highlights two complementary responsibilities for Christians: proclaiming the good news of God’s Kingdom and declaring His judgments against the world under Satan’s dominion. In Revelation 14:6, we read: “And I saw another angel flying in midheaven, and he had everlasting good news to proclaim to those who dwell on the earth, to every nation and tribe and tongue and people.” This verse underscores the universal scope of the Kingdom message, which is a central duty for God’s people. As Jesus stated in Matthew 24:14: “This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.”
The “good news of the Kingdom” points to the reign of Christ and the ultimate fulfillment of God’s purpose to establish a righteous government that will bring peace and justice (Isaiah 9:6-7). By faithfully carrying out this work, Christians fulfill their role as messengers of hope.
Supporting the Angelic Work in Revelation
In addition to the proclamation of the Kingdom, Revelation describes angels carrying out God’s judgments upon the world. In Revelation 8:7, the first angel blows his trumpet, unleashing “hail and fire mixed with blood, and these were hurled to the earth.” These images symbolize divine judgments against those who persist in opposing God’s purposes. These woes, further outlined in Revelation 8:13 and following chapters, represent God’s active intervention in human affairs, warning the unrepentant of impending destruction.
Christians today support this angelic work by boldly declaring the message of judgment. As Revelation 16:21 describes, during the great tribulation, “great hailstones, each about the weight of a talent, fell from heaven on the people.” Such figurative language illustrates the devastating impact of divine judgment, which will culminate in the final defeat of Satan’s system.
A Message of Urgency: Living in Expectation of Jehovah’s Day
The Bible often emphasizes the urgency of responding to God’s message. Zephaniah 2:2-3 exhorts, “Seek Jehovah, all you meek of the earth who have carried out His justice. Seek righteousness, seek meekness. Perhaps you will be concealed on the day of Jehovah’s anger.” These verses serve as a solemn reminder that the end of the present age is inevitable and that preparedness is essential.
Jesus reinforced this need for readiness in his teachings. In Matthew 25:13, he stated, “Keep on the watch, therefore, because you know neither the day nor the hour.” Christians must live with a sense of expectancy, understanding that their lives should reflect the urgency of this message. As the Apostle Peter wrote in 2 Peter 3:11-12, “What sort of people ought you to be in holy acts of conduct and deeds of godly devotion, as you await and keep close in mind the presence of the day of God.”
Balancing Faithful Living with Long-Term Planning
Living with the expectation of Jesus’ return does not preclude planning for the future. Christians are called to maintain their spiritual vigilance while managing their earthly responsibilities. The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 5:8, “Certainly if anyone does not provide for those who are his own, and especially for those who are members of his household, he has disowned the faith and is worse than a person without faith.” Thus, caring for family, pursuing a career, and planning for the future align with a Christian’s duty, provided these pursuits do not overshadow their walk with God.
Faithful Christians recognize the need to live as though Jesus could return tomorrow while planning prudently for the future. This dual approach ensures that their lives remain balanced, spiritually alert, and productive in all respects.
Courage in Declaring an Unpopular Message
The message of the Kingdom and the accompanying judgment message are not always welcomed. Declaring these truths requires courage and perseverance. In John 15:18-19, Jesus warned his disciples: “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were part of the world, the world would be fond of its own. But because you are no part of the world, the world hates you.” Faithful Christians understand that opposition and persecution are part of their calling, as they stand firm in proclaiming God’s truth.
The Apostle Paul also encouraged believers to endure hardships for the sake of the gospel. In 2 Timothy 4:2-5, he urged: “Preach the word; be at it urgently in favorable times and difficult times; reprove, reprimand, exhort, with all patience and art of teaching. For there will be a time when they will not put up with wholesome teaching, but according to their own desires, they will surround themselves with teachers to have their ears tickled.”
Christians, therefore, must remain steadfast, knowing that their efforts contribute to the fulfillment of God’s purposes and the ultimate vindication of His name.
The Great Tribulation and the Final Judgment Message
The culmination of Christian preaching will occur during the great tribulation, as described in Revelation 7:14. This period represents the final opportunity for humanity to repent before the outpouring of divine wrath. Revelation 16:21’s description of the “hailstones” symbolizes the intensification of judgment against those who have rejected God’s sovereignty.
During this time, the message of judgment will become increasingly direct and urgent. As Ezekiel 33:11 emphasizes, God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but desires that they turn from their ways and live. The responsibility of Christians is to ensure that this warning is delivered clearly and uncompromisingly.
Conclusion: A Life of Faithful Service
In light of these truths, Christians are called to a life of faithful service, proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom and supporting the declaration of God’s judgments. By doing so, they fulfill their role as ambassadors of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20) and contribute to the outworking of Jehovah’s purposes. While the message may be unpopular and opposed, the promise of God’s Kingdom and the certainty of His judgment offer hope and justice to a world in desperate need.
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About the Author
EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).
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