“And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth….” Revelation 14:6, Read v. 6-12
These words have oft been applied to Dr. Martin Luther, for in a time when the doctrines of men were given greater credence than the Word of God and the preaching of the true Gospel of forgiveness of sins and life everlasting by God’s grace alone, for Christ’s sake alone and through faith alone was silenced by the Roman papacy and his false church, God sent forth another angel flying in the midst of heaven with an everlasting gospel to preach to every nation, kindred and tongue.
The message of this angel was to turn back to the true God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment had come. He called upon all to worship the true God, the Creator of heaven and earth and all things.
Beginning with the posting of his 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg and continuing with his teaching, preaching and writings, Luther challenged the papacy and the many erring teachings of the Roman Church. He called upon people to honor the true God and hear His Word rather than honoring Satan and his lies which were being proclaimed as God’s truth in the churches and destroying souls.
He called upon people to give glory to the God who created all things and also sent His only-begotten Son into the world to pay in full for the sins of all mankind, the God who gave His Word and poured out His Holy Spirit that men might come to know their utter sinfulness but also know and take comfort in the holy life and innocent sufferings and death of Christ Jesus in their stead. Luther preached and proclaimed God’s Word alone, salvation by God’s grace alone and for Christ’s sake alone, and he preached that this salvation is ours through faith alone in our crucified and risen Savior and not by our own merit or works.
Through the restoration of God’s pure word, the kingdom of the Antichrist was judged and revealed for what it truly is (cf. 2 Thess. 2:3ff.). Thus, “there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication” (Rev. 14:8).
Now that the angel has proclaimed to all the earth the everlasting Gospel, the question for you is: “Whom do you fear and honor? Do you give honor and glory to the true God by accepting His Word and placing Your faith and confidence in His Son alone? Or do you regard doctrines of men and demons and place your confidence in your own works and merits?”
“Lord, keep us steadfast in Thy Word; Curb those who feign by craft and sword, would wrest the kingdom from Thy Son and set at naught all He hath done.” (The Lutheran Hymnal, No. 261).
Pastor Randy Moll
“God Alone”
by Pastor Herman Mayer
(Sung to tune of “Lord, Keeep Us Steadfast in Thy Word)
Scripture alone from God above
Assures me of His boundless love;
Makes me to see my guilt and sin.
This fateful power lurks within.
Your grace, Lord God, has rescued me
From Satan’s dreadful tyranny
And brought me His salvation sure
Through Jesus’ holy blood so pure.
By faith alone I have this hope,
Which by God’s grace alone bestows,
And He will bring me to His home
Through Scripture, grace, and faith alone.