The Remnant will proclaim the good news of the Kingdom.
The proclamation of the good news of the kingdom of God, Jesus Christ, will face significant opposition. This opposition will come from both within and outside the churches and denominations where the righteous in Jesus Christ fellowship. The good news—the gospel of the kingdom—will divide people into two distinct groups. Both groups may include exemplary individuals; however, one group will consist of those who are in the kingdom of heaven, while the other will consist of those who lead admirable lives here on Earth.
When the King of kings returns to Earth, He will separate the two groups as described in Matthew 25:31-46. Those in the kingdom of God are individuals who have died to themselves so that Christ may live in them, as stated in Galatians 2:19-20. The other group includes those who believe they have everything they need for heaven and eternity and therefore require nothing more. They have devoted significant effort throughout their lives to being exemplary Christians, leading them to think that God must admit them into His kingdom because they have been so good to Him. However, they do not realize that the King of kings will only take to heaven those who are already in the kingdom of God; therefore, they are already prepared. The King will not accept those who are still getting ready for His return, as highlighted in Revelation 3:17. They are unprepared because they are too busy with their own plans for being ready for the return of the King of kings.
In Revelation 14:1–5, John describes the righteous in Jesus Christ, especially the 144,000, who stand with the Lamb on Mount Zion. This raises an implied question: What qualified the 144,000 to wear the white robes that symbolize righteousness from God, Jesus Christ? John provides a visual explanation. Because they accepted Jesus’ victory as their own, these devoted believers were clothed in the white robes of righteousness from God, Jesus Christ. They are not righteous LIKE Jesus, but righteous IN Jesus alone. Throughout the centuries of the Christian era, Christians have proclaimed this profound message, and the Remnant will share it again with even greater urgency.
The text continues, “Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language, and people” (Revelation 14:6). There is only one eternal Gospel because there is one Jesus Christ, who is the Eternal Good News for humankind. This message is one: one Jesus Christ, one Gospel, one Good news. The three angels proclaim the same message, echoing the Good news that was delivered to the shepherds in the field: “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today, in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11).
Continued in the next blog.