The End.
VERSE 13: “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall
be saved.”
As before noted, the word _end_, whenever used in this chapter, refers to
the end of the age, and to nothing else. It is the end associated in the
New Testament with the second appearing of Jesus Christ. If it be urged
that the word “end” has reference to the close of mortal life, then we
reply that the disciples did not ask their Lord (see verse 3) when they
should die; but “what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of
the world?” Neither does the Lord speak of death, when he says (see verse
6), “But the end is not yet.” And it would be strange indeed to suppose
that the word “end” (verse 14) meant death. If any think such a position
admissible, let them read it into the text, as follows: And this gospel of
the kingdom shall be preached in all the world, for a witness unto all
nations, and then shall death come. Absurdity!
VERSE 14: “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached In all
the world for a witness unto all nations, and then shall the end
come.”
This is the first sign of the end given by our Lord in answer to the
question, “What shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the
world?”
But it is robbed of its distinct power by that interpretation, sometimes
given, by which it is assumed that all men will receive the gospel and be
converted, and that then instead of the end, there will ensue a thousand
years in which all shall know the Lord. After this long period of peace
and safety, the end will come. How much is assumed on this text will
appear when we consider that the text does not say that every individual
will even hear this gospel of the kingdom. It does not state that any one
will be converted and made holy by it. And we find it far from intimating
that the world will be converted and remain so one thousand years. We have
no reason to conclude that greater measure of success is implied in this
text than that which has always attended the preaching of the gospel.
While a few have believed and received it, the great mass of men have
passed it by unheedingly. The text simply states: First, “And this gospel
of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world;” second, “For a witness
unto all nations;” third, “And _then_ [not one thousand years later, but
THEN] shall the end come.”
But to what does the term “gospel of the kingdom” refer? The query
sometimes rises as to whether the gospel in the common acceptation of the
word, or a gospel peculiarly related to the second coming of Christ is
here meant. No such distinction is to be drawn. There neither is, has
been, nor will be more than one gospel. “But though we, or an angel from
heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached
unto you, let him be accursed.” Gal. 1:8.
The gospel, then, in this instance, is the same as Paul preached, which
was the “power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.” But in
Rev. 14:6 and 7 we read:—
“And I saw another angel fly 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; and worship him that made heaven, and
earth, and the sea, and the fountain of waters.”
The gospel is here called the “everlasting gospel,” and must necessarily
be referred to the gospel of Christ. In connection with the preaching of
that gospel, was the proclamation that the judgment hour had come. Not
that this message was appended to the gospel, but the angel who had the
everlasting gospel to preach said, “Fear God ... for the hour of his
judgment is come.”
The gospel of Jesus Christ embraces all truth relating to salvation. The
warnings, counsel, invitations, promises, precepts, prophecies, or
whatever the Lord would have the people hear,—the gospel embraces them
all. In the days of Noah, the gospel included repentance, faith,
obedience, with the promises of grace and mercy; it also included the
warning of the impending judgment. And the only way to escape that
judgment was through the gospel. So here in Revelation we have the gospel
with all it implies, including the message of Christ’s second coming and
kingdom and the judgment. Closely associated with this message are two
others as given in Rev. 14:8‐12. The first is merged into these. Then
immediately following their proclamation we have the following scene:—
“And I looked and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat
like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and
in his hand a sharp sickle.... And he that sat on the cloud thrust
in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.” Rev.
14:14‐16.
In Rev. 14:6‐16, then, we learn what is the meaning of the term “gospel of
the kingdom.” It is _the_ gospel, and it embraces the admonitions and
instructions relative to the second coming of Christ. And now that we have
reached that time, the complete gospel embraces the good news of the
coming kingdom with appropriate warnings and teachings. Our Saviour says
it “shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations.”
The Revelator says the message is to be preached “to every nation,
kindred, tongue, and people.” When this shall be done, the end will come.
The world‐wide proclamation of the soon coming of Christ was inaugurated
about 1832. Since that time, the work of extending its warning voice has
gone on. A most remarkable feature of this movement is the fact that in
different countries individuals were moved upon, almost simultaneously, to
study the prophecies and proclaim the nearness of the end, although they
knew nothing of what was being done by others. In the United States and
Canada, in Great Britain, Norway, Sweden, Germany, and in Asia, a profound
interest in this subject was created, and people were led to expect the
early appearance of Jesus. Since that time clearer light has appeared in
connection with the other messages of Revelation 14, and still the work is
onward. Wherever the light of the Bible has penetrated, the good news of
the coming Saviour is now going. Not only so, but messengers bearing this
gracious warning are rapidly finding their way into the dark portions of
the earth. Evidence of its extent and progress might be expressed in facts
and figures, but the rapid development of the work would soon leave these
in the rear. Let it suffice to say that at present the everlasting gospel
is being preached and published in all the leading languages and countries
of the world. The work has encircled the globe. It is rapidly reaching
every nation. We now wait for the approaching end; for when the purpose of
God in the proclamation of the coming reign of Christ shall be fully
accomplished, then the end will come.
Thus far in this discourse Jesus has passed over the entire Christian
dispensation. Beginning with a warning against the deceptions that were to
succeed his own times, he next describes wars and disasters, persecutions,
apostasy, the perils of the last days, and closes with a distinct sign of
the end.