The “everlasting gospel” referred to in Revelation 14:6 is an important concept in biblical eschatology (study of end times) that merits close examination. This verse reads: “Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people.” (Revelation 14:6 ESV). To understand the meaning of the “everlasting gospel,” we must first look at the context of Revelation 14. In the preceding chapters, Revelation depicts God’s judgments being poured out on the earth to punish evil and wickedness. Then in chapter 14, we…
Author: Kerry Baysinger
In Deuteronomy 11:26, God tells the Israelites that he is setting before them a blessing and a curse: “See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse.” This refers to the covenant that God made with Israel, where he promised to bless them if they obeyed him but curse them if they disobeyed. Understanding why God instituted this system of blessings and curses can shed light on his purposes for Israel. To Motivate Obedience One key reason God set up this system was to motivate the Israelites to obey him. God wanted them to enjoy his blessings…
The concepts of willful sin versus ignorant sin are important when considering forgiveness in the Bible. Though all sins can be forgiven through repentance and faith in Christ, the Bible makes some distinctions between sins committed in ignorance versus those done willfully and defiantly. In general, ignorant sins are those committed without understanding or awareness that something is wrong. These types of sins are common as we are imperfect beings with limited knowledge. An example would be inadvertently breaking a religious law or custom without realizing it. The Bible indicates that God may show mercy when sins are done in…
Psalm 121 begins with the question “Where does my help come from?” This succinct verse raises an essential issue for believers – where can we turn for true help and assistance? The psalmist answers his own question in the subsequent verses by affirming that his help comes from the Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth. In ancient Israelite culture, help referred to deliverance or rescue from enemies and life-threatening situations. The hills surrounding Jerusalem contained pagan shrines where the Canaanites worshiped false gods and practiced idolatry. In asking “where does my help come from?” the psalmist rejects seeking assistance…
In the Bible, Azazel is mentioned in connection with the Day of Atonement ceremony described in Leviticus 16. On this important day of purification and repentance, two goats were chosen – one for the Lord, which was sacrificed, and one for Azazel, which was released into the wilderness. The word “Azazel” has provoked much debate over its meaning. Some possible interpretations include: A proper name referring to an evil spirit or demon of the wilderness A reference to the rugged terrain where the scapegoat was sent A combination of the Hebrew words “ez” (goat) and “azal” (go away), pointing to…
The idea of a “sixth sense” or “third eye” refers to extrasensory perception (ESP) – the ability to perceive information through means other than the five physical senses. Those who believe in a sixth sense claim it allows them to receive intuitive insights, predict future events, see auras or spiritual energies, communicate with spirits, or otherwise gain access to knowledge that exceeds the bounds of the physical world. The Bible does not use the terms “sixth sense” or “third eye” specifically. However, it does address the validity and proper use of special spiritual insights, prophetic abilities, and supernatural knowledge. Overall,…
Damascus is mentioned over 60 times in the Bible, making it one of the most frequently referenced cities. As one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Damascus has played an important role throughout biblical history. Here is an overview of the significance of Damascus in the Bible: Early Mentions One of the first biblical references to Damascus is during the time of Abraham. In Genesis 14:15, Damascus is named among the cities of the ancient kingdoms located in the region of Aram-Naharaim. Later, in Genesis 15:2, Abraham’s servant Eliezer is described as being from Damascus. In 2…
The Bible references being hung on a tree as a cursed state several times. This concept originates in Deuteronomy 21:22-23, which states “And if a man has committed a crime punishable by death and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, his body shall not remain all night on the tree, but you shall bury him the same day, for a hanged man is cursed by God. You shall not defile your land that the Lord your God is giving you for an inheritance.” So according to these verses, anyone who is hung on a…
Zionism is a political movement that supports the re-establishment and development of a Jewish nation in what is now Israel. Christian Zionism is support for Zionism from a Christian theological perspective. At its core, Christian Zionism sees the Jewish people’s return to Israel as the fulfillment of biblical prophecy and God’s divine will. The origins of Zionism as a modern political movement can be traced to the late 19th century, though the concept of a Jewish return to Zion (Jerusalem) has roots in Judaism dating back thousands of years. Theodor Herzl is considered the father of modern Zionism. His 1896…
What does it mean to be poor in spirit? Being “poor in spirit” is one of the beatitudes that Jesus teaches in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3). It is the first attitude mentioned and sets the stage for all the rest. To be poor in spirit means to recognize one’s complete dependence on God and to acknowledge that everything we have – both materially and spiritually – is a gift from Him. At its core, being poor in spirit requires humility. A person who is poor in spirit understands that he/she is not self-sufficient, but relies fully on…