This morning, as I read in Revelation, what caught my eye was a little bit of gospel in the midst of a whole lot of judgment.

“And the ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have not yet received royal power, but they are to receive authority as kings for one hour, together with the beast. These are of one mind, and they hand over their power and authority to the beast. They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with Him are called and chosen and faithful.”

(Revelation 17:12-14 ESV)

Those with Him . . . I take that to refer to saints. My inclination is specifically martyred saints (Rev. 6:9-11, 17:6a).

Called and chosen and faithful . . . oh my! Ain’t that the gospel?

Those who are His He has called to be His. Not of their own seeking did they find their way to God. But due only to His determined leading. Giving eyes to the blind, He reveals Himself. Stirring hearts of stone, He draws people to Himself. Giving ears to hear to those who were once deaf, He calls individuals to respond to Himself.

And those individuals are chosen. Those with Him are not there because of any merit. Not there because they’ve earned it. Not there because they are more righteous than others. But there only because of His sovereign purposes. Children of God “born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God” and Him alone (Jn. 1:12).

And the fruit of a gospel which calls and chooses? Those with Him are faithful. The gospel awaking within these sinners saved by grace a holy determination to live into the implications and realities of the gospel. New creations in Christ. New power through the Spirit. New hope according to the promise. New purpose as they heed the call to be holy, for He is holy (1Pet. 1:15-16). Faithful.

Whole lot of judgment going on in these chapters about the end times. And a little bit of gospel — “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” for all times (Rom. 1:16). Amen?

Reminds me afresh of His amazing grace. Prompts me anew to give Him all deserving glory.