EGW WritingsRevelation 14

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 54, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 54, 1898, par. 8

Perfection of character is required by God, and this is kept before us in His Word from Genesis to Revelation. “When Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.” [Genesis 17:1.] To Israel God said, “I am the Lord your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy for I am holy. ... For I am the Lord your God that bringeth you out of the land of Egypt, to by your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.” “And the Lord spake unto Moses saying, Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy. Ye shall fear every man his mother and his father, and keep my sabbaths: I am the Lord your God.” [Leviticus 11:44, 45; 19:1-3.]

Maranatha

Two Great Classes of Christians, June 29

Mar 188.5

The warning of the third angel [of Revelation 14] ... is represented in the prophecy as being proclaimed with a loud voice, by an angel flying in the midst of heaven; and it will command the attention of the world.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 199, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 199, 1898, par. 5

The books of Daniel and Revelation are to be carefully and prayerfully studied. You are to connect with your brethren in presenting before the people all the light you can on these two books. The Lord wants not only your talent of ability; He wants the united talents of those He has commissioned to preach the gospel, so that the best and strongest Scriptural truths shall be linked together and combined as a perfect whole.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 102b, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 102b, 1899, par. 11

I must now leave the matter with you, for you must consider for yourself; but you could be a great help to me. The Lord would strengthen you in making a change now. I see that W. C. White is fully in harmony with what I have written to you. He thinks that after you have been here two years you will then be settled [as to] what is best for you to do. My health is good when I do not have to stand on my feet to speak so often; but I am getting old. What I have to do I wish to do quickly and solidly. I wish now to take the Old Testament history from Solomon to the last chapter of Malachi, and the New Testament from the ascension of Christ to the Revelation; but how can I do it? Brother Colcord is helping me. W. C. White is necessarily called to advise and to attend frequent councils, for with the buildings being erected we need constant help from the Lord to teach us His way and His will.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 243, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 243, 1899, par. 9

I would be greatly pleased could you unite with us in Australia in our work. You would understand [the work] better that anyone we could get to help me in getting out my testimonies which the people need so much. If I had more help, I would now begin to write, and finish up the New Testament history and then take up the Old Testament history. Which do you think would be the best—the revision of the Life of Paul and the Apostles from Acts through to Revelation, or the Old Testament from Solomon down to Malachi? I would be so pleased if I could have your help. Willie is called off on so many business matters that I cannot hope to have much of his time and careful planning.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 150, 1899

NP

October 26, 1899 [typed]

Portions of this manuscript are published in CG 310; 7BC 954; 4MR 416; CTr 312.

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 1

“The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John; who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep the those things which are written therein; for the time is at hand.” [Revelation 1:1-3.]

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 2

“John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before the throne; and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father, to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 3

“I John,” the apostle writes, “who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” [Verses 4-9.] The same spirit which worked in the children of disobedience in Christ’s day was working against His followers. Notwithstanding the evidence given them, the Jewish people had not repented of their treatment of the Son of God, and now John, the oldest of Christ’s first disciples, was exiled for the faith.

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 4

The ruling powers at Jerusalem were amazed at John’s testimony concerning the One whom they had condemned to death. The life and character of Christ had stood out before the world in sharp contrast with the life and character of the professedly religious rulers of the nation. His life of purity condemned their lives of selfishness and iniquity. And their jealousy and hatred of Him was intense. “The world is gone after him,” they declared, and they determined to rid themselves of Him. [John 12:19.] At His condemnation they hired false witnesses to witness against Him, and the representations of these men stirred the lawless mob to a pitch of frenzy.

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 5

When Barabbas was placed by the side of Christ, and Pilate asked, “Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?” they cried, “Barabbas, release unto us Barabbas.” [Matthew 27:17; Luke 23:18.] “What shall I do then with Jesus,” Pilate asked. And they answered, “Let him be crucified.” [Matthew 27:22.] The thief and murdered was released, while the Son of God, who was free from every taint of evil, was condemned to die. Evil angels, under their leader Satan were the unseen agencies in this work. It was they who inspired the priests and rulers with the spirit of rebellion that originated with Satan.

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 6

Christ was crucified, but He arose from the dead, appeared to His disciples, and ascended to heaven, escorted by myriads of heavenly beings. At the Father’s throne He received the assurance that His sacrifice was accepted, and that the world, divorced from God by sin, was drawn across the gulf and given another trial. Receiving Christ as a sin-pardoning Saviour, man might become an heir of God and a joint-heir with Christ; “for God so love the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him might not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 7

John had been closely associated with the Saviour during His life of ministry. He had heard His wonderful words and had seen His wonderful deeds, and his testimony was given in clear lines. Out of the abundance of a heart overflowing with love for Christ he spoke, and no power could stay his words. If we will study the epistles of John, we will understand why it was that this disciple could not be left in his old age to live in peace among his brethren. “That which was from the beginning,” he writes, “which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.” [1 John 1:1-3.]

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 8

“I sent unto you all my servants the prophets, rising early and sending them, saying, O, do not this abominable thing that I hate. But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear to turn from their wickedness. ... Wherefore my fury and mine anger was poured forth, and was kindled in the streets of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem; and they are wasted and desolate as at this day.” [Jeremiah 44:4-6.] A wicked ruler thought to silence John’s testimony, and John was cast into a cauldron of boiling oil. But his testimony was not silenced. The servant of God was preserved as were the three worthies in the fiery furnace. The Son of God was with him, abiding in his heart by faith.

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 9

Like his Master, John patiently submitted to every attempt to put him to death. When his enemies cast him into the cauldron of boiling oil, they thought to hear no more from him. But as the words of satanic origin were spoken, “Thus perish all who believe in that deceiver, Jesus Christ of Nazareth,” John declared, “My Master patiently submitted to all that Satan and his angels could devise to humiliate and torture Him. He gave His life to save the world. He died that we might live. I am honored in being permitted to suffer for His sake. I am only a weak, sinful man, but Christ was holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sin and sinners. He did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth.” John’s words, while suffering at the hands of his enemies, had an influence, and he was removed from the cauldron by the very ones who had cast him in.

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 10

It was after this that John was sent to the isle of Patmos, where, separated from his companions in the faith, his enemies supposed he would die from hardship and neglect. But John made friends and converts even there. They thought that they had at last placed the faithful witness where he could no longer trouble Israel or the wicked rulers of the world. But all the heavenly universe saw the result of the conflict with the aged disciple and his separation from his companions in the faith.

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 11

God and Christ and the heavenly host were John’s companions on the isle of Patmos. From them he received instruction which he imparted to those separated with him from the world. There he wrote out the visions and revelations he received from God, telling of the things which would take place in the closing period of this earth’s history. When his voice would no longer witness for the truth, when he could no longer testify of the One he loved and served, the messages given to him on that rocky, barren coast were to go forth as a lamp that burneth. Every nation, kindred, tongue, and people would learn the sure purpose of the Lord, not concerning the Jewish nation merely, but every nation upon the earth.

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 12

“My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater; so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the Lord for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.” [Isaiah 55:8-13.]

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 13

The Sabbath that God instituted in Eden was as precious to John on Patmos as when he was with his companions in the cities and towns. The precious promises God had given regarding this day he repeated and claimed as his own. It was the sign to him that God was his, for had not God declared, “Verily, my Sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you. ... Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever.” [Exodus 31:13, 16, 17.]

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 14

“I was in the spirit on the Lord’s day,” John writes, “and heard behind me a great voice, saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches. ... And I turned to see the voice that spake with me, and being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; and in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothes with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with [a] golden girdle. His head and his hair were white like wool, as white as show, and his eyes were as a flame of fire; and his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 15

“And he had in his right hand seven stars, and out of his mouth went a sharp, two-edged sword; and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and behold, I am alive forever more, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are and the things which shall be hereafter.” [Revelation 1:10-19.]

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 16

The book of Revelation is to be understood because it is a revelation of the things which shall be in the last days. The future is large with importance to all who act a part in the closing scenes of this earth’s history, when only two parties will be recognized, the lowly who keep the commandments of God, and the disloyal, who refuse allegiance, and trample on the fourth commandment and every other law that stands in the way of their interests.

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 17

True religion is human nature brought to the perfection of the character of Christ. “I have kept my Father’s commandments,” Christ declared. [John 15:10.] Outward show, expensive churches, a multiplicity of ceremonies and traditions, is not religion. Purity of heart and lowliness of life alone bear the signature of heaven. A certain lawyer came to Christ with the question, “Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Christ placed the answering of the question upon the lawyer himself. “What is written in the law?” He asked. “How readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God will all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” Christ said, “Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.” But the lawyer, willing to justify himself, said, “And who is my neighbor?” Then by the parable of the good Samaritan Christ showed who is our neighbor. [Luke 10:25-37.]

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 18

The gospel comprehends all that the family of God on earth should believe and practice. The law of God is far-reaching in its demands, and impresses the mind [of the believer] with a continual sense of his obligation to God and his dependence upon Him. Love to God and love to our neighbor are the two great principles underlying it, and these principles are binding upon every member of the human family. Those who refuse to obey God’s law place themselves in the ranks of the enemy, as did the angels in the heavenly courts, when they united with the great apostate.

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 19

True religion consists of repentance toward God because of transgression, and faith in Christ to save from sin. There is no power in the law to save the transgressor. The law convicts the sinner of sin, but it cannot save. Christ, the Lawgiver, must receive the convicted, repentant sinner, and pardon him. The Son of God gave His life that man might have a second probation. Every advantage which God gave His Son He would give to the members of the human family, that none should perish, but all become law-abiding citizens of His kingdom.

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 20

John declares sin to be the transgression of the law, and faith in Christ as the sin-pardoning Saviour is the only way of escape from its penalty. In God’s redemptive plan for the restoration of fallen man to himself, Christ was the sacrifice. He bore in His own body the sin of the world, that whosoever would might come and have everlasting life. The prayer of Christ to his father was in behalf of His disciples, and those who through their labors would become His followers.

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 21

Jesus “lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: as thou has given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou has sent.” [John 17:1-3.] Satan is working with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish. Those who choose Christ will believe in Him as a personal Saviour, and these will have a personal experience in the knowledge of the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent.

*****

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 22

In the nineteenth chapter of Matthew is recorded the case of the rich young ruler. This man’s desires and tastes were not offensive, but favorable to the growth of spirituality. As he saw Christ blessing the little children, he was convinced that He must be a very good man. He was sure he could live in perfect harmony with Him. Hastening to the Saviour, he knelt before Him, and said, “Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?” “Why callest thou me good?” Christ asked. “There is none good but one; that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He said unto him, Which?” Jesus answered, “Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honor thy father and thy mother, and, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” [Verses 16-19.]

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 23

“And the young man said unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?” [Verse 20.] He had been flattered for his amiable traits of character. He was willing to do good things, and he flattered himself that by his strict integrity in dealing with his fellow men he was fulfilling the law. The perfection of character which he thought he possessed ranked him in the same state spiritually as was Paul, when, touching the letter of the law, he thought he was blameless. But no human standard can save a soul from death. God’s standard must be seen, acknowledged, and followed.

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 24

“If thou wilt be perfect,” Christ said, “go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shall have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.” [Verse 21.] Jesus needed the co-operation of just such men, whom God has entrusted with His goods. It is God’s plan that those to whom He has given money or houses or lands shall act as His faithful almoners, relieving the suffering of their fellow beings, and in this way winning them to the Saviour.

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 25

By helping the Saviour to help the needy, suffering ones around him, the young ruler would indeed have been laying up treasure in heaven. The test had come to him. What would the result be? When he heard Christ’s words, “he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions.” [Verse 22.]

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 26

Jesus tested the young ruler by a true standard—the law of righteousness, which requires man to love his neighbor as himself; and the ruler proved himself to be destitute of love either for God or man. He thought himself perfect, but he was weighed in the balances of the sanctuary and found wanting. He was alienated from God, for he counted that which God had given him in trust as of far more value than heavenly treasure. He went away sorrowful, because he could not selfishly retain his possessions and at the same time have the pleasure of following Christ.

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 27

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. And when his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?” [Verses 23-25.] They had expected the young ruler to do as Matthew had done, and because of his refusal they were sorrowful and dejected. Jesus said, “With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” [Verse 26.]

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 28

Today the Holy Spirit works upon some who are not as self-confident as this young ruler. There are men and women who are truly converted, as was Paul. He says, “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence; for without the law sin was dead. For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. And the commandment, which was ordained into life, I found to be unto death. For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good.” [Romans 7:7-12.]

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 29

If the rich young ruler had seen by the light of the commandment that he was sinful, if like Paul he had honored God by obeying the commandments in spirit and in truth, his sinful nature would have been slain by the law, and he would have laid hold of eternal life.

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 30

James has a message for the church. He says, “Hearken, my beloved brethren; hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seat?” [James 2:5, 6.] Can we say that there is none of this attribute in us? Alas, we cannot. May God call to repentance the men who have imperilled His cause, before it is everlastingly too late. “If ye fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well; but if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.” [Verses 8, 9.]

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 31

The rich young ruler represents many in our world today. God has entrusted His goods to them that they may advance His kingdom by planting the standard of truth in places where the message has never been heard. But they do not carry out God’s purpose. The words, “Deny thyself, take up thy cross, and follow me,” cut directly across their cherished plans, and they refuse to obey. [Matthew 16:24.]

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 32

If rich men keep the commandments of God, they will do the work that needs to be done for those whom Christ has purchased with His blood. In this way only can they follow Christ. In order to save suffering humanity from perishing in sin, He left the royal courts to come to this earth. Laying aside His kingly crown and royal robe, He resigned His high command in the heavenly courts, and for our sakes became poor, that we through His poverty might be made rich. When God entrusts man with riches, it is that he may adorn the doctrine of Christ our Saviour by using his earthly treasure to advance the kingdom of God in our world. He is to represent Christ, and therefore is not to live to please and glorify himself, to receive honor because he is rich.

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 33

The world values men according to their possessions, but the Owner of the whole world does not so value men.

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 34

God’s messages come to His people, but they have not been, and are not yet, willing to receive them. He is testing them as surely as He was testing the young ruler when He said to [him], “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven, and come and follow me.” [Matthew 19:21.] God calls upon His people to turn from the earthly to the heavenly, to yield up to Him His own. Nothing that they have is theirs; they themselves are not their own, for God’s Word declares, “Ye are not your own; for ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” [1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.]

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 35

“Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” [James 2:10.] A great work needs to be done in our churches. The members are not prepared for the coming of the Lord. God’s law needs to be written in heart and mind. Many, like the rich young ruler, when tested and tried, will refuse to deny self, take up the cross, and follow Christ. When the test comes to a man, and he refuses to obey, he shows that he is unregenerate in heart, whatever may be the outward propriety of his conduct, or whatever belief he may claim to have in the truth. He needs to have the law brought home to his conscience, that he may see the exceeding sinfulness of sin. He must die to self. Until self is crucified, he cannot know what spiritual holiness is.

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 36

When the heart is cleansed from sin, Christ is placed on the throne which self-indulgence and love of earthly treasure once occupied. The image of Christ is seen in the expression of the countenance. Sanctification through the Spirit is carried forward in the soul. Self-righteousness is banished. There is seen the putting on of the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God.” [Colossians 3:1.]

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 37

The note of warning has been given, “Set your affection on things above, and not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life shall appear, then shall we also appear with him in glory.” [Verses 2-4.] God accepts no divided service. Not one jot of the claims of the law can be abated to meet man in his fallen condition. Man must reach the highest standard. He must show a desire for perfection of character proportionate to the value of the object of which he is in pursuit.

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 38

“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever, the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are thy than gold, yea, than much fine gold, sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned, and in keeping of them there is great reward. Who can understand his errors? Cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me. Then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.” [Psalm 19:7-14.]

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 39

The religion of Christ never makes the receiver coarse, rough, or uncourteous. God’s law is the transcript of His character, and every jot and tittle of that law was given to men and women for their good, to keep them from moral corruption. It was nonconformity to the law of God that so degraded the inhabitants of the old world that the imaginations of their hearts was evil, and that continually. God’s Spirit strove with the men of that time, seeking to bring them back to purity and loyalty.

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 40

“God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth. Make thee an ark of gopher wood, rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and thou shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. ... And behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shalt die.” [Genesis 6:12-14, 17.]

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 41

God said to Noah, “My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh; yet his days his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.” [Verse 3.] For one hundred and twenty years the people were to hear the warning. Noah was a faithful preacher of righteousness, and day after day his warning voice was heard. Day after day the people saw his faith demonstrated in the building of the ark. And at first some received the message, but the restraint of righteousness was obnoxious to them, and they threw off everything that disturbed their carnal indulgence.

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 42

“As the days of Noah were,” Christ declares, “so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” [Matthew 24:37-39.]

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 43

We have reached the time when we are to take heed to the warning given, “Watch therefore, for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, That if the good man of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 44

“Blessed is that servant whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken, the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” [Verses 42-51.]

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 45

The very same state of things that existed in Noah’s time exists today in our world. From pulpit and from press, by voice and pen, the proclamation goes forth that the law of God is done away. God calls upon those who know the truth to impart the light they have received. Like Noah they are to lift their voice in warning, saying, The end of all things is at hand.

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 46

Voice the warning of Christ. Let it be given with intense fervor. Let not any one who believes the truth invest their means in worldly enterprises. Wherever a company of people is raised up, a humble house of worship should be built. We should not seek to make a grand display any where, for this would not advance the work. In all our buildings, churches, sanitariums, and schools, our economy should testify to our principles.

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 47

Years ago school building should have been erected in other places besides Battle Creek, not large buildings, but buildings suitable for church schools, in which the children and youth could receive a true education. The lesson books used should be of a character to bring the law of God to the attention. The Bible should be made the foundation of education. In this work the light and strength and power of the truth will be magnified. Youth from the world, whose minds have not been depraved by habits of sensuality, will connect with these schools, and will there be converted. There mouths may indeed be stopped for a while by the false theories entertained by the parents, but in the end truth will triumph. This kind of missionary work, I am instructed, will have a most telling influence in extending the light and knowledge of truth.

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 48

Crowding so many interests into Battle Creek has closed doors to cities and towns in which interested efforts should have been made to advance the truth we claim to believe. The number of our churches would be greatly multiplied if the light which had been selfishly hoarded in a few places had been imparted.

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 49

In all our work the law of God must be presented, with its far-reaching requirements, to lead men and women and youth to see the need of loyalty to God. The efforts put forth to rescue degraded outcasts will not be of any avail unless the claims of the law of Jehovah are imprinted on mind and heart. God has enjoined nothing that is not necessary to bind up humanity with God. The law calls upon all who claim to believe in Christ to love God supremely and their neighbor as themselves. When love for God is cherished in the heart, love for those Christ has purchased with His own blood will be seen.

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 50

“Verily, my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you.” [Exodus 31:13.] This is the true sanctification [that] it is essential for all to have. There is no genuine sanctification apart from the sign of loyalty to God, for God says so. “Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever.” [Verses 16, 17.]

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 51

God has given man the Sabbath which He instituted in Eden as a memorial of the work of creation, that as man shall look at the heavens, at the sun, moon, and stars, and at the earth, he may remember that in six days God formed the world, and on the seventh He rested and was refreshed.

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 52

“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets;” Christ said, “I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven.” [Matthew 5:17-19.] Not that they will in their transgression ever have a place in the family of God, but whatever their position on this earth may have been, the books of heaven declare them to be wanting. “But whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” [Verse 19.]

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 53

The law of God is the principle of true holiness. Abolish one precept of that law, and you are breaking all the commandments. The gospel requires perfect obedience. The law of God is to be written on the heart; then it will be revealed in the character.

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 54

Paul declares that the law of God is holy, just, and good. From the least to the greatest command God has given, not one is to be treated indifferently. Not one can be spared. God’s commands are true and righteous altogether. Not one command can we safely ignore, even though [it] may cut across what we suppose to be a chance of making a success in lines of worldly commerce. Christ says, “He that will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” [Mark 8:34.] Better to suffer the loss of earthly advantages, to endure poverty, reproach, imprisonment, and even death itself, for the sake of the cause of truth, than to make shipwreck of the faith by complying with evil practices.

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 55

The divine grace which enters a renewed mind is a pervading, active, intense principle, which works like leaven till it has assimilated all to itself. It does not cease its absorbing operations till it has assimilated to itself all with which it comes in contact. It does not correct some evils and leave others untouched. The gospel will not tolerate vice or corruption of any kind. “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.” [Psalm 19:7.]

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 56

Whatever in thought, word, or deed; in temper, affection, habit, or disposition is not in perfect harmony with the law of God, the Holy Spirit instantly detects. It then presents the gospel looking glass, that the sinner may see himself in his sinfulness. Sin and the Holy Spirit cannot dwell in the same heart. As the Spirit works upon the heart, the divine virtues of truth are implanted. There is seen that faith that works by love and purifies the soul. Man accepts the invitation, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest;” and he finds rest because there is perfect conformity between his will and the will of God. [Matthew 11:28, 29.] He is made a partaker of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 57

We are not to look upon God as did the man who made a wrong use of his talent, as a harsh judge, and exacting creditor. The Lord is a rich giver, and by His gifts He places men in positions where they can trade upon His goods, and in this life lay up in store for themselves a good foundation for the time to come.

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 58

God’s gifts are bestowed in accordance with the ability of the human agent to use the entrusted gifts. The world is a vineyard, let out to husbandmen, who are to return to the Lord the fruit thereof in its season. But God receives very little fruit. Many are like the man with the one talent. This man failed to make any use of his gift. He might have been a provider had he put his gift out to the exchanger, but he was only a consumer. Anxious to benefit himself, he hid his lord’s talent in the earth, thinking that if he improved it, he would be called upon to give it all back to the owner.

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 59

God is a rich provider. He is a fountain of inexpressible love, and He desires all to remember that as His faithful servants they are to use His bountiful provisions to relieve the necessities of suffering human beings whom He has bought with the blood of His only begotten Son. This He did that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Reflecting Christ

The Standard in the Judgment, February 17

RC 62.2

The first angel of Revelation 14 calls upon men to “fear God, and give glory to him,” and to worship Him as the Creator of the heavens and the earth. In order to do this, they must obey His law.... Without obedience to His commandments, no worship can be pleasing to God; for “this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments” (1 John 5:3).

Selected Messages Book 2

Chapter 12—The Three Angels and the Other Angel

2SM 101.1

[Often in connection with erroneous teachings and false movements, the one leading out identifies his message and work with that of the other angel of Revelation 18:1. Some erroneous teachings through the years have involved as well the messages of the three angels of Revelation 14. Such was the case in a situation met in 1896 by Mrs. White in the communications which follow. The review of the three angels’ messages in their broad work, while lengthy, will be treasured for its confirming statements.—Compilers.]

Selected Messages Book 2

The Three Angels’ Messages in their Larger Setting

2SM 105.2

“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 fountains of waters” (Revelation 14:6, 7).

2SM 107.3

The message of Revelation 14, proclaiming that the hour of God’s judgment is come, is given in the time of the end; and the angel of Revelation 10 is represented as having one foot on the sea and one foot on the land, showing that the message will be carried to distant lands, the ocean will be crossed, and the islands of the sea will hear the proclamation of the last message of warning to our world.

2SM 111.3

It is true that there are prophecies yet to be fulfilled. But very erroneous work has been done again and again, and will continue to be done by those who seek to find new light in the prophecies, and who begin by turning away from the light that God has already given. The messages of Revelation 14 are those by which the world is to be tested; they are the everlasting gospel, and are to be sounded everywhere. But the Lord does not lay upon those who have not had an experience in His work the burden of making a new exposition of those prophecies which He has, by His Holy Spirit, moved upon His chosen servants to explain.

2SM 116.1

“Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus” (Revelation 14:12). Here we stand, under the third angel’s message. “And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities” (Revelation 18:1-5).

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8

Chapter 4—Our Responsibility

8T 26.4

Is not the same thing repeated in this generation? Many in our day are keeping back that which the Lord has entrusted to them for the salvation of a world unwarned, unsaved. In the word of God an angel is represented as flying 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 fountains of waters.” Revelation 14:6, 7.

8T 27.1

The message of Revelation 14 is the message that we are to bear to the world. It is the bread of life for these last days. Millions of human beings are perishing in ignorance and iniquity. But many of those to whom God has committed the stores of life look upon these souls with indifference. Many forget that to them has been entrusted the bread of life for those starving for salvation.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5

Chapter 22—Calls for Laborers

5T 206.3

The third angel of Revelation 14 is represented as flying swiftly through the midst of heaven crying: “Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Here is shown the nature of the work of the people of God. They have a message of so great importance that they are represented as flying in the presentation of it to the world. They are holding in their hands the bread of life for a famishing world. The love of Christ constraineth them. This is the last message. There are no more to follow, no more invitations of mercy to be given after this message shall have done its work. What a trust! What a responsibility is resting upon all to carry the words of gracious invitation: “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 174, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 174, 1899, par. 8

God desires the light found in the books of Daniel and Revelation to be presented in clear lines. It is painful to think of the many cheap theories picked up and presented to the people by ignorant, unprepared teachers. Those who present their human tests, and the nonsensical ideas they have concocted in their own minds, show the character of the goods in their treasure house. They have laid in store shoddy material. Their great desire is to make a sensation.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 12, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 12, 1899, par. 2

The Word of God is to be the great lesson book in all our schools. From Genesis to Revelation it is full of instruction in practical godliness.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 209, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 209, 1899, par. 5

The first and second angels’ messages are bound up with the third angel’s message. The power of the proclamation of the first and second angels’ messages are to be concentrated in the third. We read, “And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb.” [Revelation 14:9, 10.]

14LtMs, Lt 209, 1899, par. 7

Dwell more on the Revelation. Read, explain, and enforce its teachings.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 232, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 232, 1899, par. 18

We are to give to the people the warnings contained in Revelation. But many workers are engaged in a line of work that is disqualifying them to preach the Word <and do the very work God has appointed them to do.>

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5

Chapter 52—The Church the Light of the World

5T 455.2

God has called His church in this day, as He called ancient Israel, to stand as a light in the earth. By the mighty cleaver of truth, the messages of the first, second, and third angels, He has separated them from the churches and from the world to bring them into a sacred nearness to Himself. He has made them the depositaries of His law and has committed to them the great truths of prophecy for this time. Like the holy oracles committed to ancient Israel, these are a sacred trust to be communicated to the world. The three angels of Revelation 14 represent the people who accept the light of God’s messages and go forth as His agents to sound the warning throughout the length and breadth of the earth. Christ declares to His followers: “Ye are the light of the world.” To every soul that accepts Jesus the cross of Calvary speaks: “Behold the worth of the soul: ‘Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.’” Nothing is to be permitted to hinder this work. It is the all-important work for time; it is to be far-reaching as eternity. The love that Jesus manifested for the souls of men in the sacrifice which He made for their redemption, will actuate all His followers.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 18, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 18, 1900, par. 7

Those who profess to believe the truth are not to separate themselves from the commandment-keeping people of God, as altogether more righteous than those God has appointed to preach His Word, to explain the prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation, to give the warnings regarding the law of God and the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, the seal of the living God. The Lord declares that the Sabbath is the sign between Him and His people.

15LtMs, Lt 18, 1900, par. 10

“And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast or his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.” Then John exclaims, “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” [Revelation 14:6-12.]

15LtMs, Lt 18, 1900, par. 11

“And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a [lamb], and he spake as a [dragon]. ... And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads; and that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” [Revelation 13:11, 16, 17.] Which mark do we bear? What kind of missionary work are we doing for the world? God declares, “If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God.” [Revelation 14:9, 10.] The message to be given to the world is a message which means life or death to men and women. Who will take up the proclamation of this message, fraught with such tremendous consequences?

15LtMs, Lt 18, 1900, par. 14

There is a people who stand under the bloodstained banner of Prince Emmanuel who, united with Christ, hold aloft the banner on which is inscribed, “The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” [Revelation 14:12.] “And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet, but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them; for he is Lord of lords and King of kings; and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.” [Revelation 17:12-14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 5, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 5, 1900, par. 1

The Lord has a special message for us to bear to the world, even the third angel’s message. The first and second angels’ messages are bound up with the third. The power of the proclamation of the first and second messages is to be concentrated in the third. “And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb.” [Revelation 14:9, 10.]

15LtMs, Ms 5, 1900, par. 5

At our camp meetings, when you have a congregation before you for only two weeks, do not defer the presentation of the Sabbath question until everything else is presented, supposing you are paving the way for it. Lift up the standard—the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Make this the important theme. Then by your strong arguments wall it in, and make it of still greater force. Dwell more on the Revelation. Read, explain, and enforce its teachings.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 28, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 28, 1900, par. 4

And in the fourteenth chapter of Revelation we read, “The third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, or receive his mark in his forehead or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb.” [Verses 9, 10.] This message embraces the two preceding messages. It is represented as being given with a loud voice, that is, with the power of the Holy Spirit. The impression made by this message will be proportionate to the earnestness with which it is proclaimed.

15LtMs, Lt 28, 1900, par. 5

John beholds the loyal people of God, and he exclaims, “Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” [Verse 12.] Babylon is represented as holding a wine cup in her hand, from which she makes all nations drink. The nations commit spiritual fornication by divorcing themselves from God and trampling on His commandments. The time in which the saints live is a trying one for those who refuse to receive the mark of the beast and his image, but through it all the saints show their patience. They continue to be steadfast in the faith, even should their firmness cost them their lives.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 16, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 16, 1900, par. 2

In the past, teachers have declared Daniel and the Revelation to be sealed books, and the people have turned from them. The veil whose apparent mystery has kept many from lifting it, God’s own hand has withdrawn from these portions of His Word. The very name, “Revelation,” contradicts the statement that it is a sealed book. Revelation means that something of importance is revealed. The truths of this book are addressed to those living in these last days. We are standing with the veil removed in the holy place of sacred things. We are not to stand without. We are to enter, not with careless, irreverent thoughts, not with impetuous footsteps, but with reverence and godly fear. We are nearing the time when the prophecies of the book of revelation are to be fulfilled.

15LtMs, Lt 16, 1900, par. 9

When the books of Daniel and Revelation are better understood, believers will have an entirely different religious experience. They will be given such glimpses of the open gates of heaven, that heart and mind will be impressed in regard to the character all must develop in order to realize the blessedness which is to be the reward of the pure in heart. The Lord will bless all who will seek humbly and meekly to understand that which is revealed in the Revelation. This book contains so much that is large with immortality and full of glory that all who read and search it earnestly receive the blessing to those “that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein.” [Revelation 1:3.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 59, 1900

Daniel and Revelation

15LtMs, Ms 59, 1900, par. 23

The books of Daniel and the Revelation are one. One is a prophecy, the other a revelation; one a book sealed, the other a book opened. John heard the mysteries which the thunders uttered, but he was commanded not to write them. The special light given to John which was expressed in the seven thunders was a delineation of events which would transpire under the first and second angels’ messages. It was not best for the people to know these things, for their faith must necessarily be tested. In the order of God, most wonderful and advanced truths would be proclaimed. The first and second angels’ messages were to be proclaimed, but no further light was to be revealed before these messages had done their specific work. This is represented by the Angel standing with one foot on the sea, proclaiming with a most solemn oath that time should be no longer.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 68, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 68, 1900, par. 15

The whole gospel from Genesis to Revelation is the means appointed and specified of God through which to reveal His will to the people, and it is to be appreciated, respected, and heeded.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 16, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 16, 1900, par. 1

The third angel’s message is to be given to our world in clear, distinct lines. In the fourteenth chapter of Revelation we read, “The third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, or receive his mark in his forehead or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.” [Verses 9, 10.] This message embraces the two proceeding messages. It is represented as being given with a loud voice; that is, with the power of the Holy Spirit. Everything is now at stake. The third angel’s message is to be regarded as of the highest importance. It is a life and death question. The impression made by this message will be proportionate to the earnestness and solemnity with which it is proclaimed.

15LtMs, Ms 16, 1900, par. 4

Babylon is represented as holding a wine cup in her hand, from which she makes all nations drink. The nations commit spiritual fornication, by divorcing themselves from God and trampling on His commandments. But there are some who remain true to their allegiance to Jehovah. John beholds the loyal people of God, and he exclaims, “Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” [Revelation 14:12.] The time in which the saints live is a trying one for those who refuse to receive the mark of the beast, but through it all the saints show their patience. They continue steadfast in the faith, even should their firmness cost them their life.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 51, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 51, 1901, par. 12

The Laodicean message is applicable to the church at this time. Do you believe this message? Have you hearts that feel? Or are you constantly saying, We are “rich and increased with goods, and have need of nothing”? [Revelation 3:17.] Is it in vain that the declaration of eternal truth has been given to this nation to be carried to all the nations of the world? God has chosen a people and made them the repositories of truth weighty with eternal results. To them has been given the light that must illuminate the world. Has God made a mistake? Are we indeed His chosen instrumentalities? Are we the men and women who are to bear to the world the messages of Revelation fourteen, to proclaim the message of salvation to those who are standing on the brink of ruin? Do we act as if we were?

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6

Chapter 2—The Work for This Time

6T 15.1

But the cloud of judicial wrath hangs over them, containing the elements that destroyed Sodom. In his visions of things to come the prophet John beheld this scene. This demon worship was revealed to him, and it seemed to him as if the whole world were standing on the brink of perdition. But as he looked with intense interest he beheld the company of God’s commandment-keeping people. They had upon their foreheads the seal of the living God, and he said: “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them. 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 another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in Thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for Thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. And He that sat on the cloud thrust in His sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped. And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe. And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.” Revelation 14:12-19.

6T 17.4

The three angels of Revelation 14 are represented as flying in the midst of heaven, symbolizing the work of those who proclaim the first, second, and third angels’ messages. All are linked together. The evidences of the abiding, everliving truth of these grand messages, that mean so much to the church, that have awakened such intense opposition from the religious world, are not extinct. Satan is constantly seeking to cast a shadow about these messages, so that the people of God shall not clearly discern their import, their time and place; but they live and are to exert their power upon our religious experience while time shall last.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 142, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 142, 1901, par. 2

Will our brethren bear in mind that we are living amid the perils of the last days? Read Revelation in connection with Daniel. Teach these things.—Special Testimonies to Ministers and Workers, No. 8, p. 24.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 47, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 47, 1901, par. 11

In the Word an angel is represented as flying in the midst of heaven, “having the everlasting gospel to preach to 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 fountains of waters.” [Revelation 14:6, 7.]

16LtMs, Lt 47, 1901, par. 12

The message of Revelation fourteen is the message we are to bear to the world. It is the warning for these last days.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 193, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 193, 1901, par. 13

Why has the Southern field been so terribly neglected by those who believe that we are living in the time when special light is to be given to the world regarding the closing scenes of its history? Great light has been coming to our world ever since the beginning of the proclamation of the messages of Revelation 14. Read and study the line of prophecy here outlined. “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 fountains of waters.” [Verses 6, 7.] Our minds should be filled with the great, grand truths that Christ here unfolded to John. The words “saying with a loud voice” show the importance of the message.

16LtMs, Lt 193, 1901, par. 14

“And 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.” [Verse 8.] The words “Babylon is fallen” point to the spiritual fall of the professed Christian churches. “And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture (of mercy) into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb.” [Verses 9, 10.]

16LtMs, Lt 193, 1901, par. 15

These words are addressed to those who live in the last days of this earth’s history. These messages are to be given to “every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.” [Verse 6.] Those who hear and receive them, working in harmony with them, will bear fruit to God’s glory.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 70, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 70, 1901, par. 9

The sacrifice of Christ as an atonement for sin is the great truth around which all other truths cluster. In order to be rightly understood and appreciated, every truth in the Word of God, from Genesis to Revelation, must be studied in the light which streams from the cross of Calvary, and in connection with the wondrous, central truth of the Saviour’s atonement. Those who study the Redeemer’s wonderful sacrifice grow in grace and knowledge.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 232, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 232, 1902, par. 33

Let us give more time to the study of the Bible. We do not understand the Word. In the first few verses of Revelation we are told that we must understand what the revelation of Jesus Christ means; and when we as a people understand what the book of Revelation means to us, there will be seen among us a great revival. We do not now understand fully the lessons taught in this book, notwithstanding the injunction in the first few verses to search and to study it.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 153, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 153, 1902, par. 11

In connection with this Scripture, the entire fourteenth chapter of Revelation should be studied much by God’s people. Verses nine to eleven bring to view the special message of warning against worshiping the beast and his image and receiving his mark in the forehead or in the hand. This warning is to be given to the world by those who are mentioned in the twelfth verse as keeping “the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 224, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 224, 1902, par. 11

I ask men here in this congregation, What are you worshiping? Are you converted? Do you profess to believe the truth of Daniel and Revelation? Have you become nearly insane over your own specious theories? Has the living God taken possession of heart, mind, and soul? Have you been critically examining your own life by the Word of God, and has it had its influence to break you from the idolatry and imagery you have framed to make of none effect the Word of the living God?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 223, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 223, 1902, par. 11

I have been deeply impressed by the Spirit of God that we are to pass through severe trials. Everyone’s faith will be tested. We must study carefully the old waymarks. These experiences in the past are to be revived. Daniel is to stand out conspicuously with the Revelation given to John on the Isle of Patmos.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 135, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 135, 1902, par. 7

The fourteenth chapter of Revelation outlines the work that is to be done by God’s people. The everlasting gospel is to be preached and practiced. True missionary work is to be done, not in the wisdom of men, but in the wisdom of God.

17LtMs, Ms 135, 1902, par. 8

John writes, “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 fountains of waters. And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb; and the smoke of their torment ascendeth up forever, and ever, and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.” [Verses 6-11.]

17LtMs, Ms 135, 1902, par. 9

“And I heard a voice from heaven, saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth; Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them. 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.” [Verses 13, 14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 170, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 170, 1902, par. 16

We need to study Revelation in connection with Daniel. Both of these books are to be carefully and prayerfully studied, and as we study them, we are to pray that their importance may be impressed on our hearts by the Holy Spirit.

Counsels for the Church

Chapter 7—God Has a Work for You to Do

CCh 58.5

The three angels of Revelation 14 represent the people who accept the light of God’s messages and go forth as His agents to sound the warning throughout the length and breadth of the earth. Christ declares to His followers: “Ye are the light of the world.” Matthew 5:14. To every soul that accepts Jesus the cross of Calvary speaks: “Behold the worth of the soul: ‘Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.’” Mark 16:15. Nothing is to be permitted to hinder this work. It is the all-important work for time; it is to be far-reaching as eternity. The love that Jesus manifested for the souls of men in the sacrifice which He made for their redemption, will actuate all His followers.33Testimonies for the Church 5:455, 456 Christ accepts, oh, so gladly! every human agency that is surrendered to Him. He brings the human into union with the divine, that He may communicate to the world the mysteries of incarnate love. Talk it, pray it, sing it, fill the world with the message of His truth, and keep pressing on into the regions beyond.34Testimonies for the Church 9:30

The Faith I Live By

Light Through the Darkness, October 5

FLB 284.8

Following Him by faith, they were led to see also the closing work of the church. They had a clearer understanding of the first and second angels’ messages, and were prepared to receive and give to the world the solemn warning of the third angel of Revelation 14.18The Great Controversy, 432.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 231, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 231, 1902, par. 41

Publications; I have seen that one should be on Daniel and Revelation, published right together, making scarcely any remarks or explanations, or but very few. That has been shown me for years. And they should be sold to those whom you can sell them to, and give them away to those whom you cannot sell them to.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 165, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 165, 1902, par. 20

We do not dwell sufficiently upon the Revelation and the book of Daniel. These books should be published together in pamphlet form, with a few explanations added, and they should be circulated everywhere. The words of inspiration will do their appointed work; for the Holy Spirit will impress hearts in regard to the prophecies given. In this pamphlet it should be made plain that a revelation is not a mystery which cannot be understood, but rather a mystery revealed. These two books may be prepared for publication in a pamphlet bound inexpensively, costing but a trifle, and small enough to be carried in the pocket. Printed together, the books of Daniel and the Revelation will speak to the people and tell their own story.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 105, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 105, 1903, par. 7

I have lost none of my faith in the message. After the passing of the time in 1844, we were a disappointed people, few in numbers. We sought the Lord most earnestly and read and reread His commandments. We saw wherein we had been working and walking contrary to them, and then we thanked the Lord for our disappointment. The fourteenth chapter of Revelation was most diligently studied, and we discerned the meaning of the words, “Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” [Verse 12.] Light was given us on the claims of the law of God. We were convicted that the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord, and we began to observe it as holy unto Him.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 154, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 154, 1903, par. 6

The Lord Jesus regarded it as important to call special attention to the value of a study of the last book in the Bible. The Revelation is not something so mystical that we cannot understand it and impart to students a knowledge of its teachings.

18LtMs, Ms 154, 1903, par. 29

In the future we must meet stern realities—trials that will test our loyalty to God and His truth. The beautiful theories that are being presented by some will not help us in the hour of trial and difficulty. We are to study the truths of the three angels’ messages and to believe in and worship a God who is able to carry us through the time of trouble. God desires [us] to act like men and women who have the truth. The first, second, and third angels’ messages are presented in the last book of the Bible—in Revelation. This book is not a mystery; it is a message to the churches, easily understood by those who have willing ears to hear the instruction that Christ came to deliver to us through His servant John.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 128, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 128, 1903, par. 44

Many are assimilating with the world and leaving upon human minds the impression that the special messages of warning given in the fourteenth of Revelation, messages that have called us out from the world, are secondary to the medical missionary work. God calls upon those who have heard these messages to gain an experience very different from that gained by the Jewish nation. He desires His people to come to their senses and to make their lives an expression of genuine faith and spirituality.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 1, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 1, 1903, par. 4

The books of Daniel and the Revelation should be bound together and published. A few explanations of certain portions might be added, but I am not sure that these would be needed.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 128a, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 128a, 1903, par. 32

God calls upon those who have heard His message of warning for this time, as given in the fourteenth of Revelation, to reveal a showing far different from that which was revealed by the Jewish nation. He desires His people to come to their senses and to represent in their lives genuine faith and spirituality. Many are assimilating with the world, and leaving upon human minds the impression that the special messages of warning that have called us out from the world, are secondary to the medical missionary work. The Lord calls for a decided change in every health institution that has been established and that has fallen into worldly practices. Let God’s workers now come out from the world and be separate.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 210, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 210, 1903, par. 1

The closing scenes of this earth’s history are near at hand. The unfulfilled predictions of the book of Revelation are soon to be fulfilled. This prophecy is now to be studied with diligence by the people of God and should be clearly understood. It does not conceal the truth; it clearly forewarns, telling us what will be in the future.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 263, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 263, 1903, par. 27

A sad and alarming chapter in our experience has for years been opening before us, and much of its record needs to be blotted out with the blood of redeeming love. There are some who are betraying the truth and betraying their Saviour. Let them dismiss from their minds the theories of the great deceiver. Let them humble their hearts before God. Let them fix their minds on the science of truth contained in His Word. In the books of Daniel and the Revelation they will find truths to understand which will tax the mind to the utmost.

The Great Controversy

Chapter 17—Heralds of the Morning

GC 311.3

This warning is brought to view in Revelation 14. Here is a threefold message represented as proclaimed by heavenly beings and immediately followed by the coming of the Son of man to reap “the harvest of the earth.” The first of these warnings announces the approaching judgment. The prophet beheld an angel flying “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 fountains of waters.” Revelation 14:6, 7.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 141, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 141, 1903, par. 1

We are nearing the closing scenes of this earth’s history, when the predictions of Revelation, yet unfilled, are to be fulfilled. The book of Revelation is now to be studied and understood by the people of God. It does not conceal, but forewarns, telling us what will be in the future.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 122, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 122, 1903, par. 3

It may sometime be said of me, as of some others, “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.” [Revelation 14:13.] If Sister White should lay off her armor at the feet of her Redeemer, she would still bear witness through the testimonies that He has given her. Thus she would continue speaking to all who read the books published. This is why I desire to immortalize in print as many precious revelations as possible while I have a clear brain and a firm right hand to trace the lines of instruction that God gives me.

18LtMs, Ms 122, 1903, par. 5

The fourteenth of Revelation is a chapter of deepest interest. This Scripture will soon be understood in all its bearings, and the messages given to John the Revelator will be repeated with distinct utterance.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 170, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 170, 1903, par. 3

As we came into Los Angeles, I remembered One speaking words that were in Revelation. A great solemnity was upon that night, yet I had peace of mind, that now the warning was to come to the people.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 131, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 131, 1903, par. 11

As I read the book of Revelation, I wonder that many more do not study the wonderful instruction given to John on the Isle of Patmos. Notice the description given of Christ in the first chapter. The apostle says:

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 92, 1904

19LtMs, Ms 92, 1904, par. 7

The churches have become as described in the eighteenth chapter of Revelation. Why are the messages of Revelation fourteen given? Because the principles of the churches have become corrupted. John writes: “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 fountains of water.” [Verses 6, 7.] This message is to be proclaimed by all who carry forward the work of God in these last days, from the highest to the lowest.

19LtMs, Ms 92, 1904, par. 9

“And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.” [Verses 8-10.]

19LtMs, Ms 92, 1904, par. 10

Apparently the whole world is guilty of receiving the mark of the beast. But the prophet sees a company who are not worshiping the beast, and who have not received his mark in their foreheads or in their hands. “Here is the patience of the saints,” he declares; “here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” [Verse 12.]

19LtMs, Ms 92, 1904, par. 11

“And I heard a voice from heaven, saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them. 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.” [Verses 13, 14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 95, 1905

20LtMs, Lt 95, 1905, par. 3

This manner of working is making my burden heavier than God ever designed it to be. This painful experience makes my heart ache. I am instructed to say [to] those who endeavor to tear down the foundation that has made us Seventh-day Adventists: We are God’s commandment-keeping people. For the past fifty years every phase of heresy has been brought to bear upon us, to becloud our minds regarding the teaching of the Word—especially concerning the ministration of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary and the message of heaven for these last days, as given by the angels of the fourteenth chapter of Revelation. Messages of every order and kind have been urged upon Seventh-day Adventists to take the place of the truth which, point by point, has been sought out by prayerful study and testified to by the miracle-working power of the Lord. But the waymarks which have made us what we are are to be preserved, and they will be preserved, as God has signified through His Word and the testimonies of His Spirit. He calls upon us to hold firmly, with the grip of faith, to the fundamental principles that are based upon unquestionable authority.

20LtMs, Lt 95, 1905, par. 4

God has placed in our hands a banner on which is inscribed the words, “The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” [Verse 12.] “Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ,” He declares. [Revelation 12:17.] At all times and in all places we are to hold the banner firmly aloft. God’s denominated people are to take a firm stand under the banner of truth. The truths that we have been proclaiming for more than half a century have been contested again and again. Again and again the facts of faith have been disputed, but every time the Lord has established the truth by the working of His Holy Spirit. Those who have arisen to question and overthrow the principles of present truth have been sternly rebuked.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 26, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 26, 1905, par. 14

We are to heed the messages that God has given in the Revelation. This book is the revelation of Jesus Christ given to John and written out by him. It behooves every one to become familiar with the Word of the Spirit given to John and penned by him in the Isle of Patmos.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 178, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 178, 1905, par. 3

Sabbath, November 11, I spoke in the church at St. Helena. I read from Revelation 14. I spoke but a short while. That chapter is a sermon to us all. And it is essential that every one who claims to believe the Word read and put to the tax his capabilities to understand every word that is written concerning what shall transpire in the last days of this earth’s history.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 22, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 22, 1905, par. 1

The message given to John on the Isle of Patmos is to come to the people as it is. The whole of the instruction found in the book of Revelation is to be dwelt upon with an intense earnestness that has not yet been seen. There are many who treat this book with as little concern as if it were a sealed book, which contains no light for the present time. But it is not sealed. It was given to John to give to the churches.

The Great Controversy

Chapter 19—Light Through Darkness

GC 352.2

In the typical system, which was a shadow of the sacrifice and priesthood of Christ, the cleansing of the sanctuary was the last service performed by the high priest in the yearly round of ministration. It was the closing work of the atonement—a removal or putting away of sin from Israel. It prefigured the closing work in the ministration of our High Priest in heaven, in the removal or blotting out of the sins of His people, which are registered in the heavenly records. This service involves a work of investigation, a work of judgment; and it immediately precedes the coming of Christ in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory; for when He comes, every case has been decided. Says Jesus: “My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” Revelation 22:12. It is this work of judgment, immediately preceding the second advent, that is announced in the first angel’s message of Revelation 14:7: “Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come.”

GC 352.3

Those who proclaimed this warning gave the right message at the right time. But as the early disciples declared, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand,“ based on the prophecy of Daniel 9, while they failed to perceive that the death of the Messiah was foretold in the same scripture, so Miller and his associates preached the message based on Daniel 8:14 and Revelation 14:7, and failed to see that there were still other messages brought to view in Revelation 14, which were also to be given before the advent of the Lord. As the disciples were mistaken in regard to the kingdom to be set up at the end of the seventy weeks, so Adventists were mistaken in regard to the event to take place at the expiration of the 2300 days. In both cases there was an acceptance of, or rather an adherence to, popular errors that blinded the mind to the truth. Both classes fulfilled the will of God in delivering the message which He desired to be given, and both, through their own misapprehension of their message, suffered disappointment.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 14, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 14, 1905, par. 5

We need now to be diligently searching the book of Revelation—the history that Christ revealed to John on the Isle of Patmos, bidding him write it in a book, that the churches might know what was to take place on this earth just before the coming of the Son of man in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 351, 1905

20LtMs, Lt 351, 1905, par. 10

He believes straight present truth. There is not one thread of spiritualistic science which would take the world in its deceivings. It is solemn, serious truth which is before the people, the truth of the first, second, and third angels’ messages, linking Daniel and Revelation together. And the grasp he has of the people is marvelous. The Lord has put His Spirit into the mind, heart, and soul of Brother Simpson. He is firm upon the testimonies. This work should be taken up in every city now without delay.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 188, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 188, 1905, par. 21

I want to speak to you in Revelation. Now we know that the Revelation came to John, and John was one that was always speaking the truth. His faith did not change at all. There are men who come up and tell you some great fallacy. You just set them aside.

20LtMs, Ms 188, 1905, par. 30

Verses 10, 11. Here were the churches. All these things in Revelation represent the churches in the land. We find through the list of the churches that there is a call made. I cannot begin to tell it all, but the latest is the third angel’s message. It is to be proclaimed, and we are to carry the banner with the inscription, “The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” [Revelation 14:12.] That is what we are to bear. There is no such thing as these spiritualistic ideas that must come into our mind at all, that we have no personal Christ and we have no personal God. Brethren, hold fast to the sanctuary. Hold fast to Christ Jesus; hold fast to the Father. And every point of present truth that we have heard that we have experienced, we are to proclaim whenever we shall go.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 34, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 34, 1905, par. 1

I feel intensely anxious that as a people we may stand without fault before the throne of God. God is not pleased with our present condition. It is of the utmost importance that every one of us stand on higher and holier ground. In Revelation we have a message to those who have gone out of the way.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 44, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 44, 1905, par. 21

For the past fifty years every phase of heresy has been brought to bear upon us, to becloud our minds regarding the teaching of the Word—especially concerning the ministration of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary and the message of heaven for these last days, as given by the angels of the fourteenth chapter of Revelation. Messages of every order and kind have been urged upon Seventh-day Adventists to take the place of the truth which, point by point, has been sought out by prayerful study and testified to by the miracle-working power of the Lord. But the waymarks which have made us what we are are to be preserved, and they will be preserved as God has signified through His Word and through the testimony of His Spirit. He calls upon us to hold firmly, with the grip of faith, to the fundamental principles that are based upon unquestionable authority.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 101, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, par. 62

Where are My messengers? saith the Lord. Why is there not seen among My people a greater burden for the souls of those who have not heard the message of warning? Our workers should dwell much on the prophecies and the scenes brought to view in the books of Daniel and the Revelation. These books especially contain the message for our time. In the fourteenth chapter is given the last message of mercy to the world. This last testing message should now be brought before all people. In the eighteenth chapter of Revelation is given the call to the churches to come out of Babylon. The time has now come when all God’s people must be gathered into a company and denominated as His special people, keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. The world must be warned, and there must be a decided reformation among our churches.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 85, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 85, 1906, par. 2

God has a solemn work to be done in San Francisco. Much more needs to be done there than has yet been done, in proclaiming the warning message of Revelation fourteen to the people of that city.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 234, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 234, 1906, par. 20

“This I can say, that never, since I became fully acquainted with that system which we denominate ‘the present truth’ [2 Peter 1:12], so as to comprehend it in its sublime proportions, its divine harmony, and its inseparable connections, have I had the least shadow of misgiving as to its truthfulness in its fundamental principles, and its stability and final triumph, as the work of God. It is evident, also, that this work before its close must present the fulfilment of the prophecy of Joel and some prophecies of the book of Revelation. And to whatever degree I may have persuaded myself that this cause might have been so far developed without this feature which we call the gift of prophecy, it was only to look for something of the kind to appear in the future; for without this, it would lack one of the tests of being the work of the last generation.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 352, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 352, 1906, par. 9

Elder Simpson is arousing a good interest by his meetings. People of all classes come out to hear and to see the life-size images that he has of the beasts of Revelation. A great many Catholics come to hear him. Much of his preaching is in words of the Bible. He uses as few of his own words as possible. So if his hearers war against what he says, they war against the Word of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 372, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 372, 1906, par. 6

For several weeks, meetings have been held in Oakland in a large tent pitched close by the post office. Elder Simpson has had wonderful success in this series of meetings. His method has been to make Scripture explain Scripture; and the Holy Spirit has convinced many hearts of the truth. The people cannot but accept a plain “Thus saith the Lord.” The beasts used as symbols in the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation he has presented before the people in life-size images, and this has impressed the people strongly. He has lectured only in the evening, when men are released from their work and can come out to hear. After a few weeks of labor he presented the Sabbath, again making the Bible prove every statement.

The Great Controversy

Chapter 20—A Great Religious Awakening

GC 355.1

A great religious awakening under the proclamation of Christ’s soon coming is foretold in the prophecy of the first angel’s message of Revelation 14. An angel is seen flying “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.” “With a loud voice” he proclaims the message: “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 fountains of waters.” Verses 6, 7.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 350, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 350, 1906, par. 6

He has large life-like representations of the beasts and symbols in Daniel and the Revelation, and these are brought forward at the proper time to illustrate his remarks. Not one careless or unnecessary word escapes his lips. He speaks forcibly and solemnly. Many of his hearers have never before heard discourses of so solemn a nature. They manifest no spirit of levity, but a solemn awe seems to rest upon them. He takes up a collection only once a week, but he receives sufficient to defray his expenses without being obliged to call upon the conference.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 349, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 349, 1906, par. 10

The Lord has been working with Elder Simpson, teaching him how to give to the people this last warning message. His method of making the words of the Bible prove the truth for this time, and his use of the symbols presented in Revelation and Daniel, are effective. Let the young men learn as for their lives what is truth and how it should be presented. We are living in the last days of the great conflict; the truth alone will hold us securely in this time of trouble. The way should be prepared for Elder Simpson to give the message, and our young men should attend his evening meetings.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 326, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 326, 1906, par. 8

Brother Simpson dwells especially upon the prophecies in the books of Daniel and the Revelation. He has large representations of the beasts spoken of in these books. These beasts are made of papier-mâché, and by an ingenious invention, they may be brought at the proper time before the congregation. Thus he holds the attention of the people, while he preaches the truth to them. Through this effort hundreds will be led to a better understanding of the Bible than they ever had before, and we trust that there will be many conversions. Those who attend his lectures and are not converted must practically reject the Word of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 11, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 11, 1906, par. 8

The Saviour foretold that in the latter days false prophets would appear and draw away disciples after them; and also that those who in this time of peril should stand faithful to the truth that is specified in the book of Revelation would have to meet doctrinal errors so specious that, if it were possible, the very elect would be deceived.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 368, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 368, 1906, par. 3

In presenting before the people the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation, Brother Simpson illustrates them by large images of the beasts of these prophecies; and this is creating a wonderful interest. He uses the Bible to prove every statement he makes and tells the people if they have any controversy with the truth he is teaching, their controversy must be with the Bible itself. This method of making the Bible prove the Bible makes a deep impression on the minds of those assembled. The Lord is impressing many minds.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 376, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 376, 1906, par. 24

The Lord Jesus sent a mighty angel to make plain to John by the use of symbols the things that were to transpire until the coming of Christ. He was bidden to write the instruction in a book for the benefit of the seven churches. This writing we now have preserved in the book of Revelation, but this book is understood by only a very few. It contains the message for the last days, and we are to dwell much upon these prophecies.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 400, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 400, 1906, par. 9

Brother Simpson’s meetings were largely attended, and the people listened to his words with spellbound interest; the interest continued from first to last. With his Bible in his hand, and basing all his arguments on the Word of God. Brother Simpson traced out before the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation. His own words were few; he made the Scriptures themselves explain the truth to the people. After giving them the truth, Elder Simpson would draw an expression of opinion from his congregation. “Now,” he would say, “those who see the truth of what I am saying, raise your hands;” and in response many hands would be raised. I can only poorly represent to you the interest his work has created.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 105, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 105, 1906, par. 5

The manner of Elder Simpson’s work reminds me of the efforts that were put forth in 1843 and 1844. He does not make prominent his own words, but reads the Bible, explaining one scripture by another. He dwells largely on the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation and uses many illustrations and suitable figures to impress the truth. To represent the beasts of Daniel and Revelation, he has prepared lifelike images of papier-mâché.

21LtMs, Ms 105, 1906, par. 27

The Lord Jesus sent a mighty angel to make plain to John, by the use of symbols, the things that were to come to pass until the coming of Christ. He was bidden to write the instruction in a book for the benefit of the seven churches. This writing we now have preserved in the book of Revelation, but this book is understood by only a very few. It contains the message for the last days, and we are to dwell much upon these prophecies.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 388, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 388, 1906, par. 3

The manner of Elder Simpson’s work reminds me of the efforts that were put forth in 1843 and 1844. He does not make prominent his own words, but reads the Bible, explaining one Scripture by another. He dwells largely on the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation and uses many illustrations and suitable figures to impress the truth. To represent the beasts of Daniel and Revelation, he has prepared life-like images of papier-mâché.

The Great Controversy

Chapter 21—A Warning Rejected

GC 379.1

The first angel’s message of Revelation 14, announcing the hour of God’s judgment and calling upon men to fear and worship Him, was designed to separate the professed people of God from the corrupting influences of the world and to arouse them to see their true condition of worldliness and backsliding. In this message, God has sent to the church a warning, which, had it been accepted, would have corrected the evils that were shutting them away from Him. Had they received the message from heaven, humbling their hearts before the Lord and seeking in sincerity a preparation to stand in His presence, the Spirit and power of God would have been manifested among them. The church would again have reached that blessed state of unity, faith, and love which existed in apostolic days, when the believers “were of one heart and of one soul,” and “spake the word of God with boldness,” when “the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” Acts 4:32, 31; 2:47.

GC 381.1

In Revelation 14 the first angel is followed by a second proclaiming: “Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.” Revelation 14:8. The term “Babylon” is derived from “Babel,” and signifies confusion. It is employed in Scripture to designate the various forms of false or apostate religion. In Revelation 17 Babylon is represented as a woman—a figure which is used in the Bible as the symbol of a church, a virtuous woman representing a pure church, a vile woman an apostate church.

GC 382.3

Babylon is said to be “the mother of harlots.” By her daughters must be symbolized churches that cling to her doctrines and traditions, and follow her example of sacrificing the truth and the approval of God, in order to form an unlawful alliance with the world. The message of Revelation 14, announcing the fall of Babylon must apply to religious bodies that were once pure and have become corrupt. Since this message follows the warning of the judgment, it must be given in the last days; therefore it cannot refer to the Roman Church alone, for that church has been in a fallen condition for many centuries. Furthermore, in the eighteenth chapter of the Revelation the people of God are called upon to come out of Babylon. According to this scripture, many of God’s people must still be in Babylon. And in what religious bodies are the greater part of the followers of Christ now to be found? Without doubt, in the various churches professing the Protestant faith. At the time of their rise these churches took a noble stand for God and the truth, and His blessing was with them. Even the unbelieving world was constrained to acknowledge the beneficent results that followed an acceptance of the principles of the gospel. In the words of the prophet to Israel: “Thy renown went forth among the heathen for thy beauty: for it was perfect through My comeliness, which I had put upon thee, saith the Lord God.” But they fell by the same desire which was the curse and ruin of Israel—the desire of imitating the practices and courting the friendship of the ungodly. “Thou didst trust in thine own beauty, and playedst the harlot because of thy renown.” Ezekiel 16:14, 15.

GC 389.2

The second angel’s message of Revelation 14 was first preached in the summer of 1844, and it then had a more direct application to the churches of the United States, where the warning of the judgment had been most widely proclaimed and most generally rejected, and where the declension in the churches had been most rapid. But the message of the second angel did not reach its complete fulfillment in 1844. The churches then experienced a moral fall, in consequence of their refusal of the light of the advent message; but that fall was not complete. As they have continued to reject the special truths for this time they have fallen lower and lower. Not yet, however, can it be said that “Babylon is fallen,... because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.” She has not yet made all nations do this. The spirit of world conforming and indifference to the testing truths for our time exists and has been gaining ground in churches of the Protestant faith in all the countries of Christendom; and these churches are included in the solemn and terrible denunciation of the second angel. But the work of apostasy has not yet reached its culmination.

GC 389.3

The Bible declares that before the coming of the Lord, Satan will work “with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness;” and they that “received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved,” will be left to receive “strong delusion, that they should believe a lie.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11. Not until this condition shall be reached, and the union of the church with the world shall be fully accomplished throughout Christendom, will the fall of Babylon be complete. The change is a progressive one, and the perfect fulfillment of Revelation 14:8 is yet future.

GC 390.2

Revelation 18 points to the time when, as the result of rejecting the threefold warning of Revelation 14:6-12, the church will have fully reached the condition foretold by the second angel, and the people of God still in Babylon will be called upon to separate from her communion. This message is the last that will ever be given to the world; and it will accomplish its work. When those that “believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness” (2 Thessalonians 2:12), shall be left to receive strong delusion and to believe a lie, then the light of truth will shine upon all whose hearts are open to receive it, and all the children of the Lord that remain in Babylon will heed the call: “Come out of her, My people” (Revelation 18:4).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 390, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 390, 1907, par. 9

The three angels of Revelation fourteen are represented as flying in the midst of heaven, proclaiming the words of truth to a perishing world. They symbolize the work for this time that is to be done by all who believe these messages. The three angels’ messages are linked together. There are many evidences of the abiding, ever-living truth of these messages, which mean so much to those who have long had the light of present truth. We should sacredly cherish these evidences. Satan is seeking to cast a shadow about the messages, so that the people of God shall not clearly discern their import, their time and place; but they will live as long as time shall last and will be proclaimed with increasing power. The influence of these messages is constantly deepening and widening.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 67, 1907

22LtMs, Ms 67, 1907, par. 17

The message of the gospel, from Genesis to Revelation, is God’s appointed means through which to reveal His will to men. It is to be appreciated, respected, and carefully studied. In a humble, prayerful spirit, Scripture is to be compared with Scripture. In the fourth chapter of Ephesians, the plan of God is so plainly and simply revealed, that all His children may lay hold upon the truth. Here the means which He has appointed to keep unity in His church, that its members may reveal to the world a healthy religious experience, is plainly declared. Those who conform their lives to obedience to the commandments of God, and are united in the faith of the Scriptures; those who are bound together as one in Christ Jesus, their lives hid with Christ in God, will practice the golden rule, doing to others as they would have others do to them. They will bear a living, abiding testimony that the Father loves them even as He loves His Son, and their testimony will have a powerful influence with the unbelieving world. These souls appreciate the great gift of God to our world; their course in life testifies that Christ has not died for them in vain. They make use of the provision made by heaven at infinite cost to draw souls to obedience to the law of God. Co-operating with the great Master Worker, they become laborers together with God. They become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. Their consistent Christian lives magnify the law of God and make it honorable before the gainsaying world. Their deportment in courtesy and unwavering fidelity, their justice and mercy demonstrate to the world that the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Lt 54, 1908

23LtMs, Lt 54, 1908, par. 17

In the place of hovering over the churches, our ministers should carry a burden for souls unwarned by the messages of Revelation fourteen. Every tongue should be sanctified to teach the truth of the Bible. The apostle Paul’s instruction to Titus was, “Speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: that the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in the faith, in charity, in patience. The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things: that they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. ...

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Ms 95, 1909

24LtMs, Ms 95, 1909, par. 16

If we will study the book of Revelation and seek to understand its full significance, we shall see the necessity of putting away from our lives all the frivolity that so often marks our experience. We will have little desire for the foolish novel and the amusements of the world. Satan is determined to have the victory, and we are half asleep. What we need is workers, men and women who will do their duty in the fear of God. Many will say, We cannot all be ministers. Yes; you can; there is some work of ministry for each to do for perishing souls. There are many lines of work which as Christians we should become interested in. Christ wants every soul to copy His example of self-denial and self-sacrifice. He desires that all men shall have eternal life in the kingdom of God. But we cannot indulge coarseness or discourtesy or self-indulgence there. Therefore we must be daily overcomers here—overcomers by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Ms 61, 1909

24LtMs, Ms 61, 1909, par. 13

The world is preparing for the closing work of the third angel’s message. The truth is now to go forth with a power that it has not known for years. The message of present truth is to be proclaimed everywhere. We must be aroused to give this message with a loud voice, as symbolized in the fourteenth chapter of Revelation. There is danger of our accepting the theory of the truth without accepting the great responsibility which it lays upon every recipient. My brethren, Show your faith by your works. The world must be prepared for the loud cry of the third angel’s message—a message which God declares shall be cut short in righteousness.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 25, 1910

25LtMs, Ms 25, 1910, par. 20

During the days of the Advent Movement, the first and the second angels’ messages were proclaimed with power in Portland, Maine. And after the disappointment, when light shone upon the sanctuary question and the three messages of Revelation fourteen, the third angel’s message was preached faithfully in that place and throughout the East. In times past, we have attended camp-meetings in that city that have been well attended. The power of God has been manifested. Those connected with the courts, and others high in office, have come out to hear.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Lt 94, 1910

25LtMs, Lt 94, 1910, par. 7

I have lost none of my faith in the message. After the passing of the time in 1844, we were a disappointed people, few in numbers. We sought the Lord most earnestly and read and re-read His commandments. We saw wherein we had been working and walking contrary to them, and then we thanked the Lord for our disappointment. The fourteenth chapter of Revelation was studied, and we discerned the meaning of the words, “Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” [Verse 12.] Light was given us on the claims of the law of God. We were convicted that the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord, and we began to observe it as holy unto Him.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 69, 1912

25LtMs, Ms 69, 1912, par. 42

The Old Testament, containing the prophecies of the coming of Christ, is now made of small account. The cry now is, “The Christ, the Christ! The gospel, the gospel!” But the gospel is taught all the way through the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. The gospel is revealed in all the prophecies of the first advent of Christ as the Saviour of men. Every act of the old dispensation to turn men away from sin or to bring them forgiveness was done with reference to the Saviour who was to come. He was the steppingstone by which man was to be exalted.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Lt 12a, 1910

25LtMs, Lt 12a, 1910, par. 3

Seventh-day Adventists have been set as watchmen and light-bearers in our churches everywhere and especially in the cities. As God’s people we have been entrusted with the work of saving souls. Upon us is shining wonderful light. In years past the first and the second angels’ messages have been proclaimed, and now the third angel’s message is being given to the churches that have fallen. The Lord is opening the way in a remarkable manner for His people to give the warning message to those who have never yet heard the truth for this time. No other work that we might do is as important as is this. The third angel’s message means much to us all. It means much to unbelievers also whether they shall receive and believe and live out this third angel’s message, which includes the other two messages of Revelation fourteen, and the proclamation of which makes prominent the Sabbath of the fourth commandment.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 51, 1910

25LtMs, Ms 51, 1910, par. 2

After the disappointment, when light was given on the sanctuary question, the Sabbath truth, and the three angels’ messages of (Revelation 14), the cities of the East were given the light of present truth. The third angel’s message was carried from city to city and from town to town. Light shone on the pathway of the scattered believers, concerning the near advent of their Lord, and some received the message gladly. Others turned from the light and lost their hold on God and on His truth.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Lt 164, 1910

25LtMs, Lt 164, 1910, par. 8

Now I am charged of the Lord God of Israel. We wish to say to all our people, I have a message for you all. Our work is laid out before us in Revelation 14, verse 6. This is our work. Study the Word. The end of all things is at hand. If Satan can confuse minds, he will invent every species of deception.

25LtMs, Lt 164, 1910, par. 10

“And 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. And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: ... Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.” Revelation 14:6-13.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 49, 1910

25LtMs, Ms 49, 1910, par. 9

The message of the third angel of (Revelation 14) is now to be proclaimed not only in lands far off, but in neglected places close by, where multitudes dwell unwarned and unsaved. God is calling His people at this time to a long-delayed work. Decided efforts are to be made to enlighten those who have never yet been warned. The work in the cities is now to be regarded as of special importance. Let workers be carefully selected to labor two and two in the cities in harmony with the counsel of experienced leaders and under the direction and commission of Jesus Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Lt 18, 1910

25LtMs, Lt 18, 1910, par. 7

Seventh-day Adventists have been set as watchmen and light-bearers in our churches everywhere, and especially in the cities. As God’s people, we have been entrusted with the work of saving souls. Upon us is shining wonderful light. In years past, the first and second angels’ messages have been proclaimed, and now the third angel’s message is being given to the churches that have fallen. The Lord is opening the way in a remarkable manner for His people to give the warning message to those who have never yet heard the truth for this time. No other work that we might do is so important as is this. The third angel’s message means much to us all. It means much to unbelievers, also, whether they shall receive and believe and live out this third angel’s message, which includes the other two messages of (Revelation 14) and the proclamation of which makes prominent the Sabbath of the fourth commandment.

The Three Angels’ Messages

Historical and Theological Introduction

3AM 9.1

The messages of the three angels found in Revelation 14 are central to the teachings and counsels of Ellen White. They were not speculative theories to her. She lived them. Her life was “interwoven” with them. 1Ellen G. White, Selected Messages, bk. 2 (Hagerstown, MD: Review and Herald®, 2006), 387. She experienced each message historically as she and her fellow Adventists moved from anticipation to disappointment and then to deeper discovery.

3AM 9.2

The statements brought together in this compilation hang on the framework of the words of Scripture—specifically Revelation 14:6-16 and 18:1-5. The book of Revelation carries great weight for those living in the last days of human history. It unfolds the great cosmic-historical controversy between Christ and Satan from its very inception in the heavenly realms, its development throughout human history (Revelation 12), and the final triumph of Christ and His followers. Ellen White refers to this crucial book as the place where the prophecies of Daniel are “unsealed” 2Ellen G. White, Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press®, 1962), 115. and where “all the books of the Bible meet and end.” 3Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press®, 1911), 585. She emphasized that “the solemn messages that have been given in their order in the Revelation are to occupy the first place in the minds of God’s people.” 4Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press®, 1948), 8:302.

3AM 9.3

Within the book of Revelation, the three angels’ messages of Revelation 14:6-12 exclaim God’s last warnings to the impenitent world in preparation for the glorious second comingof Christ (verses 14-20). The first message proclaims God’s everlasting gospel in the context of the hour of His judgment, calling people to “worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water” (verse 7, NKJV). The second message announces the fall of all false religious systems and ideologies (verse 8). And the third message portrays the final polarization of humanity between “those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus” and those who follow the teachings of the beast and its image (verse 12, NKJV).

3AM 10.1

Major eighteenth-century events—especially the Lisbon earthquake in 1755 and the imprisonment of Pope Pius VI in 1798—generated a renewed interest in Bible prophecy, with emphasis on the books of Daniel and Revelation. Several contemporary Protestant expositors associated the three angels of Revelation 14 with Martin Luther, John Calvin, and the Church of England. Yet in 1813, the Scottish biblical prophecy expositor William Cuninghame (c. 1775-1849) recognized that those Reformers “did not even preach through the whole of Christian Europe” and thus did not fulfill the worldwide scope of the first angel’s message. While he believed that the first angel had begun his mission through the newly established Bible societies, he saw the messages of the second and the third angels as still in the future. 5William Cuninghame, A Dissertation on the Seals and Trumpets of the Apocalypse (London: J. Hatchard, 1813), 308-313.

3AM 11.1

In the summer of 1843, a division of understanding among Millerites developed when Charles Fitch (1805-1844) presented his sermon titled “Come Out of Her, My People.” Fitch applied both the second angel’s message of Revelation 14:8 and the “loud cry” angel of Revelation 18 not only to the papacy but also to the Protestant churches that had rejected the soon coming of Jesus. 7Charles Fitch, “Come Out of Her, My People”: A Sermon (Rochester, NY: J. V. Himes, 1843); Charles Fitch, “‘Come Out of Her, My People,’” Midnight Cry!, September 21, 1843, 33-36; see also Francis D. Nichol, The Midnight Cry (Washington, DC: Review and Herald®, 1944), 148, 149. During this time, many Millerites were expelled or left their Protestant churches. Miller and some of those associated with him took strong exception to Fitch’s view of including any Protestant church as a part of Babylon. 8William Miller, Wm. Miller’s Apology and Defence (Boston: J. V. Himes, 1845), 24, 25; see also P. Gerard Damsteegt, Foundations of the Seventh-day Adventist Message and Mission (Berrien Springs, MI: Andrews University Press, 1977), 78-84.

3AM 11.2

During the first years after the disappointment of October 22, 1844, Sabbathkeeping Adventists, who later became Seventh-day Adventists, maintained the Millerite view with Fitch’s position that the first two angels of Revelation 14 applied to the Second Advent proclamation leading up to 1844, but that part or all of the third angel applied to the period after 1844, with the proclamation of the Sabbath in the “commandments of God” and the “faith or testimony of Jesus.” 9Joseph Bates, The Seventh Day Sabbath, a Perpetual Sign, From the Beginning, to the Entering Into the Gates of the Holy City, According to the Commandment, 2nd ed., rev. and enl. (New Bedford, MA: Press of Benjamin Lindsey, 1847), 58; James White, “Thoughts on Revelation 14,” in A Word to the “Little Flock” (Brunswick, ME: James White, 1847), 10, 11.

3AM 11.3

Joseph Bates’s The Seventh Day Sabbath, a Perpetual Sign (1847) first linked Jesus’ heavenly sanctuary ministry in the Most Holy Place with the Sabbath, based on Revelation 11:19 and 14:12, giving the Sabbath eschatological importance. Ellen White’s confirming and enriching “Sabbath Halo” vision confirmed this understanding and added an evangelistic mission emphasis to the Sabbath. She wrote: “We went forth, and proclaimed the Sabbath more fully.” 10Ellen G. White, Early Writings (Hagerstown, MD: Review and Herald®, 2000), 32-35; Ellen G. White, “A Vision,” broadside, April 7, 1847.

3AM 12.1

These developments prepared the way for a dramatic breakthrough in understanding. During 1857 and 1858, Sabbathkeeping Adventists came to see all three messages of Revelation 14:6-12 and the angel of Revelation 18 as being proclaimed since 1844. Elon Everts coined the phrase investigative judgment in a letter referring to the first angel’s message:

3AM 12.2

The question with me is, Where are we? I answer, More than twelve years past the proclamation “The hour of his judgment is come.” Revelation 14:6, 7. We have been the same length of time in the cleansing of the Sanctuary. Dan. viii, 14....

3AM 13.3

An understanding of the post-1844 heavenly investigative judgment led to further study of the “loud cry” of the angel in Revelation 18. Both Elon Everts and James White wrote of its significance, and Ellen White confirmed that this final call out of Babylon was connected to the second angel’s message of Revelation 14:8. 17E. Everts, “‘Be Zealous and Repent,’” Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, January 8, 1857, 75; James White, “Revelation Twelve,” Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, January 8, 1857, 76; E. G. White, Spiritual Gifts, 1:193.

3AM 14.1

Sabbathkeeping Adventists saw the proclamation of the three angels’ messages as unfolding a complete system of present truth. While each message is distinct, Ellen White and her contemporaries often referred to the truths of all three messages using the umbrella phrase “the third angel’s message.” In the early days of the movement, two expressions of these messages received special attention. One was “the hour of His judgment has come” (Revelation 14:7, NKJV), which was considered an allusion to the post-1844 phase of Christ’s priestly ministry in the heavenly sanctuary (Daniel 7:9-14; 8:14). The other expression was “the commandments of God” (Revelation 14:12, NKJV), with emphasis on the abiding nature of the Decalogue and the seventh-day Sabbath. This view was grounded on the conviction that saving faith does not make void God’s law (Romans 3:31).

3AM 14.2

Seventh-day Adventists considered themselves to be those described by John as ones who “keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus” (Revelation 14:12, NKJV). They even related several of their beliefs to this doctrinal foundation. For example, after Ellen White’s 1863 health-reform vision, the basic health principles were regarded as expressions of the commandments of God. After the 1888 Minneapolis General Conference, the doctrine of righteousness by faith was seen as a crucial part of the “faith of Jesus.” This perception fostered a Christ-centered preaching of the gospel in the context of “the hour of His judgment” (verse 7, NKJV). Indeed, the message ofthe three angels begins with the “everlasting gospel” and ends with the “faith of Jesus” (verses 6, 12, NKJV).

3AM 15.1

More recently, Adventist authors and preachers have placed a renewed focus on the Creation emphasis of the first angel’s message (Revelation 14:7). Biblical scholars have recognized that the expression “and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of waters” (verse 7, NKJV) derives not from the Genesis Creation account but rather from the fourth commandment of the Decalogue, which reads, “The LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them” (Exodus 20:11, NKJV). Special attention is also given to the theme of worship, as evident in the contrast between those who worship God and keep His commandments (Revelation 14:7, 12) and those who worship the beast and his image and receive his mark (verses 9, 11).

3AM 15.2

The three angels’ messages of Revelation 14 may well be the richest and most encompassing cluster of truths in the book of Revelation, if not the entire Bible. It is no wonder that Ellen White described these messages as “the most solemn truths ever entrusted to mortals” and their proclamation as “a work of the most solemn import.” 19Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press®, 1948), 9:19. Emphasizing their enduring relevance, she stated: “The first and second messages were given in 1843 and 1844, and we are now under the proclamation of the third; but all three of the messages are still to be proclaimed. It is just as essential now as ever before that they shall be repeated to those who are seeking for the truth. By pen and voice we are to sound the proclamation.” 20E. G. White, Manuscript 32, 1896; Selected Messages, bk. 2, 104, 105.

The Three Angels’ Messages

Nothing else of so great importance

3AM 19.3

No other work as important—The Lord is opening the way in a remarkable manner for His people to give the warning message to those who have never yet heard the truth for this time. No other work that we might do is so important as is this. The third angel’s message means much to us all. It means much to unbelievers, also, whether they shall receive and believe and live out this third angel’s message, which includes the other two messages of (Revelation 14) and the proclamation of which makes prominent the Sabbath of the fourth commandment.—Letter 18, 1910 (January 27)

3AM 21.3

A work of purification clearly presented—Those who are living upon the earth when the intercession of Christ shall cease in the sanctuary above are to stand in the sight of a holy God without a mediator. Their robes must be spotless, their characters must be purified from sin by the blood of sprinkling. Through the grace of God and their own diligent effort they must be conquerors in the battle with evil. While the investigative judgment is going forward in heaven, while the sins of penitent believers are being removed from the sanctuary, there is to be a special work of purification, of putting away of sin, among God’s people upon earth. This work is more clearly presented in the messages of Revelation 14.—The Great Controversy, 425 (1888, 1911)

The Three Angels’ Messages

The need for diligent study of the messages

3AM 23.3

Study in connection with Daniel and Revelation—Those who make light of the third angel’s message do it because they know little of Daniel or Revelation. They have not read with a determination to find out the meaning by prayer, by study, and by fasting. If they had had the experience of Daniel or of John, they would know that the third angel’s message will go forth unto perfect victory. Those who proclaim that message because they see and believe it will understand that very much is comprehended in it. The third angel is represented as flying through the heavens with a banner on which is inscribed “The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” [Revelation 14:12.]—Manuscript 21, 1897 (March 17)

3AM 24.1

Study in connection with Revelation 13—In connection with this Scripture [Revelation 13:4-8, 11-18], the entire fourteenth chapter of Revelation should be studied much by God’s people. Verses nine to eleven bring to view the special message of warning against worshiping the beast and his image and receiving his mark in the forehead or in the hand. This warning is to be given to the world by those who are mentioned in the twelfth verse as keeping “the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.”—Manuscript 153, 1902 (November 5)

The Three Angels’ Messages

The certainty of the messages

3AM 31.3

The waymarks will be preserved—We are God’s commandment-keeping people. For the past fifty years every phase of heresy has been brought to bear upon us, to becloud our minds regarding the teaching of the Word—especially concerning the ministration of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary and the message of heaven for these last days, as given by the angels of the fourteenth chapter of Revelation. Messages of every order and kind have been urged upon Seventh-day Adventists to take the place of the truth which, point by point, has been sought out by prayerful study and testified to by the miracle-working power of the Lord. But the waymarks which have made us what we are, are to be preserved, and they will be preserved, as God has signified through His Word and the testimonies of His Spirit. He calls upon us to hold firmly, with the grip of faith, to the fundamental principles that are based upon unquestionable authority.—Letter 95, 1905 (March 14) (Selected Messages 1:208)

3AM 32.1

Landmarks connected with the message—The passing of the time in 1844 was a period of great events, opening to our astonished eyes the cleansing of the sanctuary transpiring in heaven, and having decided relation to God’s people upon the earth, [also] the first and second angels’ messages and the third, unfurling the banner on which was inscribed, “The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” [Revelation 14:12.] One of the landmarks under this message was the temple of God, seen by His truth-loving people in heaven, and the ark containing the law of God. The light of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment flashed its strong rays in the pathway of the transgressors of God’s law. The non-immortality of the wicked is an old landmark. I can call to mind nothing more that can come under the head of the old landmarks.—Manuscript 13, 1889 (Counsels to Writers and Editors, 30, 31)

The Three Angels’ Messages

The three angels represent God’s last-day people

3AM 36.3

God’s agents sound the warning—The three angels of Revelation 14 represent the people who accept the light of God’s messages and go forth as His agents to sound the warning throughout the length and breadth of the earth.—Testimonies for the Church 5:455, 456 (1885)

3AM 37.2

Extending the gracious invitation—The third angel of Revelation 14 is represented as flying swiftly through the midst of heaven crying: “Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Here is shown the nature of the work of the people of God. They have a message of so great importance that they are represented as flying in the presentation of it to the world. They are holding in their hands the bread of life for a famishing world. The love of Christ constraineth them. This is the last message. There are no more to follow, no more invitations of mercy to be given after this message shall have done its work. What a trust! What a responsibility is resting upon all to carry the words of gracious invitation: “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” [Revelation 22:17.]—Testimonies for the Church 5:206, 207 (1882)

The Three Angels’ Messages

The messages are an end-time proclamation

3AM 39.3

This warning is brought to view in Revelation 14. Here is a threefold message represented as proclaimed by heavenly beings and immediately followed by the coming of the Son of man to reap “the harvest of the earth.”—The Great Controversy, 311 (1888, 1911)

The Three Angels’ Messages

The enduring relevance of the messages

3AM 41.3

Truth for this time—God has given the messages of Revelation 14 their place in [the] line of prophecy, and their work is not to cease till the close of this earth’s history. The first and second angels’ messages are still truth for this time and are to run parallel with that which follows.—Manuscript 31, 1890

The Three Angels’ Messages

Historical setting

3AM 43.2

The prophecy of the first angel’s message, brought to view in Revelation 14, found its fulfillment in the Advent movement of 1840-1844. In both Europe and America, men of faith and prayer were deeply moved as their attention was called to the prophecies, and, tracing down the inspired record, they saw convincing evidence that the end of all things was at hand.—The Spirit of Prophecy 4:222

3AM 51.2

We are to raise the banner on which is inscribed, “The commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” [Revelation 14:12.]—Manuscript 4, 1913 (Selected Messages 2:402, 403)

3AM 63.2

The second angel’s message of Revelation 14 was first preached in the summer of 1844, *Charles Fitch first presented the second angel’s message as applying to Protestant churches that had rejected the soon coming of Jesus during the summer of 1843. This message reached its broadest impact during the summer of 1844. and it then had a more direct application to the churches of the United States, where the warning of the judgment had been most widely proclaimed and most generally rejected, and where the declension in the churches had been most rapid.—The Great Controversy, 389 (1888, 1911)

3AM 75.2

The passing of the time in 1844 was followed by a period of great trial to those who still held the advent faith. Their only relief, so far as ascertaining their true position was concerned, was the light which directed their minds to the sanctuary above. Some renounced their faith in their former reckoning of the prophetic periods and ascribed to human or satanic agencies the powerful influence of the Holy Spirit which had attended the advent movement. Another class firmly held that the Lord had led them in their past experience; and as they waited and watched and prayed to know the will of God they saw that their great High Priest had entered upon another work of ministration, and, following Him by faith, they were led to see also the closing work of the church. They had a clearer understanding of the first and second angels’ messages, and were prepared to receive and give to the world the solemn warning of the third angel of Revelation 14....

3AM 78.1

Those who had accepted the light concerning the mediation of Christ and the perpetuity of the law of God found that these were the truths presented in Revelation 14. The messages of this chapter constitute a threefold warning which is to prepare the inhabitants of the earth for the Lord’s second coming.—The Great Controversy, 431-435 (1888, 1911)

The Three Angels’ Messages

“The hour of His judgment has come”

3AM 57.3

A time to put away all sin—Says the prophet: “Who may abide the day of His coming? and who shall stand when He appeareth? for He is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap: and He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and He shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.” Malachi 3:2, 3. Those who are living upon the earth when the intercession of Christ shall cease in the sanctuary above are to stand in the sight of a holy God without a mediator. Their robes must be spotless, their characters must be purified from sin by the blood of sprinkling. Through the grace of God and their own diligent effort they must be conquerors in the battle with evil. While the investigative judgment is going forward in heaven, while the sins of penitent believers are being removed from the sanctuary, there is to be a special work of purification, of putting away of sin, among God’s people upon earth. This work is more clearly presented in the messages of Revelation 14.—The Great Controversy, 425 (1888, 1911)

The Three Angels’ Messages

“Here are those who keep the commandments of God”

3AM 109.1

A message proclaimed just prior to Christ’s return—The angel of Revelation 14 is represented as flying in the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, “Here are they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” This angel presents a message that is to be proclaimed to the world just before Christ comes in the clouds of heaven to take His elect to Himself. Just prior to this time, then, the attention of the people is to be called to the down-trodden law of God, which is contained in the ark of the testament.—The Signs of the Times, May 5, 1887

3AM 109.3

Two distinct parties presented—John’s prophetic eye sees a company who have not the mark of the beast. As he beholds them, he exclaims, “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” [Revelation 14:12.] Two parties are brought into view: one keeping the commandments of God, in distinction from the one breaking His commandments, enforcing the Sunday sabbath, and compelling the people to conform to the Sunday law. Through union with opposers of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment—the seventh day Sabbath—men will receive the mark of the beast. And all who have that mark will perish with the man of sin, who makes void the law of God.—Letter 118, 1900 (August 2)

The Three Angels’ Messages

Dangers, opposition, and erroneous interpretations of the message

3AM 124.2

New light does not disregard past light—It is true that there are prophecies yet to be fulfilled. But very erroneous work has been done again and again, and will continue to be done by those who seek to find new light in the prophecies, and who begin by turning away from the light that God has already given. The messages of Revelation 14 are those by which the world is to be tested; they are the everlasting gospel, and are to be sounded everywhere. But the Lord does not lay upon those who have not had an experience in His work the burden of making a new exposition of these prophecies, which He has, by His Holy Spirit, moved upon His chosen servants to explain.—Manuscript 32, 1896 (December 6) (Selected Messages 2:111, 112)

The Three Angels’ Messages

Chapter 5—The Angel of Revelation 18

Chapter 5—The Angel of Revelation 18 *The message of the angel of Revelation 18 is closely related to the messages of the three angels in chapter 14. As the three messages are heralded in the final days of earth’s history, special power and glory accompany their proclamation as the angel of chapter 18 “joins in the last great work,” and “it swells into a loud cry” (Spiritual Gifts 1:194).

The Three Angels’ Messages

“He cried mightily with a loud voice”

3AM 142.3

The message cut short in righteousness—The world is preparing for the closing work of the third angel’s message. The truth is now to go forth with a power that it has not known for years. The message of present truth is to be proclaimed everywhere. We must be aroused to give this message with a loud voice, as symbolized in the fourteenth chapter of Revelation. There is danger of our accepting the theory of the truth without accepting the great responsibility which it lays upon every recipient. My brethren, show your faith by your works. The world must be prepared for the loud cry of the third angel’s message—a message which God declares shall be cut short in righteousness.—Manuscript 61, 1909 (September 17)

The Great Controversy

Chapter 24—In the Holy of Holies

GC 425.1

Says the prophet: “Who may abide the day of His coming? and who shall stand when He appeareth? for He is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap: and He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and He shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.” Malachi 3:2, 3. Those who are living upon the earth when the intercession of Christ shall cease in the sanctuary above are to stand in the sight of a holy God without a mediator. Their robes must be spotless, their characters must be purified from sin by the blood of sprinkling. Through the grace of God and their own diligent effort they must be conquerors in the battle with evil. While the investigative judgment is going forward in heaven, while the sins of penitent believers are being removed from the sanctuary, there is to be a special work of purification, of putting away of sin, among God’s people upon earth. This work is more clearly presented in the messages of Revelation 14.

GC 431.3

The passing of the time in 1844 was followed by a period of great trial to those who still held the advent faith. Their only relief, so far as ascertaining their true position was concerned, was the light which directed their minds to the sanctuary above. Some renounced their faith in their former reckoning of the prophetic periods and ascribed to human or satanic agencies the powerful influence of the Holy Spirit which had attended the advent movement. Another class firmly held that the Lord had led them in their past experience; and as they waited and watched and prayed to know the will of God they saw that their great High Priest had entered upon another work of ministration, and, following Him by faith, they were led to see also the closing work of the church. They had a clearer understanding of the first and second angels’ messages, and were prepared to receive and give to the world the solemn warning of the third angel of Revelation 14.

Early Writings

Historical Prologue

EW vii.2

In 1858, in writing of the sounding of the messages of the three angels of Revelation 14, Ellen White deals with the experiences of those who participated in the work and draws lessons from these experiences, rather than giving as one might expect, a clear-cut presentation of the character of these messages. See pages 232-240; 254-258. She at times employs such now unfamiliar terms as “nominal Adventist,” “shut door,” “open door,” et cetera.

The Great Controversy

Chapter 25—God’s Law Immutable

GC 435.2

Those who had accepted the light concerning the mediation of Christ and the perpetuity of the law of God found that these were the truths presented in Revelation 14. The messages of this chapter constitute a threefold warning (see Appendix) which is to prepare the inhabitants of the earth for the Lord’s second coming. The announcement, “The hour of His judgment is come,” points to the closing work of Christ’s ministration for the salvation of men. It heralds a truth which must be proclaimed until the Saviour’s intercession shall cease and He shall return to the earth to take His people to Himself. The work of judgment which began in 1844 must continue until the cases of all are decided, both of the living and the dead; hence it will extend to the close of human probation. That men may be prepared to stand in the judgment, the message commands them to “fear God, and give glory to Him,” “and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” The result of an acceptance of these messages is given in the word: “Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” In order to be prepared for the judgment, it is necessary that men should keep the law of God. That law will be the standard of character in the judgment. The apostle Paul declares: “As many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law, ... in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ.” And he says that “the doers of the law shall be justified.” Romans 2:12-16. Faith is essential in order to the keeping of the law of God; for “without faith it is impossible to please Him.” And “whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” Hebrews 11:6; Romans 14:23.

GC 437.1

In Revelation 14, men are called upon to worship the Creator; and the prophecy brings to view a class that, as the result of the threefold message, are keeping the commandments of God. One of these commandments points directly to God as the Creator. The fourth precept declares: “The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: ... for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.” Exodus 20:10, 11. Concerning the Sabbath, the Lord says, further, that it is “a sign, ... that ye may know that I am the Lord your God.” Ezekiel 20:20. And the reason given is: “For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day He rested, and was refreshed.” Exodus 31:17.

GC 438.1

In contrast to those who keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus, the third angel points to another class, against whose errors a solemn and fearful warning is uttered: “If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God.” Revelation 14:9, 10. A correct interpretation of the symbols employed is necessary to an understanding of this message. What is represented by the beast, the image, the mark?

The Great Controversy

Chapter 26—A Work of Reform

GC 453.3

These truths, as presented in Revelation 14 in connection with “the everlasting gospel,” will distinguish the church of Christ at the time of His appearing. For as the result of the threefold message it is announced: “Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” And this message is the last to be given before the coming of the Lord. Immediately following its proclamation the Son of man is seen by the prophet, coming in glory to reap the harvest of the earth.

The Great Controversy

Chapter 38—The Final Warning

GC 603.2

This scripture points forward to a time when the announcement of the fall of Babylon, as made by the second angel of Revelation 14 (verse 8), is to be repeated, with the additional mention of the corruptions which have been entering the various organizations that constitute Babylon, since that message was first given, in the summer of 1844. A terrible condition of the religious world is here described. With every rejection of truth the minds of the people will become darker, their hearts more stubborn, until they are entrenched in an infidel hardihood. In defiance of the warnings which God has given, they will continue to trample upon one of the precepts of the Decalogue, until they are led to persecute those who hold it sacred. Christ is set at nought in the contempt placed upon His word and His people. As the teachings of spiritualism are accepted by the churches, the restraint imposed upon the carnal heart is removed, and the profession of religion will become a cloak to conceal the basest iniquity. A belief in spiritual manifestations opens the door to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils, and thus the influence of evil angels will be felt in the churches.

GC 604.3

With the issue thus clearly brought before him, whoever shall trample upon God’s law to obey a human enactment receives the mark of the beast; he accepts the sign of allegiance to the power which he chooses to obey instead of God. The warning from heaven is: “If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation.” Revelation 14:9, 10.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 17—Heralds of the Morning

GC88 311.2

This warning is brought to view in Revelation 14. Here is a threefold message represented as proclaimed by heavenly beings, and immediately followed by the coming of the Son of man “to reap the harvest of the earth.” The first of these warnings announces the approaching Judgment. The prophet beheld an angel flying “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 fountains of waters.” [Revelation 14:6, 7.]