Three Angels' Messages Proclaimed

Three angels in Revelation 14:6—11 symbolize the proclamation of end time messages that God's remnant people are to give to the world in preparation for Christ's imminent return. Whereas Revelation 13 shows the dragon's work in the final events, Revelation 14 shows the work of God's people before Jesus comes back. This remnant church, spoken of in 18:1—4 are commissioned to "prophesy again" after a bitter time of disappointment (see 10:11). Though angels assist in the work of helping mankind spread the gospel, it is the work of the final church to preach salvation to the whole world (see Matthew 28:18—20). The three angels depict God's people who will proclaim a final message to everyone on the earth.

The First Angel The essence of the message of the first angel is the "everlasting gospel" (Revelation 14:6). It is to be preached to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people. It is a universal message to be proclaimed with a "loud voice" (v. 7). Three parts are outlined in this communication. The first is, "Fear God and give glory to Him". Fearing God means to reverence the Lord. One way to glorify God is by caring for our bodies (see 1 Corinthians 10:31). The second part says, "...for the hour of His judgment has come". When the 2300 day prophecy of Daniel 8:14 met its completion in 1844 A.D. the first angel's message was being proclaimed. The third part reads, "...and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water". Here is a clear reference to the fourth commandment which declares the seventh—day Sabbath as a memorial of creation. God's final warning to the world is to worship and obey His commandments. This stands in sharp contrast with the beast and the dragon who seek the worship and obedience of all mankind.

The Second Angel "Babylon is fallen" symbolizes the message of the second angel. Babylon has its origins in Genesis 11 when mankind disobeyed God and sought to build a tower to save themselves. Babel (related to Babylon) means confusion. The Israelites were later taken to the city of Babylon, but in John's day the "great city" lay in ruins. Babylon represents a power that defies God and oppresses the Lord's people. Its counterpart is Jerusalem, which stands for God's kingdom. The empire of Rome was referred to as Babylon (see 1 Peter 5:13) and this power grew during the Middle Ages to manifest itself in the papal power that stood in opposition to God. She "made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication" (Revelation 14:8). This false church pushes her counterfeit teachings to "all nations." Fornication shows her unfaithfulness to God by connecting church with state (see 17:5).

The Third Angel The most fearful and solemn warning in the Bible is found in the message of the third angel. The first angel proclaims the gospel and calls people to worship God as Creator because the judgment time has come. The second angel warns against forms of worship created by mankind. Now with more intensity another warning is given to those who worship the beast and his image. Turning from the gospel ultimately leads to following the false teachings of the beast. Revelation 13:5 describes this church and state union that persecutes God's people for 1260 years. Only two groups will exist in the final days: those who worship God and those who worship the beast. People who reject God as Creator (and His day of worship, the seventh—day Sabbath that shows His Lordship over all creation) will receive the mark of the beast.

Followers of the beast shall "drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation" (14:10). In God's righteous judgment, the Lord will put an end to sin and sinners. In order to end the great war between good and evil there will be pain on both sides. God's people experience the wrath of the dragon. But followers of the beast will experience the wrath of God against sin. The Lord has His people in all churches, but through the third angel's message His mercy calls for everyone to separate from the dragon. "Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities" (18:4, 5).