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That Other Angel

Notes by: A. C. Sas

I. Introduction

1. What must happen before the end can come? Matthew 24:14.

a. Did the apostles preach the gospel to the end of the earth, to every creature? Romans 10:16-18; Colossians 1:5, 6, 23.

b. So why didn’t the end come? Revelation 14:6.

(1) The message of this angel is a part of the everlasting gospel. And this had to be proclaimed.

(2) But not only this, also Revelation 14:7 and the messages of the angels in Verses 8 and Verses 9-13.

c. The advent people are known as the people with the everlasting gospel and the 3 angels messages.

(1) If the three angels messages are taken out, the gospel is not complete.

(2) I do not want to enter into detail about all these three messages, but we should know the importance of these messages.

(a) The time and place of these messages.

(b) And what these three angels represent.

(3) I understand that all who believe in the three angels messages understand that the first angels message was proclaimed between 1833-1844.

(a) The main figure in that proclamation was William Miller and his associates, as they set the date of Jesus coming for March 21, 1844.

(b) When Jesus did not come, the churches rose up against the message and forbade their members to speak of it.

(c) According to the Spirit of Prophecy, the believers were oppressed in the churches until they had no other alternative than to withdraw.

[1] In the summer of 1844, about 50,000 withdrew from the churches.

[2] Early Writings explains that when they were shut out of the churches they were prepared to give the message, Babylon is fallen, is fallen.

[3] Thus, the second angels message was given for the first time in the summer of 1844.

d. But they did not yet understand the third angels message.

(1) What is the third angels message?

(2) It is a warning against worshipping:

(a) the beast

(b) the image of the beast and

(c) receiving the mark of the beast.

(3) This is a serious warning.

(a) I do not want to enter the subject of the seal or the mark at this moment.

(b) I believe we all know that the seal of the living God is found in the fourth commandment-the Sabbath; and the opposite is Sunday keeping - the mark of the beast.

(4) The third angel began his work when the sanctuary was opened in heaven. By faith the believers entered into the most holy place in which was the ark of the covenant and the tables of stone with the ten commandments and received light on the Sabbath message that the Bible says should be proclaimed.

(5) How is it to be proclaimed?

(a) With a loud voice, in other words with power.

(b) This message must unmask the beast and the image of the beast and must set before the people clearly what the mark of the beast is so that they should not incur the punishment of God.

(c) This message was entrusted to the Seventh Day Adventist people to proclaim, especially the third angel’s message, with a loud voice.

2. But this morning I want to talk about another angel, which we find in Revelation 18:1-4.

a. The three angels of Revelation 14 are somewhat known by most Sabbathkeepers but this angel of Revelation 18 is a controverted point.

II. Angel of Revelation 18

1. John the Revelator says: Revelation 18:1.

a. Where should we connect this verse?

(1) If we read Revelation 17 we see the doom of Babylon.

(2) If we read Revelation 16 we see the outpouring of the seven last plagues.

(3) If we read Revelation 15 we see in the first part the saints on the sea of glass.

(4) The rest of it speaks of the preparations of the angels to pour out the seven last plagues.

(5) That indicates that these chapters were not written in chronological order.

b. But we still want to know, where do we join the angel of Revelation 18?

(1) If we read Revelation 14:20 we read about the wine press of the wrath of God.

(2) We read Revelation: 14:14, we read about a white cloud on which One sat like unto the Son of man—here is the coming of Christ.

(3) Where should we join this Revelation 18? To which chapter? Evidently after Revelation 14:13

"The third angel’s message is to be given with power. The power of the proclamation of the first and second messages is to be intensified in the third. In the Revelation John says of the heavenly messenger who unites with the third angel: ‘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.’ Revelation 18:1, 2." Vol. 6, Testimonies, p. 60:1.

2. The angel of Revelation 18 is going to join the third angel. But why? "We are in danger of giving the third angel’s message in so indefinite a manner that it does not impress the people. So many other interests are brought in that the very message which should be proclaimed with power becomes tame and voiceless." Vol. 6, Testimonies for the Church, p. 60:1

a. What happened to the message in the hands of the people who should be giving the message with a loud voice?

(1) It became tame and voiceless.

b. Why?

(1) Because so many other interests are brought in.

(2) However the message is to be given with a loud voice. "At our camp meetings a mistake has been made. The Sabbath question has been touched upon, but has not been presented as the great test for this time. While the churches profess to believe in Christ, they are violating the law which Christ Himself proclaimed from Sinai. The Lord bids us: ‘Show My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.’ Isaiah 58:1. The trumpet is to give a certain sound." Vol. 6, Testimonies for the Church, pp. 60-61.

c. What happened with the Sabbath? It was just mentioned, touched upon lightly, it was not presented as the great test for this time. In other words, the third angels message which warns the inhabitants of the world against the mark of the beast was not proclaimed as it should be.

(1) Who was working in this? "Satan has devised a state of things whereby the proclamation of the third angel’s message shall be bound about. We must beware of his plans and methods. There must be no toning down of the truth, no muffling of the message for this time. The third angel’s message must be strengthened and confirmed. The eighteenth chapter of Revelation reveals the importance of presenting the truth in no measured terms but with boldness and power. . . There has been too much beating about the bush in the proclamation of the third angel’s message. The message has not been given as clearly and distinctly as it should have been. —Manuscript 16, 1900." Evangelism, p. 230:2.

(2) How could we pet the beast and at the same time give the warning about the beast, his image, and his mark? Its impossible.

(a) For this reason, what was needed? "I saw angels hurrying to and fro in heaven, descending to the earth, and again ascending to heaven, preparing for the fulfillment of some important event. Then I saw another mighty angel commissioned to descend to the earth, to unite his voice with the third angel, and give power and force to his message. Great power and glory were imparted to the angel, and as he descended, the earth was lightened with his glory. The light which attended this angel penetrated everywhere, as he cried mightily, with a strong voice, ‘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.’ The message of the fall of Babylon, as given by the second angel, is repeated, with the additional mention of the corruptions which have been entering the churches since 1844." Early Writings, p. 277:1.

d. Another angel had to come.

(1) This angel does not bring a new message but simply unites with the third, to give power to His message. "The work of this angel comes in at the right time to join in the last great work of the third angel’s message as it swells to a loud cry. And the people of God are thus prepared to stand in the hour of temptation, which they are soon to meet. I saw a great light resting upon them, and they united to fearlessly proclaim the third angel’s message." Early Writings, p. 277:1.

(2) This message of that other angel constitutes the final warning. "As foretold in the eighteenth of Revelation, the third angel’s message is to be proclaimed with great power by those who give the final warning against the beast and his image: ‘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. Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.’ Revelation 18:1-6.

"This is the message given by God to be sounded forth in the loud cry of the third angel. Those whose faith and zeal are proportionate to their knowledge of the truth will reveal their loyalty to God by communicating the truth, in all its saving, sanctifying power, to those with whom they associate. Their lives of holiness and unselfish service will be in conformity with the vital principles of the kingdom of heaven." Vol. 8, Testimonies for the Church, p. 118:1,2.

(a) The words "loud voice" and "loud cry" are the same.

(b) "It is a solemn and terrible truth that many who have been zealous in proclaiming the third angel’s message are now becoming listless and indifferent! The line of demarcation between worldlings and many professed Christians is almost indistinguishable. Many who once were earnest Adventists are conforming to the world—to its practices, its customs, its selfishness. Instead of leading the world to render obedience to God’s law, the church is uniting more and more closely with the world in transgression. Daily the church is becoming converted to the world. How many professing Christians are slaves of mammon! Their indulgence of appetite, their extravagant expenditure of money for selfish gratification, greatly dishonors God." Vol. 8, Testimonies for the Church, pp. 118-119.

[1] These are the conditions that demanded the coming of that other angel.

2. When is the time for the coming of this angel? Is it future? Has it already come? "The time of test is just upon us, for the loud cry of the third angel has already begun in the revelation of the righteousness of Christ, the sin-pardoning Redeemer. This is the beginning of the light of the angel whose glory shall fill the whole earth. For it is the work of every one to whom the message of warning has come, to lift up Jesus, to present Him to the world as revealed in types, as shadowed in symbols, as manifested in the revelations of the prophets, as unveiled in the lessons given to His disciples and in the wonderful miracles wrought for the sons of men. Search the Scriptures; for they are they that testify of Him." Vol. 1, Selected Messages, p. 363:0.

a. The time of test for God’s people on the Sabbath question began in 1844 and since that time God’s people are being tested on this point.

b. It began in the revelation of the righteousness of Christ. When was this? November 1888. "This is the beginning of the light of the angel whose glory shall fill the whole earth."

(1) Where do we find Christ our righteousness in the Bible? In the message to Laodicea? Revelation 3:18.

(a) White raiment = Christ our Righteousness.

(b) "I was shown that the testimony to the Laodiceans applies to God’s people at the present time, and the reason it has not accomplished a greater work is because of the hardness of their hearts. But God has given the message time to do its work. The heart must be purified from sins which have so long shut out Jesus. This fearful message will do its work. When it was first presented, it led to close examination of heart. Sins were confessed, and the people of God were stirred everywhere. Nearly all believed that this message would end in the loud cry of the third angel. But as they failed to see the powerful work accomplished in a short time, many lost the effect of the message. I saw that this message would not accomplish its work in a few short months. It is designed to arouse the people of God, to discover to them their backslidings, and to lead to zealous repentance, that they may be favored with the presence of Jesus, and be fitted for the loud cry of the third angel." Vol. 1, Testimonies for the Church, p. 186:1.

[1] The counsel to buy white raiment had a purpose: to arouse the people of God, to discover to them their backsliding, and to lead to zealous repentance.

[2] This is why the message to Laodicea was given, and was given at the General Conference Session in 1888—so that they may be favored with the presence of Jesus and be fitted for the loud cry.

[3] Before God’s people could give the loud cry, a work had to be done in themselves. They had to zealously repent and be converted, so that they could give the message in a loud voice.

c. So the angel of Revelation 18 had already come in 1888, when the message of Christ’s Righteousness was presented. How was it treated? Was it accepted?

(1) "Read the words of Christ in Matthew 23:23: ‘Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.’ These denunciations are given as a warning to all who ‘outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within’ ‘are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.’ They say, We are delivered to do all these things. They also say, ‘If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. Wherefore,’ said Jesus, ‘ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.’ What lessons are here; how fearful and decisive! Jesus said, ‘Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city.’ This prophecy was literally fulfilled by the Jews in their treatment of Christ and of the messengers whom God sent to them. Will men in these last days follow the example of those whom Christ condemned?" Testimonies to Ministers, p. 79:1.

(2) "These terrible predictions they have not as yet carried out to the full; but if God spares their lives, and they nourish the same spirit that marked their course of action both before and after the Minneapolis meeting, they will fill up to the full the deeds of those whom Christ condemned when He was upon the earth.

"The perils of the last days are upon us. Satan takes the control of every mind that is not decidedly under the control of the Spirit of God. Some have been cultivating hatred against the men whom God has commissioned to bear a special message to the world. They began this satanic work at Minneapolis. Afterward, when they saw and felt the demonstration of the Holy Spirit testifying that the message was of God, they hated it the more, because it was a testimony against them. They would not humble their hearts to repent, to give God the glory, and vindicate the right. They went on in their own spirit, filled with envy, jealousy, and evil surmisings, as did the Jews. They opened their hearts to the enemy of God and man. Yet these men have been holding positions of trust, and have been molding the work after their own similitude, as far as they possibly could. . . .

"Those who are now first, who have been untrue to the cause of God, will soon be last, unless they repent. Unless they speedily fall upon the Rock and be broken, and be born again, the spirit that has been cherished will continue to be cherished. Mercy’s sweet voice will not be recognized by them. Bible religion, in private and in public, is with them a thing of the past. They have been zealously declaiming against enthusiasm and fanaticism. Faith that calls upon God to relieve human suffering, faith that God has enjoined upon His people to exercise, is called fanaticism. But if there is anything upon the earth that should inspire men with sanctified zeal, it is the truth as it is in Jesus. It is the grand, great work of redemption. It is Christ, made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption." Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 79:2-80:1.

(3) "The Lord in His great mercy sent a most precious message to His people through Elders Waggoner and Jones. This message was to bring more prominently before the world the uplifted Saviour, the sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. It presented justification through faith in the Surety; it invited the people to receive the righteousness of Christ, which is made manifest in obedience to all the commandments of God. Many had lost sight of Jesus. They needed to have their eyes directed to His divine person, His merits, and His changeless love for the human family. All power is given into His hands, that He may dispense rich gifts unto men, imparting the priceless gift of His own righteousness to the helpless human agent. This is the message that God commanded to be given to the world. It is the third angel’s message, which is to be proclaimed with a loud voice, and attended with the outpouring of His Spirit in a large measure." Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 91-92.

(4) "But beware of rejecting that which is truth. The great danger with our people has been that of depending upon men and making flesh their arm. Those who have not been in the habit of searching the Bible for themselves, or weighing evidence, have confidence in the leading men and accept the decisions they make; and thus many will reject the very messages God sends to His people, if these leading brethren do not accept them.

"No one should claim that he has all the light there is for God’s people. The Lord will not tolerate this. He has said, ‘I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it.’ Even if all our leading men should refuse light and truth, that door will still remain open. The Lord will raise up men who will give the people the message for this time." Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 106:4-107:1.

(a) It was rejected by the leadership.

(b) "I saw that the testimony of the True Witness has not been half heeded. The solemn testimony upon which the destiny of the church hangs has been lightly esteemed, if not entirely disregarded. This testimony must work deep repentance; all who truly receive it will obey it and be purified." Early Writings, p. 270:3.

(c) This message, Christ our righteousness, was the beginning of the light of the mighty angel.

[1] Notice that it is the beginning, and that this message would not finish its work in a few short months.

[2] It needed sufficient time for people to develop character, to be prepared for the out-pouring of the latter rain, to be able to give the message with a loud cry (loud voice).

3. How should we view this message? "The sins of the world will have reached unto heaven when the law of God is made void; when the Sabbath of the Lord is trampled in the dust, and men are compelled to accept in its stead an institution of the papacy through the strong hand of the law of the land. In exalting an institution of man above the institution ordained of God, they show contempt for the great Lawgiver, and refuse his sign or seal. The question of most vital importance for this time is, ‘Who is on the Lord’s side? Who will unite with the angel in giving the message of truth to the world? Who will receive the light that is to fill the whole earth with its glory?’ Those who cherish the light that they have, will receive more. Increasing light will shine about the souls who yield to the softening, subduing grace of Christ; and those who love the light, will be saved from the delusions of Satan. He will strive with intense energy to exhibit, through his miracle-working power, signs and wonders that will seem to eclipse the work that God will do in the earth. And all will be deceived except those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life. We need light now at every step, lest we be swept away with the error of the wicked." Review and Herald, November 5, 1889:12.

a. A few years later, in 1896 the following was written: "The work will grow deeper and become more earnest to the very close of time. And all who are laborers together with God will contend most earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints. They will not be turned from the present message, which is already lightening the earth with its glory. Nothing is worth contending for but the glory of God. The only rock that will stand is the Rock of Ages. The truth as it is in Jesus is the refuge in these days of error. . . ." Vol. 2, Selected Messages, p. 114:1.

b. This message is already lightening the earth with his glory. "The angel, the mighty angel from heaven, is to lighten the earth with His glory (Revelation 18:1), while he cries mightily with a loud voice, ‘Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen’ (Revelation 18:2). . . . We would lose faith and courage in the conflict, if we were not sustained by the power of God." Vol. 3, Selected Messages, p. 425:4.

4. From these statements we see that the work of that angel continued. Presenting what?

a. Presenting the message of Christ our Righteousness. Since the General Conference of 1888, precious souls were receiving that message. "In every meeting since the General Conference, souls have eagerly accepted the precious message of the righteousness of Christ. We thank God that there are souls who realize that they are in need of something which they do not possess,—the gold of faith and love, the white raiment of Christ’s righteousness, the eye-salve of spiritual discernment. If you possess these precious gifts, the temple of the human soul will not be like a desecrated shrine. Brethren and sisters, I call upon you in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, to work where God works. Now is the day of gracious opportunity and privilege. Let not one be a traitor to holy, sacred trusts, as were the Jews. Resist not grace, abuse not privileges, smother not in your human pride the convictions of the Spirit of God. Despise not warnings, settle not down in hardness of heart, in confirmed impenitence, as did Pharaoh, the rebellious king of Egypt. Let every one listen to the voice of the True Shepherd, and not only hear but obey, and it will be well with your soul." Review and Herald, July 23, 1889:16.

(1) In every meeting there were some that were accepting.

(2) The words "present truth", "Christ Our Righteousness" and "message to Laodicea", are identical.

(3) The light of the angel was being accepted by individuals. And this is why Sister White asked Who will unite with the angels? Who will accept this light?

b. Some believe that when the angel of Revelation 18 comes, immediately the earth will be lightened with the fullness of the glory of the Lord. But the angel has two important works to perform: first is to prepare a people for the loud cry, and then to lighten the whole earth with his glory.

(1) "Unless those who can help in———are aroused to a sense of their duty, they will not recognize the work of God when the loud cry of the third angel shall be heard. When light goes forth to lighten the earth; instead of coming up to the help of the Lord, they will want to bind about His work to meet their narrow ideas. Let me tell you that the Lord will work in this last work in a manner very much out of the common order of things, and in a way that will be contrary to any human planning. There will be those among us who will always want to control the work of God, to dictate even what movements shall be made when the work goes forward under the direction of the angel who joins the third angel in the message to be given to the world. God will use ways and means by which it will be seen that He is taking the reins in His own hands. The workers will be surprised by the simple means that He will use to bring about and perfect His work of righteousness. Those who are accounted good workers will need to draw nigh to God, they will need the divine touch. They will need to drink more deeply and continuously at the fountain of living water, in order that they may discern God’s work at every point. Workers may make mistakes, but you should give them a chance to correct their errors, give them an opportunity to learn caution, by leaving the work in their hands." Testimonies to Ministers, p. 300:0.

5. God’s work will be finished under the direction of this angel. "There will be those among us who will always want to control the work of God, to dictate even what movements shall be made when the work goes forward under the direction of the angel who joins the third angel in the message to be given to the world." Testimonies to Ministers, p. 300:0.

a. "God will use ways and means by which it will be seen that He is taking the reins in His own hands. The workers will be surprised by the simple means that He will use to bring about and perfect His work of righteousness." Testimonies to Ministers, p. 300:0.

b. "There is to be in the churches a wonderful manifestation of the power of God, but it will not move upon those who have not humbled themselves before the Lord, and opened the door of the heart by confession and repentance. In the manifestation of that power which lightens the earth with the glory of God, they will see only something which in their blindness they think dangerous, something which will arouse their fears, and they will brace themselves to resist it. Because the Lord does not work according to their ideas and expectations, they will oppose the work. ‘Why,’ they say, ‘should not we know the Spirit of God, when we have been in the work so many years?’—Because they did not respond to the warnings, the entreaties of the messages of God, but persistently said, ‘I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing.’ Talent, long experience, will not make men channels of light, unless they place themselves under the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness, and are called, and chosen, and prepared by the endowment of the Holy Spirit. When men who handle sacred things will humble themselves under the mighty hand of God, the Lord will lift them up. He will make them men of discernment—men rich in the grace of his Spirit. Their strong, selfish traits of character, their stubbornness, will be seen in the light shining from the Light of the world. ‘I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.’ If you seek the Lord with all your heart, he will be found of you." Review and Herald, December 23, 1890:18.

c. "You will need to make straight paths for your feet, lest the lame be turned out of the way. We are surrounded by the lame and halting in the faith, and you are to help them, not by halting yourselves, but by standing, like men who have been tried and proven, in principle firm as a rock. I know that a work must be done for the people, or many will not be prepared to receive the light of the angel sent down from heaven to lighten the whole earth with his glory. Do not think that you will be found as vessels unto honor in the time of the latter rain, to receive the glory of God, if you are lifting up your souls unto vanity, speaking perverse things, in secret cherishing roots of bitterness. The frown of God will certainly be upon every soul who cherishes and nurtures these roots of dissension and possesses a spirit so unlike the spirit of Christ." Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 468-469.

(1) Notice that before the whole earth can be lightened, a work has to be done for the people.

d. "None but God can subdue the pride of man’s heart. We cannot save ourselves. We cannot regenerate ourselves. In the heavenly courts there will be no song sung, To me that loved myself, and washed myself, redeemed myself, unto me be glory and honor, blessing and praise. But this is the keynote of the song that is sung by many here in this world. They do not know what it means to be meek and lowly in heart; and they do not mean to know this, if they can avoid it. The whole gospel is comprised in learning of Christ, His meekness and lowliness." Testimonies to Ministers, p. 456:2.

e. And what is justification be faith? It is the work of God in doing for man what it is not in his power to do by himself. Our righteousness must be cast down to the dust; our goodness, our merits, our glory, our reputation, should disappear. Then when people look to us, they should not see us, they should see Christ.

6. This is a movement. "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.’ ‘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.’ Revelation 18:1, 2, 4.

"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.

"Of Babylon, at the time brought to view in this prophecy, it is declared: ‘Her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.’ Revelation 18:5. She has filled up the measure of her guilt, and destruction is about to fall upon her. But God still has a people in Bab-ylon; and before the visitation of His judgments these faithful ones must be called out, that they par-take not of her sins and ‘receive not of her plagues.’ Hence the movement symbolized by the angel coming down from heaven, lightening the earth with his glory and crying mightily with a strong voice, announcing the sins of Babylon. In connection with his message the call is heard: ‘Come out of her, My people.’ These announcements, uniting with the third angel’s message, constitute the final warning to be given to the inhabitants of the earth." Great Controversy, pp. 603:1-604:1.

a. Although another movement, it has no new message.

b. It is the reproclamation of the warnings of:

(1) Babylon the great is fallen;

(2) Come out of her my people;

(3)The Sabbath message.

(4) These constitute the final warning to be given to the world.

c. Who is going to give it? The movement of Revelation 18.

7. Who is this Movement?

a. "As the storm approaches, a large class who have professed faith in the third angel’s message, but have not been sanctified through obedience to the truth, abandon their position and join the ranks of the opposition. By uniting with the world and partaking of its spirit, they have come to view matters in nearly the same light; and when the test is brought, they are prepared to choose the easy, popular side. Men of talent and pleasing address, who once rejoiced in the truth, employ their powers to deceive and mislead souls. They become the most bitter enemies of their former brethren." Great Controversy, p. 608:2.

(1) Mark carefully: this prophesy is not talking about Catholics or Protestants. It is talking about those who have professed faith in the third angels message, but who have:

(a) abandoned their position,

(b) united more and more to the world, and

(c)when the test comes they are ready to choose the easy, popular side.

(2) These are men of talent, of pleasing address, they employ all their power to mislead souls, and became the most bitter enemies of their former brethren.

(3) There are two classes of people: a large class and their former brethren.

(a) They are not together any longer.

b. What else will happen? "When Sabbathkeepers are brought before the courts to answer for their faith, these apostates are the most efficient agents of Satan to misrepresent and accuse them, and by false reports and insinuations to stir up the rulers against them." Great Controversy, p. 608:2.

(1) Who is going to give the final warning?

(a) The former brethren of the large class of Seventh Day Adventist’s. But in Great Controversy, p. 604 we found that the angel of Revelation 18 will give the final warning.

(b) Therefore this movement is made up of the former brethren of the large class because they are responsible to give the final warning.

(c) And what is the final warning?

[1] The Sabbath proclaimed more fully, with a loud voice;

[2] The sins of Babylon will be unmasked, and presented clearly;

[3] And the people of God will be called out of Babylon.

(2) The former brethren are the representatives of the angel of Revelation 18. "The third angel’s message must go over the land, and awaken the people, and call their attention to the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Another angel unites his voice with the third angel, and the earth is lighted with its glory. The light increases, and it shines out to all the nations of the earth. It is to go forth as a light that burneth. It will be attended with great power, until its golden beams have fallen upon every tongue, every people, and every nation upon the face of the whole earth. Let me ask you, What you are doing to prepare for this work? Are you building for eternity? You must remember that this angel represents the people that have this message to give to the world. Are you among that people? Do you really believe that this work in which we are engaged is truly the third angel’s message? If so, then you understand that we have a mighty work to do, and that we ought to be about it. We must sanctify ourselves by a strict obedience to the truth, placing ourselves in right relation to God and his work." Review and Herald, August 18, 1885.

(a) "You must remember that this angel represents the people that have this message to give to the world. Are you among that people? "

8. God’s glory shall fill the whole earth. Numbers 14:21; Habakkuk 2:14.

a. What is this glory? Christ our righteousness.

(1) Many believe that when we have many ministers, many colporteurs, many churches, many people all over the world, and then the people will know that we are God’s people.

(2) In 1888, Seventh-day Adventist’s had just about 30,000 members. And if they had accepted the message of Christ our righteousness, the work would have been finished in a short time, without many institutions, without a large membership, without a great army of ministers and workers. The work would have been finished in a short time.

(3) Remember the experience of Gideon. He went out to do God’s work with 32,000 men; and the Lord said that was too many. He sent them back. How many were left? 22,000. And the Lord said this remaining 10,000 are still too many, take them to the creek and I will test them. How many were left? 300. 31,700 went back! and God finished His work.

(a) "By the simplest means character is often tested. Those who in time of peril were intent upon supplying their own wants were not the men to be trusted in an emergency. The Lord has no place in His work for the indolent and self-indulgent. The men of His choice were the few who would not permit their own wants to delay them in the discharge of duty. The three hundred chosen men not only possessed courage and self-control, but they were men of faith. They had not defiled themselves with idolatry. God could direct them, and through them He could work deliverance for Israel. Success does not depend upon numbers. God can deliver by few as well as by many. He is honored not so much by the great numbers as by the character of those who serve Him." Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 549-550.

(b) "To lower the standard in order to secure popularity and an increase of numbers, and then to make this increase a cause of rejoicing, shows great blindness. If numbers were an evidence of success, Satan might claim the pre-eminence; for in this world his followers are largely in the majority. It is the degree of moral power pervading a school that is a test of its prosperity. It is the virtue, intelligence, and piety of the people composing our schools, not their numbers, that should be a source of joy and thankfulness. Then shall our schools become converted to the world and follow its customs and fashions? ‘I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye . . . be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.’ Romans 12:1, 2." Vol. 6, Testimonies for the Church, pp. 143-144.

(c) "May the Lord bless His people with spiritual eyesight, to see that the children of God and the world can never be in co-partnership. Whosoever will be the friend of the world is the enemy of God. While every individual should work with Christ to transform the children of darkness by showing them the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world, they cannot have overflowing sympathy with worldlings in such a degree that they lend them their influence to carry out their suggestions to weaken and do injustice to God’s chosen ones. God does not work in this way. In perfect and complete unity there is strength. Not in numbers, but in the perfect trust and unity with Christ, one can chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight. Let us not form unholy bonds of union with the friends of the world; for God has pronounced His curse upon all such unions. Let the people of God take their stand firmly for truth and for righteousness. Already we see the terrible consequences of uniting believers with unbelievers. The result is, the unbelievers are given the confidence that belongs to those only who love and revere God." Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 276-277.

(d) "The church is very precious in God’s sight. He values it, not for its external advantages, but for the sincere piety which distinguishes it from the world. He estimates it according to the growth of the members in the knowledge of Christ, according to their progress in spiritual experience." Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 298:1.

(4) If numbers is not it, what is going to fill the earth with His glory?

(a) "Let every one who claims to believe that the Lord is soon coming, search the Scriptures as never before; for Satan is determined to try every device possible to keep souls in darkness, and blind the mind to the perils of the times in which we are living. Let every believer take up his Bible with earnest prayer, that he may be enlightened by the holy Spirit as to what is truth, that he may know more of God and of Jesus Christ whom he has sent. Search for the truth as for hidden treasures, and disappoint the enemy. The time of test is just upon us, for the loud cry of the third angel has already begun in the revelation of the righteousness of Christ, the sin-pardoning Redeemer. This is the beginning of the light of the angel whose glory shall fill the whole earth. For it is the work of every one to whom the message of warning has come, to lift up Jesus, to present him to the world as revealed in types, as shadowed in symbols, as manifested in the revelations of the prophets, as unveiled in the lessons given to his disciples and in the wonderful miracles wrought for the sons of men. Search the Scriptures; for they are they that testify of him." Review and Herald, November, 22, 1892:7.

(b) "They said one to another, ‘This is the very one who was accused of gluttony, of eating with publicans and sinners; the one who was bound, and scourged, and crucified. We believe in him as the Son of God, the prince and Saviour.’ The revelation of Christ by the Holy Spirit brought to them a realizing sense of his power and majesty, and they stretched forth their hands unto him by faith, saying, ‘I believe.’ Thus it was in the time of the early rain; but the latter rain will be more abundant. The Saviour of men will be glorified, and the earth will be lightened with the bright shining of the beams of his righteousness. He is the fountain of light, and light from the gates ajar has been shining upon the people of God, that they may lift him up in his glorious character before those who sit in darkness." Review and Herald, November 29, 1892:6.

(5) What is the righteousness of Christ ? It is His unblemished character that is first imputed to us and then imparted to us. In other words, when the world will see Jesus in us, the world will say these are Jesus’s followers and the whole earth will be lightened with the glory of God.

(a) "Light is a blessing, a universal blessing, pouring forth its treasures on a world unthankful, unholy, demoralized. So it is with the light of the Sun of Righteousness. The whole earth, wrapped as it is in the darkness of sin, and sorrow, and pain, is to be lighted with the knowledge of God’s love. From no sect, rank, or class of people is the light shining from heaven’s throne to be excluded." Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 418:3.

(b) "The revelation of His own glory in the form of humanity will bring heaven so near to men that the beauty adorning the inner temple will be seen in every soul in whom the Saviour dwells. Men will be captivated by the glory of an abiding Christ. And in currents of praise and thanksgiving from the many souls thus won to God, glory will flow back to the great Giver." Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 420:2.

III. Conclusion

1. If I will not reveal Christ in my life, God will use someone else.

2. The work will be finished with us or without us.

3. God depends on quality not quantity.

4. Who is responsible to lighten the whole earth?

a. The movement of the angel of Revelation 18.

b. Are you among that people?

 

 

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