“Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus” (Revelation 14:12, KJV).

ABSTRACT

The article explores the third angel’s call in Revelation 14:12, emphasizing faith, endurance, and obedience to God’s commandments as a safeguard against envy, covetousness, and spiritual decay. It shows how the law reflects God’s unchanging character and love, guiding believers toward holiness, unity, and contentment. Envy is exposed as a root of rebellion, while obedience is upheld as love’s true expression. Through Scripture and inspired counsel, the article urges personal reflection and communal faithfulness, calling Christians to live out divine principles as beacons of truth and hope in a world of materialism and division.

UNDERSTANDING GOD’S LOVE AND FAITHFULNESS

In the heart of every seeker lies a profound journey toward deeper communion with the Divine, where divine truths sharpen our perception of eternal love and grace. We delve into timeless revelations from Scripture and the writings of Ellen G. White, illuminating the urgent call of the third angel’s message, the sacred weight of God’s commandments, and the insidious creep of envy that threatens our peace. As we, the community, engage these eternal verities through honest self-examination and mutual encouragement, our shared devotion to heavenly principles flourishes, forging unbreakable bonds of faith amid life’s tempests. Scripture affirms this pursuit vividly, as the psalmist declares, “O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day” (Psalm 119:97, KJV), while the apostle adds, “Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law” (Romans 13:10, KJV). The inspired pen further unveils, “The law of God is the transcript of His will, and is the only unerring standard for the conduct of His people. If we do as we should, we shall render perfect obedience to every requirement of the divine law” (The Great Controversy, p. 446, 1911). A prophetic voice echoes, “The third angel’s message calls for the proclamation of the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Christ” (Early Writings, p. 254, 1882). These truths propel us forward, stirring our souls to embrace obedience as the heartbeat of love—what urgent summons does the third angel’s message issue to our daily walk?

THE THIRD ANGEL’S MESSAGE: A CALL TO FAITHFULNESS

The third angel’s message, found in Revelation 14:12, emphasizes endurance and faithfulness. Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. This call underscores the importance of obedience as an expression of love for God. As John 14:15 states, If ye love me, keep my commandments. Sr. White explains that this obedience springs from love for righteousness, the love of the law of God (Steps to Christ, p. 61, 1892). We embrace this divine summons, recognizing how steadfast adherence mirrors our devotion. Divine revelation reinforces this bond, with Moses proclaiming, “Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations” (Deuteronomy 7:9, KJV), and the beloved disciple affirming, “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous” (1 John 5:3, KJV). In Patriarchs and Prophets, a passage reminds us, “Obedience to the law of God, as the condition of eternal life, was required of Adam before his fall” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 49, 1890). Through inspired counsel, we learn, “The third angel’s message is to be given with power; the power of God must attend its proclamation” (Evangelism, p. 693, 1946). This message stirs us to vigilant watchfulness, fortifying our resolve against compromise and igniting joyful submission to His sovereign will—how do God’s commandments mirror the essence of His eternal nature?

THE COMMANDMENTS: A REFLECTION OF GOD’S CHARACTER

God’s commandments reveal His unchanging character. James 2:10 reminds us, For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. This principle underscores the interconnectedness of God’s laws. Sr. White highlights the significance of the tenth commandment, striking at the very root of all sins, prohibiting the selfish desire, from which springs the sinful act (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 309, 1890). When we covet, we shift our focus from God’s provision to worldly desires, distancing ourselves from His love. The commandments guide us back to God’s perfect plan for our lives. Holy Writ echoes this harmony, as the lawgiver instructs, “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s” (Exodus 20:17, KJV), while the wise king observes, “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7, KJV). In The Desire of Ages, we read, “The law of God is the echo of the voice of God instructing His people in all the relations of life” (The Desire of Ages, p. 308, 1898). A thematic insight reveals, “God’s law is an expression of His very nature; it is the transcript of His character” (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 39, 1896). These precepts anchor us in divine order, shielding our hearts from discord and unveiling the beauty of holiness in everyday choices—what hidden peril does envy pose as a seed of rebellion in our midst?

ENVY: A ROOT OF SIN

Envy, a manifestation of covetousness, often leads to discontent and spiritual decay. Proverbs 14:30 warns, A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones. This metaphor vividly illustrates the destructive power of envy. Sr. White identifies envy as a driving force behind rebellion, Lucifer’s envy of Christ was the beginning of the great controversy (The Great Controversy, p. 495, 1911). Envy blinds us to God’s blessings and fosters resentment. By acknowledging and addressing this sin, we experience the freedom that comes from contentment in Christ. Sacred pages warn further, declaring, “Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?” (Proverbs 27:4, KJV), and cautioning, “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work” (James 3:16, KJV). The inspired writings caution, “Envy is one of the most satanic traits that can exist in the human heart” (Letter 16, 1892). Prophetic counsel exposes, “Covetousness, the desire to possess, lies at the foundation of the majority of the sins which have cursed the world” (Review and Herald, December 9, 1890). We confront this shadow head-on, allowing gratitude to bloom where bitterness once took root, transforming potential ruin into radiant testimony—how does God’s boundless love infuse His laws with purpose for our redemption?

GOD’S LOVE IN HIS LAWS

The commandments express God’s care. Revelation 22:14 affirms, Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. This promise shows God’s desire for our eternal joy. Sr. White explains, The law of love being the foundation of the government of God, the happiness of all intelligent beings depends upon their perfect accord with its great principles (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 34, 1890). Through obedience, we align ourselves with God’s love, finding peace and purpose in His design. Eternal truth proclaims, “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him” (John 14:21, KJV), and assures, “Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law” (Romans 13:8, KJV). In the pages of Selected Messages, a voice declares, “The law of love is the foundation of God’s government, the service of love the only service acceptable to heaven” (Selected Messages, book 1, p. 230, 1958). Through divine instruction, we grasp, “It is transgression of the law of love—the law of God—that has brought woe and death. Yet even in the suffering resulting from sin, God’s love is revealed” (Steps to Christ, p. 11, 1892). His statutes become our shield and delight, weaving threads of compassion into the fabric of our existence—what personal shadows must we surrender to embrace this transformative grace?

PERSONAL REFLECTION AND COMMUNAL APPLICATION

Recognizing this sin requires humility and prayer, but the reward is a renewed sense of God’s grace. As a community, we face similar challenges. How often do we compare ourselves to others, losing sight of God’s unique plans for us? By supporting one another in faith and accountability, we overcome these tendencies and grow in unity. God’s Word unites us, exhorting, “Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you” (2 Corinthians 13:11, KJV), and encouraging, “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together” (Hebrews 10:24-25, KJV). A passage from Testimonies reminds us, “Unity in diversity, and diversity in unity, is the law of heaven” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, p. 137, 1904). Inspired guidance affirms, “We should all study to maintain sweet fellowship in the gospel of Christ” (Review and Herald, February 28, 1900). Together, we rise above division, our collective strength a bulwark against isolation’s chill—how can we radiate contentment amid society’s relentless pursuit of more?

RELEVANCE TO CHURCH AND SOCIETY

In today’s world, envy often manifests through materialism and competition. Social media, for instance, can amplify feelings of inadequacy. We counter these influences by promoting contentment and gratitude. Sr. White reminds us, The spirit of unselfish labor for others gives depth, stability, and Christlike loveliness to the character (Steps to Christ, p. 80, 1892). By embodying these principles, we reflect God’s love to a world in need. Timeless counsel declares, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5, KJV), and urges, “But godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6, KJV). Through a prophetic lens, we see, “The world is perishing for want of Christian sympathy and aid” (Ministry of Healing, p. 143, 1905). Role-based insight reveals, “Contentment and gratitude are the fruits of faith in the future life” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 174, 1900). Our lives become living epistles, dispelling darkness with beams of selfless joy and drawing the weary into the fold of hope.

COMMITTING TO GOD’S ENDURING LOVE

The third angel’s message calls us to a life of faithfulness and obedience, grounded in God’s love. By understanding the interconnectedness of His commandments, the dangers of envy, and the profound care behind His laws, we draw closer to Him. Let us, as individuals and as a community, commit to this path, finding strength and joy in His enduring love. We stand resolute, our hearts attuned to heaven’s rhythm, where obedience blooms into eternal harvest.

For more articles, please go to http://www.faithfundamentals.blog or our podcast at: https://rss.com/podcasts/the-lamb.

If you have a prayer request, please leave it in the comments below. Prayer meetings are held on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. To join, enter your email address in the comments section.

Search

Search

SELF-REFLECTION

How can I, in my personal devotional life, delve deeper into these prophetic truths, allowing them to shape my character and priorities?

How can we adapt these complex themes to be understandable and relevant to diverse audiences, from seasoned church members to new seekers or those from different faith traditions, without compromising theological accuracy?

What are the most common misconceptions about these topics in my community, and how can I gently but effectively correct them using Scripture and the writings of Sr. White?

In what practical ways can our local congregations and individual members become more vibrant beacons of truth and hope, living out the reality of Christ’s soon return and God’s ultimate victory over evil?