Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand; (Joel 2:1, KJV).

ABSTRACT

God’s last warning to the world calls everyone to worship the Creator, turn from spiritual confusion, and stand firm in obedience out of love, revealing His mercy and preparing all people for Christ’s soon return.

A GLOBAL CALL

The three angels’ messages stand as God’s ultimate communication to humanity in these last days. God’s final appeal urges us to worship Him as Creator, reject spiritual confusion, and uphold His commandments amid rising deceptions. Scripture reveals that these proclamations, while stern in tone, flow from divine mercy aiming to save rather than condemn, inviting every soul to alignment with eternal truth. In harmony with this, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9, KJV). God’s patience echoes further, “Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?” (Ezekiel 33:11, KJV). A prophetic voice once wrote, “The angels are represented as flying in the midst of heaven, proclaiming to the world a message of warning, and having a direct bearing upon the people living in the last days of this earth’s history” (The Great Controversy, p. 355, 1911). Through inspired counsel we are told, “The last rays of merciful light, the last message of mercy to be given to the world, is a revelation of His character of love” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 415, 1900). A prophetic voice once wrote, “Woe to him who shall move a block or stir a pin of these messages. The true understanding of these messages is of vital importance. The destiny of souls hangs upon the manner in which they are received” (Early Writings, pp. 258-261, 1882). In Manuscript 52 we read, “Here is set forth the work of God’s ministers who give the last message of warning to the world. There is to be a power in the gospel ministry. The three angels’ messages are to be combined, giving their threefold light to the world. In the Revelation, John says, ‘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 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 partake not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.’ [Revelation 18:1, 2, 4, 5.] This represents the giving of the last and threefold message of warning to the world. (See also Revelation 22:10-17.)” (Manuscript 52, 1900). These elements underscore the redemptive heart behind the warnings. What profound role do these messages play in revealing divine affection?

ANGELS’ AWESOME ALERTS!

These messages, though containing warnings, ultimately demonstrate God’s profound love. The three angels’ messages are not merely threats of punishment; they are urgent calls to repentance and reconciliation. God’s love motivates the warnings and calls to repentance found within the three angels’ messages. For example, the first angel’s message proclaims the hour of God’s judgment, calling all to worship the Creator (Revelation 14:7). As it states in Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, pp. 17-18, “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”. This is not a message of condemnation but an invitation to align ourselves with God’s perfect standard. The second angel’s message warns of Babylon’s fall, urging God’s people to separate from apostasy (Revelation 14:8). This is a loving call to preserve us from spiritual danger. The third angel’s message warns against worshipping the beast and receiving its mark, a call to remain faithful to God’s commandments (Revelation 14:9-12). This is a loving warning to protect us from deception. As we see in Early Writings, p. 254, “The seal of God is found in the Sabbath commandment”. This is a call to obedience, not out of fear, but out of love for the One who created us and redeemed us. God’s tender care appears in, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16, KJV). Divine compassion shines through, “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him” (Psalm 103:13, KJV). Ellen G. White wrote, “I have seen the tender love that God has for His people, and it is very great. I saw angels over the saints with their wings spread about them” (Early Writings, p. 39, 1882). In a passage from Signs of the Times we read, “The love of God is a golden chain, binding finite human beings to Himself. This love passes our knowledge” (Signs of the Times, July 13, 1904). In The Story of Redemption we read, “The prophecy of the first angel’s message, brought to view in Revelation 14, found its fulfillment in the advent movement of 1840-44. 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 God urged His servants to give the warning. Far and wide spread the message of the everlasting gospel, ‘Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come.’ Revelation 14:7” (The Story of Redemption, p. 356, 1947). Through inspired counsel we are told, “We are living in an important time. When in 1844 the message was proclaimed, ‘Fear God and give glory to him; for the hour of his Judgment is come,’ that announcement stirred every soul to its very depths. A deep solemnity rested upon all who heard it. How earnest we were to show our faith by our works, and to have our words and actions make a favorable impression on the world. More than forty years have passed since that time, and we are that much nearer the close of the Judgment and the coming of the Son of man—‘nearer the great white throne, nearer the crystal sea’” (Signs of the Times, January 7, 1896). These truths illuminate how mercy infuses every admonition. In conclusion, each message, with its warnings and calls, is an act of divine love, seeking to draw us closer to God and prepare us for His kingdom, but how does this preparation demand a global outreach?

WORLDWIDE WARNING WAVE!

Before the grand finale of Earth’s history, a pivotal event must transpire: the gospel must resonate across the globe (Matthew 24:14). This prerequisite explains why the end did not coincide with the apostles’ extensive ministry. Paul’s assertion that the gospel was preached to “every creature which is under heaven” (Colossians 1:23) doesn’t imply universal conversion, but rather the availability of the message. The everlasting gospel, intertwined with the three angels’ messages of Revelation 14, forms the complete message for the last days. It’s like a symphony, each instrument playing a vital part. This concept is beautifully expressed in Isaiah 49:6 (KJV): “And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.” This verse speaks of God’s salvation reaching all nations, reflecting the global scope of the final message. This global scope reveals God’s patient love, giving everyone the opportunity to respond. Christ commissions His followers, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 28:19, KJV). The divine mandate extends, “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15, KJV). A passage from Last Day Events reminds us, “The time of trouble, which is to increase until the end, is very near at hand. We have no time to lose. The world is stirred with the spirit of war” (Last Day Events, p. 11, 1992). The inspired pen affirms, “We are nearing the great day of God. The signs are fulfilling. And yet we have no message to tell us of the day and hour of Christ’s appearing” (Last Day Events, p. 32, 1992). In Manuscript Releases we read, “This message, if heeded, will call the attention of every nation and kindred and tongue and people to a close examination of the Word, and to the true light in regard to the power that has changed the Seventh-day Sabbath to a spurious Sabbath. The only true God has been forsaken, His law has been discarded, His sacred Sabbath institution has been trampled in the dust by the man of sin. The fourth commandment, so plain and explicit, has been ignored. The Sabbath memorial, declaring who the living God is, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, has been torn down, and a spurious Sabbath has been given to the world in its place. Thus a breach has been made in the law of God. A false Sabbath could not be a true standard. In the first angel’s message men are called upon to worship God, our Creator, who made the world and all things that are therein. They have paid homage to an institution of the Papacy, making of no effect the law of Jehovah, but there is to be an increase of knowledge on this subject” (Manuscript Releases, vol. 1, p. 44, 1990). Through inspired counsel we are told, “The message of the fall of Babylon as given by the second angel, is again given, with the addition of the corruptions which have been entering the churches since 1844. The work of this angel comes in at the right time, and joins in the last great work of the third angel’s message, as it swells into a loud cry” (Spiritual Gifts, vol. 1, p. 194, 1858). These imperatives highlight the urgency of dissemination. How do these interconnected calls form a cohesive summons?

UNIFIED URGENT UNITY!

These messages are not isolated pronouncements but integral components of the everlasting gospel. Sr. White describes them vividly: “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” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, pp. 17-18). Imagine these angelic heralds traversing the skies, their voices echoing across continents. These messages face opposition, much like a ship navigating stormy seas. Satan constantly attempts to obscure their importance, but they remain vital for our spiritual journey. These messages call us to choose whom we will worship. Scripture emphasizes unity in truth, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1, KJV). Divine harmony calls, “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me” (John 17:21, KJV). Through inspired counsel we are told, “The third angel’s message is to be given to our world in clear, distinct lines. This message embraces the two preceding messages” (Selected Messages Book 3, p. 405, 1980). In The Great Controversy we read, “The proclamation of the first, second, and third angels’ messages has been located by the Word of Inspiration. Not a peg or pin is to be removed” (Selected Messages Book 2, p. 104, 1958). Ellen G. White wrote, “I saw that as the Jews crucified Jesus, so the nominal churches had crucified these messages, and therefore they have no knowledge of the way into the most holy, and they cannot be benefited by the intercession of Jesus there” (Early Writings, pp. 258-261, 1882). A prophetic voice once wrote, “They will be brought into close combat with the beast and his image. Their only hope of eternal life is to remain steadfast. Although their lives are at stake, they must hold fast the truth” (Early Writings, p. 254, 1882). These foundations stress the inseparable nature of the proclamations. What historical fulfillment marks the initial heralds?

FIRST AND SECOND SURGE!

The first angel’s message, proclaiming the hour of God’s judgment, found its voice between 1833 and 1844, spearheaded by William Miller and his associates. Like a clarion call, they announced the anticipated return of Jesus in 1844. The disappointment when this didn’t occur led to a period of deep soul-searching. Sr. White describes the aftermath: “In the summer of 1844, about 50,000 withdrew from the churches” (Early Writings, p. 247). From this crucible emerged the second angel’s message: “Babylon is fallen, is fallen.” This message was initially proclaimed in 1844, but its complete significance unfolded gradually. As Sr. White explains, “But the message of the second angel did not reach its complete fulfillment in 1844” (The Great Controversy, p. 389). This reminds us that God’s plan unfolds in His time, not ours. History aligns with prophecy, “And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over” (Daniel 11:40, KJV). Prophetic timelines unfold, “But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased” (Daniel 12:4, KJV). Ellen G. White wrote, “I saw that God was in the proclamation of the time in 1843. It was His design to arouse the people and bring them to a testing point, where they should decide for or against the truth” (Early Writings, p. 232, 1882). A prophetic voice once wrote, “As the churches refused to receive the first angel’s message, they rejected the light from heaven and fell from the favor of God” (Early Writings, p. 237, 1882). In The Great Controversy we read, “Both the prophecy of Daniel 8:14, ‘Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed,’ and the first angel’s message, ‘Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come,’ pointed to Christ’s ministration in the most holy place, to the investigative judgment, and not to the coming of Christ for the redemption of His people and the destruction of the wicked” (The Great Controversy, p. 424, 1911). The inspired pen affirms, “In 1844 our great High Priest entered the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary, to begin the work of the investigative judgment” (Maranatha, p. 93, 1976). These accounts validate the sequential awakening. How does the culminating alert demand fidelity?

THIRD THUNDERING THREAT!

The third angel’s message warns against worshipping the beast and its image and receiving its mark (Revelation 14:9-13). This message gained clarity with the opening of the heavenly sanctuary and the understanding of the Sabbath’s significance. This message is to be proclaimed with power. The mark of the beast, identified as Sunday observance, stands in contrast to the seal of God, found in the Sabbath commandment (Early Writings, p. 254). This is not meant to instill fear, but to awaken us to the importance of true worship. Obedience anchors faith, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15, KJV). Loyalty to truth persists, “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13, KJV). In a passage from Evangelism we read, “The third angel’s message must be strengthened and confirmed” (Evangelism, p. 230, 1946). Through inspired counsel we are told, “The third angel is leading out a people and fitting them for translation. They are to be purified through the truth” (Manuscript Releases, vol. 1, p. 114, 1990). Ellen G. White wrote, “I realized, as never before, the importance of searching the Word of God carefully, to know how to escape the plagues which that Word declares shall come on all the ungodly who shall worship the beast and his image and receive his mark in their foreheads or in their hands. It was a great wonder for me that any could transgress the law of God and tread down His holy Sabbath, when such awful threatenings and denunciations were against them. . . . Those who would not receive the mark of the beast and his image when the decree goes forth, must have decision now to say, Nay, we will not regard the institution of the beast” (Early Writings, pp. 64, 67, 1882). In The Great Controversy we read, “The Sabbath will be the great test of loyalty, for it is the point of truth especially controverted. When the final test shall be brought to bear upon men, then the line of distinction will be drawn between those who serve God and those who serve Him not. While the observance of the false sabbath in compliance with the law of the state, contrary to the fourth commandment, will be an avowal of allegiance to a power that is in opposition to God, the keeping of the true Sabbath, in obedience to God’s law, is an evidence of loyalty to the Creator. While one class, by accepting the sign of submission to earthly powers, receive the mark of the beast, the other, choosing the token of allegiance to divine authority, receive the seal of God” (The Great Controversy, p. 605, 1911). These exhortations emphasize steadfastness in commandment-keeping. What final summons echoes the separation call?

BABYLON’S BOLD BREAKOUT!

Revelation 18 introduces another angel, amplifying the everlasting gospel’s proclamation. John describes this angel as “coming down from heaven, having great authority; and the earth was lightened with his glory” (Revelation 18:1). This angel’s urgent plea is “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues” (Revelation 18:4). This message complements the three angels’ messages, urging the community to separate from spiritual Babylon and prepare for Christ’s return. This resonates with me personally, as I reflect on the importance of separating myself from worldly influences and clinging to God’s truth. As we consider the state of our churches and the world today, we see the need for us to heed this call. The world is increasingly secular and often hostile to Christianity. We must stand firm in our faith and not compromise God’s truth. Separation purifies, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you” (2 Corinthians 6:17, KJV). Holiness demands distinction, “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1, KJV). Sr. White explains, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues” (Last Day Events, p. 239, 1992). A prophetic voice once wrote, “In this scripture the announcement of the fall of Babylon, as made by the second angel, [Revelation 14:8.] is repeated, with the additional mention of the corruptions which have been entering the churches since 1844” (The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4, p. 232, 1884). In Maranatha we read, “As the books of record are opened in the judgment, the lives of all who have believed on Jesus come in review before God. Beginning with those who first lived upon the earth, our Advocate presents the cases of each successive generation, and closes with the living. Every name is mentioned, every case closely investigated. Names are accepted, names rejected. When any have sins remaining upon the books of record, unrepented of and unforgiven, their names will be blotted out of the book of life….” (Maranatha, p. 93, 1976). Through inspired counsel we are told, “We are now living in the great day of atonement. In the typical service, while the high priest was making the atonement for Israel, all were required to afflict their souls by repentance of sin and humiliation before the Lord, lest they be cut off from among the people. In like manner, all who would have their names retained in the book of life, should now, in the few remaining days of their probation, afflict their souls before God by sorrow for sin and true repentance. There must be deep, faithful searching of heart…. There is earnest warfare before all who would subdue the evil tendencies that strive for the mastery. The work of preparation is an individual work. We are not saved in groups. The purity and devotion of one will not offset the want of these qualities in another…. Every one must be tested, and found without spot or wrinkle or any such thing” (Maranatha, p. 93, 1976). These imperatives urge immediate response. How do these truths inspire daily commitment?

ETERNAL ECHOES ENDURE!

The three angels’ messages are not just historical events or theological concepts; they are a living, breathing call to action for us today. They invite us to examine our hearts, our beliefs, and our actions. They challenge us to choose between truth and error, between obedience and disobedience. As we face the uncertainties of our time, these messages offer hope, guidance, and a clear path to salvation. They are a testament to God’s enduring love and His unwavering commitment to His people. As we proclaim these messages, we participate in God’s great work of salvation, a work that extends to the ends of the earth. Faith triumphs ultimately, “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4, KJV). Redemption draws near, “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh” (Luke 21:28, KJV). In The Great Controversy we read, “The same destructive power exercised by holy angels when God commands, will be exercised by evil angels when He permits. There are forces now ready, and only waiting the divine permission, to spread desolation everywhere” (The Great Controversy, p. 614, 1911). The inspired pen notes, “God has a distinct people, a church on earth, second to none, but superior to all in their facilities to teach the truth, to vindicate the law of God” (Last Day Events, p. 43, 1992). In Maranatha we read, “All who have truly repented of sin, and by faith claimed the blood of Christ as their atoning sacrifice, have had pardon entered against their names in the books of heaven; as they have become partakers of the righteousness of Christ, and their characters are found to be in harmony with the law of God, their sins will be blotted out, and they themselves will be accounted worthy of eternal life. The Lord declares, … ‘I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.’ Isaiah 43:25” (Maranatha, p. 93, 1976). In Christ Our Righteousness we read, “The result, or fruitage, of this message of warning and admonition is the development of a people of whom it is declared: ‘Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus’” (Christ Our Righteousness, p. 65, 1990). These assurances fortify resolve.

This blog explores the profound significance of the three angels’ messages in Revelation 14, within the broader context of God’s plan for humanity. We will delve into these messages, examining their historical context, theological implications, and present-day relevance for various faith traditions. We will also explore how these messages reflect God’s love. My aim is to provide a comprehensive understanding of these crucial messages, drawing from Scripture, the writings of, and applying them to our lives today. Divine purpose guides exploration, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11, KJV). Eternal wisdom directs, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105, KJV). Through inspired counsel we are told, “The first and second messages [Revelation 14:6-8] 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” (Selected Messages Book 2, p. 104, 1958). A passage from Manuscript Releases reminds us, “We must let the great principles of the third angel’s message stand out clear and distinct” (Manuscript Releases, vol. 16, p. 216, 1990). In Christ Our Righteousness we read, “The great threefold message of Revelation 14, which we designate by the term ‘the third angel’s message,’ is declared to be ‘the everlasting gospel’” (Christ Our Righteousness, p. 65, 1990). Through inspired counsel we are told, “It admonishes all who are to meet God at His great tribunal, to be judged by His righteous law, to ‘fear God, and give glory to Him,’-and to ‘worship Him that made heaven, and earth’” (Christ Our Righteousness, p. 65, 1990). These insights deepen appreciation for the messages’ timeless application.

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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?