But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD (Numbers 14:21, KJV).

ABSTRACT

This article delves into the pivotal timing and profound importance of the angel’s message in Revelation 18, drawing from Scripture and applying timeless principles to our daily lives. It highlights how this divine call, linked to Christ’s righteousness, ignited in 1888 as a beacon of hope and repentance, urging us to embrace transformation amid resistance and delay, preparing for the latter rain and ultimate proclamation.

A MESSAGE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS ECHOES THROUGH TIME

Today, we explore the timing and significance of the angel of Revelation 18’s message, drawing from Scripture, Ellen G. White’s writings, and applying these principles to our lives today. Christ reveals profound truths through this message, urging reverence and worship as seen in Isaiah 6:3, where one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. A prophetic voice once wrote that the third angel’s message is the proclamation of the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Christ, emphasizing that the commandments have been proclaimed but the faith of Jesus Christ has not been equally highlighted, the law and the gospel going hand in hand (Selected Messages Book 3, p. 172, 1980). Through inspired counsel we are told that the message of justification by faith is the third angel’s message in verity, a message to prepare a people to stand in these last days (Review and Herald, April 1, 1890). In Habakkuk 2:14, Scripture declares for the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea, underscoring the global reach of this divine call. Christ affirms this urgency, for Proverbs 1:23 states turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. In The Great Controversy, we read that 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, the children of God manifesting His glory in their own life and character (p. 415, 1911). A passage from Patriarchs and Prophets reminds us that God requires prompt and unquestioning obedience of His law, but men are asleep or paralyzed by the deceptions of Satan, who suggests excuses and subterfuges, and conquers his victims before they are aware of their danger (p. 52, 1890). Christ illuminates our path forward, but how does this timing challenge our readiness today?

TIMING REVEALED!

The question of when the angel of Revelation 18 appears is crucial for those anticipating the final events of prophecy. Ellen G. White offers insight, stating, “the loud cry of the third angel has already begun” (Selected Messages, Vol. 1, p. 363). This cry, intrinsically linked to the revelation of Christ’s righteousness, the sin-pardoning Redeemer, first shone brightly in 1888 at the General Conference Session. This wasn’t a distant future event; it was a call to action then, and it remains so now. We are called to lift up Jesus, proclaiming salvation with power and clarity. Think of it like a beacon, first lit dimly, now growing brighter, calling us home. This resonates with Jeremiah’s lament, “Since the day that your fathers came forth out of the land of Egypt unto this day I have even sent unto you all my servants the prophets, daily rising up and sending them: Yet they hearkened not unto me, nor inclined their ear, but hardened their neck: they did worse than their fathers” (Jeremiah 7:25-26, KJV). Like a broken record, God sends messengers, but often, they are met with resistance. Scripture reveals that the LORD God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place (2 Chronicles 36:15, KJV). Sr. White explains that the message of Christ’s righteousness is to be given to the world as a witness, and all who hear are to make their choice for or against it (Review and Herald, July 18, 1899). In inspired pen we find that the loud cry begins in the revelation of the righteousness of Christ, the sin-pardoning Redeemer, preparing the way for the second coming (Review and Herald, November 22, 1892). God declares in Psalm 96:3 to declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people. Christ commands in Matthew 24:14 that this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. Revealing His role clearly, Christ as the central figure calls us to action, but how does this connect to the counsel for the Laodicean church?

LAODICEAN LINK!

The angel’s work connects deeply with the counsel to the Laodicean church (Revelation 3:18). The “white raiment” symbolizes Christ’s righteousness, a call to awaken God’s people to their spiritual condition. Sr. White explains that the Laodicean message was meant to inspire “zealous repentance” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, p. 186), preparing them for the loud cry. The 1888 message highlighted the need for personal conversion before effectively proclaiming the third angel’s message. This transformation is necessary to receive Jesus’ presence and deliver the message with conviction. Imagine a rusty trumpet; it needs cleaning and polishing before it can sound a clear, powerful note. Similarly, we need cleansing and renewal to effectively share God’s message. This message of repentance was intended to prepare a people for the latter rain, a latter day outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which would empower God’s people to give the final warning. Christ ministers grace, for Ephesians 2:8 declares for by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. God pours out His Spirit, as Joel 2:28 promises and it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. A prophetic voice once wrote that the Laodicean message applies to the people of God, awakening them from their spiritual lethargy (Review and Herald, September 16, 1873). Through inspired counsel we are told that the testimony to the Laodiceans is to arouse the people from their backsliding and triumphant condition (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 252, 1875). Scripture promises in Revelation 3:20 behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. God invites in Isaiah 55:1 ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Christ beckons transformation, but what resistance hindered this divine call?

RESISTANCE FACED!

The message of Christ’s righteousness, though marking the angel’s work’s beginning, faced resistance. Sr. White notes that some “hated it the more” despite witnessing the Holy Spirit’s confirmation (Testimonies to Ministers, p. 79). This mirrored the scribes and Pharisees’ rejection of Christ, a painful echo of history. The leadership’s refusal to repent hindered the message’s full acceptance, delaying God’s intended work. The 1888 event was vital, yet it required time for God’s people to develop the character necessary for the latter rain and bold proclamation. This reminds me of a garden; even after planting, it takes time, nurturing, and the right conditions for the seeds to grow and flourish. Christ encounters opposition, for Acts 7:51 declares ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. God faces rebellion, as 2 Timothy 3:8 states now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. In The Great Controversy, we read that Satan has sought to prevent the cooperation of man with God, leading to resistance against divine truth (p. 591, 1911). A passage from Patriarchs and Prophets reminds us that rebellion against God’s law invites His judgments, yet mercy lingers for repentance (p. 583, 1890). Scripture warns in Hebrews 3:8 harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness. God declares in Psalm 81:11 but my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me. Christ overcomes resistance, but how does this reveal God’s patient love?

LOVE DEMONSTRATED!

This resistance to the message of righteousness is a poignant illustration of human fallibility. However, it also reveals the depth of God’s patient love. God, in His infinite mercy, continues to send messages of warning and invitation, even when faced with rejection. This is a testament to His unwavering love, which seeks to draw all humanity back to Himself. As Sr. White powerfully states, “The Lord in His great mercy sent a most precious message to His people through Elders Waggoner and Jones” (Testimonies to Ministers,1 p. 91). This act of sending a “most precious message” is evidence of God’s desire to save His people. Even when the message faced resistance, God’s love was still extended. This highlights the unwavering nature of God’s love, even amidst human rejection. God’s persistent pursuit of humanity, even in the face of rejection, showcases the boundless nature of His love. Christ demonstrates patience, for 2 Peter 3:9 declares 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. God extends mercy, as Romans 2:4 states or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? A prophetic voice once wrote that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (Steps to Christ, p. 10, 1892). Through inspired counsel we are told that God’s love is infinite, and His mercy endureth forever (The Desire of Ages, p. 71, 1898). Scripture affirms in Psalm 103:8 the LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. God declares in Lamentations 3:22-23 it is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not; they are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. Christ embodies love, but how has this work begun in our midst?

WORK BEGUN!

The angel of Revelation 18’s work has begun, starting with the 1888 message of Christ’s righteousness. This is the dawn of a light destined to illuminate the earth. The delay in the loud cry’s full manifestation stems from the incomplete acceptance of this message, yet the call to repentance and preparation persists. Sr. White emphasizes that this work won’t conclude in a few months but will culminate in the latter rain and the final, powerful proclamation of the third angel’s message (Early Writings, p. 270). Like a river, the message flows, sometimes encountering obstacles, but ultimately continuing its course towards the vast ocean. Christ initiates renewal, for Joel 2:23 declares be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month. God prepares hearts, as James 5:7 states be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord; behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. In The Great Controversy, we read that the final warning of the third angel is to prepare a people to stand in the day of the Lord (p. 430, 1911). A passage from Patriarchs and Prophets reminds us that God delays judgment to give opportunity for repentance and preparation (p. 314, 1890). Scripture promises in Hosea 6:3 then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth. God declares in Deuteronomy 11:14 that I will give you the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil. Christ heralds the dawn, but how should we respond to this message today?

RESPONSE CALLED!

Looking forward, we must ask ourselves: How should we respond to this message today? We must examine our hearts, asking if we have fully embraced Christ’s righteousness. Are we clinging to self-righteousness, like barnacles clinging to a ship’s hull? Or are we allowing God to cleanse us, preparing us for the latter rain? This message is a call to action, a call to prepare ourselves and the world for Jesus’ soon return. We must be like watchmen on the wall, ever vigilant, ever ready to sound the alarm. This message is not just for “them” but for us, for me. I must examine my own heart, my own life, and ask myself if I am truly living in accordance with the message of righteousness by faith. We must work together, encouraging one another, building each other up in the most holy faith. Christ calls followers, for Matthew 4:19 declares and he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. God invites response, as Isaiah 55:7 states let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. A prophetic voice once wrote that we must individually receive the message of Christ’s righteousness to experience its transforming power (Review and Herald, April 1, 1890). Through inspired counsel we are told that the message calls for personal consecration and preparation for the latter rain (Review and Herald, March 22, 1892). Scripture urges in Hebrews 3:15 while it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. God declares in 2 Chronicles 7:14 if my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Christ summons action, but how does this message continue to resonate in our world today?

RELEVANCE TODAY!

This message, beginning in 1888, continues to resonate today. The resistance to the message of Christ’s righteousness, as seen in the past, is reflected in the divisions and struggles we see in society today. The lack of unity and the focus on self rather than Christ hinders the full outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This is a call to return to the fundamental principles of the gospel, to focus on Christ and His righteousness, and to allow the Holy Spirit to work in our hearts and lives. We must be willing to humble ourselves, to repent of our sins, and to embrace the message of Christ’s righteousness fully. Only then can we experience the full power of the latter rain and proclaim the third angel’s message with a loud cry. Christ unites believers, for Ephesians 4:3 declares endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. God pours out His Spirit, as Acts 2:17 states and it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. In The Great Controversy, we read that the message of Christ’s righteousness is to be proclaimed with power in these last days (p. 488, 1911). A passage from Patriarchs and Prophets reminds us that God’s truth endures forever, calling us to faithfulness amid trials (p. 134, 1890). Scripture promises in 1 Corinthians 1:10 now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. God declares in Psalm 133:1 behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.

For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea (Habakkuk 2:14, KJV).

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can we delve deeper into this message of righteousness, allowing it to shape our character and priorities in daily life?

How can we present this vital truth to diverse audiences, making it relevant without diluting its power

What common misunderstandings about righteousness by faith exist in our community, and how can we correct them gently with Scripture and Sr. White’s insights?

In what ways can we embody this righteousness, becoming beacons of hope and unity in our congregations?