“I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.” (Isaiah 61:10, KJV)

ABSTRACT

This article illuminates the transformative message of Christ our Righteousness as heralded by the angel in Revelation 18, portraying it as a divine light piercing spiritual darkness, tracing its renewed emphasis since 1888, the preparation it demands for the loud cry, its progressive revelation rather than sudden occurrence, its embodiment of God’s infinite love through Christ’s substitutionary sacrifice, and its practical implications for personal spiritual growth and collective proclamation, all underpinned by Scripture and insights from Ellen G. White to foster hope, repentance, and unity within the community.

WHAT IS THE MESSAGE OF REVELATION 18?

Christ our Righteousness, as presented by the angel of Revelation 18, drawing upon Scripture, Ellen G. White’s writings, and biblical principles. It is written for a broad audience, seeking to connect with readers across various faith backgrounds. Scripture reveals that the righteousness of God is unveiled from faith to faith, “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17, KJV), and that this righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe, “But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference” (Romans 3:21-22, KJV). A prophetic voice once wrote, “The law demands righteousness, and this the sinner owes to the law; but he is incapable of rendering it. The only way in which he can attain to righteousness is through faith. By faith he can bring to God the merits of Christ, and the Lord places the obedience of his Son to the sinner’s account” (Review and Herald, Nov 4, 1890). In Faith and Works we read, “Christ’s righteousness is accepted in place of man’s failure, and God receives, pardons, justifies, the repentant, believing soul, treats him as though he were righteous, and loves him as He loves his Son. This is how faith is accounted righteousness; and the pardoned soul goes on from grace to grace, from light to a greater light” (Faith and Works, p. 103, 1979). This broad appeal invites all to embrace the hope found in Christ’s righteousness, but does light dawn in darkness?

DOES LIGHT DAWN IN DARKNESS?

The prophet Isaiah foretold a time of spiritual darkness contrasted by the rising of God’s glorious light. Isaiah 60:1-3 (KJV) proclaims, “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.” This passage paints a vivid picture: a world shrouded in darkness, yet a divine light breaks through, offering hope and guidance. This light, as we understand it, is the righteousness of Christ, a beacon in the spiritual night. This light is not just a physical phenomenon, but a spiritual awakening, a revelation of God’s character and love. It’s like a lighthouse in a stormy sea, guiding lost ships to safety. This prophecy sets the stage for understanding the work of the angel of Revelation 18, whose message is this very light. God promises to turn darkness into light, “And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them” (Isaiah 42:16, KJV), and to raise a righteous branch, “Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth” (Jeremiah 23:5, KJV). Through inspired counsel we are told, “The world’s Redeemer was treated as we deserve to be treated, in order that we might be treated as he deserved to be treated. He came to our world and took our sins upon his own divine soul that we might receive his imputed righteousness. He was condemned for our sins, in which he had no share, that we might be justified by his righteousness, in which we had no share” (Review and Herald, March 21, 1891). The inspired pen notes, “The righteousness by which we are justified is imputed; the righteousness by which we are sanctified is imparted” (Review and Herald, June 4, 1895). This prophecy illuminates the path forward, but does the message take root?

DOES THE MESSAGE TAKE ROOT?

The message of Christ our Righteousness has been a source of hope and transformation since its renewed emphasis in 1888. Sr. White affirms, “In every meeting since the General Conference, souls have eagerly accepted the precious message of the righteousness of Christ” (Review and Herald, July 23, 1889, p. 16). This acceptance signifies a recognition of our spiritual poverty and a yearning for the “white raiment” of Christ’s righteousness to cover our sins. It’s like finding an oasis in a desert, a source of living water for thirsty souls. This message is not just intellectual assent; it’s a heart-felt embrace of God’s grace. This eager acceptance demonstrates the power of this message to touch hearts and transform lives. The Bible emphasizes that Christ’s righteousness is credited through faith, “Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness” (Galatians 3:6, KJV), and that we are justified by faith apart from works, “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law” (Romans 3:28, KJV). A passage from Selected Messages reminds us, “The message of Christ’s righteousness is to sound from one end of the earth to the other to prepare the way of the Lord. This is the glory of God, which closes the work of the third angel” (Selected Messages Book 1, p. 372, 1958). In Steps to Christ we read, “But to pray in Christ’s name means much. It means that we are to accept His character, manifest His spirit, and work His works. The Savior’s promise is given on condition. ‘If ye love Me,’ He says, ‘keep My commandments.’ He saves men, not in sin, but from sin; and those who love Him will show their love by obedience” (Steps to Christ, p. 63, 1892). This transformation calls us to deeper commitment, but are we preparing for the loud cry?

ARE WE PREPARING FOR THE LOUD CRY?

The angel’s work is twofold: preparing a people for the loud cry of the third angel and ultimately lightening the whole earth with God’s glory. Sr. White asks, “Who will unite with the angels? Who will accept this light?” (Review and Herald, July 23, 1889, p. 16). This preparation involves deep repentance, spiritual transformation, and a clear understanding of the message to Laodicea, a call for zealous repentance and conversion. It’s like a farmer preparing the soil before planting seeds, ensuring a fruitful harvest. This preparation is not a passive waiting but an active engagement with God’s transforming power. This is a call to action, a call to align ourselves with God’s work in these last days. Scripture urges us to seek righteousness through faith, “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth” (Romans 10:4, KJV), and to live by faith, “But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith” (Galatians 3:11, KJV). Through inspired counsel we are told, “Faith is trusting God–believing that He loves us and knows best what is for our good” (Education, p. 253, 1903). A prophetic voice once wrote, “The true religion, the only religion of the Bible, that teaches forgiveness only through the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour, that advocates righteousness by the faith of the Son of God, has been slighted, spoken against, ridiculed, and rejected” (Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, p. 468, 1923). This alignment strengthens our resolve, but is the work gradual or instant?

IS THE WORK GRADUAL OR INSTANT?

The work of the angel of Revelation 18 is a gradual process, not an instantaneous event. Sr. White cautions, “Unless those who can help… 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” (Testimonies to Ministers, p. 300). Some mistakenly expect an immediate, earth-shattering event. However, the angel’s work begins with preparation, requiring spiritual discernment and submission to God’s leading. It’s like a sunrise, slowly but surely dispelling the darkness. Those who try to control God’s work may find themselves opposing it. Patience and discernment are crucial in understanding and participating in this work. The Word affirms that righteousness comes by hearing the word of faith, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17, KJV), and that we are made righteous by one man’s obedience, “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous” (Romans 5:19, KJV). In The Desire of Ages we read, “The righteousness of Christ is not a cloak to cover unconfessed and unforsaken sin; it is a principle of life that transforms the character and controls the conduct” (The Desire of Ages, p. 347, 1898). Sr. White explains, “Without faith not an act can be performed that will meet the approval of God. Without faith the best deeds that a man can do will come infinitely short of the perfect righteousness of God, which is the only standard” (Living by Faith, p. 9, 2014). This understanding fosters patience, but does the message reflect God’s love?

DOES THE MESSAGE REFLECT GOD’S LOVE?

The message of Christ our Righteousness beautifully reflects God’s boundless love for humanity. The very core of this message centers on Christ’s willingness to take our place, to bear the penalty for our sins, and to offer us His perfect righteousness. As Sr. White states, the message of righteousness by faith is “the third angel’s message in verity” (Testimonies to Ministers, p. 91). This is because the message is about salvation through Christ alone. This message is not one of condemnation but of hope and restoration. It’s like a loving parent offering a lifeline to a drowning child. God, in His infinite love, provides a way for us to be reconciled to Him. This offer of grace is the ultimate demonstration of God’s love. Scripture declares God’s love in providing righteousness, “In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS” (Jeremiah 23:6, KJV), and that love covers sins through faith, “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24, KJV). A passage from Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing reminds us, “The righteousness which Christ taught is conformity of heart and life to the revealed will of God” (Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 18, 1896). Through inspired counsel we are told, “God is love, and His law is love. Its two great principles are love to God and love to man” (The Great Controversy, p. 589, 1911). This demonstration invites response, but how do we apply the message today?

HOW DO WE APPLY THE MESSAGE TODAY?

This message has profound implications for us, both individually and as a church. In our own lives, we must recognize our spiritual poverty and accept Christ’s righteousness as our only hope. Communally, we must unite in proclaiming this message to the world. I have personally experienced the transformative power of this message in my own life, and I see the need for us to share it with others. We see in society today a similar situation as described.. There are those who desire to dictate the movements of God’s work, attempting to control the message and its spread. This is like trying to put a lid on a volcano; it cannot be contained. Just as God’s work will prevail, so too will the message of Christ our Righteousness go forth with power. We must be open to God’s leading and willing to participate in His work, trusting in His guidance and power. This message is not just for us; it’s for the whole world. It is a message of hope, a message of love, a message of Christ our Righteousness. The Bible encourages practical faith, “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness” (Romans 4:5, KJV), and living out righteousness, “Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous” (1 John 3:7, KJV). Sr. White warns, “Many who have been bound in fetters of darkness have been respected because God has used them, and their unbelief has aroused doubt, prejudice against the messages of truths which angels of Heaven are seeking to communicate through human agencies—justification by faith, the righteousness of Christ” (Letter B-2a, November, 1892). In the General Conference Bulletin we read, “The people of God are to walk in the light of heaven, not in the light of the sparks of their own kindling, or in the light of the sparks which the enemy will kindle for them. He will make fires enough to lead us astray if we will be led. We must place ourselves in that position where we reach the highest standard of truth and righteousness, equity and judgment” (General Conference Bulletin, April 10, 1901). This proclamation empowers the community to shine forth.

SELF-REFLECTION

How can I deepen my understanding of Christ our Righteousness in daily devotions, letting it mold my character and guide my choices?

How can we present this message of righteousness by faith in ways that resonate with varied audiences, maintaining biblical fidelity while making it accessible?

What prevalent misunderstandings about righteousness by faith exist in our circles, and how can I address them compassionately with Scripture and Sr. White’s insights?

How can we as individuals and communities embody Christ our Righteousness, becoming living testimonies of God’s grace and impending victory?

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