The Third Angel’s Message

Revelation 14:9-12—The Third Angel’s Message

9And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,

10The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:

11And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

12Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

What is the core content of the third angel’s message?

              The core content of the third angel’s message is summarized in two truths:  1) Jesus’ mediation in the most holy place and 2) the eternal authority of God’s law.

4SP 275.2—Those who had accepted the light concerning the mediation of Christ and the perpetuity of the law of God, found that these were

The Loud Cry of Rev. 18:1-8

How does the fourth angel relate to the third angel?

The fourth angel of Rev. 18 joins with the third angel of Rev. 14. It gives strength to what the third angel is saying. This fourth angel will join with what the third angel is already saying; these two united will spread a most important message all over the world. The third angel warns about what will happen to those in Babylon, and in Rev. 18, a way of escape is put forth (“Come out of her, my people”–Rev. 18:4).

Dilemma: The Evolution of Adventism

In response to the situation in which Adventist schools are allegedly teaching evolution, as described on the website:  http://www.educatetruth.com/ .

It has been noted that Adventist institutions (colleges and universities) are getting cozy with Darwin and his cohorts.  Naturalistic evolution is being taught in science classes.  The reality of this dilemma is being enshrouded under the cloak of “unity in love to our Lord” (Randal Wisbey, President of La Sierra University).

This news should not come as a shock, for situations such as this are predicted by the Bible.  2 Peter 3:5 says, “They deliberately forget that God made the heavens by the word of his command, and he brought the earth out from the water and surrounded it with water.”

Is the Adventist church evolving? Are some within it joining, little by little, with the mainstream worldview concerning origins?  Why should the church even have to deal with a problem such as this?  Isn’t the Bible clear enough?

The Second Angel’s Message and the Midnight Cry

When was the second angel’s message given?

The second angel’s message was given, for the first time, in the summer of 1844.  Nevertheless, we should be continuing to preach this message today.  The second major proclamation of this message will occur just before the 2^nd Coming.

EW 304.1—THE SECOND ANGEL’S MESSAGE HAD ITS INITIAL SOUNDING EARLY IN THE SUMMER OF 1844… AND WHILE IT IS TRUE THAT

The First Angel’s Message

Who gives the first angel’s message?

The first angel represents the true followers of Jesus living during the end of time.  These people accept the truth given to them and then share it with rest of the world.

ST, January 25, 1910 par. 5—These three angels represent the people who accept the light of God’s messages, and go forth as His agents to sound the warning throughout the length and breadth of the earth.

We know that the three angels’ messages have to do with the end of time because the text (Rev. 14:7) says, “…for the hour of His judgment has come…”  If we look at the 2300 day prophecy of Dan. 8:14, we can gain hints

The Character

What is a “character”? According to dictionary.com, “character” is: 1. the aggregate of features and traits that form the individual nature of some person or thing.

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5T 310—…the thoughts and feelings combined make up the moral character.

The character is comprised of thoughts and feelings (or desires) that are a part of our in-born nature. Traits are strengthened or added to the character by making a habit of them.

In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve had perfect characters. But when they ate from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, their characters became defective. Instead of having the character of God, they now had the character of the Tempter—a “bent to evil.” (Ed 26, 29)

Remember that it is thoughts and feelings that make up the character. Thus, a character becomes defective when

Intro to Revelation 14 and 18

Before studying these chapters, we will attempt to divide them into sections based on their content.

Revelation 14

Section 1 – Rev. 14:1-5 – “The 144 Thousand”

Section 2 – Rev. 14:6-13 – “The Three Angels: Warnings and Encouragements for  Pre-advent People”

Section 3 – Rev. 14: 14-20 – “The Harvest”

Revelation 18

Section 1 – Rev. 18:1-8 – “The Announcement: Babylon Falls and Receives Her Plagues

Section 2 – Rev. 18:9-24 – “The Earth Laments Over Babylon”

Revelation 4 and 5-The Book

Revelation 4 and 5 describe an incredible scene in the tabernacle of Heaven. The fourth chapter gives in introduction to the fifth. It reveals to us the setting in which the fifth chapter occurs.

Rev. 4:1—

“After this”—By looking at “this” in the previous chapters, we will obtain clues that will help us interpret chapters 4 and 5. In the first three chapters of Revelation, there are no references to sanctuary furniture (in the part describing the vision), except for the seven candlesticks in Rev. 1:13 and 1:20. At first, one might presume that this is referring to the seven golden candlesticks in the Holy Place. But Rev. 1:20 explains what these lamps are: “…the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.” Jesus was walking between the candlesticks, showing that His presence was with His people. Since these churches were located not in Heaven, but on earth, chapters 1-3 occur on this earth (or at least outside the sanctuary). This is supported by the fact that, in Rev. 4:1, John is told to “Come up, hither” to the sanctuary.

“a door was opened”—If the previous setting was outside the sanctuary, this door would naturally be the door into the first apartment, the Holy Place. But in order to know for sure, we must look for more definite clues. In Rev. 4:5, we see the seven golden candlesticks: “…and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.” Later in Rev. 8:3, we see the alter of incense: “And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense…” These two pieces of furniture are located in the Holy Place (Ex. 26:35 and Ex. 31:11). To determine which apartment Rev. 4:1 is referring to, we must look at clues that obviously relate to this verse. We cannot use clues concerning the book of Rev. 10 to interpret the book of Rev. 5. We cannot assume that these books are the same unless Rev. 4-5 is set in the Most Holy Place. And so far, the two pieces of furniture mentioned give evidence that Rev. 4-5 is in the Holy Place. Ellen White further supports

Daniel 2:40-43 (the legs, feet, and toes)

These verses are a description of the statue’s legs and feet and toes in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. The main elements in this passage are iron, clay, feet, toes, and seed.

• IRON—Dan. 2:40—The fourth kingdom is symbolized by iron. From history we know that this kingdom is pagan Rome. Also, Rome had the “strength of iron” and subdued “all things.” Therefore, we can conclude that iron represents paganism and also earthly strength and power.
• CLAY—Is. 64:8—We are the clay; God is the Potter.

Jer. 18:4-6—God will shape us (the new Israel—Gal 3:29) just as a Potter shapes the clay.

Clay represents God’s church (Christianity). Clay is weaker than iron. For God to be able to work through us, we have to be weak. We cannot be self sufficient, thinking we do not need God. In fact, in Matthew 5, Jesus blesses those who are “poor in spirit” and those who are “meek.”

• FEET—Dan. 2:41—The feet are a mixture of iron and clay. Thus, the feet are a mixture of paganism and Christianity, of earthly power (government) and the church. The only world power that arose immediately after the iron legs of Rome and meets these characteristics is the papacy. The papacy is “divided.” It is a mixture of truth and error, of light and dark, and of meekness and haughty strength.

Dan. 2:43—The iron and clay would not cleave to each other. When you mix good and evil, they do not form a good match. Whenever good and evil are together, there will be conflict (GC 126.3).

• TOES—The image is like a time line, starting with Babylon and ending with the papacy. The feet and toes are made of the same material, indicating that they are the same power (verse 41). Just as the toes are at the end of the feet, the toes represent the papacy near the end of its reign.

Revelation 12:3

Revalation 12:3

Rev. 12:3 talks of a “great red dragon , having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.” Satan is represented by this great dragon (Rev. 12:9). The seven heads of this beast represent seven kingdoms (Rev. 17:9,10). These kingdoms are the seven earthly kingdoms, starting with Babylon, that have become (or will become) representatives of the devil. The first four heads represent Babylon, Medo-Presia, Greece, and Rome as shown also in the image of Dan. 2 ( the gold, silver, brass, and iron).

If we continue down the image of Dan. 2, the next kingdom is papal Rome (the papacy). Therefore the fifth head on the dragon of Rev. 12 is the papacy. If we study Rev. 13, we find that there are two main beasts in this chapter. The first on also represents the papacy. In the second half of Rev. 13, we find another beast that apparently arise after the papacy. We know this beast to represent the United States. Thus, we can conclude that the sixth head of the dragon represents the U.S. coming to power after the papacy received its “deadly wound” (Rev. 13:3). More evidence that the sixth head represents the U.S. is shown in Dan 2. Just as the U.S. (represented by the toes) follows the papal feet, the sixth head of the the U.S. follows the fifth head of the papacy.

Now what about the dragon’s seventh head? Rev. 17:8 says that the papacy “was, and in not, and yet is.” In other words, the papacy comes back into power after the period of its deadly wound. The seventh head of the dragon of Rev. 12 is the papacy during its second reign.

The ten horns represent

The Mediator

When man fell in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Consequently, they gained the “knowledge of evil.” This created the need for a mediator. Without the prospect of a mediator, fallen man would have had to die immediately. But by standing between God and man, Jesus became our Mediator, giving us a second chance through His death on the cross. If it was an acquiring of the “knowledge of evil” that created the need for a mediator, than it will be an extermination of the “knowledge of evil” that will make mediation no longer necessary. When this knowledge is removed, perfection occurs. When people are perfect, their sins are not remembered any more; they no longer need Jesus to mix His righteousness with their gifts. At this point, mediation is no longer required.

When humans gained the “knowledge of evil”, they lost perfection and became “corrupt channels” (1SM 344.2). This is why, without mediation, all of our prayers and gifts and works given to God are “filthy rags” (Isa. 64:6); they come from corrupt beings. But through His sacrifice, Jesus makes our offerings worthy and acceptable to God by mixing our filthy gifts with His righteousness. He does this through His Mediation.

Both Catholics and Protestants believe that humans are born with original sin; both believe that, naturally, humans cannot produce perfect works in order to gain merit with God. Moreover, both Catholics and Protestants believe that there is a way in which this original sin can be removed. However, these two parties disagree on when and how it is removed.

Catholics believe

Daniel 7:13,14–Kingdom of Grace/Kingdom of Glory

Daniel 7:13, 14—I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

At first glance, one would think that this “kingdom” that is given to “one like the Son of man” refers to the 2^nd Coming of Jesus. However, a quote from Ellen White makes us think twice—

AG 19.3—As used in the Bible, the expression “kingdom of God” is employed to designate both the kingdom of grace and the kingdom of glory.—Which kingdom—the kingdom of grace or the kingdom of glory—is this text referring to?

Salvation and the Sanctuary

When someone says the word “sanctuary”, people often think of some tent that was merely a part of the old-fashioned, ceremonial religion of the Jews. But there is more to the Sanctuary than that. The Sanctuary has immeasurable importance to all people in the world today.

Psalm 77:13—Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary.

GC 423.1—The subject of the sanctuary… opens[s] to view a complete system of truth, connected and harmonious…”

It is not that we should still be using the Sanctuary with all of the ceremonies and rituals. Instead, we should learn lessons and truths from it. If, in the Sanctuary, we can find the “complete system of truth”, than it should teach us about one of the most important truths: salvation. Just as the sanctuary outlined (for the Jews) the plan of salvation in the coming Messiah, it outlines for us the way we are saved through the sacrifice and mediation of Jesus.

When God gave Moses instructions about making the Sanctuary, He told him to divide it into three parts, each with their own pieces of furniture. From these three sections, we can learn the three

Daniel 7 User Notes

1. Dan. 7:17—“four beasts”—The beasts represent kingdoms—Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome (pagan and papal). These kingdoms each rule by brute force until the time comes for the crown to be passed to Jesus, whose kingdom is ruled by love.
2. Dan. 7:8—“eyes”—The little horn has “human eyes”. The eye represents the conscience (OHC 350.5). The conscience can be either a human (sinful) conscience or a renewed conscience (OHC 104.2). This horn has a sinful conscience and tries to control other people’s consciences as well.
3. Dan. 7:8—“mouth”—This little horn also

Calculating the 2300 Day Prophecy

Daniel 8 and 9 are connected; they are two parts of one vision. Notice what the angel says to indicated this.

Dan. 9:23—Now listen, so you can understand the meaning of your vision.

This has to be referring to the last vision that Daniel received (which was in Daniel 8).

Daniel 9 talks of a 490 day prophecy.

Dan. 9:24—Seventy weeks [490 days] are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city…

The word “determined” means “cut off”. Therefore, 490 days were “cut off”. But what were they cut off from? The last time prophecy that was mentioned (besides the 490 days) is the 2300 day prophecy in chapter 8. Thus, the 490 days must be cut off from the 2300 days. Both prophecies begin at the same time. As a result, if we find the starting point of the 490 days, we will know the starting date of the 2300 days. Daniel 9:25 gives us a clue.

Dan. 9:25—Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem…

Two Laws, Two Circuits

Romans 7:22-23 says that there are two laws that exist in our universe. Let’s explore these laws and discover how they are so drastically different.

God has always been the same and will always be the same ( James 1:17, Heb. 13:8). His Law can be summed up in two words: unselfish love.

Jn.14:10—I seek not my own will, but the will of Him that sent me.

Ed. 154.3—Unselfishness, the principle of God’s kingdom…

DA 19.2—It will be seen that the glory shining in the face of Jesus is the glory of self-sacrificing love. In the light from Calvary it will be seen that the law of self-renouncing love is the law of life for earth and heaven; that the love which “seeketh not her own” has its source in the heart of God; and that in the meek and lowly One is manifested the character of Him who dwelleth in the light which no man can approach unto.

The three members of the Trinity have always been seeking to do the will of others. Their characters are that of unselfishness. They receive from others only so that they might give something back. They demonstrate this in their relationship with humans as well as their relationship with each other. For example,