The following chapter is going to conclude this study on J.N. Andrews - Three Angels of Revelation 14:6-12
We've learned so much from this study written in 1877, from history itself, and most importantly from our Savior's word to us. There is still a lot more to learn and by God's grace we will do so. All in the love of our SAVIOR.
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Three Angels of Revelation 14:6-12
Chapter 9
by J.N.Andrews
The Time of the Third Angel
The Patience of the Saints
The Commandments of God
Opening of the Temple in Heaven
The Wrath of God without Mixture
The Faith of Jesus
Practical Duties
The Time of Trouble
The Triumph of the Saints
Conclusion.
WE will now briefly refer to several important facts that prove that the present is the period in which the warning of the third angel is to be given. We have proved that the proclamations of the first and second angels belong to that generation that is to witness the final overthrow of all earthly powers, and the sublime scenes of the second advent; and that the present is THAT generation that shall witness these fearful events. We have also shown that the two former proclamations have already been made, and consequently the warning of the third angel is the great theme which should now arrest the attention of every mind.
HERE IS THE PATIENCE OF THE SAINTS
The chronology of this message seems to be distinctly marked by the fact that it is given in the period of the "patience of the saints, " which follows the proclamation of the two former messages. "Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. " Verse 12.
And this period of the saints' patience is marked by a most important fact, viz. , the keeping of the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
We wish to call attention to several points:
1. We have shown that the First Angel's Message refers to the solemn proclamation of the immediate second advent; consequently the period of patience here brought to view must be the same as that which in many scriptures is located immediately preceding the second advent.
A few text must suffice as examples:
"Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith; but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition, but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. " Heb. 10:35-39.
"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 later rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts; for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned; behold, the Judge standeth before the door. Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, or an example of suffering affliction and of patience. " James 5:7-10.
"Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly; hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. " Rev. 3:10, 11.
"And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us; this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation. " Isa. 25:9.
THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD
2. The period of the saints' patience, here brought to view, is distinguished by the fact that they are keeping the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
It should be distinctly noticed that the commandments here brought to view are not the commandments of Christ.
There may be a certain sense in which all the precepts of the Saviour may be called the commandments of God; that is, if viewed as proceeding from the sovereign authority of the Father; but when the commandments of God are spoken of in distinction from the testimony of faith of Jesus, there is but one thing to which reference can be made; viz. , the commandments which God gave in person, - the ten commandments.
See John 15:10: "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. And thus we find the law of God, which he proclaimed in person, referred to in the New Testament as the "commandments of God, " or as the "commandments. "
"And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is God; but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honor thy father and thy mother, and Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. " Matt. 19:17-19.
"And they returned and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the Sabbath-day according to the commandment. " Luke 23:56.
"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven; but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall he called great in the kingdom of heaven, " Matt. 5:17-19.
"Honor thy father and thy mother; which is the first commandment with promise; that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. " Eph. 6:2, 3.
"But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? For God commanded, saying, Honor thy father and mother; and he that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; and honor not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye have made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. " Matt. 15:3-6.
"What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin but by the law; for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law, sin was dead. For I was alive without the law once; but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. Wherefore, the law is holy; and the commandment holy, and just, and good. Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. For we know that the law is spiritual; but I am carnal, sold under sin. " Rom. 7:7-14.
It is a fact beyond dispute that the fourth commandment, some ages since, was changed from the rest-day of the Lord to the pagan festival of Sunday. This change was made in express contradiction of the Holy Scriptures, which everywhere recognize the seventh day as the only weekly Sabbath of the Lord. It was accomplished by the great apostasy, which Daniel predicted should "think to change times and laws. "
This power is essentially the same as the beast which was to be worshiped by all the world. And it is a fact of deep interest that this commandment, which has been so long trodden down, is now being vindicated, and the people of God are striving to keep it with the other nine.
Thanks be to God that he is preparing the remnant for their final conflict with the dragon, and for admittance through the gates into the holy city. Rev. 12:17; 22:14.
(((Rev 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Rev 22:14 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.))))
The vindication of the fourth commandment in opposition to the Sabbath of the apostasy, and the preaching of all the commandments of God, is a striking testimony that the present is the period of the saints' patience, and of the warning of the third angel.
The Opening of the Temple in Heaven
3. The opening of the holiest of all in the Temple in heaven, by which the ark is seen, is an event that takes place under the sounding of the seventh angel. And as the ministration of our great High Priest is changed to that apartment at the termination of the 2300 days, we understand that the opening of the Temple is marked by the termination of that period, as presented by the proclamation of the first angel.
The entrance of our high Priest into the most holy place to minister before the ark of God, call the attention of the church to the commandments of God contained within that ark. The commandments of God have been shining out from the heavenly Sanctuary since that time.
The period between our Lord's entrance into the holiest of all to cleanse the Sanctuary (Heb. 9:23) and complete his great work of ministration, and the close of that period as marked by the seven angels' coming out of the Temple to pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth. (Rev. 15:5, 6), we understand to be the period of the saints' patience.
It is the days of the voice of the seventh angel in which the mystery of God is being finished; that is, the period when human probation is brought to a close.
Besides the fact of the termination of the 2300 days, which marks the opening of the Temple in heaven, the anger of the nations is an important testimony that we are now in the days of the voice of the seventh angel. Rev. 11:18.
(((Rev 11:18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth. ))))
The present time is, therefore, the proper period for the last message of mercy to perishing men; and it is marked by the actual presentation of that voice of warning, and of the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
THE WRATH OF GOD WITHOUT MIXTURE
4. Another important fact that determines the chronology of the third angel is that the seven last plagues are poured out upon those who reject his warning, the first plague being inflicted upon the very class which the third angel threatens.
The seven last plagues are the wine of the wrath of God, poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation. We have already seen that they are not inflicted until the work of mercy for man is accomplished. The third angel warns us respecting this outpouring of the exterminating wrath of God, and consequently gives the latest message of mercy.
The mystery of God, or work of salvation for sinful men, (Eph. 3) is finished in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he begins to sound (Rev. 10); and as the third angel has the last warning of mercy before the vials of God's wrath are poured out, it follows that it must be given in the days when the seventh angel begins to sound. It is likewise evident that the conclusion of the work of our great High Priest in the heavenly Sanctuary must also take place in the days when the seventh angel begins to sound; for it is then that the mystery of God is finished.
The reason why the third woe, or seven last plagues, does not commence at once when the seventh angel begins to sound, is the fact that a period of days is occupied in finishing the mystery of God.
In this period the warning of the third angel is given, that every one who has an ear to hear may escape the vials of the wrath of God; and in this period, also, the Saviour completes his work in the Sanctuary in heaven. This being accomplished, the vials of the wrath of God are poured out upon the defenseless heads of the wicked. We think, therefore, that the evidence is conclusive that the present is the time for the warning of the third angel.
A false fulfillment of prophecy cannot occur at the time when the true should be expected. It is certain that one of the commandments of God has long been trodden down by the beast, and that in this thing almost the whole world has wondered after the beast. This commandment, as well as all the others, is now being vindicated, that the remnant may be prepared for their final conflict with the dragon. May God interest the hearts of all his people in this work.
THE FAITH OF JESUS
We have already briefly spoken of the commandments of God; a few words should be devoted to the faith of Jesus. This term is used in distinction from the commandments of God.
What, therefore, shall we understand by the "faith of Jesus"?
We think that it cannot refer to a particular degree or kind of faith which the Saviour exercised in the performance of his miracles; for it appears that he wrought these by the power which he had already received from his Father. Matt. 8:2, 3; Mark 1:40, 41; Luke 5:23, 24.
The world itself was made by him. John 1.
He had ample power, therefore, to perform every miracle which he wrought. There is but one other thing to which this term can refer; viz. , the precepts and doctrines of our Lord, as recorded in the New Testament.
Thus, "the faith of the gospel" (Phil. 1:27) must refer to the precepts and doctrines of the gospel.
"The faith" to which a multitude of the priests were obedient (Acts 6:7), (((Act 6:7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.))))
which was resisted by Elymas, the sorcerer (Acts 13:8), (((Act 13:8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. )))) which was committed to the apostles for the obedience of all nations (Rom. 1:5) (((Rom 1:5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name)))). Which Paul testifies that he had kept (2 Tim. 4:7) (((2Ti 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: )))) , and which is to be earnestly maintained, as once delivered to the saints (Jude 3)(((Jud 1:3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. )))), must refer, we think, to the precepts and doctrines of the everlasting gospel.
That the faith of Jesus is used in this sense in Rev. 2:13,(((Rev 2:13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. )))) we think cannot be denied.
"Thou holdest fast my name, " says Jesus, "and hast not denied my faith. " That this is the sense in which it is used in Rev. 14:12, is further evident from the fact that it is spoken of as being kept in the same manner that the commandments of God are kept
PRACTICAL DUTIES
It remains that we notice a few of the most important practical duties that devolve upon us at the present time:-
1. First of all we would mention holy living.
God has committed to our trust the most precious truths, and he holds us responsible for the light with which we are intrusted. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. " Matt. 5:16.
The sanctifying effect of the truth must be witnessed in us by others, if we would do them good. Especially must we watch unto prayer. Watchfulness and prayer are mighty weapons with which to resist the Devil. Their importance may be seen from the following scriptures:
" Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary, the Devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour; whom resist, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. " 1 Pet. 5:8, 9.
"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. " Eph. 6:18.
"And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. " Luke 11:9, 10.
"If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. " James 3:2.
"But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. " 1 Pet. 4:7.
"But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of Judgment; for by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. " Matt. 12:36, 37.
2. Growth in grace. It is greatly to be feared that the importance of this is too much lost sight of. If we would be final overcomers and stand upon Mount Zion, we must be daily overcoming the great foe of our souls.
The long-suffering of God is meant for our salvation. Let us most faithfully improve the gracious opportunity now granted us to perfect holiness in the fear of the Lord.
"BUT growth in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. " 2 Pet. 3:18.
"Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. " Heb. 12:14.
"But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. " 1 Pet. 1:15, 16.
3. The duty of searching the Scriptures. This is solemnly enjoined by our Lord. John 5:39. (((Joh 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. )))) Without this, we cannot obey the precept of Peter. "Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear. " 1 Pet. 3:15.
The sword of the Spirit, the word of God, is an important part of the armor which God has prepared for us. Eph. 6.
It is certain that events before us are such that every person will be tested.
If the truth of God is understood, appreciated, and loved by us, we must examine the Scriptures for ourselves.
If it is not loved, the time is not distant when we shall be sifted out.
Everything is before us to deceive and lead astray.
The spirits of evils are about to perform the most extraordinary miracles.
They will do this, professing to be the spirits of our departed friends. Hence the great importance of a thorough knowledge of the Bible doctrine of the sleep of the dead. The Lord would not have us ignorant concerning them which are asleep.
4. The duty of sacrificing to sustain the cause of God. There is no plainer duty in the Scriptures. Ourselves, our time, our means, all that we have, all that we are, belong to God alone.
Those who go out to preach the word of God are called upon to make the greatest sacrifice.
All are not called to do this; but those who are not, if they love Christ and the truth, will gladly sustain those who are thus thrust out . Let not the cause of truth suffer for the means to sustain it.
Read Rom. 12:1; 2 Cor. 8; Luke 12:33, 34; 1 John 2:15; Matt. 6:19-34.
(((Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2Co 8:1 Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;
2Co 8:2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
2Co 8:3 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;
2Co 8:4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
2Co 8:5 And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.
2Co 8:6 Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.
2Co 8:7 Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.
2Co 8:8 I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
2Co 8:9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
2Co 8:10 And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.
2Co 8:11 Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.
2Co 8:12 For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.
2Co 8:13 For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:
2Co 8:14 But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:
2Co 8:15 As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.
2Co 8:16 But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.
2Co 8:17 For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.
2Co 8:18 And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches;
2Co 8:19 And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind:
2Co 8:20 Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:
2Co 8:21 Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
2Co 8:22 And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you.
2Co 8:23 Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.
2Co 8:24 Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.
Luk 12:33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
Luk 12:34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
1Jn 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
Mat 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
Mat 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
Mat 6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Mat 6:22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.
Mat 6:23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!
Mat 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Mat 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
Mat 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
Mat 6:27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
Mat 6:28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
Mat 6:29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Mat 6:30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
Mat 6:31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
Mat 6:32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
Mat 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Mat 6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. ))))
5. The duty of waiting and watching for our Lord's return.
Let this ever be our position, and let all our words and acts be in accordance with our profession, that the end of all things is at hand. "Watch ye, therefore; for ye know not when the Master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cock-crowing, or in the morning; lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch. " Mark 13:35-37.
"But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. " 1 Thess. 5:4-6.
"And unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. " Heb. 9:28.
"Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord, when he shall return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when he cometh shall find watching; verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. " Luke 12:35-37.
6. Finally, let us indeed be Bible Christians.
Let the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus be the continual rule of our lives, and the governing principle of our conduct. May the great Head of the church help us all to perfect holiness in the fear of the Lord.
CONCLUSION
WE have now briefly and imperfectly surveyed this most important subject. Sufficient evidence has been adduced, we think, to satisfy the honest inquirer that we occupy one of the most solemn and interesting periods in the history of the church.
The first and second proclamations of Rev. 14 are in the past, and the warning voice of the third angel is now addressed to us; the fearful scenes of Rev. 13:13-17 are about to open upon us; and last of all, the seven last plagues are soon to be poured out upon those who, regarding the decree of the beast more than the warning of the third angel, shall be found worshiping the beast and his image, and possessing his mark.
Who among us will be able to meet the fearful test between the warning of the third angel and the decree of the beast? Let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall.
The situation of the church when the decree goes forth that all shall worship the image of the beast on pain of death, will be precisely that of the three Hebrew worthies whom Nebuchadnezzar commanded to worship the golden image. Read carefully Dan. 3. God saved them by direct interposition. He has promised thus to interpose for his people; but it will not be until the time of trouble, such as never was, has fully opened upon the world.
THE TIME OF TROUBLE
With this fearful prospect of the coming storm before us, we may well appreciate the words which follow the warning of the third angel. "And I heard a voice from Heaven, saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth. Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them. " Rev. 14:13. The following scriptures will show us why those are pronounced blessed who now fall asleep in Christ, and will also show the situation of the saints at the time when God delivers them:
- "And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great Prince which standeth for the children of thy people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time; and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. Daniel 12:1
"Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it. " Jer. 30:7. "Oh that thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, that thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me! Job 14:13.
"When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice; rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble: when he cometh up onto the people, he will invade them with his troops. " Hab. 3:16.
"And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" Luke 18:6-8.
Finally, we see the unclean spirits preparing for the great battle. We see the preparation for the law which shall compel all men to observe Sunday. We see the papal power awakening to declare itself infallible, and to claim anew the power to rule over the kingdoms of the earth. We hear the voice of alarm of the third angel, and we already see many thousands in response to his warning turning to the observance of God's commandments. These things are striking signs of the great day of God now just before us.
THE TRIUMPH OF THE SAINTS
The conflict with the beast and his image is inevitable; but the issue of this conflict is not a matter of doubt. God will interpose to save his people. Though the last act of Satan be to unite all the wicked of the earth in the worship of the beast, and to attempt the utter extermination of the saints, yet God has said that the saints shall triumph!
"And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire; and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. " Rev. 15:2, 3.
Glorious indeed will be the triumph of the saints! Reader, may it be your lot to join in singing that song of victory upon the sea of glass.
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AMEN.
This has been A LOT to take in, a lot! So tomorrow we're going to take it bit by bit and break it down to study more fully.
This is truth, all truth.
Yes, it was written in 1877 and I keep reiterating this fact, but I have to. There is such a great temptation before mankind to just give up because things haven't happened as fast as others supposed they would. We truly HAVE to remember that God's time is NOT our time. When He would have things done, we often stand in HIS way! Having to remain here many more years because of OUR backsliding! Our refusal to repent has kept us here much longer than we were meant to be! I know saying this sounds strange because I would never have been born if we'd gone through many years back. Yet, I have to say it, it's truth. We have to LEARN from past mistakes. The torture of living in this world goes on and on. With each advancement as our knowledge continually increases there are equal advancements in the evil of this world. The evil is out of control. The Bible mentions this--
Gen_6:5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
And this--
Gen 18:20 And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;
Gen 18:21 I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.
Gen 18:22 And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD.
Gen 18:23 And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?
Gen 18:24 Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein?
Gen 18:25 That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?
Gen 18:26 And the LORD said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.
Gen 18:27 And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes:
Gen 18:28 Peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty righteous: wilt thou destroy all the city for lack of five? And he said, If I find there forty and five, I will not destroy it.
Gen 18:29 And he spake unto him yet again, and said, Peradventure there shall be forty found there. And he said, I will not do it for forty's sake.
Gen 18:30 And he said unto him, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak: Peradventure there shall thirty be found there. And he said, I will not do it, if I find thirty there.
Gen 18:31 And he said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord: Peradventure there shall be twenty found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for twenty's sake.
Gen 18:32 And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten's sake.
Gen 18:33 And the LORD went his way, as soon as he had left communing with Abraham: and Abraham returned unto his place.
The entire world full of people, then cities full of people all of them EVIL! Only 8 saved in Noah's day, only 3 saved in Lot's day. The multitude were evil! And evil isn't just committing deprave acts, you can be seemingly wonderful and have an evil, selfish heart without committing a single sick, depraved act. Evil is so much more than the horrors of the world, it's a heart void of God's love.
Please, LORD, help us to have YOUR LOVE in us through the Holy Spirit, by the grace and mercy of our SAVIOR!
In HIS LOVE!
We've learned so much from this study written in 1877, from history itself, and most importantly from our Savior's word to us. There is still a lot more to learn and by God's grace we will do so. All in the love of our SAVIOR.
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Three Angels of Revelation 14:6-12
Chapter 9
by J.N.Andrews
The Time of the Third Angel
The Patience of the Saints
The Commandments of God
Opening of the Temple in Heaven
The Wrath of God without Mixture
The Faith of Jesus
Practical Duties
The Time of Trouble
The Triumph of the Saints
Conclusion.
WE will now briefly refer to several important facts that prove that the present is the period in which the warning of the third angel is to be given. We have proved that the proclamations of the first and second angels belong to that generation that is to witness the final overthrow of all earthly powers, and the sublime scenes of the second advent; and that the present is THAT generation that shall witness these fearful events. We have also shown that the two former proclamations have already been made, and consequently the warning of the third angel is the great theme which should now arrest the attention of every mind.
HERE IS THE PATIENCE OF THE SAINTS
The chronology of this message seems to be distinctly marked by the fact that it is given in the period of the "patience of the saints, " which follows the proclamation of the two former messages. "Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. " Verse 12.
And this period of the saints' patience is marked by a most important fact, viz. , the keeping of the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
We wish to call attention to several points:
1. We have shown that the First Angel's Message refers to the solemn proclamation of the immediate second advent; consequently the period of patience here brought to view must be the same as that which in many scriptures is located immediately preceding the second advent.
A few text must suffice as examples:
"Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith; but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition, but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. " Heb. 10:35-39.
"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 later rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts; for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned; behold, the Judge standeth before the door. Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, or an example of suffering affliction and of patience. " James 5:7-10.
"Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly; hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. " Rev. 3:10, 11.
"And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us; this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation. " Isa. 25:9.
THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD
2. The period of the saints' patience, here brought to view, is distinguished by the fact that they are keeping the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
It should be distinctly noticed that the commandments here brought to view are not the commandments of Christ.
There may be a certain sense in which all the precepts of the Saviour may be called the commandments of God; that is, if viewed as proceeding from the sovereign authority of the Father; but when the commandments of God are spoken of in distinction from the testimony of faith of Jesus, there is but one thing to which reference can be made; viz. , the commandments which God gave in person, - the ten commandments.
See John 15:10: "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. And thus we find the law of God, which he proclaimed in person, referred to in the New Testament as the "commandments of God, " or as the "commandments. "
"And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is God; but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honor thy father and thy mother, and Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. " Matt. 19:17-19.
"And they returned and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the Sabbath-day according to the commandment. " Luke 23:56.
"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven; but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall he called great in the kingdom of heaven, " Matt. 5:17-19.
"Honor thy father and thy mother; which is the first commandment with promise; that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. " Eph. 6:2, 3.
"But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? For God commanded, saying, Honor thy father and mother; and he that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; and honor not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye have made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. " Matt. 15:3-6.
"What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin but by the law; for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law, sin was dead. For I was alive without the law once; but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. Wherefore, the law is holy; and the commandment holy, and just, and good. Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. For we know that the law is spiritual; but I am carnal, sold under sin. " Rom. 7:7-14.
It is a fact beyond dispute that the fourth commandment, some ages since, was changed from the rest-day of the Lord to the pagan festival of Sunday. This change was made in express contradiction of the Holy Scriptures, which everywhere recognize the seventh day as the only weekly Sabbath of the Lord. It was accomplished by the great apostasy, which Daniel predicted should "think to change times and laws. "
This power is essentially the same as the beast which was to be worshiped by all the world. And it is a fact of deep interest that this commandment, which has been so long trodden down, is now being vindicated, and the people of God are striving to keep it with the other nine.
Thanks be to God that he is preparing the remnant for their final conflict with the dragon, and for admittance through the gates into the holy city. Rev. 12:17; 22:14.
(((Rev 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Rev 22:14 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.))))
The vindication of the fourth commandment in opposition to the Sabbath of the apostasy, and the preaching of all the commandments of God, is a striking testimony that the present is the period of the saints' patience, and of the warning of the third angel.
The Opening of the Temple in Heaven
3. The opening of the holiest of all in the Temple in heaven, by which the ark is seen, is an event that takes place under the sounding of the seventh angel. And as the ministration of our great High Priest is changed to that apartment at the termination of the 2300 days, we understand that the opening of the Temple is marked by the termination of that period, as presented by the proclamation of the first angel.
The entrance of our high Priest into the most holy place to minister before the ark of God, call the attention of the church to the commandments of God contained within that ark. The commandments of God have been shining out from the heavenly Sanctuary since that time.
The period between our Lord's entrance into the holiest of all to cleanse the Sanctuary (Heb. 9:23) and complete his great work of ministration, and the close of that period as marked by the seven angels' coming out of the Temple to pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth. (Rev. 15:5, 6), we understand to be the period of the saints' patience.
It is the days of the voice of the seventh angel in which the mystery of God is being finished; that is, the period when human probation is brought to a close.
Besides the fact of the termination of the 2300 days, which marks the opening of the Temple in heaven, the anger of the nations is an important testimony that we are now in the days of the voice of the seventh angel. Rev. 11:18.
(((Rev 11:18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth. ))))
The present time is, therefore, the proper period for the last message of mercy to perishing men; and it is marked by the actual presentation of that voice of warning, and of the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
THE WRATH OF GOD WITHOUT MIXTURE
4. Another important fact that determines the chronology of the third angel is that the seven last plagues are poured out upon those who reject his warning, the first plague being inflicted upon the very class which the third angel threatens.
The seven last plagues are the wine of the wrath of God, poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation. We have already seen that they are not inflicted until the work of mercy for man is accomplished. The third angel warns us respecting this outpouring of the exterminating wrath of God, and consequently gives the latest message of mercy.
The mystery of God, or work of salvation for sinful men, (Eph. 3) is finished in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he begins to sound (Rev. 10); and as the third angel has the last warning of mercy before the vials of God's wrath are poured out, it follows that it must be given in the days when the seventh angel begins to sound. It is likewise evident that the conclusion of the work of our great High Priest in the heavenly Sanctuary must also take place in the days when the seventh angel begins to sound; for it is then that the mystery of God is finished.
The reason why the third woe, or seven last plagues, does not commence at once when the seventh angel begins to sound, is the fact that a period of days is occupied in finishing the mystery of God.
In this period the warning of the third angel is given, that every one who has an ear to hear may escape the vials of the wrath of God; and in this period, also, the Saviour completes his work in the Sanctuary in heaven. This being accomplished, the vials of the wrath of God are poured out upon the defenseless heads of the wicked. We think, therefore, that the evidence is conclusive that the present is the time for the warning of the third angel.
A false fulfillment of prophecy cannot occur at the time when the true should be expected. It is certain that one of the commandments of God has long been trodden down by the beast, and that in this thing almost the whole world has wondered after the beast. This commandment, as well as all the others, is now being vindicated, that the remnant may be prepared for their final conflict with the dragon. May God interest the hearts of all his people in this work.
THE FAITH OF JESUS
We have already briefly spoken of the commandments of God; a few words should be devoted to the faith of Jesus. This term is used in distinction from the commandments of God.
What, therefore, shall we understand by the "faith of Jesus"?
We think that it cannot refer to a particular degree or kind of faith which the Saviour exercised in the performance of his miracles; for it appears that he wrought these by the power which he had already received from his Father. Matt. 8:2, 3; Mark 1:40, 41; Luke 5:23, 24.
The world itself was made by him. John 1.
He had ample power, therefore, to perform every miracle which he wrought. There is but one other thing to which this term can refer; viz. , the precepts and doctrines of our Lord, as recorded in the New Testament.
Thus, "the faith of the gospel" (Phil. 1:27) must refer to the precepts and doctrines of the gospel.
"The faith" to which a multitude of the priests were obedient (Acts 6:7), (((Act 6:7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.))))
which was resisted by Elymas, the sorcerer (Acts 13:8), (((Act 13:8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. )))) which was committed to the apostles for the obedience of all nations (Rom. 1:5) (((Rom 1:5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name)))). Which Paul testifies that he had kept (2 Tim. 4:7) (((2Ti 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: )))) , and which is to be earnestly maintained, as once delivered to the saints (Jude 3)(((Jud 1:3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. )))), must refer, we think, to the precepts and doctrines of the everlasting gospel.
That the faith of Jesus is used in this sense in Rev. 2:13,(((Rev 2:13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. )))) we think cannot be denied.
"Thou holdest fast my name, " says Jesus, "and hast not denied my faith. " That this is the sense in which it is used in Rev. 14:12, is further evident from the fact that it is spoken of as being kept in the same manner that the commandments of God are kept
PRACTICAL DUTIES
It remains that we notice a few of the most important practical duties that devolve upon us at the present time:-
1. First of all we would mention holy living.
God has committed to our trust the most precious truths, and he holds us responsible for the light with which we are intrusted. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. " Matt. 5:16.
The sanctifying effect of the truth must be witnessed in us by others, if we would do them good. Especially must we watch unto prayer. Watchfulness and prayer are mighty weapons with which to resist the Devil. Their importance may be seen from the following scriptures:
" Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary, the Devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour; whom resist, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. " 1 Pet. 5:8, 9.
"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. " Eph. 6:18.
"And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. " Luke 11:9, 10.
"If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. " James 3:2.
"But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. " 1 Pet. 4:7.
"But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of Judgment; for by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. " Matt. 12:36, 37.
2. Growth in grace. It is greatly to be feared that the importance of this is too much lost sight of. If we would be final overcomers and stand upon Mount Zion, we must be daily overcoming the great foe of our souls.
The long-suffering of God is meant for our salvation. Let us most faithfully improve the gracious opportunity now granted us to perfect holiness in the fear of the Lord.
"BUT growth in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. " 2 Pet. 3:18.
"Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. " Heb. 12:14.
"But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. " 1 Pet. 1:15, 16.
3. The duty of searching the Scriptures. This is solemnly enjoined by our Lord. John 5:39. (((Joh 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. )))) Without this, we cannot obey the precept of Peter. "Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear. " 1 Pet. 3:15.
The sword of the Spirit, the word of God, is an important part of the armor which God has prepared for us. Eph. 6.
It is certain that events before us are such that every person will be tested.
If the truth of God is understood, appreciated, and loved by us, we must examine the Scriptures for ourselves.
If it is not loved, the time is not distant when we shall be sifted out.
Everything is before us to deceive and lead astray.
The spirits of evils are about to perform the most extraordinary miracles.
They will do this, professing to be the spirits of our departed friends. Hence the great importance of a thorough knowledge of the Bible doctrine of the sleep of the dead. The Lord would not have us ignorant concerning them which are asleep.
4. The duty of sacrificing to sustain the cause of God. There is no plainer duty in the Scriptures. Ourselves, our time, our means, all that we have, all that we are, belong to God alone.
Those who go out to preach the word of God are called upon to make the greatest sacrifice.
All are not called to do this; but those who are not, if they love Christ and the truth, will gladly sustain those who are thus thrust out . Let not the cause of truth suffer for the means to sustain it.
Read Rom. 12:1; 2 Cor. 8; Luke 12:33, 34; 1 John 2:15; Matt. 6:19-34.
(((Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2Co 8:1 Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;
2Co 8:2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
2Co 8:3 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;
2Co 8:4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
2Co 8:5 And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.
2Co 8:6 Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.
2Co 8:7 Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.
2Co 8:8 I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
2Co 8:9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
2Co 8:10 And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.
2Co 8:11 Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.
2Co 8:12 For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.
2Co 8:13 For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:
2Co 8:14 But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:
2Co 8:15 As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.
2Co 8:16 But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.
2Co 8:17 For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.
2Co 8:18 And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches;
2Co 8:19 And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind:
2Co 8:20 Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:
2Co 8:21 Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
2Co 8:22 And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you.
2Co 8:23 Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.
2Co 8:24 Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.
Luk 12:33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
Luk 12:34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
1Jn 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
Mat 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
Mat 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
Mat 6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Mat 6:22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.
Mat 6:23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!
Mat 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Mat 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
Mat 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
Mat 6:27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
Mat 6:28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
Mat 6:29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Mat 6:30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
Mat 6:31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
Mat 6:32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
Mat 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Mat 6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. ))))
5. The duty of waiting and watching for our Lord's return.
Let this ever be our position, and let all our words and acts be in accordance with our profession, that the end of all things is at hand. "Watch ye, therefore; for ye know not when the Master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cock-crowing, or in the morning; lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch. " Mark 13:35-37.
"But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. " 1 Thess. 5:4-6.
"And unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. " Heb. 9:28.
"Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord, when he shall return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when he cometh shall find watching; verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. " Luke 12:35-37.
6. Finally, let us indeed be Bible Christians.
Let the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus be the continual rule of our lives, and the governing principle of our conduct. May the great Head of the church help us all to perfect holiness in the fear of the Lord.
CONCLUSION
WE have now briefly and imperfectly surveyed this most important subject. Sufficient evidence has been adduced, we think, to satisfy the honest inquirer that we occupy one of the most solemn and interesting periods in the history of the church.
The first and second proclamations of Rev. 14 are in the past, and the warning voice of the third angel is now addressed to us; the fearful scenes of Rev. 13:13-17 are about to open upon us; and last of all, the seven last plagues are soon to be poured out upon those who, regarding the decree of the beast more than the warning of the third angel, shall be found worshiping the beast and his image, and possessing his mark.
Who among us will be able to meet the fearful test between the warning of the third angel and the decree of the beast? Let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall.
The situation of the church when the decree goes forth that all shall worship the image of the beast on pain of death, will be precisely that of the three Hebrew worthies whom Nebuchadnezzar commanded to worship the golden image. Read carefully Dan. 3. God saved them by direct interposition. He has promised thus to interpose for his people; but it will not be until the time of trouble, such as never was, has fully opened upon the world.
THE TIME OF TROUBLE
With this fearful prospect of the coming storm before us, we may well appreciate the words which follow the warning of the third angel. "And I heard a voice from Heaven, saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth. Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them. " Rev. 14:13. The following scriptures will show us why those are pronounced blessed who now fall asleep in Christ, and will also show the situation of the saints at the time when God delivers them:
- "And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great Prince which standeth for the children of thy people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time; and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. Daniel 12:1
"Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it. " Jer. 30:7. "Oh that thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, that thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me! Job 14:13.
"When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice; rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble: when he cometh up onto the people, he will invade them with his troops. " Hab. 3:16.
"And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" Luke 18:6-8.
Finally, we see the unclean spirits preparing for the great battle. We see the preparation for the law which shall compel all men to observe Sunday. We see the papal power awakening to declare itself infallible, and to claim anew the power to rule over the kingdoms of the earth. We hear the voice of alarm of the third angel, and we already see many thousands in response to his warning turning to the observance of God's commandments. These things are striking signs of the great day of God now just before us.
THE TRIUMPH OF THE SAINTS
The conflict with the beast and his image is inevitable; but the issue of this conflict is not a matter of doubt. God will interpose to save his people. Though the last act of Satan be to unite all the wicked of the earth in the worship of the beast, and to attempt the utter extermination of the saints, yet God has said that the saints shall triumph!
"And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire; and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. " Rev. 15:2, 3.
Glorious indeed will be the triumph of the saints! Reader, may it be your lot to join in singing that song of victory upon the sea of glass.
*******
AMEN.
This has been A LOT to take in, a lot! So tomorrow we're going to take it bit by bit and break it down to study more fully.
This is truth, all truth.
Yes, it was written in 1877 and I keep reiterating this fact, but I have to. There is such a great temptation before mankind to just give up because things haven't happened as fast as others supposed they would. We truly HAVE to remember that God's time is NOT our time. When He would have things done, we often stand in HIS way! Having to remain here many more years because of OUR backsliding! Our refusal to repent has kept us here much longer than we were meant to be! I know saying this sounds strange because I would never have been born if we'd gone through many years back. Yet, I have to say it, it's truth. We have to LEARN from past mistakes. The torture of living in this world goes on and on. With each advancement as our knowledge continually increases there are equal advancements in the evil of this world. The evil is out of control. The Bible mentions this--
Gen_6:5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
And this--
Gen 18:20 And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;
Gen 18:21 I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.
Gen 18:22 And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD.
Gen 18:23 And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?
Gen 18:24 Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein?
Gen 18:25 That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?
Gen 18:26 And the LORD said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.
Gen 18:27 And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes:
Gen 18:28 Peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty righteous: wilt thou destroy all the city for lack of five? And he said, If I find there forty and five, I will not destroy it.
Gen 18:29 And he spake unto him yet again, and said, Peradventure there shall be forty found there. And he said, I will not do it for forty's sake.
Gen 18:30 And he said unto him, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak: Peradventure there shall thirty be found there. And he said, I will not do it, if I find thirty there.
Gen 18:31 And he said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord: Peradventure there shall be twenty found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for twenty's sake.
Gen 18:32 And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten's sake.
Gen 18:33 And the LORD went his way, as soon as he had left communing with Abraham: and Abraham returned unto his place.
The entire world full of people, then cities full of people all of them EVIL! Only 8 saved in Noah's day, only 3 saved in Lot's day. The multitude were evil! And evil isn't just committing deprave acts, you can be seemingly wonderful and have an evil, selfish heart without committing a single sick, depraved act. Evil is so much more than the horrors of the world, it's a heart void of God's love.
Please, LORD, help us to have YOUR LOVE in us through the Holy Spirit, by the grace and mercy of our SAVIOR!
In HIS LOVE!
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