“Increasing Importance of the Three Angels' Messages. --The truth for this time, the third angel's message, is to be proclaimed with a loud voice, meaning with increasing power, as we approach the great final test. . . . The present truth for this time comprises the messages, the third angel's message succeeding the first and the second. The presentation of this message with all it embraces is our work. We stand as the remnant people in these last days to promulgate the truth and swell the cry of the third angel's wonderful distinct message, giving the trumpet a certain sound. Eternal truth, which we have adhered to from the beginning, is to be maintained in all its increasing importance to the close of probation. The trumpet is to give no uncertain sound."{9MR 291.1}
"The third angel's message is the proclamation of the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Christ. The commandments of God have been proclaimed, but the faith of Jesus Christ has not been proclaimed by Seventh-day Adventists as of equal importance, the law and the gospel going hand in hand. I cannot find language to express this subject in its fullness." {3SM 172.2}
“The faith of Jesus.” It is talked of, but not understood. What constitutes the faith of Jesus, that belongs, to the third angel’s message? Jesus becoming our sin-bearer that He might become our sin-pardoning Saviour. He was treated as we deserve to be treated. He came to our world and took our sins that we might take His righteousness. Faith in the ability of Christ to save us amply and fully and entirely is the faith of Jesus." 1888 Messages 217.4
The third angel's message, as outlined in the quotation, contains several key themes and messages:
1. Proclamation of the Commandments of God:
The third angel's message emphasizes the importance of God's commandments, specifically highlighting their continued relevance and importance as part of the message for the last days.
2. The Faith of Jesus:
The faith of Jesus is described as an essential and equal part of the message. It involves faith in Christ's ability to save humanity fully, through His role as our sin-bearer and sin-pardoning Saviour
This faith is centered on Jesus taking on our sins so that we might take on His righteousness, a key part of salvation.
3. The Law and the Gospel Together:
The message underscores that the law (God's commandments) and the gospel (the faith of Jesus) must go hand in hand. They are not separate but are to be presented together as integral parts of the third angel's message.
4. Increasing Power and Urgency:
The message is to be proclaimed with increasing power, especially as the world approaches the "great final test" and the end of probation. The proclamation must be clear and certain, giving no uncertain sound.
5. Present Truth for the Last Days:
The message is described as "present truth" for these last days, which encompasses the first, second, and third angels' messages. It is the truth that must be maintained until the close of probation.
6. Jesus as the Sin-Bearer and Saviour:
A key aspect of the faith of Jesus involves understanding that He took on our sins and was treated as we deserved so that we could receive His righteousness. This faith is central to the third angel's message.
In summary, the third angel's message includes the proclamation of God's commandments, the faith of Jesus, the union of law and gospel, and the urgency and power with which this message must be spread as we approach the end of time.
Connecting second and third angel messages together
“In connection with his message the call is heard: “Come out of her, My people.” These announcements, uniting with the third angel’s message, constitute the final warning to be given to the inhabitants of the earth.” GC 514
"In every generation God has sent His servants to rebuke sin, both in the world and in the church. But the people desire smooth things spoken to them, and the pure, unvarnished truth is not acceptable. Many reformers, in entering upon their work, determined to exercise great prudence in attacking the sins of the church and the nation. They hoped, by the example of a pure Christian life, to lead the people back to the doctrines of the Bible. But the Spirit of God came upon them as it came upon Elijah, moving him to rebuke the sins of a wicked king and an apostate people; they could not refrain from preaching the plain utterances of the Bible, doctrines which they had been reluctant to present. They were impelled to zealously declare the truth and the danger which threatened souls. The words which the Lord gave them they uttered, fearless of consequences, and the people were compelled to hear the warning. Thus the message of the third angel will be proclaimed. As the time comes for it to be given with greatest power, the Lord will work through humble instruments, leading the minds of those who consecrate themselves to His service. The labourers will be qualified rather by the unction of His Spirit than by the training of literary institutions. Men of faith and prayer will be constrained to go forth with holy zeal, declaring the words which God gives them." Great Controversy, page 606.
Health Message Goes Together
He designs that the medical missionary work shall prepare the way for the presentation of the saving truth for this time, --the proclamation of the third angel's message. If this design is met, the message will not be eclipsed nor its progress hindered. --Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 293.
The Right Hand of the Gospel
Medical missionary work is the right hand of the gospel. It is necessary to the advancement of the cause of God. As through it men and women are led to see the importance of right habits of living, the saving power of the truth will be made known. Every city is to be entered by workers trained to do medical missionary work. As the right hand of the third angel's message, God's methods of treating disease will open doors for the entrance of present truth. --Testimonies, Vol. 7, p. 59.
Combine medical missionary work with the proclamation of the third angel's message. --Testimonies, Vol. 6, p. 267. {CME 17.3}
The health reform is one branch of the great work which is to fit a people for the coming of the Lord. It is as closely connected with the third angel's message as the hand is with the body. The law of ten commandments has been lightly regarded by man; yet the Lord will not come to punish the transgressors of that law without first sending them a message of warning. Men and women cannot violate natural law by indulging depraved appetite and lustful passions, without violating the law of God. Therefore he has permitted the light of health reform to shine upon us, that we may realize the sinfulness of breaking the laws which he has established in our very being. Our heavenly Father sees the deplorable condition of men who, many of them ignorantly, are disregarding the principles of hygiene. And it is in love and pity to the race that he causes the light to shine upon health reform. He publishes his law and its penalties, in order that all may learn what is for their highest good. He proclaims his law so distinctly, and makes it so prominent, that it is like a city set on a hill. All intelligent beings can understand it if they will. None others are responsible. To make natural law plain, and to urge obedience to it, is a work that accompanies the third angel's message. {CTBH 9.1}
Work to Develop Symmetrically. –The health reform is as closely related to the third angel's message as the arm to the body; but the arm cannot take the place of the body. The proclamation of the third angel's message, the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus, is the burden of our work. The message is to be proclaimed with a loud cry, and is to go to the whole world. The presentation of health principles must be united with this message, but must not in any case be independent of it, or in any way take the place of it. . .. There must be a well-balanced, symmetrical development of the work in all its parts. . .. I would have the health books occupy their proper place; but they are only one of many lines in the great work to be done. The Lord has sent His message to the world in books that contain the truth for the last days. {CM 138.1}
One important part of the work of the ministry is to faithfully present to the people the health reform, as it stands connected with the third angel's message, as a part and parcel of the same work. They should not fail to adopt it themselves, and should urge it upon all who profess to believe the truth. {CD 74.2}
I am bidden to warn you that deceptive sentiments are entertained, a false modesty and caution, a disposition to withhold the profession of our faith. In the night season, matters have been presented before me that have greatly troubled my mind. I have seemed to be in meetings for counsel where these subjects were discussed, and written documents were presented, advocating concessions. Brethren, shall we permit the world to shape the message that God has given us to bear to them? So then as well might the patient prescribe the remedies that are to be used for his cure. {CW 94.2}
Shall we for the sake of policy, betray a sacred trust? If the world is in error and delusion, breaking the law of God, is it not our duty to show them their sin and danger? We must proclaim the third angel's message. {CW 95.1}
The bulwarks of Satan will never triumph. Victory will attend the third angel's message. As the Captain of the Lord's host tore down the walls of Jericho, so will the Lord's commandment-keeping people triumph, and all opposing elements be defeated. --TM 410 (1898). {LDE 52.3}
Moses Yauma