The message of the Loud Cry is given in Revelation 18:1-5, and constitutes the final warning of mercy to be given to the inhabitants of this fallen world before Jesus can come. The Loud Cry is not something that will drop like a bomb, rather it is something which will swell like a giant tidal wave. “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.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 9, 291
One of the greatest privileges that God can give to anyone is that of being of this last generation, sharing in the latter rain, and the giving of the Loud Cry to a world perishing in sin. One of the great reasons why we must press together and seek for unity of spirit and doctrine is that the Loud Cry will not be given by groups of people teaching conflicting views of the prophecies, of how to be saved, and other doctrines. We must be unified before we can be used by God to give the Loud Cry.
Sadly, the vast majority of professed Seventh-day Adventists will be unable to recognize either the latter rain or the loud cry. “Many have in a great measure failed to receive the former rain. They have not obtained all the benefits that God has thus provided for them. They expect that the lack will be supplied by the latter rain. When the richest abundance of grace shall be bestowed, they intend to open their hearts to receive it. They are making a terrible mistake….Only those who are living up to the light they have will receive greater light. Unless we are daily advancing in the exemplification of the active Christian virtues, we shall not recognize the manifestations of the Holy Spirit in the latter rain. It may be falling on hearts all around us, but we shall not discern or receive it.” Testimonies to Ministers, 507
Unless we are under the influence of the Holy Spirit, we will be controlled by another spirit and will not recognize what is taking place until it is too late.
“In the manifestation of that power which lightens the earth with the glory of God, they see only something which in their blindness they think dangerous, something which will arouse their fears, and they will brace themselves to resist it. Because the Lord does not work according to their ideas and expectations, they will oppose the work. ‘Why,’ they say, ‘should not we know the Spirit of God, when we have been in the work so many years?’—because they did not respond to the warnings, the entreaties of the messages of God, but persistently said, ‘I am rich, and increased in goods, and have need of nothing.’” Review and Herald-Extra, December 23, 1890
It is the enemy’s avowed purpose to keep God’s people from coming into the unity for which Jesus prayed. “There is nothing that Satan fears so much as that the people of God shall clear the way by removing every hindrance, so that the Lord can pour out His Spirit upon a languishing church and an impenitent congregation. If Satan had his way, there would never be another awakening, great or small, to the end of time. But we are not ignorant of his devices. It is possible to resist his power. When the way is prepared for the Spirit of God, the blessing will come.” Selected Messages, book 1, 124
If we are united to Christ, we will be united to one another. When this happens, the church on earth will be a symbol of the church in heaven. “It is those who are not worked by the Holy Spirit that mar God’s plan. Another spirit takes possession of them, and they help to strengthen the forces of darkness. Those who are sanctified by the precious blood of Christ will not become the means of counter working the great plan which God has devised. They will not do anything to perpetuate division.” The Kress Collection, 17
We must make it manifest that we are not only Bible readers but Bible believers, and cooperate with Christ in fostering the spirit of unity. It is to meet this need for unity that Historic Adventist Landmarks was brought into perfect unity of doctrine and spirit so that we can be ready to be part of that army who will give the Loud Cry and stand through the last great test.