angel

Time To Decide

by

In this life, many decisions have to be made. Sometimes we do not have a long time to make the decision. Often we have already made preliminary decisions, before the time comes to make a final decision.

Before a pilot or captain in an airliner takes off, many preliminary decisions are made. You have perhaps seen printouts being made so a pilot can study the weather along his or her flight route. And, of course, there are checklists to go through and instruments to check. Each step requires that preliminary decisions be made. But after a while, when the plane is on the runway rolling towards take off, the time comes when a final decision has to be made.

When that final decision is made, it is a go or no-go decision. As the end of the runway approaches, the decision must be made to take off or to abort the take off. So in all affairs of life; there come times when we have to make final decisions.

Last Chance

The Bible recognizes this fact and has a lot to say about it. One of the things that the Bible says about these final decisions is that very often when a person is making his final decision, he does not know it. God has arranged things this way so that people will make a decision based on what is really in their hearts and not on some external circumstance.

We see a number of stories in the Bible where something like this took place. For example, in Acts 24:25, we see the apostle Paul talking to a heathen ruler by the name of Felix. Felix actually was a very wicked man, but he was offered, like all other wicked people, salvation. The Lord was willing, if he was willing to repent and turn around, to forgive his sins and give him another chance so that he could have eternal life through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus.

Paul preached to Felix about this, but notice his response. In Acts 24:25, it says, “Now as he [Paul] reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, ‘Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.’ ”

Felix was impressed that he was a wicked man and that he needed to repent of his sins and follow the Lord. But he loved his sins so much that he thought he wanted to enjoy them a while more. You know, there are many people in this world that have one or more darling sins, and they love those sins. They know they cannot go to heaven when they are committing those sins. But they say, I will enjoy them for a little while more, and then I will turn around; I will forsake sin at some future time. This is evidently what Felix was feeling. He said, It is not convenient for me right now to get ready for the judgment. There are some things in my life that I want to do first.

Do you know, that was Felix’s last opportunity for salvation. He made his final choice right then. He deliberately passed up his last chance for eternal life, because there were some darling sins in his life, and he wanted to hold on to them for a while longer. He did not want to get ready for the judgment right then.

Another story in the Bible tells about one of the most wicked men who had ever lived, yet the apostle Paul made an appeal to him. He was given the opportunity for salvation, but he too passed it up, and that was his last chance. He never had another opportunity. Paul talks about this meeting that he had with Nero, the Caesar. He says, “At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and [that] all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.” 11 Timothy 4:16, 17.

Nero was afraid to kill the apostle Paul right at that time. When he listened to the message, his heart was so under conviction that he could not condemn him, although he did condemn him to death later. But Nero, on that occasion, passed up his last chance for salvation.

The Bible talks about many people that passed up their last chance for salvation. Jesus told a story one time about the rich man and Lazarus, in Luke 16:19–31. This rich man was a person who believed that he belonged to the true church and that he would have salvation in the end. In the story Jesus told, the man not only did not have salvation but he had passed up his last chance for salvation. Never again would he have another opportunity to be saved.

A fact that every person needs to think about seriously is that every one of us at some time has our last chance to accept salvation. If we do not accept it at that point, we will never accept it. It will not be offered to us again, because we read, in Proverbs 1:24–33, “Because I have called and you refused, I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded, Because you disdained all my counsel, And would have none of my rebuke, I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your terror comes, When your terror comes like a storm, And your destruction comes like a whirlwind, When distress and anguish come upon you. Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me. Because they hated knowledge And did not choose the fear of the Lord, They would have none of my counsel [And] despised my every rebuke. Therefore, they shall eat the fruit of their own way, And be filled to the full with their own fancies. For the turning away of the simple will slay them, And the complacency of fools will destroy them; But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, And will be secure, without fear of evil.” The Lord says, You turned away. You would not listen. The result is that you are going to reap the consequences of your own ways.

Time is Limited

The prophet Isaiah makes an appeal to people to not turn away. In Isaiah 55:6, 7, he says, “Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.”

There is a time when you may find salvation, but that time does not last forever. It is time limited, and at some point, if you turn your back on the Lord and you keep turning your back on the Lord, you will do it for the last time.

We are living in that age of the world when this is true, not just for individuals but for the entire world. Every one in the world will make a decision; they will make a final decision to go one way or the other. The whole world will be divided into two classes. Each class will be identified by a special mark.

Special Messages

Because of the seriousness of the time in which we live, a time when people would make a final decision that would result in eternal life or eternal death, God in the Bible gave special messages just for people that live in the last generation.

These special messages are recorded in symbolic language in Revelation 14:6–12. These symbolic messages are likened to angels whom fly in the midst of heaven, to take these messages to every single person in the world.

What is involved in accepting or rejecting the Three Angels’ Messages? A person’s acceptance or rejection of these messages will determine his or her eternal destiny.

Message of Judgment

Notice what it says in the first angel’s message, Revelation 14:6, 7. “Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people—saying with a loud voice, ‘Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.”

There are several vital points in the first angel’s message. First of all, it says that this angel has “the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth.” Nothing can save you, friend, except the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. “There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12.

What is the gospel? The gospel has two parts. You can read about it in Romans or Galatians, or you can read about it in the stories of Jesus. The first part is the blood of Christ, which cleanses a person from the guilt of sin and offers a pardon. But it is not enough to be pardoned. It is not enough to be forgiven. It is not enough to drink the blood. It is also necessary to eat the bread, to receive the life of Christ into our lives.

Jesus talked about this in John 6. We receive His life by receiving the Holy Spirit and putting to death the carnal or sinful nature, as Paul said in Romans 6:2. We are to die to sin. Paul told the Galatians that as many as are Christ’s, they have crucified the flesh with the passions and affections. (Galatians 5:24.)

Oh, friend, have you had this experience? Have you experienced the gospel? No matter what else you have; no matter how much you know; no matter what you do; unless you have died to self, unless you have received the Holy Spirit and you are dead to sin and are following in obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ, your religion will end up being in vain.

The gospel is not just a belief system; it is a way of life whereby a person receives the Holy Spirit and lives and walks in newness of life, in harmony with God’s Law. As you can read in 1 John 3 or John 8 or Romans 8, you must receive the whole gospel, if you are going to survive the last generation.

Most of the world’s population will not survive. The vast majority will be deceived and lost, because they believe in what they see more than they believe in God’s Holy Word. But this message of the first angel is not just about the gospel. It is also an announcement that while the gospel is being preached, the hour of God’s judgment is come. God is judging the world!

Law of Liberty

Friend, we are living in the time when that is happening. One of the most important things to understand about the judgment is how you are going to be judged. It says in James 2 that we are to be judged from the law of liberty. What this law is, is made very clear and plain in the very same passage. The sixth and the seventh commandments are quoted, and it is that law, called the law of liberty, by which we will be judged.

It is not hard to understand that the Ten Commandments are called the law of liberty. For instance, if everyone kept just the eighth commandment that says, “You shall not steal,” everybody would be free. You would not have to lock your house, your car, or anything else—if there were no thieves in the world. God’s Law brings liberty.

The judgment is on the basis of God’s law. That is, God’s Law is the standard for the judgment. Your life in the judgment will be compared with the Law of God. If your life is in harmony with God’s Law, you will receive the gift of salvation. But if it is not in harmony with God’s Law, as you read in Revelation 22:15, then you will not be saved at all.

We are living in that most stupendous, serious time in earth’s history when people’s lives are being compared with the Law of God.

A Second Angel

The first angel’s message is followed by another angel, a second angel. God knew in advance that the great majority of the people in this world would not harmonize their lives with His Law, and He predicted what will happen. Remember this was written almost 2,000 years ago, but it is happening in our time.

In Revelation 14:8, we read: “And another angel followed, saying, ‘Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.’ ”

Who is that? Well, it refers to her as a woman. A woman in Bible prophecy represents a church, as you can see in 11 Corinthians 11 or Jeremiah 6, or the Song of Solomon, or Ephesians 5 or many other Scriptures. A woman represents a church. But this is not a pure church. This is a harlot, a fallen church. This is also called a city, a city that rules over the kings of the earth.

In addition, this city, this church, this woman, this harlot is referred to as a power that rules over the nations and makes all nations drink of her wine, of her teachings. It is talking about spiritual wine, but what is spiritual wine? The Bible tells us in Isaiah 29:9, 13, 14: “Pause and wonder! Blind yourselves and be blind! They are drunk, but not with wine; They stagger, but not with intoxicating drink.” “Therefore the Lord said: ‘Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths And honor Me with their lips, But have removed their hearts far from Me, And their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men, Therefore, behold, I will again do a marvelous work Among this people, A marvelous work and a wonder; For the wisdom of their wise [men] shall perish, And the understanding of their prudent [men] shall be hidden.’ ”

We see here that spiritual wine involves teaching people to worship God, to serve God according to the commandments of men. That is the wine of Babylon. If you drink this wine and follow it, you will receive the wrath of God, because as Jesus said, in Matthew 15, people through the traditions of men make the commandments of God of none effect. They say they are keeping it, but if you look at what the commandment says, by the time they have kept the commandments of men, the traditions of men, they have broken the commandments of God. You see, you cannot keep both.

Come Out of Her

So what is the result? The result is recorded in Revelation 18:1–4. “After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory. And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, ‘Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird! For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury.’ And I heard another voice from heaven saying, ‘Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.’ ”

A terrible condition of the religious world is here described. As a result of drinking this wine—the traditions, the commandments of men—the world has sinned against the Lord. Concerning Babylon, it says, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.”

Sin, 1 John 3:4 tells us, is breaking God’s Law. By the commandments of men the commandments of God are made of none effect. If you associate with a group of people who are deliberately breaking any one of the Ten Commandments, eventually you are going to participate with them. If you participate with them in sin, you will participate with them also in receiving the plagues of God which are going to be poured out on Babylon, as you can read in Revelation 15 and 16.

One Final Warning

If the warning of the second angel is not enough to wake a person up, there is one final warning. This final warning will separate the wheat from the tares. It will separate the whole religious world into two classes. This final warning is the warning of the third angel given in Revelation 14:9–12. “Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, ‘If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives [his] mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.’ Here is the patience of the saints; here [are] those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.”

Notice that the third angel warns people against worshiping the antichrist power. That is the beast power described in Revelation 13:1–10, the same as the little horn power described in Daniel 7 or the man of sin described in 11 Thessalonians 2. Also, men are prohibited, forbidden in this message to worship the image of the antichrist or to receive the mark of the antichrist.

The identifying mark of the antichrist power is spelled out very explicitly in Daniel 7:25. It (the antichrist power) will attempt to change times and laws. The one who receives this mark will end up, it says, receiving the wrath of God. God does not pour out His wrath on anybody without due cause. But the mark of the antichrist involves a deliberate breaking of the Law of God.

Obey Unrighteousness

In Romans 2:8, it is made very plain that the people that receive the wrath of God are those that obey unrighteousness—not those that do what is right or follow God’s Word. To receive the wrath of God, a person must first obey unrighteous-ness. But what is unrighteousness? “All unrighteousness is sin.” 1 John 5:17.

So obeying unrighteousness means sinning, and sinning is transgressing God’s Law. (See 1 John 3:4.) If you put these three texts together, you can see very clearly that receiving the mark of the beast involves sinning against God, breaking His Law—breaking His Law as mentioned in Daniel 7:25, a deliberate attempt to change times and law. Read the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:3–17. See what it says about time, and examine and see how the religious world today has changed the times that God has given.

You cannot change something that God has given. You cannot adjust something that God has given. The Bible says do not change or add or take anything away from what God has done lest ye be found to be a liar. (See Deuteronomy 12:32; Proverbs 30:6.)

In contrast to the people that receive the mark of the beast, right at the end of the third angel’s message there is revealed the people that listen to the message and are saved. Who they are and how they are described is seen in Revelation 14:12: “Here is the patience of the saints; here [are] those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.”

There you have it, friends; it is spelled out in Revelation over and over again. The ones that lose out at the end are those that break God’s Law. The ones that are accepted and receive the gift of eternal life and get to go through the gates into the city are those that keep God’s Law.

The question is, What are you going to do with that information? Are you going to accept it, repent of your sins and say, Lord, create in me a new heart? Are you going to miss your last chance? The choice is yours.

Pastor Grosboll is Director of Steps to Life Ministry and pastor of the Prairie Meadows Church in Wichita, Kansas. He may be contacted by e-mail at: historic@stepstolife.org or by telephone at: 316-788-5559.

Children’s Story – Angel of Mercy

by

The night air was thick with the smell of gun powder, and the stars were drowned out by the smoke still polluting the air of Chantilly battlefield. A tiny figure in skirts and bows moved in and out among the wounded soldiers, wrapping wounds and bringing water to the battered men lying at her feet. The nurse was huddled over a young soldier giving him a glass of water when she felt a tug on her skirt.

“Ma’am,” said the feeble voice behind her.

Clara turned to see the war torn face of yet another young soldier injured in the battle.

“Yes?” she replied.

“Ma’am, do you not recognize me?” He asked in a shaky voice.

“I apologize, but I do not.” Clara searched the face for any feature she may recognize under the many bandages. “Praise be!” she exclaimed. “Why Markus, I did not recognize you. You have changed much over the years!”

“I am much comforted by seeing you, Miss Barton. I still remember the day you beat me in the school race. I was so arrogant! I never thought that such a small school teacher could outrun one of her students. You sure taught me a lesson!”

“And I remember the look on your face as you crossed the finish line after me. I had never seen any face so red except my own!” Clara responded as she adjusted a bandage on Markus’ arm. Just as she was doing so, the sleeve on Clara’s dress shivered and she looked down to find a bullet hole through the lace. Turning back to Markus, she found him still.

This was the reality facing the young Clara Barton. Growing up, she was a painfully shy girl. In fact, she was so shy that she would often be unable to eat at the dinner table when guests were visiting her family. She was very bright, learning to read by the age of four. Two of her older siblings were teachers and assisted in her education. And, growing up on a farm, she soon was a first rate horseback rider.

To cure her of her terrible shyness, her family sent Clara to a boarding school for girls, believing that she would be forced to overcome her bashfulness if she was on her own away from home. But she was so timid she could not interact with the other girls, unable even to eat at the table with them. Clara soon became very sickly and her father had to come for her.

Clara had a special talent for healing—a gift that was evident very early on. She tended to the injured animals on the farm with such skill that neighbors and friends would come to her with their sick animals. Her talents were needed at a very young age for her brother, David.

One day, her family was attending a barn-raising for another family nearby. Her older brother, David, was on the rafters working, when he lost his balance and plummeted to the ground.

“David!” Clara yelled and ran to her bother’s side. Everyone expected David to be dead after such a fall, but Clara found him still breathing. “Don’t touch him,” Clara told a man who was attempting to lift him to a cart, “if he has broken his back, you will injure him further.”

“Mama, go and get some water and bandages.” Clara yelled turning to her mother who was standing behind her. “Papa, make a brace with those boards over there.” Under the careful instruction of the little Clara Barton, David was taken back home without further injury. It was two full years of dedicated nursing by Clara, before David fully recovered.

During the civil war that tore our nation in the 1800s, Clara heard of the wounded soldiers who were dying simply from the lack of care. Indignant at the neglect of those giving their lives for the cause for their country, Clara did not rest until she obtained permission and supplies to attend the soldiers on the front lines of battle. Here she worked tirelessly to perfect a method by which to care for the wounded and save the lives of thousands.

Clara Barton seems a very unlikely candidate for the role of a nurse on the front lines of battle. But, through God’s power, those who seem most unfit can be used for the most awesome of tasks. And so it was, whenever someone was in need of help, the timid and shy Clara Barton would rise to the occasion and come to the aide of any who were ill or injured, no matter the circumstance. This quality was what later led her to the battlefields of America, and on to become a key founder of the American Red Cross.

Alicia Freedman is currently working on our LandMarks team and can be contacted at: landmarks@stepstolife.org.

Bible Study Guides – God’s Precise Timetable

by

December 6, 2009 – December 12, 2009

Key Text

“Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.” Daniel 9:24.

Study Help: Prophets and Kings, 698–702; The Sanctified Life, 46–52.

Introduction

“The gospel message, as given by the Saviour Himself, was based on the prophecies. The ‘time’ which He declared to be fulfilled was the period made known by the angel Gabriel to Daniel.” The Desire of Ages, 233.

1 How was the prayer in Daniel 9:3–19 answered? Daniel 9:20, 21. In what ways is this experience to boost our faith today?

Note: “The angel had to reveal himself as a man before he could speak with the prophet.” The Youth’s Instructor, February 22, 1900.

“It was Gabriel, the angel next in rank to the Son of God, who came with the divine message to Daniel. …

“God has given these things to us, and His blessing will attend the reverent, prayerful study of the prophetic scriptures.” The Desire of Ages, 234.

“Like Daniel, you may make confession of your sin, and present daily supplication unto God; but however poor and unworthy and erring you may feel yourselves to be, it is your privilege to appropriate the promises of God.” The Signs of the Times, March 24, 1890.

2 For what reason was Gabriel sent to Daniel? Daniel 9:22, 23.

Note:“God had bidden His messenger: ‘Make this man to understand the vision.’ That commission must be fulfilled. In obedience to it, the angel, some time afterward, returned to Daniel, saying: ‘I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding;’ ‘therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.’ Daniel 8:27, 16; 9:22, 23, 25–27. There was one important point in the vision of chapter 8 which had been left unexplained, namely, that relating to time—the period of the 2300 days; therefore the angel, in resuming his explanation, dwells chiefly upon the subject of time.” The Great Controversy, 325.

3 What do the seventy weeks represent? Daniel 9:24.

Note: “As the 2300 days was the only period of time mentioned in chapter 8, it must be the period from which the seventy weeks were cut off; the seventy weeks must therefore be a part of the 2300 days, and the two periods must begin together. The seventy weeks were declared by the angel to date from the going forth of the commandment to restore and build Jerusalem. If the date of this commandment could be found, then the starting point for the great period of the 2300 days would be ascertained.

“In the seventh chapter of Ezra the decree is found. Verses 12–26. In its completest form it was issued by Artaxerxes, king of Persia, 457 B.C. But in Ezra 6:14 the house of the Lord at Jerusalem is said to have been built ‘according to the commandment [‘decree,’ margin] of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.’ These three kings, in originating, reaffirming, and completing the decree, brought it to the perfection required by the prophecy to mark the beginning of the 2300 years. Taking 457 B.C., the time when the decree was completed, as the date of the commandment, every specification of the prophecy concerning the seventy weeks was seen to have been fulfilled.” The Great Controversy, 326, 327.

4 What would happen at the end of sixty-nine weeks? Daniel 9:25; Acts 10:38; Luke 3:21, 22; 4:18; Mark 1:14, 15.

Note: “ ‘From the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks’ [Daniel 9:25]—namely, sixty-nine weeks, or 483 years. The decree of Artaxerxes went into effect in the autumn of 457 B.C. From this date, 483 years extend to the autumn of A.D. 27. At that time this prophecy was fulfilled. The word ‘Messiah’ signifies ‘the Anointed One.’ In the autumn of A.D. 27 Christ was baptized by John and received the anointing of the Spirit.” The Great Controversy, 327.

5 Name two more events shown to Daniel and later fulfilled in history. Daniel 9:26. What is the warning for us today?

Note: “[In A.D. 70] both the city [of Jerusalem] and the temple were razed to their foundations, and the ground upon which the holy house had stood was ‘plowed like a field.’ Jeremiah 26:18. In the siege and the slaughter that followed, more than a million of the people perished; the survivors were carried away as captives, sold as slaves, dragged to Rome to grace the conqueror’s triumph, thrown to wild beasts in the amphitheaters, or scattered as homeless wanderers throughout the earth.” The Great Controversy, 35.

“The Saviour’s prophecy concerning the visitation of judgments upon Jerusalem is to have another fulfillment, of which that terrible desolation was but a faint shadow. In the fate of the chosen city we may behold the doom of a world that has rejected God’s mercy and trampled upon His law.” Ibid., 36.

6 What took place in the midst of the seventieth week? Daniel 9:27. What did Jesus say about the “abomination of desolation” mentioned in Daniel 9:26, 27? Matthew 24:15–18.

Note: “ ‘In the midst of the week He shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease.’ Daniel 9:27. In the spring of A.D. 31, Christ the true sacrifice was offered on Calvary. Then the veil of the temple was rent in twain, showing that the sacredness and significance of the sacrificial service had departed. The time had come for the earthly sacrifice and oblation to cease.” The Desire of Ages, 233.

“This warning was given to be heeded … at the destruction of Jerusalem. The Christians obeyed the warning, and not a Christian perished in the fall of the city.” Ibid., 630.

7 In the third year of Cyrus’ reign, when Daniel prayed and fasted for more light, how did Heaven respond? Daniel 10:1–7.

Note: “No less a personage than the Son of God appeared to Daniel. This description is similar to that given by John when Christ was revealed to him upon the Isle of Patmos. Our Lord now comes with another heavenly messenger to teach Daniel what would take place in the latter days. This knowledge was given to Daniel and recorded by Inspiration for us upon whom the ends of the world are come.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, 1173.

8 What can we learn from the evidence Daniel was given of the great controversy between Christ and Satan? Daniel 10:8–14.

Note: “For three weeks Gabriel had been wrestling with the powers of darkness, and seeking to counteract the influences at work on the mind of King Cyrus. Before the contest closed, Christ Himself came to Gabriel’s help. All that heaven could do in behalf of the people of God, was done. The victory was finally gained, and the forces of the enemy were held in check all the days of Cyrus, who reigned for seven years, and all the days of his son Cambyses, who reigned about seven years and a half.” The Review and Herald, December 5, 1907.

9 Describe Daniel’s experience. Daniel 10:15–21.

Note: “In answer to his petition, Daniel received not only the light and truth which he and his people most needed, but a view of the great events of the future, even to the advent of the world’s Redeemer. Those who claim to be sanctified, while they have no desire to search the Scriptures or to wrestle with God in prayer for a clearer understanding of Bible truth, know not what true sanctification is.

“Daniel talked with God. Heaven was opened before him. But the high honors granted him were the result of humiliation and earnest seeking. All who believe with the heart the word of God will hunger and thirst for a knowledge of His will. God is the author of truth. He enlightens the darkened understanding and gives to the human mind power to grasp and comprehend the truths which He has revealed.” The Sanctified Life, 48, 49.

10 What do heavenly angels do on our behalf? Hebrews 1:13, 14.

Note: “As a people we do not understand as we should the great conflict going on between invisible agencies, the controversy between loyal and disloyal angels. Evil angels are constantly at work, planning their line of attack, controlling as commanders, kings, and rulers, the disloyal human forces. … Do not indulge in fanciful speculations. The written Word is our only safety. We must pray as did Daniel, that we may be guarded by heavenly intelligences. As ministering spirits angels are sent forth to minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation. Pray, my brethren, pray as you have never prayed before. We are not prepared for the Lord’s coming. We need to make thorough work for eternity.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, 1173.

“The armies of heaven are in continual warfare with satanic agencies, to obtain victories in behalf of those who do not sense their danger, and who are passing on in unconscious indifference.” Ibid., vol. 6, 1120.

Additional Reading

“The prophecies in the eighteenth of Revelation will soon be fulfilled. During the proclamation of the third angel’s message, ‘another angel’ is to ‘come down from heaven, having great power,’ and the earth is to be ‘lightened with his glory.’ [Revelation 18:1.] The Spirit of the Lord will so graciously bless consecrated human instrumentalities that men, women, and children will open their lips in praise and thanksgiving, filling the earth with the knowledge of God, and with His unsurpassed glory, as the waters cover the sea.

“Those who have held the beginning of their confidence firm unto the end will be wide-awake during the time that the third angel’s message is proclaimed with great power. During the loud cry, the church, aided by the providential interpositions of her exalted Lord, will diffuse the knowledge of salvation so abundantly that light will be communicated to every city and town. The earth will be filled with the knowledge of salvation. So abundantly will the renewing Spirit of God have crowned with success the intensely active agencies, that the light of present truth will be seen flashing everywhere.

“There is to be, at this period, a series of events which will reveal that God is Master of the situation. The truth will be proclaimed in clear, unmistakable language. As a people, we must prepare the way of the Lord, under the overruling guidance of the Holy Spirit. The gospel is to be given in its purity. The stream of living water is to deepen and widen in its course. In all fields, nigh and afar off, men will be called from the plow and from the more common commercial business vocations that largely occupy the mind, and will be educated in connection with men of experience. As they learn to labor effectively, they will proclaim the truth with power. Through most wonderful workings of divine providence, mountains of difficulties will be removed, and cast into the sea. The message that means so much to the dwellers upon the earth will be heard and understood. Men will know what is truth. Onward, and still onward the work will advance, until the whole earth shall have been warned. And then shall the end come.” Maranatha, 218.

“It is impossible to give any idea of the experience of the people of God who will be alive on the earth when past woes and celestial glory will be blended. They will walk in the light proceeding from the throne of God. By the means of the angels there will be constant communication between heaven and earth.

“The people of God will not be free from suffering; but … they will not be left to perish. … While the wicked are dying from hunger and pestilence, angels will shield the righteous, and supply their wants. To him that ‘walketh righteously’ is the promise, ‘Bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.’ Isaiah 33:16.” The Faith I Live By, 340.

©2005 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Our Past History – First Angel

by

In Ellen G White’s book, Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 196, she says, “We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history.”

With this in mind, let us study a subject that is very broad and complex, namely, the Three Angels’ Messages. For some of you this study may only be a reminder with nothing new discerned, yet to be reminded of our sacred history is a matter that should never be dreaded. “We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history.” Because these messages are very broad, in this study we will reflect only upon the first angel.

In Revelation 14:6, the Bible says, “And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.” I want to briefly emphasize the phrase another angel.

Throughout the book of Revelation the apostle John sees angels. Angels are directing traffic, blowing trumpets, pouring out plagues, and proclaiming messages. However, the angel in Revelation 14:6 is distinct from every angel preceding it. What is so unique about this angel? First of all, the word angel refers to a messenger. It can refer to a heavenly messenger such as in Matthew 13:41. Or it can refer to a human messenger such as in Matthew 11:10.

The Greek word for messenger is the same as angel. In Revelation 14:6, this angel has the everlasting gospel to preach, and since the preaching of the gospel is mentioned, the angel must therefore represent human messengers. In Mark 16:15, Jesus says, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Notice also Ephesians 3:10: “To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God.” The responsibility of preaching the gospel has been given to the church. Therefore, the angel John sees in Revelation 14:6 refers to a movement in which the church would proclaim a message. This is what makes this angel unique. It is the first angel in Revelation that has a message to preach to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. And what is the message of the first angel?

Revelation 14:7 says, “Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come: and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.”

The message of the first angel is a message of the judgment hour. This message began to be proclaimed by William Miller in the early 1830s. The movement became known as the Millerite movement and later on as the Advent movement. The scripture that laid the foundation for this movement was Daniel 8:14, which says, “Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.”

Here we have a prophecy that the sanctuary is to be cleansed at the end of 2,300 days. Because this is a symbolic prophecy, the time is also symbolic. The Bible tells us that a symbolic day represents a year. “After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise.” Numbers 14:34. “And when thou hast accomplished them, lie again on thy right side, and thou shalt bear the iniquity of the house of Judah forty days: I have appointed thee each day for a year.” Ezekiel 4:6.

Notice how in both of these passages a prophetic proclamation is being given, and in both cases, each day corresponded to a year. So, the 2,300 days of Daniel 8:14 represents 2,300 years, and at the end of that time the sanctuary was to be cleansed.

The mystery that first perplexed William Miller was concerning the time in which the 2,300 years began. Once this was attained, he could know when the end of the time would be. The answer was unfolded when the meaning of Daniel 9:24 was discovered. It says, “Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city … .” I want to emphasize the word determined. The root meaning of this word is to cut or to divide. Therefore, the literal translation of Daniel 9:24 is, “Seventy weeks are cut from thy people … .” The question that naturally arose was: What was the 70 weeks cut off from? Well, the only other time given that did not include a beginning date was the time prophecy of Daniel 8:14, the 2,300 days. The angel Gabriel informed Daniel of the 2,300 days, but he never told him when it was to begin. Therefore, Gabriel returns to finish informing Daniel of this vision. In Daniel 9:23, the Bible says, “At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.”

Notice how Gabriel told Daniel to “consider the vision.” What vision was he talking about? Well, the last vision Daniel had was the vision that introduced the 2,300 day prophecy. In Daniel 8:16, Gabriel is commanded to make Daniel understand this vision. However, verse 27 informs us that Daniel did not understand it, because he fainted as it was being explained to him. So after several years, the angel returned to finish explaining the vision. Thus he picks up where he left off, namely, with the time of the prophecy. He tells Daniel that seventy weeks are cut from his people. The only time that the seventy weeks can be cut from is the 2,300 days. And in Daniel 9:25, Gabriel gives the starting point for this time. It says, “Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.”

From the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem is when the 2,300 literal years were to start. All William Miller needed to do now was find the actual year this commandment was given. In Ezra 6:14 the answer is given. It says, “And they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.” Notice this threefold commandment. The last king to finalize the commandment was Artaxerxes. Therefore, Miller concluded that the year that Artaxerxes gave the commandment was the official year to begin the countdown. In what year did Artaxerxes give his commandment?

In Ezra 7:7 we read, “And there went up some of the children of Israel, and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, unto Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king.” So, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the commandment was finalized, and history reveals that the seventh year of Artaxerxes was 457 B.C. With this date in mind, Miller and his associates eventually realized that the 2,300 literal years would end in the year A.D. 1844.

This was only a few years away from the time in which this discovery was made. Therefore, the Millerites proclaimed the message of a coming judgment in 1844. However, instead of proclaiming the cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary, the Millerites proclaimed the cleansing of the earth, which they thought was the sanctuary. Nevertheless, this message was in harmony with the judgment hour message proclaimed by the first angel of Revelation 14. Both constituted the early Advent movement of the 1830s and 1840s.

Now, this is the first angel that preached the everlasting gospel, but it is not the last. The message of judgment was to be followed by two other messages, and all were to be proclaimed together. In part two we will study the second angel’s message, and after that, the hope of the third angel. But for now, remember, “We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history.”

Demario Carter is currently working as a Bible worker for Steps to Life. He may be contacted by email at: bibleworker@stepstolife.org.

The Mighty Angel of Revelation 10

by

After the end of the 1,260 years, the termination of the 2,300 years and the great increase in the circulation of the Scriptures, we enter the time of the end when Jesus will return to this earth the second time. All of these things are calling the attention of the world to the opening of the great second-advent movement and the final judgment of the world just prior to His return to earth.

Prophecy does not identify any dates for events after October 22, 1844. But there is much information, which helps us to understand this period of time—the beginning of the second-advent movement to the end of the millennium.

The first text about the great second-advent movement is found in Revelation 10:1–3, 5–7:

“Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven. He was robed in a cloud, with a rainbow above his head; his face was like the sun, and his legs were like fiery pillars. He was holding a little scroll, which lay open in his hand. He planted his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land, and he gave a loud shout like the roar of a lion. When he shouted, the voices of the seven thunders spoke. …

“Then the angel I had seen standing on the sea and on the land raised his right hand to heaven. And he swore by him who lives for ever and ever, who created the heavens and all that is in them, the earth and all that is in it, and the sea and all that is in it, and said, ‘There will be no more delay! But in the days when the seventh angel is about to sound his trumpet, the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as he announced to his servants the prophets.’ ”

Notice the mighty angel in verse 1 was robed in a cloud, with a rainbow above his head; his face was like the sun, and his legs were like fiery pillars. Compare this description with the one given in Revelation 1:13, 15, 16 at the time when Jesus was inaugurated as our High Priest in the sanctuary in heaven.

“Among the lampstands was someone ‘like a son of man,’ dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. … His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace … . His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.”

The weight of evidence from the comparison of these scriptures says that the Mighty angel in Revelation 10 is none other than Jesus Christ.

Another evidence that this is Jesus is found in verse 6: “And he swore by him who lives forever and ever, who created the heavens … and said, ‘There will be no more delay!’ ”

Only One who was equal with the Creator could make an oath with Him. Jesus is the only One who is equal with the Ancient of Days. The following reference is specific concerning this angel’s identification:

“The mighty angel who instructed John was no less a personage than Jesus Christ.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 971.

These statements leave us in no doubt as to who is in charge of the whole second-advent movement and guiding it with His supreme power and authority. This is a very comforting message for all true believers.

In Revelation 10:2, He was holding a little scroll, which lay open in his hand. The book being open means that the contents of the book can be read and understood. Daniel was informed in chapter 12:9 that the words were closed up and sealed until the time of the end. This refers to that portion of the book of Daniel that speaks about the sanctuary in heaven and events transpiring in the last days. The following statement is quite informative:

“The book that was sealed was not the book of Revelation, but that portion of the prophecy of Daniel which related to the last days. The Scripture says, ‘But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased’ (Daniel 12:4).” Selected Messages, Book 2, 105.

The most important part of the book of Daniel that was sealed was that part of chapter 8 referring to the attack of the small horn against the ministry of Jesus in the sanctuary in heaven during the 1,260 years and following to the present time.

The following is an explanation of the significance of Jesus planting “his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land.”

“The mighty angel who instructed John was no less a personage than Jesus Christ. Setting His right foot on the sea, and His left upon the dry land, shows the part which He is acting in the closing scenes of the great controversy with Satan. This position denotes His supreme power and authority over the whole earth. …

“The angel’s position, with one foot on the sea, the other on the land, signifies the wide extent of the proclamation of the [first angel’s] message. It will cross the broad waters and be proclaimed in other countries, even to all the world.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 971.

In Revelation 10:6 it says, “There will be no more delay!” This angel, who is Christ, is announcing that there will be no more delay.

“This time, which the angel declares with a solemn oath, is not the end of this world’s history, neither of probationary time, but of prophetic time, which should precede the advent of our Lord. That is, the people will not have another message upon definite time. After this period of time, reaching from 1842 to 1844, there can be no definite tracing of the prophetic time. The longest reckoning reaches to the autumn of 1844.” Ibid.

God is telling us that there will be no more time prophecies like the 70 weeks, the 2,300 years and the 1,260 years.

“ ‘And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven, and sware by Him that liveth forever and ever, … that there should be time no longer’ [Revelation 10:5, 6]. This message announces the end of the prophetic periods.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 17, 9, 10.

These statements have reference to the three great time prophecies of the Bible, the seventy weeks, the 1,260 years and the 2,300 years. The time periods represented by these three prophecies had to be completed before the great controversy between Christ and Satan could be brought to a conclusion. Now that the last of these three time periods was completed, the great controversy could now move on to its conclusion without the restraint of time periods.

Here is another statement that gives light on when this phrase was proclaimed.

“When the book was opened, the proclamation was made, ‘Time shall be no longer.’ (See Revelation 10:6.) The book of Daniel is now unsealed, and the revelation made by Christ to John is to come to all the inhabitants of the earth.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 105.

This means that the book of Daniel is unsealed in the book of Revelation and can be proclaimed with power and understanding, that the message will not be delayed by the waiting for any more time prophecies to be fulfilled.

The following statement makes an interesting correlation between the angel (Christ) in Revelation 10 and the first angel’s message:

“The message of Revelation 14, proclaiming that the hour of God’s judgment is come, is given in the time of the end; and the angel of Revelation 10 is represented as having one foot on the sea and one foot on the land, showing that the message will be carried to distant lands, the ocean will be crossed, and the islands of the sea will hear the proclamation of the last message of warning to our world.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 17, 9.

This statement indicates that Christ, Himself, is directing the proclamation of the first angel’s message. The first angel’s message was given by the early advent preachers in the 1830s and early 1840s; therefore the events of Revelation 10 occurred at the same time before October 22, 1844. It was at this time that the last message of warning began to be proclaimed to the world.

In Revelation 10:7 we read, “But in the days when the seventh angel is about to sound his trumpet, the mystery of God will be accomplished.” What is the “mystery of God”?

I believe that the mystery of God is the same as the gospel of salvation. In Colossians 2:2, 3 and 6, it says, “My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. … So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him.”

The mystery of God could be called the gospel. Look at Romans 16:25: “Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began.” KJV Also read Ephesians 6:19: “And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel.” KJV

This is the message contained in the little scroll which lay open in his hand. Other names used for the gospel or new covenant include the following:

  • New covenant, Abrahamic covenant, Second covenant, Covenant of grace, See Patriarchs and Prophets, 371
  • Everlasting Covenant, See Genesis 17:7 and Patriarchs and Prophets, 370
  • Covenant of redemption, See The Signs of the Times, August 24, 1891
  • Covenant of peace, See Isaiah 54:9, 10 and Education, 115
  • Plan of salvation, See Patriarchs and Prophets, 63
  • The gospel and plan of redemption, The Signs of the Times, August 24, 1891

What is very interesting is that the new covenant is another name for the gospel. The mystery of God is the new covenant made by God the Father and His Son Jesus from times eternal. This is the subject of the first angel’s message that is to go to all the world.

Christ has come down to this earth, represented as a mighty angel to announce to the world that the time has come for this covenant to be completed.

Let us read in Revelation 10:7 what the angel (Jesus) said had already been done concerning the mystery of God: “But in the days when the seventh angel is about to sound his trumpet, the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as he announced to his servants the prophets.”

Jesus is saying in this phrase that He has already given the prophets information concerning the finishing of the gospel or the new covenant promises. Actually, in Bible prophecy we find that there are at least ten announcements explaining the accomplishment of the mystery of God that Christ has already given through His servants the prophets. This is probably the most widely publicized event in the whole great controversy between Christ and Satan.

The vision of the angel and the scroll in Revelation 10 is the first of these announcements. The angel (Christ) coming down to this earth and placing his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land is the first announcement about the finishing of the mystery of God which is the gospel or new covenant.

We need to remind ourselves that the new covenant, the mystery of God, also called the gospel, is the very foundation of all Christianity.

We have already noticed that this angel came down to direct the proclamation of the first angel’s message in the 1830s and early 1840s. The first angel’s message, then, is the second announcement that we will study.

There are many angels mentioned in the Revelation. Let us turn in our Bibles to the first angel’s message in Revelation 14:6, 7. It is referred to as the first angel because in verse 8 a second angel is mentioned, and in verse 9 a third angel is seen with another message for the world.

“Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people. He said in a loud voice, ‘Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come. Worship Him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.’ ”

There are three points in this message that we want to consider at this time:

  1. he had the eternal gospel (the new covenant) to proclaim
  2. the hour of His judgment has come
  3. he calls upon the people to worship their Creator

This first angel’s message was to be a part of a great religious awakening.

“A great religious awakening under the proclamation of Christ’s soon coming is foretold in the prophecy of the first angel’s message of Revelation 14. An angel is seen flying ‘in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.’ ‘With a loud voice’ he proclaims the message: ‘Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come: and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters’ [verses 6, 7].” The Great Controversy, 355.

This is the angel that is being directed by the angel (Christ) in Revelation 10:1. Notice the character of the messenger and the message that is described in the following statement:

“The fact that an angel is said to be the herald of this warning is significant. By the purity, the glory, and the power of the heavenly messenger, divine wisdom has been pleased to represent the exalted character of the work to be accomplished by the message and the power and glory that were to attend it. And the angel’s flight ‘in the midst of heaven,’ the ‘loud voice’ with which the warning is uttered, and its promulgation to all ‘that dwell on the earth,’—‘to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,’—give evidence of the rapidity and world-wide extent of the movement.” Ibid.

There is also evidence in this statement concerning the time it is to be given.

“The message itself sheds light as to the time when this movement is to take place. It is declared to be a part of the ‘everlasting gospel;’ and it announces the opening of the judgment. The message of salvation has been preached in all ages; but this message is a part of the gospel which could be proclaimed only in the last days, for only then would it be true that the hour of judgment had come.” Ibid., 355, 356. [Emphasis author’s.]

Remember that this gospel was also called the new covenant along with eight other names. Two times in this statement it comments on this message being part of the gospel. We learned in previous studies that the gospel is about the new covenant and the new covenant sanctuary in heaven in which Jesus carries on His ministry of removing the confessed sins of God’s people.

The weight of evidence is that the judgment was a part of the new covenant plan from the very time it was formed by God the Father and the Son. Both Revelation 10 and Revelation 14 make reference to the finishing of the gospel.

In Revelation 10:7 it says, “The mystery of God will be accomplished.” This means that the new covenant plan of redemption will now be completed.

The first angel in Revelation 14:7 says, “The hour of His judgment has come.” The judgment is the last event in the new covenant plan of salvation to be completed. The announcement of the judgment is also a part of the first angel’s message.

There are three phases of a judgment or trial. They are:

  1. investigative phase
  2. executive phase (sentencing)
  3. execution phase

In the United States court system, a jury trial consists of these three phases.

  1. First there is an investigation of the charges filed against the individual on trial. The jury is apprised of all the evidence in the case and then presents a verdict of innocence or guilt. If innocent, the individual is released and set free. This is the investigative phase of the trial.
  2. If the individual is found guilty, then the trial moves to the second phase. In this phase the jury evaluates the severity of the crime and assigns a just punishment. This is known as the executive or sentencing phase of the judgment.
  3. The third phase in the trial is the execution of the sentence assigned—that is, applying the sentence to the individual.

The Bible judgment has these three phases. In the great judgment conducted by the God of heaven, which is in progress at the present time, these three phases of the trial are followed as in a jury trial.

In the book of James it says that the standard in the judgment will be the law of liberty or the ten commandments. “Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom.” James 2:12.

In Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14, Solomon gives counsel concerning our preparation for the judgment and the standard to be used. He said,

“Here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”

The Day of Atonement services were conducted in the Most Holy Place of the sanctuary on earth. The Most Holy Place is also called the second apartment.

“In this way he will make atonement for the Most Holy Place because of the uncleanness and rebellion of the Israelites. When Aaron has finished making atonement for the Most Holy Place, the Tent of Meeting and the altar, he shall bring forward the live goat.” Leviticus 16:16, 20.

“Once a year, on the great Day of Atonement, the priest entered the Most Holy Place for the cleansing of the sanctuary. The work there performed completed the yearly round of ministration.” The Great Controversy, 419.

In the heavenly sanctuary, the cleansing is a counterpart to the Day of Atonement in the earthly sanctuary. That is the removal of sin from the Most Holy Place in the sanctuary in heaven. This is the first part of a jury trial, the determination of guilt or innocence.

The counterpart of the Day of Atonement in the earthly sanctuary began in the heavenly sanctuary on October 22, 1844, when Christ moved from the Holy Place to the Most Holy Place in heaven to begin the investigative judgment. (See Daniel 7:9, 10, 13.)

“This is the service which began when the 2,300 days ended. At that time, as foretold by Daniel the prophet, our High Priest entered the most holy, to perform the last division of His solemn work—to cleanse the sanctuary.” Ibid., 421.

In order to cleanse the heavenly sanctuary, an examination of the books to determine who is entitled to the benefits of His atonement must take place.

“There must be an examination of the books of record to determine who, through repentance of sin and faith in Christ, are entitled to the benefits of His atonement. The cleansing of the sanctuary therefore involves a work of investigation—a work of judgment.” Ibid., 422.

The eternal destiny of those who are found innocent in the investigative judgment is a wonderful place. Revelation 22:14 says,

“Blessed are those who wash their robes [keep the commandments], that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.”

Those who are found guilty in the investigative judgment are destroyed in the battle of Armageddon during the second coming of Jesus. Then they are subject to the second and third phases of the judgment. Revelation 20:5 says, “The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.”

All the wicked are destroyed at the commencement of the 1,000 years. It is during this time that the saints are determining the sentences of the wicked.

The saints are taken to heaven at the beginning of the millennium and the earth has no human life on it for the next 1,000 years. The sentencing (executive) phase of the judgment takes place during this 1,000 year period.

“During the thousand years between the first and the second resurrection the judgment of the wicked takes place.” Ibid., 660.

The Bible says that the judges are the ones who are pronounced innocent in the investigative judgment.

Revelation 20:4, 6 says, “They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. … They will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years.”

Paul wrote to the church in Corinth reminding them that they would at some point in time be judges. In I Corinthians 6:2, 3, it says, “Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? … Do you not know that we will judge angels?”

“In union with Christ they [the righteous] judge the wicked, comparing their acts with the statute book, the Bible, and deciding every case according to the deeds done in the body. Then the portion which the wicked must suffer is meted out, according to their works; and it is recorded against their names in the book of death.” Ibid., 661.

The third phase of a jury trial is the execution phase in which the sentences are carried out or applied.

“The wicked will be raised from the dead and appear before God for the execution of ‘the judgment written.’ Thus the revelator, after describing the resurrection of the righteous, says: ‘The rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished.’ Revelation 20:5.” Ibid.

All of the wicked will be raised at the end of the 1,000 years for the execution of the judgment. The third phase of the judgment in the Bible is recorded in Revelation 20:7–15. These verses are not written in the order the events take place; therefore they may seem a little confusing to some. These verses in chronological order would read as follows:

Revelation 20:7–9, first part: “When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth … to gather them for battle. In number they are like the sand on the seashore. They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God’s people, the city He loves.”

Verses 11–13: “Then I saw a great white throne and Him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from His presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done.”

Verse 9, last part: “But fire came down from heaven and devoured them.”

Verses 14 and 15: “Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.”

Verse 10: “And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”

In summary, the three phases of the proclamation of the eternal gospel and the judgment announced by the first angel are:

  1. The investigative phase – October 22, 1844, to the close of probation
  2. The sentencing (executive) phase – during the 1,000 years
  3. The execution phase – the handing down and executing the sentences after the 1,000 years are ended.

This has been a brief review of the three phases of the judgment as announced by the first angel and as directed by the mighty angel of Revelation 10:1.

(Unless appearing in quoted references or otherwise identified, Bible texts are from the New International Version.)

Maurice Hoppe is retired and volunteers at Steps to Life. His primary responsibility is working with the Training Program for Ministers and Church Leaders and the Training Program for Lay Workers. He also conducts a Bible Correspondence School from his home with emphasis on Bible prophecy. He may be contacted at: mauricehoppe@stepstolife.org.

Children’s Story – He Could Have Been an Angel!

by

Have you ever seen an angel in disguise or read a story about one? This story is what happened to us in a poor country called Bangladesh when we first arrived in the airport to be missionaries in a foreign country. It is important to be missionaries in our own home and town before going to another country as a missionary. Home is the school for missionaries. When God is in charge, thrilling things happen!

When we left America to fly to Bangladesh, we had lots and lots of luggage—in fact, over 300 pounds of luggage! We had gifts of clothing and shoes and many other things for the boys and girls in one of the orphanages in Bangladesh. We had our own luggage and also a piano accordion in a wooden box. People, who had gone to Bangladesh before, told us that this country was corrupt (very bad) and would try to get money from us for our extra luggage or even may take some of our bags from us. If this happened, it would be very sad for the orphans who needed the clothes and shoes we were taking for them.

At Dhaka (the biggest city in Bangladesh), when we had collected all of our bags from baggage claim, we looked at it and oh! It was such a big amount. Would the airport officials, dressed in their smart looking uniforms, let us take all this luggage past the check point and out of the airport? Here comes a man. He asks if all of this luggage is ours. After being told “yes,” he points towards the checkpoint and tells us to take it to the men in uniform for checking. We pushed our over-loaded carts toward the smartly dressed officials. What would happen when we got there? Would they want money? Would they take some of our bags from us? As I said before, when God is in charge, thrilling things happen, and God was in charge of what happened next.

We slowly pushed our two heavily laden carts towards the airport officials. Behind these men were the big glass exit doors to leave the building. As we came near to the officials, we noticed a group of people standing around them. We were going to wait in line, but suddenly we heard the voice of a man speaking in a commanding voice. I looked toward the voice and there stood a man much taller than the people around us. He was looking right at me over the heads of the group of people. He pointed toward me then moved his arm in a swinging motion toward the exit doors. Now pointing toward the exit doors he commanded us to “Go!” When I hesitated, he once again commanded us to “Go,” using the same hand motion. At this we quickly followed his instruction, walked past the people, past the airport officials and right through the big glass exit doors. It was as if we were invisible. No one looked at us or noticed us pass by. Soon we were out of the building, with all our precious cargo.

Do you think this man could have been an angel? Well, we believe it was either an angel or a man sent of God to protect us, and the bags that we carried. We know God was watching over us closely and were thrilled to be working with Him as missionaries in a foreign land. If you choose to be a missionary for Jesus, He will give you thrilling stories to tell others … maybe even a story about an angel!