Chapter 6—Proclaiming the Three Angels’ Messages

The time is now—If ever there was a time in the history of Seventh-day Adventists when they should arise and shine, it is now. No voice should be restrained from proclaiming the third angel’s message. Let none, for fear of losing prestige with the world, obscure one ray of light coming from the Source of all light.—Letter 94a, 1909 (June 6) (The Upward Look, 171) 3AM 158.1

Make the most of present opportunities—Those who believe the truths of the third angel’s message need now to make the most of every opportunity for service. Very soon we will have less favorable opportunity than we now have to proclaim this message of warning. We need today workers who are partakers of the divine nature, men who can put new life into the old methods of labor, and whom God can teach how to reach the men and women in the churches and in the world who know not of the issues that are just before them. Now, while we have opportunity, we need to “cry aloud” and “spare not.” [Isaiah 58:1.] Let God work through those whom He chooses. He will use humble men who, moved by the Holy Spirit, will give a message that will stir the world.—Manuscript 117, 1907 (October 11) 3AM 158.2

God’s people not to fear—There is a marked contrast between those who bear the seal of God and those who worship the beast and his image. The Lord’s faithful servants will receive the bitterest persecution from false teachers, who will not hear the Word of God, and who prepare stumbling blocks to put in the way of those who would hear. But God’s people are not to fear. Satan cannot go beyond his limit. The Lord will be the defense of His people. He regards the injury done to His servants for the truth’s sake as done to Himself. When the last decision has been made, when all have taken sides, either for Christ and the commandments or for the great apostate, God will arise in His power, and the mouths of those who have blasphemed against Him will be forever stopped. Every opposing power will receive its punishment.—Letter 28, 1900 (February 17) (Maranatha, 191) 3AM 159.1

Entire universe calls us to proclaim the message—Everything in the universe calls upon those who know the truth to consecrate themselves unreservedly to the proclamation of the truth as it has been made known to them in the third angel’s message. That which we see and hear calls us to our duty. The working of satanic agencies calls every Christian to stand in his lot.—Testimonies for the Church 9:25, 26 (1909) 3AM 159.2

Rapid advance requires many more laborers—All should feel an intense interest in the advancement of the third angel’s message. The work of proclaiming this message has already grown to large proportions; but it is to advance still more rapidly. We need many more laborers, and God’s loyal people, filled with a spirit of self-denial, should now give cheerfully and liberally, in order that facilities may be provided for the entering of new territory. In many places the work has been retarded because of the scarcity of means. The rebuke of God will rest upon those who do not come up to His help against the mighty powers of darkness.—The Review and Herald, December 27, 1906 3AM 159.3

God will work through humble instruments qualified by His Spirit—As the time comes for it [the message of the third angel] 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 laborers 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. The sins of Babylon will be laid open. The fearful results of enforcing the observances of the church by civil authority, the inroads of spiritualism, the stealthy but rapid progress of the papal power—all will be unmasked. By these solemn warnings the people will be stirred. Thousands upon thousands will listen who have never heard words like these. In amazement they hear the testimony that Babylon is the church, fallen because of her errors and sins, because of her rejection of the truth sent to her from heaven.—The Great Controversy, 606, 607 (1888, 1911) 3AM 160.1

Conversion (or reconversion) is the preparation needed—We ought to long with all the heart for a thorough reconversion, that the truth may be enthroned in heart and mind, and that, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, we may be prepared to present the third angel’s message before others who need it so much. Now is our opportunity. May God help us, that we may be converted.—The Review and Herald, December 13, 1906 3AM 160.2

A unified message proclaimed in power—We are to bear a clean-cut message to the world. We are not to heed the counsels or follow the plans suggested by unbelievers. We are not to make less prominent the special truths which have separated us from the world and made us what we are, for they are fraught with eternal interests. The first, second, and third angels’ messages are to be given to the world. These angels, spoken of in Revelation, represent a people who will proclaim the truth appropriate for the times. God has given us light through the prophet of Patmos in regard to the things which are now taking place in the last remnant of time, and with pen and voice we are to proclaim the truth to the world, not in a tame, spiritless way, but in demonstration of the power of God.... 3AM 160.3

The work for this time is represented by the first, second, and third angels, as they fly in the midst of heaven. The first angel’s message loses none of its force because the second has followed, and the proclamation of the third angel’s message does not make of no effect the previous messages. These angels with their messages represent the people of God as they present the truth to the world.—Manuscript 40a, 1890 (November 3) 3AM 161.1

The message will not be silenced—In the closing work of God in the earth, the standard of His law will be again exalted. False religion may prevail, iniquity may abound, the love of many may wax cold, the cross of Calvary may be lost sight of, and darkness, like the pall of death, may spread over the world; the whole force of the popular current may be turned against the truth; plot after plot may be formed to overthrow the people of God; but in the hour of greatest peril the God of Elijah will raise up human instrumentalities to bear a message that will not be silenced. In the populous cities of the land, and in the places where men have gone to the greatest lengths in speaking against the Most High, the voice of stern rebuke will be heard. Boldly will men of God’s appointment denounce the union of the church with the world. Earnestly will they call upon men and women to turn from the observance of a man-made institution to the observance of the true Sabbath.—Prophets and Kings, 186, 187 (1917) 3AM 161.2

Mountains of difficulties will be removed—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.—The Review and Herald, July 5, 1906 3AM 162.1

Be quick to recognize the turning of the wheel of providence—From quarters where we least expect will come voices urging us forward in the work of giving to the world the last message of mercy. Ministers and people, wake up! Be quick to recognize and seize every opportunity and advantage offered in the turning of the wheel of providence. God and Christ and the heavenly angels are working with intense activity to hold in check the fierceness of Satan’s wrath, that God’s plans may not be thwarted. God lives and reigns. He is conducting the affairs of the universe. Let His soldiers move forward to victory. Let there be perfect unity in their ranks. Let them press the battle to the gates. As a mighty Conqueror, the Lord will work for them.—Testimonies for the Church 7:14 (1902) 3AM 162.2

Proclaim with no faltering hesitancy—The first, second, and third angels’ messages are to be proclaimed with no faltering hesitancy, but with power from on high. We know in whom we have believed. We know that as we obey His Word to us, He will give to our words power that will convict and convert souls.—Manuscript 78, 1903 (July 24) 3AM 163.1

To be shared judiciously, in its true dignity—God has a work to be done which the workers have not yet fully comprehended. Ministers and the world’s wise men are to be tested by the light of present truth. The third angel’s message is to be set before them judiciously, in its true dignity. There must be most earnest seeking of God, most thorough study; for the mental powers will be taxed to the utmost in laying plans which will place the work of God on a more elevated platform.—The Review and Herald, November 25, 1890 3AM 163.2

Reveal the truths through deeds of loving ministry—To teachers in our schools, to ministers and physicians and nurses, I would say, If you will, you can succeed in revealing the truths of the third angel’s message. This will not be done merely by preaching the Word, but by deeds of loving ministry. It is the Spirit of the Word that we so greatly need. Those who have the Spirit of Christ will work His works.—Manuscript 7, 1908 (February 24) (Medical Ministry, 263) 3AM 163.3