Basic HTML Version
186
The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 4
question does not come until Sunday observance is enforced by law,
and the world is enlightened concerning the obligation of the true
Sabbath. Not until the issue is thus plainly set before the people, and
they are brought to choose between the commandments of God and
the commandments of men, will those who continue in transgression
receive the mark of the beast.
The most fearful threatening ever addressed to mortals is con-
tained in the third angel’s message. That must be a terrible sin which
calls down the wrath of God unmingled with mercy. Men are not
to be left in darkness concerning this important matter; the warning
against this sin is to be given to the world before the visitation of
God’s judgments, that all may know why they are to be inflicted,
and have opportunity to escape them.
In the issue of the great contest, two distinct, opposite classes are
developed. One class “worship the beast and his image, and receive
his mark,” and thus bring upon themselves the awful judgments
threatened by the third angel. The other class, in marked contrast to
the world, “keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.”
[
Revelation 14:9, 12
.] Though the powers of earth summon their
forces to compel “all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and
bond,” to receive the mark of the beast, yet the people of God do
not receive it. The prophet of Patmos beholds “them that had gotten
the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark,
[283]
and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having
the harps of God,” [
Revelation 15:2
.] and singing the song of Moses
and the Lamb.
Such were the momentous truths that opened before those who
received the third angel’s message. As they reviewed their experi-
ence from the first proclamation of the second advent to the passing
of the time in 1844, they saw their disappointment explained, and
hope and joy again animated their hearts. Light from the sanctu-
ary illuminated the past, the present, and the future, and they knew
that God had led them by his unerring providence. Now with new
courage and firmer faith, they joined in giving the warning of the
third angel.
The work of Sabbath reform to be accomplished in the last days
is clearly brought to view in the prophecy of Isaiah: “Thus saith the
Lord, Keep ye judgment, and do justice; for my salvation is near to