What Is Present Truth by Charles P. Whitford

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 8, 1870

“What Is Present Truth.”

By Charles P. Whitford

In the fourteenth chapter of Revelation, three distinct proclamations are brought to view which are to be given to the inhabitants of earth just prior to the coming of the Son of Man. Two of these are in the past, and have had their fulfillment, while the third and last message is now in full process of accomplishment, and culminates in the revelation of the Lord Jesus from Heaven in flaming fire, to take vengeance on his foes, and to reward his saints. Not only so, but we have come so near its accomplishment, that the very next link in the chain is this crowning and momentous work. It is this fact which gives to the third angel’s message, now going forth, its unusual degree of solemnity and importance. Indeed, it is the most solemn announcement that can be found in the oracles of God. The message reads as follows:

“If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God,

which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation.” Rev. 14: 9, 10.

From the solemn declaration of the third angel, we see that it is of the utmost importance that we clearly understand what the beast is, and what is his mark, and what constitutes his worship, in order that we may avoid his worship and his mark, and thus escape drinking the wine of the wrath of God.

Would God put forth such a solemn declaration, attaching as a penalty the wine of his wrath without any mixture of mercy, to be inflicted on all who worship the “beast and his image,” and then leave us to guess at what these things mean? Would not such a position charge God with folly, and the height of injustice? Would it not be more reasonable to conclude that the clear truth most certainly exists on this point, and that it is not only the privilege, but the duty, of all who profess to be God’s children, to learn and obey it, and thus escape the storm of his indignant wrath, which is soon to burst with all the fury of a sin-avenging God upon the heads of all who have the mark of the beast, and that worship his image? Oh! may the Lord help us to understand this important and significant question, What is present truth?

As the two preceding messages met their fulfillment in a class of religious teachers, so also in like manner is the third now being fulfilled. It is true that a proclamation is now going forth to the inhabitants of earth, warning them against a sin which the people of God have not been exposed to in past ages; viz., beast worship, and the reception of his mark. It now becomes a matter of solemn moment to inquire what the mark of the beast is, against which there is uttered so terrific a warning. Upon the announcement of this subject, the objection may arise in the mind, that we cannot tell what the mark of the beast is; that there are various opinions respecting it, and that we cannot settle down with assurance and certainty upon anything in relation to it. In reply to this, it is sufficient to say that God does not punish the wicked without their knowing, or having full opportunity to know, for what cause the punishment is inflicted; and as he has given us in his word a most solemn warning against the reception of the mark of the beast, accompanied with the most awful threatening of his unmingled wrath against all who do not heed the warning, we inquire if it would not be unjust in God thus to threaten men, while it is impossible for them to ascertain the meaning of the terms of the warning. Most certainly it would. Now, if it is the truth that the warning is for those to whom the message is given, and if we are not to be left in darkness in respect to what the “worship of the beast and the reception of his mark” represents, is it not logical to conclude, with the full assurance of the justice and reasonableness of all God’s requirements and threatenings, that we can and do understand what the mark of the beast is?

The message containing this warning is the last to be given before the revelation of the Lord from Heaven; and as all Adventists agree that we have reached the last days, and the two preceding messages have been fulfilled in the past, and as facts compel us to admit that the third and last message is now being proclaimed, we are forced to the conclusion that the time has come when it is not only our privilege, but our duty, to understand what the mark of the beast is. No matter if your learned minister can give you no light on this subject. He may possibly be of that class of shepherds described by the prophet Isaiah: “Shepherds that cannot understand.” Or, as Paul expresses it: “Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 2 Tim. 3: 7. But the angel declared to Daniel concerning these last days, “The wise shall understand.” Chap. 12: 10. “The time of the end” has arrived, and the warning voice of the third angel (Rev. 14: 9-12) is already being heard. Consequently the time has fully come for us to know what the mark of the beast is, that we may avoid it and escape the threatened wrath. And now, dear reader, if you have become interested in the question, “What is present truth,” and desire to know what the mark of the beast is, for a full discussion of this subject, we would cite you to such works as these; viz., “Mark of the Beast, and Seal of the Living God, The Three Angels’ Messages, &c., published at the REVIEW & HERALD Office, Battle Creek, Mich.

It is evident that the proclamation of the message of the third angel is being attended with the special blessing of the Lord. This is no small evidence in favor of the correctness of our position; yet it would be extremely unsafe for us to settle down on this evidence alone, without being able to give from the Bible the reasons of our faith. Those that heed the warning which is now being given to the world against worshiping the beast and his image, and receiving his mark, will soon realize a mighty deliverance, be sheltered from the seven last plagues in which is filled up the wrath of God, and sing the song of Moses and the Lamb on Mount Zion.

In view of an eternal life of glory in the kingdom of God, saved from sin and all its consequences, we beseech you, dear fellow mortals, to heed the warning voice of the last message of mercy to poor fallen man. Despise not this warning. Its last notes will soon die away, and then will

“Stern justice lift the avenging sword To slay the mockers of God’s word.”

Oh! then improve the present; for yet a little while, and the voice of sweet mercy will be heard no more. Fear not the reproach or revilings of men, but be willing to suffer persecution. Be wise, and sacrifice all for glory; and do it now. Let the signs of the times admonish you to make no delay. The days are evil; therefore, redeem the time.

CHARLES P. WHITFORD.

Berkshire Center, Vt.