The Last Message by S. K. Gibson

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Sep 18, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 36.

The Last Message.

By S. K. Gibson

It is very evident to my mind that the “Third Angel’s Message” (Rev. 14: 9), is the last of the series of three that are due this age, just prior to Christ’s coming. It may not be and very likely is not, separated wholly from the others, but stands connected with them, just in the same relation and importance in the last grand and awful warning message to the inhabitants of this world that their chronology and order sustain to the events transpiring in the world, and to the end of man’s probation, the coming of Christ, and the final judgment.

To place this message in the past, not only throws it entirely out of God’s chronological order, but it detracts from its interest, and nullifies the vast importance of the message to the world, in its just and true light, as set forth by the Revelator, thereby hiding or covering up some astounding facts which God has made known and which he wishes to be taught in the last message and voice of a judgment-bound world.

It cannot be that God made a mistake in the order of the messages when he gave them to St. John. If the first angel’s message is the advent message, and the second the fall of Babylon, the loss of civil power to the papacy, then the third message is now about due, and surely applies to a power not yet fully developed, but near at hand, and the last in the series; and also the last phase of human government, prior to the “breaking with a rod of iron, and dashing to pieces as a potter’s vessel” the kingdoms of this world.

A more important matter could not be revealed. For upon our individual spiritual condition now, at this time, depends our immortal life. Our condition, spiritually, is the result of our choice. Our choice depends somewhat upon our knowledge of events and the character of existing powers and their influences. Here, as revealed, arises a miracle-working power, a seducing power, which will, “if possible, deceive the very elect.” This power commands the worship of the beast, and his image also. “He exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, so that he causeth all, small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive the mark or the name of the beast or the number of his name.” Rev. 13. It is very evident that this power will be popular with the world. It is an image of the first beast. It exercises the same power, “and all the world wondered after the beast.” Under the symbol of a woman, the same power “is decked with gold and precious stones and pearls,” and “the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.” So, likely, it will be in a limited sense again under this image power.

It is Satan’s last grand effort to get control of this world, and the hearts of the children of men, and he will accomplish it, except with few, who “fear God and give glory to him in the hour of his judgment,” and who have “the patience of the saints, and keep the commandments of God, and have the faith of Jesus.” Rev. 14: 12. There is no other alternative: God has set his seal to his own word, and to his own people. They are his, and no others are. Their names must pass before the court of Heaven, approved of God the Father, and cleansed by the precious blood of Christ—their sins blotted out of Heaven’s record through his ministrations in the heavenly sanctuary. These will not receive the mark of the beast; all others will.

This, then, is a wonderful period in the history of God’s people. Under this message this world will be tried and tested, for this message will go to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. A message of such vast moment to the church and world should not, and must not be left out, or slighted by those looking for the Lord and expecting his soon return. This message, with the others, demands of us a full surrender to God and to the word of his testimony, to keep his commandments to the glory of his dear name.

May the Lord give us wisdom and grace to know and do his will in all things to his praise and glory.—S. K. Gibson, in World’s Crisis.