p. 11 | A MESSAGE FROM JESUS by A. Smith

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · Feb 8, 1905

A MESSAGE FROM JESUS.

By A. Smith

BY A. SMITH.

THE book of Revelation is declared to be "The Revelation of Jesus Christ." It necessarily follows, therefore, that every true Christian will give respectful attention to everything written in the Book. To such the following beatitude of the Holy Spirit applies:

"Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein." Rev. 1:3. Among the things written in this book ministering a blessing to the reader and the hearer, are the three messages of Rev. 14:6-13. Under the supervision of holy angels the preaching of the Gospel is committed to man. "Go ye," said Jesus, "into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature." Mark 16:15.

The third message of Rev. 14:9-13, altho possessing distinctive features of its own, embodies in itself the features of the two preceding messages, and is to eventuate in the second advent of Christ. Compare verses 13, 14 with Matt. 13:39, last clause.

The people, therefore, who, in the providence of God, are called to give this threefold message, by responding thereto, necessarily and unavoidably become Adventists. This message may be located in point of time by the following tests:

1. The people who are to give it will make it their distinctive profession and life calling, all other questions or features of their work being only contributive to the great central thought.

2. Those who give this message will be able to define the terms of this message, such as "the beast," "mark," "image," etc.

3. It must be the last message of mercy that goes to all the world just before the second advent of Christ. See Rev. 14:14.

Is it possible that a message so wide in extent, and emphatic in diction will be unpopular, and generally rejected, and only a few be gathered and prepared for the second coming of Christ? To this the inspired Word responds: "Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish; for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in nowise believe, tho a man declare it unto you." Acts 13:41. "But if our Gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost, in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." 2 Cor. 4:3, 4. Those only who love the appearing of Jesus in His glory, will receive a crown of righteousness in that day (2 Tim. 4:8); and all such living in the last days will receive the Third Angel's Message as the voice of Jesus to them. Does the reader discern such a message in the world to-day?

Grandville, Mich.