Justification by Faith: The Third Angel's Message in Verity

Justification by faith is the Third Angel’s Message in verity and truthARSH January 9, 1900, page 24.4+2. While the message contains solemn warnings against the worship of the beast and his image, these announcements are only made effective through the power of the everlasting gospel, which is righteousness by faithARSH January 9, 1900, page 24.4+1.

The Heart of the Message

The Third Angel’s Message is not merely a theory or a set of dry doctrines like the Sabbath or the state of the dead; it is the revelation of the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ Romans 3:21-22ARSH January 9, 1900, page 24.4+1. It is described as the "Third Angel’s Message in verity" because justification by faith provides the spiritual power necessary to save people from the fall of Babylon and the mark of the beastARSH January 9, 1900, page 24.4+2. True worship is only possible through faith, for without it, pleasing God is impossible Hebrews 11:6ARSH January 9, 1900, page 24.4.

Restoring the Faith of Jesus

The message aims to bring the "faith of Jesus" into its rightful place alongside the commandments of God Revelation 14:1216MR 235.2+1. The law is holy and just, but it is powerless to save the transgressor unless the righteousness of Christ is placed beside it to give the law its glory Romans 7:1216MR 235.2+1. This "old truth" had been lost sight of, but it must be restored so that the whole world can be lightened with the glory of Christ16MR 235.2+2.

A Living Experience, Not a Theory

Justification by faith in the context of the Third Angel’s Message is a transformative experience rather than a cold argumentGCDB February 7, 1893, page 188.11+1.

• Converting Power: Many have a knowledge of the theory of the truth but lack the converting power that leading a soul to Christ requiresGCDB February 7, 1893, page 188.11+1.

• The Loud Cry: The "loud cry" of the third angel, which is the latter rain, began in the presentation of the righteousness of ChristGCB/GCDB 1893, page 183.4+1.

• Victory Over Sin: Genuine faith is evidenced by a practical reception of truth, including health reform and self-government, which prepare the body to be a temple for the Holy Spirit 1 Corinthians 6:19SITI August 4, 1887, page 470.4+1.

The Purpose of the Message

The supreme righteousness embodied in this message is designed to protect believers from the "deceivableness of unrighteousness" worked by Satan in the final days 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10SITI December 8, 1887, page 743.3. By receiving the love of the truth—which is the supreme manifestation of righteousness—souls gain the victory over the beast and his image Revelation 15:2SITI December 8, 1887, page 743.3+1. Ultimately, the work of the Third Angel’s Message is to prepare a people to stand true during the investigative judgment by being clothed in the white raiment of Christ's righteousness Revelation 14:7POSDAI 32.2+1.