The Meaning of the Third Angel’s Message
Norval F. Pease
Review and Herald
May 7, 1953
Norval F. Pease
Review and Herald
May 7, 1953
What does the third angel’s message really mean? Every Adventist, of course, can define what is symbolized by the beast, the image, and the mark. It would be a waste of time to pause to prove these points. There has been no change in the Adventist interpretation of these symbols.
“The light that we have upon the third angel’s message is the true light. The mark of the beast is exactly what it has been proclaimed to be.” Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 17.
This does not mean, however, that we have exhausted the meaning of the term the third angel’s message. The quotation introduced in the last paragraph continues:
“Not all in regard to this matter is yet understood, and will not be understood
until the unrolling of the scroll; but a most solemn work is to be accomplished
in our world.” Ibid.
What we have already learned is true, but there is much more that we may learn. It is this large aspect of the third angel’s message that we wish to explore in this article. It is one thing to learn the multiplication tables and another to figure the lumber for a home. It is one thing to learn the parts of speech and another to write a book. And, my Seventh-day Adventist friend, it is one thing to know that the beast symbolizes the Papacy, that the image symbolizes apostate Protestantism, that the mark is Sunday observance; but it is another thing to relate the facts to the problems of practical Christian living.
The third angel’s message refers to the Sabbath, but it must not be interpreted to mean that the mere keeping of a day ensures salvation. The opposite of the mark of the beast is the seal of God. According to Revelation 7:3 and 14:1, this seal is the Father’s name, or character, written in the forehead. This includes the Sabbath, but it includes much more, as may be seen in the following quotations: “Not all who profess to keep the Sabbath will be sealed. There are many even among those who teach the truth to others who will not receive the seal of God in their foreheads. They had the light of truth, they knew their Master’s will, they understood every point of our faith, but they had not corresponding works…
“Not one of us will ever receive the seal of God while our characters have one
spot or stain upon them…
“Those who are uniting with the world are receiving the worldly mold and preparing for the mark of the beast. Those who are distrustful of self, who are humbling themselves before God and purifying their souls by obeying the truth – these are receiving the heavenly mold and preparing for the seal of God in their foreheads. When the decree goes forth and the stamp is impressed, their character will remain pure and spotless for eternity.” Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 216.
“Now is the time to prepare. The seal of God will never be placed upon the forehead of an impure man or woman. It will never be placed upon the forehead of the ambitious, world-loving man or woman. It will never be placed upon the forehead of men or women of false tongues or deceitful hearts. All who receive the seal must be without spot before God – candidates for heaven.” Ibid. p. 216.
What does this all mean? Language could not be plainer than the keeping of a
false Sabbath by those who know God’s Sabbath is not the only way of ensuring
the reception of the mark of the beast. Dishonesty, impurity, selfishness,
deceitfulness, faithlessness—all these sins and many more will prepare men for
this mark.
false Sabbath by those who know God’s Sabbath is not the only way of ensuring
the reception of the mark of the beast. Dishonesty, impurity, selfishness,
deceitfulness, faithlessness—all these sins and many more will prepare men for
this mark.
Also Sabbathkeeping is not the only requisite for the seal of God. Faith, integrity, purity, unselfishness, devotion—these are part of the same pattern of obedience that includes loyalty to the Sabbath.
“Our faith at this time must not stop with an assent to, or belief, in, the theory of the third angel’s message.” Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 155.
This message is intensely practical. It touches all phases of life and practice,
because its purpose is to seal men and women for the kingdom of God.
Christ is the center of this message. Righteousness by faith in Christ has been
said to be the third angel’s message “in verity.”
The proclamation of the third angel’s message calls for the presentation of the Sabbath truth. This truth, with others included in the message, is to be proclaimed; but the great center of attraction, Christ Jesus, must not be left out.” Gospel Workers, p. 156.
This message not only demands character but points out the only source of true
character, Jesus Christ, the Savior of men.
This third angel’s message is the core of our evangelistic message. Rightly presented, it has the power of converting and saving men. The effectiveness of our preaching of this gospel message depends largely on what it has done for us. The third angel’s message can be proclaimed effectively only by those whose lives have been transformed by it. That transformation touches the whole life as well as the day of worship. That transformation makes men and women like
Christ. That transformation is the central fact of Christianity.”
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