Week of

Prayer

A Loving
Appeal
Page 6

Worship the
Creator
Page 10

The Final
Judgment
and the Love
of God
Page 18

I Will Go
Sent to Share
 Week of Prayer 2021: Introduction
“Unprecedented” is the word often used to describe recent
world developments. Never before have such earthshaking events
converged in such a relatively short period of time, affecting
nearly every aspect of life so quickly and dramatically. Perceptions
are running high that something stupendous is about to happen,
but predictions about the future are vague and uncertain. Now is
Week of Prayer the time, if ever there was such a time, for Seventh-day Adventists
to proclaim with Holy Spirit-inspired boldness the messages of
the three angels found in Revelation 14:6-12. There is no work
3 First Sabbath of such great importance, we are told, than proclaiming this “last
The Three Angels’ Messages warning for a perishing world.”
During this 2021 Week of Prayer we will dive deeply into these
and the Mission of the Church
all-important messages that have Jesus Christ and His righteous-
Ted N. C. Wilson
ness at their core as He seeks to bring home the necessity of
6 Sunday uniting our lives fully and totally with Him.
A Loving Appeal The Seventh-day Adventist Church is a prophetic movement,
raised up by God at a specific time in earth’s history to proclaim a
8 Monday specific message that could be given only at this time—that of the
Repentance and Judgment three angels of Revelation.
Now is the time to study these messages, to pray with hearts
10 Tuesday open to God’s leading, and to commit ourselves fully into His
Worship the Creator hands, saying, I will go to proclaim the three angels’ messages!
May the Lord bless you in a special way as you spend time with
12 Wednesday Him during this worldwide Week of Prayer.
The Gospel Vanquishes All Opposition
Ted N. C. Wilson, President
16 Thursday General Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Church
A Loving Warning From God

18 Friday
The Final Judgment and
the Love of God Meet the Authors
20 Second Sabbath
The Three Angels’ Messages This year’s adult Week of Prayer
readings is a collaborative team
Ellen G. White
effort of the Adventist Review and
the Adventist World family. Ángel
23 Children’s Readings Manuel Rodríguez is well known to readers of Adventist World as he
Courageous Kids authors our monthly Bible Questions Answered column. He retired
Randy Fishell in 2011 as director of the Biblical Research Institute of the General
Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, where he served for a total
of 19 years. Rodríguez was born in Puerto Rico, earned a Th.D. from
Andrews University, and has worked for the Adventist Church as pastor,
educator, and administrator. His daughter, Díxil Lisbeth Rodríguez,
earned a doctorate in rhetoric from Texas Woman’s University and has
served as university professor and hospital chaplain. “I enjoy teaching,
but I have a passion for humanitarian mission and chaplaincy,” she says
Cover Photo: Diversity Studio / iStock / Getty Images when asked about her favorite things to do. Both father and daughter
Plus / Getty Images enjoy conversing deeply about theology.

We believe in the power of prayer, and we welcome prayer requests that can be shared at our weekly staff worship every Wednesday
morning. Send your requests to [email protected], and pray for us as we work together to advance God’s kingdom.

2 November 2021 AdventistWorld.org

First Sabbath

The Three
Angels’
Messages and
the Mission of
the Church
God calls us to go.

TED N. C. WILSON

I
n every age God has given His people a special mission. And two and would be given just before
while the specifics of how to carry out that mission may vary, the Jesus returns. The combination of
ultimate goal is always the same—to bring people into a saving these three messages would be the
relationship with God that will last for eternity. final appeal of God to this world.
More than 2,500 years ago God called a young man to an import- Our mission as God’s remnant
ant mission lasting not only through his lifetime but down the ages church is made abundantly clear
into our time and beyond. Standing fearlessly in the courts of kings, by inspiration: “In a special
Daniel was a bright light as he ministered to those at the highest sense Seventh-day Adventists
levels while standing in the presence of the King of kings who “reveals secrets” have been set in the world as
and “makes known what will be in the latter days” (see Dan. 2:29). watchmen and light bearers. To
Those prophecies, particularly the ones regarding the last days, are identified them has been entrusted the last
in Revelation 10 as a “little book,” sealed until the time of the end. John is told, warning for a perishing world. On
“Go, take the little book which is open. . . . Take and eat it; and it will make your them is shining wonderful light
stomach bitter, but it will be as sweet as honey in your mouth” (Rev. 10:8, 9). from the word of God. They have
In Revelation 10 John represents God’s people who experienced the Great been given a work of the most sol-
Disappointment in 1844. The open book is the book of Daniel, containing emn import—the proclamation of
the 2,300-day/year prophecy concerning the cleansing of the sanctuary and the first, second, and third angels’
the coming investigative judgment. Believing Jesus was about to come was messages. There is no other work
sweet to the Advent believers, but when Christ did not appear as expected, of so great importance. They are
it was a bitter disappointment. They had preached the message of Jesus’ to allow nothing else to absorb
return, but their work was not yet complete. There was an additional mes- their attention. . . . The world is to
sage that, in God’s plans, must be given to the whole world. This message, be warned, and God’s people are
divided into three parts, is outlined in Revelation 14:6-12, and is known as to be true to the trust committed
the three angels’ messages. to them.”1
The Spirit of Prophecy tells us the first and second messages were given Since we are entrusted by God
by the early Advent believers. The third message would be added to the first to proclaim these messages to the

Photo: imtmphoto / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images AdventistWorld.org November 2021 3
 We must move forward with Christian
love and biblical authenticity, just as
those in the past have carried out the
mission God gave to them.

world, how important it is that we But there is more to worshipping reject the three messages of
understand the messages and the God as Creator—there must be a Revelation 14 and accept the strong
importance of sharing them. willingness to reject false theories delusions and lying wonders pre-
about the origin of life. It is impos- sented by Satan; (2) these apostate
THE FIRST MESSAGE sible to believe in evolution and churches unite fully with the world,
The first angel’s message, in yet say God is Creator of heaven accepting and believing what the
Revelation 14:6, 7, proclaims and earth. The two concepts do not world accepts and believes.5
the everlasting gospel: salvation mix. Further, evolution is a part of For God’s people still in Babylon
through Christ’s righteousness and spiritualism, since “spiritualism to understand the urgency of
grace—His justifying and sancti- teaches ‘that man is the creature of getting out, they must understand
fying power. The angel announces progression; that it is his destiny the sins and errors of Babylon. This
that the time of judgment has come from his birth to progress, even to places a tremendous responsibility
and calls people back to the true eternity, toward the Godhead.’”3 upon God’s people to carry out
worship of God, recognizing Him as His mission of proclaiming these
the Creator. SECOND MESSAGE messages. Although this proclama-
The announcement that we are The second angel’s message, tion will be met by intense anger
living in the time of the judgment found in Revelation 14:8, announc- and fierce opposition for exposing
is based upon the fulfillment of ing the fall of Babylon, was first Babylon for what it is, we must
the prophecy in Daniel 8:14—after presented in the summer of move forward with Christian love
2,300 mornings and evenings 1844.4 Because in the prophecy and biblical authenticity, just as
(or prophetic days, which equal this announcement follows the those in the past have carried out
years) the sanctuary would be preaching of the judgment, and their God-given mission.6
cleansed. Since October 22, 1844, because the churches to which this
we have been living in the period message applies were once pure, THIRD MESSAGE
of time known as the pre-Advent Babylon here refers to churches The third angel’s message,
judgment—the cleansing of the that have rejected the warning of found in Revelation 14:9-11,
heavenly sanctuary. The results of the judgment. contains a clear warning: don’t
this investigative judgment will The message “Babylon is fallen” is worship the beast or its image, or
determine who will be taken to repeated in Revelation 18:1-4. God’s receive its mark. This message is
heaven when Jesus returns. people who are still in Babylon are based on the prophecy of Reve-
The call to worship God as Cre- called out so that they will not be lation 13. The beast represents
ator automatically places upon peo- guilty of participating in her sins the apostate church. The image of
ple the responsibility to observe and will not receive the plagues to this beast is created by the second
the day that honors His creative be poured out upon her. Therefore, animal, representing the United
act. We are told, “The Sabbath will Babylon is constituted by churches States. Note Ellen White’s expla-
be the great test of loyalty, for it is that teach many of the theological nation: “In order for the United
the point of truth especially con- errors passed down through the States to form an image of the
troverted. When the final test shall church of the Middle Ages. beast, the religious power must
be brought to bear upon men, then Although the fall of Babylon so control the civil government
the line of distinction will be drawn began in the summer of 1844, it that the authority of the state will
between those who serve God and is a gradual process and will not also be employed by the church to
those who serve Him not.”2 be complete until (1) the churches accomplish her own ends.”7

4 November 2021 AdventistWorld.org

 For more than 200 years the the opposition. By uniting with the proclaim the three angels’ mes-
United States has stood as a beacon world and partaking of its spirit, sages. Wherever You send me, I am
of religious freedom. According to they have come to view matters in willing to go.” Amen.
Bible prophecy, however, the time nearly the same light; and when the
1
Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church (Mountain View, Calif.:
is coming when religious freedom test is brought, they are prepared Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1909), vol. 9, p. 19.
will be violated, and a movement to choose the easy, popular side. Ellen G, White, The Great Controversy (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific
2

Press Pub. Assn., 1911), p. 605.

will so control the government that . . . They become the most bitter 3
Ibid., p. 554.
4
Ibid., p. 389.
laws will pass fulfilling the wishes enemies of their former brethren.”9 5
Ibid., p. 390.
6
Ibid., p. 606.
of the apostate churches. The end Those who hold fast to their 7
Ibid., p. 443.
result of forming this image is Savior and refuse to abandon the 8
Ibid., p. 445.
9
Ibid., p. 608.
intolerance toward anyone who truths found in the three angels’ 10
Ibid., p. 612.

disagrees with what this church/ messages realize they must,

state relationship demands.8 through God’s strength, carry
The mark of the beast, observance on with His mission, leaving the Ted N. C. Wilson is president of the
worldwide Seventh-day Adventist
of a false day of worship, is an results with Him. Their faces will
Church. Additional articles and
institution that clearly sets forth the be “lighted up hastening from place commentaries are available from
authority of the beast. One church to place to proclaim the message the president’s office on Twitter:
boldly boasts that it has changed from heaven. . . . The message @pastortedwilson and on Facebook:
the seventh-day Sabbath from will be carried not so much by @Pastor Ted Wilson.
Saturday to Sunday. Other churches argument as by the deep conviction
indicate they worship on Sunday as of the Spirit of God. . . . The truth
a memorial of Christ’s resurrection. is seen in its clearness, and the Questions for
Neither assertion is biblical. honest children of God sever the
Apostate religious leaders will bands which have held them. . . .
Reflection:
be filled with anger as they are Notwithstanding the agencies com-
unable to refute scriptural evidence bined against the truth, a large 1. Why is it important to read
for the sacredness of Saturday, and number take their stand upon the the three angels’ messages in
Sabbathkeepers will be persecuted Lord’s side.”10 the larger context of biblical
and imprisoned. Amid these events Brothers and sisters, what we prophecy?
the proclamation of the third mes- are seeing today is a wake-up call, 2. What would you say to people
sage will have a powerful effect as urging us to look to God’s Word and who have read this reading
people see prophecy being fulfilled be ready for what’s coming. Only by and tell you that they are
exactly as commandment keepers relying completely on Jesus and the afraid to think about end
said it would. As the conflict power of the Holy Spirit will we be times and final events?
between truth and error intensifies, able to accomplish anything! God
a purging takes place in God’s is preparing us for the outpouring 3. How would you formulate the
church. “As the storm approaches, a of the latter rain, enabling us to pro- essence of the three angels’
large class who have professed faith claim with a loud voice the life-giving messages if you were to share
in the third angel’s message, but messages of the three angels. them with a friend who has
have not been sanctified through Today I invite you to respond to never heard about them?
obedience to the truth, abandon God’s call by saying, “Yes, Lord, by
their position and join the ranks of Your strength and power, I will go

AdventistWorld.org November 2021 5

Sunday

A Loving
Appeal The eternal gospel in the
first angel’s message

A
ngels descended on the THE ETERNAL GOSPEL verb is in the present—“who loves
city of Bethlehem pro- OF DIVINE LOVE us”—indicating the constant flow of
claiming the good news The gospel is eternal, for it was divine love toward us. According to
of the birth of the Savior (Luke conceived in the divine mind in John, this unique love was mani-
2:8-11), and now shortly before eternity and was manifest within fested in the sacrificial death of His
the coming of Christ angels come history through Jesus Christ Son on the cross (notice the past
again proclaiming the saving power (Rom. 16:25, 26; Col. 1:26, 27). tense—“released us”). Love, taking
of the eternal gospel. As a matter It is eternal, for it is unalterable the form of a bloody sacrifice,
of fact, within the messages of and has permanent saving power. broke the power of sin and freed us
the three angels (Rev. 14:6-12) the In Revelation the gospel encom- to serve God.
gospel functions as their bookends: passes all God did for us through
the eternal gospel is mentioned Jesus Christ, including His substi- THE LAMB AND THE GOSPEL
at the beginning (verse 6), and at tutionary death, resurrection (Rev. It is the figure of the Lamb that
the end we find faith in the saving 1:18), ascension (Rev. 12:5), and was slain, however, that dominates
work of Jesus—justification by enthronement (Rev. 4 and 5); His the saving message of Revelation.
faith (verse 12). The first angel work of mediation in heaven (Rev. His first appearance in the book is
proclaims the gospel in the context 8:3, 4); and His return in glory to dramatic and powerful. God is sit-
of God’s final judgment; the second consummate the salvation of His ting on His majestic throne with a
announces the triumph of the people and to judge the wicked sealed book in His hand that could
eternal gospel in the collapse of (Rev. 1:7; 14:10; 19:11; 22:20). only be opened by the Lamb that
Babylon’s false gospel (verse 8); John takes us to the very depth was slain (Rev. 5:1-6). The angel
the third announces the final of the gospel manifested on the calls Him “the Lion” from the tribe
judgment, when evil powers will cross of Christ. of Judah, a messianic title (verse 5),
acknowledge the love and justice The gospel first appears at the but when John turns to look at the
of God revealed through the Lamb beginning of Revelation when Lion, he sees “a Lamb standing, as
(verse 10). John offers a doxology to Jesus: if slain” (verse 6). The good news is
“To Him who loves us and released that the Lion will vanquish God’s
GOSPEL, LOVE, CONFLICT us from our sins by His blood” enemies by becoming a Lamb, a
The emphasis on the gospel (Rev. 1:5).2 What is beyond the full sacrificial Lamb. Yes, there is force
found throughout the messages comprehension of any creature has and power here, but it’s the force
means that “of all professing happened, and for them it is good of a Lamb that was slain, that is
Christians, Seventh-day Adventists news! This is about love and blood; to say, the power of God’s love
should be foremost in uplifting about the God who went through displayed on the cross. When those
Christ before the world”1—a most the valley of death making atone- around the throne see the Lamb,
serious challenge. We will highlight ment for us; cleansing us from sin. they fall down to worship Him
three characteristics of the gospel This is divine love made visible while singing, “Worthy are You . . .
in the message of the first angel. within history. Notice that the for You were slain, and purchased

6 November 2021 AdventistWorld.org

 In Revelation the Lamb is
the embodiment of the
eternal gospel.

for God with Your blood men the Lamb is the embodiment of the the gospel. We should never be
from every tribe and tongue and eternal gospel. distracted from proclaiming the
people and nation” (verse 9). Once sufficiency of the blood of the
more we find together the two GOSPEL AND CONFLICT Lamb though word and action. We
fundamental concepts of blood The proclamation of the gospel need to have a clear comprehen-
and redemption through which occurs in a context of conflict. It’s sion of the gospel, but we also need
God extends to repentant sinners a part of a story of rebellion that orig- to allow it to be incarnated in our
glorious future. inated in heaven (Rev. 12:7, 8) and lives, making us loving people in
In Revelation 7:9-15 God’s that captured the human race (Gen. service to others. Our churches and
end-time people stand before 3:1-8). As the end of the conflict institutions should be places where
the throne of God and the Lamb, approaches, the dragon gets ready the love of the Lamb is displayed in
praising them and ready to serve to overcome God’s people through lives totally dedicated to Him.
them. They are standing before deception and persecution (Rev.
1
Ellen G. White, Evangelism (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald
God and the Lamb because “they 13:13-15). He unifies apostate Chris- Pub. Assn., 1946), p. 188.
have washed their robes and made tianity (verses 1-17) and through the All Scripture quotations have been taken from the New American
2

Standard Bible, copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972,

them white in the blood of the message of three demonic spirits 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by
permission.
Lamb” (verse 14). The sacrifice (spiritualism) gains the support of 3
The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, ed. F. D. Nichol, rev.
ed., Ellen G. White Comments (Washington, D.C.: Review and
of the Lamb not only redeems the kings of the earth (Rev. 16:13, Herald Pub. Assn., 1980), vol. 7, p. 979.
human beings but also cleanses 14). At the same time, through the
them from their sins. messages of the three angels, God
In fact, it’s redemption from the is gathering His end-time people
power of sin that makes it possible from every nation, tribe, tongue, and
Questions for
for us to be in His presence and people (Rev. 14:6-12) in preparation Reflection:
to serve God. Since the sacrificial for the return of Christ (verses
death of the Lamb accomplishes 14-20). In this final conflict victory 1. Why is it so important to see
this glorious liberation, it is now is possible only through the blood the gospel in the messages of
possible for us to join the Lamb of the Lamb (Rev. 12:11). the three angels?
in the cosmic conflict against the
2. Are you afraid of Revelation’s
dragon and to “overcome him CONCLUSION
message of judgment? Why or
because of the blood of the Lamb The gospel is to be proclaimed
why not?
and because of the word of their throughout the planet as the only
testimony” (Rev. 12:11). Two solution to the cosmic conflict. The 3. How can we communicate
elements in their proper sequence: three angels “represent those who effectively the Lamb and the
victory made possible through the receive the truth, and with power gospel in the book of Revela-
sacrifice of Christ and witnessing open the gospel to the world.”3 We tion in a secular world?
on behalf of what God has done for are unveiling here what is at the
us through the Lamb. In Revelation heart of the Adventist message—

AdventistWorld.org November 2021 7

Monday

Repentance and
Judgment The eternal gospel in the
first angel’s message

T
he proclamation of the the experience is so intense that their “fear” of Him (or their “awe”) in
eternal gospel leads to an they fear they would not survive it submission to His loving will. The
appeal for human beings to (Ex. 20:19). This incomparable God alternative is to fear/submit to the
take God’s side in the cosmic conflict approaches His creatures longing dragon to escape death (Rev. 13:15),
(Rev. 14:7). God respects human free- to be their God. Consequently, but only He who is “the living One”
dom and invites every individual to the fear that manifested itself in died but is now “alive forevermore.”
respond freely to His plan for them. trembling and terror pulls them to Only the Lamb that was slain can
This most important decision will Him in awe, expressed in grateful preserve life (Rev. 1:18).
determine each one’s eternal destiny. submission to Him, in worship,
The call is like that of parents who, and in fellowship with the One “GIVE GLORY TO HIM”
sensing the child is about to make who is life in Himself (Deut. 5:26, Humans are to set aside their
a wrong decision, would do all they 27). This is true reverential fear for pride and instead ascribe honor
can to dissuade them from making the Creator and Redeemer God (Ex. and glory to God. The angel spec-
it. The appeal comes from the heart 20:1; Rev. 4:10, 11; 5:8, 9). ifies how humans, immersed in a
of a loving God. The best biblical parallel for cosmic conflict in which God’s jus-
the appeal to fear God (Rev. 14:7) tice and love have been questioned,
GLOBAL APPEAL is Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14. (1) The ought to glorify Him. The phrase
The magnitude of the decision is imperative is used in both passages “give glory to God” is used in the
expressed through the use of three (“fear God”), indicating that this Bible in the context of judgment,
verbs in the imperative: fear God, is an urgent matter. (2) The call is to acknowledge human sinfulness
give Him glory, and worship Him. universal in that it is addressed to and God’s righteous judgment. In
We will discuss all three of them in all human beings (“this applies such case, the phrase is a confes-
more detail. to every person” [Eccl. 12:13];* “to sion of guilt (Joshua 7:19) and/or
those who live on the earth” [Rev. an expression of repentance (Jer.
“FEAR GOD” 14:6]). (3) To fear God is connected 13:16; 1 Sam. 6:5).
Fear could awaken us to do to judgment (He “will bring every In Revelation, “to give glory” to
something to avoid the danger that act to judgment” [Eccl. 12:14]; God describes, first, what takes
generates it. In the Scriptures the “the hour of His judgment has place in heaven, where heavenly
presence of God could engender come” [Rev. 14:7]). (4) To fear God beings declare with one voice that
fear. Who would not tremble is associated with keeping His God is worthy of receiving glory
in the presence of a God who commandments (“fear God and keep because He is the Creator (Rev.
manifests Himself in glorious and His commandments” [Eccl. 12:13]; 4:9-11) and, through the Lamb, the
impenetrable light and that causes “the saints who keep the command- Redeemer (Rev. 5:9-13). Second,
nature to shake and recede before ments of God” [Rev. 14:12]). humans are commanded to give
Him? Humans fear for their life, The first angel urgently invites glory to God here on earth (Rev.
not because God threatens to kill humans to make this glorious God 11:13; 14:7; 16:9). Third, at the
them, but because they realize that their personal God and to manifest close of the cosmic conflict all will

8 November 2021 AdventistWorld.org

 Judgment is in principle a legal
search for the truth.

give glory to God (Rev. 19:7; cf. Rev. judgment in heaven, where the we are to appeal to humanity to
5:13). On earth there is unwilling- lives of God’s people are investi- fear God and give Him glory.
ness to recognize that people are gated to reveal whether they have
sinners and that God is a righteous, remained faithful to their faith CONCLUSION
loving God. The appeal should go commitment to the Lamb (e.g., The glorious and transcendental
out to all, for some of them will Dan. 7:8-10, 13, 22; Rom. 2:5, 6; God of the Scriptures wants to be
witness the destructive upheaval of 1 Cor. 3:8; 2 Cor. 5:10; Eph. 6:8). our God, but the decision is ours.
the forces of nature and will “give Christ will come to save His people The final judgment will reveal that,
glory to God”; they will acknowl- and not judge them (Heb. 9:28). through the cross of Christ, God
edge that they are sinners and Christians who believe in the manifested His infinite love, saving
that God’s judgments are just (Rev. immortality of the soul also believe sinners like us. For now, we have
11:13; Rom. 10:8, 9). in a pre-Advent judgment. The chosen to fear and to give glory to
judgment of the immortal soul Him, taking the side of the Lamb in
WORSHIP AND JUDGMENT occurs when the person dies; at the cosmic conflict.
The appeal to accept the majestic that moment the eternal destiny
* Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations have been taken
God of the Bible as one’s personal is legally determined. The Bible from the New American Standard Bible, copyright © 1960, 1962,
God (to “fear Him”) and to confess rejects the immortality of the 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman
Foundation. Used by permission.
one’s sinfulness, acknowledging soul and teaches that the person
God’s justice and love, is stated in “sleeps” in the Lord until the
the context of the announcement coming of Christ. Second, there is
that “the hour of His judgment a judgment after the millennium,
Questions for
has come” (Rev. 14:7). Judgment is when the forces of evil and their Reflection:
in principle a legal search for the supporters will stand before the
truth. A crime of cosmic propor- throne of God (Rev. 14:10; 20:11, 1. How can we connect the
tions was committed by evil powers 12), to be followed by the third judgment message of the
when they attacked the integrity aspect of the final judgment, the three angels in Revelation to
of God’s loving character, but in executive phase (Rev. 20), when the love story of the Gospels?
the final judgment His name will the cosmos will be purified from
2. How can we “give glory” to
be cleared. The wicked promoted sin. This most glorious event was
God in our daily life?
the dragon’s deception, but the typified in the Old Testament by
judgment will reveal their mistake. the Day of Atonement, pointing to 3. Why is the promise of divine
It is now that humans should fear the moment (“the hour”) in history judgment a hopeful message
God and give glory to Him. when the judicial process will in a world that is governed by
The final judgment is a Christian begin in heaven, according to the ambition, sin, and evil?
doctrine. According to the Bible, divine calendar, in 1844 (Dan. 8:14;
the final judgment consists of three cf. Rev. 11:19; 14:7). While living in
stages. The first is the pre-Advent the antitypical day of atonement,

AdventistWorld.org November 2021 9

Tuesday

Worship the
Creator The eternal gospel in the
first angel’s message

T
he heavenly message, pro- all things” (Rev. 4:11).1 They confess 5:17). Redemption assumes that
claimed by the first angel, that they worship God the Creator God’s original creation was dam-
is to resonate throughout and invite humans to join them in aged by the fallen cherub and that
the world, urgently appealing to all worship. The act of worship is funda- humans drifted away from home.
to fear, give glory, and worship the mentally a confession of faith in God, Then the Son of God descended to
Creator (Rev. 14:7). Worship takes whom we declare to be my Creator. a planet of self-centered creatures
us to the core of the cosmic con- This confession of faith is, through to bring them back home (cf. Isa.
flict, challenging us to worship the the Spirit, deeply rooted in our inner 53:6), to their Source of life. Lost
Creator and not the fallen cherub being and is verbalized through word life, restored to us through Christ’s
(cf. Matt. 4:9), whose intent is to and action; the bending of the self in saving work, confesses before the
permanently dislodge God from absolute submission (cf. Rom. 10:9, universe that He is our Redeemer
a portion of His creation. In the 10). In fact, worshipping the Creator by bending our fallen self before
conflict, worship is the acid test. has much to do with life, for He is Him in grateful worship.
the source of our life. Consequently,
WORSHIP—A DISPLAY OF worship is being at home, for we are CONFESSION OF LOYALTY
LOYALTY TO THE LAMB in the presence of our Father, who Worship is a confession of loyalty
The Greek verb translated “to wor- through a loving act of creation gave to God as Creator and Redeemer. It
ship” in Revelation 14:7 is proskuneo, us life. This explains why in the Bible is taking God’s side in the cosmic
literally meaning “to bow down” or only those who are alive can praise conflict, and consequently it is an
“prostrate oneself.” When applied to the Lord (Ps. 115:17, 18). Created life act of rebellion against the powers of
humans, it designates an act of hom- sees the One who is life and bows evil. Like the three friends of Daniel
age, but when God is the object, the down in gratitude and love before (Dan. 3:16-18), and Daniel himself
verb designates the bending down Him. This type of worship is not (Dan. 6:10), the followers of the Lamb
of both the body and the inner being something we do occasionally, but are not intimidated by the dragon.
as an expression of the dislodging of it is life that lives constantly in the Since creatures do not possess life
our fallen self in order to find in Him presence of the Lord and that walks in themselves, they are incapable of
wholeness of being, the center and humbly before Him. preserving their own life, much less
goal of our life. Worship points to John also sees heavenly beings the life of other creatures. Therefore
two important attitudes. fall down before the Lamb in wor- worshipping the fallen cherub, as
ship declaring, “Worthy are You [the an expression of loyalty to him, is
WORSHIP AS CONFESSION Lamb] . . . ; for You were slain, and choosing death. God’s loyal people
OF FAITH purchased for God with Your blood have “the perseverance of the saints”
Before the throne of God heavenly men from every tribe and tongue and “keep the commandments of God
beings fall down and worship God, and people and nation” (Rev. 5:9). and their faith in Jesus” (Rev. 14:12).
declaring, “Worthy are You, our Lord Worship is a confession of faith in Worshipping God as Creator and
and our God, to receive glory and Christ who as Redeemer has made Redeemer is manifested in their life
honor and power; for You created us new creatures (John 3:7; 2 Cor. by persevering in their obedience to

10 November 2021 AdventistWorld.org

 Worship is being at home,
for we are in the presence
of our Father.

God’s commandments and in keeping will act a part.”3 At the present God, who through Christ created
their faith in Christ as Redeemer. time the rejection of the Sabbath everything and through the Lamb
The commandments mentioned commandment takes at least two redeemed us, is worthy of worship.
in Revelation are primarily the basic forms. The first comes from Only the very fountain of life can
Decalogue (Ex. 20:1-17). The call to apostate Christianity through the create and re-create life through
worship God is an invitation to obey dismissal of the seventh day as the redemption. This we confess to be
the first commandment (Rev. 14:7); biblical Sabbath and the promotion true as we bow down before God
the warning not to worship the of Sunday observance. The second and the Lamb and worship.
image of the beast invites us to keep comes from the world of the study
1
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations have been taken
the second commandment (verse 9); of natural sciences. The theory of from the New American Standard Bible, copyright © 1960, 1962,
and the condemnation of the beast natural evolution removed from the 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman
Foundation. Used by permission.
for speaking blasphemies against consciousness of many scientists 2
Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific
Press Pub. Assn., 1911), p. 438.
God’s name requires obedience and other scholars the existence of 3
The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, ed. F. D. Nichol, rev.
ed., Ellen G. White Comments (Washington, D.C.: Review and
to the third commandment (Rev. a transcendental and yet personal Herald Pub. Assn., 1980), vol. 7, p. 979.
13:6). The imperative to worship Creator God—the Sabbath as
God “who made the heaven and the the memorial of the Creator was
earth and the sea and the springs of ignored. According to them, there is
waters” (Rev. 14:7) uses the lan- no Creator and there is no need for
Questions for
guage and ideas found in the fourth Him, because everything we see is Reflection:
commandment (Ex. 20:11), pointing the result of random and pur-
to its importance for the question of poseless natural processes. Many 1. Consider this statement from
whom to worship. “Had the Sabbath Christians have tried to harmonize today’s reading: “The act of
been universally kept, man’s natural evolution and the Christian worship is fundamentally
thoughts and affections would have faith, arguing that God created a confession of faith.” How
been led to the Creator as the object through a long evolutionary process can this concept inform our
of reverence and worship, and there consisting of struggle, suffering, worship?
would never have been an idolater, survival, and death. This God does
2. Why is it important to under-
an atheist, or an infidel.”2 not resemble at all the loving
stand the connection between
The Sabbath is not only a biblical God who is Creator and
worship and Creation?
memorial of Creation but a Redeemer. It is in this context that
memorial of the One who, through the first angel calls all to worship 3. How can we creatively and
Christ, created everything. It is God; it is a matter of life or death. engagingly relate the first
indispensable for the dragon to set angel’s message to people
aside this memorial permanently. CONCLUSION living around us who believe in
This explains how “the Sabbath The conflict is on, and the funda- evolution?
question will be the issue in the mental concern is clearly identified:
great conflict in which all the world who is worthy of worship? Only

AdventistWorld.org November 2021 11

 Wednesday

The Gospel
Vanquishes
All Opposition
The second angel’s message

I
n the book of Revelation the actions of evil powers are
depicted as mimicking those of God. For instance, God
has three angels proclaiming the gospel to the world
(Rev. 14:6-12), and the dragon has three demonic spirits
going to the kings of the earth to gather them for the
final confrontation with the Lamb (Rev. 16:13, 14). The
message of the second angel is based on this way of
thinking. God has a city and the dragon creates his own
city: Babylon. Babylon proclaims a message to humans that is the
counterfeit of the eternal gospel, and as a result it will not prevail.

BABYLON AND THE LAMB

The second angel proclaims good news: “Fallen, fallen is Baby-
lon the great, she who has made all the nations drink of the wine
of the passion of her immorality” (Rev. 14:8).1 In the following we
look in more detail at the key elements of this message.

12 November 2021 AdventistWorld.org Photo: Katerina Holmes

ANCIENT BABYLON AND to heaven; I will raise my throne the gospel (Rev. 3:18). The beasts
THE FALLEN CHERUB above the stars of God, and I will sit that constitute Babylon are not
It all began on “a plain of the on the mount of assembly . . . I will the beasts of social and economic
land of Shinar” (Gen. 11:2), another make myself like the Most High’ ” oppression in modern societies,
name for Babylon designating the (verses 13, 14). The same ambition, but an apostate expression of
southern part of Mesopotamia. in one way or another, has found Christianity that will oppose God’s
There, after the Flood, humans a place in the human heart too. end-time people (Rev. 13:15).
decided to build a city called Babel, Although the historical Babylon Third, Babylon reaches out to
with a tower reaching to heaven fell, the ambitions of the cherub are the world with a false message
(verse 4). In the narrative the noun still alive, and he will try to attain of salvation. She “has made all
Babel is based on the Hebrew verb them during the time of the end. the nations drink of the wine of
balal, meaning “to mix,” indicating the passion of her immorality”
that Babel means “confusion.” END-TIME BABYLON AND (Rev. 14:8). The force that drives
The narrative is about a project THE FALLEN CHERUB Babylon is passion/desire and not
that unifies humans in a common The nature and purpose of the a mind enlightened by the Spirit.
goal. It is about human deeds and ancient city of Babylon are now By sharing the wine of spiritual
achievements rooted in a concern used as a type of the end-time harlotry, Babylon is identified as
for self-preservation. It is about a Babylon. In Revelation Babylon an unfaithful wife, implying her
human ambition beyond imagina- is, first, an unclean trinity. It is unfaithfulness to the Lord. In the
tion, for it intends to have dominion constituted by three powers united Old Testament the unfaithfulness
over the earth and the heavens— to promote the agenda of the fallen of Israel to God consisted in making
over everything. It is an ambition of cherub (Rev. 16:13). These are the alliances with the nations in order
cosmic proportions that consists in dragon, who seems to assume the to preserve itself (Eze. 16:26-29)
building a cosmic city that, in total role of God (e.g., Rev. 13:2, 4); the and by accepting religious practices
independence from God, would beast from the sea, often mimicking and beliefs from other nations
integrate the two most important Christ (e.g., Rev. 1:8 and 13:14); and (Jer. 2:20, 21; Eze. 6:9; 16; 23). Both
spheres of existence, namely, the the beast from the earth, also called were expressions of apostasy (Ps.
human and the divine. Babylonians the false prophet, performing the 106:35-39). In Revelation Babylon
called the city bab-ilani, “Gate of the work of the Spirit (e.g., Rev. 13:13; seeks the support of the kings of
Gods,” probably because the city 19:20). In the historicist interpreta- the earth (Rev. 17:12, 13) and sup-
was visualized as a cosmic city that tion of the apocalyptic prophecies, ports the deception and worship of
unified humans on earth with the the beast from the sea represents the dragon (Rev. 13:4).
gods in heaven. The biblical story is the Christian church during the Fourth, in the process of con-
about an act of rebellion against the Middle Ages; the beast from the stituting the end-time Babylon,
divine intention for humans (Gen. earth stands for American Protes- the dragon reaches out to the
9:7; 11:4). The building project and tant Christianity; and the dragon is non-Christian world to unify it
its intended purpose came to an end spiritualism—based on the pagan around the convictions of apostate
when God, the uninvited One, inter- idea of the immortality of the soul, Christianity. This is certainly a
vened by altering the unifying role of through which Satan will work difficult task, because the planet is
human language (Gen. 11:7, 8). deceiving miracles (Rev. 16:13, 14). filled with a multiplicity of global
The pride and self-sufficiency Second, Babylon is an end-time religions, antagonistic political
of Babylon are fully developed in climatic expression of apostate powers, contradictory ways of
Isaiah when the Lord announces Christianity of global dimensions. thinking, and even atheism and
His judgment against Babylon, It is a portion of the church of secularism. The most effective
represented by its king (Isa. 14:3- Laodicea that did not heed the way for the dragon to achieve its
23). The passage uses the deepest call of Christ to open the door and purpose would be through the use
ambitions of the fallen cherub to return to Him (Rev. 3:14-22). Since of supernatural phenomena. There
describe the ambitions and inten- she is wealthy (Rev. 18:3, 11-13) is hardly anything more effective
tions of the king of Babylon, and and possesses beautiful dresses to change humans’ loyalties than
in so doing, God unveils the inner (verses 16, 19), there is no need a supernatural experience that
corruption of the cherub: “But you for the wealth and the dress that would appear to be unquestion-
said in your heart, ‘I will ascend Christ offers to all—the richness of able. Revelation speaks about the

AdventistWorld.org November 2021 13

It is not the attack of the Lion that
defeats [the unholy trinity], but the of apostasy began early in the
Christian church and will reach

sacrificial figure and work of the its culmination shortly before

the coming of Christ (2 Thess.
Lamb who was slain for our sins. 2:1-10). It is important for us to
observe what is taking place in the
relationship between Protestants
and Catholics, particularly the
significant increase of the influence
performance of great miracles race, and it is therefore spiritual of Catholicism in some parts of the
on the part of the dragon and his unfaithfulness/immorality. world, even among non-Christian
agents that will result in changes The human race will be polarized religions. The world is changing
in the social, political, and reli- by the confrontation of the gospel rapidly, and we should expect more
gious map of the world that at the of salvation through Christ and the significant changes, particularly of
present time seem to be impossible false gospel of salvation through a religious nature. Meanwhile, it
to anticipate (Rev. 13:13, 14). the dragon/the fallen cherub. The is our duty to proclaim the gospel
final result would be the fall of of Jesus Christ as the only way of
THE TRIUMPH OF THE LAMB Babylon. This fall will take place salvation, alerting the world about
What is it that Babylon is specif- in two stages. The first one is a what lies ahead of us. “We may
ically offering the world? Babylon spiritual one that is still in the have less to say in some lines, in
is offering her own way of salvation making. It will occur when the regard to the Roman power and
through the proclamation of a false apostasy that began early in the the papacy, but we should call
gospel. God offers to the world the history of the church would reach attention to what the prophets and
gospel of salvation through the its climax in the reunification of apostles have written under the
Lamb, but Babylon offers her wine. apostate Christianity. The fullness inspiration of the Spirit of God.”2
Wine is often a symbol of God’s of Babylon is not yet present until
1
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations have been taken
saving blessings for His people. Bab- such an event occurs. The second from the New American Standard Bible, copyright © 1960, 1962,
ylon provides for her followers the fall will transpire at the second 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman
Foundation. Used by permission.
wine of her own “saving blessings,” coming of Christ and will result in 2
Ellen G. White, Counsels to Writers and Editors (Nashville: Southern
Pub. Assn., 1946), p. 65.
namely, her spiritual immorality. In the final defeat of Babylon. John
the Old Testament, wine is called says that at that time, “The great
“the blood of the grape” (e.g., Deut. city [Babylon] was split in three
32:14), an excellent symbol for the parts” (Rev. 16:19). The unholy Questions for
blood/life of Jesus. During the Lord’s trinity is unable to stand united Reflection
Supper He offered to His disciples before the Lamb (cf. Gen. 11:8):
the wine that represented His life “These will wage war against the 1. How can we avoid a “Babylo-
given for the forgiveness of sin (Matt. Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome nian” mindset in our own lives?
26:28)—the good news of the gospel. them” (Rev. 17:14). The wicked will
In the Gospel of John, Jesus offered seek to hide themselves “from the 2. Why is Revelation’s message
His blood as the only source of life presence” of the Lamb (Rev. 6:16). of Babylon’s fall good news
for sinners (John 6:53, 54; cf. John It is not the attack of the Lion that for those who follow the Lamb
19:34). By giving to the dwellers of defeats [the unholy trinity], but the wherever He leads?
the earth her own wine, Babylon is sacrificial figure and work of the 3. Revelation references a “fake”
handing out a false gospel allegedly Lamb who was slain for our sins. trinity that seeks to imitate
validated through the extraordinary The Lamb embodies the gospel Scripture’s Trinity. How can we
miracles performed by the dragon and comes out triumphant in the be prepared to avoid being
and his agents (Rev. 13:13, 14; 16:13, conflict. duped by this unholy trinity?
14). This false gospel is called “the
wine . . . [that is to say] the passion of CONCLUSION
her immorality [her apostate teach- Babylon is not yet present in
ings]” (Rev. 14:8). It is the corruption the world in all of her fullness. As
of the divine plan for the human we already indicated, the process

14 November 2021 AdventistWorld.org

English | Spanish | Portuguese | French | Tagalog | Afrikaans | Ukrainian | Russian | Bahasa | Mongolian | Tamil
Telugu | Hindi | Marathi | Malayalam | Bengali | Mizo | Bhojpuri | Santali | Cebuano | Nepali | And Many More!

Adventist World Radio’s Unlocking Bible Prophecies series has

returned, and is now available in dozens of languages!

Share this life-changing series with family and friends around the
world and encourage them to sign up for AWR’s free Bible studies.

Join Cami Oetman for this thrilling master class in Bible prophecy!

Watche awr.org/bible
Onlin !
Now

Adventist World Radio 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904

Let’s Connect! awr360 | awr360 | awr.360 | awr.org/videos | awr.org

Thursday

A Loving Warning
From God The third angel’s
message

T
he Lord expressed His for the wrong crowd! There are to Sunday. The law of God will play
deep concern for sinful only two options: the Lamb or the a major role in the final conflict.
human beings through fallen cherub. In this conflict there Notice the connection between
the proclamation of the eternal is not such a thing as being loyal to worship and the mark of the beast
gospel, through His appeal to them ourselves. in Revelation 14:9: “If anyone
to return to Him (message of the The concept of loyalty found worships the beast . . . and receives
first angel), and by alerting them here is profound, for our character a mark.”1 These two elements are
about the false gospel of Babylon displays the identity of the object inseparable. Since Sunday is a day
(message of the second angel). Now of our loyalty. This is what the of worship, submitting to it is at
God’s heart opens up again, warning language of bearing the name and the same time an act of worship.
humanity about the fate of those mark of the beast indicates (Rev. Two commandments are violated,
who identify themselves with the 14:9, 11). Loyalty to the fallen the first and the fourth. Sunday
dragon, hoping that they will listen cherub leaves a visible imprint in becomes a counterfeit to the
and choose loyalty to the Lamb. our lives. Having the name of the Sabbath, which is a sign of God’s
This message takes us to the final beast means that we have identi- sanctifying authority.
judgment and the resolution of the fied ourselves with the agenda and
cosmic conflict through the Lamb. ambitions of the fallen cherub; we WINE AND FIRE
belong to him. The idea of belong- The final fate of the wicked con-
WE HAVE TO CHOOSE ing is clearly expressed through the sists in experiencing the wrath of
The language and images used mark of the beast. A mark of loyalty God. Here we confront what some
in the message of the third angel in the hand and the forehead is would call the difficult topic of a
(Rev. 14:9-11) appear to some to be visible to all and reminds others wrathful God. John tries to explain
incompatible with the Christian that this person belongs to the what it is, using the metaphors
gospel. Only a reading of the fallen cherub (Ex. 13:9). The mark of wine and fire and brimstone.
message from the perspective of is a symbol of the authority of the These images are employed in the
the sacrificial love of the Lamb will object of our loyalty. Old Testament to describe God’s
disclose the intent of the message. If we examine the history of judgment against His enemies (Jer.
apostate Christianity looking for 25:15-28; Ps. 11:6; Gen. 19:24). The
LOYALTIES a symbol of authority that would language is symbolic because God’s
The third angel’s message reveal one’s loyalty in the conflict, wrath is not literally drinking from
focuses on one of the most it is clearly Sunday. The claim to a cup. In this case what matters is
important questions humans face: have authority to change the law of the type of wine the wicked will
To whom do we owe ultimate God is unsurpassable. The author- drink, for it expresses the point of
loyalty? It implies that there is a ity of God, who established the sev- the comparison. This wine was not
conflict and that regardless of our enth-day Sabbath as the day of rest mixed with water (as was com-
involvement there are sides to take. and worship, was silenced by the mon), but its intoxicating power
Reluctance to choose is a choice human voice that changed Sabbath was increased through the use of

16 November 2021 AdventistWorld.org

 The wicked will experience God’s
wrath unmixed with mercy—there will
not be room for repentance.

spices (Rev. 14:10). The wicked will view of the final judgment has to people to stop because there is a
experience God’s wrath unmixed connect it with Christ’s judgment deadly threat ahead of them. God
with mercy—there will not be room on the cross. There He took upon knows about this because He and
for repentance (Rev. 22:11). Himself the judgment of the world His Son experienced it on the cross.
The second metaphor is fire (John 12:31), bore the sins of the Meanwhile we are God’s ambassa-
and brimstone. The wicked will be world as a sacrificial victim (John dors, inviting people to choose the
tormented with fire and brimstone, 1:29), and drank from the cup of Lamb who reconciled us to God.
or with “burning brimstone.” This God’s judgment against sinful
1
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations have been taken
metaphor compares the experience humanity (John 18:11) in order for from the New American Standard Bible, copyright © 1960, 1962,
of God’s wrath to the pain one those who place their faith in Him 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman
Foundation. Used by permission.
feels when burning brimstone as Savior not to perish but enjoy 2
Ellen G. White, God’s Amazing Grace (Washington, D.C.: Review
and Herald Pub. Assn., 1973), p. 161.
touches our body. God’s wrath is a eternal life (John 3:16). On the cross
painful experience. The metaphor He experienced His baptism by fire
also builds on the fact that what and said, “I am thirsty” (John 19:28).
is destroyed by fire cannot be On the cross the Godhead suffered Questions for
recovered; it is destroyed forever. together. “God suffered with His Reflection
The idea is that the wrath of God Son, as the divine Being alone could
will result in the final extinction of suffer, in order that the world might 1. Why does Scripture focus so
the wicked, called the second death become reconciled to Him.”2 The vividly on the destruction of
(Rev. 20:6, 14). The fire is eternal excruciating pain He felt was not so the wicked and evil?
for what it burns is eternally much physical but the inner pain of
destroyed; it burns until nothing is realizing that He was separated from 2. How does our concept of God
left (Isa. 34:9, 10; Jude 7). While the the Father (Matt. 27:46). Something inform our understanding of
wicked are experiencing the second similar will be the fate of the wicked judgment? What can we do
death there is no rest for them. during the final judgment as they to offer a complete picture of
realize that they will be eternally God’s character to people who
CHRIST’S SUFFERING separated from God. struggle with the image of a
The painful and final death of the wrathful God?
wicked is something that we cannot CONCLUSION 3. How can we best commu-
begin to imagine, because no one The conflict is indeed about loy- nicate the “wrath of God” in
has yet gone through it. The only alty. The warning from God sounds the context of the plan of
exception was Jesus Christ, and He threatening because of the serious- salvation?
did it in order for us to escape from ness of the situation humans will
it. During the final judgment no one face. His transparency uncovers a
should go through the second death; heart in pain for God does not want
at least there is no valid reason for His creatures to die. The language
this to happen. A Christ-centered is the language of a sign alerting

AdventistWorld.org November 2021 17

Friday

The Final Judgment

and the Love of God
The third angel’s message

T
he message of the third the presence of the Lamb.” The pic- up, they see Christ as the Lamb of
angel is a warning intended ture is that of the wicked suffering God who on the cross displayed
to persuade humans to intense pain while standing in the God’s infinite love to all of His
avoid the fate of the wicked by presence of angels and the Lamb. creatures. In Revelation the image
taking the side of the Lamb. The The image of Jesus accompanied of the Lamb that was slain is a
strong warning leads to a descrip- by angels finds its roots in the Old visual expression of the gospel
tion of the ultimate goal of the final Testament in passages announcing of salvation through faith in the
judgment. Strong language and the coming of God escorted by sacrificial death of Jesus (Rev. 5:9).
imagery continues to be used: “He angels to judge the wicked and save The eternal gospel is precisely
will be tormented with fire and His people (Deut. 33:2; Zech. 14:9). about God’s loving nature, which is
brimstone in the presence of the In the New Testament it describes always oriented toward the other.
holy angels and in the presence of the visible and glorious reality of Jesus stated, “I, if I am lifted up
the Lamb” (Rev. 14:10).1 the coming of Christ. At the Second from the earth, I will draw all men
Coming Christ will come escorted to Myself” (John 12:32), some for
THE FINAL JUDGMENT by His angels (Matt. 16:27; 25:31, salvation (John 3:14, 15) and others
AND THE CROSS 32; Mark 13:26, 27). This would for judgment (Rev. 14:10). In God’s
The Greek verb basanizo (“to tor- be the most glorious apparition of court of law the wicked and all
ture, torment”) conveys an idea that Jesus to human beings, and every- evil powers are taken back to the
is repugnant to most people today. one will see Him (Rev. 1:7); they deepest disclosure of God’s love
The verb designates an intense will be standing in His presence ever revealed in cosmic history.
physical and/or mental pain over (cf. Rev. 6:16, 17). Revelation 14:10 As they look at the Lamb, they
which the person has no control is not about the second coming realize that God is indeed a God
(cf. 2 Peter 2:7, 8). In Revelation it of Jesus, when only those who of love and justice and that the
is used to describe the excruciating are alive will see Him. Here the cosmic conflict was unjustifiable.
pain the woman experienced angel borrows the language of the Ellen White writes about the
during childbirth (Rev. 12:2). In the coming of Christ to inform us that moment when the throne of Christ
case of the wicked, a future passive during the last judgment Christ will rises above the walls of the New
form of the verb is used—“he will appear for a last time to the wicked Jerusalem and they see Him and
be tormented.” The question is who of all ages and to the fallen cherub. “above the throne is revealed the
or what is tormenting them. We cross.”2 She also writes, “Before the
will review the wording and intent THE LAMB AND THE CROSS vision of Calvary with its myste-
of the passage to find answers. We should not overlook the rious Victim, sinners will stand
fact that the language of the third condemned.”3 We could perhaps
BEFORE/IN THE PRESENCE angel is very precise. The wicked conclude that what torments the
OF THE LAMB are standing before the Lamb, not wicked is the display of the love of
The wicked are tormented “in the before the King of kings, nor even God through the Lamb. This love
presence of the holy angels and in before the Lord. When they look awakens their sense of guilt, and

18 November 2021 AdventistWorld.org

 The eternal gospel is precisely
about God’s loving nature, which is
always oriented toward the other.

they see themselves as they really die because this is what they chose. gospel of salvation through faith in
are while realizing that they are John anticipated this moment the Lamb (cf. Rev. 14:12). This the
eternally separated from such a when he wrote, “And every created Lord’s message to the world, and it
wonderful God. The pain will be thing which is in heaven and on should be incarnated in our words
extremely excruciating. It would the earth and under the earth and and actions.
be correct to say that the love of on the sea, and all the things in
1
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations have been taken
God revealed in the sacrificial them, I heard saying: ‘To Him who from the New American Standard Bible, copyright © 1960, 1962,
death of the Lamb, which fills the sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman
Foundation. Used by permission.
heart of God’s people with joy be blessing and honor and glory 2
Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific
Press Pub. Assn., 1911), p. 666.
and gratitude, will fill the heart of and dominion forever and ever’” 3
Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific
Press Pub. Assn., 1898, 1940), p. 58.
the wicked with intense pain and (Rev. 5:13; cf. Jude 14, 15). The
guilt. Had they accepted the gift of whole cosmos with one voice will
salvation offered to them through “confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to
the Lamb, they would have escaped the glory of God the Father” (Phil. Questions for
the judgment of condemnation. 2:11). In the final conflagration the Reflection:
The apparition of the Lamb to cosmos will be cleansed from the
the wicked will bring the cosmic presence of evil powers and from
1. How can we share with others
conflict to a peaceful resolution. the result of their work. Then “I
the perfect balance of love
saw a new heaven and a new earth”
and justice in God’s character?
COSMIC HARMONY (Rev. 21:1).
During the last judgment the 2. Discuss the following quote
most persuasive evidence that CONCLUSION from today’s reading: “Love
God will submit, in His court of Love frames the cosmic conflict. frames the cosmic conflict.”
law to the wicked and Satan and Before sin originated, the universe How does it affect our daily
his demons, will be His self-sacri- pulsated in perfect harmony by walk with Jesus?
ficing love revealed on the cross the power of love, and, before the
3. How can we best share the
through the Lamb that was slain. conflict is over, love brings every-
good news of the three
In fact, this is the only evidence thing back into perfect harmony. At
angels’ messages with the
He presents, and it is sufficient. the very heart of the three angels’
next generation of Adventists?
Its persuasive power cannot be messages is this most wonderful
fathomed, because it will hold story of cosmic dimensions that the
the whole universe together whole world is to hear in prepara-
throughout eternity. Looking at the tion for the coming of Christ. Every
sacrificial Victim, the forces of evil effort is to be made by the church
will recognize and confess that God to place each one of its teachings,
is indeed righteous in His judgment particularly its eschatology, and
against them; that they deserve to actions at the service of the eternal

AdventistWorld.org November 2021 19

Second Sabbath

The Three
Angels’ Platform for an
end-time stand

Messages

20 November 2021 AdventistWorld.org Photo: Zen Chung

I
ELLEN G. WHITE

saw a company who stood well which would have taught them the way into
guarded and firm, giving no the heavenly sanctuary. The rending of the veil
countenance to those who would of the temple showed that the Jewish sacrifices
unsettle the established faith of the and ordinances would no longer be received.
body. God looked upon them with The great Sacrifice had been offered and had
approbation. I was shown three been accepted, and the Holy Spirit which
steps—the first, second, and third descended on the day of Pentecost carried the
angels’ messages. Said my accom- minds of the disciples from the earthly sanctu-
panying angel, ‘Woe to him who shall move ary to the heavenly, where Jesus had entered by
a block or stir a pin of these messages. The His own blood, to shed upon His disciples the
true understanding of these messages is of benefits of His atonement.
vital importance. The destiny of souls hangs “But the Jews were left in total darkness.
upon the manner in which they are received.’ They lost all the light which they might have
I was again brought down through these had upon the plan of salvation, and still
messages, and saw how dearly the people of trusted in their useless sacrifices and offerings.
God had purchased their experience. It had The heavenly sanctuary had taken the place of
been obtained through much suffering and the earthly, yet they had no knowledge of the
severe conflict. God had led them along step change. Therefore they could not be benefited
by step, until He had placed them upon a by the mediation of Christ in the holy place.
solid, immovable platform. I saw individuals “Many look with horror at the course of
approach the platform and examine the the Jews in rejecting and crucifying Christ;
foundation. Some with rejoicing immediately and as they read the history of His shameful
stepped upon it. Others commenced to find abuse, they think they love Him, and would
fault with the foundation. They wished not have denied Him as did Peter, or crucified
improvements made, and then the platform Him as did the Jews. But God who reads the
would be more perfect, and the people much hearts of all has brought to the test that love
happier. Some stepped off the platform to for Jesus which they professed to feel. All
examine it and declared it to be laid wrong. heaven watched with the deepest interest
But I saw that nearly all stood firm upon the reception of the first angel’s message. But
the platform and exhorted those who had
stepped off to cease their complaints; for
many who professed to love Jesus, and who
shed tears as they read the story of the cross,
Make sure
God was the Master Builder, and they were derided the good news of His coming. Instead that your
fighting against Him. They recounted the of receiving the message with gladness, they
wonderful work of God, which had led them declared it to be a delusion. They hated those building is
to the firm platform, and in union raised their who loved His appearing and shut them out
eyes to heaven and with a loud voice glorified of the churches. Those who rejected the first on the rock.
God. This affected some of those who had
complained and left the platform, and they
message could not be benefited by the sec-
ond; neither were they benefited by the mid- Do not risk
with humble look again stepped upon it.
“I was pointed back to the proclamation of
night cry, which was to prepare them to enter
with Jesus by faith into the most holy place of
eternity on a
the first advent of Christ. John was sent in the
spirit and power of Elijah to prepare the way
the heavenly sanctuary. And by rejecting the
two former messages, they have so darkened
probability.
of Jesus. Those who rejected the testimony of their understanding that they can see no light
John were not benefited by the teachings of in the third angel’s message, which shows the
Jesus. Their opposition to the message that way into the most holy place.
foretold His coming placed them where they “I saw that as the Jews crucified Jesus, so
could not readily receive the strongest evidence the nominal churches had crucified these
that He was the Messiah. Satan led on those messages, and therefore they have no knowl-
who rejected the message of John to go still far- edge of the way into the most holy, and they
ther, to reject and crucify Christ. In doing this cannot be benefited by the intercession of
they placed themselves where they could not Jesus there. Like the Jews, who offered their
receive the blessing on the day of Pentecost, useless sacrifices, they offer up their useless

AdventistWorld.org November 2021 21

prayers to the apartment which location of these messages than to Is my soul transformed? Are my
Jesus has left; and Satan, pleased substitute the New Testament for sins pardoned through faith in
with the deception, assumes a the Old. The Old Testament is the Christ? Have I been born again?
religious character, and leads the gospel in figures and symbols. The Am I complying with the invitation
minds of these professed Christians New Testament is the substance. ‘Come unto me, all ye that labor
to himself, working with his power, One is as essential as the other. The and are heavy laden, and I will give
his signs and lying wonders, to Old Testament presents lessons you rest. Take my yoke upon you,
fasten them in his snare. Some he from the lips of Christ, and these and learn of me; for I am meek and
deceives in one way, and some in lessons have not lost their force in lowly in heart; and ye shall find
another. He has different delusions any particular. rest unto your souls. For my yoke is
prepared to affect different minds. “The first and second messages easy, and my burden is light’ (Matt.
Some look with horror upon one were given in 1843 and 1844, and 11:28-30). Do you count all things
deception, while they readily we are now under the proclamation but loss for the excellency of the
receive another. Satan deceives of the third; but all three of the knowledge of Christ Jesus? And
some with Spiritualism. He also messages are still to be proclaimed. do you feel it your duty to believe
comes as an angel of light and It is just as essential now as ever every word that proceeds out of the
spreads his influence over the land before that they shall be repeated to mouth of God?” (manuscript 32,
by means of false reformations. The those who are seeking for the truth. 1896 [see also Manuscript Releases,
churches are elated, and consider By pen and voice we are to sound vol. 17, pp. 6-23]).
that God is working marvelously the proclamation, showing their
for them, when it is the work of order and the application of the
another spirit. The excitement will prophecies that bring us to the third This article contains excerpts from
Early Writings (Washington, D.C.:
die away and leave the world and angel’s message. There cannot be a
Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1882,
the church in a worse condition third without the first and second. 1945), pp. 258-261, and manuscript
than before. These messages we are to give to the 32, 1896. Seventh-day Adventists
“I saw that God has honest chil- world in publications, in discourses, believe that Ellen G. White (1827-
dren among the nominal Adven- showing in the line of prophetic 1915) exercised the biblical gift of
prophecy during more than 70 years
tists and the fallen churches, and history the things that have been
of public ministry.
before the plagues shall be poured and the things that will be. . . .
out, ministers and people will be “Our work is to proclaim the
called out from these churches commandments of God and the
and will gladly receive the truth. testimony of Jesus Christ. ‘Prepare Questions for
Satan knows this; and before the to meet thy God’ (Amos 4:12) is the Reflection:
loud cry of the third angel is given, warning to be given to the world. It
he raises an excitement in these is a warning to us individually. We 1. What can we learn from those
religious bodies, that those who are called upon to lay aside every who proclaimed the first
have rejected the truth may think weight, and the sin which doth so advent of Jesus? Why is that
that God is with them. He hopes to easily beset us. There is a work for significant for those waiting for
deceive the honest and lead them you, my brother, to do, to yoke up the second coming of Jesus?
to think that God is still working with Christ. Make sure that your
for the churches. But the light will building is on the rock. Do not risk 2. How can we creatively reach
shine, and all who are honest will eternity on a probability. You may people around us who may
leave the fallen churches, and take not live to participate in the peril- have no understanding of bib-
their stand with the remnant” ous scenes on which we are now lical truth with the messages
(Early Writings, pp. 258-261). entering. The life of no one of us is of the three angels?

*** assured for any given time. Should

“The proclamation of the first, you not watch every moment?
second, and third angels’ mes- Should you not closely examine
sages has been located by the Word your own self, and inquire, What
of Inspiration. Not a peg or pin is to will eternity be to me?
be removed. No human authority “The great burden of every soul
has any more right to change the should be, Is my heart renewed?

22 November 2021 AdventistWorld.org

 CHILDREN’S READINGS
Courageous
BY RANDY FISHELL

Kids
Following Jesus No Matter What

The author of this

year’s children’s
readings is Randy
Fishell. Fishell is
known to younger
generations of
Adventists for his
creative work as
editor of Guide
magazine. He
holds a M.Div. and
is the creator of
the popular Tucker
Barnes & Friends
product line for kids.

Illustrations: Xuan Le

AdventistWorld.org November 2021 23

FIRST SABBATH

God Has a
Special Mission
for You!
“Then I was told, ‘You must proph-
esy [teach] again about many peo- The journey began, with dogs and their drivers,
known as mushers, enduring frostbite and more.
ples, nations, languages, and kings’” Over dangerous mountain ranges and through
(Revelation 10:11, ICB).* blinding blizzards the teams pressed on.
The mission was a success! To everyone’s
DANGER IN ALASKA astonishment, the entire trip took only five and a
The entire town of Nome, Alaska, was in danger. half days! There was a sad price to pay, though,
It was 1925, and Nome, which lies near the Arctic because at least five dogs died.
Circle, had only one doctor. In the end, deaths from diphtheria were fewer
“I believe your child has a case of tonsillitis,” Dr. than 10 in Nome, at the time a town of about
Curtis Welch told several parents. But as more 1,300, with 10,000 in the surrounding areas. And
cases with similar symptoms arrived, he wondered all thanks to a lifesaving mission accepted and
if he might be wrong. When people began dying, completed.
he knew the truth: an epidemic of a deadly disease
called diphtheria had crept into town. * Bible verses in these Children’s Readings credited to ICB are from the International Children’s Bible,
copyright © 1986, 1988, 2008, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.
“Our local supply of medicine is too old to be
used,” Dr. Welch explained. And the closest med-
icine that could be used was hundreds of miles
away! Nome was totally surrounded by ice, so
ships couldn’t be of any help. The few airplanes THINK ABOUT IT
■ Have you ever been sent on a special
that might have been able to make the trip had
been taken apart for the winter. And snowmobiles mission? What was it?
■ What do you think about the idea that
hadn’t yet been invented!
Dr. Welch sent a desperate telegram message to you’re part of a special group called to
the proper authorities: help others be ready for Jesus’ return?
“AN EPIDEMIC OF DIPHTHERIA IS ALMOST
[CERTAINLY] HERE. I AM IN URGENT NEED OF ONE TODAY’S PRAYER IDEA
MILLION UNITS OF DIPHTHERIA [MEDICINE].” Thank God for inviting you to be a part
Meanwhile, still hundreds of miles away, the of His end-time mission. Ask Him to help
needed amount of medicine was eventually you better understand these messages,
rounded up. But how would it get to Nome? A and how you can share them with others.
man named Mark Summers suggested it travel by
dogsled. It was their only hope of getting to Nome
in time to avoid a horrible outbreak of diphtheria.
The trip from the starting point, Nenana, to
Nome was 1,085 kilometers (674 miles). Normally it
took about 30 days to make the journey. But that
would need to be greatly shortened.

24 November 2021 AdventistWorld.org

 SUNDAY
Good News
for Everyone
“Then I saw another angel flying
high in the air. The angel had the
eternal Good News to preach to
those who live on earth” (Revelation
14:6, ICB).
THINK ABOUT IT
GOOD NEWS IN THE PARK ■ How would you explain the gospel in a

Zarita and Aiko* were bored. “Let’s walk over to sentence or two?
the park,” Zarita suggested. When they arrived, ■ Does the idea of sharing the good

the park was nearly empty, except for three boys news of Jesus’ love and salvation make
gathering stones and carrying them to the top of a you uncomfortable? If so, what do you
nearby slide. think could be making you feel this way?
“What are you guys doing?” Zarita called up
to the boys. But instead of answering, each boy TODAY’S PRAYER IDEA
picked up a stone and aimed it at the girls! Zarita Ask God to show you what the gospel
silently asked God for wisdom. really means in your own life. Pray that
For some reason, instead of running away, Zarita you’ll be ready to share the gospel when-
asked, “What are your names?” ever the time is right.
The boys seemed confused. “Aren’t you scared
of us?” one of them asked.
“A little, but I asked God to be with us,” Zarita
responded.
Now the bullies were really puzzled! They
dropped their “ammunition” and climbed down
from the slide. That’s when Zarita seemed to hear a
voice whisper, “Tell them about God. They’ll listen.”
Zarita looked around, and Aiko seemed to be doing
the same thing. But nobody else was nearby.
The three boys came over toward the girls. They
told Zarita and Aiko their names. Soon the girls
were telling the boys about Jesus! And the boys
listened! Finally one of the boys asked the girls to
pray. When they’d finished, the boy started pray-
ing, asking Jesus for forgiveness.
Back home Zarita said, “Aiko, at the park I heard
a whisper in my head that told me to tell those
boys about Jesus.”
Aiko’s eyes grew wide. “So did I!” she exclaimed.
And right then the girls thanked God for the oppor-
tunity He’d given them to share His good news.†
* Not their real names
† Story adapted from Rachel Woitt, “A Whisper and a Prayer,” Guide, December 10, 2005.

AdventistWorld.org November 2021 25

MONDAY

Turn Away
From Sin!
“Worship God. . . . The time
has come for God to judge all
people” (Revelation 14:7, ICB).

A TROUBLEMAKER MEETS JESUS

Three angry men suddenly burst into the place
where Carl’s father, an Adventist pastor, was telling THINK ABOUT IT
■ What sin might there be in your life
others about Jesus. “You have 10 minutes to get out
of here!” one of the men shouted. Between them, that you’d like to turn away from?
■ What are some things that might be
the men had a gun, a knife, and a long iron bar.
“We’ll be back to fight in 10 minutes!” one man causing you to take your eyes off Jesus?
shouted. With that, the three troublemakers turned How can you change this?
and left.
What will Father do? Carl wondered. Will he stop TODAY’S PRAYER IDEA
talking and tell everyone to leave? But instead, Ask God to help you turn away from
Father kept preaching! wrong thoughts and actions. Thank Him
About 10 minutes later the three men returned. for His power to change and for His loving
Carl looked at their faces. They’re really angry now! forgiveness.
he thought.
But when Carl turned to look at his father, he
noticed something happening. Father looked
straight into the men’s eyes. As he did so, the men
began to shake, and then backed away and left!
A few weeks later Father was holding a baptism
in a nearby river. The man who’d held the long iron
bar showed up! He came over to Father. “Pastor,”
he said, “I want to be baptized too. But I’m not
ready yet, because I have been a very wicked man.”
Can a man like that really change and serve
Jesus? Carl wondered. But to his amazement, a few
weeks later Father led the man into the river.
Carl was very proud of his father. And he was
amazed at what can happen when a person
chooses to turn from evil and follow Jesus!*

* Adapted from Barbara Westphal, “DeadlyThreats,” Guide, December 15, 2001.

26 November 2021 AdventistWorld.org

 TUESDAY
Worship the Awestruck by the beauty and wonder of what they
were seeing from outer space, the astronauts felt

Creator God
the need to praise Someone bigger than themselves.
Astronaut Borman closed with these final words:

and Honor His

“God bless all of you, all of you on the good earth.”
With that, Apollo 8 continued circling the moon.

Sabbath
* The verses the astronauts read were from the King James Version.

“He made the heavens, the earth,

the sea, and the springs of water” THINK ABOUT IT
(Revelation 14:7, ICB). ■ Why does Satan want people to believe

in evolution instead of God as Creator?

■ Why is it important to God that
OUT OF THIS WORLD
It was Christmas Eve, and three men were a very people honor the seventh-day Sabbath
long way from home. Bill, Jim, and Frank weren’t instead of Sunday or another day?
even on Planet Earth. The three astronauts were in
the Apollo 8 space capsule, orbiting the moon! TODAY’S PRAYER IDEA
From their distant viewpoint the crew saw light Pray that God will show you more of
rays creeping across Planet Earth. The sun was the wonders of His creation. Ask Him to
brightening the little blue planet so far away. help you to always honor the seventh-day
The three astronauts had been waiting for this Sabbath no matter what.
moment. Astronaut Bill Anders adjusted himself
and began speaking into a microphone. “We are
now approaching lunar sunrise,” he said, “and for
all the people back on earth, the crew of Apollo 8
has a message that we would like to send to you.”
What are the astronauts about to tell us? people
wondered.
“‘In the beginning God created the heaven and
the earth . . .’” The astronaut was reading Genesis
1:1,* the very first verse in the Bible! He continued
reading, and then astronaut Jim Lovell took over.
“‘And God called the light Day, and the darkness
he called Night.’” This, too, was from the Bible’s story
of Creation—Genesis 1:5. Astronaut Lovell kept read-
ing, and then it was the third astronaut’s turn.
“‘And God said, Let the waters under the heaven
be gathered together unto one place, and let the
dry land appear: and it was so.’” Astronaut Frank
Borman continued reading from the book of Gen-
esis. “‘And God called the dry land Earth; and the
gathering together of the waters called he Seas:
and God saw that it was good.’”

AdventistWorld.org November 2021 27

WEDNESDAY

Get Away From

False Worship!
“Then the second angel followed
the first angel and said, ‘She is
destroyed! The great city of Babylon
is destroyed!’” (Revelation 14:8, ICB).

FINDING TRUTH IN TONGA

about God’s true church, one that believed in Jesus
Asipeli lived on the Polynesian island of Tonga,
and kept all of the Ten Commandments—including
in the southern Pacific Ocean. That’s where he’d
the seventh-day Sabbath.
chosen to follow the religion of his father. But now
Soon Asipeli and Manu were baptized into the
he had questions.
Seventh-day Adventist Church. It’s amazing how
A few weeks earlier two men had arrived on
God leads when we invite Him into our lives.*
Tonga and began holding religious meetings.
Curious, Asipeli and his friend Manu attended. They * Story adapted from Walter Scragg, “Excuse Me, Sir, Which Is the True Church?” Guide, September 14, 1966.

were shocked to learn ideas from the Bible that

they’d never heard about.
Asipeli and Manu went to the meetings every
night. When the meetings ended, they both knew
a lot more about the Bible. But one question now THINK ABOUT IT
■ Have you ever followed someone
haunted them: Which is the true church?
One day Asipeli made an announcement. “A or something that led you in the wrong
big ship is going to arrive in port tomorrow from direction? What would you do differently?
■ Do you have friends or relatives who
Australia. I will go to the ship and ask God to show
me someone who can answer my question, “Which belong to a church that doesn’t totally
is the true church?” follow Bible truth? How does this make
At the port Asipeli watched as travelers left the you feel?
big ship. Finally he saw a man he felt God had
chosen for him to speak with. “Are you a Christian, TODAY’S PRAYER IDEA
sir?” asked Asipeli. Ask God to show you clearly which is
Startled, the man said, “Why, yes, I am a Chris- His true church. Thank Him for safeguard-
tian—I am a Baptist. Why do you ask?” ing His Word, the Bible, through the ages
Quickly the eager Tongan asked his question: so that you can read its truth today.
“Can you tell me which is the true church?”
Now, this passenger had been taking Bible
studies for the past few months, and he had been
learning Bible truth. “Write to this address,” he told
Asipeli. “They will tell you which is the true church.”
Aspeli found a pencil and wrote down the address
the man gave him. Eventually he began taking
Bible studies through the mail. Asipeli learned

28 November 2021 AdventistWorld.org

 THURSDAY
Stick With The judge’s heart was softened. He did not have
the foster parents beaten, but they did have to

the Bible
sign a promise that they would never again bother
the children about their faith.
Soon afterward, the foster father accepted Bible
studies from some of the local Adventists, and
“This third angel said in a loud voice: he was baptized. Nobody was happier about his
‘It will be bad for the person who changed life than Alex and Marie.*
worships the beast and his idol and
* Adapted from Barbara Westphal, “Don’t Flog Him, Please,” Guide, September 1, 1965.
gets the beast’s mark on the fore-
head or on the hand’” (Revelation
14:9, ICB).
THINK ABOUT IT
HIDING ON THE SABBATH
■ How does the thought of being pun-
Eleven people gathered on a hidden riverbank in
ished for your beliefs make you feel?
southern Europe. During that time in this country,
■ Can you think of some Bible stories
Seventh-day Adventists were threatened with vio-
in which people were punished for their
lence. A mob heard about the baptism and attacked
beliefs?
the newly baptized members. Sadly, a mother of
two children was killed by the mob.
TODAY’S PRAYER IDEA
The woman’s two children were 10-year-old
Thank God for the many examples we
Alex and his 8-year-old sister, Marie. Some of their
have of people honoring your beliefs no
relatives found the children a foster home.
matter the cost. Ask Him for the courage
After breakfast on the first Sabbath in their new
to do the same.
home Alex and Marie went out and hid in a large
pile of hay to study their Sabbath School lesson
and read from the Bible. When they came back, the
man of the house gave Alex and Marie a beating.
The following Sabbath they spent the day in
some nearby woods. And once again, when they
returned, the foster father beat them.
The third Sabbath the foster parents stopped
the two children as they headed toward the woods.
But just as the man was striking Alex and Marie,
some neighbors arrived. Later they reported to the
authorities what they’d seen. The foster parents
were arrested.
When it came time for the foster parents to be
punished, the judge said harshly, “You shall be
beaten just as you have beaten these children!”
Suddenly Alex stood and said, “Please, judge,
do not have them beaten. It is true that he has
beaten both me and my sister because we kept
the Sabbath. But it hurts to be beaten. We know.
The New Testament tells us to love our enemies
and pray for them.”

AdventistWorld.org November 2021 29

FRIDAY

God’s Love Wins

“He will drink the wine of God’s
anger” (Revelation 14:10, ICB).

THE POISONED DRINK

Eustorgio, a Peruvian farmer, hated the Adventist
more than anything. Tonight he would invite the
Adventist to dinner, but not to enjoy a meal. No,
tonight he would poison his guest.
“That smells good!” the Adventist said as he
stepped into Eustorgio’s adobe hut. “I’m so glad
you invited me,” he continued. “I have so much to
tell you about what’s happened to me since I invited
Jesus into my life.”
“That sounds good,” Eustorgio lied. “Why don’t
you tell me about it while we eat?”
The two men sat down to a simple meal of rice
and beans. Sitting before each of them was a glass
filled with drink. The glass in front of the Adventist
had little flowers on it—and deadly poison in it.
The Adventist bowed his head and thanked God THINK ABOUT IT
for the meal set before them. Soon he picked up ■ What are some spiritual lies that

the glass of juice and emptied it in one big gulp. people believe?
“Ah, that was delicious!” he said. “Papaya juice is ■ Why do you think it is important for

my favorite!” God’s end-time judgment to take place?

“I made it especially for you,” Eustorgio said with
an evil smile. Soon this Adventist will double over TODAY’S PRAYER IDEA
and die! he thought. Thank God for giving you the freedom
But as the minutes ticked by with nothing hap- to choose your spiritual beliefs. Ask Him
pening to his guest, Eustorgio shifted nervously to teach you about His love and how that
in his chair. Two hours passed as the Adventist takes away any fear about the end-time
enjoyed his meal and spoke of God’s love. judgment.
At last the Adventist stood to leave, but not
before inviting Eustorgio to attend church with
him on Sabbath. As the man walked away, Eustor-
gio fell to his knees inside his hut. Trembling, he
thought, How could that man still be alive? Is he a
wizard of some kind? Or . . . maybe everything he’d
said about God was true!
“Oh, Lord, God of that Adventist,” Eustorgio
whispered, “now I see that You are real and that
You have the power to save. Please save me too!”*

* Story adapted from Juliana Marin, “Blessed Poison,” Guide, December 12, 2009.

30 November 2021 AdventistWorld.org

 SECOND SABBATH
A Part That Remains
Publisher
The Adventist World, an international
periodical of the Seventh-day Adventist
Church. The General Conference, Northern
Asia-Pacific Division of Seventh-day
Adventists®, is the publisher.
“Here are those who keep the commandments of Executive Editor/Director of Adventist
Review Ministries
God and the faith in Jesus” (Revelation 14:12). Bill Knott

International Publishing Manager

Hong, Myung Kwan
TWO-STORY CHALLENGE STORY 2 Adventist World Coordinating Committee
See if you can figure out what Elijah had been on the run Si Young Kim, chair; Joel Tompkins; Hong,
Myung Kwan; Han, Suk Hee; Lyu, Dong Jin
the two following stories have in from wicked Queen Jezebel. Associate Editors/Directors,
common. Exhausted, he entered a cave to Adventist Review Ministries
Lael Caesar, Gerald A. Klingbeil, Greg Scott
spend the night. He felt so alone! Editors based in Silver Spring,
STORY 1 Suddenly he heard a voice! Maryland, USA
Sandra Blackmer, Wilona Karimabadi,
Nadia’s bedroom carpeting “Elijah! Why are you here?” It Enno Müller
had worn out, and her parents was God speaking to him! Editors based in Seoul, Korea
Hong, Myung Kwan; Park, Jae Man; Kim, Hyo-Jun
said she could choose the color “Lord, God of heaven’s
Digital Platforms Director
of the new carpet. “Oh, I love that armies,” Elijah responded, “I Gabriel Begle
one!” she said, pointing to a roll have always served you the best Operations Manager
Merle Poirier
of pink carpeting. Her mom and I could. But the people of Israel
Editorial Assessment Coordinator
dad agreed. have broken their agreement Marvene Thorpe-Baptiste
The salesperson said, “That’s with you. They have destroyed Editors-at-Large/Advisors
Mark A. Finley, John M. Fowler, E. Edward Zinke
a popular choice. In fact, this your altars. They have killed
Financial Manager
small roll is a remnant from a your prophets with swords. I am Kimberly Brown
much larger roll. The good news the only prophet left. And now Distribution Coordinator
Sharon Tennyson
is that means I can sell it to you they are trying to kill me, too!”
Management Board
at a discount!” But God knew Elijah was not the Si Young Kim, chair; Bill Knott, secretary; Hong,
Myung Kwan; Karnik Doukmetzian; Han, Suk
only person left who was serving Hee; Gerald A. Klingbeil; Joel Tompkins; Ray
the true God. He said to Elijah, Wahlen; Ex-officio: Juan Prestol-Puesán;
G. T. Ng; Ted N. C. Wilson
“I have left 7,000 people living in Art Direction and Design
Israel. Those 7,000 have never Types & Symbols

bowed down before Baal.”* To Writers: We welcome unsolicited

manuscripts. Address all editorial
correspondence to 12501 Old Columbia Pike,
* Quotations are from 1 Kings 19:9-18, ICB.
Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600, U.S.A. Editorial
office fax number: (301) 680-6638
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: www.adventistworld.org
Unless otherwise indicated, all Bible references
are taken from the New King James Version®.
Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used
by permission. All rights reserved. Texts
THINK ABOUT IT credited to NIV are from the Holy Bible, New
International Version®, Copyright © 1973, 1978,
■ What Bible examples of a remnant person or people 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission.
can you think of? Hint: This group refused to bow down and All rights reserved worldwide.

worship a gigantic golden statue. Adventist World is published monthly and

printed simultaneously in Korea, Brazil,
■ What responsibilities come with being part of God’s end- Indonesia, Australia, Germany, Austria,
Argentina, Mexico, South Africa, and the
time remnant church? United States.

Vol. 17, No. 11

TODAY’S PRAYER IDEA
Ask God to show you clearly His end-time remnant people.
Invite Him to give you the courage to always follow Jesus and
honor the Ten Commandments.

AdventistWorld.org November 2021 31

 68 C H A N N E L S
O V E R 80 L A N G U A G E S
TELEVISION THAT CHANGES LIVES

SHARING GOD'S GOOD NEWS FOR A

BETTER LIFE TODAY AND FOR ETERNITY.
HopeChannelInternational.org