Note.—This day is yet future. It cannot be, therefore, that the work done by John the Baptist at Christ's first advent is all that was contemplated in the prophecy concerning the sending of Elijah the prophet. It must be that there is to be another and greater fulfilment of it, to precede Christ's second advent, and to prepare, or “make ready,” a people for that great event.
14. What is the burden of the threefold message of Rev. 14:6-10?
“Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come: and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.... Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.... If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation.” Rev. 14:6-10.
Note.—Like the messages of Elijah and John, this is a call to repentance and reform,—a call to forsake false, idolatrous worship, and to turn to God, and worship Him, and Him alone. The first part of this threefold message points out the true God, the Creator, in language very similar to that found in the fourth, or Sabbath, commandment. This is the message now due the world, and that is now being proclaimed to the world. See readings on pages [251-263]. Those who are proclaiming these messages constitute the Elijah for this time, as John and his colaborers did at the time of Christ's first advent.
15. How are the people described who are developed by the threefold message here referred to?
“Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Verse 12.
Note.—These will be the ones who will be ready to meet Jesus when He comes. They have heeded the Elijah-call to repentance and reform. They have become concerned, not only for their own individual salvation, but for the salvation of their friends and relatives. By this message the hearts of the fathers are turned to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers. Each becomes burdened for the conversion and salvation of the other. There can be little religion in the heart of one who cares not for the eternal interests of his loved ones. When this message has done its work, God will smite the earth with a curse; the seven last plagues will fall, and usher in the great day of the Lord described in the preceding reading.
Light is beaming, day is coming!
Let us sound aloud the cry;