The Three Angels’ Messages

“Saying with a loud voice”

A message commanding the world’s attention—Prophecy declares that the first angel would make his announcement to “every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.” The warning of the third angel, which forms a part of the same threefold message, is to be no less widespread. It is represented in the prophecy as being proclaimed with a loud voice, by an angel flying in the midst of heaven; and it will command the attention of the world.—The Great Controversy, 450 (1888, 1911) 3AM 78.2

First two messages completed in the third—The first and second angels’ messages are united and made complete in the third.—The Review and Herald, October 31, 1899 3AM 79.1

The gospel is comprised in all three messages—The gospel message for this time is comprised in the third angel’s message, which embraces the messages of the first and second angels, and which is to be proclaimed everywhere; for it is present truth. This message is to go forth with great distinctness and power. It is not to be clouded by human theories and sophistries. The Sabbath is to be proclaimed as God’s memorial of creation.—Letter 20, 1900 (January 31) 3AM 79.2

The first and most important thing—The whole of the gospel is embraced in the third angel’s message, and in all our work the truth is to be presented as it is in Jesus. In the preaching of the Word the first and most important thing is to melt and subdue the soul by presenting the Lord Jesus Christ as the sin-pardoning Saviour. We are to keep before the people the cross of Calvary. We should teach them that Christ’s death was caused by the transgression of the law of God, that Christ died to give men an opportunity of becoming loyal subjects of His kingdom. Never should a sermon be preached, or Bible instruction in any line be given, without pointing the hearers to the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world.—Manuscript 19, 1900 (March 5) ((Australasian) Union Conference Record, June 1900) 3AM 79.3

Proclaimed with the power of the Holy Spirit—The third angel’s message is to be given to our world in clear, distinct lines.... This message embraces the two proceeding messages. It is represented as being given with a loud voice; that is, with the power of the Holy Spirit. Everything is now at stake. The third angel’s message is to be regarded as of the highest importance. It is a life and death question. The impression made by this message will be proportionate to the earnestness and solemnity with which it is proclaimed.—Manuscript 16, 1900 (February 20) 3AM 79.4

No whispered tones—There is altogether too little of the Spirit and power of God in the labor of the watchmen. The Spirit which characterized that wonderful meeting on the Day of Pentecost is waiting to manifest its power upon the men who are now standing between the living and the dead as ambassadors for God. The power which stirred the people so mightily in the 1844 movement will again be revealed. The third angel’s message will go forth, not in whispered tones, but with a loud voice.—Testimonies for the Church 5:252 (1885) 3AM 80.1

Not a narrow message—When we think we know all that is worth knowing, we are in a position where God cannot use us. The third angel’s message is not a narrow message. It is world-wide; and we should be united, so far as possible, in the manner of presenting it to the world.—Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists, 124 (1886) 3AM 80.2

No weakened, indistinct tones—The third angel’s message is to be heard in no weakened, indistinct tones. This is a testing question and should be dwelt upon in the very first and in the middle and end of our series of meetings. Then, binding up the truth for these last days, bring in the reasons of our faith in the second appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ to our world in power and great glory. This is the message for this time; this is the message of the greatest interest to every individual member of families.—Manuscript 90, 1900 (February 17) 3AM 80.3

Message proclaimed by brave witnesses for the truth—The third angel proclaims his message in no whispered tones, in no hesitant manner. He cries with a loud voice, while flying swiftly through the midst of heaven. This shows that the work of God’s servants is to be earnest and rapidly performed. They must be brave witnesses for the truth. With no shame upon their countenances, with uplifted head, with the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness shining upon them, with rejoicing that their redemption draweth nigh, they go forth declaring the last message of mercy to the world. 3AM 80.4

These last day witnesses are bold soldiers of Jesus Christ. They have tasted of the powers of the world to come. Their feet are not on sliding sand, but on solid rock. They are not easily moved away from the faith once delivered to the saints. These will be strengthened by their Leader to cope with difficulties. They are messengers of righteousness, representatives of Christ, revealing the triumphs of grace.—Manuscript 51, 1900 (Reflecting Christ, 347) 3AM 81.1

A great work yet to be done—The cause of God is moving forward to its final consummation. Two messages have been given, and they are followed by a third, which contains a fearful denunciation against commandment-breakers. A great work is yet to be done, and God calls upon His watchmen to sound the warning notes. But Satan continues to deceive. Long ago the time came when the Lord’s messengers should have been fully equipped for warfare. But there has been among believers a settling down at ease. Sleepy, self-indulgent, back-slidden, the people of God have not worked as they should. Few of those who claim to know the truth have gained a glimpse of the work that is being done [in] the heavenly sanctuary.—Manuscript 194, 1901 (January 13) 3AM 81.2

Institutions will increase, not decrease—Publishing houses and health institutions will not decrease but increase. All are God’s agencies to cooperate as the Lord’s instrumentalities in the grand work of the second and third angels’ messages. Institutions of education will not lessen but increase as God’s instrumentalities to warn the inhabitants of the world that Christ’s coming the second time with power and great glory is nigh.—Manuscript 63, 1910 3AM 81.3

Every true reform has its place—Every duty that calls for reform involves repentance, faith, and obedience. It means the uplifting of the soul to a new and nobler life. Thus every true reform has its place in the work of the third angel’s message.—Manuscript 19, 1900 (March 5) (Testimonies for the Church 6:110) 3AM 82.1

[For more on the “loud cry” of the closing work of the third angel, see chapter 5, under “He cried mightily with a loud voice.”] 3AM 82.2