THE 3 ANGELS' MESSAGES
INTERACTIVE BIBLE STUDY
God always sends warnings ahead of time and the last events in this worlds history are no exception. The famous Three Angel's of Revelation have serious warnings, which must reach the entire world. No one is to be left out or miss the chance to know and understand how to avoid the mark of the beast and survive the approaching crisis.
Revelation 14
"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come" (Matthew 24:14).
To begin, click on the "Start" button. Use the "Next" and "Back" buttons to navigate through the study.
God always sends warnings ahead of time and the last events in this worlds history are no exception. The famous Three Angel's of Revelation have serious warnings, which must reach the entire world. No one is to be left out or miss the chance to know and understand how to avoid the mark of the beast and survive the approaching crisis.
Revelation 14
"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come" (Matthew 24:14).
To begin, click on the "Start" button. Use the "Next" and "Back" buttons to navigate through the study. Introduction
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"And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads" (Rev. 14:1).
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Chapter 14 begins by introducing the 144,000 and then proceeds into the detail of the three angels' messages. The previous chapter (Rev. 13) revealed how the mark of the beast is given to those who follow the Sea Beast's law over God's law. Now, we see an emphasis on those who follow God's law and receive His mark.
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"Saying, hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads" (Rev. 7:3).
"And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart...And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes" (Deut. 6:6-8).
"For this [is] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts" (Heb. 8:10).
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Remember that those who follow the beast either have its mark, or its name, or the number of its name (Rev. 13:17) in their foreheads or hands. The 144,000 have their Father's name written in their foreheads. This means that they follow God's law because it has become part of their character (in their mind/forehead). This is part of the new covenant promise that God will write His law on their hearts (Heb. 8:10).
A World-Wide Warning
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"These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins...And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God" (Rev. 14:4-5).
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We previously studied about the pure woman (true church) (Rev. 12:17), who is contrasted with the harlot (Babylon) in chapter 17. Babylon becomes made up of many women (mother and daughters), but here we find a group that are not defiled (soiled) by being part of Babylon (false churches). They also have no guile (not having deceit or tricks), not concealing sins and they worship with an honest heart.
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"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come" (Matthew 24:14).
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The pure woman's remnant, which represents God's church in the end-times, and the 144,000 share many of the same characteristics, including their arrival during end-times, struggle against persecution, and the keeping of the commandments of God (Rev. 12:17 and 14:12). The 144,000 are no doubt part of God's true church, likely either providing another symbol of God's end-time church or that portion of the church alive when Christ returns.
As God's church during the end times, the remnant has the privilege of sharing the three angel's messages with the world before Jesus returns. God makes sure that all people can know how to avoid the mark of the beast and receive the mark of God. The 144,000 are called for a special purpose and participate in some special way in relation to the three angels' messages. As future events unfold, the exact identity of this group will also unfold. Now let's study the details of the three warning messages...
The 1st Angel's Message
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"And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, 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" (Rev. 14:6-7).
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The first message given to the world during the end times, centers around identifying the true God, returning to Him, and properly worshipping Him.
Components of the 1st Message:
- Everlasting Gospel (v. 6)
- Fear God (v.7)
- Give glory to God (v.7)
- Judgment has come (v.7)
- Worship the Creator (v.7)
1st Angel's Message: Everlasting Gospel
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Everlasting Gospel (v. 6)
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Foundational to the 1st message is the "Everlasting Gospel", which can only come from an everlasting God. This gospel is the same one preached to Abraham (Gal. 3:8), also preached by the apostles and now by the remnant church. It is the good news of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ (Rom. 1:15, Gal. 3:7-9). After hearing and believing this gospel one can be sealed (Eph. 1:13).
1st Angel's Message: Fear God
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Fear God (v.7)
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The world is called upon to fear God, which generally means to respect and be in awe of Him (Ps. 33:6-9). The 1st angel says to fear God because He is judging (see previous studies for more info about when the judgment began) and because He created all things.
1st Angel's Message: Give glory to God
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Give glory to God (v.7)
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If a person respects God and believes Him to be the creator of all things, it is then possible to give glory to Him. He is the one who has made possible our existence, our salvation and a future, and all people should be giving Him the credit and thanks for these things. There are many ways to give glory to Him, including
- taking care of our minds and bodies (1 Cor. 6:19-20),
- using our spiritual gifts fully (1 Pet. 4:11), and
- rejoicing through trials (1 Pet. 4:16).
1st Angel's Message: Judgment has come
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Judgment has come (v.7)
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We learned in previous studies, that the time of judgment, vindication and restoration (cleansing of the sanctuary - Daniel 8:14) began in 1844 and continues until probation closes just prior to Jesus' second coming. This end-time message warns the world that this event IS happening now! Recognizing Jesus' role as our advocate and God's character of love and fairness, makes the judgment a welcome event!
1st Angel's Message: Worship the Creator
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Worship the Creator (v.7)
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Recognition and belief in God as the creator is a main point in the first angel's message. If this fundamental belief is lost sight of or doubted, faith in the authority, ability, and power of God and His word crumbles.
In the 1800's, the theory of evolution was introduced, and ever since, the world has drifted farther and farther away from belief in the Biblical creation story. This message calls us all back to the importance of recognizing our creator and believing in His, and only His, ability to save us.
The 2nd Angel's Message
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"And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. " (Rev. 14:8).
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The second message focuses on exposing false doctrines and the sources of it.
Components of the 2nd Message:
- Babylon is fallen
- Made all nations drink
- Wine of her fornication
2nd Angel's Message: Babylon is fallen
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Babylon is fallen (v. 8)
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Babylon is introduced here, for the first time in Revelation. Later chapters reveal more of her characteristics. She is described as the mother of harlots (Rev. 17:5), revealing that she represents an untrue church (compare the pure woman in the study on Rev. 12), and she has produced additional untrue churches (daughters). She sits on a beast (Rev. 17:3), controlling the direction of state powers.
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"And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH" (Revelation 17:5).
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She is announced as "fallen" after the 1st angel's warning message of judgment begins to be given just prior to 1844. By then, Christianity was made up of not only the Papacy (mother), but many Protestant churches (daughters). Despite the Protestant Reformation, most of the churches have fallen back into the same tradition-based religion instead of continuing to return to the pure doctrines of the Bible. At some point, the conditions foretold by this second angel and expounded on by the angel of great power in Revelation 18 will be fully met and the people of God will receive the final call to separate from Babylon.
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"And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire" (Neh. 1:3).
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In Israel's experience, Babylon took them captive for many years, after which a remnant returned to Jerusalem, rebuilt the temple, repaired the breach in the wall and called others to come out of Babylon. In the same way, true-hearted Christians were held "captive" by spiritual Babylon during the dark ages (538-1798 AD). However, God has a remnant who have returned to a pure faith, repaired the breaches in God's law, and call the rest of God's people to leave the fallen churches, erroneous doctrines and false teachings.
2nd Angel's Message: Made all nations drink
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Made all nations drink (v. 8)
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The word translated to "made" (Rev. 14:8) means to furnish, feed or irrigate. This great city Babylon (fallen churches), has convinced the whole world to "drink" (accept and do) (v. 10) the wine she has provided for them.
As the churches ally themselves more and more closely with the world, their doctrines become more and more intoxicating. However, many people within these churches are dissatisfied and uncomfortable with the popular trends. As they search for clearer light and earnestly seek the truth in the Bible, their differences widen and it will finally result in separation or a coming out from these churches.
2nd Angel's Message: Wine of Her Fornication
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Wine of Her Fornication (v. 8)
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In contrast with the 144,000, who are part of the pure woman and true to their one husband, the fallen church Babylon is described as a harlot. She hasn't been true to God, going after false gods and being disloyal. Rev. 18:3 says she has fornicated with the kings of the earth (has inappropriate relationships with state powers). The "wine" of her betrayal represents the beliefs she promotes that are incorrect/unbiblical and draw people away from God. She does this with wrath (Greek=Passion, fierceness), very aggressively and effectively (even enacting laws through state powers to enforce religious beliefs), giving this wine (false doctrines) to all the nations... and they drink it.
3rd Angel's Message
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"And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, 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; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. Here is the patience of the saints: here [are] they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus" (Rev. 14:9-12).
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After the 1st angel confirms the identity of the true God and how to worship Him, and the 2nd angel reveals how to recognize false gods and erroneous teachings, the third angel warns about the consequences of staying in Babylon and worshipping the beast.
Components of the 3rd Message:
- Worshipping the Beast
- The Wrath of God
- Commandments of God
- Faith of Jesus
3rd Angel's Message: Worshipping the Beast
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Worshipping the Beast (v. 9)
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In the previous presentation, we studied the Mark of the Beast in detail. It revealed that every person will be presented with a choice; will you worship the beast by following his law, or will you worship God and obey His law? The prophecy of Revelation 13 unfolds how civil laws will be made that contradict God's law. These civil laws will be enforced by the Lamb-like Beast (protestant USA) and will follow after the law of the Sea Beast (Papacy), in direct contradiction to God's law. Other nations will follow the same pattern.
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"But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men" (Matt. 15:9).
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While the whole law of God is at issue, the specific divine law that the Papacy claims to have changed is the commandment to keep the 7th day holy (see separate study on the Mark of the Beast), claiming that because the whole Christian world follows her in keeping the 1st day of the week instead of the Biblical 7th as the Lord's Sabbath, that this is a mark of her authority. When this time of forcing the conscience through state powers comes at some point in the very near future, and all people have heard the warning message clearly, those who follow man's law when it contradicts God's law receive the mark of the Beast, and those who stay true to God's law receive the mark of God and are sealed.
The act of "worship" is all about recognizing authority and giving love and obedience to that authority.
3rd Angel's Message: The Wrath of God
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The Wrath of God
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Revelation 15-18 tells us how the wrath of God is revealed, namely, in the seven last plagues (Rev. 15:6-8, 18:2-8). These plagues are horrible, tortuous afflictions, culminating in the 7th plague when Jesus comes in the clouds and the earth is burned up (2 Pet. 3:10) (the plagues are studied in a separate presentation). The smoke, or the result of their final burning, will last forever, not the torturing (Mal. 4:1-3, Ez. 28:17). In fact, the plagues occur quickly and are over, perhaps within one prophetic day (literal year) (Rev. 18:8). During the plaques, the wicked have no rest. They have brought this upon themselves by the choices they have made. Rebelling against laws that are there for our own good only results in trouble..."The wages of sin is death" (Rom. 6:23).
3rd Angel's Message: Commandments of God
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Commandments of God
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Those who receive the mark of the beast (follow man's law when it contradicts God's law) and experience the plagues are contrasted with those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. This goes back to the main point of who a person chooses to worship and how. The saints patiently keep all of God's commandments, including the fourth commandment to keep the 7th day holy, just like Jesus and the apostles did. The others keep the Sea Beast's commandments, placing tradition above the instructions in God's word (see previous presentation for quotes by the Papacy on this issue).
3rd Angel's Message: Faith of Jesus
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Faith of Jesus (v. 12)
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The third angel's message culminates with a reminder of how the first angel started...the everlasting gospel. Salvation is available as a gift from God through faith in Jesus. Faith itself is from Jesus, it connects a person to God, it makes true worship possible and it enables a person to keep the commandments through Christ's power. When faith is exercised, God changes the heart and character. At the same time, God respects the choice of those who do not believe in his promises and reject His offer of salvation, and he doesn't force them to change their character. As they continue to make destructive choices, He eventually withdraws His protection from them. But, for those who accept His offer, God shields them from the plagues.
The Winepress
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"And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud [one] sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle...And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast [it] into the great winepress of the wrath of God. And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand [and] six hundred furlongs" (Rev. 14:14-20).
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The chapter ends with a view of the seventh plague when Christ returns to the earth. This blessed event is surrounded in turmoil and torment for the wicked. Death, on an enormous scale, is here prophesied. In fact all of the wicked are killed during the course of the plagues or in the final battle (Rev. 19:20-21). The three angel's messages of warning were given, but rejected by so many.
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"Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready" (Rev. 19:7).
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But, many do heed the warnings, and view the return of Christ from a much different perspective. They see their redeemer and rejoice that they get to spend eternity together with Him!
End of Study
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All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the King James Version of the Bible (KJV). Scripture quotations taken from the New American Standard Bible® (NASB), Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. www.Lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The "NIV" and "New International Version" are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the King James Version of the Bible (KJV). Scripture quotations taken from the New American Standard Bible® (NASB), Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. www.Lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The "NIV" and "New International Version" are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™