The Message of the Third Angel (Part 2)

Revelation 14:12

¹² Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. (Rev 14:12 KJV)

The Grand Finale

This is the grand finale of the three angels’ messages. So far, we have been presented with Christ’s side in the first angel’s message and Satan’s side in the second angel’s message. The third angel’s message contains the word ‘if’ because it brings the recipient to a point of decision. The final destiny of those who choose Satan’s side has been presented already, but now we are presented with those who choose Christ’s side. The third angel presents them in two ways:

1. The patience of the saints
2. Those who keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus

The Message of the Third Angel (Part 1)

Revelation 14:9-11

⁹ Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand,

¹⁰ “he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.

¹¹ “And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.” (Rev 14:9-11 NKJ)

The Final Warning

After the proclamation of the eternal gospel with the appeal to humanity to return to God (the first angel’s message), followed by the alert to the fall of the religious-political system called Babylon (the second angel’s message), comes a warning about the fate of those who worship, or identify themselves with, the first beast of Revelation 13 (the third angel’s message).

The Message of the First Angel

Revelation 14:6-7

⁶ Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth– to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people–

⁷ saying with a loud voice, “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.” (Rev 14:6-7 NKJ)

Let’s begin by setting the scene

• Why an angel?
• Why is he flying?
• And who needs to hear his message?

The Message of the Second Angel

Revelation 14:8

⁸ And another angel followed, saying, “Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.” (Rev 14:8 NKJ)

Babylon is Fallen! Is Fallen!

The first angel is soon followed by the second one whose message is related to the previous message. After being called to worship God as our Creator, we are also told that one of the most powerful religious and political systems followed on earth is soon going to come to an end. For us to understand the message of the second angel, we need to understand what “Babylon” means today. But first, we need to know what it meant to first-century Christians.

The Three Angels’ Messages

Christians, and even many non-Christians, are familiar with the story of Jesus’ birth and life: His First Coming. However, fewer are acquainted with the glorious event that is soon to follow (according to the Bible prophets): the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

According to some theologians, like Dwight Moody, there are even more references in the Scripture to Jesus’ Second Coming than to His First Coming. Many biblical prophets spoke about this climactic event that will end the Great Controversy between good and evil.

This series will focus on this lesser-known, yet equally significant and relevant event. It will look at the messages that are proclaimed shortly before Jesus’ return. The main text is found in Revelation chapter 14:6-12 and is known as The Three Angels’ Messages.