The Third Angel's Message - Part 4

Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.* 1

It's interesting that until now the last part of the message is hardly being studied. The patience of the saints is found in keeping the commandments of God. Even in the condition our society is in we recognize that it's important to keep the last six commandments. These are not in dispute. We all understand that it is wrong to dishonor our parents, murder, commit adultery, steal, lie and covet. The war unleashed against the remnant is based on the first four commandments. The world ignores the fact that there is only one God and we cannot make an image or likeness to honor because only God deserves our worship. The world ignores that the name of God is holy and that the Sabbath is sacred and therefore must be kept. The war nowadays is mainly based on these four commandments that are meant to emphasize God as our creator for which only He deserves worship. Finally, the Saints have the faith of Jesus because by beholding Jesus every day we grow closer to his image. After all, the faith of Jesus is what overcomes the world!* 2

The days ahead will not be easy. It will be a time of "great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be."*3 Therefore, the Lord in his love and mercy will lead some to rest. The last part of the message reads:

"[b]lessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them"(Rev. 14:13).

The testimony of the Saints continues even after death. Their lives continue to serve as an example to others. The commitment, faith and hope of the saints that go to rest while preaching this message, creates the belief that Jesus is at hand. The servant of the Lord says:

…He knows whether or not those for whom petitions are offered would be able to endure the trial and test that would come upon them if they lived. He knows the end from the beginning. Many will be laid away to sleep before the fiery ordeal of the time of trouble shall come upon our world.

The Lord has often instructed me that many little ones are to be laid away before the time of trouble. We shall see our children again. We shall meet them and know them in the heavenly courts. *4

It is time to seek Jesus while He may be found. It's time for ardent prayer and deep study of the Word of God. It is time to prepare for Jesus is coming. And if the Lord were to lay us to rest before his coming, it will be a privilege to pronounce Paul's words:

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. *5

JESUS IS COMING!

1 * Revelation 14:12, 13
2 * 1 John 5:4
3 * Matthew 24:21
4 * "Last Day Events," "The Seven Plagues and the Righteous", Ellen White
5 * 2 Timothy 4:7, 8