A CALL FOR REFORM. Have you noticed that although our society proclaims equality for all, there are many things rooted in our society that encourage social inequality? How willing are you to challenge oppressive systems and advocate for inclusiveness and social justice?
We are concluding our study of the three angels’ messages in Revelation 14; in this context, we focus on the value of being a reformer.
Review our previous videos on this study at SabbathSchoolDaily.com.
You may obtain the study guide on the Three Cosmic Messages at Sabbath.School or ssnet.org.
Let Us Invite God’s Presence:
Holy Father, reform our hearts. Give us hearts of love and compassion for others and a spirit that supports reformation. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Reformers can be found in various fields, including politics, social justice, education, economics, and even religion. They often challenge established systems, norms, or practices that they see as problematic or have a need for change.
Reformers may pursue their goals through different means, such as lobbying for policy changes, advocating for new legislation, organizing grassroots movements, raising public awareness, engaging in peaceful protests or civil disobedience, and working within existing institutions to push for reforms.
Historically speaking, many notable figures have been identified as reformers; they include such individuals as Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, Susan B. Anthony, Nelson Mandela, and many others who have dedicated themselves to bringing about positive social change.
The Protestant Reformation was a 16th-century religious reformation that resulted in the division of Western Christianity. It was led by such reformers as Martin Luther and John Calvin. They sought to reform certain practices and doctrines of the Catholic Church, ultimately leading to the establishment of various Protestant denominations.
Out of this Protestant Reformation, God established His Church, which like the early reformers, maintains the Bible and the Bible only as their standard of faith and belief. They view Christ alone as their only Source of salvation. They look to the Holy Spirit as their only means of strength against sin and Satan. All their hope is in the return of Jesus, living eternally with Him in the new heaven and new earth.
We, are God’s believers; we are those who live by every word that comes from the mouth of God. Hence, we are His reformers.
As reformers, we proclaim many Bible truths that others have forgotten, pushed aside, ignored, or no longer know anything about. One of these Bible truths is God’s ten commandments, including the fourth commandment relating to the Sabbath and the worship of God. God’s ten commandments are still relevant today.
The Three Angels’ Messages and the special messages in Revelation gave rise to this last-day movement to complete the reformation. In this movement, we will proclaim God’s final message of mercy to the people on a dying planet. Revelation 14 describes a worldwide movement of God’s people sharing the Good News about Jesus with everyone on the earth. In it, we see three angels. In Revelation 18, these three angels are joined by a fourth angel.
What does this fourth angel do? Revelations 18:1 says:
1 After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory. (Revelation 18:1)
He adds strength to the announcement of the first three angels so that the “earth [is] lightened with [God’s] glory.”
Revelation 18 focuses on major events leading up to the end of human history and the final, ultimate victory in Jesus.
This angel comes down from God’s throne room. He leaves the very presence of God to proclaim this special message of mercy and to warn everyone on the earth of what is coming upon planet Earth. With great urgency and persistence, he warns the people on the earth. Notice what the prophet Habakkuk says in Habakkuk 2:14 about this proclamation:
14 For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, As the waters cover the sea. (Habakkuk 2:14)
Thus, this fourth angel has “great authority” (Revelation 18:1). Jesus also uses this word authority in Matthew 10:1 when He sends his disciple out to do His work. He gives His disciples divine power and “authority” (NIV) over the principalities and powers of evil.
Also, In Matthew 28:18, 19, Jesus sends his disciples out again, telling them:
18 All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (Matthew 28:18, 19)
This time, Jesus sends them with “all power” and “authority” in heaven and on earth to make more disciples or followers of Him of all nations.
Hence, the real issue in the final days of Earth’s history (as they are even today) is authority. Whose authority do you follow? God’s authority, your own authority, the beast’s authority, or someone else’s authority? When we move by God’s authority, we have no need to fear because we are reformers authorized to proclaim the Everlasting Gospel. As end-time reformers, we reveal God’s character. How?
Find out in Part 5: God’s Glory Fills the Earth
