2. When events of great importance are impending, the Lord gives due warning and instruction through a message for that special occasion, or through the interpretation and application of messages previously given. Genesis 6:13, 18; Hebrews 11:7; Luke 3:2-6; Isaiah 40:6-9; Matthew 3:9, 10; John 1:29.TDOC 168.5

3. The prophecy of Isaiah, upon which the message and work of John the Baptist were based, includes the Second Advent, the judgment, and the reward; consequently, the warning message previous to the Second Advent will be a revival and extension of the work of John the Baptist, applying it to the changed conditions. Isaiah 40:10; Revelation 22:12; Matthew 3:2, 3; Mark 1:15; Luke 1:17.TDOC 169.1

4. The distinctive setting for the gospel message of preparation for the coming of the Lord is given in prophecy. Revelation 14:6-16.TDOC 169.2

a. The message to be proclaimed is “the everlasting gospel.” Verse 6, first clause.TDOC 169.3

b. This will constitute a world-wide, last-day movement. Verse 6, last clause.TDOC 169.4

c. In every previous announcement of the gospel the judgment has been future, but in this announcement it is a present event, and is the special reason for giving the message. Verse 7, first clause.TDOC 169.5

d. In this message emphasis is placed upon creation as the work of a personal Creator. This is because the gospel calling for a re-creation and because of the subversion of this fundamental truth by modern evolution. Verse 7, last clause.TDOC 169.6

e. The apostasy and fall of modern Babylon are announced. Verse 8.TDOC 169.7

f. The consequence of fellowship with this apostasy is fully set forth. Verses 9-11.TDOC 169.8

g. Those who remain loyal to God are so described as to show that the great issue is over the law of God. Verse 12.TDOC 169.9

h. The blessing pronounced upon those who die in the Lord indicates the troublous conditions prevailing. Verse 13.TDOC 169.10

i. These conditions are immediately followed by the Second Advent. Verse 14.TDOC 169.11

j. The harvest of the earth is then reaped. Verses 15, 16.TDOC 169.12

5. A mere knowledge of these facts is not sufficient, but there must be a personal experience in fellowship with Christ. 2 Peter 3:17, 18.TDOC 170.1

NOTES

A direct message

“In this age, just prior to the second coming of Christ in the cloud of heaven, such a work as that of John is to be done. God calls for men who will prepare a people to stand in the great day of the Lord. The message preceding the public ministry of Christ was, ‘Repent, publicans and sinners; repent, Pharisees and Sadducees; repent you; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand?’ As a people who believe in Christ’s soon appearing, we have a message to bear, ‘Prepare to meet thy God.’ Our message must be as direct as was the message of John. He rebuked kings for their iniquity. Notwithstanding that his life was imperiled, he did not hesitate to declare God’s word. And our work in this age must be done as faithfully. In order to give such a message as John gave, we must have a spiritual experience like his. The same work must be wrought in us. We must behold God, and in beholding him lose sight of self.”-Testimonies for the Church 8:332, 333.TDOC 170.2

The Lord’s message

“In every generation God has sent his servants to rebuke sin, both in the world and in the church. But the people desire smooth things spoken to them, and the pure, unvarnished truth is not acceptable. Many reformers, in entering upon their work, determined to exercise great prudence in attacking the sins of the church and the nation. They hoped, by the example of a pure Christian life, to lead the people back to the doctrines of the Bible. But the Spirit of God came upon them as it came upon Elijah, moving him to rebuke the sins of a wicked king and an apostate people; they could not refrain from preaching the plain utterances of the Bible’s doctrines which they had been reluctant to present. They were impelled to zealously declare the truth, and the danger which threatened souls. The words which the Lord gave them they uttered, fearless of consequences, and the people were compelled to hear the warning. Thus the message of the third angel will be proclaimed. As the time comes for it to be given with greatest power, the Lord will work through humble instruments, leading the minds of those who consecrate themselves to his service. The laborers will be qualified rather by the unction of his Spirit than by the training of literary institutions. Men of faith and prayer will be constrained to go forth with holy zeal, declaring the words which God gives them.”-The Great Controversy, 606.TDOC 170.3

The need of the gospel message

“The threefold message is ‘the everlasting gospel’ proclaimed with special reference to ‘the hour of his judgment’ and the nearness of the Second Advent. In this message the fundamental truths of the gospel should therefore be emphasized. The need of such an emphasis is apparent when we observe how complete is the apostasy from these truths, and to what an extent a new gospel, the product of human rather than divine philosophy, has superseded the old gospel which Jesus and Paul preached.TDOC 170.4

“In this time of stress and trouble, when so many homes have been made desolate, and when the very foundations of society seem to be seriously disturbed, there is the greatest need of a gospel of consolation, a gospel which shall reveal sin in its full meaning as an attempt to overthrow the divine government, but at the same time shall present an all sufficient Savior ‘in whom we have redemption,’ who is able to save ‘to the uttermost,’ and through whom the everlasting kingdom of God will soon be established. Only through the cooperation of the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, can such a message be effectively given, and the promise of his presence should be claimed with an unwavering faith.”TDOC 171.1

LESSON FIFTY-NINE The Holy City

LESSON SIXTY-ONE A World-Wide Movement