Back to the Altar — Devotional Life and the End-time Message

The First and Second Angels’ Messages

As Seventh-day Adventists, we are called to proclaim an end-time message of so much importance that nothing else should divert our attention (Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, p. 302). We preach the message of the first angel “flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth” (Revelation 14:6), urging all to fear God, give Him glory, and “worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water” (verse 7). These verses remind us that humanity’s origin is divine, not evolutionary. We possess the “everlasting gospel”—timely and timeless, essential and eternal, needful and never-ending!

We also share the message of the second angel found in Revelation 14:8: “Babylon is fallen”! This sacred message calls all true followers of God to reject all humanly originated forms of worship and belief not based on God’s Word. It calls us away from randomly assembled beliefs which are not based in Scripture nor supported by the Spirit of Prophecy. Come out of Babylon that you be not partaker of her sins nor of her plagues, the angel of Revelation 18:4 would later command. This sacred message is a call to stand apart in our true worship of God!

The Third Angel’s Message

But, Friends, if the first two messages were powerful, Ellen White says something quite startling about the message of the third angel. Ellen White writes in her Letter 209: “The power of the proclamation of the first and second angels’ messages is to be concentrated in the third” (1899). How so? Because the third angel’s message captures the everlasting gospel of the first message and its call to worship! It embraces the second angel’s call for separation from false worship. But the proclamation of this third message is unlike the first two in that it delivers a fearsome warning: “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of his indignation” (Revelation 14:9). This message reveals earth’s marked-up beast-worshipers and heaven’s sealed-up God-worshipers!

“Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus” (Revelation 14:12). Of this message Ellen White further notes, “It is present truth. This message is to go forth with great distinctness and power. It is not to be clouded by human theories and sophistries” (Letter 20, 1900). As we pray today, let us ask God to empower our worship that we might powerfully proclaim His end-time message to a perishing world.

Let’s talk to our God.

Prayer Time (30–45 Minutes)

Praying God’s Word — Revelation 14:7

“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.”

“Fear God and Give Glory to Him”

Our mighty Creator God, King of the Universe, we want to humble ourselves in Your presence. You are our God, the only God, and You are worthy of our praise, our devotion, and a life of consecration to Your will. You are wonderful, beautiful, powerful, and amazing. We ask that You will fulfill Your promise and fill us with Your Holy Spirit so that our lives become a reflection of Your perfect character of love. Glorify and reveal Yourself through us we pray. Amen.

“For the Hour of His Judgment Has Come”

Jesus, the prophetic word of the book of Daniel and Revelation is clear: We are living in the judgment hour of earth’s history. Thank You that we can have confidence in the sufficiency of Your righteousness, which is ours by faith, and which provides us with assurance of salvation as we face judgment. Help us, by Your grace, to live lives of useful, mission-focused service, honoring You in all we do. Amen.

“And Worship Him Who Made Heaven and Earth”

Oh Jesus, when we look upon this world and the universe, we are in awe of the beauty of Your handiwork. Despite sin’s effect on it all, we can still see that You are the Master Artist who put so much beauty and intentionality into Your craftmanship. We would not exist without You. Thank You for sharing Your life and creating us not only to exist for ourselves but to live in eternal fellowship with You, our Creator. Amen.

More Prayer Suggestions

Thanks and Praise: Give thanks for specific blessings and praise God for His goodness.

Confession: Take a few minutes for private confession and thank God for His forgiveness.

Guidance: Ask God to grant wisdom for current challenges and decisions.

Our Church: Pray for regional and world church needs (see separate sheet with requests).

Local Requests: Pray for current needs of church members, family, and neighbors.

Listen and Respond: Take time to listen for God’s voice and respond in praise or song.

Song Suggestions

SDA Hymnal: Seeking the Lost (#373); Rescue the Perishing (#367); Lift Up the Trumpet (#213)

Other Songs: For God So Loved the World; I Will Make You Fishers of Men

Published by the General Conference Ministerial Association
Daily Readings by Pr. Dwain Esmond