For very many years our church has advocated the health message, pointing everyone back to God’s original ideals, as it pertains to diet, health of mind and body, and the use of nature’s remedies. But now the time has come for the message to take its rightful place as the right arm of the third angel’s message, as the servant of the Lord has clearly stated. In fact, if we were to look up the phrase: Right arm of the third angel’s message, we will see it occurring no less than 57 times, and thus it is important for us to give it due consideration, since the voice of the third angel will be sounding much louder in the not too distant future.
Now, some may be wondering why we have begun to place such a heavy emphasis on health on our
Face-book page, by putting up articles, pictures, and videos on a wide range of health-related issues such as exercise, foods and natural remedies. The reason is that many people do not know that God is always practical and down to earth in His instructions, and while many of us as Christians may be looking for a great miracle to occur to change our habits and our lifestyles overnight, the fact is that the means by which God will work to bring about change, is via the products and methods He has already ordained.
If someone needs to go to their doctor or physician for the treatment of diabetes, cancer, or heartburn, it will not bode well with the doctor for the patient to bring their own medicines, for the doctor is the one who stipulates what treatments and medicines are to be used in restoring health. Similarly, it will not bode well with Jesus if, in the restoration of health, that we bring to the table, those products He has not prescribed, for as stated before, it will be unreasonable for us to expect positive results if
insist that God works with products and methods we recommend.
For instance, Naaman, who was terminally ill with leprosy was told of Elisha the prophet in Israel, but when he arrived at Elisha’s house, he became pretty disturbed because the prophet did not come out in a show of spiritual exuberance, raising his hands to the heavens, and invoking God’s miraculous power in his behalf. Instead, the prophet told him of one of the simplest remedies you can find, water. God, the Physician, is going to cure Naaman, but the patient has to use only those products and methods which are stipulated.
And even though the water and seven dips do not make any sense whatsoever to the patient, we must remember that in our own experience with doctors and medicines, the names of some of those drugs many people use also do not make any sense either, let alone being able to pronounce them. Thus, after much fretting and anger, Naaman finally took the plunge, and God worked through the agency of water to bring about healing.
The health message, which as stated before is the right arm of the third angel’s message, is to work in much the same way, with the implementation and use of methods, diet, and natural remedies, coupled together with prayer and faith. God’s omnipotent, healing power will be used through, and in harmony with what He has ordained, and nothing else, when the third angel will begin to sound in our day. What is worthy of note however, is that in the fifty-seven instances given, not one mention is made of either the first or second angel’s messages, but instead, every single reference is inseparably linked to the third.
And so, the question is why? Why is the health message being directly linked to the third angel’s message, and not necessarily to the first or the second, even though it is good to preach it at any given time? It’s quite worthy of note that as stated before, this health message deals directly with diet, medicine, disease, its causes, and cures. And so the question is, what does the mark of the beast have to do with diseases, diets, and cures? For starters, we must read what the Bible specifies as the third angel’s message. Let’s read:
Revelation 14:9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,
10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation”…
[Testimonies for The Church vol. 6 pp. 288] Again and again I have been instructed that the medical missionary work is to bear the same relation to the work of the third angel's message that the arm and hand bear to the body. Under the direction of the divine Head they are to work unitedly in preparing the way for the coming of Christ. The body has need of the arm in order to do active, aggressive work. Both have their appointed work, and each will suffer great loss if worked independently of the other.
[Testimonies vol. 6 pp. 327] When properly conducted, the health work is an entering wedge, making a way for other truths to reach the heart. When the third angel's message is received in its fullness, health reform will be given its place in the councils of the conference, in the work of the church, in the home, at the table, and in all the household arrangements. Then the right arm will serve and protect the body.
Thus, the message must of necessity have some direct correlation to medicine, health and food, for all these are involved in medical missionary work. Whenever God is just about to do a magnificent work, satan introduces a counterfeit so that the lines of distinction between the true and the false may become quite blurred. Thus, we find it very interesting that a man-made system of health and medicine with drugs as a pillar, has recently become the law of the land, being mandated by the highest judicial body in the U.S, which may suggest that we might be much closer to the sounding of the third angel, than previously thought.
When a person goes to the doctor because of some sickness or ailment, the doctor not only prescribes medicine, but also counsels his patient on what to eat, and drink. And therefore, many of the products and methods which are now implemented will be found to be directly opposed to God’s ways and means of achieving cures.
For years we have focused squarely on the Sabbath, as being one of the most controversial doctrines, the universal, and national rejection of which, will close the probation of this earth permanently. But from what we have read, it seems as if The Spirit of God is directing our minds to a closer investigation of the literal ramifications of the implementation of Sunday laws, for the mark of the beast will affect all commerce in the most literal sense, including, but not limited to the purchase of food and medicines, none of which we can do without.
As it stands currently, most minds are programmed to decide and act along certain standard modes of thought, whenever there is a medical emergency, or any other health issue for that matter. For instance, if we get a cold or flu, most people automatically think of, and reach for a slew of cold remedies, or flu shots, without taking the time or the effort to see if these products are in line with God’s methods and stipulated materials. And if we were to get a headache we reach for the medicines most readily available at the local pharmacy. And if we were to get heart-burn and indigestion, after eating what we weren’t supposed to be eating in the first place, there we go again, with a host of antacids and so-forths.
(CNN) 04/15/2016."Taking one of the most prescribed medications in the world -- proton pump inhibitors -- might dramatically increase a person's risk for kidney failure and kidney disease, new research suggests. The study was released Thursday in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.
Doctors prescribe proton pump inhibitors, also known as PPIs, to help people who suffer from regular heart burn, ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease or acid reflux. They are sold under the names Prevacid, Prilosec, Nexium, Protonix, Aciphex and others. About 15 million Americans have prescriptions for them, although people can get them without a prescription -- so the number who use them is likely much higher.
The mark of the beast will effectively and entirely bring all man-made food and medicines under its domain, and then it will be that those who have not accustomed themselves to living according to the God ordained methods and systems of diet and medicine, will certainly encounter serious difficulty when the carpet is suddenly pulled from beneath our feet. To adopt, live by, and trust in God and His ways takes time and does not happen overnight, for in the real world, it takes many, many years to trust in God entirely. The difficulty will arise because so many Christians have not made it a habit to trust in God solely, and because of this, it won’t be an easy matter to switch over from one mode of action and thought, to the other suddenly.
Our preamble being covered, we now turn to the word of God to study the blueprints given, so that we may be instructed as to what will take place in the near future. We begin with the contest on Mt. Carmel, which mirrors what will take place with the modern day version of departures from the grand principles of God’s law. Already it has been taught for many years in some theological circles, that the law given at Sinai was for the Jews only, and as such has no bearing on post Judean Christianity. And with the repudiation of God-ordained marriage by the supreme court last year, there remains one, and only one more shoe to drop, before the third angel begins to sound with a loud voice. Let’s read:
1st Kings 17:17 And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Art thou he that troubleth Israel?
18 And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the Lord, and thou hast followed Baalim.
The “Trouble” is a direct result of trampling on the commandments of God, for as stated before on this forum, the law of God is much more potent than all other natural or physical laws. As a matter of fact, the other laws of nature are entirely subservient to the Decalogue, and whenever it is interfered with, the other laws under its jurisdiction are thrown out of balance.
19 Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel's table.
We observe the ratio of true prophets to the false. In our day the very same situation has obtained, for there are thousands of false prophets, presenting fables and smooth things to itching ears, whilst the true prophet of God stands alone in single file.
20 So Ahab sent unto all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together unto mount Carmel.
Every mountain has a peak, so it was at the height of Israel’s apostasy that the contest between the law of God and the laws of men took place, and history is scheduled to be repeated, according to the Bible. Hence the reason for the following text. Let’s read:
Malachi 4:4 Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb”… “with the statutes and judgments.
5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord:
6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.
1st Kings 18:21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.
In the final conflict to be settled soon, there will only be “Two opinions” to be decided on. The issue that will decide the eternal destiny of many billions of people, is the issue of worship, hence the reason why the book of Revelation specifies the issue. Its either Sabbath, or Sunday worship, for this is the last standing issue as it pertains to the law of God, versus the laws of men. Let’s read:
Revelation 13:4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast”…
8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life”…
11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.
12 And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.
Revelation 14:6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,
7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.
9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,
1st Kings 18:41 And Elijah said unto Ahab, Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain.
This rain is symbolic of the latter rain, the great and final outpouring of the Holy Spirit to prepare all of earth’s inhabitants for the coming of The Son of Man. As the early rain was given at the inauguration of the Christian era, to cause the up-springing of the precious seed, just so The Holy Spirit is to be given near the close of earth’s history, to prepare all who so desire, to stand before The Son of Man when He appears. Let’s read:
Joel 2:23 Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month.
28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:
29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.
30 And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.
31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the Lord come.
32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call.
James 5: 7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.
8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.
1st Kings 18:42 So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees,
43 And said to his servant, Go up now, look toward the sea. And he went up, and looked, and said, There is nothing. And he said, Go again seven times.
44 And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down that the rain stop thee not.
44 And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand”.
[The Great Controversy pp. 640>641] The voice of God is heard from Heaven, declaring the day and hour of Jesus’ coming, and delivering the everlasting covenant to his people. The wicked cannot look upon them. And when the blessing is pronounced on those who have honored God by keeping his Sabbath holy, there is a mighty shout of victory.
Soon there appears in the east a small black cloud, about half the size of a man's hand. It is the cloud which surrounds the Saviour, and which seems in the distance to be shrouded in darkness. The people of God know this to be the sign of the Son of man. In solemn silence they gaze upon it as it draws nearer the earth, becoming lighter and more glorious, until it is a great white cloud, its base a glory like consuming fire, and above it the rainbow of the covenant. Jesus rides forth as a mighty conqueror.
But, not long after the contest on Mt. Carmel has been decided, Jezebel issues a death threat to Elijah and he decides to flee for his life. It’s worthy of note that Ahab was generally kept in the shadows, being subservient to Jezebel, whilst the woman ran the show. Now, it’s worthy of note that both Ahab and Jezebel were national leaders, but the woman had the upper hand in executive orders, when the death threat to Elijah was issued. Soon, there might be a woman and a man running the show, both of whom are national leaders, but as in the time of the Elijah message, the woman will also have the upper hand, as far as executive orders go. Think about it! Let’s read:
2nd Kings 19:1 And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword.
2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time.
3 And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there.
4 But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.
It is at this point, after Elijah has been cut off from all commerce, that he depends upon God entirely for food and medicine, for in the mountains and the wilderness where he is hiding, there are no shops, or malls, nor any Wal-marts to be found.] Let’s read:
5 And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.
6 And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again.
7 And the angel of the Lord came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee.
8 And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God.
Let’s recap carefully the nature and sequence of events, and then let everyone judge for themselves whether or not it is a blueprint. [1] The nation has departed from the laws of God. [2] Elijah is sent to proclaim a famine. [3] He then goes into hiding where his diet is changed from KFC to a non-flesh diet. [4] There is a national contest between the commandments of God and the laws of men. [5] Rain, which represents the latter rain is poured out in copious amounts at this time, and millions of people have turned to serve the Living God. [6] The woman, who is a national leader with executive powers issues a death threat to Elijah. [7] Because of this he flees to the mountains and wilderness. [8] Through the ministration of angels he is protected, and fed two meals, consisting of bread and water.
[Maranatha pp. 270] In the day of fierce trial Christ will say, “Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be over-past.” What are the chambers in which they are to hide? They are the protection of Christ and holy angels. The people of God are not at this time all in one place. They are in different companies, and in all parts of the earth.
I saw the saints leaving the cities and villages, and associating together in companies, and living in the most solitary places. Angels provided them food and water, while the wicked were suffering from hunger and thirst. During the night a very impressive scene passed before me. There seemed to be great confusion and the conflict of armies. A messenger from the Lord stood before me, and said, “Call your household. I will lead you; follow me.” He led me down a dark passage, through a forest, then through the clefts of mountains, and said, “Here you are safe.”
There were others who had been led to this retreat. The heavenly messenger said. “The time of trouble has come as a thief in the night, as the Lord warned you it would come.” In the time of trouble just before the coming of Christ, the righteous will be preserved through the ministration of heavenly angels; but there will be no security for the transgressor of God's law. Angels cannot then protect those who are disregarding one of the divine precepts.
Observe the following: Two meals, Bread, Water, and Mountains. Then, speaking of the days of conflict that are just ahead, the prophet Isaiah says the very same thing, for there is nothing new under the sun, and as has been stated over and over again on this forum, God teaches by repetition. Let’s read:
Isaiah 33:16 He shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure. [Is it a mere Coincidence? Not so much.]
In preparation against that time, it’s important that we adopt specific modes of thought and action, so that when that day comes upon us unawares, we will not find it difficult to exercise unwavering faith and trust in God.
[1] Spiritual preparation: The Great controversy pp. 621>622] Those who exercise but little faith now, are in the greatest danger of falling under the power of Satanic delusions and the decree to compel the conscience. And even if they endure the test, they will be plunged into deeper distress and anguish in the time of trouble, because they have never made it a habit to trust in God. The lessons of faith which they have neglected, they will be forced to learn under a terrible pressure of discouragement. We should now acquaint ourselves with God by proving his promises.
[2] Physical preparation. The remnant are called to be living embodiments of the message they preach, with the God-ordained laws of health, diet, and medicine, being incorporated into our daily routine and experiences, so that when we open our mouths to present these sacred and solemn truths, people will take knowledge of us that we have been with Jesus.
In closing, we encourage each and everyone to live in readiness, and as much as is possible, to align ourselves with the modes of thought and action prescribed in the Bible, because our probationary period on earth is given so that we may prepare for the finishing touch of immortality, when Christ comes to receive His own. Let’s read:
[Maranatha pp. 80] When the Lord comes, those who are holy will be holy still. Those who have preserved their bodies and spirits in holiness, in sanctification and honor, will then receive the finishing touch of immortality. But those who are unjust, unsanctified, and filthy, will remain so forever. No work will then be done for them to remove their defects, and give them holy characters. The Refiner does not then sit to pursue His refining process and remove their sins and their corruption. This is all to be done in these hours of probation. It is now that this work is to be accomplished for us.
Revelation 22: 20 Even so, come, Lord Jesus. 21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.