Great Controversy – Page 449
But
Christians of past generations observed the Sunday, supposing that in so doing
they were keeping the Bible Sabbath, and there are now true Christians in every
church, not excepting the Roman Catholic communion, who honestly believe that
Sunday is the Sabbath of divine appointment. God accepts their sincerity of
purpose and their integrity before him. But when Sunday observance shall be
enforced by law, and the world shall be enlightened concerning the obligation
of the true Sabbath, then whoever shall transgress the command of God, to obey
a precept which has no higher authority than that of Rome, will thereby honor
popery above God. He is paying homage to Rome, and to the power which enforces
the institution ordained by Rome. He is worshipping the beast and his image. As
men then reject the institution which God has declared to be the sign of his
authority, and honor in its stead that which Rome has chosen as the token of
her supremacy, they will thereby accept the sign of allegiance to
Rome--"the mark of the beast." And it is not until the issue is thus
plainly set before the people, and they are brought to choose between the
commandments of God and the commandments of men, that those who continue in
transgression will receive "the mark of the beast." EXT-
The most fearful threatening ever
addressed to mortal is contained in the third angel's message. That must be a
terrible sin which calls down the wrath of God unmingled with mercy. Men are
not to be left in darkness concerning this important matter; the warning
against this sin is to be given to the world before the visitation of God's
judgments, that all may know why they are to be inflicted, and have opportunity
to escape them. Prophecy declares that the first angel would make his
announcement to "every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people."
The warning of the third angel, which forms a part of the same threefold
message, is to be no less widespread. It is represented in the prophecy as
proclaimed with a loud voice, by an angel flying in the midst of heaven; and it
will command the attention of the world.