The first angel brings the “everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people” (Verse 6) and the announcement of the divine judgment.
As we consider the work of this “angel,” we understand that he represents a worldwide movement to reach all the inhabitants of the world.
It is indeed a very serious message that needs the careful attention of the whole world. Who is this angel mentioned in verses 6, 7? What is the purpose of his message?
The movement represented by this angel started when William Miller began to preach the exact message foretold in the prophecy. William Miller was born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Though born in a Christian home, he later became Deist under the influence of his friends. But his new beliefs brought him no peace. In 1816 he gave his heart to Christ and started studying the Bible in a very deep way to refute his Deist friends.
He declared: “I saw that the Bible did bring to view just such a Saviour as I needed; and I was perplexed to find how an uninspired book should develop principles so perfectly adapted to the wants of a fallen world. I was constrained to admit that the Scriptures must be a revelation from God; they became my delight, and in Jesus I found a friend.”1
Mr. Miller’s deep Bible research took him to the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation, and he came to the conclusion that Christ would return around 1843.
Convinced of the duty of presenting his conclusions to others, he tried to excuse himself on the ground that he was not a public speaker. Eventually, in 1831, he made a covenant with God that “if I should have an invitation to speak publicly in any place, I will go and tell them what I find in the Bible about the Lord’s coming.” He was sure that none would invite him. However, very soon the invitation came. After struggling with God, he decided to obey His voice, and a powerful movement began and became known as the “advent movement.”
The movement that started with Miller and his associates fulfilled the prophecy in regard to the first angel registered in verses 6, 7.
“William Miller began to unfold to the people the mysteries of the kingdom of God, carrying his hearers down through the prophecies to the second advent of Christ. With every effort he gained strength. As John the Baptist heralded the first advent of Jesus and prepared the way for His coming, so William Miller and those who joined with him proclaimed the second advent of the Son of God.”2
In this issue of The Reformation Herald, we will give special attention to the first angel’s message. Let us reason together!
