What was the 1888 Message?

The Essentials of the Jones-Waggoner Message

Why should it be opposed by God’s people today?

In brief, the 1888 message was the very essence of Christ’s appeal "unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans." It is only to be expected that the wrath of the dragon should be aroused against it. But shall we agree with the dragon, and let him win the war?

Why not heed the Saviour’s call, "Be zealous therefore, and repent"? Let there be "good will" towards the "beginning" of the Latter Rain and the Loud Cry. Let "stubborn resistance cease." Too long have we felt ourselves "rich and increased with goods, … in need of nothing" so far as understanding righteousness by faith is concerned.

Our Lord’s beatitude has eluded us, for we have felt no deep "hunger and thirst after righteousness" —which, of course, can be only by faith. Without a contrite, humble, penitent soul-hunger, we shall never be "filled." Our present widespread self-satisfaction must give way to true self-knowledge. Our world church is exactly what our Saviour says, spiritually "wretched, miserable, poor, and blind, and naked."

When we "gather up the fragments that nothing be lost" of that "most precious message" so long neglected, then we can press our petitions with becoming reverence for greater power, so that our gospel commission can be completed in our generation.

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