We often hear references to “the 1888 message.” What does it mean? Many interpret this differently in their own way and have been unclear in their minds. There was a failure to preach about the atoning sacrifice of Jesus as the basis of human hope. About 120 years have since passed. At this juncture we need to take stock of what is our condition, and what this message is about. The 1888 message revolves around justification by faith. It incorporates the saving power of both justification and sanctification. “The present message - justification by faith - is a message from God; it bears the divine credentials, for its fruit is unto holiness.”1

Salvation means rescue or deliverance. It is a rescue operation. Christians cannot be static. If the Spirit of Christ reigns within, they are in the process of change. Justification + Sanctification = Glorification. Justification is “a done deal,” sanctification is an ongoing process, and glorification is assured. Sanctification is a dynamic and progressive process with constant growth in fellowship with God. Justification is given to the penitent sinner, sanctification is granted to the justified sinner, and glorification is given to the sanctified Christian. This maturity and fitness must be revealed in everyone’s life as proof of his or her conversion. True justification by faith is always a change. Righteousness by faith is the third angel’s message in verity. This was the message brought in 1888.

The message of righteousness by faith establishes faith as the first condition of salvation. “The thought that the righteousness of Christ is imputed to us, not because of any merit on our part, but as a free gift from God, seemed a precious thought. . . . When we are clothed with the righteousness of Christ, we shall have no relish for sin.”2

The message of righteousness by faith transforms our character. “Christ is the great pattern; His character must be our character.”3

This message emphasizes that “faith and works go together, believing and doing are blended.”4 This message binds law and love together, for the gospel and the law go hand in hand. “In presenting the binding claims of the law, many have failed to portray the infinite love of Christ. . . . The gospel does not weaken the claims of the law.”5

The message of Christ Our Righteousness demands the cooperation of the human agent with God. “Let no man present the idea that man has little or nothing to do in the great work of overcoming; for God does nothing for man without his cooperation.”6

“The soul-saving message, the third angel’s message, is the message to be given to the world. The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus are both important, immensely important, and must be given with equal force and power.”7

Thus, the message of 1888 marked the beginning of a new era of spiritual awakening and growth. “This is the message that God commanded to be given to the world. It is the third angel’s message, which is to be proclaimed with a loud voice, and attended with the outpouring of His Spirit in a large measure.”8

“This is the testimony that must go throughout the length and breadth of the world. It presents the law and the gospel, binding up the two in a perfect whole.”9

This message, ‘Righteousness by Faith’, if accepted would do the cleansing and regenerating work in the church, which is made manifest in obedience to all the commandments of God. “If ye be willing and obedient” (Isaiah 1:19), Christ will work for us, in us, and through us to His glory.

May God help us to understand the importance of this message and to proclaim it loud and clear and that we may be ready for the outpouring of the latter rain!