The book of Revelation holds a special place in the hearts of Seventh-day Adventists, offering profound insight into last day events and our mission. In this study, Pastor Baldwin takes us on a deep exploration of Revelation chapter 10, revealing powerful truths about the mighty angel described there and the mysterious "seven thunders." This message is not only rich in biblical symbolism but also critical for understanding our role in proclaiming the gospel in these final days.

Identifying the Mighty Angel in Revelation 10

Revelation 10:1 introduces a striking figure: "another mighty angel coming down from heaven, clothed with a cloud, a rainbow upon his head, his face like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire." At first glance, this description might suggest an angelic being, but Pastor Baldwin guides us through Scripture to uncover a deeper identity.

• Pillar of Cloud and Fire: Exodus 13:21 recalls how God led the Israelites through the wilderness by day as a pillar of cloud and by night as a pillar of fire—symbols of God's presence.
• Rainbow Around the Throne: Ezekiel 1:26–28 and Revelation 4:2–3 describe a throne with a rainbow encircling it, symbolizing God's glory and covenant.
• Face Like the Sun: Malachi 4:2 speaks of the "Sun of Righteousness" rising with healing—clearly a reference to Jesus Christ.

Putting these clues together, the "mighty angel" is none other than Jesus Himself, the Angel of the Lord, appearing in a symbolic form to deliver a crucial message. This identification emphasizes the authority and urgency of the message He brings.

The Little Book: From Sealed Prophecy to Open Revelation

In Revelation 10:2, the mighty angel holds a "little book open," with one foot on the sea and the other on the earth. This book is significant because it was once sealed, as Daniel 12:8–9 reveals—"the words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end." We are living in that time of the end, when the prophecies hidden in Daniel are being opened for understanding.

The symbolism of one foot on the sea and the other on the earth, explained through Revelation 17:15, represents Jesus' message reaching all peoples, nations, tongues, and cultures worldwide. The little book is open and ready to be proclaimed globally.

The Seven Thunders: A Mysterious and Sealed Message

Revelation 10:3–4 describes Jesus crying out "with a loud voice, as when a lion roars," followed by the utterance of seven thunders. However, John is instructed not to write down what the seven thunders said, as it is "sealed." This cryptic moment has puzzled many, but Pastor Baldwin offers insight rooted in Adventist history and Ellen White’s writings.

The number seven symbolizes completeness or perfection in Scripture, linking the seven thunders to a complete divine message. Ellen White clarifies that the seven thunders represent events unfolding under the first and second angel’s messages—messages that were to be proclaimed fully before additional light could be revealed.

The Little Book Eaten: Sweetness and Bitterness

Continuing in Revelation 10:8–10, John is instructed to take the little book and eat it. It tastes sweet as honey but turns bitter in his stomach. This experience parallels the Millerite movement’s history during the Great Disappointment of 1844. The Millerites eagerly anticipated Jesus’ return, finding joy in the prophecy's promise, only to face bitterness when Christ did not come as expected.

This bitter-sweet experience is encapsulated in the little book, representing the early Adventist message’s sweetness before 1844 and the bitterness afterward. However, this trial was necessary—it led to deeper study of Daniel and Revelation and birthed the Seventh-day Adventist movement destined to proclaim the final messages to the world.

Our Mission Today: Proclaiming the Everlasting Gospel

John is then commanded to prophesy again before many peoples, nations, tongues, and kings (Revelation 10:11). This is a clear call to action for God’s people today. We are commissioned to carry forward the messages of Daniel and Revelation, especially the three angels' messages, to prepare the world for Christ’s soon return.

Pastor Baldwin reminds us that this mission is urgent and worldwide. Jesus, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, roars with authority, calling us to share the everlasting gospel with a loud voice. The seven thunders, though sealed in part, represent the fullness of God’s work in the first and second angel’s messages that prepare hearts for salvation.

Conclusion: Living as Last-Day Witnesses

We live in a remarkable time—the time of the end—when the little book is open, and the message of Jesus is to be proclaimed to every nation and people. The mysteries of the seven thunders challenge us to trust God's timing and His unfolding plan. Though some aspects remain sealed, the core message of judgment, worship, and preparation is clear and urgent.

As Seventh-day Adventists, we have the privilege and responsibility to share this message boldly. We are part of a movement called to finish the work and hasten the coming of Jesus. Let us embrace this mission with joy, knowing that the mighty angel who stands with feet on sea and earth is none other than our Savior, Jesus Christ, who empowers us to proclaim His soon return.

Are you ready to be part of this final proclamation? The little book is open. The time is now. Jesus is coming soon.

For more inspiring messages, visit Gentry SDA Church on YouTube.