The Real Present Truth: Christ’s Character Written Within

Sermon Summary: This sermon explores the true meaning of “present truth” as referenced in 2 Peter 1:12, challenging the common understanding that it merely refers to a set of doctrines or teachings. While acknowledging the importance of understanding prophetic messages like the Three Angels’ Messages of Revelation 14, the seal of God, and the mark of the beast, the preacher argues that the real present truth is the transformation of character through Christ dwelling within. The sermon traces prophetic history from the Millerite movement of 1844 through the judgment hour message, emphasizing that knowing correct doctrine without experiencing Christ’s character transformation leaves believers spiritually blind. The ultimate present truth is having the Father’s name (character) written in our foreheads through the Holy Spirit, manifesting in the fruits of faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity.

Key Points:

  • Present truth appears only once in Scripture (2 Peter 1:12) and refers to specific qualities, not just doctrinal knowledge
  • The Three Angels’ Messages have been partially fulfilled historically but must be repeated before Christ’s return
  • The first angel’s message (judgment hour) was proclaimed during the Millerite movement (1833-1844)
  • The second angel’s message (Babylon has fallen) was given in summer 1844 and will be repeated in Revelation 18:1-4
  • The third angel’s message warns against the beast, image, and mark, encompassing the first four commandments
  • The seal of God is the Father’s name (character) written in the forehead, contrasting with Babylon’s mystery written on her forehead
  • The Holy Spirit does the sealing work, writing God’s laws in hearts and minds
  • True present truth includes: knowledge of God, promises, faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity
  • Having doctrinal knowledge without character transformation makes one blind, even a “blind leader of the blind”
  • Demons can have correct theological knowledge (belief in one God) without salvation
  • The real present truth is Christ’s presence within, transforming character

Scripture References from the Sermon

Explicitly Mentioned References:

  1. 2 Peter 1:12 – “Wherefore, I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though you know them and be established in the present truth.”

  2. 2 Peter 1:19 – “We have also a more sure word of prophecy, whereunto you do well that you take heed.”

  3. Revelation 14:6-7 – First angel’s message (judgment hour, worship the Creator)

  4. Revelation 14:8 – Second angel’s message (Babylon has fallen)

  5. Revelation 14:9-11 – Third angel’s message (warning against the mark of the beast)

  6. Daniel 8:14 – Referenced in connection with the Millerite movement

  7. Revelation 15:2 – Victory over the beast, image, and number of his name

  8. Revelation 10:11 – “Thou must prophesy again before many peoples and nations and tongues and kings”

  9. Revelation 18:1-4 – Babylon has fallen; “Come out of her, my people”

  10. Matthew 25 – Referenced regarding the midnight cry

  11. Revelation 13:15-16 – Image of the beast, mark in hand or forehead

  12. Revelation 7:1-3 – Angels holding the four winds; sealing the servants of God in their foreheads

  13. Revelation 14:1 – The 144,000 with the Father’s name in their foreheads

  14. Revelation 3:12 – “I will write upon him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God…and my new name”

  15. Revelation 3:7 – Message to the church of Philadelphia

  16. Revelation 17:5 – Mystery Babylon written on her forehead

  17. Ephesians 4:30 – “Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby you are sealed”

  18. Hebrews 8:10 – “I will put my laws into their mind and write them in their hearts”

  19. 2 Peter 1:3 – “His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness”

  20. 2 Peter 1:4 – “Exceeding great and precious promises…partakers of the divine nature”

  21. 2 Peter 1:5-7 – Add to faith virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, charity

  22. 2 Peter 1:8-9 – “If these things abound in you…he that lacketh these things is blind”

  23. John 17:3 – “This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent”

  24. John 14:17 – “The Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive”

  25. John 14:6 – “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (referenced)

Additional Relevant Verses for Main Themes:

  1. James 1:22-25 – Being doers of the word, not hearers only (character transformation theme)

  2. Galatians 5:22-23 – Fruit of the Spirit (related to the character qualities discussed)

  3. 2 Corinthians 3:18 – Transformed into His image from glory to glory (character transformation)

  4. Philippians 2:12-13 – Work out your salvation with fear and trembling (practical godliness)

  5. Romans 8:29 – Conformed to the image of His Son (seal of God theme)

  6. Psalm 91:14 – “Because he has known my name” (mentioned by a participant)

  7. James 2:19 – Demons believe in one God (referenced regarding intellectual knowledge vs. experiential knowledge)