The Books of Daniel and Revelation sparked the 1844 Second Advent Movement. The prophecies pointed to a “remnant” with the “third angel’s message” preparing the way of the Lord’s return. The Lord promised to send this people the “latter rain” and “loud cry,” “a teacher of righteousness” (Joel 2:23, the words “former rain moderately” KJV, in Hebrew are “the teacher of righteousness”), with a message indited by the Holy Spirit that would join with the third angel (Rev. 18:1-3, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 19). Righteousness, as presented in the books of Romans, Galatians, and Ephesians, matures the faith of God’s people. God fulfilled His promise of giving the latter rain in 1888 without His people pleading for it. Though the message of the cross, justification, and the sanctuary in harmony with the law of God, were “spurned” then, the “good news” is that it is recoverable by the gift of repentance, which Jesus promises His people (Rev. 3:19).
-------------------------------------------
The pure truth of the gospel changes lives. The acid test of correct doctrine is that it changes minds and hearts and behavior toward each other. Justification by faith applied to some of the most difficult “in-house” issues facing the church brings unity of belief and practice. This is Paul’s theme in Romans 14-16.
The church is a mix of cultures, socio-economic classes, and races. Paul’s “church plants” are start-ups made of brand new converts from the eastern Roman Empire and ethnic Jews. Some Christians are “strong,” others are “weak” concerning ethical matters (Rom. 15:1). However, they have all been united together because of Christ. They have entered the course “Cross-centered Life 101” in the “University of the Body of Christ.” They will now learn what it means to live the cross daily with Jesus. It will require them to eat lots of “humble pie.”
Health reform was given to God’s people as righteousness by faith. It is the appropriate fast which God has appointed for all those who believe they are living in the Day of Atonement. The self-denial that is built-in to eating a simple diet is necessary for a people who are anticipating their High Priest’s exit from the Most Holy Place.
Eating foods was problematic for many early Christians because most had been offered to idols before retail in the farmer’s market (Rom. 14:2-4, 20-23; Acts 15:20; 1 Cor. 8:4). So many tender consciences turned to a vegetarian diet.