Chapter V - The Basic Structure of the Theology of Mission (1850-74)

During the decades following 1850, the new Sabbatarian Adventist theology was further developed and later incorporated by SDA ^{1For the difference between the term Sabbatarian Adventists and SDA, see supra, p. xv.} into a system of doctrines which became a vital and integral part of their theology of mission. The apocalyptic-eschatological aspects of this theology, indicated by the three angels’ messages with its focus on the third angel’s message, were central in their mission proclamation to prepare mankind for the Second Advent. Too, their ecclesiology became a vital element of the mission thrust. Gradually, however, there was a development of various non-apocalyptic aspects in the mission theology, but they played a minor role until 1874. In this chapter the treatment of the three angels’ messages is arranged according to their numerical sequence, not to their importance.FSDA 165.1