The ongoing battle between good and evil will only grow more intense until the very end of time. Throughout history, Satan’s wrath has been evident against the church of Christ, yet God has continually granted His grace and Spirit to His people, empowering them to resist the forces of darkness. When Christ’s apostles were entrusted with spreading His gospel to the world and preserving it for future generations, they received a special outpouring of the Spirit’s enlightenment. However, as the church nears her final deliverance, Satan will exert even greater power. He descends “having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.” Revelation 12:12.

He will operate “with all power, signs, and lying wonders.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9. For six thousand years, that mastermind—who was once the highest among God’s angels—has been entirely devoted to deception and destruction. All the depths of satanic cunning and subtlety he has acquired, along with the cruelty developed throughout the ages, will be unleashed against God’s people in the final conflict. In this time of great danger, the followers of Christ are called to proclaim to the world the warning of the Lord’s second coming, preparing a people to stand before Him at His return, “without spot and blameless.” 2 Peter 3:14. At this crucial hour, the church is in no less need of divine grace and power than it was in the days of the apostles.

The duty to worship God is founded on the fact that He is the Creator, and to Him, all beings owe their existence. Throughout the Bible, whenever His right to reverence and worship—above the gods of the heathen—is declared, it is accompanied by evidence of His creative power. “All the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens.” Psalm 96:5. “To whom then will you liken Me, or to whom shall I be equal?” says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high, and see who has created these things.” Isaiah 40:25-26. The psalmist calls out, “Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.” Psalm 95:6. The holy beings who worship God in heaven declare the reason for their adoration: “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created.” Revelation 4:11.

If the Sabbath had been kept by all, people’s thoughts and hearts would have been drawn to the Creator as the true object of reverence and worship, and there would never have been idolaters, atheists, or unbelievers. Observing the Sabbath is a sign of devotion to the true God, “Him who made heaven and earth, the sea, and the springs of water.” Revelation 14:7. Therefore, the message that calls humanity to worship God and obey His commandments will particularly emphasize the importance of keeping the fourth commandment.