nl-Chapter 2 - The Dawn of the Third Age

The First Announcement

1. This is a day of remembrance: On a date like today, I consecrated My first messengers to proclaim through them My new teachings and My new revelations. The Spirit of Elijah shone through Roque Rojas* to remind you of the path, which is the Law of God.

* The name of this first voice-bearer is pronounced "Roke Rochas."

2. The moment was solemn; the souls of those present trembled with awe and joy, just as the heart of Israel trembled on Mount Sinai when the Law was proclaimed; just as the disciples trembled when they witnessed the Transfiguration of Jesus on Mount Tabor, as Moses and Elijah appeared spiritually at the Master's right and left.

3. That September 1, 1866, marked the birth of a new era, the dawn of a new day: the "Third Era," which was dawning for humanity.

4. From that moment on, many prophecies and many promises that God had given to humanity over thousands of years have been fulfilled without ceasing. They have been fulfilled among you, men and women who inhabit the world in this time. Which of you were on earth when those prophecies were spoken and those promises made? I alone know; yet the essential thing is that you know that I promised it to you, and that I am now fulfilling it.

5. Do you know of that "cloud" upon which My disciples saw Me ascend when I revealed Myself to them for the last time? For it is truthfully written that I would return "on the cloud," and I have fulfilled it. On September 1, 1866, My Spirit came on the symbolic cloud to prepare you to receive the new teaching. Afterward, in the year 1884, I began to give you My teaching.

6. I did not come as a human being, but spiritually, confined within a ray of light, to allow it to rest upon a human mind. This is the means chosen by My Will to speak to you in this time, and I will credit you with the faith you have in this Word.

7. For it is not Moses who leads you through the desert to the Promised Land, nor is it Christ as a human being who lets you hear His Word of Life as a path to salvation and freedom. Now it is the human voice of these creatures that reaches your ears, and it is necessary to spiritualize yourselves in order to discover the divine essence in which I am present. Therefore, I tell you that it is meritorious for you to believe in this Word, for it is given through imperfect beings. (236, 46–50)

8. In the year 1866, the first community of Spiritualists, disciples of this Work, came into being. Instructed by the light of My Spirit and by Elijah, those first disciples began to receive the rays of the Message that you now receive in abundance, as it nears its conclusion. (255, 10)

Messages and Signs Throughout the World

9. Elijah, who had to come first to prepare the way of the Lord, made himself known for the first time in 1866 through human intellectual faculties. Will you not devote a little time to investigating the signs and events that occurred in all fields and coincided with the time of that manifestation? Once again, it will be those scholars who study the stars—and who in antiquity were called magicians—who will testify that the heavens have given signs that are divine calls. (63, 81)

10. Do not think that this spot on earth, where this Word is heard, is the only place where I make Myself known to My children. For truly, I tell you, My manifestation in various forms is worldwide.

11. Elijah, who manifested among you as the forerunner of My revelation through human intellect, did not come only to this land where you dwell. He went from one place on earth to another, announcing the New Age and proclaiming the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven.

12. From all sides, cries arose announcing My arrival to you: nature, shaken, moved the earth; science marveled at new revelations; the Spiritual World* rushed toward humanity; and yet humanity remained deaf to those cries, the harbingers of a new age.

* This term refers to the inhabitants of the higher spiritual realms, the spirits of light in God's spiritual world.

13. A flood of divine light descended to bring people out of their darkness. But these—selfish and materialistic*, far from striving for the perfection of the soul or the moral improvement of their lives on Earth—used that light only to create thrones and glories, comforts and pleasures for the body, and—when they deemed it necessary—also weapons to destroy the lives of their fellow human beings. Their eyes were blinded by the intensity of My light, and their vanity became their downfall. But I tell you that through this very light they will find the truth, discover the way, and save themselves.

* This means the opposite of "spiritualized," that is, a human life and way of thinking focused solely on the material and physical.

14. Those who were able to receive this light in their minds and accepted it as a divine message allowed their conscience to guide their steps and serve as a guiding principle for their actions. For they had a premonition that the Lord had returned and that He is among humanity.

15. The representatives of the various sects and denominations did not wish to receive Me; their hearts, their pride, and their false grandeur prevented them from accepting Me spiritually. Therefore, groups, brotherhoods, and associations have formed throughout the earth of those who sense the presence of the New Age, who seek solitude to pray and to receive the Lord's inspirations. (37, 76–81)

16. There are religious communities that seek to prepare for My return, without knowing that I am already in the process of departing.

17. I called everyone, and in truth, My call and the rumor that I am currently revealing Myself to humanity reached every corner of the earth, along with testimonies and proofs that speak of Me: renewed sinners, converted unbelievers, "the dead" who rise again, the incurably sick who are healed, and the possessed who are freed from their affliction.

18. But I found many to be deaf, others vain in their earthly prestige, and still others too timid to make known My manifestation as the Spirit of Truth. I received and taught all who came to Me and trusted in My love. (239, 17–19)

19. Multitudes from other countries will come to this people, who will eagerly question you about the spiritual events you have witnessed during this time, and also about the revelations and prophecies I have given you.

20. For in many parts of the world, My messages have been received, stating that My divine ray has descended upon a place in the West to speak to the humanity of this time.

21. When the time comes, you will see how they will come from other peoples and nations to seek you out. Then the leaders of the great denominations will be dismayed that it was not to them that I turned. (276, 45)

22. How little the world cares about My new manifestation! How few are those who watch and await Me, and how many are those who sleep!

23. Concerning those who live in expectation of Me, I can tell you that not all of them foresee the actual form of My presence in this time. For while some, under the influence of old beliefs, think that I will return to the world as a human being, others believe that I must appear in some form visible to every human eye, and very few alone guess the truth and sense that My coming is spiritual.

24. While some wonder what form I will take, at what hour or on what day I will reveal Myself on earth, and in what place I will appear, others say, without thinking of specific forms or times: "The Master is already among us; His light, which is His Spirit, surrounds us."

25. When this message reaches all hearts, it will be a moment of jubilation for some, for they will find in it confirmation of all their premonitions and their faith. Others, however, will deny the truth of My message because they do not find it in accordance with what they believed would happen and with the manner in which it would be revealed. (279, 41-44)

The Work of Elijah as the Forerunner of the Lord

26. I caused Elijah to return in the "Third Era,"* and I, as the Master, had announced him in that "Second Era," saying: "Truly, Elijah has been among you, and you did not recognize him. I will return to the world, but truly, I tell you: Elijah will be there before Me."

* See Chapter 38.

27. Since every word of the Master comes to pass, Elijah has come before Me in the "Third Era" to awaken the souls, to give them a foretaste that the hour of the Holy Spirit has opened its gates, to tell every soul that it should open its eyes to , that it should prepare itself to cross the threshold from the Second Era into the Third. So that Elijah's manifestation in this "Third Era" might be more comprehensible, I had him make himself known through a righteous man: Roque Rojas.

28. Elijah spiritually enlightened this man from the beyond, inspired him, strengthened him, and guided him in all his ways from beginning to end.

29. But truly, I tell you, it was not he who chose Roque Rojas among men. I chose him; I sent his soul, prepared by My mercy. I gave him a body likewise prepared by Me, and you know that he was humble, that through his humility and virtue the Father accomplished great works. He was a prophet, a spokesman, a seer, and a guide. In all these things he left the people a shining example.

30. He was mocked and ridiculed by his own people, just as Moses was in the desert; he was persecuted like the prophet Elijah and had to retreat to the mountaintops to pray for his people and intercede on their behalf.

31. Like his Master, he was mocked and condemned by priests and scribes. As with his Master, only a few believed in him, followed him, and stood by him. His hands radiated healing powers, performing miracles that inspired faith in some and caused confusion in others. To some, prophetic words came from his lips, which were fulfilled to the letter. His mouth offered counsel full of comfort for the sick at heart. 32. His mind was capable of receiving great inspirations and, like that of the righteous, the apostles, and the prophets, could fall into ecstasy. His spirit could detach itself from this world and his body to enter the spiritual realm and humbly approach the doors of the Lord's secret treasury. Through this exaltation, the spirit of Elijah revealed itself to the first witnesses even before the Master's light arrived. (345, 57–58)

33. Roque Rojas gathered a group of men and women full of faith and good will, and there, in the midst of his first gatherings, Elijah revealed himself through the mind of the messenger, saying: "I am the Prophet Elijah, he of the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor." He gave his first disciples their initial teachings; at the same time, he announced to them the age of spiritualization and prophesied

that soon the Radiance of the Divine Master would come to reveal Himself to His people.

34. One day, when the humble meeting place at Roque Rojas was filled with followers who believed the words of this man, Elijah descended to enlighten the mind of his mouthpiece, and, inspired by Me, he anointed seven of these believers, who were to represent or symbolize the Seven Seals.

35. Later, when the promised moment of My revelation had come, I found that of those seven chosen ones, only one remained vigilant in anticipation of the arrival of the Pure Bridegroom, and that heart was that of Damiana Oviedo, the virgin whose mind was the first to receive the light of the divine ray as a reward for her perseverance and her preparation.

36. Damiana Oviedo represented the Sixth Seal*. This was further proof that the light of the Sixth Seal is the one that illuminates this era. (1:6–9)

* This term, referring to the Revelation of John, denotes the penultimate of the "Seven Seals," which are to be understood as symbols of seven epochs within the three ages of salvation history (for further details, see Chapter 38).

37. Few were truly able to sense the presence of the One sent by God. Once again, he was the voice crying out in the wilderness, and once more he prepared the hearts of men for the imminent coming of the Lord. Thus the Sixth Seal was opened, revealing its contents, and poured out upon humanity as a stream of righteousness and light. In this way, many promises and prophecies were fulfilled.

38. Like Jesus and Moses, Elijah enlightened the eyes of your spirit so that you might see the Father. Moses taught you: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Jesus told you: "Love one another!" Elijah commanded you to have ever greater compassion for your neighbors, and immediately added: "and you will see my Father in all His glory." (81, 36–37)

39. When the darkness enveloping humanity dissipates and light dawns in souls, they will sense the presence of a new era, for Elijah has returned to humanity.

40. But since they were unable to see him, it was necessary for his Spirit to reveal itself through human understanding, and for him to appear before the seers in that symbol of the prophet Elijah: above the clouds in his fiery chariot.

41. Elijah has come in this time as a forerunner to prepare for My coming. He has come as a prophet to announce to you the new age with its struggles and trials, but also with the wisdom of his revelations. He comes with his chariot of light to invite you to board it, to carry you up above the clouds, and to bring you to the Spiritual Homeland, where peace reigns. Trust him as the Good Shepherd; follow him spiritually, just as the people followed Moses in the "First Age." Pray that he may help you in fulfilling your mission, and if you wish to emulate him, do so. (31, 58-59)

42. Elijah, a spirit of great power who has not been recognized by humanity, has always been My forerunner. Today he has come once more to prepare the Marked Ones*, who have served Me as messengers, as well as all people.

* The Marked Ones (Spanish: marcados) or the Sealed Ones (Rev. John, chap. 14:1–5) are those chosen by Christ who received from Him the sign of the Holy Trinity on their foreheads. (For more details, see chap. 39, last section)

43. If you prepare yourselves and study My teachings to know My will, Elijah will come to your aid and be your support and friend.

44. Elijah is a divine ray that enlightens and guides all beings and leads them to Me. Love him and revere him as your forerunner and intercessor. (53, 42–44)

45. The Prophet Elijah, the forerunner, the herald of the "Third Era," intercedes for his flock; he prays for those who do not know how to pray, and with his cloak he covers the sinner's blemishes in the hope of his renewal. Elijah is equipping his multitudes, his armies, to combat the darkness that has arisen from humanity's ignorance, sin, fanaticism, and materialism. (67, 60)

46. Now it is the task of all who are already prepared and awakened to proclaim the liberation of the world. Remember that Elijah, the One promised for this time, is currently preparing everything to rescue the nations of the earth, enslaved by materialism, from the power of Pharaoh, just as Moses once did in Egypt with the tribes of Israel.

47. Tell your fellow human beings that Elijah has already made himself known through human reason, that his presence has been in the Spirit, and that he will continue to illuminate the path of all peoples so that they may move forward.

48. Your Shepherd has the task of bringing all creatures back to their true path, whether it pertains to the spiritual, moral, or material realm. Therefore, I tell you that the nations which receive the call of their Lord through Elijah will be blessed, for they will remain united by the law of justice and love, which will bring them peace as the fruit of their understanding and brotherhood. Thus united, they will be led to the battlefield, where they will fight against corruption, materialism, and falsehood.

49. In this struggle, the people of this age will witness the new miracles and grasp the spiritual meaning of life—that which speaks of immortality and peace. They will cease to kill one another, for they will realize that what they must destroy is their ignorance, their selfishness, and the corrupting passions from which their downfalls and hardships arose—both material and spiritual. (160, 34–36)

50. Elijah is the ray of God, whose light dispels your darkness and frees you from the bondage of this age, which is that of sin, and who will lead your soul through the desert until it reaches the "Promised Land" in the bosom of God. (236, 68)