EGW Writings1 John 1
Ellen G. White · Page 1 of 2
Read 1 John 1 in the Bible1 John 1:1-2
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 114, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 114, 1900, par. 1
I write to acknowledge your donation of ten dollars. I thank you for this remembrance of me. We hope by the blessing of God to attend the next General Conference, and to meet our friends again, whom we have ever loved in the Lord. May the Lord bless you and strengthen you to do His will at all times. We feel so thankful that there are a few of the old hands and hearts who can testify as did John, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you, that eternal life which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us.)” [1 John 1:1, 2.]1 John 1:1-3
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Lt 11, 1883
4LtMs, Lt 11, 1883, par. 4
I am sorry that these have deceived you, and you should lend yourself to do the work of the enemy. Your talking to others in regard to your erroneous ideas is sowing seed which will produce a harvest which you will not care to reap by and by. What excuse can you offer to God for indulging Bro. [?]’s will and doing not God’s will? Do you wish to meet your work in the judgment? Are we as a people in error, and you have the truth? This is not possible. God has been leading out His people step by step upon the path of eternal truth. My words may have no weight with you although I repeat the words of the beloved disciple: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; ... That which we have seen and have heard declare we unto you.” 1 John 1:1, 3.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 183, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 183, 1905, par. 19
Let us thank God, Brother Butler, that there are still some living who have had an experience from the beginning in the proclamation of the great and solemn messages that have come to our world in warning. We know that the Holy Spirit’s power has confirmed the word spoken. We can say, as did John, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; ... that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.” [1 John 1:1, 3.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Ms 99, 1909
24LtMs, Ms 99, 1909, par. 28
Let us thank God, Brother Butler, that there are still some living who have had an experience from the beginning in the proclamation of the great and solemn messages that have come to our world in warning. We know that the Holy Spirit’s power has confirmed the word spoken. We can say, as did John, That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the word of life; ... That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. [1 John 1:1, 3.]24LtMs, Ms 99, 1909, par. 39
In the future we are to pass through very strait places, and we shall understand the value of having some workers who have been through the giving of the first, second, and third angels’ messages. The voices of these workers are to be heard in distinct utterance, saying, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard ...” [1 John 1:1.]24LtMs, Ms 99, 1909, par. 44
The apostle John is an example of the way in which God can use aged workers. Read his stirring words, written when he was an old man. Who could bear a firmer, more decided testimony? He writes: 1 John 1:1 to 2:5.24LtMs, Ms 99, 1909, par. 45
In his old age John revealed the life of Christ in his life. He lived to be nearly one hundred years old, and over and over again he repeated the story of the crucified and risen Saviour. Persecution came upon the believers, and those young in experience were often in danger of losing their hold on Christ. But the old, tried servant of Jesus steadfastly maintained his faith. From his lips there came ever the same glad message: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the Word of life, ... that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.” [1 John 1:1, 3.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 117, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 117, 1896, par. 3
The Lord Jesus commanded that three times each year His people should assemble at Jerusalem to observe His appointed ordinances. These gatherings were for their good, for their spiritual advantage. In them better knowledge was obtained in regard to their spiritual service. If they would, all might catch the bright beams of light, that with John they could say, “That which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the words of life, declare we unto you; that ye may have fellowship with us.” [1 John 1:1, 3.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 4, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 4, 1899, par. 72
It is essential that men be raised up to open the living oracles of God to all nations, tongues, and people. Let the brethren in America consider that the Lord expects them to deny self, take up the cross, and follow Jesus. The Lord has made us depositaries of sacred trusts—truths to be given to the world. Among our workers there are some who can still say, “That which was from the beginning which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life: ... that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you.” [1 John 1:1, 3.] Decided effort should be made to bring the third angel’s message prominently before our world. There are some who will be true witnesses. They will give the trumpet a certain sound. They are living epistles, known and read of all men. Through Christ Jesus they will be the life of the church. We have the old landmarks of truth, experience, and duty.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 3, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 3, 1899, par. 36
There are in the ministry men of faith and experience, men who can say, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; ... that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you.” [1 John 1:1, 3.] These men are to instruct others. The plan of calling workers away from their fields of labor to attend ministerial institutes is not as a rule the best for this time. Let men be trained by actual labor, under the instruction of experienced workers.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 7a, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 7a, 1900, par. 7
As they meditated upon His words and deeds, and pure, holy life, they felt that these could never be recorded as they really were. No human words could express their beauty. In their lives they must bear witness to the loveliness of Christ’s character. And this they did. “The word was made flesh,” they declared, “and dwelt among us, ... full of grace and truth. ... And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.” [John 1:14, 16.] “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the word of life; ... that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us.” [1 John 1:1, 3.] And as they witnessed to the name of Christ, they bore witness of the Father also; for had not Christ declared, “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.” [John 14:9.] All that is comprehended in Deity was represented in the human life of Christ.Counsels on Health
The Ministry and Medical Work
CH 557.2
There are in the ministry men of faith and experience, men who can say: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; ... that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you.” 1 John 1:1-3. These men are to instruct others....The Acts of the Apostles
Chapter 56—Patmos
AA 568.2
In the terrible persecution that followed, the apostle John did much to confirm and strengthen the faith of the believers. He bore a testimony which his adversaries could not controvert and which helped his brethren to meet with courage and loyalty the trials that came upon them. When the faith of the Christians would seem to waver under the fierce opposition they were forced to meet, the old, tried servant of Jesus would repeat with power and eloquence the story of the crucified and risen Saviour. He steadfastly maintained his faith, and from his lips came ever the same glad message: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; ... that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you.” 1 John 1:1-3.The Desire of Ages
Chapter 35—“Peace, Be Still”
DA 340.1
The two restored demoniacs were the first missionaries whom Christ sent to preach the gospel in the region of Decapolis. For a few moments only these men had been privileged to hear the teachings of Christ. Not one sermon from His lips had ever fallen upon their ears. They could not instruct the people as the disciples who had been daily with Christ were able to do. But they bore in their own persons the evidence that Jesus was the Messiah. They could tell what they knew; what they themselves had seen, and heard, and felt of the power of Christ. This is what everyone can do whose heart has been touched by the grace of God. John, the beloved disciple, wrote: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; ... that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you.” 1 John 1:1-3. As witnesses for Christ, we are to tell what we know, what we ourselves have seen and heard and felt. If we have been following Jesus step by step, we shall have something right to the point to tell concerning the way in which He has led us. We can tell how we have tested His promise, and found the promise true. We can bear witness to what we have known of the grace of Christ. This is the witness for which our Lord calls, and for want of which the world is perishing.The Ministry of Healing
Chapter 39—The Knowledge Received Through God’s Word
MH 461.3
“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.” 1 John 1:1-3.The Retirement Years
Deep Appreciation for the First Burden-bearers
RY 20.2
I am thankful that Elder [J. N.] Loughborough can still use his abilities and his gifts in God’s work. He has stood faithful amid storm and trial. With Elder Smith, my husband, Brother Butler, who joined us at a later period, and yourself [S. N. Haskell], he can say, “That which was from the beginning, ... that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His son Jesus Christ” (1 John 1:1-3).—Selected Messages 2:224-226.The Sanctified Life
Chapter 9—John in Exile
SL 70.2
When the faith of the Christians would seem to waver under the fierce opposition they were forced to meet, the apostle would repeat, with great dignity, power, and eloquence, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; ...that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ” (1 John 1:1-3).From Trials to Triumph
Chapter 56—John Is Exiled to Lonely Patmos
TT 298.1
After more than half a century the enemies of the gospel succeeded in enlisting the power of the Roman emperor against the Christians. In the terrible persecution that followed, the apostle John did much to help his brethren meet with courage the trials that came upon them. The old, tried servant of Jesus repeated with power and eloquence the story of the crucified and risen Saviour. From his lips came the same glad message: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; ... that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you.” 1 John 1:1-3.From Heaven With Love
Superstition Excited Fears
HLv 228.2
The two restored demoniacs were the first missionaries Christ sent to preach in the region of Decapolis. For a few moments only these men had been privileged to hear the teachings of Christ. But they bore in their own persons the evidence that Jesus was the Messiah. They could tell what they knew, what they had seen and heard and felt of the power of Christ. This is what everyone can do whose heart has been touched by the grace of God. See 1 John 1:1-3.From Splendor to Shadow
A Young Man Who Rejected Christ’s Call to Service
SS 119.2
Ministry comprehends far more than preaching. It means training young men as Elijah trained Elisha, giving them responsibilities in God’s work—small at first, larger as they gain strength and experience. Ministers of faith and prayer can say, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; ... declare we unto you.” 1 John 1:1-3. Young, inexperienced workers should be trained in connection with experienced servants of God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Ms 8a, 1888
5LtMs, Ms 8a, 1888, par. 9
“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face, beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” [2 Corinthians 3:17, 18.] John declares, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the Word of life: ... that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.” [1 John 1:1-3.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 28, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 28, 1890, par. 4
“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the Word of Life; ... that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us.” [1 John 1:1-3.]God’s Amazing Grace
Seen and Heard, September 1
AG 252.3
He could testify: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (for the Life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ” (1 John 1:1-3).Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 109, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 109, 1897, par. 16
Often the very best men, those whom God uses to His name’s glory, are unrecognized by human wisdom, but not for one moment are they forgotten by God. When John was exiled to the isle of Patmos, there were many who thought him to be past service, an old and broken reed ready to fall at any time. But the Lord saw fit to use him in that lonely island home where His servant was imprisoned. The world and the bigoted priests and rulers rejoiced that they were at last rid of his ever fresh testimony: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon and our hands have handled of the word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us.) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.” [1 John 1:1-3.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 150, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 7
John had been closely associated with the Saviour during His life of ministry. He had heard His wonderful words and had seen His wonderful deeds, and his testimony was given in clear lines. Out of the abundance of a heart overflowing with love for Christ he spoke, and no power could stay his words. If we will study the epistles of John, we will understand why it was that this disciple could not be left in his old age to live in peace among his brethren. “That which was from the beginning,” he writes, “which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.” [1 John 1:1-3.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Lt 153, 1901
16LtMs, Lt 153, 1901, par. 19
John writes, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the Word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.” [1 John 1:1-3.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Ms 154, 1904
19LtMs, Ms 154, 1904, par. 22
“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the word of life (for life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.” [1 John 1:1-3.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Ms 27, 1908
23LtMs, Ms 27, 1908, par. 19
As I have seen the old standard-bearers fall one by one, I have longed, O so much, that some might be spared as was the disciple John, to declare the great works of the Lord. The enemies of John, when they were not suffered to kill the aged servant of God, banished him to the isle of Patmos. I urge you to study the epistles of John. “That which was from the beginning,” the apostle wrote, “which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the Word of Life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us), that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.” [1 John 1:1-3.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 29, 1911
25LtMs, Ms 29, 1911, par. 70
“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; ... that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.” [1 John 1:1-3.]25LtMs, Ms 29, 1911, par. 72
We have among us men who have been connected with this message from its rise. The testimony of these men is needed; for they can bear witness that the power of God was revealed in a marked manner. They may not be able to work as vigorously as younger ministers can, but they can bear the testimony, “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.” [Verse 3.]Gospel Workers (1892/1893 ed.)
A Personal Faith in Christ Our Greatest Need
GW92 105.2
Without a living faith in Christ as a personal Saviour, it is impossible to make our influence felt in a skeptical world. If you would draw sinners out of the swift-running current, your own feet must not stand on slippery places. He who has his own heart imbued with the love of Jesus can feed the flock of God. He has a living experience, and can say with the apostle John, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; ... that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you.” [1 John 1:1-3.]—MS.Manuscript Releases, vol. 16 [Nos. 1186-1235]
MR No. 1228—Dependence on God
16MR 298.3
Often the very best men, those whom God uses to His name’s glory, are unrecognized by human wisdom, but not for one moment are they forgotten by God. When John was exiled to the Isle of Patmos, there were many who thought him to be past service, an old and broken reed ready to fall at any time. But the Lord saw fit to use him in that lonely island home where His servant was imprisoned. The world and the bigoted priests and rulers rejoiced that they were at last rid of his ever fresh testimony. [1 John 1:1-3, quoted].Prophets and Kings
Chapter 17—The Call of Elisha
PK 222.4
Ministry comprehends far more than preaching the word. It means training young men as Elijah trained Elisha, taking them from their ordinary duties, and giving them responsibilities to bear in God’s work—small responsibilities at first, and larger ones as they gain strength and experience. There are in the ministry men of faith and prayer, men who can say, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; ... that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you.” 1 John 1:1-3. Young, inexperienced workers should be trained by actual labor in connection with these experienced servants of God. Thus they will learn how to bear burdens.Selected Messages Book 2
Counsel to Those Who Have Grown Gray in Service
2SM 225.4
I am thankful that Elder [J. N.] Loughborough can still use his abilities and his gifts in God’s work. He has stood faithful amid storm and trial. With Elder Smith, my husband, Brother Butler, who joined us at a later period, and yourself [S. N. Haskell], he can say, “That which was from the beginning, ... that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ” (1 John 1:1-3).Selected Messages Book 2
Chapter 50—The Pillars of Our Faith
2SM 388.1
“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; ... that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us” (1 John 1:1-3).Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8
An Experimental Knowledge
8T 321.3
“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (for the Life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.” 1 John 1:1-3.Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6
Chapter 7—Ministerial Institutes
6T 90.4
There are in the ministry men of faith and prayer, men who can say: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; ... that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you.” 1 John 1:1-3. These men are to instruct others. Let workers be trained by actual labor in connection with experienced men.1 John 1:1-4
Manuscript Releases, vol. 6 [Nos. 347-418]
MR No. 379—Enlisting the Laymen in Seeking Lost Sheep
6MR 205.1
“I write unto you, fathers because ye have known Him that is from the beginning.” 1 John 2:14. These are the old disciples who are the warriors of the faith. “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.” 1 John 1:1-4.The General Conference Bulletin
June 2, 1913
GCB June 2, 1913, par. 1
The apostle John, in his first epistle to the church general, writes these words: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.” Verses 1-4.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 39, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 39, 1894, par. 16
“I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known Him that is from the beginning.” 1 John 2:14. These are the old disciples who are the warriors of the faith. “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.” 1 John 1:1-4.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 13, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 13, 1897, par. 25
On Sabbath morning Brother Haskell presented the truth in the Spirit and power of God. The tent was full. In the afternoon I spoke from 1 John 1:1-4. The tent was again filled, and numbers stood on the outside.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 71, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 71, 1903, par. 8
For several days and nights the Lord has been giving me special experiences. In the future we are to pass through very strait places, and we shall understand the value of having some workers who have been through the giving of the first, second, and third angels’ messages. The voices of these workers are to be heard in distinct utterance, saying, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the Word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.” [1 John 1:1-4.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 62, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 62, 1903, par. 26
“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.” [1 John 1:1-4.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Ms 169, 1907
22LtMs, Ms 169, 1907, par. 8
To the young men who expect to enter the ministry and those who have entered it already, but have had little experience, I would say: Listen to the message that God gives through His aged servants. There are precious lessons to be learned from those who for many years have been learning of the Great Teacher. The words of the disciple John, telling of his actual contact with the Word of God, describes the spiritual experience of these men. “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of Life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us:) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.” [1 John 1:1-4.]1 John 1:1-5
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 276, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 276, 1904, par. 9
“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of Him, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.” [1 John 1:1-5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 55, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 55, 1905, par. 7
The truth that Seventh-day Adventists proclaim today is the same truth that they have proclaimed for more than fifty years. We can say, as John says in his first epistle: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us, and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.” [1 John 1:1-5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 140, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 140, 1905, par. 6
The truth that we proclaim today is the same truth that we have proclaimed for the last fifty years. We can say, as John says in his first epistle: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us, and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.” [1 John 1:1-5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 39, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 39, 1905, par. 4
The truth that we proclaim today is the same truth that we have proclaimed for the last fifty years. We can say, as John says in his first epistle: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us, and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.” [1 John 1:1-5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 216, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 216, 1906, par. 7
“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of Him, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.” [1 John 1:1-5.]1 John 1:1-6
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 30, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 30, 1895, par. 14
Read carefully the following verses: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us); that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth.” [1 John 1:1-6.]1 John 1:1-7
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 15, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 15, 1892, par. 3
But you are well aware that we have few experienced workers left to testify as did John: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.” [1 John 1:1-4.]7LtMs, Lt 15, 1892, par. 4
The recounting of the past dealings of God will revive faith [and] encourage hope in the hearts of the people of God. “This then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” [Verses 5-7.]Selected Messages Book 2
To Rise Up and Call Them Blessed
2SM 223.2
The aged standard-bearers are far from being useless and laid aside. They have a part to act in the work similar to that of John. They can say, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:1-7).Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7
Chapter 57—Our Aged Pioneer Workers
7T 286.2
With John, these burden bearers can say: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.... This then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:1-7.The Retirement Years
The Dead Still Speak
RY 18.2
The aged standard-bearers are far from being useless and laid aside. They have a part to act in the work similar to that of John. They can say, [1 John 1:1-7 quoted].Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 33, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 33, 1890, par. 3
The aged standard-bearers are far from being useless and laid aside. They have a part to act in the work similar to that of John. They can say, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the Word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifest unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:1-7.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 41, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, par. 13
The aged standard-bearers are far from being useless and laid aside. They have a part to act in the work similar to that of John. They can say, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the Word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifest unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:1-7.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 8, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 8, 1895, par. 9
“This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” [1 John 1:1-7.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 107, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 107, 1897, par. 18
John does not present the truth hesitatingly, but in a decided way. He speaks positively. “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye may have fellowship with us; and truly, our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, That God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” [1 John 1:1-7.]12LtMs, Ms 107, 1897, par. 19
“For the life was manifested, and we have seen it.” [Verse 2.] Yes, the eternal life that was with the Father was manifested to us. This subject is beyond human reason. Jesus Christ was a divine being, but He clothed His divinity with humanity and became a man of flesh and blood. John talked with Him, learnt of Him, and loved Him with a sincere, pure, undeviating fidelity.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 77, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 77, 1899, par. 8
“And these things write we unto you that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” [1 John 1:1-7.]1 John 1:1-9
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 394, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 394, 1907, par. 10
“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:1-9.]1 John 1:1-10
Manuscript Release No. 760
Introductory Note :
MR760 19.4
God never contradicts Himself. Scripture proofs are misapplied if forced to testify to that which is not true. Another and still another will arise and bring in supposedly great light, and make their assertions. But we stand by the old landmarks. [1 John 1:1-10 quoted.]MR760 20.2
Let all men beware what is the character of their work. They would better be falling into line for their own souls’ sake and for the sake of the souls of others. “If we walk in the light as He is in the light, the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). It is nothing to the credit of any man to start on a new track, using Scripture to substantiate theories of error, leading minds into confusion, away from the truths that are to be indelibly impressed on the minds of God’s people, that they may hold fast to the faith.—Letter 329, 1905. (To J. A. Burden, December 11, 1905.)Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 116, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 116, 1905, par. 21
“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth; and if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” [1 John 1:1-10.]20LtMs, Lt 116, 1905, par. 26
There is a great work to be done in a short time. The Lord will take men from the plow, even as He took Elisha, and will give them a part in the closing work. John the evangelist was called from his fishing boat and made a fisher of men. It is he who says, “And truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.” [1 John 1:3.] Can we lay hold of this greatest of all science? Is our fellowship with the Father and with Christ?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 205, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 205, 1905, par. 13
“This then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth; but if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” [1 John 1:1-10.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 143, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 143, 1906, par. 7
Read the First Epistle of John, chapters one, two, and three, in regard to love of brethren. You have accounted as your enemy the best friend you ever have had or ever will have—one true as steel, one whom God uses, one whom God hath chosen to be by my side to help me in the work, as well as to help the church. God bring you to your senses.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 130, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, par. 44
Please read the first, second, and third chapters of the First Epistle of John. “And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected.” 1 John 2:3-5. Here is the science of salvation. If every soul will study this science, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” he will find the problem of true science solved.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 393, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 393, 1907, par. 6
“If we say we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another; and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” [1 John 1:1-10.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 238, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 238, 1907, par. 7
After carefully reading the first chapter of the [first] epistle of John, we can better understand the second chapter. The apostle says:Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Ms 113, 1909
24LtMs, Ms 113, 1909, par. 20
Read and understand the First Epistle of John. The figures used to illustrate his subject were of a character [the people] could comprehend. Christ’s Object Lessons is easily comprehended, and yet is of the highest order. “Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us: for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.” 1 John 2:18-21.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 11, 1910
25LtMs, Ms 11, 1910, par. 7
In the night seasons I seem to be repeating to my brethren in responsible positions words from the First Epistle of John:Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Lt 48, 1910
25LtMs, Lt 48, 1910, par. 15
In the second and third chapters of Second Peter, and in the First Epistle of John, we read of men who caused much trouble in the early church. Let all be on their guard; for similar conditions must be met today.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Lt 116, 1910
25LtMs, Lt 116, 1910, par. 4
“And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” [1 John 1:1-10.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Lt 164, 1910
25LtMs, Lt 164, 1910, par. 5
Read the First Epistle General of John. On your knees read (chapter 2), verses 18, 19. “Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.”Manuscript Releases, vol. 20 [Nos. 1420-1500]
MR No. 1469—Older Workers to Be Honored and Conserve Their Strength; God’s Law on Tables of Stone in Ark of the Testament
20MR 220.3
I am thankful that Elder Loughborough can still use his abilities and his gifts in God’s work. He has stood faithful amid storm and trial. With Elder Smith, my husband, Brother Butler, who joined us at a later period, and yourself, he can say: [1 John 1:1-10, quoted].Manuscript Releases, vol. 20 [Nos. 1420-1500]
MR No. 1492—Danger of False Science; Dr. Kellogg in Spiritual Peril; Warning Not to Follow His Example
20MR 349.7
“I will pray the Father,” He said, “and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him; but ye know him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.... Yet a little while, and the world seeth Me no more; but ye see Me; because I live, ye shall live also.” [1 John 1:1-10, quoted.]From Trials to Triumph
Chapter 54—John, Faithful Witness for Christ
TT 287.1
With the other disciples John enjoyed the outpouring of the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, and with fresh power he continued to speak to the people the words of life. He was a powerful preacher, fervent, and deeply in earnest. In beautiful language and with a musical voice he told of Christ in a way that impressed hearts. The sublime power of the truths he uttered and the fervor that characterized his teachings gave him access to all classes. His life was in harmony with his teachings.TT 287.2
Christ had bidden the disciples to love one another as He had loved them. “A new commandment I give unto you,” He had said, “that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” John 13:34. After they had witnessed the sufferings of Christ, and after the Holy Spirit had rested on them at Pentecost, they had a clearer concept of the nature of that love which they must have for one another. Then John could say: “By this we know love, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”TT 287.3
After Pentecost, when the disciples went forth to proclaim a living Saviour, they rejoiced in the sweetness of communion with saints. They were tender, thoughtful, self-denying, revealing the love that Christ had enjoined on them. By unselfish words and deeds they strove to kindle this love in other hearts.TT 288.1
Such love the believers were ever to cherish. Their lives were to magnify a Saviour who could justify them by His righteousness.TT 288.2
But gradually a change came. Dwelling upon mistakes, giving place to unkind criticism, the believers lost sight of the Saviour and His love. They became more particular about the theory than the practice of the faith. They lost brotherly love, and, saddest of all, were unconscious of their loss. They did not realize that happiness and joy were going out of their lives and that they would soon walk in darkness.TT 288.3
John realized that brotherly love was waning in the church. “Beloved, let us love one another,” he writes, “for love is of God, and he who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God; for God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent His only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the expiation of our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”TT 288.4
“Any one who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. By this we know love, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”TT 288.5
It is not the opposition of the world that most endangers the church. It is the evil cherished in the hearts of believers that works their most grievous disaster, and most surely retards God’s cause. There is no surer way of weakening spirituality than by cherishing envy, fault-finding, and evil-surmising. The strongest witness that God has sent His Son into the world is the existence of harmony and union among people of varied dispositions who form His church. But in order to bear this witness, their characters must be conformed to Christ’s character, and their wills to His will.TT 289.1
In the church today, many who profess to love the Saviour do not love one another. Unbelievers are watching to see if the faith of professed Christians is exerting a sanctifying influence on their lives. Let not Christians make it possible for the enemy to say, These people hate one another. Very close and tender should be the tie that binds together all the children of the same heavenly Father.TT 289.2
Divine love calls upon us to manifest the same compassion that Christ manifested. The true Christian will not willingly permit a soul in peril and need to go unwarned, uncared for. He will not hold himself aloof, leaving the erring to plunge farther into unhappiness and discouragement.TT 289.3
Those who have never experienced the tender love of Christ cannot lead others to the fountain of life. Christ’s love in the heart leads men to reveal Him in conversation, in a pitiful spirit, in uplifting lives. In heaven the fitness of Christian workers is measured by their ability to love as Christ loved.TT 289.5
Supreme love for God and unselfish love for one another—this is the best gift our heavenly Father can bestow. This love is not an impulse, but a divine principle. Only in the heart where Jesus reigns is it found. “We love, because He first loved us.” Love modifies the character, governs the impulses and passions, and ennobles the affections. This love sweetens the life and sheds a refining influence on all around.TT 289.6
John strove to lead the believers to understand that this love, filling the heart, would control every other motive and raise its possessors above the corrupting influences of the world. As this love became the motive power in the life, their trust and confidence in God would be complete. They could know that they would receive from Him everything needful for their present and eternal good. “In this is love perfected,” John writes, “that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as He is so are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.” “If we ask anything according to His will He hears us. And if we know that He hears us ..., we know that we have obtained the requests made of Him.”TT 290.1
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” The Lord does not require us to do some grievous thing in order to gain forgiveness. We need not make long, wearisome pilgrimages or perform painful penances to expiate our transgression. He that “confesseth and forsaketh” his sin “shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13.TT 290.2
In the courts above, Christ is pleading for His church—those for whom He paid the redemption price of His blood. Neither life nor death can separate us from the love of God, not because we hold Him so firmly, but because He holds us so fast. If our salvation depended on our own efforts, we could not be saved; but it depends on the One who is behind all the promises. Our grasp on Him may seem feeble, but so long as we maintain our union with Him, no one can pluck us out of His hand.TT 290.3
As the years went by and the number of believers grew, John labored with increasing fidelity and earnestness. Satanic delusions existed everywhere. By misrepresentation and falsehood, emissaries of Satan sought to arouse opposition against the doctrines of Christ, and in consequence dissensions and heresies were imperiling the church. Some who professed Christ claimed that His love released them from obedience to the law of God. On the other hand, many taught that a mere observance of the law, without faith in the blood of Christ, was sufficient for salvation. Some held that Christ was a good man, but denied His divinity. Some, living in transgression, were bringing heresies into the church. Many were being led into skepticism and delusion.TT 291.1
John was sad to see these poisonous errors creeping into the church, and he met the emergency with promptness and decision. His letters breathe the spirit of love, as if he wrote with a pen dipped in love, but when he came in contact with those who were breaking the law of God, yet claiming to live without sin, he did not hesitate to warn them of their fearful deception.TT 291.2
Writing to a woman of wide influence, he said: “Many deceivers have gone out into the world, men who will not acknowledge the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh; such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist... . He who abides in the doctrine has both the Father and the Son. If any one comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into the house or give him any greeting; for he who greets him shares his wicked work.”TT 291.3
There exist in these last days evils similar to those that threatened the early church. “You must have love,” is the cry heard everywhere, especially from those who profess sanctification. But true love is too pure to cover unconfessed sin. While we are to love souls, we are to make no compromise with evil. We are not to unite with the rebellious, and call this love. God requires His people to stand for the right as unflinchingly as did John in opposition to soul-destroying errors.TT 291.4
The apostle teaches that we are to deal in plain terms with sin and sinners; this is not inconsistent with true love. “Every one who commits sin,” he writes, “is guilty of lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. You know that He appeared to take away sins, and in Him there is no sin. No one who abides in Him sins; no one who sins has either seen Him or known Him.”TT 292.1
As a witness for Christ, John entered into no wearisome contention. He declared what he knew. He had been intimately associated with Christ and had witnessed His miracles. For him the darkness had passed away; the true Light was shining. Out of the abundance of a heart overflowing with love for the Saviour he spoke; and no power could stay his words.TT 292.2
“That which was from the beginning,” he declared, “which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life ... we proclaim also to you.”TT 292.3
So may every true believer be able to bear witness to that which he has seen and heard and felt of the power of Christ.Selected Messages Book 1
Chapter 19—What to Preach and Not to Preach
1SM 161.4
We must be decided on this subject; for the points that he is trying to prove by Scripture, are not sound. They do not prove that the past experience of God’s people was a fallacy. We had the truth; we were directed by the angels of God. It was under the guidance of the Holy Spirit that the presentation of the sanctuary question was given. It is eloquence for every one to keep silent in regard to the features of our faith in which they acted no part. God never contradicts Himself. Scripture proofs are misapplied if forced to testify to that which is not true. Another and still another will arise and bring in supposedly great light, and make their assertions. But we stand by the old landmarks. [1 John 1:1-10 quoted.]From Trials to Triumph
A Tragic Change Comes Into the Early Church
TT 289.4
“Let us not love in word or speech,” the apostle writes, “but in deed and in truth.” Completeness of character is attained when the impulse to help others springs constantly from within. It is this love that makes the believer “a savor of life unto life” and enables God to bless his work. 2 Corinthians 2:16.The Acts of the Apostles
Chapter 54—A Faithful Witness
AA 546.1
After the ascension of Christ, John stands forth as a faithful, earnest laborer for the Master. With the other disciples he enjoyed the outpouring of the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, and with fresh zeal and power he continued to speak to the people the words of life, seeking to lead their thoughts to the Unseen. He was a powerful preacher, fervent, and deeply in earnest. In beautiful language and with a musical voice he told of the words and works of Christ, speaking in a way that impressed the hearts of those who heard him. The simplicity of his words, the sublime power of the truths he uttered, and the fervor that characterized his teachings, gave him access to all classes.AA 546.2
The apostle’s life was in harmony with his teachings. The love for Christ which glowed in his heart led him to put forth earnest, untiring labor for his fellow men, especially for his brethren in the Christian church.AA 547.1
Christ had bidden the first disciples love one another as He had loved them. Thus they were to bear testimony to the world that Christ was formed within, the hope of glory. “A new commandment I give unto you,” He had said, “That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” John 13:34. At the time when these words were spoken, the disciples could not understand them; but after they had witnessed the sufferings of Christ, after His crucifixion and resurrection, and ascension to heaven, and after the Holy Spirit had rested on them at Pentecost, they had a clearer conception of the love of God and of the nature of that love which they must have for one another. Then John could say to his fellow disciples:AA 547.2
“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”AA 547.3
After the descent of the Holy Spirit, when the disciples went forth to proclaim a living Saviour, their one desire was the salvation of souls. They rejoiced in the sweetness of communion with saints. They were tender, thoughtful, self-denying, willing to make any sacrifice for the truth’s sake. In their daily association with one another, they revealed the love that Christ had enjoined upon them. By unselfish words and deeds they strove to kindle this love in other hearts.AA 547.4
Such a love the believers were ever to cherish. They were to go forward in willing obedience to the new commandment. So closely were they to be united with Christ that they would be enabled to fulfill all His requirements. Their lives were to magnify the power of a Saviour who could justify them by His righteousness.AA 548.1
But gradually a change came. The believers began to look for defects in others. Dwelling upon mistakes, giving place to unkind criticism, they lost sight of the Saviour and His love. They became more strict in regard to outward ceremonies, more particular about the theory than the practice of the faith. In their zeal to condemn others, they overlooked their own errors. They lost the brotherly love that Christ had enjoined, and, saddest of all, they were unconscious of their loss. They did not realize that happiness and joy were going out of their lives and that, having shut the love of God out of their hearts, they would soon walk in darkness.AA 548.2
John, realizing that brotherly love was waning in the church, urged upon believers the constant need of this love. His letters to the church are full of this thought. “Beloved, let us love one another,” he writes; “for love is of God; and everyone that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only-begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.”AA 548.3
Of the special sense in which this love should be manifested by believers, the apostle writes: “A new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in Him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth. He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.” “This is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.” “He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”AA 549.1
It is not the opposition of the world that most endangers the church of Christ. It is the evil cherished in the hearts of believers that works their most grievous disaster and most surely retards the progress of God’s cause. There is no surer way of weakening spirituality than by cherishing envy, suspicion, faultfinding, and evil surmising. On the other hand, the strongest witness that God has sent His Son into the world is the existence of harmony and union among men of varied dispositions who form His church. This witness it is the privilege of the followers of Christ to bear. But in order to do this, they must place themselves under Christ’s command. Their characters must be conformed to His character and their wills to His will.AA 550.1
“A new commandment I give unto you,” Christ said, “That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” John 13:34. What a wonderful statement; but, oh, how poorly practiced! In the church of God today brotherly love is sadly lacking. Many who profess to love the Saviour do not love one another. Unbelievers are watching to see if the faith of professed Christians is exerting a sanctifying influence upon their lives; and they are quick to discern the defects in character, the inconsistencies in action. Let Christians not make it possible for the enemy to point to them and say, Behold how these people, standing under the banner of Christ, hate one another. Christians are all members of one family, all children of the same heavenly Father, with the same blessed hope of immortality. Very close and tender should be the tie that binds them together.AA 550.2
Divine love makes its most touching appeals to the heart when it calls upon us to manifest the same tender compassion that Christ manifested. That man only who has unselfish love for his brother has true love for God. The true Christian will not willingly permit the soul in peril and need to go unwarned, uncared for. He will not hold himself aloof from the erring, leaving them to plunge farther into unhappiness and discouragement or to fall on Satan’s battleground.AA 550.3
Those who have never experienced the tender, winning love of Christ cannot lead others to the fountain of life. His love in the heart is a constraining power, which leads men to reveal Him in the conversation, in the tender, pitiful spirit, in the uplifting of the lives of those with whom they associate. Christian workers who succeed in their efforts must know Christ; and in order to know Him, they must know His love. In heaven their fitness as workers is measured by their ability to love as Christ loved and to work as He worked.AA 551.1
“Let us not love in word,” the apostle writes, “but in deed and in truth.” The completeness of Christian character is attained when the impulse to help and bless others springs constantly from within. It is the atmosphere of this love surrounding the soul of the believer that makes him a savor of life unto life and enables God to bless his work.AA 551.2
Supreme love for God and unselfish love for one another—this is the best gift that our heavenly Father can bestow. This love is not an impulse, but a divine principle, a permanent power. The unconsecrated heart cannot originate or produce it. Only in the heart where Jesus reigns is it found. “We love Him, because He first loved us.” In the heart renewed by divine grace, love is the ruling principle of action. It modifies the character, governs the impulses, controls the passions, and ennobles the affections. This love, cherished in the soul, sweetens the life and sheds a refining influence on all around.AA 551.3
John strove to lead the believers to understand the exalted privileges that would come to them through the exercise of the spirit of love. This redeeming power, filling the heart, would control every other motive and raise its possessors above the corrupting influences of the world. And as this love was allowed full sway and became the motive power in the life, their trust and confidence in God and His dealing with them would be complete. They could then come to Him in full confidence of faith, knowing that they would receive from Him everything needful for their present and eternal good. “Herein is our love made perfect,” he wrote, “that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear.” “And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, ... we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.”AA 552.1
“And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” The conditions of obtaining mercy from God are simple and reasonable. The Lord does not require us to do some grievous thing in order to gain forgiveness. We need not make long and wearisome pilgrimages, or perform painful penances, to commend our souls to the God of heaven or to expiate our transgression. He that “confesseth and forsaketh” his sin “shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13.AA 552.2
In the courts above, Christ is pleading for His church—pleading for those for whom He has paid the redemption price of His blood. Centuries, ages, can never lessen the efficacy of His atoning sacrifice. Neither life nor death, height nor depth, can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus; not because we hold Him so firmly, but because He holds us so fast. If our salvation depended on our own efforts, we could not be saved; but it depends on the One who is behind all the promises. Our grasp on Him may seem feeble, but His love is that of an elder brother; so long as we maintain our union with Him, no one can pluck us out of His hand.AA 553.1
As the years went by and the number of believers grew, John labored with increasing fidelity and earnestness for his brethren. The times were full of peril for the church. Satanic delusions existed everywhere. By misrepresentation and falsehood the emissaries of Satan sought to arouse opposition against the doctrines of Christ, and in consequence dissensions and heresies were imperiling the church. Some who professed Christ claimed that His love released them from obedience to the law of God. On the other hand, many taught that it was necessary to observe the Jewish customs and ceremonies; that a mere observance of the law, without faith in the blood of Christ, was sufficient for salvation. Some held that Christ was a good man, but denied His divinity. Some who pretended to be true to the cause of God were deceivers, and in practice they denied Christ and His gospel. Living themselves in transgression, they were bringing heresies into the church. Thus many were being led into the mazes of skepticism and delusion.AA 554.1
John was filled with sadness as he saw these poisonous errors creeping into the church. He saw the dangers to which the church was exposed, and he met the emergency with promptness and decision. The epistles of John breathe the spirit of love. It seems as if he wrote with a pen dipped in love. But when he came in contact with those who were breaking the law of God, yet claiming that they were living without sin, he did not hesitate to warn them of their fearful deception.AA 554.2
Writing to a helper in the gospel work, a woman of good repute and wide influence, he said: “Many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him Godspeed: for he that biddeth him Godspeed is partaker of his evil deeds.”AA 554.3
We are authorized to hold in the same estimation as did the beloved disciple those who claim to abide in Christ while living in transgression of God’s law. There exist in these last days evils similar to those that threatened the prosperity of the early church; and the teachings of the apostle John on these points should be carefully heeded. “You must have charity,” is the cry heard everywhere, especially from those who profess sanctification. But true charity is too pure to cover an unconfessed sin. While we are to love the souls for whom Christ died, we are to make no compromise with evil. We are not to unite with the rebellious and call this charity. God requires His people in this age of the world to stand for the right as unflinchingly as did John in opposition to soul-destroying errors.AA 555.1
The apostle teaches that while we should manifest Christian courtesy we are authorized to deal in plain terms with sin and sinners; that this is not inconsistent with true charity. “Whosoever committeth sin,” he writes, “transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that He was manifested to take away our sins; and in Him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen Him, neither known Him.”AA 555.2
As a witness for Christ, John entered into no controversy, no wearisome contention. He declared what he knew, what he had seen and heard. He had been intimately associated with Christ, had listened to His teachings, had witnessed His mighty miracles. Few could see the beauties of Christ’s character as John saw them. For him the darkness had passed away; on him the true light was shining. His testimony in regard to the Saviour’s life and death was clear and forcible. Out of the abundance of a heart overflowing with love for the Saviour he spoke; and no power could stay his words.AA 555.3
“That which was from the beginning,” he declared, “which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; ... that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.”AA 556.1
So may every true believer be able, through his own experience, to “set to his seal that God is true.” John 3:33. He can bear witness to that which he has seen and heard and felt of the power of Christ.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 72, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 72, 1901, par. 7
After carefully reading the first chapter of First John we are better prepared to understand the second. The beloved disciple writes: “My little children, these things write I unto you,”—that ye continue in sin?—No. That ye transgress the law?—No; but, “that ye sin not.” The Lord is gracious and full of tender compassion. When the sinner has been overcome by Satan’s temptations, the Saviour does not leave him in hopeless despair, but presents hope to the human mind; for “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” [1 John 2:1-4.] These are very plain statements.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 34, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 34, 1901, par. 2
When John was old and grey-headed he was given a message to bear to the persecuted churches. Read and appreciate the first epistle of John. Study the principles presented. From the lips of the aged disciple there constantly fell words which magnified the Saviour as he related his experience in connection with Him.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 47, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 47, 1902, par. 4
Many of the tried servants of God have fallen asleep in Jesus. We greatly appreciate the help of those who are left alive to this day. We value their testimony. Read the first chapter of First John, and then praise the Lord that, notwithstanding your many infirmities, you can still bear witness for Him. The Lord has brought you through many trying, difficult places. And He has given you the opportunity of laboring in connection with your wife. He has given her to you to help you, to be one with you, to have a care for you in her stronger physical strength. The Lord has given Sister Haskell a knowledge of the Scriptures, so that, at the times when you are called away for a season of rest, she is able to take your place. I can see that the good hand of the Lord has been with you. He will uphold you by His strong arm, saying, “Lean on Me. I will be your strength and your exceeding great reward.”17LtMs, Lt 47, 1902, par. 7
I am thankful that Elder Loughborough can still use his abilities and his gifts in God’s work. He has stood faithful amid storm and trial. With Elder Smith, my husband, Brother Butler—who joined us at a later period, and yourself, he can say, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his Word is not in us.” [Verses 1-10.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 237, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 237, 1902, par. 6
“But let him ask in faith.” [Verse 6.] There is to be an understanding in the science of simple, trusting faith in God and not in human weakness. False science is to be abolished. Brethren, be cautious. Do not be led astray by any man’s supposed wisdom. God is your helper. Trust in God. Be sure and bear in mind that we are God’s little children to be led and guided of the Lord in every step. We must seek unto God. We must not let any man that lives decoy us from our steadfast faith in God to follow any other man’s judgment. Man has no more wisdom than that which he obtains from God. Look to Him who is the source of all wisdom and then walk in the light of the Word of God. Read chapter one of First John and take it in its simplicity. The second chapter of First John is the best sermon we can all have to bring this instruction into our practical life.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 92, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 92, 1903, par. 3
He writes, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth; but if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” [1 John 1:1-10.]18LtMs, Ms 92, 1903, par. 5
In his old age John revealed the life of Christ in his life. He lived to be nearly one hundred years old, and over and over again he repeated the story of the crucified and risen Saviour. Persecution came upon the believers, and those young in experience were often in danger of losing their hold on Christ. But the old, tried servant of Jesus steadfastly maintained his faith. From his lips there came ever the same glad message: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the word of life, ... that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.” [1 John 1:1, 3.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 110, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 110, 1903, par. 16
Yesterday, the Lord gave me strength to speak in the Sanitarium chapel to a company who listened with interest. I spoke from the first chapter of First John.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 120, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 120, 1903, par. 2
The knowledge that God wants us to have is clearly defined in His word. The first chapter of first John gives us definite instruction.18LtMs, Ms 120, 1903, par. 3
“That which was from the beginning,” John writes, “which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the Word of life ... that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.” [Verses 1, 3.]18LtMs, Ms 120, 1903, par. 4
“This then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth; but if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” [Verses 5-7.] It speaks of that which every soul may experience. What is sin? John tells us in plain, decided language. “Sin is the transgression of the law.” “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law; for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that He was manifested to take away our sins; and in Him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not; whosoever sinneth hath not seen Him, neither known Him. Little children, let no man deceive you; he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” [1 John 3:4-8.]18LtMs, Ms 120, 1903, par. 6
Those who have this union with Christ will declare it in spirit and word and work. Profession is nothing unless in word and work good fruit is manifest. Unity, fellowship with one another and with Christ—this is the fruit borne on every branch of the living vine. The cleansed soul, born again, has a clear, distinct testimony to bear. With unfaltering accents he bears the message, “We declare unto you that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.” [1 John 1:5.]18LtMs, Ms 120, 1903, par. 7
“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” [Verses 8-10.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 329, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 329, 1905, par. 23
“If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” [1 John 1:1-10.]20LtMs, Lt 329, 1905, par. 25
Let all men beware what is the character of their work. They would better be falling into line; for their own souls’ sake and for the sake of the souls of others. “If we walk in the light as He is in the light, the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” [Verse 7.] It is nothing to the credit of any man to start on a new track, using Scripture to substantiate theories of error, leading minds into confusion, away from the truths that are to be indelibly impressed on the minds of God’s people, that they may hold fast to the faith.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 56, 1905
Takoma Park, Maryland
May 16, 1905
This manuscript is published in entirety in RH 07/13/1905, 07/20/1905. +NoteOne or more typed copies of this document contain additional Ellen White handwritten interlineations which may be viewed at the main office of the Ellen G. White Estate.
20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 1
(Talk given by Mrs. E. G. White at the General Conference, May 16, 1905.)20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 2
“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.” [1 John 1:1-3.]20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 3
There are those who are always seeking for something new. If they understood aright, they would realize that the newness that they need is that which comes from a daily growth in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Let us keep firm and unshaken our faith in the message that God has given us for these last days. The world is fast becoming as it was in the days of Noah. Christ declared that this would be the sign of the end—men would be eating and drinking, planting and building, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day of the coming of the Son of man. His words mean far more than we have yet seen. Do not the events that have taken place show this?20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 4
“And truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.” [Verse 3.] All through the Scriptures, the Father and the Son are spoken of as two distinct personages. You will hear men endeavoring to make the Son of God a nonentity. He and the Father are one, but they are two personages. Wrong sentiments regarding this are coming in, and we shall all have to meet them.20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 5
“And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.” [Verse 4.] If we would apply the precious truth of God to our own individual cases, we would find such blessing, such consolation, that we would be ashamed to murmur and complain. Some have educated their tongues to utter complaints, and they lose many precious blessings that come with the exercise of patience.20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 6
“This then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.” [Verse 5.] “God is light.” How are His disciples to declare it? Not with their lips merely, but in their lives. They themselves are to be “the light of the world.” “Let your light so shine before men,” Christ said, “that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14, 16.]20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 7
“If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth.” [1 John 1:6.] Every church member is to walk worthily of the high calling to which he has been chosen, having gained a living experience in the things of God. There is no need for us always to be babies in religious things. We are to grow up to the full stature of men and women in Christ.20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 8
“If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” [Verses 7, 8.]20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 9
We may pray for sanctification, but whether or not we get it depends on whether we walk in the light, reflecting light to those around us. My brethren and sisters, the salvation of your souls depends upon the course that you pursue. If you fail of gaining eternal life, it will be because you have failed to keep the commandments of God. From the Word of God there shines light sufficient to guide us along every step of the way to heaven, and those who lose the way will be without excuse.20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 10
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” [Verses 9, 10.]20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 11
In this world we are exposed to the temptations of the enemy, and because we do not depend on God as we should, we are continually sinning. There are those who, when they make mistakes, stand out in stubbornness, saying that they have not sinned, and refusing to confess. Those who say, “I never confess,” will never see the kingdom of heaven unless they do confess. Read the prayer of confession that Daniel offered. He was called a man greatly beloved of God, and yet he confessed that he as well as the people had sinned.20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 12
Those who make no acknowledgment of sin, those who refuse to confess because they think it would hurt their position and influence, will never be cleansed from unrighteousness unless they make a decided change in their attitude. We need the spirit of confession right here in this meeting. It would be surprising if none of those present had anything to confess. Brethren and sisters, will you not take the stumbling blocks out of the way, and clear the King’s highway, that he may enter in among us? Then we shall see the salvation of God, and the glory of the Lord will be revealed.20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 13
“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” [1 John 2:1, 2.] “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” [John 1:12.] When we thus unite with Christ, we are gaining an experience that will be of more value to us than gold or silver or precious stones.20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 14
“And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected; hereby know we that we are in Him. He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.” [1 John 2:3-6.]20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 15
We are to lift the cross, and follow the steps of Christ. Those who lift the cross will find that as they do this, the cross will lift them, giving them fortitude and courage, and pointing them to the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 16
“Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning. Again a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in Him and in you; because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.” [Verses 7, 8.]20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 17
We can have something fresh to think of all the time. We have held communion with God as we have tried to understand the high privilege of being one with Christ. I am so thankful for the Word of God. I thank the Lord with heart and soul and voice. We have no need to be led astray. We have no need to seek for something new and strange from the lips of human beings. We have a science that is above all human science. Many will grasp false science, teaching it as truth. But we need not be led astray. God wants us to cherish the truth in the simplicity in which we have received it from Christ. “He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.” [Verses 9-11.]20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 18
We are not to watch for an opportunity to find fault if a brother does not speak exactly as we wish him to speak. Perhaps God does not want him to speak as you want him to. His words may cut you to the quick, but even then you are not at liberty to find fault. The talent of speech was given to us that we might speak, not words of faultfinding, but words of counsel, words of encouragement, words of reproof. Because we are not to find fault, this does not mean that we are to pass by things that are wrong, without saying a word. If you see one doing wrong, go right to him, and tell him his fault in the way outlined in the Scriptures. In the meekness of Christ, tell him the truth, and you may save his soul from death. But if you gloss over mistakes, leaving those who have made them to think they have done nothing wrong, you must share in the punishment, because you were unfaithful to your trust.20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 19
If we desire to see the King in His beauty, we must behave worthily. We must outgrow our childishness. When provocation comes, let us be silent. There are times when silence is eloquence. We are to reveal the patience and kindness and forbearance that will make us worthy to be called sons and daughters of God. We are to trust and believe Him and rely upon Him. We are to follow in Christ’s steps. “If any man will come after Me,” He says, “Let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” [Matthew 16:24.] “So shall he be My disciple.” [See John 15:8.] It may be a heavy cross to keep silent when you ought to. It may be a painful discipline; but let me assure you that silence does much more to overcome evil than a storm of angry words.20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 20
Here in this world we are to learn what we must be in order to have a place in the heavenly courts. We are to learn the lessons that Christ desires to teach us, that we may be prepared to be taken to the higher school in the courts above, where the Saviour will lead us by the river of life, explaining to us many things that here we could not comprehend, and teaching us of the mysteries of God. There we shall see the glory of God as we have never seen it here. We get but a glimpse of the glory now because we do not follow on to know the Lord.20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 21
John writes, “And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” [Revelation 22:1, 2.]20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 22
Talk it, pray it, sing it, and remember that you must eat of the leaves of the tree of life here in this world, if you would know the healing power of the grace of God. When words are spoken that temp you to feel provoked, ask the Lord Jesus to give you a taste of the healing brought by the tree of life. Get your mind on some subject of eternal interest, and it will be easy for you to keep still when you ought to keep still and to speak when you ought to speak.20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 23
“I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake. I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known Him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one.” [1 John 2:12, 13.] Are you not glad, young men, that this word of encouragement has been spoken to you? Oh, what a grand work is this—to overcome the folly and wickedness that prevails in our world. Young men, God will watch over you, and will give you strength, if you will put on every piece of the armor and be ready to resist the tempter when he seeks to lead you astray. We are striving for heaven, for a life that measures with the life of God. Keep your eyes fixed on the author and finisher of our faith.20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 24
“I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.” [Verse 14.]20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 25
“Because ye are strong.” [Verse 14.] Do not spend your time reading magazines and novels. Read your Bible. You have many temptations to meet and overcome. You have a great truth to proclaim. Only by a constant study of the Word of God can you gain the strength needed for this work. Put novel-reading out of your lives. You have none too much time in which to gain an understanding of what saith the Scriptures. The Lord wants the young men in His cause to stand where they are worthy of being trusted with sacred responsibilities.20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 26
Do not encourage any appetite for stimulants. Eat only plain, simple, wholesome food, and thank God constantly for the principles of health reform. In all things be true and upright, and you will gain precious victories.20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 27
Remember that you cannot overcome the wicked one unless you have on every piece of the armor. Do not be turned away from the truth by supposition or sophistry. If you once allow Satan to tamper with your mind, you will find that it is not an easy matter to break away from him. But if you confess your sins before God, and take hold of Him power, sophistry will have no power over you.20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 28
“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” [Verse 15.] There is a great work before us. There are cities to be warned. If you go forth into the work accompanied by the grace of God, success will attend your efforts. The power of heaven will be with you. The righteousness of Christ will go before you, and the glory of God will be your rearward. Let us thank God that provision has been [made] for every emergency. We can take hold of Christ’s righteousness, pleading with Him to cleanse us from all iniquity.20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 29
“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof; but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.” [Verses 16, 17.] He has carried on a faithful warfare against the enemy. He has built himself up in “the most holy faith.” [Jude 20.]20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 30
“Little children, it is the last time; and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us; but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.” [1 John 2:18, 19.]20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 31
Brethren and sisters, at all hazards we must hold fast to the truth. I am so glad that it is not yet too late for wrongs to be righted. I am so grateful for all the precious promises given us, that we may have courage and hope, and that we may stand firm on the platform of eternal truth.20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 32
There is one thing that I want to ask those assembled at this conference to do: pray earnestly for the blessing of the Lord. I am glad to know that you are having early morning meetings. These meetings are of the highest value. Every time you come together at one of these meetings, lay your hearts open before God, and do not be afraid that your experience will be spoiled if you make confession. Take the stumbling blocks out of the way. May God give us light that will clear away everything which would prevent us from having that love for one another which we should have.20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 33
I want you to pray that God will give me strength; for I have received instruction from the Lord, and I want to give it to you. And pray also for yourselves. We want to see the glory of God at this meeting. May He help you to press to the light.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Ms 161, 1904
19LtMs, Ms 161, 1904, par. 7
John bore no uncertain message. “That which was from the beginning,” he says, “which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the Word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto that eternal life, which was with the Father, and which was manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.” [1 John 1:1-3.]19LtMs, Ms 161, 1904, par. 9
John continues: “These things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.” [Verse 5.]19LtMs, Ms 161, 1904, par. 12
“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” [1 John 1:7-10; 2:1-6.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 188, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 188, 1905, par. 22
1 John 1:1-5. Don’t you distribute our God through nature. He is not to be found in leaves and roots and trees. He ruleth in the heavens, and He imbues His people with light that shines into the chambers of the mind and illuminates the soul temple. John had beheld that light and he could not hold his peace. Even in his old age he would speak of what he had seen and heard. He was the oldest man living that had seen Christ.20LtMs, Ms 188, 1905, par. 23
Verse 6. Will you bear that in mind? God wants us to catch every divine ray of light that shineth from the Word of God, and carry with us the publications, that they may impart light to every soul. See if you cannot deny yourselves in some way, and put a paper into their hands as a present, that they may have it with them and read some important things. Now, we have got to be wide awake. We have got to sow the seed in order to have the fruit manifested. You cannot expect fruit unless you plant the tree, or unless you sow the seed. Then you may expect that you will see some harvest.20LtMs, Ms 188, 1905, par. 24
Verse 7. “as he is in the light.” You see it is our privilege, God wants us. Christ said, “He that will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.” [Mark 8:34.] We have a living Christ, who says, “If I go to My Father, then I will send you the Comforter.” [See John 16:7.] Well, the Holy Spirit of God is to come to us in power, as soon as we have faith to embrace it, as soon as we recognize it.20LtMs, Ms 188, 1905, par. 25
[1 John 1] Verses 7, 8. They had gotten tired of hearing that testimony. They tried to kill John. But God says, “He is my life, he shall live.” He had a work to do through John, and they could not kill him; therefore they took him on the barren isle of Patmos. They thought that if they put him there then his mouth would certainly be stopped. But now we read:Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 192, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 192, 1903, par. 13
“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth.” [1 John 1:1-6.]18LtMs, Lt 192, 1903, par. 14
“But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” [Verses 7-10.]18LtMs, Lt 192, 1903, par. 15
Since God is light, we must walk in the light. God would have all His people stand on the high platform of eternal truth and, through faith, in union and communion with the Father and the Son. Then upon each mind will be distinctly impressed the sinfulness of a lack of unity. The Lord will unite with a united people to lead them by His Holy Spirit into all truth. There is unity with God the Father; there is unity with His Son Jesus; and the result is communion one with another, “that your joy may be full” through full fellowship with God and Christ. [Verses 3, 4.] God is light; His nature is light; in and through Him there is no darkness at all. Since He is light, we must walk in the light, and not in darkness.1 John 1:2
Christ’s Object Lessons
Chapter 2—“The Sower Went Forth to Sow”
COL 43.1
But the teacher of sacred truth can impart only that which he himself knows by experience. “The sower sowed his seed.” Christ taught the truth because He was the truth. His own thought, His character, His life-experience, were embodied in His teaching. So with His servants: those who would teach the word are to make it their own by a personal experience. They must know what it is to have Christ made unto them wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption. In presenting the word of God to others, they are not to make it a suppose-so or a may-be. They should declare with the apostle Peter, “We have not followed cunningly devised fables when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eye-witnesses of His majesty.” 2 Peter 1:16. Every minister of Christ and every teacher should be able to say with the beloved John, “The life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us.” 1 John 1:2.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 86, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 86, 1907, par. 9
The teacher of sacred truth can impart that only which he knows by experience. “The sower sowed his seed.” [Luke 8:5.] Christ taught the truth because He was the truth. His own thought, His character, His life experience were embodied in His teaching. So with His servants: those who would teach the Word are to make it their own by a personal experience. They must know what it means to have Christ made unto them wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption. In presenting the Word of God to others, they are not to make it a suppose-so or a may-be. They should declare with the apostle Peter, “We have not followed cunningly devised fables when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eye-witnesses of His majesty.” [2 Peter 1:16.] Every minister of Christ should be able to say with the beloved John, “The life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us.” [1 John 1:2.]Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
The Bible Teacher
CT 435.1
The teacher of truth can impart effectively only that which he himself knows by experience. Christ taught the truth because He was the truth. His own thought, His character, His life experience, were embodied in His teaching. So with His servants; those who teach the word must make it their own by personal experience. They must know what it is to have Christ made unto them wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption. Every minister of Christ and every teacher should be able to say with the beloved John, “The life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us.” 1 John 1:2.Education
Chapter 9—An Illustration of His Methods
Ed 84.1
The most complete illustration of Christ’s methods as a teacher is found in His training of the twelve first disciples. Upon these men were to rest weighty responsibilities. He had chosen them as men whom He could imbue with His Spirit, and who could be fitted to carry forward His work on earth when He should leave it. To them, above all others, He gave the advantage of His own companionship. Through personal association He impressed Himself upon these chosen colaborers. “The Life was manifested,” says John the beloved, “and we have seen it, and bear witness.” 1 John 1:2.Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)
Power for Service
GW 508.1
It is not the highest work of education to communicate knowledge merely, but to impart that vitalizing energy which is received through the contact of mind with mind and soul with soul. It is only life that can beget life. What privilege, then, was theirs who for three years were in daily contact with that divine life from which has flowed every life-giving impulse that has blessed the world! Above all His companions, John the beloved disciple yielded himself to the power of that wondrous life. He says, “The life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us.” “Of His fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.” [1 John 1:2; John 1:16.]The Acts of the Apostles
Chapter 53—John the Beloved
AA 544.2
The depth and fervor of John’s affection for his Master was not the cause of Christ’s love for him, but the effect of that love. John desired to become like Jesus, and under the transforming influence of the love of Christ he did become meek and lowly. Self was hid in Jesus. Above all his companions, John yielded himself to the power of that wondrous life. He says, “The life was manifested, and we have seen it.” “And of His fullness have all we received, and grace for grace.” 1 John 1:2; John 1:16. John knew the Saviour by an experimental knowledge. His Master’s lessons were graven on his soul. When he testified of the Saviour’s grace, his simple language was eloquent with the love that pervaded his whole being.The Desire of Ages
Chapter 25—The Call by the Sea
DA 250.2
It is not the highest work of education to communicate knowledge merely, but to impart that vitalizing energy which is received through the contact of mind with mind, and soul with soul. It is only life that can beget life. What privilege, then, was theirs who for three years were in daily contact with that divine life from which has flowed every life-giving impulse that has blessed the world! Above all his companions, John the beloved disciple yielded himself to the power of that wondrous life. He says, “The life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us.” “Of His fullness have all we received, and grace for grace.” 1 John 1:2; John 1:16.The Publishing Ministry
Chapter 24—Teaching Literature Evangelism
PM 268.1
Instruction by Personal Association—The most complete illustration of Christ’s methods as a teacher is found in His training of the twelve first disciples. Upon these men were to rest weighty responsibilities. He had chosen them as men whom He could imbue with His Spirit, and who could be fitted to carry forward His work on earth when He should leave it. To them, above all others, He gave the advantage of His own companionship. Through personal association He impressed Himself upon these chosen colaborers. “The Life was manifested,” says John the beloved, “and we have seen it, and bear witness.” 1 John 1:2.Homeward Bound
Learn to Distrust Self, April 10
HB 119.4
It is not the highest work of education to communicate knowledge merely, but to impart that vitalizing energy which is received through the contact of mind with mind, and soul with soul. It is only life that can beget life. What privilege, then, was theirs who for three years were in daily contact with that divine life from which has flowed every life-giving impulse that has blessed the world! Above all his companions, John the beloved disciple yielded himself to the power of that wondrous life. He says, “The life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us.” (1 John 1:2.)—The Desire of Ages, 249, 250.1 John 1:3
In Heavenly Places
Sweet Communion With Our Saviour, March 6
HP 72.1
That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 1 John 1:3.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Lt 195, 1901
16LtMs, Lt 195, 1901, par. 1
I have received and read your letter. Today I had an interview with Elder Loughborough in regard to his going to Australia. I told him that it appeared to me that we were sending too many from the home field. I told him that the churches needed the work that he could do. I advised him to delay his journey and work for a while in the churches, encouraging and comforting them, and setting things in order. We see the need of the help of old, experienced laborers who have been connected with the work almost from its beginning, whose experience in it dates nearly from the passing of the time in 1844. We need the help of men who can testify as did John, “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you.” [1 John 1:3.]Maranatha
A Twofold Life, April 27
Mar 125.1
Our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 1 John 1:3.Our Father Cares
The Meaning of Communion With God, October 25
OFC 310.1
That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 1 John 1:3.The Upward Look
The Meaning of Communion With God, October 8
UL 295.1
That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 1 John 1:3.Ye Shall Receive Power
The Eyewitness: Inspired to Give Testimony, August 8
YRP 229.1
That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 1 John 1:3.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 102, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 102, 1893, par. 5
“That which we have seen and heard (of the Word of life) declare we unto you.” [1 John 1:3.] Let us not dishonor God with our unbelief, for then we shall indeed show ourselves unworthy and unfaithful depositories of so rich a treasure. All our trials, all our afflictions, are to give us a growing knowledge of Jesus. “Thou shalt see greater things than these.” [John 1:50.] Our life must be a clear reflection of the matchless love of Jesus.1 John 1:3-10
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 368, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 368, 1904, par. 11
1 John 5:1-5; 1:3-10.1 John 1:4
Radiant Religion
Complete Happiness, November 8
RRe 314.1
These things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. 1 John 1:4.1 John 1:4-7
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 108, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 108, 1899, par. 22
Hear the testimony of the apostle John: “These things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, That God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth; but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” “He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.” [1 John 1:4-7; 2:10.]1 John 1:4-10
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 17, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 17, 1894, par. 18
Be not deceived in fancying it a blessing to have a bosom friend. In the name of Jesus I testify it is a snare. Turn your attention to Him who is first and last and best in everything. It is not safe to depart from the Word of God in anything. Search the Scriptures; we have there a standard by which to estimate character, even the divine similitude. By this perfect model let conversation and character be fashioned. I urge upon you as missionaries who have come to this far off land, practice the truth, carry out its lofty principles in your life. Ever remember, “Ye are laborers together with God,” moral representatives of Christ. [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Let your life be hid with Christ in God. 1 Peter 1:1-3; 1 John 1:4-10; Revelation 3:1-5.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 148, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 148, 1903, par. 14
“These things we write unto you that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” [1 John 1:4-10.]1 John 1:5
Manuscript Releases, vol. 21 [Nos. 1501-1598]
MR No. 1578—News from Australia; A Call to Sanctification and to Work for Souls
21MR 372.1
Christ could not help being bright and shining. His very work was to shine. “I am come,” He said, “that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” [John 10:10]. “In Me is no darkness at all” [See 1 John 1:5]. With sadness Christ says that there are some who love not the light, because their deeds are evil. They do not come to Jesus to deliver them from the power of evil. Light means revelation, and the light is to shine amid moral darkness. Christ is everything to those who receive Him. He is their Comforter, their safety, their healthfulness. Apart from Christ there is no light at all.Reflecting Christ
John Met Errors Unflinchingly, December 15
RC 363.1
This ... is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5.The Upward Look
The Light of the World, July 3
UL 198.1
This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 18, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 18, 1892, par. 8
Christ is the channel through which alone man can have access to God and become a partaker of the divine nature. The Lord God gives light to the true, earnest seekers after Him, for He giveth them Himself. “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” [1 John 1:5.] And why? Because God in His own mysterious way communicates Himself to the soul. “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” [Psalm 119:130.] God substitutes His ideas for human ideas and inventions, and these ideas are great, noble, and luminous.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 15, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 15, 1897, par. 3
You have created a condition of thoughts, an appetite for practicing shameful things, which the Lord abominates. A compassionate Saviour will forgive your course of action if you humble your heart in contrition before God, and hang your helpless soul upon Jesus Christ. He alone can save you from the result of your own educating practice. Please read 1 John 1:5. Read the entire chapter.Jesus, Name Above All Names
Light of Sun, Moon, and Star, November 29
JNN 350.1
This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.—1 John 1:51 John 1:5-7
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 98, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 98, 1902, par. 27
“Walk in the light.” [1 John 1:7.] To walk in the light means to resolve, to exercise thought, to exert will power, in an earnest endeavor to represent Christ in sweetness of character. It means to put away all gloom. You are not to rest satisfied simply in saying, “I am a child of God.” Are you beholding Jesus, and, by beholding, becoming chanced into His likeness? To walk in the light means advancement and progress in spiritual attainments. Paul declared, “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect; ... but forgetting those things which are behind,” constantly beholding the Pattern, I reach “forth unto those things which are before.” [Philippians 3:12, 13.] To walk in the light means to “walk uprightly,” to walk “in the way of the Lord,” to “walk by faith,” to “walk in the Spirit,” to “walk in the truth,” to “walk in love,” to “walk in newness of life.” [Psalm 84:11; 2 Kings 21:22; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Galatians 5:16; 3 John 4; Ephesians 5:2; Romans 6:4.] It is “perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” [2 Corinthians 7:1.]17LtMs, Lt 98, 1902, par. 28
What a terrible thing it is to darken the pathway of others by bringing shadow and gloom upon ourselves. Let each one take heed to himself. Charge not upon others your defections of character. My brethren in the gospel ministry, talk light; walk in the light. “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” [1 John 1:5.] Study not how to please self. Lose sight of self, and behold the multitudes in Greater New York who are perishing in their sins. Gather to your souls the courage that can come only from the Light of the world. Forgetting self, help the many who are within reach around you. Do not overwork; for you must keep the vital energies awake. Realize that a work of restoration in your behalf will glorify God. Determine that whatever others may do, you will appropriate God’s promises to yourselves, weaving them into the fabric of your daily experience.This Day With God
The Consistent Christian, March 24
TDG 92.1
God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.... If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1 John 1:5-7.This Day With God
To Love Is to Serve, June 22
TDG 182.2
The religion of Jesus Christ means something more than talk. The righteousness of Christ consists in right actions and good works from pure, unselfish motives. Outside righteousness, while the inward adorning is wanting, will be of no avail. “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:5-7). If we have not the light and love of God, we are not His children. If we gather not with Christ, we scatter abroad. We all have an influence, and that influence is telling upon the destiny of others, for their present and future good, or for their eternal loss.Ye Shall Receive Power
Encouragement for the Erring, August 27
YRP 248.1
This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1 John 1:5-7.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Ms 134, 1908
23LtMs, Ms 134, 1908, par. 4
“God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:5-7.1 John 1:5-8
Manuscript Releases, vol. 13 [Nos. 1000-1080]
MR No. 1002—The Baker Letter
13MR 16.2
There might be some improvement made in your delivery. Cultivate earnestness and positiveness in addressing the people. Your subject matter may be excellent, and just what the people need, but you would do well to mingle a positiveness with the persuasive entreaties. [1 John 1:5-8, quoted.]1 John 1:5-9
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 8a, 1890
6LtMs, Lt 8a, 1890, par. 16
“This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” [1 John 1:5-8.]6LtMs, Lt 8a, 1890, par. 18
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [Verse 9.] We are to rest our faith upon the foundation of God’s Word. A happy flight of feeling is no evidence that we are or are not the sons and daughters of God. The Saviour of the world declares that the evidence of our acceptance is [sure if we] lay hold of the righteousness of Christ, the robe woven in the heavenly loom, by faith in His merits. We are to know the children of God by the fruits they bear. Good fruit is borne upon the Christian tree, but corrupt fruit is borne on a corrupt tree. Christ said of His disciples, “Ye are the light of the world.” “Ye are the salt of the earth.” [Matthew 5:14, 13.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 30, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 30, 1898, par. 31
We are to walk in the footsteps of Christ. “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:5-9.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 82, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 82, 1902, par. 9
“This then is the message that we have heard of him, and declare unto you, That God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth; but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:5-9.] “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.” [Psalm 19:7.]1 John 1:5-10
Manuscript Releases, vol. 16 [Nos. 1186-1235]
MR No. 1200—The Need for Love in the Church, and An Appeal to Heed the Message to the Laodiceans
[1 John 1:5-10; 2:9-11, quoted.]
The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials
The Need for Love in the Church, and an Appeal to Heed the Message to the Laodiceans
1888 1022.1
One of the greatest sins that is now extinguishing spiritual light is want of love for Jesus and one another. “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” See the longing, yearning love of Jesus who presents to His people the attractions of the eternal life, that they may catch the glory of the future world, and regain their first love. It is not the fashion now to repent. It is regarded by some as altogether too humiliating a work, altogether too old-fashioned. [1 John 1:5-10; 2:9-11, quoted.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 19d, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 19d, 1892, par. 12
“This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” [1 John 1:5-10.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 33, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 33, 1900, par. 29
“This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, That God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth; but if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sin, and to cleanse us from all unrighteous. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” [1 John 1:5-10.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 271, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 271, 1904, par. 9
These words were given me to give to you: “This then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth. But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” [1 John 1:5-10.]19LtMs, Lt 271, 1904, par. 10
“It is Christ that died” is an argument that cannot be refuted. [Romans 8:34.] To it nothing can be added. To the repentant soul it is Yea and Amen. Christ leads the penitent soul upward step by step and gives to the mind His peace. “If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9.] Angels of God guard the penitent, believing soul, that evil angels may not intrude.1 John 1:6
Jesus, Name Above All Names
Revealer of Truth, August 21
JNN 247.1
If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.—1 John 1:61 John 1:6-7
In Heavenly Places
The Measure of Responsibility, May 26
HP 153.1
If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1 John 1:6, 7.1 John 1:6-9
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Lt 21, 1901
16LtMs, Lt 21, 1901, par. 37
The gospel fits all periods and all relations of life. No man can separate fellowship with God from a life of holiness. Sanctification takes in the whole being. Many in this our day claim fellowship with God while by their lives they deny their claim. “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth; but if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” [1 John 1:6, 7.] To walk in the light is to know and obey the truth. To have fellowship with one another is to treat one another as children of God.16LtMs, Lt 21, 1901, par. 42
Do not venture to think that if you do not overcome your sins in this life, you will be given another probation in which to secure the eternal reward. No, no, no! This present time is the only probation we shall have. And the three Powers, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit have pledged themselves that if we walk in the light as Christ is in the light, we shall have fellowship with one another and be cleansed from all sin in the blood of Jesus. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” “Whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected.” [1 John 1:9; 2:5.]1 John 1:6-10
The Sanctified Life
God Has Not Changed
SL 68.3
The epistles of John breathe a spirit of love. But when he comes in contact with that class who break the law of God and yet claim that they are living without sin, he does not hesitate to warn them of their fearful deception. “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us” (1 John 1:6-10).1 John 1:7
Sons and Daughters of God
We Are Cleansed by Christ’s Blood, August 6
SD 225.1
The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1 John 1:7.That I May Know Him
The Sin God Cannot Forgive, August 25
TMK 243.2
“The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). No matter how sinful a person has been, no matter what his position may be, if he will repent and believe, coming unto Christ and trusting Him as his personal Saviour, he may be saved unto the uttermost....The Great Controversy
Chapter 4—The Waldenses
GC 73.3
Eagerly did the Vaudois missionary unfold to the inquiring mind the precious truths of the gospel. Cautiously he produced the carefully written portions of the Holy Scriptures. It was his greatest joy to give hope to the conscientious, sin-stricken soul, who could see only a God of vengeance, waiting to execute justice. With quivering lip and tearful eye did he, often on bended knees, open to his brethren the precious promises that reveal the sinner’s only hope. Thus the light of truth penetrated many a darkened mind, rolling back the cloud of gloom, until the Sun of Righteousness shone into the heart with healing in His beams. It was often the case that some portion of Scripture was read again and again, the hearer desiring it to be repeated, as if he would assure himself that he had heard aright. Especially was the repetition of these words eagerly desired: “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7. “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:14, 15.The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)
Chapter 4—The Waldenses
GC88 73.2
Eagerly did the Vaudois missionary unfold to the inquiring mind the precious truths of the gospel. Cautiously he produced the carefully written portions of the Holy Scriptures. It was his greatest joy to give hope to the conscientious, sin-stricken soul, who could see only a God of vengeance, waiting to execute justice. With quivering lip and tearful eye did he, often on bended knees, open to his brethren the precious promises that reveal the sinner’s only hope. Thus the light of truth penetrated many a darkened mind, rolling back the cloud of gloom, until the Sun of Righteousness shone into the heart with healing in his beams. It was often the case that some portion of Scripture was read again and again, the hearer desiring it to be repeated, as if he would assure himself that he had heard aright. Especially was the repetition of these words eagerly desired: “The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” [1 John 1:7.] “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” [John 3:14, 15.]The Ministry of Healing
“Go, and Sin No More”
MH 90.3
The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses “from all sin.” 1 John 1:7.The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4
Chapter 4—The Waldenses
4SP 79.1
Eagerly did the Vaudois missionary unfold to the inquiring mind the precious truths of the gospel. Cautiously he produced the carefully written portions of the word of God. It was his greatest joy to give hope to the conscientious, sin-stricken soul, who could see only a God of vengeance, waiting to execute justice. With quivering lip and tearful eye did he, often on bended knees, open to his brethren the precious promises that reveal the sinner’s only hope. Thus the light of truth penetrated many a darkened mind, rolling back the cloud of gloom, until the Sun of Righteousness shone into the heart with healing in his beams. Some portions of Scripture were read again and again, the hearer desiring them to be often repeated, as if he would assure himself that he had heard aright. Especially was the repetition of these words eagerly desired: “The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” [1 John 1:7.] “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” [John 3:14, 15.]EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
1 John 1:1
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 87, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 87, 1893, par. 30
Quite a goodly number were assembled, and the Lord gave me His Holy Spirit to talk in the demonstration of the Spirit. There was much tenderness of feeling and many tearful eyes. Some wept all through the meeting. The Spirit of God gave freedom of speech. I spoke from 1 John, first four verses, and great solemnity was in the congregation. I gave them the message of warning and explained the love of God in giving His only begotten Son to our world, not to save men in their sins but to take away the sin of the world through obedience to the truth.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 120, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 120, 1895, par. 13
My appointment was out to speak on Sunday. All report the best congregation they yet had out to listen. Intelligent people were present and listened attentively. I spoke from 1 John, first eight verses. It was a great trial for me to venture, but as soon as I stood on my feet, I was blessed and spoke under the moving influence of the Spirit of God.