EGW Writings1 John 2
Ellen G. White · Page 1 of 3
Read 1 John 2 in the Bible1 John 2:1-2
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 41, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 41, 1893, par. 8
That you should take up with the companionship of Satan, the apostate and traitor, and do after his works, after you had the knowledge of Jesus Christ, is a mystery to the universe of heaven. It makes your sin none the less because many others have done as you have done. Your only safety is in confessing your sins to Jesus Christ your Intercessor in your behalf. Take not your weight of woe to human beings. You have one Mediator, Jesus Christ the Righteous. In contrition of soul go to Him and tell Him all your sins. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness ... 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 ... that ye sin not.” [1 John 1:9; 2:1.]8LtMs, Lt 41, 1893, par. 9
Here is where you bring yourself into condemnation, that you continue to sin. In the strength of Christ cease to sin. Every provision has been made that grace should abide with you, that sin shall ever appear the hateful thing that it is, sin. “And if any man sin,” he is not to give himself up in despair and talk like a man who is lost to Christ. “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.” [Verses 1, 2.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Ms 153, 1904
19LtMs, Ms 153, 1904, par. 50
Now is our opportunity, and God wants us to have the riches of His glory. I will read a little further. 1 John 2:1.19LtMs, Ms 153, 1904, par. 52
Verse 2. What a pity that we Christians have not worked more faithfully, that the devil has grasped so many that it seems as though the world was given up to him. We cannot afford it. Win them back for Christ’s sake. There is no excuse for us in the world. We have His life history, and we can walk even as He walked. We can be a partaker of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.Faith and Works
Chapter 16—Accepted in Christ
FW 105.3
The intercession of Christ in our behalf is that of presenting His divine merits in the offering of Himself to the Father as our substitute and surety; for He ascended up on high to make an atonement for our transgressions. “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). “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:10). “He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25).Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 66, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 66, 1905, par. 3
In the second chapter of his epistle, John says, “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.” [1 John 2:1, 2.]Manuscript Releases, vol. 13 [Nos. 1000-1080]
MR No. 1044—Deficiencies and Mistakes of Gospel Workers not to be Publicized
13MR 278.3
We are to maintain the honor of God’s cause. We are not to expose one of the children of God to the darts of the enemy, or give the enemies of our faith reason by which they may take advantage of their mistakes. Rather, let us glorify God that 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 our’s only, but also for the sins of the whole world” [1 John 2:1, 2].Reflecting Christ
Justification by Faith—Our Only Hope, March 1
RC 74.1
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.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 105, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 105, 1893, par. 38
Why manufacture such heavy yokes for yourself and your wife and children? I implore you to act upon the words here given. Seek the Lord humbly with all your heart. As you do this, you will realize that the Lord is willing and ready to forgive. “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.” [1 John 2:1, 2.] Do not cast these words away. Do not rise against them and resist them. Do not keep on hand an unhappy line of reasoning to justify yourself.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 48, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 48, 1894, par. 28
We are to maintain the honor of God’s cause. We are not to expose one of the children of God to the darts of the enemy, or give the enemies of our faith reason by which they may take advantage of their mistakes. Rather let us glorify God that 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 for the sins of the whole world.” [1 John 2:1, 2.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 149, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 149, 1897, par. 17
“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.” “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.” [1 John 1:7-9; 2:1, 2.]1 John 2:1-3
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 6, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 6, 1893, par. 17
The Lord will recognize every effort we make to draw nigh unto Him. If you make failures and are betrayed into sin, do not feel then you cannot pray, reasoning that you are not good enough to pray, but seek the Lord more earnestly. Pray and consider the words, “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin (do not say it is no use for me to try to be right and to be a Christian), 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.” [1 John 2:1-3.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 75, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 75, 1903, par. 10
“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.” [1 John 2:1-3.]1 John 2:1-4
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 271, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 271, 1904, par. 25
“These things write I unto ye 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.” [1 John 2:1-4.]1 John 2:1-5
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 93, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 93, 1899, par. 22
The disciple John writes, “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.” [1 John 2:1-5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 142, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 142, 1899, par. 16
“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.” [1 John 2:1-5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 79, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 79, 1900, par. 11
“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.” [1 John 2:1-5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 92, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 92, 1903, par. 4
“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 our’s 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 know Him.” [1 John 2:1-5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 171, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 171, 1904, par. 6
“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.” [1 John 2:1-5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Ms 145, 1907
22LtMs, Ms 145, 1907, par. 13
“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 work, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him.” [1 John 2:1-5.]1 John 2:1-6
Steps to Christ
Chapter 7—The Test of Discipleship
SC 60.2
But notice here that obedience is not a mere outward compliance, but the service of love. The law of God is an expression of His very nature; it is an embodiment of the great principle of love, and hence is the foundation of His government in heaven and earth. If our hearts are renewed in the likeness of God, if the divine love is implanted in the soul, will not the law of God be carried out in the life? When the principle of love is implanted in the heart, when man is renewed after the image of Him that created him, the new-covenant promise is fulfilled, “I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them.” Hebrews 10:16. And if the law is written in the heart, will it not shape the life? Obedience—the service and allegiance of love—is the true sign of discipleship. Thus the Scripture says, “This is the love of God, that 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 5:3; 2:4. Instead of releasing man from obedience, it is faith, and faith only, that makes us partakers of the grace of Christ, which enables us to render obedience.SC 61.2
That so-called faith in Christ which professes to release men from the obligation of obedience to God, is not faith, but presumption. “By grace are ye saved through faith.” But “faith, if it hath not works, is dead.” Ephesians 2:8; James 2:17. Jesus said of Himself before He came to earth, “I delight to do Thy will, O My God: yea, Thy law is within My heart.” Psalm 40:8. And just before He ascended again to heaven He declared, “I have kept My Father’s commandments, and abide in His love.” John 15:10. The Scripture says, “Hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.... He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk even as He walked.” 1 John 2:3-6. “Because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps.” 1 Peter 2:21.SC 64.1
There are those who have known the pardoning love of Christ and who really desire to be children of God, yet they realize that their character is imperfect, their life faulty, and they are ready to doubt whether their hearts have been renewed by the Holy Spirit. To such I would say, Do not draw back in despair. We shall often have to bow down and weep at the feet of Jesus because of our shortcomings and mistakes, but we are not to be discouraged. Even if we are overcome by the enemy, we are not cast off, not forsaken and rejected of God. No; Christ is at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Said the beloved John, “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.” 1 John 2:1. And do not forget the words of Christ, “The Father Himself loveth you.” John 16:27. He desires to restore you to Himself, to see His own purity and holiness reflected in you. And if you will but yield yourself to Him, He that hath begun a good work in you will carry it forward to the day of Jesus Christ. Pray more fervently; believe more fully. As we come to distrust our own power, let us trust the power of our Redeemer, and we shall praise Him who is the health of our countenance.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 12a, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 12a, 1893, par. 27
But we may still rejoice in the fact that it is not yet too late for wrongs to be righted. Jesus is a risen, living Saviour, our Advocate in the courts of heaven. “And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” [1 John 2:1.] As soon as the sinner sees his sins in the light of God’s Word, repents, and seeks pardon with contrition of soul, confessing his sins, the Lord hears and answers. “Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God. Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow.” [Isaiah 50:10, 11.] “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” [Isaiah 57:15.]8LtMs, Lt 12a, 1893, par. 30
As the sinner beholds the Lamb of God, he sees more clearly what provision God has made to take away the sins of the world. He sees the sufficiency and adaptation of the Spirit of grace for every conflict. The mysterious provision for the taking away of sin is Jesus Christ. “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.” [1 John 2:1, 2.]8LtMs, Lt 12a, 1893, par. 31
Now mark the sure evidence that we do know God—“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.” [Verses 3-5.] That is the unmistakable evidence that we are the sons and daughters of God. “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” [Verse 6.] “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” [Matthew 11:29.] “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ suffered for us, leaving us an example that we should follow in his steps.” [1 Peter 2:21.] “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” [Philippians 2:5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 12b, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 12b, 1893, par. 13
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” [Galatians 6:7.] The harvest is sure. No frost shall blight this harvest. No mildew blast it. No palmer worm devour it. The harvest is sure. But we may rejoice; it is not too late for wrongs to be righted. Jesus is a risen, living Saviour, our Advocate in the courts of heaven. “And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” [1 John 2:1.] And as soon as a sinner sees his sins in the light of God’s Word, and repents and seeks pardon with all contrition of soul confessing his sins, then the Lord hears, then He answers.8LtMs, Lt 12b, 1893, par. 17
As they behold the Lamb of God, they see the provisions more clearly that God has made for taking away the sins of the world, and the sufficiency and adaptation of the spirit of grace for every necessity in every conflict small or severe. The mysterious provision made is, “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.” [1 John 2:1, 2.] Now mark the sure evidence that we do know God. “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.” [Verses 3-5.]8LtMs, Lt 12b, 1893, par. 18
That is the unmistakable evidence that we are sons and daughters of God. “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself so to walk, even as he walked.” [Verse 6.] “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” [Matthew 11:29.] “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example that ye should follow in his steps.” [1 Peter 2:21.] “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” [Philippians 2:5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 97, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 97, 1895, par. 34
Shall we look at our sins, and begin to mourn, and say, I have done wrong, and I cannot come to God with any degree of confidence? Does not the Bible say, “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.] It is a proper thing for us to have a realization of the terrible character of sin. It was sin that caused Christ to suffer an ignominious death on Calvary. But while we should understand that sin is a terrible thing, yet we should not listen to the voice of our adversary, who says, “You have sinned, and you have no right to claim the promises of God.” You should say to the adversary, “It is written, If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” [1 John 2:1.] I am so glad that God has made a provision whereby we may know that He does pardon our transgressions. We do not believe in God as we should, and I have thought that this unbelief is our greatest sin.10LtMs, Lt 97, 1895, par. 47
“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; here by know we that we are in Him. He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself so to walk even as He walked.” [1 John 1:7-9; 2:1-6.]Manuscript Releases, vol. 18 [Nos. 1301-1359]
MR No. 1322—Fragments
18MR 142.2
The Result of True Conversion—[1 John 2:1-6, quoted.] When true conversion takes place, there is a transformation of character. Christlikeness is seen. Pride no longer rules the heart.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 53, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 53, 1902, par. 21
The Result of True Conversion. “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 2:1-6.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Ms 161, 1904
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.]Manuscript Releases, vol. 20 [Nos. 1420-1500]
MR No. 1464—The Work in Mount Vincent and Hamilton; Joshua, the High Priest, Represents the Church
20MR 191.2
Sunday morning, May 6, we left Maitland to fill our appointment at Mount Vincent. Our meeting was held in the Good Templar’s Hall, a small building. Brethren and sisters from Cooranbong met us at the hall. The attendance was good, better than we expected. There were thirty people from the neighborhood and fifteen of our people from Cooranbong, including ourselves. The Lord gave me freedom in speaking from 1 John 2:1-6. The best of attention was given by the youth as well as those of mature age. I had been invited to speak in this place some time ago, but this was the first time I responded. I do not think it will be the last.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 20, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 20, 1899, par. 4
Nothing can meet the necessities of sinful, erring man but the perfect sacrifice of Christ. Let us thank God for this with all our heart. “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 that he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” [1 John 2:1-6.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 68, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 68, 1900, par. 17
Sunday morning, May 6, we left Maitland to fill our appointment at Mt. Vincent. Our meeting was held in the Good Templar’s Hall, a small building. Brethren and sisters from Cooranbong met us at the hall. The attendance was good, better than we expected. There were thirty people from the neighborhood and fifteen of our people from Cooranbong, including ourselves. The Lord gave me freedom in speaking from 1 John 2:1-6. The best of attention was given by the youth as well as those of mature age. I had been invited to speak in this place some time ago, but this was the first time I responded. I do not think it will be the last.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 28, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 28, 1900, par. 12
“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 that he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk even as he walked.” [1 John 2:1-6.] How sad it is that religious people will not come to the light in their examination of the Word. There is no safety for the churches except as the ministers enjoin upon the members of necessity of keeping the commandments.1 John 2:1-7
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 8, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 8, 1902, par. 24
“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.” [1 John 2:3-5.]17LtMs, Ms 8, 1902, par. 25
That we may make no mistake in this matter, John states explicitly to what commandments he refers: “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.” [Verse 7.]17LtMs, Ms 8, 1902, par. 31
Although the sinner cannot himself in any way meet the charge of disloyalty to God’s law, he may by faith accept Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour, his Suretyship, and be pardoned. “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.” “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.” [1 John 1:8, 9; 2:1, 2.]Manuscript Releases, vol. 16 [Nos. 1186-1235]
MR No. 1234—An Appeal to Evangelize the Iowa Conference
[1 John 2:1-7, quoted.]
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 16, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 16, 1892, par. 11
In (1 John 2:1-7) [we read], “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin,” you need not give up your hope in Christ. You need not say, It is of no use my any longer attempting to keep His commandments, for this would be placing yourself wholly on Satan’s ground. Satan follows you with his temptations, in order that he may get you to yield and sin; and when you sin, then he tells you it is of no use for you to try, and you might just as well announce yourself an open transgressor of the law of God, for you cannot keep His commandments.7LtMs, Lt 16, 1892, par. 15
He would not leave the enemy any opportunity to perplex the mind, to leave it to wander about in Satan’s mist and fog as to the commandment of which he is speaking. It is the commandment which He made when the foundations of the earth were laid, “When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” [Job 38:7.] Away back in the world’s history, before there were any people distinguished as Jews, he laid the foundation of His law when He laid the foundations of the world. “The old commandment is the word which ye heard from the beginning.” [1 John 2:7.] Who is speaking? John, the beloved disciple, was giving the inspired message as mouthpiece for God, and it comes echoing down the lines, from age to age, to our time. Thank God we are not left in mist and confusion in regard to the commandments.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 65, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 65, 1897, par. 8
My brother, I send you a warning, because I have a love for your soul. “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. 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 had from the beginning.” [1 John 2:1-7.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Lt 177, 1901
16LtMs, Lt 177, 1901, par. 5
“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. 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.” [1 John 2:1-7.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 136, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 136, 1902, par. 20
“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. 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.” [1 John 2:1-7.]1 John 2:1-10
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 202, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 202, 1907, par. 11
“Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment, which ye have heard 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. 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 no occasion of stumbling in him.” [1 John 2:1-10.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Lt 21, 1901
16LtMs, Lt 21, 1901, par. 23
“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 2:1-6.]16LtMs, Lt 21, 1901, par. 25
I am instructed to say to you both, You are not walking in the path of truth and righteousness. A tree is known by its fruits. Christ cannot be glorified by your service. You are teaching others, but you need that some one should teach you the first principles of the love of God. “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” [Verse 6.]16LtMs, Lt 21, 1901, par. 29
“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. 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.” [1 John 2:7-10.] How true this is. Selfishness is seen in the words and works of him who hates. But the love of God abides in the heart of the one who reveals love for his brethren.16LtMs, Lt 21, 1901, par. 30
In him there is “none occasion of stumbling.” [Verse 10.] His soul is at peace and rest. His obedience to God’s Word shows that he has a saving knowledge of the Saviour.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 2:1-11
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 115, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 115, 1905, par. 7
“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 do we 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. Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment, which ye had 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. 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.” [1 John 2:1-11.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 144, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 144, 1907, par. 4
“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 2:1-6.]22LtMs, Lt 144, 1907, par. 5
Read carefully verses seven to eleven of the second chapter of First John. In these verses it is shown that true conversion will always manifest itself in the character of the converted one. The characteristics that will mark these who become members of the Lord’s family are plainly depicted.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 33, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 33, 1900, par. 25
“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 2:1-6.]15LtMs, Ms 33, 1900, par. 26
Then comes the condemnation of those who make a tirade against God’s commandment-keeping people, because they believe the Word of God just as it reads. Their life is a condemnation of their course of action. They wrest the Scriptures, misinterpreting them to suit their own disobedience. “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 wither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.” [Verses 9-11.]1 John 2:1-17
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 25, 1911
25LtMs, Ms 25, 1911, par. 22
“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 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. 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.” [1 John 2:1-11.]25LtMs, Ms 25, 1911, par. 23
The apostle John is careful to distinguish between children and parents. He writes: “I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven 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. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. ... 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. 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 12-17.]1 John 2:1-19
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Ms 52, 1904
19LtMs, Ms 52, 1904, par. 33
“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 2:1-6.]19LtMs, Ms 52, 1904, par. 34
Brethren, are you walking “even as He walked”? [Verse 6.] He was full of pity, tenderness, and compassion.19LtMs, Ms 52, 1904, par. 38
“And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof; but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever. Little children, it is the last time, and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now there are 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 manifest that they were not all of us.” [Verses 7-19.]Sermons and Talks, vol. 2
Manuscript 52, 1904
2SAT 265.7
Even As He Walked. “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 2:1-6].2SAT 266.1
Brethren, are you walking “even as He walked”? He was full of pity, tenderness, and compassion. [Verses 7-19, quoted.]1 John 2:1-21
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 72, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 72, 1898, par. 16
Why do not the members of the church of God remember that they are His property, by creation and by redemption? Has He not an interest in those who make Him their dependence, who pray to Him as earnestly as the defrauded woman prayed to the unjust judge? “My little children,” John writes, “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.” [1 John 2:1-4.]13LtMs, Ms 72, 1898, par. 18
“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. Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment, which ye had 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. ... Little children, it is the last time, and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now there are 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.” [Verses 5-8, 18-21.]1 John 2:1-29
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 72, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 72, 1906, par. 32
“He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked. 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. 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.” [1 John 2:1-11.]21LtMs, Lt 72, 1906, par. 36
“These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. But the anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you; but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in Him. And now, little children, abide in Him; that, when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. If ye know that He is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of Him.” [Verses 18-29.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 23, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 23, 1906, par. 16
“Little children, it is the last time; and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now there are 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 2:1-21.]21LtMs, Ms 23, 1906, par. 19
“And this is the promise that He hath promised us, even eternal life. These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. But the anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you; but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in Him. And now, little children, abide in Him; that, when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. If ye know that He is righteous, ye know that everyone that doeth righteousness is born of Him.” [Verses 22-29.]21LtMs, Ms 23, 1906, par. 20
A liar is one that presents false theories and doctrines. He who denies the personality of God and of His Son Jesus Christ is denying God and Christ. “If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son and in the Father.” [Verse 24.] If you continue to believe and obey the truths you first embraced regarding the personality of the Father and the Son, you will be joined together with them in love. There will be seen that union for which Christ prayed just before His trial and crucifixion: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 19 (1904)
Lt 368, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 368, 1904, par. 15
1 John 2. Study the instruction that Christ has given. Criticize yourselves. Set your own hearts in order, for you have not a moment to lose.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 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)
Lt 311b, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 311b, 1906, par. 10
Please read in the second chapter of First John: “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. 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.” [Verses 8-11.]21LtMs, Lt 311b, 1906, par. 11
Please study this whole chapter. (Verses 16-19) speak in unmistakable terms of conditions in these last days.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 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:22LtMs, Lt 238, 1907, par. 9
“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 2:1-6.]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 2:18-21.24LtMs, Ms 113, 1909, par. 21
We have the privilege now in 1909 of coming to the light. We are not to be at variance. Representations have been made to me that the Lord is full of mercies to bestow upon us when we will become as little children to learn the will and ways of God out of His Word, which is Spirit and which is life, eternal life. “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.” [Verse 21.] From henceforth the truth is to go with special power. Men are not in these last times to be bound down and forbidden to go forth and enter any place in the power and under the grace of God and kindle an interest wherever they can.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. 5
Read also the second chapter of First John. I shall not follow this out further. But I want to be sure that you are walking in the knowledge of the truth and are a partaker of the divine nature. We must not crowd upon our minds such a variety of things that we shall lose the true understanding of what the Lord Jesus presents in His teachings. Our minds may improve constantly in the effort to comprehend the requirements of the plain “Thus saith the Lord.” Now is the time to obtain the genuine experience that is of more value than we really recognize.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.”25LtMs, Lt 164, 1910, par. 6
Now comes the Word to the truly sanctified souls, every soul in the family that is living the Word of God. They will be educated, taught of God. “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.” Verses 20, 21. All who are transferred from this world to the highest grade of education above will have learned their lessons not from human, unsanctified teachers who refuse to accept the higher education—which is obedience to all of God’s commandments, but from the highest, grandest court, from God’s law, pronounced in awful grandeur from Sinai’s Mount. Read Exodus 19 and 20.Battle Creek Letters
Re-copied 7/12/28 K-367-1904 by L. F. W.
BCL 117.2
1 John 2. Study the instruction that Christ has given. Criticise yourselves. Set your own hearts in order, for you have not a moment to lose.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.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.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 67, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 67, 1893, par. 15
Saith John in his first epistle, (chapter 2, verse 4): “He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” Oh let us search the Word of God critically, without prejudice, with contrite hearts and we shall know the truth! “Whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby we know that we are in him. ... 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.” Vs. 5, 7. Then who is it that should be ashamed? Not those who walk in faith and love and obedience to all of God’s commandments.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.16LtMs, Ms 72, 1901, par. 8
“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. 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 5-8.]16LtMs, Ms 72, 1901, par. 12
Here is where the condemnation comes in. Although the transgression may be confessed, there is in the law itself no power to save the transgressor. By the expression, “And through faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ,” Paul presents the world’s Redeemer as the only One who has power to save the law-breaker. [Acts 20:21.] Although a person may claim, “I am saved, I am saved, if I only believe in Jesus,” yet he does not love God, neither does he believe in Jesus Christ; for he cannot see to the end of the law of God. Men claim that His law has been abrogated. This is not true. God did not give His Son to a shameful death to make His law of none effect. The Saviour bore the penalty of transgression and sin that through His imputed righteousness the fallen race might be able to keep the law of God and live. Man was given another opportunity to repent of his transgression, return to his loyalty, and keep the commandments by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Do not forget the words of John, “He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” [1 John 2:4.]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.EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
1 John 2:1
Christian Education
Chapter 19—To Teachers
CE 158.1
O, I so much wish that the Lord of heaven would open many eyes that are now blind, that they might see themselves as God sees them, and give to them a sense of the work to be done in the fields of labor. But I have no hope that all the appeals I make will avail, unless the Lord speaks to the soul and writes his requirements upon the tablets of the heart. Cannot every living human agent have a high and elevated sense of what it means to have a large and important field of home missionary work appointed to him, without the necessity of going to far-off lands? And while some must proclaim the message of mercy to them that are afar off, there are many who have to proclaim the message to those who are nigh. Our schools are to be educating schools to qualify youth to become missionaries both by precept and example. Let the one who is acting in the capacity of teacher ever bear in mind that these children and youth are the purchase of the blood of the Son of God. They must be led to believe in Christ as their personal Saviour. The name of each separate believer is graven on the palms of his hands. The Chief Shepherd is looking down from the heavenly sanctuary upon the sheep of his pasture. “He calleth his own sheep by name and leadeth them out.” [John 10:3.] “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” [1 John 2:1.] O precious, blessed truth! He does not treat one case with indifference.Lift Him Up
Jesus Our Advocate, November 1
LHU 319.1
And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 1 John 2:1.Manuscript Releases, vol. 9 [Nos. 664-770]
MR No. 750—Jesus, Friend of Sinners
9MR 304.1
I would call your attention to the precious promises in the Word of God. All who are children of God have not the same powers, the same temperaments, the same confidence and boldness. I am glad indeed that our feelings are no evidence that we are not children of God. The enemy will tempt you to think that you have done things that have separated you from God and that He no longer loves you, but our Lord loves us still, and we may know by the words He has placed on record for just such cases as yours. “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1). “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).Our Father Cares
An Advocate Clothed in Our Nature, May 6
OFC 138.1
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. 1 John 2:1.Our Father Cares
A Faith That Works, November 9
OFC 325.4
There are those who have known the pardoning love of Christ and who really desire to be children of God, yet they realize that their character is imperfect, their life faulty, and they are ready to doubt whether their hearts have been renewed by the Holy Spirit. To such I would say, Do not draw back in despair. We shall often have to bow down and weep at the feet of Jesus because of our shortcomings and mistakes, but we are not to be discouraged. Even if we are overcome by the enemy, we are not cast off, not forsaken and rejected of God. No; Christ is at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Said the beloved John, “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” (1 John 2:1).Our High Calling
An Advocate With the Father, February 12
OHC 49.1
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. 1 John 2:1.Our High Calling
Full Provision for Pardon, March 18
OHC 83.3
Shall we look at our sins, and begin to mourn, and say, I have done wrong, and I cannot come to God with any degree of confidence? Does not the Bible say, “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. It is a proper thing for us to have a realization of the terrible character of sin. It was sin that caused Christ to suffer an ignominious death on Calvary. But while we should understand that sin is a terrible thing, yet we should not listen to the voice of our adversary, who says, “You have sinned, and you have no right to claim the promises of God.” You should say to the adversary, “It is written, ‘If any man sin, we have an advocate with the father, Jesus Christ the righteous’ (1 John 2:1).” ...Reflecting Christ
The Standard in the Judgment, February 17
RC 62.5
Jesus will appear in the judgment as the advocate of His people, to plead in their behalf before God. “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1). “For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.” “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 9:24; 7:25).Reflecting Christ
Faith That Works by Love, April 19
RC 123.4
There are those who have known the pardoning love of Christ and who really desire to be children of God, yet they realize that their character is imperfect, their life faulty, and they are ready to doubt whether their hearts have been renewed by the Holy Spirit. To such I would say, Do not draw back in despair. We shall often have to bow down and weep at the feet of Jesus because of our shortcomings and mistakes, but we are not to be discouraged. Even if we are overcome by the enemy, we are not cast off, not forsaken and rejected of God. No; Christ is at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Said the beloved John, “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” (1 John 2:1).Selected Messages Book 3
Chapter 22—Emphasis on Salvation Theme—1890-1908
3SM 197.1
But suppose that we sin after we have been forgiven, after we have become the children of God, then need we despair?—No: for John writes: “My little children, these things I write unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (chap. 2:1). Jesus is in the heavenly courts, pleading with the Father in our behalf. He presents our prayers, mingling with them the precious incense of His own merit, that our prayers may be acceptable to the Father. He puts the fragrance into our prayers, and the Father hears us because we ask for the very things which we need, and we become to others a savor of life unto life.Sons and Daughters of God
If We Sin, He Pleads Our Case in Heaven, January 16
SD 22.1
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. 1 John 2:1.Counsels for the Church
To Whom Should Confession Be Made?
CCh 259.1
Christ is your Redeemer; He will take no advantage of your humiliating confessions. If you have sin of a private character, confess it to Christ, who is the only Mediator between God and man. “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” 1 John 2:1. If you have sinned by withholding from God His own in tithes and offerings, confess your guilt to God and to the church, and heed the injunction that He has given you: “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse.” Malachi 3:10.467Counsels on Health, 374Testimonies on Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and Divorce
Chapter 41—God’s Love for the Sinner
TSB 257.3
Jesus, Friend of Sinners—I would call your attention to the precious promises in the Word of God. Not all who are children of God have the same powers, the same temperaments, the same confidence and boldness. I am glad indeed that our feelings are no evidence that we are not children of God. The enemy will tempt you to think that you have done things that have separated you from God and that He no longer loves you, but our Lord loves us still, and we may know by the words He has placed on record for just such cases as yours. “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” [1 John 2:1]. “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].That I May Know Him
An Advocate Clothed in Our Nature, March 11
TMK 76.1
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. 1 John 2:1.That I May Know Him
Feelings No Evidence of Rejection, October 6
TMK 285.2
I would call your attention to the precious promises in the Word of God. All who are children of God have not the same powers, the same temperaments, the same confidence and boldness. I am glad indeed that our feelings are no evidence that we are not children of God. The enemy will tempt you to think that you have done things that have separated you from God and that He no longer loves you, but our Lord loves us still, and we may know by the words He has placed on record for just such cases as yours. “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1). “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)....The Faith I Live By
A Perfect Atonement, April 9
FLB 105.6
Prayer and confession are to be offered only to Him who has entered once for all into the holy place. Christ has declared, “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” 1 John 2:1. He will save to the uttermost all who come to Him in faith.39SDA Bible Commentary 7:913.The Faith I Live By
“If Any Man Sin—,” April 22
FLB 118.1
If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 1 John 2:1.The Faith I Live By
The True Mediator, July 18
FLB 205.3
He stands to mediate for you. He is the great High Priest who is pleading in your behalf; and you are to come and present your case to the Father through Jesus Christ. Thus you can find access to God; and though you sin, your case is not hopeless. “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” 1 John 2:1.41Testimonies for the Church 2:591.The Great Controversy
Chapter 23—What is the Sanctuary?
GC 416.3
He “shall sit and rule upon His throne; and He shall be a priest upon His throne.” Not now “upon the throne of His glory;” the kingdom of glory has not yet been ushered in. Not until His work as a mediator shall be ended will God “give unto Him the throne of His father David,” a kingdom of which “there shall be no end.” Luke 1:32, 33. As a priest, Christ is now set down with the Father in His throne. Revelation 3:21. Upon the throne with the eternal, self-existent One is He who “hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows,” who “was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin,” that He might be “able to succor them that are tempted.” “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father.” Isaiah 53:4; Hebrews 4:15; 2:18; 1 John 2:1. His intercession is that of a pierced and broken body, of a spotless life. The wounded hands, the pierced side, the marred feet, plead for fallen man, whose redemption was purchased at such infinite cost.The Great Controversy
Chapter 28—Facing Life’s Record
GC 482.4
Jesus will appear as their advocate, to plead in their behalf before God. “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” 1 John 2:1. “For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.” “Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 9:24; 7:25.The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)
Chapter 23—What is the Sanctuary?
GC88 416.3
He “shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne.” Not now “upon the throne of his glory;” the kingdom of glory has not yet been ushered in. Not until his work as a mediator shall be ended, will God “give unto him the throne of his father David,” a kingdom of which “there shall be no end.” [Luke 1:32, 33.] As a priest, Christ is now set down with the Father in his throne. [Revelation 3:21.] Upon the throne with the eternal, self-existent One, is he who “hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows,” who “was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin,” that he might be “able to succor them that are tempted.” “If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father.” [Isaiah 53:4; Hebrews 4:15; 2:18; 1 John 2:1] His intercession is that of a pierced and broken body, of a spotless life. The wounded hands, the pierced side, the marred feet, plead for fallen man, whose redemption was purchased at such infinite cost.Counsels for the Church
Conditions of Answered Prayer
CCh 304.4
The Scripture bids us, “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.” James 5:16. To the one asking for prayer, let thoughts like these be presented: “We cannot read the heart, or know the secrets of your life. These are known only to yourself and to God. If you repent of your sins, it is your duty to make confession of them.” Sin of a private character is to be confessed to Christ, the only mediator between God and man. For “if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” 1 John 2:1. Every sin is an offense against God and is to be confessed to Him through Christ. Every open sin should be as openly confessed. Wrong done to a fellow being should be made right with the one who has been offended. If any who are seeking health have been guilty of evilspeaking, if they have sowed discord in the home, the neighborhood, or the church, and have stirred up alienation and dissension, if by any wrong practice they have led others into sin, these things should be confessed before God and before those who have been offended. “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.The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)
Chapter 28—The Investigative Judgment
GC88 482.3
Jesus will appear as their advocate, to plead in their behalf before God. “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” [1 John 2:1.] “For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into Heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.” “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” [Hebrews 9:24; 7:25.]The Ministry of Healing
Confession of Sin
MH 228.2
The Scripture bids us, “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.” James 5:16. To the one asking for prayer, let thoughts like these be presented: “We cannot read the heart, or know the secrets of your life. These are known only to yourself and to God. If you repent of your sins, it is your duty to make confession of them.” Sin of a private character is to be confessed to Christ, the only mediator between God and man. For “if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” 1 John 2:1. Every sin is an offense against God and is to be confessed to Him through Christ. Every open sin should be as openly confessed. Wrong done to a fellow being should be made right with the one who has been offended. If any who are seeking health have been guilty of evilspeaking, if they have sowed discord in the home, the neighborhood, or the church, and have stirred up alienation and dissension, if by any wrong practice they have led others into sin, these things should be confessed before God and before those who have been offended. “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.The Upward Look
Our Merciful God, July 17
UL 212.2
I would call your attention to the precious promises in the Word of God. All who are children of God have not the same powers, the same temperaments, the same confidence and boldness. I am glad indeed that our feelings are no evidence that we are not children of God. The enemy will tempt you to think that you have done things that have separated you from God, and that He no longer loves you, but our Lord loves us still, and we may know by the words He has placed on record for just such cases as yours. “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1). “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (chap. 1:9).The Upward Look
Take the Cup of Salvation, November 10
UL 328.5
Why, my dear brother, Jesus lives to make intercession for you.... If we sin, “we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous” (1 John 2:1). The pitying love of God is extended to us in all our wants and in all our imperfections. Jesus loves you, and do respond to that love by cheerfully trusting in Him. Put away from you all sins which would grieve and wound the Saviour. Seek to imitate His holy life and spotless character.... But ample provisions have been made by the dear Saviour to purify, to cleanse from all sins, and by His grace to remedy the defects in our character by imputing unto us His righteousness.The Upward Look
Educate Yourself to Believe, December 28
UL 376.6
Believe Jesus loves you, and in your efforts to obey the truth, if you err, don’t feel that you must worry and worry, give up your confidence in God, think that God is your enemy. We are erring mortals. If we sin, “we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1). You cannot cleanse yourself from impurities. Carry all your burdens to Jesus. He will help you. He wants you to not wait and expect through your good deeds to make atonement for sin or to make yourself righteous. Trust in the merits of the blood of a crucified, risen Saviour.—Letter 20, December 28, 1867, to a discouraged church member.To Be Like Jesus
Pray in Jesus’ Name, January 7
BLJ 14.1
My little children, these things I write to you, that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 1 John 2:1, NKJV.Ye Shall Receive Power
Still Loved Though We Err, May 5
YRP 134.1
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. 1 John 2:1.Sermons and Talks, vol. 2
Manuscript 21, 1895
2SAT 112.5
Christ died for the sins of the world that we might have an opportunity of showing to the universe loyalty to God and His law. Today He is making an atonement for us before the Father. “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” [1 John 2:1]. Pointing to the palms of His hands, pierced by the fury and prejudice of wicked men, He says of us, “I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands.” The Father bows in recognition of the price paid for humanity, and the angels approach the cross of Calvary with reverence. What a sacrifice is this! Who can fathom it! It will take the whole of eternity for man to understand the plan of redemption. It will open to him line upon line, here a little and there a little.The Bible Echo
December 9, 1901
BEcho December 9, 1901, par. 6
The name of each separate believer is graven on the palms of His hands. The Chief Shepherd is looking down upon the sheep of His pasture. John 10:3; 1 John 2:1. O precious, blessed truth! He does not treat one case with indifference.The Watchman
October 10, 1905
SW October 10, 1905, par. 7
Jesus will appear in the judgment as the advocate of his people, to plead in their behalf before God. “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” 1 John 2:1. “For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.” “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 9:24; 7:25.Counsels on Health
Praying for the Sick
CH 374.1
Christ is your Redeemer; He will take no advantage of your humiliating confessions. If you have sin of a private character, confess it to Christ, who is the only Mediator between God and man. “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” 1 John 2:1. If you have sinned by withholding from God His own in tithes and offerings, confess your guilt to God and to the church, and heed the injunction that He has given you: “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse.” Malachi 3:10....From Here to Forever
The Standard of Judgment
HF 297.3
Jesus will appear as their advocate, to plead in their behalf before God. “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” “For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.” “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” 1 John 2:1; Hebrews 9:24; 7:25.Christ in His Sanctuary
Christ’s Ministry in the Heavenly Sanctuary
CIHS 138.4
He “shall sit and rule upon His throne; and He shall be a priest upon His throne.” Not now “upon the throne of His glory;” the kingdom of glory has not yet been ushered in. Not until His work as a mediator shall be ended will God “give unto Him the throne of His father David,” a kingdom of which “there shall be no end.” Luke 1:32, 33. As a priest, Christ is now set down with the Father in His throne. Revelation 3:21. Upon the throne with the eternal, self-existent One is He who “hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows,” who “was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin,” that He might be “able to succor them that are tempted.” “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father.” Isaiah 53:4; Hebrews 4:15; 2:18; 1 John 2:1. His intercession is that of a pierced and broken body, of a spotless life. The wounded hands, the pierced side, the marred feet, plead for fallen man, whose redemption was purchased at such infinite cost.Christ in His Sanctuary
Jesus the Advocate
CIHS 176.2
Jesus will appear as their advocate, to plead in their behalf before God. “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” 1 John 2:1. “For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.” “Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 9:24; 7:25.Homeward Bound
The True Mediator, October 10
HB 311.2
In the mediatorial work of Christ, the love of God was revealed in its perfection to mortals and angels. He stands to mediate for you. He is the great High Priest who is pleading in your behalf; and you are to come and present your case to the Father through Jesus Christ. Thus you can find access to God; and though you sin, your case is not hopeless. “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” (1 John 2:1.)Homeward Bound
The Standard of Judgment, October 17
HB 318.5
Jesus will appear as their advocate, to plead in their behalf before God. “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” (1 John 2:1.) “For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.” “Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 9:24; 7:25.)—The Great Controversy, 482.Homeward Bound
A Perfect Atonement, October 31
HB 332.1
If anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.—1 John 2:1.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)
Lt 20, 1867
1LtMs, Lt 20, 1867, par. 10
“Believe that God is, and that he is a rewarder of all those who diligently seek him.” [Hebrews 11:6.] Believe Jesus loves you and in your efforts to obey the truth, if you err, don’t feel that you must worry and worry, give up your confidence in God and think that God is your enemy. We are erring mortals. If we sin, “we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” [1 John 2:1.] You cannot cleanse yourself from impurities; carry all your burden to Jesus. He will help you. He wants you to not wait and expect through your good deeds to make atonement for sin or to make yourself righteous. Trust in the merits of the blood of a crucified, risen Saviour.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 5, 1885
4LtMs, Ms 5, 1885, par. 7
So it is with the law of God. It points out the defects of character. It condemns us as sinners, but it offers no pardon to the transgressor. It cannot save him from his sins. But God has made a provision. Says John, “If any man sin we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” [1 John 2:1.] So we come to Him, and there we find the character of Jesus; and the righteousness of His character saves the transgressor, if we have done on our part all that we could.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 11, 1886
4LtMs, Ms 11, 1886, par. 11
Now this Saviour is our intercessor, making an atonement for us before the Father. “If we sin we have an advocate with the Father, even Jesus Christ the righteous.” [1 John 2:1.] And that precious Saviour is coming again. Many spiritualize this second coming all away. But the very same Jesus that ascended up into heaven, the angels said He would come in like manner. Those eyes will behold Him in His beauty as He comes to this earth, and those who have waited for Him and loved Him He will crown with glory, honor, immortality, eternal life. When He cometh the second time, it is [not] to wear the crown of thorns, it is not to have that old purple robe placed upon His divine form; the voices will not be raised, Crucify, Him, crucify Him, but there is a shout from the angelic host and from those who are waiting to receive Him, Worthy, worthy is the Lamb that was slain. A divine conqueror. In the place of the crown of thorns, He will wear the crown of glory; in the place of that old kingly robe, that they put in mockery upon Him, He will wear a robe whiter than the whitest white. And these hands that were bruised with the cruel nails will shine like gold. His eyes are like a flame of fire to search creation through. And the righteous dead come forth from their graves, and they that are alive and remain are caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall they ever be with the Lord. And they will listen to the voice of Jesus, sweeter than any music that ever fell on mortal ear, Your warfare is accomplished, come ye blessed of My Father, enter into the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the earth.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Lt 85, 1886
4LtMs, Lt 85, 1886, par. 6
Here is where thousands are failing. They do not really believe that Jesus pardons them individually. They fail to take God at His word. He has assured us that He is faithful that hath promised to forgive us and be just to His own law. His mercy is not wanting in anything. Were there one defective link in the chain, then we are hopelessly ruined in our sins. But I would if I could sound the glad note to earth’s remotest bounds, “If any man sin we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” [1 John 2:1.] His mercy is full. The chain is perfect in all its parts. There is not one flaw in it, not one missing link. Oh, precious redemption! Why do we not bring this great truth more fully into our lives? How broad it is that God for Christ’s sake forgives us—me, even me—the moment we ask Him to, in living faith, believing that He is fully able to do this. He delights in mercy. Glorious truth: “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.] Just to His own law and yet the Justifier of all them that believe. Well may we exclaim with the prophet, “Who is a God like unto Thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He retaineth not His anger for ever, because He delighteth in mercy.” [Micah 7:18.]Faith and Works
Chapter 2—The Standard of True Sanctification
FW 30.1
“If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1). But God has not given His Son to a life of suffering and ignominy and a shameful death to release man from obedience to the divine law. So great is the deceptive power of Satan that many have been led to regard the atonement of Christ as of no real value. Christ died because there was no other hope for the transgressor. He might try to keep God’s law in the future; but the debt which he had incurred in the past remained, and the law must condemn him to death. Christ came to pay that debt for the sinner which it was impossible for him to pay for himself. Thus, through the atoning sacrifice of Christ, sinful man was granted another trial.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Lt 38, 1887
5LtMs, Lt 38, 1887, par. 3
“If any man sin we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous.” 1 John 2:1. “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.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 31, 1890
6LtMs, Lt 31, 1890, par. 5
Your life may look to you to be full of mistakes; but what if there are mistakes. Jesus knows all about the trials, the weaknesses of humanity, and He has placed on record the most precious promises: “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 2:1; 1:9.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 5b, 1891
7LtMs, Lt 5b, 1891, par. 24
Brother Burke, among all who have been presented before me, there are none who would more enjoy the knowledge of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit than yourself. You may have the love of Jesus burning in your heart. “If any man sin we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” [1 John 2:1.] Open your heart to the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness. Then the image of Jesus will be reflected in you.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 97, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 97, 1892, par. 5
Elder Olsen, all heaven is in sympathy with you. While the Holy Spirit is our intercessor in the court of conscience, the Lord Jesus is our intercessor in the heavenly courts. We are mortal. We may make mistakes. We may err in human blindness. But even then we are not left. “We have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous.” [1 John 2:1.] Jesus bears us upon His heart. We will nurture and cherish faith by considering the interest which the Holy Spirit has in us, manifested in His mission of love in coming to our world, humiliating Himself to humanity to save us.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 9, 1891
7LtMs, Ms 9, 1891, par. 35
We may make mistakes; we may err; but God will not leave us in error. “If we sin we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous.” [1 John 2:1.] There is hope for us; we are prisoners of hope. Let us grasp the rich promises of God. The garden of God is full of rich promises. Oh let us gather them; let us take them home; let us show that we believe in God. Let us take Him at His word; let not one of us be found distrusting God or doubting Him.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 9a, 1891
7LtMs, Lt 9a, 1891, par. 19
“If any man sin we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous.” [1 John 2:1.] How careful is the Lord Jesus to give no occasion for a soul to despair. How He fences about the soul from Satan’s fierce attacks. If through manifold temptations we are surprised or deceived into sin, He does not turn from us and leave us to perish. No, no, that is not our Saviour. Christ prays for us. He was tempted in all points like as we are; and having been tempted, He knows how to succor them that are tempted. Our crucified Lord is pleading for us in the presence of His Father at the throne of grace. This atoning sacrifice we may plead for our pardon, our justification, and our sanctification. The Lamb slain is our only hope. Our faith looks upon Him, grasps Him as the One who can save to the uttermost, and the fragrance of the all-sufficient offering is accepted of the Father. Unto Christ is committed all power in heaven and in earth, and all things are possible to him that believeth. Christ’s glory is concerned in our success. He has a common interest with all humanity. He is our sympathizing Saviour.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 26a, 1892
7LtMs, Ms 26a, 1892, par. 6
Unless you are wrought upon by the Spirit of God in a special manner to confess your sins of a private nature, do not breathe <them> to any human soul. Christ is your Redeemer, He will take no advantage of your humiliating confessions. If you have sin of a private character, confess it to Christ who is the only mediator between God and man. “If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” [1 John 2:1.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 17, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 17, 1893, par. 13
One may say, If I were wealthy what I would do for the cause. How do you know that you could stand the test? Your inquiry should be, Is it well with my soul? Christ has conquered, he has made the way open. We must overcome through the merits of Jesus Christ. 1 John 2:1. How thankful I am for this. Christ came because Satan’s power was so great. Ephesians 2:2. The Majesty of heaven came to bear the test in our behalf. He redeemed Adam’s disgraceful failure. With His divine arm He grasped the throne of the Infinite One.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 34, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 34, 1893, par. 53
Our schools are to be educating schools to qualify youth to become missionaries both by precept and example. Let the one who is acting in the capacity of teacher ever bear in mind that these children and youth are the purchase of the blood of the Son of God. They must be led to believe in God as their personal Saviour. The name of each separate believer is graven on the palms of His hands. The Chief Shepherd is looking down from the heavenly sanctuary upon the sheep of His pasture. “He calleth His own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.” [John 10:3.] “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” [1 John 2:1.] Oh precious, blessed truth! He does not treat one case with indifference.God’s Amazing Grace
Christ Is Priest Upon the Throne, March 2
AG 69.3
As a priest, Christ is now set down with the Father in His throne. Upon the throne with the eternal, self-existent One, is He who “hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows” (Isaiah 53:4), who “was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15).... “If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father” (1 John 2:1). His intercession is that of a pierced and broken body, of a spotless life. The wounded hands, the pierced side, the marred feet, plead for fallen man, whose redemption was purchased at such infinite cost.3The Great Controversy, 415, 416.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 33, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 33, 1895, par. 25
“If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous.” [1 John 2:1.] How careful is the Lord Jesus to give no occasion for a soul to despair. How He fences about the soul from Satan’s fierce attacks. If through manifold temptations we are surprised or deceived into sin, He does not turn from us, and leave us to perish. No, no, that is not our Saviour. Christ prayed for us. He was tempted in all points like as we are; and having been tempted, He knows how to succor those who are tempted.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Ms 21, 1895
10LtMs, Ms 21, 1895, par. 14
Christ died for the sins of the world that we might have an opportunity of showing to the universe loyalty to God and His law. Today He is making an atonement for us before the Father. “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” [1 John 2:1.] Pointing to the palms of His hands, pierced by the fury and prejudice of wicked men, He says of us, “I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands.” [Isaiah 49:16.] The Father bows in recognition of the price paid for humanity, and the angels approach the cross of Calvary with reverence. What a sacrifice is this! Who can fathom it! It will take the whole of eternity for man to understand the plan of redemption. It will open to him line upon line, here a little and there a little.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 49, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 49, 1896, par. 1
I would call your attention to the precious promises in the Word of God. All who are children of God have not the same powers, the same temperaments, the same confidence and boldness. I am glad indeed that our feelings are no evidence that we not children of God. The enemy will tempt you to think that you have done things that have separated you from God; and that He no longer loves you; but our Lord loves us still, and we may know by the words He has placed on record for just such cases as yours. “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” “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; 2:1.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 128, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 128, 1897, par. 9
In His intercession as our Advocate Christ needs no man’s virtue, no man’s intercession. Christ is the only Sin-bearer, the only Sin-offering. Prayer and confession are to be offered only to Him who has entered once for all into the holy place. Christ has declared, “If any man sin we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” [1 John 2:1.] He will save to the uttermost all who come to Him in faith. He ever liveth to make intercession for us. This makes of no avail the offering of mass, one of the falsehoods of Romanism.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 109, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 109, 1898, par. 11
After His resurrection Christ remembered Peter, and gave the angels the message: “Go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him.” [Mark 16:7.] Peter was remembered by the sin-pardoning Saviour. The prayer of Christ offered for Peter, He offers in behalf of all who are humble and contrite in heart. He is our advocate through the Holy Spirit. Before the Father He pleads the power and efficacy of His Word. John declares, “If we sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” [1 John 2:1.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 58, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 58, 1900, par. 39
“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.” [Verse 18.] Those who accept the gospel of Christ behold Him with open face as in a mirror. They see the mission and work of Christ in relation to the law and acknowledge the wisdom and glory of God as revealed in the person of His Son. The relation of Christ to the law is plainly discerned by but few. He is the sinner’s Advocate. “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” [1 John 2:1.] The glory of Christ is reflected upon the law, which is a transcript of His character, and His transforming efficacy is felt upon the soul until man becomes changed to Christ’s image of righteousness and purity. He becomes a partaker of the divine nature, growing more and more like his beloved Saviour in all the heavenly attributes, advancing step by step in conformity to the will of God from glory to glory till perfected in heaven.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 155, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 155, 1902, par. 43
Christ represents Himself as sustaining the same tender relation to us that a father sustains to his children. “What man is there of you,” He inquires, “whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask Him?” [Verses 9-11.] He is willing to give the Holy Spirit to every one who asks in faith. Why are we so weak? so faithless? Why do we cherish defects of character? Why do we not always come to our heavenly Father, to ask in simple, childlike faith for the things that we need? John speaks of Christians as “little children,” and this is what all the members of God’s family on earth are. [1 John 2:1.] In knowledge and understanding we are nothing but babes; yet Christ volunteered to teach us in a language so simple that all can understand. No one needs to use a dictionary in order to comprehend the meaning of the simple words He uses in telling us how to gain eternal life.Gospel Workers (1892/1893 ed.)
Consecration to the Work
GW92 30.3
Jesus pleaded, not for one only, but for all his disciples, “Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am.” [John 17:24.] His eye pierced the dark veil of the future, and read the life-history of every son and daughter of Adam. He felt the burdens and sorrows of every tempest-tossed soul; and that earnest prayer included with his living disciples all his followers, to the close of time. “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word.” [John 17:20.] Yes; that prayer of Christ embraces even us. We should be comforted by the thought that we have a great Intercessor in the heavens, presenting our petitions before God. “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” [1 John 2:1.] In the hour of greatest need, when discouragement would overwhelm the soul, it is then that the watchful eye of Jesus sees that we need his help. The hour of man’s necessity is the hour of God’s opportunity. When all human support fails, then Jesus comes to our aid, and his presence scatters the darkness and lifts the cloud of gloom.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Ms 158, 1904
19LtMs, Ms 158, 1904, par. 27
You cannot afford to exalt yourselves. John writes to the church, and addresses all as “my little children.” [1 John 2:1.] I would address you all, gray-haired men and women, as God’s little children. Our Father is in the heavenly courts, but He has not left us alone. He has sent His Holy Spirit to this earth. We are to believe in the agency of the Holy Spirit, as well as to believe in the Father and the Son. At our baptism we went down into the water, and were baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. We made a solemn pledge to God, and these three highest powers of heaven were pledged in our behalf, that we should be overcomers. Now, it would be a terrible thing if, with this power at our command, we fail to perfect a character that will fit us for eternal life. Shall we yield to the little annoyances of life, to pride and pleasure, when a whole heaven of power is at our command?Jesus, Name Above All Names
Only Mediator, February 16
JNN 55.1
And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.—1 John 2:1JNN 55.4
Christ is your Redeemer; He will take no advantage of your humiliating confessions. If you have sin of a private character, confess it to Christ, who is the only Mediator between God and humanity. “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1). If you have sinned by withholding from God His own in tithes and offerings, confess your guilt to God and to the church, and heed the injunction that He has given you: “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse” (Malachi 3:10).Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)
Confession of Sin
GW 216.3
Sin of a private character is to be confessed to Christ, the only mediator between God and man. For “if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” [1 John 2:1.] Every sin is an offense against God, and is to be confessed to Him through Christ. Every open sin should be as openly confessed. Wrong done to a fellow-being should be made right with the one who has been offended. If any who are seeking health have been guilty of evil-speaking, if they have sowed discord in the home, the neighborhood, or the church, and have stirred up alienation and dissension, if by any wrong practice they have led others into sin, these things should be confessed before God and before those who have been offended. “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.]In Heavenly Places
Jesus Our Advocate, September 14
HP 264.1
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. 1 John 2:1.