EGW Writings1 John 2

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 237, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 237, 1902, par. 6

“But let him ask in faith.” [Verse 6.] There is to be an understanding in the science of simple, trusting faith in God and not in human weakness. False science is to be abolished. Brethren, be cautious. Do not be led astray by any man’s supposed wisdom. God is your helper. Trust in God. Be sure and bear in mind that we are God’s little children to be led and guided of the Lord in every step. We must seek unto God. We must not let any man that lives decoy us from our steadfast faith in God to follow any other man’s judgment. Man has no more wisdom than that which he obtains from God. Look to Him who is the source of all wisdom and then walk in the light of the Word of God. Read chapter one of First John and take it in its simplicity. The second chapter of First John is the best sermon we can all have to bring this instruction into our practical life.

17LtMs, Ms 237, 1902, par. 7

John, the aged servant of God, maintains his simplicity in speech all through his religious experience. It is a language of love. “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. 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.] Oh, why then does not every man who lives come unto God with full assurance of faith? I say to you, my brethren, have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Seek Him with the heart and be not turned away to some human being. Ask for your individual self and believe John’s word that Christ who gave His life for you will hear your prayers. He will hear the prayers of all those who draw nigh unto Him with full assurance of faith.

17LtMs, Ms 237, 1902, par. 8

“And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.” [Verse 3.] Always bear in mind you are God’s little children. We are never to swell to such big proportions that we shall think our individual wisdom is sufficient to lead any man who needs wisdom and counsel. Do we keep His commandments? Do we love Jesus Christ and are we working out His divine instruction in the simplicity of truth? Those who walk after the true Pattern will be perfecting a character after the sample given us and overcoming day by day every defective, selfish, covetous trait of character.

17LtMs, Ms 237, 1902, par. 9

I am charged to give the message as the Lord has given it to me whether men will hear or forbear. There is a special work to be done for this time in America. Lucifer the fallen angel is arming all who will use his methods. Wake up, brethren, Satan leads the way. We must search the Scriptures and be diligent students of the Word of God, else we will follow in some strange path after a false standard. Our only safety is in following the Light of Life. “But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.” [Verse 5.] Now let every one in these last days look unto Jesus Christ, and let our words to one another be words of genuine faith and love—words of love, of tenderness, and true brotherly kindness. “He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He (Christ) walked.” [Verse 6.] This is our duty, to give to our fellow church members and to the world a Christlike example in character.

17LtMs, Ms 237, 1902, par. 10

“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.” [Verses 7-9.] There is something in this statement that should warn any off the ground where many are standing today. Jealousy, suspicions, imagining evil, and creating evil by their own unbelief and imagining. When the confidence has been placed in human agencies and not on the divine, bitter are the disappointments which will be their portion.

17LtMs, Ms 237, 1902, par. 11

This is the lesson I am charged to give you. All who do not learn this lesson will be subject to disappointment. “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 10, 11.] This whole chapter gives no sanction to the lack of love.

17LtMs, Ms 237, 1902, par. 13

Verse 12: “I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake.” Do we all feel that we are the little children that are to be constantly working and learning by practicing the art of living useful, helpful [lives] without asserting authority to control other human minds? Every human being is amenable to One who gave His life for the life of the world. The whole working of Christ in our world was that of compassion for souls ready to perish. His whole life was an exhibition of what Christ’s followers must be in their practical life, as Christ has given an example in His life. Please, brethren and sisters, study the life of Christ. Do not, any one, set himself up as one to devise and plan for every other human being. Position does not qualify the man when he himself is wide of the mark of being a pattern of piety. Said John, “I write unto you because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake.” Let the following words be carefully understood. “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. [Verse 13.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 148, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 148, 1903, par. 15

These plain truths mean very much to us who are living in these last days. Read and study the second chapter of first John. Then read and understand the words found in the second chapter of Revelation: “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Verses 4, 5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 156, 1904

Battle Creek, Michigan

September 7, 1904

Previously unpublished.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 1

1 John 2:3. That is the evidence. Obedience to His commandments is the only evidence of our union with God. Christ abiding in the heart brings into the life that experience that makes us acceptable to God. God lets us have an abiding evidence. If we will individually be obedient to the commandments of God, then we have the assurance that Christ abides in us and we in Christ, but that is the only condition of that oneness and acceptance that we shall have with God, it is that we keep His commandments.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 2

Verses 4, 5. As the unity between Christ and His Father, so may be the unity of His followers with Christ. They are made partakers of the divine nature, whereby they escape the corruption that is in the world through lust. Those who are thus united with Christ will be at peace, one with another, speaking the same things in love. Is not that what we, every one of us individually, must have if we become rich toward God, if we become one with Jesus Christ, one with the Father, and one with one another, speaking the same thing in unity? As the Father and Son are united, so may be every believing child of God, with the fashioning nature of the divine upon them, they escape all the corruptions that are in the world through lust.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 3

We have reason to be the most thankful creatures upon the face of the earth, that there was One equal with God who pledged that He would give His life for the race who fell. He would give His life to redeem them. That was the pledge that Christ made before man was ever created.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 4

Verses 5, 6. Can we take it in? Is our mind susceptible that it is our privilege to walk in this world as Christ walked? The fragrant influence of heaven is to be upon every professed Christian character. Will you consider that this privilege embraces every son and every daughter of Adam? It is stated in John the first chapter that the world did not know Him, that the world did not receive Him, but to “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. Now, it is our privilege to stand, not as the world was standing, faithless, careless, and unbelieving. It is our privilege to talk faith, and be determined that we will walk as Christ has given us example in His holy life.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 5

There was no other way that Christ saw that He could do. He must come to the world; He must lay off His kingly crown, He must lay aside His royal robe; He must clothe His divinity with humanity, that He might stand at the head of humanity. He contracted with His Father to purchase by the sacrifice of His own blood. Therefore is brought to view that we are to walk even as He walked. There is to be an eye single to the glory of God, and we must keep our minds and our eyes single-minded, single-hearted, and our eyes single to the glory of God.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 6

We are not to try to boost ourselves upon the highest pinnacle, as though we were worthy of everything that the Scripture describes. No. That is not our position. Every man that humbles himself shall be exalted. Who will exalt him? The Lord Jesus Christ.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 7

But if we choose another path than that Christ has given as obedience to all His commandments, then what? We are in no better condition than the fallen angels if we do that. There was war in heaven, and Satan was trying to get a reformatory work done in regard to the law of God, to make that law more acceptable to him. He thought that he got the highest place, but he was at last thrust out of heaven. There will be no open door for those who have had the light, but have refused to keep God’s commandments. There will be no open door for any soul to come in; because there would be a second rebellion. He cannot afford to have that.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 8

[1 John 2] Verse 7. You may read that commandment in Exodus. You read in Genesis how He made the light, how He appointed the Sabbath day and it was sacred and holy, what for? To testify to all who inquire why they keep the Sabbath day. It is because God made the world in six days and rested on the seventh day and was refreshed, and therefore He sanctified the Sabbath day. If every individual could have that kept before him, he would see that he had a light that would keep him from infidelity, to carry the mind back to the work of God in creating our world in six days. The seventh day is a day of rest. Here God has given that day; He appointed it, and what is the testimony, what is the witness? It was the God of heaven who made the world in six days, and He rested on the seventh day and was refreshed. He sanctified the Sabbath day, and the whole angelic host took up the song of triumph and rejoicing that that was the evidence God had made the world in six days. That is literal days.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 9

Verse 7. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning, just as I have been telling you.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 10

Verse 8. If we did not love ourselves, and try to make ourselves the main subject, we should every one have a peaceable time with each other. Contentions would cease, and the love of God would be expressing itself from heart to heart, and the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness would shine into our hearts and into the chambers of the mind. We would see that He liveth to make intercession for us, and there were times when it was made with groanings that cannot be uttered.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 11

It was when He was in the Garden of Gethsemane that that cup trembled. Should He drink it? Why should He separate Himself by taking the sin of the whole corrupt world upon Him—the Father hating sin. How could the Father love Him with such an accumulated mass of sin upon Him? That is why the cup trembled in His hand, and the destiny of a lost world was in the balance. Should He drink the cup? Here from the pores of His skin was the blood that came forth and moistened the sod of Gethsemane. He then staggered till He came to His disciples. He had bidden them, “Watch and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.” [Mark 14:38.] But they were asleep, and the Saviour was in His agony. He awoke Peter who had declared he never would leave his Master, he would go with Him to suffering and to death. Sleep, Peter, He said. Canst thou not watch with thy Master one hour?

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 12

Consider it. The angel stands by His side, and Christ is strengthened. He takes the cup. He drinks of suffering from the hand of the angel. Where should we have been unless He drank that cup in His agony? It was in our behalf that He suffered. It was on our account that He was battling with the powers of darkness. To such an extent was Satan presenting the temptation that He would expire in His sufferings and agony of the cross. He felt the sins of the world laid upon Him. Before He drank the cup He said to His Father, “Not My will, O God, but Thine, be done.” [Luke 22:42.]

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 13

What would we do if we stood in the position before God that our will was swallowed up in the will of God? I ask you, What would be our position—no will of our own?

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 14

Christ has bought us, and He says, Ye are not your own, ye are bought with a price, and what a price! The precious blood of the Son of God. That was the price! Can you measure it? Can figures measure it? Can suffering approach unto it? He brought Himself to take the whole burden of the whole sinful world upon His divine soul. O, I ask you, Why is man not afraid to sin? Why will he parley with the enemy? Why will he not take all the promises that God has given?

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 15

They shall be called the sons of God, those that overcome. They will enter in through the gates into the city, and what then? They will have a right unto the tree of life. But every one will testify his faith by his works. I thank God that it is our privilege to suffer reproach for Christ’s sake, and not be so afraid of reproach as to think it is going to extinguish us. If it would only extinguish self, we would stand in a far better position before God, exalted, and honored, and magnified before Him.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 16

“Again a new commandment I write unto you, ... now shineth.” 1 John 2:8. Thank God for this. Verse 9. “He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, ... of stumbling in him.” [Verses 9, 10.] Will you bear that in mind? “He that hateth his brother is in darkness and walketh in darkness, and here is a solemn thing that we want you all to consider that he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knows not whither he goeth because the darkness has blinded his eyes.” [Verse 11.]

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 17

“I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you.” [Verse 12.] Were they little children in years? No. He calls them His little children in experience. He numbers them with the family of God in heaven, God’s property.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 18

Verse 13. “I write unto you, little children, ... young men.” Are there any young men here? I think there are. Now hear what is said unto you. “I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one.” Now, His little children, He is writing unto you. He is writing unto those who are obedient to His commandments. “I write unto you, little children, ... wicked one.” [Verses 13, 14.]

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 19

Every one of us has his battle to fight. We need not think the devil is dead and has been buried. We need not think that the church militant is the church triumphant. We are the church militant today. We are to stand with every piece of the armor on, and be prepared, as it is said in Ephesians, those that were to meet the powers of darkness. And how shall we meet them? We are to put on the whole armor of God, and having done all, to stand. Stand with that armor on. Do not leave off one piece of it. Ephesians will tell you what that armor is. [Ephesians 6:11-17.] It is the whole body that is prepared for warfare.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 20

We battle not against flesh and blood. If you will all remember this. We war not against flesh and blood, but principalities and powers, and spiritual wickedness in high places. All these you will have to meet, and you want to be in a position, that you can realize that the Captain of the Lord’s host is just as much a Leader today, in the battles, as when He was enshrouded in the pillar of cloud and led the pilgrimage of the children of Israel through the great wilderness for forty years.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 21

Now the Lord would have us in a position that we should be prepared to enter the conflict. Everything will come in. Every kind of sophistry, every kind of fallacy will come in, and the enemy will move upon every mind that is in any way his subject. He moves upon that mind, he blinds the eyes, and they do not see where they are going not what is the matter with them. He will work right in our midst if we will let him.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 22

But every medical missionary that has been appointed in the sanitarium here, and in the sanitariums that have been erected in many places, is appointed to watch for every soul that they are connected with lest the enemy shall take some advantage of these souls. We are to watch our own souls, to see that we are in that preparedness with the Holy Spirit of God working upon our minds for the development of human characters, that we may perfect holiness in the fear of the Lord. If we ever sit with Christ upon His throne, we had better commence before we get any more established in the ways of satanic agencies.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 23

God requires that every soul here, all the ministers, every medical missionary, shall show themselves as approved of God in their lot and in their place, to fight the armies of the powers of darkness with Jesus Christ as their Leader.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 24

We want that the warnings of Christ shall be heeded, and that we should love one another as Christ has loved us. Can you measure the love of Christ? Can you measure the golden chain that is let down from heaven to encircle the human family? When you can measure it, you will understand that the love of God is as broad as the world. It is in every way able to guard us if we are faithful, that we shall be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in this last time.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 25

We are in the last days in this earth’s history. We cannot afford to make any mistake here. It is too late in the day to trifle with eternal interests. God is in earnest with us.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 26

If one sees that his brother sins, and he tells him of his sin, and he will nor forsake his sin, he is clear, because he warned him. But if one sees a brother sin, going contrary to the commandments of God, and says nothing to him, and passes him by and leaves him, the one who saw that sin, if he is taken away in his iniquity, the one who permitted that sin to go on without rebuking and reproving it, will lose his own soul. He will have to give an account of the souls that have been lost through his silence.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 27

God wants a faithful ministry. He wants that the missionary work should be carried solidly, and He wants that it should stand on the most elevated platform of eternal truth, eternal rectitude, and then it is proportionate to the great needs. We profess to believe that we have a Saviour, One who can save to the utmost all who come unto Him. He cannot afford to trifle with our own soul’s salvation. We hear of cars being wrecked, and without a moment’s warning souls are plunged into eternity. Are there any souls who might have been saved if each one before me had armed themselves, and had kept on the whole armor of God to meet in human flesh the powers of darkness that are working in human flesh? God wants us to place ourselves on the right side of the question every day.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 28

He wants that every soul here should so connect himself with the heavenly angels that these angels shall be round about them; connect themselves with Jesus Christ and they will do the work of the heavenly angels as the right hand does the work for the body. This is our business. Ye are God’s husbandry. Ye are God’s building. You cannot afford, not one of you, to be planting on that building foundation wood, hay, and stubble that will be consumed in the day of final reckoning. If yourselves are saved, it is because you have repented heartily before God, and begun to take off, to cleanse the temple, to cleanse the foundation from all that is false, and that would lead from falsehood against God and the truth. You cannot afford to sin. It is an expensive business.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 29

Now Christ drank the bitter cup for us. What are you willing to do to deny yourselves for Christ? There is a world to save. And every indulgence of appetite like tobacco, like alcohol-drinking, all these are not food for the system, it is death for the system. You are taking away the underpinning of your house in indulging the appetite for liquor, in indulging the appetite for tobacco which is a poison narcotic, and is benumbing the sensibilities of the brain. Do you profess to believe in Christ? Then you are priests in your household. That is the biggest concern for you to handle. It is not to pile up riches. It is not to study and study and study how you can in some way contrive to get the advantage of somebody else. No; it is to see that my family walk in communion with God. There is a heaven to win, and a hell to shun. Will they walk circumspectly? I must watch them as one that must give an account.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 30

Not a cross word, not a fretful word should be spoken. You profess to be a Christian, therefore the pleasantness, the sweetness of the disposition of Christ must be upon every soul who professes to believe in Him. There cannot be an advantage taken of any living soul in the business line. Why? Because every one of you is to manifest Christ and Christlikeness, to love one another as Christ has loved you. That is to give correct representation before heavenly angels and before men, before the whole world.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 31

“Ye are,” said Christ, “the light of the world.” [Matthew 5:14.] Do you believe it? Where do you gather your light? You gather it from the divine rays of light that shine from our Saviour. He brought life and immortality to light. He proclaimed over the rent sepulcher of Joseph, I am the Resurrection and the Life. Now, He was raised, that we shall be raised, if we follow after to know Him. We may be laid in the grave, but we shall be brought forth out of the grave when the last trump shall sound. Christ said, Let not your heart be troubled. [John 14:1.] Well, what is the greatest trouble? To think what a big schemer you can be? To think what great advantages you must show to the world? No. You are to guard your brother’s interest as you guard your own, and when you guard your brother’s interest as you guard your own, the heavenly angels guard your interest. And He will provide for you an inheritance with the sanctified and the blessed in the kingdom of glory. Then you shall see the King in His beauty.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 32

Parents must set an example in every way, in the very tones of their voice, in the very temper, in the very way that they govern their children. God holds them accountable if they say a word that stirs up the worst passions in the human heart of the child. You cannot afford it. Because then you will battle, and battle, and say, I do not see why these children do not obey me. It is because you do not put the softening grace of Christ into the tones of your voice, and you do not show interest in them as you ought to show interest in them.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 33

Now, if the mother is the queen of the household and the teacher, the father and the mother are to educate the children. You are all part of the great firm, and not one thing must be indulged in these children that would leave them in a position where they would not know which is right and which is wrong. You have a Bible. You take the Bible, and you carry out the principles of the Word of God, and you will find that Christ comes into your family. He works with the minds and hearts of your children, and you are what? Working out for yourselves what? A character of which you never will be ashamed. You are working out for yourselves a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. That is more than all the riches that you can have here upon the earth.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 34

One wrote to me, Mrs. White, are you a millionaire? You are building churches in Australia and in Europe, and you are building churches here and there, are you a millionaire?

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 35

Well, I came to Melbourne, and we worked unitedly. We talk about how we can glorify God, and He tells us to go according to His commission all through the world, to every nation, to every kindred, and tongue, and people; and that means, if we do that, a constant self-denying practice.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 36

I tell them when they will come to me, A millionaire! Do they think that I do this work to become a millionaire here in this world? Why, I would spend the last farthing I had for a soul. It is worth more than the whole world. And Christ has told us to lay up treasure in the heavens, where moth and rust doth not corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal. Now, when I can labor to save a soul, there is no money, no money that can be placed by the side of that soul. That soul will bring other souls to the truth. It is our work, and it is our business, to labor with all the powers of our being for the one next to us. Those that use tobacco, church members—we hope none in our church uses it—but the church members, they do not have so much to give as they would like to give, why? The tobacco they put in their mouth would support children in a school to get their education. Well, in order to support these children, I have hired money.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 37

I am paying interest on the money to send children to school, the first school that was established in Melbourne to teach them the truth. There I hired money, and paid interest on that money, that I might put them in school and that they might obtain an education. Now, I do not begrudge a penny of that, not a penny. And when I see and consider how much is put into the mouth to destroy the moral powers of men. We have not any too much moral power, we have not any too much brain strength, to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. And in working out that salvation, we may work out the salvation for our whole family.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 38

What we want is to know, What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? Well, that question was asked the lawyer, and the lawyer asked that question of Christ, and there were the Pharisees all around, waiting to catch a word out of His lips, that they might turn it to His condemnation. Christ kindly laid the burden right upon the lawyer. He knew that lawyer was convicted, and He said to him, “What saith the law? How readest thou?” And the answer came from the lawyer, “Thou shalt love the Lord ... as thyself.” [Luke 10:25-27.]

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 39

Then let those who use tobacco take the money and spend it that they may overcome, that you may overcome, and that you can help others with that money to overcome, that you can do good in the saving of the souls that are ready to perish. You want every dollar of God’s money. It is not your money; it is God’s money, lent you as stewards to be used to the glory of His name, and every farthing of this money is to be spent in that way that you can give an account of it in the day of God. You can stand before the judgment seat and know that the five talents that were given to you to put out to usury increased to five talents more, and that is what we have been trying to do in Australia.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 40

My team broke the first track that was made in the wilderness, that was made there at Cooranbong, and this is the way that we were working. We would come to a standstill, and what then? We would come right before them. They would say, We can go no farther, Mrs. White, we can go no farther. (My son was here in America.) We can go no farther now, we have no means to use. Well, said I, call them together, I will meet with them tomorrow morning. And then I told them what we would do. Said I, We will go to the carpenters; we had a surplus of carpenters, they had come to see what we were doing, and they were believers. Said I, I will ask you what you will do for us. There were about eight or ten carpenters. What will you do? “I have three or four dollars a day for my work, and I will take half price, and then I will take that half price and I will divide it again and put it into every building that you put up here.” Now, we could not ask them to do more. Then they went to work, and the money began to come in, very slowly, but we used it economically. There were men there we had been working with to bring them into the truth. They would come out into the truth.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 41

I would take my phaeton, and stand right up in my phaeton, down in the cities and villages. Then I would present to the men who were working on the railroad the eternal world interest. Mothers would stand with their children in their arms and listen as for their lives to hear. Said I, Can you tell me of this crowd that is working on this railroad, can you tell me how many of them believe in Jesus Christ, and love Him and serve Him? Not a hand was up, but the tears were running down the cheeks of those that were there. Well, we worked along, and it was not many weeks until those very fishermen came that were converted, and said, “Here is my tithe money.” Then another would come from the country, “Here is my tithe money, I heard you speak out there on the common.” And that tithe money, what was it? I put my money out to the exchangers, and there I was getting the interest from the work, and then here was that accumulated company beginning. We did not have to press it upon them at all. They came right forward to do that work.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 42

Women and men worked on that ground until we had a very fine meetinghouse, nothing elegant, but a good substantial meetinghouse to worship God in. And then we had a schoolhouse there on that plot, and we kept at work.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 43

Well, when there began to be, with some of them something annoying, Elder Haskell would come along, “What is the matter?” he would say. “What is the trouble?” “Well, I cannot stay here. Such and such a one did not treat me right.” “Well,” said he, “use your plane a little more thoroughly, and you won’t hear it,” and he would kneel right down in the shavings, and there he would offer up his petitions to heaven that God would let His blessing rest upon these self-sacrificing workers. Well, you may be sure that the tide turned very quickly.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 44

Then we had a meeting every day to see how much progress this man had gained in overcoming during the day. And they would tell their stories and their experiences that they had. It was of great value to hear it, and when that meetinghouse was dedicated, it was a most wonderful time. And now the work has been progressing all through Cooranbong. There was one brother who wrote me, and said, “We have made in one season 7,000 pounds of the best of honey.” Now a few could not give money, but they brought beehives. “Will you take these?” “Anything, anything,” they said, “we will take, if you want your children in school.” Now they began to multiply and multiply until they have honey at that rate, and God has blessed them in a wonderful manner.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 45

They told me when I came there that that land was such that it would yield nothing. They had planted peach trees, and they had planted this thing and that thing and the other, and it would not do anything. Now, said I, I am going to show what it will do, and I had a sample farm. I made it a sample farm for the whole of Cooranbong and Maitland, and for Newcastle, and for the country all around there. I went to get a handful of vegetables that we could eat, and I went eight miles all around, and I did not get one particle, because they did not raise anything. But the Lord blessed us, and we had fruit. We raised the best oranges and the very best peaches—weighed half a pound apiece. We planted them the last of September and gathered them the first of November. The most beautiful peaches, and weighed half a pound.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 46

Said I, Now my family, I cannot eat these peaches, I feel as if they were of the first fruits unto God, I am going to put them in a satchel and take these peaches to the legislature. They have a house down here, to get out into the country and study and have a little recreation, and now I am going to carry these peaches there and get them full of these peaches; and to the postmaster; to the railroad agents; to the officers. And all these, said I, I am going to supply with these peaches. Well, I found my peaches had extended much farther than I had any idea. They felt just as I did, that if Cooranbong would raise such peaches, they wanted everybody to know it, and they sent it far and near. I would be in the cars, and a gentleman of the legislature would say, “This is the lady who brought me those beautiful peaches.” A man there wished he could have some of them “sent to me.” He was the storekeeper. I gave two or three dozen to the storekeeper, and he sent them all around.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 47

Well, I might go on, but that is not the burden of my message now, But it is how Sister White gets rich, and I advise every one who wants to get rich, I advise them that they shall go and do likewise, and that we shall work for the interests of our neighbors, that we shall publish the gospel of peace everywhere, and that we shall show that we have a decided interest in all the purchase of the Redeemer. That is what we want.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 48

You cannot afford to put into your mouth anything that shall destroy the brain nerve power, and weaken them so that you cannot give to God the very best reasoning faculties, so that you may work together with the Master, and that you may overcome as Christ overcame. These things demand our attention. The money that is spent in liquor, the money that is spent in alcohol, it would educate, it would make families comfortable. Why not give up these things? It is God’s money. You cannot afford to give an account of that money. He told you to put it out to usury, that when He should come, He would find His own with interest. Now that is what He wants you to do. You convert five souls, and they will go to work to convert other souls. The very influence that you exert upon the souls that are around you is winning other souls to Christ, and I ask you, What would you sell your soul for? Here is the worthlessness of much of the things of this world that are used in self-gratification; what if they were expended to send the truth?

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 49

Look at the South. What can America answer for the condition that they are in? I want you to look at souls that are perishing in their sins. What advantage will it be to a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul? There are no pockets in your shroud, that you can put money to line your coffin, and if you did, it would not be of any value to you when Christ shall come to take those that love Him to Himself, because you love money more.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 50

God wants us to begin to exert ourselves for the salvation of those that are perishing. I have no particular interest to go and hover over a church. I will teach that church, every one, if I can, to go to work. Every man and every woman is given his work, and if you have a right hold on Christ, that God has a love for you, you will understand that you must make sacrifices for Christ’s sake.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 51

May the Lord let His blessing rest upon us, while we shall work out our own salvation with fear and trembling, why? For it is God that worketh in you, both to will and to do of His good pleasure. It is not you that gives the light. When you are preaching the truth to others, you may take your Bible and open it, and ask them what they think of this and that, and try to give them the light God has given you. It is not you that makes the impression. It is the angels of God that are moving upon the hearts of these people. And these angels of God that you are cooperating with will cooperate with you.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 52

Now, I have made up my mind since I was eleven years old that it would pay to be a Christian, and I have been trying with heart and mind and soul to bring every one with me, and if I had not done this, I should not be here today. I would have been trying to take an easy time and see if I could not obtain more strength of body. But I cannot afford it, and I find the next time that it comes for me to speak I have strength given me. God gives me strength. I love God, and I want you to love Him, because if you love God, you will love others also. The fathers and the mothers will take the responsibility of bringing up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, because He has bought them with the price of human agony and of blood, and they cannot afford to be lost, not a soul of them. Therefore you have the household—that is a church—in your own house.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 53

Angels of God will come right into that house, and they will work with the father and they will work with the mother, to teach the children they are a part of the great firm, and they are to lay the burdens of responsibility upon the mother, and let the children do just as they please in the house. Now they are a part of the firm. Educate, educate, educate them how to work, how to work into line, kindly. If they make blunders, do not find fault with them. That discourages. No; show them just how you do it. Tell them that you do it this way. But do not reproach them. Do not give them a blow or anything like that because you will hurt your own influence.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 54

We cannot afford to hurt our influence. May God help us that we may lay right hold upon every soul, that they shall have eternal life in the kingdom of God. Now, I know that I could go upon that chapter a long time, but you have been sitting here, and you will get weary. But I want to tell you that Jesus Christ is interested in every patient that comes to that sanitarium; that your Saviour in pitying love is yearning over you so that you shall catch some word from the nurse or from one who knows God that He can apply that word to your comfort and your hope.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 55

There are many who are in despair, that would not be in despair and discouraged if they had a better picture to look at, and now we want that we shall every one educate our mind and our soul after the divine image, and that we shall be preparing for the future life. What readiness are we making for the future life, a life that measures with the life of God? What preparation are you making for it? O, you cannot afford to lose the life which is to come. I beg of you for Christ’s sake to become rich in good works, and to put away everything that you are using to undermine the constitution and to take away the power of reason. I ask you for Christ’s sake to put it away, and see that money shall be given for the truth.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 56

I have sent to the South. I told them to make little boxes, and to put them into their houses, and remember the Southern field, and teach your children to remember. I have done all that I can possibly do at present until I can make sale of more of my books, and just as soon as the medical missionary book that I am now getting out, as soon as it is ready, I have a place for it, to relieve institutions of debt, the sanitariums, that we may have more sanitariums still. We are working with all our might that we may get the sick where they can be healed, where they may learn habits of reform and self-denial and self-sacrifice and be fitting up their souls to prepare to take their position by the side of Jesus Christ, where He places upon their heads the crown of immortal life, and He places in their hands a harp of gold.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 57

Then they will cast their glittering crowns at His feet, and with their harps they will strike the note, Worthy, worthy, worthy is the Lamb that was dead but lives again, a triumphant Conqueror. Here, Lord, am I, and the children that Thou hast given me. I have educated them; I have trained them to do church work; I have trained them that they should speak affectionately and kindly and tenderly to one another.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 58

Now let us be converted. Let the power of God take hold of our souls, and see if we cannot open the door of the heart. “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock,” said Christ. “If any man will open the door ... he with me.” [Revelation 3:20.]

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 59

And then again He says, “To him that overcometh will I grant ... upon his throne.” [Verse 21.]

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 60

Then let us lift. Let us lift all that we can. I told them as I sent out these little boxes (they printed it just as I had it) that we wanted them to put in the money they would spend for candy and for dress that was unnecessary, every penny that they could save. Let them feel that they were making a present to the South, that they might send missionaries there, and that these missionaries should work in behalf of souls and have some money to work with.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 61

I visited Graysville. There they are doing a splendid work. I visited Huntsville, where the colored people have a school. But O, they need money; they need it so much to educate these Southern colored people to work for the colored people, for the time is coming when it will be an impossibility for a white man to work for the colored people. That time is right upon us, and I want to tell every one of you that want to do something for the Master that there is means that is needed to build schoolhouses.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 62

While I was there I spoke in one meetinghouse that was dedicated just a little while before. The people were all colored. I spoke to them, and they understand what you tell them. They were more of the upper classes. And the blessing of the Lord came into the meeting. And I spoke in Huntsville how that everything should be kept up neat and nice and clean, so that the whole outside fraternity may see how we regard it. The Southern field is bought with a price, and everything about the premises should be kept up clean and neat and orderly, and buildings should be erected for a sanitarium. We went all around to find places for schools and we are still working at the point.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 63

Now if there are any here who want to have that box as a messenger in your own home, you can have it. You can write to the Southern Missionary Society, and they will send it to you to educate your children. It is the very best lesson, the Lord has presented to me, that they can have. This was presented to me as a means when we tried to do good.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 64

Now, I am not going to hold you any longer, but I will tell you, this means that you spend needlessly, God wants every penny of it, and He wants you to use it to advance His work where there are no workers, and where there are souls to be saved. And now I will not detain you any longer. May God bless you.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 65

I want heaven, and I want you to have it. I want you to have it just as much as I want to have it myself. Do not rest your souls till you have given your life, your brain power, and every nerve and muscle of your body to Jesus Christ by habits of temperance. And give your example against the saloons that are making drunkards, that is throwing the cars off the track, and all these things, because they have lost the control of their memory. Death after death, death after death, fatalities everywhere, because they have sold their brains. They cannot afford it.

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 66

God help us to make our work for eternal life, and to expunge the selfishness from our soul and heart and mind, and then all heaven looks upon us, all heaven will bless us, and at last it will be said, “Come ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom that is prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” The answer comes, When saw we thee thus, Lord? “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these, my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” [Matthew 25:34, 37-40.]

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 67

Now there is the truth. I want to see the crown of glory upon the brows of those that are here today. I am in earnest. I feel the power of the love of God in my soul to present the things to you in the light that God has given to me. I beg of you for Christ’s sake to be reconciled to God, and to love one another as Christ has given you evidence that He loves you.

That I May Know Him

Under the Great Teacher, February 25

TMK 62.3

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.... “He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for our’s only, but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2)....

Ye Shall Receive Power

Human Voice a Channel for Divine Voice, June 20

YRP 180.4

We need more of the working of the Infinite and far less trust in human agencies. We are to prepare a people to stand in the day of God’s preparation; we are to call men’s attention to the cross of Calvary, to make clear the reason why Christ made His great sacrifice. We are to show men that it is possible for them to come back to their allegiance to God and to their obedience to His commandments. When the sinner looks upon Christ as the propitiation for his sins, let men step aside. Let them declare to the sinner that Christ “is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 58, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 58, 1895, par. 42

We need more of the working of the Infinite, and far less trust in human agencies. We are to prepare a people to stand in the day of God’s preparation. We are to call men’s attention to the cross of Calvary, to make clear the reason [why] Christ made His great sacrifice. We are to show men that it is possible for them to come back to their allegiance to God and to their obedience to His commandments. When the sinner looks upon Christ as the propitiation for his sins, let men step aside. Let them declare to the sinner that Christ “is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” [1 John 2:2.] Encourage him to seek wisdom from God, for through earnest prayer he will learn the way of the Lord more perfectly than if instructed by some human counselor. He will see that it was the transgression of the law that caused the death of the Son of the infinite God, and he will hate the sins that wounded Jesus. As he looks upon Christ as a compassionate, tender High Priest, his heart will be preserved in contrition.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 66, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 66, 1901, par. 12

The love of God is without computation. “Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.” “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” “And not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” [1 John 3:1; 4:10; 2:2.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 48, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 48, 1901, par. 15

There are many souls to be brought to a saving knowledge of the truth. Sinners are far from the Father’s house, perishing with hunger. Do you ask, How does God regard those dead in trespasses and sins? I point you to Calvary! “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” “And not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” [1 John 4:10; 2:2.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 45, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 45, 1901, par. 8

There are many souls to be brought to a saving knowledge of the truth. The prodigal is far from his father’s house, perishing with hunger. He is to be the object of our compassion. Do you ask, How does God regard those who are perishing in their sins? I point you to Calvary! “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins,” “and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” [1 John 4:10; 2:2.]

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Prince of Sufferers, December 14

JNN 366.1

And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.—1 John 2:2

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 45, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 45, 1892, par. 10

“Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, I say at this time his righteousness; that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. ... Do we then make void the law through faith (in Jesus Christ our righteousness)? God forbid; yea, we establish the law.” [Romans 3:24-26, 31.] “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 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.” “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 2:2-4; 4:10.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 197, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 197, 1898, par. 7

The Father loved sinful men and from the depths of infinite mercy, He provided salvation for all. He sent His only begotten, well-beloved Son into the world as a perfect revelation of His paternal character. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father but by me.” [John 14:6.] John writes of Him, saying, “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 2:2-4.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 256, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 256, 1906, par. 22

“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 2:2-6.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 72, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 72, 1902, par. 18

“Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed on us, that we might be called the sons of God.” [1 John 3:1.] “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins;” “and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” [1 John 4:10; 2:2.]

17LtMs, Ms 72, 1902, par. 30

“If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” “He that doeth the will of God abideth forever.” [John 13:17; 1 John 2:17.] Let us conform our wills to the will of God.

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 24—Without a Wedding Garment

COL 312.3

It is not enough for us to believe that Jesus is not an impostor, and that the religion of the Bible is no cunningly devised fable. We may believe that the name of Jesus is the only name under heaven whereby man may be saved, and yet we may not through faith make Him our personal Saviour. It is not enough to believe the theory of truth. It is not enough to make a profession of faith in Christ and have our names registered on the church roll. “He that keepeth His commandments dwelleth in Him, and He in him. And hereby we know that He abideth in us, by the Spirit which He hath given us.” “Hereby we do know that we know Him if we keep His commandments.” 1 John 3:24; 1 John 2:3. This is the genuine evidence of conversion. Whatever our profession, it amounts to nothing unless Christ is revealed in works of righteousness.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 42—Tradition

DA 396.3

Whenever the message of truth comes home to souls with special power, Satan stirs up his agents to start a dispute over some minor question. Thus he seeks to attract attention from the real issue. Whenever a good work is begun, there are cavilers ready to enter into dispute over forms or technicalities, to draw minds away from the living realities. When it appears that God is about to work in a special manner for His people, let them not be enticed into a controversy that will work only ruin of souls. The questions that most concern us are, Do I believe with saving faith on the Son of God? Is my life in harmony with the divine law? “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life.” “And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.” John 3:36; 1 John 2:3.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 52, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 52, 1894, par. 5

Praise God for these precious words. Praise God, praise His holy name that we have been led to the cross of Christ, and we understand that our only hope is to renounce self and all dependence in anything and everything, and take Jesus as our Saviour, a complete Redeemer. “Unto you therefore which believe, he is precious.” [1 Peter 2:7.] He can be precious only to those who believe. “Hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.” “This is the love of God that we keep his commandments.” [1 John 2:3; 5:3.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 48, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 48, 1898, par. 3

We will press close to Jesus. Hear His voice to His disciples: “He that will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow me.” [Luke 9:23.] God requires of us our life service. Our Saviour came to this world to be a Sin-bearer, to take away the sin of the world. He came as our Advocate. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for our sins only, but also for the sins of the whole world. “Hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.” [1 John 2:3.]

Reflecting Christ

Obedience, the Fruit of Faith, September 17

RC 274.2

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” (1 John 5:3). “He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him,” (chap. 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.

RC 274.4

The 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” (Ephesians 2:8). But “faith, if it hath not works, is dead” (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 Scriptures says, “Hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments” (1 John 2:3)....

Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing

“Beware of false prophets.”—Matthew 7:15.

MB 146.2

A mere profession of discipleship is of no value. The faith in Christ which saves the soul is not what it is represented to be by many. “Believe, believe,” they say, “and you need not keep the law.” But a belief that does not lead to obedience is presumption. The apostle John says, “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. Let none cherish the idea that special providences or miraculous manifestations are to be the proof of the genuineness of their work or of the ideas they advocate. When persons will speak lightly of the word of God, and set their impressions, feelings, and exercises above the divine standard, we may know that they have no light in them.

MB 146.3

Obedience is the test of discipleship. It is the keeping of the commandments that proves the sincerity of our professions of love. When the doctrine we accept kills sin in the heart, purifies the soul from defilement, bears fruit unto holiness, we may know that it is the truth of God. When benevolence, kindness, tenderheartedness, sympathy, are manifest in our lives; when the joy of right doing is in our hearts; when we exalt Christ, and not self, we may know that our faith is of the right order. “Hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.” 1 John 2:3.

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 12—Asking to Give

COL 144.1

The promise is “If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” John 15:7. And John declares: “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.

Prayer

Chapter 7—Prayer And Obedience

Pr 68.2

The promise is “If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” John 15:7. And John declares: “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.—(Christ’s Object Lessons, 143, 144.)

Prayer

Chapter 31—Asking to Give

Pr 308.2

The promise is “If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” John 15:7. And John declares: “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.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Ms 2, 1874

2LtMs, Ms 2, 1874, par. 31

“‘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 whosoever keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected.’ [1 John 2:3-5.] This is true Bible sanctification, to love God and to keep His commandments.”

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 44—The True Sign

DA 409.3

The religion of Christ is sincerity itself. Zeal for God’s glory is the motive implanted by the Holy Spirit; and only the effectual working of the Spirit can implant this motive. Only the power of God can banish self-seeking and hypocrisy. This change is the sign of His working. When the faith we accept destroys selfishness and pretense, when it leads us to seek God’s glory and not our own, we may know that it is of the right order. “Father, glorify Thy name” (John 12:28), was the keynote of Christ’s life, and if we follow Him, this will be the keynote of our life. He commands us to “walk, even as He walked;” and “hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.” 1 John 2:6, 3.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 27, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 27, 1899, par. 26

Christ has borne our sin in His own body, and those who accept Him as a personal Saviour are free from the penalty of the law. Jesus has been made the propitiation for our sin, and not for ours only but for the sins of the whole world. “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.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 89, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 89, 1897, par. 22

All who stand under the bloodstained banner of Prince Emmanuel, working out His commands as loyal subjects, can claim the words, “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. ... 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 2:3-5, 7.] It is here stated definitely that it is the law given in Eden to which John refers, and that it has binding claims upon all mankind.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 55, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 55, 1893, par. 21

“Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth.” “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” [John 17:17; 14:15.] “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 whosoever keepeth his words, 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 to walk, even as he walked.” Mark these words: “Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye have heard from the beginning.” [1 John 2:3-7.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 21 [Nos. 1501-1598]

Love the Fulfilling of the Law

21MR 411.4

It is the greatest and most fatal deception to suppose that a man can have faith unto life eternal without possessing Christlike love for his brethren. He who loves God and his neighbor is filled with light and love. God is in him and all around him. Christians love those around them as precious souls for whom Christ has died. There is no such thing as a loveless Christian, for “God is love.” [1 John 2:3-5, 8-11; John 13:34, 35; 5:12, quoted.]—Manuscript 133, 1899.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 133, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 133, 1899, par. 24

“But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected; hereby know we that we are in him. ... A new commandment I give 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 4:8; 2:3-5, 8-11.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 98, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 98, 1898, par. 6

John declares: “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.” Then, lest the matter shall not be plainly understood, the apostle adds, “I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment, which ye had from the beginning.” [1 John 2:3-7.]

13LtMs, Ms 98, 1898, par. 8

With many, Christian principle is away down in the scale, and their profession of knowing Christ is a deception. “Whoso keepeth his word,” Christ declares, “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.” “Let that therefore abide in you which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.” [Verses 5, 6, 24, 25.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 68, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 68, 1903, par. 35

“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. 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. I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake.” [1 John 2:3-12.]

18LtMs, Ms 68, 1903, par. 36

“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. ... Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. And this is the promise that He hath promised us, even eternal life.” Let us “abide in Him; that, when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.” [Verses 21, 24, 25, 28.]

Christ Triumphant

Give Nothing Less Than Loving Obedience to God, March 11

CTr 77.1

Whoever says, “I have come to know him,” but does not obey his commandments, is a liar, and in such a person the truth does not exist. 1 John 2:4, NRSV.

Selected Messages Book 2

When the Miracle Worker Disregards God’s Law

2SM 49.4

Nor can we trust impressions. The voice or spirit that says to a man, You are under no obligation to obey the law of God; you are holy and sinless, while he is trampling on the divine law, is not the voice of Jesus; for He declares: “I have kept my Father’s commandments” (John 15:10). And John testifies: “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).

Selected Messages Book 2

None Need be Deceived

2SM 50.3

“The voice of a stranger” is the voice of one who neither respects nor obeys God’s holy, just, and good law. Many make great pretensions to holiness, and boast of the wonders they perform in healing the sick, when they do not regard this great standard of righteousness. But through whose power are these cures wrought? Are the eyes of either party opened to their transgressions of the law? and do they take their stand as humble, obedient children, ready to obey all of God’s requirements? John testifies of the professed children of God: “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).

The Faith I Live By

Testing the Voice of the Shepherds, November 4

FLB 314.4

“The voice of a stranger” is the voice of one who neither respects nor obeys God’s holy, just, and good law. Many make great pretensions to holiness, and boast of the wonders they perform in healing the sick, when they do not regard this great standard of righteousness. But through whose power are these cures wrought? Are the eyes of either party opened to their transgressions of the law? and do they take their stand as humble, obedient children, ready to obey all of God’s requirements? John testifies of the professed children of God: “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.... If those through whom cures are performed, are disposed, on account of these manifestations, to excuse their neglect of the law of God, and continue in disobedience, though they have power to any and every extent, it does not follow that they have the great power of God. On the contrary, it is the miracle-working power of the great deceiver.... We must beware of the pretended holiness that permits transgression of the law of God. Those cannot be sanctified who trample that law under their feet, and judge themselves by a standard of their own devising.13SDA Bible Commentary 5:1099.

The Sanctified Life

No Compromise With Sin

SL 65.1

John enjoyed the blessing of true sanctification. But mark, the apostle does not claim to be sinless; he is seeking perfection by walking in the light of God’s countenance. He testifies that the man who professes to know God, and yet breaks the divine law, gives the lie to his profession. “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). In this age of boasted liberality these words would be branded as bigotry. But the apostle teaches that while we should manifest Christian courtesy, we are authorized to call sin and sinners by their right names—that this is consistent with true charity. While we are to love the souls for whom Christ died, and labor for their salvation, we should not make a compromise with sin. We are not to unite with the rebellious, and call this charity. God requires His people in this age of the world to stand, as did John in his time, unflinchingly for the right, in opposition to soul-destroying errors.

This Day With God

Lip Service Religion, October 17

TDG 299.2

There is a spurious experience that is prevailing now everywhere in regard to the love of Jesus—that we must dwell on the love of Jesus, that faith in Jesus is all we need—but these souls must be instructed that the love of Jesus in the heart will lead to humility of life and obedience to all 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 2:4). The love of Jesus that goes no farther than the lips will not save any soul, but be a great delusion.—Manuscript 26, October 17, 1885, “First Visit to Sweden, diary.”

This Day With God

Dallying With Sin, November 6

TDG 319.3

It was a great sacrifice Christ made for man in dying for him upon the cross. What are we willing to sacrifice for His love? Jesus says, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15)—not to select out one or two or nine, but the whole ten—all His commandments must be kept. John tells us of those who pretend to love but do not obey God’s requirements. “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). “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous” (chap. 5:3)....

Australasian Signs of the Times

April 8, 1912

BEcho April 8, 1912, par. 5

True faith, which relies wholly upon Christ, will be manifested by obedience to all the requirements of God. From Adam’s day to the present time the great controversy has been concerning obedience to God’s law. In all ages there have been those who claimed a right to the favour of God even while they were disregarding some of His commands. But the Scriptures declare that by works is “faith made perfect;” and that, without the works of obedience, faith “is dead.” James 2:22, 17. He that professes to know God, “and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” 1 John 2:4.

Christ Triumphant

We Are Accountable for the Light We Have Been Given, November 6

CTr 317.2

The mild, beloved disciple [John] has said, “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). The Word of God is very plain and pointed. It is dangerous business to profess to be a follower of Jesus and in works deny Him by indifference to even one of His requirements.

From Trials to Triumph

True Sanctification Is a Lifework

TT 295.4

There are those who profess holiness, who claim a right to the promises of God, while refusing to obey His commandments. But this is presumption. True love for God will be revealed in obedience to all His commandments: “He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” “He that keepeth His commandments dwelleth in Him, and He in him.” 1 John 2:4; 3:24.

From Eternity Past

The Great Difference Between Cain and Abel

EP 39.1

True faith will be manifested by obedience to all the requirements of God. From Adam’s day to the present the great controversy has been concerning obedience to God’s law. In all ages there have been those who claimed a right to the favor of God while disregarding some of His commands. But by works is “faith made perfect,” and without the works of obedience, faith “is dead.” James 2:22, 17. He who professes to know God “and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” 1 John 2:4.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 35, 1877

3LtMs, Lt 35, 1877, par. 26

It was a great sacrifice Christ made for man in dying for him upon the cross. What are we willing to sacrifice for His love? Jesus says, “If ye love Me, keep My commandments” [John 14:15]—not to select out one or two or nine, but the whole ten—all His commandments must be kept. John tells us of those who pretend to love, but do not obey God’s requirements. “He who saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not grievous.” [1 John 2:4; 5:3.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 35b, 1877

3LtMs, Lt 35b, 1877, par. 18

It was a great sacrifice Christ made for man in dying for him upon the cross. What are we willing to sacrifice for His love? Jesus says, “If ye love Me, keep My commandments” [John 14:15]—not to select out one or two or nine, but the whole ten—all His commandments must be kept. John tells us of those who pretend to love but do not obey God’s requirements. “He who saith I know Him and keepeth not His commandments is a liar and the truth is not in him.” “For this is the love of God that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not grievous.” [1 John 2:4; 5:3.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 35a, 1877

3LtMs, Lt 35a, 1877, par. 8

You claimed to have liberty in prayer and in meetings. Is this the criterion of Christian character? Dare you trust to feelings as an evidence of fellowship with God? “To the law and to the testimony: If they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Isaiah 8:20. The mild beloved disciple has said, “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. The Word of God is very plain and pointed. It is dangerous business to profess to be a follower of Jesus and in works deny Him by indifference even to one of His requirements.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 10, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 10, 1893, par. 10

There is a religion which is nothing less than a deception. Selfishness is strengthened but not uprooted, it takes a position of secluded enjoyment. It is perfectly satisfied to contemplate the religion of Jesus Christ, but know nothing of its saving power. The religion of Christ always takes us in His footsteps; we see work, earnest work to be done for the Master. Christ said He came to preach the gospel to the poor; but it takes us to the poor, also to the rich in Caesar’s household. Sheaves are gathered from every place, high or low, rich or poor. What is holiness? It does not consist in profession, but in doing “the will of our Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 7:21.] The saying, “Lord, Lord,” will not secure an entrance for us into the kingdom of God. Let not any cheat their souls with this delusion because they are familiar with the doctrine of Christ and can talk of repentance and faith and exclaim, “I am saved. I am saved.” “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 13 (1898)

Lt 35, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 35, 1898, par. 19

“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.] This includes all who claim to have a knowledge of God, and to keep His commandments, but who do not manifest this by good works. They will receive according to their deeds. “Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not; whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.” [1 John 3:6.] This is addressed to all church members, including the members of the Seventh-day Adventist Churches. “Little children, let no man deceive you; he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the work of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him, and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil; whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.” [Verses 7-10.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 63, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 63, 1898, par. 20

“Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven.” [Matthew 18:3.] These words apply to each one of those who compose the great web of humanity. What is conversion? It is a change of heart. Those who are converted are doers of Christ’s words. “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 14 (1899)

Ms 39, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 39, 1899, par. 16

The Israelites placed over their doors a signature of blood, to show that they were God’s property. So every child of God in this age will bear the signature God has appointed. They will place themselves in harmony with God’s holy law. A mark is placed upon every one of God’s people, just as verily as a mark was placed over the doors of the Hebrew dwellings, to preserve the people from the general ruin. God declares, “I gave them my Sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify them.” [Ezekiel 20:12.] When men say that the law of God is abrogated by the testimonies of “the fathers,” they are teaching for doctrine the commandments of men. Their word is not founded upon the teaching of the apostles and prophets. Jesus Christ is not the Chief Cornerstone of their structure. John says, “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.] Those who permit themselves to be deceived will, with the deceiver, feel the wrath of the Lamb.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 51, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 51, 1901, par. 14

“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.] A great awakening must come to the church. If we only knew, if we only understood, how quickly the spirit of the message would go from church to church. How willingly would the possessions of believers be given to support the work of God. God calls upon us to pray and watch unto prayer. Cleanse your homes of the picture-idols which have consumed the money that ought to have flowed into the Lord’s treasury. The light must go forth as a lamp that burneth. Those who bear the message to the world should seek the Lord earnestly, that His Holy Spirit may be abundantly bestowed upon them. You have no time to lose. Pray for the power of God, that you may work with success for those nigh and afar off.

Counsels on Health

Beware of Moral Corruption

CH 611.1

If the sisters were elevated and possessed purity of heart, any corrupt advances, even from their minister, would be repulsed with such positiveness as would never need a repetition. Minds must be terribly befogged by Satan, when they can listen to the voice of the seducer because he is a minister, and therefore break God’s plain and positive commands and flatter themselves that they commit no sin. Have we not 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. What saith the law? “Thou shalt not commit adultery.” Exodus 20:14. When a man professing to keep God’s holy law, and ministering in sacred things, takes advantage of the confidence his position gives him and seeks to indulge his base passions, this fact should of itself be sufficient to enable a woman professing godliness to see that, although his profession was as exalted as the heavens, an impure proposal coming from him was from Satan disguised as an angel of light. I cannot believe that the word of God is abiding in the hearts of those who so readily yield up their innocency and virtue upon the altar of lustful passions.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 143, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 143, 1901, par. 78

Christ declared, “If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.” [John 9:41.] “If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.” [John 15:24.] To His disciples He said, “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.” [Verse 10.] “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” [John 14:15.] “He that hateth me hateth my Father also.” [John 15:23.] “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.]

Faith and Works

What God Requires

FW 52.2

The faith in Christ that saves the soul is not what it is represented to be by many. “Believe, believe,” is their cry; “only believe in Christ, and you will be saved. It is all you have to do.” While true faith trusts wholly in Christ for salvation, it will lead to perfect conformity to the law of God. Faith is manifested by works. And the apostle John declares, “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).

Manuscript Releases, vol. 19 [Nos. 1360-1419]

MR No. 1388—Increase Your Talents; Render Service to God by Witnessing; Laodicean Condition of Church

19MR 176.2

“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]. This includes all who claim to have a knowledge of God, and to keep His commandments, but who do not manifest this by good works. They will receive according to their deeds. “Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen Him, neither known Him” [1 John 3:6]. This is addressed to all church members, including the members of the Seventh-day Adventist churches. “Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for His seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother” [1 John 3:7-10].

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 5—Cain and Abel Tested

PP 73.2

True faith, which relies wholly upon Christ, will be manifested by obedience to all the requirements of God. From Adam’s day to the present time the great controversy has been concerning obedience to God’s law. In all ages there have been those who claimed a right to the favor of God even while they were disregarding some of His commands. But the Scriptures declare that by works is “faith made perfect;” and that, without the works of obedience, faith “is dead.” James 2:22, 17. He that professes to know God, “and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” 1 John 2:4.

Reflecting Christ

John Met Errors Unflinchingly, December 15

RC 363.6

John enjoyed the blessing of true sanctification. But mark, the apostle does not claim to be sinless; he is seeking perfection by walking in the light of God’s countenance. He testifies that the man who professes to know God, and yet breaks the divine law, gives the lie to his profession. “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).

Selected Messages Book 1

Chapter 9—Examine Yourselves

1SM 92.3

“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). A great awakening must come to the church. If we only knew, if we only understood, how quickly the spirit of the message would go from church to church. How willingly would the possessions of believers be given to support the work of God. God calls upon us to pray and watch unto prayer. Cleanse your homes of the picture-idols [See Selected Messages 2:317-320 for a fuller discussion of the taking of pictures.—Compilers.] which have consumed the money that ought to have flowed into the Lord’s treasury. The light must go forth as a lamp that burneth. Those who bear the message to the world should seek the Lord earnestly, that His Holy Spirit may be abundantly showered upon them. You have no time to lose. Pray for the power of God, that you may work with success for those nigh and afar off.

In Heavenly Places

Obedience the Test of True Religion, May 4

HP 131.5

The tremendous issues of eternity demand of us something besides an imaginary religion, a religion of words and forms, where the truth is kept in the outer court, to be admired as we admire a beautiful flower; they demand something more than a religion of feeling, which distrusts God when trials and difficulties come. Holiness does not consist in profession, but in lifting the cross, doing the will of God.... “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 2:4, 5).5The Review and Herald, February 28, 1907.

From Here to Forever

Only Through Faith

HF 291.4

Let none deceive themselves that they can become holy while willfully violating one of God’s requirements. Known sin silences the witnessing voice of the Spirit and separates the soul from God. Though John dwells so fully upon love, he does not hesitate to reveal the true character of that class who claim to be sanctified while living in transgression of the law of God. “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 2:4, 5. Here is the test of every man’s profession. If men belittle and make light of God’s precepts, if they “break one of the least of these commandments and teach men so” (Matthew 5:18, 19), we may know that their claims are without foundation.

True Revival

Counterfeit Sanctification—Is It “Only Believe”?

TR 25.3

Let none deceive themselves with the belief that they can become holy while willfully violating one of God’s requirements. The commission of a known sin silences the witnessing voice of the Spirit and separates the soul from God. ...Though John in his epistles dwells so fully upon love, yet he does not hesitate to reveal the true character of that class who claim to be sanctified while living in transgression of the law of God. “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 2:4, 5). Here is the test of every man’s profession. We cannot accord holiness to any man without bringing him to the measurement of God’s only standard of holiness in heaven and in earth. ...

The Great Hope (Condensed)

Only Through Faith

GrH_c 28.3

Let none deceive themselves that they can become holy while willfully violating one of God’s requirements. Known sin silences the witnessing voice of the Spirit and separates the soul from God. Though John dwells so fully upon love, he does not hesitate to reveal the true character of that class who claim to be sanctified while living in transgression of the law of God. “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 2:4, 5. Here is the test of every man’s profession. If men belittle and make light of God’s precepts, if they “break one of the least of these commandments and teach men so” (Matthew 5:18, 19), we may know that their claims are without foundation.

Homeward Bound

Obedience Is the Fruit of Love, June 12

HB 185.3

There are those who profess holiness, who declare that they are wholly the Lord’s, who claim a right to the promises of God, while refusing to render obedience to His commandments. These transgressors of the law claim everything that is promised to the children of God; but this is presumption on their part, for John tells us that true love for God will be revealed in obedience to all His commandments. It is not enough to believe the theory of truth, to make a profession of faith in Christ, to believe that Jesus is no impostor, and that the religion of the Bible is no cunningly devised fable. “He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments,” John wrote, “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 2:4, 5.) . . .

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 20, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 20, 1895, par. 7

We must through faith accept the truth as it is in Jesus. The Bible election is plainly stated in the Word of God. “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.” [John 15:10.] “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” [John 14:15.] “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 words, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.” “And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the spirit which he hath given us.” [1 John 2:4, 5; 3:24.] (See Revelation 22:12-21.)

Maranatha

Counterfeit Sanctification, August 12

Mar 232.1

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 2:4, 5.

Mar 232.5

Let none deceive themselves with the belief that they can become holy while willfully violating one of God’s requirements. The commission of a known sin silences the witnessing voice of the Spirit and separates the soul from God.... “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 2:4, 5).19Revival and Beyond, 15-17.

Our Father Cares

True Followers Obey God’s Law, November 4

OFC 320.4

The commission of a known sin silences the witnessing voice of the Spirit and separates the soul from God. “Sin is the transgression of the law.” And “whosoever sinneth [transgresseth the law] hath not seen him, neither known him” (1 John 3:6). Though John in his Epistles dwells so fully upon love, yet he does not hesitate to reveal the true character of that class who claim to be sanctified while living in transgression of the law of God. “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” (chap. 2:4, 5).

Reflecting Christ

True Followers Obey God’s Law, February 4

RC 49.4

The commission of a known sin silences the witnessing voice of the Spirit and separates the soul from God. “Sin is the transgression of the law.” And “whosoever sinneth [transgresseth the law] hath not seen him, neither known him” (1 John 3:6). Though John in his Epistles dwells so fully upon love, yet he does not hesitate to reveal the true character of that class who claim to be sanctified while living in transgression of the law of God. “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” (chap. 2:4, 5).

The Great Controversy

Chapter 27—Modern Revivals

GC 472.3

Let none deceive themselves with the belief that they can become holy while willfully violating one of God’s requirements. The commission of a known sin silences the witnessing voice of the Spirit and separates the soul from God. “Sin is the transgression of the law.” And “whosoever sinneth [transgresseth the law] hath not seen Him, neither known Him.” 1 John 3:6. Though John in his epistles dwells so fully upon love, yet he does not hesitate to reveal the true character of that class who claim to be sanctified while living in transgression of the law of God. “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 2:4, 5. Here is the test of every man’s profession. We cannot accord holiness to any man without bringing him to the measurement of God’s only standard of holiness in heaven and in earth. If men feel no weight of the moral law, if they belittle and make light of God’s precepts, if they break one of the least of these commandments, and teach men so, they shall be of no esteem in the sight of Heaven, and we may know that their claims are without foundation.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 27—Modern Revivals

GC88 472.3

Let none deceive themselves with the belief that they can become holy while willfully violating one of God’s requirements. The commission of a known sin silences the witnessing voice of the Spirit, and separates the soul from God. “Sin is the transgression of the law.” And “whosoever sinneth [transgresseth the law] hath not seen him, neither known him.” [1 John 3:6.] Though John in his epistles dwells so fully upon love, yet he does not hesitate to reveal the true character of that class who claim to be sanctified while living in transgression of the law of God. “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 2:4, 5.] Here is the test of every man’s profession. We cannot accord holiness to any man without bringing him to the measurement of God’s only standard of holiness in Heaven and in earth. If men feel no weight of the moral law, if they belittle and make light of God’s precepts, if they break one of the least of these commandments, and teach men so, they shall be of no esteem in the sight of Heaven, and we may know that their claims are without foundation.

A New Life (Revival and Beyond)

Counterfeit Sanctification—Is It “Only Believe”?

NL 16.3

Let none deceive themselves with the belief that they can become holy while willfully violating one of God’s requirements. The commission of a known sin silences the witnessing voice of the Spirit and separates the soul from God.... Though John in his epistles dwells so fully upon love, yet he does not hesitate to reveal the true character of that class who claim to be sanctified while living in transgression of the law of God. “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 2:4, 5). Here is the test of every man’s profession. We cannot accord holiness to any man without bringing him to the measurement of God’s only standard of holiness in heaven and in earth....

The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4

Chapter 22—Modern Revivals

4SP 299.1

Its advocates teach that the law of God is a grievous yoke. and that by faith in Christ, men are released from all obligation to keep his Father’s commandments. Bible sanctification is a conformity to the will of God, attained by rendering obedience to his law, through faith in his Son. Our Saviour prayed for his disciples, “Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth.” [John 17:17.] There is no genuine sanctification except through obedience to the truth; and the psalmist declares, “Thy law is the truth.” [Psalm 119:142.] The law of God is the only standard of moral perfection. That law was exemplified in the life of Christ. He says, “I have kept my Father’s commandments.” [John 15:10.] And the apostle John affirms, “He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” And again, “This is the love of God, that we keep his commandments.” [1 John 2:6; 5:3.] Those who love God will love his commandments also. The truly sanctified heart is in harmony with the divine precepts; for they are “holy, and just, and good.”

4SP 299.2

It is only when the law of God is set aside, and men have no standard of right, no means to detect sin, that erring mortals can claim perfect holiness. But let none deceive themselves with the belief that God will accept and bless them while they are willfully violating one of his requirements. The commission of a known sin silences the witnessing voice of the Spirit, and separates the soul from God. Jesus cannot abide in the heart that disregards the divine law. God will honor those only who honor him. “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law; for sin is the transgression of the law.” “Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not; whosoever sinneth [transgresseth the law] hath not seen him, neither known him.” [1 John 3:4, 6.] Though John in his epistles treats so fully upon love, yet he does not hesitate to reveal the true character of that class who claim to be sanctified while living in transgression of the law of God: “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.]

The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 55—Transformed by Grace

AA 559.2

John was a teacher of holiness, and in his letters to the church he laid down unerring rules for the conduct of Christians. “Every man that hath this hope in him,” he wrote, “purifieth himself, even as He is pure.” “He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.” 1 John 3:3; 2:6. He taught that the Christian must be pure in heart and life. Never should he be satisfied with an empty profession. As God is holy in His sphere, so fallen man, through faith in Christ, is to be holy in his sphere.

AA 562.3

There are those who profess holiness, who declare that they are wholly the Lord’s, who claim a right to the promises of God, while refusing to render obedience to His commandments. These transgressors of the law claim everything that is promised to the children of God; but this is presumption on their part, for John tells us that true love for God will be revealed in obedience to all His commandments. It is not enough to believe the theory of truth, to make a profession of faith in Christ, to believe that Jesus is no impostor, and that the religion of the Bible is no cunningly devised fable. “He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments,” John wrote, “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 keepeth His commandments dwelleth in Him, and He in him.” 1 John 2:4, 5; 3:24.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 59, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 59, 1899, par. 1

There are many who inquire, What is the standard I must reach? I answer, The law of God is the only true standard of moral perfection. In the life of Christ you have the law practically carried into action, and this is your example. Nothing short of this will meet the requirement of the Word of God. Christ could say, “I have kept my Father’s commandments,” and the disciple John declares, “He that abideth in him ought himself also so to walk even as he walked.” [John 15:10; 1 John 2:6.]

14LtMs, Ms 59, 1899, par. 15

Listen to the testimony of John: “By this we know we love the children of God, if we love God and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God that ye keep his commandments, and his commandments are not grievous.” “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. ... 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.” [1 John 5:2, 3; 2:4, 5, 7.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 11 [Nos. 851-920]

MR No. 920—The Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, and Lost Son

11MR 372.3

Personal piety can only bear its testimony in a wise and unconditional surrender to God. It can only be obtained by asking of God. We are to shut our doors to all outward activity, and kneel before our Maker. Away from human beings, we are to consider our duty in the light of the Word of God. “I pray not,” said Christ in His prayer to the Father, “that Thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil” (John 17:15). The soul that seeks after God will find Him. And the life will be full of goodness, love, and truth. The conversation will be of heaven, from whence we look for our Saviour. Our religion will tell, in its influence, in our personal deeds [1 John 3:10-22; 2:4-7 quoted.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 42, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 42, 1894, par. 16

When our heavenly Father has not only given Jesus to our world, but all heaven in the One great Gift, when He made no reserve whereby He could exceed the value of His gift, those who are the recipients of such wonderful love are called upon to love one another as Christ has loved them. The Saviour’s teachings in the Old Testament, while enshrouded in the cloudy pillar, present the same high standard as do His teachings in the New Testament. Please read Leviticus 19. The entire chapter is a lesson given for the benefit of future generations. It is Jesus Christ who is speaking. Read also 1 John 2:4-7. John 1:1-4, 14.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 143, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 143, 1898, par. 27

“He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings; and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.” [Verses 23, 24.] “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 word of God perfected: Hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also 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 2:4-7.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 80, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 80, 1898, par. 17

John declares, “In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil. Whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. For this is the message which ye heard from the beginning, that ye love one another. Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous. Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. ... 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. But whoso hath this world’s goods, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. ... Beloved, if our hearts condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.” [1 John 3:10-14, 16-19, 21, 22.] “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 2:4-7.]

The Bible Echo

June 17, 1895

BEcho June 17, 1895, par. 6

This love of God is demonstrated by all who keep His commandments. “If ye love Me,” says Christ, “keep My commandments.” John says, “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 2:4-6. There is not the smallest chance to doubt as to the commandments to which the apostle here refers. Again he says:

BEcho June 17, 1895, par. 7

“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 [thus said the Jewish church], 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.” Verses 7-10.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 87, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 87, 1894, par. 14

“Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God.” [Matthew 5:8.] The pure in heart ever keep before them their invisible Lord, and they catch His Spirit; they love their Lord with all the heart, and exercise in their life the love that God has manifested toward all human beings. But “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 so to walk, even as he walked.” [1 John 2:4-6.]

9LtMs, Ms 87, 1894, par. 15

Let all read and understand the words of John in order that they may make no mistake. To what commandments is John referring? He says, “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.” [Verses 7-10.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 1, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 1, 1895, par. 17

And that love is demonstrated by all who keep His commandments. If ye love me, keep my commandments. Saith John, “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 2:4-6.]

10LtMs, Lt 1, 1895, par. 18

There is not a semblance of a chance as to the commandments to which 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. 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” (thus saith the Jewish church) “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.” [Verses 7-10.] Shall we accept the truth as it is in Christ Jesus? “Him that honoreth God, God will honor, but he that despiseth God shall be lightly esteemed.” [See 1 Samuel 2:30.] Many cry, Away with the commandments of God; crucify that law, just as the Jews cried, Away with Christ, crucify Him, crucify Him, because that law condemns their iniquities and all crooked practices.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Ms 8a, 1888

5LtMs, Ms 8a, 1888, par. 17

John writes further, “He that said, 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. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk even as he walked.” [1 John 2:4-6.] The Lord has plain words for those who like the Pharisees make great boast of their piety, but whose hearts are destitute of the love of God. The Pharisees refused to know God and Jesus Christ, whom He had sent. Are we not in danger of doing the same thing as did the Pharisees and scribes?

5LtMs, Ms 8a, 1888, par. 29

Young men, Jesus calls you, saying, “Follow me.” Those who follow Him will not walk in darkness, for Christ is the light of life. Our older ministering brethren must drop some of their responsibilities, or else they will go down in the silence of the grave. The aged standard-bearers may act as worthy counsellors and living witnesses, but their younger and stronger brethren should bear the heavy burdens. John says, “I write unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and have overcome the wicked one.” [1 John 2:14.] You whose eyes are not dimmed, whose brain power has not been worn by constant taxation, should plan, devise, and execute, treating the aged workers with tenderness, as fathers, and looking up to them as counsellors and guides. Young workers should respect the age and experience of their older brethren.

Reflecting Christ

The Law, as a Mirror, Reveals Sin, February 10

RC 55.1

Whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 1 John 2:5.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Ms 99, 1909

24LtMs, Ms 99, 1909, par. 44

The apostle John is an example of the way in which God can use aged workers. Read his stirring words, written when he was an old man. Who could bear a firmer, more decided testimony? He writes: 1 John 1:1 to 2:5.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1

Chapter 59—Power of Example

1T 284.3

1 John 2:15-17: “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.”

1T 286.1

1 John 2:5, 6: “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.”

Spiritual Gifts, vol. 4b

Power of Example

4bSG 75.2

1 John 2:15-17. “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.”

4bSG 76.5

1 John 2:5, 6. “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.”

The Review and Herald

June 25, 1861

RH June 25, 1861, par. 30

1 John 2:15-17: “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.”

RH June 25, 1861, par. 40

1 John 2:5, 6: “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.”

The Review and Herald

July 1, 1875

RH July 5, 1875, par. 4

1 John 2:15-17: “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 world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof; but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.”

RH July 5, 1875, par. 14

1 John 2:5, 6: “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.”

Testimony for the Church — No. 7

Power of Example

T07 42.2

1 John 2:15-17. “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.”

T07 44.2

1 John 2:5, 6. “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.”

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 54—The Good Samaritan

DA 504.1

The lawyer’s question to Jesus had been, “What shall I do?” And Jesus, recognizing love to God and man as the sum of righteousness, had said, “This do, and thou shalt live.” The Samaritan had obeyed the dictates of a kind and loving heart, and in this had proved himself a doer of the law. Christ bade the lawyer, “Go, and do thou likewise.” Doing, and not saying merely, is expected of the children of God. “He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.” 1 John 2:6.

The Faith I Live By

Jesus Our Perfect Pattern, August 1

FLB 219.1

He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. 1 John 2:6.

The Sanctified Life

Chapter 10—Christian Character

SL 80.3

The law of God is the only true standard of moral perfection. That law was practically exemplified in the life of Christ. He says of Himself, “I have kept my Father’s commandments” (John 15:10). Nothing short of this obedience will meet the requirements of God’s word. “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked” (1 John 2:6). We cannot plead that we are unable to do this, for we have the assurance, “My grace is sufficient for thee” (2 Corinthians 12:9). As we look into the divine mirror, the law of God, we see the exceeding sinfulness of sin, and our own lost condition as transgressors. But by repentance and faith we are justified before God, and through divine grace enabled to render obedience to His commandments.

The Upward Look

The Great Medical Missionary, August 3

UL 229.1

He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. 1 John 2:6.

This Day With God

With One Accord, January 2

TDG 10.1

He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. 1 John 2:6.

This Day With God

Don’t Shun the Cross, October 12

TDG 294.3

When we profess to be servants of Christ we should no longer serve the world, and should not have union or fellowship with those who reject the truths which we deem sacred. I was pointed to 1 John 2:6. “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:4, 5)....

To Be Like Jesus

Foreword

BLJ 5.1

To be like Jesus—this is the goal set forth by John the beloved: “Whoever says, ‘I abide in Him,’ ought to walk just as He walked” (1 John 2:6, NRSV). And Peter declared: “Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps” (1 Peter 2:21).

To Be Like Jesus

Seek to Reflect the Image of Jesus, July 27

BLJ 221.1

Whoever says, “I abide in him,” ought to walk just as he walked. 1 John 2:6, NRSV.

Conflict and Courage

John and Judas—A Contrast, November 6

CC 316.1

He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. 1 John 2:6.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 1

Cross Reveals Principle of Sacrifice

1TT 468.1

It is written: “Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind.” 1 Peter 4:1. And again: “He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.” 1 John 2:6. Let us inquire: What would our Saviour have done in our circumstances? what would have been His efforts for the salvation of souls? This question is answered by the example of Christ. He left His royalty, laid aside His glory, sacrificed His riches, and clothed His divinity with humanity, that He might reach men where they were. His example shows that He laid down His life for sinners.

From Trials to Triumph

Chapter 55—John’s Secret of True Sanctification

TT 294.2

In his letters, John wrote, “Every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.” “He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.” 1 John 3:3; 2:6. As God is holy in His sphere, so fallen man, through faith in Christ, is to be holy in his sphere.

From the Heart

United With Our Maker, February 15

FH 58.1

He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. 1 John 2:6.

Homeward Bound

Good-Ground Hearers, January 21

HB 36.6

“And bring forth fruit.” (Mark 4:20.) Those who, having heard the word, keep it, will bring forth fruit in obedience. The word of God, received into the soul, will be manifest in good works. Its results will be seen in a Christlike character and life. Christ said of Himself, “I delight to do Thy will, O My God; yea, Thy law is within My heart.” (Psalm 40:8.) “I seek not Mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent Me.” (John 5:30.) And the Scripture says, “He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.” (1 John 2:6.)

Homeward Bound

An Example of True Sanctification, March 30

HB 107.4

John was a teacher of holiness, and in his letters to the church he laid down unerring rules for the conduct of Christians. “Every man that hath this hope in him,” he wrote, “purifieth himself, even as He is pure.” “He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.” (1 John 3:3; 2:6.) He taught that Christians must be pure in heart and life. Never should they be satisfied with an empty profession. As God is holy in His sphere, so fallen human beings, through faith in Christ, are to be holy in their sphere.

Homeward Bound

Self-Sacrifice in the Church, August 12

HB 249.2

The lawyer’s question to Jesus had been, “What shall I do?” And Jesus, recognizing love to God and mankind as the sum of righteousness, had said, “This do, and thou shalt live.” The Samaritan had obeyed the dictates of a kind and loving heart, and in this had proved himself a doer of the law. Christ bade the lawyer, “Go, and do thou likewise.” (Luke 10:25, 28, 37.) Doing, and not saying merely, is expected of the children of God. “He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.” (1 John 2:6.)

With God at Dawn

Sincerity, September 10

WGD 255.1

He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. 1 John 2:6.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)

Ms 7, 1866

1LtMs, Ms 7, 1866, par. 3

Brother Wicks made a sad mistake of shifting the responsibility of his stewardship upon his wife, and she made a sad mistake in urging him to do so. The Searcher of hearts, to whom the intents and purposes of every heart stand faithfully revealed, was acquainted with the motives and purposes, and this transfer of property was not from motives which would stand the test of the judgment. Sister Wicks’ peculiar traits of character are penurious, selfish, acquisitive. In order for her to be benefited by the mediation of Christ and inherit eternal life, she must be an overcomer and imitate the character of her divine Lord, doing good to others, living for the benefit of others, loving others as Christ has loved us. The precious gift of love, possessed so largely by our Saviour, she is a stranger to. His life was characterized by noble, disinterested benevolence. His whole life was not marred by one selfish act. “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” 1 John 2:6. “Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: Because as he is, so are we in this world.” 1 John 4:17. “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 2 Peter 1:4.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)

Lt 9, 1861

1LtMs, Lt 9, 1861, par. 6

Again the life of Christ was presented—His self-denial and sacrifice to purchase redemption for us. When we profess to be servants of Christ we should no longer serve the world, and should not have union or fellowship with those who reject the truths which we deem sacred. I was pointed to (1 John 2:6): “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” (John 15:4, 5): “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)

Lt 29, 1868

1LtMs, Lt 29, 1868, par. 2

Sister Wicks’ peculiar traits of character are penuriousness, selfishness, acquisitiveness. In order for her to be benefited by the mediation of Christ and inherit eternal life she must be an overcomer and imitate the character of her divine Lord, doing good to others, living for the benefit of others, loving others as Christ has loved us. She is a stranger to the precious gift of love possessed so largely by our Saviour. His life was characterized by noble, disinterested benevolence. His whole life was not marred by one selfish act. “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” [1 John 2:6.]

God’s Amazing Grace

Encourages Christlikeness, May 20

AG 148.1

He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. 1 John 2:6.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Ms 1, 1869

2LtMs, Ms 1, 1869, par. 14

The love revealed in the Saviour’s life of self-denial and self-sacrifice is to be seen in the lives of His followers. We are called upon “so to walk even as He walked.” [1 John 2:6.] The cause of our weakness lies in our refusal to obey this command. On every side there are opportunities to work for our fellow men, not only in supplying their temporal wants, but their spiritual necessities. It is our duty to lead souls to the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. It is important that we fill aright our position in the world, in society, and in the church; but we cannot do this unless we have a firm hold upon righteousness. Our faith must reach within the veil, whither our Forerunner hath for us entered. It is possible for us to take hold by faith of the eternal promises of God, but to do this we must have a faith that will not be denied, a steadfast, immovable faith, that will take hold of the realities of the unseen world.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 38, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 38, 1893, par. 10

“He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” [1 John 2:6.] Are you doing this? Are you a diligent student of the life of Christ? Do you study His spirit and actions, that you may have the mind of Christ and walk even as He walked? I am very much in earnest; I am very anxious concerning your case lest you miss the way and are belated and left behind, because you do not follow Jesus. Your home life has been marred by bitter words. Your mind and soul have been impoverished by your own course of action. Why not decide to believe in Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour, that He may save you, not in your sins, but from your sins?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 84, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 84, 1895, par. 16

Will those who profess to be Seventh-day Adventists refuse to shine? Will they live a divided life? Christ says, “Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” You may think that you may serve both; but the great Teacher says, Ye “will hold to the one, and despise the other.” [Matthew 6:24.] Those who compromise with the world, despise the humble, self-denying, self-sacrificing principles that actuated the life of Christ. He lived not to please Himself. He was self-denying. In man’s behalf, He was a man of sorrow and acquainted with grief. Those who have the mind of Christ will “walk even as he walked.” [1 John 2:6.] They will live out the law of God, will feed upon Christ, be partakers of the divine nature, and stand as living sentinels for truth. In integrity of heart, they will voice the cry, “Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And I will be a father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” [2 Corinthians 6:17, 18.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 11, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 11, 1899, par. 13

Why then, we may ask, do we not have more of the Holy Spirit? Because we do not abide in Christ, eating His flesh and drinking His blood. All who eat the heavenly bread will have eternal life. “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk even as he walked.” [1 John 2:6.] God has given us every facility, every grace. He has provided the very riches of heaven’s treasure, and it is our privilege to draw continually from the capital. But we do not avail ourselves of this privilege. The apostle exhorts us, “And besides this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue (which will demonstrate the purity and holiness of your character) and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance, patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.” [2 Peter 1:5-7.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 4, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 4, 1900, par. 10

Men whose characters have been depraved, and evil and only evil continually, are not the ones with whom God can trust with the sacred work which means so much in these last days. “Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” [John 12:42, 43.] We must act our part intelligently. All the talents, all the strength possible, must be brought in to carry the work forward. We are not to be consumers, but as workers together with God. Receiving and imparting is the gospel plan. “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also to walk even as he walked.” [1 John 2:6.]

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Faultless Example, February 6

JNN 45.1

He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.—1 John 2:6

In Heavenly Places

True to Our Name, February 20

HP 57.1

He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. 1 John 2:6.

Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 2

Chapter 80—Satan’s Science of Self-exaltation

2MCP 727.3

Farthest Removed From Pride or Self-exaltation—“He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked” (1 John 2:6). “Now if any man have not the spirit of Christ, he is none of His” (Romans 8:9). This conformity to Jesus will not be unobserved by the world. It is a subject of notice and comment. The Christian may not be conscious of the great change, for the more closely he resembles Christ in character, the more humble will be his opinion of himself; but it will be seen and felt by all around him.

Reflecting Christ

Sanctification Is the Result of Lifelong Obedience, March 8

RC 81.1

He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. 1 John 2:6.

Reflecting Christ

Love Is Shown by Willing Obedience, March 23

RC 96.4

The law of God is the only true standard of moral perfection. That law was practically exemplified in the life of Christ. He says of Himself, “I have kept my Father’s commandments” (John 15:10). Nothing short of this obedience will meet the requirements of God’s Word. “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked” (1 John 2:6). We cannot plead that we are unable to do this, for we have the assurance, “My grace is sufficient for thee” (2 Corinthians 12:9). As we look into the divine mirror, the law of God, we see the exceeding sinfulness of sin, and our own lost condition as transgressors. But by repentance and faith we are justified before God, and through divine grace enabled to render obedience to His commandments.

The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 32—A Liberal Church

AA 339.2

The spirit of liberality is the spirit of heaven. This spirit finds its highest manifestation in Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. In our behalf the Father gave His only-begotten Son; and Christ, having given up all that He had, then gave Himself, that man might be saved. The cross of Calvary should appeal to the benevolence of every follower of the Saviour. The principle there illustrated is to give, give. “He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.” 1 John 2:6.

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 2—“The Sower Went Forth to Sow”

COL 55.2

Cares, riches, pleasures, all are used by Satan in playing the game of life for the human soul. The warning is given, “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.” 1 John 2:15, 16. He who reads the hearts of men as an open book says, “Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness and cares of this life.” Luke 21:34. And the apostle Paul by the Holy Spirit writes, “They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil; which, while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 6:9, 10.

COL 60.2

“And bring forth fruit.” Those who, having heard the word, keep it, will bring forth fruit in obedience. The word of God, received into the soul, will be manifest in good works. Its results will be seen in a Christlike character and life. Christ said of Himself, “I delight to do Thy will, O My God; yea, Thy law is within My heart.” Psalm 40:8. “I seek not Mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent Me.” John 5:30. And the Scripture says, “He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.” 1 John 2:6.

Reflecting Christ

The New Covenant Promise, February 23

RC 68.4

The beloved disciple, who listened to the words of Jesus on the mount, writing long afterward under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, speaks of the law as of perpetual obligation. He says that “sin is the transgression of the law” and that “whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law” (1 John 3:4). He makes it plain that the law to which he refers is “an old commandment which ye had from the beginning” (chap. 2:7). He is speaking of the law that existed at the creation and was reiterated upon Mount Sinai....

Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing

“I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.”—Matthew 5:17.

MB 48.2

The beloved disciple, who listened to the words of Jesus on the mount, writing long afterward under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, speaks of the law as of perpetual obligation. He says that “sin is the transgression of the law” and that “whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law.” 1 John 3:4. He makes it plain that the law to which he refers is “an old commandment which ye had from the beginning.” 1 John 2:7. He is speaking of the law that existed at the creation and was reiterated upon Mount Sinai.

Homeward Bound

God’s Law Is Eternal, June 8

HB 181.3

The beloved disciple, who listened to the words of Jesus on the mount, writing long afterward under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, speaks of the law as of perpetual obligation. He says that “sin is the transgression of the law” and that “whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law.” (1 John 3:4.) He makes it plain that the law to which he refers is “an old commandment which ye had from the beginning.” (1 John 2:7.) He is speaking of the law that existed at the creation and was reiterated upon Mount Sinai.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 43, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 43, 1894, par. 4

At the last public service, on Sunday night, the sight was one long to be remembered. The night was beautiful, the walls of the tent were raised, and extra seats were placed around the outside. Many were thus accommodated with seats, yet a large crowd was left standing. Elder Corliss preached upon the glorious appearing of our Lord, and it was just the discourse for the occasion. The Spirit and power of God were manifested through the human agent. At times the whole crowd were held as if spellbound. Certainly many have had an opportunity of hearing things strange to them. The truth fell upon their ears as a new revelation. Yet those were old truths that were placed before them with a freshness and power the hearers had never known before. “The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning.” [1 John 2:7.]

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Giver of the Law, August 4

JNN 230.4

The beloved disciple, who listened to the words of Jesus on the mount, writing long afterward under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, speaks of the law as of perpetual obligation. He says that “sin is the transgression of the law” and that “whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law” (1 John 3:4). He makes it plain that the law to which he refers is “an old commandment which ye had from the beginning” (1 John 2:7). He is speaking of the law that existed at the creation and was reiterated upon Mount Sinai.—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, 47, 48.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 391, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 391, 1906, par. 15

And how do you suppose God looks upon this matter? I know that your spirit will have to change decidedly before you can stand acquitted before God of your assumptions and your hatred. I present to you the scriptures: 1 John 2:7-11; chap. 3:11-15; chap. 4:7, 16-21.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 79, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 79, 1894, par. 20

I rose at three, and after dressing, had a precious season of prayer, and then commenced to write. The day is pleasant, and we hope for growth in the interest of the meeting. Oh, we must have Jesus today. We hope that many souls will be able to truly say, “The darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.” [1 John 2:8.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 41, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 41, 1894, par. 26

I rose at three, and after dressing, had a precious season of prayer, and then commenced to write. The day is pleasant, and we hope for growth in the interest of the meeting. Oh, we must have Jesus today! We hope that many souls will be able to truly say, “The darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.” [1 John 2:8.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 1, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 1, 1895, par. 24

I arose at three o’clock this morning, had a precious season of prayer, and commenced to write. The day is pleasant, and we hope for growth in interest in the meetings. We must have Jesus with us today. We hope that many souls will be able to say, “The darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.” [1 John 2:8.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 17, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 17, 1899, par. 1

“A new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you, because the darkness in passed, 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 2:8-10.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 336, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 336, 1906, par. 27

We are all to strive for unity. “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 2:8-11.]

This Day With God

The Indwelling Christ, May 28

TDG 157.1

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 2:9, 10.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 16 [Nos. 1186-1235]

MR No. 1200—The Need for Love in the Church, and An Appeal to Heed the Message to the Laodiceans

[1 John 1:5-10; 2:9-11, quoted.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 34, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 34, 1900, par. 7

Those who claim to believe the truth should obey the Word of God just as it reads, practicing its instruction. Remember that those who love not their brethren deny the faith. Many because their brethren do not follow their leading, manifest toward them a spirit of hatred. <Is this leading right? Is it wrong?> God has never bidden us follow the leading of any man, and He has said, “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 2:9-11.] Can we not see from this what it means to be at variance?

Manuscript Releases, vol. 12 [Nos. 921-999]

Warnings Against Jealousy and Misjudging; A Defense of Dr. Kellogg

12MR 374.3

You have made grave charges against me in your letter sent to me at this place, but as yet I do not see their justice. I wrote to you from Switzerland in the fear of God. I was doing a work in this matter that was not pleasant to me, but I felt it my duty to do this work. If my letter caused so great consequences to you as five months’ illness, I shall not be held accountable for it; for if you had received it in the right spirit, it would have had no such results. I wrote in the anguish of my soul in regard to the course you pursued in the [1886] General Conference [session] two years since. The Lord was not pleased with that meeting. Your spirit, my brother, was not right. The manner in which you treated the case of Dr. Waggoner was perhaps after your own order, but not after God’s order. The course you took was not excusable, even if his views were questionable. We must not crowd and push one another because others do not see just as we see. We must treat others with Christlike courtesy, even if they differ with us. Matthew 5:43-48; 1 John 2:9-11; 3:16-18; 1 John 4:7, 8.