EGW Writings1 John 3
Ellen G. White · Page 2 of 4
Read 1 John 3 in the Bible1 John 3:1-7
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Ms 145, 1907
22LtMs, Ms 145, 1907, par. 14
“Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God! Therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God; and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure. ... Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous.” [1 John 3:1-3, 7.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 299, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 299, 1905, par. 17
“Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God! therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God; and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. And every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that He was manifested to take away our sins; and in Him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen Him, neither known Him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous.” [1 John 3:1-7.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 26a, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 26a, 1906, par. 13
“Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God. Therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself even as He is pure. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law; for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not. Whosoever sinneth hath not seen Him, neither known Him. Little children, let no man deceive you; he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous.” [1 John 3:1-7.]1 John 3:1-8
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 76, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 76, 1900, par. 25
When so much is at stake, even eternal life, how important it is for man to gain a correct view of the spirituality of the law and a knowledge of the extent of its claims. What is sin. “Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it know him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law; for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he was manifested to take away”—what? The law which defines sin? No; to take away sin if the transgressor will confess his sin and purify himself from all transgression. [1 John 3:1-4.]15LtMs, Lt 76, 1900, par. 26
“In him is no sin”—no transgression of the law. “Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not; whosoever sinneth hath not seen him”—hath not accepted him as a personal Saviour—“neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you; he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” [Verses 5-8.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Ms 54, 1895
10LtMs, Ms 54, 1895, par. 13
Brother Colcord came up in the afternoon and gave a most powerful discourse Wednesday evening on the subject of religious liberty. We had no meeting Thursday afternoon for this is the day their produce is taken to market. In the evening I spoke again from First John 3:1-8. The Lord gave me a very solemn message for the people. There were one hundred present and men and women and children listened with intense interest.1 John 3:1-9
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 57, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 57, 1895, par. 16
If there is anything in our world that should inspire enthusiasm, it is the cross of Calvary. “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not because it knew Him not.” [1 John 3:1.] “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Christ is to be accepted, believed in, and exalted. This is to be the theme of conversation—the preciousness of Christ.10LtMs, Lt 57, 1895, par. 48
This is the testimony that must go throughout the length and breadth of the world. It presents the law and the gospel, binding up the two in a perfect whole. (See Romans 5, and 1 John 3:9) to the close of the chapter. These precious scriptures will be impressed upon every heart that is opened to receive them. “The entrance of Thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding to the simple”—those who are contrite in heart. [Psalm 119:130.] “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.] These have not a mere nominal faith, a theory of truth, a legal religion, but they believe to a purpose, appropriating to themselves the richest gifts of God. They plead for the gift, that they may give to others. They can say, “Of His fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.” [Verse 16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 105, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 105, 1894, par. 8
Fathers and mothers have the responsibility of bringing up children; and the question they should ask themselves is, Are we training them in such a way that they shall know Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour? Are we feeling a responsibility for their souls? Do we by precept and example teach our children to ask God for his blessing and to render to him thanksgiving for his great mercy and loving kindness to them and to us? Are we working for our Master, or are we by spirit and attitude conveying to others the idea that the Christian life is a wearisome service? Those who truly know God can say with John “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God; therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.” [1 John 3:1.] Are we introducing our children to Christ, are we leading our neighbors to hope in his mercy? Have we the hope expressed by John when he says “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doeth not yet appear what we shall be; but we know that when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” [Verse 2.]9LtMs, Ms 105, 1894, par. 15
This is the same spirit that is manifested today in the Christian world. They claim to be the children of God, yet they reject the truth that God has sent them from heaven, just as the Jewish nation rejected Christ, because the doctrines that he advocated did not coincide with the errors which they have received. “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe his name; which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth.” [Verses 12-14.] Those who are the light of the world are blessed because they behold spiritual things and see Christ as one who is full of grace and truth, and are partakers of the divine nature. “And of his fullness have we all received and grace for grace.” [Verse 16.] The reception of the grace of Christ makes a marked change in the character; for those who receive it are called “born of God.” [1 John 3:9.] The grace of Christ is diffusive. As the believing soul receives the truth as it is in Jesus, he obtains a glimpse of the righteousness of Christ in the law, and exclaims, “Open thou mine eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” [Psalm 119:18.] “Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue, 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 1:1-4.] The whole Christian experience is presented in a small compass, and it is all embraced in believing and doing the words of Christ. Peter brings to view the plan of addition, the working out of the promise of receiving grace for grace. He says, “And besides this giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, 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. For if these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” [Verses 5-8.] Are you adding to your Christian experience? Grace is to be multitude unto you through the knowledge you receive of God and of Jesus Christ.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 107, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 107, 1906, par. 2
“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.” [1 John 3:1-3.]21LtMs, Ms 107, 1906, par. 4
It is sin that alienates from God. “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that He was manifested to take away our sins; and in Him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not: whoso sinneth hath not seen Him, neither known Him.” [Verses 4-6.]21LtMs, Ms 107, 1906, par. 6
“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.” [Verses 7-9.]21LtMs, Ms 107, 1906, par. 13
Men may make laws to enforce Sunday observance, but they have no Scriptural authority for doing so. We cannot do otherwise than obey the law of Jehovah, irrespective of any counterlaw enacted by man. When manmade laws conflict with God’s sacred enactments, we must choose to obey God rather than man. While respecting earthly authorities insofar as they do not interfere with our allegiance to God, we are to acknowledge our divine Ruler as the Supreme Authority. And in all our efforts to remain true, we are to keep constantly in mind the words of the beloved disciple, “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.” [1 John 3:1.]21LtMs, Ms 107, 1906, par. 18
In the midst of the confusion caused by the earthquake and the fire, the people are to be taught to discern the wondrous import of the words, “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.” [1 John 3:1.]21LtMs, Ms 107, 1906, par. 22
I would address the members of the Oakland church: Do not think, brethren and sisters, that we are planning to leave you without help and strength, because we scatter away. No. God may touch Oakland, but He has spared it thus far, in order that those who have never heard the third angel’s message may be warned and converted and saved. Those who choose to stand on the Lord’s side in Oakland shall “behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.” “The world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.” [1 John 3:1, 2.]21LtMs, Ms 107, 1906, par. 26
“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.” [Verses 1, 2.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 66, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 66, 1905, par. 1
“Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God; therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be; but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law; for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that He was manifested to take away our sins; and in Him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not; whosoever sinneth hath not seen Him, neither known Him.” [1 John 3:1-6.] It is impossible for us to have Christ abiding in our hearts unless we constantly behold Him.20LtMs, Ms 66, 1905, par. 2
“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 cannot commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.” [Verses 7-9.]20LtMs, Ms 66, 1905, par. 5
“Therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not.” [1 John 3:1.] It does not understand the principles that underlie our course of action. We must stand before God with a conscience void of offense. There are wonderful privileges for every one of us. God never places before us a requirement without giving us the power to perform it. He never asks us to take one step in advance of Him. He leads the way, and we are to follow after. Following Him, we are in no danger of going astray. Thus only can we perfect a Christian character as stewards of the grace of God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 149, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 149, 1905, par. 3
I have just come in from speaking to a very large congregation. I spoke from 1 John 3:1-9. The people seemed to be surprised that I could make all on the inside and the outside of the tent hear plainly. In the congregation there were many black people, but they were well dressed, and they listened with intense interest. I tried to show our people the need of self-sacrifice. I spoke about the good that might be done by teaching children to put their pennies in the self-denial boxes sent out by the Southern Missionary Society. I urged them not to become weary in well-doing. Every penny is needed, and the plan of sending out these self-denial boxes was a plan originated by God. Those who carry out this plan will receive their reward, according to the purity of motive with which they give. The gift may be as small as the widow’s mite, but it is noticed by the Lord.1 John 3:1-14
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 72, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 72, 1906, par. 17
“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.” [1 John 3:1-14.]1 John 3:1-16
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 33, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 33, 1894, par. 8
Many do not realize that the spirit which they cherish is destitute of the meekness and lowliness of Christ, destitute of the love that would constitute them channels of light. Instead of blessing others, they wound and bruise God’s heritage. Instead of healing and binding up the souls of men, they inflict fresh wounds. Some act the part of wolves rather than the part of the tender Shepherd who gave His life for the sheep. Oh, that they might behold “what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.” [1 John 3:1.] Will not everyone who claims to be the object of the love of God consider how deep, how broad, how constant, how untiring His love is, and ask the question, Have I this love abiding in my heart?9LtMs, Ms 33, 1894, par. 9
“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. ... 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. ... 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. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” [1 John 2:9-11; 3:10, 12-16.]1 John 3:1-24
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 39, 1892
7LtMs, Ms 39, 1892, par. 11
Sunday I spoke in the hired hall, to a good congregation, from (1 John 3:1): “Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.” All listened with the deepest interest. I was gratified to see so large a number present, apparently of the best class of society. The Lord gave me strength to preach the gospel of Christ.7LtMs, Ms 39, 1892, par. 58
We rode to North Fitzroy and found Albert’s Hall full of people. Spoke at eleven o’clock. The Lord gave me freedom. I spoke decidedly in reference to their coldness and entreated them to walk in the light while they had the light. My text was from 1 John 3.Manuscript Releases, vol. 4 [Nos. 210-259]
MR No. 236—The Work in New York City
4MR 297.1
Sunday the 24th was a rainy, disagreeable day. I was surprised at the attendance in the hall in New York City. There was a very much larger number than we could reasonably expect. I spoke from 1 John 3. The Lord gave me freedom in speaking His word. The blessing of the Lord seemed to attend the word spoken. May the Lord bless the hearers.... But my burden did not leave me. I had a message to the believers in New York City, that all who are truly converted unto the proclamation of the third angel’s message must not present to the world, to angels, and to men, division in the place of unity. The truth of God sanctifies the receiver to be a channel and representative of His grace to the world, and to angels, and to men.—Manuscript 130, 1901, 1, 10. (Untitled, November 27, 1901.)Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 109, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 109, 1903, par. 11
The next day an open-air meeting was held at Calistoga, and the appointment had been given out that I would speak in the afternoon. The day was very hot, but I kept my appointment. I offered the opening prayer and then spoke to the people from the third chapter of First John. I spoke for an hour. Then Sara and I drove home. I did not suffer much from the heat, though I perspired freely. The rest of our party—two carriage loads—remained behind to sing and talk with those who had come to the meeting.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 31, 1903
NP
August 22, 1903
Portions of this manuscript are published in RC 28; UL 248. +NoteOne or more typed copies of this document contain additional Ellen White handwritten interlineations which may be viewed at the main office of the Ellen G. White Estate.
18LtMs, Ms 31, 1903, par. 1
I awake at half-past eleven, unable to sleep longer. I have been deeply impressed to write to our people who have received such great light. I entreat them to heed the admonition, “Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you.” “He that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.” [John 12:35.]18LtMs, Ms 31, 1903, par. 2
The third chapter of First John means much to every human being. It contains instruction that all should comprehend. John says, “Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God; therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law; for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that He was manifested to take away our sins; and in Him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not; whosoever sinneth hath not seen Him neither known Him. Little children, let no man deceive you; he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous.” [Verses 1-7.]18LtMs, Ms 31, 1903, par. 3
In these words the truth is plainly stated. If it were not possible for us to live without sin, these words would not have been written. They are recorded that we may not carelessly allow ourselves to continue in sin. Let us walk in the light of the living God.18LtMs, Ms 31, 1903, par. 4
“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. For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should 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. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer; and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.” [Verses 8-15.]18LtMs, Ms 31, 1903, par. 5
Shall we not receive this instruction, and profit by the statements that it contains? What wonderful love the Lord has revealed in behalf of the sinful race!18LtMs, Ms 31, 1903, par. 6
“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. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart 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. And this is His commandment, That we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as He gave us commandment. 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.” [Verses 16-24.]18LtMs, Ms 31, 1903, par. 7
If we should commit these words to memory so that we could always think of them, would it not bring great blessing to us? We shall be without excuse if we continue in sin. It is possible for us to be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. Let us think of the greatness of the privilege presented to us, the privilege of being sons and daughters of God. Let us seize the possibility held out before us. In our behalf Christ laid aside His royal robe and kingly crown and stepped down from His high command. He clothed His divinity with humanity, that, standing at the head of humanity, He might reveal what human beings could become by receiving the power that He came to give. John declares, “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name; which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, ... full of grace and truth.” [John 1:12-14.]18LtMs, Ms 31, 1903, par. 8
Christ is the light of the world. Those who do not receive and honor Him, acknowledging Him as their Saviour, their Redeemer, able to save to the uttermost all who come to Him, lose their hope of restoration to God’s favor. They lose the precious advantage which they might have by receiving the knowledge that Christ came to give. He is the light of the world, shining amidst moral darkness. He came to give men a representation of God. He presented to them new motives, laying them under new obligations.*****
18LtMs, Ms 31, 1903, par. 9
Let our youth, the students in our schools and sanitariums, and the workers in our printing offices study the third chapter of First John. The instructors in our schools and sanitariums and those in charge of our publishing houses need its instruction. I am instructed to present it to them and to say to them, Take heed to yourselves. Show your faith in this chapter. Practice its teachings. Show to the youth in your care the wonderful possibility before them, the possibility of becoming sons and daughters of God, the possibility of walking uprightly in a crooked and perverse generation, showing the contrast between the principles of Christ and the principles of Satan. Remember that the teaching you give these youth has much to do with their present and future happiness. Show them that you are learning of Christ His meekness and lowliness, and that this makes His yoke easy to bear and His burden easy to carry. Thus you can be witnesses for God, testifying in the daily life to the power of His grace, showing that every moment of your life you have the Saviour’s keeping power, because you faithfully perform your service to God, as a pleasure, not as a task. Place in your censers the sacred fire of God’s own kindling. Beware that you use not common fire. Never speak one harsh, passionate word. One rash, ill-advised word may prove the ruin of a soul. By such words the worst passions of the quick-tempered are stirred into resistance. Speak as Christ spoke. This will have a strong influence on the youth, leading them to speak courteously and respectfully. Remember that you have hereditary and cultivated tendencies that must be kept under control. The character must daily be refined, sanctified, purified.18LtMs, Ms 31, 1903, par. 10
Love for God should lead us to find true enjoyment in learning and doing His will. Thus we become every day better prepared to be overcomers, examples of the power that heavenly grace has to uplift and ennoble human beings. Christ was tempted in all points like as we are, yet He overcome. And today He waits to hear and answer the earnest requests of His children for the grace that will enable them to overcome.18LtMs, Ms 31, 1903, par. 11
Be polite to those with whom you come in contact. Thus you will be polite to God. Praise Him for His goodness. Thus you are witnesses for Him, and you are preparing for the society of the angels. You are learning <in this world> how to conduct yourselves in the family of Christ in heaven.18LtMs, Ms 31, 1903, par. 12
Lose no time in becoming acquainted with the principles that the children of God must follow. We are here to copy the character of Christ, to become familiar with His gentleness, His lowliness. This will place us where our record will be, “Ye are complete in Him.” [Colossians 2:10.] By patience, kindness, forbearance, we are to show that we are not of the world, that day by day we are learning the lessons that will fit us to enter the higher school. When God’s redeemed ones are called to heaven, they will not leave behind the advancement they have made in this life by beholding Christ. They will go on, learning more and still more of God. They will carry their spiritual attainments into the courts above, leaving nothing of heavenly origin in this world. As the books of heaven are opened, each overcomer is assigned his lot and place in heaven, in accordance with the advancement he has made in this life.18LtMs, Ms 31, 1903, par. 13
The sons and daughters of God are led to persevere in the work of overcoming by the daily realization that they need to be taught by the Holy Spirit the good and righteous way. No sham work enters into their service. Every day they realize that they must hold fast the beginning of their confidence firm unto the end. When one deviates from the right way, the Holy Spirit, working on his mind, leads him to confess his error, so that others will be warned against the same mistake. No one is to feel that his position is so exalted that he must not acknowledge his faults, lest others place a low estimate upon him. If a mistake has been made, it must be corrected. The higher the office of trust occupied by him who has made a mistake, the more deeply should he feel his obligation to confess his error, that others may not be led astray.18LtMs, Ms 31, 1903, par. 14
It is for this reason that the Lord caused the history of patriarchs and prophets—their mistakes and failures, as well as their victories over sin—to be recorded. He would show us that errors and mistakes are not to be passed over as something not to be noticed. The best of men have erred, under great provocation. Provoked by the unbelief of the children of Israel, Moses lost his self-control, and smiting the rock in anger and impatience, said, “Shall we bring you water out of this rock?” [Numbers 20:10.] It was God’s design that Moses should represent His character to the people, that through Moses His name should be glorified. It was a sad departure from right for Moses thus to give way to impatience. He repented, and confessed his sin, and the Lord forgave him; but he was not permitted to enter the promised land.18LtMs, Ms 31, 1903, par. 15
This sorrowful experience has been recorded for our admonition. Will the leaders of God’s people study the lesson that it contains? Will they realize that God wants them to stand before the world unspotted and unstained by sin, that others may not be led astray by regarding their faults as virtues?18LtMs, Ms 31, 1903, par. 16
Of all men, those who have been trusted and honored by the Lord, those who have been given special service, should be circumspect in word and deed. Every word, every action, should reveal the purity of truth and equity. When men become lifted up with pride because the Lord has favored them, when they say and do that which is unworthy of their high position, when they pass on without showing repentance, without confessing their wrong, they dishonor God. Never should a man in a position of trust be too proud to make the acknowledgment, “I have erred.” The least he can do, after he has sinned, is to show his sorrow and repentance. Men who do this will be honored by God, even though they make mistakes.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 265, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 265, 1904, par. 11
Yesterday the Lord greatly strengthened me. I spoke in the Takoma Park Hall. The room was well filled. I looked upon pleasant and attentive countenances, as I spoke from the third chapter of the first epistle of John: “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.” [Verse 1.] As I dwelt upon the infinite sacrifice of Christ, the people seemed almost to hold their breath with interest. I long to speak of the love of God to large congregations.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Ms 90, 1904
19LtMs, Ms 90, 1904, par. 6
I spoke from the third chapter of First John about God’s great gift to our world. I spoke of Christ’s temptation in the wilderness and then dwelt for a short time on the subject of temperance. I spoke with great plainness, and the people seemed to be interested. The Lord strengthened me, and I felt no weariness after speaking.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 380, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 380, 1904, par. 2
I have spoken here on Sabbath and Sunday. They have an excellent new tent—very large. The camp is small. This morning two of our brethren came to my room and had a few words of conversation with me, and they expressed their fears that today there would be but few out. The Sunday laws are after the old blue laws of Connecticut, and the remark was made that they might consider it sin to come to our meeting on Sunday. But all were surprised to see the people crowding in so that seats had to be provided for a large number, and then quite a number stood up around the tent. I saw before me the nice, large new tent filled with intelligent-looking people, first class in appearance. I spoke from (1 John 3); I carried the matter of temperance strongly, yet the interest did not flag. I am so thankful the Lord strengthened me by His great power.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 227, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 227, 1905, par. 14
My eye has just lighted on the words found in the third chapter of the first epistle of John: “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. For if our hearts condemn us not, God is greater than our hearts, and knoweth all things. And whatsoever we ask we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. And this is His commandment, That we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as He gave us commandment. 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.” [Verses 18-20, 22-24.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 56, 1905
Takoma Park, Maryland
May 16, 1905
This manuscript is published in entirety in RH 07/13/1905, 07/20/1905. +NoteOne or more typed copies of this document contain additional Ellen White handwritten interlineations which may be viewed at the main office of the Ellen G. White Estate.
20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 1
(Talk given by Mrs. E. G. White at the General Conference, May 16, 1905.)20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 2
“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.” [1 John 1:1-3.]20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 3
There are those who are always seeking for something new. If they understood aright, they would realize that the newness that they need is that which comes from a daily growth in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Let us keep firm and unshaken our faith in the message that God has given us for these last days. The world is fast becoming as it was in the days of Noah. Christ declared that this would be the sign of the end—men would be eating and drinking, planting and building, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day of the coming of the Son of man. His words mean far more than we have yet seen. Do not the events that have taken place show this?20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 4
“And truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.” [Verse 3.] All through the Scriptures, the Father and the Son are spoken of as two distinct personages. You will hear men endeavoring to make the Son of God a nonentity. He and the Father are one, but they are two personages. Wrong sentiments regarding this are coming in, and we shall all have to meet them.20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 5
“And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.” [Verse 4.] If we would apply the precious truth of God to our own individual cases, we would find such blessing, such consolation, that we would be ashamed to murmur and complain. Some have educated their tongues to utter complaints, and they lose many precious blessings that come with the exercise of patience.20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 6
“This then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.” [Verse 5.] “God is light.” How are His disciples to declare it? Not with their lips merely, but in their lives. They themselves are to be “the light of the world.” “Let your light so shine before men,” Christ said, “that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14, 16.]20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 7
“If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth.” [1 John 1:6.] Every church member is to walk worthily of the high calling to which he has been chosen, having gained a living experience in the things of God. There is no need for us always to be babies in religious things. We are to grow up to the full stature of men and women in Christ.20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 8
“If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” [Verses 7, 8.]20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 9
We may pray for sanctification, but whether or not we get it depends on whether we walk in the light, reflecting light to those around us. My brethren and sisters, the salvation of your souls depends upon the course that you pursue. If you fail of gaining eternal life, it will be because you have failed to keep the commandments of God. From the Word of God there shines light sufficient to guide us along every step of the way to heaven, and those who lose the way will be without excuse.20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 10
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” [Verses 9, 10.]20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 11
In this world we are exposed to the temptations of the enemy, and because we do not depend on God as we should, we are continually sinning. There are those who, when they make mistakes, stand out in stubbornness, saying that they have not sinned, and refusing to confess. Those who say, “I never confess,” will never see the kingdom of heaven unless they do confess. Read the prayer of confession that Daniel offered. He was called a man greatly beloved of God, and yet he confessed that he as well as the people had sinned.20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 12
Those who make no acknowledgment of sin, those who refuse to confess because they think it would hurt their position and influence, will never be cleansed from unrighteousness unless they make a decided change in their attitude. We need the spirit of confession right here in this meeting. It would be surprising if none of those present had anything to confess. Brethren and sisters, will you not take the stumbling blocks out of the way, and clear the King’s highway, that he may enter in among us? Then we shall see the salvation of God, and the glory of the Lord will be revealed.20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 13
“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” [1 John 2:1, 2.] “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” [John 1:12.] When we thus unite with Christ, we are gaining an experience that will be of more value to us than gold or silver or precious stones.20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 14
“And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected; hereby know we that we are in Him. He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.” [1 John 2:3-6.]20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 15
We are to lift the cross, and follow the steps of Christ. Those who lift the cross will find that as they do this, the cross will lift them, giving them fortitude and courage, and pointing them to the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 16
“Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning. Again a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in Him and in you; because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.” [Verses 7, 8.]20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 17
We can have something fresh to think of all the time. We have held communion with God as we have tried to understand the high privilege of being one with Christ. I am so thankful for the Word of God. I thank the Lord with heart and soul and voice. We have no need to be led astray. We have no need to seek for something new and strange from the lips of human beings. We have a science that is above all human science. Many will grasp false science, teaching it as truth. But we need not be led astray. God wants us to cherish the truth in the simplicity in which we have received it from Christ. “He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.” [Verses 9-11.]20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 18
We are not to watch for an opportunity to find fault if a brother does not speak exactly as we wish him to speak. Perhaps God does not want him to speak as you want him to. His words may cut you to the quick, but even then you are not at liberty to find fault. The talent of speech was given to us that we might speak, not words of faultfinding, but words of counsel, words of encouragement, words of reproof. Because we are not to find fault, this does not mean that we are to pass by things that are wrong, without saying a word. If you see one doing wrong, go right to him, and tell him his fault in the way outlined in the Scriptures. In the meekness of Christ, tell him the truth, and you may save his soul from death. But if you gloss over mistakes, leaving those who have made them to think they have done nothing wrong, you must share in the punishment, because you were unfaithful to your trust.20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 19
If we desire to see the King in His beauty, we must behave worthily. We must outgrow our childishness. When provocation comes, let us be silent. There are times when silence is eloquence. We are to reveal the patience and kindness and forbearance that will make us worthy to be called sons and daughters of God. We are to trust and believe Him and rely upon Him. We are to follow in Christ’s steps. “If any man will come after Me,” He says, “Let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” [Matthew 16:24.] “So shall he be My disciple.” [See John 15:8.] It may be a heavy cross to keep silent when you ought to. It may be a painful discipline; but let me assure you that silence does much more to overcome evil than a storm of angry words.20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 20
Here in this world we are to learn what we must be in order to have a place in the heavenly courts. We are to learn the lessons that Christ desires to teach us, that we may be prepared to be taken to the higher school in the courts above, where the Saviour will lead us by the river of life, explaining to us many things that here we could not comprehend, and teaching us of the mysteries of God. There we shall see the glory of God as we have never seen it here. We get but a glimpse of the glory now because we do not follow on to know the Lord.20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 21
John writes, “And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” [Revelation 22:1, 2.]20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 22
Talk it, pray it, sing it, and remember that you must eat of the leaves of the tree of life here in this world, if you would know the healing power of the grace of God. When words are spoken that temp you to feel provoked, ask the Lord Jesus to give you a taste of the healing brought by the tree of life. Get your mind on some subject of eternal interest, and it will be easy for you to keep still when you ought to keep still and to speak when you ought to speak.20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 23
“I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake. I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known Him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one.” [1 John 2:12, 13.] Are you not glad, young men, that this word of encouragement has been spoken to you? Oh, what a grand work is this—to overcome the folly and wickedness that prevails in our world. Young men, God will watch over you, and will give you strength, if you will put on every piece of the armor and be ready to resist the tempter when he seeks to lead you astray. We are striving for heaven, for a life that measures with the life of God. Keep your eyes fixed on the author and finisher of our faith.20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 24
“I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.” [Verse 14.]20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 25
“Because ye are strong.” [Verse 14.] Do not spend your time reading magazines and novels. Read your Bible. You have many temptations to meet and overcome. You have a great truth to proclaim. Only by a constant study of the Word of God can you gain the strength needed for this work. Put novel-reading out of your lives. You have none too much time in which to gain an understanding of what saith the Scriptures. The Lord wants the young men in His cause to stand where they are worthy of being trusted with sacred responsibilities.20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 26
Do not encourage any appetite for stimulants. Eat only plain, simple, wholesome food, and thank God constantly for the principles of health reform. In all things be true and upright, and you will gain precious victories.20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 27
Remember that you cannot overcome the wicked one unless you have on every piece of the armor. Do not be turned away from the truth by supposition or sophistry. If you once allow Satan to tamper with your mind, you will find that it is not an easy matter to break away from him. But if you confess your sins before God, and take hold of Him power, sophistry will have no power over you.20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 28
“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” [Verse 15.] There is a great work before us. There are cities to be warned. If you go forth into the work accompanied by the grace of God, success will attend your efforts. The power of heaven will be with you. The righteousness of Christ will go before you, and the glory of God will be your rearward. Let us thank God that provision has been [made] for every emergency. We can take hold of Christ’s righteousness, pleading with Him to cleanse us from all iniquity.20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 29
“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof; but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.” [Verses 16, 17.] He has carried on a faithful warfare against the enemy. He has built himself up in “the most holy faith.” [Jude 20.]20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 30
“Little children, it is the last time; and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us; but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.” [1 John 2:18, 19.]20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 31
Brethren and sisters, at all hazards we must hold fast to the truth. I am so glad that it is not yet too late for wrongs to be righted. I am so grateful for all the precious promises given us, that we may have courage and hope, and that we may stand firm on the platform of eternal truth.20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 32
There is one thing that I want to ask those assembled at this conference to do: pray earnestly for the blessing of the Lord. I am glad to know that you are having early morning meetings. These meetings are of the highest value. Every time you come together at one of these meetings, lay your hearts open before God, and do not be afraid that your experience will be spoiled if you make confession. Take the stumbling blocks out of the way. May God give us light that will clear away everything which would prevent us from having that love for one another which we should have.20LtMs, Ms 56, 1905, par. 33
I want you to pray that God will give me strength; for I have received instruction from the Lord, and I want to give it to you. And pray also for yourselves. We want to see the glory of God at this meeting. May He help you to press to the light.Manuscript Releases, vol. 16 [Nos. 1186-1235]
MR No. 1213—Each Follower of Christ is Called to Work; All are to Copy Christ, the Pattern; Harmony to Prevail
16MR 188.1
Sunday the 24th was a rainy, disagreeable day. I was surprised at the attendance in the hall in New York City. There was a very much larger number than we could reasonably have expected. I spoke from 1 John 3. The Lord gave me freedom in speaking His word. The blessing of the Lord seemed to attend the word spoken. May the Lord bless the hearers.16MR 190.2
“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1). 1 John 3:1-5.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 143, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 143, 1906, par. 7
Read the First Epistle of John, chapters one, two, and three, in regard to love of brethren. You have accounted as your enemy the best friend you ever have had or ever will have—one true as steel, one whom God uses, one whom God hath chosen to be by my side to help me in the work, as well as to help the church. God bring you to your senses.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 366, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 366, 1906, par. 12
I also refer you to the third chapter of the First Epistle of John.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 386, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 386, 1906, par. 5
In the afternoon of Sabbath I spoke in the Congregational church from the third chapter of First John. I did not think I would speak more than thirty minutes, but I spoke for an hour and fifteen minutes. The invigorating Spirit of God rested upon me, and I had freedom of speech. The room was crowded; the doors at the sides were thrown up, and many were accommodated in the adjoining room. I thank the Lord for the blessings received at this service.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 130, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, par. 44
Please read the first, second, and third chapters of the First Epistle of John. “And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected.” 1 John 2:3-5. Here is the science of salvation. If every soul will study this science, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” he will find the problem of true science solved.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 128, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 128, 1906, par. 22
Filling my appointment Sabbath afternoon seemed rather doubtful, but I put my trust in the Lord. I was surprised to find the house full and the anteroom occupied with the overflow. It was estimated there were four to five hundred present. The Lord gave me strength. My text was from the third chapter of the First Epistle of John.21LtMs, Ms 128, 1906, par. 23
“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not.” Verse 1. I dwelt upon the first seven verses. Strength from the Lord came upon me. I spoke, they tell me, with clear voice one hour and twenty minutes, and yet felt no weariness, for I felt the refreshing influence of the Holy Spirit. Oh, I was so very thankful that the Lord did give me freedom of speech. Dores Robinson reported me.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Ms 113, 1909
24LtMs, Ms 113, 1909, par. 20
Read and understand the First Epistle of John. The figures used to illustrate his subject were of a character [the people] could comprehend. Christ’s Object Lessons is easily comprehended, and yet is of the highest order. “Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us: for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.” 1 John 2:18-21.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 11, 1910
25LtMs, Ms 11, 1910, par. 7
In the night seasons I seem to be repeating to my brethren in responsible positions words from the First Epistle of John:Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Lt 48, 1910
25LtMs, Lt 48, 1910, par. 15
In the second and third chapters of Second Peter, and in the First Epistle of John, we read of men who caused much trouble in the early church. Let all be on their guard; for similar conditions must be met today.Sermons and Talks, vol. 1
Keep the Commandments
1SAT 228.2
It is the privilege of every sinner to ask his teacher what sin really is. Give me a definition of sin. We have one in 1 John 3. “Sin is the transgression of the law.” Now this is the only definition of sin in the whole Bible. We are going to read it to you right out of the Book, so that you need not have the idea that it is not in the Bible, that it is another Bible that we preach to you. We will just read it out of the good Book, and we will begin at the beginning of the chapter. “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.” That is our privilege.The Acts of the Apostles
Chapter 54—A Faithful Witness
AA 546.1
After the ascension of Christ, John stands forth as a faithful, earnest laborer for the Master. With the other disciples he enjoyed the outpouring of the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, and with fresh zeal and power he continued to speak to the people the words of life, seeking to lead their thoughts to the Unseen. He was a powerful preacher, fervent, and deeply in earnest. In beautiful language and with a musical voice he told of the words and works of Christ, speaking in a way that impressed the hearts of those who heard him. The simplicity of his words, the sublime power of the truths he uttered, and the fervor that characterized his teachings, gave him access to all classes.AA 546.2
The apostle’s life was in harmony with his teachings. The love for Christ which glowed in his heart led him to put forth earnest, untiring labor for his fellow men, especially for his brethren in the Christian church.AA 547.1
Christ had bidden the first disciples love one another as He had loved them. Thus they were to bear testimony to the world that Christ was formed within, the hope of glory. “A new commandment I give unto you,” He had said, “That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” John 13:34. At the time when these words were spoken, the disciples could not understand them; but after they had witnessed the sufferings of Christ, after His crucifixion and resurrection, and ascension to heaven, and after the Holy Spirit had rested on them at Pentecost, they had a clearer conception of the love of God and of the nature of that love which they must have for one another. Then John could say to his fellow disciples:AA 547.2
“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”AA 547.3
After the descent of the Holy Spirit, when the disciples went forth to proclaim a living Saviour, their one desire was the salvation of souls. They rejoiced in the sweetness of communion with saints. They were tender, thoughtful, self-denying, willing to make any sacrifice for the truth’s sake. In their daily association with one another, they revealed the love that Christ had enjoined upon them. By unselfish words and deeds they strove to kindle this love in other hearts.AA 547.4
Such a love the believers were ever to cherish. They were to go forward in willing obedience to the new commandment. So closely were they to be united with Christ that they would be enabled to fulfill all His requirements. Their lives were to magnify the power of a Saviour who could justify them by His righteousness.AA 548.1
But gradually a change came. The believers began to look for defects in others. Dwelling upon mistakes, giving place to unkind criticism, they lost sight of the Saviour and His love. They became more strict in regard to outward ceremonies, more particular about the theory than the practice of the faith. In their zeal to condemn others, they overlooked their own errors. They lost the brotherly love that Christ had enjoined, and, saddest of all, they were unconscious of their loss. They did not realize that happiness and joy were going out of their lives and that, having shut the love of God out of their hearts, they would soon walk in darkness.AA 548.2
John, realizing that brotherly love was waning in the church, urged upon believers the constant need of this love. His letters to the church are full of this thought. “Beloved, let us love one another,” he writes; “for love is of God; and everyone that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only-begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.”AA 548.3
Of the special sense in which this love should be manifested by believers, the apostle writes: “A new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in Him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth. He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.” “This is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.” “He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”AA 549.1
It is not the opposition of the world that most endangers the church of Christ. It is the evil cherished in the hearts of believers that works their most grievous disaster and most surely retards the progress of God’s cause. There is no surer way of weakening spirituality than by cherishing envy, suspicion, faultfinding, and evil surmising. On the other hand, the strongest witness that God has sent His Son into the world is the existence of harmony and union among men of varied dispositions who form His church. This witness it is the privilege of the followers of Christ to bear. But in order to do this, they must place themselves under Christ’s command. Their characters must be conformed to His character and their wills to His will.AA 550.1
“A new commandment I give unto you,” Christ said, “That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” John 13:34. What a wonderful statement; but, oh, how poorly practiced! In the church of God today brotherly love is sadly lacking. Many who profess to love the Saviour do not love one another. Unbelievers are watching to see if the faith of professed Christians is exerting a sanctifying influence upon their lives; and they are quick to discern the defects in character, the inconsistencies in action. Let Christians not make it possible for the enemy to point to them and say, Behold how these people, standing under the banner of Christ, hate one another. Christians are all members of one family, all children of the same heavenly Father, with the same blessed hope of immortality. Very close and tender should be the tie that binds them together.AA 550.2
Divine love makes its most touching appeals to the heart when it calls upon us to manifest the same tender compassion that Christ manifested. That man only who has unselfish love for his brother has true love for God. The true Christian will not willingly permit the soul in peril and need to go unwarned, uncared for. He will not hold himself aloof from the erring, leaving them to plunge farther into unhappiness and discouragement or to fall on Satan’s battleground.AA 550.3
Those who have never experienced the tender, winning love of Christ cannot lead others to the fountain of life. His love in the heart is a constraining power, which leads men to reveal Him in the conversation, in the tender, pitiful spirit, in the uplifting of the lives of those with whom they associate. Christian workers who succeed in their efforts must know Christ; and in order to know Him, they must know His love. In heaven their fitness as workers is measured by their ability to love as Christ loved and to work as He worked.AA 551.1
“Let us not love in word,” the apostle writes, “but in deed and in truth.” The completeness of Christian character is attained when the impulse to help and bless others springs constantly from within. It is the atmosphere of this love surrounding the soul of the believer that makes him a savor of life unto life and enables God to bless his work.AA 551.2
Supreme love for God and unselfish love for one another—this is the best gift that our heavenly Father can bestow. This love is not an impulse, but a divine principle, a permanent power. The unconsecrated heart cannot originate or produce it. Only in the heart where Jesus reigns is it found. “We love Him, because He first loved us.” In the heart renewed by divine grace, love is the ruling principle of action. It modifies the character, governs the impulses, controls the passions, and ennobles the affections. This love, cherished in the soul, sweetens the life and sheds a refining influence on all around.AA 551.3
John strove to lead the believers to understand the exalted privileges that would come to them through the exercise of the spirit of love. This redeeming power, filling the heart, would control every other motive and raise its possessors above the corrupting influences of the world. And as this love was allowed full sway and became the motive power in the life, their trust and confidence in God and His dealing with them would be complete. They could then come to Him in full confidence of faith, knowing that they would receive from Him everything needful for their present and eternal good. “Herein is our love made perfect,” he wrote, “that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear.” “And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, ... we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.”AA 552.1
“And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” The conditions of obtaining mercy from God are simple and reasonable. The Lord does not require us to do some grievous thing in order to gain forgiveness. We need not make long and wearisome pilgrimages, or perform painful penances, to commend our souls to the God of heaven or to expiate our transgression. He that “confesseth and forsaketh” his sin “shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13.AA 552.2
In the courts above, Christ is pleading for His church—pleading for those for whom He has paid the redemption price of His blood. Centuries, ages, can never lessen the efficacy of His atoning sacrifice. Neither life nor death, height nor depth, can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus; not because we hold Him so firmly, but because He holds us so fast. If our salvation depended on our own efforts, we could not be saved; but it depends on the One who is behind all the promises. Our grasp on Him may seem feeble, but His love is that of an elder brother; so long as we maintain our union with Him, no one can pluck us out of His hand.AA 553.1
As the years went by and the number of believers grew, John labored with increasing fidelity and earnestness for his brethren. The times were full of peril for the church. Satanic delusions existed everywhere. By misrepresentation and falsehood the emissaries of Satan sought to arouse opposition against the doctrines of Christ, and in consequence dissensions and heresies were imperiling the church. Some who professed Christ claimed that His love released them from obedience to the law of God. On the other hand, many taught that it was necessary to observe the Jewish customs and ceremonies; that a mere observance of the law, without faith in the blood of Christ, was sufficient for salvation. Some held that Christ was a good man, but denied His divinity. Some who pretended to be true to the cause of God were deceivers, and in practice they denied Christ and His gospel. Living themselves in transgression, they were bringing heresies into the church. Thus many were being led into the mazes of skepticism and delusion.AA 554.1
John was filled with sadness as he saw these poisonous errors creeping into the church. He saw the dangers to which the church was exposed, and he met the emergency with promptness and decision. The epistles of John breathe the spirit of love. It seems as if he wrote with a pen dipped in love. But when he came in contact with those who were breaking the law of God, yet claiming that they were living without sin, he did not hesitate to warn them of their fearful deception.AA 554.2
Writing to a helper in the gospel work, a woman of good repute and wide influence, he said: “Many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him Godspeed: for he that biddeth him Godspeed is partaker of his evil deeds.”AA 554.3
We are authorized to hold in the same estimation as did the beloved disciple those who claim to abide in Christ while living in transgression of God’s law. There exist in these last days evils similar to those that threatened the prosperity of the early church; and the teachings of the apostle John on these points should be carefully heeded. “You must have charity,” is the cry heard everywhere, especially from those who profess sanctification. But true charity is too pure to cover an unconfessed sin. While we are to love the souls for whom Christ died, we are to make no compromise with evil. We are not to unite with the rebellious and call this charity. God requires His people in this age of the world to stand for the right as unflinchingly as did John in opposition to soul-destroying errors.AA 555.1
The apostle teaches that while we should manifest Christian courtesy we are authorized to deal in plain terms with sin and sinners; that this is not inconsistent with true charity. “Whosoever committeth sin,” he writes, “transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that He was manifested to take away our sins; and in Him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen Him, neither known Him.”AA 555.2
As a witness for Christ, John entered into no controversy, no wearisome contention. He declared what he knew, what he had seen and heard. He had been intimately associated with Christ, had listened to His teachings, had witnessed His mighty miracles. Few could see the beauties of Christ’s character as John saw them. For him the darkness had passed away; on him the true light was shining. His testimony in regard to the Saviour’s life and death was clear and forcible. Out of the abundance of a heart overflowing with love for the Saviour he spoke; and no power could stay his words.AA 555.3
“That which was from the beginning,” he declared, “which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; ... that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.”AA 556.1
So may every true believer be able, through his own experience, to “set to his seal that God is true.” John 3:33. He can bear witness to that which he has seen and heard and felt of the power of Christ.The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials
Chapter 5—To Mary White
1888 67.4
Sunday morning, Oct. 14. Yesterday was a very important period in our meeting. Eld. Smith preached in forenoon upon the Signs of the times. It was I think, a good discourse,—timely. In the afternoon I spoke upon 1 John 3. “Behold what manner of love,” etc. The blessing of the Lord rested upon me and put words in my mouth and I had much freedom in trying to impress upon our brethren the importance of dwelling upon the love of God much more and let gloomy pictures alone.Ellen White: Woman of Vision
What Happened In Minneapolis
WV 250.4
Yesterday was a very important period in our meeting. Elder Smith preached in forenoon upon the signs of the times. It was, I think, a good discourse—timely. In the afternoon I spoke upon 1 John 3.Ellen G. White in Europe 1885-1887
The Sabbath Meetings
EGWE 280.3
“Sunday, Brother Conradi spoke in the morning upon missionary work. At three o’clock I spoke to those assembled from 1 John 3, verses 1-3. I felt much freedom, although weak for want of food which I could not take upon my stomach. Brother Conradi labored with them faithfully, and I think with good success. There was a healing of their difficulties, except with one brother who left the meeting. Brother Conradi went after him and labored with him until two A.M., with a good prospect of the difficulties being healed.”—Manuscript 32, 1887.Ellen G. White: The Lonely Years: 1876-1891 (vol. 3)
The Institute Opens
3BIO 393.4
Yesterday was a very important period in our meeting. Elder Smith preached in forenoon upon the signs of the times. It was, I think, a good discourse—timely. In the afternoon I spoke upon 1 John 3.From Trials to Triumph
Chapter 54—John, Faithful Witness for Christ
TT 287.1
With the other disciples John enjoyed the outpouring of the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, and with fresh power he continued to speak to the people the words of life. He was a powerful preacher, fervent, and deeply in earnest. In beautiful language and with a musical voice he told of Christ in a way that impressed hearts. The sublime power of the truths he uttered and the fervor that characterized his teachings gave him access to all classes. His life was in harmony with his teachings.TT 287.2
Christ had bidden the disciples to love one another as He had loved them. “A new commandment I give unto you,” He had said, “that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” John 13:34. After they had witnessed the sufferings of Christ, and after the Holy Spirit had rested on them at Pentecost, they had a clearer concept of the nature of that love which they must have for one another. Then John could say: “By this we know love, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”TT 287.3
After Pentecost, when the disciples went forth to proclaim a living Saviour, they rejoiced in the sweetness of communion with saints. They were tender, thoughtful, self-denying, revealing the love that Christ had enjoined on them. By unselfish words and deeds they strove to kindle this love in other hearts.TT 288.1
Such love the believers were ever to cherish. Their lives were to magnify a Saviour who could justify them by His righteousness.TT 288.2
But gradually a change came. Dwelling upon mistakes, giving place to unkind criticism, the believers lost sight of the Saviour and His love. They became more particular about the theory than the practice of the faith. They lost brotherly love, and, saddest of all, were unconscious of their loss. They did not realize that happiness and joy were going out of their lives and that they would soon walk in darkness.TT 288.3
John realized that brotherly love was waning in the church. “Beloved, let us love one another,” he writes, “for love is of God, and he who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God; for God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent His only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the expiation of our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”TT 288.4
“Any one who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. By this we know love, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”TT 288.5
It is not the opposition of the world that most endangers the church. It is the evil cherished in the hearts of believers that works their most grievous disaster, and most surely retards God’s cause. There is no surer way of weakening spirituality than by cherishing envy, fault-finding, and evil-surmising. The strongest witness that God has sent His Son into the world is the existence of harmony and union among people of varied dispositions who form His church. But in order to bear this witness, their characters must be conformed to Christ’s character, and their wills to His will.TT 289.1
In the church today, many who profess to love the Saviour do not love one another. Unbelievers are watching to see if the faith of professed Christians is exerting a sanctifying influence on their lives. Let not Christians make it possible for the enemy to say, These people hate one another. Very close and tender should be the tie that binds together all the children of the same heavenly Father.TT 289.2
Divine love calls upon us to manifest the same compassion that Christ manifested. The true Christian will not willingly permit a soul in peril and need to go unwarned, uncared for. He will not hold himself aloof, leaving the erring to plunge farther into unhappiness and discouragement.TT 289.3
Those who have never experienced the tender love of Christ cannot lead others to the fountain of life. Christ’s love in the heart leads men to reveal Him in conversation, in a pitiful spirit, in uplifting lives. In heaven the fitness of Christian workers is measured by their ability to love as Christ loved.TT 289.5
Supreme love for God and unselfish love for one another—this is the best gift our heavenly Father can bestow. This love is not an impulse, but a divine principle. Only in the heart where Jesus reigns is it found. “We love, because He first loved us.” Love modifies the character, governs the impulses and passions, and ennobles the affections. This love sweetens the life and sheds a refining influence on all around.TT 289.6
John strove to lead the believers to understand that this love, filling the heart, would control every other motive and raise its possessors above the corrupting influences of the world. As this love became the motive power in the life, their trust and confidence in God would be complete. They could know that they would receive from Him everything needful for their present and eternal good. “In this is love perfected,” John writes, “that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as He is so are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.” “If we ask anything according to His will He hears us. And if we know that He hears us ..., we know that we have obtained the requests made of Him.”TT 290.1
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” The Lord does not require us to do some grievous thing in order to gain forgiveness. We need not make long, wearisome pilgrimages or perform painful penances to expiate our transgression. He that “confesseth and forsaketh” his sin “shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13.TT 290.2
In the courts above, Christ is pleading for His church—those for whom He paid the redemption price of His blood. Neither life nor death can separate us from the love of God, not because we hold Him so firmly, but because He holds us so fast. If our salvation depended on our own efforts, we could not be saved; but it depends on the One who is behind all the promises. Our grasp on Him may seem feeble, but so long as we maintain our union with Him, no one can pluck us out of His hand.TT 290.3
As the years went by and the number of believers grew, John labored with increasing fidelity and earnestness. Satanic delusions existed everywhere. By misrepresentation and falsehood, emissaries of Satan sought to arouse opposition against the doctrines of Christ, and in consequence dissensions and heresies were imperiling the church. Some who professed Christ claimed that His love released them from obedience to the law of God. On the other hand, many taught that a mere observance of the law, without faith in the blood of Christ, was sufficient for salvation. Some held that Christ was a good man, but denied His divinity. Some, living in transgression, were bringing heresies into the church. Many were being led into skepticism and delusion.TT 291.1
John was sad to see these poisonous errors creeping into the church, and he met the emergency with promptness and decision. His letters breathe the spirit of love, as if he wrote with a pen dipped in love, but when he came in contact with those who were breaking the law of God, yet claiming to live without sin, he did not hesitate to warn them of their fearful deception.TT 291.2
Writing to a woman of wide influence, he said: “Many deceivers have gone out into the world, men who will not acknowledge the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh; such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist... . He who abides in the doctrine has both the Father and the Son. If any one comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into the house or give him any greeting; for he who greets him shares his wicked work.”TT 291.3
There exist in these last days evils similar to those that threatened the early church. “You must have love,” is the cry heard everywhere, especially from those who profess sanctification. But true love is too pure to cover unconfessed sin. While we are to love souls, we are to make no compromise with evil. We are not to unite with the rebellious, and call this love. God requires His people to stand for the right as unflinchingly as did John in opposition to soul-destroying errors.TT 291.4
The apostle teaches that we are to deal in plain terms with sin and sinners; this is not inconsistent with true love. “Every one who commits sin,” he writes, “is guilty of lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. You know that He appeared to take away sins, and in Him there is no sin. No one who abides in Him sins; no one who sins has either seen Him or known Him.”TT 292.1
As a witness for Christ, John entered into no wearisome contention. He declared what he knew. He had been intimately associated with Christ and had witnessed His miracles. For him the darkness had passed away; the true Light was shining. Out of the abundance of a heart overflowing with love for the Saviour he spoke; and no power could stay his words.TT 292.2
“That which was from the beginning,” he declared, “which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life ... we proclaim also to you.”TT 292.3
So may every true believer be able to bear witness to that which he has seen and heard and felt of the power of Christ.From Trials to Triumph
A Tragic Change Comes Into the Early Church
TT 289.4
“Let us not love in word or speech,” the apostle writes, “but in deed and in truth.” Completeness of character is attained when the impulse to help others springs constantly from within. It is this love that makes the believer “a savor of life unto life” and enables God to bless his work. 2 Corinthians 2:16.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 25, 1885
4LtMs, Ms 25, 1885, par. 15
I spoke from the first epistle of John, third chapter: “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God,” etc. The Lord gave me much of His Spirit and power. I seemed to be taken away from myself, and the Lord spoke through me. The people listened with deepest interest. Appointments were given me for Monday evening.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Ms 32, 1887
5LtMs, Ms 32, 1887, par. 18
Brother Conradi spoke in the morning upon missionary work. At three o’clock I spoke to those assembled from First John 3, verses 1-3. I felt much freedom, although weak for want of food which I could not take upon my stomach. Brother Conradi labored with them faithfully, and I think with good success. There was a healing of their difficulties, except with one brother who left the meeting. Brother Conradi went after him and labored with him until two a.m. with a good prospect of the difficulties being healed.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Lt 80, 1888
5LtMs, Lt 80, 1888, par. 4
This morning we were up early, for Willie informed me I was to speak in the early morning meeting. Elder Haskell spoke last evening. I drank a cup of warm water, ate a cracker, and went on the stand. Before me was a large number of intelligent-looking faces. I spoke with great freedom and clearness for about one hour. The audience listened as if spellbound. The Lord did help me. Praise His holy name! I spoke from 1 John 3, “Behold, what manner of love,” etc.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Lt 81, 1888
5LtMs, Lt 81, 1888, par. 9
Yesterday was a very important period in our meeting. Elder Smith preached in forenoon upon the signs of the times. It was, I think, a good discourse—timely. In the afternoon I spoke upon 1 John 3. “Behold what manner of love,” etc. The blessing of the Lord rested upon me and put words in my mouth, and I had much freedom in trying to impress upon our brethren the importance of dwelling upon the love of God much more and letting gloomy pictures alone.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 53, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, par. 7
Sunday evening we had to walk only a few blocks to get to the hall. It is a dancing hall, but it is roomy and well ventilated. We had a good attendance from outside and most of our people were present. I spoke from the first epistle of John, chapter three. The best of attention was given by the congregation.6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, par. 51
What is to bring the sinner to the knowledge of his sins unless he knows what sin is? The only definition of sin in the Word of God is given us in (1 John 3:4): “Sin is the transgression of the law.” The sinner must be made to feel that he is a transgressor. Christ dying upon the cross of Calvary is drawing his attention. Why did Christ die? Because it was the only means for man to be saved. He became our substitute and surety. He took upon Himself our sins that He might impute His own righteousness to all who believe in Him. The love of Jesus Christ displayed for man in the sufferings He endured on the cross of Calvary is a mystery even to the angelic host of heaven. Amazing love of the Father to give His Son to die to ransom the sinner! Oh, what love, what inexpressible love!6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, par. 56
Some feel relieved after they have stamped down the righteous, holy law of Jehovah, as one minister described: “I feel better after giving the old law a run, and after denouncing it as a yoke of bondage. I pronounce it a bloody old law, dead and buried, and undeserving of a gravestone.” Is not this the very way Cain felt when he brought a sacrifice to God without the shedding of blood? He was so provoked with Abel that he could not tolerate him, because Abel did not accept his reasoning but followed the injunction of God. He mingled with his offering the blood of the victim representing the efficacious offering, the real person of Christ, as a Lamb without blemish. “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.” 1 John 3:12.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 77, 1890
6LtMs, Lt 77, 1890, par. 9
Sabbath I made out, by leaning on the desk, to stand and speak one hour. The day was very hot, yet the patients were many of them present and they came from miles around to hear me. The chapel was well filled. I spoke on the love of God, 1 John 3. Sabbath and Sunday were severely taxing on me and last night I had considerable pain in my heart. I have just eaten my breakfast—three rolls, two young onions, and some dutch cheese. I relished my breakfast.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 2, 1892
7LtMs, Ms 2, 1892, par. 15
Sunday afternoon (December 4) I addressed a large audience in a larger and more expensive hall than we held the Sabbath meeting in. The Lord gave me much of His Holy Spirit, and those not of our faith seemed to be fed with the pure provender. My text was 1 John 3. Some not of our faith seemed so pleased that they responded heartily. I knew the Lord strengthened me to do my duty in the love and fear of God, and the congregation seemed to enjoy the meeting.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 43, 1891
7LtMs, Ms 43, 1891, par. 26
The tent was quite well filled this afternoon. I spoke with freedom from (1 John 3): “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the sons of God,” etc. The people listened with deep interest, and the power and Spirit of God, I knew, attended the word spoken. What solemnity was upon me as I presented the love of God and the importance of a response from us to all this wonderful display of the love of God to fallen man.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 82, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 82, 1893, par. 9
We had a religious service. I spoke to them from 1 John 3. I spoke with freedom and with as much spirit as if speaking before a thousand people. All seemed much interested. Even John, who is an imbecile, seemed to catch the spirit and be intensely interested. Oh, I inquire, what can be done for this family? What can we say to them? What can we do for them? They have not heard preaching—with the exception of the mother and Martha and one sister besides, named Bell. We had prayer at the close of the Sabbath. I read 1 Peter first chapter and explained it to them. The Lord indited prayer, and I felt the strong moving of His Holy Spirit.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 85, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 85, 1893, par. 45
Sabbath. I spoke in Odd Fellows’ Hall. Thirty were present. The burden of my message was John 17. Read and made remarks upon the entire chapter. Connecting with this was presented the first ten verses of the third chapter of the first epistle of John. I was trying to show that the world and Christians cannot join hands in fellowship and unity, for they are serving different masters. The Lord is the strength, as well as the light and comfort and joy, of His people. We must individually stand in God’s strength, not trusting to our own weak and inefficient strength, and we have an individuality of our own which cannot be submerged in any living human being.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 88, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 88, 1893, par. 28
Sunday spoke to a crowded tent of people from 1 John 3. This is a most powerful and appropriate discourse. I have not time to give particulars in diary.8LtMs, Ms 88, 1893, par. 37
Attended morning meeting. Elder Olsen spoke with much clearness and with power. Some testimonies were borne, good to hear. Although the heavy rain was falling upon the tent, yet the blessing of the Lord was with us. I was drawn out to speak upon 1 John, (chapter 3), showing the linking closely together of the love to God and the love to our brethren. The great principles of the law are expressed in these two great precepts, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and thy neighbor as thyself: upon these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. How very precious are these principles which express the love of God in life and in character in our treatment of our fellow men.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 79, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 79, 1893, par. 11
Sunday was another pleasant day. We held our services in the Theater Royal and had a good congregation who listened attentively as I presented before them the love of Christ [from] (1 John 3), first four verses. I had freedom in speaking of the great gift of God to our world in giving His only begotten Son to save all who should believe on Him, and the Lord blessed the word to them that heard it.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 10, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 10, 1894, par. 4
It is the privilege of every sinner to ask his teacher what sin really is. Give me a definition of sin. We have one in 1 John 3. “Sin is the transgression of the law.” [Verse 4.] Now this is the only definition of sin in the whole Bible. We are going to read it to you right out of the Book, so that you need not have the idea that it is not in the Bible, that it is another Bible that we preach to you. We will just read it out of the good Book, and we will begin at the beginning of the chapter. “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.” [Verse 1.] That is our privilege.9LtMs, Ms 10, 1894, par. 5
“Therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.” [Verse 1.] Now this knowledge does something for us. It is faith in Jesus Christ that is the living, working element. What does it do? “And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” [Verse 3.] Now there are a good many [who] have this faith tied on the outside, but it needs to be in them, a living, working element in the soul. It needs to be Christ enthroned in the heart. Well, “every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” Wonderful, wonderful! By beholding Christ, by talking of Him, by beholding the loveliness of His character, we become changed. Changed from glory to glory. And what is glory? Character—and he becomes changed from character to character. Thus we see that there is a work of purification that goes on by beholding Jesus.9LtMs, Ms 10, 1894, par. 7
As we listen to the words of Christ we will get truth. It is light; it is the way that we are to travel to reach the haven of eternal rest. It is the truth, and let us hang our helpless souls upon it. Not upon the minister, for you will find this a broken reed. Whom shall we hang our souls upon? Upon Him whose arm is strong to save to the utmost all that come to Him. How shall we come? Well, we will read a little farther: “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” [Verse 4.] This is away down this side of the crucifixion of Christ. Is not His law there? “God [had] no law to govern in heaven the angelic host, and on earth the inhabitants of the earth!” Did He ever mean that such a statement should come from human lips? Never, never. This is the reason that the earth has fallen to the depths that it has. For this reason it is that the souls of parents and children are in danger. For this reason we read of robbery and murder and the depravity that everywhere comes to our notice.9LtMs, Ms 10, 1894, par. 8
We want to understand the character of sin. “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” [Verse 4.] We read again that “where there is no law there is no transgression.” [Romans 4:15.] Where there is no law there is no sin. What kind of a world have we? What kind of a world is it that is going to people heaven in their lawlessness? A people that will enter in through the portals of the city and have another world just as we have it here?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 86, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 86, 1894, par. 1
First John, the third chapter, commencing at the first verse: “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” [Verses 1, 2.]9LtMs, Ms 86, 1894, par. 3
We turn again to the third chapter of 1 John, and read the third verse. “And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself.” What hope? Why, of seeing Jesus as He is, the living faith that lays hold of the arm of the infinite God, the living faith that takes Christ as our personal Saviour. Who knows Him as thus? All your casual views of Christ will not save a single soul. Do you know Him by the living connection of faith? He came to our world that He might bring man, by taking human nature upon Himself, in close connection with the living God. No angel could do this work; had an angel come from glory, from the heaven above, who could have endured the light of that angel?9LtMs, Ms 86, 1894, par. 13
Who, I ask you, as parents, can neglect the solemn responsibility that is resting upon you? What is the matter with our world? It is because fathers and mothers have thought more of reaching the standard of the world than God’s moral standard of righteousness. Will it pay? “What will it profit a man, though he should gain the whole world, and lose his own soul, or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” [Mark 8:36, 37.] You can’t afford to sin. We read here in John that sin is the transgression of the law. Third verse. “And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” [1 John 3:3, 4.] [There is] something for us to do, to prepare for the future immortal life. Christ has gone that He may prepare mansions for you. Make Him your dependence and your trust. Fathers and mothers, are you purifying your soul in your sphere as God is pure in His sphere? We lift the standard, we point you to it. We say, “I see the battlements of heaven, but how am I to reach it? I see the glory that floods the threshold, but how am I to pass over the threshold? What shall I do that I may win eternal life?”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Ms 4, 1895
10LtMs, Ms 4, 1895, par. 4
May Lacey, W. C. White’s future wife, accompanied me to Petersham, where I was to speak in the tent, Sunday evening. May was horse-woman, driving our colt Jessie, eleven miles. We had a well filled tent, of the very best class of people. One hundred and fifty were present. Brother Hare was at Ashfield, Brother Collins at Parramatta, Brother Kellogg at Prospect, Brother Byron Belden at Kellyville, and Brother McCullagh helped me in the services at Petersham. <It is thus we divide and scatter our forces.> I have never spoken to a more interested audience <than last Sunday night.> I spoke from 1 John 3, “Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us; that we should be called the sons of God.” [Verse 1.] I spoke one hour with freedom upon the atoning sacrifice made in our behalf, and at what cost to heaven this provision had been made. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but should have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 2, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 2, 1895, par. 1
I am burdened over your case. In the night season I was in your company, and was listening to your words, and the Spirit of the Lord came upon me, and I addressed one and then another, and then the company as a whole. At the present time you may either do a great deal of good, or all thoughtlessly commit a large amount of evil. I read the entire chapter of (1 John 3), I presented before you the necessity of manliness and firmness in the Christian character. A cheap Christian character works more harm in the world than the character of a worldling; for professed Christians mislead others by professing to represent Him whose name they assume. “Let us therefore fear, lest a promise being left us of entering into His rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.” [Hebrews 4:1.] “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” [Romans 12:1.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 143, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 143, 1895, par. 3
I had promised to speak in the tent at Petersham Sunday night. May Lacey and I went with Jessie, and the weather was excellent. I spoke from (1 John 3), and the tent was full, and as my voice was heard outside, a wall of listeners was formed outside. There were many new ones who came out to hear for the first time. Those present were intelligent, noble-looking people, and seemed to listen attentively. Before me, on the first seat, were a number of women who seemed to be of unusual intelligence and experience. I had much freedom in speaking.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 59a, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 59a, 1895, par. 5
The preparation of the marriage, mingled with the packing, made a very busy day, but every thing passed off smoothly, and I must say I was glad when it was all ended, and we were quarter before nine seated in the cars for Launceston. I spoke on Sabbath at 11 a.m. to the little flock who have turned their feet into the royal path cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in. My discourse was [from] 2 Peter 1. I had much freedom in speaking. There are, I think, seventeen that are keeping the Sabbath in this place as the result of labor there. There were about forty assembled, children and all. Brother Colcord left first, and he spoke twice to those who came out to hear—which was but very few. Next Brother Corliss tarried here, and spoke once or twice. Then our party spent Sabbath and Sunday speaking to those who attended. We had a precious season. Good testimonies were borne. Sunday we had a larger room, and there were more out, and I had great freedom speaking from (1 John 3), the love of God to the human family. The Lord blessed me with freedom, and all [apparently] listened with deepest interest.10LtMs, Lt 59a, 1895, par. 20
I was awakened in the night mentioned, and nearly suffocated for breath, and my heart felt very painful. I suffered much. I could obtain no relief. I thought I might die, but my prayer was made to God that He might give me relief. I dared not close my eyes in sleep. My pulse was very feeble, and missing every third beat. Past midnight I slept, and next morning my countenance revealed I had suffered. But I dared not sit up. I lay in bed until time to dress for the meeting. Notice had been given that I would speak at three p.m. Had I consulted my feelings I could not have gone forward. By faith the Lord helped me, and the pain and fearful sensations in my heart ceased. I was scarcely able to stand. The cab took me to the meeting, and when I stood up all my fears and trembling left me. I had not the slightest trace of feebleness. I spoke upon the special love of God as expressed in (1 John 3), “Beloved, what manner of love,” etc. There were a goodly number assembled, and there were men and women [of intelligence] before me.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Ms 59, 1895
10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 67
We returned from Ashfield yesterday, reaching home about four p.m. Sunday May Lacey and I rode to Petersham, eleven miles. I spoke in the tent, from 1 John 3. The Lord gave me His Holy Spirit, and the truth as it is in Jesus, spoken on that occasion, made impression on minds. There were about one hundred and sixty present, apparently an excellent class of people. They listened, apparently with intense interest, and the Lord was present in the meeting. There were quite a number outside the tent all through the service.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 177, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 177, 1897, par. 84
Elder Haskell occupied the time in the forenoon after the Sabbath school exercises. The tent was full. I occupied the time in the afternoon. The tent was full, and many were obliged to stand on the outside. I spoke from (1 John 3), first four verses. May the Lord bless the word spoken is the prayer of many.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 198, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 198, 1898, par. 12
This is out probationary time. We are waiting to receive His commandments, that when He shall come He may say, “Children, your Father calls, Come up higher.” There is a higher school for us. We want to prepare ourselves for it. But how? We need to refrain from sin, and what is sin? 1 John 3. The only definition the Bible gives is “the transgression of the law” [Verse 4], and Christ came to redeem us from the curse of the law, and to rescue this world from the consequence of sin. And draw it back into harmony with God, reuniting it with heaven.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 67, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 67, 1898, par. 5
It is of the highest importance that every human being to whom God has given reasoning powers understands his relation to God. It is for his present and eternal good to inquire at every step, Is this the way of the Lord? Since the fall of Adam, it has been the fashion of the world to sin, and it is for our interest to know the definition of sin. This is given us in (1 John 3): “Whosoever committeth sin, transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.” [Verses 4, 5.] The information is plainly given that sin is the transgression of the law. We need to call most earnestly upon every human being to compare his character with the law of God, the standard of character for all who would enter His kingdom and become citizens of the heavenly country. The work of redemption is not studied in our schools interestedly and carefully. Students have no real conception of what the plan of salvation means.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 256, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 256, 1899, par. 7
I shall speak today from (1 John 3): “Behold, what manner of love,” etc. I think if it were not for the Maitland meeting that is following close upon this I should be tempted to remain here a few days, but as it is shall speed right along home. I am hoping that something will be done to complete and get out some books, for the people need them very much. I cannot see why some books cannot be completed without further delay and the parables closed up. They need not be held in Marian’s hands any longer. The Lord help is my earnest prayer, that these books shall no longer be delayed. When once out, my mind will be at ease in regard to the many things I am always feeling burdened to write.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 177, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 177, 1899, par. 6
Sunday afternoon the meeting was largely attended, the tent being full. I spoke from 1 John 3. After I had been talking a few minutes, the brethren saw that something must be done to find seats for those who were coming in. I was requested to wait a few minutes, while the young children passed from our tent to a large square tent erected for the children’s meetings. The vacancies made were quickly filled and still there was a wall of people standing on one side of the tent. I had great freedom in speaking. I had asked the Lord for strength, and He gave it to me. I felt no weariness. I spoke for one hour, and all heard. My voice was as clear as a bell. I never stood before a congregation of more intelligent men and women, or one which manifested better interest. On the Sabbath, because of the weakness of my heart, I could speak only very slowly, but now I felt reined up, and imbued with the Holy Spirit. I was carried above all my infirmities, and I know that an angel of God was at my side to strengthen me. This has encouraged me very much.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 200, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 200, 1900, par. 11
Evening, March 25, I have just come from the hall. There was a good-sized congregation. They listened with great attention and this is the last time I expect to speak in Geelong or in this part of the country. I had freedom in speaking from the First Epistle of John, chapter 3. I was glad to speak to them once more, but I am afflicted in throat, head, and lungs.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 149, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 149, 1900, par. 14
The Lord gave me special victory as I spoke from the third chapter of First John. The people listened with great earnestness, and seemed to drink in the words of life. After I had finished speaking Elder Corliss, seeing that the people were deeply moved, asked all who desired to give themselves to the Lord to come forward. More than one hundred responded. Elder Corliss’s son and his wife came forward, and this almost overcame the father. The Spirit of God was in the meeting, and His power was felt. We knew that Christ and the angels were with us. At the close, the voices of all in that large congregation pealed forth in singing the doxology, and we know that God and the angels rejoiced.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 11, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 11, 1900, par. 27
Next morning we found that the workers there were very much pleased that we had come, for a baptismal service had been appointed for Sunday afternoon. On Sabbath I spoke to the people from the third chapter of First John. All seemed to be intensely interested. One or two who were present were keeping their first Sabbath. I spent Sunday morning writing. In the afternoon we drove to a beautiful paddock, in which the baptism was to take place. W. C. White offered prayer. Brother Colcord then spoke for a short time, and I followed, dwelling upon the love of God and the importance of knowing on whose side we are standing, the side of the adversary or the side of Him who declared, “I have kept my Father’s commandments.” [John 15:10.] I had freedom in speaking, and those who had been laboring for the people were very much pleased with the impression made. Seven candidates then went forward for baptism.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 130, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 130, 1901, par. 1
Sunday the 24th was a rainy, disagreeable day. I was surprised at the attendance in the hall in New York City. There was a very much larger number than we could reasonably expect. I spoke from 1 John 3. The Lord gave me freedom in speaking His word. The blessing of the Lord seemed to attend the word spoken. May the Lord bless the hearers.16LtMs, Ms 130, 1901, par. 7
“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 John 3:1-5.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 169, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 169, 1901, par. 11
Sunday the 24th was a rainy, disagreeable day. I was surprised at the attendance in the hall in New York City. There was a very much larger number than we could reasonably expect. I spoke from 1 John 3. The Lord gave me freedom in speaking His Word. The blessing of the Lord seemed to attend the word spoken. May the Lord bless the hearers. [This entry from Ms 130, 1901, p. 1.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 34, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 34, 1901, par. 2
When John was old and grey-headed he was given a message to bear to the persecuted churches. Read and appreciate the first epistle of John. Study the principles presented. From the lips of the aged disciple there constantly fell words which magnified the Saviour as he related his experience in connection with Him.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 229, 1902
Los Angeles, California
September 13, 1902
Previously unpublished.
17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 1
“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.” [Verses 1, 2.] Only those who are like Him can see Him as He is.17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 2
“And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.” [Verse 3.] This is a wonderful purity; this is no low standard set before the believer; it is the highest standard that can be presented.17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 3
In the next verse is given the definition of sin: “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 4
“And ye know that He was manifested to take away our sins; and in Him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in Him”—now bear this in mind. It is not enough to think of Jesus and to speak of Him occasionally; for we are to abide in Him constantly. “Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen Him, neither known Him.” [Verses 4-6.] The following verse brings to view the relation that we sustain to our Creator. The apostle John addresses the church members as “little children.” [Verse 7.] In God’s sight the inhabitants of the whole world are little children.17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 5
In the sight of God, the whole world, the greatest men, the most talented men, the very highest in education, He groups them in as little children that believe in Him. They are God’s little children. In comparison with God, we are all little children.17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 6
The great and mighty God has pledged Himself at our baptism that He would be our Father. We were baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. What does that mean? It means that we profess by this action of baptism that we are dead unto the world, and we are buried in the watery grave. In the likeness of Christ’s resurrection, we are raised up out of the grave, the watery grave—Christ’s burial was His death—we are raised up out of the water in the likeness of His resurrection. And you know He proclaimed over the rent sepulcher of Joseph, “I am” what?—“the resurrection and the life.” [John 11:25.]17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 7
“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above.” “Seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.” [Colossians 3:1.] Now here is where we must have our contemplation, where we must have our thoughts, and where we must “seek those things.” “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.”17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 8
Well, how can we do that? Here is the world all busy with their projects and plans, and every conceivable thing. How are they? What are they going to do about the matter? Are they in a position where, should Christ come today, they would be found of Him in peace, wanting in nothing? We are to have a character that represents the character of Jesus Christ.17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 9
“Well,” you say, “I have seen a great many church members, and I see that you cannot cross their track; and even if you do not mean to cross their track, yet they think you are doing it, and then they get in a passion at once. What shall we do with them?” We shall invite them to come to Christ and learn of Him, as Christ has said, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden.” Are there any here of that class? “And I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you”—My yoke, not anybody else’s yoke. “Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” [Matthew 11:28, 29.]17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 10
Now you see we are brought right into the educating school. We are to learn of the greatest Teacher that the world ever knew. We are to take His life and study it. We are to take His words and eat them. We are to eat the words of Christ. “Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life.” [John 6:54.] And when there were some of His disciples in trial about it, He said, “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [Verse 63.] Now you know what it is to eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God.17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 11
Well, then what? Christ says to them, “Ye shall find rest unto your souls.” He told them, Come, and take My yoke, and I will give you rest. He says, “Learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find.” How? In just that submissive learning of the lessons of Christ, you will find His meekness, His lowliness. Your life is hid with Christ in God, and then what? “Ye shall find.” Why, the yoke of Christ is easy. “My yoke is easy,” He says, “and My burden is light.” [Matthew 11:29, 30.]17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 12
Now do not let any one of us think that in coming to Jesus Christ, we have got to go like cripples, and we have got to go mourning at every step. Why, He says, There is rest for you in Me. It is because you are out of Christ that you have not the rest.17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 13
We have come here today to speak to this people and tell them that in Christ is life, eternal life; and if you want to be educated with Christ in God, then you shall find the rest in the living experience so that you have no need to send clear across the waters, as we have had them send to us to Australia. We were there ten years—and the letters came: Oh, what shall I do? I am in perplexity; I am in distress; won’t you tell me what to do? Well, it takes four or five weeks, just according to where the people are located, to get their letters across the water, and four or five weeks for us to send them a return; and here is Christ, who says, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:20.] Those were the last words that He spoke, with His hands outstretched in blessings; and then there was the cloud of angels that were singing right above them. Christ was attracted right upward, while His arms were outstretched in blessing, and He was telling them, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Now I want you to remember that. When you are in trouble, you have got One that is close by you.17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 14
The Word declares that in heaven the angels, our angels that minister unto us, always behold the face of your Father which is in heaven; and we are told how we must deal with one another; we must be kind, we must be thoughtful; we are Christ’s little children. You see the father and the mother of a family—why, the lesson is that they should begin with these very lessons of Christ to educate and train their children to go to Christ in prayer with all their perplexities. You want to put their hand in the hand of Jesus Christ, and you want to teach them that in all their sorrows and in all their sufferings, and in sickness, that there is an angel that is around them, watching, watching all their sadness and grief. That angel bears the message upward, and the light of God and His presence comes to the suffering little ones.17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 15
Well, we are all, as I said to you, God’s little ones. We are only little children in understanding. “Work us a miracle.” That is what the Pharisees kept saying, “Work us a miracle,” They could no more stand the miracles that they wanted to see worked. They wanted to see something so mysteriously wonderful, and they could no more behold it or take it in. They would be stricken to the earth like dead men.17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 16
Paul could not stand it. He was an opposer, and as he went to oppose the saints, there was a voice heard, and he was stricken from his horse. Why, he asked, “Who art thou, Lord?” “I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.” [Acts 9:5.] And then Christ talked with him. Now, I want to tell you that all he could see was the light and the glory, but not the person, of Christ.17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 17
Paul heard His voice; he knew who He was; but afterward he was taken up into heaven, and he saw the mystery of godliness, and he said he heard words which it is not lawful for a man to utter; and they had to be content with what?—with the lessons that came to them from time to time by the revival of the light that was given to Paul; and he would tell them. He spoke to them of the revelation that he had had of the Father; and yet he said, “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.” [1 Corinthians 2:9.]17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 18
You just consider it. There are to be the miracles. If they were to be worked here in this world, such miracles as you want to see, it would take your life away from you. You could not endure it. Why? Because you are sinners. We ought not to be. Why? Because here is Christ, given by the Father, who “so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 19
Well, now, does not God love us? He will take every soul of you to heaven that He can; but He will not take a sinner there. If you choose to keep on in sin day after day, and not keep His commandments—why, Satan originated sin in heaven. And there was war in heaven; Christ and His angels fought, and Satan and his sympathizers in the heavenly courts fought, and Satan was emptied out of heaven.17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 20
Now, I want to tell you, there is a battle constantly going on here in this world. It is the powers of darkness against the powers of light, and everything that Satan can institute, he will devise to work with a power that is from beneath to bring perplexity and to clear an entrance to minds, as he led Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden to disbelieve God and to believe the enemy of all righteousness. Now we have their history.17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 21
We would have a greater blame to be led by the enemy, because we have the history of the first pair that God created and placed in the Garden of Eden. He gave them the beautiful fruits of the Garden, and gave them angels to talk with them; and God Himself talked with them and visited them in the Garden; and they were favored. But they received the words of the enemy.17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 22
Now, we want to tell you, every one of you, saint and sinner, God is in earnest with us. It is this subject of eternal life. It is not child’s play that we may lay hold of it at will, and let it alone at pleasure, yet we can go forth in the strength of the Mighty One to resist the enemy. No. We shall know the power of God. What was pledged to man at our baptism? What was the pledge of heaven? Our pledge was to die unto the world. Our pledge was to not sin against God. And the pledge, the baptism in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, commits every soul that enters the family of God, that binds up with Jesus Christ, that in every perplexity they have a Father; they have the Son, and the Holy Ghost—the three mighty powers of heaven. If they call upon God, He will help them in every emergency.17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 23
And if we follow on to know the Lord after our baptism, if we do just as it is told us to do, “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.” [Colossians 3:1.]—now this is what the Lord wants every one of us to do, to claim the power of the Highest. Make it your first business. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” [Matthew 6:33.] The necessary things of temporal life, He was talking about.17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 24
They have to be brought upon men and women that have come up with all the natural traits of their characters; but, fathers and mothers, I want you to hear this: You have no right to let your children come up with all their evil passions educating and training them, so that they will be opposed to God. What you want is to educate them that they can have the peace of Christ. There is to be no quarrelling in the house. I let my family know that there is to be no dissension.17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 25
However many my workers may be to help me in the publication of the writing that I put in their hands, yet there is to be in all these elements nothing like dissension. We cannot have it in our home, because my home must be a place where the angels of God can come in, and where the angels of God can bless us, and we will not have dissension here. We cannot have it; and He wants every family to educate their children from their babyhood afterward.17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 26
There is to be no manifestation of passion. Who is it that is working them in their passion, when they have no reason? It is the devil. And what are you to do? Take them to God in prayer, and if they still continue, and the rod is necessary, then you are to give them the punishment until the devil is subdued in them. What we want is that our families shall be such that the glory of God can be revealed in our homes.17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 27
Do you consider that your business will suffer if you do not take your season of prayer in your home? Do you consider it thus, and that you must leave your family and your wife and children to go out to your business? No; stand in your place of duty, and say, I will commit my family to God. We may never meet again. We know not, when we go out, what will be our condition when we come in again.17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 28
You will see the accidents that are befalling us in our world, those that are on the cars, and the games, and that are on the water, and the flame and the fire, and the blood, and the volcanoes, and all these things. They are perishing. Why? The Spirit of God is being withdrawn from the earth.17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 29
Christ is soon to come with power and great glory, and we want to tell you, we do not want that the Lord in heaven shall find a people that are in rebellion to the laws of His kingdom. We want you to become acquainted with Him.17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 30
When we go to a country, we want to know all about it. We want to understand all about that country. Had we not better learn and teach our children about the heavenly country? Had we not better educate and train them to prepare for the future life? Had we better not educate them to prepare for that life that measures with what? The life of God; to stand in the city of God; to live through the ceaseless ages in the city of God.17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 31
And yet your business here in this world, and the amusements, and the visiting, and all these things that take your mind, is of such consequence in the little period of your lifetime that you cannot begin at the very commencement of your family relation to educate your family to love and to serve God. The husband and the wife are to unite together, and say, We will pray; we will pray at morning, we will pray at noon, as did Daniel, and the angels of God will protect us, as they protected Daniel in that emergency when he was cast into the den of lions because he prayed. We want to prepare for what is coming upon our world.17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 32
Well now, every preparation has been made for us that could be made.17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 33
Our Lord Jesus Christ was given to our world, and He came—why did He not come in such power and splendor and importance as the kings from place to place and from country to country, so as to show their superiority? Why did not the Lamb of God come in that way? Why did not the King of Glory, that created the world, and created the human beings through God, and populated the world—I ask you, why did He not come with the whole train of the heavenly host?17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 34
Oh, He had taken humanity. He could not die unless He had taken humanity; and He came to yield up His life for your transgression. He bore the sins of the whole world, that the world should believe on Him, that He could come and take away their sin, and in its place what would He put? Oh, He would put His righteousness; He would put His salvation; He would put His peace. Oh, He would give them to drink of the waters of life. “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.” [Isaiah 55:1.] Now they can come; they can drink if they will. The choice is given them, that they may have life, everlasting life, in the kingdom of glory.17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 35
You may drink of that water of life and never thirst, because it never dries up. The water is constantly flowing in the richest streams, and if at any time your soul is barren, if at any time you are thirsty, it is because you have lost sight of the living spring. Now will you find it? Will you find it?17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 36
God grant that we accept the enormous sacrifice that was made by the Son of God who laid off His royal crown, stepped down from the throne and His high command, laid off His royal robe, and clothed Himself with humanity, that humanity might touch divinity. With His long human arm He encircles the race, while with His divine arm He grasps the throne of the Infinite.17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 37
Why, He says, it is His will that those who have been with Him, suffering with Him in this world, (He tells His Father) they shall be with Me where I am, that they shall behold My glory. That is why He wants you—every one—to behold His character, because you have a character that you have been forming after the divine character. Well, will that make you unhappy, very unhappy, to form a character after the divine Pattern, that you may become a member of the royal family, and children of the heavenly King? Do you think it will make a disturbed family for you to watch your words when you speak, to watch and see how much happiness you can bring into your family by patience, and kindness, and love?17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 38
All these miserable tempers are making all the wars in our world, and they are making all the dissension in the churches, and all the difficulties in the families. Well, now, suppose we begin with the family, begin to educate and train the children to have Christian politeness. Are we training these children that they are in view of our heavenly family, and that they are watching, and they want to give help to everyone who needs help?17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 39
Christ Himself has said, “Ask, and ye shall receive.” [John 16:24.] Do you believe His Word? You have no need to send away over to Australia to ask some friend to help you out of your difficulties, when Christ says, right here, “Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me.” [Isaiah 27:5.] That is what we want. We want the peace of Christ in our hearts. Let it abide with you.17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 40
The apostle Paul states, “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts.” [Colossians 3:15.] Let it into your soul. It is all waiting to take possession of the heart. The threefold powers in heaven are waiting to lift up for you a standard against the enemy, as you draw nigh to God in humble prayer, and let your petition take right hold of the Mighty One.17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 41
The day is coming when you will want a Protector. The day of God is right upon us, the day when the plagues of God are coming upon our earth everywhere, and we want you to be ready. That is why we are here to ask you if you will not seek the Lord. He says, “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.” “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” [Isaiah 55:7; 1:18.]17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 42
Well, now, do you believe it? Come just as you are, sinful and polluted. You have not a moment to lose. You know not how soon death may come, and you want to be all prepared, so that they can lay you away in the grave for the morning of the resurrection, that when Christ shall come, He will break the fetters of the tomb. He will call the righteous dead to come up in the first resurrection, and He will take them to Himself. Those who are alive shall not prevent those who are asleep. They shall come up and unite together and ascend to the city of our God, and His arm shall swing back the pearly gates upon their glittering hinges, and the nations that have kept the truth shall enter in.17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 43
Fathers, mothers, can you take your children right with you, as they come up in the morning of the resurrection, and say “Here, Lord, am I, and the children that Thou hast given me”? [See Isaiah 8:18.] Now they are God’s property; they are the younger members of the Lord’s family; and every soul of you that has brought children into the world is under obligation to God to educate and train those children for the future, immortal life. Will you take a course of idolatry and of sin, that these children shall follow your example, and you lose life, eternal life? I beg of you—for your soul’s sake, for the sake of your present happiness that you will have in your home, for the sake of the peace of God that you will have—follow the leader, Jesus Christ.17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 44
“I am the light of life,” Jesus Christ says. [John 8:12.] When Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us,” “Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip? he that hath seen Me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak unto you I speak not of Myself: but the Father that dwelleth in Me, He doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me: or else believe Me for the very works’ sake.” [John 14:8-11.] The Saviour was the express image of His Father’s person.17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 45
Now, our Saviour took every step requisite to conversion that every soul should take. He placed Himself at the head of humanity, and repented of the sins of humanity, that you may repent on your own account, and in your own behalf, and that pardon may be spoken against every repenting, believing soul. When He came up from the water, then the glory of God, like a dove of burnished gold, encircled over the Son of God, while from the highest heaven was heard the words, “This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” [Matthew 3:16, 17.]17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 46
What was Christ doing? Praying in behalf of the people that were encircled in His arms by the steps He was taking, in repentance and baptism, in their behalf. What does that say to you and to me? Heaven is open before us. Christ has cleared the way by the prayer after His baptism. Thus He said to John, as John forbade to baptize Him, “Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness.” [Verse 15.] Now, repentance and faith and baptism, are the steps requisite in conversion, and we want souls here today to inquire, How is it with my soul? Am I fitting for heaven above? Am I making a heaven in my home for my family? Am I putting away the hasty speech, the hasty temper? Am I controlling myself, that the Spirit of God shall be in me and abide with me richly, and that the rich current of grace and love shall flow forth from me to my children and all that shall come into our house?17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 47
We want a heaven here below to go to heaven in, and we can bring our children up so that they can help father, and they can help mother, and there will not be so many slaves in the family. Children will not be educated to go to parties of pleasure and all these amusements. They are a part of the great web, a part of the family circle. They must bear their part of the burden; and then the mother is not worried out and dying, to leave her children for someone else to come and take care of. What we want is the mothers’ lives preserved.17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 48
Teach the little ones to do duties from their babyhood up. Then what are you to do? You are educating them to bear their burdens, and how to pray. Christ offered this prayer, that you may understand that He has cleaved the way for your prayer to follow to the highest heaven to take right hold of His strength and make peace with Him, so that you can make peace with Him. This is what He is educating you to pray, as His prayer is offered to heaven, as the voice of God is heard, “This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” [Verse 17.] It tells you that every prayer that shall be offered from a sincere heart is accepted in the Beloved.17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 49
Well, praise God for that. I want you to praise God, brethren and sisters, for that assurance. It has been life to me when it has seemed as if I have not had any strength, and that I must die for my affliction; yet my petition was offered to my God and the prayer has been answered, the trouble removed, and recovery has taken place.17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 50
What we want is to be, every one of us, laborers in the home to bind the children to our hearts. Many fathers do not know their children, nor the children their fathers. The fathers are so engaged in making money. It is a terrible loss that you never can recover. You want to bring your children just as they are to the Lord, and say, I have done my best for them, Lord. Touch their hearts, Lord. Let Thy converting power come upon them, that they may become children of God. How many prayers have been offered in our home, my husband and myself, that our children might be trained for the future immortal life!17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 51
Well, then, there is the school. Here you begin to work in your home, and then you will simply find the Word of God, and bring it into their practical life, even in their childhood. And then what? Here you have got a little church in the home. The father is the priest in that household, and the houseband. Whether he is or not, he ought to be. That is what God designed he should be from the beginning—the houseband of the family; and here are the children that are to be educated. It is your duty to do it.17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 52
If you are bringing children into the world, they are the younger members of God’s family, entrusted to you to train with beautiful characters, that they may join the heavenly family in the courts above, so that Christ shall not have died for them in vain. He does not want to be robbed of His glory. He wants that every family to show the world the difference between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not. We want to have—what is it we want? Life insurance papers. Have you got them? What are they? I will just read a few words, and you will see what they are.17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 53
Here we have, in the second epistle of Peter, from the first verse, in the first chapter you will read—and it is a wonderful chapter. “Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ (now, mind who they are), to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.”17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 54
Do you care to have your children attain it? Teach it to them “line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little” [Isaiah 28:10], and you can have a whole household rejoicing together in the peace of Jesus Christ.17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 55
“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you (remember the word multiplied) through the knowledge of God.” [2 Peter 1:2.] It is multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God. Then let all this superficial knowledge that does not amount to anything, only to confuse the mind, and make it go astray; let that go, for our learning is only in the Bible and we do not know half of what the teachings of the Bible are. We want to make that our lesson book in our home and in our schools. We want to educate our children and to teach them that as they know God, they will live on the plan of addition.17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 56
A little farther: “According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness.” Has He drawn a line here? “All things.” “According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge”—(are you teaching that knowledge in your home and gaining it yourself?)—“through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue.” [Verse 3.] How? By hanging on Calvary’s cross and dying for us and for our children.17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 57
“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.” [Verse 4.] That is how you are to overcome—not by fretting, not by scolding, not by pounding your children’s flesh, but by sitting and leading and praying with them, and you will get the Spirit of Christ. You will get that sympathy, love, tenderness, and compassion that dwelt in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ.17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 58
“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith (faith is not enough) virtue”—a virtuous character. Begin today, this very day, if you have never begun before. “And to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance.” [Verses 5, 6.] Intemperance is stalking through our land, because the devil has the ruling of it. We cannot afford it. We cannot afford to put out one jot of our reason. God wants our capabilities, all the powers, all the light, all the knowledge, that we can give, that we may be His laborers to the world and let our light shine upon the world.17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 59
“And to temperance patience.” [Verse 6.] Oh how little patience! God help us to get into Christ as soon as possible.17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 60
“And to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity (love). For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence. ...” [Verses 6-10.] A few minutes now and then to read a chapter in the Bible, or to pray now and then? More than that.17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 61
“Give diligence to make.” You are to make it. Here is not an election independent of you, but you are to make your election sure. “Give diligence to make your calling and election sure.” [Verse 10.]17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 62
These are your life insurance policy papers, it is life insurance papers that you will have that life which measures with the life of God. “For if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.” Do you believe it? I do. “For so an entrance” (now you are to find what your insurance policy papers will give). “For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.” [Verses 10-12.]17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 63
Now, here I have given you just a touch, only just a little touch, and we want you to begin to search the Scriptures for yourselves. We don’t want one of you to perish; but who is it that has shown that He does not want you to perish? Why, it is your Saviour. He loves us with a love that is infinite. There is no language that can express that love; then shall we disappoint Him?17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 64
Shall we act like the sinner here, when we profess to be Christians? If we act like sinners, we shall be treated like sinners; if you act like righteous men, if you cultivate the grace of God in humility and meekness and lowliness of heart, and will seek the Lord, you will be a light to shine amid the moral darkness of this depraved, sick, sin-polluted world.17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 65
Now, God wants every professed Christian to put on the armor of righteousness. He wants you to stand with that armor on, and He wants you to be laborers. He wants your words to be of that character to invite; and to win souls, that they will come to Jesus Christ; be laborers together with God. “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Now God is building the temple in you, and you are to unite with Him, to cooperate with God, to protect this building, this temple, that it shall be made perfect, that He can work in and dwell in us, and that He can give us a supply of grace and sufficiency, that we can sing all day long in our homes.17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 66
How much praising God is there in this world? How much glorifying Him whom God has given to die for a world to be saved? How much do you honor God by thanking Him for His everlasting Gift? Oh, what does He look upon? What does all heaven look upon? I have seen it, and I know. All heaven is waiting for souls to be converted, and just as soon as they are converted here, there is singing in heaven. The God of heaven rejoices over them with singing. That is the very work that is going on in heaven. And when you are laboring for the conversion of souls, and they turn to the truth, why then they strike up the singing heaven, and there is the melody that is carried on in the heavenly courts.17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 67
Shall our tongues be silent? Shall we act as we did not comprehend this matter? God help us that we may overcome all sin and have the crown of life that we can cast at the feet of Jesus, and then touch the golden harp and fill all heaven with rich music and with songs to the Lamb.17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 68
Come, dear friends, come just as you are, sinful and polluted. Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. He is in our midst today. Angels of God are here, and evil angels are here; but we want you to resist the evil angels. We want you to lay hold upon the hope that is set before you in the gospel of Jesus Christ, that you may be a partaker of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Ms 153, 1904
19LtMs, Ms 153, 1904, par. 1
1 John 3:1-4. This is the only definition of sin in the Scriptures, the transgression of the law.19LtMs, Ms 153, 1904, par. 2
Verses 5-7. We are all of us addressed by John, and also by Christ as His little children, Christ’s little children, and therefore we are to be under control to God as little children are under control to their parents. For our present and eternal good, we are to know the will of God. We are highly favored with the privilege of this Book, the Bible. It is our instructor. You cannot afford to drop out the Scriptures that define the plan of salvation and tell us what we must do in order to be saved.19LtMs, Ms 153, 1904, par. 6
We want to know the very terms of salvation. “Every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.” [Verse 3.]19LtMs, Ms 153, 1904, par. 45
Here it says in the [seventh] verse: “Little children, let no man deceive you.” We grow up like little children. Sometimes the grown-up children do not have patience with the smaller children. There should not be any speech that will dishonor God in the home, but let us have pleasantness. Carry a pleasant countenance. You can make sunshine or you can make clouds. It is best to have a sunshiny countenance. It will not blister your lips at all to have pleasant words. It will give life and brightness and joy and gladness all through the house. Let us see how much light we can manufacture. Christ said, “Ye are the light of the world. ... Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14, 16.]1 John 3:2
Heaven
Chapter 16—Heaven Is a School
Hvn 154.4
“It doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.” 1 John 3:2.In Heavenly Places
The Secret Place of Prayer, March 20
HP 86.6
Oh, what joy we experience in the service of God! What peace, what contentment and rest! Members of the royal family, children of the heavenly king! “It doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him ...” (1 John 3:2). With such a hope, such a relationship, with all the great and precious possibilities, should not our faith grasp much more than it does? Should we not be inspired with hope and courage that will not fail nor be discouraged under any difficulties? 37Letter 110, 1893.Manuscript Releases, vol. 1 [Nos. 19-96]
Open the Windows of the Soul Heavenward
1MR 388.2
John calls our attention to the love God has bestowed on us. “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God” (1 John 3:2). Can we comprehend this love? Even if we expanded the mind to its utmost limit, could we take in its measurement or give the gift of love the appreciation it deserves?Maranatha
The Reward of the Redeemed, November 11
Mar 323.2
Glorious will be the reward bestowed when the faithful workers gather about the throne of God and of the Lamb. When John in his mortal state beheld the glory of God, he fell as one dead; he was not able to endure the sight. But when the children of God shall have put on immortality, they will “see him as he is.” 1 John 3:2. They will stand before the throne, accepted in the Beloved. All their sins have been blotted out, all their transgressions borne away. Now they can look upon the undimmed glory of the throne of God. They have been partakers with Christ in His sufferings, they have been workers together with Him in the plan of redemption, and they are partakers with Him in the joy of seeing souls saved in the kingdom of God, there to praise God through all eternity.25Testimonies for the Church 9:285.Maranatha
We Belong to the Royal Family, December 7
Mar 349.1
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 1 John 3:2.Our Father Cares
What a Reward! August 30
OFC 254.2
Glorious will be the reward bestowed when the faithful workers gather about the throne of God and of the Lamb. When John in his mortal state beheld the glory of God, he fell as one dead; he was not able to endure the sight. But when the children of God shall have put on immortality, they will “see him as he is” (1 John 3:2). They will stand before the throne, accepted in the Beloved. All their sins have been blotted out, all their transgressions borne away. Now they can look upon the undimmed glory of the throne of God. They have been partakers with Christ in His sufferings, they have been workers together with Him in the plan of redemption, and they are partakers with Him in the joy of seeing souls saved in the kingdom of God, there to praise God through all eternity....Patriarchs and Prophets
Chapter 4—The Plan of Redemption
PP 64.1
God was to be manifest in Christ, “reconciling the world unto Himself.” 2 Corinthians 5:19. Man had become so degraded by sin that it was impossible for him, in himself, to come into harmony with Him whose nature is purity and goodness. But Christ, after having redeemed man from the condemnation of the law, could impart divine power to unite with human effort. Thus by repentance toward God and faith in Christ the fallen children of Adam might once more become “sons of God.” 1 John 3:2.Prayer
“When ye pray, say Our Father.” Luke 11:2.
Pr 291.2
“Beloved, now are we the sons of God.” “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together.” “It doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.” 1 John 3:2; Romans 8:17.Prophets and Kings
Chapter 58—The Coming of a Deliverer
PK 702.1
“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.” 1 John 3:2. Our Redeemer has opened the way, so that the most sinful, the most needy, the most oppressed and despised, may find access to the Father.Reflecting Christ
Self Is Hidden and Christ Is Revealed, April 3
RC 107.4
The light that shines forth from the life of the true Christian testifies to his union with Christ. Self is hidden from view, and Christ is revealed.... “Now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2). Then those whose lives have been hidden with Christ, those who on this earth have fought the good fight of faith, will shine forth with the Redeemer’s glory in the kingdom of God.Christian Experience and Teachings of Ellen G. White
Chapter 40—The Reward of Earnest Effort
CET 233.1
“If any man’s work abide, ... He shall receive a reward.” 1 Corinthians 3:14. Glorious will be the reward bestowed when the faithful workers gather about the throne of God and of the Lamb. When John in his mortal state beheld the glory of God, he fell as one dead: he was not able to endure the sight. But when the children of God shall have put on immortality, they will “see Him as He is.” 1 John 3:2. They will stand before the throne, accepted in the Beloved. All their sins have been blotted out, all their transgressions borne away. Now they can look upon the undimmed glory of the throne of God. They have been partakers with Christ in His sufferings, they have been workers together with Him in the plan of redemption, and they are partakers with Him in the joy of seeing souls saved in the kingdom of God, there to praise God through all eternity.EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
1 John 3:1-6
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 147, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, par. 1
“Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God! Therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God; and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.” [1 John 3:1, 2.]21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, par. 2
Would that we all might truly “behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.” [Verse 1.] I praise the Lord for these precious words. They bring me great comfort. Do all of us who profess to be children of God really know Him? Do we all, by well-ordered lives and godly conversation, represent Him?21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, par. 3
There are many here today who have been listening to the Word of God, who have had an opportunity to know more of what that Word says, and who are just beginning to understand the hope that is in the gospel. “And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.” [Verse 3.]21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, par. 4
Notice especially what is said of those who abide in Christ: “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that He was manifested to take away our sins; and in Him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen Him, neither known Him.” [Verses 4-6.]21LtMs, Ms 147, 1906, par. 13
“Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the sons of God.” [1 John 3:1.] Behold Him as revealed in His Word. Behold Him revealed in the prophecies. Study carefully the record that is left of His life on earth.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 70, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 70, 1903, par. 1
“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. And every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.” [1 John 3:1-3.]18LtMs, Ms 70, 1903, par. 14
With those thoughts in mind, cannot we appreciate a little more fully than before the words we read in the third chapter of John’s first epistle? “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. And every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.” [Verses 1-3.]18LtMs, Ms 70, 1903, par. 17
“Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that He was manifested to take away our sins; and in Him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen Him, neither known Him.” [Verses 4-6.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 148, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 148, 1900, par. 3
I asked the Lord to give me strength to speak to the people, and He graciously answered my prayer. The notice of the meeting had been widely circulated, and there were about four hundred people present. Every seat was filled. More chairs were brought in, and even then the children and several women were seated on the platform. I knew that the Lord would strengthen me, and I stood before this large congregation, His Spirit came upon me. I spoke from 1 John 3:1-6. The Lord gave the word, and the Spirit accompanied the word spoken. The entire congregation seemed to be deeply moved.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 224, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 224, 1907, par. 2
On Sabbath, July 13, I spoke in the sanitarium chapel. I took as my text the first six verses of the third chapter of First John. At the close of the service Elder Behrens introduced me to an aged minister, who has been for some time a patient at the sanitarium, and one who has done an important work in gospel lines. As we parted, he said, “Mrs. White, you have preached an excellent gospel sermon.”