EGW Writings1 Peter 2

The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials

Chapter 85—To W. C. White

1888 683.1

I told you our next meeting would be doubled, and it was. We had the small Baptist church, which was about full-seventy in all present; six were outsiders, the rest Sabbathkeepers. Quite a number were from Battle Creek. Elder Corliss opened the meeting and I spoke from the first chapter of 1 Peter 2-9. The Lord gave me strength and freedom and it was easy talking to these souls that are hungering for the bread of life. Elder Corliss occupied a few minutes speaking to the point. Dr. Lay spoke well a few minutes, then thirty-seven excellent testimonies were borne and all expressed their gratitude for the meeting. The next Sabbath there will be more for they now know I will speak every Sabbath. We had a good meeting.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 9, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 90

Now having the evidence that God cares for you, put on the whole armor of God. “Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might ... For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand.” [Ephesians 6:10, 12, 13.] See Philippians 4:4-8; 1 Peter 1:13-22; 2:1.

In Heavenly Places

No Sharp or Hasty Words, June 24

HP 182.1

Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby. 1 Peter 2:1, 2.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 67, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 67, 1903, par. 7

“The Holy Spirit cannot be revealed to you while dissension and strife exist. Would it not be well for you to lay ‘aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,’ and ‘as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby’? [1 Peter 2:1, 2.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 10 [Nos. 771-850]

MR No. 817—What Being Saved Means

10MR 284.2

Perverted Appetites to be Controlled—Those who are engaged in the sacred work of opening the Word of God to others, must be sure that they themselves are eating and digesting that Word. They must watch over themselves, weeding from the heart and character the fungus growth which causes deformity and weakness. “Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, ... and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby” (1 Peter 2:1, 2). Have you done this, or have you thought that you had no battles to fight with self, and so allowed your unsanctified impulses to control mind and judgment?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Ms 12, 1888

5LtMs, Ms 12, 1888, par. 2

Man must be removed as far as possible from Satan if he would become a partaker of the divine nature. “Wherefore,” says the apostle Peter, “laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, as new born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” [1 Peter 2:1, 2.] There can be no spiritual growth, no Christlike meekness and humility where there is no life.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 42, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 42, 1892, par. 10

The conflict is not over with any of us. The victory is not complete. Outward temptations, and inward tendencies to evil, still allure us on, and as we draw near the close of earth’s history, the pressure of the power of darkness grows stronger, for Satan has come down in great wrath, knowing that his time is short. But the more difficulties we encounter and overcome through watchfulness and prayer, the greater will be our experience and the greater our growth in grace. “Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envyings and all evil speaking, as new born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” [1 Peter 2:1, 2.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 98, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 98, 1902, par. 9

“The Holy Spirit cannot be revealed to the church members in Greater New York while dissension and strife exist. Would it not be well for you to lay aside ‘all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,’ and ‘as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby’? [1 Peter 2:1, 2.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 27, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 27, 1903, par. 3

“Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” [1 Peter 2:1, 2.]

18LtMs, Ms 27, 1903, par. 5

“Laying aside all malice and all guile.” [Verse 1.] Let men think what they will of you. Do not allow their accusations to turn you from the path of duty. You have a mark to reach—the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Jesus Christ. Press on, turning not to the right hand or the left. The enemy will assail you, but remember that One mightier than Satan is with you and will fight for you. Christ has “all power,” and that power is for us. [Matthew 28:18.]

18LtMs, Ms 27, 1903, par. 7

“If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” [1 Peter 2:3.] Have you tasted that He is gracious? I believe that every one present this morning has and that we can all say, “He is my strength and my crown of rejoicing.”

18LtMs, Ms 27, 1903, par. 9

“If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious” [verse 3]—not by having all your desires gratified, but perhaps by passing through affliction. And not only are we to taste; we are to feast on the Lord’s goodness. Do you hold constant communion with Him? Then you will find that He is gracious. Cast your helpless soul upon Him. Come to Him just as you are. Give up trying to help yourself. He is the great Helper. He will help us just as surely as we trust Him.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Ms 11, 1888

5LtMs, Ms 11, 1888, par. 68

“Wherefore, laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speaking, as new-born babes desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: if so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” [1 Peter 2:1-3.] “Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the Judge standeth at the door.” [James 5:9.] Man cannot read the heart of man. His judgment is formed from appearances, and these are often deceptive. God reads the intent and purposes of the heart. Do nothing in an underhand manner; be open as the day, true to your brethren and sisters, dealing with them as you wish Christ to deal with you.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 73, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 73, 1899, par. 15

“Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, the flower thereof falleth away; but the word of the Lord endureth forever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.” “Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, as newborn babes desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: if so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” [1 Peter 1:22-25; 2:1-3.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 73, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 73, 1897, par. 33

“Wherefore laying aside all malice and all guile and hypocrisies, and envies and all evil speaking, as new born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby; if so be that ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious, to whom coming as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” [1 Peter 2:1-5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 235, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 235, 1902, par. 12

Christ came to our world as the great Healer to purify, to sanctify, to redeem our whole physical and spiritual nature. He would make our earthly homes bright and beautiful by His presence revealed in us because of our obedience to all of His commandments, fitting us as subjects for His mansion above, holy and undefiled, fitted to become members of His royal family, children of the heavenly King. 1 Peter 1:13-19. Will we obey God or the scheming attractions of the devil? James 5:7-9. What we need is to seek earnestly for sanctification—soul, body, and spirit. “Seeing ye have purified your souls by obeying the truth through the spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.” [1 Peter 1:22, 23.] Will you do this? His word is: “Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” 1 Peter 2:1-5.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 179, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 179, 1902, par. 15

“Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: if so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” [1 Peter 2:1-3.] We should study this instruction. It is our privilege to grow “unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.” [Ephesians 4:13.] We are not to be thoughtless or careless in speech, hurting one another by unkind words.

17LtMs, Lt 179, 1902, par. 16

“Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on Him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe He is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.” [1 Peter 2:6-8.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 157, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 157, 1899, par. 15

The truth as it is in Jesus is the Lord’s mighty cleaver to separate a people from the quarry of the world. This separation is so complete as to attract the attention of the world. Then God works upon His precious material, hewing, squaring, and polishing, until it is fit for a place in His building. “Wherefore laying aside all malice,” the apostle Peter writes, “and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envyings, and all evil speakings, as new born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: if so be that ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, ye also as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” [1 Peter 2:1-5.]

14LtMs, Ms 157, 1899, par. 16

“The sincere milk of the word.” [Verse 2.] This is the pure spiritual truth of the gospel, which will be imbibed by every soul who is truly converted. He eats the flesh and drinks the blood of the Son of God, which is eternal life to all who believe, and the power of the truth is demonstrated in a transformed life and character.

14LtMs, Ms 157, 1899, par. 17

“Wherefore also it is contained in the Scriptures, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious; and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious, but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is become the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense, even unto them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people: that ye should show forth the praises of him that hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” [Verses 6-9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 34, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 34, 1900, par. 23

“Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrites, and envies, and all evil-speakings, as newborn babes desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: if so be that ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming as unto a living stones, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God and precious, ye also as lively stones are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. ... Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” [1 Peter 2:1-5, 9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 27, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 27, 1897, par. 2

“Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, as new born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: if so be that ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the Scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious, and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.” [1 Peter 2:1-6.]

12LtMs, Ms 27, 1897, par. 3

God has set His people on an elevated position, above the world. He declares of them, “Ye are the light of the world; a city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.” [Matthew 5:14.] And again, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” [1 Peter 2:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 109, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 109, 1899, par. 24

“Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” [1 Peter 2:1-9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 31, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 31, 1900, par. 17

“Unto you therefore which believe he is precious; but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, when to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient, whereunto also they were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people, that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” [1 Peter 2:1-9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Ms 17, 1909

24LtMs, Ms 17, 1909, par. 2

“Unto you therefore which believe He is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” [1 Peter 2:1-9.]

24LtMs, Ms 17, 1909, par. 4

I am very thankful this morning to see so many present. I am glad you have this house where you can meet to worship God and to glorify His name. And this morning I would repeat to you the words of the apostle, “Laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: if so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” [Verses 1-3.] There are some present here who have asked that the Lord is gracious. They have learned that the Lord has a care for His servants—for His colored servants—and who can trust Him to open the way to do the work He has appointed them in preparing a people for the day of the Lord. This is a work that God has given to us all. He wants each believer to stand in his lot and place.

24LtMs, Ms 17, 1909, par. 18

The Lord wants us to enjoy His presence. We should talk of His goodness, and tell of His power, and speak of what He has done for our souls. He wants us to be fully converted to Him, that the light of truth may shine forth with greater power than we see it shining today. “Ye are a chosen generation,” He declares, “a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” [1 Peter 2:9.] The Lord desires to lead us step by step by the light of His presence. When angels of God take charge of us, we shall not be confounded. Though every evil influence should oppose us, we may remember that there is one who will be with us. Let us put our whole confidence in God. Let us walk so that our children will see that we delight ourselves in the Lord, and that He is our Saviour. Then we can bring faith into our households and can bring up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 91, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 91, 1901, par. 2

“Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” [1 Peter 2:1, 2.]

16LtMs, Ms 91, 1901, par. 4

“If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” [Verse 3.] Have you tasted that the Lord is gracious? Does your spiritual appetite crave communion with the Lord? You may discover that He is gracious, not by having all you desire, but by passing through the school of affliction. Since I was nine years old I have been learning in the school of affliction. In my early childhood I could find nothing desirable but the precious words of Jesus. Since I tasted the Word of God in all its sweetness, I have never lost the desire for more.

16LtMs, Ms 91, 1901, par. 8

Paul continues: “If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious.” [Verses 3, 4.] We should not allow the mind to wander, first to one thing and then to another. We should hold it to the task. When we live temperately, we are capable of understanding, we have hunger of soul for righteousness, and are brought close to the One whom God has chosen.

16LtMs, Ms 91, 1901, par. 9

What is the result?—“Ye also, as lively stones [not dead material], are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” [Verse 5.] Whenever I read this Scripture, I feel a great joy that it is our privilege to offer up in faith spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God.

16LtMs, Ms 91, 1901, par. 18

The apostle continues: “Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.” [1 Peter 2:6.] Cannot you present this promise before Him, asking Him to give you power to believe? This is the education which as teachers you are to obtain.

16LtMs, Ms 91, 1901, par. 19

“Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.” [Verses 7, 8.] They are disobedient, and therefore to them Christ is a rock of offence. They stumble when the Word interferes with their selfish inclinations and ambitions. They desire to reach the highest round of the ladder without climbing step by step from the lowest round; therefore they fail to receive that practical education which they should have to impart to others.

16LtMs, Ms 91, 1901, par. 20

“Whereunto also they were appointed.” [Verse 8.] They were appointed to a different work. God has appointed to every one a position of honor in His work. He uses every one who will be used, who in humility and meekness will consent to be fashioned after the divine Pattern.

16LtMs, Ms 91, 1901, par. 23

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” [Verse 9.]

16LtMs, Ms 91, 1901, par. 27

The apostle exhorts you to “show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light: which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” [1 Peter 2:9, 10.] Act as though you were indeed God’s living right hand. To every one is given his appointed work. God does not take all over the same ground.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 14 [Nos. 1081-1135]

MR No. 1122—The Lack of Unity a Cause of Failure

14MR 289.3

Those who are engaged in the sacred work of opening the Word of God to others, must be sure that they themselves are eating and digesting that Word. They must watch over themselves, weeding from heart and character the fungus growth which causes deformity and weakness. “Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, ... and all evil speakings, as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” [1 Peter 2:1, 2]. Have you done this, or have you thought that you had no battles to fight with self, and so allowed your unsanctified impulses to control mind and judgment?

14MR 293.5

“Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” For “ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” [1 Peter 2:11, 9].

The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials

Chapter 115—The Vision at Salamanca

1888 943.1

The light which the Lord has given should be respected for your own safety, as well as for the safety of the church of God. If the steps being taken by a few become established among the remnant people of God, you will certainly not be sustained of God for the Lord will bring to naught the counsels of the prudent—the ones who flattered themselves that they were prudent. It is made evident by your own course of action that you have laid your plans and purposes without the aid of the One mighty in counsel. The Lord will work. The men who come to these decisions need their eyes anointed with spiritual eyesalve. You have felt mighty in your own strength, and there is One who can bind the arm of the mighty and bring to naught the counsels of the prudent. 1 Peter 2:1-12.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 40, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, par. 91

1 Peter 2:1-12.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 40a, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, par. 100

“Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, as new born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word that ye may grow thereby: If so be that ye tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word being disobedient: whereunto they also were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that he should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that whereas they speak against you as evil doers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” [1 Peter 2:1-12.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 11a, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 11a, 1894, par. 28

“Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word that ye may grow thereby: if so be that ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, ye also, as lively stones are built up an spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ, wherefore it is contained in the Scriptures, Behold I lay in Zion a chief Corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on Him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious, but unto them which be disobedient, the Stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people, that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light: which in time past were not a people, not are now the people of God, which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which was against the soul; having your good works which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” [1 Peter 2:1-12.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 26, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 26, 1900, par. 25

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; having your conversation honest among the Gentiles; that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” [1 Peter 2:1-12.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 173, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 173, 1907, par. 1

I am now seated in one of the best rooms in this sanitarium’s third story. I have been sustained on this journey, and I have spoken to the patients and family of Paradise Valley Sanitarium three times. The Lord blessed me. I spoke Sabbath to a full house very plainly. 1 Peter 2:1-12. Then I did not feel relieved of my burden, and I made appointment for Sunday afternoon. We had a very plain, decided work to do, and I told them they had done a work—physicians and those connected with the sanitarium—which they would have to meet in the judgment. Then I prayed with them, and the testimony meeting of confession went on and thus the work did advance while I was taking my cold bath. I have not time now, Edson, to give all particulars of my journey.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 279, 1905

20LtMs, Lt 279, 1905, par. 12

“Wherefore laying aside all malice and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” [1 Peter 2:1, 2.]

20LtMs, Lt 279, 1905, par. 13

The Word of God contains food for mind and soul. The appetite for reading the novels, or the trashy reading to be found in many of the magazines that are flooding the world, will cause a dwarfage of spiritual growth. An unhealthful appetite is created, and very feeble will be the desire for the sincere milk of the Word. We desire to encourage all to be sensible, and give up the reading of all that is unprofitable, and to become interested in the Word of God, which teaches young and old how to set an example of righteousness. Eat ye that which is good and instructive, that your souls may have a healthful growth. “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: if so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” [Verses 2, 3.]

20LtMs, Lt 279, 1905, par. 16

“O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.” [Psalm 34:1-8.] “If so be that ye have tasted, that the Lord is gracious.” [1 Peter 2:3.] How may we taste?—By humbling our souls before God, and seeking Him with all our hearts.

20LtMs, Lt 279, 1905, par. 17

“To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, ye also as lively stones are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” [Verses 4, 5.]

20LtMs, Lt 279, 1905, par. 20

“But ye are a chosen generation, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light: which in time past were not a people, but which are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” [Verses 6-10.]

20LtMs, Lt 279, 1905, par. 22

“Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evil doers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” [Verses 11, 12.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 47, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 47, 1896, par. 3

Those who are engaged in the sacred work of opening the Word of God to others, must be sure that they themselves are eating and digesting that Word. They must watch over themselves, weeding from heart and character the fungus growth which causes deformity and weakness. “Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and all evil speaking, as new born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” [1 Peter 2:1, 2.] Have you done this, or have you thought that you had no battles to fight with self, and so allowed your unsanctified impulses to control mind and judgment?

11LtMs, Ms 47, 1896, par. 14

“Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; have your conversation honest among the Gentiles; that, whereas they speak against you as evil doers, they may by your good works which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” For “ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” [1 Peter 2:11, 12, 9.]

11LtMs, Ms 47, 1896, par. 18

But men’s natural appetites have been perverted by indulgence. Through unholy gratification they have become “fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.” [Verse 11.] Unless the Christian watches unto prayer, he gives loose reign to habits which should be overcome. Unless he feels the need of constant watching, ceaseless vigilance, his inclinations, abused and misguided, will be the means of his backsliding from God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 103, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, par. 3

Those who are engaged in the sacred work of opening the Word of God to others, must be sure that they themselves are eating and digesting that Word. They must keep watch over themselves, weeding from heart and character the fungus growth which causes deformity and weakness. “Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” [1 Peter 2:1, 2.] Have you done this, or have you thought that you had no battles to fight with self, and so allowed your unsanctified impulses to control mind and judgment?

11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, par. 16

“Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; having your conversation honest among the Gentiles; that, whereas they speak against you as evil doers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” For “ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” [1 Peter 2:11, 12, 9.]

11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, par. 20

But men’s natural appetites have been perverted by indulgence. Through unholy gratification they have become “fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.” [Verse 11.] Unless the Christian watches unto prayer, he gives loose reign to habits which should be overcome. Unless he feels the need of constant watching and ceaseless vigilance, his inclinations, abused and misguided, will be the means of his backsliding from God.

11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, par. 49

Many turn away from the light, provoked because a word of caution is given, and ask, “May we not do as we please with ourselves?” Did you create yourselves? Did you pay the redemption price for your souls and bodies? If so, you belong to yourselves. But the Word of God declares, “Ye are bought with a price”—“the precious blood of Christ.” [1 Corinthians 6:20; 1 Peter 1:19.] The Word of God tells us plainly that our natural habits are to be strictly guarded and controlled. “Abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.” [1 Peter 2:11.] Shall we do this? The word of God is perfect, converting the soul. If we diligently heed its precepts, we shall be conformed, physically and spiritually, to the image of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 68, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 68, 1897, par. 16

What testimony does Peter bear? “Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisy and envy, and all evil speaking, as new born babes desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: if so be that ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” [1 Peter 2:1-3.] Here again the same principle is brought out distinctly. No one need make a mistake. If as new born babes you desire the sincere milk of the Word, that you may grow thereby, you will have no appetite to partake of a dish of evil speaking, but all such food will be at once rejected, because those who have tasted that the Lord is gracious cannot partake of the dish of nonsense and folly and backbiting. They will say decidedly, “Take this dish away. I do not want to eat such food. It is not the bread from heaven. It is eating and drinking the very spirit of the devil, for it is his business to be an accuser of the brethren.”

12LtMs, Ms 68, 1897, par. 17

It is best for every soul to closely investigate what mental food is served up for them to eat. When those come to you who live to talk, and who are all armed and equipped to say, “Report, and we will report it” [Jeremiah 20:10], stop and think if the conversation will give spiritual help, spiritual efficiency, that in spiritual communication you may eat of the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God. “To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious.” [1 Peter 2:4.] These words express much.

12LtMs, Ms 68, 1897, par. 19

“Chosen of God and precious.” [Verse 4.] Consider, every one who names the name of Christ, have you tasted that the Lord is gracious? Has this become a part of your actual experience, represented in (John 6) as eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of God? As newborn babes are you learning to desire the sincere milk of the Word, that you may grow thereby? Have you at any time in your life been truly converted? Have you been born again? If you have not, then it is time for you to obtain the experience that Christ told one of the chief rulers that he must have. “Ye must be born again,” He said. “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” That is, he cannot discern the requirements essential to having a part in that spiritual kingdom. “Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” [John 3:3, 7.] If you open your mind to the entrance of God’s Word, with determination to practice that Word, light will come, for the Word gives understanding to the simple.

12LtMs, Ms 68, 1897, par. 21

“Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” [1 Peter 2:5.] Will teachers and students study this representation, and see if they are in that class who, through the abundant grace given, are obtaining an experience which is in harmony with the real, genuine experience that every child of God must have if he enters the higher grade?

12LtMs, Ms 68, 1897, par. 27

“Wherefore also it is contained in the Scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.” [1 Peter 2:6.] Mark the figure presented in verse five: “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” Then these lively stones are exerting a tangible, practical influence in the Lord’s spiritual house. They are a holy priesthood, performing pure, sacred service. They offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God.

12LtMs, Ms 68, 1897, par. 29

“Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient, whereunto also they were appointed.” [1 Peter 2:7, 8.]

12LtMs, Ms 68, 1897, par. 31

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth (your own sufficiency, and attract attention to yourself, and seek your own glory? No; no) that ye should show forth the praise of him who hath called you (to a distasteful, hard life of bondage?) out of darkness into his marvelous light.” [Verse 9.]

12LtMs, Ms 68, 1897, par. 32

Will you think of the high position to which we were appointed? Will those who name the name of Christ depart from all evil? Will you or I fret under Christ’s yoke? When you cherish unrest and love for amusement, and to have a high stirring time of exhibition of self, enjoying and pleasing the natural will in the place of doing the will of God, is there any rest? Is the temple of God upbuilt in your life by the frivolous view you take of Christianity? “Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles; that whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of his visitation.” [Verse 12.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 20 [Nos. 1420-1500]

MR No. 1486—The Danger of Rejecting Light

20MR 315.6

“Wherefore also it is contained in the scriptures, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe He is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient” [1 Peter 2:6-8].

20MR 316.5

Another class is described by Peter. [1 Peter 2:1-5, 11, 12; 1:13-19, quoted.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 64, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 64, 1898, par. 5

“Wherefore also it is contained in the scriptures, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is become the head of the corner and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient.” [1 Peter 2:6-8.]

13LtMs, Ms 64, 1898, par. 9

Another class is described by Peter. “Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisy, and envy, and all evil speaking, as new born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: if so be that ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious. Ye also as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. ... Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” [1 Peter 2:1-5, 11, 12.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 25, 1907

22LtMs, Ms 25, 1907, par. 10

“Wherefore laying aside all malice and all guile, and hypocrisies and envies, and all evil speakings, as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: if so be that ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, ye also, as lively stones are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” [1 Peter 1:18-25; 2:1-5.]

22LtMs, Ms 25, 1907, par. 13

“Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” [Verses 6-12.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 68, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 68, 1903, par. 13

“Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: if so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the Scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on Him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe He is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.” [1 Peter 2:1-8.]

18LtMs, Ms 68, 1903, par. 14

A better, even a holy, appointment was given them, but they did not take into consideration, nor did they value, the possibilities and the probabilities connected with obedience to Jehovah’s law. They chose not “to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God,” and were therefore among those who “stumble at the word, being disobedient.” [Verses 5, 8.]

18LtMs, Ms 68, 1903, par. 15

“Unto you therefore which believe He is precious. ... Ye are a chosen generation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light: which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” [Verses 7, 9-12.] This appeal should be heeded by every soul who claims to be a child of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 78, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, par. 26

“Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, as new born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby. If so be that ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. Unto whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, ye also as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable unto God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the Scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious; and ye that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious, but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient; whereunto also they were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” [1 Peter 2:1-9.]

11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, par. 29

“Unto you therefore which believe, he is precious; but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner.” [Verse 7.] Have we all made Christ our righteousness? Has He been placed as the honored memorial stone of the corner? Have His lessons of humility been cherished, and have they been acted upon? Have His lessons of mercy, justice, and the love of God been exemplified in our lives?

11LtMs, Lt 78, 1896, par. 31

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God; which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the souls; having your conversation honest among the Gentiles, that whereas they speak against you as evil doers, they may, by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of salvation.” [Verses 9-12.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 105, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 105, 1902, par. 6

“Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and evil speakings, as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby; if so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious; ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” [1 Peter 2:1-5.]

17LtMs, Ms 105, 1902, par. 9

“Unto you therefore which believe He is precious; but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders rejected, the same is made the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient; whereunto also they were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of Him which hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light. ... Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; having your conversation honest among the gentiles; that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. ... For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.” [1 Peter 2:7-9, 11, 12, 15.]

17LtMs, Ms 105, 1902, par. 10

I have been given this message for my ministering brethren, “Unto you therefore which believe He is precious.” [Verse 7.] Fellow laborers in the gospel, remember these words. We must believe for ourselves. God will carry on His work through wholly consecrated workmen. If His ministers fail of representing Christ, He will turn to others, many of whom have not been prepared for the work by a regular course of study, and will put a message into their lips, even the last message of warning. He will call men from their different employments, and at His bidding, they will go forth to proclaim present truth.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 143, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 143, 1902, par. 10

Remember that Christ is our only hope, our only refuge. He “bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness.” [1 Peter 2:24.] “If the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause He is the Mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.” [Hebrews 9:13-15.]

17LtMs, Ms 143, 1902, par. 26

God’s word to us is, “Honor all men. Love the brotherhood.” [1 Peter 2:17.] Show all men respect, even though they do not reach the standard you have raised for them. They have made mistakes, but is your life faultless? Have you treated your own mistakes in the same way that you treat the mistakes of others?

17LtMs, Ms 143, 1902, par. 27

Let us remember what Jesus is doing for the human race. In pitying tenderness He is seeking to save sinners from their sins. “Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil-speaking, as newborn babes desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby.” [Verses 1, 2.]

17LtMs, Ms 143, 1902, par. 29

“Unto you therefore which believe He is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense, even to them which stumble at the word. ... But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” [Verses 7-9.]

Testimonies to Southern Africa

Chapter 11—Words to the Workers in Africa

TSA 95.1

This entire chapter [1 Peter 2] should be studied. It contains instruction which will sweep back the mist and fog of scepticism, the evil thing which Satan throws across the pathway to eclipse the light which comes from the Father of light.—MS 31, 1900.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 408, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 408, 1907, par. 18

If we lose heaven we lose everything. Then let us, in this time of proving, weed out from our characters everything that would exclude us from the city of God. We need to arouse and make thorough work for eternity. Read the first and second chapters of First Peter. Our hearts and minds are to be purified by obedience to the truth.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Ms 61, 1909

24LtMs, Ms 61, 1909, par. 14

The message of the apostle James, depicting the misery of the rich who have done wickedly, is to be repeated as a message of warning and appeal. The instruction given in the first and second chapters of First Peter, exhorting believers to a godly life, is to be presented to the people. Let all be impressed with the fact that the time has come when all should work intelligently and earnestly for the accomplishment of the work of salvation.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 76, 1910

Oakland, California

March 23, 1910

Previously unpublished.

25LtMs, Ms 76, 1910, par. 1

2 Peter 2:1-9. Now here is our work. It means everything to us, and we want to understand it. We are called out of darkness into His marvelous light. That is what we want. We want heaven’s light, to understand what the will of the Lord is concerning us. This is what we want to do, and we cannot be too circumspect in this. We cannot be heedless in this matter. We want to make a business of this work. If we want heaven, we must seek it with all our hearts and all our understanding, and the grace of God will reveal to us His precious light, that we shall not make mistakes. And if we do make mistakes, we will confess them and seek to be overcomers. Let us not try to practice all the sayings and all the customs of the world. We are a peculiar people, and we should show forth the praises of Him who hath called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.

25LtMs, Ms 76, 1910, par. 2

We must keep this Scripture in view. If people ever need to understand what their duty is, it is best for them to search the Scriptures, for in them we “think we have eternal life, and they are they which testify of Me,” says Christ. [John 5:39.] We will be without any manner of excuse if found deficient at last, because the Lord wants us to come into sacred relation to Himself, and it is possible for us to do so. And if it is possible for us to come into sacred relation to Jesus Christ, we, by beholding His life and character, shall come to be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

25LtMs, Ms 76, 1910, par. 3

In this world we must engage in the warfare. I have here the book Testimonies to the Church, Volume 7. Some of the most striking and important things we have placed in these books so that our people might have them to read and examine. My attention has been called to some special things, and I will read from that section of this volume entitled “The Extent of Our Work.” The statement is here made that “God has qualified His people to enlighten the world.” Have you ever considered how rapidly the work is going in the foreign lands? The missionaries who go to these countries must learn the language, and then they can give them the light in a way that they can grasp it.

25LtMs, Ms 76, 1910, par. 4

When we had our last meeting at Washington, D.C., there was a most intelligent-looking company of men and women who had come from foreign countries. They wished to be introduced to me, and I was pleased to meet them and speak a few words to them. Of course, I had to have an interpreter that both they and I could understand. I was surprised to see such a large company of these brethren from foreign countries, and I was very much pleased with their appearance. The work is going wonderfully fast in all the foreign lands. It is remarkable how it is going. Many will accept the truth and glorify God.

25LtMs, Ms 76, 1910, par. 5

When I was laboring in foreign lands, if there was any way we could get at the people, we would get at them. One would sit right by my side, interpreting what I was saying. Everywhere I went, the Lord opened the way before me. In Australia when they wanted me to speak before the people, they honored me by putting the stars and stripes up over the platform. We labored in that field ten years, and the Lord blessed our efforts there. He helped us to build up the work and to carry it on step by step. We took hold of the work in the name of the Lord, and His blessing rested upon us all in large measure. So our work has been carried to every country.

25LtMs, Ms 76, 1910, par. 6

Too much attention has been given to reaching those of the poorer classes, while less effort has been put forth to reach the higher classes. This is a mistake. The efforts for the two classes should be equalized. Not one-half of the work has been done in San Francisco that should have been done before the calamity which befell that city. God wants us to act like sensible men and women. He wants us, if we have a truth that enlightens our minds, to dig deep and lay our foundations sure, and to impart the same to others. We are to be in a position so that we can help them in every line possible.

25LtMs, Ms 76, 1910, par. 7

It is not our dress or our appearance that is of so much importance, although we are to be neat and orderly. The amount of money that is spent by those living in our cities, on dress and entertainment, would be the means in the hands of God of doing much good. I have letters coming from all parts of the foreign countries where they want means. They want to take hold of the work and push it forward from place to place. What shall we do? I have tried to help forward the work by my books. Here is The Desire of Ages, Patriarchs and Prophets, and Great Controversy. I keep my workers busy on my writings, and then I look them over to see that every word is as it should be. Thus my time has been spent for many years. And then I make selections of certain portions that they can use from place to place to present to the people.

25LtMs, Ms 76, 1910, par. 8

Since we have seen the calamity that came to San Francisco, we feel that before a second calamity shall come to that city and to Oakland we must get all the light possible into these places. We cannot endure the thought of this work being neglected.

25LtMs, Ms 76, 1910, par. 9

I was not feeling at all able to come down here when I came. But I thought, It will not kill me to go, and if I am able, I will speak. And every time I have made an effort to speak my strength has been doubled. I believe in God. I believe He will do what He has said He would do, and that our strength shall be as our day. I am much improved in strength. The Lord gives me strength as I venture.

25LtMs, Ms 76, 1910, par. 10

We have made a collection of some things on health reform and on other subjects, and they have been gotten out in this form so that the people might have them. We are trying in every way possible to get at the people. I have given a set of my books to each of our schools, that they might have them in their library.

25LtMs, Ms 76, 1910, par. 11

The judgment of God came upon San Francisco to awaken our people to go to work and do everything possible to bring the light before the people. It is a rough time now to present the things that do not agree with the sentiments that others maintain. We are to present the truth in order that they may lay hold upon Bible subjects, study Bible subjects and become converted, and they themselves go to work. We want to see the world stirred up to come onto the right platform, and we mean that it shall be if we can bring it about.

25LtMs, Ms 76, 1910, par. 12

At the meeting at Lodi those present pledged themselves that they would be laborers together with God, that they would try to reach perishing humanity. I ventured to come here, and I am going to Southern California, to carry the message where I go. I expect that the Lord will give me strength to stand before the people.

25LtMs, Ms 76, 1910, par. 13

We want our sanitariums to stand before God in such a light that He can prosper them financially, and that those who come to them will be brought into right relation to God. That is what we want. In the kingdom of glory, we want to meet those to whom we shall give the light. Reading from Volume 7: “Shall we not do all in our power to advance the work in our large cities?” [p. 114.] These things were in print before the judgments came upon San Francisco. We want our books to go everywhere and the work to be carried forward intelligently.

25LtMs, Ms 76, 1910, par. 14

I just call your attention to these things, and say to you, Let every one of us come in right relation to God. The judgments of God are surely coming upon our earth. We see that notwithstanding the wickedness that has been brought to light in the courts of justice, it is everywhere murder and crime. The end is at hand. I want to say that although I may drop on the field of battle, the Lord will accept old or young.

25LtMs, Ms 76, 1910, par. 15

I used to get my young friends together when I was but sixteen years old. I would say, Now we are going to ask God to help us. We do not know much, but we want the help of God. I never let go until every soul would give themselves to God.

25LtMs, Ms 76, 1910, par. 16

The Lord God of heaven has extended the work largely, and is extending it. We have our sanitariums for the recovery of health and for learning, and God is to be made first and second and third. We want God to come in in every place.

25LtMs, Ms 76, 1910, par. 17

Although my strength was small, I spoke at Lodi four times, and the Lord gave me strength; the Spirit of God came upon me, and I felt an intense interest for our people at Lodi. They have a large school there.

25LtMs, Ms 76, 1910, par. 18

I want to tell you, dear friends, we can do ten times more than we do. Those who claim to have the truth of God in your hearts, I beg of you for Christ’s sake to be converted. I ask you, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, to make the most of your opportunities. Speak to those in darkness; open the Scriptures to them. Some may say, Sister White, what does this mean, “Go out into the highways and the byways?” [Luke 14:23.] How are we going to accomplish it? By trying. Go right to work, and as you begin to try, you will feel the presence of angels right around you, and you will have the interpretation yourselves of what this means. We are amenable to those around us who have not the light. May God help us that we may carry the light in every phase possible, and not carry it so high up that it cannot be reached. Come right down with the simplicity of the gospel, and open it right before the people.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Lt 164, 1910

25LtMs, Lt 164, 1910, par. 3

Take the first chapter of the First Epistle of Peter; read, and let every church member obey the Word in the letter and in the spirit, commencing this chapter with a full purpose to carry it out. If every man and woman seeking office would solemnly believe these words of Peter, would there not be a decided change in the words and in the spirit as you speak to others? Take the Word in your hand, every church member, read James and First Peter and Second Peter also, and bow your knees before our Lord Jesus Christ and intercede individually for the converting influence of the Holy Spirit to come to you. The first chapter of Second Peter, from the first verse of the chapter to the close, is especially for us as a people.

The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 51—A Faithful Under-Shepherd

AA 514.1

Little mention is made in the book of Acts of the later work of the apostle Peter. During the busy years of ministry that followed the outpouring of the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, he was among those who put forth untiring efforts to reach the Jews who came to Jerusalem to worship at the time of the annual festivals.

AA 514.2

As the number of believers multiplied in Jerusalem and in other places visited by the messengers of the cross, the talents possessed by Peter proved of untold value to the early Christian church. The influence of his testimony concerning Jesus of Nazareth extended far and wide. Upon him had been laid a double responsibility. He bore positive witness concerning the Messiah before unbelievers, laboring earnestly for their conversion; and at the same time he did a special work for believers, strengthening them in the faith of Christ.

AA 515.1

It was after Peter had been led to self-renunciation and entire reliance upon divine power, that he received his call to act as an undershepherd. Christ had said to Peter, before his denial of Him, “When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” Luke 22:32. These words were significant of the wide and effectual work which this apostle was to do in the future for those who should come to the faith. For this work, Peter’s own experience of sin and suffering and repentance had prepared him. Not until he had learned his weakness, could he know the believer’s need of dependence on Christ. Amid the storm of temptation he had come to understand that man can walk safely only as in utter self-distrust he relies upon the Saviour.

AA 515.2

At the last meeting of Christ with His disciples by the sea, Peter, tested by the thrice-repeated question, “Lovest thou Me?” (John 21:15-17), had been restored to his place among the Twelve. His work had been appointed him; he was to feed the Lord’s flock. Now, converted and accepted, he was not only to seek to save those without the fold, but was to be a shepherd of the sheep.

AA 515.3

Christ mentioned to Peter only one condition of service—“Lovest thou Me?” This is the essential qualification. Though Peter might possess every other, yet without the love of Christ he could not be a faithful shepherd over the flock of God. Knowledge, benevolence, eloquence, zeal—all are essential in the good work; but without the love of Christ in the heart, the work of the Christian minister is a failure.

AA 516.1

The love of Christ is not a fitful feeling, but a living principle, which is to be made manifest as an abiding power in the heart. If the character and deportment of the shepherd is an exemplification of the truth he advocates, the Lord will set the seal of His approval to the work. The shepherd and the flock will become one, united by their common hope in Christ.

AA 516.2

The Saviour’s manner of dealing with Peter had a lesson for him and his brethren. Although Peter had denied his Lord, the love which Jesus bore him had never faltered. And as the apostle should take up the work of ministering the word to others, he was to meet the transgressor with patience, sympathy, and forgiving love. Remembering his own weakness and failure, he was to deal with the sheep and lambs committed to his care as tenderly as Christ had dealt with him.

AA 516.3

Human beings, themselves given to evil, are prone to deal untenderly with the tempted and the erring. They cannot read the heart; they know not its struggle and its pain. Of the rebuke that is love, of the blow that wounds to heal, of the warning that speaks hope, they have need to learn.

AA 516.4

Throughout his ministry, Peter faithfully watched over the flock entrusted to his care, and thus proved himself worthy of the charge and responsibility given him by the Saviour. Ever he exalted Jesus of Nazareth as the Hope of Israel, the Saviour of mankind. He brought his own life under the discipline of the Master Worker. By every means within his power he sought to educate the believers for active service. His godly example and untiring activity inspired many young men of promise to give themselves wholly to the work of the ministry. As time went on, the apostle’s influence as an educator and leader increased; and while he never lost his burden to labor especially for the Jews, yet he bore his testimony in many lands and strengthened the faith of multitudes in the gospel.

AA 517.1

In the later years of his ministry, Peter was inspired to write to the believers “scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.” His letters were the means of reviving the courage and strengthening the faith of those who were enduring trial and affliction, and of renewing to good works those who through manifold temptations were in danger of losing their hold upon God. These letters bear the impress of having been written by one in whom the sufferings of Christ and also His consolation had been made to abound; one whose entire being had been transformed by grace, and whose hope of eternal life was sure and steadfast.

AA 517.2

At the very beginning of his first letter the aged servant of God ascribed to his Lord a tribute of praise and thanksgiving. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,” he exclaimed, “which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”

AA 517.3

In this hope of a sure inheritance in the earth made new, the early Christians rejoiced, even in times of severe trial and affliction. “Ye greatly rejoice,” Peter wrote, “though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see Him not, ... ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.”

AA 518.1

The apostle’s words were written for the instruction of believers in every age, and they have a special significance for those who live at the time when “the end of all things is at hand.” His exhortations and warnings, and his words of faith and courage, are needed by every soul who would maintain his faith “steadfast unto the end.” Hebrews 3:14.

AA 518.2

The apostle sought to teach the believers how important it is to keep the mind from wandering to forbidden themes or from spending its energies on trifling subjects. Those who would not fall a prey to Satan’s devices, must guard well the avenues of the soul; they must avoid reading, seeing, or hearing that which will suggest impure thoughts. The mind must not be left to dwell at random upon every subject that the enemy of souls may suggest. The heart must be faithfully sentineled, or evils without will awaken evils within, and the soul will wander in darkness. “Gird up the loins of your mind,” Peter wrote, “be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; ... not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: but as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”

AA 519.1

“Pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a Lamb without blemish and without spot: who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, who by Him do believe in God, that raised Him up from the dead, and gave Him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.”

AA 519.2

Had silver and gold been sufficient to purchase the salvation of men, how easily might it have been accomplished by Him who says, “The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine.” Haggai 2:8. But only by the precious blood of the Son of God could the transgressor be redeemed. The plan of salvation was laid in sacrifice. The apostle Paul wrote, “Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9. Christ gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all iniquity. And as the crowning blessing of salvation, “the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23.

AA 519.3

“Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren,” Peter continued, “see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently.” The word of God—the truth—is the channel through which the Lord manifests His Spirit and power. Obedience to the word produces fruit of the required quality—“unfeigned love of the brethren.” This love is heaven-born and leads to high motives and unselfish actions.

AA 520.1

When truth becomes an abiding principle in the life, the soul is “born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.” This new birth is the result of receiving Christ as the Word of God. When by the Holy Spirit divine truths are impressed upon the heart, new conceptions are awakened, and the energies hitherto dormant are aroused to co-operate with God.

AA 520.2

Thus it had been with Peter and his fellow disciples. Christ was the revealer of truth to the world. By Him the incorruptible seed—the word of God—was sown in the hearts of men. But many of the most precious lessons of the Great Teacher were spoken to those who did not then understand them. When, after His ascension, the Holy Spirit brought His teachings to the remembrance of the disciples, their slumbering senses awoke. The meaning of these truths flashed upon their minds as a new revelation, and truth, pure and unadulterated, made a place for itself. Then the wonderful experience of His life became theirs. The Word bore testimony through them, the men of His appointment, and they proclaimed the mighty truth, “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, ... full of grace and truth.” “And of His fullness have all we received, and grace for grace.” John 1:14, 16.

AA 521.1

The apostle exhorted the believers to study the Scriptures, through a proper understanding of which they might make sure work for eternity. Peter realized that in the experience of every soul who is finally victorious there would be scenes of perplexity and trial; but he knew also that an understanding of the Scriptures would enable the tempted one to bring to mind promises that would comfort the heart and strengthen faith in the Mighty One.

AA 521.2

“All flesh is as grass,” he declared, “and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: but the word of the Lord endureth forever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you. Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evilspeakings, as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: if so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.”

AA 521.3

Many of the believers to whom Peter addressed his letters, were living in the midst of heathen, and much depended on their remaining true to the high calling of their profession. The apostle urged upon them their privileges as followers of Christ Jesus. “Ye are a chosen generation,” he wrote, “a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light: which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

AA 522.1

“Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.”

AA 522.2

The apostle plainly outlined the attitude that believers should sustain toward the civil authorities: “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well-doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: as free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.”

AA 522.3

Those who were servants were advised to remain subject to their masters “with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. For this is thankworthy,” the apostle explained, “if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps: who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth: who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously: who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.”

AA 523.1

The apostle exhorted the women in the faith to be chaste in conversation and modest in dress and deportment. “Whose adorning,” he counseled, “let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.”

AA 523.2

The lesson applies to believers in every age. “By their fruits ye shall know them.” Matthew 7:20. The inward adorning of a meek and quiet spirit is priceless. In the life of the true Christian the outward adorning is always in harmony with the inward peace and holiness. “If any man will come after Me,” Christ said, “let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” Matthew 16:24. Self-denial and sacrifice will mark the Christian’s life. Evidence that the taste is converted will be seen in the dress of all who walk in the path cast up for the ransomed of the Lord.

AA 523.3

It is right to love beauty and to desire it; but God desires us to love and seek first the highest beauty, that which is imperishable. No outward adorning can compare in value or loveliness with that “meek and quiet spirit,” the “fine linen, white and clean” (Revelation 19:14), which all the holy ones of earth will wear. This apparel will make them beautiful and beloved here, and will hereafter be their badge of admission to the palace of the King. His promise is, “They shall walk with Me in white: for they are worthy.” Revelation 3:4.

AA 524.1

Looking forward with prophetic vision to the perilous times into which the church of Christ was to enter, the apostle exhorted the believers to steadfastness in the face of trial and suffering. “Beloved,” he wrote, “think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you.”

AA 524.2

Trial is part of the education given in the school of Christ, to purify God’s children from the dross of earthliness. It is because God is leading His children that trying experiences come to them. Trials and obstacles are His chosen methods of discipline, and His appointed conditions of success. He who reads the hearts of men knows their weaknesses better than they themselves can know them. He sees that some have qualifications which, if rightly directed, could be used in the advancement of His work. In His providence He brings these souls into different positions and varied circumstances, that they may discover the defects that are concealed from their own knowledge. He gives them opportunity to overcome these defects and to fit themselves for service. Often He permits the fires of affliction to burn, that they may be purified.

AA 524.3

God’s care for His heritage is unceasing. He suffers no affliction to come upon His children but such as is essential for their present and eternal good. He will purify His church, even as Christ purified the temple during His ministry on earth. All that He brings upon His people in test and trial comes that they may gain deeper piety and greater strength to carry forward the triumphs of the cross.

AA 525.1

There had been a time in Peter’s experience when he was unwilling to see the cross in the work of Christ. When the Saviour made known to the disciples His impending sufferings and death, Peter exclaimed, “Be it far from Thee, Lord: this shall not be unto Thee.” Matthew 16:22. Self-pity, which shrank from fellowship with Christ in suffering, prompted Peter’s remonstrance. It was to the disciple a bitter lesson, and one which he learned but slowly, that the path of Christ on earth lay through agony and humiliation. But in the heat of the furnace fire he was to learn its lesson. Now, when his once active form was bowed with the burden of years and labors, he could write, “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”

AA 525.2

Addressing the church elders regarding their responsibilities as undershepherds of Christ’s flock, the apostle wrote: “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.”

AA 526.1

Those who occupy the position of undershepherds are to exercise a watchful diligence over the Lord’s flock. This is not to be a dictatorial vigilance, but one that tends to encourage and strengthen and uplift. Ministry means more than sermonizing; it means earnest, personal labor. The church on earth is composed of erring men and women, who need patient, painstaking effort that they may be trained and disciplined to work with acceptance in this life, and in the future life to be crowned with glory and immortality. Pastors are needed—faithful shepherds—who will not flatter God’s people, nor treat them harshly, but who will feed them with the bread of life—men who in their lives feel daily the converting power of the Holy Spirit and who cherish a strong, unselfish love toward those for whom they labor.

AA 526.2

There is tactful work for the undershepherd to do as he is called to meet alienation, bitterness, envy, and jealousy in the church, and he will need to labor in the spirit of Christ to set things in order. Faithful warnings are to be given, sins rebuked, wrongs made right, not only by the minister’s work in the pulpit, but by personal labor. The wayward heart may take exception to the message, and the servant of God may be misjudged and criticized. Let him then remember that “the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” James 3:17, 18.

AA 527.1

The work of the gospel minister is “to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God.” Ephesians 3:9. If one entering upon this work chooses the least self-sacrificing part, contenting himself with preaching, and leaving the work of personal ministry for someone else, his labors will not be acceptable to God. Souls for whom Christ died are perishing for want of well-directed, personal labor; and he has mistaken his calling who, entering upon the ministry, is unwilling to do the personal work that the care of the flock demands.

AA 527.2

The spirit of the true shepherd is one of self-forgetfulness. He loses sight of self in order that he may work the works of God. By the preaching of the word and by personal ministry in the homes of the people, he learns their needs, their sorrows, their trials; and, co-operating with the great Burden Bearer, he shares their afflictions, comforts their distresses, relieves their soul hunger, and wins their hearts to God. In this work the minister is attended by the angels of heaven, and he himself is instructed and enlightened in the truth that maketh wise unto salvation.

AA 527.3

In connection with his instruction to those in positions of trust in the church, the apostle outlined some general principles that were to be followed by all who were associated in church fellowship. The younger members of the flock were urged to follow the example of their elders in the practice of Christlike humility: “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist steadfast in the faith.”

AA 528.1

Thus Peter wrote to the believers at a time of peculiar trial to the church. Many had already become partakers of Christ’s sufferings, and soon the church was to undergo a period of terrible persecution. Within a few brief years many of those who had stood as teachers and leaders in the church were to lay down their lives for the gospel. Soon grievous wolves were to enter in, not sparing the flock. But none of these things were to bring discouragement to those whose hopes were centered in Christ. With words of encouragement and good cheer Peter directed the minds of the believers from present trials and future scenes of suffering “to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away.” “The God of all grace,” he fervently prayed, “who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered awhile, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”

Loma Linda Messages

Physicians and Nurses to Unite with Ministers in Soul-Saving Work.

LLM 67.5

God has chosen a people out of the world, and has instructed them to remain forever separate from the world. While living in the world they are not to be of the world. Dr. Kellogg has bound himself with worldlings by inviting them into his councils; and he has been dishonoring the sacredness of the truth by bringing worldly lawyers into connection with the work of God’s people. The Lord has signified that it is His purpose (104) to keep His people free from the contaminating influence of the world but the leaders of the medical work at Battle Creek have been working in a way altogether different from the way marked out by the Lord. The first and the second chapters of 1 Peter are full of instruction in regard to the manner in which we should labor.

From Trials to Triumph

Chapter 51—The Apostle Peter, a Faithful Undershepherd

TT 271.1

During the busy years that followed the Day of Pentecost, the apostle Peter put forth untiring efforts to reach the Jews who came to Jerusalem at the time of the annual festivals. The talents he possessed proved of untold value to the early Christian church. Upon him had been laid a double responsibility. He bore positive witness concerning the Messiah before unbelievers, and at the same time strengthened believers in the faith in Christ.

TT 271.2

After Peter had been led to self-renunciation and entire reliance on divine power, he received his call as an undershepherd. Christ’s words to Peter before his denial, “When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren” (Luke 22:32), were significant of the work he was to do for those who should come to the faith. For this work, Peter’s experience of sin and repentance had prepared him. Not until he learned his weakness could he know the believer’s need of dependence on Christ. He had come to understand that man can walk safely only as in utter self-distrust he relies on the Saviour.

TT 271.3

At the last meeting by the sea, Peter, tested by the thrice-repeated question, “Lovest thou Me?” (John 21:15-17), was restored to his place among the Twelve. His work was appointed him: he was not only to seek those without the fold, but to be a shepherd of the sheep.

TT 271.4

Christ mentioned only one condition of service—“Lovest thou Me?” Knowledge, benevolence, eloquence, zeal—all are essential; but without the love of Christ in the heart, the Christian minister is a failure. This love is a living principle made manifest in the heart. If the character of the shepherd exemplifies the truth he advocates, the Lord will set the seal of His approval to the work.

TT 272.1

Although Peter had denied his Lord, the love Jesus bore him never faltered. And, remembering his own weakness and failure, the apostle was to deal with the sheep and lambs as tenderly as Christ had dealt with him.

TT 272.2

Human beings are prone to deal untenderly with the erring. They cannot read the heart; they know not its struggle and pain. Of the rebuke that is love, of the warning that speaks hope, they need to learn.

TT 272.3

Throughout his ministry Peter faithfully watched over the flock and proved himself worthy of the responsibility given him. He exalted Jesus as the Saviour and brought his own life under the discipline of the Master Worker. He sought to educate the believers for active service and inspired many young men to give themselves to the work of the ministry. His influence as an educator and leader increased. While he never lost his burden for the Jews, he bore his testimony in many lands.

TT 272.4

In the later years of his ministry, his letters strengthened the faith of those who were enduring trial and affliction and those who were in danger of losing their hold on God. These letters bear the impress of one whose entire being had been transformed by grace and whose hope of eternal life was steadfast.

TT 272.5

In this hope of an inheritance in the earth made new, the early Christians rejoiced even in severe affliction. “In this you rejoice,” Peter wrote, “though now for a little while you may have to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold which though perishable is tested by fire, may redound to praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

TT 273.1

The apostle’s words have special significance for those who live when “the end of all things is at hand.” His words of courage are needed by every soul who would maintain his faith “firm to the end.” Hebrews 3:14, RSV.

TT 273.2

The apostle sought to teach the believers to keep the mind from wandering to forbidden themes, or from spending its energies on trifling subjects. They must avoid reading, seeing, or hearing that which will suggest impure thoughts. The heart must be faithfully sentineled, or evils without will awaken evils within, and the soul will wander in darkness. “Gird up your minds,” Peter wrote, “be sober, set your hope fully upon the grace that is coming to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ... . Do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance.”

TT 273.3

“You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your fathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.”

TT 273.4

Had silver and gold been sufficient to purchase salvation, how easily might it have been accomplished by Him who says, “The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine.” Haggai 2:8. But only by the blood of the Son of God could the transgressor be redeemed. And as the crowning blessing of salvation, “the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23.

TT 273.5

Peter continued, “Love one another earnestly from the heart.” The Word of God is the channel through which the Lord manifests His Spirit and power. Obedience to the Word produces fruit—“sincere love of the brethren.” When truth becomes an abiding principle in the life, the soul is “born anew, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God.” This new birth is the result of receiving Christ as the Word. When the Holy Spirit impresses divine truths on the heart, new conceptions are awakened and energies hitherto dormant are aroused to co-operate with God.

TT 274.2

The apostle exhorted the believers to study the Scriptures. Peter realized that every soul who is finally victorious will experience perplexity and trial; but an understanding of the Scriptures will bring to mind promises that will comfort the heart and strengthen faith in the Mighty One.

TT 274.3

Many to whom Peter addressed his letters were living in the midst of heathen, and much depended on their remaining true to their calling. “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, that you may declare the wonderful deeds of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light... . Beloved, I beseech you as aliens and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh that wage war against your soul.”

TT 274.4

The apostle outlined the attitude that believers should sustain toward civil authorities: “Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing right you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.”

TT 275.1

Those who were servants were to remain subject to their masters, “for one is approved,” the apostle explained, “if, mindful of God, he endures pain while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it, if when you do wrong and are beaten for it you take it patiently? But if when you do right and suffer for it you take it patiently, you have God’s approval... . Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps. He committed no sin; no guile was found on His lips. When He was reviled, He did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten; but He trusted to Him who judges justly.”

TT 275.2

The apostle exhorted the women in the faith to be modest: “Let not yours be the outward adorning with braiding of hair, decoration of gold, and wearing of fine clothing, but let it be that hidden person of the heart with the imperishable jewel of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.”

TT 275.3

The lesson applies in every age. In the life of the true Christian the outward adorning is always in harmony with the inward peace and holiness. Self-denial and sacrifice will mark the Christian’s life. Evidence that the taste is converted will be seen in the dress. It is right to love beauty and desire it; but God desires us to love first the highest beauty, that which is imperishable—the “fine linen, white and clean” (Revelation 19:14), which all the holy ones of earth will wear. This apparel will make them beloved here and will be their badge of admission to the palace of the King.

TT 275.4

Looking forward to the perilous times into which the church was to enter, the apostle wrote: “Do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal which comes upon you to prove you.” Trial is to purify God’s children from the dross of earthliness. It is because God is leading His children, that trying experiences come to them. Trials and obstacles are His chosen methods of discipline and the condition of success. Some people have qualifications which, if rightly directed, could be used in His work. He brings these souls into varied positions and circumstances that they may discover the defects concealed from their own knowledge. He gives them opportunity to overcome these defects. Often He permits the fires of affliction to burn, that they may be purified.

TT 276.1

God suffers no affliction to come upon His children but such as is essential for their present and eternal good. All that He brings in test and trial comes that they may gain deeper piety and greater strength to carry forward the triumphs of the cross.

TT 276.2

There had been a time when Peter was unwilling to see the cross in the work of Christ. When the Saviour made known His impending sufferings and death, Peter exclaimed, “God forbid, Lord! This shall never happen to You.” Matthew 16:22, RSV. It was a bitter lesson, which he learned but slowly, that the path of Christ on earth lay through agony and humiliation. Now, when his once active form was bowed with the burden of years, he could write, “Beloved, ... rejoice in so far as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed.”

TT 276.3

Addressing the church elders regarding their responsibilities as undershepherds of Christ’s flock, the apostle wrote: “Tend the flock of God that is your charge, ... not for shameful gain but eagerly, not as domineering over those in your charge but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd is manifested you will obtain the unfading crown of glory.”

TT 276.4

Ministry means earnest, personal labor. Pastors are needed—faithful shepherds—who will not flatter God’s people nor treat them harshly, but who will feed them with the bread of life.

TT 277.1

If the gospel minister chooses the least self-sacrificing part, leaving the work of personal ministry for someone else, his labors will not be acceptable to God. He has mistaken his calling if he is unwilling to do the personal work that the care of the flock demands.

TT 277.2

The true shepherd loses sight of self. By personal ministry in the homes of the people, he learns their needs and comforts their distresses, relieves their soul hunger, and wins their hearts to God. In this work the minister is attended by the angels of heaven.

TT 277.3

The apostle outlined some general principles to be followed by all in church fellowship. The younger members were to follow the example of their elders in the practice of Christlike humility: “‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’ Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you. Cast all your anxieties on Him, for He cares about you.”

TT 277.4

Thus Peter wrote at a time of peculiar trial to the church. Soon the church was to undergo terrible persecution. Within a few years many leaders were to lay down their lives for the gospel. Soon grievous “wolves” were to enter in, not sparing the flock. But with words of encouragement and cheer Peter directed the believers “to an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading.” “The God of all grace,” he fervently prayed, “after you have suffered a little while, ... will Himself restore, establish, and strengthen you.”

From Trials to Triumph

The Fruit Produced by the Love of Truth

TT 274.1

Many of the most precious lessons of the Great Teacher were spoken to those who did not then understand them. When, after His ascension, the Holy Spirit brought His teachings to their remembrance, slumbering senses awoke. The meaning of these truths flashed on their minds as a new revelation. Then the men of His appointment proclaimed the mighty truth, “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, ... full of grace and truth.” “And of His fullness have all we received, and grace for grace.” John 1:14, 16.

From Trials to Triumph

Undershepherds Are to Be Watchful

TT 276.5

The undershepherd is called to meet alienation, bitterness, and jealousy in the church, and he will need to labor in the spirit of Christ. The servant of God may be misjudged and criticized. Let him then remember that “the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated... . And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” James 3:17, 18.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 63, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 63, 1900, par. 3

The second chapter of First Peter is a chapter for our education. Those who are carrying forward the work of God in these last days are to work from the high and holy principles specified in the Word of the Lord, “Wherefore, laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, as new born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow (spiritually) thereby: if so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious.” [Verses 1-4.]

15LtMs, Ms 63, 1900, par. 4

Bear in mind that things of eternal interest are not discerned by all men, but are by much the larger class “disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious.” [Verse 4.] These words should bring joy and comfort to everyone who loves God sincerely. “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently.” [1 Peter 1:22.] This is not a sentimental love, for that quality of love is not to be depended on; it is the chaff, not the wheat.

15LtMs, Ms 63, 1900, par. 13

This having been deeply impressed upon the soul the lesson that “being born again” is working out in the life character the perfect obedience to the Word, is the truth which is unto everlasting life, and if obeyed from the heart, will ever remain saving truth. “Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,” put off that which is evil, through the purifying efficiency of the Word. [1 Peter 2:1.] Cast away the old habits and practices, which are contrary to the Word, all malice, which comprehends all evil speaking and evil acting, and become men and women, and youth wise unto salvation.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 111, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 111, 1901, par. 21

In the second chapter of first Peter we read: “Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: if so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth him shall not be confounded.” [Verses 1-6.] Let us feed on the Word of God. It will give us a wonderful experience.

16LtMs, Ms 111, 1901, par. 22

“Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.” [Verses 7, 8.]

16LtMs, Ms 111, 1901, par. 23

When reading the next verse, let us notice whether God’s people engage in foolish amusements and worldly entertainments, or whether they have something higher and grander to contemplate—something that will hold them up, comforting them in sickness and sorrow: “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” [Verse 9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 220, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 220, 1903, par. 29

God has chosen a people out of the world and has instructed them to remain forever separate from the world. While living in the world they are not to be of the world. Dr. Kellogg has bound up himself with worldlings by inviting them into his councils; and he has been dishonoring the sacredness of the truth by bringing worldly lawyers into connection with the work of God’s people. The Lord has signified that it is His purpose to keep His people free from the contaminating influences of the world; but the leaders of the medical work at Battle Creek have been working in a way altogether different from the way marked out by the Lord. The first and the second chapters of First Peter are full of instruction in regard to the manner in which we should labor.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 165, 1904

19LtMs, Lt 165, 1904, par. 18

“As you seek to reach the highest standard, I will turn My hand upon thee, and purely purge away thy dross, and take away all thy tin. I will melt them and try them. Put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. You are to be one. Strive no longer to be first. If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God. Read the first twelve verses of the second chapter of First Peter. God gave these words through His servant. Let all help their brethren to be one as Christ is one with the Father.”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 188, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 188, 1906, par. 2

I have been referred by the Lord to the First Epistle of Peter. I must impress upon the churches in every place the importance of reading this Scripture and of practicing, with watchfulness and prayer, the instruction given. “Here,” said my Instructor, “is a most precious representation of what Christians may be, if they will only hear and obey.” The language used is a warning to those who are lifting up their souls unto vanity. Let all listen and enter into the spirit of the words of counsel given:

21LtMs, Lt 188, 1906, par. 4

Read the whole chapter. Study it, fathers and mothers, with all your powers of intelligence; and let your words and your actions express its meaning. Then read the second chapter of First Peter, verses one to twelve. Then turn to the Second Epistle of Peter, and read the first chapter.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 155, 1907

22LtMs, Ms 155, 1907, par. 11

Sunday [May 5] I wrote many pages in diary, then rode eight miles in carriage and talked with the church assembled upon the subject of unity. All this is needed. 1 Peter chapter 2.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 180, 1907

San Diego, California

May 5, 1907

Previously unpublished.

22LtMs, Ms 180, 1907, par. 1

1 Peter 2:1-5. Here we have a lesson, and this lesson teaches us that we are not to be in a position of faultfinding.

22LtMs, Ms 180, 1907, par. 2

Verses 3-9. Now this is our position. The whole chapter is that which we should study.

22LtMs, Ms 180, 1907, par. 3

Verses 9-12. Now here are lessons for us. We as a people that claim to believe the greatest truths that were ever committed to mortals, that we are practice all that we claim to believe, a truth to fit us to qualify us for the kingdom of God.

22LtMs, Ms 180, 1907, par. 4

The end is near; it is not far off. And every one of us that has before us a Pattern, Christ Jesus, we do not need to lack, nor be careless or indifferent. No. God wants us to imitate Jesus Christ.

22LtMs, Ms 180, 1907, par. 5

Who was He? The Majesty of heaven. Who was He? He was the King of glory. Who was He? The Son of the infinite Father, one equal with God. And yet His compassion for the fallen race was of such a degree that He consented to pay the price for man’s redemption. He, the Prince of life. And if Christ could make this infinite sacrifice for those who were of the fallen race, why should we not be in a position to be a partaker of the same interest, the same zeal, the same self-denial, the same self-sacrifice, in order that we shall act our part in bringing many sons and daughters unto God, hundreds to the truth. Why? For this very reason.

22LtMs, Ms 180, 1907, par. 6

Lay aside all malice. You have no right to it. You have no right because Christ has given you an example of His love, that you should follow in His footsteps, and if you will do this, you will “as newborn babes desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby, if so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” [Verses 2, 3.]

22LtMs, Ms 180, 1907, par. 7

Now, what we need every day is a consecration of ourselves to God. We want to realize that we have got a Pattern—that is Christ Jesus. And just as sure as we do this, we shall find that we are in a place of usefulness. Is it possible that we should claim to believe in Jesus Christ, but not be a partaker with Him in His sacrifice and in His work and in His self-denial? The King of glory clothed His divinity with humanity, and came to our world, in order that we should have Him as an example, as a pattern. Then why should we not practice His virtues?

22LtMs, Ms 180, 1907, par. 8

The light that God has given me of late is a very straight testimony, night after night, to the people that are assembled. I have written this out, but I did not bring it with me, because I want that every soul possible can be reached with it, and I want that I shall have an opportunity here again before I may leave, and I have a very straight testimony to bear.

22LtMs, Ms 180, 1907, par. 9

I was in the night very sick, and I felt as though I could not move my body, and I felt so sad and so discouraged. But I fell asleep and when I awoke I attempted to move my arms. They were just as light as air. I attempted to move my body, and I could turn in any position. The I seemed to be encircled with a cloud, and that cloud was of great brightness. I looked at it, said I, Is this heaven? I must be in heaven. It seemed as though I said, I will have no more testimonies to bear; I will have no more the grief, the sorrow to bear, because I was with my Saviour. Then it seemed that from the cloud that encircled me, the words were spoken, Your work is not yet done. I fell asleep again, and when I fell asleep I was in a meeting and I was talking. I was telling those that were present, If you only knew, if you only understood, what it means to be a partaker of the divine nature, you would labor for souls. You are to be partakers of the divine nature, that you may practice the life of Christ.

22LtMs, Ms 180, 1907, par. 10

He has suffered all that it is possible for humanity to suffer, the Prince of light, of whom it is declared He is one with the Father, and hanging upon Calvary’s cross in His agony. The poor thief rebuked his fellow sinner thief, because he was railing against Christ. He said to him, We suffer justly, but He unjustly. Lord Jesus, remember me when Thou comest in Thy kingdom. What was the answer? Verily, I say unto thee Today, thou shalt be with Me in Paradise. Not that he was to be with Him that day, for Christ was not there that day. After He died He laid in the tomb, and the first day of the week there was a mighty angel that came down, and that mighty angel rolled back the stone as a pebble from the door of the sepulcher, and took his seat upon it. These men that were guarding the sepulcher fell like dead men to the ground.

22LtMs, Ms 180, 1907, par. 11

Now here we have in this precious Saviour, One that went through the world to suffer and die for our transgressions, and when any one of us takes a course to provoke anyone in business transactions or in any line, we are entirely out of the right path. We are, as professed followers of Jesus Christ, to remove every pebble from the path of everyone, and we are to show the character of the living Christ. No impatient words are to come from our lips, and the vindication of self and the planning and the working and the contriving for self, O it comes in. Now what is our work in this world who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ?

22LtMs, Ms 180, 1907, par. 12

Did you not receive baptism in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost? These great powers were pledged, these three highest powers in heaven were pledged that every one should keep the promise of their baptism. “Ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” [Colossians 3:3.] Dead to what? To our former disposition of mind. Is there no change in our disposition when we claim to be children of God? We are to be like Christ. We are to follow Christ. We are to be partakers of Christ. Yes, we are to live Christ’s followers.

22LtMs, Ms 180, 1907, par. 13

Now when we act like Christians, let me tell you from the light God gave me that night, every soul that has a true hold upon Jesus Christ will manifest all the earnestness to represent Christ to individuals, wherever they are, to proclaim the truth. The truth is the Word, it is the life.

22LtMs, Ms 180, 1907, par. 14

Christ said to His disciples, “Ye are the light—in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14-16.] Well, here is the good works, and I want to tell you that there will be an awakening in every Christian, and unless there is, there will be the blood of souls upon the garments of those who do so little. If Christ traveled from place to place on foot, and if He was hungry, if He was weary, if He was the mighty Healer to relieve from sickness, now what is our position? To be just as earnest, just as particular to fill our place, so that we shall be ministers of God unto righteousness.

22LtMs, Ms 180, 1907, par. 15

And when we are in that position we learn that we must not retaliate because we think things do not go just exactly as we want them to. But we make a turn. Do you glorify God in that turn? Will you take a course in that turn that will lay a heavy burden on others? Will any one of us practice this? Not if you are studying the life of Christ. Every soul of us is to be brought under obligation, amenable to act out the life of Christ; that is what we profess to be.

22LtMs, Ms 180, 1907, par. 16

Now, we want to work as Christ would have us work. We want to put away all malice, all guile and hypocrisy and envyings and evil speakings. And there is a lot of it right here in this church, or else I would not be here. Every effort was for us to practice self-denial and self-sacrifice, and in the place of feeling that we have nothing special to do, we want to have an intense interest.

22LtMs, Ms 180, 1907, par. 17

You know all about it. You know all about the institution that has been established a few miles from here. You know how hard and how long we tried in regard to that institution. Some do. Now the obligation rests upon every soul that is in connection with God to do to the utmost of your capabilities to arouse yourselves that you may place those that shall come where they shall get the truth, where they can have access to the truth. How many times I have stood up in that parlor when I was here before. How many times I was so weak, that it seemed I could scarcely stand upon my feet, and yet the Lord gave me strength, first to the workers in the morning at five o’clock in the morning, the next morning to speak to the patients and others that should come in. We had the Spirit of God. And when every one of us have that self-denial and self-sacrifice that Christ had when He came into our world, that He should be an example to the sinners and those that were around Him, we will act very different than many have acted toward that institution. And I want to tell you that the condemnation of God is upon those that have had so little interest to take right hold and build it up, and help it. But to lay a weight upon it!

22LtMs, Ms 180, 1907, par. 18

Now, we have got all that we can do to carry through the work, so that it will reach people that are out of Christ. There are those that have come to that sanitarium that have embraced the faith and have died and are sleeping in Jesus. There are several. And there are others who came very sick, and it seemed there was no hope for them to come out of it, but the Lord has indited prayer in their behalf, and the Lord has raised them up, and they have gone away from the institution, and I think are alive today. But it was a hard tax on those who stood to watch it day and night, but few know anything about it.

22LtMs, Ms 180, 1907, par. 19

I have come to talk with you about this matter today. I have not told anybody what I was going to say. But I want to say to you right here, it is best that we are converted. It is best that the converting power of God should walk through this congregation, and that every soul should feel amenable to Christ, to take hold to be workers together with God. Now, the light that I had was this, Thorough instruction should be given, every soul in San Diego that believes the truth is to be a witness to it. I have been taken over the water to where there are little shanties built up for them to stay in certain times of the year. Now the question among us is, Who will take that field and will go out as workers to go to these little cottages that are built there so curiously by the water? There are some who might go in and become acquainted with them and take your Bibles and read to them out of the Word, and be interested and kindly with them; whoever will, they will realize the blessing.

22LtMs, Ms 180, 1907, par. 20

We neglect the opportunities, and when we shall come to the time of the judgment there will be those that will tell us, “You never told me these things; you never warned me; you never told me about this,” and there will be a rising up. Well, there is a field, and there are fields in many places, and our people have got to come up as if raised from a resurrection. They are dead, and twice dead some of them, and pulled up by the roots, but we want now that we should seek God most earnestly.

22LtMs, Ms 180, 1907, par. 21

[1 Peter 2] Verses 1-5. The priesthood. Do you know what that comprehends? You are those who are bringing to God these individuals that you shall become acquainted with and are presenting them before the Father, that He would let His light shine into your heart and into your mind and into your soul, and He would give you wisdom that you could offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

22LtMs, Ms 180, 1907, par. 22

Verses 6-11. Now I want to say, Let us all consecrate ourselves to God. Let us realize that there is an advanced work to be done for our individual selves, or we never can have communication with Him who hung on the cross of Calvary in order to redeem us.

22LtMs, Ms 180, 1907, par. 23

I spoke of Christ’s hanging upon the cross. He said to the thief, “I say unto you today,”—while hanging right there helpless and a criminal—“I say unto thee today, thou shalt be with me in paradise.” [Luke 23:43.] That was the death knell of Satan, to think that he ever should obtain the victory. He had set men to mocking Christ. He had set even the Jews to mock Christ and to oppose Him, “You that will destroy—.” [Matthew 27:40.] That insult and reproach, what did it do? Christ bore it right upon the cross; He was carrying it out for you and me. What cross are you bearing? What crosses are you bearing here in San Diego? Every one, we want to be a living witness for Christ. Every one of us, we want to arouse from our stupidity and backsliding.

22LtMs, Ms 180, 1907, par. 24

Now, here is the position that we should be in. Acts 2:1-5, 21.

22LtMs, Ms 180, 1907, par. 25

We are to be in a position where we are under the moving of the Holy Spirit’s power. Here it states that in regard to those that were listening, they heard them speak in their own tongue.

22LtMs, Ms 180, 1907, par. 26

Verses 14-17. Now here are the wonders that are to be shown. But I want to know who is getting ready for them. I want to know who is denying themselves, approaching to what Christ denied Himself. I want to know who is studying with all their might that they may know the Scriptures, lest they shall fail to carry it out. Self rises up, and just as long as that spirit prevails in the members of the church, you will see that there is a backward movement in the place of a forward.

22LtMs, Ms 180, 1907, par. 27

Now Christ declares that He came to be our example, and He says, “Ask, and ye shall receive; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you,” etc. [Matthew 7:7.] Now we want to see men that have had some experience in this work to understand ye are laborers together with God. You may take yourself in your own hands, you may have a very high estimate of yourself, but it is not self that we want. What we want is to see minds that are assimilated to the mind of Christ, that are looking to see how to lift up the fallen.

22LtMs, Ms 180, 1907, par. 28

They would follow Him from place to place, and there would be 5,000 at one time, and He took pity on them. He bid them be seated on the grass. Then what about the food? He asked. There are only 5 loaves and 2 small fishes. So they commenced to pass them around. Well, we want that very lesson—to pass around what you have. We want those that have, to consider those that have not, the truth. We want you to consider that we are working, publishing, and doing everything in our power to get the truth to the farthest part of the globe. I have not taken any royalty on my books that have passed into Europe for I cannot tell how many years. I have said, Use the royalties, use them. When we came to Australia, we had to start right in the woods, and the horses made the first path in the woods to establish our buildings there. And we pitched our tents and we worked, every one of us.

22LtMs, Ms 180, 1907, par. 29

When I see people so ready to get discouraged, and come up and place others in as hard a position as they can be placed in, I consider, Where is Christ in the matter? Where is the Christian spirit of self-denial and of self-sacrifice? Now we want to tell you that we need your sympathy and we need your help. We have the building. We need the cases that shall be brought there, and they will come. We know they have been there; we know that precious souls have been converted and died in the faith. Some have received the benefit of the institution. And when I have been there I have had such comfort in standing in my weakness and speaking to them of the mighty Healer.

22LtMs, Ms 180, 1907, par. 30

Now I tell you today there is a mighty Healer that every soul of you want. You want to be inspired with the spirit of the energy of these last days.

22LtMs, Ms 180, 1907, par. 31

I have been to Oakland and to San Francisco. I said, I cannot speak over fifteen minutes. ... When we have a little faith to move out against objections, the Lord will recognize it.

22LtMs, Ms 180, 1907, par. 32

What you want here is the converting power of God.

22LtMs, Ms 180, 1907, par. 33

When I was at Nashville, and there was no way to get means to start the work, I wrote to different places and I told them this: Put up your little self-denial boxes in every house. Teach your children that when they are going to use their pennies for mere self-gratification of their appetite, drop it into these self-denial boxes. And I advise you to do it here. I think it would do you good. In the place of laying out every dollar and every penny on your own bodies and appetites, consider the death of Christ. Haven’t you any royalty for Him? Haven’t you any returns to give to Him? We want to say, Wake up, and attend to your duty.

22LtMs, Ms 180, 1907, par. 34

If God established that institution there, He did not establish it that some should come in there and become discontented, when everything did not suit them, and turn around and come back. They are needed all the more. They are needed to stand at their post of duty. They have said to me again and again, Do not stay in this place any longer. Do come where there are a large number of people. I would go out in my carriage, and there I would stand by the railroads. I would stand in my carriage in various places, and I would speak the truth to them, and the women would come with their babies in their arms; they would listen with the tears streaming down their cheeks.

22LtMs, Ms 180, 1907, par. 35

If you think that everything is going to come right up to your mind without any sacrifice at all, while you do just exactly as you want to do, God will leave you out of the account when His blessing comes. God wants us to act like men. Put on the armor.

22LtMs, Ms 180, 1907, par. 36

These self-denial boxes have kept the mission that they were trying to maintain for the colored people in Nashville, so that they could build humble houses of worship, so that they could go to different places where they needed help, and here were the little donations coming in. They would tell them all the particulars about it, where it came from, and that inspired them with a confidence and a zeal.

22LtMs, Ms 180, 1907, par. 37

Do you think the work of God is going to go on with no kind of opposition from the enemy of our faith? Do you think that it will pass along and we have nothing to do? God help us to put the armor on. I think it is high time that the armor was put on, every piece of it.

22LtMs, Ms 180, 1907, par. 38

Now I am going to leave these few words with you. But I want to say, there is a self-denial for us to practice all the way along from now until the end of our lives. Christ denied Himself. He says, “The foxes, etc.” [Matthew 8:20.]

22LtMs, Ms 180, 1907, par. 39

Now, after He had fed these hungry persons, there were twelve baskets full of fragments to be gathered up. Now, God can enlarge your efforts. You just take hold to do what you can, and the God of heaven can enlarge your efforts. He puts Himself as the world’s Redeemer, put His power in it, and they were satisfied. They had a rest there. They had followed Him to hear the Word. Now we want to make people hungry to hear the Word. We want every soul to be wide-awake for fear you will not do your whole duty, for fear you will stop before you make your covenant with God by sacrifice. If we think we are not to exercise ourselves beyond our own inclination and our own desires to sustain the work, God will just as surely leave us right in that position where we will be placed where we will wish that we did a different thing.

22LtMs, Ms 180, 1907, par. 40

We want now to come right to the point, and we want to see the Holy Spirit that came upon them at the day of Pentecost, when they went out and they preached the Word everywhere and thousands were converted in a day. We want that you should see that sinners are to be converted, and that you have got something to do in it. You have got to get the self-denying life of Christ. Take your Bible and go from house to house and read to them. That is the way we have been trying to do in Oakland and San Francisco and in various places, and there are many souls that are brought to the knowledge of the truth. Wake up, brethren, wake up for Christ’s sake, wake up. Shake yourself from stupor and indifference. There is a world to save. There is a message to be given to the world, and you are not to sleep here in this judgment hour. He tells us how it will be. God help us to arouse and be converted.

Lift Him Up

Growth Comes From God, February 25

LHU 70.2

The change of heart by which we become children of God is in the Bible spoken of as birth. Again, it is compared to the germination of the good seed sown by the husbandman. In like manner those who are just converted to Christ are, “as newborn babes,” to “grow up” to the stature of men and women in Christ Jesus (1 Peter 2:2; Ephesians 4:15). Or like the good seed sown in the field, they are to grow up and bring forth fruit. Isaiah says that they shall “be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified” (Isaiah 61:3). So from natural life, illustrations are drawn, to help us better to understand the mysterious truths of spiritual life.

Steps to Christ

Chapter 8—Growing Up Into Christ

SC 67.1

The change of heart by which we become children of God is in the Bible spoken of as birth. Again, it is compared to the germination of the good seed sown by the husbandman. In like manner those who are just converted to Christ are, “as new-born babes,” to “grow up” to the stature of men and women in Christ Jesus. 1 Peter 2:2; Ephesians 4:15. Or like the good seed sown in the field, they are to grow up and bring forth fruit. Isaiah says that they shall “be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified.” Isaiah 61:3. So from natural life, illustrations are drawn, to help us better to understand the mysterious truths of spiritual life.

The Faith I Live By

Transformed by Searching the Word, August 5

FLB 223.1

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby. 1 Peter 2:2.

Sermons and Talks, vol. 1

Camp Meeting Message on True Education

1SAT 287.1

The direction has been given to the students in the school of Christ: “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” [1 Peter 2:2]. This is indeed eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of God. [John 6:54-66, quoted.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 41b, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 41b, 1896, par. 28

The direction has been given to the students in the school of Christ: “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” [1 Peter 2:2.] This is indeed eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of God. “Whoso eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood,” said Christ, “hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father; so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. This is that bread that came down from heaven; not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead; he that eateth of this bread shall live forever. These things saith he in the synagogue as he taught in Capernaum.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 41a, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 41a, 1896, par. 26

The direction has been given to the students in the school of Christ: “As new born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” [1 Peter 2:2.] This is indeed eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of God. “Whoso eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood,” said Christ, “hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father; so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. This is that bread that cometh down from heaven; not as your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness and are dead; he that eateth this bread shall live forever.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 122, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 122, 1896, par. 17

Converse with God through the study of His Word, and your whole nature will be ennobled. Every soul that is striving for the eternal inheritance must be taught by this Word. “As new born babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby.” [1 Peter 2:2.] We must not read the Word of God with a stupid indifference, but we must strive to understand, verse by verse, every passage we read. Put the mental powers to the tax; will to comprehend. Seek wisdom from God. Many passages of the Scripture are easily understood; others demand patient digging, as for hidden treasure, close study and painstaking effort. Put to the stretch every spiritual sinew and muscle in the search for the treasure. Seek for it as the miner seeks for the veins of precious ore, concealed beneath the surface of the earth. As you search for truth in this way, the Holy Spirit flashes the gracious heavenly truth into mind and heart. Rich, and apparently hidden passages are discovered only by those who are determined to dig into this mine of celestial gold and sink their shafts deep.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 63, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 63, 1899, par. 27

We are to see and understand the instruction given us by the great apostle, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby,” in perception, in likeness to the character of Christ. [1 Peter 2:2.] Development of character, growth in knowledge and wisdom, will be the sure result of feeding on the Word.

To Be Like Jesus

We Are to Grow in Piety, Purity, and Love, November 26

BLJ 347.1

As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. 1 Peter 2:2, 3, NKJV.

With God at Dawn

The Word of God Stimulates Growth, June 15

WGD 168.1

As new born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: if so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. 1 Peter 2:2, 3.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 73, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 73, 1896, par. 14

I would call your attention to the following Scriptures. Study them; practice them. 1 Peter 2:2-4; 1:22-25; 2:7-12; Galatians 5:22-26; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 6:19, 20; 3:16-23; 1 Corinthians 2.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 20 [Nos. 1420-1500]

MR No. 1446—Seek God’s Will; Distrust Self; Adopt Health Principles; Follow Christ in Self-denial and Sacrifice

20MR 107.1

I would call your attention to the following Scriptures. Study them; practice them. 1 Peter 2:2-4, 22-25; 2:7-12; Galatians 5:22-26; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 6:19, 20; 1 Corinthians 3:16-23; 1 Corinthians 2.

Our High Calling

“I Tasted the Lord’s Goodness,” November 15

OHC 325.1

If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. 1 Peter 2:3.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 45—The Foreshadowing of the Cross

DA 413.1

Centuries before the Saviour’s advent Moses had pointed to the Rock of Israel’s salvation. The psalmist had sung of “the Rock of my strength.” Isaiah had written, “Thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation.” Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 62:7; Isaiah 28:16. Peter himself, writing by inspiration, applies this prophecy to Jesus. He says, “If ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious: unto whom coming, a living stone, rejected indeed of men, but with God elect, precious, ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house.” 1 Peter 2:3-5, R. V.

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 45—The Foreshadowing of the Cross

HLv 278.4

Moses had pointed to the Rock of Israel’s salvation. See Deuteronomy 32:4. The psalmist had sung of “the rock of my strength.” Psalm 62:7. Isaiah had written, “Thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, ... a sure foundation.” Isaiah 28:16. Peter himself applies this prophecy to Jesus: “For you have tasted the kindness of the Lord. Come to Him, to that living stone, rejected by men but in God’s sight chosen and precious; and like living stones be yourselves built into a spiritual house.” 1 Peter 2:3-5, RSV. “Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 3:11. “Upon this rock,” said Jesus, “I will build My church.” Christ founded His church on the living Rock—Himself, His own body, for us broken and bruised. Against the church built on this foundation, the gates of hell shall not prevail.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 198, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 198, 1899, par. 22

1 Peter 2:3: “If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious. Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable unto God by Jesus Christ.” [Verses 3-5.]

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Rock of Israel’s Salvation, November 2

JNN 323.3

Centuries before the Saviour’s advent Moses had pointed to the Rock of Israel’s salvation. The psalmist had sung of “the Rock of my strength.” Isaiah had written, “Thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation” (Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 62:7; Isaiah 28:16). Peter himself, writing by inspiration, applies this prophecy to Jesus. He says, “If ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious: unto whom coming, a living stone, rejected indeed of men, but with God elect, precious, ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house” (1 Peter 2:3-5, R. V.).

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 65—The Temple Cleansed Again

DA 599.2

“If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the Scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on Him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe He is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient.” 1 Peter 2:3-8.

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Foundation Stone, May 18

JNN 149.5

“If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the Scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on Him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe He is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient” (1 Peter 2:3-8).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 6, 1892

7LtMs, Ms 6, 1892, par. 24

“If so be that ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious.” [1 Peter 2:3, 4.] Thus we see that when men, in their worldly wisdom pronounce judgment as to the value of men, they disallow and discredit the very ones whom God has sent to do His work in meekness of wisdom—men who are “chosen of God, and precious.”

7LtMs, Ms 6, 1892, par. 26

“Unto you therefore that believe he is precious; but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them that stumble at the word, being disobedient; whereunto also they were appointed.” [1 Peter 2:7, 8.]

7LtMs, Ms 6, 1892, par. 37

God is testing all who have a knowledge of the truth to see if they can be depended on to fight the battles of the Lord when hard pressed by principalities and powers and the rulers of the darkness of this world and wicked spirits in high places. Perilous times are before us, and our only safety is in having the converting power of God every day, yielding ourselves fully to Him to do His will, and walk in the light of His countenance. See 1 Peter 2:9.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 19, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 19, 1895, par. 27

You have been blessed with a large share of intellectual power; but you have not always employed this power to the glory of God; but now, “if so be that you have tasted that the Lord is gracious,” declare it to others. [1 Peter 2:3.] If you have come unto Christ, the living Stone, though indeed “disallowed of men, but chosen of God and precious,” relate your experiences to others as did Saul of Tarsus after his conversion. [Verse 4.] “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

10LtMs, Lt 19, 1895, par. 28

“Wherefore also it is contained in the Scriptures, Behold I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious; and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious; but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is become the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient, whereunto they were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” [Verses 5-9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 12, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 12, 1893, par. 17

When we first experience the new birth we are babes in Christ, but we are not always to remain babes but feed upon the sincere milk of the Word, <that ye may grow thereby.> We are becoming strong, having <been> nourished <by the Word of God,> “if so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: (worldlings who obey not the truth) that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” [1 Peter 2:3, 11, 12.]

Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 1

Chapter 13—Food for the Mind

1MCP 112.3

Investigate Also Your Conversational Food—It is best for every soul to closely investigate what mental food is served up for him to eat. When those come to you who live to talk and who are all armed and equipped to say, “Report, and we will report it,” stop and think if the conversation will give spiritual help, spiritual efficiency, that in spiritual communication you may eat of the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God. “To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious” (1 Peter 2:4). These words express much.

God’s Amazing Grace

Makes Our Foundation Sure, April 25

AG 123.2

In the Scriptures the figure of the erection of a temple is frequently used to illustrate the building of the church.... Writing of the building of this temple, Peter says, “To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood” ... (1 Peter 2:4, 5)....

Reflecting Christ

Living Stones, Aglow With Wondrous Light, September 16

RC 273.1

To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house ... acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:4, 5.

The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 58—The Church Triumphant

AA 595.3

Writing of the building of this temple, Peter says, “To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 2:4, 5.

From Trials to Triumph

Chapter 58—A Glorious Future Is Before Us

TT 311.1

On the foundation that Christ had laid, the apostles built the church. Peter says, “Come to Him, to that living stone, rejected by men but in God’s sight chosen and precious; and like living stones be yourselves built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 2:4, 5, RSV.

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Rock of Ages, July 6

JNN 200.1

Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house.—1 Peter 2:4, 5

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 102, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 102, 1898, par. 14

Peter afterward wrote: “To whom coming, as unto a living stone disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the Scripture, Behold I say in Sion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which are disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is become the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense, even to them which stumble at the word being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.” [1 Peter 2:4-8.]

In Heavenly Places

God’s Church on Earth, October 1

HP 281.1

Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:5.

From Heaven With Love

How to Be Built-up by Being Broken

HLv 400.3

Upon this living stone, Jews and Gentiles alike may build. It is broad enough for all, and strong enough to sustain the weight and burden of the whole world. By connection with Christ all who build on this foundation become living stones. See 1 Peter 2:5.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 49, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 49, 1886, par. 9

It is not enough to be brought in as worshipers, but the heart must be brought into harmony with God’s plans. We must be spiritual worshipers. If we are to represent Christ we must be living stones “built up a spiritual house.” 1 Peter 2:5.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 98, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, par. 5

God has invited Brother Prismall to look upon Christ’s perfection of character, and by beholding become changed into His divine similitude, as all will be who are built upon Him. Being built upon Christ implies actual, personal contact with the Lord Jesus. This makes the human agent a living stone, and imparts to it a lustre which has the power of emitting light and attracting others to the great center. “Ye also, as lively (living) stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood.” [1 Peter 2:5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 104, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 104, 1899, par. 14

Our work is being watched to see if there is prosperity or waste in its construction. By our own course of action a state of things may be created which will cripple the work and bring reproach upon the cause of God. In every conference we are to give character to the work, not by exalting self, not by display, but by becoming living stones in the building of God. Let everything be done decently and in order. But never suppose that buildings, dress, and outward show give character to the work. “Ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house,” God says. [1 Peter 2:5.] Prayer and grateful thanksgiving to God will give solidity and character to the work.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 101, 1907

22LtMs, Ms 101, 1907, par. 2

A deep Christian experience will be combined with the work of true education. Our schools are to advance steadily in Christian development; and in order to do this, the words and example of the teacher should be a constant help. “Ye also as lively stones,” the apostle declares, “are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Christ Jesus.” [1 Peter 2:5.] It would be well for every teacher and student to study carefully these words, asking themselves the question, Am I, through the abundant grace given, obtaining the very experience that as a child of God I must have in order to advance constantly step by step to the higher grade?

Lift Him Up

Putting the Word of God Into Practice, June 30

LHU 195.5

As you give heed to the light you have, greater light will come. You are building on God’s Word, and your character will be builded after the similitude of the character of Christ. Christ, the true foundation, is a living stone; His life is imparted to all that are built upon Him. “Ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house” (1 Peter 2:5, ASV).... That building no tempest can overthrow (Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, 147-150).

Manuscript Releases, vol. 3 [Nos. 162-209]

Diary, Tramelan, Switzerland, May 22, 1886

3MR 232.2

It is not enough to be brought in as worshipers, but the heart must be brought into harmony with God’s plans. We must be spiritual worshipers. If we are to represent Christ we must be living stones “built up a spiritual house.” 1 Peter 2:5.

Our High Calling

In the Workshop of God, June 8

OHC 165.1

Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:5.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6

Chapter 19—Character and Work of Teachers

6T 153.3

Teachers who will learn from the Great Teacher will realize the help of God as did Daniel and his fellows. They need to climb heavenward instead of remaining on the plain. Christian experience should be combined with all true education. “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 2:5. Teachers and students should study this representation and see if they are of that class who, through the abundant grace given, are obtaining the experience that every child of God must have before he can enter the higher grade. In all their instruction teachers should impart light from the throne of God; for education is a work the effect of which will be seen throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity.

That I May Know Him

In God’s Workshop, May 24

TMK 150.1

Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:5.

The Upward Look

God’s Church a Temple, September 24

UL 281.1

Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:5.