EGW Writings1 Thessalonians 5
Ellen G. White · Page 2 of 2
Read 1 Thessalonians 5 in the Bible1 Thessalonians 5:24
Testimony Treasures, vol. 1
Asking in Faith
1TT 205.1
After the prayer is made, if the answer is not realized immediately, do not weary of waiting and become unstable. Waver not. Cling to the promise, “Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:24. Like the importunate widow, urge your case, being firm in your purpose. Is the object important and of great consequence to you? It certainly is. Then waver not, for your faith may be tried. If the thing you desire is valuable, it is worthy of a strong, earnest effort. You have the promise; watch and pray. Be steadfast and the prayer will be answered; for is it not God who has promised? If it costs you something to obtain it you will prize it the more when obtained. You are plainly told that if you waver you need not think that you shall receive anything of the Lord. A caution is here given not to become weary, but to rest firmly upon the promise. If you ask, He will give you liberally and upbraid not.The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1
Ms 2, 1857
1EGWLM 528.5
The people of God must move understandingly. They must know that every known sin is confessed; then it is their privilege and duty to believe that Jesus accepts them. They must not wait for others to plow through the darkness, obtain the victory, then enjoy it. Such enjoyment will last no longer than [until] the meeting closes. There must be a serving God from principle instead of feeling. Morning and night obtain a victory for yourselves in your own family. Let not your daily labor hinder this. Take time to pray, and believe as you pray that God hears you. Have faith mixed with your prayers and it will be effectual. You may not at all times feel the immediate answer, but then it is your faith is tried. You are proved to see whether you will trust God, whether you have living, abiding faith. “Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” 1 Thess. 5:24.With God at Dawn
He Who Calls Us Is Faithful, May 30
WGD 152.1
Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:24.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)
Ms 2, 1857
1LtMs, Ms 2, 1857, par. 10
The people of God must move understandingly. They must know that every known sin is confessed; then it is their privilege and duty to believe that Jesus accepts them. They must not wait for others to plow through the darkness, obtain the victory, then enjoy it. Such enjoyment will last no longer than [until] the meeting closes. There must be a serving God from principle instead of feeling. Morning and night obtain a victory for yourselves in your own family. Let not your daily labor hinder this. Take time to pray, and believe as you pray that God hears you. Have faith mixed with your prayers and it will be effectual. You may not at all times feel the immediate answer, but then it is your faith is tried. You are proved to see whether you will trust God, whether you have living, abiding faith. “Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:24.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 293, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 293, 1905, par. 25
You are to say: “This word comes to me from the lips of Christ, and I will show entire faith in His Word. What evidence have I that I shall receive the Lord’s blessing? how certainly shall I find rest?—‘Faithful is He that promised, who also will do it.’” [See 1 Thessalonians 5:24.]1 Thessalonians 5:26
Early Writings
Faithfulness in Social Meeting
EW 117.2
The holy salutation mentioned in the gospel of Jesus Christ by the apostle Paul should ever be considered in its true character. It is a holy kiss. [See Appendix.] It should be regarded as a sign of fellowship to Christian friends when parting, and when meeting again after a separation of weeks or months. In 1 Thessalonians 5:26 Paul says: “Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.” In the same chapter he says: “Abstain from all appearance of evil.” There can be no appearance of evil when the holy kiss is given at a proper time and place.The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1
Lt 8, 1851
One thing I have not mentioned. Brother Baker has come into the salutation22
The “salutation,” or “holy kiss,” was practiced by early Sabbathkeeping Adventists. Ellen White supported the practice on the basis of Paul’s instruction in 1 Thessalonians 5:26, but warned against its misuse. Improperly practiced, the holy kiss had the potential of causing public scandal and charges of fanaticism, as had happened in 1845-1846. The majority of Adventist bodies rejected both foot washing and the holy kiss.
The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1
Lt 3, 1854
In the vision at Grand Rapids [Michigan] I was shown something of your case. I saw that Brother Pearsall had not abstained from all appearance of evil, had been too familiar with the sisters, and had not always behaved with discretion and comeliness with his own wife in the presence of others. These things have brought a reproach upon the cause.2
Judging by frequent mentions in the Review, A. B. Pearsall was a prominent layman in the Grand Rapids church, a liberal donor to church causes and an agent for the Review in his area. His prominence added to the “reproach upon the cause” that his indiscretions were bringing.
EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
1 Thessalonians 5:23
The Sanctified Life
Chapter 1—True and False Theories Contrasted
SL 7.1
The sanctification set forth in the Sacred Scriptures has to do with the entire being—spirit, soul, and body. Here is the true idea of entire consecration. Paul prays that the church at Thessalonica may enjoy this great blessing. “The very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:23).Counsels for the Church
Chapter 6—The Sanctified Life
CCh 50.1
Our Saviour claims all there is of us; He asks our first and holiest thoughts, our purest and most intense affection. If we are indeed partakers of the divine nature, His praise will be continually in our hearts and upon our lips. Our only safety is to surrender our all to Him and to be constantly growing in grace and in the knowledge of the truth.12The Sanctified Life, 95 The sanctification set forth in the Sacred Scriptures has to do with the entire being—spirit, soul, and body. Here is the true idea of entire consecration. Paul prays that the church at Thessalonica may enjoy this great blessing. “The very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23.CCh 51.5
When Paul wrote, “The very God of peace sanctify you wholly,” 1 Thessalonians 5:23, he did not exhort his brethren to aim at a standard which it was impossible for them to reach; he did not pray that they might have blessings which it was not the will of God to give. He knew that all who would be fitted to meet Christ in peace must possess a pure and holy character. Read 1 Corinthians 9:25-27; 6:19, 20.The Sanctified Life
Not an Impossible Standard
SL 26.1
When Paul wrote, “The very God of peace sanctify you wholly” (1 Thessalonians 5:23), he did not exhort his brethren to aim at a standard which it was impossible for them to reach; he did not pray that they might have blessings which it was not the will of God to give. He knew that all who would be fitted to meet Christ in peace must possess a pure and holy character. “Every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: but I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway” (1 Corinthians 9:25-27). “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20).The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4
Chapter 22—Modern Revivals
4SP 298.2
The doctrine of sanctification, or perfect holiness, which fills a prominent place in some of the religious movements of the day, is among the causes that have rendered modern revivals so ineffectual. True sanctification is a Bible doctrine. The apostle Paul declared to the Thessalonian church, “This is the will of God, even your sanctification.” [1 Thessalonians 4:3.] And again he prayed, “The very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” [1 Thessalonians 5:23.] But the sanctification now so widely advocated is not that brought to view in the Scriptures. It is false in theory, and dangerous in its practical results.To Be Like Jesus
To Have a Clear Mind, Follow Temperance Principles, October 24
BLJ 313.1
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:23, NKJV.A New Life (Revival and Beyond)
Sanctification—Who Does the Work?
NL 13.2
True sanctification is a Bible doctrine. The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Thessalonian church, declares: “This is the will of God, even your sanctification.” And he prays: “The very God of peace sanctify you wholly” (1 Thessalonians 4:3; 5:23). The Bible clearly teaches what sanctification is and how it is to be attained. The Saviour prayed for His disciples: “Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth” (John 17:17, 19). And Paul teaches that believers are to be “sanctified by the Holy Ghost” (Romans 15:16). What is the work of the Holy Spirit? Jesus told His disciples: “When He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). And the psalmist says: “Thy law is the truth.” By the word and the Spirit of God are opened to men the great principles of righteousness embodied in His law. And since the law of God is “holy, and just, and good,” a transcript of the divine perfection, it follows that a character formed by obedience to that law will be holy. Christ is a perfect example of such a character. He says: “I have kept My Father’s commandments.” “I do always those things that please Him” (John 15:10; 8:29). The followers of Christ are to become like Him—by the grace of God to form characters in harmony with the principles of His holy law. This is Bible sanctification.A New Life (Revival and Beyond)
Sanctification—Total Commitment
NL 17.2
The sanctification set forth in the Scriptures embraces the entire being—spirit, soul, and body. Paul prayed for the Thessalonians that their “whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:23). Again he writes to believers: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God” (Romans 12:1). In the time of ancient Israel every offering brought as a sacrifice to God was carefully examined. If any defect was discovered in the animal presented, it was refused; for God had commanded that the offering be “without blemish.” So Christians are bidden to present their bodies, “a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God.” In order to do this, all their powers must be preserved in the best possible condition. Every practice that weakens physical or mental strength unfits man for the service of his Creator.The Review and Herald
January 18, 1881
RH January 18, 1881, par. 1
Text: “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit, and soul, and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23.The Review and Herald
January 25, 1881
RH January 25, 1881, par. 1
Text: And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit, and soul, and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23.The Review and Herald
February 1, 1881
RH February 1, 1881, par. 1
Text: “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit, and soul, and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23.The Review and Herald
February 8, 1881
RH February 8, 1881, par. 1
Text: “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit, and soul, and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23.The Review and Herald
February 15, 1881
RH February 15, 1881, par. 1
Text: “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit, and soul, and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23.The Review and Herald
February 22, 1881
RH February 22, 1881, par. 1
Text: “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit, and soul, and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23.The Review and Herald
March 1, 1881
RH March 1, 1881, par. 1
Text: “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit, and soul, and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23.The Review and Herald
March 8, 1881
RH March 8, 1881, par. 1
Text: “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit, and soul, and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23.The Review and Herald
April 26, 1881
RH April 26, 1881, par. 1
Text: “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit, and soul, and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23.The Review and Herald
May 3, 1881
RH May 3, 1881, par. 1
Text: “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit, and soul, and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23.True Revival
Sanctification—Who Does the Work?
TR 22.3
True sanctification is a Bible doctrine. The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Thessalonian church, declares: “This is the will of God, even your sanctification.” And he prays: “The very God of peace sanctify you wholly” (1 Thessalonians 4:3; 5:23). The Bible clearly teaches what sanctification is and how it is to be attained. The Saviour prayed for His disciples: “Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth” (John 17:17, 19). And Paul teaches that believers are to be “sanctified by the Holy Ghost” (Romans 15:16). What is the work of the Holy Spirit? Jesus told His disciples: “When He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). And the psalmist says: “Thy law is the truth.” By the word and the Spirit of God are opened to men the great principles of righteousness embodied in His law. And since the law of God is “holy, and just, and good,” a transcript of the divine perfection, it follows that a character formed by obedience to that law will be holy. Christ is a perfect example of such a character. He says: “I have kept My Father’s commandments.” “I do always those things that please Him” (John 15:10; 8:29). The followers of Christ are to become like Him—by the grace of God to form characters in harmony with the principles of His holy law. This is Bible sanctification.True Revival
Sanctification—Total Commitment
TR 26.1
The sanctification set forth in the Scriptures embraces the entire being—spirit, soul, and body. Paul prayed for the Thessalonians that their “whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:23). Again he writes to believers: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God” (Romans 12:1). In the time of ancient Israel every offering brought as a sacrifice to God was carefully examined. If any defect was discovered in the animal presented, it was refused; for God had commanded that the offering be “without blemish.” So Christians are bidden to present their bodies, “a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God.” In order to do this, all their powers must be preserved in the best possible condition. Every practice that weakens physical or mental strength unfits man for the service of his Creator.From the Heart
The Impact of Truth, October 10
FH 295.1
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely. 1 Thessalonians 5:23.The Great Hope (Condensed)
Biblical Sanctification
GrH_c 28.5
Sanctification embraces the entire being—spirit, soul, and body. See 1 Thessalonians 5:23. Christians are bidden to present their bodies, “a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God.” Romans 12:1. Every practice that weakens physical or mental strength unfits man for the service of his Creator. Those who love God with all their heart will constantly seek to bring every power of their being into harmony with the laws that promote their ability to do His will. They will not by indulgence of appetite or passion enfeeble or defile the offering they present to their heavenly Father.Faith and Works
Chapter 2—The Standard of True Sanctification
FW 29.1
“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:23).Homeward Bound
The Self-Righteous, March 9
HB 86.3
The sanctification set forth in the Scriptures embraces the entire being— spirit, soul, and body. Paul prayed for the Thessalonians that their “whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23.) Again he writes to believers: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God.” (Romans 12:1.) In the time of ancient Israel every offering brought as a sacrifice to God was carefully examined. If any defect was discovered in the animal presented, it was refused; for God had commanded that the offering be “without blemish.” So Christians are bidden to present their bodies, “a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God.” In order to do this, all their powers must be preserved in the best possible condition. Every practice that weakens physical or mental strength unfits us for the service of our Creator. And will God be pleased with anything less than the best we can offer? Said Christ: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart.” Those who do love God with all the heart will desire to give Him the best service of their life, and they will be constantly seeking to bring every power of their being into harmony with the laws that will promote their ability to do His will. They will not, by the indulgence of appetite or passion, enfeeble or defile the offering which they present to their heavenly Father. . . .Homeward Bound
Sanctification Is a Bible Doctrine, March 18
HB 95.3
True sanctification is a Bible doctrine. The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Thessalonian church, declares: “This is the will of God, even your sanctification.” And he prays: “The very God of peace sanctify you wholly.” (1 Thessalonians 4:3; 5:23.) The Bible clearly teaches what sanctification is and how it is to be attained. The Saviour prayed for His disciples: “Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth.” (John 17:17.) And Paul teaches that believers are to be “sanctified by the Holy Ghost.” (Romans 15:16.) What is the work of the Holy Spirit? Jesus told His disciples: “When He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth.” (John 16:13.) And the psalmist says: “Thy law is the truth.” By the word and the Spirit of God are opened to us the great principles of righteousness embodied in His law. And since the law of God is “holy, and just, and good,” a transcript of the divine perfection, it follows that a character formed by obedience to that law will be holy. Christ is a perfect example of such a character. He says: “I have kept My Father’s commandments.” “I do always those things that please Him.” (John 15:10; 8:29.) The followers of Christ are to become like Him—by the grace of God to form characters in harmony with the principles of His holy law. This is Bible sanctification.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)
Lt 22, 1874
2LtMs, Lt 22, 1874, par. 8
I see many whom I fear are trusting to a superficial experience. They claim to believe in Christ but they do not the works of Christ. This is a cheap faith that is not made perfect by works. We must make an entire surrender of ourselves to God, and make it the daily study of our lives how we may glorify Him upon the earth. In doing this, the cross must be lifted. In following on to know the Lord we shall know that His goings forth are prepared as the morning. We shall, as we advance, have a more clear and correct knowledge of the truth. Do not fail to obtain a deep and rich experience in the things of God. And may the “God of peace sanctify you wholly and preserve you blameless to His appearing” [1 Thessalonians 5:23], is the prayer of yourLetters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Ms 70, 1895
10LtMs, Ms 70, 1895, par. 5
Those who know the truth as it is in Jesus will have sound spiritual minds, and, if they would do their God-appointed work, it is essential that they should also have a sound body. Our youth should be educated to take care of their mind and body. They should be taught that God expects them to use the talents He has given them in the service of Christ. The truth of God is to transform the whole being. The apostle Paul prays that our “body, soul and spirit be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” [1 Thessalonians 5:23.] God has been pleased to shed much light upon His people. Increased light multiplies our responsibilities and increases the necessity of imparting to others that which we have received. While the saints are exhorted not to forsake the assembling of themselves together, yet it is not designed that those assemblies would be merely for their own refreshing; but that they may be inspired with greater zeal to communicate the consolation they have received to others who are groping in the darkness of error. The reason there is so little travail for souls who are in peril is because those who profess to be followers of Christ do not know Him. They have not an experimental knowledge of the Saviour of the world. They cherish hardness and impenitence in their hearts.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 82, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 82, 1900, par. 7
“I am the Lord your God, which have separated you from other people.” “Ye shall be holy unto me; for I the Lord am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine.” [Leviticus 20:24, 26.] “The very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” [1 Thessalonians 5:23.] “This people have I formed for myself; they shall show forth my praise.” [Isaiah 43:21.] “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 15 (1900)
Ms 96, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 96, 1900, par. 7
“I am the Lord your God, which have separated you from other people. ... Ye shall be holy unto me; for I the Lord am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine.” [Leviticus 20:24, 26.] “The very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” [1 Thessalonians 5:23.] “This people have I formed for myself; they shall show forth my praise.” [Isaiah 43:21.] “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.]God’s Amazing Grace
For the Whole Man, August 25
AG 245.1
The very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:23.In Heavenly Places
The Christian’s Pledge of Allegiance, July 1
HP 189.4
“I am the Lord your God, which have separated you from other people.” “Ye shall be holy unto me: for I the Lord am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine.” “The very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” “This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise.” “Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (Leviticus 20:24, 26; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Isaiah 43:21; 1 Peter 2:9)....In Heavenly Places
Complete Sanctification, July 12
HP 200.1
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:23.Maranatha
A Goal to Reach, February 23
Mar 62.1
The very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:23.Maranatha
In Harmony With His Law, August 11
Mar 231.4
True sanctification is a Bible doctrine. The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Thessalonian church, declares: “This is the will of God, even your sanctification.” And he prays: “The very God of peace sanctify you wholly” (1 Thessalonians 4:3; 5:23). The Bible clearly teaches what sanctification is and how it is to be attained. The Saviour prayed for His disciples: “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17, 19). And Paul teaches that believers are to be “sanctified by the Holy Ghost” (Romans 15:16). What is the work of the Holy Spirit? Jesus told His disciples: “When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). And the psalmist says: “Thy law is the truth.” By the Word and the Spirit of God are opened to men the great principles of righteousness embodied in His law. And since the law of God is “holy, and just, and good,” a transcript of the divine perfection, it follows that a character formed by obedience to that law will be holy. Christ is a perfect example of such a character. He says: “I have kept my Father’s commandments.” “I do always those things that please him” (John 15:10; 8:29). The followers of Christ are to become like Him—by the grace of God to form characters in harmony with the principles of His holy law. This is Bible sanctification.