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EGW Writings2 Corinthians 13

Ellen G. White

Read 2 Corinthians 13 in the Bible

2 Corinthians 13:1

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 33, 1879

3LtMs, Lt 33, 1879, par. 10

“Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.” 2 Corinthians 13:1. Inquire into the character of your thoughts, tempers, purposes, words, and deeds. Compare your course of action in your daily life with the great mirror, the law of God, and see wherein your life, in words, in thoughts, in deeds, does not harmonize with God’s moral standard of right. Are you satisfied that you are an example of gospel holiness? Do the visible points of righteousness indicate before your brethren and the world that you have the truth and the Spirit of Christ abiding in you, or not? If you have, you will be a bright and shining light. You need to give yourself a more careful, thorough, and impartial examination of your heart and life, praying with the sincerity of your soul for the Lord to discover to you your defects, that you may not be deceived with the deceitfulness of sin.

2 Corinthians 13:1-14

The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 31—The Message Heeded

AA 323.1

From Ephesus Paul set forth on another missionary tour, during which he hoped to visit once more the scenes of his former labors in Europe. Tarrying for a time at Troas, “to preach Christ’s gospel,” he found some who were ready to listen to his message. “A door was opened unto me of the Lord,” he afterward declared of his labors in this place. But successful as were his efforts at Troas, he could not remain there long. “The care of all the churches,” and particularly of the church at Corinth, rested heavily on his heart. He had hoped to meet Titus at Troas and to learn from him how the words of counsel and reproof sent to the Corinthian brethren had been received, but in this he was disappointed. “I had no rest in my spirit,” he wrote concerning this experience, “because I found not Titus my brother.” He therefore left Troas and crossed over to Macedonia, where, at Philippi he met Timothy.

AA 324.1

During this time of anxiety concerning the church at Corinth, Paul hoped for the best; yet at times feelings of deep sadness would sweep over his soul, lest his counsels and admonitions might be misunderstood. “Our flesh had no rest,” he afterward wrote, “but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus.”

AA 324.2

This faithful messenger brought the cheering news that a wonderful change had taken place among the Corinthian believers. Many had accepted the instruction contained in Paul’s letter and had repented of their sins. Their lives were no longer a reproach to Christianity, but exerted a powerful influence in favor of practical godliness.

AA 324.3

Filled with joy, the apostle sent another letter to the Corinthian believers, expressing his gladness of heart because of the good work wrought in them: “Though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent.” When tortured by the fear that his words would be despised, he had sometimes regretted that he had written so decidedly and severely. “Now I rejoice,” he continued, “not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of.” That repentance which is produced by the influence of divine grace upon the heart will lead to confession and forsaking of sin. Such were the fruits which the apostle declared had been seen in the lives of the Corinthian believers. “What carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal.”

AA 325.1

For some time Paul had been carrying a burden of soul for the churches—a burden so heavy that he could scarcely endure it. False teachers had sought to destroy his influence among the believers and to urge their own doctrines in the place of gospel truth. The perplexities and discouragements with which Paul was surrounded are revealed in the words, “We were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life.”

AA 325.2

But now one cause of anxiety was removed. At the tidings of the acceptance of his letter to the Corinthians, Paul broke forth into words of rejoicing: “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope of you is steadfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.”

AA 325.3

In expressing his joy over their reconversion and their growth in grace, Paul ascribed to God all the praise for this transformation of heart and life. “Thanks be unto God,“ he exclaimed, “which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savor of His knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savor of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish.” It was the custom of the day for a general victorious in warfare to bring with him on his return a train of captives. On such occasions incense bearers were appointed, and as the army marched triumphantly home, the fragrant odor was to the captives appointed to die, a savor of death, showing that they were nearing the time of their execution; but to those of the prisoners who had found favor with their captors, and whose lives were to be spared, it was a savor of life, in that it showed them that their freedom was near.

AA 326.1

Paul was now full of faith and hope. He felt that Satan was not to triumph over the work of God in Corinth, and in words of praise he poured forth the gratitude of his heart. He and his fellow laborers would celebrate their victory over the enemies of Christ and the truth, by going forth with new zeal to extend the knowledge of the Saviour. Like incense the fragrance of the gospel was to be diffused throughout the world. To those who should accept Christ, the message would be a savor of life unto life; but to those who should persist in unbelief, a savor of death unto death.

AA 326.2

Realizing the overwhelming magnitude of the work, Paul exclaimed, “Who is sufficient for these things?” Who is able to preach Christ in such a way that His enemies shall have no just cause to despise the messenger or the message that he bears? Paul desired to impress upon believers the solemn responsibility of the gospel ministry. Faithfulness in preaching the word, united with a pure, consistent life, can alone make the efforts of ministers acceptable to God and profitable to souls. Ministers of our day, burdened with a sense of the greatness of the work, may well exclaim with the apostle, “Who is sufficient for these things?”

AA 327.1

There were those who had charged Paul with self-commendation in writing his former letter. The apostle now referred to this by asking the members of the church if they thus judged his motives. “Do we begin again to commend ourselves?” he inquired; “or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you?” Believers moving to a new place often carried with them letters of commendation from the church with which they had formerly been united; but the leading workers, the founders of these churches, had no need of such commendation. The Corinthian believers, who had been led from the worship of idols to the faith of the gospel, were themselves all the recommendation that Paul needed. Their reception of the truth, and the reformation wrought in their lives, bore eloquent testimony to the faithfulness of his labors and to his authority to counsel, reprove, and exhort as a minister of Christ.

AA 327.2

Paul regarded the Corinthian brethren as his testimonial. “Ye are our epistle,” he said, “written in our hearts, known and read of all men: forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.”

AA 328.1

The conversion of sinners and their sanctification through the truth is the strongest proof a minister can have that God has called him to the ministry. The evidence of his apostleship is written upon the hearts of those converted, and is witnessed to by their renewed lives. Christ is formed within, the hope of glory. A minister is greatly strengthened by these seals of his ministry.

AA 328.2

Today the ministers of Christ should have the same witness as that which the Corinthian church bore to Paul’s labors. But though in this age there are many preachers, there is a great scarcity of able, holy ministers—men filled with the love that dwelt in the heart of Christ. Pride, self-confidence, love of the world, faultfinding, bitterness, envy, are the fruit borne by many who profess the religion of Christ. Their lives, in sharp contrast to the life of the Saviour, often bear sad testimony to the character of the ministerial labor under which they were converted.

AA 328.3

A man can have no greater honor than to be accepted by God as an able minister of the gospel. But those whom the Lord blesses with power and success in His work do not boast. They acknowledge their entire dependence on Him, realizing that of themselves they have no power. With Paul they say, “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament.”

AA 328.4

A true minister does the work of the Master. He feels the importance of his work, realizing that he sustains to the church and to the world a relation similar to that which Christ sustained. He works untiringly to lead sinners to a nobler, higher life, that they may obtain the reward of the overcomer. His lips are touched with a live coal from the altar, and he uplifts Jesus as the sinner’s only hope. Those who hear him know that he has drawn near to God in fervent, effectual prayer. The Holy Spirit has rested upon him, his soul has felt the vital, heavenly fire, and he is able to compare spiritual things with spiritual. Power is given him to tear down the strongholds of Satan. Hearts are broken by his presentation of the love of God, and many are led to inquire, “What must I do to be saved?”

AA 329.1

“Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; but have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

AA 330.1

Thus the apostle magnified the grace and mercy of God, shown in the sacred trust committed to him as a minister of Christ. By God’s abundant mercy he and his brethren had been sustained in difficulty, affliction, and danger. They had not modeled their faith and teaching to suit the desires of their hearers, nor kept back truths essential to salvation in order to make their teaching more attractive. They had presented the truth with simplicity and clearness, praying for the conviction and conversion of souls. And they had endeavored to bring their conduct into harmony with their teaching, that the truth presented might commend itself to every man’s conscience.

AA 330.2

“We have this treasure,” the apostle continued, “in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” God could have proclaimed His truth through sinless angels, but this is not His plan. He chooses human beings, men compassed with infirmity, as instruments in the working out of His designs. The priceless treasure is placed in earthen vessels. Through men His blessings are to be conveyed to the world. Through them His glory is to shine forth into the darkness of sin. In loving ministry they are to meet the sinful and the needy, and lead them to the cross. And in all their work they are to ascribe glory, honor, and praise to Him who is above all and over all.

AA 330.3

Referring to his own experience, Paul showed that in choosing the service of Christ he had not been prompted by selfish motives, for his pathway had been beset by trial and temptation. “We are troubled on every side,” he wrote, “yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.”

AA 331.1

Paul reminded his brethren that as Christ’s messengers he and his fellow laborers were continually in peril. The hardships they endured were wearing away their strength. “We which live,” he wrote, “are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. So then death worketh in us, but life in you.” Suffering physically through privation and toil, these ministers of Christ were conforming to His death. But that which was working death in them was bringing spiritual life and health to the Corinthians, who by a belief in the truth were being made partakers of life eternal. In view of this, the followers of Jesus were to be careful not to increase, by neglect and disaffection, the burdens and trials of the laborers.

AA 331.2

“We having the same spirit of faith,” Paul continued, “according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak.” Fully convinced of the reality of the truth entrusted to him, nothing could induce Paul to handle the word of God deceitfully or to conceal the convictions of his soul. He would not purchase wealth, honor, or pleasure by conformity to the opinions of the world. Though in constant danger of martyrdom for the faith that he had preached to the Corinthians, he was not intimidated, for he knew that He who had died and risen again would raise him from the grave and present him to the Father.

AA 332.1

“All things are for your sakes,” he said, “that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.” Not for self-aggrandizement did the apostles preach the gospel. It was the hope of saving souls that led them to devote their lives to this work. And it was this hope that kept them from ceasing their efforts because of threatened danger or actual suffering.

AA 332.2

“For which cause,” Paul declared, “we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.” Paul felt the power of the enemy; but though his physical strength was declining, yet faithfully and unflinchingly he declared the gospel of Christ. Clad in the whole armor of God, this hero of the cross pressed forward in the conflict. His voice of cheer proclaimed him triumphant in the combat. Fixing his gaze on the reward of the faithful, he exclaimed in tones of victory, “Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

AA 332.3

Very earnest and touching is the apostle’s appeal that his Corinthian brethren consider anew the matchless love of their Redeemer. “Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,” he wrote, “that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich.” You know the height from which He stooped, the depth of humiliation to which He descended. Having once entered upon the path of self-denial and sacrifice, he turned not aside until He had given His life. There was no rest for Him between the throne and the cross.

AA 333.1

Point after point Paul lingered over, in order that those who should read his epistle might fully comprehend the wonderful condescension of the Saviour in their behalf. Presenting Christ as He was when equal with God and with Him receiving the homage of the angels, the apostle traced His course until He had reached the lowest depths of humiliation. Paul was convinced that if they could be brought to comprehend the amazing sacrifice made by the Majesty of heaven, all selfishness would be banished from their lives. He showed how the Son of God had laid aside His glory, voluntarily subjecting Himself to the conditions of human nature, and then had humbled Himself as a servant, becoming obedient unto death, “even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8), that He might lift fallen man from degradation to hope and joy and heaven.

AA 333.2

When we study the divine character in the light of the cross we see mercy, tenderness, and forgiveness blended with equity and justice. We see in the midst of the throne One bearing in hands and feet and side the marks of the suffering endured to reconcile man to God. We see a Father, infinite, dwelling in light unapproachable, yet receiving us to Himself through the merits of His Son. The cloud of vengeance that threatened only misery and despair, in the light reflected from the cross reveals the writing of God: Live, sinner, live! ye penitent, believing souls, live! I have paid a ransom.

AA 333.3

In the contemplation of Christ we linger on the shore of a love that is measureless. We endeavor to tell of this love, and language fails us. We consider His life on earth, His sacrifice for us, His work in heaven as our advocate, and the mansions He is preparing for those who love Him, and we can only exclaim, O the height and depth of the love of Christ! “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.” 1 John 4:10; 3:1.

AA 334.1

In every true disciple this love, like sacred fire, burns on the altar of the heart. It was on the earth that the love of God was revealed through Christ. It is on the earth that His children are to reflect this love through blameless lives. Thus sinners will be led to the cross to behold the Lamb of God.

From Trials to Triumph

Chapter 31—Corinth Accepts Paul’s Counsel

TT 171.1

The “anxiety for all the churches,” and particularly for the church at Corinth, rested heavily on Paul’s heart. He had hoped to meet Titus at Troas and learn from him how the counsel and reproof sent to the Corinthian brethren had been received, but in this he was disappointed. “My mind could not rest,” he wrote, “because I did not find my brother Titus there.” He therefore left Troas and crossed over to Macedonia, where, at Philippi, he met Timothy.

TT 171.2

At times feelings of deep sadness swept over Paul’s soul, lest his admonitions to the church at Corinth might be misunderstood. He afterward wrote, “We were afflicted at every turn—fighting without and fear within. But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus.”

TT 171.3

This faithful messenger brought the cheering news that a wonderful change had taken place among the Corinthian believers. Many had accepted the instruction in Paul’s letter and had repented. Their lives were no longer a reproach to Christianity.

TT 171.4

Filled with joy, the apostle sent another letter, expressing his gladness of heart: “Even if I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it (though I did regret it).” He had sometimes regretted that he had written so severely. “I rejoice,” he continued, “not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting... . For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation and brings no regret.” Repentance produced by divine grace will lead to confession and forsaking of sin.

TT 172.1

Paul had been carrying a heavy burden of soul for the churches. False teachers had sought to urge their own doctrines in the place of gospel truth. The discouragements which surrounded Paul are revealed in the words, “We were so utterly, unbearably crushed that we despaired of life itself.”

TT 172.2

But now one cause of anxiety was removed. Paul broke forth into rejoicing: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God... . Our hope for you is unshaken; for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.”

TT 172.3

Paul ascribed to God all the praise for their reconversion and transformation of heart and life: “Thanks be to God,” he exclaimed, “who in Christ always leads us in triumph, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.” A general victorious in war brought with him on his return a train of captives. Incense bearers were appointed, and as the army marched triumphantly home, the fragrant odor was to the captives appointed to die, an aroma of death, showing that they were nearing the time of their execution; but to the prisoners whose lives were to be spared, it was an aroma of life—it showed that their freedom was near.

TT 172.4

Paul now felt that Satan was not to triumph in Corinth. He and his fellow laborers would celebrate their victory by going forth with new zeal to diffuse, like incense, the fragrance of the gospel throughout the world. To those who should accept Christ, the message would be an aroma of life, but to those who should persist in unbelief, an aroma of death.

TT 173.1

Realizing the overwhelming magnitude of the work, Paul exclaimed, “Who is sufficient for these things?” Who is able to preach Christ in such a way that His enemies shall have no just cause to despise the messenger or the message? Faithfulness in preaching the Word, united with a pure, consistent life, can alone make the efforts of ministers acceptable to God.

TT 173.2

There were those who had charged Paul with self-commendation in writing his former letter. “Are we beginning to commend ourselves again?” he inquired; “or do we need, as some do, letters of recommendation to you, or from you?” Believers moving to a new place often carried letters of commendation from the church, but the founders of these churches had no need of such commendation. The Corinthian believers, led from the worship of idols to the gospel, were themselves all the recommendation Paul needed. The reformation in their lives bore eloquent testimony to his labor and authority as a minister of Christ.

TT 173.3

“You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on your hearts, to be known and read by all men; and you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.”

TT 173.4

The conversion of sinners and their sanctification through the truth is the strongest proof a minister can have that God has called him. The evidence of his apostleship is written on the hearts of those converted, and is witnessed to by their renewed lives. A minister is greatly strengthened by these seals of his ministry.

TT 173.5

Though in this age there are many preachers, there is a great scarcity of able, holy ministers, men filled with the love that dwelt in the heart of Christ. Pride, self-confidence, love of the world, fault-finding, are the fruit borne by many whose lives bear sad testimony to the character of the ministerial labor under which they were “converted.”

TT 174.1

A man can have no greater honor than to be accepted by God as a minister of the gospel. But those whom the Lord blesses with power and success acknowledge their entire dependence on Him. Of themselves they have no power. With Paul they say, “Not that we are competent of ourselves to claim anything as coming from us; our competence is from God, who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant.” A true minister realizes that he sustains to the church and to the world a relation similar to that which Christ sustained. He works untiringly to lead sinners to a nobler, higher life. He uplifts Jesus as the sinner’s only hope. Those who hear him know that he has drawn near to God in fervent, effectual prayer. The Holy Spirit has rested on him. His soul has felt the vital, heavenly fire. Hearts are broken by his presentation of the love of God, and many are led to inquire, “What must I do to be saved?”

TT 174.2

“For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.”

TT 174.3

Thus the apostle magnified the grace and mercy of God. He and his brethren had been sustained in affliction and danger. They had not kept back truth in order to make their teaching attractive. And they had brought their conduct into harmony with their teaching, that truth might commend itself to every man’s conscience.

TT 174.4

“We have this treasure in earthen vessels,” the apostle continued, “to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us.” It was not God’s plan to proclaim His truth through sinless angels. The priceless treasure is placed in earthen vessels, human beings. Through them His glory is to shine forth. They are to meet the sinful and the needy and lead them to the cross.

TT 175.1

Paul showed that in choosing the service of Christ he had not been prompted by selfish motives. “We are afflicted in every way,” he wrote, “but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.”

TT 175.2

As Christ’s messengers he and his fellow laborers were continually in peril. “While we live,” he wrote, “we are always being given up to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh.” Through privation and toil, these ministers were conforming to Christ’s death, but that which was working death in them was bringing life to the Corinthians. In view of this, the followers of Jesus were not to increase the burdens and trials of the laborers.

TT 175.3

Nothing could induce Paul to conceal the conviction of his soul. He would not purchase wealth or pleasure by conformity to the opinions of the world. Though in constant danger of martyrdom, he was not intimidated; for he knew that He who had died and risen again would raise him from the grave and present him to the Father.

TT 175.4

Not for self-aggrandizement did the apostles preach the gospel. The hope of saving souls kept them from ceasing their efforts because of danger or suffering.

TT 175.5

“So we do not lose heart,” Paul declared. “Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed every day.” Though his physical strength was declining, yet unflinchingly he declared the gospel. This hero of the cross pressed forward in the conflict. “We look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen; for the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”

TT 176.1

The apostle appealed to his Corinthian brethren to consider anew the matchless love of their Redeemer: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that by His poverty you might become rich.” You know the height from which He stooped, the depth of humiliation to which He descended. There was no rest for Him between the throne and the cross. Point after point Paul lingered over, that those who read his letter might comprehend the condescension of the Saviour.

TT 176.3

When we study the divine character in the light of the cross, we see mercy and forgiveness blended with equity and justice. We see in the midst of the throne One bearing in hands and feet and side the marks of suffering endured to reconcile man to God. We see a Father receiving us to Himself through the merits of His Son. The cloud of vengeance that threatened misery and despair, in the light reflected from the cross reveals the writing of God: Penitent, believing soul, live! I have paid a ransom.

TT 176.5

It was on earth that the love of God was revealed through Christ. It is on earth that His children are to reflect this love through blameless lives.

From Trials to Triumph

The Cross Accomplishes True Conversion

TT 176.2

The apostle traced Christ’s course until He had reached the depths of humiliation. Paul was convinced that if they could comprehend the amazing sacrifice made by the Majesty of heaven, all selfishness would be banished from their lives. The Son of God had humbled Himself as a servant, becoming obedient unto death, “even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8, RSV), that He might lift fallen man from degradation.

TT 176.4

In the contemplation of Christ, we linger on the shore of a love that is measureless. We tell of it, but language fails us. “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” 1 John 4:10.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 58, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 58, 1900, par. 2

These words were written by the apostle Paul in the second epistle to the Corinthians. Some had charged Paul with self-commendation in his former epistle. Paul refers to this matter in putting the question to them if they thus judge his motives. Did he or his fellow laborers need any recommendation or testimony to their Christian character? Men had come in among them with letters of commendation from other churches, but the leading workers, the founders of these churches, the apostles of Christ, had no need of these epistles of recommendation. The Corinthians who had been brought from the worship of idols to the faith of the gospel were themselves all the epistle needed. The truth which had been brought home to their heart, the reformation seen in their lives in response to the labors of the apostle, was a testimony speaking to all nations, tongues and peoples. The Corinthian Christians were living epistles, known and read of all men.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 96, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 96, 1900, par. 14

All who believe the truth are to be united in faith and hope and patience and love. Then there will be strength. There is to be no one-man power set up in our work to rule God’s heritage. We must now stand with a united front. Every element will be stirred to bring in confusion, teaching errors that will not stand. Read Second Corinthians; talk about it, make it plain.

2 Corinthians 13:3-8

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Lt 17, 1887

5LtMs, Lt 17, 1887, par. 14

<Says the apostle,> “Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you. For though He was crucified through weakness, yet He liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but shall live with Him by the power of God towards you. Examine yourselves whether you be in the faith, prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves how that Jesus Christ be in you, except ye be reprobates. But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates. Now I pray to God that ye do no evil, not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates. For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.” [2 Corinthians 13:3-8.]

2 Corinthians 13:4

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 25, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 25, 1892, par. 9

“Or peril”—no, Paul knew by experience what it was to be in peril. “In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among [false] brethren.” [2 Corinthians 11:26.] “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness; most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then am I strong.” [2 Corinthians 12:9, 10.] “For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God towards you.” [2 Corinthians 13:4.]

2 Corinthians 13:5

A Sketch of the Christian Experience and Views of Ellen G. White

Texts of Scripture Referred to on Page 8

ExV 38.4

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves: know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 2 Corinthians 13:5.

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

MR No. 1373—Christians to Reflect Christ, Remaining Calm Under Provocation; Value the Souls for Whom Christ Died

19MR 93.1

Selfishness is the root of all evil, making men bold, hardhearted, and inconsistent, and as if the religion of Jesus Christ has naught to do with the details of business life. A religion whose nature has not the influence to soften and subdue the words and the spirit, and bring into captivity even the thoughts to Jesus Christ, cannot have power to form the character, and therefore would not sanctify the soul. We must all consider, yea do much considering. “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” [2 Corinthians 13:5].

Manuscript Releases, vol. 13 [Nos. 1000-1080]

MR No. 1011—The Need for Home Religion; Responsibility to Aged Parents

13MR 87.1

You do not know your own spiritual condition. You are lacking in every heavenly grace. You should humbly and carefully examine your own hearts, your own individual characters. You need to open your hearts that light may shine upon your darkness, that you may see and understand your motives. The apostle’s injunction is, “Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves” [2 Corinthians 13:5]. What is the character of your thoughts, your spirit, your purposes, your words and actions? Compare them with the Scripture, and see whether you represent the character of Christ. Go to Jesus humbly, and break your hearts hardened by feelings of bitterness and hatred. Let the grace of Christ soften and melt you that you may put away everything that is destructive of your peace. If you do not see your hearts in the light of Jesus Christ, self love will prompt you to have a much better opinion of yourselves than you deserve; for the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked.

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

MR No. 1474—Christ’s Manner of Teaching

20MR 246.3

Just as soon as men begin to learn, Christ, the Educator, is by their side. If they desire him to mold the mind and instill His principles into the soul, they will be educated to understand that their talents are entrusted of God for the upbuilding of His kingdom in the world. The minds of S.D.A. ministers are but half trained. The natural disposition, the untrained, uneducated intellect, cannot represent the sublime truths for this time. The closing scenes of this world’s history are not to present to the world as educators a set of novices whose frivolous lives and characters reveal that they have not yet learned the first principles of divine truth. Even our present low standard is not reached by ministers who profess to be teaching the truth, and many [listeners] are disappointed. “Know ye not your own selves, [brethren], how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates” [2 Corinthians 13:5].

Maranatha

Search Your Own Heart, February 10

Mar 49.1

Examine yourselves, to see whether you are holding to your faith. Test yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! 2 Corinthians 13:5, R.S.V.

Our High Calling

Examine Yourselves, November 26

OHC 336.1

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 2 Corinthians 13:5.

Selected Messages Book 1

Chapter 9—Examine Yourselves

1SM 89.1

“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves” (2 Corinthians 13:5). Closely criticize the temper, the disposition, the thoughts, words, inclinations, purposes, and deeds. How can we ask intelligently for the things we need unless we prove by the Scriptures the condition of our spiritual health?

Selected Messages Book 1

Teach the Word

1SM 198.3

Has not God spoken in His Word concerning the solemn events which must shortly take place? As you read these things, do you believe what He says? Or have you, through listening to specious philosophy, given up your faith in God? Can any power avert the punishment that must come upon you unless you humble your hearts before God and confess your sins? How is it, my brethren in the medical missionary work? Does not the living God speak to you from His Word concerning the events that are taking place in fulfillment of that Word? Soon the last great reckoning with man will take place. Have your lives been such that you can then be weighed in the balances of the sanctuary, and not be found wanting? Or has your faith been molded and restricted until it has become unbelief? Has your obedience to men become rebellion against God? “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves” (2 Corinthians 13:5).—Special Testimonies, Series B, No. 2, 12-17.

That I May Know Him

Entrusted Capital, March 22

TMK 87.5

“He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life” (1 John 5:12). Those who believe in Christ derive their motive power and the texture of their characters from Him in whom they believe. “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves” (2 Corinthians 13:5).29The Youth’s Instructor, January 10, 1895.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 31—The Sermon on the Mount

DA 314.1

“Judge not, that ye be not judged.” Do not think yourself better than other men, and set yourself up as their judge. Since you cannot discern motive, you are incapable of judging another. In criticizing him, you are passing sentence upon yourself; for you show that you are a participant with Satan, the accuser of the brethren. The Lord says, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.” This is our work. “If we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.” 2 Corinthians 13:5; 1 Corinthians 11:31.

The Upward Look

Weed Your Own Garden, December 18

UL 366.1

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 2 Corinthians 13:5.

This Day With God

The Courteous Christian, March 15

TDG 83.3

We must not be heedless in regard to our own souls’ salvation. “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves” (2 Corinthians 13:5).

Ye Shall Receive Power

Unworthy but Useful, June 10

YRP 170.4

There are many who do not realize where they are standing; for they are spiritually blinded. “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” (2 Corinthians 13:5). I trust that none of us will be found to be reprobates. Is Christ abiding in your hearts by faith? Is His Spirit in you? If it is, there will be such a yearning in your soul for the salvation of those for whom Christ has died, that self will sink into insignificance, and Christ alone will be exalted....

The General Conference Bulletin

April 23, 1901

GCB April 23, 1901, Art. A, par. 21

There are few who really taste the sweetness of communion with the risen Saviour. All are too largely occupied with the things of this earth. Worldly things are too much thought of and talked of. We are too well satisfied with breathing the atmosphere of earth. Self is too often consulted, and it sways the perception and judgment into wrong channels. There must be more beholding of our Saviour and more talking of heavenly things. Our secular work must be done, but every business transaction needs the closest criticism, else we shall find interwoven with it threads of selfishness, and it will become a snare to our feet. The Lord will not serve with our sins. There is no virtue in judging others. Our time and work are too important for this. “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates.” 2 Corinthians 13:5.

From Heaven With Love

Temptations Are Not Excuses

HLv 207.3

“Judge not, that ye be not judged.” Do not think yourself better than other men and set yourself up as their judge. You cannot discern motive. In criticizing him, you are passing sentence on yourself; for you show that you are a participant with Satan, the accuser of the brethren. See 2 Corinthians 13:5; 1 Corinthians 11:31.

From the Heart

The Old Year and the New, January 1

FH 13.1

Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. 2 Corinthians 13:5.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 11, 1880

3LtMs, Lt 11, 1880, par. 4

We must not be heedless in regard to our own souls’ salvation. “Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.” 2 Corinthians 13:5.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Lt 102, 1886

4LtMs, Lt 102, 1886, par. 9

The forces of the powers of darkness are mustering for the closing work of this earth’s history. Oh, how earnest should we be to examine ourselves. We are in positive danger of losing our souls when we are criticizing others, remarking others’ failures. We must “examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” 2 Corinthians 13:5.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 22a, 1889

6LtMs, Lt 22a, 1889, par. 11

I have much to say to you, for I love your soul; but will it do you any real good for me to say it? Will you receive it simply as Sister White’s opinion? This is the position that some have taken in regard to my work. It was the position taken after the conference at Oakland by some of the erring ones in regard to my testimony, and it had a strong influence in weakening the influence of the testimony. I repeat to you the apostolic injunction, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.” [2 Corinthians 13:5.] Inquire into the character of your motives, purposes, thoughts, words, and deeds. Will you see whether you are guided by the wisdom of God?

Early Writings

Texts Referred to on Preceding Page

EW 27.3

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 2 Corinthians 13:5.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 22, 1889

6LtMs, Lt 22, 1889, par. 15

I repeat to you the apostolic injunction, “Examine yourself, whether you be in the faith, prove your own selves.” [2 Corinthians 13:5.] Inquire into the character of your motives, purposes, thoughts, words and deeds. Will you see whether you are discerning? whether you are moving in the wisdom of God or not? Are you an example for believers in spirit, in patience, in forbearance? Do you exhibit the fruits of righteousness? My brother, if you do not searchingly examine your own heart in the light of the Scriptures, you will become careless. You must be meek as a little child, or you will not see your great need.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 18b, 1891

7LtMs, Lt 18b, 1891, par. 41

You do not know your own spiritual condition. You are lacking in every heavenly grace. You should humbly and carefully examine your own hearts, your own individual characters. You need to open your hearts that light may shine upon your darkness, that you may see and understand your motives. The apostle’s injunction is, “Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith. Prove your own selves.” [2 Corinthians 13:5.] What is the character of your thoughts, your spirit, your purposes, your words, and actions? Compare them with the Scripture, and see whether you represent the character of Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 20, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 20, 1892, par. 16

Selfishness is the root of all evil, making men bold, hardhearted, and inconsistent, and as if the religion of Jesus Christ had naught to do with the details of business life. A religion whose nature has not the influence to soften and subdue the words and the spirit, and bring into captivity even the thoughts to Jesus Christ, cannot have power to form the character, and therefore would not sanctify the soul. We must all consider, yea do much considering. “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” [2 Corinthians 13:5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 55, 1891

7LtMs, Lt 55, 1891, par. 5

But there is a cross to be lifted not easy to the natural heart. Speak with the one supposed to be in error. We are constantly to bring into exercise the words of the Apostle, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith” (2 Corinthians 13:5), and when we discover things that are wrong in our ways, we are not safe an instant if we do not put them away and take God’s way.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 7, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 7, 1891, par. 10

“Examine yourselves,” writes the apostle, “whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” [2 Corinthians 13:5.] This self-examination is not exercised as it ought to be. Now is our golden opportunity of probation. We are living in the presence of the heavenly angels, in the presence of God, and whatever may be the circumstances surrounding us, we are not to murmur or complain, or to swear. You may start back at this statement, but much swearing is done in the hearts of men and women who dare not utter words of cursing. This swearing is expressed by their actions just as verily as it could be by words. Because something arises to cross their track, they are violent in spirit, and seem to think that their own way is not to be interfered with. There is need to guard well our thoughts and actions; for every person is forming a character, either after the pattern Christ Jesus, or after the pattern of Satan. Every person is fitting either for the mansions which Jesus has gone to prepare, or for the wrath of God, which will surely come upon all the children of disobedience.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 6, 1892

7LtMs, Ms 6, 1892, par. 12

Whatever our peculiarities of character, our duty is plainly set forth in the Word of God: we are to be one, as Christ is one with the Father. We shall find no safety, no relief, in criticizing one another, for this is the work of Satan; he is the accuser of the brethren. When one places himself as judge of another, accusing and condemning him, the result is strife and alienation. This spirit is alive today. The Lord bids you to “examine yourselves,” not your brother, “whether ye be in the faith: prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” [2 Corinthians 13:5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 6, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 6, 1891, par. 16

I call upon every church in our land to look well to your own souls. “Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” [2 Corinthians 13:5.] God makes no distinction between the North and the South. Whatever may be your prejudices, your wonderful prudence, do not lose sight of this fact: that unless you put on Christ, and His Spirit dwells in you, you are slaves of sin and of Satan. Many who claim to be children of God are children of the wicked one and have all his passions, all his prejudices, his evil spirit, his unlovely traits of character. But the soul that is indeed transformed will not despise any one whom Christ has purchased with His own blood.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 13, 1892

7LtMs, Ms 13, 1892, par. 19

If we would see light in God’s light, we must abide in Christ. The soul must receive strength and nourishment from the living Vine. The apostle says, “Know ye not of yourselves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” [2 Corinthians 13:5.] But stubbornness effectually bars the way to the entrance of the Spirit of God. Stubbornness does not profit; it is the fruit of selfishness, and the only cure for it is to cut it up from the heart by the roots. Often the outward manifestation of selfishness is done away for a time, but its hateful fruit will again appear, as do the leaves of a tree that has been cut down but whose root remains. If a fiber of selfishness is left, it will spring forth again, and bear a harvest after its kind.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 34, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 34, 1894, par. 26

When the enemy tempts you to complain and fret over the supposed defects of others, consider how much more these would have to question and criticize should they take your character under inspection. If your true inward life were laid open before them, how would they regard it? But they are not to judge you, nor are you to judge them. Tares grow among the wheat, and no violent hand is to be thrust in to root them up, however unseemly they may be. “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith: prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” [2 Corinthians 13:5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 60, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 60, 1894, par. 22

Jesus has loved men, and has made every provision that the blood-bought souls shall have a new birth, a new life derived from His own life, as the branch derives its life from the parent stock. “He that hath not the Son, hath not life. He that hath the Son hath life.” [1 John 5:12.] Those who believe in Christ derive their motive power and the texture of their characters from Him in whom they believe. “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith, prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” [2 Corinthians 13:5.] “Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ?” “What, know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and that 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 6:15, 19, 20.]

God’s Amazing Grace

Examination Day, November 18

AG 330.4

I entreat you to “examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves” (2 Corinthians 13:5). To maintain the warmth and purity of Christian love requires a constant supply of the grace of Christ....

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 2, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 2, 1895, par. 4

The Lord requires that every human agent shall do his best, and those that do their best will have the greatest personal satisfaction, and will bring the greatest satisfaction to those who have an interest in them. The youth need to realize that they need a deep experience in the things of God. A mere surface work will be of no benefit to them. You need to bring the light of God’s Word into your heart, that you may search it as with a lighted candle. “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith: prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” [2 Corinthians 13:5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 11, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 11, 1896, par. 9

Christ came to our world to bring life and immortality to light, and He would have us rejoice in this. In the place of wasting our lives over the pleasures of this world, He would have us understand His work and character; by the sanctifying influence of the Holy Spirit, He would have us one with Him, as He is one with the Father. To the promise, “If ye ask anything in my name, I will do it,” He adds, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” [John 14:14, 15.] There are many who profess to keep God’s commandments, and yet break them. “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.” [2 Corinthians 13:5.] Do not stumble into perdition through self-sufficiency.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 2, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 2, 1898, par. 1

I must speak. I cannot hold my peace. There is a work to be done for the leading men in our churches, ministers and helpers. I shall not at this time try to do more than to tell you that every soul needs personal religion. Give your attention to yourselves and make most earnest efforts to examine yourselves most critically whether ye be in the faith; “prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” [2 Corinthians 13:5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 8, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 8, 1898, par. 12

The Lord gave me His Spirit on that occasion and sent home the word spoken. Those who will honor the Lord in keeping His Sabbath holy will be blessed of the Lord. There is not more than one in one hundred who do honor to God in keeping His Sabbath from polluting it. The Word of God is not practiced by thousands who profess to be Christians. The looseness of the habits and practices in observing the Sabbath has become a customary thing. God help us to see that great blessings are enfolded in the observance of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. The human agent cannot afford to lose these blessings by dishonoring God in their loose habits and practices. This is a day of meditation and of closely examining our own spiritual condition before God. “Examine yourselves, whether you be in the faith.” [2 Corinthians 13:5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 51, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 51, 1901, par. 1

“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith, prove your own selves.” [2 Corinthians 13:5.] Closely criticize the temper, the disposition, the thoughts, words, inclinations, purposes, and deeds. How can we ask intelligently for the things we need unless we prove by the Scriptures the condition of our spiritual health?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 78, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 78, 1901, par. 8

These are the great lessons which I was shown should be taught in all the schools which our people shall establish throughout the world. The Bible presents a perfect standard of righteousness, purity, holiness. How important for the human agent to cease to feel that it is his duty to straighten the characters of others, when in his own character-building, from his youth even to manhood, the most marked defects have been seen. God desires men to criticize themselves. “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith.” [2 Corinthians 13:5.] Be sure to make the examination of self thorough and critical. If we fail to see our characters in the mirror of God’s Word, we will never see the kingdom of God. The Lord desires each one of us to stand before His mirror, that we may see what kind of characters we are forming.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 76a, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 76a, 1901, par. 22

There are few who really taste the sweetness of communion with the risen Saviour. All are too largely occupied with the things of this earth. Worldly things are too much thought of and talked of. We are too well satisfied with breathing the atmosphere of earth. Self is too often consulted, and it sways the perception and judgment into wrong channels. There must be more beholding of our Saviour and more talking of heavenly things. Our secular work must be done, but every business transaction needs the closest criticism, else we shall find interwoven with it threads of selfishness, and it will become a snare to our feet. The Lord will not serve with our sins. There is no virtue in judging others. Our time and work are too important for this. “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” 2 Corinthians 13:5.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 240, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 240, 1902, par. 6

“Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith.” [2 Corinthians 13:5.] The Lord calls for firm, spiritual-minded, earnest workers to arouse to their [duty], men who will not be deceived and who will not turn to the right or to the left to accommodate themselves to the worldly standard. The charge to all of us who profess to be Christians is: “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. I give the charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; that thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ” 1 Timothy 6:12-14. [See also] verses 15-20.

Gospel Workers (1892/1893 ed.)

Are We in the Faith?

GW92 429.2

Dear brethren, “examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith.” [2 Corinthians 13:5.] Many may respond, “Why, yes, I am in the faith; I believe every point of the truth.” But do you practice what you believe? Are you at peace with God and with your brethren? Can you pray with sincerity, “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors”? [Matthew 6:12.] Or are you estranged from your brother, because you think he has injured you? Are there no heart-burnings among you? Is there no bitterness in your hearts, no envying, no jealousy, no evil surmising, no misjudging of your brethren? Is there no emulation, no desire for special favor or honors, no wish to have the supremacy? These feelings should not exist among Christians.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 65, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 65, 1903, par. 3

My brother, I have the deepest interest in you, knowing the value of the human soul, and I entreat you to turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart. In the night season I am pleading with you to heed the Scripture, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” [2 Corinthians 13:5.] I am waiting and longing to hear from you in regard to your individual experience. It is not feeling, but genuine faith and works, that lay hold upon unseen realities. True faith is substantiated by a sure “Thus saith the Lord,” by the word, “It is written.”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 272, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 272, 1903, par. 18

Let every one attend most critically to himself. “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.” [2 Corinthians 13:5.] Body and mind must be carefully and strictly dealt with, that unchristlike traits of character and tendencies to wrong may not bear sway. Unless a strict watch is kept over the heart, wrong principles will prevail in the life, and great unhappiness will be wrought. Every departure from righteousness becomes a force that works against the Lord Jesus. When right words and deeds are left out of the home life, there come in unchristlike words and deeds. Parents and children work at cross purposes with God. The family is placed where Christ will pronounce against it the woe pronounced against Chorazin and Bethsaida.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 230, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 230, 1903, par. 1

I beseech you by the mercy of God to be on your guard. To you and to other ministers and teachers, the Lord says, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith.” [2 Corinthians 13:5.] The world is full of speculation and false theories regarding the nature and character of God. The enemy of our souls is earnestly at work to introduce among the Lord’s people pleasing speculation and incorrect views regarding the personality of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 263, 1904

19LtMs, Lt 263, 1904, par. 21

Has not God spoken in His Word concerning the solemn events which must shortly take place? As you read these things, do you believe what He says? Or have you, through listening to the specious sophistry, given up your faith in God? Can any man avert the punishment that must come upon you unless you humble your hearts before God and confess your sins? How is it, my brethren in the medical missionary work? Does not the living God speak to you from His Word concerning the events that are taking place in fulfilment of that Word? Soon the last great reckoning with men will take place. Have your lives been such that you can then be weighed in the balances of the sanctuary and not be found wanting? Has your faith been molded and restricted until it has become unbelief? Has your obedience to men become rebellion against God? “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.” [2 Corinthians 13:5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 39, 1907

22LtMs, Ms 39, 1907, par. 20

The Lord will not serve with our sins. There is no virtue in judging others. Our time and work are too important for this. “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” 2 Corinthians 13:5. Study James 1:19-27 and Colossians 2:1-10; also Titus 2:1-8.

In Heavenly Places

Obedience the Test of True Religion, May 4

HP 131.2

“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith” (2 Corinthians 13:5). Some conscientious souls, on reading this, immediately begin to criticize their every feeling and emotion. But this is not correct self-examination. It is not the petty feelings and emotions that are to be examined. The life, the character, is to be measured by the only standard of character, God’s holy law. The fruit testifies to the character of the tree. Our works, not our feelings, bear witness of us.

In Heavenly Places

A Time for Heart Searching, August 4

HP 223.1

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. 2 Corinthians 13:5.

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

MR No. 907—Ellen G. White Letters To J. H. Kellogg

11MR 312.2

EGW’s Concern for and Appeal to JHK—My brother, I have the deepest interest in you, knowing the value of the human soul, and I entreat you to turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart. In the night season I am pleading with you to heed the Scripture, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” (2 Corinthians 13:5). I am waiting and longing to hear from you in regard to your individual experience....

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

MR No. 1367—Counsel Against Faultfinding, Ridiculing, Sneering at Women; Examine Yourself First

19MR 58.2

“Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves” (2 Corinthians 13:5). Inquire into the character of your thoughts, tempers, purposes, words, and deeds. Compare your course of action in your daily life with the great mirror, the law of God, and see wherein your life, in words, in thoughts, in deeds, does not harmonize with God’s moral standard of right. Are you satisfied that you are an example of gospel holiness? Do the visible points of righteousness indicate before your brethren and the world that you have the truth and the Spirit of Christ abiding in you, or not? If you have, you will be a bright and shining light. You need to give yourself a more careful, thorough, and impartial examination of your heart and life, praying with the sincerity of your soul for the Lord to discover to you your defects, that you may not be deceived with the deceitfulness of sin.

2 Corinthians 13:5-7

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 152, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 152, 1899, par. 10

“Grace be to you,” Paul writes, “and peace from God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from our sins according to the will of God and our Father.” [Galatians 1:3, 4.] “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith: prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? ... Now I pray God that ye do no evil: not that we should appear approved: but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.” [2 Corinthians 13:5, 7.]

2 Corinthians 13:5-8

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 257, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 257, 1899, par. 5

Individually, they must think for themselves. With an open Bible before them, they must study under the influence and presence of Jesus Christ, inquiring and knowing for their individual selves what is the way of the Lord. They must catch His spirit; they must be partakers of His divine nature. Then they need never be in doubt, they need never develop the spirit of criticism; but they will daily heed the inspired Word, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? ... Now I pray God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be ‘(looked upon)’ as reprobates. For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.” [2 Corinthians 13:5, 7, 8.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 113, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 113, 1899, par. 3

This chapter gives a note of warning which all would do well to heed. Now, just now, we should examine ourselves and inquire, What are the wages of unrighteousness? “Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith,” the apostle Paul says; “Prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? But I trust he shall know that we are not reprobates. Now I pray God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates. For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.” [2 Corinthians 13:5-8.]

2 Corinthians 13:5-10

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 108, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 108, 1899, par. 13

“For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong; and this also we wish, even your perfection. Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.” [2 Corinthians 13:5-10.]

2 Corinthians 13:5-11

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 100, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 100, 1898, par. 13

The mind must not be perverted, but must be clear, understanding what the will of the Lord is. “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove yourselves. Know ye not your own selves how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates. ... We can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth; for we are glad, when we are weak and ye are strong, and this also we wish, even your perfection. Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction. Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” [2 Corinthians 13:5, 6, 8-11.]

2 Corinthians 13:8

The Great Controversy

Chapter 6—Huss and Jerome

GC 101.2

The city of Prague was filled with tumult. A large class denounced Huss as the cause of all their calamities and demanded that he be given up to the vengeance of Rome. To quiet the storm, the Reformer withdrew for a time to his native village. Writing to the friends whom he had left at Prague, he said: “If I have withdrawn from the midst of you, it is to follow the precept and example of Jesus Christ, in order not to give room to the ill-minded to draw on themselves eternal condemnation, and in order not to be to the pious a cause of affliction and persecution. I have retired also through an apprehension that impious priests might continue for a longer time to prohibit the preaching of the word of God amongst you; but I have not quitted you to deny the divine truth, for which, with God’s assistance, I am willing to die.”—Bonnechose, The Reformers Before the Reformation, vol. 1, p. 87. Huss did not cease his labors, but traveled through the surrounding country, preaching to eager crowds. Thus the measures to which the pope resorted to suppress the gospel were causing it to be the more widely extended. “We can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.” 2 Corinthians 13:8.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 6—Huss and Jerome

GC88 101.1

The city of Prague was filled with tumult. A large class denounced Huss as the cause of all their calamities, and demanded that he be given up to the vengeance of Rome. To quiet the storm, the reformer withdrew for a time to his native village. Writing to the friends whom he had left at Prague, he said: “If I have withdrawn from the midst of you, it is to follow the precept and example of Jesus Christ, in order not to give room to the ill-minded to draw on themselves eternal condemnation, and in order not to be to the pious a cause of affliction and persecution. I have retired also through an apprehension that impious priests might continue for a longer time to prohibit the preaching of the Word of God amongst you; but I have not quitted you to deny the divine truth, for which, with God’s assistance, I am willing to die.” Huss did not cease his labors, but traveled through the surrounding country, preaching to eager crowds. Thus the measures to which the pope resorted to suppress the gospel, were causing it to be the more widely extended. “We can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.” [2 Corinthians 13:8.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 23, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 23, 1895, par. 8

In relating the incident of the baptism, the deacon of the Baptist church that refused to accommodate us was present, and said he was in harmony with all the remarks made by Mrs. White, that the thoughts presented were new and very instructive. He said he was not in favor of refusing us their baptistry, but others urged it, and he felt it necessary to be in harmony with them, but in this case it is decidedly demonstrated, “Ye can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.” [2 Corinthians 13:8.] There is created a feeling of sympathy, and an interest awakened that would not have been if we had not been driven to the lake for a place to baptize.

2 Corinthians 13:8-9

To Be Like Jesus

Lift Up the Standard as the Great Controversy Intensifies, December 17

BLJ 369.1

For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. And this also we pray, that you may be made complete. 2 Corinthians 13:8, 9, NKJV.

2 Corinthians 13:11

Sermons and Talks, vol. 2

Manuscript 82, 1898

2SAT 119.1

The religion of Jesus Christ can only bless when it works and influences as the leaven works the meal. Says the apostle: [Philippians 2:1-5; Colossians 3:12-16; Romans 12:3-10; 15:1-7; 1 Corinthians 1:10; 2 Corinthians 13:11; Romans 12:16; Galatians 5:22-26, quoted]. The apostle James in writing of this, says: [James 3:13-18, quoted]. And Christ declares: [John 15:8-14; 13:34, 35, quoted].

Testimony Treasures, vol. 2

Restore the Fallen

2TT 89.1

The Lord has given us in His word definite, unmistakable instructions, by obedience to which we may preserve union and harmony in the church. Brethren and sisters, are you giving heed to these inspired injunctions? Are you Bible readers and doers of the word? Are you striving to fulfill the prayer of Christ that His followers might be one? “The God of patience and consolation grant you to be like-minded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: that ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God.” Romans 15:5, 6. “Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.” 2 Corinthians 13:11.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 1

The Witness of a United Church

1TT 448.2

And Paul, in his Epistle to the Corinthians, says: “Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.” 2 Corinthians 13:11.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 82, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 82, 1898, par. 23

“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” [1 Corinthians 1:10.] “Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.” [2 Corinthians 13:11.] “Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.” [Romans 12:16.] “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh, with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vainglory, provoking one another, envying one another.” [Galatians 5:22-26.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 135, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 135, 1901, par. 37

And Paul, in his Epistle to the Corinthians, says: “Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.” [2 Corinthians 13:11.]—Testimonies for the Church 4:17-20.

2 Corinthians 13:14

The Faith I Live By

Third Person of the Godhead, February 15

FLB 52.1

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. 2 Corinthians 13:14.

Words of Encouragement to Workers in the Home Missionary Field

What Unselfish Effort Will Accomplish

PH164 23.1

The work now being done with “Object Lessons” is a good beginning to the work that the Lord desires to see carried forward by His people, because it calls for sacrifices and gifts, and because it enables all to act a part. The Lord’s plan has provided a way for all to do something. As you go forth to sell the book that He has declared should be sold, you will realize that to you is spoken the benediction, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you.” 2 Corinthians 13:14.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 48, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 48, 1902, par. 14

There are many, many souls that the Lord Jesus desires to save. And He asks for our co-operation in this work. These souls cost Him an infinite price. Let the question come home to us, “Are we willing to be workers together with God? Are we willing to go to those outside the faith and plant in their hearts the seeds of truth?” The work now being done with Object Lessons is a good beginning of the work the Lord desires to see carried forward by His people, because it calls for sacrifices and gifts, and because it enables all to act a part. It is a work in which old and young can engage. The Lord’s plan has provided a way for all to do something. The more you do of this work, the less weary and the less perplexed you will be. As you go forth to sell the book the Lord has declared should be sold, you will realize that to you is spoken the benediction, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you.” [2 Corinthians 13:14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 56, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 56, 1902, par. 7

The work being done with Object Lessons is a good beginning to the work the Lord desires to see carried forward by His people, because it calls for sacrifices and gifts, and because it enables all to act a part. This is a work in which old and young can engage. The Lord’s plan has opened the way for all to do something. This is a work that is to be a blessing to all who engage in it. The more you do of this work, the less weary and the less perplexed you will be. As you go forth to sell the book the Lord has declared should be sold, you will realize that to you is spoken the benediction, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you.” [2 Corinthians 13:14.]

EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved