EGW Writings2 Peter 1

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Lt 189, 1909

24LtMs, Lt 189, 1909, par. 31

Let every man consider he has himself to bring into order. Read 2 Peter, chapter 1, verse 1, to the close of the chapter. When we came from Australia we expected to remain a couple of years and then to return. But the Lord has instructed us to remain. We have not been dismissed from the field. I had a special work to do in the Washington camp meeting, and I could not venture to go without the Lord’s bidding. The Lord gave me the message to bear to the people and I was strengthened and greatly moved by the Spirit of the Lord. But there were leading presidents who took not an interest in the Lord’s working, and therefore they that were appointed as presidents of conferences were not all sanctified and prepared.

Our High Calling

To God Be the Glory, February 23

OHC 60.1

Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:1.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 47, 1891

7LtMs, Lt 47, 1891, par. 7

But I stop the history here for some reason. For your good this matter has been laid open to me recently and I was bidden to repeat it to you, for you were in danger. I call these things to your mind because the [message was] given me that you would be in danger of repeating the past history. But I was charged with a message to you that you should bear in mind that in your movements at that time you were compassing yourself about with sparks, walking in the light of your fire and in the sparks that you had kindled, and that Satan will try you with his strong temptations to repeat a similar work. That experience will ever be your adversary unless the spirit, the ideas and judgment, which, carried out, led to the course of action that you pursued, is seen by you as it is and despised as it ought to be, and you cut yourself away from worldlings and cease to commingle them and unite with them in association in your work, for you give to them fully as much confidence, and even more at times, than you do to those who “are of like precious faith.” [2 Peter 1:1.]

That I May Know Him

No Standing Still, June 2

TMK 159.1

To them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord. 2 Peter 1:1, 2.

Ellen G. White: The Progressive Years: 1862-1876 (vol. 2)

Active Teachers of Health Reform

2BIO 88.3

Sabbath morning we had a social meeting, and many glad testimonies were given in behalf of God and His precious truth.... After the conference meeting had closed, Brother White gave a discourse upon the subject of sanctification. His remarks were founded upon 2 Peter 1:1, 2. He dwelt particularly upon the necessity of being temperate in all things, in order to be sanctified, and fit for our Master’s use.

Peter’s Counsel to Parents

Letter

PCP 45.4

The first chapter of second Peter is full of instruction, and strikes the keynote of victory. The truth is impressively forced upon the mind by the way it is presented in this chapter. Let us more abundantly recommend the study of these words, and the practicing of these precepts. The apostle writes (2 Peter 1:1-3), “To them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of “Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue.” What a grand theme this is for contemplation—the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Contemplating Christ and His righteousness leaves no room for self-righteousness, for the glorifying of self. In this chapter there is no standstill. There is continual advancement in every stage of the knowledge of Christ. Through the knowledge of Christ is life eternal. In His prayer Jesus says, “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” In God we are to glory. The prophet says, “Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness,” “and sanctification, and redemption: that, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” “Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men’s labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly, to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s line of things made ready to our hand. But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.” The testimony of prophets and apostles is in full accord on this subject. We are to glory in the Lord our God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 42, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 42, 1895, par. 1

On Sabbath, January 5th, Brother Sisley, Sister Campbell, and I rode eleven miles to Ashfield. We found quite a number of people at the tent assembled for the meeting. The Lord gave me much freedom in speaking the Word to them which is rich and full, and has the heavenly ring. I addressed them from these words: “Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” [2 Peter 1:1, 2.] These precious words are spoken to those who have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.

10LtMs, Ms 42, 1895, par. 3

He who advances in the science of the knowledge of God will realize that grace and peace will be the result of his advancement. The more the human agent contemplates God, the more he will see his own weakness and sinfulness, and by faith he will be led to lay hold on Christ as his personal Saviour. Thus he will be following on to know God as revealed in Christ, that he may know his goings forth are prepared as the morning, “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that has called us to glory and virtue.” [2 Peter 1:3.]

10LtMs, Ms 42, 1895, par. 6

“Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these we might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” [2 Peter 1:4.] The science of salvation is a mystery; it cannot be explained, but it can be experienced. The Lord Jesus walks with men, yet His footsteps are not seen. By faith you lay your hand in the hand of Christ. His divine attributes have been multiplied to all those who choose to place themselves in the channel of light and make Christ manifest to the world. God requires this, and all who come short of fulfilling these obligations are not walking in the light as Christ is in the light.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 54, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 54, 1903, par. 1

I read from the second epistle of Peter: “Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” [2 Peter 1:1-4.]

Our High Calling

The Precious Treasure of Faith, March 2

OHC 67.1

Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue. 2 Peter 1:2, 3.

OHC 67.2

“Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Savior Jesus Christ: ... Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 2 Peter 1:1-4.

Peter’s Counsel to Parents

Remarks

PCP 40.3

I read from the second epistle of Peter: “Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (2 Peter 1:1-4).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 68, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 68, 1895, par. 1

“Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue. Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” [2 Peter 1:1-4.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 69a, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 69a, 1896, par. 27

The reception of the grace of Christ makes a marked change of character which is called “born of God.” That grace is diffusive, and as the believing soul opens his mind and heart to receive truth as it is in Jesus, he obtains a glimpse of the righteousness of Christ in the law and he exclaims, “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” [Psalm 119:18.] “Simon Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” [2 Peter 1:1-4.] Here, in Second Peter, chapter one, is brought to light the whole Christian [life].

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 121, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 121, 1897, par. 2

“Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: grace and peace be multiplied unto you, through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that has called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” [2 Peter 1:1-4.] Take particular notice of the fourth verse: “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these ye might be partakers of the Divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Lt 154, 1910

25LtMs, Lt 154, 1910, par. 5

Now I believe if you will consecrate your own self wholly to the Lord, He will guide you in the very way to best glorify His holy name. He has said He would do this. Then let reference to myself not come into your calculation. If I have anything the Lord gives me for you or your family, then you shall have it. Let you and I and your wife walk humbly with God. We will read 2 Peter 1:1-5.

The Kress Collection

A Physician’s Opportunities

KC 47.2

Read carefully Genesis 6:5-14. Matthew 24:37, 51; 2 Corinthians 10:4, 5. 2 Peter 1:1-6.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 49, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 49, 1897, par. 17

“Simon Peter a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who hath called us to glory and virtue; whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience, godliness.” [2 Peter 1:1-6.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 4 [Nos. 210-259]

MR No. 237—Ellen White’s Burden for God’s People

4MR 307.2

Brooklyn, New York, Sunday, November 16—I spoke to the people with much freedom from 2 Peter 1:1-8.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 105, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 105, 1894, par. 15

This is the same spirit that is manifested today in the Christian world. They claim to be the children of God, yet they reject the truth that God has sent them from heaven, just as the Jewish nation rejected Christ, because the doctrines that he advocated did not coincide with the errors which they have received. “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe his name; which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth.” [Verses 12-14.] Those who are the light of the world are blessed because they behold spiritual things and see Christ as one who is full of grace and truth, and are partakers of the divine nature. “And of his fullness have we all received and grace for grace.” [Verse 16.] The reception of the grace of Christ makes a marked change in the character; for those who receive it are called “born of God.” [1 John 3:9.] The grace of Christ is diffusive. As the believing soul receives the truth as it is in Jesus, he obtains a glimpse of the righteousness of Christ in the law, and exclaims, “Open thou mine eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” [Psalm 119:18.] “Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue, whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” [2 Peter 1:1-4.] The whole Christian experience is presented in a small compass, and it is all embraced in believing and doing the words of Christ. Peter brings to view the plan of addition, the working out of the promise of receiving grace for grace. He says, “And besides this giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge, and to knowledge temperance, and to temperance patience, and to patience godliness, and to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” [Verses 5-8.] Are you adding to your Christian experience? Grace is to be multitude unto you through the knowledge you receive of God and of Jesus Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 139, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 139, 1898, par. 53

“And beside this, giving all diligence add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that you that you shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if you do these things, ye shall never fall.” [2 Peter 1:1-10.]

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

MR No. 1411—The Ladder to Heaven

19MR 339.1

“Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (2 Peter 1:1-4).

19MR 350.1

All these graces we must have. We must climb the whole length of the ladder. “If these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall” (2 Peter 1:8-10).

19MR 351.4

“Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure” (2 Peter 1:10). We need not have a supposed hope, but an assurance. To make our calling and election sure is to follow the Bible plan to closely examine ourselves, to make strict inquiry whether we are indeed converted, whether our minds are drawn out after God and heavenly things, our wills renewed, our whole souls changed. To make our calling and election sure requires far greater diligence than many are giving to this important matter. “For if ye do these things”—live on the plan of addition, growing in grace and the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ—ye shall mount up, step by step, the ladder Jacob saw, and “ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 102, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 102, 1899, par. 2

“And beside this, giving all diligence add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.” [2 Peter 1:1-9.]

14LtMs, Ms 102, 1899, par. 4

“Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things ye shall never fall.” [Verse 10.] Every one of us can make our election sure, or we can make it a failure. “If ye do these things ye shall never fall.” If we live on the plan of addition, God will work for us on the plan of multiplication.

14LtMs, Ms 102, 1899, par. 6

“Add to your faith.” [Verse 5.] You have faith in Jesus Christ as your Saviour. All should have faith in Him as a Saviour. We are to work in accordance with that faith. We show our faith by working, by keeping our eyes fixed on the mark of the prize of our high calling in Christ Jesus.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 69, 1911

25LtMs, Ms 69, 1911, par. 2

2 Peter 1:1-9. The plan is laid out. That is our business, our work in this world.

25LtMs, Ms 69, 1911, par. 4

While you are doing your work, you will need to lift your heart to God, and the light heaven will shine into your soul and it will be lifted up in thanksgiving to God. You will see enough to be thankful for. This eternal life policy is in doing the will of God. “If we do these things, we shall never fall.” [Verse 10.] All the opportunities have been given, that we may follow on to know the Lord. Every light and trifling conversation places in the mind of some, things that will not help you to grow in the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

A Solemn Appeal

Chapter 5—Sentimentalism

SA 168.3

“Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And besides this, giving all diligence, add to your faith, virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, patience; and to patience, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:1-11.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 8 [Nos. 526-663]

MR No. 643—Faith and Works

8MR 409.2

See 2 Peter 1:1-11. This is the faith which we must have, that works by love, and purifies the soul.

8MR 409.3

There is no place in the school of Christ where we graduate. We are to work on the plan of addition, and the Lord will work on the plan of multiplication. It is through constant diligence that we will, through the grace of Christ, live on the plan of addition, making our calling and election sure, for, if ye do these things,—“add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity”—“For if ye do these things ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:10, 11.)—Letter 44, 1893. (To A. T. Jones, April 9, 1893.)

Manuscript Releases, vol. 9 [Nos. 664-770]

MR No. 669—Relation of Faith and Works

9MR 12.3

[See 2 Peter 1:1-11.] This is the faith which we must have, that works by love, and purifies the soul. There is no place in the school of Christ where we graduate. We are to work on the plan of addition, and the Lord will work on the plan of multiplication. It is through constant diligence that we will, through the grace of Christ, live on the plan of addition, making our calling and election sure. For if ye do these things—“add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity”—“for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:1, 5-7, 10, 11).—Letter 44, 1893, 4-6. (To A. T. Jones, April 9, 1893.)

Peter’s Counsel to Parents

Cultivation of Christian principles

PCP 12.7

“For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:1-11).

The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials

Chapter 139—To A. T. Jones

1888 1166.2

2 Peter 1:1-11. This is the faith which we must have, that works by love, and purifies the soul. There is no place in the school of Christ where we graduate. We are to work in the plan of addition, and the Lord will work on the plan of multiplication. It is through the constant diligence that will through the grace of Christ live on the plan of addition, making our calling and election sure, for if ye do these things “add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.... For if ye do these things ye shall never fall; for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”

The Review and Herald

December 1, 1885

RH December 1, 1885, par. 3

Taking as her text 2 Peter 1:1-11, she proceeded to read and comment: “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises, that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” If we escape the contaminating influences of this degenerate age, we have earnest work before us, and we must have a living connection with Christ. We must have a knowledge of his life and character, and a desire to be like him. Then we must seek earnestly to overcome the temptations that are around us, and have faith to believe that his promises will be verified unto us. “And besides this,” says the apostle, “giving all diligence, add to your faith, virtue.” The sinner who comes to Christ for pardon, hope, and salvation, must lay the foundation in a pure, virtuous character. Christ will not accept a polluted offering. The soul-temple must be cleansed from all defilement. Then the work of character building is begun aright. He that clings to cherished sins and continues to indulge sinful habits, cannot be a partaker of the divine nature; for he has not escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 1

An Appeal for Self-Control

1TT 266.2

“Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:1-11.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 44, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 44, 1893, par. 13

2 Peter 1:1-11. This is the faith which we must have, that works by love and purifies the soul. There is no place in the school of Christ where we graduate. We are to work on the plan of addition, and the Lord will work on the plan of multiplication. It is through the constant diligence that [we] will, through the grace of Christ, live on the plan of addition, making our calling and election sure, for if ye do these things “add to your faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. ... For if ye do these things ye shall never fall; for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” [Verses 5-7, 10, 11.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Ms 99a, 1908

23LtMs, Ms 99a, 1908, par. 1

“Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, according as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue; whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises, that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” [2 Peter 1:1-4.]

23LtMs, Ms 99a, 1908, par. 3

“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you,” the apostle says, “through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord; according as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue.” [Verses 2, 3.]

23LtMs, Ms 99a, 1908, par. 5

Christ stood by every word of God, and He prevailed. If we would always take such a position as this when tempted, refusing to dally with temptation or argue with the enemy, the same experience would be ours. It is when we stop to reason with the devil that we are overcome. It is for us to know individually that we are right in the warfare, to take the affirmative in the sight of God, and there to stand. It is thus that we will obtain the divine power promised, through which we obtain, “all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue.” [2 Peter 1:3.]

23LtMs, Ms 99a, 1908, par. 13

“Beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith, virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, patience.” [2 Peter 1:5, 6.]

23LtMs, Ms 99a, 1908, par. 17

“And to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.” [Verses 6, 7.]

23LtMs, Ms 99a, 1908, par. 18

We need every one of the heavenly blood-bought virtues brought into our lives and characters; for then and then only will [we] be safe. “For if these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off; and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.” [Verses 8, 9.] I am urged to say to young and old, You may have a hope that is immortal. Here is the invitation to you to take hold of the hope set before you in the gospel.

23LtMs, Ms 99a, 1908, par. 19

“Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye shall do these things ye shall never fall. For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” [Verses 10, 11.] Here a life insurance policy is offered us which insures for us eternal life in the kingdom of God. I ask you to study these words of the apostle Peter. There is understanding and intelligence in every sentence. By taking hold upon the Lifegiver who gave His life for us, we receive eternal life. It is a wonderful offer. Shall we not strive to obtain it?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 13, 1884

4LtMs, Ms 13, 1884, par. 5

“Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 2 Peter 1:1-4.

4LtMs, Ms 13, 1884, par. 6

“Like precious faith” “through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” [Verse 1.] This is a genuine faith. It is not a fruitless faith. True saving faith is a precious treasure of inestimable value. It is not superficial. The just lives by faith a truly spiritual, Christlike life. It is through faith that the steps are taken one at a time up the ladder of progress. Faith must be cultivated. It unites the human with the divine nature.

4LtMs, Ms 13, 1884, par. 8

“Grace and peace” will be multiplied “through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” [Verse 2.] Here is the Source of all spiritual power, and faith must be in constant exercise, for all spiritual life is from Christ. Knowledge of God inspires faith in Him as the only channel to convey heaven’s blessing to the soul, elevating, ennobling, refining the soul, as—through the knowledge of God—it is brought up to the high attainments of glory and virtue. “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given to us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” [Verses 3, 4.] Here the Christian is encouraged by an assurance of divine help, if he will comply with the conditions.

4LtMs, Ms 13, 1884, par. 9

“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue.” [Verse 5.] There is no promise given to the one who is retrograding. The apostle, in his testimony, is aiming to excite the believers to advancement in grace and holiness. They already profess to be living the truth; they have a knowledge of the precious faith; they have been made partakers of the divine nature; but if they stop here, they will lose the grace they have received. They must go forward. The apostle prayed that grace and peace might be multiplied to them. They were to climb the ladder of progression.

4LtMs, Ms 13, 1884, par. 13

“Add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge” [2 Peter 1:5]—knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus, knowledge of the great plan of salvation. To be ignorant of God’s commandments and laws will not excuse a soul. He will not dare to plead around the throne of God, “I did not know the truth. I was ignorant.” The Lord has given His Word to be our guide, our instructor, and with this heavenly enlightening there is no excuse for ignorance. Christ speaks of those who have eyes but see not, ears but they hear not. God has given them precious hours of probation. He has given them His truth. He has said plainly if they do His will, they shall know of the doctrine. Therefore, those that might be wise in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ but do not choose this wisdom will be banished from His presence when the judgment shall sit and the books be opened.

4LtMs, Ms 13, 1884, par. 18

Add “to temperance patience.” [2 Peter 1:6.] It was through intemperate appetite that Adam and Eve lost Eden, and it will be through habits of strict temperance and denial of hurtful indulgences that we shall have calm nerves and mental acuteness to discern good from evil. A man who is intemperate, who uses stimulating indulgences—beer, wine, strong drinks, tea and coffee, opium, tobacco, or any of these substances that are deleterious to health—cannot be a patient man. So temperance is a round of the ladder upon which we must plant our feet before we can add the grace of patience. In food, in raiment, in work, in regular hours, in healthful exercise, we must be regulated by the knowledge which it is our duty to obtain, that we may through earnest endeavor, place ourselves in right relation to life and health.

4LtMs, Ms 13, 1884, par. 22

We can see the wisdom of Peter in placing temperance to be added to knowledge before patience. [2 Peter 1:6.] This is one strong reason for overcoming the appetite for all stimulants, for as the nerves become excited under the influence of these irritating substances, how many and grievous are the evils that are done! But the healthful use of the unstimulating articles of food will not excite the nerves by irritating the stomach and [debilitating] brain nerve power. There is necessity for the Christian adding patience to temperance. There will need to be a firm principle and fixedness of purpose not to offend in word or action either our own conscience or the feelings of others. There must be a rising above the customs of the world in order to bear reproach, disappointment, losses, and crosses, without one murmur, but with uncomplaining dignity.

4LtMs, Ms 13, 1884, par. 32

There are still additional steps to take. Add “to godliness brotherly kindness.” [2 Peter 1:7.] Thus there will not be merely a profession of Bible religion, but a sincere, earnest practice of godliness. We must be partakers of the divine nature before we can represent the Christlike character and practice the works of Christ. The climbing Christian will not sit passive, claiming the promises, enjoying the grace given him of God, but will work from principle. He is a worker together with God. The grace given him of God teaches him how to be kind and tender and helpful to his brethren. There is no waiting for an over-powering, magical change to be wrought into the conversion of others without any action of our own. Life becomes a humble but earnest working out of salvation with fear and with trembling, knowing that God worketh in us both to will and to do of His own good pleasure. The very exercise of brotherly kindness assimilates the soul to Christ and brings him into sympathy with Christ.

4LtMs, Ms 13, 1884, par. 36

The next step in the ladder is charity. Add “to brotherly kindness charity,” which is love. [2 Peter 1:7.] Love to God and love to our neighbor constitute the whole duty of man. Without brotherly kindness we cannot exhibit the grace of love to God or to our fellow men.

4LtMs, Ms 13, 1884, par. 41

All these graces we must have. We must climb the whole length of the ladder. “If these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.” 2 Peter 1:8-10.

4LtMs, Ms 13, 1884, par. 42

The only safety for the Christian is to be unwearied in his efforts to live on the plan of addition. The apostle shows the advantages to be gained in thus doing. For those who add grace to grace, God will work on the plan of multiplication, so that the graces will be in and abound in the religious life, and he will not “be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” [Verse 8.] Those abounding in the Christian graces will be zealous, lively, vigorous in all practical Christianity and will practice righteousness—just as the branch abiding in the vine will produce the same fruit that the vine bears and will bring forth much fruit.

4LtMs, Ms 13, 1884, par. 43

He who does not climb the ladder of progress and add grace to grace “is blind, and cannot see afar off.” [Verse 9.] He fails to discern that without taking these successive steps in ascending the ladder round after round, in growing in grace and the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, he is not placing himself in a position where the light of God above the ladder is reflected upon him. As he does not add grace to grace, he has forgotten the claims of God upon him and that he was to receive the forgiveness of sins through obedience to the requirements of God. He is in the position of a sinner before God. If he has the graces of Christ, he will exercise and increase them, but if he does not bear fruit in good works to the glory of God, he remains in a state of blindness and ignorance, self-indulgence and sin. He “cannot see afar off.” His eyes are fastened upon the earth, not on God above the ladder.

4LtMs, Ms 13, 1884, par. 47

“Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure.” 2 Peter 1:10. We need not have a supposed hope, but an assurance. To make our calling and election sure is to follow the Bible plan to closely examine ourselves, to make strict inquiry whether we are indeed converted, whether our minds are drawn out after God and heavenly things, our wills renewed, our whole souls changed. To make our calling and election sure requires far greater diligence than many are giving to this important matter. “For if ye do these things”—live on the plan of addition, growing in grace and the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ—ye shall mount up, step by step, the ladder Jacob saw, and “ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” [Verses 10, 11.]

4LtMs, Ms 13, 1884, par. 55

We must keep the eye directed upward to God above the ladder. The question with men and women gazing heavenward is, How can I obtain the mansions for the blessed? It is by being a partaker of the divine nature. It is by escaping the “corruption that is in the world through lust.” [2 Peter 1:4.] It is by entering into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, laying hold of the hope set before you in the gospel. It is by fastening yourself to Christ and straining every nerve to leave the world behind, laboring to diminish by successive steps your distance from God, who is at the top of the ladder. It is by being in Christ and yet led by Christ, by believing and working, trusting in Jesus, yet working upon the plan of addition, holding onto Christ and constantly mounting upward toward God.

4LtMs, Ms 13, 1884, par. 57

We point you to the mansions Christ is preparing for all those who love Him. We point you to that city that hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. We show you its massive walls with the twelve foundations and tell you that these walls must be scaled. You look discouraged at the magnitude of the work before you. We point you to the ladder set up on earth, reaching to the city of God. Plant your feet on the ladder. Forsake your sins. Climb step by step, and you will reach God above the ladder and the Holy City of God. None who will resolutely mount up on the ladder will fail of everlasting life. “For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” [Verse 11.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 64, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 64, 1906, par. 5

“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” [2 Peter 1:1-8.]

21LtMs, Lt 64, 1906, par. 6

It is not the name, however great may be the exalted favor shown it, that is of value, but the simplicity of true virtue. God desires us to increase more and more in practical, genuine godliness, working out His plans in and through the merits of Christ. All who work out the plan of addition given them by God will be lights shining amidst the moral darkness that has clouded our world with crime and unrighteousness. The things received from the Lord Jesus Christ make human beings a power to bless. “If these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things ye shall never fall.” [Verses 8-10.] He gives you power that enables you to resist the satanic antagonist. He bruises the serpent’s head. Victory is on the side of those who make thorough and diligent work for repentance.

21LtMs, Lt 64, 1906, par. 7

“For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” [Verse 11.] Here is our life insurance policy, which will prove efficacious through an endless eternity. Our calling is made forever sure.

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

The Ladder to Heaven

3MR 81.2

“Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:1. Here Peter addresses his brethren, those of like precious faith, and he appeals to them to move understandingly and intelligently. And he says that he desires grace and peace to be multiplied unto them through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. Here is a necessity presented before them of adding knowledge to knowledge, for he continues in Verse 4, “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”

3MR 83.1

The apostle continues, “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.” 2 Peter 1:5-7. We see but little true godliness in the world. And we see a great work to be done in character building. Those who have no love for God have no relish for holy things. The first step to take to gain a relish for heavenly things is to add to your faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge. It is no credit to remain in ignorance. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and this is to have understanding and to fear to offend our Creator.

3MR 83.3

“For if these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.... If ye do these things, ye shall never fall.” Verses 8, 10. But in order to accomplish this we must be purged from our old sins. “Wherefore,” says the apostle, “I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things.” Verse 12.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 42, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 42, 1886, par. 1

“Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:1.

4LtMs, Ms 42, 1886, par. 2

Here Peter addresses his brethren, those of like precious faith, and he appeals to them to move understandingly and intelligently. And he says that he desires grace and peace to be multiplied unto them through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. Here is a necessity presented before them of adding knowledge to knowledge, for he continues in (verse 4), “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”

4LtMs, Ms 42, 1886, par. 5

The apostle continues, “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.” 2 Peter 1:5-7. We see but little true godliness in the world. And we see a great work to be done in character building. Those who have no love for God have no relish for holy things. The first step to take to gain a relish for heavenly things is to add to your faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge. It is no credit to remain in ignorance. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and this is to have understanding and to fear to offend our Creator.

4LtMs, Ms 42, 1886, par. 7

“For if these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. ... If ye do these things, ye shall never fall.” Verses 8, 10. But in order to accomplish this we must be purged from our old sins. “Wherefore,” says the apostle, “I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things.” Verse 12.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Ms 8, 1888

5LtMs, Ms 8, 1888, par. 1

2 Peter 1:1-12.

5LtMs, Ms 8, 1888, par. 2

Now mark, it is these graces, this righteousness, that is to be constantly added; and “if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that you shall be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of [our] Lord Jesus Christ.” [Verse 8.]

5LtMs, Ms 8, 1888, par. 28

Now Christ is in the heavenly sanctuary. And what is He doing? Making atonement for us, cleansing the sanctuary from the sins of the people. Then we must enter by faith into the sanctuary with Him. We must commence the work in the sanctuary of our souls. We are to cleanse ourselves from all defilement. We “must cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the [fear] of God.” [2 Corinthians 7:1.] Satan will come and tempt you, and you will give way to his temptations. What then? Why, come and humble your hearts in confession and by faith grasp the arm of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary. Believe that Christ will take your confession and hold up His hands before the Father—[hands] that have been bruised and wounded in our behalf—and He will make an atonement for all who will come with confession. What if you cannot understand about this matter? He says, “He that lacketh these things [is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins].” [2 Peter 1:9.]

5LtMs, Ms 8, 1888, par. 29

Now brethren and sisters, I want you to see that you must “add to your faith, virtue; [and to virtue, knowledge;] and to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, patience; and to patience, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, charity. For if these things be in you, [and abound,] they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” [Verses 5-8.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 153, 1904

19LtMs, Ms 153, 1904, par. 53

2 Peter 1:1, 2. That is what the devil is going to get out of our sight, if possible—get God out of our sight—to make Him a nonentity, so we cannot identify Himself and the Lord God of heaven and our all-powerful God, with His people.

19LtMs, Ms 153, 1904, par. 54

Verses 3, 4. I tell you the devil cannot have much room in the heart where Christ reigns. If we are partakers of the divine nature, and are following out the interests of Christ, there is no room for Satan there.

19LtMs, Ms 153, 1904, par. 55

God wants us to come to our senses. Let us treasure the “exceeding great and precious promises that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature.” [Verse 4.] You want to be familiar with these promises. You want to understand them.

19LtMs, Ms 153, 1904, par. 56

Verses 5-9. If we are not adding these things, we are lacking of being what God designed us to be. We want the Bible truth to stand as a recommendation of Christ. The power of Christ is redeeming men and women from all ungodliness to true righteousness. Now here there is a multiplication of grace and peace spoken of. You act on the plan of addition, and Christ will work on the plan of multiplication, and you will see the grace of God will fit you as laborers together with God.

19LtMs, Ms 153, 1904, par. 57

Verse 10. Is there an election? Certainly. Not that you will be elected, whether you are overcomers or not, but that you will make your calling and election sure, by words, by actions, by an excellent character, that you may live in the family as God would have you live.

19LtMs, Ms 153, 1904, par. 58

Verse 11. “If ye do these things you shall never fall.”

19LtMs, Ms 153, 1904, par. 60

Verse 12. Thank God for the Bible. I want to say, Christ wants every one of you to seek Him a great deal more than you do. He wants you to trust Him as little children, and then to teach the same lesson to your little children and bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and you will have a crown of life in the kingdom of glory, and touch the golden harp, and fill all heaven with rich music and with songs to the Lamb.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 77, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 77, 1902, par. 1

“Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: grace and peace be multiplied (notice this expression; we shall refer to it again) unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as His divine power hath given unto us all things (nothing is withheld) that pertain unto life (eternal life) and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises”—mark carefully the language, because in the judgment every person who has ever had the privilege of hearing or reading these words will be held accountable for the way in which he has received them—“whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises, that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature”—partakers of divine power, divine grace, divine possibilities. [2 Peter 1:1-4.]

17LtMs, Ms 77, 1902, par. 2

Is it possible for the fallen sons and daughters of Adam to stand on vantage ground, able to overcome?—Yes, this is the great privilege that is granted them. They may be “partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” [Verse 4.]

17LtMs, Ms 77, 1902, par. 4

To those who are preparing for heaven I wish to say, In the Christian life we are to work upon the plan of addition. If we are faithful in working on this plan, God works for us on the plan of multiplication. We are not to deviate from virtue or fail to cherish and cultivate all the graces of the Spirit. To enable us to be partakers of the divine nature, God has given us exceeding great and precious promises. These promises are mentioned in the following verses: “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” [2 Peter 1:5-8.]

17LtMs, Ms 77, 1902, par. 6

“Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue.” [Verse 5.] Let not those who profess to have faith in Christ fail of having virtue. They are under obligation to place themselves where they will reveal to others the virtue of His character.

17LtMs, Ms 77, 1902, par. 13

“And to virtue knowledge.” [2 Peter 1:5.] Oh, we can have a knowledge of God and His truth—a knowledge that is beyond expression! Tell me, what language can we find to express the knowledge that comes to us when Christ reveals His presence to us and our hearts are softened and subdued by His power? Such knowledge is beyond expression. We cannot explain it, nevertheless we know that we possess it. Let those who claim to have a knowledge of God work in co-operation with Christ. Christ is depending upon every one to do his best. To every man and to every woman He has given a work.

17LtMs, Ms 77, 1902, par. 17

“And to knowledge temperance.” [Verse 6.] This is a point that every one of us should consider. The strength of natural appetites depends very much on the treatment they receive. Those who indulge appetite, eating and drinking with the drunken; those who practice gluttony, eating double the amount that they should eat, bring the system into such a condition that it is next to impossible for them to be partakers of the divine nature, because they do not escape the corruption that is in the world through lust. The temple of God, which should be kept holy, is polluted and defiled.

17LtMs, Ms 77, 1902, par. 23

“And to temperance patience.” [Verse 6.]

17LtMs, Ms 77, 1902, par. 32

“And to patience godliness.” [2 Peter 1:6.]

17LtMs, Ms 77, 1902, par. 38

If we work diligently upon the plan of addition, we shall not be barren in a knowledge of Christ. We should, however, take heed to ourselves, lest we fall because we do not cherish and cultivate the Christian graces. “He that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.” [Verse 9.] This Scripture brings to view those who are in a divided state, those who talk as they please, those who indulge appetite <and passionate speech>—failing to take themselves in hand. Such persons have no moral strength to carry out the principles that would bring to them, as overcomers, the crown of life. They are like a man who has forgotten that he has been purged from his old sins.

17LtMs, Ms 77, 1902, par. 39

“Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.” [Verse 10.] This is the only election that is spoken of in the Bible. Your election is dependent on your course of action. If you will to make your election sure, you can do so; if you will to make it uncertain by sinning while professing to be righteous, you can do so. You can become angry, you can be dishonest in trade, you can in other respects follow the course of the ungodly. But will it pay? I ask you, Will it pay? Will you not determine to make your calling and election sure, and not only for yourself, but for your children? Will you not strive to bind up your children with Christ?

17LtMs, Ms 77, 1902, par. 40

If you work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, you will never fall; “for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” [Verse 11.] This promise is an eternal life insurance policy, and it is offered to every one of us.

17LtMs, Ms 77, 1902, par. 41

The apostle continues: “Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.” [Verse 12.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 108, 1904

19LtMs, Ms 108, 1904, par. 1

“Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” [2 Peter 1:1.]

19LtMs, Ms 108, 1904, par. 2

We need to understand the meaning of these words. The apostle Peter writes to those who are of “like precious faith” with himself. In order that we may realize God’s claims upon us, we need constantly to cherish the same faith that the early Christians cherished. We obtain this faith not through any righteousness of our own, but “through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” [Verse 1.]

19LtMs, Ms 108, 1904, par. 4

To those who through the righteousness of Christ have obtained the precious faith that existed in the hearts of Christians in Peter’s time are written the words: “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord.” [Verse 2.] In the light of this instruction, how important it is that we cease permitting our minds to be engrossed with minutiae of but little consequence! Let us dwell only on those things that we can take with us into the higher school. We need to learn that it is our privilege to receive an education from the Source of all power, from the One who can daily give us a hold upon Him who is invisible. By faith we are to accept the grace that He came to bring to us. And in order to receive this grace in its fulness, we must have a living experience; we must understand what God requires of us individually.

19LtMs, Ms 108, 1904, par. 6

“According as His divine power hath given unto us all things (not a limited amount) that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue.” [2 Peter 1:3.]

19LtMs, Ms 108, 1904, par. 11

Peter writes of “the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord.” [2 Peter 1:2.] To know Jesus is to know that He is my personal Saviour; it is to know that He pities me—that upon His sympathizing heart He bears the wounds of my transgressions.

19LtMs, Ms 108, 1904, par. 16

Jesus “hath called us to glory and virtue.” [2 Peter 1:3.] He desires us to come into a position more glorious than that which we have hitherto occupied. He desires us to catch the rays of divine light that come from Himself and, by beholding, to become changed into His likeness. Let us refuse to serve Satan by talking doubt. He is ever seeking to implant doubt in the minds of men and women. Let us guard against cherishing unbelief or expressing it to others. By talking of Christ Jesus and of His matchless love, we shall impart that which has been imparted by Him to us, and in this way we shall become “laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

19LtMs, Ms 108, 1904, par. 21

“Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” [2 Peter 1:4.]

19LtMs, Ms 108, 1904, par. 23

Those who seek to separate from themselves the evil that is in the carnal heart are exhorted to cultivate the Christian graces. Immediately after holding before us the hope of escaping from the corruption that is in the world through lust, the apostle further declares: “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity (love).” [Verses 5-7.]

19LtMs, Ms 108, 1904, par. 25

“For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.” [Verses 8, 9.]

19LtMs, Ms 108, 1904, par. 29

“Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.” [2 Peter 1:10.]

19LtMs, Ms 108, 1904, par. 32

“Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” [2 Peter 1:10, 11.]

19LtMs, Ms 108, 1904, par. 35

“Wherefore,” says Peter, “I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance.” [Verses 12, 13.]

19LtMs, Ms 108, 1904, par. 36

Supposing we were to cherish a remembrance of the good chapters in our Christian experience, and dwell upon these in our testimony meetings, would not this be pleasing to God? If unbelievers are present in these meetings, they will recognize the right ring in such testimonies. Why?—Because angels of God are with those who have gained a personal knowledge of Christ Jesus and will impress hearts. The Lord has promised that if we work on the plan of addition, He will work on the plan of multiplication. “Grace and peace,” He says, “be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord.” [Verse 2.] Having a knowledge of our heavenly Father and of His Son, we shall be filled with happiness; we shall behold the countenance of Jesus, beaming with love, and shall be made like Him.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 7 [Nos. 419-525]

Sermon to Parents and Children

7MR 22.1

These words should mean a great deal to us; and we should study this chapter diligently, that we may learn to practice the virtues it presents before us. If we do these things, the apostle says, we “shall never fall.” It is of great consequence to us in our spiritual experience that we have the assurance that we are treading securely and walking understandingly in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

7MR 22.2

I wish this afternoon to address particularly the parents and children. These should understand that they have solemn obligations resting upon them—the most solemn that ever rested upon mortals. Let parents take up their work and labor intelligently for the salvation of their families.

7MR 22.3

Fathers and mothers we are verging upon the eternal world, and that which we should now most earnestly seek to understand is what we should do to inherit eternal life. If you will follow on to know the Lord, you will know that His going forth is prepared as the morning. We must prepare for the great crisis that is just before us. Will you not sense your responsibilities in regard to the education and training of your children in spiritual matters?

7MR 23.1

Here are the children. Your daughters are inclined, if they see a dress different from that which they have, to desire a dress similar to that. Or perhaps they want something else that they see others have, which you do not feel would be in accordance with your faith to grant them. Will you allow them to tease this thing out of you, letting them mold you instead of molding them according to the principles of the gospel? Our children are very precious in the sight of God. Let us teach them the word of God and train them in His ways. It is your privilege to teach your children to live so that they will have the commendation of heaven.

7MR 23.2

Are we preparing for heaven? We say we are; and we ought to be making ready for the future immortal life. We should be so conducting ourselves that we shall make right impressions upon those who are brought in contact with us. Let us not encourage our children to follow the fashions of the world; and if we will be faithful in giving them a right training, they will not do this. But if you let your children rule you, they will surely get away from the pure principles of the word of God and will walk in the ways of the world. Let them see how much the Lord sacrificed in their behalf when He came to this world. There was everything to oppose His advance, yet He gave us a perfect example in every detail of life—just the example that we follow and teach our children to follow.

7MR 23.3

Dress your children in simple and neat clothes, but do not let them have anything that they may suppose they want. They may ask for a dress that is cut low in the neck because it is the fashion to wear them so. Who has supposed such a fashion? It is not a right fashion, and we should not allow ourselves to consider it right. We should dress our children in such a way that they will learn to fashion their lives in simple orderly lines. We are to be preparing for the grand review that is soon to take place, and our children must have a part in this work of preparation. We want the light, the pure light of heaven to shine into our hearts.

7MR 24.1

All heaven is interested in our children, and parents grieve the Spirit of God when they fail to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Parents, be kind to your children, but be firm. Let them see that you mean all that you tell them. The fashions of the world often take a ridiculous form, and you must take a firm position against them. Our manner of dress as well as our deportment is to be a ministry, an education.

7MR 24.2

Parents you are responsible for the work of bringing up your children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. These children need instruction line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little. You may feel annoyed sometimes because your children go contrary to what you have told them. But have you ever thought that many times you go contrary to what the Lord has commanded you to do that you might prepare yourselves for His work and know His will as revealed in His word? If you will follow on to know the Lord you can make a splendid representation of Christ before the world.

7MR 24.3

Never manifest passion when your children do wrong. When the mother gives her child a jerk or a blow, do you think it enables him to see the beauty of the Christian character? No indeed; it only tends to raise evil feelings in the heart, and the child is not corrected at all. We need to consider as we endeavor to do our duty intelligently, that our children are to be brought into right relation to God, that they may have an entrance through the gates into the City of God and have right to all the advantages that heaven can give.

7MR 25.1

We have but little time now. Let us prepare earnestly for the solemn scenes of the future. The Lord would have us work under the direction of His word. It does not show any true love to let your children do as they please, and to think that in doing so they are doing just right. Husband and wife should be united in the work of seeking to form in their children correct habits of speech and conduct. If they will draw constantly in Christ’s lines, the will of Christ will be rule in their lives, and they will see of the salvation of God in their homes. Let them invite the Spirit of God to act His part in training the children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. With this power to help in every time of need, they will obtain the victory.

7MR 25.2

Has not God given you every evidence of His love? Did He not allow Jesus to come to this world as our pattern? Men could not endure the perfection of Christ’s character, and they took and crucified Him. There is a crucifixion that must go on in our lives, a constant dying to self and sin. We must walk circumspectly, that our lives may preach the gospel of Christ to those with whom we associate. If we will speak and walk circumspectly, the light of Christ will be revealed in our lives.

7MR 25.3

I desired at the beginning of my talks to speak these words to you. I leave them with you to think about. Let us be faithful to the duties of the home life. Let your children understand that obedience must reign there. Teach them to distinguish between that which is sensible and that which is foolish in the matter of dress, and furnish them with clothes that are neat and simple. As a people who are preparing for the soon return of Christ we should give to the world an example of modest dress in contrast with the prevailing fashion of the day. Talk these things over, and plan wisely what you will do, then carry out your plans in your families. Determine to be guided by higher principles than the notions and desires of your children.

7MR 26.1

Parents need to come up on a higher platform. They have a sacred work to do in bringing their children into harmony with Christ. Parents, do not neglect this work. You need to move constantly in the counsel and fear of the Lord God of Israel. Talk with your children in regard to the lessons of the word; pray with them. Seek for confession of heart from them. Show them which is the wrong and which is the right way, and their need of yielding their wills to the will of God if they would be overcomers. I see many parents taking a course with their children that will shut them out of the kingdom of God. Oh that these might now repent, and seek to redeem the time, that God might help them to act their part.

7MR 26.2

I did not expect to speak more than a few words to you this afternoon. I want you to have the light and blessing that the Lord desires to give you. Reach out for these blessings; seek for a fitness for eternal life, that others may see that you are coming into harmony with heaven. When the soul takes its position on the side of right, all heaven is filled with rejoicing and praise and thanksgiving. Shall we not take hold with Christ to do our best. Pray with your children. Impress their minds with the thought that Christ was given to our world that we might love His beauty of character and seek to follow Him in every particular. If you will follow on to know the Lord, the blessing of God will rest upon you. We need to glorify God more than we do, to praise Him with uplifted soul. If we would study more faithfully the virtues of His character, we would desire to be more like Him. If in the minor points we would carry out the directions of the Lord, He will give us strength to follow Him in the large matters. We need to see the necessity of bringing the principles of the truth into every purpose and action of the life.

7MR 27.1

There is a large work to be carried on in this locality. Consider how God has wrought to bring these buildings into our possession. We have made every possible effort to establish the work in this place; and there are but few who know of the real difficulties we have had to meet. Now we are in possession, and for this I thank the Lord with heart and soul and voice.

7MR 27.2

There are many here who will need to take their position directly contrary to the world’s customs and fashions. They may not want to do this, but this must make no difference. We are to have a large experience here in a little while, and everything should be brought into line with right principles. Here are men and women of capability. We want you to realize your capabilities, and act your part in carrying out the purposes of God for this place. Here are men who are preparing to enter on high positions of trust; but they are not ready for these positions. They need to be reconverted, and to let the blessing of God come into the life to transform the character. If those who come here to obtain an education will seek to help in every possible way, God will multiply blessings to them, and giving them His knowledge and His grace will make them overcomers through the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.—Manuscript 45, 1911, 2-7. (Sermon, November 6, 1911.)

Manuscript Releases, vol. 2 [Nos. 97-161]

Excerpts from the E. G. White Diary

2MR 117.4

Christiania, November 6, 1885 [Friday]—It is rainy, disagreeable weather. I spoke in a hired hall to a large audience from 2 Peter 1:1-13. All listened with respectful attention.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 27, 1885

4LtMs, Ms 27, 1885, par. 7

It is rainy, disagreeable weather. I spoke in a hired hall to a large audience from 2 Peter 1:1-13. All listened with respectful attention.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Lt 21, 1910

25LtMs, Lt 21, 1910, par. 13

Now I shall present to all schools this instruction: The first chapter of Second Peter, verses 1-13. Here is your eternal life insurance policy. All who practice these things, who study the words I present, shall have the eternal life insurance policy fulfilled in their life character here below and have their entrance into the kingdom of God. Our schools must come up on the highest grade possible, and the children must be educated to correct behavior. Let this be practiced in every school.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 62, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 62, 1901, par. 1

“Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us unto glory and virtue.” [2 Peter 1:1-3.]

16LtMs, Ms 62, 1901, par. 2

Peter is addressing those of “like precious faith.” [Verse 1.] Just as soon as those he is addressing take heed to this instruction, they will have the diligence which will lead them to carry to the world the light of the knowledge of the gospel. Christ wants every one of us to be co-laborers with Him. He says, “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Therefore the knowledge of Him is of great consequence to us. Is it His will that each Sabbath we shall sit here and listen to the preaching of His Word without doing anything to impart the light to others? Is it for this that you have the Word of God? No, no; the Lord has given His people the light of truth that the knowledge of Christ may be carried to every part of the world. Upon those who receive the gift of God’s grace is placed the responsibility of seeking to save their fellow beings.

16LtMs, Ms 62, 1901, par. 6

“Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” It is from this that we get our power. “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance.” [2 Peter 1:4-6.] This is a very important matter. We are responsible to God for the life God has given us. He requires us to place ourselves in right relation to the laws which govern the human machinery. He who created us understands our frames and knows what we need. He desires us to have a knowledge of how wonderfully we are made.

16LtMs, Ms 62, 1901, par. 14

“And to patience, godliness.” [2 Peter 1:6.] The Lord desires His people to be godly. That is, they are continually to ask, “How would Christ act if He were in my place?” This is godliness—keeping Christ in view as the pattern, seeking to know the will of God. O, how much we need godliness in every home!

16LtMs, Ms 62, 1901, par. 15

“And to godliness, brotherly kindness.” [Verse 7.] Those who have godliness cannot help but have brotherly kindness. But can those who make a practice of overloading their stomachs possess these attributes? Disturbed digestive organs lead to harsh, irritable words. An overloaded stomach makes a man forget in his dealing with his brethren that speech is a talent.

16LtMs, Ms 62, 1901, par. 29

Cultivate the grace of charity, which is love. I fear that many fail to understand that this belongs to Christianity. Many forget that it is a part of the gospel. But let me tell you that it is the gospel. “If these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.” [2 Peter 1:8-10.] Here is your life insurance policy. “If ye do these things ye shall never fall.” Will you study this chapter in your homes? Remember that to you has been given the work of so training your children that they can inherit eternal life.

16LtMs, Ms 62, 1901, par. 30

“For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance.” [Verses 11-13.]

Peter’s Counsel to Parents

Sermon

PCP 15.4

“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye” shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:5-11).

PCP 23.3

Is it possible for the fallen sons and daughters of Adam to stand on vantage ground, able to overcome?—Yes, this is the great privilege that is granted them. They may be “partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (2 Peter 1:1-4).

PCP 35.4

These words [2 Peter 1:1-13] should mean a great deal to us; and we should study this chapter diligently, that we may learn to practice the virtues it presents before us. If we do these things, the apostle says, we “shall never fall.” It is of great consequence to us in our spiritual experience that we have the assurance that we are treading securely and walking understandingly in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 65, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 65, 1900, par. 4

Let us study the plan of addition upon which God requires us to work. Peter writes, “Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ to them that have obtained like precious faith with us, through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” [2 Peter 1:1.] This is a faith obtained, not through our own devisings, but through the righteousness of God. It sanctifies and purifies the soul.

15LtMs, Lt 65, 1900, par. 5

My brother, read these words as you have never read them before. “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue; whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption which is in the world through lust.” [Verses 2-4.]

15LtMs, Lt 65, 1900, par. 7

“And besides this,” the apostle continues, “giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.” [Verses 5-7.]

15LtMs, Lt 65, 1900, par. 8

“If these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” This is not a surface work. It means a spiritual understanding of spiritual things, and a genuine sense of the practical working of the Holy Spirit upon the mind and heart. “He that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off; and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.” [Verses 8, 9.]

15LtMs, Lt 65, 1900, par. 13

The work in New Zealand needs men who will stand shoulder to shoulder. God despises all secret conniving. He desires the work of His children to be as open as the day. Take heed to these words, “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.” [2 Peter 1:10.] God will work for you upon the plan of multiplication.

15LtMs, Lt 65, 1900, par. 14

“For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. ... For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eye witnesses of his majesty.” [Verses 11, 12, 16.] My brother, you need the heavenly eyesalve. You are in danger of spoiling your record by watching your brethren lest they shall attain the advantage. You do not work in brotherly love. God help you to see your danger, and be warned.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 164, 1907

22LtMs, Ms 164, 1907, par. 1

“Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord” (2 Peter 1:1, 2).

22LtMs, Ms 164, 1907, par. 2

We see that this means much. It is through a knowledge that we have of God, and of His relation with Christ, and of Christ’s relation to God. “According as His divine power had given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that had called us to glory and virtue” (verse 3). Now you see, there are certain conditions, certain influences, that will work through every soul that will consider and weigh the matter, and that will think intelligently. The Lord would have us use all the tack of our brainpower to understand what saith the Word; for it is as His divine power has given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that has called us to glory and virtue.

22LtMs, Ms 164, 1907, par. 3

Here are the conditions: We are to become acquainted with God and Jesus Christ, whom He has given to our world. And what a gift it is! Wonderful! “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have” [John 3:16]—now that have is worth everything to us—“but have”—here it is: “exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust, and beside this” [2 Peter 1:4, 5], now take it all in, all its meaning, because it is God’s Word, and we want to pray for that intelligence that God shall give us that we may understand the Word and not be like Chorazin and Bethsaida, that heard and heard and listened, but they did not do any work to reform.

22LtMs, Ms 164, 1907, par. 5

Now we must understand that the words that come to us are life, as it is represented in the Bible. It is for us to lay hold upon it by living faith. And what then? Why faith is demonstrated by actions. It is carried out by practice; therefore we demonstrate to the world that we are on Christ’s side, and that we will carry out the principles that He has laid down in His Word, in order that our light may be reflected to all that is around. The very light that comes from Jesus Christ is to be reflected to all that is around us. Now here is a way to escape the corruption that is in the world through lust—“And beside this, giving all diligence,”—now here is given a sum—“add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:4-8). Now you see the sum of addition is given to every soul of us that wants to understand the faith that is in Christ Jesus, the saving faith that they may work to add grace to grace, and be constantly working upon the plan of addition. Why, if you could make a worlding understand this, what then? If you can make those whose affection is upon what they possess, if they could understand this truth, that there is something higher for them to obtain, why if you could only make them understand it—well, try it! I am afraid you do not try to make them understand it.

22LtMs, Ms 164, 1907, par. 6

Now the Lord wants everyone who has His light to let that light shine. And if that light shines, as it comes from the heavenly light, then it will be reflected upon others, whether they receive it or not. And they have the light. You are clear because you have done your duty. You are to work, every one of you is to work, upon the plan of addition, and now what?—“Add to your faith virtue,”—a virtuous character, “and to virtue knowledge,”—constantly seeking to increase in a better understanding of what saith the Scriptures. “Add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance.” You see that comes before patience—“and to temperance patience.” [Verses 5, 6.] Now you must have temperance else you cannot have patience. You just read in the newspapers, they will teach you something. They will teach you this: That notwithstanding they may reach the very highest round of intelligence in book learning, if the Bible is dropped out, why, then they never can mount to the highest round. They cannot do it—“Giving all diligence”—the whole mind.

22LtMs, Ms 164, 1907, par. 10

“Beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge” (2 Peter 1:5). We want every soul in our schools to understand the true definition of what virtue is, and then to lay hold of it. Why? Because it is according to the law. The law of God, His Word. You are carrying out His sentiments by being merciful to him that needs mercy. “And to knowledge temperance.” [Verse 6.] We cannot take that subject up here today; we want to just mention it.

22LtMs, Ms 164, 1907, par. 13

Well, now, here, here is the Word: “Beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue.” [Verse 5.] Virtue is character. It is the duty of every man and woman before me to understand that they have a mind which is under accountability to God and that they are to preserve that mind, that it shall speak intelligently, that it shall work for their benefit. And, as it works in the virtue of character for their benefit, that very virtue is an influence in a community. It is telling its story on the right side—now here is where the addition should be: “Add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge.” Why it is impossible for a man to have knowledge and at the same time pursue a course in which he sacrifices his virtue and destroys his nerve power. If he does so, he is adrift.

22LtMs, Ms 164, 1907, par. 14

God wants every nerve of your brain preserved in the most sacred manner. Why, with the mind we serve the law of God and the Scriptures. Confuse that mind, take a position where your mind is weakened by anything that you may eat, anything you may drink for your own gratification, step aside from the right, straight path as God has given us, and you are doing a serious wrong to yourself and to your neighbor. You can neither keep the commandments of God yourself nor be an example to your neighbor, therefore every living soul is under accountability to God. We have brain power, and God has given it to us; and He is telling us to preserve virtue, He is telling us to obtain knowledge—“Add to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance.” [Verses 5, 6.] You see, if you let your head become unbalanced, you go anywhere and anyhow. It is necessary for everyone that has had a strong defect of character, because of a defect of mind, to put that right; and they can do it, and God will help them to do it. God wants you to have a straight mind that you may know something. Here is a wonderful thing that I want to bring out in this chapter, and I want everyone to understand it.

22LtMs, Ms 164, 1907, par. 16

What did Christ do? Why, He laid off His royal robe, He laid aside His royal crown, He clothed His divinity with humanity and came as a little child of poor parents. He did not take life as a prince to rule, and yet divinity was clothed with humanity so that humanity might grasp the divinity and have that power to overcome the defects of the human character. To this end He worked at the carpenter’s trade with His father, humbling Himself to take temptations from the very first intelligence, and carrying through that great plan that in God men should stand as God designed they should stand—“partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” [2 Peter 1:4.]

22LtMs, Ms 164, 1907, par. 17

Can any of you make such a sacrifice? You can practice the sacrifice that Christ made by being faithful to God and faithful to the truth, then [be] “a partaker of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” [Verse 4.] These victories are promised for us. How then can we destroy this nerve power and know not what we are about? How can we take a reckless course, I ask you, when the Father has estimated the value of man by giving you His only begotten Son to die a shameful death, taking the sins of the whole world upon Him? He died upon Calvary’s cross, and there was Satan exulting. But there was one scene—that was when the one who was hanging by His side confessed his sins to Christ and asked for a place when Christ should come into His kingdom.

22LtMs, Ms 164, 1907, par. 20

Temperance, temperance is all through the Scriptures. “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue”—a virtuous character—“and to virtue knowledge.” [2 Peter 1:5.] What are you here for? What are the students here for? It is to obtain knowledge, and I am glad that you have this nice building in which you can educate, educate, educate. We must take our children from their very babyhood and educate them. How can you educate them from babyhood?—Never to speak a cross word, never to scold them. Why?—They don’t know what you mean? Why, I have seen little ones burst out crying as if their hearts would break if the voice would change. “Why, what is the matter with that child?” [someone would ask]. “Why,” said I, “you did not speak sweetly to him.” The little things recognize a scolding voice, and you must not do it. You must not bring them up in that way. What we want is to be fathers and mothers, to tell them to be converted and take their children from their babyhood and treat them gently, and yet not by indulging them to have everything they want. Say, “No, that won’t do you good.” Repeat that, and they will understand that you mean just what you say.

22LtMs, Ms 164, 1907, par. 21

Now, next to temperance, “patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity”—love. [Verses 6, 7.] I want you to understand that here is the sum that we are to work upon. It is an addition process, and here we read in the second verse—we go back—“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord.” You want a knowledge, you want to act out that knowledge, you want to act like sensible men and women.

22LtMs, Ms 164, 1907, par. 23

Well now, in this world is our preparation. We must make that preparation most earnestly, as it is presented to us here. “And to godliness brotherly kindness”—charity. [Verse 7.] “For,”—now listen to the reason—“if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (verse 8).

22LtMs, Ms 164, 1907, par. 27

But the subject—“For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” [Verse 8.] There you have the promise. Will you grasp it? Students, will you grasp it? But take care of the brain’s nerve power. I am glad you have got land where you can do something—exercise. How do you expect your poor brain to work from morning till night? Here are the limbs, they are to be exercised so that the blood won’t be taxed to the brain so much, so that they lose a sense of what they are about, until it is too late. Watch one another, help one another, invite one another to come out and to exercise their bone and their muscle. This I have been teaching for the last forty years.

22LtMs, Ms 164, 1907, par. 29

But now, I shall not finish my subject unless I hurry on: “But he that lacketh these things is blind” (verse 9). They would rather study than to exercise their muscles, and some would exercise their muscles and overdo that. So we have to have Christ before us. We are bought with a price, and we must take care of Christ’s property, so that we can present ourselves to Christ without fault, so that He can welcome us into the family of God.

22LtMs, Ms 164, 1907, par. 30

Now, we must be diligent students. God help us to work to that point. “But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins” (verse 9). And God wants us to take care of this body; He wants to put a harp in your hand; He wants to put a crown upon your head, and He wants to clothe you with white raiment, white and spotless. But you must, every one of you, work intelligently. God wants you to be in heaven, because He has bought you and has paid the price for your redemption. But you cannot be there unless you obey the commandments of God, and unless you follow out to preserve your own being in the very best condition of health to make the best impression upon the world around you.

22LtMs, Ms 164, 1907, par. 31

“Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall” (verse 10). If you will just take the words of God and carry them out, “ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom.” Now I want you to keep that everlasting in your minds—“into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Wherefore I will not be negligent,” says the apostle, “to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me” (verses 11-14). Now here—“For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty, for He received from God the Father honour, and glory, when there came such a voice to Him from the excellent glory, this is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (verses 16, 17).

22LtMs, Ms 164, 1907, par. 32

Now we want to consider next the “entrance,” the 10th verse. “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure, for if ye do these things ye shall never fall.” Now bear that in mind. “For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” [Verse 11.] What is this? My dear friends, what is this?—It is your life insurance policy. The eternal life insurance policy. Will you bear that in mind? If you will keep these things in remembrance, and do as He has told you, why, He says, “an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Saviour Jesus Christ.” Now there is your eternal, everlasting life insurance policy. I want you to take that chapter and read it and read it until you understand it. You are to work first on the plan of addition, and, as you work on the plan of addition, then, like “Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you, through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord” (verses 1, 2).

22LtMs, Ms 164, 1907, par. 33

You work on the plan of addition and you see if the multiplication is not realized. “According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (verses 3, 4).

22LtMs, Ms 164, 1907, par. 34

Now you just read this, and you will see your life everlasting policy. It is in obeying the Word of God verily—intensely obeying it. And may God help us, every one of us. He says: “Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them” (verse 12). Who is he advising? Those who know them and “be established in the present truth.” Yet these, unless they take hold of the power of One who alone can hold them, will fall short. Why?—Because the devil lives. He is in our world; he is working with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish, and we want to have all this understood and ever before us, that we may have a sanctified will, that we may work on the principle of addition, while God works on the principle of multiplication. Now you just consider that this is the way the work is going. Every soul that is here in this building, consider these things. Do you want eternal life? Do you want the everlasting life insurance policy to be yours for a home in the kingdom of God? Why, it is life, life, eternal life! and it is glory that cannot be estimated by your neighbors here. I know that when that glory came upon me—sometimes as I would be speaking in the desk—I would catch a glimpse of that glory and fall prostrate to the floor; it was more than I could endure. It is the glory of God. I know what I am talking about.

22LtMs, Ms 164, 1907, par. 38

Everyone, keep that in view. I will not irritate one of my schoolmates. I will not by my voice, by the tones of my voice, or by any of my actions place a temptation in anyone’s way. I will try to help them. The devil with all his host is trying to rush right in and to take advantage of that mind that you have darkened with temptation. It does not blister your lips to speak a pleasant word. You can speak pleasant words and kind words. And let me tell you, it will not be written in heaven that you have spoiled your own experience and you have spoiled the experience of others. Now God help you that you may put on every piece of armor and that you may fight manfully the battles of the Lord. We have a heaven to win and a hell to shun. Now God loves all these young people, and He wants you to represent Him in this school. He wants you to be in a position, working on the plan of addition—“Add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:5-8). There is the promise. Will you take it? Will you hold it? God grant that you may.

The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials

Advancing in Christian Experience

1888 121.1

“Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue: and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth” (2 Peter 1:1-12).

1888 127.3

Now Christ is in the heavenly sanctuary. And what is He doing? Making atonement for us, cleansing the sanctuary from the sins of the people. Then we must enter by faith into the sanctuary with Him, we must commence the work in the sanctuary of our souls. We are to cleanse ourselves from all defilement. We must “cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” Satan will come and tempt you and you will give way to his temptations. What then? Why, come and humble your hearts in confession, and by faith grasp the arm of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary. Believe that Christ will take your confession and hold up His hands before the Father—hands that have been bruised and wounded in our behalf—and He will make an atonement for all who will come with confession. What if you cannot understand about this matter? He says, “He that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins” (2 Peter 1:19).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 71, 1911

25LtMs, Ms 71, 1911, par. 13

2 Peter 1:1-3. Christ has made the provision. He God sent His only begotten Son into the world that He might reach perishing souls. But the world would not have Him. He wants you to grasp these promises, and work on them.

25LtMs, Ms 71, 1911, par. 14

Verses 5-14. This is an urgent business. It is not something that you can get hold of and let go at pleasure. I want to show you that we live on the plan of addition constantly if we are overcomers, if we are preparing to meet the work of the enemy who is constantly striving to obtain the victory over us. It is to live on the plan of addition, adding grace to grace, and then we shall not complain. Why? Because we have something that we have received from God that we are holding fast.

25LtMs, Ms 71, 1911, par. 15

Verse 15. Now this is an eternal-life promise given to those who will follow on to know the Lord, that they may know His going forth is prepared as the morning. It is an everlasting promise. “For if these things be in you, and abound ... in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” [Verse 8.]

25LtMs, Ms 71, 1911, par. 17

Verses 16-19. Here we have the assurance that if we do these things, we shall never fall. But we are to practice them, and let not passionate words escape from our lips, fathers and mothers. No; your children are to learn from you what you have learned from Christ, and if you get impatient and shake them and make them angry, and they cannot see the beauty of holiness in you. But father and mother can go away and offer prayer for their children that God may grant that they shall not perish with the wicked.

Ellen G. White in Europe 1885-1887

Two weeks of public evangelism at Nimes, France

EGWE 239.2

Sabbath, October 16, “If Thou Wilt Enter Into Life,” Matthew 19:16-20 Sunday, October 17, “Come Unto Me,” Matthew 11:28-30 Monday, October 18, “Walk in the Light,” John 14:21 Wednesday, October 20, “The Ladder to Heaven,” 2 Peter 1:1 Thursday, October 21, “Search the Scriptures,” 2 Peter 1:19-21 Friday, October 22, “The Cross Before the Crown,” Matthew 16:24-27 Sabbath, October 23, “God’s Law the Standard of Character,” John 7:14-17. Sunday, October 24, “The Hope Set Before Us,” 1 John 3:1 Sabbath, October 30, “Two Standards,” 1 Corinthians 2:12-14 Sunday, October 31, “Gaining a Fitness for Heaven,” Luke 12:34.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 79, 1912

25LtMs, Ms 79, 1912, par. 3

“Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance.” [2 Peter 1:1-13.]

25LtMs, Ms 79, 1912, par. 6

Here we read, “Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance.” [Verse 13.] Now do not be offended because you have had a word of caution, and that you are repeating the evidences of the Word. That is just what we need, just what we must have. We are fitting for what? For immortality. We are fitting for the glory that shall be revealed at the revelation of Jesus Christ, and we cannot be too careful. You want to be careful at every step you take that you do not give offence to Jesus Christ, who has bought you with the price of His own blood.

25LtMs, Ms 79, 1912, par. 8

“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto we do well that ye take heed as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” [Verses 14-21.]

Manuscript Release No 1033

Adams Center, New York, Monday, October 13, 1890

MR1033 7.6

I spoke in the evening to a full house. The congregation paid the most marked attention. The ventilation was not good and some eyes were heavy, and I requested them to arise and sing, “I Will Follow Thee, My Saviour,” which had the desired effect. The position was changed and all seemed aroused to hear the words spoken. I had much freedom in speaking from 2 Peter 1, dwelling upon the precious promises.

Peter’s Counsel to Parents

Parents to study 2 Peter 1

Parents to study 2 Peter 1

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 164, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 164, 1900, par. 7

God has made every provision to enable us to reach the standard which He has placed before us. Christ died in order that we might be partakers of His divine nature, and thus escape the corruption that is in the world. God wants us to live on the plan of addition outlined in the first chapter of Second Peter. Constantly we are to press onward and upward. Our religion is to be progressive.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 80, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 80, 1900, par. 13

The work of transformation from unholiness to holiness is a continuous work. Day by day God labors for man’s sanctification, and man is to cooperate with Him by putting forth persevering efforts in the cultivation of right habits. The way in which we are to work out our own salvation is plainly specified in the first chapter of Second Peter. Constantly we are to add grace to grace, and as we do this, God will work for us upon the plan of multiplication. He is always ready to hear and answer the prayer of the contrite heart, and grace and peace are multiplied to His faithful ones. Gladly He grants them the blessings that they need in their struggle against the evils that beset them. Those who listen to the counsels of His Word shall not want any good thing.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 57, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 57, 1900, par. 11

In the first chapter of Second Peter is presented the progressive work in the Christian life. The whole chapter is a lesson of deep importance. If man, in acquiring the Christian graces, works on the plan of addition, God has pledged Himself to work in his behalf upon the plan of multiplication. “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” [Verse 2.] The work is laid out before every soul that has acknowledged his faith in Jesus Christ by baptism, and has become a receiver of the pledge from the three persons—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

15LtMs, Ms 57, 1900, par. 13

“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure, for if ye do these things ye shall never fall.” [Verses 2-10.]

15LtMs, Ms 57, 1900, par. 14

Here is the condition of the only saving election in the Word of God. We are to become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. We are to add grace to grace, and the promise is, “If ye do these things, ye shall never fall; for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” [Verses 10, 11.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 34, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 34, 1900, par. 26

How may we know God? By doing His Word. We have the assurance of this. Read the first chapter of Second Peter. The entire chapter is an assurance to the true believer. “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises, that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And besides this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge, and to knowledge temperance, and to temperance patience, and to patience godliness, and to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness charity.” [Verses 2-7.]

15LtMs, Ms 34, 1900, par. 28

“If these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, but hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things ye shall never fall. For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” [Verses 8-11.] This is our life insurance policy.

15LtMs, Ms 34, 1900, par. 29

“That by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” [Verse 4.] The lust here mentioned does not only mean a perverse, base passion. It includes an unholy desire for riches, for praise, for the possession of power. To fear God and obey His Word is the only way to gain true exaltation. But forgetting this, man presumptiously craves more and still more worldly power and honor. He devises and plans in every way to accomplish certain results, losing sight of justice and equity and love of God and his brethren. With a perversity that is blind to results, he sacrifices his peace of mind, his assurance of knowing God and Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 92, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 92, 1900, par. 7

In the first chapter of Second Peter we are given instruction as to how the Christian should act. He is to live and work upon the plan of addition, obtaining a deep experience in the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ.

15LtMs, Lt 92, 1900, par. 8

“Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” [Verses 1, 2.]

15LtMs, Lt 92, 1900, par. 9

Those who gain the experience represented in this chapter will not become estranged from God, because they have lived on the plan of addition. “But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.” [Verse 9.] Purity and godliness make up the new life of faith. The blood of Christ justifies, sanctifies, and saves the soul. The promises in this chapter include every one who is a true laborer together with God, the saving influence of whose example is seen and felt among his associates in the work. “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue; whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises, that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” [Verses 3, 4.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 92, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 92, 1900, par. 12

I had words to say which the Lord gave me, setting forth the students their privileges and opportunities to increase in knowledge and in grace and perfection of Christian character. I spoke from 2 Peter chapter 1.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 45, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 45, 1900, par. 20

Second Peter 1 gives the genuine work of sanctification. Read and understand this chapter. There is need that the grace of God be seen and realized in our influence in the religious life and character. “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and Jesus our Lord.” [Verse 2.] Then comes the true fruit of genuine conversion in living on the plan of addition. These precious, elevating principles are to be brought into our daily experience. The promises of God accepted in genuine faith have a fragrant influence upon the life and the character, making the human agent to reflect the image of the Divine.

15LtMs, Ms 45, 1900, par. 21

The plan of progression in sanctification is brought to view in this chapter in plain, clear lines. “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” [Verse 4.] Then the progression and growth in grace and qualification of character are given, working on the plan of addition.

15LtMs, Ms 45, 1900, par. 22

God works for the striving ones who exercise faith and practice godliness in the home life, in the church life, and in the small and larger interests that will unfold as we advance upward, climbing on the ladder that Peter has presented to every believer. If these practical workings of duties are faithfully attended to, God works on His part on the plan of multiplication, imparting grace to the one who imparts in his life the grace given him in representing genuine sanctification to the world in his own character. “If these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things (the true representation of Christ’s character) is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.” [Verses 8, 9.]

15LtMs, Ms 45, 1900, par. 23

Here great and positive truth is stated. “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” [Verses 10, 11.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 103, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 103, 1900, par. 10

In the life-policy plan given us in the first chapter of Second Peter a work of addition is presented. As in our character building we add grace to grace, the great Giver will work for us on the plan of multiplication. Grace and peace will be multiplied to us. The young man who is seeking a preparation for usefulness needs to lay the foundation himself by acquiring through hard, diligent labor the means to prosecute his designs. If young men around him have allowed their parents to carry the burden of their education, let the young man who is looking on say, I will never do that. I will use my own brain and my physical powers combined to make of myself all that is possible.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 81, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 81, 1900, par. 60

Let us study the first chapter of Second Peter. In this Scripture our spiritual life-insurance policy is clearly brought to view. After specifying the work that it is essential for us to carry forward in the religious life—to live on the plan of addition—the apostle declares:

15LtMs, Ms 81, 1900, par. 61

“If these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure.” [Verses 8-10.]

15LtMs, Ms 81, 1900, par. 63

The apostle continues: “If ye do these things, ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord.” [Verses 10, 11.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 33, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 33, 1901, par. 2

“Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” [Matthew 6:33.] This is the condition God has made. This is the foundation stone upon which we must build. This is to be our very first work. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.” The work of seeking includes much. In it the heart, mind, soul, and strength are to be enlisted. This affects the entire character, as is shown in the first chapter of second Peter. All who will follow the principles outlined in this chapter secure for themselves life insurance papers as they seek for the righteousness of Christ. They become one with the Saviour. They are made partakers of the divine nature. The character is molded after the similitude of Christ. It grows into a holy temple for the Lord. Through them light shines forth to the church and to the world.

16LtMs, Ms 33, 1901, par. 23

Speaking by the inspiration of the Spirit of God, the apostle exhorts us, “Add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.” [2 Peter 1:5-10.]

The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 52—Steadfast Unto the End

AA 529.1

In the second letter addressed by Peter to those who had obtained “like precious faith” with himself, the apostle sets forth the divine plan for the development of Christian character. He writes:

AA 529.2

“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

AA 529.3

“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

AA 530.1

These words are full of instruction, and strike the keynote of victory. The apostle presents before the believers the ladder of Christian progress, every step of which represents advancement in the knowledge of God, and in the climbing of which there is to be no standstill. Faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity are the rounds of the ladder. We are saved by climbing round after round, mounting step after step, to the height of Christ’s ideal for us. Thus He is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.

AA 530.2

God has called His people to glory and virtue, and these will be manifest in the lives of all who are truly connected with Him. Having become partakers of the heavenly gift, they are to go on unto perfection, being “kept by the power of God through faith.” 1 Peter 1:5. It is the glory of God to give His virtue to His children. He desires to see men and women reaching the highest standard; and when by faith they lay hold of the power of Christ, when they plead His unfailing promises, and claim them as their own, when with an importunity that will not be denied they seek for the power of the Holy Spirit, they will be made complete in Him.

AA 530.3

Having received the faith of the gospel, the next work of the believer is to add to his character virtue, and thus cleanse the heart and prepare the mind for the reception of the knowledge of God. This knowledge is the foundation of all true education and of all true service. It is the only real safeguard against temptation; and it is this alone that can make one like God in character. Through the knowledge of God and of His Son Jesus Christ, are given to the believer “all things that pertain unto life and godliness.” No good gift is withheld from him who sincerely desires to obtain the righteousness of God.

AA 531.1

“This is life eternal,” Christ said, “that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.” John 17:3. And the prophet Jeremiah declared: “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me, that I am the Lord which exercise loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.” Jeremiah 9:23, 24. Scarcely can the human mind comprehend the breadth and depth and height of the spiritual attainments of him who gains this knowledge.

AA 531.2

None need fail of attaining, in his sphere, to perfection of Christian character. By the sacrifice of Christ, provision has been made for the believer to receive all things that pertain to life and godliness. God calls upon us to reach the standard of perfection and places before us the example of Christ’s character. In His humanity, perfected by a life of constant resistance of evil, the Saviour showed that through co-operation with Divinity, human beings may in this life attain to perfection of character. This is God’s assurance to us that we, too, may obtain complete victory.

AA 532.1

Before the believer is held out the wonderful possibility of being like Christ, obedient to all the principles of the law. But of himself man is utterly unable to reach this condition. The holiness that God’s word declares he must have before he can be saved is the result of the working of divine grace as he bows in submission to the discipline and restraining influences of the Spirit of truth. Man’s obedience can be made perfect only by the incense of Christ’s righteousness, which fills with divine fragrance every act of obedience. The part of the Christian is to persevere in overcoming every fault. Constantly he is to pray to the Saviour to heal the disorders of his sin-sick soul. He has not the wisdom or the strength to overcome; these belong to the Lord, and He bestows them on those who in humiliation and contrition seek Him for help.

AA 532.2

The work of transformation from unholiness to holiness is a continuous one. Day by day God labors for man’s sanctification, and man is to co-operate with Him, putting forth persevering efforts in the cultivation of right habits. He is to add grace to grace; and as he thus works on the plan of addition, God works for him on the plan of multiplication. Our Saviour is always ready to hear and answer the prayer of the contrite heart, and grace and peace are multiplied to His faithful ones. Gladly He grants them the blessings they need in their struggle against the evils that beset them.

AA 532.3

There are those who attempt to ascend the ladder of Christian progress; but as they advance they begin to put their trust in the power of man, and soon lose sight of Jesus, the Author and Finisher of their faith. The result is failure—the loss of all that has been gained. Sad indeed is the condition of those who, becoming weary of the way, allow the enemy of souls to rob them of the Christian graces that have been developing in their hearts and lives. “He that lacketh these things,” declares the apostle, “is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.”

AA 533.1

The apostle Peter had had a long experience in the things of God. His faith in God’s power to save had strengthened with the years, until he had proved beyond question that there is no possibility of failure before the one who, advancing by faith, ascends round by round, ever upward and onward, to the topmost round of the ladder that reaches even to the portals of heaven.

AA 533.2

For many years Peter had been urging upon the believers the necessity of a constant growth in grace and in a knowledge of the truth; and now, knowing that soon he would be called to suffer martyrdom for his faith, he once more drew attention to the precious privileges within the reach of every believer. In the full assurance of his faith the aged disciple exhorted his brethren to steadfastness of purpose in the Christian life. “Give diligence,” he pleaded, “to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” Precious assurance! Glorious is the hope before the believer as he advances by faith toward the heights of Christian perfection!

AA 534.1

“I will not be negligent,” the apostle continued, “to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath showed me. Moreover I will endeavor that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.”

AA 534.2

The apostle was well qualified to speak of the purposes of God concerning the human race; for during the earthly ministry of Christ he had seen and heard much that pertained to the kingdom of God. “We have not followed cunningly devised fables,” he reminded the believers, “when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For He received from God the Father honor and glory, when there came such a voice to Him from the excellent glory, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with Him in the holy mount.”

AA 534.3

Yet convincing as was this evidence of the certainty of the believers’ hope, there was another still more convincing in the witness of prophecy, through which the faith of all might be confirmed and securely anchored. “We have also,” Peter declared, “a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the daystar arise in your hearts: knowing this first, that no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”

AA 535.1

While exalting the “sure word of prophecy” as a safe guide in times of peril, the apostle solemnly warned the church against the torch of false prophecy, which would be uplifted by “false teachers,” who would privily bring in “damnable heresies, even denying the Lord.” These false teachers, arising in the church and accounted true by many of their brethren in the faith, the apostle compared to “wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved forever.” “The latter end is worse with them,” he declared, “than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.”

AA 535.2

Looking down through the ages to the close of time, Peter was inspired to outline conditions that would exist in the world just prior to the second coming of Christ. “There shall come in the last days scoffers,” he wrote, “walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of His coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.” But “when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them.” 1 Thessalonians 5:3. Not all, however, would be ensnared by the enemy’s devices. As the end of all things earthly should approach, there would be faithful ones able to discern the signs of the times. While a large number of professing believers would deny their faith by their works, there would be a remnant who would endure to the end.

AA 536.1

Peter kept alive in his heart the hope of Christ’s return, and he assured the church of the certain fulfillment of the Saviour’s promise, “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself.” John 14:3. To the tried and faithful ones the coming might seem long delayed, but the apostle assured them: “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

AA 536.2

“Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

AA 536.3

“Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless. And account that the long-suffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you.... Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”

AA 537.1

In the providence of God, Peter was permitted to close his ministry in Rome, where his imprisonment was ordered by the emperor Nero about the time of Paul’s final arrest. Thus the two veteran apostles, who for many years had been widely separated in their labors, were to bear their last witness for Christ in the world’s metropolis, and upon its soil to shed their blood as the seed of a vast harvest of saints and martyrs.

AA 537.2

Since his reinstatement after his denial of Christ, Peter had unflinchingly braved danger and had shown a noble courage in preaching a crucified, risen, and ascended Saviour. As he lay in his cell he called to mind the words that Christ had spoken to him: “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.” John 21:18. Thus Jesus had made known to the disciple the very manner of his death, and even foretold the stretching of his hands upon the cross.

AA 537.3

Peter, as a Jew and a foreigner, was condemned to be scourged and crucified. In prospect of this fearful death, the apostle remembered his great sin in denying Jesus in the hour of His trial. Once so unready to acknowledge the cross, he now counted it a joy to yield up his life for the gospel, feeling only that, for him who had denied his Lord, to die in the same manner as his Master died was too great an honor. Peter had sincerely repented of that sin and had been forgiven by Christ, as is shown by the high commission given him to feed the sheep and lambs of the flock. But he could never forgive himself. Not even the thought of the agonies of the last terrible scene could lessen the bitterness of his sorrow and repentance. As a last favor he entreated his executioners that he might be nailed to the cross with his head downward. The request was granted, and in this manner died the great apostle Peter.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 95, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 95, 1901, par. 28

The speaker asked, “Had this man on the robe of Christ’s righteousness?” One replied, “I am not in the habit of viewing things as you view them, but I am very sure that our friend will be saved.” The answer came, “If he had been a faithful servant of God, his voice would have been heard giving expression to his love for his Creator. He could not live in eternal association with the children of the heavenly King, if on this earth his heart was not in harmony with them. If he did not love God supremely and his neighbor as himself, if he was selfish, cruel, exacting, grasping advantages to the injury of his neighbor, if he did not repent and make restitution, how could he meet in loving companionship those he had injured? Talk of a tranquil death will not give him entrance to heaven. The instruction in the first chapter of second Peter is definite and explicit. It outlines the character that must be formed by those who gain an entrance into the city of God.”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 126, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 126, 1901, par. 2

Last Sabbath Brother Mills drove us to Santa Rosa where I spoke to a good congregation. I had much freedom in speaking from the first chapter of second Peter. Every time I speak from this chapter, the instruction it contains seems more precious, and I never felt this more decidedly than when I spoke last Sabbath. Brother Mills requested that the discourse be written out and published.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 118, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 118, 1901, par. 21

Read the first four verses of the first chapter of second Peter. The apostle says, “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue; whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” Study this Scripture and see in it the possibilities before you. As you work for God on the plan of addition, He will work for you on the plan of multiplication. And “so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” [Verse 11.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 70, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 70, 1901, par. 12

I slept from nine o’clock until half past three. At the meeting yesterday the church was crowded. It is estimated that there were four hundred people present. The Lord gave me much freedom in speaking from the first chapter of 2 Peter. The meeting continued throughout the day. A. T. Jones spoke in the afternoon. I speak again this morning at eight o’clock. At eleven we take the cars for Chicago, and at ten the same evening we start for Des Moines. I am feeling well this morning. My heart goes out in gratitude and thanksgiving to God for His blessing.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 183, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 183, 1901, par. 6

The precious Sabbath and Sunday meetings in the new hired hall which Elder Haskell had been trying to secure were a grand success. The blessing of the Lord to work unity prepared the way for my testimony on Sabbath. This was a success. Seven hundred people were before me and an excellent representation of Sabbath-keepers. But few outsiders were in the meeting on Sabbath. The Lord gave me freedom in speaking from the seventeenth chapter of John. Sunday afternoon about as many were present. The Sabbath school children were left at home; yet all who could be seated were present. Quite a large number of outsiders were present. The Lord gave me freedom in speaking from second Peter, the first chapter. They all seemed much pleased and expressed themselves thus in regard to both discourses. Elder Franke spoke by invitation Sunday evening. They report he did excellently.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 11, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 11, 1901, par. 14

The Lord calls upon His people to unify. This is especially necessary in Healdsburg, because in that place there has been little understanding of this matter. “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” [John 3:19.] The first chapter of second Peter contains so much precious instruction that those who do not place themselves where they can understand the difference between the principles of God’s kingdom and the principles of the world, would be condemned if there were no other instruction in God’s Word. The apostle says, “Add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” [Verses 5-8.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 147, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 147, 1901, par. 13

The battle is before us. We can come off victorious; for through Christ we can be partakers of the divine nature, “having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” [2 Peter 1:4.] How glad I am that this is so! How glad we all should be! When we had nothing to recommend us to God, Christ gave His life for us. With His long human arm He encircles the race, while with His divine arm He grasps the throne of the Infinite. Thus finite man is united with the infinite God. The world, divorced from God by sin, has been restored to favor by the sacrifice of His Son. With His own body the Saviour has bridged the gulf that sin has made.

16LtMs, Ms 147, 1901, par. 14

In the first chapter of second Peter we read, “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you, through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue; that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” [Verses 2-4.]

16LtMs, Ms 147, 1901, par. 15

By reading this chapter you will see that we have been given a sum to work out. We are to work on the plan of addition. “Add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” [Verses 5-8.]

16LtMs, Ms 147, 1901, par. 42

I will give you a recipe against depending upon man. In the first chapter of second Peter there is recorded the plan of addition upon which we are to live, and then the apostle says, “If these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.” [Verses 8, 9.] How many here have forgotten to pay God His tithe? How many are robbing God, and at the same time expecting His blessing, wondering why they do not have more vitality and power and grace? How many have forgotten that God will purge us from the sin of covetousness?

16LtMs, Ms 147, 1901, par. 43

“Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall. For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” [Verses 10, 11.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 84, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 84, 1901, par. 30

Read and study the first chapter of the second epistle of Peter. Work upon the plan of addition brought to view in this Scripture. “Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off.” [Verses 5-9.] No; with all his pride of education, he cannot see the outcome. He does not see that he will lose eternal life, because he does not submit his heart to Jesus Christ, to be softened and subdued and fashioned after the divine similitude.

16LtMs, Ms 84, 1901, par. 31

“But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence (observe the reason for being diligent) to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things (notice what should be done in order to be transferred to the higher grade, the school of heaven) ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” [Verses 9-11.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 70, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 70, 1901, par. 26

Peter declares, “We have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” [2 Peter 1:16.]

16LtMs, Ms 70, 1901, par. 28

The first chapter of second Peter contains instruction which should be given in our schools and churches. The flock of God is to be fed with pure provender, thoroughly winnowed from the chaff. The minds of those who have mixed truth and error, presenting fables as truth, need to be purified and elevated, that they may grasp the immortal truths which concern the soul’s salvation. The work for these last days is a most solemn, important work. No man has a right to give the people of God a message not indited by the Holy Spirit. Those who do this are doing a work which <must> be counterworked.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 183, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 183, 1901, par. 6

God has made every provision to enable us to reach the standard which he has placed before us. Christ died in order that we might be partakers of the divine nature, and thus escape the corruption that is in the world. God wants us to live on the plan of addition outlined in the first chapter of Second Peter. Constantly we are to press onward and upward. Our religion is to be progressive.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 153, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 153, 1902, par. 17

Sabbath. This morning I spoke to the church here. I had much freedom in speaking from the first chapter of second Peter. All seemed to be deeply interested, and I think my message was timely. The attendance was good. This afternoon W. C. White takes the meeting, and tomorrow afternoon I shall speak again. I am rather weary; nevertheless, I shall try to write to you. I am just as anxious to write to you as you are to write to me. This afternoon I received your letter, Sister Haskell, which you sent to St. Helena. Sister Peck sent me the letter you wrote to her. I was very glad indeed to get these letters. Every letter that you have written me has been eagerly perused. You need never fear that I shall not be interested; for I am deeply interested in every crumb of news you send.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 229, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 53

Here we have, in the second epistle of Peter, from the first verse, in the first chapter you will read—and it is a wonderful chapter. “Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ (now, mind who they are), to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.”

17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 55

“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you (remember the word multiplied) through the knowledge of God.” [2 Peter 1:2.] It is multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God. Then let all this superficial knowledge that does not amount to anything, only to confuse the mind, and make it go astray; let that go, for our learning is only in the Bible and we do not know half of what the teachings of the Bible are. We want to make that our lesson book in our home and in our schools. We want to educate our children and to teach them that as they know God, they will live on the plan of addition.

17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 56

A little farther: “According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness.” Has He drawn a line here? “All things.” “According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge”—(are you teaching that knowledge in your home and gaining it yourself?)—“through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue.” [Verse 3.] How? By hanging on Calvary’s cross and dying for us and for our children.

17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 57

“Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” [Verse 4.] That is how you are to overcome—not by fretting, not by scolding, not by pounding your children’s flesh, but by sitting and leading and praying with them, and you will get the Spirit of Christ. You will get that sympathy, love, tenderness, and compassion that dwelt in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ.

17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 58

“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith (faith is not enough) virtue”—a virtuous character. Begin today, this very day, if you have never begun before. “And to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance.” [Verses 5, 6.] Intemperance is stalking through our land, because the devil has the ruling of it. We cannot afford it. We cannot afford to put out one jot of our reason. God wants our capabilities, all the powers, all the light, all the knowledge, that we can give, that we may be His laborers to the world and let our light shine upon the world.

17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 60

“And to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity (love). For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence. ...” [Verses 6-10.] A few minutes now and then to read a chapter in the Bible, or to pray now and then? More than that.

17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 62

These are your life insurance policy papers, it is life insurance papers that you will have that life which measures with the life of God. “For if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.” Do you believe it? I do. “For so an entrance” (now you are to find what your insurance policy papers will give). “For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.” [Verses 10-12.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 6a, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 6a, 1902, par. 8

Let the young men and young women who are preparing for service read and study the third chapter of Colossians, and the first chapter of Second Peter, and also the following Scriptures: “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:12-16. “Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in all things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.” Hebrews 2:17, 18.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 103, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 103, 1902, par. 15

It is your privilege to make the advancement spoken of in the first chapter of second Peter. Working on the plan of addition, you will add daily to your store of the knowledge of God and of Christ; and God will work for you on the plan of multiplication.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 222, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 222, 1902, par. 5

Sunday spoke again in the grove to a small congregation. Quite a large number of these were those not of our faith. For this purpose we were having these out-of-door meetings. I dwelt largely upon 2 Peter 1. All present gave the best of attention, and several said they were much benefited in hearing the words spoken. One doctor was present and spoke of his great satisfaction in listening to the words. I said, “It is all Bible. You will find the comfort in the Word.” He answered, “Yes, but it is the way it was put that made the discourse very interesting and instructive.”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 15, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 15, 1902, par. 12

Study carefully, verse by verse, the first chapter of second Peter. And as you study it, may the Lord impress your mind, showing you your right relation to His work in our sanitariums and toward those who are connected with this work. Seek the Lord and walk in all humility of mind before Him. My sister, I write this as a caution, and I ask you to heed it.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 4, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 4, 1902, par. 27

Let the young men and young women who are qualifying themselves for service read and study the third chapter of Colossians, and the first chapter of second Peter, and also the following Scriptures: “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight. But all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Seeing then that we have a great high priest that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in every time of need.” “In all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted.” [Hebrews 4:12-16; 2:17, 18.]