EGW Writings2 Peter 2

Reflecting Christ

We have a “More Sure Word of Prophecy,” July 26

RC 221.4

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” (2 Peter 2:1). 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 for ever.” “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.” ...

Ye Shall Receive Power

To Warn About Future Deceptions, August 18

YRP 239.1

But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 Peter 2:1.

From Here to Forever

Truth Rejected Because It Involves a Cross

HF 323.2

The less spiritual and self-denying the doctrines presented, the greater the favor with which they are received. Satan is ready to supply the heart’s desire, and he palms off deception in the place of truth. It was thus that the papacy gained its power over the minds of men. And by rejection of the truth because it involves a cross, Protestants are following the same path. All who study convenience and policy, that they may not be at variance with the world, will be left to receive “damnable heresy” for truth. 2 Peter 2:1. He who looks with horror upon one deception will readily receive another. “For this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believe not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:11, 12.

The Great Hope (Condensed)

Truth Rejected Because It Involves a Cross

GrH_c 10.8

The less spiritual and self-denying the doctrines presented, the greater the favor with which they are received. Satan is ready to supply the heart’s desire, and he palms off deception in the place of truth. It was thus that the papacy gained its power over the minds of men. And by rejection of the truth because it involves a cross, Protestants are following the same path. All who study convenience and policy, that they may not be at variance with the world, will be left to receive “damnable heresy” for truth. 2 Peter 2:1. He who looks with horror upon one deception will readily receive another.*In the complete book, The Great Controversy, readers will find the story of how most of the Christian world gradually departed from the teachings of the Bible.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 73, 1911

25LtMs, Ms 73, 1911, par. 15

We read, “But there were false prophets also among the people.” [2 Peter 2:1.] We have got to stand the ground, and we want our lives to be spotless, without a wrinkle or any such thing. We want to follow on to know the Lord, that we may know that His going forth is prepared as the morning. It is preparation we must have. We must understand that our own selves must be consecrated to God. The Lord is coming, and we must prepare for His coming. In the place of your visiting and doing no one any special good, go right out to your neighbors with the Bible in your hands, and try to teach them the truth as it is in Jesus. We must give an account for the light God has given us. He will let increased light shine upon us. We want a character that will stand the test of the judgment. We must not neglect our children for visitors. Tell them kindly that you must give your time to your children. You cannot give your time to mere chatting about clothes and bonnets and hats, etc. We want now to have the dress that shall be spotless, that will stand before the Son of God in His kingdom, without spot or wrinkle in our character. We want to bring Christ into our homes. When I see the children, it makes my heart ache, and I want to do something or say something for them. Children, Jesus wants you to give your lives to Him. He wants you to serve Him, and He will imprint His image upon your character if you will do this, but you cannot afford to be lax. You cannot afford in any way to go contrary to the light that your religious parents shall bring to you, in order to have your own way.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 1 [Nos. 19-96]

Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation

1MR 64.1

We read in Peter, “There were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of” (2 Peter 2:1, 2).

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 67—Ancient and Modern Sorcery

PP 686.1

Modern spiritualism, resting upon the same foundation, is but a revival in a new form of the witchcraft and demon worship that God condemned and prohibited of old. It is foretold in the Scriptures, which declare that “in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.” 1 Timothy 4:1. Paul, in his second letter to the Thessalonians, points to the special working of Satan in spiritualism as an event to take place immediately before the second advent of Christ. Speaking of Christ’s second coming, he declares that it is “after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9. And Peter, describing the dangers to which the church was to be exposed in the last days, says that as there were false prophets who led Israel into sin, so there will be false teachers, “who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them.... And many shall follow their pernicious ways.” 2 Peter 2:1, 2. Here the apostle has pointed out one of the marked characteristics of spiritualist teachers. They refuse to acknowledge Christ as the Son of God. Concerning such teachers the beloved John declares: “Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father.” 1 John 2:22, 23. Spiritualism, by denying Christ, denies both the Father and the Son, and the Bible pronounces it the manifestation of antichrist.

From Eternity Past

Identity of Spiritualism Revealed

EP 497.3

Modern spiritualism is a revival of the witchcraft and demon worship that God condemned of old. It is foretold in the Scriptures, which declare that “in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.” 1 Timothy 4:1. In the last days there will be false teachers. 2 Peter 2:1, 2. Spiritualist teachers refuse to acknowledge Christ as the Son of God. Concerning such teachers the beloved John declares: “Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father.” 1 John 2:22, 23. Spiritualism, by denying Christ, denies both the Father and the Son, and the Bible pronounces it the manifestation of antichrist.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 174, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 174, 1899, par. 14

We read in Peter, “There were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.” [2 Peter 2:1, 2.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 212, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 212, 1903, par. 21

“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring unto themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their pernicious ways, by reason of whom the truth shall be evil spoken of, and through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you.” [2 Peter 1:12, 13, 16-21; 2:1-3.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 161, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 161, 1903, par. 8

“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways, by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you, whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, [to be reserved unto judgment; and spared not the old world,] but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly, and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah [into ashes] condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto them that after should live ungodly, and delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked. ... The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished.” [2 Peter 2:1-7, 9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 94, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 94, 1903, par. 33

“There were false prophets also among the people,” says the apostle Peter concerning the church anciently, “even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; and spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; and delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: (for that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) the Lord knoweth now to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished.” [2 Peter 2:1-9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 76, 1910

25LtMs, Ms 76, 1910, par. 1

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

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

MR No. 1015—Men and Women Physicians

13MR 113.1

[2 Peter 2:1-12, quoted.] Now here is a rule for us that we can carry out if we will. I am so thankful that the Lord is so gracious to us, that He has given us Jesus as a Pattern. He did not exalt Himself; He came to this earth, and was meek and lowly in heart. He traveled around on foot from place to place, and yet He was the greatest Teacher that has ever stepped on the soil. Now, the Lord would have us in the position of learning from Him and of being just what He would have us to be. I want to speak something of how the Lord would have us carry on the work of God sensibly, men and women connected in the work, and each carrying their part, but in a way that God will be glorified.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 2, 1911

25LtMs, Ms 2, 1911, par. 2

2 Peter 2:1-12, quoted. Now here is a rule for us that we can carry out if we will. I am so thankful that the Lord is so gracious to us, that He has given us Jesus as a pattern. He did not exalt Himself; He came to this earth and was meek and lowly in heart. He traveled around on foot from place to place, and yet He was the greatest teacher that has ever stepped on the soil. Now, the Lord would have us in the position of learning from Him and of being just what He would have us to be. I want to speak something of how the Lord would have us carry on the work of God sensibly, men and women connected in the work, and each carrying their part, but in a way that God will be glorified.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Ms 9, 1880

3LtMs, Ms 9, 1880, par. 40

Why will so many be indifferent to the warnings given from Peter’s time down to the present and be deceived and ensnared? “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily (not openly) shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.” 2 Peter 2:1. In no way can Christ be so decidedly denied as in the iniquitous works of licentiousness which bring the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience by those who profess to be His followers. “And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the truth shall be evil spoken of.” Verse 2. The class here referred to are not those who openly claim to have no faith in Christ. It is a people who profess to believe the truth and by their vileness of character bring a reproach upon the cause of truth, causing it to be evil spoken of. “And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.” Verse 3. “But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their corruption; and shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the daytime. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness. ...

3LtMs, Ms 9, 1880, par. 42

“While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.” Verses 12-19.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Lt 104, 1911

25LtMs, Lt 104, 1911, par. 18

“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways, by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.” [2 Peter 2:1, 2.]

25LtMs, Lt 104, 1911, par. 20

“And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you, whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment, and spared not the old world, but saved Noah, the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly, and turning the city of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly, and delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked, ... the Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished.” [Verses 3-9.]

25LtMs, Lt 104, 1911, par. 22

“For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption, for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them 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.” [Verses 18-21.]

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.

The Review and Herald

April 21, 1896

RH April 21, 1896, par. 7

The second chapter of 2 Peter presents the true condition of the world at this time, and the third chapter is full of warnings and counsel for the followers of Christ. 1 Peter 1:1-11 also contains the very instruction that we need. Shall we heed these admonitions of the Lord?

From Trials to Triumph

Chapter 52—Peter Crucified at Rome

TT 278.1

In his second letter the apostle Peter sets forth the divine plan for developing Christian character. He writes: God “has granted to us His precious and very great promises, that through these you may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of passion, and become partakers of the divine nature.”

TT 278.2

“Make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.”

TT 278.3

The apostle presents before the believers the ladder of Christian progress. Every step represents advancement in the knowledge of God. We are saved by climbing round after round to the height of Christ’s ideal for us. God desires to see men and women reaching the highest standard; and when by faith they lay hold of Christ, when they claim His promises as their own, when they seek for the Holy Spirit, they will be made complete in Him.

TT 278.4

Having received the faith of the gospel, the believer is to add to his character virtue, and thus prepare the mind for the knowledge of God. This knowledge is the foundation of all true service and the only real safeguard against temptation. This alone can make one like God in character. No good gift is withheld from him who sincerely desires the righteousness of God.

TT 279.1

None need fail of attaining, in his sphere, to perfection of Christian character. God 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 cooperation with Divinity, human beings may in this life attain to perfection of character. We may obtain complete victory.

TT 279.2

Before the believer there is held out the wonderful possibility of being obedient to all the principles of the law. But of himself man is unable to reach this condition. The holiness that he must have is the result of the working of divine grace as he submits to the discipline and restraining influences of the Spirit of truth. The incense of Christ’s righteousness fills with divine fragrance every act of obedience. The Christian is to persevere in overcoming every fault. Constantly he is to pray the Saviour to heal the disorders of his sin-sick soul. The Lord bestows strength to overcome on those who in contrition seek Him for help.

TT 279.3

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 cooperate with Him. Our Saviour is always ready to answer the prayer of the contrite. Gladly He grants the blessings needed in their struggle against the evils that beset them.

TT 279.4

Sad indeed is the condition of those who, becoming weary, allow the enemy of souls to rob them of the Christian graces that have been developing in their hearts and lives. “Whoever lacks these things,” declares the apostle, “is blind and shortsighted and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.”

TT 279.5

Peter’s faith in God’s power to save had strengthened with the years. He had proved that there is no possibility of failure before the one who, advancing by faith, ascends to the topmost round of the ladder. Knowing that soon he would suffer martyrdom for his faith, Peter once more exhorted his brethren to steadfastness of purpose: “Therefore, brethren, be the more zealous to confirm your call and election, for if you do this you will never fall; so there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”

TT 280.1

“I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to arouse you by way of reminder, since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me. And I will see to it that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.”

TT 280.2

“We did not follow cleverly devised myths” about Jesus, he reminded the believers, “but we were eye-witnesses of His majesty. For when He received honor and glory from God the Father and the voice was borne to Him by the Majestic Glory, ‘This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,’ we heard this voice borne from heaven, for we were with Him on the holy mountain.”

TT 280.3

Yet there was another even more convincing witness. “We have,” Peter declared, “the prophetic word made more sure. You will do well to pay attention to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts... . No prophecy ever came by the impulse of man, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.”

TT 280.4

While exalting true prophecy, the apostle solemnly warned the church against the torch of false prophecy, uplifted by “false teachers” who would bring in “destructive heresies, even denying the Master.” These false teachers, accounted true by many of their brethren in the faith, the apostle compared to “waterless springs and mists driven by a storm; for them the nether gloom of darkness has been reserved... . It would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them.”

TT 281.1

Looking down the ages, Peter was inspired to outline conditions in the world just prior to the second coming of Christ. “Scoffers will come in the last days,” he wrote, “following their own passions and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming?’” Not all, however, would be ensnared by the enemy’s devices. There would be faithful ones able to discern the signs of the times, a remnant who would endure to the end.

TT 281.2

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, “I will come again.” John 14:3. The coming might seem long delayed, but the apostle assured them: “The Lord is not slow about His promise as some count slowness, but is forbearing toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”

TT 281.3

“Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of persons ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be kindled and dissolved, and the elements will melt with fire! But according to His promise we wait for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.”

TT 281.4

“Beloved, knowing this beforehand, beware lest you be carried away with the error of lawless men and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”

TT 281.5

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

TT 281.6

Peter had 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 of Christ: “When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldst: 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. Jesus had foretold the stretching of the disciple’s hands on the cross.

TT 282.1

As a Jew and foreigner, Peter was condemned to be scourged and crucified. In prospect of this fearful death, the apostle remembered his sin in denying Jesus in the hour of His trial. Once unready to acknowledge the cross, he now counted it a joy to yield up his life for the gospel. But he felt that for him to die in the same manner as his Master died was too great an honor. He had been forgiven by Christ, but he could never forgive himself. Nothing 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. This request was granted, and in this manner died the great apostle Peter.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Ms 8, 1873

2LtMs, Ms 8, 1873, par. 11

No rain yet. We went upon the ground early. Brother Butler was talking to the people. In the forenoon my husband talked quite profitably on the progress of the cause of present truth. He had considerable freedom. I spoke in the afternoon from 2 Peter. I had freedom in talking. After I had spoken one hour I invited those who wished to be Christians to come forward. Between thirty and forty came forward quietly without excitement and occupied the front seats. I spoke with them in regard to making an entire surrender to God. We had a praying season for those who came forward. We had a very precious season of prayer. Those who wished baptism were requested to signify it by rising. Quite a number arose. The candidates were then examined and afterward repaired to the water and Brother Butler buried twenty-five beneath the water. It was a very interesting occasion.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 78, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 78, 1893, par. 68

These things, linked with 2 Peter, made a deep impression on minds, and the young men told Sister Caro that they never heard the subject of temperance presented so before and it meant far more to them since hearing Mrs. White than ever before. “There is reason in her remarks. She appeals to our reason and makes us feel that we must give attention to these things.”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 13, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 13, 1895, par. 10

The second chapter of 2 Peter presents the true condition of the world at this time. And the third chapter is full of warnings and counsel for the followers of Christ. 1 Peter 1:1-11 also contains the very instruction that we need. Shall we heed these admonitions of the Lord?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 57, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 57, 1900, par. 15

There is no such thing in the Word of God as unconditional election—once in grace, always in grace. In the second chapter of Second Peter the subject is made plain and distinct. After a history of some who followed an evil course, the explanation is given: “which have forsaken the right way, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; ... These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with the tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved forever. For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.

15LtMs, Ms 57, 1900, par. 16

“While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.” Here is a class of whom the apostle warns, “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.” [Verses 15, 17-21.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 55, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 55, 1900, par. 18

The second and third chapters of Second Peter gives a description of the situation. God wants us to make special efforts for the ministers. Make personal efforts in their behalf. Ask them to search the Scriptures with you. It is the duty of those who open the Scriptures to others to know for themselves what is written in the law. This is for the present and eternal good of their own souls and the souls of those they claim to be guiding in the path of holiness.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 224a, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 224a, 1906, par. 8

I have much to speak of now in 1 and 2 Peter. These two epistles represent the two parties. Read and understand Revelation 3. Especially see the force of the first three verses in (Revelation 3), then trace down the whole chapter, a most tremendous testimony. Revelation 16:13-21; 18; 21; 22. These are things which will call our minds in these last days. Thus hath it been given from God in solemn warning. The lesson is before us, reminding us of the things which will be. These things Christ Himself made known to John while he was on the Isle of Patmos. They are the last events of this earth’s history, and if Satan can keep minds confused now, he gains a great victory.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 142, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 142, 1906, par. 12

The very best thing that you can do in the world is to seek the “life insurance policy.” There is a life insurance policy that is given to us in Second Peter, and we want to know in regard to that policy. He begins to tell us of the wonderful work that may be given to the children of God. And he tells us in regard to the grace that is to be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. Take the magazines out of your houses; do not keep them to search into.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 188, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 188, 1906, par. 4

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

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 374, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 374, 1907, par. 25

Several times in the night season as your dangers have been presented to me, I have found myself repeating to you words from the Second Epistle of Peter:

22LtMs, Lt 374, 1907, par. 32

“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.” [2 Peter 1:11-13, 16-21; 2:1-3.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 25, 1911

Long Beach, California

August 16, 1911

Previously unpublished. +NoteOne or more typed copies of this document contain additional Ellen White handwritten interlineations which may be viewed at the main office of the Ellen G. White Estate.

25LtMs, Ms 25, 1911, 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.

25LtMs, Ms 25, 1911, 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 be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 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 1:1-10.]

25LtMs, Ms 25, 1911, par. 3

There is a responsibility resting upon every one of us—a responsibility to make our calling and election sure. And if we do these things, the promise is, “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.

25LtMs, Ms 25, 1911, par. 4

“Wherefore,” the apostle continues, “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 10-13.]

25LtMs, Ms 25, 1911, par. 5

Again the apostle writes: “This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you, in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: that ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, 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.” [2 Peter 3:1-4.] This class of people is spoken of as “willingly ignorant.” [Verse 5.] We do not want to be of that class; we need to understand the Word of the Lord and to follow on to know Him day by day. “Beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

25LtMs, Ms 25, 1911, par. 6

“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. 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.” [Verses 8-12.]

25LtMs, Ms 25, 1911, par. 7

Day by day there is impressed upon my mind the great danger of our neglecting to improve our opportunities to gather the light from the Word of God and to follow out that light faithfully. There is always more light for us as we follow on to know the Lord. Especially is this true of the parents’ work in the home. They have a special responsibility. The fathers, though they are engaged in business most of the day, and are much away from home, should be careful to walk in the love and fear of God, that they may bring to their families the blessings which God gives to all who look to Him and trust in Him.

25LtMs, Ms 25, 1911, par. 8

Who are preparing to meet the Lord? Who among us are keeping the mind stayed upon Him, having their conversation of that character that it shall bring light and peace and comfort and blessing into the home? We need to be preparing for the wonderful review that is soon to take place. Fathers and mothers, deal with your children in such a way that they will have light and knowledge in regard to Christ, and in regard to what they must be and do in order to have an entrance into the kingdom of God.

25LtMs, Ms 25, 1911, par. 9

Every day we are to prepare for this by every day having an increased faith. Speak words that the children and youth will think of with pleasure when you are not with them. It is your privilege so to speak and act before your children, that wherever they are, at home, at school, or engaged in the work of the world, they will be helped and comforted and encouraged at the remembrance of your words and your prayers. But if you would do this, you must look continually to Him who is the author and finisher of your faith.

25LtMs, Ms 25, 1911, par. 10

Let us at this meeting keep the mind in a religious atmosphere. How can we do this, do you ask? You can study the life of the Saviour and the sacrifice He made when He came into this world and gave His life that He might make a way for you to be saved. Let us at this meeting accept the salvation of God. Let us come to Him with the simplicity of children. Let us bring our children with us, impressing upon their minds that now is the time and opportunity to be converted, to decide to love and serve God, and to do those things that are pleasing in His sight.

25LtMs, Ms 25, 1911, par. 11

Fathers and mothers, be the educators of your children. Converse with them upon religious things. Teach them the Word of God. Cultivate a sweet disposition. Then there need be spoken no words of anger or scolding or fretting. If your children disobey you, take them alone and talk with them. Show them that they have grieved the Spirit of Christ. Tell them that whenever they give way to temper, the sweet Spirit of the Lord is not talking to their hearts. Teach them that Christ gave His life that they might learn to yield to His Spirit and come into union with God. Then whether they live or die, in the changing circumstances of life, or if called into the valley of the shadow of death, their love for Christ and His love for them will sustain them. Their hope will be steadfast and the confidence will be unshaken. Happy is that soul who in the hour of death finds his faith strong in the assurance of a glad resurrection, when, awaking at the voice of the Lifegiver, he shall see the Saviour as He is. My brethren and sisters, let us make Christ first and last, our hope for this life, and our blessed reality in the life to come.

25LtMs, Ms 25, 1911, par. 12

Do you want to take your children with you to the kingdom of God? Do you want them to stand uncondemned in the judgment, saved from their sins through faith in Christ? Then labor that they may be converted right in the home. Pray with them; teach them the requirements of the Word of God. This is the best thing you can do for them. It is far better than to try to please them by giving them their own way; for there will come a day when they cannot have their own way.

25LtMs, Ms 25, 1911, par. 13

Have your children put on the robe of Christ’s righteousness? Do they love God? If they do not, labor for them until they know by personal experience the joys of being children of God. Do not leave them to perish without the camp. Lead them to make their peace with God and to give their hearts to Him. This is your business, your chief business. Do not be satisfied with the prayers you offer for them at the family circle, but do personal, individual work for them until you are assured that they have made their peace with God, that His approval rests upon them, and that the light of heaven is revealed in their lives.

25LtMs, Ms 25, 1911, par. 14

These children and youth may attend the meetings, but that is not enough. You should know if these meetings are doing your children spiritual good. Learn from them if they understand what it means to humble their hearts before God and to have His peace in their hearts. Teach your children, line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little. Commend them to God. Then watch your own lives that you do not set an example that will undo the good that your instruction has accomplished.

25LtMs, Ms 25, 1911, par. 15

Do not speak of their faults before others, but deal with them kindly and considerately and in the spirit of Christ. If them have grieved you by wrongdoing, show them where they have erred. Bring them to God in the arms of your faith. Your work in the training of your children is just as important as that of the ordained minister. You need the light of heaven to come into your homes, into your hearts, that you may educate your children for the future immortal life. This is your chief business in this world. The Saviour revealed a wonderful love, a wonderful earnestness when He gave His life that we, sinful though we are, may be cleansed from all iniquity. He is the pattern to be followed by every Christian parent.

25LtMs, Ms 25, 1911, par. 16

You are to be educators. The minister cannot be at your side all the time to give you counsel regarding your work in the home. But you have the Word of the living God. Take that Word, and follow its teachings. “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 God and of Jesus our Lord.” [2 Peter 1:5-8.] What more precious promise can you have, fathers and mothers? What greater encouragement? Perhaps you are quick tempered, and when your children trouble you, you begin to scold them. Do you think that will make them religious? No indeed. What you need is hearts that are softened by the working of the Holy Spirit, that you may know how to deal with your children under all circumstances in a way that will reveal the Spirit of Christ.

25LtMs, Ms 25, 1911, par. 17

We want to see a far-reaching work done at this camp-meeting. Are you, parents, doing all you should to help your children to form right decisions? are you encouraging them to give their hearts to God and to prepare for the grand review that must soon take place? None can enter the city of God who have not formed characters after the divine similitude. If you make excuse for your hasty speech because it is natural for you to be quick tempered, your children will make excuse for themselves when they give way to temper. They will feel if father and mother are not particular about this thing, neither need they be particular. Let parents take hold of the work of preparing for the coming of the Son of man in the clouds of heaven. You know not how long you may be spared to do this work; therefore do not put it off. Jesus loves you. He gave His life for you that you might live your life for Him. Do not disappoint Him. Work in a simple way, pleading daily with God for power to make your work effectual. Seek to gather souls to God and to Christ.

25LtMs, Ms 25, 1911, par. 18

Keep ever before you the solemn event of the judgment. If there is found any sin upon you in that day, you cannot pass through the gates into the city of God. There is earnest work for you to do in this world where so much power is exercised to draw the mind from spiritual things. We need to consecrate ourselves unreservedly to God, experiencing daily the triumphs of the overcomer, that our children may understand what it means to overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. Those who are present at this camp-meeting have had a precious opportunity to hear the truth as it is in the Word. Will you return to your homes and forget all about these truths? Will you go on just as you did before this meeting, or will you here make a covenant with God by sacrifice? No matter what their age, bring your children to God, saying, I bring my children to Thee. Help me to live a consecrated life before them, that I may not grieve the heart of Christ or give an example that will influence my children for wrong.

25LtMs, Ms 25, 1911, par. 19

Jesus is coming soon, and Satan is putting forth every possible effort to make your children worldly and pleasure loving. He is glad when parents think there is no harm in these things. Parents, there is a great deal of harm. You are bought with a price, the price of the blood of the Son of God. Do not, I beseech of you, be careless. You have had opportunity here to hear the truth. Will you practice the truth? Will you teach it to your children? Will you seek to make impressions upon their minds that will lead them to give themselves to Christ? There is an immortal crown for every one to win who will let the spirit of obedience and self-denial for Christ’s sake control the life.

25LtMs, Ms 25, 1911, par. 20

The Son of God suffered the death of the cross that you might have eternal life. But there are conditions with which you must comply. The Saviour says, “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” [Matthew 16:24.] “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” [7:7.] Here is the Word of God; search its pages, for this is that which testifies of Him who declares, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” [John 14:6.]

25LtMs, Ms 25, 1911, par. 21

“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. And hereby do we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him. He that saith he abideth in Him, ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.

25LtMs, Ms 25, 1911, par. 22

“Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment, which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye heard from the beginning. Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth. He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness, even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.” [1 John 2:1-11.]

25LtMs, Ms 25, 1911, par. 23

The apostle John is careful to distinguish between children and parents. He writes: “I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for His name’s sake. I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known Him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. ... Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.” [Verses 12-17.]

25LtMs, Ms 25, 1911, par. 24

When Christ abides in the hearts of His people, there will be seen on their part an earnest desire to prepare for the mansions that Christ has gone to prepare for all who serve and honor Him in this world. Is this work taking place in this meeting? Is there a turning to the Lord with full purpose of heart? Are you encouraging one another to consecrate the heart and life to God? I greatly desire that the blessing of God shall come upon this congregation. O I long for this! A little longer, and this meeting will be closed. We ask you to take hold now of the work of seeking the Lord. How many have been doing this? How many will begin right now to do this? Let those in this congregation who will make a decided effort to follow on to know the Lord rise to your feet, thus making a pledge with God that you will advance heavenward. (Nearly all rise.) If you will set your hearts to do this work of pressing back the powers of darkness, and advancing toward the light, victories will be gained. Then when you come up to the gates of the city of God, you will be welcomed there. The crown of glory will be placed on your brow, the golden harp in your hand. You will be saved, eternally saved in the kingdom of God. My brethren and sisters, determine to make the effort, and may God help you is my prayer.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Lt 48, 1910

25LtMs, Lt 48, 1910, par. 8

At Takoma Park there is gathered together a mixed company, some of whom do not understand the nature of the work that is to be carried forward in deeply spiritual lines. The Lord has spoken and called for a reformatory work to be done, but all hearts are not prepared to receive His messages. Let the fortieth and forty-second chapters of Isaiah be studied in connection. I am also bidden to call the attention of our people to a study of the book of Second Peter. There is need that the truths presented in these chapters be considered.

25LtMs, Lt 48, 1910, par. 15

In the second and third chapters of Second Peter, and in the First Epistle of John, we read of men who caused much trouble in the early church. Let all be on their guard; for similar conditions must be met today.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Lt 164, 1910

25LtMs, Lt 164, 1910, par. 3

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

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 45, 1911

Loma Linda, California

November 6, 1911

Portions of this manuscript are published in 7MR 22-27.

25LtMs, Ms 45, 1911, 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 grace 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 we might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

25LtMs, Ms 45, 1911, 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 be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

25LtMs, Ms 45, 1911, par. 3

“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. 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 45, 1911, par. 4

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.” [Verse 10.] 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.

25LtMs, Ms 45, 1911, par. 5

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.

25LtMs, Ms 45, 1911, par. 6

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?

25LtMs, Ms 45, 1911, par. 7

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.

25LtMs, Ms 45, 1911, par. 8

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.

25LtMs, Ms 45, 1911, par. 9

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.

25LtMs, Ms 45, 1911, par. 10

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.

25LtMs, Ms 45, 1911, par. 11

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.

25LtMs, Ms 45, 1911, par. 12

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.

25LtMs, Ms 45, 1911, par. 13

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.

25LtMs, Ms 45, 1911, par. 14

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.

25LtMs, Ms 45, 1911, par. 15

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.

25LtMs, Ms 45, 1911, par. 16

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. O that these might now repent, and seek to redeem the time, that God might help them to act their part.

25LtMs, Ms 45, 1911, par. 17

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.

25LtMs, Ms 45, 1911, par. 18

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.

25LtMs, Ms 45, 1911, par. 19

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 truth; 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 Releases, vol. 2 [Nos. 97-161]

MR No. 136—Maintain Unity; Hold Fast To The Truth; Not All To Prophecy; Study the Testimonies

2MR 189.2

The Holy Ghost is the author of the Scriptures and of the Spirit of Prophecy. These are not to be twisted and turned to mean what man may want them to mean, to carry out man’s ideas and sentiments, to carry forward man’s schemes at all hazards. “Many shall follow their pernicious ways, by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of, and through covetousness shall with feigned words make merchandise of you” [2 Peter 2:2]. We must stand as vigilant soldiers, guarding against the entrance of one wrong principle.—Letter 92, 1900, p. 3. (To J. H. Kellogg, July 2, 1900.)

Spiritual Gifts, vol. 4b

Power of Example

4bSG 75.3

2 Peter 2:2. “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.”

The Review and Herald

June 25, 1861

RH June 25, 1861, par. 31

2 Peter 2:2: “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.”

Counsels on Health

The Sign of Our Relationship to God

CH 359.2

Opposition we shall have as we voice the message of the third angel. Satan will bring in every possible device to make of no effect the faith once delivered to the saints. “Many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.” 2 Peter 2:2, 3. But in spite of opposition, all are to hear the words of truth.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8

The Sign of Our Relationship to God

8T 199.1

Opposition we shall have as we voice the message of the third angel. Satan will bring in every possible device to make of no effect the faith once delivered to the saints. “Many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.” 2 Peter 2:2, 3. But in spite of opposition, all are to hear the words of truth.

Letters to Physicians and Ministers

Our Message

SpTB01 7.2

Opposition we shall have as we voice the message of the third angel. Satan will bring in every possible device to make of no effect the faith once delivered to the saints. “Many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.” 2 Peter 2:2, 3. But in spite of opposition, all are to hear the words of truth.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 74, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 74, 1900, par. 33

Opposition we shall have as we voice the message of the third angel. Satan will bring up every device he possibly can to make of none effect the truth once delivered to the saints. “Many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you; whose judgment now for a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.” [2 Peter 2:2, 3.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 92, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 92, 1900, par. 12

The Holy Ghost is the Author of the Scriptures and of the spirit of prophecy. These are not to be twisted and turned to mean what man may want them to mean, to carry out man’s ideas and sentiments, to carry forward man’s schemes at all hazards. “Many shall follow their pernicious ways, by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of, and through covetousness shall they with unfeigned words make merchandise of you.” [2 Peter 2:2, 3.] We must stand as vigilant soldiers, guarding against the entrance of one wrong principle. Not one thread of selfishness is to be drawn into the web, for this would spoil the pattern.

Testimony for the Church — No. 7

Power of Example

T07 42.3

2 Peter 2:2 [20]. “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 78, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 78, 1899, par. 11

The Lord declares, “I will declare thy righteousness, and thy works; for they shall not profit thee.” [Isaiah 57:12.] In spite of all their display, their garnished habitation, Satan comes in with a troop of evil angels and takes his place in the soul, to help in the deception. The apostle writes, “If after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end with them is worse than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they had known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.” [2 Peter 2:20, 21.]

14LtMs, Ms 78, 1899, par. 16

Two classes are set before us in the Word of God, those who “follow their pernicious ways, by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of,” and those who with Paul can say, “We are not as many, which corrupt the word of God, but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.” [2 Peter 2:2; 2 Corinthians 2:17.] We are to decide between the false and the true.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 52, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 52, 1906, par. 41

“For if God spared not the angels that sinned, ... and spared not the old world, but saved Noah, the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto them that after should live ungodly; and delivered just Lot; ... the Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished.” [2 Peter 2:4-7, 9.] Great things are to take place in our world, and we should be preparing for them. Fear not dignitaries or magistrates, or any other men exalted to elevated positions; for there is a Commander in the heavens who has supreme authority. There are many in official positions who will love the wages of unrighteousness. Many of these dignitaries will be called upon to curse Israel, and they will be heard speaking great swelling words of vanity, boasting of their power. God’s people are to pray. We have a Governor in the heavens who has infinite power in His hands.

Conflict and Courage

Until the Day ..., January 31

CC 37.1

And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly. 2 Peter 2:5.

Conflict and Courage

That Last Night, February 16

CC 53.1

And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly. 2 Peter 2:6.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 159, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 159, 1902, par. 4

Lot had chosen Sodom as a dwelling place because of its great natural advantages. Was it not in beauty as a second Eden? But he lost all by his choice. The people of Sodom were very wicked, and his children were corrupted by [its] evil practices. Lot was disgusted and grieved by the abominations of the city. “His righteous soul was vexed from day to day.” [2 Peter 2:8.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 12 [Nos. 921-999]

MR No. 938—Ellen White’s Missionary Visits

12MR 81.1

Will this tempted brother fail with all the encouragements of the Word of God to sustain him in heroic endurance? “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Every trial is weighed and measured by the Lord Jesus Christ, and it is not beyond man’s ability to endure through the grace given unto him. “God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way of escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (Ibid.). Will this dear brother, who is so young in the faith, lay hold upon the promise? “The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations” (2 Peter 2:9). This means that, while everything may appear overwhelmingly dark, the Lord will bring forth the tried one with firmer faith and a richer experience.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 156, 1907

22LtMs, Ms 156, 1907, par. 12

I have been praying most earnestly for wisdom to place in print the very things that, should I not live, will be a help and strength to those who will be pleased to use them. My heart is filled with thanksgiving and praise. Heaven is full of richest blessings to bestow upon all who need these precious blessings, if they ask the Lord with heart and soul and have a strong desire to receive to impart. The Lord Jesus has passed through every temptation that human beings have had. We read that He “knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations,” for He hath been “in all points tempted like as we are”—tempted in His human nature that He might know how to succor those who shall be tempted. [2 Peter 2:9; Hebrews 4:15; 2:17, 18.]

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Never-Failing Source of Strength, December 29

JNN 381.2

I have been praying most earnestly for wisdom to place in print the very things that, should I not live, will be a help and strength to those who will be pleased to use them. My heart is filled with thanksgiving and praise. Heaven is full of richest blessings to bestow upon all who need these precious blessings, if they ask the Lord with heart and soul and have a strong desire to receive to impart. The Lord Jesus has passed through every temptation that human beings have had. We read that He “knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations,” for He hath been “in all points tempted like as we are”—tempted in His human nature that He might know how to succor those who shall be tempted (2 Peter 2:9; Hebrews 4:15; 2:17, 18).

Maranatha

God’s Pledge of Security, March 29

Mar 96.1

The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished. 2 Peter 2:9.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 58—“Lazarus, Come Forth”

DA 528.3

“For your sakes,” “to the intent ye may believe.” To all who are reaching out to feel the guiding hand of God, the moment of greatest discouragement is the time when divine help is nearest. They will look back with thankfulness upon the darkest part of their way. “The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly,” 2 Peter 2:9. From every temptation and every trial He will bring them forth with firmer faith and a richer experience.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 9a, 1889

6LtMs, Lt 9a, 1889, par. 8

If we are easily jostled or stumble, our strength is small. “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man”—it is no strange thing that has happened unto you; trial will be proportioned to your human strength and not beyond your ability to bear—“but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” [1 Corinthians 10:13.] “The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation.” [2 Peter 2:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 28, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 28, 1894, par. 11

Will <any> tempted brother <or sister> fail <now,> with all the encouragements of the Word of God to sustain him in heroic endurance? “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man.” Every trial is weighed and measured by the Lord Jesus Christ, and it is not beyond man’s ability to endure through the grace given unto him. “God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way of escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” [1 Corinthians 10:13.] Will these dear brethren, who are so young in the faith, lay hold upon the promise? “The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations.” [2 Peter 2:9.] This means that, while everything may appear overwhelmingly dark, the Lord will bring forth the tried one with firmer faith and a richer experience.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 38, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 38, 1894, par. 11

The teaching of every true ambassador for Christ is a most solemn, serious matter now. We are engaged in a warfare which will never close until the final decision is made for all eternity. Let every disciple of Jesus be reminded that we fight “not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” [Ephesians 6:12.] O, there are eternal interests involved in this conflict, and there must be no surface work, no cheap experience, to meet this issue. “The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished. ... whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.” [2 Peter 2:9, 11.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 242, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 242, 1906, par. 10

“The teaching of every true ambassador for Christ is a most solemn, serious matter now. We are engaged in a warfare which will never close unto the final decision is made for all eternity. Let every disciple of Christ be reminded that ‘we fight not against flesh and blood; but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.’ [Ephesians 6:12.] O there are eternal interests involved in this conflict; there must be no surface work, no cheap experience, to meet this issue. ‘The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust to the day of judgment to be punished: ... whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.’ [2 Peter 2:9, 11.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Lt 26d, 1887

5LtMs, Lt 26d, 1887, par. 8

“The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: but chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. But these, as natural brute beasts made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; and shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the daytime. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: a heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness.” 2 Peter 2:9-15.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 113, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 113, 1899, par. 2

“Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls; an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness.” [2 Peter 2:9-15.]

14LtMs, Ms 113, 1899, par. 5

“Six days may work be done; but the seventh is the Sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord: whosoever doeth any work in the Sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.” [Exodus 31:13-17.] Those who, having once observed the Sabbath, refuse to acknowledge its claims, and dishonor their Creator, that they may do their own work, are classed among those who “have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness.” [2 Peter 2:15.]

Conflict and Courage

Rebellion in the Camp, April 12

CC 108.1

These men are arrogant and presumptuous—they think nothing of scoffing at the glories of the unseen world. 2 Peter 2:10, Phillips.

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 33—From Sinai to Kadesh

PP 386.1

The Bible specially teaches us to beware of lightly bringing accusation against those whom God has called to act as His ambassadors. The apostle Peter, describing a class who are abandoned sinners, says, “Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.” 2 Peter 2:10, 11. And Paul, in his instruction for those who are placed over the church, says, “Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.” 1 Timothy 5:19. He who has placed upon men the heavy responsibility of leaders and teachers of His people will hold the people accountable for the manner in which they treat His servants. We are to honor those whom God has honored. The judgment visited upon Miriam should be a rebuke to all who yield to jealousy, and murmur against those upon whom God lays the burden of His work.

Confrontation

Spiritism

Con 89.4

“But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; and shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the daytime. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children.” 2 Peter 2:10-14.

Redemption; or the Temptation of Christ in The Wilderness

Spiritualism

2Red 92.2

2 Peter 2:10-14: “But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Whereas, angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. But these, as natural brute beasts made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption, and shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the daytime. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls; a heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children.”

The Signs of the Times

April 12, 1883

ST April 12, 1883, par. 12

2 Peter 2:10-14: “But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Whereas, angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. But these, as natural brute beasts made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption, and shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the daytime. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls; a heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children.”

The Review and Herald

April 15, 1875

RH April 15, 1875, par. 2

The apostle Peter distinctly points out the class which will be manifested in these days. 2 Peter 2:10-14: “But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. But these, as natural brute beasts made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption, and shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the daytime. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls; a heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children.”

Conflict and Courage

Prophecy for Pay, April 16

CC 112.1

They have abandoned the right road and wandered off to follow the old trail of Balaam, son of Beor, the man who had no objection to wickedness as long as he was paid for it. 2 Peter 2:15, Phillips.

From Eternity Past

How One Sin Opened the Door to Satan’s Control

EP 310.4

Balaam “loved the wages of unrighteousness.” 2 Peter 2:15. The sin of covetousness had made him a timeserver; through this one fault Satan gained entire control of him. The tempter is ever presenting worldly gain and honor to entice men from the service of God. Thus many are induced to venture out of the path of strict integrity. One wrong step makes the next easier, and they become more and more presumptuous. They will do and dare most terrible things once they have given themselves to the control of avarice and desire for power. Many flatter themselves that they can depart from strict integrity for a time and change their course when they please. Such are entangling themselves in the snare of Satan, and it is seldom that they escape.

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 40—Balaam

PP 439.5

Balaam “loved the wages of unrighteousness.” 2 Peter 2:15. The sin of covetousness, which God declares to be idolatry, had made him a timeserver, and through this one fault Satan gained entire control of him. It was this that caused his ruin. The tempter is ever presenting worldly gain and honor to entice men from the service of God. He tells them it is their overconscientiousness that keeps them from prosperity. Thus many are induced to venture out of the path of strict integrity. One wrong step makes the next easier, and they become more and more presumptuous. They will do and dare most terrible things when once they have given themselves to the control of avarice and a desire for power. Many flatter themselves that they can depart from strict integrity for a time, for the sake of some worldly advantage, and that having gained their object, they can change their course when they please. Such are entangling themselves in the snare of Satan, and it is seldom that they escape.

PP 442.1

Again, “in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left,” the angel appeared, as before, in a threatening attitude; and the poor beast, trembling with terror, made a full stop, and fell to the earth under its rider. Balaam’s rage was unbounded, and with his staff he smote the animal more cruelly than before. God now opened its mouth, and by “the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice,” he “forbade the madness of the prophet.” 2 Peter 2:16. “What have I done unto thee,” it said, “that thou hast smitten me these three times?”

The Faith I Live By

A Life Insurance Policy for You, May 31

FLB 157.3

There is no such thing in the Word of God as unconditional election—once in grace, always in grace. In the second chapter of Second Peter the subject is made plain and distinct. After a history of some who followed an evil course, the explanation is given: “Which have forsaken the right way, ... following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness.” 2 Peter 2:15.... Here is a class of whom the apostle warns, “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.” 2 Peter 2:21....

The Truth About Angels

Balaam, a Prophet Gone Wrong

TA 107.3

Balaam’s rage was unbounded, and with his staff he smote the animal more cruelly than before. God now opened its mouth, and by “the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice,” He “forbade the madness of the prophet.” 2 Peter 2:16. “What have I done unto thee,” it said, “that thou hast smitten me these three times?”

From Eternity Past

A Donkey “Sees” More Than a Prophet

EP 312.3

Again, “in a narrow place, where there was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left,” the angel appeared, and the poor beast, trembling with terror, fell to the earth under its rider. Balaam’s rage was unbounded, and with his staff he smote the animal more cruelly than before. God now opened its mouth, and by “the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice” He “forbade the madness of the prophet.” 2 Peter 2:16. “What have I done unto thee,” it said, “that thou hast smitten me these three times?”

The Faith I Live By

Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing, November 12

FLB 322.6

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 for ever.” 2 Peter 2:17.41The Acts of the Apostles, 535.

God’s Amazing Grace

The Rulership Forfeited, February 2

AG 41.3

Not only man but the earth had by sin come under the power of the wicked one.... At his creation Adam was placed in dominion over the earth. But by yielding to temptation, he was brought under the power of Satan. “Of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage” (2 Peter 2:19). When man became Satan’s captive, the dominion which he held, passed to his conqueror. Thus Satan became “the god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4). He had usurped that dominion over the earth which had been originally given to Adam.5Patriarchs and Prophets, 67.

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 4—The Plan of Redemption

PP 67.1

Not only man but the earth had by sin come under the power of the wicked one, and was to be restored by the plan of redemption. At his creation Adam was placed in dominion over the earth. But by yielding to temptation, he was brought under the power of Satan. “Of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.” 2 Peter 2:19. When man became Satan’s captive, the dominion which he held, passed to his conqueror. Thus Satan became “the god of this world.” 2 Corinthians 4:4. He had usurped that dominion over the earth which had been originally given to Adam. But Christ, by His sacrifice paying the penalty of sin, would not only redeem man, but recover the dominion which he had forfeited. All that was lost by the first Adam will be restored by the second. Says the prophet, “O tower of the flock, the stronghold of the daughter of Zion, unto thee shall it come, even the first dominion.” Micah 4:8. And the apostle Paul points forward to the “redemption of the purchased possession.” Ephesians 1:14. God created the earth to be the abode of holy, happy beings. The Lord “formed the earth and made it; He hath established it, He created it not in vain, He formed it to be inhabited.” Isaiah 45:18. That purpose will be fulfilled, when, renewed by the power of God, and freed from sin and sorrow, it shall become the eternal abode of the redeemed. “The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein forever.” “And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and His servants shall serve Him.” Psalm 37:29; Revelation 22:3.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 8, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 8, 1902, par. 20

Concerning such teachers Peter writes: “While they promise liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.” [2 Peter 2:19.] What is the freedom promised to those who become transgressors of the law? It is a freedom to commit sin; for John tells us, “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” [1 John 3:4.]

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1

Chapter 59—Power of Example

1T 284.4

2 Peter 2:20: “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.”

To Be Like Jesus

The Rewards of Bible Study, April 2

BLJ 102.1

If, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. 2 Peter 2:20, NKJV.

The Review and Herald

July 1, 1875

RH July 5, 1875, par. 5

2 Peter 2:20: “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 13, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 13, 1898, par. 2

It is not the fault of the Gospel that apostasies occur. Those who apostatize are not truly converted. They have received the truth by halves. The light of truth has not been strengthened by practice, and it is soon quenched, leaving them in greater darkness than before. The seed was sown among thorns. Speaking of this class Peter says, “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them 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.” [2 Peter 2:20, 21.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 74, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 74, 1897, par. 35

A Herod, a Demas, an Alexander stand out in marked prominence on the pages of Inspiration. Like these, this class do their work under the training of the enemy. As long as their path runs smoothly and in accordance with their own particular ideas, they are well satisfied to float along; but when obstacles or trials are met, when their personal habits or selfishness are rebuked, they turn away like the displeased disciples. Describing this class, the great apostle to the Gentiles says, “Better had it been for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than after they had known it, to turn from the holy commandment given them.” [2 Peter 2:21.] Better, far better, had they never known the truth, than to have had a knowledge of it, and then turn traitor to its principles.