EGW WritingsEzekiel 36

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 132, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 132, 1898, par. 26

God chooses His workers from all classes of people, and imbues them with His own spirit. So it was in ancient times. The men and women of God’s selection were of intense earnestness, full of zeal. The last books of the Old Testament show us workers taken from the laborers in the field. Others were men of high ability and extensive learning, but the Lord gave them visions and messages. These men of the Old Testament spoke of the things transpiring in their day, and Daniel, Isaiah, and Ezekiel not only spoke of things that concerned them as present truth, but their sight reached down to the future, and to what should occur in these last days.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 95, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 95, 1903, par. 11

“Moreover the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Son of man, when the house of Israel dwelt in their own land, they defiled it by their own way and by their doings: their way was before me as uncleanness. ... Wherefore I poured My fury upon them for the blood that they had shed upon the land, and for their idols wherewith they had polluted it.” [Ezekiel 36:16-18.]

18LtMs, Ms 95, 1903, par. 14

“Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments and do them. And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be My people, and I will be your God. I will also save you from all your uncleannesses: and I will call for the corn, and I will increase it, and lay no famine upon you. And I will multiply the fruit of the tree, and the increase of the field, that ye shall receive no more reproach of famine among the heathen. Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall loathe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations. Not for your sakes do I this, saith the Lord God, be it known unto you: be ashamed and confounded for your own ways, O house of Israel. Thus saith the Lord God; in the day that I shall have cleansed you from all your iniquities I will also cause you to dwell in the cities, and the wastes shall be builded. And the desolate land shall be tilled, whereas it lay desolate in the sight of all that passed by. And they shall say, This land that was desolate is become like the garden of Eden; and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are become fenced, and are inhabited. Then the heathen that are left round about you shall know that I the Lord build the ruined places, and plant that that was desolate: I the Lord have spoken it, and I will do it. Thus saith the Lord God; I will yet for this be enquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them; I will increase them with men like a flock. As the holy flock, as the flock of Jerusalem in her solemn feasts; so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of men: and they shall know that I am the Lord.” [Verses 19-38.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 128, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 128, 1901, par. 34

Among the shepherds of God’s flock there must be no rivalry. “And I scattered them among the heathen, and they were dispersed through the countries: according to their way and according to their doings I judged them. And when they entered unto the heathen, whither they went, they profaned my holy name, when they said to them, These are the people of the Lord, and are gone forth out of his land.” [Ezekiel 36:19, 20.] They imitated the practices that were displeasing to God.

16LtMs, Ms 128, 1901, par. 36

“Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.” [Verses 21-28.] Blessed reconciliation!

Sons and Daughters of God

We Are to Be Clean Inwardly and Outwardly, June 15

SD 173.1

Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. Ezekiel 36:25.

With God at Dawn

He Will Cleanse Us, March 10

WGD 71.1

Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. Ezekiel 36:25.

To Be Like Jesus

Converted Sinners Live a New Life, December 4

BLJ 356.1

Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:25, 26, NKJV.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 15 [Nos. 1136-1185]

MR No. 1180—Put Away Differences; Love One Another; Proclaim the Truth

15MR 309.2

“Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean.... And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes” [Ezekiel 36:25, 27]. If the wilderness of the church is to become as a fruitful field, and the fruitful field to be as a forest, it is through the Holy Spirit of God poured out upon His people.

The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials

Put Away Differences; Love One Another; Proclaim the Truth

1888 1133.2

“Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean.... And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes” [Ezekiel 36:25, 27]. If the wilderness of the church is to become as a fruitful field, and the fruitful field to be as a forest, it is through the Holy Spirit of God poured out upon His people.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 77, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 77, 1893, par. 57

“Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean ... And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes.” [Ezekiel 36:25, 27.] If the wilderness of the church is to become as a fruitful field, and the fruitful field to be as a forest, it is through the Holy Spirit of God poured out upon His people.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 36, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 36, 1898, par. 4

The influence of the Holy Spirit will transform the characters of teachers and students. Those who have not been under discipline and restraint must be determined in themselves to be a law unto themselves, that they will not rebel at discipline. If they will draw nigh to God, seeking help from Him, He will help them. “Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean. ... I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes.” [Ezekiel 36:25, 27.]

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

MR No. 892—Problems in Battle Creek in 1898

11MR 216.4

Hope for Those Who Repent—There is hope for all who will hear the truth and repent of their evil works. When from unfeigned lips the earnest prayer goes up, “Create in me a clean heart, O God,” the answer comes in the promise, “Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put My spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them” (Ezekiel 36:25-27).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 64, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 64, 1898, par. 31

There is hope for all who will hear the truth, and repent of their evil works. When from unfeigned lips the earnest prayer goes up, “Create in me a clean heart, O God,” the answer comes in the promise, “Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness and from all your idols will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.” [Psalm 51:10; Ezekiel 36:25-27.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 41, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 41, 1903, par. 10

In the last great day every word, every act, will be subjected to the crucial test of the Judge of all the earth. The new covenant that God has made with His elect will not cover one trace of evil. God says, “Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean; from all your filthiness and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you; and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.” [Ezekiel 36:25-27.] The beginning of all true reformation is the inward cleansing of the Holy Spirit. It is this regeneration that constitutes men and women children of God. Thus they are prepared to worship Him in spirit and in truth. Those whose souls are lifted up unto vanity dishonor the name of Jesus. They are not transformed in character, and therefore they are not prepared to show what it means to be a medical missionary working in connection with Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 122, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 122, 1903, par. 8

The saving knowledge of God will accomplish its purifying work on the mind and heart of every believer. The Word declares: “Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put My spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes.” [Ezekiel 36:25-27.] This is the descent of the Holy Spirit, sent from God to do its office work. The house of Israel is to be imbued with the Holy Spirit and baptized with the grace of salvation. Their state of lethargy will no longer exist. All who have not received the light will be convicted; all who will turn unto the Lord with full purpose of heart will confess their sins.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 31, 1910

25LtMs, Ms 31, 1910, par. 11

We need homes that are surrounded by a sanctified atmosphere. Unconverted families are Satan’s strongest allies. The members of them work counter to God. Some parents are harsh, denunciatory, overbearing, while others are careless and overindulgent, letting their children follow the course of disobedience until they do very wicked things and are a spectacle of shame to angels and to men. Such parents need to feel the converting power of God. By giving way to anger, and by selfish indifference, they unfit their children for this world and the next. How long will the Lord bear with this kind of work. He calls for a decided change in the home school. Let fathers and mothers repent of their neglect. “Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean; from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you; and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them.” [Ezekiel 36:25-27.] “The Lord thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.” [Deuteronomy 30:6.]

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

MR No. 1486—The Danger of Rejecting Light

20MR 320.5

There is hope for all who will hear the truth and repent of their evil works. When from unfeigned lips the earnest prayer goes up, “Create in me a clean heart, O God,” the answer comes in the promise, “Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them” [Ezekiel 36:25-27].

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

MR No. 99—The Importance, Work, and Influence of the Holy Spirit; The Third Angel’s Message To Be Proclaimed; Comments on the Avondale Property

2MR 22.1

The saving knowledge of God will accomplish its purifying work on the mind and heart of every believer. The Word declares: “Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put My spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes” [Ezekiel 36:25-27]. This is the descent of the Holy Spirit, sent from God to do its office-work. The house of Israel is to be imbued with the Holy Spirit, and baptized with the grace of salvation. Their state of lethargy will no longer exist. All who have not received the light will be convicted; all who will turn unto the Lord with full purpose of heart will confess their sins....

Ye Shall Receive Power

With Concerned Parents, May 7

YRP 136.4

The promise of the Lord is “Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them” (Ezekiel 36:25-27).

Ye Shall Receive Power

Heavenly Agencies Waiting for Us, June 28

YRP 188.3

If the world is to be convinced of sin as transgressors of God’s law, the agency must be the Holy Spirit working through human instrumentalities. The church needs now to shake off her death-like slumber; for the Lord is waiting to bless His people who will recognize the blessing when it comes, and diffuse it in clear, strong rays of light. “Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean.... And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes” (Ezekiel 36:25-27).

Ye Shall Receive Power

Satan’s Wrath Awakened, November 27

YRP 340.2

If the world is to be convinced of sin as transgressors of God’s law, the agency must be the Holy Spirit working through human instrumentalities. The church needs now to shake off her deathlike slumber; for the Lord is waiting to bless His people who will recognize the blessing when it comes, and diffuse it in clear, strong rays of light. “Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean.... And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes” (Ezekiel 36:25-27).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 30, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 30, 1895, par. 30

The Lord will reply to the contrite heart, saying, “Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.” [Ezekiel 36:25-27.] The stubborn heart is represented as refusing to hear the continued messages of the Lord.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 180, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 180, 1897, par. 9

Satan will not submit to be cast out without tremendous opposition. If truth and righteousness conquer, the hearts that love the truth of God must absolutely and zealously rebuke and expel wrong. In this conflict, when truth takes possession of the heart, nothing but conflict and disturbance may be expected, for God calls upon every man to do his duty. And the full Spirit of the living God which has been finding no place shall have room to work out the victory. There can be no right longing only as the Holy Spirit shall begin at the heart, out of which flow the issues of life. And poor souls who have been deceived and deluded shall send up the earnest prayer, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10. And the response from One who is merciful, full of goodness and truth, will be, “A new heart will I give you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.]

12LtMs, Ms 180, 1897, par. 10

The voice of God is heard, “Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.” Psalm 2:10-12. “Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.” Ezekiel 36:25-27.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 16, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 16, 1898, par. 13

“Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean; from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you, and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep all my judgments, and do them.” [Ezekiel 36:25-27.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 73, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 73, 1897, par. 28

“Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean; from all your filthiness and from all your idols will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you, and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers, and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.” [Ezekiel 36:25-28.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 79, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 79, 1901, par. 26

“Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean; from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you; and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.” [Ezekiel 36:25-28.]

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 13—Two Worshipers

COL 158.1

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” The Lord says, “Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy God.” “Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean; from all your filthiness and from all your idols will I cleanse you.” 1 John 1:9; Jeremiah 3:13; Ezekiel 36:25.

COL 160.3

At every advance step in Christian experience our repentance will deepen. It is to those whom the Lord has forgiven, to those whom He acknowledges as His people, that He says, “Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall loathe yourselves in your own sight.” Ezekiel 36:31. Again He says, “I will establish My covenant with thee, and thou shalt know that I am the Lord; that thou mayest remember, and be confounded, and never open thy mouth any more because of thy shame, when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done, saith the Lord God.” Ezekiel 16:62, 63. Then our lips will not be opened in self-glorification. We shall know that our sufficiency is in Christ alone. We shall make the apostle’s confession our own. “I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing.” Romans 7:18. “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” Galatians 6:14.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 13, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 13, 1898, par. 12

When you are tempted, He will lift up for you a standard against the enemy. “Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you,” He says, “and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.” [Ezekiel 36:25-27.]

13LtMs, Lt 13, 1898, par. 13

“Thus saith the Lord God, In the day that I shall have cleansed you from all your iniquities, I will also cause you to dwell in the cities, and the wastes shall be builded. And the desolate land shall be tilled, whereas it lay desolate in the sight of all that passed by. And they shall say, This land that was desolate has become like the garden of Eden: and the waste and desolate and ruined places are become fenced, and are inhabited. Then the heathen that are left round about you shall know that I the Lord build the ruined places, and plant that that was desolate: I the Lord have spoken it, and I will do it. Thus saith the Lord God; I will yet for this be inquired of for the house of Israel, to do it for them; I will increase them with men like a flock. As the holy flock, as the flock of Jerusalem in her solemn feasts; so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of men: and they shall know that I am the Lord!” [Verses 33-38.]

13LtMs, Lt 13, 1898, par. 21

As you ask Him with your whole heart, He will respond, “A new heart will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] This must be, or you will never see the kingdom of heaven. That which you need is a transformation of character, and this He promises to bestow upon you as an individual, if you will ask with a sense of your great need. The return which He requires of you, and which you are bound to render Him, is a full surrender of yourself, without any reservation. Then you will be able to say, “He pitied me in my lost estate. He looked upon me in my blindness and helplessness. It was in His grace that He pitied me when I had no pity for my weak, helpless, suffering self. He strengthened me when I was without strength.”

A Call To Stand Apart

Chapter 8—How to Have Faith

CSA 29.3

It is peace that you need—Heaven’s forgiveness and peace and love in the soul. Money cannot buy it, intellect cannot procure it, wisdom cannot attain to it; you can never hope, by your own efforts, to secure it. But God offers it to you as a gift, “without money and without price.” Isaiah 55:1. It is yours if you will but reach out your hand and grasp it. The Lord says, “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18. “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you.” Ezekiel 36:26.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 15 [Nos. 1136-1185]

MR No. 1165—Heaven’s Judgments on the Wicked; God’s People Sealed

15MR 226.1

Sabbath, February 16, 1895—May Lacey accompanied me to Petersham, eleven miles, the new place of meeting. A neat hall was filled to overflowing. Brother McCullagh had spoken at Ashfield in the forenoon, Brother Hare had been at Parramatta, and both were at the meeting in Petersham. The Lord gave me much freedom in speaking upon the fourteenth of Luke, the first portion of the chapter. There was then a testimony meeting. Those newly come to the faith came from Ashfield, and they bore witness for Jesus. The blessing of the Lord rested upon us. Brethren Humphrey and Hardy appear entirely changed men in spirit. They were bearing the change in their very countenance. I thought of the words spoken by God, “A new heart will I give you” (Ezekiel 36:26).

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

The Proper Way to Deal With Students in Our Schools

9MR 61.3

There are different phases of character needed in the work of God. All that is required is conversion: “A new heart also will I give you” (Ezekiel 36:26). Seek them, save them, and bring them to Christ. Let His love be poured into their hearts. Let in the light of the Sun of Righteousness. Teachers in our schools, have you received it? You may walk in the light, as Christ is in the light, every one of you. Have you received the baptism of the Holy Ghost? This is the question that was asked some who were workers in the time of the apostles, and they said, “We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost” (Acts 19:2). This is true of some of the workers today. They have not so much as heard of the Holy Ghost.

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

MR No. 1412—The Case of J. H. Kellogg; Christ, the Great Medical Missionary; Physicians to Labor as Christ Labored

19MR 363.6

The Lord would have our physicians cooperate with Him in their treatment of the sick, showing more faith and using fewer drugs. Let us rely upon God. Our faith is feeble and our hearts remain unchanged. God would have a change take place. He says, “A new heart also will I give you” [Ezekiel 36:26]. When this promise is fulfilled to the people of God, the condition of things will be very different from what it now is.

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

Our Covenant Broken

1MR 115.3

Let us place ourselves in the line of cooperation with God, making it possible for Him to answer our prayers. He has issued His promissory notes, declaring, “A new heart also will I give you” (See Ezekiel 36:26). He says that He will be found of those who seek Him with the whole heart. When you lose your hold on Christ, the bank of heaven has not failed, but you have broken your covenant with God. He cannot cover your sin while you continue in sin, refusing to let Him take away your transgression, because you suppose that in disobeying the commands of God, you have placed yourself beyond help. The Lord says, “Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me” (Isaiah 27:5).—Manuscript 56, 1903, 1, 2. (“A Present Help,” May 22, 1903.)

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

MR No. 150—A Visit to Tasmania

2MR 268.2

Every man and woman has strong tendencies towards evil, and peculiar traits of character that make him susceptible to temptation. Each one has to battle with his own passions. Each one may see his own perverse habits reproduced in others, and reacting upon his own character. Individually we have a work to do in the strength and grace of Christ. We are to strive most earnestly against our hereditary and cultivated traits of character. If our evil characteristics are not overcome, they will through exercise become stronger and stronger, and pollute mind and character. Unless overcomers, we shall not be fitted for a home with the saints in light. But let no one be discouraged. There is a refuge for every tempted soul. We may avail ourselves of the great privileges and blessings brought to us through the grace of Christ. But there are those whose names are on the church roll who do not know what it is to be resigned to the divine will. They do not realize that they may have perfect trust and repose in God. They have never gone through the struggle of submitting meekly and humbly to the will of God. It is true that it is hard for self to come to this point, for self ever seeks the supremacy. But the Lord says, “A new heart also will I give you” [Ezekiel 36:26]. He has promised to renew the mind and to make us new creatures in Christ Jesus.

Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 2

Chapter 73—Right Thinking

2MCP 670.3

Transformation Begins With Thoughts—The words “A new heart also will I give you” (Ezekiel 36:26) mean, “A new mind will I give you.” This change of heart is always attended by a clear conception of Christian duty, an understanding of truth. The clearness of our view of truth will be proportionate to our understanding of the Word of God.—Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 452 (1913).

Our High Calling

The Sign of the New Heart, June 2

OHC 159.1

A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:26.

Our High Calling

Leaves From the Tree of Life, July 21

OHC 208.7

Truth that is in the heart is not a cold, dead letter.... There is fullness of joy in the truth. There is a nobleness in the life of the human agent who lives and works under the vivifying influence of the truth. Truth is sacred and divine. It is stronger and more powerful than anything else in the formation of a character after the likeness of Christ. When it is cherished in the heart, the love of Christ is preferred to the love of any human being. This is Christianity. Thus truth—pure, unadulterated truth—occupies the citadel of the being. This is the life of God in the soul. “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you.” Ezekiel 36:26.46Manuscript 130, 1897.

Sons and Daughters of God

God Promises Us a New Heart of Flesh, April 3

SD 100.1

A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:26.

Steps to Christ

Chapter 6—Faith and Acceptance

SC 49.2

It is peace that you need—Heaven’s forgiveness and peace and love in the soul. Money cannot buy it, intellect cannot procure it, wisdom cannot attain to it; you can never hope, by your own efforts, to secure it. But God offers it to you as a gift, “without money and without price.” Isaiah 55:1. It is yours if you will but reach out your hand and grasp it. The Lord says, “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18. “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you.” Ezekiel 36:26.

Christ Triumphant

“A New Heart Also Will I Give You,” December 10

CTr 351.1

A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:26.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9

The Need of Earnest, Whole-Souled Labor

9T 152.1

Christ is our example, our inspiration, our exceeding great reward. “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” 1 Corinthians 3:9. God is the Master Builder, but man has a part to act. He is to co-operate with God. “We are laborers together with God.” Verse 9. Never forget the words: “together with God.” “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12, 13. The miracle-working power of Christ’s grace is revealed in the creation in man of a new heart, a higher life, a holier enthusiasm. God says: “A new heart also will I give you.” Ezekiel 36:26. Is not this, the renewal of man, the greatest miracle that can be performed? What cannot the human agent do who by faith takes hold of the divine power?

That I May Know Him

An Individual Work, May 3

TMK 129.6

One of the most earnest prayers in the Inspired Word is, “Create in me a clean heart, O God” (Psalm 51:10); and from One who loved us and gave His life for us comes the great and important assurance, “A new heart also will I give you” (Ezekiel 36:26).3Letter 178, 1899.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 44—The True Sign

DA 407.1

When the message of truth is presented in our day, there are many who, like the Jews, cry, Show us a sign. Work us a miracle. Christ wrought no miracle at the demand of the Pharisees. He wrought no miracle in the wilderness in answer to Satan’s insinuations. He does not impart to us power to vindicate ourselves or to satisfy the demands of unbelief and pride. But the gospel is not without a sign of its divine origin. Is it not a miracle that we can break from the bondage of Satan? Enmity against Satan is not natural to the human heart; it is implanted by the grace of God. When one who has been controlled by a stubborn, wayward will is set free, and yields himself wholeheartedly to the drawing of God’s heavenly agencies, a miracle is wrought; so also when a man who has been under strong delusion comes to understand moral truth. Every time a soul is converted, and learns to love God and keep His commandments, the promise of God is fulfilled, “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you.” Ezekiel 36:26. The change in human hearts, the transformation of human characters, is a miracle that reveals an ever-living Saviour, working to rescue souls. A consistent life in Christ is a great miracle. In the preaching of the word of God, the sign that should be manifest now and always is the presence of the Holy Spirit, to make the word a regenerating power to those that hear. This is God’s witness before the world to the divine mission of His Son.

Ye Shall Receive Power

With the Younger Members of God’s Family, May 13

YRP 142.4

Dear children and youth, you need a new heart. Ask God for this. He says, “A new heart also will I give you” (Ezekiel 36:26). When you have asked according to His will, doubt not that you will receive; for whatever God has promised, He will fulfill. If you come with true contrition of soul, you need not feel that you are at all presumptuous in asking for what God has promised. Presumption is asking for things to gratify selfish inclination; for human enjoyment in earthly things. But when you ask for the spiritual blessings you so much need in order that you may perfect a character after Christ’s likeness, the Lord assures you that you are asking according to a promise that will be verified.—The Youth’s Instructor, August 23, 1894.

The Review and Herald

April 14, 1885

RH April 14, 1885, par. 1

Text. Ezekiel 36:26: “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you.”

From the Heart

A New Mind Will I Give You, January 23

FH 35.1

I will give you a new heart. Ezekiel 36:26.

With God at Dawn

He Will Give Us a New Heart, March 8

WGD 69.1

A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:26.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Lt 43, 1886

4LtMs, Lt 43, 1886, par. 13

You have so little self-control that when you read these words I greatly fear you will act like a child that when reproved or corrected will throw itself down. “A new heart will I give you, a new spirit will I put within you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] While you are desirous to appear right with your brethren, do for Christ’s sake surrender your soul to God. The truth is kept far away from the center of your being; [part of line illegible]. This is an individual work. I was shown while in America the condition of the churches in the kingdoms that had your labor. Many precious souls had been raised up, but they were receiving a mold that would not tend to make them perfect and entire, wanting nothing. One of the most earnest prayers in the Bible is, “Create in me a clean heart.” [Psalm 51:10.] Oh, will men in any position, as superiors, inferiors, or equals, learn the simple lessons to begin at the beginning and have the heart right with God through the new creating power of His Holy Spirit? Then what pure streams would flow forth from a pure fountain. How precious the experience; how precious the lessons that they have learned and can in their turn teach others. But if they have not reached the standard themselves, how can they teach others to reach it? The church must be refined, purified. Better if they had never connected themselves with the truth than to claim to believe it, take the name of Seventh-day Adventists, and yet not stand as high in the scale of morality and practical godliness as do many who have never seen the truth. Thus Christ and the truth are misrepresented; the world is encouraged in their unbelief; other churches do not care to examine the evidences of doctrine and faith that bear such fruit. The example of men and women professing the truth is of such a character that it works against the truth.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Lt 53, 1887

5LtMs, Lt 53, 1887, par. 11

“A new heart will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] I believe with all my heart that the Spirit of God is being withdrawn from the world; and those who have had great light and opportunities and have not improved them will be the first to be left. They have grieved away the Spirit of God. The present activity of Satan in working upon hearts, and upon churches and nations, should startle every student of prophecy. The end is near. Let our churches arise. Let the converting power of God be experienced in the heart of the individual members, and then we shall see the deep moving of the Spirit of God. Mere forgiveness of sin is not the sole result of the death of Jesus. He made the infinite sacrifice not only that sin might be removed, but that human nature might be restored, rebeautified, reconstructed from its ruins, and made fit for the presence of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 22, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 22, 1890, par. 30

The fact that one is never detected in deception or fraud does not make him less guilty in the sight of God. That which God testifies of us, when character is weighed in the golden scales of the sanctuary is to stand fast forever unless the sad decision, “wanting” [Daniel 5:27] is changed because of soul-repentance and transformation of character. Then pardon is written, and the promise is fulfilled, “a new heart will I give you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.]

Christian Education

Chapter 19—To Teachers

CE 148.2

Inquire, teachers, you who are doing your work not only for time but eternity, Does the love of Christ constrain my heart and my soul, in dealing with the precious souls for whom Jesus has given his own life? Under his constraining discipline, do old traits of character, not in conformity to the will of God, pass away and the opposite take their place? “A new heart also will I give you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] Have all things become new through your conversion to the Lord Jesus Christ? In words and by pains-taking effort are you sowing such seed in these young hearts that you can ask the Lord to water it, that it shall, with his imputed righteousness, ripen into a rich harvest? Ask yourselves, Am I by my own unsanctified words and impatience and want of that wisdom that is from above, confirming these youth in their own perverse spirit, because they see that their teacher has a spirit unlike Christ? If they should die in their sins, shall I not be accountable for their souls? The soul who loves Jesus, who appreciates the saving power of his grace, will feel such a drawing near to Christ that he will desire to work in his lines. He cannot, dare not, let Satan control his spirit and a poisonous miasma surround his soul. Everything will be placed one side that will corrupt his influence, because it opposes the will of God and endangers the souls of the precious sheep and lambs; and he is required to watch for souls as they must give an account. Wherever God has, in providence, placed us, he will keep us; as our day our strength shall be.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 87, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 87, 1890, par. 5

This morning we had another meeting where I read some things pointedly for Brother Church in regard to his chart and his philosophy which I stated was not true, that they confused judgment and were ideas that himself had originated that could not in any way bring light and peace and assurance to the heart of believers, that God could not impress the heart unless these strange fancies were given up. These things which he brought into the church were a mixture of ideas and fragments of things pieced together—a little truth and a mixture of error. All his teaching [of] these things brought no light, but confusion and darkness. He arose and said, “If this had come to me five years ago I could not have received it.” Said he received the testimony. He was not right. He must have a new heart and he was going to agonize for it day and night. I said, “Brother Church, the Lord has said, ‘a new heart will I give you.’ [Ezekiel 36:26.] You may labor, you may work with all your powers for a new heart and you will be just as far from your object as you are at the present time. You cannot prepare the garment of righteousness for yourself. You must put on the garment of righteousness of Christ which has been woven in Christ’s loom. All your struggles and wrestlings are unnecessary. All you have to do is to believe the naked promise of God; cast yourself helpless and dependent on the merits of the blood of a crucified, risen Saviour. Christ says, ‘Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.’ [Revelation 3:20.] All you have to do is to open the door for Jesus. Rest with unwavering faith in the promises of God.”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 6, 1891

7LtMs, Lt 6, 1891, par. 6

“A new heart will I give you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] Christ must dwell in your hearts just as the blood must be in the body and circulate there as a vitalizing power. In this subject we cannot be too urgent. While truth must be our panoply, our convictions need to be strengthened by the living sympathies which characterized the life of Christ. If the truth, living truth, is not exemplified in the character, no man can stand. There is only one power that can either make us steadfast or keep us so—the grace of God, in truth. And the man who confides in aught else, is already tottering, ready to fall.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 8a, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 8a, 1891, par. 24

There are different phases of character needed in the work of God. All that it needs is conversion. “A new heart will I give you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] Seek them, save them, and bring them to Christ. Let His love be poured into their hearts; let in the light of the Sun of Righteousness. Teachers in our schools, have you received it? You may walk in the light as Christ is in the light, every one of you. Have you received the baptism of the Holy Ghost? This is the question that was asked some who were workers in the time of the apostles, and they said, “We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.” Acts 19:2. This is true of some of the workers today. They have not so much as heard of the Holy Ghost.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 36, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 36, 1891, par. 25

There are thousands that have been addicted to complaining. They are chronic grumblers; but all such will never enter heaven. How can you be cured? Christ tells you: “A new heart will I give you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] Do they profess to believe the truth? I shall know it when there is a change in that unruly member, the tongue. “A new heart will I give thee.” We shall find—in the place of a stirring up by the leaven of disaffection—we shall find there are words that cement; there are words that bind together. They will not see something in every one around them to find fault with but themselves, and expatiate upon others’ evil. But they are beginning to look and say, Am I right? Have I that love, that faith that works by love and purifies the heart for the second, the latter, rain; the descent of the Holy Spirit of God?

7LtMs, Ms 36, 1891, par. 43

Now God wants His converting power to come on this occasion. There are some that come to our meetings; they will sit all through the meetings; they have borne a few words of testimony now and then. They have gone home and done just exactly, if not worse, than before. Why? Because they had not the new heart. What is the new heart? It is the new mind. What is the mind? It is the will. Where is your will? It is either on Satan’s side or Christ’s side. Now it is [up to] you. Will you put your will today on Christ’s side of the question? That is the new heart. It is the new will, a new mind. “A new heart will I give thee.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] Then let us begin right here.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 12, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 12, 1891, par. 19

When the workers in the office are converted, they will be in Christ as new creatures. The Lord says, “A new heart will I give thee.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] There are some who do not know what the salvation of the soul signifies. It is one thing to assent to a truth, and another thing to possess the truth as it is in Jesus. It is one thing to admire the grace of Christ; it is another thing to make that grace your own through faith in His name, and in spirit and person reflect the divine image and give unmistakable proofs that we are sons and daughters of God and can be regarded by heaven as workers together with Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 43, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 43, 1892, par. 16

Say to the youth, “If you have not given your heart to Jesus, make Him the offering ere the year 1892 shall close. What has Jesus done for you? He has given His precious life for you. If God had not loved you He would have retained Jesus in heaven. “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Do not allow the enemy to crowd this out of your mind. It is the most important theme for your meditation. What have I done to show that I appreciate this great love? What have I given to Jesus? The gift that will be a precious and fragrant offering to Him will be yourself. You that have not made your decision to be sons and daughters of God, I beg of you to do this without any delay. Place your will on the side of God’s will. He delights in mercy. “Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? He retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.” [Micah 7:18.] Have you decided to become a part of the heritage of the Lord? “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Come to Jesus, just as you are, weak and sinful, ignorant and unworthy and He will receive you. He says, “A new heart will I give you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 47, 1891

7LtMs, Lt 47, 1891, par. 23

Dr. Burke, I expect to leave America soon, as my brethren have considered it wisdom for me to attend the camp meeting in Healdsburg and then go on to Australia, and I do wish you to have a true, deep, and growing experience in the spiritual life. No man would enjoy this more than yourself, but there is a decided work needed to be accomplished for you by the Holy Spirit. You cannot bless yourself, but you can, by living faith, fall on the Rock and be broken. This is your only hope. A new experience in God, “a new heart will I give you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 105, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 105, 1893, par. 16

Again in the night season the Lord has presented your case before me, and I cannot withhold the truth from you. The Lord calls upon you to serve Him with an undivided heart. He desires to bless and sanctify and cleanse you, to make you white in the blood of the Lamb. The inward fountain of your life must be cleansed. Your will, your way, must be surrendered to God. You are His property by creation and redemption. Then offer to Him the supplication, “Create in me a clean heart, O God.” [Psalm 51:10.] The response will come, “A new heart also will I give thee.” [Ezekiel 36:26.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 34, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 34, 1893, par. 17

Inquire, teachers, you who are doing your work not only for time but eternity, Does the love of Christ constrain my heart and my soul in dealing with the precious souls for whom Jesus has given His own life? Under His constraining discipline, do old traits of character, that are not in conformity to the will of God, pass away and the opposite take its place? “A new heart will I give thee.” [See Ezekiel 36:26.] Have all things become new through your conversion to the Lord Jesus Christ?

Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students

A New Mind

CT 452.3

The words, “A new heart also will I give you” (Ezekiel 36:26), mean, A new mind will I give you. This change of heart is always attended by a clear conception of Christian duty, an understanding of truth. The clearness of our view of truth will be proportionate to our understanding of the word of God. He who gives the Scriptures close, prayerful attention will gain clear comprehension and sound judgment, as if in turning to God he had reached a higher plane of intelligence.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 21, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 21, 1893, par. 14

A profession of religion will not avail for the saving of the soul. That which is essential to salvation is that the character of Christ shall be revealed in the character of him who proclaims himself a follower of Jesus. Jesus says, “A new heart will I give you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] Out of the poor, ignorant, misshaped character, the Lord has power to form a new, beautiful, symmetrical character that will reflect His own likeness.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 29, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 29, 1893, par. 6

Christ transforms the heart. “A new heart will I give thee.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] He has made provision to do everything for the receiver that he needs to have done. Do not depend on feeling, but take that which you are convinced and know to be truth upon its own merits; if [the] minority are on its side, you are not to be discouraged; you have nothing to do with numbers.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 84, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 84, 1894, par. 11

The gospel of Christ could not be placed in their hearts for there was no room to contain it. They could not be the new bottles into which He could pour His new wine. Christ was obliged to seek elsewhere than among the scribes and Pharisees for bottles for His doctrine of truth and life. He must find men who were willing to have regeneration of heart. He came to give to men new hearts. He said, “A new heart will I give thee.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] But the self-righteous of that day and this day feel no need of having a new heart. Jesus passed by the scribes and the Pharisees, because they felt no need of a Saviour. They were wedded to forms and ceremonies.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 99, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 99, 1895, par. 6

Every time a soul is converted a miracle is wrought by the Holy Spirit of God, and for this we should give God continual praise. The promise of God is fulfilled when He says, “A new heart also will I give thee.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] A new song is put into the mouth of the repentant sinner, and he proclaims the way of salvation to those around him. In the meetings that were held while we were in Melbourne, the Spirit of the Lord was manifested, and many excellent testimonies were borne by those who had experienced the converting power of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 38, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 38, 1895, par. 12

But there are those whose names are on the church roll who do not know what it is to be resigned to the divine will. They do not realize that they may have perfect trust and repose in God. They have never gone through the struggle of submitting meekly and humbly to the will of God. It is true that it is hard for self to come to this point, for self ever seeks the supremacy. But the Lord says, “A new heart also will I give you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] He has promised to renew the mind, and to make us new creatures in Christ Jesus.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 59, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 45

May Lacey accompanied me to Petersham, eleven miles, the new place of meeting. A neat hall was filled to overflowing. Brother McCullagh had spoken at Ashfield in the forenoon, Brother Hare had been at Parramatta, and both were at the meeting in Petersham. The Lord gave me much freedom in speaking upon the fourteenth of Luke, the first portion of the chapter. There was then a testimony meeting. Those newly come to the faith came from Ashfield, and they bore witness for Jesus. The blessing of the Lord rested upon us. Brethren Humphrey and Hardy appear entirely changed men in spirit. They were bearing the change in their very countenance. I thought of the words spoken by God, “A new heart will I give you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 48, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 48, 1895, par. 7

The hardest of these two brethren said, “I receive the testimony as from the Lord.” Since the brethren have received the testimony, there is a marked change in the atmosphere surrounding their souls. Both these brethren have visited me, and have made thorough confessions, and have acknowledged to the church the truthfulness of the testimony. The promise of the Lord, “A new heart also will I give thee” [Ezekiel 36:26], has been fulfilled in the case of these two men.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 55, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 55, 1895, par. 56

This lesson to Nicodemus I present as highly applicable to those who are today in responsible positions as rulers in Israel, and whose voices are often heard in council giving evidence of the same spirit that Nicodemus possessed. Will the lesson given to the chief ruler have the same influence upon their heart and life? Nicodemus was converted as the result of this interview. The words of Christ are spoken just as verily to presidents of conferences, elders of churches, and those occupying official positions in our institutions, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” [Verse 3.] “A new heart also will I give you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 9, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 9, 1896, par. 9

I have a message from the Lord to the human agencies who are associated together in the Review and Herald Office. If you would have the approval of God, you must begin right. The work must begin at the heart, for from it flow the issues of life. Earnest prayer, coming from a sincere contrite heart, will be heard and answered of God. Let the believer pray, “Create within me a clean heart O God, and renew a right spirit within me,” and the promise is sure and unfailing through every phase of experience. “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you.” [Psalm 51:10; Ezekiel 36:26.] Let the prayer go forth from unfeigned lips, “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways, and sinners shall be converted unto thee. ... For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” [Psalm 51:12, 13, 16, 17.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 17, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 17, 1896, par. 21

He who is placed as a president of [a] conference must learn that the human heart is wayward, and that it needs to be strictly sentineled by watchfulness and prayer. As he seeks the Lord conscientiously and constantly, he is taught of God to grow into a representative man, and can be trusted as God trusted Abraham. He needs the whole armor of God, for he has to fight the good fight of faith, and having done all that the Spirit of God has taught him to do, to stand. His enemies may be those of his own household, his wife and children, or they may be his own hereditary and cultivated tendencies, which continually seek for the mastery. Man is human and defective in character, and must battle for the victory. Everyone who begins aright must begin at his own heart. Let the fervent prayer go forth from unfeigned lips, “Create in me a clean heart, O God,” and it will bring the response, “A new heart will I give thee.” [Psalm 51:10; Ezekiel 36:26.]

God’s Amazing Grace

To Change the Heart, April 2

AG 100.1

A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:26.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 29, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 29, 1896, par. 15

God wants the gift of your whole heart just as it is. And He says, “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you; and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] God cannot work for a man who cherishes a perverse will. A self-serving will has shut away thousands from the kingdom of heaven. But when we place ourselves in the hands of the Lord without the least reservation, to be molded and fashioned after His similitude, God will work, and make our will complete in His will.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 12, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 12, 1897, par. 41

Do not drop from the mind the fact that we are a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. Our education must be deep and thorough in the understanding of the Scriptures. The school standard must be kept high and pure and elevated that students may prepare to meet their God. Our work now is to tell men plainly what they must do to be saved. All who feel their need of Christ may go to Him just as they are, tell Him of their necessities, ask for the broken heart, the contrite soul, and the words of God will be fulfilled, “A new heart will I give thee.” [Ezekiel 36:26.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 17, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 17, 1897, par. 22

My spirit is stirred within me when those who should humble themselves before God exalt themselves and pass judgment upon the transgressions of their fellow men, when these transgressions have been repented of, and in those whom they condemn the prayer has been fulfilled, “A new heart will I give thee.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] What would these Pharisaical ones say were the curtain rolled back, and they could see God and the holy angels rejoicing with singing over those whom they condemned? “Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones, for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 18:10.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 77, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 77, 1897, par. 5

If you do not follow Christ, you follow the leadings of another general, who is no less a personage than Satan. You are in his service, to do his will. He leads you every day. He puts vile songs in your mouth, and these you have sung, making your lips utter his praise. The only thing for you to do is to change leaders; for self-seeking is self-destruction. All the Lord asks of you is, “My Son, give me thy heart.” [Proverbs 23:26.] You must do this intelligently. The sacrifice of your whole heart means that, as faithful soldiers, you shall wear the regimentals provided for you by the great sacrifice of Jesus Christ, “a new heart will I give you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 124, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 124, 1897, par. 41

Those who are truly converted are born again. “A new heart also will I give thee,” God says. [Ezekiel 36:26.] By God Himself provision is made for every soul that turns to the Lord to receive God’s immediate co-operation. The Holy Spirit becomes his efficiency. Faith in Christ is our only hope of salvation. The work of every true Christian is to set forth Christ and Him crucified. “Ye are the light of the world,” Christ said. [Matthew 5:14.] What constitute God’s people lights in the world? Abiding in Christ. Doing this, they can cooperate with Him in the grand work of winning souls from darkness to light.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 55, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 55, 1897, par. 40

Our soul, mind, and strength is lent us by God, and He desires us to reach to the highest standard of efficiency. It is our hearts only that God asks for. “My son, give me thine heart,” He says. [Proverbs 23:26.] When this becomes a consecrated temple for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, nothing will be withheld from God. Then God promises, “A new heart also will I give thee.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] With this will come a sense of responsibility, a desire to keep the way of the Lord, and to do justice and judgment. “Ye are not your own, for ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” [1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 130, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 130, 1897, par. 4

All, high or low, if they are unconverted to Christ, are on one common platform. Men may work themselves into the grave by abusing the human machinery. They may turn from one doctrine to another. This is being done, and will be done. Papists may change from Catholicism to Protestantism; yet they may know nothing of the meaning of the words “A new heart will I give thee.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] Accepting new theories alone does not bring any new life into the soul, even though the church with which they unite may be founded on the true foundation. A connection with the church does not take the place of conversion. To subscribe the name to a church creed is not of the least value to any one if the heart is not truly changed.

12LtMs, Ms 130, 1897, par. 31

There is fulness of joy in the truth. There is a nobleness in the life of the human agent who lives and works under the vivifying influence of the truth. Truth is sacred and divine. It is stronger and more powerful than anything else in the formation of a character after the likeness of Christ. When it is cherished in the heart, the love of Christ is preferred to the love of any human being. This is Christianity. Thus truth, pure, unadulterated truth, occupies the citadel of the being. This is the life of God in the soul. “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 74b, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 74b, 1897, par. 5

The Lord will take these poor souls if they will come and stand under His banner in loyalty. “A new heart will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] This is the divine breath of God to the soul of the true seeker. God will give you His healing power. We will rely upon Him, for He is our great Physician of the body as well as of the soul.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 61, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 61, 1897, par. 9

Your condition is hopeless so far as anything you can do or accomplish for yourself. You may both have impulses that are indeed good; but when test or trial comes, you reveal that there is an unsubdued self ready to spring to life and burst forth in a vehement manner. Bear in mind that it is the heart that needs to be melted over, changed, transformed by the grace of Christ. It is the spiritual life that is needed. “A new heart,” says Christ, “will I give you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] The beauties of holiness must appear. Self must be crucified. Christ must live in your lives. Satan is the destroyer of Christlike virtues; Christ is the Restorer.

God’s Amazing Grace

A Miracle, August 1

AG 221.2

Christ wrought no miracle at the demand of the Pharisees. He wrought no miracle in the wilderness in answer to Satan’s insinuations. He does not impart to us power to vindicate ourselves or to satisfy the demands of unbelief and pride. But the gospel is not without a sign of its divine origin. Is it not a miracle that we can break from the bondage of Satan? Enmity against Satan is not natural to the human heart; it is implanted by the grace of God. When one who has been controlled by a stubborn, wayward will is set free, and yields himself wholeheartedly to the drawing of God’s heavenly agencies, a miracle is wrought; so also when a man who has been under strong delusion comes to understand moral truth. Every time a soul is converted, and learns to love God and keep His commandments, the promise of God is fulfilled, “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you” (Ezekiel 36:26). The change in human hearts, the transformation of human characters, is a miracle that reveals an ever-living Saviour, working to rescue souls. A consistent life in Christ is a great miracle. In the preaching of the Word of God, the sign that should be manifest now and always is the presence of the Holy Spirit, to make the Word a regenerating power to those that hear. This is God’s witness before the world to the divine mission of His Son.1The Desire of Ages, 407.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 193, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 193, 1897, par. 14

They could, by doing right themselves, make it in every way better for themselves and for their teachers, and they will have the approval of God. It depended upon the pupils of the school whether the school will be of lasting advantage to them or not. The teachers could not possibly make them a new heart, but the Lord has said to all who seek Him diligently, “A new heart will I give you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] When the heart is under the Holy Spirit’s molding influence, every one would know this because of the influence they exerted. The Lord God Omnipotent reigneth, and sees all the works of the children of men. I can write no more on this point.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 85, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 85, 1897, par. 9

Bear in mind that you are God’s by creation, and you are His by redemption. The same Son of the only living God who created you has declared, “A new heart will I give you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] If you will surrender to Him, his grace will make of you a vessel unto honor, and will carry you forward step by step in the progress of Christian perfection, until you shall see the King in His beauty. Day by day He will work great changes in you. He who hath begun a good work in you will through His grace perform it unto the day of Christ’s appearing. The honor of Christ is not less concerned in the perfection of your individual character than is your own honor. You are a member of His body, a part of Himself. He has passed through great suffering, even unto the most cruel death, that you might have probationary time in which to form a character through His sufficiency, that His glory should become your glory, that when you shall appear among the angels of heaven, the just made perfect, you may appear unto the praise and glory of His power.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 60, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 60, 1898, par. 52

Those most closely connected with vital interests in the cause and work of God will not study self or seek good positions, high places, ease, [or] honor. They will begin aright, knowing that they must have not theory alone, but heart work. They will pray, Create in me a clean heart, O God. The Lord answers all such prayers, saying, A new heart will I give you. [Psalm 51:10; Ezekiel 36:26.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 44, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 44, 1898, par. 24

Those here represented have found in Christ the one precious pearl of great price, for which all other pearls should be sold. Those who try to find peace and rest will be unsuccessful unless they find the One of whom John said, Behold the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world. [John 1:29.] But the soul that finds Jesus feels that his wants are entirely satisfied. Christ says, A new heart will I give you. [Ezekiel 36:26.] This is the reward of obedience.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 178, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 178, 1899, par. 13

If we are verily and truly united to Christ, it is because truth has taken possession of the soul temple. We see so many who, while they claim to be Christians, show by their lives that they know not God and Jesus Christ by an experimental knowledge. The heart that has opened its doors to Jesus will love pure, cleansing, transforming truth, and will zealously contend for the faith once delivered to the saints. Let no man stop short of entire, unreserved surrender to God. Begin the work in the heart. Look away from the course of action pursued by others to Christ. You have a soul to save or a soul to lose, and this is too important a question to be regarded indifferently. One of the most earnest prayers in the inspired Word is, “Create in me a clean heart, O God;” and from One who loved us and gave His life for us comes the great and important assurance, “A new heart also will I give you.” [Psalm 51:10; Ezekiel 36:26.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 167, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 167, 1899, par. 3

I now bear testimony that you are guilty of causing your husband great unhappiness which is ruining his health, spoiling his Christian experience, and making his life a burden. Will you now seek the Lord while He may be found? Will you call upon Him while He is near? “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” [Isaiah 55:6, 7.] My sister, if you will be as diligent and persevering to seek your own soul’s salvation as you have been to make your husband’s life unhappy, you will surely make a success. Will you now turn square about and repent and be converted? Then the Lord will forgive your sins. He says, “A new heart will I give you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 46, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 46, 1899, par. 6

Seeking pardon for sin, Saul found the sin-pardoning Saviour, who takes away the guilt of the world. He found the One who said to him, “A new heart also will I give thee.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” “Whosoever believeth in me, shall not perish, but shall have the light of life.” [John 14:6; 3:16; 8:12.] In reference to Paul Christ could indeed say, “I was found of him who sought me not.” [See Romans 10:20.] Paul was not searching for the pearl of great price. But it flashed its invaluable loveliness before him, that his attention might be attracted. Christ and his righteousness became to Paul more than the whole world. “I count all things but loss ... that I may win Christ,” he declared. [Philippians 3:8.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 39, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 39, 1900, par. 13

You must not overlook the plainness and force and power of the truth. It is to be presented line upon line. Begin with your own hearts, for out of the heart are the issues of life. Let the prayer ascend from unfeigned lips, “Create in me a clean heart, O God.” [Psalm 51:10.] The promise is most emphatic, “A new heart will I give you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] Would that every worker might learn how to reach souls through God! In your several places and your relations to one another, there is to be a solid oneness. Draw together, stand shoulder to shoulder. Let no one weaken his or her individual influence by imaginings. Pull on the right side for all that you are worth. Christ as an abiding power in the heart continually will give you mind, tongue, and utterance. The new creating, converting power of God must come to your own souls, and flow out from your own hearts in fitting words. Then you can entreat, appeal, pray, hope, and hold on to souls, drawing with Christ Jesus. Let there be no divided interest.

God’s Amazing Grace

Power to Obey, September 2

AG 253.5

The miracle-working power of Christ’s grace is revealed in the creation in man of a new heart, a higher life, a holier enthusiasm. God says: “A new heart also will I give you” (Ezekiel 36:26). Is not this, the renewal of man, the greatest miracle that can be performed? What cannot the human agent do who by faith takes hold of the divine power? 5Testimonies for the Church 9:151, 152.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 56, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 56, 1900, par. 8

Let the souls who come to Christ consider that He is the Sin-bearer, “wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” [Isaiah 53:5.] “Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.” [Matthew 8:17.] All this is done for the sinner, and as the sinner comes to Christ, helpless, penitent, and humble; as he views the expensive expiation made in his behalf, let the repenting soul lay hold by faith of the provision made to save him, not in his sin, but from his sin. Christ the Sin-bearer must take away the sin and rescue the sinner from his morbid spiritual condition. As he asks for a change of heart, the answer comes, “My son, give me thine heart.” [Proverbs 23:26.] “A new heart will I give thee.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] I will restore you to a pure, holy atmosphere, that you, being dead to sin, may live unto righteousness.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 195, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 195, 1901, par. 7

Christ is our example, our inspiration, our exceeding great reward. “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] God is the Master-builder, but man has a part to act. He is to co-operate with God. “We are laborers together with God.” [Verse 9.] Never forget the words, “together with God.” “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you, both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” [Philippians 2:12, 13.] The miracle-working power of Christ’s grace is revealed in the creation in man of a new heart, a higher life, a holy enthusiasm. God says, “A new heart also will I give you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] Is not this renewal of man the greatest miracle that can be performed? What cannot the human agent do who by faith takes hold of divine power? He loves the Lord Jesus with his whole heart, and Christ becomes his wisdom, his righteousness, his sanctification, and his redemption.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 52, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 52, 1901, par. 1

I have much concern of mind in your case. I have received your letters and am sincerely glad to hear from you. I know that God will bless you if you will put away the idea that outward display gives influence. God says, “My son, give me thine heart.” [Proverbs 23:26.] If you will do this, the Lord will accept it, and will cleanse it from the evil of pride. He says, “A new heart will I give you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] When you have this new heart, you will reveal the wisdom of God, not the wisdom of the world.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 198, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 198, 1901, par. 3

Your labor does not always bear the right stamp. You often create trouble, when none ought to exist. In the heavenly books you have a record that you will not care to meet. You need a new heart, a new mind. When by learning of Jesus Christ you become meek and lowly of heart, you will be a man that is converted. Christ’s promise is, “A new heart also will I give you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 186, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 186, 1901, par. 2

At this meeting the seeds of truth were sown, and if watered with earnest after-work, they will spring up to bear fruit. I have faith to believe that many to whom in the past the world has been everything will realize that eternity demands all their attention. As the Holy Spirit impresses minds, presenting glimpses of another and a better country and a city whose builder and maker is God, things that have been afar off will be brought nigh. From longing, unsatisfied minds will come the question, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” [Luke 18:18.] And the loving Redeemer, who gave his life as a propitiation for sin, will respond, “A new heart will I give you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] A new life, inspired by Christ, will begin. As the divine power of truth is seen, new thoughts will be awakened.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 102, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 102, 1902, par. 10

God says, “A new heart will I give you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] Every learner may be renewed in knowledge and true holiness. The ransom of an enslaved race was Christ’s purpose in coming to this earth. What a pity it is that human beings cannot discern their own weakness. What a pity that they enslave their souls by lifting themselves up unto vanity. Christ alone can make us free. And when He makes us free, we are free indeed. His power breaks the yoke of bondage that binds man to the great deceiver, the originator of sin. But how many there are who are unwilling to allow Christ to break their shackles. How many there are who choose to cling to the thralldom of sin. The gospel of Christ is truly believed only when it is practiced. Faith is justified by works. Self must be hid; Christ must appear as the chiefest among ten thousand, the One altogether lovely. When an unreserved surrender of the powers of body, mind, and soul is made to the Saviour, self no longer strives for the mastery. What man needs today is the crucifixion of self and the revelation in his life of Christ, the hope of glory. Then will be fulfilled the words, “Ye are the light of the world.” [Matthew 5:14.] Then will be answered the prayer, “That they all may be one, as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us.” [John 17:21.] In thought, word, and action, Christ’s followers will be an exemplification of godliness. An atmosphere of peace will surround them. Step by step let us follow on to know the Lord, treading in His footprints, striving to live His life. He says to His followers, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. ... Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14, 16.] From the lives of God’s children, the bright light of purity, of honesty, of unselfishness, is to shine forth.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 27, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 27, 1902, par. 29

“As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God.” But consider the conditions: “Even to them that believe on his name, which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of the will of God.” [John 1:12, 13.] It is those whose natural characters have been changed by the Holy Spirit, who by the new birth have been born again, who are accepted as sons and daughters of God. Many who make a profession of religion have never been changed in heart. Christ’s words mean much. They mean that we must be born again. God declares, “A new heart will I give you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] Have we received this new heart? Are our natural impulses changed? The apostle says, “The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” [1 Corinthians 2:14.] It is here declared, with a distinctness that should impress every one, that human reasoning is of no advantage to souls when the truth is presented to them. Those who refuse to accept the teaching of the Holy Spirit, because hereditary and cultivated tendencies to wrong press for recognition, are not able to discern spiritual things. They reason from the natural conditions of the heart and mind. Every soul who does not follow the Lord fully is in danger.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 200, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 200, 1902, par. 19

As a people we need to seek most earnestly for the energizing power of the Holy Spirit. We need to be born again. “A new heart,” Christ says, “I will give you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] He takes the things of God, and shows them to those who follow Him in meekness and lowliness.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 12, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 12, 1902, par. 11

“A new heart will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] Then light takes the place of shadow. The life is filled with joy and peace. Those who have this experience reveal faith and hope and courage in the daily life. They magnify the power of the love of God—a love even stronger, deeper, and more constraining than the love of a mother for her child. “A new heart will I give you.” Will you accept it?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 2, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 2, 1903, par. 27

There is no power in repentance to change the life. But when the helpless soul casts itself on Christ, then comes transformation of character. The Saviour declares, “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.]

Gospel Workers (1892/1893 ed.)

Diligence and Consecration Needed

GW92 451.4

This is one of the most earnest and contrite prayers on record, and the Lord’s response is, “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 16, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 16, 1903, par. 24

Lord, we accept Thee now; we receive Thee now; we believe in Thee now; and we ask Thee to let Thy Holy Spirit rest upon us just now. Just now walk through this house, we pray Thee; and may the angels accompanying Thee go around to every seat and to every heart; and may every person have a realization of what “I” should do. May every one look not to man, but to Christ—to Him who has died to save us. We are saved by Thee, Lord; we look to Thee, Lord. O let Thy power come upon us, to tell us that our sins are pardoned. Thou hast promised, “A new heart will I give thee.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] We desire to have our hearts renewed, Lord; we long for this.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 275, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 275, 1903, par. 35

The Lord would have our physicians co-operate with Him in their treatment of the sick, showing more faith and using fewer drugs. Let us rely upon God. Our faith is feeble, and our hearts remain unchanged. God would have a change take place. He says, “A new heart also will I give you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] When this promise is fulfilled to the people of God, the condition of things will be very different from what it now is.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 43, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 43, 1903, par. 17

O that the Holy Spirit would take hold upon the hearts of the men in responsible positions in the work of God—those who for so long have been under the deception of the enemy. O that they could see themselves as God sees them. Then there would go forth from unfeigned lips the entreaty, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” [Psalm 51:10.] And quickly would come the response, “A new heart will I give you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 27, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 27, 1903, par. 1

What we need at the beginning of this Conference is to know that we are standing on vantage ground, that we believe every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. By a word God can clear away all difficulties. When we approach Him, asking for a new heart, how quickly the response comes, “A new heart will I give you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] Let us at the very beginning of this meeting ask God to give us clean hearts.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 56, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 56, 1903, par. 4

Let us place ourselves in the line of co-operation with God, making it possible for Him to answer our prayers. He has issued His promissory notes, declaring, “A new heart will I give you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] He says that He will be found of those who seek Him with the whole heart. When you lose your hold on Christ, the bank of heaven has not failed, but you have broken your covenant with God. He cannot cover your sin while you continue in sin, refusing to let Him take away your transgression, because you suppose that in disobeying the commands of God, you have placed yourself beyond help. The Lord says, “Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me, and he shall make peace with Me.” [Isaiah 27:5.] Then stop worrying over the troubles that you so often bring upon yourself, and come like a penitent child to Jesus, confessing your sins. “Thus saith the high and holy One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” [Isaiah 57:15.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 42, 1904

19LtMs, Ms 42, 1904, par. 5

The words, “A new heart will I give you,” mean, “A new mind will I give you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] This change of heart is always attended by a clear conception of Christian duty, an understanding of truth. The clearness of our view of truth will be proportionate to our understanding of the Word of God. He who gives the Scriptures close, prayerful attention will gain clear comprehension and sound judgment, as if in turning to God he had reached a higher grade of intelligence.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 14, 1904

19LtMs, Ms 14, 1904, par. 6

The Lord would have our physicians co-operate with Him in their treatment of the sick, showing more faith and using fewer drugs. Let us rely upon God. Our faith is feeble, and our hearts remain unchanged. God would have a change take place. He says, “A new heart also will I give you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] When this promise is fulfilled to the people of God, the condition of things will be very different from what it now is.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 352, 1905

20LtMs, Lt 352, 1905, par. 7

This is my trouble, knowing that every church member, children of the fallen Adam, must either be born again or never see God. Saith our Lord to all who repent, “A new heart will I give thee”—that is, a new birth. [Ezekiel 36:26.] Let us act in full confidence and trustfulness. The Lord suffers our faith to be tested, that we may know how to endure the trying of our faith. I have, in contemplation of my work as God’s messenger, to repeat over and over the messages given me, notwithstanding so little heed is given to the messages God has sent. While the messages of error and pleasing fables of which God has warned in His Word are accepted, the warnings through the messenger He has used to open before them dangers which concern the welfare of their souls are not regarded. They give heed to deceiving spirits and refuse the messages of correction.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 188, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 188, 1905, par. 35

Verses 2-5. Now there is a love that is gone from us, and we had better cultivate the love of Christ in our hearts. We had better devote our strength to pleading with God in prayer that we may have a new heart. “A new heart,” He says, “I will give you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] Then if He will give us a new heart, let us take it. Let us stop complaining and faultfinding and talking unbelief. Let us put on the whole armor of righteousness, and let us seek the Lord, and having done all, to stand. Stand firmly for the truth. Do not be wavering this way and that way, because some will bring a fallacious message unto you. We must hold the first message we had from the beginning.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 126, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 126, 1905, par. 5

I am unable to see into the human heart. But there is One who knoweth the thoughts afar off and who sees the outcome of these thoughts. When the necessary work is accomplished in the heart, when the mind is worked by the Holy Spirit, the life will bear the right kind of fruit. The promise will be fulfilled, “A new heart will I give thee.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] This is what is needed now.

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

MR No. 919—Themes for Meditation

11MR 363.2

What Jesus Has Done For Us—Say to the youth, If you have not given your heart to Jesus, make Him the offering ere the year 1892 shall close. What has Jesus done for you? He has given His precious life for you. If God had not loved you He would have retained Jesus in heaven. “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Do not allow the enemy to crowd this out of your mind. It is the most important theme for your meditation. What have I done to show that I appreciate this great love? What have I given to Jesus? The gift that will be a precious and fragrant offering to Him will be yourself. You that have not made your decision to be sons and daughters of God, I beg of you to do this without any delay. Place your will on the side of God’s will. He delights in mercy. “Who is a God like unto Thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He retaineth not His anger forever, because He delighteth in mercy” (Micah 7:18). Have you decided to become a part of the heritage of the Lord? “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building” (1 Corinthians 3:9). Come to Jesus just as you are, weak and sinful, ignorant and unworthy and He will receive you. He says, “A new heart also will I give you” (Ezekiel 36:26).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 196, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 196, 1907, par. 2

One of the most earnest prayers recorded in the Word of God is that of David, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” [Psalm 51:10.] The promise of God to those who cry thus to Him is, “A new heart will I give you; and a new spirit will I put within you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] A heart right with God, given to you through the power of the Holy Spirit, will make you a new life. The truth of God controlling it in righteousness will be to you the power of God unto salvation. You will have a sense of divine power and grace within you, and this will cause you to reveal the fruits of righteousness. The Holy Scriptures will then be to you a treasure house of knowledge. Through obedience to the Word of God, mother and daughter will become heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. You will sit down with Him to the marriage supper of the Lamb.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 224, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 224, 1907, par. 6

One of the most earnest prayers recorded in the Word of God is that of David when he plead, “Create in me a clean heart, O God.” [Psalm 51:10.] God’s response to such a prayer is, “A new heart will I give you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] This is a work that no finite man can do. Men and women are to begin at the beginning, seeking God most earnestly for a true Christian experience. They are to feel the creative power of the Holy Spirit. They are to receive the new heart that is kept soft and tender by the grace of heaven. The selfish spirit is to be cleansed from the soul. They are to labor earnestly and with humility of heart, each one looking to Jesus for guidance and encouragement. Then the building, fitly framed together, will grow into a holy temple in the Lord.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Lt 66, 1910

25LtMs, Lt 66, 1910, par. 9

There is too much of unconverted self mingled in the work. In working the cities, angels of God are to co-operate with the minister of the Word. The mind, the will, the words, the spirit of the teacher must be under the control of the great Teacher. The truths of the Word are sacred. Teach the seeker after truth the words of the Infinite One: “A new heart will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 65, 1911

25LtMs, Ms 65, 1911, par. 19

The love of Christ must be received into the heart and acted out in the life works. The whole heart must be converted to a love of the Saviour. Then, when Christianity is in the heart, religion takes the helm. The Lord Jesus is enthroned in the citadel of the soul. Christ’s pledge must be appreciated: “A new heart will I give you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] This is what all must have. Allow not your heart to be diverted with foolish matters. Christianity in the heart will make us like Christ.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 17—Nicodemus

DA 174.1

There was no excuse for the blindness of Israel in regard to the work of regeneration. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Isaiah had written, “We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.” David had prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” And through Ezekiel the promise had been given, “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes.” Isaiah 64:6; Psalm 51:10; Ezekiel 36:26, 27.

Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing

“He opened His mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”—Matthew 5:2, 3.

MB 7.2

Whom Christ pardons, He first makes penitent, and it is the office of the Holy Spirit to convince of sin. Those whose hearts have been moved by the convicting Spirit of God see that there is nothing good in themselves. They see that all they have ever done is mingled with self and sin. Like the poor publican, they stand afar off, not daring to lift up so much as their eyes to heaven, and cry, “God, be merciful to me the sinner.” Luke 18:13 , R.V., margin. And they are blessed. There is forgiveness for the penitent; for Christ is “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29. God’s promise is: “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”” A new heart also will I give you.... And I will put My Spirit within you.” Isaiah 1:18; Ezekiel 36:26, 27.

To Be Like Jesus

Repentance to Be Followed by Change of Character, December 19

BLJ 371.2

The learned Nicodemus had read these pointed prophecies [e.g., Psalm 51:10-13; Ezekiel 36:26, 27] with a clouded mind, but now he began to comprehend their true meaning, and to understand that even a man as just and honorable as himself must experience a new birth through Jesus Christ, as the only condition upon which he could be saved and secure an entrance into the kingdom of God. Jesus spoke positively that unless a person is born again he or she cannot discern the kingdom which Christ came upon earth to set up. Rigid precision in obeying the law would entitle no one to enter the kingdom of heaven.

Ye Shall Receive Power

The Heart Changed, February 9

YRP 48.1

A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. Ezekiel 36:26, 27.

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 17—Nicodemus Comes to Jesus at Night

HLv 109.4

There was no excuse for the blindness of Israel in regard to the work of regeneration. David had prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Through Ezekiel the promise had been given, “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes.” Psalm 51:10; Ezekiel 36:26, 27.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 54, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 54, 1894, par. 13

The very work that Christ declared necessary in the case of Nicodemus is the very work that needs to be done for those men who think that everything pertaining to religion must be done in a precise, methodical way. They need to be born again, and how the new birth is accomplished matters not, so long as the heart is renewed. When the prayer is sincerely offered, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me,” the voice of the Lord answers, “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you, and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.” [Psalm 51:10;] Ezekiel 36:26, 27.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 15, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 15, 1895, par. 27

The last six precepts of the law are comprehended in this: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. The very ones who are in need of your love and sympathy are to be helped. We are to cry to God daily, “Create in me a clean heart, O God.” [Psalm 51:10.] And what will be the answer? “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.” [Ezekiel 36:26, 27.]

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

MR No. 55—The Spirit that Should Characterize the Work of Seventh-day Adventist Physicians

1MR 207.2

Those who thus practice the truth, will know that there is a love, stronger, deeper, more constraining than the natural love of a mother to her son,—it is the love of the Saviour to the saved, and their love to Him in return. Truth occupies the citadel of the soul, and should the Saviour search the temple, He would find no buyers and sellers to condemn; for God is enthroned in the heart. The Lord has promised, “A new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.... And cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments.... And ye shall be My people, and I will be your God” (Ezekiel 36:26-28).

With God at Dawn

He Will Cause Us to Walk in His Statutes, March 9

WGD 70.1

And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. Ezekiel 36:27.

With God at Dawn

Ancient Israel an Example of God’s Care, November 29

WGD 335.1

I will also save you from all your uncleanlinesses; and I will call for the corn, and will increase it, and lay no famine upon you. And I will multiply the fruit of the tree, and the increase of the field, that ye shall receive no more reproach of famine among the heathen. Ezekiel 36:29, 30.

With God at Dawn

Then Shall Ye Remember Your Evil Ways, May 6

WGD 128.1

Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall lothe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations. Ezekiel 36:31.

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Master Worker, February 10

JNN 49.3

At every advance step in Christian experience our repentance will deepen. It is to those whom the Lord has forgiven, to those whom He acknowledges as His people, that He says, “Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall loathe yourselves in your own sight” (Ezekiel 36:31). Again He says, “I will establish My covenant with thee, and thou shalt know that I am the Lord; that thou mayest remember, and be confounded, and never open thy mouth any more because of thy shame, when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done, saith the Lord God” (Ezekiel 16:62, 63). Then our lips will not be opened in self-glorification. We shall know that our sufficiency is in Christ alone. We shall make the apostle’s confession our own. “I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing” (Romans 7:18)....