EGW WritingsHebrews 11
Ellen G. White · Page 1 of 2
Read Hebrews 11 in the BibleHebrews 11:1-2
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 98, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 98, 1902, par. 3
While I was speaking, One of authority came forward and repeated the following Scriptures: “‘Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report.’” [Hebrews 11:1, 2.]Hebrews 11:1-6
Prayer
Chapter 8—Prevailing Prayer
Pr 79.2
Prevailing Prayer Includes Faith—Another element of prevailing prayer is faith. “He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6. Jesus said to His disciples, “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Mark 11:24.—(Steps to Christ, 96.)Pr 79.3
Faith is an essential element of prevailing prayer. “He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” “If we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.” Hebrews 11:6; 1 John 5:14, 15. With the persevering faith of Jacob, with the unyielding persistence of Elijah, we may present our petitions to the Father, claiming all that He has promised. The honor of His throne is staked for the fulfillment of His word.—(Prophets and Kings, 157, 158.)Pr 80.4
Prayer Without Living Faith Avails Nothing—Faith is not feeling. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.] True faith is in no sense allied to presumption. Only he who has true faith is secure against presumption, for presumption is Satan’s counterfeit of faith.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 100, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 100, 1898, par. 6
To be Christians is to be Christlike. Are we this? With many, unbelief is cultivated as a precious acquisition. Defining what faith is, Paul says, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.] How few cherish faith when they cannot see all things clearly. There are some points that do not appear in all their distinctness, but God grants us sufficient evidence upon which to base our faith. All the heart should be enlisted in the side of faith, not on the side of doubt and unbelief. This is the side of darkness. Paul says that through faith the worlds were framed by the word of God, “so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” [Verse 3.]13LtMs, Ms 100, 1898, par. 7
God’s work was to bring something into existence which was not then seen. The faith of finite beings we may safely dwell upon, but we dare not go farther than this [which] God’s works reveal. We may contemplate the works of His hand, but He enshrouds Himself in a mystery, and we dare not conjecture, we dare not seek to peer behind the veil. “Without faith it is impossible to please God; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” [Verse 6.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 85, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 85, 1897, par. 14
“By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts, and by it, he being dead yet speaketh. By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death, and was not found, because God had translated him. For before his translation he had the testimony that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” [Hebrews 11:1-6.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Lt 47, 1909
24LtMs, Lt 47, 1909, par. 3
“By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him; for before his translation he had this testimony that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” [Hebrews 11:1-6.]Hebrews 11:1-9
Patriarchs and Prophets
Chapter 11—The Call of Abraham
PP 126.2
“By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.” Hebrews 11:8. Abraham’s unquestioning obedience is one of the most striking evidences of faith to be found in all the Bible. To him, faith was “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Verse 1. Relying upon the divine promise, without the least outward assurance of its fulfillment, he abandoned home and kindred and native land, and went forth, he knew not whither, to follow where God should lead. “By faith he became a sojourner in the land of promise, as in a land not his own, dwelling in tents, with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise.” Hebrews 11:9, R.V.Hebrews 11:1-14
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 137a, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 137a, 1898, par. 2
“While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1. “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.13LtMs, Lt 137a, 1898, par. 3
“By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.” Hebrews 11:5-7. “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country” Ibid, verses 13, 14.Hebrews 11:1-27
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 116, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 116, 1896, par. 7
We all need larger faith; we must cultivate faith. Faith is not feeling; faith is not sight. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” “Without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” “By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing him who is invisible.” [Hebrews 11:1, 6, 24-27.]11LtMs, Lt 116, 1896, par. 10
Moses was accepted as a co-worker with God. He knew that scorn, hatred, persecution, and maybe death would be his portion if he should act any part in espousing the cause of the Hebrew captives, but he chose “rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.” [Verse 25.] Moses knew that he would meet derision and scorn. He had stood in great popularity, as the general of Pharaoh’s armies, and he knew that now his name would be banded round and falsified, but he esteemed the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt. He laid down the prospect of a kingly crown, and took up the burdens of his oppressed and afflicted people.11LtMs, Lt 116, 1896, par. 12
What if Moses had refused to link himself with the people who were slaves and bondsmen in Egypt, realizing the loss he would sustain in various ways, and had accepted the position of ruler. The ambition which would lead him to ascend the throne would have had a controlling influence over him when there. He would have feared the result of the jealousy of the supposed to be great men of Egypt, and his course would have created obstacles to the deliverance of his brethren; for these Hebrew slaves brought in a great revenue to the kingdom. But Moses “refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter,” in order that the Lord’s hand might work out the deliverance of His people. [Hebrews 11:24.]Hebrews 11:1-40
Manuscript Releases, vol. 6 [Nos. 347-418]
Boarded Ship for New Zealand
6MR 296.1
[Sydney, NSW] February 4, 1893—We rode in the cab to the church in Sydney, and I spoke from Hebrews 11 upon faith. The Lord strengthened me by His grace. I felt much strengthened and blessed. The Holy Spirit was upon me. Strength, both physical and spiritual, was given me in large measure....Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 368, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 368, 1905, par. 8
Hebrews 11 gives the exposition of faith. It is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. Read this explanation of faith [in] verse 6: “But without faith it is impossible to please God, for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” In my talk I urged all to read the whole chapter. Take the Word of God as your counselor and walk out upon that Word in full and trusting obedience. The last talk I gave, I addressed this man, “Have you grasped what faith is—the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen? Do you now have faith?” He said, “I have faith now.”20LtMs, Lt 368, 1905, par. 9
We can see why there should be sanitariums. Several have been converted because Christ is held forth as the greatest Missionary Worker the world has ever seen. Some suffered for the truth’s sake. “Thy Word is truth.” [John 17:17.] And this institution or sanitarium has proved the word of the Lord that the great Master Healer will, if you ask Him in faith, take away your disease. “By faith Moses when he was come to years, refused (the great honor) to become the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward.” [Hebrews 11,] verses 24-26. Read the chapter.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 97, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, par. 49
He “hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father; to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever.” [Verse 6.] In the book of Hebrews in studying the priesthood, we find that the priests were those who presented to the Father their own case, and also the cases of others. They were to work diligently for the salvation of souls. But there are some today, even among those who are preaching the gospel, who need a new conversion. And unless they are converted, they will dishonor their Redeemer.Selected Messages Book 3
A Few Sabbaths With the White Family
3SM 265.2
[Sydney, N.S.W., Australia] February 4, 1893—Spoke in the Morning, Boarded Ship in the Afternoon—We rode in the cab to the church in Sydney, and I spoke from Hebrews 11 upon faith. The Lord strengthened me by His grace. I felt much strengthened and blessed. The Holy Spirit was upon me. Strength, both physical and spiritual, was given me in large measure....Testimony for the Church — No. 25
Leadership.
T25 183.2
The apostle exalts Christ as the great head of the church, and the only one to whom she should look for leadership, in Hebrews 12:1, 2. He wouldhave the church benefited by the experiences of the heroes of faith, mentioned in the eleventh chapter, called in the first verse of the twelfth a cloud of witnesses. But he faithfully guards the church against looking back to them with a spirit of idolatry, or accepting any man as their leader or pattern of the Christian life, in these three words: “Looking unto Jesus.” Paul says: “Wherefore, seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 88, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 88, 1893, par. 24
Tuesday morning spoke upon the words of (Hebrews 11), upon faith, verses 1-6. A very impressive chapter. Did not have opportunity to give the full discourse.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 63, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 63, 1893, par. 27
The Lord gave me a special word for His people—(Hebrews 11), the chapter upon faith. The blessing of the Lord came in as I tried to present before them the necessity of taking their minds from the common, cheap and discouraging things that are seen and dwelling upon the things that are unseen. We are seeking a better country, even an heavenly city whose builder and maker is God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 76, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 76, 1893, par. 11
We rode in the cab to the church in Sydney and I spoke from (Hebrews 11) upon faith. The Lord strengthened me by His grace. I felt much strengthened and blessed. The Holy Spirit was upon me. Strength, both physical and spiritual, was given me in large measure. “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. Our work is to believe, watch, and pray. The lessons which came from the lips of Jesus are the light and strength of my heart. I love Jesus and know He has lifted me above my infirmities so often. I will have faith in my Saviour, for without faith it is impossible to please God. We need an increase of faith.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 6, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 6, 1902, par. 14
Read carefully the eleventh chapter of Hebrews, and appropriate to yourselves the instruction it contains. In the tenth chapter the apostle says, “Every priest standeth daily ministering, and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins; but this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God; from henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. For by one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified. Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us; for after that he had said before, This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts and in their minds will I write them; and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.17LtMs, Ms 6, 1902, par. 16
The eleventh chapter contains a record of the experience of the faithful. Writing of them Paul says: “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” [Verses 7-10.]17LtMs, Ms 6, 1902, par. 17
“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly; wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for he hath prepared for them a city.” [Verses 13-16.]17LtMs, Ms 6, 1902, par. 18
“Without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” [Verse 6.] Those who undertake to work for God in our cities must go forward in faith, doing their very best. As they watch and work and pray, God will hear and answer their petitions. They will obtain an experience that will be invaluable to them in their after work. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Verse 1.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 131, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 131, 1904, par. 5
Brother Sharp, will you study carefully the eleventh chapter of the book of Hebrews? Read the sixth verse:19LtMs, Lt 131, 1904, par. 8
“By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.” [Verse 7.]19LtMs, Lt 131, 1904, par. 12
“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for He hath prepared them a city.” [Verses 8-10, 13-16.]Hebrews 11:3
Education
Chapter 14—Science and the Bible
Ed 134.1
The deepest students of science are constrained to recognize in nature the working of infinite power. But to man’s unaided reason, nature’s teaching cannot but be contradictory and disappointing. Only in the light of revelation can it be read aright. “Through faith we understand.” Hebrews 11:3.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 56, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 56, 1903, par. 2
No amount of reasoning or explanation can tell the whys and wherefores of the creation of the world. It is to be understood by faith in the great creative power. By faith we must believe in the mighty-working creative power of God through Jesus Christ. “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear” (are not present to the eye). [Hebrews 11:3.] This is a matter that can be stated, but mere reasoning will never convince one of the truth of the statement. Reasoning we must have. It is one of the great masterly talents entrusted to the human agent and is a great advantage at every step we advance from earth to heaven. The faculty of reasoning, trained and cultivated as a precious entrusted gift, will be taken to heaven with all its improvements and sanctified abilities, to be perfected more and more in the heavenly school above.Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8
The Work of Creation
8T 259.1
“Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” Hebrews 11:3.The Faith I Live By
Origin by Creation, January 18
FLB 24.1
Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. Hebrews 11:3.The Ministry of Healing
The Creation of the Earth
MH 414.3
“Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” Hebrews 11:3.The Upward Look
God and His Creation, November 22
UL 340.6
In the formation of our world, God was not beholden to preexistent substance or matter. For the “things which are seen were not made of things which do appear” (Hebrews 11:3). On the contrary, all things, material or spiritual, stood up before the Lord Jehovah at His voice, and were created for His own purpose. The heavens and all the host of them, the earth and all things that are therein, are not only the work of His hand; they came into existence by the breath of His mouth.This Day With God
God Is a Person, September 21
TDG 273.1
Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. Hebrews 11:3.Testimony Treasures, vol. 3
Homeward Bound
3TT 258.1
“Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” Hebrews 11:3.—1904, Testimonies for the Church 8:258, 259.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 108, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 108, 1893, par. 2
God is the great master Artist. We are to honor God in all things. We may say, “Behold, heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee” (1 Kings 8:27). A human artist can only fashion his work from materials from something already prepared for him and which he cannot make; but the Lord God is the Alpha and Omega. He was not at all dependent upon pre-existent matter in the creating of our world. “He spake, and it was done” (Psalm 33:9). “Things which are seen were not made of things which do appear” (Hebrews 11:3).Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 127, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 127, 1897, par. 16
In the formation of our world, God was not beholden to pre-existent substance of matter. “For the things that are seen were not made of the things which do appear.” [Hebrews 11:3.] On the contrary, all things, material or spiritual, stood up before the Lord Jehovah at His voice, and were created for His own purpose. The heavens and all the host of them, the earth and all things that are therein, are not only the work of His hand. They came into existence by the breath of His mouth.Hebrews 11:4
Conflict and Courage
It’s Up to You, January 18
CC 24.1
By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. Hebrews 11:4.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 200, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 200, 1899, par. 12
“By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh” (Hebrews 11:4). All who have a knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, may have just as pure a faith as had Abel. There is a true experience, a safe knowledge of God, and of Jesus Christ which is unto salvation. God testifies to His gifts and His servants. Is not this of more value than any of us seeking our own advantage and to glorify self? Not one of us needs to be careless, slack, and half serious in the service of God. By being neither wholly for God nor wholly of the Devil, they are of no use in God’s service, for they are only misleading. The God-given talent entrusted to be used to His glory is perverted to selfish purposes to aggrandize himself, to be recognized as a superior man. Enoch was a man perfect with God. All these cases will condemn in the judgment those who have great light and evidence and yet are far from being a perfect man in Christ Jesus. They all having a defective character, and when God has favored them with great trusts and lent talents they should be as righteous as Enoch in his day. He perfected such a character that the world took knowledge of him. They had a correct sample in Enoch of what a man could be in a Christlike character, for Christ often manifested Himself unto Enoch. The statement is, Enoch walked with God at a period of time when it was no more favorable for the perfection of Christlikeness than it is in our day. The world was so wicked in Enoch’s day that the Lord said, “My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be a hundred and twenty years.” “And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continuously.” “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. ... Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.” Genesis 6:3, 5, 8, 9. To walk with God is the highest duty, the greatest honor, blessedness, and excellence of man. Many men were at first receivers of the message that faithful preacher of righteousness bore. Noah’s carpenters were receiving instruction from his lips and they could not be in the companionship of such a man without receiving in large measure an influence by his words. But there were mockers in those days and everything serious was mocked and derided by a certain class whose minds and works were evil and that continually.Life Sketches of Ellen G. White
Discourse by Elder Haskell
LS 476.3
Heaven seemed desirous of helping us to understand that at the time of the end, when these messages are proclaimed in the power of the Holy Spirit, some of those engaged in this work will be permitted to rest from their labors. All such, we are assured, are accounted blessed of God. Nor are their unceasing efforts to bear aloft the banner of truth, without result; “their works do follow them.” Today, in the light of this assurance direct from heaven to the children of men, we can say of our dear sister who now sleeps, that she “being dead yet speaketh.” Hebrews 11:4.Manuscript Releases, vol. 19 [Nos. 1360-1419]
MR No. 1387—The Lot of God’s People in a World of Sin; Peter’s Denial and Jesus’ Trial; Satan’s Confederacy of Evil Angels and Evil Men
19MR 164.1
The kingdom of darkness is extending over the world, and is embracing every sphere of action of men. There are evil spirits working effectually upon every mind that can be led into apostasy through any cause whatever. The spirit of evil energizes the children of rebellion. These evil agencies were at work with Cain when he slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous. “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh” [Hebrews 11:4]. “And to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. See that ye refuse not Him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused Him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from Him that speaketh from heaven” [Hebrews 12:24, 25].Patriarchs and Prophets
Chapter 5—Cain and Abel Tested
PP 72.3
“By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain.” Hebrews 11:4. Abel grasped the great principles of redemption. He saw himself a sinner, and he saw sin and its penalty, death, standing between his soul and communion with God. He brought the slain victim, the sacrificed life, thus acknowledging the claims of the law that had been transgressed. Through the shed blood he looked to the future sacrifice, Christ dying on the cross of Calvary; and trusting in the atonement that was there to be made, he had the witness that he was righteous, and his offering accepted.Australasian Signs of the Times
April 8, 1912
BEcho April 8, 1912, par. 1
“By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain.” Hebrews 11:4. Abel grasped the great principles of redemption. He saw himself a sinner, and he saw sin, and its penalty death, standing between his soul and communion with God. He brought the slain victim, the sacrificed life, thus acknowledging the claims of the law that had been transgressed. Through the shed blood he looked to the future sacrifice, Christ dying on the cross of Calvary; and trusting in the atonement that was there to be made, he had the witness that he was righteous, and his offering accepted.From Eternity Past
The Great Difference Between Cain and Abel
EP 38.2
“By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain.” Hebrews 11:4. Abel saw himself a sinner, and he saw sin and its penalty, death, standing between his soul and God. He brought the slain victim, thus acknowledging the claims of the law that had been transgressed. Through the shed blood he looked to Christ dying on the cross. Trusting in the atonement there to be made, he had the witness that he was righteous and his offering accepted.From the Heart
A More Excellent Sacrifice, July 4
FH 197.1
By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous. Hebrews 11:4.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 19a, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 19a, 1897, par. 26
“By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.” [Hebrews 11:4.] “In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that ye should love one another. Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous.” [1 John 3:10-12.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 104, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 104, 1897, par. 10
The kingdom of darkness is extending over the world, and is embracing every sphere of action of men. There are evil spirits working effectually upon every mind that can be led into apostasy through any cause whatever. The spirit of evil energizes the children of rebellion. These evil agencies were at work with Cain when he slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous. “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.” “And to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven.” Hebrews 11:4; 12:24, 25.Hebrews 11:5
Conflict and Courage
An Open Door, January 25
CC 31.1
By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. Hebrews 11:5.Ye Shall Receive Power
Enoch, September 1
YRP 253.1
By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. Hebrews 11:5.YRP 253.4
Enoch not only meditated and prayed, and put on the armor of watchfulness, but he came forth from his pleadings with God to plead with his fellow men. He did not mask the truth to find favor with unbelievers, thus neglecting their souls. This close connection with God gave him courage to work the works of God. Enoch walked with God and “had this testimony that his ways pleased God” (Hebrews 11:5).From Eternity Past
Enoch Is Translated to Heaven
EP 49.4
By faith Enoch “was translated that he should not see death, ... for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” Hebrews 11:5. The godly character of this prophet represents the state of holiness which must be attained by those who shall be “redeemed from the earth” (Revelation 14:3) at Christ’s second advent. Then, as before the Flood, iniquity will prevail. Men will rebel against the authority of Heaven. But like Enoch, God’s people will seek for purity of heart and conformity to His will, until they shall reflect the likeness of Christ. Like Enoch they will warn the world of the Lord’s second coming and by their holy example will condemn the sins of the ungodly. As Enoch was translated to heaven, so the living righteous will be translated from the earth before its destruction by fire. See 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 43, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 43, 1900, par. 9
Enoch not only meditated and prayed, and put on the armor of watchfulness, but he came forth from his pleadings with God to plead with his fellow men. He did not mask the truth to find favor with unbelievers, thus neglecting their souls. This close connection with God gave him courage to work the works of God. Enoch walked with God and “had the testimony that his ways pleased God.” [Hebrews 11:5.] This is the privilege of every believer today. It is men dwelling with God, and God taking up his abode with man. “I in them, and thou in me,” says Jesus. [John 17:23.] To walk with God and have the witness that their ways please Him is an experience not to be confined to Enoch, to Elijah, to patriarchs, to prophets, to apostles, and to martyrs. It is not only the privilege but the duty of every follower of Christ to have Jesus enshrined in the heart, to carry Him with them in their lives, and they will indeed be fruit-bearing trees.Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)
The Experience of Enoch
GW 54.1
“By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; ...for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” [Hebrews 11:5.]Maranatha
Through Heaven’s Gates, February 26
Mar 65.1
By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; ... for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. Hebrews 11:5.Our Father Cares
An Open Door, July 3
OFC 196.1
By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. Hebrews 11:5.Reflecting Christ
Enoch Walked With God, November 2
RC 320.1
By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; ... for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. Hebrews 11:5.Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8
The Experience of Enoch
8T 331.2
“By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; ...for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” Hebrews 11:5.The Faith I Live By
Preparation for Translation, December 10
FLB 350.1
By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. Hebrews 11:5.To Be Like Jesus
Aim High and Attempt Much for God, September 19
BLJ 277.1
By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. Hebrews 11:5, NKJV.Hebrews 11:5-16
Patriarchs and Prophets
Chapter 6—Seth and Enoch
PP 81.1
Upon receiving the curse of God, Cain had withdrawn from his father’s household. He had first chosen his occupation as a tiller of the soil, and he now founded a city, calling it after the name of his eldest son. He had gone out from the presence of the Lord, cast away the promise of the restored Eden, to seek his possessions and enjoyment in the earth under the curse of sin, thus standing at the head of that great class of men who worship the god of this world. In that which pertains to mere earthly and material progress, his descendants became distinguished. But they were regardless of God, and in opposition to His purposes for man. To the crime of murder, in which Cain had led the way, Lamech, the fifth in descent, added polygamy, and, boastfully defiant, he acknowledged God, only to draw from the avenging of Cain an assurance of his own safety. Abel had led a pastoral life, dwelling in tents or booths, and the descendants of Seth followed the same course, counting themselves “strangers and pilgrims on the earth,” seeking “a better country, that is, an heavenly.” Hebrews 11:13, 16.PP 88.2
By the translation of Enoch the Lord designed to teach an important lesson. There was danger that men would yield to discouragement, because of the fearful results of Adam’s sin. Many were ready to exclaim, “What profit is it that we have feared the Lord and have kept His ordinances, since a heavy curse is resting upon the race, and death is the portion of us all?” But the instructions which God gave to Adam, and which were repeated by Seth, and exemplified by Enoch, swept away the gloom and darkness, and gave hope to man, that as through Adam came death, so through the promised Redeemer would come life and immortality. Satan was urging upon men the belief that there was no reward for the righteous or punishment for the wicked, and that it was impossible for men to obey the divine statutes. But in the case of Enoch, God declares “that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6. He shows what He will do for those who keep His commandments. Men were taught that it is possible to obey the law of God; that even while living in the midst of the sinful and corrupt, they were able, by the grace of God, to resist temptation, and become pure and holy. They saw in his example the blessedness of such a life; and his translation was an evidence of the truth of his prophecy concerning the hereafter, with its award of joy and glory and immortal life to the obedient, and of condemnation, woe, and death to the transgressor.PP 88.3
By faith Enoch “was translated that he should not see death; ... for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” Hebrews 11:5. In the midst of a world by its iniquity doomed to destruction, Enoch lived a life of such close communion with God that he was not permitted to fall under the power of death. The godly character of this prophet represents the state of holiness which must be attained by those who shall be “redeemed from the earth” (Revelation 14:3) at the time of Christ’s second advent. Then, as in the world before the Flood, iniquity will prevail. Following the promptings of their corrupt hearts and the teachings of a deceptive philosophy, men will rebel against the authority of Heaven. But like Enoch, God’s people will seek for purity of heart and conformity to His will, until they shall reflect the likeness of Christ. Like Enoch, they will warn the world of the Lord’s second coming and of the judgments to be visited upon transgression, and by their holy conversation and example they will condemn the sins of the ungodly. As Enoch was translated to heaven before the destruction of the world by water, so the living righteous will be translated from the earth before its destruction by fire. Says the apostle: “We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump.” “For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel, and with the trump of God;” “the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” “The dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18.Hebrews 11:6
A Call To Stand Apart
Chapter 6—The Answer Lies in the Soil
CSA 24.5
The “honest and good heart” of which the parable speaks, is not a heart without sin; for the gospel is to be preached to the lost. Christ said, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Mark 2:17. He has an honest heart who yields to the conviction of the Holy Spirit. He confesses his guilt, and feels his need of the mercy and love of God. He has a sincere desire to know the truth, that he may obey it. The good heart is a believing heart, one that has faith in the word of God. Without faith it is impossible to receive the word. “He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6. 44Christ’s Object Lessons, 58, 59.Prayer
Chapter 11—Answered Prayer
Pr 102.1
Another element of prevailing prayer is faith. “He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6. Jesus said to His disciples, “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Mark 11:24. Do we take Him at His word?Prayer
Chapter 29—The Privilege of Prayer
Pr 282.4
Another element of prevailing prayer is faith. “He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6. Jesus said to His disciples, “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Mark 11:24. Do we take Him at His word?Selected Messages Book 1
Chapter 50—Come and Seek and Find
1SM 334.2
Jesus says, “I am the vine, ye are the branches” (John 15:5). Can we conceive of a more intimate relation than this implies? The fibers of the branch are identical with those of the vine. The communication of life, strength, and nourishment from the trunk to the branches is unobstructed and constant. The root sends its nourishment through the branches. Such is the believer’s relation to Christ, if he abides in Christ and draws his nourishment from Him. But this spiritual relation between Christ and the soul can be established only through the exercise of personal faith. “Without faith it is impossible to please him” (Hebrews 11:6); for it is faith that connects us with the power of heaven, and brings us strength for coping with the powers of darkness. “This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4). Faith familiarizes the soul with the existence and presence of God, and, living with an eye single to the glory of God, more and more we discern the beauty of His character, the excellence of His grace. Our souls become strong in spiritual power; for we are breathing the atmosphere of heaven, and realizing that God is at our right hand, that we shall not be moved. We are rising above the world, beholding Him who is the chief among ten thousand, the one altogether lovely, and by beholding we are to become changed into His image.Steps to Christ
Chapter 11—The Privilege of Prayer
SC 96.1
Another element of prevailing prayer is faith. “He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6. Jesus said to His disciples, “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Mark 11:24. Do we take Him at His word?That I May Know Him
A Progressive Faith, August 8
TMK 226.1
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6.The Desire of Ages
Chapter 13—The Victory
DA 125.4
Jesus declared to Satan, “It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” These words were spoken by Moses to the children of Israel when they thirsted in the desert, and demanded that Moses should give them water, exclaiming, “Is the Lord among us, or not?” Exodus 17:7. God had wrought marvelously for them; yet in trouble they doubted Him, and demanded evidence that He was with them. In their unbelief they sought to put Him to the test. And Satan was urging Christ to do the same thing. God had already testified that Jesus was His Son; and now to ask for proof that He was the Son of God would be putting God’s word to the test,—tempting Him. And the same would be true of asking for that which God had not promised. It would manifest distrust, and be really proving, or tempting, Him. We should not present our petitions to God to prove whether He will fulfill His word, but because He will fulfill it; not to prove that He loves us, but because He loves us. “Without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6.The Faith I Live By
The Faith That Works, March 25
FLB 90.1
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6.The Great Controversy
Chapter 4—The Waldenses
GC 74.1
Many were undeceived in regard to the claims of Rome. They saw how vain is the mediation of men or angels in behalf of the sinner. As the true light dawned upon their minds they exclaimed with rejoicing: “Christ is my priest; His blood is my sacrifice; His altar is my confessional.” They cast themselves wholly upon the merits of Jesus, repeating the words, “Without faith it is impossible to please Him.” Hebrews 11:6. “There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12.The Great Controversy
Chapter 25—God’s Law Immutable
GC 435.2
Those who had accepted the light concerning the mediation of Christ and the perpetuity of the law of God found that these were the truths presented in Revelation 14. The messages of this chapter constitute a threefold warning (see Appendix) which is to prepare the inhabitants of the earth for the Lord’s second coming. The announcement, “The hour of His judgment is come,” points to the closing work of Christ’s ministration for the salvation of men. It heralds a truth which must be proclaimed until the Saviour’s intercession shall cease and He shall return to the earth to take His people to Himself. The work of judgment which began in 1844 must continue until the cases of all are decided, both of the living and the dead; hence it will extend to the close of human probation. That men may be prepared to stand in the judgment, the message commands them to “fear God, and give glory to Him,” “and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” The result of an acceptance of these messages is given in the word: “Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” In order to be prepared for the judgment, it is necessary that men should keep the law of God. That law will be the standard of character in the judgment. The apostle Paul declares: “As many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law, ... in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ.” And he says that “the doers of the law shall be justified.” Romans 2:12-16. Faith is essential in order to the keeping of the law of God; for “without faith it is impossible to please Him.” And “whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” Hebrews 11:6; Romans 14:23.The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)
Chapter 4—The Waldenses
GC88 74.1
Many were undeceived in regard to the claims of Rome. They saw how vain is the mediation of men or angels in behalf of the sinner. As the true light dawned upon their minds, they exclaimed with rejoicing, “Christ is my priest; his blood is my sacrifice; his altar is my confessional.” They cast themselves wholly upon the merits of Jesus, repeating the words, “Without faith it is impossible to please him.” [Hebrews 11:6.] “There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” [Acts 4:12.]The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)
Chapter 25—God’s Law Immutable
GC88 435.2
Those who had accepted the light concerning the mediation of Christ and the perpetuity of the law of God, found that these were the truths presented in Revelation 14. The messages of this chapter constitute a threefold warning, [See Appendix, Note 8.] which is to prepare the inhabitants of the earth for the Lord’s second coming. The announcement, “The hour of his Judgment is come,” points to the closing work of Christ’s ministration for the salvation of men. It heralds a truth which must be proclaimed until the Saviour’s intercession shall cease, and he shall return to the earth to take his people to himself. The work of judgment which began in 1844, must continue until the cases of all are decided, both of the living and the dead; hence it will extend to the close of human probation. That men may be prepared to stand in the Judgment, the message commands them to “fear God, and give glory to him,” “and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” The result of an acceptance of these messages is given in the words, “Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” In order to be prepared for the Judgment, it is necessary that men should keep the law of God. That law will be the standard of character in the Judgment. The apostle Paul declares, “As many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; ... in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ.” And he says that “the doers of the law shall be justified.” [Romans 2:12-16.] Faith is essential in order to the keeping of the law of God; for “without faith it is impossible to please him.” And “whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” [Hebrews 11:6; Romans 14:23.]The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4
Chapter 4—The Waldenses
4SP 79.2
Many were undeceived in regard to the claims of Rome. They saw how vain is the mediation of men or angels in behalf of the sinner. As the true light dawned upon their minds, they exclaimed with rejoicing, “Christ is my priest; his blood is my sacrifice; his altar is my confessional.” They cast themselves wholly upon the merits of Jesus, repeating the words, “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” [Hebrews 11:6.] “There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” [Acts 4:12.]The Upward Look
Take the Cup of Salvation, November 10
UL 328.6
But we must exercise faith ourselves. We “must believe that he is, and he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him (Hebrews 11:6).... Believe, my brother, believe. My soul says, Believe. Take right hold of the promises of God by faith and appropriate them to yourself.... In much love to you and yours, Your sister in Christ, Ellen G. White.—Letter 36, November 10, 1875, to a disheartened layman.This Day With God
Things Wrought by Prayer, November 2
TDG 315.2
There can be no true prayer without true faith. “Without faith it is impossible to please him” (Hebrews 11:6). Prayer and faith are the arms by which the soul hangs upon the neck of infinite love, and grasps the hand of infinite power. God does not recognize dumb children, as far as experience in His truth is concerned. Faith is an active, working power. The newborn faith in Christ is revealed by prayer and praise. Prayer is a relief and a comfort to the troubled soul. The sincere, humble suppliant at the throne of grace may know that he is communing with God, through the divinely appointed means, and that it is his privilege to understand what God is to the believing soul. We must have a realization of our needs. We must hunger and thirst after life in Christ and through Christ. Then we shall come to Him in humility and sincerity, and He will give us the faith that works by love and purifies the soul....To Be Like Jesus
God Gives Grace to Those Who Believe His Word, September 13
BLJ 271.1
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6, NKJV.Faith and Works
Chapter 5—Faith and Works
FW 47.1
“Without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). There are many in the Christian world who claim that all that is necessary to salvation is to have faith; works are nothing, faith is the only essential. But God’s Word tells us that faith without works is dead, being alone. Many refuse to obey God’s commandments, yet they make a great deal of faith. But faith must have a foundation.From Heaven With Love
Chapter 13—The Victory
HLv 77.2
Jesus declared to Satan, “It is written again, Thou shall not tempt the Lord thy God.” God had already testified that Jesus was His Son; now to ask for proof would be putting God’s word to the test—tempting Him. We should not present our petitions to God to prove whether He will fulfill His word, but because He will fulfill it; not to prove that He loves us, but because He loves us. See Hebrews 11:6. Presumption is Satan’s counterfeit of faith. Faith claims God’s promises and brings forth fruit in obedience. Presumption also claims the promises, but uses them to excuse transgression. Faith would have led our first parents to trust the love of God and obey His commands. Presumption led them to transgress His law, believing that His great love would save them from the consequence of their sin. It is not faith that claims the favor of Heaven without complying with the conditions on which mercy is to be granted.From Here to Forever
Chapter 25—God’s Law Immutable
HF 270.2
To be prepared for the judgment, men should keep the law of God, the standard of character in the judgment. Paul declares: “As many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law, ... in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ.” “The doers of the law shall be justified.” Faith is essential in order to keep the law of God; for “without faith it is impossible to please him.” “Whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” Romans 2:12-16; Hebrews 11:6; Romans 14:23.From the Heart
How Faith Works, October 15
FH 300.1
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6.Homeward Bound
Satan Can’t Make You Sin, April 7
HB 116.4
Jesus declared to Satan, “It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” These words were spoken by Moses to the children of Israel when they thirsted in the desert, and demanded that Moses should give them water, exclaiming, “Is the Lord among us, or not?” (Exodus 17:7.) God had wrought marvelously for them; yet in trouble they doubted Him, and demanded evidence that He was with them. In their unbelief they sought to put Him to the test. And Satan was urging Christ to do the same thing. God had already testified that Jesus was His Son; and now to ask for proof that He was the Son of God would be putting God’s word to the test—tempting Him. And the same would be true of asking for that which God had not promised. It would manifest distrust, and be really proving, or tempting, Him. We should not present our petitions to God to prove whether He will fulfill His word, but because He will fulfill it; not to prove that He loves us, but because He loves us. “Without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6.)Homeward Bound
Another Condition, May 4
HB 145.2
Another element of prevailing prayer is faith. “He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6.) Jesus said to His disciples, “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” (Mark 11:24.) Do we take Him at His word?Homeward Bound
End of Jesus’ Work as Priest and Mediator, October 21
HB 322.1
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.—Hebrews 11:6.With God at Dawn
Faith and Belief Are Necessary, July 15
WGD 198.1
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)
Lt 20, 1867
1LtMs, Lt 20, 1867, par. 10
“Believe that God is, and that he is a rewarder of all those who diligently seek him.” [Hebrews 11:6.] Believe Jesus loves you and in your efforts to obey the truth, if you err, don’t feel that you must worry and worry, give up your confidence in God and think that God is your enemy. We are erring mortals. If we sin, “we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” [1 John 2:1.] You cannot cleanse yourself from impurities; carry all your burden to Jesus. He will help you. He wants you to not wait and expect through your good deeds to make atonement for sin or to make yourself righteous. Trust in the merits of the blood of a crucified, risen Saviour.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)
Lt 36, 1875
2LtMs, Lt 36, 1875, par. 9
But we must exercise faith ourselves. We “must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6. Said Christ, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:32. Those who feel that they are righteous and that they have no need of Jesus, He came not for their benefit. It was to help and save those who felt that they were undone and lost without Jesus, those who felt they must have His help and power and grace to save them. Believe, my brother, believe. My soul says, Believe. Take right hold of the promises of God by faith and appropriate them to yourself. I hope you will be joyful in God. I hope the best of heaven’s blessings will rest upon your family. I have something to write you both when I shall feel free to do so.Lift Him Up
The Standard of Character in the Judgment, November 24
LHU 342.2
Those who had accepted the light concerning the mediation of Christ and the perpetuity of the law of God found that these were the truths presented in Revelation 14. The messages of this chapter constitute a threefold warning which is to prepare the inhabitants of the earth for the Lord’s second coming. The announcement, “The hour of his judgment is come,” points to the closing work of Christ’s ministration for the salvation of men. It heralds a truth which must be proclaimed until the Saviour’s intercession shall cease and He shall return to the earth to take His people to Himself. The work of judgment which began in 1844 must continue until the cases of all are decided, both of the living and the dead; hence it will extend to the close of human probation. That men may be prepared to stand in the judgment, the message commands them to “fear God, and give glory to him,” “and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” The result of an acceptance of these messages is given in the Word: “Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” In order to be prepared for the judgment, it is necessary that men should keep the law of God. That law will be the standard of character in the judgment. The apostle Paul declares: “As many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law, ... in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ.” And he says that “the doers of the law shall be justified” (Romans 2:12-16). Faith is essential in order to the keeping of the law of God; for “without faith it is impossible to please him.” And “whatsoever is not of faith is sin” (Hebrews 11:6; Romans 14:23).Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 4, 1889
6LtMs, Lt 4, 1889, par. 54
You must stop inquiring about the duty of others and go to work for your own soul. Through faith in Christ, you may come to the light. When you view Christ as He is, you will decrease in your own estimation, and He will increase. The words of God spoken to Saul by Samuel are worthy of your consideration, for they apply in your case: “Obedience is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams; for rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.” [1 Samuel 15:22, 23.] You have set yourselves to stoutly resist the light. The Lord will not compel you to have faith in Christ, but without faith it is impossible to please God. The faith that works by love and purifies the soul produces the fruit of humility, patience, forbearance, long-suffering, peace, joy, and willing obedience. Says the Scripture, “Whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” [Romans 14:23.] “He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” [Hebrews 11:6.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 12, 1890
6LtMs, Lt 12, 1890, par. 67
Jesus Christ is the source, the Author, of truth. “Without faith it is impossible to please him.” [Hebrews 11:6.] Faith in a lie will not have a sanctifying influence upon the life or character. No error is truth, or can be made truth by repetition, or by faith in it. Sincerity will never save a soul from the consequences of believing an error. Without sincerity there is no true religion, but sincerity in a false religion will never save a man. I may be perfectly sincere in following a wrong road but that will not make it the right road, or bring me to the place I wished to reach. The Lord does not want us to have a blind credulity, and call that the faith that sanctifies.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 29a, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 29a, 1892, par. 6
Our only hope for the church in Melbourne is to work earnestly, to impress upon them that they must carry into active exercise everything that they do believe in God’s Word. Those who believe a little have one talent; let them trade on that. And how shall they trade? Work to help someone else, never uttering one word of doubt, and the Lord will increase that one talent of faith that is exercised. “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” [Hebrews 11:6.] There must be not only self-denial but self-sacrifice, a lifting of the cross and following Jesus. Those who are partakers with Christ in His sufferings will also be partakers with Him in His glory. There is need of entering into covenant with God through Christ. There must be a surrendering of self to the authority of Christ.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 11b, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 11b, 1892, par. 2
I am not free from trials and temptations; yet I feel that God is able to keep me. “He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6. Then I may be comforted in the long, painful hours of the night, and I am comforted. There is not one in the home that is more cheerful than I am now. This is a blessing from God, and I acknowledge it, and in place of murmuring and complaining I am thinking of the goodness and the mercy of God and how beautiful is His word. How precious, more precious than fine gold, is the promise. I do not worship the promise, but I do worship Him who has given them and made them so rich and nourishing to the soul.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Ms 3, 1895
10LtMs, Ms 3, 1895, par. 13
Have you not in heart expressed this same question? Have you not said, What have I done that is so much out of the way? Rather ask yourself, What have I left undone? God is presenting the sure result of not doing His requirements. Without faith it is impossible to please God. Have you had faith? “He that cometh to God must believe that he is, (that there is an all-powerful God, who knoweth every phase of your experience, every secret of your life) and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” [Hebrews 11:6.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 93, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 93, 1896, par. 9
In hours when clouds encompass the soul, Christ is not far from every one of us. To whom shall we go if not to the Sin-bearer, the great Healer of human woe? “Thou hast the words of eternal life.” [John 6:68.] There is joy for all who put their trust in him, and exercise the faith that works by love and purifies the soul. Jesus says, “My joy shall be in you, and your joy shall be full.” [John 15:11.] “Without faith it is impossible to please him.” [Hebrews 11:6.] A paralysis has stolen upon the spiritual nerve and muscle of the children of God. Arouse now, just now, without delay. “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near.” [Isaiah 55:6.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 12, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 12, 1896, par. 7
May the Lord help you to appropriate the promises which are so rich and full and free. “But without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” [Hebrews 11:6.] Be constantly resting the soul in the love of God. Trust his promises as Yea and Amen through Christ Jesus.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 98e, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 98e, 1896, par. 2
How can you or I doubt these words so full of assurance, so big with promise? “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” [Hebrews 11:6.] Then cherish faith. You please the Lord Jesus when you show your love for Him by believing His words. If you doubt the words of Jesus Christ in His promises given you, it is impossible for you to live a useful life, blessing others with your cheerfulness and hopefulness. Unbelief acts like a paralysis upon the spiritual energies. It causes mourning and weeping and sadness. Your own soul cannot reflect the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness, and you will become as the shadow of death. But this need not be.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 49, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 49, 1897, par. 1
“When thou saidst, Seek ye my face: my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord will I seek.” [Psalm 27:8.] “He that cometh to God must believe that he is; and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” [Hebrews 11:6.]Manuscript Releases, vol. 8 [Nos. 526-663]
MR No. 581—Relationship of Prayer to Soulwinning
8MR 195.4
“He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6.) The human being must draw nigh to God, realizing that he must have the help that God alone can give. It is the glory of God to be known as the hearer of prayer because the human suppliant believes that He will hear and answer.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 76, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 76, 1898, par. 6
After attending the early morning meeting, we returned to our breakfast, and at nine o’clock attended the morning exercises in the school chapel. I had special matter to read to the students. The chapel was full, and more than one hour was consumed in talking and reading articles, showing the necessity of our exercising faith, and that this is the science of the gospel. The Scripture declares that “without faith it is impossible to please God.” [Hebrews 11:6.] The knowledge of what the Scripture means, when urging upon the human agent the necessity of cultivating faith, is more essential than any other knowledge we can acquire. We are grieved and have come to trouble because of the unbelief and apparent ignorance of the subject of faith among those who claim to know the truth. We must break through this cloud of unbelief. We cannot have an healthy, all-round experience in obeying the gospel unto salvation until the true science of faith is more thoroughly understood and until more faith is exercised. There can be no perfection of Christian character without that faith which works by love and purifies the soul. As a people, we will not be able to stand the test and trial Daniel has brought before us, if we do not cultivate this faith. Daniel has outlined the very work to be done in these last days. “Many shall be purified, made white, and tried.” [Daniel 12:10.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 120a, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 120a, 1898, par. 4
“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him, rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, ... abounding therein.” [Colossians 2:6, 7.] Through faith we receive the Lord Jesus. Through faith we are united to Him. Through faith we are rooted and established in Him. We are united with Christ. We are not to leave our first love. He will each day do for us, who are repenting, believing sinners, just as much as He did when we surrendered our hearts to Jesus. Now we are to cultivate the life of faith in Christ Jesus. That love that He has manifested for us is to be an increasing love. Self must die. We find this is hard, for self dies hard. It is not our work to uphold self, [for] “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] The life of grace is always a life of faith, “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” [Hebrews 11:6.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 195, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 195, 1899, par. 1
“Without faith it is impossible to please God.” [Hebrews 11:6.] When the Lord gives His servants a work to do in His service, they are not to be satisfied with a measure of success. Certain parts of the work may be carried well, while other parts of the work are deficient. The Lord is pleased with the workers in His vineyard when they have a sense of the need of the perfection of all parts of the work. The work of saving souls is the very highest work that can be done in our world.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 117a, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 117a, 1899, par. 4
The appearance with many who profess to believe the truth is as though they had a severe task laid upon them, and were sour under its influence. “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, ... and be ye thankful.” [Colossians 3:15.] “But without faith it is impossible to please God.” [Hebrews 11:6.] Whatever you may have to pass through because of the little love and sympathy and appreciation of your work, bear in mind the Lord Jesus knows all about it. Look heavenward for your words of comfort and hope, and you will never, never be disappointed. “Lift up your heads and rejoice, for your redemption draweth nigh.” [Luke 21:28.] Now, just now as never before, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering, for He is faithful that promised.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 44, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 44, 1900, par. 2
There should be twenty men where there is now one to take advantage of circumstances, [men] who will never look down but up, up to the rainbow above the throne, which is ever repeating, “Mercy and truth have met together, righteousness and peace have kissed each other.” [Psalm 85:10.] Lift up your hearts! Lift up your heads! Then lift up the hands that hang down! All are to be lifted up together, and to be kept uplifted. The heart must see and sense that “God is, and that he is a rewarder of all who diligently seek him.” [Hebrews 11:6.] “Out of the heart are the issues of life.” [Proverbs 4:23.] God’s message to each of us is, “My son, give me thine heart.” [Proverbs 23:26.] That heart is Mine. I have given My life for it. Then open the heart to the divine Spirit and you will appreciate the value of the human soul.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 113, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 113, 1902, par. 15
Jesus declared to Satan, “It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” [Matthew 4:7.] These words were spoken to the children of Israel when they thirsted in the desert and demanded that Moses should give them water, exclaiming, “is the Lord among us, or not?” [Exodus 17:7.] God had wrought marvellously for them, yet in trouble they doubted Him and demanded evidence that He was with them. In their unbelief they sought to put Him to the test. And Satan was urging Christ to do the same thing. God had already testified that Jesus was His Son; and now to ask for proof that He was the Son of God would be putting God’s word to the test—tempting Him. And the same would be true of asking for that which God had not promised. It would be to manifest distrust, and would be really proving or tempting Him. We should not present our petitions to God to prove whether He will fulfil His word, but because He will fulfil it; not to prove that He loves us, but because He loves us. “Without faith it is impossible to please Him; for He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” [Hebrews 11:6.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 144, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 144, 1902, par. 25
There is a close connection between God’s revelation of Himself to us, and our earnestness in seeking Him. “He that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” [Hebrews 11:6.] We are to receive the Lord Jesus by faith, delighted to find Him, whether He comes in the humble garments in which He walked over the hill and valleys of Palestine, or, as He comes sometimes, in the bright raiment of the mount of transfiguration.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 49, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 49, 1903, par. 18
“He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” [Hebrews 11:6.] The human being must draw nigh to God, realizing that he must have the help that God alone can give. It is the glory of God to be known as the hearer of prayer because the human suppliant believes that He will hear and answer.Manuscript Releases, vol. 11 [Nos. 851-920]
MR No. 906—An Appeal for Acceptance of the Message of Christ’s Righteousness
11MR 289.2
The faith that works by love and purifies the soul, produces the fruit of humility, patience, forbearance, long-suffering, peace, joy, and willing obedience. Says the Scripture, “Whatsoever is not of faith is sin” (Romans 14:23). “He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 171, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 171, 1903, par. 16
God “is a rewarder of all them that diligently seek Him.” [Hebrews 11:6.] He has His men to commission. He sent a Philip to the eunuch in the desert of Gaza to explain to him the Scriptures. He found him with the Scriptures in his hand and he asked him, “Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me?” [Acts 8:30, 31.] Here was a man in connection with the highest class, but he needed to know the Word of God. Philip was invited up into his chariot and explained the Scriptures, preaching the gospel, the mission and work of Christ. The eunuch expressed his faith, and as they came to water, he proposed to Philip that he be baptized, and after this work was done Philip seemed to be caught away.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Ms 30, 1904
19LtMs, Ms 30, 1904, par. 11
“Without faith it is impossible to please” God. [Hebrews 11:6.] We must do as He bids us in His Word and depend wholly upon Him. We are to eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 97, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 97, 1905, par. 6
There are many, many of this class. May the Lord open their eyes, that they may see the danger of their self-sufficiency. A superficial work is always a snare to every professed Christian. Satan finds easy access to the heart of the one who is careless and slack in his experience and beguiles him with seducing theories that will destroy his faith in God. “He that cometh to God must believe that He is, (as He has declared Himself in His personality) and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” [Hebrews 11:6.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 198, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 198, 1907, par. 12
When you pray, believe that the Lord hears your prayer, and that He will answer it out of His immense fulness. We need to seek the Lord in earnest prayer, and not only seek Him, but through faith claim the assurance, “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” [Hebrews 11:6.] When you ask the Lord for His blessing, believe that ye receive the things you ask for; “and ye shall have them.” [Mark 11:24.] “He that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth.” [Matthew 7:8.] We must walk by faith and not by feeling. The Word is to be our assurance. Let your prayer be, Lord, increase my faith. Believe that the Word of God is verity and truth.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Lt 316, 1908
23LtMs, Lt 316, 1908, par. 7
We need as a people to educate ourselves to have faith. “Without faith it is impossible to please God; for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” [Hebrews 11:6.] We need individually to live by faith, not by feeling.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 55, 1910
25LtMs, Ms 55, 1910, par. 6
The convicted sinner has something to do besides repent; he must act his part in order to be accepted by God. He must believe that God accepts his repentance, according to His promise. “Without faith, it is impossible to please Him; for he that cometh to God, must believe that He is; and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” [Hebrews 11:6.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 55a, 1910
25LtMs, Ms 55a, 1910, par. 5
Many precious souls are earnestly desiring to be Christians, yet are stumbling in darkness, expecting their feelings to be powerfully exercised. They overlook the fact that the believer in Christ and in the truth must work out his own salvation with fear and trembling. The convicted sinner has something to do besides to repent. He must believe that God accepts his repentance according to His promise. “But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, (that God exists) and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6.Jesus, Name Above All Names
Chief Among Ten Thousand, January 30
JNN 37.3
Jesus says, “I am the vine, ye are the branches” (John 15:5). Can we conceive of a more intimate relation than this implies? The fibers of the branch are identical with those of the vine. The communication of life, strength, and nourishment from the trunk to the branches is unobstructed and constant. The root sends its nourishment through the branches. Such is the believer’s relation to Christ, if he abides in Christ and draws his nourishment from Him. But this spiritual relation between Christ and the soul can be established only through the exercise of personal faith. “Without faith it is impossible to please Him” (Hebrews 11:6); for it is faith that connects us with the power of heaven, and brings us strength for coping with the powers of darkness. “This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4).... Our souls become strong in spiritual power; for we are breathing the atmosphere of heaven, and realizing that God is at our right hand, that we shall not be moved. We are rising above the world, beholding Him who is the Chief among ten thousand, the one altogether lovely, and by beholding we are to become changed into His image.—Selected Messages 1:334, 335.Jesus, Name Above All Names
Great Healer of Human Woe, December 11
JNN 363.5
In hours when clouds encompass the soul, Christ is not far from every one of us. To whom shall we go if not to the Sinbearer, the great Healer of human woe? “Thou hast the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). There is joy for all who put their trust in Him, and exercise the faith that works by love and purifies the soul. Jesus says, My joy shall be in you, and your joy shall be full (John 15:11). “Without faith it is impossible to please Him” (Hebrews 11:6). A paralysis has stolen upon the spiritual nerve and muscle of the children of God. Arouse now, just now, without delay.—Letter 93, 1896.The Three Angels’ Messages
“Fear God and give glory to Him”
3AM 54.3
A message of preparation—That men may be prepared to stand in the judgment, the message commands them to “fear God, and give glory to Him,” “and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” The result of an acceptance of these messages is given in the word: “Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” In order to be prepared for the judgment, it is necessary that men should keep the law of God. That law will be the standard of character in the judgment. The apostle Paul declares: “As many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law, ... in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ.” And he says that “the doers of the law shall be justified.” Romans 2:12-16. Faith is essential in order to the keeping of the law of God; for “without faith it is impossible to please Him.” And “whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” Hebrews 11:6; Romans 14:23.Our Father Cares
A Progressive Faith, May 19
OFC 151.1
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6.Our Father Cares
Things Wrought by Prayer, September 25
OFC 280.2
There can be no true prayer without true faith. “Without faith it is impossible to please him” (Hebrews 11:6). Prayer and faith are the arms by which the soul hangs upon the neck of infinite love, and grasps the hand of infinite power. God does not recognize dumb children, as far as experience in His truth is concerned. Faith is an active, working power. The newborn faith in Christ is revealed by prayer and praise. Prayer is a relief and a comfort to the troubled soul. The sincere, humble suppliant at the throne of grace may know that he is communing with God, through the divinely appointed means, and that it is his privilege to understand what God is to the believing soul. We must have a realization of our needs. We must hunger and thirst after life in Christ and through Christ. Then we shall come to Him in humility and sincerity, and He will give us the faith that works by love and purifies the soul....Our High Calling
Rejoicing in Assurance, May 21
OHC 147.3
But there are thousands of prayers daily offered that God does not answer. There are faithless prayers. “He that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6. There are selfish prayers, proceeding from a heart that is cherishing idols.... There are petulant, fretful prayers, murmuring because of the burdens and cares of life, instead of humbly seeking grace to lighten them. Those who offer such petitions are not abiding in Christ. They have not submitted their will to the will of God. They do not comply with the condition of the promise, and it is not fulfilled to them.Hebrews 11:6-8
Christ’s Object Lessons
Chapter 2—“The Sower Went Forth to Sow”
COL 36.2
His servants in like manner must go forth to sow. When called to become a sower of the seed of truth, Abraham was bidden, “Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will show thee.” Genesis 12:1. “And he went out, not knowing whither he went.” Hebrews 11:8. So to the apostle Paul, praying in the temple at Jerusalem, came the message from God, “Depart; for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.” Acts 22:21. So those who are called to unite with Christ must leave all, in order to follow Him. Old associations must be broken up, plans of life relinquished, earthly hopes surrendered. In toil and tears, in solitude, and through sacrifice, must the seed be sown.COL 58.2
The “honest and good heart” of which the parable speaks, is not a heart without sin; for the gospel is to be preached to the lost. Christ said, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Mark 2:17. He has an honest heart who yields to the conviction of the Holy Spirit. He confesses his guilt, and feels his need of the mercy and love of God. He has a sincere desire to know the truth, that he may obey it. The good heart is a believing heart, one that has faith in the word of God. Without faith it is impossible to receive the word. “He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6.Hebrews 11:6-34
Prayer
Elijah
Pr 138.4
Faith such as this is needed in the world today—faith that will lay hold on the promises of God’s word and refuse to let go until Heaven hears. Faith such as this connects us closely with Heaven, and brings us strength for coping with the powers of darkness. Through faith God’s children have “subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.” Hebrews 11:33, 34. And through faith we today are to reach the heights of God’s purpose for us. “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” Mark 9:23.Pr 139.1
Faith is an essential element of prevailing prayer. “He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.”“If we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.” Hebrews 11:6; 1 John 5:14, 15. With the persevering faith of Jacob, with the unyielding persistence of Elijah, we may present our petitions to the Father, claiming all that He has promised. The honor of His throne is staked for the fulfillment of His word.—(Prophets and Kings, 155-158.)EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
Hebrews 11:1
Counsels on Stewardship
Example of Nehemiah
CS 184.3
God’s work is now to advance rapidly, and if His people will respond to His call, He will make the possessors of property willing to donate of their means, and thus make it possible for His work to be accomplished in the earth. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1. Faith in the word of God will place His people in the possession of property which will enable them to work the large cities that are waiting for the message of truth.—Testimonies for the Church 9:272, 273.Manuscript Releases, vol. 10 [Nos. 771-850]
Lessons From the Building of the Second Temple
10MR 122.3
The people [Israelites] were sluggish and selfish. The Lord did not call them “My people” [at the time the second Temple was built] because they had not shown themselves willing in the day of their opportunity. They had not obeyed promptly the word of the Lord. They made pleas for delay. They tried to present a reason why they should delay. They were ingenious in framing excuses. They had begun, but they were broken off in their work because of the hindrance of their enemies. This, they reasoned, proved that it was not the proper time to build. They declared that the Lord had interposed difficulties to reprove their hot haste. But they had no real excuse for leaving the work. When the heaviest objections were raised, this was the time to build. Their real motive was a selfish dislike to go to extra trouble and expense, and encounter danger by arousing the opposition of their enemies. They did not possess that faith that is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen. (See Hebrews 11:1.) They did not want to move by faith, but to walk out by sight, and no farther. Therefore they were easily turned aside from the work. This history will be repeated. There will be religious failures because men have not faith. When they look at the things that are seen, impossibilities present themselves, but God knows nothing of impossibilities. The great work of God will advance only by the push of faith....Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 2
Counsel to a Depressed Middle-aged Woman
2MCP 807.3
I awoke; I slept again and the same dream was repeated. And I awoke and slept, and the third time it was repeated. Now I want you to consider this and put away your distrust, your worrying, your fears. Look away from yourself to Jesus, look away from your husband to Jesus. God has spoken to you words of encouragement. Grasp them, act upon them, walk by faith and not by sight. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).Our Father Cares
The Act of Faith, June 10
OFC 173.1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1.Our High Calling
What Is Faith? April 21
OHC 117.1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1.Reflecting Christ
Faith Qualifies for Us the Royal Line, April 23
RC 127.1
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1, N.I.V.Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9
Go Forward
9T 272.2
Often the Lord sees that His workers are in doubt as to what they should do. At such times, if they will put their confidence in Him, He will reveal to them His will. God’s work is now to advance rapidly, and if His people will respond to His call, He will make the possessors of property willing to donate of their means and thus make it possible for His work to be accomplished in the earth. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1. Faith in the word of God will place His people in the possession of property which will enable them to work the large cities that are waiting for the message of truth.Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7
Chapter 8—Delay No Longer
7T 40.4
Workers in cities should read carefully the tenth and eleventh chapters of Hebrews and appropriate to themselves the instruction that this scripture contains. The eleventh chapter is a record of the experiences of the faithful. Those who work for God in the cities must go forward in faith, doing their very best. As they watch and work and pray, God will hear and answer their petitions. They will obtain an experience that will be invaluable to them in their after work. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1.Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6
The Work in all Lands
6T 473.3
Move out in this work, my brethren in Australasia. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1. Have we not proved this in the past? As we have moved out, trusting God’s promise, things unseen, except by the eye of faith, have become things seen. As we have walked and worked by faith, God has fulfilled to us every word He has spoken. The evidence we have of the faithfulness of His promises should check every thought of unbelief. It is a sin to doubt, and we do not believe that our brethren in Australasia will be guilty of this.Daughters of God
A Letter of Encouragement
DG 145.5
I awoke; I slept again and the same dream was repeated. And I awoke and slept and the third time it was repeated. Now I want you to consider this and put away your distrust, your worrying, your fears. Look away from yourself to Jesus; look away from your husband to Jesus. God has spoken to you words of encouragement; grasp them, act upon them, walk by faith, and not by sight. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1.That I May Know Him
Cultivating the Plant of Faith, August 12
TMK 230.3
We should grow daily in faith in order that we may grow up to the full measure of the spiritual stature in Christ Jesus. We should believe that God will answer our prayers, and not trust to feeling. We should say, My gloomy feelings are no evidence that God has not heard me. I do not want to give up on account of these sad emotions, for “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). The rainbow of promise encircles the throne of God. I come to the throne, pointing to the sign of God’s faithfulness, and cherish the faith that works by love and purifies the soul.The Faith I Live By
What Is Faith? April 26
FLB 122.1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1.The Upward Look
Exercise Increases Faith, February 27
UL 72.4
“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Have we not proved this in the past as we have moved out in faith to produce the things now seen? ... Faith is not only to look forward to things unseen; it is to be confirmed by looking at past experience, at tangible results, the verification of God’s Word.... Pray, “Lord, increase my faith.” Faith quickens the senses to work diligently to produce results. Faith elevates and ennobles the powers of the soul, enabling it to lay hold upon the unseen....The Upward Look
How God Guides His Children, April 4
UL 108.3
The Lord does not give light in such a way as to leave the one addressed no chance to walk by faith. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). There is not a straight line marked out for any one of us. We need to pray and believe and watch unto prayer, ever praying and trusting. My brother, you must seek the Lord in order to know your duty....This Day With God
Rejoice in the Lord, May 27
TDG 156.4
The message was brought to Asa by the Lord’s prophet: “The Lord is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you” (2 Chronicles 15:2; cf. Jeremiah 29:11-13). My heart goes out in faith. Faith is not feeling; faith is not sight. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).Ye Shall Receive Power
Faith, March 9
YRP 77.1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1.God’s Plan for the Relief of Avondale School
The Work in All Lands
PH135 6.3
Move out in this work, my brethren in Australasia. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1. Have we not proved this in the past? As we have moved out, trusting in God’s promise, things unseen except by the eye of faith, have become things seen. As we have walked and worked by faith, God has fulfilled to us every word that He has spoken. The evidence we have of the faithfulness of His promises should check every thought of unbelief. It is a sin to doubt, and we do not believe that our brethren in Australasia will be guilty of this.The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials
Danger of False Ideas on Justification by Faith
1888 818.1
There is danger in regarding justification by faith as placing merit on faith. When you take the righteousness of Christ as a free gift you are justified freely through the redemption of Christ. What is faith? “The substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1. It is an assent of the understanding to God’s words which binds the heart in willing consecration and service to God, who gave the understanding, who moved on the heart, who first drew the mind to view Christ on the cross of Calvary. Faith is rendering to God the intellectual powers, abandonment of the mind and will to God, and making Christ the only door to enter into the kingdom of heaven.The Review and Herald
May 13, 1902
RH May 13, 1902, par. 3
Move out in this work, my brethren in Australasia. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1. Have we not proved this in the past? As we have moved out, trusting God’s promise, things unseen, except by the eye of faith, have become things seen. As we have walked and worked by faith, God has fulfilled to us every word he has spoken. The evidence we have of the faithfulness of his promises should check every thought of unbelief. It is a sin to doubt, and we do not believe that our brethren in Australasia will be guilty of this.The Review and Herald
February 7, 1957
RH February 7, 1957, par. 16
Having complied with the word of God, do not depend on your feelings for evidence of acceptance with God. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). If you have complied with the conditions, believe God, whether or not you feel any different. Christ declared, “As the Father gave me commandment, even so I do.... If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.” Let all who understand the abiding claims of the law of God, yield implicit obedience to every requirement given in the Word. The convictions of the Holy Spirit are warnings which it is dangerous to disregard.Faith and Works
What Man Cannot Do
FW 25.2
There is danger in regarding justification by faith as placing merit on faith. When you take the righteousness of Christ as a free gift you are justified freely through the redemption of Christ. What is faith? “The substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). It is an assent of the understanding to God’s words which binds the heart in willing consecration and service to God, Who gave the understanding, Who moved on the heart, Who first drew the mind to view Christ on the cross of Calvary. Faith is rendering to God the intellectual powers, abandonment of the mind and will to God, and making Christ the only door to enter into the kingdom of heaven.Testimony Treasures, vol. 3
Go Forward
3TT 420.1
Often the Lord sees that His workers are in doubt as to what they should do. At such times, if they will put their confidence in Him, He will reveal to them His will. God’s work is now to advance rapidly, and if His people will respond to His call, He will make the possessors of property willing to donate of their means and thus make it possible for His work to be accomplished in the earth. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1. Faith in the word of God will place His people in the possession of property which will enable them to work the large cities that are waiting for the message of truth.Testimony Treasures, vol. 1
Advance by Faith
1TT 452.2
The voice of the Lord bidding His faithful ones “go forward” frequently tries their faith to the uttermost. But if they should defer obedience till every shadow of uncertainty was removed from their understanding, and there remained no risk of failure or defeat, they would never move on at all. Those who think it impossible for them to yield to the will of God and have faith in His promises until all is made clear and plain before them, will never yield at all. Faith is not certainty of knowledge; it “is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1. To obey the commandments of God is the only way to obtain His favor. “Go forward” should be the Christian’s watchword.From the Heart
What Is Faith? February 23
FH 66.1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)
Ms 1, 1867
1LtMs, Ms 1, 1867, par. 49
My husband was obliged to attend appointments in Orange and Greenbush without me. The people, he said, would not be satisfied unless I attended the meeting. He left an appointment for me in two weeks. I told my husband that it was not possible for me to go. He said, “I shall not go without you. I know you have had a long, taxing, perplexing case in me. You have been to me an angel of mercy. What can I do in my turn for you? Can’t you exercise the faith you did for me? Cannot you go, trusting in the Lord as you have done many times? ‘Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.’ [Hebrews 11:1.]”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)
Lt 12, 1873
2LtMs, Lt 12, 1873, par. 4
How gratefully should I rejoice if I could write that your father was in health. We hope and pray and believe. In the mountains and in the groves, many times a day we send up our humble requests to God that healing power may come to your afflicted father. Our seasons of prayer are often marked by a subdued power. We weep and pray and rejoice. Our faith claims restoration. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.] Our faith says it shall be done. We shall be like the importunate widow. We shall ask again and again, until we realize the full answer to our prayers.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Ms 20, 1887
5LtMs, Ms 20, 1887, par. 10
My brethren, unless you are careful to use the same kind of Christian talk in your family and in the household as when you go to church, I would not appreciate your religion highly. We want good home religion, then we may have a great deal more faith than we have, if we exercise it, and when we ask God for anything, believe we receive it, and we shall have it. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.] But here is the point. You are to believe God just as you would believe and trust a friend who stood by your side, and that friend had never denied you a request, never deceived you. You are to believe that Jesus knows just what you want, and He will give you the very things that you need. Thus you are to go right along, saying, I have laid my burden upon the Lord, and will not lay it upon any human being, God will hear and answer my prayers.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Lt 35, 1887
5LtMs, Lt 35, 1887, par. 5
I awoke; I slept again, and the same dream was repeated. And I awoke and slept, and the third time it was repeated. Now I want you to consider this and put away your distrust, your worrying, your fears. Look away from yourself to Jesus; look away from your husband to Jesus. God has spoken to you words of encouragement; grasp them, act upon them, walk by faith, and not by sight. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 5, 1889
6LtMs, Ms 5, 1889, par. 28
What is faith? It “is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.] Then what? “Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” James 2:17. Therefore we lay hold upon the merits of the blood of a crucified and risen Saviour. Our lives are hid with Christ in God. There we have the whole of it. We can do nothing of ourselves, but the fire of God’s love is burning on the altar of our hearts. We are not following cunningly devised fables, no indeed; but we have been revealing Christ our righteousness. If you boast in your own good works, you cannot boast in Christ.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 36, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, par. 22
There is danger in regarding justification by faith as placing merit on faith. When you take the righteousness of Christ as a free gift you are justified freely through the redemption of Christ. What is faith? “The substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1. It is an assent of the understanding to God’s words which binds the heart in willing consecration and service to God, who gave the understanding, who moved on the heart, who first drew the mind to view Christ on the cross of Calvary. Faith is rendering to God the intellectual powers, abandonment of the mind and will to God, and making Christ the only door to enter into the kingdom of heaven.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 80, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 80, 1893, par. 3
That which He requires of us is simply to exercise faith in His word that He will remove all our difficulties and perplexities and make all that is complex clear, and all that is dark light. With Him nothing is impossible. One thing I know, we must rest upon the promise of God without one doubt. Look and live. “Looking unto Jesus, who is the Author and Finisher of our faith.” [Hebrews 12:2.] Here, as on a stable foundation, we rest. Faith can there act its way—often sunless and starless, while every thing in appearance is an intricate wilderness. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.]God’s Amazing Grace
Marching Orders, January 30
AG 38.4
Those who think it impossible for them to yield to the will of God and have faith in His promises until all is made clear and plain before them, will never yield at all. Faith is not certainty of knowledge; it “is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). To obey the commandments of God is the only way to obtain His favor. “Go forward” should be the Christian’s watchword.71Testimonies for the Church 4:25-28.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 80, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 80, 1893, par. 80
The message was brought to Asa by the Lord’s prophet: “The Lord is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.” 2 Chronicles 15:2. Jeremiah 29:11-13. My heart goes out in faith. Faith is not feeling; faith is not sight. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 78, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 78, 1893, par. 16
O, shall we ever be able to know the full value of our Saviour Jesus Christ, and rely on Him, and trust in Him, and then look forward to the pure and noble, devotional life we may live in Christ and through Christ? O, what may not the imagination, stimulated and sanctified through the virtue of Christ, take in of the glories of the future eternal world! Every one [will] who will live as viewing Him who is invisible, as did Moses. We must live by faith and not walk by sight. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.] We must, through searching the Scriptures, understand what Christ is to us and what we are to Christ. We must by beholding become changed.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 10, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 10, 1893, par. 9
The subject of perfect faith, the surrender of self to God, the simple trust and abiding in His love in accordance with His pledged Word must be made plain and simple to the minds of those who are dull of comprehension. Faith is not feeling. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 47, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 47, 1894, par. 10
After the five thousand had been fed, there were twelve baskets of food gathered up; the one basketful had increased to twelve. So when our means are wholly inadequate for the needs of the work, let none of the Lord’s workers become discouraged at the situation. To depend upon what we can see is not faith. Faith depends upon God’s promises. It is “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.] The precious things of God, if appreciated and imparted, will be more abundantly bestowed. The Lord is not pleased with our unbelief. If those upon whom rests the management of the great interests of the cause speak uncertainly, unbelievingly, the Lord is grieved, for they are robbing themselves of the rich treasures of His grace. When one refuses to move unless he can walk by sight, his faith amounts to nothing. If we were placed in a position [similar] to that of the disciples, with the great multitude and the five little barley loaves, would it be hard for us to believe, hard to trust in God?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 60, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 60, 1894, par. 22
We see a great work to be done in order to advance the third angel’s message, and we find little means to sustain the workers and to push the work into the “regions beyond.” [2 Corinthians 10:16.] But if we have failed, we need not despond. We must plan wisely and push forward the work, and let not outward appearances cloud our faith. You must not talk in a hopeless, discouraged way. If you do you will lose much. Talk and act as though your faith was invincible. “Faith is the substance of the things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 17, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 17, 1894, par. 4
We want a right hold from above. We want our souls riveted on the eternal rock, Christ Jesus. Well, it is faith, faith that we must keep in exercise. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.] We want that faith that can lay hold of the promise of God. Is there anything that will try to hinder us? Yes, it is Satan’s special work to cast his hellish shadow across our pathway and every soul must have their eyes fixed on the Author and Finisher of our faith. Look, look unto Jesus. That is where our help comes from. He is not in Joseph’s new tomb. He rose from the tomb in triumph, and over the rent sepulcher of Joseph He proclaimed, “I am the resurrection and the life.” [John 11:25.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 16, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 16, 1894, par. 5
The sin of the whole world was upon Him. Why then are they not brought to repentance? Why did they not accept the infinite sacrifice that Heaven has made [in] their behalf? Why do they not grasp the only provision and hope that is presented in the gospel whereby the sinner can find salvation? Why is it? There is something [that] stands in the way. We can present the gospel, we can present Jesus Christ, we can present heavenly attractions, we can present the eternal weight of glory, we can present to every sinner who will forsake sin and have faith in Jesus Christ, the life promised by Jehovah that measures with the life of God, an eternity of blessings. We can present all this, but they must take it by faith and faith is not sight; and unless they accept the overtures of mercy and the great gift of salvation, their spiritual sight will be blinded by the world, its customs, maxims, and traditions, its pride, vanity, and foolishness; and therefore they cannot see the glory that is in store for them, for the overcomer. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.] How much we may increase our faith. In what way? By making the Bible our foundation.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 49, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 49, 1894, par. 29
“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things unseen.” [Hebrews 11:1.] Now faith walks the narrow plank, and walks till it comes to the end, and then steps right off on to nothing as it were, and yet it is everything. It is a mighty upholder. You walk the plank of faith, and you cannot see another step to go. Then it is to plead with your whole heart. You need not consult how you feel. Feeling has nothing to do with it. Do I believe in God that He is my God, and that His promises will be verified to me? Then [I] go right about my work. I never look or examine whether I have feeling or have no feeling. I know what my duty is from the expressed will of God, and it is for me to do it, do it intelligently.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 47, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 47, 1895, par. 23
To the distressed father, seeking for the tender love and pity of Christ to be exercised in behalf of his afflicted son, Jesus said. “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” [Mark 9:23.] All things are possible with God, and by faith we may lay hold on His power. But faith is not sight; faith is not feeling; faith is not reality. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.] To abide in faith is to put aside feeling and selfish desires, to walk humbly with the Lord, to appropriate His promises, [and] apply them to all occasions, believing that God will work out his own plans and purposes in your heart and life by the sanctification of your character; it is to rely entirely, to trust implicitly, upon the faithfulness of God. If this course is followed, others will see the special fruits of the Spirit manifested in the life and character.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Ms 10a, 1895
10LtMs, Ms 10a, 1895, par. 26
To the distressed father, seeking for the tender love and pity of Christ to be exercised in behalf of his afflicted son, Jesus said, “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” [Mark 9:23.] All things are possible with God, and by faith we may lay hold on His power. But faith is not sight; faith is not feeling; faith is not reality. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.] To abide in faith is to put aside feeling and selfish desires, to walk humbly with the Lord, to appropriate His promises, and apply them to all occasions, believing that God will work out His own plans and purposes in your heart and life by the sanctification of your character; it is to rely entirely, to trust implicitly, upon the faithfulness of God. If this course is followed, others will see the special fruits of the Spirit manifested in the life and character.Gospel Workers (1892/1893 ed.)
Effectual Prayer
GW92 427.2
Some obtain answers to prayer, a little freedom, and they become elated. They do not increase in faith, do not grow in strength and courage, but they depend on feeling. If they happen to feel well, they think they are in favor with God. How many stumble here! how many are overcome! Feeling is no criterion for any of us. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.] We are to examine our character in God’s mirror, his holy law, to detect our errors and imperfections, and then to remove them by the precious blood of Christ.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 97, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 97, 1895, par. 48
We should grow daily in faith in order that we may grow up to the full measure of the spiritual stature in Christ Jesus. We should believe that God will answer our prayers and not trust to feeling. We should say, My gloomy feelings are no evidence that God has not heard me. I do not want to give up on account of these sad emotions; for “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.] The rainbow of promise encircles the throne of God. I come to the throne, pointing to the sign of God’s faithfulness, and cherish the faith that works by love and purifies the soul.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 30, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 30, 1896, par. 4
What is faith? It is not sight. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.] Cherishing faith, the soul is enabled to rise beyond itself, and penetrate the hellish shadow which the enemy casts athwart the pathway of every soul that is striving for an immortal crown. How many times Jesus said, “Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.” [Mark 14:38.] We are to watch and pray just as long as Satan brings up clouds of unbelief, composed of every evil thing that he can devise, to lead the human mind to yield to temptation. But this cloud that lies between God and the human agent cannot envelop man and penetrate his soul unless he opens his mind and heart to its dark beams.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 27, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 27, 1896, par. 18
The Lord would have all know that they have lacked wisdom and faith. You have a desire to walk by sight. God would have you learn to walk by faith. You will be often tempted to look at appearance, but this will not do. You must walk by faith. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.] But when you looked at your depleted treasury, the dark shadows encircled you, and your faith failed. Then was the time to talk faith and courage, to rise to the emergency. The work is the Lord’s; it is not ours; and we may safely leave it in His hands. Daniel sought the Lord when brought into trying places; and when in trouble, we must pray earnestly to God. You have not moved wisely in all things. You need to learn the lesson of self-denial and self-sacrifice. You must be willing to receive less money in an emergency. God will be glorified in this.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 3, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 3, 1897, par. 1
The truth alone is truth. Spiritual things can be only spiritually discerned. The Bible truth is one of faith alone. The kingdom of heaven can be entered only by those who come to him as a little child. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 166, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 166, 1897, par. 2
“O ye of little faith,” may be said of very many, but let it not be said of us. [Matthew 6:30.] We must have faith. We have the work to do to fight the good fight of faith. Faith is not sight. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.] I think we are in just that position that the Word represents, exercising that faith and long patience we can scarcely take in. But after we have done our very best, we can at least try. The Lord proves and tests His people, sometimes in the very way that is most trying. We will not doubt God. We will not rob God of the honor due His holy name from every one of us, in continual trust and thanksgiving and praise for all His benefits. We will walk by faith. We will trust in God as His dear children who have been kindly treated. We will not throw ourselves away from God in a pet and say, “I am discouraged. He doth not love or care for me.” This will greatly dishonor His holy name. We should all consider [that] this casts reflection upon God, and dishonors His holy name.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 112, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 112, 1898, par. 8
Everything that concerns our future experience depends upon believing. Then let us cultivate faith in the past working of God in our religious experience, and in the present assurance He has given us. Says Christ, “Every man therefore that hath heard and hath learned of the Father cometh unto me. ... Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.” [Verses 45, 47.] “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 182, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 182, 1898, par. 30
The objectionable situation depressed us. There was no money in the treasury. There was land that had been purchased, but the money to build—where was it coming from? The idolaters who keep up everything conceivable in the line of concerts, theaters, and balls take the minds of the people with everything in the line of pleasure-loving, that God might be put out of their minds. But we must try to counterwork these many devisings, to stimulate with hope. Every word must be to encourage, for I am instructed that faith and not doubt must win the victory. What is faith? It “is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.]Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)
Faith
GW 260.2
Faith is not feeling. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.] True faith is in no sense allied to presumption. Only he who has true faith is secure against presumption, for presumption is Satan’s counterfeit of faith.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 148, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 148, 1899, par. 25
Having complied with the Word of God, do not depend on your feelings for evidence of acceptance with God. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.] If you have complied with the conditions, believe God, whether or not you feel any different. Christ declared, “As the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. ... If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.” [John 14:31; 15:10.] Let all who understand the abiding claims of the law of God yield implicit obedience to every requirement given in the Word. The convictions of the Holy Spirit are warnings which it is dangerous to disregard.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 63, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 63, 1899, par. 2
The Lord does not give light in such a way as to leave the one addressed no chance to walk by faith. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.] There is not a straight line marked out for any one of us. We need to pray and believe and watch unto prayer, ever praying and trusting. My brother, you must seek the Lord in order to know your duty.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 190, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 190, 1899, par. 20
The establishment of the Health Food Factory has called for means which we did not have, but we have advanced in these lines because we dared not delay. If we had waited for piles of money to be laid down in our sight, where would have been our faith? “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 14, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 14, 1900, par. 3
“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.] Faith relies upon God as being able and willing to save to the uttermost all who come to Him. And as we speak forth God’s power, we show that we appreciate the love that is so constantly shown us, that we are grateful for the mercies and favors bestowed on us, and that the whole soul is awakened to a realization of the God’s glory. The absence of praise and thanksgiving pleases the enemy of God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 18, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 18, 1901, par. 16
Do not, by a lack of faith, let the enemy obtain the victory. The Lord has done much for you all through your borders. Come up to His help. Lift up your heads and look on the fields which are white for the harvest. Remember that the Lord has honored the faith of every one who has worked with unquestioning belief in the words, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.] Shall not our people in Australia have faith in God? Did not faith bring victory to us who labored so hard under difficulties, our work made harder by the false reports sent from Australia to Europe, Africa, and America, reports which weakened those who as God’s helping hand should have sustained us? Those who have been connected with us in the work in Australia should praise God that His word has been verified beyond all their conception of the unseen. The reality is before them. But the vision, in its height and depth and breadth, is not yet in substance standing out before us. The knowledge, wisdom, grace, and joy of the Lord are to be greatly enlarged. Great events may be expected, and how these events will affect the commandment-keeping people of God will depend upon their sincere, implicit faith in God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 81a, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 81a, 1901, par. 27
Brother Conradi has carried a very heavy burden of work in Europe. Brother Conradi, the Lord wants you to have laborers to stand with you, and He wants you to give them all the encouragement you can. He wants the work you are doing to go with strength and with power. You have been doing the work of several men, and God has greatly blessed your labors. The angels of God have done this work, not Brother Conradi. He has opened doors for the angels, and they have entered. And if you will all open doors for the angels and give God an opportunity to work, let me tell you that He will set in operation that which will carry forward the work with a strength you do not dream of. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.] God wants us to work by faith. Put away all criticism, all unbelief, all desire to measure your fellow worker, who perhaps has not had one-hundredth part of the opportunity you have had. The Lord desires you to work and pray in all simplicity. He told Nicodemus that unless he were born again, he could not see the kingdom of heaven. We must be born again. We must leave behind all our inherited and cultivated tendencies to wrong. We must talk and walk and work with Jesus, taking Him with us every where we go. What we need is heart-religion. We need to sit low at the feet of Jesus Christ, where we can learn the precious lessons He is waiting to teach us.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 79, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 79, 1901, par. 10
“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.] Every family must work by faith. The father, if a true Bible Christian, is the house-band of his family. He binds the family close to the throne of God; for he is the priest of his house. He is never to lose his interest in his family. He who has a family of boys must understand that whatever his calling, he is never to neglect the souls placed in his care. He has brought these children into the world, and has made himself responsible to God to do everything in his power to keep them from unsanctified associations, from evil companionship. He should not leave his restless boys wholly to the care of the mother. This is too heavy a burden for her. He must arrange matters for the best interests of the mother and the children. It may be very hard for the mother to exercise self-control and to manage wisely in the training of her children. If this is the case, the father should take more of the burden upon his soul. He should be determined to make the most decided efforts to save his children.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 39, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 39, 1903, par. 13
My brother, will you study and obey this instruction? Encourage faith in the truth for this time. Walk by faith, not by sight. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.] You need at every step the faith that works by love and purifies the soul. This faith quickens and uplifts the soul by the nobility of holy practice. It is essential to every one who is running in the race for eternal life. It raises the soul into a purer, holier atmosphere, enabling its possessor to look forward to higher and still higher attainments and to discern clearly the dangers of a life of self-indulgence. Look by faith above yourself, and see in the work of God the way to gain the riches that can be laid up beside the throne of God. O the height and depth of the knowledge that may be obtained by unreserved consecration to God. The Lord will have the whole man, or none at all. His favor cannot be purchased with gifts of money. He calls for the gift of the whole heart.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 28, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 28, 1903, par. 3
In giving His Son to this world, God has bestowed upon all who accept Christ as their Saviour the treasures of heaven. We need at this time the faith that reaches within the veil. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.] Our faith in the reality of these unseen things, which we believe will soon be ours if we are faithful, fills the children of God with hope and courage in the midst of trial and affliction.In Heavenly Places
The Act of Faith, April 7
HP 104.1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 262, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 262, 1903, par. 5
In time of trial, be patient. Patience is a precious jewel. It will bring help to mind and heart. “Wait on the Lord,” until He sees that you are ready to receive and appreciate the blessings for which you ask. [Psalm 27:14.] Exercise faith, even though the trial be severe. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.] Of faith, hope is born.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 185, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 185, 1903, par. 9
My dear Brother and Sister Haskell, I wish you to consider that we shall sometimes have discouragements that seem to crush the soul; but the Lord Jesus will keep us close unto Himself. I trust that you and I, in our old age, will bring into our lives all the hopefulness and courage and faith that we possibly can. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.] It is our privilege to have the inward communion of the Holy Spirit of God. We may have divine protection, divine favor, and even a heavenly joyfulness.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 119, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 119, 1903, par. 4
It has taken so long for the brethren in Southern California to decide where to establish the sanitarium that I am nearly ready to lay off the burden. I will not say, My brethren, if you will pray more, and if you will carefully consider the light that God has given us, you will move by faith rather than by sight. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 247, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 247, 1905, par. 17
How can we prepare the way of the Lord? We will present our reasonable request that He may open the way before us, then we will walk and work and act our faith. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.] Christ is all and in all, and we need an increase of faith.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Ms 25, 1907
22LtMs, Ms 25, 1907, par. 3
This is the word of God to us. What largeness of expectation is held out, what encouragement. Shall we not grasp the encouragement, and work out in our lives the faith presented? We are living in the last days of this earth’s history. Shall we not lay hold of these principles that will make us grow in grace? The gracious promise is for every one who will lay hold of it, and work according to a sincere reception of the grace that it is our privilege to have. Let us grasp these assurances by faith, that we may realize daily that we are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed at the last time. Laying hold of this hope, we shall become true laborers together with God. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.] God is honored when we lay hold of His Word and act upon it, weaving His promises into our labors for souls who are ready to perish.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Ms 97, 1907
22LtMs, Ms 97, 1907, par. 9
Often the Lord sees that His workers are in doubt as to what they should do. At such time, if they will put their confidence in Him, He will reveal to them His will. God’s work is now to advance rapidly; and if His people will respond to His call, He will make the possessors of property willing to donate of their means and thus make it possible for His work to be accomplished in the earth. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.] Faith in the Word of God will place His people in the possession of property which will enable them to work the large cities that are waiting for the message of truth.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 14, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 14, 1907, par. 5
My dear sister, pray, believe, and receive the freedom that Christ alone can give. I cannot believe for you. You must believe for yourself; and believing, you will receive the fulfilment of the promise. This is faith. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.] Cast your helpless soul on Christ. He has invited you to do this and has promised that if you ask, you shall receive. Do the work that rests upon you to do. Believe, believe!Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Ms 51, 1908
23LtMs, Ms 51, 1908, par. 14
Now, brethren and sisters, is your time to obtain an experience that will be invaluable to you in the future. But there can be no compromise. Those who desire to be accepted as workers in the future of this cause must advance step by step heavenward. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for; the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Lt 244, 1908
23LtMs, Lt 244, 1908, par. 1
I cannot rest because of the many representations made to me, showing that our people are in danger of losing precious opportunities of working earnestly and wisely for the proclamation of the third angel’s message. Satan, with all his agencies, is working to hold God’s people back from giving all their powers to His service. But as a people we are to be active and decidedly in earnest, improving every opportunity to increase our usefulness in religious lines. We are to be “not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” [Romans 12:11.] Possessing true godliness and a knowledge of the Word of God, every church member may become a working agency, laboring with dignity and confidence, yet with humble dependence, remembering the words of Christ to His first disciples, “I send you forth as lambs in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” [Luke 10:3; Matthew 10:16.] We need to exercise wisdom in all our ways if we would work in the name and fear of God. Unfeigned faith is what we need; for faith is “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Lt 242, 1908
23LtMs, Lt 242, 1908, par. 2
I cannot rest because of the many representations made to me, showing that our people are in danger of losing precious opportunities of working earnestly and wisely for the proclamation of the third angel’s message. Satan with all his agencies is working to hold God’s people back from giving all their powers to His service. But as a people we are to be active and decidedly in earnest, improving every opportunity to increase our usefulness in religious lines. We are to be “not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” [Romans 12:11.] Possessing true godliness and a knowledge of the Word of God, every church member may become a working agency, laboring with dignity and confidence, yet with humble dependence, remembering the words of Christ to His first disciples, “I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” [Matthew 10:16.] We need to exercise wisdom in all our ways if we would work in the name and fear of God. Unfeigned faith is what we need; for faith is “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.]Manuscript Releases, vol. 4 [Nos. 210-259]
MR No. 224—Ellen G. White Letters to Young Christians
4MR 178.2
I awoke, I slept again and the same dream was repeated. And I awoke and slept and the third time it was repeated. Now I want you to consider this and put away your distrust, your worrying, your fears. Look away from yourself to Jesus.... God has spoken to you words of encouragement; grasp them, act upon them, walk by faith and not by sight. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Lt 80, 1910
25LtMs, Lt 80, 1910, par. 1
I was glad to receive your letter dated August 20, 1910. I am made sad as I read that your wife has had a severe illness. She had, you tell me, been sick for one month at the date of your letter. May the Lord bless her and heal her and graciously reveal to her His power, and may her voice be heard in the assembly of God’s people. Christ is our healing power. Let faith take hold of the promise and claim the assurance, “Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” [Matthew 7:7.] Do not give up the battle to the enemy. Do not let go the promise, “Ask, and ye shall receive.” [John 16:24.] “Faith is the substance of the things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.] I am grateful to our heavenly Father for His wonderful goodness to us.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 15, 1911
25LtMs, Ms 15, 1911, par. 3
Our people should become intelligent in the treatment of sickness without the aid of poisonous drugs. Many should seek to obtain the education that will enable them to combat disease in its various forms by the most simple methods. Thousands have gone down to the grave because of the use of poisonous drugs who might have been restored to health by simple methods of treatment. Water treatments wisely and skilfully given may be the means of saving many lives. Let diligent study be united with careful treatments. Let prayers of faith be offered by the bedside of the sick. Let the sick be encouraged to claim the promises of God for themselves. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.] Christ Jesus, the Saviour of men, is to be brought into our labors and councils more and more.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Lt 50, 1910
25LtMs, Lt 50, 1910, par. 3
We must not be inconsistent in this matter. God requires clean hearts, pure minds, and intelligent belief in the truth. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.] At present there is not that unity that should exist among our brethren, and the Lord says, “Come together.” This should be done as soon as possible, for we have no time to lose.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Lt 34, 1911
25LtMs, Lt 34, 1911, par. 4
True “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.] Thus far the Lord has led us as we have moved under the guidance of His Spirit. He will continue to work for us if we are careful to follow the counsel He gives.Jesus, Name Above All Names
One Greater Than Moses, November 16
JNN 337.3
That which He requires of us is simply to exercise faith in His word that He will remove all our difficulties and perplexities and make all that is complex clear, and all that is dark light. With Him nothing is impossible. One thing I know, we must rest upon the promise of God without one doubt. Look and live. “Looking unto Jesus, who is the Author and Finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). Here, as on a stable foundation, we rest. Faith can there act its way—often sunless and starless, while everything in appearance is an intricate wilderness. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).Manuscript Releases, vol. 1 [Nos. 19-96]
MR No. 81—God’s Rebuke to Laodicea
1MR 368.3
Having complied with the Word of God, do not depend on your feelings for evidence of acceptance with God. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). If you have complied with the conditions, believe God, whether or not you feel any different. Christ declared, “As the Father gave me commandment, even so I do.... If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love” (John 14:31; 15:10). Let all who understand the abiding claims of the law of God, yield implicit obedience to every requirement given in the Word. The convictions of the Holy Spirit are warnings which it is dangerous to disregard.