EGW WritingsIsaiah 1
Ellen G. White
Read Isaiah 1 in the BibleIsaiah 1:2
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 148, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 148, 1903, par. 27
“When the fulness of time was come, God sent forth His Son.” [Galatians 4:4.] “Hear, O heavens,” and “be astonished, O earth!” [See Isaiah 1:2.] The long-looked-for Instructor appeared and proved to be no less than the Son of God Himself. He was the “sent of God.” He was one with the Father. But He clothed His divinity with humanity and came to this earth to reveal what God designed humanity to be, had sin never existed.Isaiah 1:2-3
The Review and Herald
March 11, 1915
RH March 11, 1915, Art. A, par. 3
The Lord called heaven and earth to witness to his tender care for the chosen nation. “Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth,” he exclaimed; “the ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.” “They have rebelled against me.” Isaiah 1:2, 3.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 178, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 178, 1898, par. 21
It needs the Bible student to find it, to bring it forth and let the gems of truth shine like precious pearls. Our God knew the very necessity of man, and these things are found in the Word. We need constantly to educate in reference to bringing up children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. This is that which the students need presented before them day by day, for even teachers are woefully ignorant of their own characters. God Himself speaks of the neglect of His own people. “Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the Lord hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me. The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.” Isaiah 1:2, 3.Isaiah 1:2-4
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Ms 137, 1908
23LtMs, Ms 137, 1908, par. 4
“Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth, for the Lord hath spoken. I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against Me. The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib, but Israel doth not know, My people doth not consider. Ah, sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupted; they have forsaken the Lord, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward.” [Isaiah 1:2-4.]Isaiah 1:2-20
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 317a, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 317a, 1904, par. 4
“Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth; for the Lord hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against Me. The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib; but Israel doth not know, My people [doth not consider. Ah] sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evil doers, children that are corruptors: they have forsaken the Lord, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger. They are gone away backward.” [Isaiah 1:2-4.]19LtMs, Lt 317a, 1904, par. 7
God calls, saying: “Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before Mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well. ... Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient ye shall eat the good of the land; but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” [Verses 16-20.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 108, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 108, 1905, par. 2
And again, “Hear O heavens, and give ear, O earth; for the Lord hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against Me. The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib; but Israel doth not know, My people doth not consider. Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evil doers, children that are corrupters; they have forsaken the Lord, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward.” [Isaiah 1:2-4.]20LtMs, Ms 108, 1905, par. 4
“Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before Mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land; but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” [Verses 5-7, 16-20.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 127, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 127, 1899, par. 33
“Why should ye be stricken any more? Ye will revolt more and more, the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it: but wounds, and bruises and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment. Your country is desolate, your city is burned with fire: your land, strangers devour it in your presence, and it is desolate, as overthrown by strangers. And the daughter of Zion is left as a cottage in a vineyard, as a lodge in a garden of cucumbers, as a besieged city.” [Isaiah 1:2-8.]14LtMs, Ms 127, 1899, par. 36
“Your new moons and your appointed feasts, my soul hateth: they are a trouble to me: I am weary to bear them. And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. Wash you, make you clean, put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes: cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judgment; relieve the oppressed; judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be like wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land; but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” [Verses 10-20.]Isaiah 1:4-18
The Review and Herald
March 25, 1915
RH March 25, 1915, par. 1
None knew better than Isaiah the depths of sin into which Judah had fallen. None knew better than he their need of a Saviour. “Ah sinful nation,” he exclaimed on one occasion, “a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the Lord, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward.” Isaiah 1:4. But when the prophet, like Saul of Tarsus at the gate of Damascus, had been given a view of his own unworthiness, there had come to his humbled heart the assurance of forgiveness, full and free, and he had arisen a changed man. He had seen his Lord. He had caught a glimpse of the loveliness of the divine character. He could testify of the transformation wrought through beholding Infinite Love. Henceforth he was inspired with longing desire to see erring Israel set free from the burden and penalty of sin. “Why should ye be stricken any more?” the prophet inquired. “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” “Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well.” Verses 5, 18, 16, 17.RH March 25, 1915, par. 2
The God whom they had been claiming to serve, but whose character they had misunderstood, was set before them as the great Healer of spiritual disease. What though the whole head was sick and the whole heart faint? what though from the sole of the foot even unto the crown of the head there was no soundness, but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores? Verse 6. He who had been walking frowardly in the way of his heart might find healing by turning to the Lord. “I have seen his ways,” the Lord declared, “and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him.... Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the Lord; and I will heal him.” Isaiah 57:18, 19.Isaiah 1:5-6
God’s Amazing Grace
Wages or Gift? November 1
AG 313.3
By nature we are alienated from God. The Holy Spirit describes our condition in such words as these: “Dead in trespasses and sins;” “the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint;” “no soundness in it” (Ephesians 2:1; Isaiah 1:5, 6). We are held fast in the snare of Satan, “taken captive by him at his will” (2 Timothy 2:26). God desires to heal us, to set us free. But since this requires an entire transformation, a renewing of our whole nature, we must yield ourselves wholly to Him.Maranatha
Healing for Sin-sick Souls, March 2
Mar 69.1
The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment. Isaiah 1:5, 6.The Desire of Ages
Chapter 27—“Thou Canst Make Me Clean”
DA 266.1
The work of Christ in cleansing the leper from his terrible disease is an illustration of His work in cleansing the soul from sin. The man who came to Jesus was “full of leprosy.” Its deadly poison permeated his whole body. The disciples sought to prevent their Master from touching him; for he who touched a leper became himself unclean. But in laying His hand upon the leper, Jesus received no defilement. His touch imparted life-giving power. The leprosy was cleansed. Thus it is with the leprosy of sin,—deep-rooted, deadly, and impossible to be cleansed by human power. “The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores.” Isaiah 1:5, 6. But Jesus, coming to dwell in humanity, receives no pollution. His presence has healing virtue for the sinner. Whoever will fall at His feet, saying in faith, “Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean,” shall hear the answer, “I will; be thou made clean.” Matthew 8:2, 3, R. V.The Faith I Live By
Our Helpless Condition in Sin, March 22
FLB 87.3
By nature we are alienated from God. The Holy Spirit describes our condition in such words as these: “Dead in trespasses and sins;” “the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint”; “no soundness in it.” We are held fast in the snare of Satan; “taken captive by him at his will.” Ephesians 2:1; Isaiah 1:5, 6; 2 Timothy 2:26. God desires to heal us, to set us free. But since this requires an entire transformation, a renewing of our whole nature, we must yield ourselves wholly to Him.The Ministry of Healing
“Thou Canst Make Me Clean”
MH 70.1
When this man came to Jesus, he was “full of leprosy,” Its deadly poison permeated his whole body. The disciples sought to prevent their Master from touching him; for he who touched a leper became himself unclean. But in laying His hand upon the leper, Jesus received no defilement. The leprosy was cleansed. Thus it is with the leprosy of sin—deep-rooted, deadly, impossible to be cleansed by human power. “The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores.” Isaiah 1:5, 6. But Jesus, coming to dwell in humanity, receives no pollution. His presence was healing virtue for the sinner. Whoever will fall at His feet, saying in faith, “Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean,” shall hear the answer, “I will; be thou clean.”Isaiah 1:5-18
Prophets and Kings
Chapter 26—“Behold Your God!”
PK 314.2
In beholding his God, the prophet, like Saul of Tarsus at the gate of Damascus, had not only been given a view of his own unworthiness; there had come to his humbled heart the assurance of forgiveness, full and free; and he had arisen a changed man. He had seen his Lord. He had caught a glimpse of the loveliness of the divine character. He could testify of the transformation wrought through beholding Infinite Love. Henceforth he was inspired with longing desire to see erring Israel set free from the burden and penalty of sin. “Why should ye be stricken any more?” the prophet inquired. “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” “Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before Mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well.” Isaiah 1:5, 18, 16, 17.PK 315.1
The God whom they had been claiming to serve, but whose character they had misunderstood, was set before them as the great Healer of spiritual disease. What though the whole head was sick and the whole heart faint? what though from the sole of the foot even unto the crown of the head there was no soundness, but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores? See Isaiah 1:6. He who had been walking frowardly in the way of his heart might find healing by turning to the Lord. “I have seen his ways,” the Lord declared, “and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him.... Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the Lord; and I will heal him.” Isaiah 57:18, 19.From Splendor to Shadow
The Gospel to All the World
SS 166.3
In beholding God the prophet had not only been given a view of his own unworthiness, there had come to his humbled heart the assurance of forgiveness, full and free; and he had arisen a changed man. He could testify of the transformation wrought through beholding Infinite Love. Henceforth he longed to see erring Israel set free from the burden and penalty of sin. “Why should ye be stricken any more?” “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:5, 18.Steps to Christ
Chapter 5—Consecration
SC 43.2
The whole heart must be yielded to God, or the change can never be wrought in us by which we are to be restored to His likeness. By nature we are alienated from God. The Holy Spirit describes our condition in such words as these: “Dead in trespasses and sins;” “the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint;” “no soundness in it.” We are held fast in the snare of Satan, “taken captive by him at his will.” Ephesians 2:1; Isaiah 1:5, 6; 2 Timothy 2:26. God desires to heal us, to set us free. But since this requires an entire transformation, a renewing of our whole nature, we must yield ourselves wholly to Him.SC 43.4
The government of God is not, as Satan would make it appear, founded upon a blind submission, an unreasoning control. It appeals to the intellect and the conscience. “Come now, and let us reason together” is the Creator’s invitation to the beings He has made. Isaiah 1:18. God does not force the will of His creatures. He cannot accept an homage that is not willingly and intelligently given. A mere forced submission would prevent all real development of mind or character; it would make man a mere automaton. Such is not the purpose of the Creator. He desires that man, the crowning work of His creative power, shall reach the highest possible development. He sets before us the height of blessing to which He desires to bring us through His grace. He invites us to give ourselves to Him, that He may work His will in us. It remains for us to choose whether we will be set free from the bondage of sin, to share the glorious liberty of the sons of God.Homeward Bound
The Greatest Battle We Face, March 7
HB 84.2
The whole heart must be yielded to God, or the change can never be wrought in us by which we are to be restored to His likeness. By nature we are alienated from God. The Holy Spirit describes our condition in such words as these: “Dead in trespasses and sins;” “the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint;” “no soundness in it.” We are held fast in the snare of Satan, “taken captive by him at his will.” (Ephesians 2:1; Isaiah 1:5, 6; 2 Timothy 2:26.) God desires to heal us, to set us free. But since this requires an entire transformation, a renewing of our whole nature, we must yield ourselves wholly to Him.HB 84.4
The government of God is not, as Satan would make it appear, founded upon a blind submission, an unreasoning control. It appeals to the intellect and the conscience. “Come now, and let us reason together” is the Creator’s invitation to the beings He has made. (Isaiah 1:18.) God does not force the will of His creatures. He cannot accept an homage that is not willingly and intelligently given. A mere forced submission would prevent all real development of mind or character; it would make us mere automatons. Such is not the purpose of the Creator. He desires that human beings, the crowning work of His creative power, shall reach the highest possible development. He sets before us the height of blessing to which He desires to bring us through His grace. He invites us to give ourselves to Him, that He may work His will in us. It remains for us to choose whether we will be set free from the bondage of sin, to share the glorious liberty of the sons of God.Isaiah 1:6
From Heaven With Love
Chapter 27—The First Leper to Be Cleansed by Christ
HLv 172.3
Thus it is with the leprosy of sin—deadly, impossible to be cleansed by human power. “From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores.” Isaiah 1:6. But Jesus has healing virtue. Whoever will fall at His feet, saying in faith, “Lord, if You will, You can make me clean,” shall hear the answer, “I will; be clean.” RSV.Isaiah 1:8-12
From Splendor to Shadow
The Captivity Brought “Good News” to Many
SS 197.2
This glorious Light of the world was to bring salvation to every nation and people. The prophet heard the eternal Father declare: “It is too light a thing that You should be My servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved of Israel; I will give You as a light to the nations, that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” Isaiah 49:6, RSV; see also Verses 8, 9, 12.Isaiah 1:9
From Splendor to Shadow
Human Pride Will Be Laid Low
Lo, this is our God;
We have waited for Him,
And He will save us:
This is the Lord;
We have waited for Him,
We will be glad and rejoice
in His salvation.
Verse 9
Isaiah 1:9-12
Prophets and Kings
Chapter 27—Ahaz
PK 322.2
The prophet Micah, who bore his testimony during those troublous times, declared that sinners in Zion, while claiming to “lean upon the Lord,” and blasphemously boasting, “Is not the Lord among us? none evil can come upon us,” continued to “build up Zion with blood, and Jerusalem with iniquity.” Micah 3:11, 10. Against these evils the prophet Isaiah lifted his voice in stern rebuke: “Hear the word of the Lord, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah. To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto Me? saith the Lord.... When ye come to appear before Me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread My courts?” Isaiah 1:10-12.PK 324.2
This was indeed a time of great peril for the chosen nation. Only a few short years, and the ten tribes of the kingdom of Israel were to be scattered among the nations of heathendom. And in the kingdom of Judah also the outlook was dark. The forces for good were rapidly diminishing, the forces for evil multiplying. The prophet Micah, viewing the situation, was constrained to exclaim: “The good man is perished out of the earth: and there is none upright among men.” “The best of them is as a brier: the most upright is sharper than a thorn hedge.” Micah 7:2, 4. “Except the Lord of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant,” declared Isaiah, “we should have been as Sodom, and ... Gomorrah.” Isaiah 1:9.Isaiah 1:9-15
The Review and Herald
April 1, 1915
RH April 1, 1915, par. 3
Against these evils the prophet Isaiah lifted his voice in stern rebuke: “Hear the word of the Lord, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah. To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the Lord.... When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts? ... Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them. And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear.” Isaiah 1:10-15.RH April 1, 1915, par. 7
This was indeed a time of great peril for the chosen nation. Only a few short years, and the ten tribes of the kingdom of Israel were to be scattered among the nations of heathendom. And in the kingdom of Judah also the outlook was dark. The forces for good were rapidly diminishing, the forces for evil multiplying. The prophet Micah, viewing the situation, was constrained to exclaim: “The good man is perished out of the earth: and there is none upright among men.” “The best of them is as a brier: the most upright is sharper than a thorn hedge.” Micah 7:2, 4. “Except the Lord of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant,” declared Isaiah, “we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah.” Isaiah 1:9.Isaiah 1:10-17
The Desire of Ages
Chapter 65—The Temple Cleansed Again
DA 590.2
Against these practices Christ had spoken through the prophets. Samuel had said, “Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.” And Isaiah, seeing in prophetic vision the apostasy of the Jews, addressed them as rulers of Sodom and Gomorrah: “Hear the word of the Lord, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah. To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto Me? saith the Lord: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he-goats. When ye come to appear before Me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread My courts?” “Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before Mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.” 1 Samuel 15:22; Isaiah 1:10-12, 16, 17.Isaiah 1:10-24
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 120, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 120, 1899, par. 19
The prophet Isaiah had spoken concerning this people: “Hear the word of the Lord, ye rulers of Sodom: give ear unto the law of God, ye people of Gomorrah. To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the Lord. I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks or of lambs, or of he goats. When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hands, to tread my courts? Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me: the new moon, and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth; they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them. And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide my face from you; yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.” [Isaiah 1:10-15.]14LtMs, Ms 120, 1899, par. 20
Still the Lord holds out His hand to take the hand of Israel, and help them to the narrow path of self-denial and self-sacrifice, to share with him the heirship as sons of God. Will they be entreated? Will they discern their only hope? “Wash you,” He says, “make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judgment; relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: but if ye refuse, and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” [Verses 16-20.]14LtMs, Ms 120, 1899, par. 21
Israel was fulfilling the vision of the prophet Isaiah, but the heart of Christ pleads for the rebellious son. He weeps over the beloved city: “How is the faithful city become an harlot; it was full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but now murderers. Thy silver is become dross, thy wine mixed with water; thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves; every one loveth gifts and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them. Therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts, the mighty one of Israel, Ah, I will ease me of mine adversaries, and avenge me of mine enemies.” [Verses 21-24.] “O if thou hadst known in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.” [Luke 19:42.]Isaiah 1:11-12
From Splendor to Shadow
Chapter 27—Ahaz Almost Ruins the Kingdom
SS 170.2
The prophet Micah declared that sinners in Zion, while blasphemously boasting, “Is not the Lord in the midst of us? No evil shall come upon us,” continued to “build Zion with blood and Jerusalem with wrong.” Micah 3:11, 10, RSV. Isaiah lifted his voice in stern rebuke: “What to Me is the multitude of your sacrifices? ... When you come to appear before Me, who requires of you this trampling of My courts?” Isaiah 1:11, 12, RSV.Isaiah 1:11-15
The Ministry of Healing
The Responsibility of the Church
MH 341.1
“To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrificesunto Me? saith the Lord....
When ye come to appear before Me,
Who hath required this at your hand, to tread My courts?
Bring no more vain oblation ....
When ye spread forth your hands,
I will hide Mine eyes from you:
Yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear:
Your hands are full of blood.” Isaiah 1:11-15.
Isaiah 1:11-16
From Heaven With Love
Chapter 65—The Temple Cleansed Again
HLv 392.5
Against these practices Christ had spoken through the prophets. Isaiah, seeing in prophetic vision the apostasy of the Jews, addressed them: “What to Me is the multitude of your sacrifices? says the Lord; I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fed beasts; I do not delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs, or of he-goats.” “Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your doings from before My eyes.” Isaiah 1:11, 16, RSV.Isaiah 1:11-18
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 35, 1891
7LtMs, Ms 35, 1891, par. 54
The question is asked: Shall I give my firstborn for the sin of my soul? Is it burnt offerings and sacrifices that God requires? He says, “My soul is full of them.” [Micah 6:7; Isaiah 1:11.] It is not that. It is a contrite heart; it is that you walk humbly, and deal justly, and show mercy. This is your work. Take right hold of it now. Why wait any longer? Why not take God right at His Word? Say, “Here Lord, I give myself away, ’Tis all that I can do.” If Satan comes with his hellish temptations, tell him, No, there is no place in my soul for it; my soul is ravished with the love which is expressed upon Calvary; I cannot allow any of this wickedness to come into my soul; it crucified my Lord.7LtMs, Ms 35, 1891, par. 64
We want this salvation today. We don’t want to wait; we don’t want to dispel Christ by our unbelief. We want to take right hold of Him because He has told us to do it; and He says—now listen, I want you to hear every word of it—“Let him take hold of my strength and make peace with me, and he shall make peace with me.” [Isaiah 27:5.] “Come now, and let us reason together ... though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” [Isaiah 1:18.] Will you come? Will you believe? Will you let Him reason with you? Will you commit the keeping of your soul unto Him as unto a faithful Creator?Isaiah 1:12
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 34a, 1885
4LtMs, Ms 34a, 1885, par. 4
I was shown that Brother and Sister Van Horn had departed from God’s counsel in bringing into the world children. God required all there was of them in His work, and both could have done a good work for the Master; but the enemy came in, and his counsel was followed, and the cause of God was robbed of the attention it should have had; and in the place of raising up many sons and daughters to God, they were doing a work which was bringing upon them cares and burdens and retarding the work that God had given them to do. God will say to them, “Who required this at your hands?” [Isaiah 1:12.] ...Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 34, 1885
4LtMs, Ms 34, 1885, par. 3
I was shown that Brother and Sister [Van Horn] have departed from God’s counsel in bringing into the world children. God required all there was of them in His work, and both could have done a good work for the Master; but the enemy came in and his counsels were followed and the cause of God was robbed of the attention it should have; and instead of raising up many sons and daughters to God, they were doing a work which would bring upon them cares and burdens and retard the work God had given them to do. God will say to them, “Who required this at your hands?” [Isaiah 1:12.] ...Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Ms 57, 1895
10LtMs, Ms 57, 1895, par. 1
The reproofs that have been coming to the men who have walked away from God into false paths have not been for anything that has come suddenly. There has been a working of the great deceiver upon human minds, after human methods that God has not sanctioned. Men controlled by the Holy Spirit, familiar with the principles of the law of God, could not engage in it if they had been looking to God and trusting in God. But men, human men, have had a settled determination to carry out their own devisings as if the Lord had authorized them to do this work. Men were working upon principles that God has condemned, which God will not accept, but in the great day of God He will say, “Who has required this work at your hands?” [Isaiah 1:12.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 41, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 41, 1899, par. 5
God has represented this work in His Word, saying, “Ye have thrust with side and with shoulder, and pushed the diseased with your horns, till ye have scattered them abroad.” [Ezekiel 34:21.] This is the course many have pursued. They have driven the weak on to Satan’s battleground, to be tempted, to falter, and to fall. When the judgment shall sit and the books are opened, these men will be called to account for the blood of souls that is upon their garments. In that day God will ask them, “Who hath required this at your hand?” [Isaiah 1:12.] They will then see that they have done a work that God has not required of them.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 120, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 120, 1899, par. 15
Dr. Kellogg has had a special work to do, but he has been gathering too many responsibilities to himself. God did not appoint him to do this. The so-called medical missionary work cannot be carried on as it has been without endangering the general prosperity of the cause. Should these burdens crush him, he will suppose it is because he did not have the co-operation of his brethren. But it will be because he has loaded himself down with a class of work which demands more than he can give to carry it forward. “Who hath required this at your hand?” was asked. [Isaiah 1:12.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 232, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 232, 1899, par. 4
By One who has authority, the question was asked, “Who has required this at your hands?” [Isaiah 1:12.] You do not see that you have become ambitious to carry forward a line of work which would result in great hindrance to the general work God would have you do. To you and those connected with you was given the work of making the Battle Creek Sanitarium a memorial of the truth to those in the highways of the world. Your power to devise, your ability to perform operations, were to be used in this line. Your standing among medical men God designed to be a witness for Him in higher circles. This work and the various lines it embraced was all you could carry. The work of embracing so much must be limited, else men will become unfitted to do throughly their part of the work which God designs should be done. If you fail it is because you would not heed the warnings God has been giving you.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 33, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 33, 1900, par. 7
“Who has required this at your hands?” was the question asked. [Isaiah 1:12.] “Sister White,” you bemoan, “somebody has set things before you in a wrong light.” No, no; things that no one knows have been presented to me. I have been made to understand the ambitious projects that have bound up in one wicked city means which should have helped the work in this new world and put us on standing-ground. But all the necessities of this field, which were kept before you, seemed to you of less importance than the great things you were creating.Isaiah 1:15-28
The Liquor Traffic Working Counter to Christ
The Liquor Traffic Working Counter to Christ
PH141 2.1
Thus is pictured the mission and work of Christ and his co-labourers, but how different is the work of the prince of darkness, and the work of those who labour on his side of the controversy. Those who are united with the prince of darkness in degrading the souls of their fellow-men, often cloak their iniquity under the garb of religion, but of them the Lord says, “When ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear; your hands are full of blood” Isaiah 1:15. Those who sell strong drink to their fellow-men come under this reproof. They receive the earnings of the drunkard, and give him no equivalent for his money. Instead of this, they give him that which maddens him, and turns him into a demon of cruelty. He exchanges his reason at the bar of the liquor-dealer for a glass of rum or brandy, and under its influence he may treat his wife and children with cruel abuse, and may even kill them outright, or do so by degrees, through neglect, through failure to supply them with the necessities of life. The heart-broken women who have inebriate husbands, if they do not die of abuse or of outright and horrible murder, do die from the effects of starvation, insufficient clothing, and a continual sense of degradation and shame through the poverty, want, and suffering that are consequent upon the drink habit. These poor women see their children suffering, despised, abused, debased They see them hooted at because of their relation to their drunken fathers, and even the liquor-seller is not careful to refrain from adding insult to injury. Everything,—clothing, food, comfort, home self-respect, happiness, and peace, is swallowed up, and at last life itself is practically laid down, a sacrifice to the liquor-dealer.PH141 7.1
Rulers and law-makers are not ignorant of the misery and degradation, the horrible and unceasing crime, that pollute the world through the influence of the liquor traffic. But though they are not ignorant, they do not take measures to stop the terrible traffic; but shall they escape judgment? “Shall I not visit for these things? saith the Lord: shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?” God will require for all this at the hand of him who has helped to speed the drunkard on the way to ruin. “The destruction of the transgressors and of the sinners shall be together.” Those who legalise the liquor traffic, and those who make gain by it, and those who are defiled through strong drink, shall be destroyed together. Let not the man who indulges in drink think that he will be able to cover his defilement by casting the blame upon the liquor-dealer; for his own sin for the degradation of his wife and children, he will have to answer. “They that forsake the Lord shall be consumed.” Isaiah 1:28.PH141 8.1
The hands of the liquor-dealers and liquor-drinkers are full of blood; yet the word of God comes to them, “Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.” And He adds this gracious invitation: “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land; but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” Isaiah 1:16-20.Isaiah 1:16
Homeward Bound
The First Step in Acceptance, March 22
HB 99.4
Confession will not be acceptable to God without sincere repentance and reformation. There must be decided changes in the life; everything offensive to God must be put away. This will be the result of genuine sorrow for sin. The work that we have to do on our part is plainly set before us: “Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil.” (Isaiah 1:16.) . . . Paul says, speaking of the work of repentance: “Ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves.” (2 Corinthians 7:11.)—Steps to Christ, 37-39.With God at Dawn
Wash You, Make You Clean, May 11
WGD 133.1
Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil. Isaiah 1:16.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 72, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 72, 1897, par. 18
“Wash you, make you clean” from all sin in the blood of the Lamb. [Isaiah 1:16.] “The Lord is a strong tower. The righteous runneth into it, and are safe.” [Proverbs 18:10.] This God must be all our confidence and all our trust. The streams of grace must be fresh, and fertilize our own souls, thus they will be in us a well of water, springing up into everlasting life. Let the praise of God go forth from human lips. Praise Him with heart; praise Him with soul. Let the voice speak forth His praises at all times. It should be thus, and it will be thus when Christ is abiding in the soul. Our sufficiency is in God. The name of the Lord is a strong tower. The righteous runneth into it, and are safe.Isaiah 1:16-17
Maranatha
A Better and Nobler Way, January 18
Mar 26.1
Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well. Isaiah 1:16, 17.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 40a, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, par. 81
God proclaims His own character as “merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty.” [Exodus 34:6, 7.] He says again, “I am the Lord which exerciseth lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth; for in these things I delight.” [Jeremiah 9:24.] “He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” [Micah 6:8.] “Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.” [Isaiah 1:16, 17.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 15, 1890
6LtMs, Lt 15, 1890, par. 12
There is great need that the brethren in Ohio overcome secret faults. The displeasure of God, like a dark cloud, hangs over that conference. The churches are weak. Selfishness, uncharitableness, covetousness, envy, evil-surmising, falsehood, theft, robbery, sensuality, licentiousness, and adultery stand registered against some who claim to believe the solemn, sacred truth for this time. How can these accursed things be cleansed out of the camp, when men who claim to be Christians are practicing them constantly? They are somewhat careful of their ways before men, but they are an offense to God. His pure eyes see, a Witness records, all their sins, both open and secret; and unless they repent, and confess their sins before God, unless they fall on the Rock and are broken, their sins will remain charged against them in the books of record. O! fearful histories will be opened to the world at the Judgment, histories of sins never confessed, of sins not blotted out. O, that these poor souls might see that they are heaping up wrath against the day of wrath. Then the actions, as well as the thoughts of the heart, will be revealed. I tell you, my brethren and sisters in Ohio, there is need of humbling your souls before God. “Cease to do evil,” but do not stop here: “learn to do well.” [Isaiah 1:16, 17.] You can glorify God only by bearing fruit to His glory.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 87, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 87, 1894, par. 10
Men glory in themselves, and exalt themselves above their brethren. “Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory in this that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord that exercise loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.” [Jeremiah 9:23, 24.] “Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doing from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.” [Isaiah 1:16, 17.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 34, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 34, 1894, par. 29
“Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.” [Isaiah 1:16, 17.] This Word is for the managers in all our institutions, for all ministers who are over the flock, for all who have any connection whatever with the cause of God. Let them give heed unto it; then will the Lord sanctify, and cleanse, and bless, and prosperity shall attend the workers.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Ms 58, 1896
11LtMs, Ms 58, 1896, par. 21
Compassion for the afflicted and suffering the Lord accounts as among the first fruits of repentance—the first outflowing of love from a renewed heart. He says, “Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.” Isaiah 1:16, 17. And of one who had been faithful before God it is said, “He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well with him: was not this to know me? saith the Lord.” Jeremiah 22:16.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 72, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 72, 1898, par. 4
“Wash you, make you clean: put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.” [Isaiah 1:16, 17.] “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this: To visit the fatherless and the widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” [James 1:27.] The widow and the fatherless are the objects of the Lord’s special care, and those who in any way rob them of the means they should have, those who regard their wants with indifference, will be dealt with by the Judge of all the earth. Men cannot receive God’s favor while they are unfeeling and selfish. The Lord will test His people as individuals. He will not suffer His heritage to be oppressed. Shall He not avenge His own elect, “which cry day and night unto him? ... I tell you that he will avenge them speedily.” [Luke 18:7, 8.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 36, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 36, 1899, par. 13
There are difficulties to be met and adjusted, and decisions made which change methods. If in the change made to prevent an evil another evil is created, who is to blame? It is difficult, when large and multitudinous responsibilities are managed by men of varied temperaments and different minds, to so draw the threads that a perfect fabric is made. Some threads will not fall into place, and then the pattern is spoiled. There are many men who act as if they had no purpose in life. They may be so far changed in habit and practice as to “Cease to do evil,” but in vain we look for them to “learn to do well.” [Isaiah 1:16, 17.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 60, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 60, 1900, par. 6
“Cease to do evil; learn to do well.” [Isaiah 1:16, 17.] This is the lesson everyone should learn day by day. The training due to one’s self comes first. The influence exerted by a life of strict integrity will be a continual education to others. Those who are restrained and guided by the moral and religious principles plainly laid down in God’s Word walk in accordance with the mind and will of God, who is too wise to err and too good to do us harm.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 27, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 27, 1900, par. 14
Today the Lord is speaking to His people, saying, “Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” [Matthew 3:2.] “Cease to do evil; learn to do well.” [Isaiah 1:16, 17.] When men and women are thoroughly awakened to the need of a reformation, they will believe and do the words of the great Teacher, “Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light; lest darkness come upon you; for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.” [John 12:35.]Steps to Christ
Chapter 4—Confession
SC 39.1
Confession will not be acceptable to God without sincere repentance and reformation. There must be decided changes in the life; everything offensive to God must be put away. This will be the result of genuine sorrow for sin. The work that we have to do on our part is plainly set before us: “Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before Mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.” Isaiah 1:16, 17. “If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die.” Ezekiel 33:15. Paul says, speaking of the work of repentance: “Ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.” 2 Corinthians 7:11.The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials
Chapter 115—The Vision at Salamanca
1888 938.4
“Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.” Isaiah 1:16, 17.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 40, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, par. 77
“Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.” Isaiah 1:16, 17.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 62, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 62, 1890, par. 18
God proclaims His own character as “merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty.” [Exodus 34:6, 7.] He says again, “I am the Lord, which exerciseth loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth; for in these things I delight.” [Jeremiah 9:24.] “He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.” [Micah 6:8.] “Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.” [Isaiah 1:16, 17.]Isaiah 1:16-18
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 1d, 1890
6LtMs, Lt 1d, 1890, par. 2
The bewitching power of Satan has been upon you. But make no delay; Jesus is at the right hand of God and mercy still lingers. “Come,” says the Lord, “and let us reason together, though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be as crimson, I will make them like wool.” [Isaiah 1:18.] Yes, Jesus is the sinner’s only hope. “Ho every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money (no goodness, no righteousness, nothing to recommend him to God) come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk, without money and without price.” [Isaiah 55:1.]6LtMs, Lt 1d, 1890, par. 7
“Behold the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor his ear heavy that it cannot hear; but your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you that he will not hear, for your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue has uttered perverseness. None calleth for justice nor any leadeth for truth; they trust in vanity and speak lies, they conceive mischief and bring forth iniquity.” [Isaiah 59:1-4.] But notwithstanding the terribleness of their departure from God, the Lord speaks: “Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before my eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well.” [Isaiah 1:16, 17.]There Is Help in God
There Is Help in God
PH105 7.1
Those who have fallen by sin and iniquity may receive the pardoning love of God. By repentance and faith, the transgressors of His law may come to God through Christ. And when we have come to Christ, and have taken the steps requisite in conversion, we are to “seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.” Colossians 3:1. When we are burdened with care and sorrow, why do we not go to our Saviour, and claim His promises, and find Him a very present help in every time of trouble? We are not left to be the sport of Satan’s temptations. God has given us precious promises, by which we are to become partakers of the divine nature. 2 Peter 1:4. In Christ is our help. When we come with repentance and faith, however polluted and sinful we may be, we shall find Him the sinner’s Saviour. He has said, “I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” The sinner may carry his load to Calvary, and lay it down at the foot of the cross. It is the privilege of every one to leave sin and transgression, and to become a loyal subject of the God of heaven. We may be clothed with the righteousness of Christ, but His righteousness will not be a covering for the least iniquity. “Wash you, make you clean;” for there has been a fountain opened for Judah and Jerusalem, and every stain may be cleansed away. Isaiah 1:16-18.Isaiah 1:16-20
Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6
To Teachers and Managers
6T 148.3
“Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me, that I am the Lord which exercise loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.” Jeremiah 9:23, 24. “He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” “Who is a God like unto Thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He retaineth not His anger forever, because He delighteth in mercy.” Micah 6:8; 7:18. “Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before Mine eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do well.” Isaiah 1:16, 17.6T 149.3
Let us seek to follow the counsel of God in all things, for He is infinite in wisdom. Though in the past we have come short of doing what we might have done for our children and youth, let us now repent and redeem the time. The Lord says: “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword.” Isaiah 1:18-20. The message, “Go forward,” is still to be heard and repeated. The varying circumstances taking place in our world call for labor that will meet these peculiar developments. The Lord has need of men who are spiritually sharp and clear-sighted, men who are certainly receiving manna fresh from heaven. The Holy Spirit works upon the hearts of such men, and God’s word flashes light into the mind, revealing to them more than ever before the true wisdom.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 20, 1889
6LtMs, Lt 20, 1889, par. 6
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land; but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” [Isaiah 1:18-20.]6LtMs, Lt 20, 1889, par. 8
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9.] Here again is a conditional promise. Will we claim it? You need wisdom that you may not err in your confessions of sin. Jesus, your Saviour, is to be your confessor. There are some sins that are to be confessed to men. If we have wronged another, we are to make confession to him. Have we injured or defrauded our neighbor? We should not only confess the sin, but make restitution. The work which you have to do on your part is plainly set before you. “Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.” [Isaiah 1:16, 17.] “If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die.” [Ezekiel 33:15.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 13, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 13, 1893, par. 39
Of what profit is it to say pleasant things, to deplore the work of Satan, and yet at the same time to enter into the fulfillment of all his devices? This is being double minded. “Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil. Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” [Isaiah 1:16-20.]Isaiah 1:16-22
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 154, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 154, 1898, par. 3
There are souls who will be rescued from the very depths of pollution. Isaiah speaks of this class. “Wash you, make you clean,” he says; “put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” [Isaiah 1:16-18.]13LtMs, Ms 154, 1898, par. 5
But if, after test and trial, after being brought into connection with those who work in their behalf, men and women do not give evidence that they have been purified from wrong habits and practices, they show that they do not appreciate the pearl of great price. If in any transaction, temporal or spiritual, they show dishonesty, if they are not straightforward, they show that they regard the rich mercies of God as a common thing. They cannot see the value of the pearl of great price. “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land,” God declares. “But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. How is the faithful city become an harlot!” [Verses 19-21.] How have those who have had every opportunity to know the truth become defiled with the corruptions of the ungodly? “It was full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but now murderers. Thy silver has become dross; thy wine mixed with water.” [Verses 21, 22.]Isaiah 1:16-31
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 51, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 51, 1893, par. 9
“Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil (but do not rest here; move onward in following the Light of the World); learn to do well; seek judgment; relieve the oppressed; judge the fatherless; plead for the widow. Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” [Isaiah 1:16-18.] Here is your field in which to exercise your intellect and give you change of exercise. “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land.” [Verse 19.]8LtMs, Ms 51, 1893, par. 10
“How is the faithful city become an harlot! It was full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but now murderers. The silver is become mixed with dross and the wine mixed with water. Thy princes are rebellious and companions of thieves; everyone loveth gifts and followeth after rewards. They judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them.” [Verses 21-23.] Isaiah 1:28-31.Isaiah 1:17
Education
Chapter 15—Business Principles and Methods
Ed 141.1
“Seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.” “Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and Thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies.” “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will He pay him again.” Isaiah 1:17; Psalm 41:1, 2; Proverbs 19:17.My Life Today
Relieve the Oppressed, August 26
ML 242.1
Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Isaiah 1:17.Isaiah 1:18
A Call To Stand Apart
Chapter 8—How to Have Faith
CSA 29.3
It is peace that you need—Heaven’s forgiveness and peace and love in the soul. Money cannot buy it, intellect cannot procure it, wisdom cannot attain to it; you can never hope, by your own efforts, to secure it. But God offers it to you as a gift, “without money and without price.” Isaiah 55:1. It is yours if you will but reach out your hand and grasp it. The Lord says, “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18. “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you.” Ezekiel 36:26.Testimonies on Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and Divorce
Chapter 20—A Long-Standing Adventist and His Mistress
TSB 140.2
The Lord has said, “Come now, and let us reason together: ... though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” [Isaiah 1:18]. “Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon” [Isaiah 55:6, 7]. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us” [1 John 1:9, 10].TSB 142.3
Jesus, Only Hope of Sinners—The bewitching power of Satan has been upon you. But make no delay; Jesus is at the right hand of God and mercy still lingers. “Come now,” says the Lord, “and let us reason together; ... though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” [Isaiah 1:18]. Yes, Jesus is the sinner’s only hope. “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money (no goodness, no righteousness, nothing to recommend him to God); come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price” [Isaiah 55:1].Testimonies on Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and Divorce
Chapter 37—Counsel to a General Conference President
TSB 240.4
A Decision in Regard to Counseling—We shall not urge anything more in his case, but shall do the uttermost in our power to save his soul from death, and hide a multitude of sins. I am in great perplexity at times, and have about come to the conclusion when a case of error and grievous sin is presented before me, to say nothing to my ministering brethren if they do not know the matter themselves, but labor earnestly for the erring one, and encourage him to hope in God’s mercy and cling to the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour, look to the Lamb of God in repentance and contrition, and live in His strength. “Come now, and let us reason together; ... though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” [Isaiah 1:18].That I May Know Him
The Mighty Deliverer, August 17
TMK 235.3
The record of the past can be blotted out with His [Christ’s] blood, the page made clean and white. “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (Isaiah 1:18)....The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4
Chapter 10—Later Reformers
4SP 185.2
The course of the Presbyterian synod in condemning Eld. Morton without granting him a hearing, is an evidence of the spirit of intolerance which still exists, even among those claiming to be Protestant reformers. The infinite God, whose throne is in the heavens, condescends to address his people, “Come now, and let us reason together;” [Isaiah 1:18.] but frail, erring men proudly refuse to reason with their brethren. They stand ready to censure one who accepts any light which they have not received—as though God had pledged himself to give no more light to any one than he had given to them. This is the course pursued by opposers of the truth in every age. They forget the declaration of the Scriptures, “Light is sown for the righteous.” [Psalm 97:11.] “The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” [Proverbs 4:18.] It is a sad thing when a people claiming to be reformers cease to reform.Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing
“He opened His mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”—Matthew 5:2, 3.
MB 7.2
Whom Christ pardons, He first makes penitent, and it is the office of the Holy Spirit to convince of sin. Those whose hearts have been moved by the convicting Spirit of God see that there is nothing good in themselves. They see that all they have ever done is mingled with self and sin. Like the poor publican, they stand afar off, not daring to lift up so much as their eyes to heaven, and cry, “God, be merciful to me the sinner.” Luke 18:13 , R.V., margin. And they are blessed. There is forgiveness for the penitent; for Christ is “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29. God’s promise is: “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”” A new heart also will I give you.... And I will put My Spirit within you.” Isaiah 1:18; Ezekiel 36:26, 27.Ye Shall Receive Power
From Scarlet to White, October 14
YRP 296.1
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Isaiah 1:18.Sermons and Talks, vol. 1
Work and Baptism of Holy Spirit Needed
1SAT 192.1
What we want is Jesus. What we want is His love. What we want is the elevation and ennobling of character. What we want is to die to self right here—not wait until some future period. We want to make the consecration here. Oh, I am so thankful that it is not too late for us to be righteous. I am so thankful we have a Jesus. I am so thankful that He is able to cleanse us from all sin! I am so thankful that I can hope for His blessing. I am so thankful that I can hide in Him now, and that I can accept His light and give it forth to others. May the Lord breathe upon us His Holy Spirit, and may we grow up into Christ, our living Head. We want this salvation today. We don’t want to wait; we don’t want to dispel Christ by our unbelief. We want to take right hold of Him because He has told us to do it; and He says—now listen, I want you to hear every word of it—“Let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; and he shall make peace with me” [Isaiah 27:5]. “Come now, and let us reason together...; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” [Isaiah 1:18]. Will you come? Will you believe? Will you let Him reason with you? Will you commit the keeping of your soul unto Him as unto a faithful Creator?Bible Training School
December 1, 1908
BTS December 1, 1908, par. 6
The government of God is not, as Satan would make it appear, founded upon a blind submission, an unreasoning control. It appeals to the intellect and the conscience. “Come now, and let us reason together,” is the Creator’s invitation to the beings He has made. Isaiah 1:18. God does not force the will of His creatures. He can not accept an homage that is not willingly and intelligently given.Education
Chapter 26—Methods of Teaching
Ed 231.1
The power to discriminate between right and wrong we can possess only through individual dependence upon God. Each for himself is to learn from Him through His word. Our reasoning powers were given us for use, and God desires them to be exercised. “Come now, and let us reason together” (Isaiah 1:18), He invites us. In reliance upon Him we may have wisdom to “refuse the evil, and choose the good.” Isaiah 7:15; James 1:5.With God at Dawn
Come, Let Us Reason Together, April 3
WGD 95.1
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Isaiah 1:18.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 79, 1886
4LtMs, Ms 79, 1886, par. 20
That God that was with Joseph in Egypt and with Daniel in Babylon will help all those who come to Him to form a perfect character. “Come,” the Word of God says, “come now, and let us reason together. ... though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” [Isaiah 1:18.] Come, then, and let us enlist under the banner of Prince Emmanuel, leaving the black banner to the prince of darkness.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Ms 26, 1888
5LtMs, Ms 26, 1888, par. 26
Well, now, there is a class who will come off conquerors. Is it those who cherish sin and iniquity in the heart? No; these cannot stand in that day. There are many temptations coming from Satan, and if we are not deceived, it will be because we have a knowledge of the truth. If they do not fall under the miracles of Satan, if they are not led astray by Satan’s miracles, they will fall by the wrath of God. Do not be discouraged and think that He will never pardon, because He says that though your sins are as scarlet He will make them as snow. [Isaiah 1:18.] The God of heaven offers every inducement for you to come and submit to the refining process. Shall we not come?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Ms 16, 1887
5LtMs, Ms 16, 1887, par. 22
He condescends to come to man and reason with him. He says, “Come now, and let us reason together: Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” [Isaiah 1:18.] Then I inquire, Why is it that those who profess to believe in Jesus Christ have so little comfort and enjoyment in their Christian life?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Ms 7, 1888
5LtMs, Ms 7, 1888, par. 29
Our lives are hid with Christ in God, and when He who is our Life shall appear, we shall appear with Him in glory. You do not need to be discouraged. Christ came to save His people from their sins. The devil will come to you and tell you that you are a sinner and cannot be saved. But Christ says He came to save sinners [1 Timothy 1:15], and there you can meet the devil every time. Christ can pardon your sins. He says, “Come now, and let us reason together ...; though our sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” [Isaiah 1:18.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Ms 25, 1887
5LtMs, Ms 25, 1887, par. 23
If Christ has done so much for us, why should not we do our part? May God help us to overcome! Somebody is going into the city of God. It is those who are pure. The prophet Isaiah says, “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18. Will He do this work for us if we defile ourselves? “Ye are not your own, for ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20. When I consider how much Christ has done for me, I do not want to see my members in sin. I do not want to give myself to sin. We want to know what we should do.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Lt 16, 1887
5LtMs, Lt 16, 1887, par. 6
“Come and let us reason together, though your sins be as scarlet I will make them white as wool, though they are as crimson, I will make them as snow.” [Isaiah 1:18.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 23a, 1890
6LtMs, Lt 23a, 1890, par. 12
The Lord has said, “Come, let us reason together; ... though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” [Isaiah 1:18.] “Seek the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is nigh. Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.” [Isaiah 55:6, 7.] “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.” [1 John 1:9, 10.]Faith and Works
“Believe, Only Believe”
FW 90.3
But when John beheld Jesus he told His mission. He said, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). To every repentant soul the message is, “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (Isaiah 1:18).Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 27, 1890
6LtMs, Lt 27, 1890, par. 14
Confess your sins to one another and to God. Arthur, covenant before God and angels that the past of your life shall suffice to have wrought the will of Satan. May the Lord bring you both to a position where you will humbly seek Him with the whole heart, is my earnest desire and prayer. If you do seek Him with all the heart, might, mind, and strength, He will be found of you. The invitation is, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” [Matthew 11:28-30.] “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” [Isaiah 1:18.] Confess and forsake your sins, and appropriate to yourselves the promises of pardon, and of Christ’s righteousness. This alone will be accepted of God. The proclamation is made to you who are sinners in His sight, “Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.” [Luke 13:24.] Strive, for the grasp of the destroyer is upon you, and if you do not make determined effort, he will put his own seal upon you. Strive, for the foe is on the right hand and on the left, before you, behind you, and he must be resisted and overcome or he will overcome you. Strive, for there is a crown of immortality to win. Strive, in the strength of Christ, not in your own strength. Put away your avariciousness. It is a terrible thing to cling to your own ways, to your own will, and risk the consequences. Arthur, I call upon you to be reconciled to God. Your only hope is to fall upon the Rock and to be broken.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 41, 1892
7LtMs, Ms 41, 1892, par. 22
The government of God is not, as Satan would make it appear, founded upon a blind submission and unreasoning control. It appeals to the intellect and the conscience. “Come now and let us reason together,” is the Creator’s invitation to the beings He has made. Isaiah 1:18. God does not force the will of His creatures. He cannot accept an homage that is not willingly and intelligently given. He desires that all the inhabitants of the universe shall be convinced of His justice in the final overthrow of rebellion and the eradication of sin. He purposes that the real nature and direful effects of sin shall be clearly manifested, to the end that all may be assured of the wisdom and justice of the divine government.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 98, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 98, 1893, par. 12
The Word of Jesus Christ is everything to the one who believes it. “Come now, and let us reason together saith the Lord: Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18. This is the Word of the Lord, will you accept it? Will you believe His Word? If not, how will you believe any words I may speak to you with my pen, the only medium of communication?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 78, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 78, 1893, par. 63
We stopped at a flowing well throwing up water with irrepressible force, making a beautiful waterfall. We drank of the water and then went within buildings where there was machinery for washing wool. Here were the sources—the large wells or fountains of water. Lying on the ground was the white, cleansed wool, and this text will force itself into the mind: “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow: though they be red like crimson, they shall be as (cleansed) wool.” Isaiah 1:18.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 27, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 27, 1893, par. 12
We see the importance of overcoming appetite. Christ overcame, and we may obtain the victory as Christ did. He passed over the ground and there is victory for man. What has He done for the human family? He has elevated man in the scale of moral value. We may become conquerors through our Sufficiency. There is hope for the most hopeless, in Christ. “Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil.” [Jeremiah 13:23.] “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” [Isaiah 1:18.] There we have the rich promises of God. What did Christ come here for? To represent the Father. What a heart of love and sympathy! He came to bring eternal life, to break every bond. When God gave His Son, He gave all heaven. He could give no more.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 49, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 49, 1894, par. 18
There is not a second probation for any one. Now is probationary time, before the angel shall fold her golden wings, the angel of mercy, and shall step down from the throne, and mercy, mercy, is gone forever. But now every one, He that hath the scarlet sin, He that hath the crimson sin, are not left out, for God says, “Though your sins be as scarlet, I will make them white as snow; though they be as crimson, I will make them like wool.” [Isaiah 1:18.] What precious promises are given to every one of us, if we will take hold of them. But we must lay hold of them, not by a casual faith, but lay hold of them as a personal blessing given to us, as a personal Saviour.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 84a, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 84a, 1897, par. 2
O, what soul-hunger and longing had Christ to save that which was lost! The body crucified upon the cross did not detract from His divinity, His power of God to save, through the human sacrifice, all who would accept His righteousness. In dying upon the cross, He transferred the guilt from the person of the transgressor to that of the divine Substitute, through faith in Him as his personal Redeemer. The sins of a guilty world, which in figure are represented as “red as crimson,” were imputed to the divine Surety. [Isaiah 1:18.] “Surely he hath borne our griefs.” He was made sin for us. Because He was innocent of all sin, “the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” [Isaiah 53:4, 6.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 71, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 71, 1901, par. 9
The oracles of God declare, “The man that shall be unclean, and shall not purify himself, that soul shall be cut off from among the congregation.” [Numbers 19:20.] This statement should be carefully considered. Every true Christian will obtain a knowledge of himself. It is very important that he know his own weakness. There is a work to be done in every church among us—a work of revival, of reformation. Every minister in our ranks and every layman needs to reach a higher standard of righteousness. “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” [Isaiah 1:18.] What promises are these!Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 229, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 41
The day is coming when you will want a Protector. The day of God is right upon us, the day when the plagues of God are coming upon our earth everywhere, and we want you to be ready. That is why we are here to ask you if you will not seek the Lord. He says, “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.” “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” [Isaiah 55:7; 1:18.]In Heavenly Places
Sure Remedy for Sin, January 17
HP 23.1
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Isaiah 1:18.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 192, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 192, 1906, par. 11
How can the sinner be redeemed? When the conscience has been awakened to a sense of an intolerable burden of guilt, what will give a hope that outweighs all discouragement and despair? “It is Christ that died.” [Romans 8:34.] O price above all price! Rejoice, sinful one, sin is not infinite. However aggravated its character, however oppressive the guilt of conscience, there is blessed hope. “Though your sins be as scarlet,” repentant one, despair not. “They shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” [Isaiah 1:18.] “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Lt 44, 1909
24LtMs, Lt 44, 1909, par. 16
There are some of whom Christ says today, Ye will not come unto Me that ye might have life—eternal life which My Father will give to all who believe. I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. The soul who will take God and His Word, and obey His law, may live. To such the assurance is given, “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” [Isaiah 1:18.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Ms 11, 1909
24LtMs, Ms 11, 1909, par. 20
The power and authority of God are supreme, and He is true. He gives to all who accept Christ power to live the truth under the most trying circumstances. Those who have broken His law are sinners, but He says to them, I gave My only begotten Son to die for sinners. He bore the penalty of the sins of the world. He is sufficient for your redemption. If you will plant your feet upon the platform of obedience; if you will repent and accept the merits of the Son of God, you may have hope of eternal life. The soul who will take God at His word, and obey His law, may live. To such the assurance is given, “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” [Isaiah 1:18.]Our Father Cares
The Mighty Deliverer, May 20
OFC 152.3
The record of the past can be blotted out with His [Christ’s] blood, the page made clean and white. “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (Isaiah 1:18)....Selected Messages Book 1
Chapter 49—Surrender and Confession
1SM 329.2
With the confession of the repenting, believing sinner, Christ mingles His own righteousness, that the prayer of fallen man may go up as fragrant incense before the Father, and the grace of God be imparted to the believing soul. Jesus says to the trembling, repenting soul: “Let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; and he shall make peace with me” (Isaiah 27:5). “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (Isaiah 1:18). Will you let Him reason with you? Will you commit to Him the keeping of your soul as unto a faithful Creator? Come then, and let us live in the light of His countenance, and pray, as did David, “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow” (Psalm 51:7). By faith apply the blood of Christ to your heart, for that alone can make you whiter than snow. But you say, “This surrender of all my idols will break my heart.” This giving up of all for God is represented by your falling upon the Rock and being broken. Then give up all for Him; for unless you are broken, you are worthless.Sons and Daughters of God
Changes Us From Sinners to Saints, April 15
SD 112.1
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Isaiah 1:18.Steps to Christ
Chapter 6—Faith and Acceptance
SC 49.2
It is peace that you need—Heaven’s forgiveness and peace and love in the soul. Money cannot buy it, intellect cannot procure it, wisdom cannot attain to it; you can never hope, by your own efforts, to secure it. But God offers it to you as a gift, “without money and without price.” Isaiah 55:1. It is yours if you will but reach out your hand and grasp it. The Lord says, “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18. “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you.” Ezekiel 36:26.Isaiah 1:18-19
Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6
Church Schools Needed
6T 199.3
Let these schools now be started under wise direction, that the children and youth may be educated in their own churches. It is a grievous offense to God that there has been so great neglect in this line when Providence has so abundantly supplied us with facilities with which to work. But though in the past we have come short of doing what we might have done for the youth and children, let us now repent and redeem the time. The Lord says: “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land.” Isaiah 1:18, 19.The Ministry of Healing
God’s Promises
MH 123.4
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land.” Isaiah 1:18, 19.Testimony Treasures, vol. 2
Church Schools Needed
2TT 458.3
Let these schools now be started under wise direction, that the children and youth may be educated in their own churches. It is a grievous offense to God that there has been so great neglect in this line when Providence has so abundantly supplied us with facilities with which to work. But though in the past we have come short of doing what we might have done for the youth and children, let us now repent and redeem the time. The Lord says: “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land.” Isaiah 1:18, 19.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 9a, 1891
7LtMs, Lt 9a, 1891, par. 5
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land.” [Isaiah 1:18, 19.] “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness, that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation, and uphold with thy free Spirit. Then shall I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.” [Psalm 51:7-13.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 120, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 120, 1893, par. 6
The record of the past can be blotted out with His blood, the page made clean and white. “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land.” [Isaiah 1:18, 19.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 33, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 33, 1895, par. 6
Supposing you do make mistakes. “Come now and let us reason together, saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land.” [Isaiah 1:18, 19.] “Purge me with hyssop and I shall be clean: Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness, that the bones that thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold with thy free Spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.” [Psalm 51:7-13.]Isaiah 1:18-25
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 41, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 41, 1902, par. 6
I am fully convinced that Brother Wales should be given encouragement to stand forth in the strength of the Lord as an overcomer. I see no reason why he should be hounded to death by his fellow men, when the Lord Jesus says, “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land. ... And I will turn my hand upon thee, and purely purge away thy dross, and take away thy tin.” [Isaiah 1:18, 19, 25.]Isaiah 1:19
My Life Today
Willing and Obedient, June 9
ML 164.1
If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land. Isaiah 1:19.Reflecting Christ
Love Is Shown by Willing Obedience, March 23
RC 96.1
If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land. Isaiah 1:19.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 82, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 82, 1895, par. 26
The Lord said to Isaac, “Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee and unto thy seed I will give all this country, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father, ... because that Abraham thy father obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes and my laws.” [Genesis 26:3, 5.] The promise is, “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land.” [Isaiah 1:19.] The word given to Samuel for Saul was, “Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.” [1 Samuel 15:22.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 76, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 76, 1898, par. 11
The willing and obedient, after being tested and proved, God declares, “shall eat of the good of the land.” [Isaiah 1:19.] “Let the wicked forsake his way,” He says, “and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” [Isaiah 55:7.] Why does He bear so long with the perversity of those who are stubborn and rebellious, and whose influence is exercised to lead others to sin? “My thoughts are not your thoughts,” He says, “neither are my ways your ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” [Verses 8, 9.]Isaiah 1:19-20
Manuscript Releases, vol. 1 [Nos. 19-96]
MR No. 81—God’s Rebuke to Laodicea
1MR 369.1
“If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword” (Isaiah 1:19-20). These words are true. Exact obedience is required, and those who say that it is not possible to live a perfect life throw upon God the imputation of injustice and untruth.With God at Dawn
Destruction the Result of Disobedience, June 10
WGD 163.1
If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. Isaiah 1:19, 20.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 109, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 109, 1896, par. 4
You have been estranged from God; yet He looks on you with pitying tenderness, and His declaration to you is, “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land. But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” [Isaiah 1:19, 20.] Your heart has not been right with God, and He is saying to you, as He said to Elijah, “What doest thou here, Philip?” [1 Kings 19:9.] You have wasted much time, and lost many opportunities, but you are still in that place where you can hear God speaking to you. “Take heed how ye hear.” [Luke 8:18.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 148, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 148, 1899, par. 27
“If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land; but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword.” [Isaiah 1:19, 20.] These words are true. Exact obedience is required, and those who say that it is not possible to live a perfect life throw upon God the imputation of injustice and untruth.Isaiah 1:21
From Splendor to Shadow
The Important Work: Deliverance From Sin
SS 358.3
The Son of God was to “magnify the law, and make it honorable.” Verse 21. He was to free the divine precepts from the burdensome exactions placed on them by man, whereby many were discouraged in their efforts to serve God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 32, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 32, 1903, par. 10
Who can truthfully say, “Our gold is tried in the fire; our garments are unspotted from the world”? [See Revelation 3:18; James 1:27.] I saw our great Instructor pointing to the garments of so-called righteousness. Stripping them off, He laid bare the spotted, defiled garments beneath. The corruption was unbearable. Then He said to me, “Can you not see how they have pretentiously covered up their defilement and rottenness of character?” “How is the faithful city become an harlot!” [Isaiah 1:21.] “My Father’s house” made “an house of merchandise,” a place whence the divine Presence and glory have departed! [John 2:16.] For this cause there is weakness, and strength is lacking.Isaiah 1:22-27
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 89, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 89, 1899, par. 5
Many have not felt the necessity of drinking of this water of life. You may think that you understand the matter, and do drink of the living water; but there is a pain in my heart day and night because there is so little evidence that our householders understand the wants of the people at this time. They do not discern their own necessities. It can be truly said, “Thy silver is become dross; thy wine mixed with water.” [Isaiah 1:22.] These words represent the food that is acceptable, but that gives no real strength to the churches. The Lord’s work needs to be distinguished from the common affairs of life. He says, “I will turn my hand upon thee, and thoroughly purge away thy dross, and take away all thy tin, and I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counsellors as at the beginning, afterward thou shalt be called, The city of righteousness, The faithful city. Zion shall be redeemed with judgment and her converts with righteousness.” [Verses 25-27.]Isaiah 1:25
The Desire of Ages
Chapter 10—The Voice in the Wilderness
DA 107.4
“I indeed baptize you in water unto repentance,” said John; “but He that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire.” Matthew 3:11, R. V., margin. The prophet Isaiah had declared that the Lord would cleanse His people from their iniquities “by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning.” The word of the Lord to Israel was, “I will turn My hand upon thee, and purely purge away thy dross, and take away all thy tin.” Isaiah 4:4; 1:25. To sin, wherever found, “our God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:29. In all who submit to His power the Spirit of God will consume sin. But if men cling to sin, they become identified with it. Then the glory of God, which destroys sin, must destroy them. Jacob, after his night of wrestling with the Angel, exclaimed, “I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” Genesis 32:30. Jacob had been guilty of a great sin in his conduct toward Esau; but he had repented. His transgression had been forgiven, and his sin purged; therefore he could endure the revelation of God’s presence. But wherever men came before God while willfully cherishing evil, they were destroyed. At the second advent of Christ the wicked shall be consumed “with the Spirit of His mouth,” and destroyed “with the brightness of His coming.” 2 Thessalonians 2:8. The light of the glory of God, which imparts life to the righteous, will slay the wicked.This Day With God
The Divine Refiner, October 13
TDG 295.1
And I will turn my hand upon thee, and purely purge away thy dross, and take away all thy tin. Isaiah 1:25.With God at Dawn
He Will Purge Thy Dross, November 7
WGD 313.1
And I will turn my hand upon thee, and purely purge away thy dross, and take away all thy tin. Isaiah 1:25.Isaiah 1:25-27
Counsels to Writers and Editors
Chapter 12—Counsels to Editors
CW 89.2
The Sacred and the Common—The Lord’s work needs to be distinguished from the common affairs of life. He says: “I will turn My hand upon thee, and purely purge away thy dross, and take away all thy tin; and I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counselors as at the beginning; afterward thou shalt be called, The city of righteousness, the faithful city. Zion shall be redeemed with judgment, and her converts with righteousness.” Isaiah 1:25-27. These words are full of importance. They have a lesson for all who occupy the editorial chair.Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7
Personal Experience Needed by Workers
7T 152.3
The Lord’s work needs to be distinguished from the common affairs of life. He says: “I will turn My hand upon thee, and purely purge away thy dross, and take away all thy tin: and I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counselors as at the beginning: afterward thou shalt be called, The city of righteousness, the faithful city. Zion shall be redeemed with judgment, and her converts with righteousness.” Isaiah 1:25-27. These words are full of importance. They have a lesson for all who occupy the editorial chair.Testimony Treasures, vol. 3
Personal Experience Needed By Workers
3TT 153.2
The Lord’s work needs to be distinguished from the common affairs of life. He says: “I will turn My hand upon thee, and purely purge away thy dross, and take away all thy tin: and I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counselors as at the beginning: afterward thou shalt be called, The city of righteousness, the faithful city. Zion shall be redeemed with judgment, and her converts with righteousness.” Isaiah 1:25-27. These words are full of importance. They have a lesson for all who occupy the editorial chair.Isaiah 1:27
With God at Dawn
Zion Shall Be Redeemed, November 22
WGD 328.1
Zion shall be redeemed with judgment, and her converts with righteousness. Isaiah 1:27.Isaiah 1:28-31
From Splendor to Shadow
God Will Accept Unworthy Sinners
SS 167.3
To those who feared they would not be received if they should turn to God, the prophet declared: “Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of His understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall utterly fall: but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint.” Verses 28-31.Isaiah 1:29-31
From Splendor to Shadow
Lessons From the Proud Assyrian Empire
SS 193.1
This is true not only of the nations that arrayed themselves against God in ancient times, but also of nations today who fail of fulfilling the divine purpose. In the day of final awards, when the righteous Judge of all the earth shall “sift the nations” (Isaiah 30:28), heaven’s arches will ring with the triumphant songs of the redeemed. “Ye shall have a song,” the prophet declares, “as in the night when a holy solemnity is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goeth with a pipe to come into the mountain of the Lord, to the Mighty One of Israel ... . Through the voice of the Lord shall the Assyrian be beaten down, which smote with a rod.” Verses 29-31.EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
Isaiah 1:1-31
Manuscript Releases, vol. 20 [Nos. 1420-1500]
MR No. 1446—Seek God’s Will; Distrust Self; Adopt Health Principles; Follow Christ in Self-denial and Sacrifice
20MR 111.3
“For the Lord shall rise up as in mount Perazim, He shall be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon, that He may do His work, His strange work; and bring to pass His act, His strange act. Now therefore be ye not mockers, lest your bands be made strong: for I have heard from the Lord God of hosts a consumption, even determined upon the whole earth.” Read Deuteronomy 7:6. Read the whole chapter, also chapters 1, 8. These were presented to me as the words of the Lord. These things are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2
Chapter 2—Doing for Christ
2T 36.1
Read Isaiah 1: “And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide Mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before Mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.”Testimony for the Church — No. 15
Doing for Christ
T15 25.3
Read Isaiah 1. “And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you; yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. Wash ye, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins he as scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land; but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 1a, 1890
6LtMs, Lt 1a, 1890, par. 3
The first chapter of Isaiah is full of importance. The Lord speaks through His prophet, “Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the Lord hath spoken. I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me. The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.” [Verses 2, 3.] “Ah, sinful nation: A people laden with iniquity, a seed of evil doers, children that are corrupters. They have forsaken the Lord, they have provoked the holy one of Israel to anger. Why should ye be stricken any more? Ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds and bruises and putrefying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment.” [Verses 4-6.] Read the rest of the chapter, especially mark the reading of the sixteenth verse, and seek to understand it. “Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” [Verses 16-20.]6LtMs, Lt 1a, 1890, par. 4
Now, Bro. Abbey, will you take this lesson to yourself? Will you read the Word of the Lord appropriate to your case? “How is the faithful city become an harlot! It was full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but now murderers.” [Verse 21.] The Lord is speaking to you; He will have mercy upon you if you will only humble your hearts in contrition before Him. Wait not a moment. Come with all your sins, however aggravated, to Jesus. Come while Jesus pleads in your behalf. Do not cast yourself soul and body voluntarily into the devil’s hands. Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you; but you must take heed to the Word of the Lord; you must cease to do evil, you must learn to do well. Call a halt, for Christ’s sake, call a halt. Turn ye, turn ye, for why will ye die? Confess your sins and forsake them now while mercy lingers, and the Sun of Righteousness will shine upon you. Your conduct for years has been an offense to God, and therefore it is your duty, while you have reason left, to correct the evil of your ways. Hesitate not; Satan looms up before you difficulties that cannot be overcome, but would you with one stroke of your hand sever the last thread of hope of the salvation of your soul? Will you choose that Satan shall have you as his prey? Will you place yourself where you shall certainly suffer with the wicked the pangs of the second death? And shall Christ have died for you in vain? I am making this appeal to you because I dare not let you alone. I hope that you will set your heart in order, for Christ will help you in the work. I hope that Arthur and Rosetta will set their hearts and their house in order before Satan shall have complete control of them, soul, body, and spirit. I hope and pray that salvation may come to your family without delay. Let there be no more trifling with eternal responsibilities. God is merciful, and will pardon even the crimson sin, if the sinner repents and comes to Jesus just as he is.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 46, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 46, 1893, par. 13
We rejoiced to see the response that was made to this call. Many seats had to be cleared and were quickly refilled by those coming forward. The tent was not a perfect place for such a meeting. The rain was falling heavily and the tent leaked in many places. But this seemed of little consequence. The interest in eternal matters was too deep to be affected by the surroundings. A sense of fearful consequences actuated the congregation. The Spirit of God was moving the hearts of the congregation to a consciousness that the time had come, spoken of in the first chapter of Isaiah: “Wash ye, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well.” [Verses 16, 17.] Many hearts were impressed that we are hastening to the judgment, when every case will be decided for eternity.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 164, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 164, 1896, par. 7
The chapters we were reading in course were in Isaiah. He read with us, and the very portions of Scripture which specified his sin was read by himself. We thought we would give him every chance to make the application to his own case and this might awaken in him a remorse, but it did not seem to have the least influence. He did that night—after we labored with him a long while and then left him with Brother Rousseau and Brother Prescott—confess his sins of vileness, and the conditions were plainly stated, if he would break away at once, and return to New Zealand, we would furnish him money. But he said positively he would not go to New Zealand.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 132, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 132, 1898, par. 26
God chooses His workers from all classes of people, and imbues them with His own spirit. So it was in ancient times. The men and women of God’s selection were of intense earnestness, full of zeal. The last books of the Old Testament show us workers taken from the laborers in the field. Others were men of high ability and extensive learning, but the Lord gave them visions and messages. These men of the Old Testament spoke of the things transpiring in their day, and Daniel, Isaiah, and Ezekiel not only spoke of things that concerned them as present truth, but their sight reached down to the future, and to what should occur in these last days.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 29, 1911
Isaiah 1
25LtMs, Ms 29, 1911, par. 1
“Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the Lord hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against Me. The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib: but Israel doth not know, My people doth not consider.” [Isaiah 1:2, 3.]25LtMs, Ms 29, 1911, par. 4
“Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the Lord, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward. Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment. Your country is desolate. Your cities are burned with fire: your land, strangers devour it in your presence, and it is desolate, as overthrown by strangers. And the daughter of Zion is left as a cottage in a vineyard, as a lodge in a garden of cucumbers, as a besieged city.” [Isaiah 1:4-8.]25LtMs, Ms 29, 1911, par. 5
The first chapter of Isaiah is a description of a people professedly serving God, but walking in forbidden paths.