EGW WritingsIsaiah 53

The Review and Herald

December 23, 1909

RH December 23, 1909, par. 6

Sunday, many from the city attended the camp, and Mrs. White addressed a large congregation in the afternoon. She dwelt impressively upon the great sacrifice of Christ and His sufferings, reading the prophecy found in the Isaiah 53:1, and bringing out many practical thoughts regarding Christian living.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 31, 1889

6LtMs, Ms 31, 1889, par. 5

“Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from Him; He was despised and we esteemed Him not.” [Isaiah 53:1-3.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 75, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 75, 1886, par. 15

Thus is the work of Christ in our world represented, and the blindness of the impenitent is because Satan has the controlling power over them, and they choose his service before the service of Prince Immanuel. Isaiah represents that the world would not receive and acknowledge their Redeemer. “Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: He hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from Him; He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:1-5.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 49, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 49, 1897, par. 3

Thus the contrast between the two classes is presented. The world are those who receive not the drawing and invitation of Christ. Truth is that which they do not desire. They cannot desire Christ because they follow their own way and their own will. They do not see anything in Christ that they should desire Him. “Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: for he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” [Isaiah 53:1-5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Ms 140, 1908

23LtMs, Ms 140, 1908, par. 47

Isaiah 53:1-5. Remember all this. He suffered for us that He might make it possible for us to obtain that life that measures with the life of God if we will follow in His footsteps. “We are healed. By his stripes we are healed.” Verses 6-8.

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Coming Redeemer, July 24

JNN 218.4

“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare His generation? for He was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was He stricken” (Isaiah 53:1-8).

JNN 218.7

“He made His grave with the wicked, and with the rich in His death; because He had done no violence, neither was any deceit in His mouth. Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He hath put Him to grief” (Isaiah 53:9, 10).

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

MR No. 455—Letter to the Crew of the “Pitcairn”

7MR 200.3

Thus it was that when Christ came as prophecy had declared He should come at His first advent, as clearly delineated in Isaiah 53, the people were looking for a Messiah of an altogether different type. Those who received the words of their teachers instead of the words of God, were misled, and deluded in their expectations, and when Christ came they would not receive Him. Although the disciples themselves had been taught by the divine teacher, they were unprepared to receive the words which they interpreted as meaning defeat, and disappointment of their expectations of a temporal victory over their enemies.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 21, 1905

20LtMs, Lt 21, 1905, par. 10

Encourage also the study of the fifty-second, the fifty-third, and the fifty-fourth chapters of Isaiah. These prophecies regarding Christ’s work are to be a help and a blessing to His people. The time has come when the liberty of the church of Christ is endangered. Let it be a time also when true missionary work shall be done in public ministry and in house-to-house labor. The oppression of Christ’s church would apparently be a great victory for the side of the transgressors of the Sabbath and would cause rejoicing amongst evildoers. But nothing should discourage us. God has victory for His people. Let sanctified ability be brought into the work of proclaiming the truth for this time. If the forces of the enemy gain the victory now, it will be because the churches have neglected their God-given work. For years the work has been before them, but many have been asleep. If Seventh-day Adventists will now arouse, and do the work assigned them, the truth will be presented in our neglected cities in clear, distinct lines and in the power of the Spirit.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 8, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 8, 1907, par. 6

Those who spoke these sneering words did not remember that the Old Testament Scriptures foretold that this would take place. In the fifty-third chapter of Isaiah the prophet says, “Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground; He hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and we hid as it were our faces from Him; He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. Surely He hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” [Verses 1-5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 29, 1910

25LtMs, Ms 29, 1910, par. 5

Read the fifty-first, fifty-second, and fifty-third chapters of Isaiah, also the fifty-eighth.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Lt 32a, 1910

25LtMs, Lt 32a, 1910, par. 12

Read (chapters 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57), [and] 58 of Isaiah. I am to charge you that those who are here brought to view are in need of studying these chapters. I am to say unto you, There has been a disregard for the reproofs the Lord has given to His people. There are some who will accept the words they choose to accept, but do not make the words they choose to accept, but do not make thorough work. Nevertheless I am to warn those in high positions, carrying great responsibilities. You have had great light, and had you received it and followed on to know the Lord, souls that have not heard the reasons of our faith would have heard them ere now. Although the Lord has laid the reproof upon you, you have heeded not. Shall I not judge, saith the Lord, for these neglected duties to warn My people to understand what is truth?

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 8—The Passover Visit

HLv 46.5

His questions suggested deep truths, long obscured, which were vital to salvation. While showing how narrow and superficial was the wisdom of the wise men, every question placed truth in a new aspect. The rabbis spoke of the wonderful elevation which the Messiah’s coming would bring to the Jews; but Jesus presented the prophecy of Isaiah and asked the meaning of those scriptures that point to the suffering and death of the Lamb of God. See Isaiah 53.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 30, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 30, 1893, par. 9

“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.” [1 John 3:1.] The world cannot enter into our experience and discern correctly our hopes and the heavenly attraction Jesus is to the impenitent world “as a root out of a dry ground.” [Isaiah 53:2.]

8LtMs, Lt 30, 1893, par. 10

In (Isaiah 53) the inquiry is made, “Who hath believed our report? And to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.” [Verses 1-4.] This is the feeling of the world.

8LtMs, Lt 30, 1893, par. 11

The penitent, those who have an eye single to the glory of God, see deeper. “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid upon him the iniquity of us all.” [Verses 5, 6.] The world cannot discern in Jesus Christ their only hope. They cannot see the motives that prompt to action when the children of the Most High God separate themselves in spirit, in dress from the world in the pursuit of heavenly things. “The world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” [1 John 3:1-3.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 65, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 65, 1894, par. 5

Although Christ from time to time had striven to impress their minds with the idea that His kingdom was not a temporal, earthly kingdom, but a spiritual, heavenly kingdom, they could not comprehend His teachings and really believe His words. The priests and the scribes had often declared that Christ was to come in glory. The description that applied to His second coming, they applied to His first advent, and therefore their statements were false. They gave utterance to the very suggestions of Satan. Thus it was that when Christ came as prophecy had declared He should come at His first advent, as clearly delineated in (Isaiah 53), the people were looking for a Messiah of an altogether different type.

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 15 (1900)

Ms 29, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 29, 1900, par. 2

Read carefully (Isaiah 53), and then answer the question, “Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.” [Verses 1-3.] How true this is, to the shame of all who shun the cross and are not willing to run any risk. Who will make a covenant with Christ by denying self? Who will surrender to walk in His footsteps? Who will say, Here am I, Lord, accept me to be a partaker with Thee of Thy suffering?

15LtMs, Ms 29, 1900, par. 3

“Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: Yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment; and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.” [Verses 4-9.]

15LtMs, Ms 29, 1900, par. 7

“Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” [Isaiah 53:10-12.] With perfect meekness the Redeemer bore the ignominy of the cross; the Just, the Perfect bore the sins of many.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 180, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 180, 1902, par. 33

Read the fifty-first, the fifty-second, and the fifty-third chapters of Isaiah. God has furnished to fallen, sinful man a life-giving Saviour. In these Scriptures, especially in the fifty-third chapter, is revealed our only Hope of a life that measures with the life of God. Read also verses thirteen to twenty-one of the fifty-seventh chapter. Verse fifteen is a most wonderful statement.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 183, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 183, 1903, par. 1

When Jesus was twelve years old, He went up with Joseph and Mary “to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.” [Luke 2:42.] What must have been His awakened sense of all that He saw and all that He heard? The veil was lifted as to His mission and His work. He lingered by Himself. He tarried behind. He had a communication from His Father as He stood in the temple courts: This is Thy message. Here shalt Thou proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord as Prophet of the Most High God. With His quick perception, He knew from the things which He saw on that first visit to the temple that He was to be the great Sacrifice for sin, the fulfilment of Isaiah fifty-three.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Ms 126, 1909

24LtMs, Ms 126, 1909, par. 6

Isaiah 53:1, 2. Well, why was that? Well, everybody that thought they had a message to bear did not exalt themselves, they let God exalt them. Verse 3. Now that is the picture that is represented of Jesus Christ. There were some that esteemed Him. There were those that were lame and sick and suffering, and they beheld Him wherever they could get a chance to do it. They followed the Saviour, and they heard His teachings, as He would be walking, and teaching as He walked, until there was as many as four or five of more thousand that were His hearers. That was the way of the Lord that He is presenting before us.

24LtMs, Ms 126, 1909, par. 7

Verse 4. I wonder if that is the opinion that we shall give to other people as we do a similar work. But there has been such work done in many places so that they understand the value of the truths which they represent in the world.

24LtMs, Ms 126, 1909, par. 8

Verse 5. For the transgression of the very ones that despised and rejected Him. Verses 5, 6. That is too true. “And the Lord hath laid on him ... mouth.”—verse 7. None of His followers understood the intensity of the subject that He was dealing with, to save the souls of mankind. (Finish verse.)

24LtMs, Ms 126, 1909, par. 9

Verse 8. “Generation?” Every one of us are to respond, “We will declare it. We will do the work. We will advocate that Christ left the royal courts of heaven, that Christ came to our earth in humanity so that humanity might embrace humanity, and that divinity might lay hold of divinity, and therefore here was what Christ did when He came to our world, and He was so little esteemed.”

24LtMs, Ms 126, 1909, par. 12

Verse 8. Finished. Now consider that for the transgression of my people was He stricken. Verses 9, 10. Thank God for this. Verses 10-12. Now here is the wonderful, wonderful work of God.

The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 22—Thessalonica

AA 226.2

“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare His generation? for He was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was He stricken.” Isaiah 53:1-8.

AA 226.5

“He made His grave with the wicked, and with the rich in His death; because He had done no violence, neither was any deceit in His mouth. Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He hath put Him to grief.” Isaiah 53:9, 10.

AA 227.2

Paul showed how closely God had linked the sacrificial service with the prophecies relating to the One who was to be “brought as a lamb to the slaughter.” The Messiah was to give His life as “an offering for sin.” Looking down through the centuries to the scenes of the Saviour’s atonement, the prophet Isaiah had testified that the Lamb of God “poured out His soul unto death: and He was numbered with the transgressors; and He bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” Isaiah 53:7, 10, 12.

From Trials to Triumph

Chapter 22—A Revival and a Riot at Thessalonica

TT 120.2

“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth... . Who considered that He was ... stricken for the transgression of My people?” Isaiah 53:1-8, RSV.

TT 120.5

13. Paul showed how closely God had linked the sacrificial service with the prophecies relating to the One “brought as a lamb to the slaughter.” The Messiah was to give His life as “an offering for sin.” Isaiah had testified that the Lamb of God “poured out His soul unto death: and ... bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” Isaiah 53:7, 10, 12.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 58—The Coming of a Deliverer

PK 686.1

When God’s written word was given through the Hebrew prophets, Satan studied with diligence the messages concerning the Messiah. Carefully he traced the words that outlined with unmistakable clearness Christ’s work among men as a suffering sacrifice and as a conquering king. In the parchment rolls of the Old Testament Scriptures he read that the One who was to appear was to be “brought as a lamb to the slaughter,” “His visage ... so marred more than any man, and His form more than the sons of men.” Isaiah 53:7; 52:14. The promised Saviour of humanity was to be “despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; ... smitten of God, and afflicted;” yet He was also to exercise His mighty power in order to “judge the poor of the people.” He was to “save the children of the needy,” and “break in pieces the oppressor.” Isaiah 53:3, 4; Psalm 72:4. These prophecies caused Satan to fear and tremble; yet he relinquished not his purpose to thwart, if possible, the merciful provisions of Jehovah for the redemption of the lost race. He determined to blind the eyes of the people, so far as might be possible, to the real significance of the Messianic prophecies, in order to prepare the way for the rejection of Christ at His coming.

PK 691.2

“And He made His grave with the wicked,
And with the rich in His death;
Because He had done no violence,
Neither was any deceit in His mouth.” Isaiah 53:1-9.

PK 692.3

“By His knowledge shall My righteous Servant justify many;
For He shall bear their iniquities.
Therefore will I divide Him a portion with the great,
And He shall divide the spoil with the strong;
Because He hath poured out His soul unto death:
And He was numbered with the transgressors;
And He bare the sin of many,
And made intercession for the transgressors.” Isaiah 53:10-12.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 59—“The House of Israel”

PK 710.1

For more than a thousand years the Jewish people had waited the coming of the promised Saviour. Their brightest hopes had rested upon this event. For a thousand years, in song and prophecy, in temple rite and household prayer, His name had been enshrined; and yet when He came, they did not recognize Him as the Messiah for whom they had so long waited. “He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.” John 1:11. To their world-loving hearts the Beloved of heaven was “as a root out of a dry ground.” In their eyes He had “no form nor comeliness;” they discerned in Him no beauty that they should desire Him. Isaiah 53:2.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 2, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 2, 1893, par. 9

Jesus is our Pattern. He laid aside His royal crown to come to our world. Do we recognize His power? To many He was as a “root out of a dry ground.” [Isaiah 53:2.] Why? Because they were wedded to sin. Three years and a half were all this world could endure of the ministry of Jesus. Jesus had spoken to patriarchs and prophets to warn them. He saw that the nation was imitating the customs and practices of the world. Our churches do that today.

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Deity, February 28

JNN 67.1

And when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him.—Isaiah 53:2

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Beloved of Heaven, July 17

JNN 211.2

For more than a thousand years the Jewish people had awaited the Saviour’s coming. Upon this event they had rested their brightest hopes. In song and prophecy, in temple rite and household prayer, they had enshrined His name. And yet at His coming they knew Him not. The Beloved of heaven was to them “as a root out of a dry ground;” He had “no form nor comeliness;” and they saw in Him no beauty that they should desire Him. “He came unto His own, and His own received Him not” (Isaiah 53:2; John 1:11).

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 2—The Chosen People

DA 27.1

For more than a thousand years the Jewish people had awaited the Saviour’s coming. Upon this event they had rested their brightest hopes. In song and prophecy, in temple rite and household prayer, they had enshrined His name. And yet at His coming they knew Him not. The Beloved of heaven was to them “as a root out of a dry ground;” He had “no form nor comeliness;” and they saw in Him no beauty that they should desire Him. “He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.” Isaiah 53:2; John 1:11.

Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing

“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”—Matthew 5:8.

MB 25.2

Only like can appreciate like. Unless you accept in your own life the principle of self-sacrificing love, which is the principle of His character, you cannot know God. The heart that is deceived by Satan, looks upon God as a tyrannical, relentless being; the selfish characteristics of humanity, even of Satan himself, are attributed to the loving Creator. “Thou thoughtest,” He says, “that I was altogether such an one as thyself.” Psalm 50:21. His providences are interpreted as the expression of an arbitrary, vindictive nature. So with the Bible, the treasure house of the riches of His grace. The glory of its truths, that are as high as heaven and compass eternity, is undiscerned. To the great mass of mankind, Christ Himself is “as a root out of a dry ground,” and they see in Him “no beauty that” they “should desire Him.” Isaiah 53:2. When Jesus was among men, the revelation of God in humanity, the scribes and Pharisees declared to Him, “Thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil.” John 8:48. Even His disciples were so blinded by the selfishness of their hearts that they were slow to understand Him who had come to manifest to them the Father’s love. This was why Jesus walked in solitude in the midst of men. He was understood fully in heaven alone.

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 2—The People Who Should Have Welcomed Him

HLv 17.1

For more than a thousand years the Jewish people had awaited the Saviour’s coming. And yet at His coming they knew Him not. They saw in Him no beauty that they should desire Him. See Isaiah 53:2. “He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.” John 1:11.

From Splendor to Shadow

Israel Rejects Her Messiah

SS 366.3

For more than a thousand years the Jewish people had awaited the coming of the promised Saviour. In song and prophecy, in temple rite and household prayer, His name had been enshrined. Yet when He came they did not recognize Him. “He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.” John 1:11. They discerned in Him no beauty that they should desire Him. See Isaiah 53:2.

From the Heart

As a Root Out of Dry Ground, June 20

FH 183.1

For He shall grow up ... as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness; and when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him. Isaiah 53:2.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 6, 1892

7LtMs, Ms 6, 1892, par. 21

Spiritual things are spiritually discerned. Men whose names were on the church books have put out their spiritual eyesight by associating with the ungodly; as the result, they have departed from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits. Worldly associations attract and dazzle the senses, so that piety, the fear of God, faithfulness, and loyalty have not power to keep men steadfast. The humble, unassuming life of Christ seems altogether unattractive. To many who claim to be sons and daughters of God, Jesus, the Majesty of heaven, is “as a root out of a dry ground; he hath no form nor comeliness.” [Isaiah 53:2.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 110, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 110, 1893, par. 18

All the universe of heaven is surprised at your silence, in view of the matchless love of Jesus. Do not give to the world the impression that Christ has proved to you without form and comeliness and “as a root out of a dry ground,” and that there is no beauty in Him that you should desire Him. [Isaiah 53:2.] Reveal Christ as He is—the One “altogether lovely” and the “chiefest among ten thousand.” [Song of Solomon 5:16, 10.] O how His glory is dimmed by His professed followers because they are earthly-minded, disobedient, unthankful, and unholy! How shamefully is the Lord Jesus kept in the background! How is His mercy, His forbearance, His long-suffering, and His matchless love veiled, and His honor beclouded by the perversity of His professed followers!

Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)

Christ as a Teacher

GW 49.2

The world’s Redeemer did not come with outward display, or a show of worldly wisdom. Men could not see, beneath the guise of humanity, the glory of the Son of God. He was “despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.” He was to them as “a root out of a dry ground,” with “no form nor comeliness,” [Isaiah 53:3, 2.] that they should desire Him. But He declared, “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me; because the Lord hath anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent Me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.” [Isaiah 61:1.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 16, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 16, 1893, par. 7

We read in [the] Word of God, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] That means you and me. It means every one of us. That is wonderful; we ought to see enough in this to have a thankful heart continually. “For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant.” See Isaiah 53:2. Why, His human form must be so attractive, and it was; but His purity cut right across their pathway, cut directly across their human attractions. Read also verses 2 and 3.

Gospel Workers (1892/1893 ed.)

Manner of Labor

GW92 392.2

The world’s Redeemer did not come with outward display, or a show of worldly wisdom. Men could not see beneath the guise of humility, the glory of the Son of God. He was “despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.” [Isaiah 53:3.] He was to them as a root out of dry ground, with no form or comeliness that they should desire him. But he declared, “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.” [Isaiah 61:1.]

This Day With God

According to Your Faith, July 26

TDG 216.4

The only begotten Son of God consented to leave the heavenly courts and come to our world to live with an ungrateful people who refused His gracious mercies. He consented to live a life of poverty, and to endure suffering and temptation. He became a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And the Word declares, “We hid as it were our faces from him” (Isaiah 53:3). Of His own disciples, Peter, denied Him, and Judas betrayed Him. The people whom He came to bless rejected Him. They put Him to shame and caused Him untold suffering. They placed upon His head a crown of thorns that pierced His holy temples. They beat Him with a scourge, and then they nailed Him to the cross. Yet amid it all, no word of complaint escaped His lips....

Testimony Treasures, vol. 1

Into All the World

1TT 387.2

As the truth of God fills our hearts, absorbs our affections, and controls our lives, we also will count it joy to suffer for the truth’s sake. No prison walls, no martyr’s stake, can then daunt or hinder us in the great work. Come, O my soul, to Calvary.Mark the humble life of the Son of God. He was “a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.” Isaiah 53:3. Behold His ignominy, His agony in Gethsemane, and learn what self-denial is. Are we suffering want? so was Christ, the Majesty of heaven. But His poverty was for our sakes. Are we ranked among the rich? so was He. But He consented for our sakes to become poor, that we through His poverty might be made rich. In Christ we have self-denial exemplified. His sacrifice consisted not merely in leaving the royal courts of heaven, in being tried by wicked men as a criminal and pronounced guilty, and in being delivered up to die as a malefactor, but in bearing the weight of the sins of the world. The life of Christ rebukes our indifference and coldness. We are near the close of time, when Satan has come down, having great wrath, knowing that his time is short. He is working with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish. The warfare has been left in our hands by our great Leader for us to carry forward with vigor. We are not doing a twentieth part of what we might do if we were awake. The work is retarded by love of ease and a lack of the self-denying spirit of which our Saviour has given us an example in His life.

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 41—The Crisis in Galilee

HLv 261.5

With a yearning heart, Jesus saw those who had been His disciples depart. His compassion unappreciated, His love unrequited, His salvation rejected—this filled Him with inexpressible sorrow. Such developments as these made Him “a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.” Isaiah 53:3.

From Heaven With Love

How to Be Built-up by Being Broken

HLv 400.4

“To them which stumble at the word, being disobedient,” Christ is a Rock of offense. Like the rejected stone, Christ had borne neglect and abuse. He was “despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief... . He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.” Isaiah 53:3. But by the resurrection from the dead He would be declared the “Son of God with power.” Romans 1:4. At His second coming He would be revealed as Lord of heaven and earth. Before the universe the rejected stone would become the head of the corner.

Homeward Bound

Foundation for Victory, April 4

HB 113.4

“To them which stumble at the word, being disobedient,” Christ is a rock of offense. But “the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner.” (1 Peter 2:7, 8.) Like the rejected stone, Christ in His earthly mission had borne neglect and abuse. He was “despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: . . . He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.” (Isaiah 53:3.) But the time was near when He would be glorified. By the resurrection from the dead He would be declared “the Son of God with power.” (Romans 1:4.) At His second coming He would be revealed as Lord of heaven and earth. Those who were now about to crucify Him would recognize His greatness. Before the universe the rejected stone would become the head of the corner. . . .

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 44, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 44, 1886, par. 4

Christ was “despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.” Isaiah 53:3. What was it that brought such sorrow? It was not on His own account, but for the sins of the people. He realized their condition, and this was the reason that He felt such sorrow as He wept over Jerusalem and uttered the lamentable words, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not. Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.” Luke 13:34.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 99, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 99, 1894, par. 2

The world’s Redeemer could have entered Samaria triumphantly. Angel hosts could have accompanied Him. But His kingdom was not to be advanced by any outward display. He was working as a member of the human family. He had come as the prophet had foretold: “To be despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.” [Isaiah 53:3.] He did not urge His way into Samaria when forbidden; neither did He resent the disrespect they showed for Him. His love was not quenched or His interest abated, though He passed on to bestow His rich blessing upon those who would receive Him.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 56, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 56, 1894, par. 9

Job was sorely afflicted, and his friends sought to make him acknowledge that his suffering was the result of sin, and [to] cause him to feel under condemnation. They represented his case as that of a great sinner; but the Lord rebuked them for their judgment of His faithful servant. The Saviour of men Himself was misjudged by men. It was declared that He was not fit to live because He had made Himself the Son of God. One would charge Him with one accusation and another with another. Satan stirred up the worst elements of human nature and he was “despised and rejected of men.” [Isaiah 53:3.] But the shame and the suffering endured by the Son of God was for the purpose of canceling the debt of every sinner who would rely upon His merits and virtue.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 103, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 103, 1898, par. 4

In accepting humanity our Redeemer took upon Himself every phase of sorrow. He was “a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.” [Isaiah 53:3.] He was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we are healed. Christ had sorrows that we cannot follow Him in. He trod the winepress alone, and of the people there was none with Him. His greatest sorrow was because those for whom He had made so infinite a sacrifice did not appreciate the value that Christ places upon every soul.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 70, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 70, 1903, par. 8

How thankful we should be for the privileges offered us; for the hope we have in the gospel; for the great sacrifice Christ has made in order to give us these blessings! He, the Majesty of heaven, the King of glory, laid aside His royal robe and kingly crown, clothed His divinity with humanity, and came to this earth to stand at the head of humanity. In His life on this earth He was “a Man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.” [Isaiah 53:3.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Lt 232, 1908

23LtMs, Lt 232, 1908, par. 10

The only begotten Son of God consented to leave the heavenly courts and come to our world to live with an ungrateful people who refused His gracious mercies. He consented to live a life of poverty and to endure suffering and temptation. He became a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And the Word declares, “We hid as it were our faces from Him.” [Isaiah 53:3.] Of His own disciples, Peter denied Him, and Judas betrayed Him. The people whom He came to bless rejected Him; they put Him to shame and caused Him untold suffering. They placed His head a crown of thorns that pierced His holy temples. They beat Him with a scourge, and then they nailed Him to the cross. Yet amid it all, no word of complaint escaped His lips; no word of blame did He speak to His persecutors.

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Eternal Rock, July 20

JNN 214.4

“To them which stumble at the word, being disobedient,” Christ is a rock of offense. But “the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner.” Like the rejected stone, Christ in His earthly mission had borne neglect and abuse. He was “despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.... He was despised, and we esteemed Him not” (Isaiah 53:3). But the time was near when He would be glorified. By the resurrection from the dead He would be declared “the Son of God with power” (Romans 1:4). At His second coming He would be revealed as Lord of heaven and earth. Those who were now about to crucify Him would recognize His greatness. Before the universe the rejected stone would become the head of the corner.—The Desire of Ages, 599, 600.

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Man of Sorrows, November 6

JNN 327.1

He is despised and rejected by men,
A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.
And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him;
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.
—Isaiah 53:3

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

The Cross Before the Crown

3MR 94.1

Our Saviour has represented His first advent, and the treatment He received, by the parable of the vineyard. “A certain man planted a vineyard, and let it forth to husbandmen, and went into a far country for a long time.” Luke 20:9. The account is continued in Luke 20:10-17. God first sent His prophets to ancient Israel, but their message was not heeded, and as a last resort He sent His Son, that the hearts of the people might be reached and be turned unto God; but they killed His Son. This was the work of Satan by the hands of those that he has gathered under his banner. Christ was “despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.” Isaiah 53:3. What was it that brought such sorrow? It was not on His own account, but for the sins of the people. He realized their condition, and this was the reason that He felt such sorrow as He wept over Jerusalem and uttered the lamentable words, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not. Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.” Luke 13:34.

Our Father Cares

“Despised and Rejected,” May 5

OFC 137.1

He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Isaiah 53:3.

Selected Messages Book 1

Chapter 36—No Caste in Christ

1SM 259.3

Jesus knew the worthlessness of earthly pomp, and He gave no attention to its display. In His dignity of soul, His elevation of character, His nobility of principle, He was far above the vain fashions of the world. Although the prophet describes Him as “despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3), He might have been esteemed as the highest among the noble of the earth. The best circles of human society would have courted Him, had He condescended to accept their favor, but He desired not the applause of men, but moved independent of all human influence. Wealth, position, worldly rank in all its varieties and distinctions of human greatness, were all but so many degrees of littleness to Him who had left the honor and glory of heaven, and who possessed no earthly splendor, indulged in no luxury, and displayed no adornment but humility.

That I May Know Him

“Despised and Rejected,” March 1

TMK 66.1

He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Isaiah 53:3.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 65—The Temple Cleansed Again

DA 600.1

“To them which stumble at the word, being disobedient,” Christ is a rock of offense. But “the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner.” Like the rejected stone, Christ in His earthly mission had borne neglect and abuse. He was “despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: ... He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.” Isaiah 53:3. But the time was near when He would be glorified. By the resurrection from the dead He would be declared “the Son of God with power.” Romans 1:4. At His second coming He would be revealed as Lord of heaven and earth. Those who were now about to crucify Him would recognize His greatness. Before the universe the rejected stone would become the head of the corner.

The Sanctified Life

A Vision of Christ

SL 77.1

John calls to remembrance the wonderful incidents that he has witnessed in the life of Christ. In imagination he again enjoys the precious opportunities with which he was once favored, and is greatly comforted. Suddenly his meditation is broken in upon; he is addressed in tones distinct and clear. He turns to see from whence the voice proceeds, and, lo! he beholds his Lord, whom he has loved, with whom he has walked and talked, and whose sufferings upon the cross he has witnessed. But how changed is the Saviour’s appearance! He is no longer “a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3). He bears no marks of His humiliation. His eyes are like a flame of fire; His feet like fine brass, as it glows in a furnace. The tones of His voice are like the musical sound of many waters. His countenance shines like the sun in its meridian glory. In His hand are seven stars, representing the ministers of the churches. Out of His mouth issues a sharp, two-edged sword, an emblem of the power of His word.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 51—“The Light of Life”

DA 471.2

Thus the way was prepared for the Jews to reject Jesus. He who “hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows” was looked upon by the Jews as “stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted;” and they hid their faces from Him. Isaiah 53:4, 3.

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 51—“The Light of Life”

HLv 318.5

It was generally believed by the Jews that sin is punished in this life. Satan, the author of sin and its results, had led men to look on disease and death as proceeding from God. One on whom some great affliction had fallen had the burden of being regarded as a great sinner. Thus the way was prepared for the Jews to reject Jesus. He who “hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows” was looked upon by the Jews as “stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted,” and they hid their faces from Him. Isaiah 53:4, 3.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 41, 1892

7LtMs, Ms 41, 1892, par. 13

But we have, as it were, taken only a surface view of the life of Christ. It was to redeem us that He lived and suffered and died. He became “a man of sorrows,” that we might be made partakers of everlasting joy. [Isaiah 53:3.] God permitted His beloved Son, full of grace and truth, to come from a world of indescribable glory to a world marred and blighted with sin, shadowed with the shadow of death and the curse. He permitted Him to leave the bosom of His love, the adoration of the angels, to suffer shame, insult, humiliation, hatred and death.

7LtMs, Ms 41, 1892, par. 14

And Jesus bore all this untold sorrow that we might be changed to His divine image, and become the sons of God. “The chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” [Verse 5.] Behold Him in the wilderness, in Gethsemane, upon the cross! The spotless Son of God took upon Himself the burden of sin. He who had been one with God, felt in His soul the awful separation that sin makes between God and men. This forced from His lips the anguished cry, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” [Matthew 27:46.] It was the burden of sin, the sense of its terrible enormity, of its separation of the soul from God—it was this that broke the heart of the Son of God.

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

MR No. 1151—Work the Cities; Talk Faith; Do Not Be Discouraged

15MR 76.2

Talk faith, and make your faith perfect by your works. Even though you feel that some of your brethren do not manifest that faith that works by love and purifies the soul, you have opportunities to obtain a rich experience. Move steadily forward, putting forth all the powers of sanctified intellect. Keep ever in view the great Pattern, Christ Jesus. Work out your own salvation, revealing in your life the work of the grace of God. No man can do your work for you. Pray in faith. You and your wife have had a valuable experience. The history of the Redeemer is full of meaning to us. “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from Him; He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed” [Isaiah 53:3-5].

Selected Messages Book 1

Chapter 53—Transformation Through Faith and Obedience

1SM 349.1

Christ was “despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:3-5).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 53, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 53, 1894, par. 15

For our sakes He became poor, that we through His poverty might be made rich. “He was despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows, yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed.” [Isaiah 53:3-5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 133, 1905

20LtMs, Lt 133, 1905, par. 7

“He is despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and we hid as it were our faces from Him; He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. Surely He hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we are healed.” [Isaiah 53:3-5.] All this He did that those who follow Him, denying self and taking up the cross, might have a seat with Him in the kingdom of heaven.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Lt 66, 1910

25LtMs, Lt 66, 1910, par. 3

No man can do your work for you. Pray in faith. You and your wife have had a valuable experience. The history of the Redeemer is full of meaning to us. “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from Him; He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” [Isaiah 53:3-5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 31, 1889

6LtMs, Lt 31, 1889, par. 13

How can we expect to be co-workers with God and not know the fellowship of the sufferings of Jesus Christ? How can we enjoy the gracious privileges bestowed upon us and yet we refuse to know the fellowship of Christ’s self-denial and sacrifice? How can we ever complain when we know Jesus came from glory to our world to be “a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief”? [Isaiah 53:3.] How can we wish or choose an easier time and desire to retain the things the Lord has entrusted to us for the very purpose of being used to His glory. What shall we say in the judgment because of our continual selfishness and unbelief?

6LtMs, Lt 31, 1889, par. 16

We cannot conceive of the things God has in store for those who love Him and are obedient to all of His commandments. The “chastisement of our peace was upon him,” and He hath borne the iniquity of us all. [Verses 5, 6.] Our sins mingled with the bitter cup which He took from our lips and drank it Himself, while He proffers us the cup of His blessing.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 10 [Nos. 771-850]

MR No. 806—Stephen Belden and Norfolk Island

10MR 149.1

When the attention of the man who is honest in heart is drawn to the truth of the Bible, he reads, marks, learns, and inwardly digests its teachings. He comes to God in prayer. He sees the wonderful sacrifice made in his behalf in the words of the prophet: “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief: ... He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.... He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed... The Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:3, 5, 6). Conviction comes to his heart, and he is troubled, for he sees that he is under condemnation. He feels the power of the truth in His soul. Then the light which the Spirit of God sheds upon the convicted mind comes to him, and he sees the meaning of the Word as he never saw it before. As the blood propelled from the heart circulates through the body, carrying life and vigor to the extremities, so the truth received into the heart diffuses itself through the inner man, bringing the thoughts and affections and powers into obedience to Christ. If the heart is submitted to the will of Christ, the great Master Builder will in due time perfect the whole being.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 200, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 200, 1907, par. 12

When the attention of the man who is honest in heart is drawn to the truth of the Bible, he reads, marks, learns, and inwardly digests it teachings. He comes to God in prayer. He sees the wonderful sacrifice made in his behalf in the words of the prophet: “He is despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. ... He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. ... The Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” [Isaiah 53:3, 5, 6.] Conviction comes to his heart, and he is troubled, for he sees that he is under condemnation. He feels the power of the truth in his soul. Then the light which the Spirit of God sheds upon the convicted mind comes to him, and he sees the meaning of the Word as he never saw it before. As the blood propelled from the heart, circulates through the body, carrying life and vigor to the extremities, so the truth received into the heart diffuses itself through the inner man, bringing the thoughts and affections and powers into obedience to Christ. If the heart is submitted to the will of Christ, the great Master Builder will in due time perfect the whole being.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 19, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 19, 1899, par. 17

“He was despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our grief, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” [Isaiah 53:3-6.] These words describe the experience of the afflicted Son of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 20, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 20, 1897, par. 13

“He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” [John 1:11.] “He was a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. ... He was wounded for our transgressions; he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. ... He was oppressed and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; he was brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth.” [Isaiah 53:3, 5, 7.]

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

MR No. 970—Jesus—Our Righteousness, Example, and Partner

12MR 234.4

In His Son God has placed before the human agent the life he is to live. It is not for him to be constantly branching out in lines of his own choosing, and placing his will against the power of the will of God. Yet many are expending their God-given powers in hopeless pursuit of things they can never attain. How different are the lives of such when compared with that of their Example, who for their sakes pledged Himself to a life of self-denial, of poverty, and of suffering, unappreciated, unacknowledged, despised, and rejected. Christ was often weary and hungry, and filled with sorrow in the consciousness of unrequited love. The nation whom He came to save and bless did not realize His mission. They had departed from God, and were constantly misunderstanding and misinterpreting Him. [John 1:11; Isaiah 53:3, 5, 7, quoted.]

From Splendor to Shadow

How the Sanctuary Services Revealed the Saviour

SS 355.2

In the parchment rolls of the Old Testament Scriptures Satan traced the words that outlined Christ’s work among men as a suffering sacrifice and as a conquering king. He read that the One who was to appear was to be “brought as a lamb to the slaughter,” “His visage ... so marred more than any man, and His form more than the sons of men.” The promised Saviour was to be “despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: ... smitten of God, and afflicted.” Isaiah 53:7; 52:14; 53:3, 4. These prophecies caused Satan to tremble, yet he determined to blind the people to their real significance in order to prepare the way for the rejection of Christ at His coming.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 416, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 416, 1907, par. 22

“He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before his shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare His generation? For He was cut off out of the land of the living; for the transgression of My people was He smitten.” [Isaiah 53:3-5, 7, 8.] O let all the churches awaken to their God-given responsibilities. Then there will be less crooked ways among our men of responsibility.

From Splendor to Shadow

The True Character of the Messiah Revealed

All we like sheep have gone astray;
We have turned everyone to his own way;
And the Lord hath laid on Him
The iniquity of us all.
Isaiah 53:3-6

SS 357.3

These portrayals of the bitter suffering and cruel death of the Promised One, sad though they were, were rich in promise; for “it pleased the Lord to bruise Him” and put Him to grief, in order that He might become “an offering for sin.” Isaiah 53:10.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Lt 39, 1887

5LtMs, Lt 39, 1887, par. 20

When the servants of God are tried and tempted, and are disappointed in obtaining human sympathy, let them remember Jesus in His hour of greatest agony in Gethsemane. His disciples did not watch with Him one hour. Sleep overpowered their senses. The King of glory, the Son of the everlasting Father, left His royal throne, clothed His divinity with humanity, and became “a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.” [Isaiah 53:3.] No man’s trials or sacrifices could compare with those which His suffering spirit endured. The Majesty of heaven walked through midnight blackness, and for what? “Who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame.” [Hebrews 12:2.] It was to redeem fallen man. He endured the overwhelming weight of woe in order that He might bring many sons and daughters unto glory. He suffered rejection, coldness, contempt from those He came to bless; persecution, betrayal, crucifixion from those He humiliated Himself to save. The whole flood tide of human woe beat upon His soul.

5LtMs, Lt 39, 1887, par. 21

The followers of Jesus need not be amazed if they are made partakers of His sufferings. Their motives will be questioned, and they will meet with disappointments on every hand; but Christ endured all this. How can He look upon those for whom He has paid so infinite a price and “be satisfied” [Isaiah 53:11], when they have never appreciated His great gift to them? “Consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied, and faint in your minds.” [Hebrews 12:3.]

God’s Amazing Grace

Christ Is Priest Upon the Throne, March 2

AG 69.3

As a priest, Christ is now set down with the Father in His throne. Upon the throne with the eternal, self-existent One, is He who “hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows” (Isaiah 53:4), who “was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15).... “If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father” (1 John 2:1). His intercession is that of a pierced and broken body, of a spotless life. The wounded hands, the pierced side, the marred feet, plead for fallen man, whose redemption was purchased at such infinite cost.3The Great Controversy, 415, 416.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 21, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 21, 1902, par. 4

Truly Christ has “borne our griefs and carried our sorrows.” [Isaiah 53:4.]

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Patient Sufferer, August 12

JNN 238.1

Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows.—Isaiah 53:4

Lift Him Up

The Shepherd Gave His Life for the Sheep, July 10

LHU 205.7

While as a member of the human family He was mortal, as God He was the fountain of life for the world. He could have withstood the advances of death, and refused to come under its dominion; but voluntarily He laid down His life, that He might bring life and immortality to light. He bore the sin of the world, endured its curse, yielded up His life as a sacrifice, that men might not eternally die. “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows” (Isaiah 53:4) (The Desire of Ages, 483, 484).

The Great Controversy

Chapter 23—What is the Sanctuary?

GC 416.3

He “shall sit and rule upon His throne; and He shall be a priest upon His throne.” Not now “upon the throne of His glory;” the kingdom of glory has not yet been ushered in. Not until His work as a mediator shall be ended will God “give unto Him the throne of His father David,” a kingdom of which “there shall be no end.” Luke 1:32, 33. As a priest, Christ is now set down with the Father in His throne. Revelation 3:21. Upon the throne with the eternal, self-existent One is He who “hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows,” who “was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin,” that He might be “able to succor them that are tempted.” “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father.” Isaiah 53:4; Hebrews 4:15; 2:18; 1 John 2:1. His intercession is that of a pierced and broken body, of a spotless life. The wounded hands, the pierced side, the marred feet, plead for fallen man, whose redemption was purchased at such infinite cost.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 23—What is the Sanctuary?

GC88 416.3

He “shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne.” Not now “upon the throne of his glory;” the kingdom of glory has not yet been ushered in. Not until his work as a mediator shall be ended, will God “give unto him the throne of his father David,” a kingdom of which “there shall be no end.” [Luke 1:32, 33.] As a priest, Christ is now set down with the Father in his throne. [Revelation 3:21.] Upon the throne with the eternal, self-existent One, is he who “hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows,” who “was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin,” that he might be “able to succor them that are tempted.” “If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father.” [Isaiah 53:4; Hebrews 4:15; 2:18; 1 John 2:1] His intercession is that of a pierced and broken body, of a spotless life. The wounded hands, the pierced side, the marred feet, plead for fallen man, whose redemption was purchased at such infinite cost.

From Here to Forever

The Two Apartments

HF 256.2

He “shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne.” The kingdom of glory has not yet been ushered in. Not until His work as a mediator shall be ended will God give unto Him a kingdom of which “there shall be no end.” Luke 1:33. As priest, Christ is now set down with the Father in His throne. Upon the throne is He who “hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows,” “in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin,” that He might be “able to succor them that are tempted.” Isaiah 53:4; Hebrews 4:15; 2:18. The wounded hands, the pierced side, the marred feet, plead for fallen man whose redemption was purchased at such cost.

Christ in His Sanctuary

Christ’s Ministry in the Heavenly Sanctuary

CIHS 138.4

He “shall sit and rule upon His throne; and He shall be a priest upon His throne.” Not now “upon the throne of His glory;” the kingdom of glory has not yet been ushered in. Not until His work as a mediator shall be ended will God “give unto Him the throne of His father David,” a kingdom of which “there shall be no end.” Luke 1:32, 33. As a priest, Christ is now set down with the Father in His throne. Revelation 3:21. Upon the throne with the eternal, self-existent One is He who “hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows,” who “was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin,” that He might be “able to succor them that are tempted.” “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father.” Isaiah 53:4; Hebrews 4:15; 2:18; 1 John 2:1. His intercession is that of a pierced and broken body, of a spotless life. The wounded hands, the pierced side, the marred feet, plead for fallen man, whose redemption was purchased at such infinite cost.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 149a, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 149a, 1897, par. 21

The Lord our Saviour throughout His entire life upon the earth was seeking to impress His own divine image in His character upon us. He is our sin bearer, and He would help you to carry His cross in service and in trial. He is close beside you, trying to have you realize how sorry He is for you when you make mistakes, and He is always ready to seize hold of the hand that is reached out to Him for help. Bear in mind always that it is not merely a human sympathy, a human heart that draws us by the cords of His love, but it is a love that is divine, that blends with the love of the human agent. “Surely he hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows.” [Isaiah 53:4.] How? By entering into them and making them His own. Then set God ever before you as your Saviour and Friend. By beholding your Saviour you catch His divine likeness, imbibe His temper, and are imbued with His love.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 149, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 149, 1897, par. 24

Throughout His entire earthly life the Lord Jesus Christ was seeking to impress His divine image upon man. He is our sin-bearer. He desires to help you carry His cross in service. In trial He is close beside you, trying to lead you to realize how sorry He is when you make mistakes. He is always ready to reach out for the hand that is stretched out for help. Remember always that it is not a human heart, a human sympathy, that draws us to Christ; it is a love that is divine, that blends with the love of the human agents. “Surely he hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows.” [Isaiah 53:4.] How? By making them His own. Set Christ ever before you as your Saviour and Friend. By beholding Him you catch His divine likeness, imbibe His attributes, and are imbued with His love.

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 37—The Smitten Rock

PP 411.3

The smitten rock was a figure of Christ, and through this symbol the most precious spiritual truths are taught. As the life-giving waters flowed from the smitten rock, so from Christ, “smitten of God,” “wounded for our transgressions,” “bruised for our iniquities” (Isaiah 53:4, 5), the stream of salvation flows for a lost race. As the rock had been once smitten, so Christ was to be “once offered to bear the sins of many.” Hebrews 9:28. Our Saviour was not to be sacrificed a second time; and it is only necessary for those who seek the blessings of His grace to ask in the name of Jesus, pouring forth the heart’s desire in penitential prayer. Such prayer will bring before the Lord of hosts the wounds of Jesus, and then will flow forth afresh the life-giving blood, symbolized by the flowing of the living water for Israel.

Jesus, Name Above All Names

True Rock, June 21

JNN 184.4

The smitten rock was a figure of Christ, and through this symbol the most precious spiritual truths are taught. As the life-giving waters flowed from the smitten rock, so from Christ, “smitten of God,” “wounded for our transgressions,” “bruised for our iniquities” (Isaiah 53:4, 5), the stream of salvation flows for a lost race. As the rock had been once smitten, so Christ was to be “once offered to bear the sins of many” (Hebrews 9:28). Our Saviour was not to be sacrificed a second time; and it is only necessary for those who seek the blessings of His grace to ask in the name of Jesus, pouring forth the heart’s desire in penitential prayer. Such prayer will bring before the Lord of hosts the wounds of Jesus, and then will flow forth afresh the life-giving blood, symbolized by the flowing of the living water for Israel.—Patriarchs and Prophets, 411.

That I May Know Him

The Smitten Rock, January 17

TMK 23.4

The smitten rock was a figure of Christ, and through this symbol the most precious spiritual truths are taught. As the life-giving waters flowed from the smitten rock, so from Christ, “smitten of God,” “wounded for our transgressions,” “bruised for our iniquities” (Isaiah 53:4, 5), the stream of salvation flows for a lost race. As the rock had been once smitten, so Christ was to be “once offered to bear the sins of many” (Hebrews 9:28). Our Saviour was not to be sacrificed a second time; and it is only necessary for those who seek the blessings of His grace to ask in the name of Jesus, pouring forth the heart’s desire in penitential prayer. Such prayer will bring before the Lord of hosts the wounds of Jesus, and then will flow forth afresh the life-giving blood, symbolized by the flowing of the living water for Israel....

That I May Know Him

“Wounded for Our Transgressions,” March 2

TMK 67.1

Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:4, 5.

Ye Shall Receive Power

Meekness, March 10

YRP 78.2

I invite you to look to the Man of Calvary. Look to Him whose head was crowned with the crown of thorns, who bore the cross of shame, who went step by step down the path of humiliation. Look to Him who was a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief, who was despised and rejected of men. “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows” (Isaiah 53:4). “He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed” (verse 5). Look to Calvary until your heart melts at the amazing love of the Son of God. He left nothing undone that fallen man might be elevated and purified.

From Eternity Past

Chapter 37—Moses Fails on the Border of Canaan

EP 289.3

As the life-giving waters flowed from the smitten rock, so from Christ, “smitten of God,” “wounded for our transgressions,” “bruised for our iniquities” (Isaiah 53:4, 5), the stream of salvation flows for a lost race. As the rock had been once smitten, so Christ was to be “once offered to bear the sins of many.” Hebrews 9:28. Our Saviour was not to be sacrificed a second time. It is only necessary for those who seek the blessings of His grace to ask in the name of Jesus, then will flow forth afresh the life-giving blood, symbolized by the flowing water for Israel.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Ms 25, 1887

5LtMs, Ms 25, 1887, par. 12

“Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:4, 5.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 165, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 165, 1899, par. 8

“Surely he hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; ... he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed.” [Isaiah 53:4, 5.] He was made “sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” [2 Corinthians 5:21.] If we inquire, “Why art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth the winefat?” He can answer, “I have trodden the winepress alone, and of the people there was none with me.” [Isaiah 63:2, 3.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 43, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 43, 1902, par. 12

The great Physician supplies the necessities of His children and bears their sorrows. He is acquainted with their griefs. “Surely He hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows. ... He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we are healed.” [Isaiah 53:4, 5.] He does not propose to do a half work, to bring partial relief. He will save to the uttermost all who come to Him. What a great work it is possible for those to do who co-operate with Him. “Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” [Revelation 22:14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Lt 150, 1909

24LtMs, Lt 150, 1909, par. 4

He who gave His life for a perishing world was despised and rejected of men. “Surely He hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we are healed.” [Isaiah 53:4, 5.]

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.]

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 52—The Divine Shepherd

DA 484.1

“I lay down My life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again.” While as a member of the human family He was mortal, as God He was the fountain of life for the world. He could have withstood the advances of death, and refused to come under its dominion; but voluntarily He laid down His life, that He might bring life and immortality to light. He bore the sin of the world, endured its curse, yielded up His life as a sacrifice, that men might not eternally die. “Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows.... He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 53:4-6.

The Story of Jesus

Chapter 12—The Good Shepherd

SJ 80.6

“Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows.... He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 53:4-6.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 112, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 112, 1897, par. 20

The prophet Isaiah, speaking of Christ, declared, “Surely he hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: and for the transgression of my people was he stricken. And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, because he hath done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.” [Isaiah 53:4-9.]

12LtMs, Ms 112, 1897, par. 21

“Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong (the overcomers); because he hath poured out his soul with death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” [Verses 10-12.]

Christ Triumphant

“Wounded for Our Transgressions,” September 29

CTr 279.1

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5.

Our Father Cares

The Sins of the World, August 14

OFC 238.1

He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5.

Selected Messages Book 1

Chapter 48—The Divine Standard

1SM 323.1

As the sinner looks upon the Saviour dying on Calvary, and realizes that the sufferer is divine, he asks why this great sacrifice was made, and the cross points to the holy law of God which has been transgressed. The death of Christ is an unanswerable argument as to the immutability and righteousness of the law. In prophesying of Christ, Isaiah says, “He will magnify the law, and make it honourable” (Isaiah 42:21). The law has no power to pardon the evildoer. Its office is to point out his defects, that he may realize his need of One who is mighty to save, his need of One who will become his substitute, his surety, his righteousness. Jesus meets the need of the sinner; for He has taken upon Him the sins of the transgressor. “He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). The Lord could have cut off the sinner, and utterly destroyed him; but the costlier plan was chosen. In His great love He provides hope for the hopeless, giving His only-begotten Son to bear the sins of the world. And since He has poured out all heaven in that one rich gift, He will withhold from man no needed aid that he may take the cup of salvation, and become an heir of God, joint heir with Christ.

Selected Messages Book 3

Precious Promises Versus Gloomy Pictures

3SM 172.4

The only safety for the Israelites was blood upon the doorposts. God said, “When I see the blood, I will pass over you” (Exodus 12:13). All other devices for safety would be without avail. Nothing but the blood on the doorposts would bar the way that the angel of death should not enter. There is salvation for the sinner in the blood of Jesus Christ alone, which cleanseth us from all sin. The man with a cultivated intellect may have vast stores of knowledge, he may engage in theological speculations, he may be great and honored of men and be considered the repository of knowledge, but unless he has a saving knowledge of Christ crucified for him, and by faith lays hold of the righteousness of Christ, he is lost. Christ “was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). “Saved by the blood of Jesus Christ,” will be our only hope for time and our song throughout eternity.

Steps to Christ

Chapter 1—God’s Love for Man

SC 13.1

It was to redeem us that Jesus lived and suffered and died. He became “a Man of Sorrows,” that we might be made partakers of everlasting joy. God permitted His beloved Son, full of grace and truth, to come from a world of indescribable glory, to a world marred and blighted with sin, darkened with the shadow of death and the curse. He permitted Him to leave the bosom of His love, the adoration of the angels, to suffer shame, insult, humiliation, hatred, and death. “The chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5. Behold Him in the wilderness, in Gethsemane, upon the cross! The spotless Son of God took upon Himself the burden of sin. He who had been one with God, felt in His soul the awful separation that sin makes between God and man. This wrung from His lips the anguished cry, “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” Matthew 27:46. It was the burden of sin, the sense of its terrible enormity, of its separation of the soul from God—it was this that broke the heart of the Son of God.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8

Self-Sacrifice

8T 208.3

Christ gave Himself, an atoning sacrifice, for the saving of a lost world. He was treated as we deserve, in order that we might be treated as He deserves. He was condemned for our sins, in which He had no share, that we might be justified by His righteousness, in which we had no share. He suffered the death which was ours, that we might receive the life which was His. “With His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5.

That I May Know Him

Addressed to Me Personally, October 1

TMK 280.2

Do not let your great need discourage you. The Saviour of sinners, the Friend of the friendless, with compassion infinitely greater than that of a tender mother for a loved and afflicted child, is inviting, “Look unto me, and be ye saved” (Isaiah 45:22). “He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5)....

The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 45—Written From Rome

AA 472.1

The Son of God stooped to uplift the fallen. For this He left the sinless worlds on high, the ninety and nine that loved Him, and came to this earth to be “wounded for our transgressions” and “bruised for our iniquities.” Isaiah 53:5. He was in all things made like unto His brethren. He became flesh, even as we are. He knew what it meant to be hungry and thirsty and weary. He was sustained by food and refreshed by sleep. He was a stranger and a sojourner on the earth—in the world, but not of the world; tempted and tried as men and women of today are tempted and tried, yet living a life free from sin. Tender, compassionate, sympathetic, ever considerate of others, He represented the character of God. “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, ... full of grace and truth.” John 1:14.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 1—“God With Us”

DA 25.1

In stooping to take upon Himself humanity, Christ revealed a character the opposite of the character of Satan. But He stepped still lower in the path of humiliation. “Being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:8. As the high priest laid aside his gorgeous pontifical robes, and officiated in the white linen dress of the common priest, so Christ took the form of a servant, and offered sacrifice, Himself the priest, Himself the victim. “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him.” Isaiah 53:5.

The Faith I Live By

The Saviour of Men, April 1

FLB 97.1

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5.

The Ministry of Healing

God’s Promises

MH 124.5

“Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.” “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” Matthew 8:17; Isaiah 53:5.

Christian Education

Chapter 19—To Teachers

CE 156.1

Then to those who are accepted as teachers in our schools is opened a field for labor and cultivation, for the sowing of the seed and for the harvesting of the ripening grain. What can give greater satisfaction than to be laborers together with God in educating and training the children and youth to love God and keep his commandments? Lead the children whom you are instructing in the day school and the Sabbath-school to Jesus. What can give you greater joy than to see children and youth following Christ, the great Shepherd, who calls, and the sheep and lambs hear his voice and follow him? What can spread more sunshine through the soul of the interested, devoted worker than to know that his persevering, patient labor is not in vain in the Lord, and to see his pupils have the sunshine of joy in their souls because Christ has forgiven their sins? What can be more satisfying to the worker together with God, than to see children and youth receiving the impressions of the spirit of God in true nobility of character and in the restoration of the moral image of God—the children seeking the peace coming from the Prince of Peace? The truth a bondage?—Yes, in one sense; it binds the willing souls in captivity to Jesus Christ, bowing their hearts to the gentleness of Jesus Christ. O it means so much more than finite minds can comprehend, to present in every missionary effort Jesus Christ and him crucified. “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed.” [Isaiah 53:5.] “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” [2 Corinthians 5:21.] This is to be the burden of our work. If any one thinks he is capable of teaching in the Sabbath-school or in the day school the science of education, he needs first to learn the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom, that he may teach this the highest of all sciences.

The Story of Jesus

Chapter 23—Calvary

SJ 143.8

“He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5.

To Be Like Jesus

When Sinners Repent, Heaven Rejoices, December 7

BLJ 359.7

Christ, the loved Commander in the heavenly courts, stooped from His high estate, laid aside the glory that He had with the Father, in order to save the one lost world. For this He left the sinless worlds on high, the ninety and nine that loved Him, and came to this earth, to be “wounded for our transgressions” and “bruised for our iniquities” (Isaiah 53:5). God gave Himself in His Son that He might have the joy of receiving back the sheep that was lost....

Words of Encouragement to Workers in the Home Missionary Field

What Unselfish Effort Will Accomplish

PH164 24.2

Let the workers remember that their spirit and their actions have a powerful influence on the minds of those whom they meet. Let them feel their dependence on God. It is only when we place ourselves in His hands, to be worked by His Spirit, that He can use us in breaking the power of the enemy over souls. Let them remember, too, that to those with whom they become acquainted in this work they are to speak of the love of the Saviour, who, though He was rich, yet for our sakes became poor, that we might be rich. He gave Himself to a life of lowliness, poverty, and privation, that He might know how to reach every suffering child of His. In all our afflictions He is afflicted. “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5. Let us follow where He leads the way, denying self, and taking up the cross. As we share His humiliation is this life, partaking with Him in His suffering, we are preparing to share His glory in the future life.

Letters to Physicians and Ministers

The Great Medical Missionary

SpTB01 23.2

He came to this world and stood among the beings He had created, as a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5.

The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials

Chapter 19—Distressing Experiences of 1888

1888 176.3

“He was wounded for our transgression, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5.

The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials

Chapter 24—Looking Back at Minneapolis

1888 218.1

The only safety for the Israelites was blood upon the doorposts. God said, “When I see the blood, I will pass over you” (Exodus 12:13). All other devices for safety would be without avail. Nothing but the blood on the doorposts would bar the way that the angel of death should not enter. There is salvation for the sinner in the blood of Jesus Christ alone, which cleanseth us from all sin. The man with a cultivated intellect may have vast stores of knowledge, he may engage in theological speculations, he may be great and honored of men and be considered the repository of knowledge, but unless he has a saving knowledge of Christ crucified for him, and by faith lays hold of the righteousness of Christ, he is lost. Christ “was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). “Saved by the blood of Jesus Christ,” will be our only hope for time and our song throughout eternity.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 2

“Praise Ye the Lord”

2TT 109.2

What a theme for meditation is the sacrifice that Jesus made for lost sinners! “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5. How shall we estimate the blessings thus brought within our reach? Could Jesus have suffered more? Could He have purchased for us richer blessings? Should it not melt the hardest heart when we remember that for our sakes He left the happiness and glory of heaven and suffered poverty and shame, cruel affliction and a terrible death? Had He not by His death and resurrection opened for us the door of hope, we should have known nothing but the horrors of darkness and the miseries of despair. In our present state, favored and blessed as we are, we cannot realize from what depths we have been rescued. We cannot measure how much deeper our afflictions would have been, how much greater our woes, had not Jesus encircled us with His human arm of sympathy and love, and lifted us up.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 1

Inexpressible Anguish

1TT 225.4

The divine Son of God was fainting, dying. The Father sent a messenger from His presence to strengthen the divine Sufferer and brace Him to tread His bloodstained path. Could mortals have viewed the amazement and the sorrow of the angelic host as they watched in silent grief the Father separating His beams of light, love, and glory from the beloved Son of His bosom, they would better understand how offensive sin is in His sight. The sword of justice was now to awake against His dear Son. He was betrayed by a kiss into the hands of His enemies, and hurried to the judgment hall of an earthly court, there to be derided and condemned to death by sinful mortals. There the glorious Son of God was “wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities.” He bore insult, mockery, and shameful abuse, until “His visage was so marred more than any man, and His form more than the sons of men.” Isaiah 53:5; 52:14.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 1

A Measure of the Soul’s Value

1TT 235.1

Christ gave Himself, an atoning sacrifice, for the saving of a lost world. He was treated as we deserve, in order that we might be treated as He deserves. He was condemned for our sins, in which He had no share, that we might be justified by His righteousness, in which we had no share. He suffered the death which was ours, that we might receive the life which was His. “With His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5.—1904, Testimonies for the Church 8:208, 209.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 1

Deliverance Through Christ

1TT 407.4

The inquiry of many a proud heart is: Why need I go in humiliation and penitence before I can have the assurance of my acceptance with God, and attain the immortal reward? Why is not the path to heaven less difficult and more pleasant and attractive? We refer all these doubting, murmuring ones to our great Exemplar while suffering under the load of man’s guilt and enduring the keenest pangs of hunger. He was sinless, and more than this, He was the Prince of heaven; but in man’s behalf He became sin for the race. “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5.

Christ’s Object Lessons

The Lost Sheep

COL 190.3

The rabbis understood Christ’s parable as applying to the publicans and sinners; but it has also a wider meaning. By the lost sheep Christ represents not only the individual sinner but the one world that has apostatized and has been ruined by sin. This world is but an atom in the vast dominions over which God presides, yet this little fallen world—the one lost sheep—is more precious in His sight than are the ninety and nine that went not astray from the fold. Christ, the loved Commander in the heavenly courts, stooped from His high estate, laid aside the glory that He had with the Father, in order to save the one lost world. For this He left the sinless worlds on high, the ninety and nine that loved Him, and came to this earth, to be “wounded for our transgressions” and “bruised for our iniquities.” (Isaiah 53:5.) God gave Himself in His Son that He might have the joy of receiving back the sheep that was lost.

From Trials to Triumph

Chapter 45—The Letters Paul Wrote From Rome

TT 249.4

The Son of God came to this earth to be “wounded for our transgressions” and “bruised for our iniquities.” Isaiah 53:5. He was in all things made like unto His brethren. He became flesh, even as we are. He knew what it meant to be hungry, thirsty, and weary. He was sustained by food and refreshed by sleep. He was tempted and tried as men and women of today are tempted and tried, yet lived a life free from sin.

From Heaven With Love

A Voluntary Sacrifice

HLv 14.3

By His humanity, Christ touched humanity; by His divinity, He lays hold on the throne of God. As Son of man, He gave us an example of obedience; as Son of God, He gives us power to obey. To us He says, “All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth.” Matthew 28:18. “God with us” is the surety of our deliverance from sin, the assurance of power to obey the law of heaven. Christ revealed a character the opposite of that of Satan. “Being found in human form He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:8, RSV. Christ took the form of a servant, and offered sacrifice, Himself the priest, Himself the victim. “He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him.” Isaiah 53:5.

From Heaven With Love

Treated As We Deserve

HLv 15.1

Christ was treated as we deserve, that we might be treated as He deserves. He was condemned for our sins, in which He had no share, that we might be justified by His righteousness, in which we had no share. He suffered the death which was ours, that we might receive the life which was His. “With His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)

Ms 1, 1867

1LtMs, Ms 1, 1867, par. 22

I answered, “Christ’s life was indeed a life of hardness. He was a burden-bearer for the whole race. ‘He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed’ [Isaiah 53:5]. But Jesus is not held up to the people in the true light. He was filled with grief because the great blessings He came to bring to man, man would not see and accept, but continued to choose the hard path of transgression. He says, ‘Ye will not come to me, that ye might have life’ [John 5:20]. He is the joy and light of the world. ‘He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness’ [John 8:12]. Heaven is all light, peace, and joy. Jesus says, ‘Ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full’ [John 16:24].

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 9, 1883

4LtMs, Ms 9, 1883, par. 5

We are living in the mediation of Christ, a day when all should think seriously and closely examine their hearts to see whether they be in the faith. We have nought to complain of. Not one word of murmuring should escape our lips; not one word of doubt should be uttered. There are many among us who profess the truth but who refuse to be crucified with Christ. The Author of our salvation labored and suffered for us. He denied Himself for us; His whole life was one continual scene of toil and privation. He could have done as many of His professed followers choose to do—pass His days on earth in ease and plenty and appropriated to Himself all the pleasures and enjoyments of this life. But He did not. He considered not His own convenience; He lived not to enjoy, but to do good and save others from shame, suffering, and ruin. “He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” [Isaiah 53:5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 60, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 60, 1886, par. 5

After Adam and Eve had fallen, the gospel was presented. They were told that a Saviour would be provided and that the Seed of the woman should bruise the head of Satan who was the instigator of sin, and that Satan should bruise His heel. Genesis 3:15. Christ “was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him.” Isaiah 53:5. When He came to this world, He laid aside the glory that He had before the world was, and He clothed His divinity with humanity. What a display of unselfishness on the part of our Saviour! Christ saw that it was impossible for man to overcome and become a conqueror in his own strength.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 7a, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 7a, 1886, par. 15

Just so it is with the Christian world today. A Christ in glory, a Christ crucified, they acknowledge as their Saviour; but if Christ should come into our world today as He came into Jerusalem, who would receive Him? The Jews thought Jesus would come as a mighty prince and ruler upon a throne of divinity, but they did not read prophecy aright and therefore they would not accept Him. He was a man of sorrow and acquainted with grief; “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Ms 24, 1888

5LtMs, Ms 24, 1888, par. 44

The only safety for the Israelites was blood upon the doorposts. God said, “When I see the blood, I will pass over you.” Exodus 12:13. All other devices for safety would be without avail. Nothing but the blood on the doorposts would bar the way that the angel of death should not enter. There is salvation for the sinner in the blood of Jesus Christ alone, which cleanseth us from all sin. The man with a cultivated intellect may have vast stores of knowledge, he may engage in theological speculations, he may be great and honored of men and be considered the repository of knowledge, but unless he has a saving knowledge of Christ crucified for him, and by faith lays hold of the righteousness of Christ, he is lost. Christ “was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5. “Saved by the blood of Jesus Christ” will be our only hope for time and our song throughout eternity.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Ms 21, 1888

5LtMs, Ms 21, 1888, par. 3

“He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5.

Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students

True Success in Education

CT 22.2

“Everyone that is of the truth,” Christ declared, “heareth My voice.” John 18:37. Having stood in the counsels of God, having dwelt in the everlasting heights of the sanctuary, all elements of truth were in Him and of Him. He was one with God. It means more than finite minds can comprehend to present in every missionary effort Christ and Him crucified. “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5. “He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21. Christ crucified for our sins; Christ risen from the dead; Christ ascended on high as our intercessor—this is the science of salvation that we need to learn and to teach. This is to be the burden of our work.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 14, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 14, 1893, par. 19

We should not go about begging pardon of the world because we are Christians. I beg pardon of Jesus Christ only <because I am not complete in Him.> He has made every provision that we [may] have a Christian character. You put thoughts of God out of the world and how much devotional religion would there be? How much pure, unalloyed service would they give Him? He was “bruised for our iniquities.” [Isaiah 53:5.] We cannot afford to refuse the power of the grace of God. We pity them if there is such here. If we love Jesus we shall become heirs of God, and the Father will love us as He loves His Son, Jesus Christ. We are members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 34, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 34, 1893, par. 49

The truth a bondage? Yes, in one sense; it binds the willing souls in captivity to Jesus Christ, bowing their hearts to the gentleness of Jesus Christ. Oh it means so much more than finite minds can comprehend, the presenting in every missionary effort Jesus Christ and Him crucified. “But he was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed.” [Isaiah 53:5.] “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” [2 Corinthians 5:21.] This is to be the burden of our work. If any one thinks he is capable of teaching in the Sabbath school or in the day school the science of education, he needs first to learn the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom, that he may teach this, the highest of all sciences.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 13, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 13, 1893, par. 43

Jesus was “wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” [Isaiah 53:5.] Is it possible to be healed, while knowingly committing sin? No, it is genuine faith that says, I know that I have committed sin, but that Jesus has pardoned my sin, and hereafter I will resist temptation in and through His might. “Every man hath this hope in him (abiding in him) purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” [1 John 3:3.] He has an abiding principle in the soul that enables him to overcome temptation. “Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not.” [Verse 6.] God has power to keep the soul that is in Christ [when that soul] is under temptation.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 116, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 116, 1894, par. 7

Why do you try, my dear brother? The Lord Jesus has paid the ransom for your soul. The price was to take humanity upon Him, to come to a world marred with the curse, and to suffer in the flesh. He was a man of sorrows. He was acquainted with grief—such a quality of grief as finite beings are not called to endure, for He was a sin bearer. He bore the sins of the world. “He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 107, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 107, 1894, par. 6

It was through infinite sacrificed and inexpressible suffering that our Redeemer placed redemption within our reach. He was in this world un-honored and unknown, that through his wonderful condescension and humiliation he might exalt man to receive eternal honors and immortal joys in heavenly courts. Will fallen man murmur because heaven can only be obtained by conflict, self-abasement, and toil? The inquiry of many proud hearts is, “Why need I go in humiliation and penitence in my religious life?” that may obtain immortal reward, why is not the path to heaven less difficult and more pleasant and attractive. We refer all these doubting murmuring ones to the great example. Our precious Saviour in the wilderness suffering under the load of man’s guilt, enduring the keenest pangs of hunger, knew why it must be endured. He was sinless and more than this, he was the Prince of heaven; but on man’s behalf he became sin for the race. “He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” [Isaiah 53:5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 139, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 139, 1898, par. 73

For our sake Christ gave Himself to a life of self-denial and poverty. He was without luxuries, without adornment, without houses or lands. He said, “Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” [Luke 9:58.] He gave Himself as a sinless offering, that men might have opportunity to return to God. “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we are healed.” [Isaiah 53:5.] All this He who is the brightness of His Father’s glory and beauty did to give evidence of His love for fallen man. He has paid the ransom for the soul of every son and daughter of Adam. Today the heavenly Father waits to see who will appreciate this inestimable gift. He is waiting to see who will show their gratitude for Him by self-sacrifice for those He died to save.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 77, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 77, 1899, par. 23

It was not alone by dying on the cross that Christ accomplished His work of saving men. The ignominy and suffering and humiliation was a part of His mission. “He was wounded for our transgressions, and bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed.” [Isaiah 53:5.] This penalty Christ bore for the sins of the transgressor; He has borne the punishment for every man and for this reason He can ransom every soul, however fallen his condition, if he will accept the law of God as his standard of righteousness. He who sees the guilt of his transgression, and sees the infinite sacrifice made in his behalf will not continue in sin. He asks, “What must I do to be saved?” and is pointed to the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. [Acts 16:30; John 1:29.] He accepts the truth as it is in Jesus and commences his life of loyalty to God.

God’s Amazing Grace

The Sins of the World, June 12

AG 171.1

He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 21, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 21, 1900, par. 9

The highest, who was with the Father before the world was, submitted to humiliation, that He might uplift humanity. Prophecy withdraws the veil, that we may behold the throne of heaven; that we may see upon that throne, high and lifted up, One who in human form, came to our world to suffer, to be lacerated with stripes, and bruised for our iniquities. “The chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed.” [Isaiah 53:5.] Before the heavenly universe the Lord of glory suffered in human form, that sin might be pardoned and sinners redeemed. He died that the love of God, as a mighty helper, might flow to all suffering human beings.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 75a, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 75a, 1900, par. 24

Paul says, “I determined not to know anything among you save Jesus Christ and him crucified.” [1 Corinthians 2:2.] Instead of seeking to find fault with our brethren, let us dwell on the great love of Christ. The Saviour humbled Himself to bear the reproach of men. Step by step He descended in the valley of humiliation that He might stand at the head of humanity, a perfect pattern in human flesh for every son and daughter of Adam. “He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” [Isaiah 53:5.] Let those who name the name of Christ study His work. When divine inspiration comes to them, there will be repentance and confession and humiliation of soul in every church.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 56, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 56, 1900, par. 8

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

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 185, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 185, 1901, par. 9

He is the faithful and true Witness, “the beginning of the creation of God,” whose throne is of old, from everlasting. [Revelation 3:14.] Behold Him, the mighty, uncreated Lord, the all-glorious Redeemer. Behold Him! waiting for your answer! Will you let Him in? Father, mother, children, God calls for your whole family. He wants you all. He cannot spare one of you. Will you listen to His pleading voice? He asks you, “Will you give me your hearts?” “Ye are not your own. For ye are bought with a price.” [1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.] And what a price! “He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed.” [Isaiah 53:5.] Will you open the door and let Jesus in? He wants the heart, the soul, the service of father, mother, children united. “See that ye refuse not him that speaketh.” [Hebrews 12:25.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 23, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 23, 1901, par. 1

I hope that you will not suppose that I have not a real interest in you, because I have. The Lord has an interest in you. If you walk and work in the counsel of God, you will make every effort possible to be in harmony with your brethren. All who are members of the church are not walking in the light of God’s Word and are running a great risk of having their names blotted out of the book of life. But thank God that you are not their sin-bearer. There is but one sin-bearer for the human family. Christ has borne our sins. He has carried our sorrows. “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed.” [Isaiah 53:5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 8, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 8, 1901, par. 31

O that we poor unworthy creatures, sick unto death, might learn that there is life in Christ. From His heavenly home the Redeemer beheld humanity in suffering and misery, and coming to this earth to be one with us, He found a ransom for us, even through great humiliation and sacrifice. The Lord of glory sacrificed His life to save us. In our behalf He submitted to scorn, derision, and rejection. He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. “He was wounded for our transgressions; he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” [Isaiah 53:5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 48, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 48, 1902, par. 18

Let the workers remember that their spirit and their actions have a great influence on the minds of those they meet. Let them feel their dependence on God. It is only when we place ourselves in His hands, to be worked by His Spirit, that He can use us in breaking the power of the enemy over souls. Let them remember, too, that to those with whom they become acquainted in this work, they are to speak of the love of the Saviour, who, though He was rich, yet for our sake became poor, that we might be rich. He gave Himself to a life of lowliness, privation, and poverty, that He might know how to reach every suffering child of His. In all our afflictions He is afflicted. “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we are healed.” [Isaiah 53:5.] Let us follow where He leads the way, denying self, and taking up the cross. As we share His humiliation in this life, partaking with Him in His suffering, we are preparing to share His glory in the future life.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 44, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 44, 1902, par. 2

Some are filled with the desire to get into a place in the work of God where they can distinguish themselves. They think that if they were in the position of such and such a man, they would show how much better they could do the work. And how gladly, how earnestly they would take hold of the work; with what zeal they would labor for the advancement of God’s cause. Such are deceiving themselves. Let them remember that God has placed them where they are to prove them, to see if they will bear small responsibilities with fidelity and perform small duties with exactitude, bringing Christlikeness into all they do. Let them remember that by good works they are to let their light shine forth, that they are to cultivate patience, learning of Christ His meekness and lowliness. He was the Majesty of heaven, but He came to a world marred by sin to work as the great Medical Missionary for the salvation of the souls and bodies of the fallen race. He clothed His divinity with humanity. He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. “He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” [Isaiah 53:5.] We are to follow in His footsteps.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 56, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 56, 1902, par. 17

Christ gave Himself to a life of lowliness, privation and poverty, that He might know how to reach every suffering, afflicted sinner. In all our afflictions He was afflicted. He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. “He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” [Isaiah 53:5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 200, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 200, 1902, par. 12

Christ’s death was required in order that man might have life eternal. He died in untold agony, suffering the most shameful abuse and the most excruciating pain. In view of His infinite sacrifice, how can those who claim to be converted lift up their souls unto vanity? How can they work away from the Pattern? “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we” who receive and believe in Christ Jesus “are healed.” [Isaiah 53:5.] Shame and grief and humiliation He endured, that those who are so loth to deny self and to lift the cross might have an opportunity to gain life eternal.

Gospel Workers (1892/1893 ed.)

Duties and Privileges of the Christian Laborer

GW92 469.1

Brethren, your aims are altogether too low. You have not used the great moral faculties of the soul,—faith, hope, and love. These powers are not given us to lie dormant, but that through their exercise the soul may be brought into harmony with heaven. With many of you they are paralyzed through inaction, and, as a consequence, you are weak and helpless; but do not let your great need discourage you. The Saviour of sinners, the Friend of the friendless, with compassion infinitely greater than that of a tender mother for a loved and afflicted child, is inviting, “Look unto me, and be ye saved.” “He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” [Isaiah 45:22; 53:5.] We may take hold of his strength, and make peace with God. Jesus will quicken all the faculties of the soul, and implant new life and energy.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 53, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 53, 1902, par. 13

Can a human being remove from his heart one stain of sin? No. Looking into the law of God, he sees himself a sinner; but he has no power to cleanse himself from sin. Only by faith in Christ can he be purified. He is the one who takes away the sin of the world. “He was wounded for our transgression; he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” [Isaiah 53:5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 80, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 80, 1903, par. 19

As soon as we submit our will to God’s will, our hearts are filled with the fulness of His love. How I long to have men and women understand this! How I long to hold up the One altogether lovely, the Chiefest among ten thousand! How I long to present Him in His greatness and goodness, and then to show what He has endured for us! He was “wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed”—healed of our sins. [Isaiah 53:5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 63, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 63, 1903, par. 15

Christ might have astonished the world by a display of His glorious divinity. But He concealed this, to place Himself at the head of humanity. He was tempted in all points like as we are, that He might know how to succor those who are tempted. He requires His followers to submit to no inconvenience and self-sacrifice to which He did not submit. He might have come escorted by ten thousand times ten thousand of the heavenly host; but no! He clothed Himself in the habiliments of humanity. He made Himself of no reputation. He humbled Himself at every step. “He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” [Isaiah 53:5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 115, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 115, 1903, par. 14

“He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” [Isaiah 53:5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 117, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 117, 1903, par. 6

He came to this world and stood among the beings He had created as a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” [Isaiah 53:5.] He was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 9, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 9, 1903, par. 22

Christ is our Leader. Clothing His divinity with humanity, He humbled Himself, that He might stand in person at the head of the human race. He laid aside His kingly crown and yielded up His high position as Commander of the angels, who loved to do His bidding. For our sakes He became poor that through His humiliation and poverty human beings might be made rich—heirs to an eternal weight of glory. The Saviour came to the world in lowliness and lived as a man among men. On all points except sin, divinity was to touch humanity. Living on this earth as a man among men, Christ answered the question, “Can man keep the law of God?” He was tempted in all points like as man is tempted, “yet without sin.” [Hebrews 4:15.] He was tempted that He might know how to succor those that should afterward be tempted. He became a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” [Isaiah 53:5.] He gave Himself to the world as a spiritual teacher, a genuine medical missionary. O that our medical workers realized what privileges they have. They would know by practical experience what it means to hear and obey the invitation, “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.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 303, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 303, 1903, par. 19

Christ sacrificed Himself in order that He might rescue man from the penalty of sin. “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” [Isaiah 53:5.] And yet, notwithstanding the Redeemer’s work in our behalf, there are among us today some spiritual leaders who are in need of being led, leaders who are corrupting their way and leading others into false paths through the presentation of perverted principles. Some who have long walked in various forbidden paths will not humble themselves before God, repent and be converted, that their marked errors, their many sins may be blotted out. But God will not be mocked. He cannot, will not, bear much longer with those who make such a showing.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 6, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 6, 1903, par. 26

Yes, my brother, Christ suffered for you and for me. How wonderful is the love He has shown by His willingness to suffer for us! “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” [Isaiah 53:5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 76, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 76, 1903, par. 25

When man’s redemption was to be worked out, God gave the commandment that the sword should awake against His only begotten Son, who had been one with Him from eternity. “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we are healed.” [Isaiah 53:5.] Think of the Father subjecting Himself to sorrow, sparing not His own Son, but freely delivering Him up for us all. God had to do a strange work; for He says, Fury is not in Me. O that we had a better understanding of His love!

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 255, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 255, 1903, par. 12

Christ gave Himself, an atoning sacrifice, for the saving of a lost world. He was treated as we deserve, in order that we might be treated as He deserves. He was condemned for our sins, in which He had no share, that we might be justified by His righteousness, in which we had no share. He suffered the death which was ours, that we might receive the life which was His. “With His stripes we are healed.” [Isaiah 53:5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 116, 1904

19LtMs, Ms 116, 1904, par. 25

Christ has taken His position at the head of humanity. Though He came to our world, was born of humble parentage, and accepted a life of poverty, yet He was a Prince. It was for our sakes that He become poor, that through His poverty we might receive the eternal riches. “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” [Isaiah 53:5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 108, 1904

19LtMs, Ms 108, 1904, par. 10

Many make the mistake of dwelling upon the defects of others. This is liable to result in their becoming as bad as those whom they criticize and condemn. “By beholding we become changed.” [2 Corinthians 3:18.] Christ is our Example. In all points He has been tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Satan failed in his every effort to lead Christ to commit sin. The Saviour “was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” [Isaiah 53:5.] He has borne the penalty of the sin of every human being; and He will deliver every one who comes to Him in penitence, seeking for pardon and overcoming grace. We have a Friend in Jesus, and we are without excuse for placing upon our brethren and sisters the burdens that our Saviour alone is able to bear for us.

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Divine Sufferer, May 5

JNN 136.2

As humanity’s substitute and surety, the iniquity of men and women was laid upon Christ; He was counted a transgressor that He might redeem them from the curse of the law. The guilt of every descendant of Adam of every age was pressing upon His heart; and the wrath of God, and the terrible manifestation of His displeasure because of iniquity, filled the soul of His Son with consternation. The withdrawal of the divine countenance from the Saviour, in this hour of supreme anguish, pierced His heart with a sorrow that can never be fully understood by humanity. Every pang endured by the Son of God upon the cross, the blood drops that flowed from His head, His hands, and feet, the convulsions of agony which racked His frame, and the unutterable anguish that filled His soul at the hiding of His Father’s face from Him, speak to men and women, saying, It is for love of thee that the Son of God consents to have these heinous crimes laid upon Him; for thee He spoils the domain of death, and opens the gates of Paradise and immortal life. He who stilled the angry waves by His word, and walked the foam-capped billows, who made devils tremble, and disease flee from His touch, who raised the dead to life and opened the eyes of the blind—offers Himself upon the cross as the last sacrifice for humanity....

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Loved Commander, September 4

JNN 262.4

The rabbis understood Christ’s parable as applying to the publicans and sinners; but it has also a wider meaning. By the lost sheep Christ represents not only the individual sinner but the one world that has apostatized and has been ruined by sin. This world is but an atom in the vast dominions over which God presides, yet this little fallen world—the one lost sheep—is more precious in His sight than are the ninety and nine that went not astray from the fold. Christ, the loved Commander in the heavenly courts, stooped from His high estate, laid aside the glory that He had with the Father, in order to save the one lost world. For this He left the sinless worlds on high, the ninety and nine that loved Him, and came to this earth, to be “wounded for our transgressions” and “bruised for our iniquities” (Isaiah 53:5). God gave Himself in His Son that He might have the joy of receiving back the sheep that was lost. “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God” (1 John 3:1).—Christ’s Object Lessons, 190, 191.

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Only Safe Guide, October 6

JNN 295.3

The Son of God stooped to uplift the fallen. For this He left the sinless worlds on high, the ninety and nine that loved Him, and came to this earth to be “wounded for our transgressions” and “bruised for our iniquities” (Isaiah 53:5). He was in all things made like unto His brethren. He became flesh, even as we are. He knew what it meant to be hungry and thirsty and weary. He was sustained by food and refreshed by sleep. He was a stranger and a sojourner on the earth—in the world, but not of the world; tempted and tried as men and women of today are tempted and tried, yet living a life free from sin. Tender, compassionate, sympathetic, ever considerate of others, He represented the character of God. “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, ... full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

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

MR No. 961—Looking Back at Minneapolis

12MR 194.1

The only safety for the Israelites was blood upon the doorposts. God said, “When I see the blood, I will pass over you” (Exodus 12:13). All other devices for safety would be without avail. Nothing but the blood on the doorposts would bar the way that the angel of death should not enter. There is salvation for the sinner in the blood of Jesus Christ alone, which cleanseth us from all sin. The man with a cultivated intellect may have vast stores of knowledge, he may engage in theological speculations, he may be great and honored of men and be considered the repository of knowledge, but unless he has a saving knowledge of Christ crucified for him, and by faith lays hold of the righteousness of Christ, he is lost. Christ “was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). “Saved by the blood of Jesus Christ,” will be our only hope for time and our song throughout eternity.

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 52—The Divine Shepherd

HLv 326.5

“Therefore doth My Father love Me, because I lay down My life, that I might take it again... . I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again.” As a member of the human family Jesus was mortal; as God He was the fountain of life for the world. He could have withstood the advances of death, but voluntarily He laid down His life that He might bring life and immortality to light. “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 53:5, 6.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 147, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 147, 1903, par. 31

Yet upon Him were laid the iniquities of us all. “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we are healed.” [Isaiah 53:5, 6.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Ms 41, 1887

5LtMs, Ms 41, 1887, par. 11

The Majesty of heaven submitted to insult, mockery, and shameful abuse. “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities:” “He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth.” [Isaiah 53:5, 7.] Wonder, O heavens! and be astonished, O earth! Behold the oppressor and the Oppressed! A vast multitude encloses the Saviour of the world. Mocking and jeering are mingled with the coarse oaths of blasphemy. His lowly birth and His humble life are commented upon by unfeeling wretches. His claim to be the Son of God is ridiculed by the chief priests and elders, and the vulgar jest and insulting sneer are passed from lip to lip.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 45, 1892

7LtMs, Ms 45, 1892, par. 28

Betrayed by a kiss into the hands of His enemies, He was dragged to the judgment hall, where sinful men mocked Him, derided Him, spit upon Him, and smote Him. He was taken from place to place, sent to Annas, Herod, and Pilate, and unjustly condemned to death. The glorious Son of God “was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities.” [Isaiah 53:5.] He meekly bore insult, mockery, and shameful abuse, until His “visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men.” [Isaiah 52:14.] With wonder and grief the angels looked upon Him who had been the Majesty of heaven, Him who had worn the crown of glory, and now [they] see Him crowned with thorns, wounded, bleeding, suffering beneath the rage of men who were filled with satanic madness. The Psalmist says, speaking of Christ’s sufferings, “Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round. They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion.” [Psalm 22:12, 13.]

7LtMs, Ms 45, 1892, par. 30

After scourging Christ, the precious Son of God, they lead Him forth and lay the cross upon His bleeding shoulders. His footsteps to Calvary are marked with blood. On every side of Him walk bitter enemies as He is led away to be crucified. “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth. He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.” [Isaiah 53:7.]

In Heavenly Places

Righteousness Through Christ, January 9

HP 15.2

The God of justice did not spare His Son.... The whole debt for the transgression of God’s law was demanded from our Mediator. A full atonement was required. How appropriate are the words of Isaiah, “It pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief.” His soul was made “an offering for sin.” “He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities” (Isaiah 53:10, 5).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 31, 1911

25LtMs, Ms 31, 1911, par. 25

A full atonement was required. How appropriate are the words of Isaiah, “It pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He hath put Him to grief.” His soul was made “an offering for sin.” “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities.” [Isaiah 53:10, 5.]

Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students

Expelling Students

CT 268.2

When, in consequence of transgression, Adam and Eve were cut off from all hope, when justice demanded the death of the sinner, Christ gave Himself as a sacrifice. “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” 1 John 4:10; Isaiah 53:6.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 50, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 50, 1893, par. 16

When all hope was excluded from Adam and Eve in consequence of transgression and sin, when justice demanded the death of the sinner, Christ gave Himself to be a sacrifice for the sin of the world. The world was under condemnation. Christ became substitute and surety for man. He would give His life for the world, which is represented as the one lost sheep that had strayed from the fold, whose guilt as well as helplessness was charged against them and stood in the way, hindering their return. “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be a propitiation for our sins.” [1 John 4:10.] “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” [Isaiah 53:6.] Every son and daughter of God, if they have an abiding Saviour, will act out Christ. Every soul that has not an abiding Saviour will reveal the same in un-Christlikeness in character. Love is not cherished and put in exercise. “Lift Him up, the risen Saviour,” in our words, in our conversation, in our dealing with the erring.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 97, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 97, 1895, par. 60

He could have delivered Himself from those who came to take Him in the garden of Gethsemane. A few words from His lips sent the murderous throng reeling to the earth, as if smitten by a bolt of the wrath of God. But He suffered humiliation, agony, and death in silence, because He had given His life for the life of the world. He was not compelled to do it, but He volunteered to be man’s substitute and surety, and “the Lord laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” [Isaiah 53:6.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 114, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 114, 1897, par. 5

How could the language be more explicit and full? “He hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.” [Verses 4, 5.] Here is the ground of our faith. You dare not risk the “suppose so,” the haphazard religion of this age, that knows so little of self-denial and self-sacrifice. This is a fashionable, convenient, self-indulgent religion. If we would be saved, we must be obedient subjects of the kingdom of God. The law of Jehovah will allow no license for transgression. He has pledged to save man from his sins, but not in his sins. We may repent, we may receive pardon, we may fix our eyes on the matchless ransom paid by Jesus Christ on the cross. “The Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all,” the whole world. [Isaiah 53:6.] Christ bore the weight of our sins, a weight sufficient to crush a world.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 96, 1904

19LtMs, Ms 96, 1904, par. 6

Thus was revealed the love of God, and thus was revealed also the immutability of God’s law. Not a jot or a tittle of this law could be changed to meet man in his fallen condition. But sinners were not left without hope, to die in transgression. A ransom was found. Christ became their substitute and surety. Upon Him were laid “the iniquities of us all.” [Isaiah 53:6.] Those who receive Him as their Saviour are freely granted pardon and become members of the royal family.