EGW WritingsIsaiah 59

Christian Education

Chapter 25—Fragments

CE 236.2

Parents have a great and responsible work to do, and they may well inquire. “Who is sufficient for these things?” [2 Corinthians 2:16.] But God has promised to give wisdom to those that ask in faith, and he will do just as he said he would. He is pleased with the faith that takes him at his word. The mother of Augustine prayed for her son’s conversion. She saw no evidence that the Spirit of God was impressing his heart, but she was not discouraged. She laid her finger upon the texts, presenting before God his own words, and pleaded as only a mother can. Her deep humiliation, her earnest importunities, her unwavering faith, prevailed, and the Lord gave her the desire of her heart. Today he is just as ready to listen to the petitions of his people. His “hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear;” [Isaiah 59:1.] and if Christian parents seek him earnestly, he will fill their mouths with arguments, and, for his name’s sake, will work mightily in their behalf in the conversion of their children.—“Testimony,” No. 32, pp. 75-79.

The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1

Ms 2, 1852

“The sword cannot touch them. Can ye not see that prayers are going up from that company? His ear is heavy.7

“Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear” (Isa. 59:1).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 19, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 19, 1890, par. 28

My brethren, unless the Holy Spirit is actuating you as a vital principle, unless you are obeying its promptings, depending on its influences, laboring in the strength of God, my message to you from God is, “You are under a delusion which may prove fatal to your souls. You must be converted. You must receive light before you can give light. Place yourselves under the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness.” Then you can say with Isaiah, “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” [Isaiah 60:1.] You must cultivate faith and love. “The Lord’s arm is not shortened, that it cannot save, neither his ear heavy, that he cannot hear.” [Isaiah 59:1.] Seek the Lord. Rest not until you know that Christ is your Saviour.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 59a, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 59a, 1893, par. 5

The same spirit of opposition in regard to the Sunday law will make as deep a mark here as in America. “God’s hand is not shortened that it cannot save, his ear is not heavy that it cannot hear.” [Isaiah 59:1.] But who is it that has the Lord’s money? All the efforts we can make are useless without money and workers. We must not have our hands tied. It is so essential to get the leaven into the meal, and Satan is making his super-human efforts to keep the leaven out by keeping the door closed. I feel intensely over this subject. Shall the warnings and the good news, the glad tidings of great joy, of what is truth be proclaimed to the people? Christ by the virtue of His blood that cleanseth from all sin is drawing them to obedience, and no one is at work in these places.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 355, 1904

19LtMs, Lt 355, 1904, par. 4

Cast your helpless soul upon Christ. You have been bought with a price. You have not rejected Christ, but you have rejected yourself. You have no right to place yourself where you are—in the cell of unbelief. You must not allow the enemy to keep you locked up in the chamber of despair. God has not placed you there. He has not ceased to call you His son. Satan has kept your mind bound by unbelief, but you must break this unbelief. Just say, “Dear Lord, I give myself to Thee: ‘tis all that I can do.” Break the spell that has kept you from believing that you are a child of God. I am instructed to say to you, “Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me, and he shall make peace with Me.” [Isaiah 27:5.] The Lord says, “Tell My unbelieving child that My arm is not shortened, that it cannot save, neither is My ear heavy, that it cannot hear.” [See Isaiah 59:1.] Trust in the One who is waiting to save you, who will save you if you will come to Him just as you are.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 27—Ahaz

PK 323.1

Inspiration declares, “The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?” Proverbs 21:27. The God of heaven is “of purer eyes than to behold evil,” and cannot “look on iniquity.” Habakkuk 1:13. It is not because He is unwilling to forgive that He turns from the transgressor; it is because the sinner refuses to make use of the abundant provisions of grace, that God is unable to deliver from sin. “The Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither His ear heavy, that it cannot hear: but your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear.” Isaiah 59:1, 2.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Ms 122, 1909

24LtMs, Ms 122, 1909, par. 10

“Behold the Lord’s hand is not shortened.” Isaiah 59:1, 2. Now here is a work of repentance, and those that feel that they are not right with God, don’t let a day go unless you make a thorough consecration of your hearts to God. You cannot afford it. It is too late in the day to trifle with these eternal realities. We want to see the King in His beauty. We want to behold His righteousness.

The Review and Herald

February 23, 1897

RH February 23, 1897, par. 11

Here is a work which you are authorized to have an earnest zeal to accomplish. “Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.” (See Isaiah 59:1, 2.) All who have a vital connection with God are guided by his counsel. United in church capacity, they give themselves to do Christ’s work. If we will open the door to Jesus, he will come in and abide with us; our strength will always be reinforced by his actual representative, the Holy Spirit.

The Review and Herald

April 1, 1915

RH April 1, 1915, par. 4

Inspiration declares, “The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?” Proverbs 21:27. The God of heaven is “of purer eyes than to behold evil,” and cannot “look on iniquity.” Habakkuk 1:13. It is not because he is unwilling to forgive, that he turns from the transgressor; it is because the sinner refuses to make use of the abundant provisions of grace, that God is unable to deliver from sin. “The Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: but your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” Isaiah 59:1, 2.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 46, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 46, 1894, par. 14

Here is a work which you are authorized to have an earnest zeal to accomplish. “Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up, trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.” (See Isaiah 59:1, 2.) All who have a vital connection with God are guided by His counsel. United in church capacity, they give themselves to do Christ’s work. If we will open the door to Jesus, He will come in and abide with us; our strength will always be reinforced by His actual representative, the Holy Spirit.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 7a, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 7a, 1897, par. 17

The fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah points out the evil and the remedy for the diseased soul. Let this chapter be received as warning and instruction, for the Lord God of Israel calls for a decided reformation, not only among the young people, but among the instructors of the young. “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, neither is his ear heavy, that it cannot hear; but your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” [Isaiah 59:1, 2.] A decided change is called for. The work of repentance and reformation has not gone deep and thorough.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 116, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 116, 1902, par. 43

He who is high and holy is willing to heal those who come to Him with repentance and confession. The prophet further declares: “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save: neither is His ear heavy, that it cannot hear: but your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear.” [Isaiah 59:1, 2.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Ms 43, 1908

23LtMs, Ms 43, 1908, par. 24

“Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither His ear heavy, that it cannot hear: but your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear.” [Isaiah 58:12-14; 59:1, 2.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 192, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 192, 1905, par. 14

Isaiah 59:1. Why then do you act as though it was? Why do we act so faithless? Why do we not take right hold? The Lord’s hand is not shortened that it cannot save. We have the right; He has told us to go forth in His name. He has told us to baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, and to preach His gospel.

20LtMs, Ms 192, 1905, par. 18

Isaiah 59:1. What is the matter? You do not ask Him? You carry you own will to the Lord and you make a few words of prayer, and instead of saying, Lord, I have asked Thee and now believe Thou wilt give me judgment and wisdom and correctness of ideas, and that I shall not listen to the devil’s sophistry, which is just now coming in. And mark my words, it will come in a hundredfold more than you have ever thought of, to deceive, if possible, the very elect. Now the elect had better be sure, in the place of thinking they are the elect, to know that they are the elect, because they keep the commandments of God.

20LtMs, Ms 192, 1905, par. 21

But we do not want to let anyone alone. We want now to let the light of truth come into your mind, that you may see, that you may be saved, that you can take right hold of the name of Jesus Christ, because His “hand ... face from you.” verses 2, 3, 4. We cannot afford to give the least countenance by keeping open the liquor saloons, and giving license by law for them to deal in liquor, when they know what it does. Anciently God says, If a man keeps an animal that he knows pushes with his horns and he is not restrained but kills a man, that man’s life is something before God. Christ bought that with an infinite price, and that life is not to be thrown away. He gave His own life that every one of us might have that life which measures with the life of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 1d, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 1d, 1890, par. 7

“Behold the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor his ear heavy that it cannot hear; but your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you that he will not hear, for your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue has uttered perverseness. None calleth for justice nor any leadeth for truth; they trust in vanity and speak lies, they conceive mischief and bring forth iniquity.” [Isaiah 59:1-4.] But notwithstanding the terribleness of their departure from God, the Lord speaks: “Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before my eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well.” [Isaiah 1:16, 17.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 33, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 33, 1900, par. 14

“Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened that it cannot save, neither is his ear heavy that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. For your hands are defiled with blood and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies and your tongues have uttered perverseness. None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth.” [Isaiah 59:1-4.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 15, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 15, 1898, par. 13

Christ came to our world to counterwork sin. God has given His only begotten Son to die for sinners. He “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.] “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened that it cannot save, neither is his ear heavy that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” “Their web shall not become garments, neither shall they cover themselves with their works: their works are works of iniquity, and the act of violence is in their hands. Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths. The way of peace they know not, and there is no judgment in their going. They have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace.” [Isaiah 59:1, 2, 6-8.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 28, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 28, 1900, par. 1

The Lord Jesus represents the whole of heaven’s treasures which have been committed to Him to impart to the church in rich, full currents of love and grace and power. If an earthly father, being evil, gives his hungry child bread, not a stone; a fish, not a serpent; will God, being good and righteous, deny His children the gift of the Holy Spirit? Upon His children He bestows His blessings abundantly. “The Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, neither is his ear heavy, that it cannot hear.” [Isaiah 59:1.]

15LtMs, Ms 28, 1900, par. 5

“But your iniquities have separated you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. ... None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth; they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity. ... Their webs shall not become garments, neither shall they cover themselves with their works; their works are works of iniquity, and the act of violence is in their hands. ... Therefore is judgment far from us, neither doth justice overtake us: we wait for light, but behold obscurity; for brightness, but we walk in darkness.” [Isaiah 59:2, 4, 6, 9.]

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1

Chapter 69—The Rebellion

1T 355.2

I saw that God is purifying and proving His people. He will refine them as gold, until the dross is consumed and His image is reflected in them. All have not that spirit of self-denial and that willingness to endure hardness and to suffer for the truth’s sake, which God requires. Their wills are not subdued; they have not consecrated themselves wholly to God, seeking no greater pleasure than to do His will. Ministers and people lack spirituality and true godliness. Everything is to be shaken that can be shaken. God’s people will be brought into most trying positions, and all must be settled, rooted, and grounded in the truth, or their steps will surely slide. If God comforts and nourishes the soul with His inspiring presence, they can endure, though the way may be dark and thorny. For the darkness will soon pass away, and the true light shine forever. I was pointed to Isaiah 58; 59:1-15; Jeremiah 14:10-12, as a description of the present state of our nation. The people of this nation have forsaken and forgotten God. They have chosen other gods and followed their own corrupt ways until God has turned from them. The inhabitants of the earth have trampled upon the law of God and broken His everlasting covenant.

Testimony for the Church — No. 9

The Rebellion

T09 1.2

I saw that God was purifying and proving his people. He will refine them as gold, until his image is reflected in them, and the dross consumed. There is not in all that spirit of self-denial, and willingness to suffer for the truth’s sake, and to endure hardness, which God requires. Their wills are not subdued, and they consecrated wholly to God, seeking no greater pleasure than to do his will. Ministers and people lack spirituality and true godliness. Everything is to be shaken that can be shaken. God’s people will be brought into most trying positions, and all must be settled, rooted and grounded in the truth, or their steps will surely slide. If God comforts and nourishes the soul with his inspiring presence, they can endure, though the way may be dark and thorny. For the darkness will soon pass away, and the true light shine forever. I was pointed to Isaiah 58; 59:1-15; Jeremiah 14:10-12, as a description of the present state of our nation. The people of this nation have forsaken and forgotten God. They have chosen other gods, and followed their own corrupt ways, until God has turned from them. The inhabitants of the earth have trampled upon the law of God, and broken his everlasting covenant.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)

Ms 5, 1862

1LtMs, Ms 5, 1862, par. 3

I was shown the dreadful state of our nation, and again was referred to (Isaiah 58; 59:1-15), as a description of the present state of things in our nation, and the reason for their present calamity. This is a most unrighteous war. The inhabitants of the earth have forgotten God. They have trampled upon His law and broken the everlasting covenant. They have despised His Sabbath. The fourth commandment was shown me as a golden link, which God designed should serve as a bond of union uniting man to man, and connecting earth to heaven and finite man to the infinite God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 76, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 76, 1898, par. 23

My brother, I speak to you these words, because by your unsanctified temperament you have lost your hold of God. Your own passions rule you. The Lord knows all about this. The tempter has rejoiced in your downfall, and with his evil angels he is singing in triumph. But the Lord is looking with pitying tenderness upon you, Philip Wessels. He calls you, Philip, “Turn ye, turn ye, ... for why will ye die?” [Ezekiel 33:11.] “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” The angels of God are awaiting your co-operation. What is it? “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. ... Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he will lift you up.” [James 4:7, 8, 10.] “So shall they fear the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.” [Isaiah 59:19.]

13LtMs, Lt 76, 1898, par. 24

The Lord Jesus gave His life for you. He says, “Return unto me, and I will return unto thee, and heal all thy backsliding.” [Malachi 3:7; Jeremiah 3:22.] “Behold the Lord’s arm is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear; but your sins have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” [Isaiah 59:1, 2.] But the Lord calls to you, “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy, and to our God; for he will abundantly pardon.” [Isaiah 55:7.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 110, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 110, 1893, par. 13

The end of all things is at hand and iniquity abounds, because men have transgressed the law and broken the everlasting covenant given on condition of obedience, and because of continual transgression. Isaiah 59; Ezekiel 20:12, 18; Amos 5:11-20; Micah 6:6-15; Haggai 1:5, 6; Hosea 6:1-11; 8:12, 13; Joel 1:2-7, 11-20. There we have the prophecies of the state of our world just prior to the second coming of the Lord thy God. The world will become more and [more] under the sway of seducing spirits as they turn away from God and His righteous government. Men professing godliness will indulge their own traits of character. Unless they are conscientiously under the control of God, they will become self-indulgent and self-centered.

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 14 (1899)

Ms 187, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 187, 1899, par. 4

We see in every church there must be a true line of education in all points. The trumpet must give a certain sound, proclaiming the gospel message for this time. The ministry of the Word is essential. As the truth takes hold of the heart and character, it beautifies and elevates and ennobles individuality of character; and yet, like the branches of the true vine, the creative wisdom of God has a marked variety in nature and there will be a variety in the work the church is designed to accomplish. Diversity of talent will be seen because the Word of God speaks, instructing in every age but no less so in 1899. The great and important work is the missionary work to be done in building up the structure of the human habitations, and the restoration will go forward in the divine lines and by diversity of instrumentalities. There are sharp, strong messages to be borne. There are to be sons of consolation, but the message of the third angel must be carried, the banner of truth uplifted, for conversion is in it. The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul. Isaiah chapters 59, 60.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 129, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 129, 1899, par. 9

Christ came to the world to save the people over whom Satan was exercising his power. He came to work out the purposes which had been planned in the counsels of heaven. God’s vineyard had been worked by the unrighteous scribes and Pharisees, but Christ came to set things in their right light. In the 59th, 60th, 61st, and 62nd chapters of Isaiah His work is defined. “For Zion’s sake,” He said, “will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth.” [Isaiah 62:1.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 70, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 70, 1900, par. 20

Please read and study the fifty-ninth and sixtieth chapters of Isaiah. “Arise, and shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.” [Isaiah 60:1, 2.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 47, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 47, 1901, par. 7

And in a higher sense this great sin has been and is being repeated. The world was perishing in sin. Its condition is described in the fifty-ninth chapter of Isaiah. It was seen in heaven that men were perishing, and the compassion of God was stirred. He devised a means of relief, and at what an infinite cost! He “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.]

16LtMs, Lt 47, 1901, par. 8

There was no hope for the transgressor except through Christ. “Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey; and the Lord saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment. And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor; therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him. For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak. According to their deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to his adversaries, recompense to his enemies; to the islands he will repay recompense. So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him. And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Zion, saith the Lord.” [Isaiah 59:15-20.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 81, 1912

25LtMs, Ms 81, 1912, par. 17

I want to tell you that the end is near, and when I have been obliged to give up for a time, yet the Lord has sustained me, and I can travel and speak to the congregations. I want to say, Let every one of us search the Scriptures. Let us study the fifty-eighth and fifty-ninth chapters of Isaiah, and we will have a great lesson to learn. I am preparing for the future immortal life, and I have thought every now and then when I have made my efforts to reach the people, How can I reach the people? Well, I would speak, and I would pray that the Lord would give me voice and intelligence that I might reach them, and I have been greatly blessed.

The Faith I Live By

The Uprising of Rebellion, March 1

FLB 66.1

But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. Isaiah 59:2.

From Splendor to Shadow

Chapter 27—Ahaz Almost Ruins the Kingdom

SS 170.3

Inspiration declares, “The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?” Proverbs 21:27. It is not because God is unwilling to forgive that He turns from the transgressor; because the sinner refuses the abundant provisions of grace, God is unable to deliver from sin. “Your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear.” Isaiah 59:2.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Lt 19a, 1884

4LtMs, Lt 19a, 1884, par. 10

All the light of present truth will not prevent them from falling away from their exalted privilege and losing all they have once held sacred and valuable. It is necessary for them to be instant in prayer and to live a life of humiliation and constant, living faith. I want to say to them, “Your iniquities have separated you from your God, and your sins have hid His face from you.” [Isaiah 59:2.] Your Maker has not forsaken you; Jesus has linked you by His own body to the Infinite One, and His faithfulness will never fail. His promises are more sure than the everlasting hills. But you have departed from God, you have forsaken the Fountain of living waters, [and] you have distrusted His love. You have had every spiritual advantage. The precious, clear light of truth has shone upon your pathway, but you have not rendered corresponding obedience and kept yourselves in the love of God. This very love which should have been a blessing has become a curse.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 198, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 198, 1899, par. 13

We bear our testimony to the impenitent: Beloved, the Lord’s hand is not shortened that it cannot save, nor his ear heavy that it cannot hear. The Lord now tells us that which interposes between the souls that are impenitent and Himself. “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you that he will not hear.” [Isaiah 59:2.] Is it not best now, just now, to seek the Lord and purify from your heart and character every sin that defileth? Thank the Lord, thank the Lord, all who are oppressed under a sense of your sins, for there is hope for you in God.

Maranatha

A World in Need, April 5

Mar 103.1

We wait for light, but behold obscurity; for brightness, but we walk in darkness. Isaiah 59:9.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 42, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 42, 1897, par. 11

In surrendering His spotless soul a living sacrifice, Jesus was bearing the sin of the world; He was enduring the curse of the law; He was sustaining the justice of God. He was now suffering under divine justice. He saw what justice meant. He felt that as man’s substitute and surety, He must be bound to the altar. “For our transgressions are multiplied before thee, and our sins testify against us; for our transgressions are with us; and as for our iniquities, we know them.” “And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his own arm brought salvation unto him, and his righteousness, it sustained him.” [Isaiah 59:12, 16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 52, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 52, 1901, par. 11

The state of the world today is represented by the state of the world in Noah’s day. “Our transgressions are multiplied before thee and our sins testify against us; for our transgressions are with us; and as for our iniquities, we know them: in transgressing and lying against the Lord, and departing away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood. And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off; for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey; and the Lord saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment.” [Isaiah 59:12-15.]

16LtMs, Lt 52, 1901, par. 13

“And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor; therefore his arm brought salvation unto him, and his righteousness, it sustained him. For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak. According to their deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to his adversaries, recompense to his enemies; to the islands he will repay recompense. So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him. And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the Lord. As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the Lord: My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed’s seed, saith the Lord, from henceforth and for ever.” [Verses 16-21.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 43, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 43, 1895, par. 59

The condition of the world at the time of Christ is well described by the prophet Isaiah. He says that the people were found “transgressing and lying against the Lord, and departing away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood. And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. Yea, truth faileth, and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: and the Lord saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment. And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his own arm brought salvation unto him, and his righteousness it sustained him. For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation upon his head.” [Isaiah 59:13-17.]

Counsels for the Church

Chapter 2—The Time of The End

CCh 37.3

The condition of things in the world shows that troublous times are right upon us. The daily papers are full of indications of a terrible conflict in the near future. Bold robberies are of frequent occurrence. Strikes are common. Thefts and murders are committed on every hand. Men possessed of demons are taking the lives of men, women, and little children. Men have become infatuated with vice, and every species of evil prevails. The enemy has succeeded in perverting justice and in filling men’s hearts with the desire for selfish gain. “Justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.” Isaiah 59:14. In the great cities there are multitudes living in poverty and wretchedness, well-nigh destitute of food, shelter, and clothing; while in the same cities are those who have more than heart could wish, who live luxuriously, spending their money on richly furnished houses, on personal adornment, or worse still, upon the gratification of sensual appetites, upon liquor, tobacco, and other things that destroy the powers of the brain, unbalance the mind, and debase the soul. The cries of starving humanity are coming up before God, while by every species of oppression and extortion men are piling up colossal fortunes.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 24a, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 24a, 1896, par. 6

Men who have had the light, have walked contrary to the light. These words are appropriate: “Truth has fallen in the streets, and equity cannot enter.” [Isaiah 59:14.] The malaria of unbelief has been diffusing its deathly atmosphere throughout the ranks, nigh and afar off. All this has been stated plainly, yet for years matters have been left unchanged. Can the Lord’s favor be expected under such circumstances?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 111, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 111, 1897, par. 17

The religion of error and superstition bore its fruit, bigotry, cruelty, falsehood, murder. These were exercised on the person of the only begotten Son of God. The priests tried in every way to entrap Christ, to find in Him something that they could use against Him. But notwithstanding the fact that they hired the ignorant tools of the enemy to bear a testimony which they had put in their mouths, nothing was found in Christ worthy of condemnation. Three times the judge declared, “I find no fault in him.” [John 18:38; 19:4, 6.] Yet instead of protecting Christ as an innocent man, and thus earning the reputation of being a just and considerate ruler, Pilate gave Him up into the hands of the mob. The only begotten Son of God was placed on trial, but it was a mock trial from beginning to end. It was shown to the world that the religion of the Jewish teachers was a religion of oppression. It proved unable to reform them. Tradition and rites of no value whatever were exalted above the Word of God. Truth indeed had “fallen in the streets, and equity could not enter.” [Isaiah 59:14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 164, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 164, 1897, par. 16

There need be no dearth of means today for the advancement of the work, but the Lord has no pleasure in His people because pride and selfishness have expelled mercy and the love of God and their fellow men from their hearts. Wrong actions are clothed with a pretense of righteousness, which the Lord calls dissembling, false weights, unjust balances, and fraud. This is the iniquity of the people of God. They have not restored the pledge, nor brought back that which they have taken away. “Truth has fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.” [Isaiah 59:14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 66, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 66, 1898, par. 38

I must speak plainly. We are reaching a time when a just standard of right and wrong, of honor and dishonor of truth and error, is becoming a thing of naught. “Truth is fallen in the streets, and equity cannot enter.” [Isaiah 59:14.] In the ambitious projects invented, there [is danger] of losing all sense of distinction between right and wrong. Those who listen to misrepresentations are supposed to be acting for the cause. For a long time a course has been pursued which has perverted principle and justice. We need men who will not be drawn into secret, underhand confederacy, but who will shun as a sin the least intriguing and underhand work—men who will call things by their right name, men who are barricaded by principle and braced for duty, be it pleasant or unpleasant, men whom neither flattery, pretense, cunning nor art could induce to swerve one hair from principle or duty.

Darkness Before Dawn

Corruption in Courts of Justice

DD 31.1

Courts of justice are corrupt. Rulers are actuated by desire for gain and love of sensual pleasure. Intemperance has beclouded the faculties of many so that Satan has almost complete control of them. Jurists are perverted, bribed, deluded. Drunkenness and revelry, passion, envy, dishonesty of every sort, are represented among those who administer the laws. “Justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.” Isaiah 59:14.

Lift Him Up

The Last Crisis, December 8

LHU 356.1

Justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. Isaiah 59:14.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9

Chapter 1—The Last Crisis

9T 11.4

The enemy has succeeded in perverting justice and in filling men’s hearts with the desire for selfish gain. “Justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.” Isaiah 59:14. In the great cities there are multitudes living in poverty and wretchedness, well-nigh destitute of food, shelter, and clothing; while in the same cities are those who have more than heart could wish, who live luxuriously, spending their money on richly furnished houses, on personal adornment, or worse still, upon the gratification of sensual appetites, upon liquor, tobacco, and other things that destroy the powers of the brain, unbalance the mind, and debase the soul. The cries of starving humanity are coming up before God, while by every species of oppression and extortion men are piling up colossal fortunes.

The Great Controversy

Chapter 36—The Impending Conflict

GC 586.1

Courts of justice are corrupt. Rulers are actuated by desire for gain and love of sensual pleasure. Intemperance has beclouded the faculties of many so that Satan has almost complete control of them. Jurists are perverted, bribed, deluded. Drunkenness and revelry, passion, envy, dishonesty of every sort, are represented among those who administer the laws. “Justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.” Isaiah 59:14.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 36—The Impending Conflict—Its Causes

GC88 586.1

Courts of justice are corrupt. Rulers are actuated by desire for gain, and love of sensual pleasure. Intemperance has beclouded the faculties of many, so that Satan has almost complete control of them. Jurists are perverted, bribed, deluded. Drunkenness and revelry, passion, envy, dishonesty of every sort, are represented among those who administer the laws. “Justice standeth afar off; for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.” [Isaiah 59:14.]

The Watchman

March 1, 1909

SW March 1, 1909, par. 1

We are living in a time of lawlessness. It is described by the prophets: “Judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off; for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.” “By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood.” Isaiah 59:14; Hosea 4:2. While but a small part of the evil and corruption of our large cities is ever published, there is enough to make the daily papers a daily comment on these texts.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 3

The Last Crisis

3TT 280.4

The enemy has succeeded in perverting justice and in filling men’s hearts with the desire for selfish gain. “Justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.” Isaiah 59:14. In the great cities there are multitudes living in poverty and wretchedness, well-nigh destitute of food, shelter, and clothing; while in the same cities are those who have more than heart could wish, who live luxuriously, spending their money on richly furnished houses, on personal adornment, or worse still, upon the gratification of sensual appetites, upon liquor, tobacco, and other things that destroy the powers of the brain, unbalance the mind, and debase the soul. The cries of starving humanity are coming up before God, while by every species of oppression and extortion men are piling up colossal fortunes.

Ministry to the Cities

Chapter 3—Challenges of the City

MTC 36.2

Rich Become Wealthy by Oppressing Others.—The enemy has succeeded in perverting justice and in filling men’s hearts with the desire for selfish gain. “Justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter” (Isaiah 59:14). In the great cities there are multitudes living in poverty and wretchedness, well nigh destitute of food, shelter, and clothing; while in the same cities are those who have more than heart could wish, who live luxuriously, spending their money on richly furnished houses, on personal adornment, or worse still, upon the gratification of sensual appetites, upon liquor, tobacco, and other things that destroy the powers of the brain, unbalance the mind, and debase the soul. The cries of starving humanity are coming up before God, while by every species of oppression and extortion men are piling up colossal fortunes.—Testimonies For The Church 9:11, 12. (1909)

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 14—“Shall Not God Avenge His Own?”

COL 170.3

“Judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off; for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey.” Isaiah 59:14, 15. This was fulfilled in the life of Christ on earth. He was loyal to God’s commandments, setting aside the human traditions and requirements which had been exalted in their place. Because of this He was hated and persecuted. This history is repeated. The laws and traditions of men are exalted above the law of God, and those who are true to God’s commandments suffer reproach and persecution. Christ, because of His faithfulness to God, was accused as a Sabbathbreaker and blasphemer. He was declared to be possessed of a devil, and was denounced as Beelzebub. In like manner His followers are accused and misrepresented. Thus Satan hopes to lead them to sin, and cast dishonor upon God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 26, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 26, 1899, par. 19

There are temptations to meet in every line. We may truly say, “Justice hath fallen in the streets, and equity cannot enter, ... and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey.” [Isaiah 59:14, 15.] Among worldly-wise men gold and silver and possessions of houses and lands measure the value of character. And this has been leavening those men in our very midst who claim to be Christians. But shall those who call themselves Christians bring in corrupting principles and dishonor Christ?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 65, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 65, 1901, par. 18

God’s principles are the only safe principles for us to follow. Phariseeism was filled with regular lines, but so perverted were the principles of justice that God declared, “Judgment is turned away backward, ... and equity cannot enter. Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey.” [Isaiah 59:14, 15.] How true these words have proved.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 158, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 158, 1902, par. 5

Dr. Caro once drove me up a long, broad street in Strathfield and showed me the grand buildings going up there as the homes of members of parliament, lawyers, and judges. Then he asked me what I thought of a sanitarium site on this splendid street. I said, “You will be disappointed when I tell you that it is just such places as this that you should avoid; for troublous times are before us. The owners of these buildings are not Christians by any means, and the further you get away from their critical observation, the better it will be for your work. Establish the sanitarium in a retired place, and these men, when sick, will soon find it out and will come to it for treatment. God does not want His servants to mingle with the men of the world. By their corrupt practices and pleasures, they have brought the fulfilment of the words, ‘Judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off; for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. Yea, truth faileth, and he that departeth from iniquity maketh himself a prey.’” [Isaiah 59:14, 15.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Ms 45, 1908

23LtMs, Ms 45, 1908, par. 18

The true Christian can have no fellowship with the world, where “judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off,” where “truth is fallen in the streets, and equity cannot enter,” and “he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey.” [Isaiah 59:14, 15.] The Christian represents a truth that works counter to all the ambitious plans of the world. This is why the world hates the followers of Christ.

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Example, November 8

JNN 329.2

“Judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off; for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey” (Isaiah 59:14, 15). This was fulfilled in the life of Christ on earth. He was loyal to God’s commandments, setting aside the human traditions and requirements which had been exalted in their place. Because of this He was hated and persecuted. This history is repeated. The laws and traditions of men are exalted above the law of God, and those who are true to God’s commandments suffer reproach and persecution. Christ, because of His faithfulness to God, was accused as a Sabbath-breaker and blasphemer. He was declared to be possessed of a devil, and was denounced as Beelzebub. In like manner His followers are accused and misrepresented. Thus Satan hopes to lead them to sin, and cast dishonor upon God.

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

MR No. 1450—Help of C. C. Crisler Needed; Ellen White Exhausted and Heavily Burdened; Counsel Regarding “Irregular Lines”

20MR 143.3

God’s principles are the only safe principles for us to follow. Phariseeism was filled with regular lines, but so perverted were the principles of justice that God declared, “Judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey” (Isaiah 59:14, 15). How true these words have proved.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9

Chapter 10—Conditions in the Cities

9T 91.2

This is a picture of what exists today. “Judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey.” Isaiah 59:14, 15.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 22—Imprisonment and Death of John

DA 222.2

Oh, how often has the life of the innocent been sacrificed through the intemperance of those who should have been guardians of justice! He who puts the intoxicating cup to his lips makes himself responsible for all the injustice he may commit under its besotting power. By benumbing his senses he makes it impossible for him to judge calmly or to have a clear perception of right and wrong. He opens the way for Satan to work through him in oppressing and destroying the innocent. “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” Proverbs 20:1. Thus it is that “judgment is turned away backward, ... and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey.” Isaiah 59:14, 15. Those who have jurisdiction over the lives of their fellow men should be held guilty of a crime when they yield to intemperance. All who execute the laws should be lawkeepers. They should be men of self-control. They need to have full command of their physical, mental, and moral powers, that they may possess vigor of intellect, and a high sense of justice.

The Ministry of Healing

Work of the Disciples

MH 142.3

What is the condition in the world today? Is not faith in the Bible as effectually destroyed by the higher criticism and speculation of today as it was by tradition and rabbinism in the days of Christ? Have not greed and ambition and love of pleasure as strong a hold on men’s hearts now as they had then? In the professedly Christian world, even in the professed churches of Christ, how few are governed by Christian principles. In business, social, domestic, even religious circles, how few make the teachings of Christ the rule of daily living. Is it not true that “justice standeth afar off: ... equity cannot enter.... And he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey”? Isaiah 59:14, 15.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 3

Passion for Love of Pleasure

3TT 327.4

This is a picture of what exists today. “Judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey.” Isaiah 59:14, 15.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 57, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 57, 1894, par. 17

In regard to Captain Eldridge I have had to write words of reproof again and again. You saw the evil that was at work, and yet you did not move as one in your position ought to have done. In regard to men whom I have had to reprove, the word of the Lord did not have the effect it would have had if you had discerned the evil more clearly and had acted decidedly. These words were spoken to me when the state of things in your councils was so objectionable to the Lord: “Judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off; the truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. Yea, truth faileth, and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey. And the Lord saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment.” [Isaiah 59:14, 15.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 11, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 11, 1895, par. 3

<Some> have interwoven selfishness with <their> work for years, and because of this, have misrepresented the character of our Redeemer and have walked contrary to His holy standard of righteousness. The counsels of selfish men have been permitted to prevail, and you have dealt unjustly with your brethren in business matters; but every unjust transaction is written in the books of heaven. We may well ask, How may I so keep on the alert as to avoid being deceived? <How shall I> conduct myself that sharpers may not take advantage of me? It becomes a serious question as to how we shall maintain Christianity in the marketplace and in business transactions when we have to deal with men who are so little influenced by principles of truth. Truly the time has come when, “justice is fallen in the streets, and equity cannot enter, and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey.” [Isaiah 59:14, 15.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 15, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 15, 1895, par. 12

What excuse did Brother C. H. Jones give for not keeping his word? He told me that it would not answer to push the Great Controversy and Patriarchs and Prophets while the men in the Review Office stood in the position they did in reference to the matter, for they would be jealous of the Pacific Press. I said, “Judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey.” [Isaiah 59:14, 15.] I have often quoted this as representing the course of the false shepherds, but I never expected to make an application of it to the treatment I myself received among our own people. But thus it has been presented to me.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 78, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 78, 1893, par. 21

Jesus has invited you to come to Him with all your burdens. “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, ... and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30. Then why unload your burden to human agents like yourself, who will only be in their turn oppressed and troubled? Why not respond to the invitation of Christ and come unto Him, the dear Saviour, as He has invited you? “Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the Most High, thy habitation; there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.” Psalm 91:9, 10. “Wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted.” “For it became him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren.” Hebrews 2:17, 18, 10, 11. Isaiah 59:14-17.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 67, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 67, 1900, par. 35

“Judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: and the Lord saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment. ... According to their deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to his adversaries, recompense to his enemies; to the islands he will repay recompense. So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.” [Isaiah 59:14, 15, 18, 19.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 7, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 7, 1895, par. 30

“Judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: and the Lord saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment. And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him. For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation on his head, and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as with a cloak. ... So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him. And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn away from transgression in Jacob, saith the Lord.” [Isaiah 59:14-17, 19, 20.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 150, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 150, 1899, par. 13

God has declared in His Word that our only hope is in Him. He is our stay, our staff. We can have no strength only in His strength. There is a work to be done for every institution in our borders. There is need of conversion from the principles which have been coming in. Be determined to obtain the victory and to hold the victory. Let there be a turning and an overturning, until every unrighteous principle is expelled. The living God will not justify any evil thing. These words were spoken, “Judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off; but truth has fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter; yea, truth faileth, and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: and the Lord saw it.” God walks through your business rooms, He is present in your council meetings. “And it displeased him that there was no judgment.” [Isaiah 59:14, 15.] See Isaiah 59:16-21.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 233, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 233, 1902, par. 12

“Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed when he cometh in the glory of his Father and with the holy angels.” [Verse 38.] Warnings will be given, [with] counsel and entreaties, nevertheless with some there will be just the same spirit. It would not be received if a prophet from heaven would come as a man sent of God to unfold the moral character of many rulers, many “first men in power” thus called. Nothing is [more evidence] of immoral character existing in our day than the majority of worldly kings, nobles, rulers, and legislators. The sport of indulging perverted animal passions is all open to the God of heaven. The violence, the crime, the most horrible sensuality, the corruption far below the dumb animal creation, is the history of today. [There are] those who know, or who have had plenty of light that they ought to know, that the cities are reeking with all kinds of crimes, that there is no justice, no equity. “He who departeth from evil maketh himself a prey.” [Isaiah 59:15.] Yet there are so many men who seem to be wedded to the city life. The rulers are men that need to be converted or they will be no better than the cases brought to [them] to handle and punish.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 58—The Coming of a Deliverer

PK 692.4

It was love for sinners that led Christ to pay the price of redemption. “He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor,” none other could ransom men and women from the power of the enemy; “therefore His arm brought salvation unto Him; and His righteousness, it sustained Him.” Isaiah 59:16.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8

Chapter 4—Our Responsibility

8T 25.2

In Eden, man fell from his high estate and through transgression became subject to death. It was seen in heaven that human beings were perishing, and the compassion of God was stirred. At infinite cost He devised a means of relief. He “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. There was no hope for the transgressor except through Christ. God saw that “there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore His arm brought salvation unto Him; and His righteousness, it sustained Him.” Isaiah 59:16.

The Watchman

May 15, 1906

SW May 15, 1906, par. 5

In Eden man fell from his high estate, and through transgression became subject to death. It was seen in heaven that human beings were perishing, and the compassion of God was stirred. At infinite cost he devised a means of relief. He “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. There was no hope for the transgressor except through Christ. God saw that “there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor; therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness it sustained him.” Isaiah 59:16.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 80, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 80, 1894, par. 4

Your only course is to lean your whole weight upon Christ. Ever bear in mind that we are now upon trial. In this life we are to form a character either after the divine similitude, or after the similitude of the rebellious one who lost his glorious estate and forfeited his exalted position in the heavenly courts. You have experienced what it means to have no arm reached out in tender Christlike pity and compassion, and [you] also know that “his own arm brought salvation.” [Isaiah 59:16.] Christ invites you to wear His yoke, to lift His burden, He says, “Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly of heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” [Matthew 11:29.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 33, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 33, 1898, par. 22

“And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him. For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad in zeal as a cloak.” [Isaiah 59:16, 17.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 48, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 48, 1901, par. 4

“He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor; therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him. For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak. According to their deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to his adversaries, recompense to his enemies; to the islands he will repay recompense. So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.” [Isaiah 59:16-19.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 88, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 88, 1899, par. 12

“He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor; therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him. For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak. According to their deeds, accordingly will he repay, fury to his adversaries, recompense to his enemies; to the islands he will repay recompense. So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him. And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the Lord.” [Isaiah 59:16-20.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 13, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 13, 1906, par. 19

The record shows the power that prayers of faith, thought offered by frail human beings, have with God. The earnest cry “I will not let Thee go except Thou bless me” has saved many a soul. [Genesis 32:26.] If there were far more urgent intercessions for perishing souls, there would be far more souls saved. Of Christ it is written, “He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor; therefore His arm brought salvation unto Him; and His righteousness, it sustained Him.” [Isaiah 59:16.] He wondered that there was no man who would lay hold by living faith of his fellow men, and save them with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garments spotted by the flesh. “He put on righteousness as a breastplate.” He was not covering up the sins of the transgressor, but was making the most determined effort to bring the sinner to a sense of the sinfulness of sin. His own hatred of sin, His own integrity brought salvation to the sinner. “He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon His head; and He put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak. According to their deeds, accordingly He will repay, fury to His adversaries, recompense to His enemies; to the islands He will repay recompense. So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him. And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the Lord. As for Me, this is My covenant with them, saith the Lord: My Spirit that is upon thee, and My words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed’s seed, saith the Lord, from henceforth and for ever.” [Verses 17-21.]

My Life Today

The Helmet of Salvation, November 6

ML 314.1

For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke. Isaiah 59:17.

God’s Amazing Grace

Embraces the Whole World, January 19

AG 27.5

Before man can belong to the kingdom of Christ, his character must be purified from sin and sanctified by the grace of Christ.... Christ longs to manifest His grace, and stamp His character and image upon the whole world. He was offered the kingdoms of this world by the one who revolted in heaven, to buy His homage to the principles of evil; but He came to establish a kingdom of righteousness, and He would not be bought; He would not abandon His purpose. This earth is His purchased inheritance, and He would have men free and pure and holy.... Though Satan works through human instrumentalities to hinder the purpose of Christ, there are triumphs yet to be accomplished through the blood shed for the world, that will bring glory to God and to the Lamb. His kingdom will extend, and embrace the whole world.... Christ will not be satisfied till victory is complete. But “he shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied.” “So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun” (Isaiah 53:11; 59:19).36The Review and Herald, August 18, 1896.

The Great Controversy

Chapter 37—The Scriptures a Safeguard

GC 599.3

The Bible should never be studied without prayer. The Holy Spirit alone can cause us to feel the importance of those things easy to be understood, or prevent us from wresting truths difficult of comprehension. It is the office of heavenly angels to prepare the heart so to comprehend God’s word that we shall be charmed with its beauty, admonished by its warnings, or animated and strengthened by its promises. We should make the psalmist’s petition our own: “Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law.” Psalm 119:18. Temptations often appear irresistible because, through neglect of prayer and the study of the Bible, the tempted one cannot readily remember God’s promises and meet Satan with the Scripture weapons. But angels are round about those who are willing to be taught in divine things; and in the time of great necessity they will bring to their remembrance the very truths which are needed. Thus “when the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.” Isaiah 59:19.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 37—The Scriptures a Safeguard

GC88 599.3

The Bible should never be studied without prayer. The Holy Spirit alone can cause us to feel the importance of those things easy to be understood, or prevent us from wresting truths difficult of comprehension. It is the office of heavenly angels to prepare the heart to so comprehend God’s Word that we shall be charmed with its beauty, admonished by its warnings, or animated and strengthened by its promises. We should make the psalmist’s petition our own: “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” [Psalm 119:18.] Temptations often appear irresistible because, through neglect of prayer and the study of the Bible, the tempted one cannot readily remember God’s promises and meet Satan with the Scripture weapons. But angels are round about those who are willing to be taught in divine things; and in the time of great necessity, they will bring to their remembrance the very truths which are needed. Thus “when the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.” [Isaiah 59:19.]

The Retirement Years

Lessons From The Months Of Suffering

RY 143.1

Many nights during the past nine months I was enabled to sleep but two hours a night, and then at times darkness would gather about me; but I prayed, and realized much sweet comfort in drawing nigh to God. The promises, “Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you” (James 4:8), “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him” (Isaiah 59:19), were fulfilled to me. I was all light in the Lord. Jesus was sacredly near, and I found the grace given sufficient, for my soul was stayed upon God, and I was full of grateful praise to Him who loved me and gave Himself for me. I could say from a full heart, “I know whom I have believed” (2 Timothy 1:12). “God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Through Jesus Christ I have come off more than conqueror, and held the vantage ground.

The Upward Look

Every Man Is Given His Work, June 14

UL 179.1

When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him. Isaiah 59:19.

This Day With God

A Standard Against the Enemy, July 9

TDG 199.1

When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him. Isaiah 59:19.

This Day With God

That Thy Faith Fail Not, September 8

TDG 260.6

If Satan had been suffered to have his way, there would have been no hope for Peter. He would have made complete shipwreck of faith. Had Peter earnestly and in humility looked for divine help, had he been searching his own heart in secret, he would not have been sifted when tried. Satan cannot overcome the humble learner of Christ, he who walks prayerfully before the Lord. “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard” for him against the enemy (Isaiah 59:19). Christ interposes Himself as a shelter, a retreat, and the wicked one cannot overcome Him.—Manuscript 109, September 8, 1898, “Peter’s Fall and Restoration.”

Ye Shall Receive Power

With a Prayerful Spirit, April 13

YRP 112.4

Temptations often appear irresistible because, through neglect of prayer and the study of the Bible, the tempted one cannot readily remember God’s promises and meet Satan with the Scripture weapons. But angels are round about those who are willing to be taught in divine things; and in the time of great necessity they will bring to their remembrance the very truths which are needed. Thus “when the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him” (Isaiah 59:19).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 7, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 7, 1892, par. 4

Many nights during the past nine months I was enabled to sleep but two hours a night, and then at times darkness would gather about me; but I prayed and realized much sweet comfort in drawing nigh to God. The promises, “Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you;” “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him,” were fulfilled to me. [James 4:8; Isaiah 59:19.] I was all light in the Lord. Jesus was sacredly near, and I found the grace given sufficient, for my soul was stayed upon God and I was full of grateful praise to Him who loved me and gave Himself for me. I could say from a full heart, “I know whom I have believed.” 2 Timothy 1:12. “God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13. Through Jesus Christ I have come off more than conqueror, and held the vantage ground.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 75, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 75, 1893, par. 8

Then I prayed earnestly and realized continually sweet comfort in the promises of God: “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.” [James 4:8.] “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.” [Isaiah 59:19.] These promises were fulfilled to me. I knew Jesus came sacredly near, and I found His grace all-sufficient. My soul stayed upon God. I could say from a full heart, “I know in whom I have believed.” [2 Timothy 1:12.] “God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able, but will with the temptation make a way of escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” [1 Corinthians 10:13.] Through Christ I came off more than conqueror.

God’s Amazing Grace

More Than Mortal Power, July 20

AG 209.1

When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him. Isaiah 59:19.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 109, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 109, 1898, par. 6

If Satan had been suffered to have his way, there would have been no hope for Peter. He would have made complete shipwreck of faith. Had Peter earnestly and in humility looked for divine help, had he been searching his own heart in secret, he would not have been sifted and tried. Satan cannot overcome the humble learner of Christ, he who walks prayerfully before the Lord. “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard” for him against the enemy. [Isaiah 59:19.] Christ interposes himself as a shelter, a retreat, and the wicked one cannot overcome him.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 82, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 82, 1900, par. 58

I have been unable to get the rest I needed so much. But the Lord revealed Himself to me, declaring that He would defend me, and that in spite of the objectionable influences surrounding me, I should leave the boat unharmed. I will lift up for you a standard against the enemy, He said; and this He has done. [Isaiah 59:19.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 96, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 96, 1900, par. 28

I have been unable to get the rest I needed so much. But the Lord revealed Himself to me, declaring that He would defend me, and that in spite of the objectionable influences surrounding me, I should leave the boat unharmed. I will lift up for you a standard against the enemy, He said; and this He has done. [Isaiah 59:19.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 66, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 66, 1901, par. 26

God lives and reigns. He will open the way for the neglected Southern field to be cultivated for Him. The Lord says to the workers in Nashville, “Be strong, yea, be strong. The hand of oppression and robbery shall not afflict you if you will exalt the true, holy principles of My law.” “When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard for you against him.” [Isaiah 59:19.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 303, 1905

20LtMs, Lt 303, 1905, par. 2

Some marked victories have been gained where the enemy had planned to undermine our institutions by causing division. When a crisis came, the Lord fulfilled His promise, “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.” [Isaiah 59:19.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 31, 1911

25LtMs, Ms 31, 1911, par. 59

Temptation is not sin unless it is cherished. Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, will fill the soul with peace and abiding trust. “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.” [Isaiah 59:19.]

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Great Commander in Heaven and Earth, May 1

JNN 132.1

When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him.—Isaiah 59:19

God’s Amazing Grace

Why Not Now? December 6

AG 348.4

Christ will not be satisfied until the victory is complete, and “He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied” (Isaiah 53:11). All the nations of the earth shall hear the gospel of His grace. Not all will receive His grace; but “a seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation” (Psalm 22:30). “The kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High,” and the “earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” “So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun” (Daniel 7:27; Isaiah 11:9; 59:19).

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

Item 3

2MR 343.4

Temptation is not sin unless it is cherished. Looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, will fill the soul with peace and abiding trust. “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him” [Isaiah 59:19].

My Life Today

To Raise a Standard Against the Enemy, February 13

ML 48.1

When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him. Isaiah 59:19.

Prayer

Chapter 10—Reasons to Pray

Pr 95.2

The Bible should never be studied without prayer. The Holy Spirit alone can cause us to feel the importance of those things easy to be understood, or prevent us from wresting truths difficult of comprehension. It is the office of heavenly angels to prepare the heart so to comprehend God’s word that we shall be charmed with its beauty, admonished by its warnings, or animated and strengthened by its promises. We should make the psalmist’s petition our own: “Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law.” Psalm 119:18. Temptations often appear irresistible because, through neglect of prayer and the study of the Bible, the tempted one cannot readily remember God’s promises and meet Satan with the Scripture weapons. But angels are round about those who are willing to be taught in divine things; and in the time of great necessity they will bring to their remembrance the very truths which are needed. Thus “when the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.” Isaiah 59:19—(The Great Controversy, 599, 600.)

Reflecting Christ

Meeting Satan With Scripture Weapons, April 12

RC 116.5

Temptations often appear irresistible because, through neglect of prayer and the study of the Bible, the tempted one cannot readily remember God’s promises and meet Satan with the Scripture weapons. But angels are round about those who are willing to be taught in divine things; and in the time of great necessity they will bring to their remembrance the very truths which are needed. Thus “when the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him” (Isaiah 59:19).

Selected Messages Book 2

Learned Lessons from the Months of Suffering

2SM 241.2

Many nights during the past nine months I was enabled to sleep but two hours a night, and then at times darkness would gather about me; but I prayed, and realized much sweet comfort in drawing nigh to God. The promises, “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you” (James 4:8), “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him” (Isaiah 59:19), were fulfilled to me. I was all light in the Lord. Jesus was sacredly near, and I found the grace given sufficient, for my soul was stayed upon God, and I was full of grateful praise to Him who loved me and gave Himself for me. I could say from a full heart, “I know whom I have believed” (2 Timothy 1:12). “God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Through Jesus Christ I have come off more than conqueror, and held the vantage ground.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 86—Go Teach All Nations

DA 827.4

The Saviour longs to manifest His grace and stamp His character on the whole world. It is His purchased possession, and He desires to make men free, and pure, and holy. Though Satan works to hinder this purpose, yet through the blood shed for the world there are triumphs to be achieved that will bring glory to God and the Lamb. Christ will not be satisfied till the victory is complete, and “He shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied.” Isaiah 53:11. All the nations of the earth shall hear the gospel of His grace. Not all will receive His grace; but “a seed shall serve Him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation.” Psalm 22:30. “The kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High,” and “the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” “So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun.” Daniel 7:27; Isaiah 11:9; 59:19.

Living by Principle

Feelings

PH048 39.2

Isaiah 59:19, 21: So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.... As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the Lord; My Spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed’s seed, saith the Lord, from henceforth and forever.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 91, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 91, 1900, par. 17

In the fulness of time Christ was to be revealed in human form. He was to assume the position of head of humanity by taking the nature, but not the sinfulness of man. In heaven was heard the voice, “And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression ..., saith the Lord.” [Isaiah 59:20.] “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; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called, Trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.” [Isaiah 61:1-3.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 2d, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 2d, 1892, par. 18

“The Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the Lord, as for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the Lord; my Spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth.” [Isaiah 59:20, 21.] “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people; but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy shining.” [Isaiah 60:1-3.]