EGW WritingsIsaiah 61
Ellen G. White
Read Isaiah 61 in the BibleIsaiah 61:1-2
God’s Amazing Grace
Unlike Earthly Kingdoms, January 6
AG 14.3
In striking contrast to the wrong and oppression so universally practised were the mission and work of Christ.... He planned a government which would use no force; His subjects would know no oppression.... Not as a fierce tyrant did He come, but as the Son of man; not to conquer the nations by His iron power, but “to preach good tidings unto the meek;” “to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;” “to comfort all that mourn” (Isaiah 61:1, 2). He came as the divine Restorer, bringing to oppressed and downtrodden humanity the rich and abundant grace of Heaven, that by the power of His righteousness, man, fallen and degraded though he was, might be a partaker of divinity....From Heaven With Love
Many Longed for a Deliverer
HLv 21.5
Among the Jews there were yet steadfast souls through whom a knowledge of God had been preserved. These strengthened their faith by dwelling on the assurance given through Moses, “A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; Him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever He shall say unto you.” Acts 3:22. They read how the Lord would anoint One “to preach good tidings unto the meek,” “to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives,” and to declare the “acceptable year of the Lord.” Isaiah 61:1, 2. He would “set judgment in the earth” and the isles would “wait for His law.” Isaiah 42:4. Gentiles would come to His light, and kings to the brightness of His rising. See Isaiah 60:3.From Splendor to Shadow
The True Character of the Messiah Revealed
SS 356.3
The steadfast among the Jewish nation strengthened their faith by dwelling on these and similar passages. They read how the Lord would anoint One “to preach good tidings unto the meek,” “to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives,” and to declare “the acceptable year of the Lord.” Isaiah 61:1, 2. Yet with sadness and deep humiliation of soul they traced the words in the prophetic roll:Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 133, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 133, 1902, par. 3
“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 be captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” [Isaiah 61:1, 2.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Ms 113, 1908
23LtMs, Ms 113, 1908, par. 21
“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.” [Isaiah 61:1, 2.]Jesus, Name Above All Names
Author of Truth, July 9
JNN 203.3
Among the Jews there were yet steadfast souls, descendants of that holy line through whom a knowledge of God had been preserved. These still looked for the hope of the promise made unto the fathers. They strengthened their faith by dwelling upon the assurance given through Moses, “A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; Him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever He shall say unto you” (Acts 3:22). Again, they read how the Lord would anoint One “to preach good tidings unto the meek,” “to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives,” and to declare the “acceptable year of the Lord” (Isaiah 61:1, 2). They read how He would “set judgment in the earth,” how the isles should “wait for His law,” how the Gentiles should come to His light, and kings to the brightness of His rising (Isaiah 42:4; 60:3).Manuscript Releases, vol. 3 [Nos. 162-209]
MR No. 196—Material on Reaching the Wealthy
3MR 287.4
“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.” Isaiah 61:1, 2.Prophets and Kings
Chapter 58—The Coming of a Deliverer
PK 689.2
The steadfast among the Jewish nation, descendants of that holy line through whom a knowledge of God had been preserved, strengthened their faith by dwelling on these and similar passages. With exceeding joy they read how the Lord would anoint One “to preach good tidings unto the meek,” “to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives,” and to declare “the acceptable year of the Lord.” Isaiah 61:1, 2. Yet their hearts were filled with sadness as they thought of the sufferings He must endure in order to fulfill the divine purpose. With deep humiliation of soul they traced the words in the prophetic roll:The Desire of Ages
Chapter 3—“The Fullness of the Time”
DA 34.2
Among the Jews there were yet steadfast souls, descendants of that holy line through whom a knowledge of God had been preserved. These still looked for the hope of the promise made unto the fathers. They strengthened their faith by dwelling upon the assurance given through Moses, “A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; Him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever He shall say unto you.” Acts 3:22. Again, they read how the Lord would anoint One “to preach good tidings unto the meek,” “to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives,” and to declare the “acceptable year of the Lord.” Isaiah 61:1, 2. They read how He would “set judgment in the earth,” how the isles should “wait for His law,” how the Gentiles should come to His light, and kings to the brightness of His rising. Isaiah 42:4; 60:3.The Desire of Ages
Chapter 22—Imprisonment and Death of John
DA 217.2
The disciples bore the message, and it was enough. John recalled the prophecy concerning the Messiah, “The Lord hath anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, 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.” Isaiah 61:1, 2. The works of Christ not only declared Him to be the Messiah, but showed in what manner His kingdom was to be established. To John was opened the same truth that had come to Elijah in the desert, when “a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: and after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire:” and after the fire, God spoke to the prophet by “a still small voice.” 1 Kings 19:11, 12. So Jesus was to do His work, not with the clash of arms and the overturning of thrones and kingdoms, but through speaking to the hearts of men by a life of mercy and self-sacrifice.The Ministry of Healing
Chapter 2—Days of Ministry
MH 35.2
John recalled the prophecy concerning the Messiah, “Jehovah hath anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; to proclaim the year of Jehovah’s favor, and ... to comfort all that mourn.” Isaiah 61:1, 2, A.R.V. Jesus of Nazareth was the Promised One. The evidence of His divinity was seen in His ministry to the needs of suffering humanity. His glory was shown in His condescension to our low estate.The Ministry of Healing
Character of God Revealed in Christ
MH 423.1
“Jehovah hath anointed Me,” He said,“To preach good tidings unto the poor;
He hath sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives,”
“And recovering of sight to the blind;”
“To proclaim the year of Jehovah’s favor; ...
To comfort all that mourn.” Isaiah 61:1, A.R.V., margin; Luke 4:18; Isaiah 61:2, A.R.V.
From Trials to Triumph
Chapter 22—A Revival and a Riot at Thessalonica
TT 119.4
8. The work the Saviour was to do had been fully outlined: “To bring good tidings to the afflicted; ... to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn.” Isaiah 61:1, 2, RSV.Isaiah 61:1-3
Lift Him Up
Sympathy to All, March 17
LHU 90.1
The spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to ... give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Isaiah 61:1-3.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 60, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 60, 1895, par. 9
“Thus saith the Lord, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest? For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the Lord: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor, and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.” [Isaiah 66:1, 2.] “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 them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garments 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 10 (1895)
Ms 44, 1895
10LtMs, Ms 44, 1895, par. 20
Through the Holy Spirit the Lord works with the human agent. He hath anointed us “to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent us 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.] The Sun of Righteousness has arisen. Christ is waiting to clothe His people with the garments of salvation.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 114, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 114, 1895, par. 8
“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 11 (1896)
Ms 29, 1896
11LtMs, Ms 29, 1896, par. 11
The ministry of Christ has been portrayed in prophecy. Through the prophet Isaiah, Christ declares: “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 brokenhearted, 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 11 (1896)
Lt 7, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 7, 1896, par. 16
Christ says of His work, “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because he 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.]11LtMs, Lt 7, 1896, par. 18
This is true in regard to those who have done a work which God has not authorized them to do. The very work that should be done, brought to view in (Isaiah 61:1-3), has been strangely neglected. Some have been very ready to pronounce judgment upon the work of their fellow men, because it did not exactly represent their ideas. But has God pronounced them infallible? The spirit they have manifested in pronouncing judgment upon God’s messengers shows their fallibility, and their ignorance, both of the Scriptures and of the power of God. These men are counterworking the work of God. They have felt at liberty to make decisions and laws which would bring talent under their jurisdiction. They have placed themselves in the judgment seat, to control their fellow men. But has God appointed them to do this work? He would say of them, “What doest thou here? Who sent you on this journey? Who gave you this errand to perform? Who made you a <critic and> judge on matters of doctrine? Who appointed you to pick and to choose the words and expressions which my servants shall use?”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 14, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 14, 1897, par. 3
Unroll the scroll still further, and read what Isaiah says of his work. “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 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 13 (1898)
Lt 106, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 106, 1898, par. 14
Brother Chapman, be of good courage in the Lord. Have faith. Place yourself in the hands of the great Physician, believing He will restore you to health. Do not doubt for a moment. Did not Christ come to the world as the One testified to in prophecy by Isaiah: “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 the spirit of mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness: that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.” [Isaiah 61:1-3.]Manuscript Releases, vol. 17 [Nos. 1236-1300]
MR No. 1269—Every Person Has God-Given Talents Which Should Bear Fruit; Church Leaders Not to Exercise Absolute Control Over Others
17MR 199.6
But this work of soul saving has been neglected; personal efforts have not been made. Men in responsible positions, craving large buildings “to make an appearance and give character to the work,” have neglected the only means that can give character to the work. The only way they can do this is to abide in the Vine, and show by their good works that they are vitally connected with it. Thus they can represent Christ in the fruit they bear, and diffuse light to the world. “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?” [Isaiah 58:6]. “And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not” [verse 11]. Christ says of His work: [Isaiah 61:1-3, quoted].17MR 200.2
This is true in regard to those who have done a work which God has not authorized them to do. The very work that should be done, brought to view in Isaiah 61:1-3, has been strangely neglected. Some have been very ready to pronounce judgment upon the work of their fellow men, because it did not exactly represent their ideas. But has God pronounced them infallible? The spirit they have manifested in pronouncing judgment upon God’s messengers shows their fallibility and their ignorance, both of the Scriptures and of the power of God. These men are counterworking the work of God. They have felt at liberty to make decisions and laws which would bring talent under their jurisdiction. They have placed themselves in the judgment seat, to control their fellow men. But has God appointed them to do this work? He would say of them, “What doest thou here? Who sent you on this journey? Who gave you this errand to perform? Who made you a critic and judge on matters of doctrine? Who appointed you to pick and to choose the words and expressions which My servants shall use?”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 120, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 120, 1898, par. 10
What is our work? Christ declared, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, 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 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 13 (1898)
Ms 56, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 56, 1898, par. 32
“The Spirit of the Lord 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; ... 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 13 (1898)
Lt 33, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 33, 1898, par. 23
By faith we are to do the work of Christ, as represented in His words to the prophet Isaiah: “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 14 (1899)
Ms 42, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 42, 1899, par. 11
Let the Lord Jesus testify in regard to the fruit he bears: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the poor; he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, (not to sentence them to prison and exile, to chain gangs and stocks), 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 may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that ye might be glorified.” [Isaiah 61:1-3.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 10, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 10, 1899, par. 23
The highest character is given to the gospel of our Lord and Saviour by winning souls to Christ, to receive and glorify God through the truth, to become acquainted with the mystery of godliness as expressed in the words: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath appointed me to preach good tidings to the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, 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 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 16 (1901)
Ms 191, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 191, 1901, par. 3
I wish not that our sister should have less regret and less love for the faithful husband, but that she should now look to her best Friend, One whose love has been expressed to her all her life long. I would speak to her [the words of] Isaiah 61:1-3: “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 brokenhearted, 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.”The Acts of the Apostles
Chapter 22—Thessalonica
AA 224.1
The work that the Saviour was to do on the earth had been fully outlined: “The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord; and shall make Him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord.” The One thus anointed was “to preach good tidings unto the meek; ... to bind up the brokenhearted, 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 11:2, 3; 61:1-3.Welfare Ministry
Mrs. White Retained Broad Sympathies Throughout Life
WM 338.3
I do not wish that our sister should have less regret and less love for the faithful husband, but that she should now look to her best Friend, One whose love has been expressed to her all her life. I would speak to her the words of Isaiah 61:1-3: “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 brokenhearted, 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.”—Diary, 1901.The Paulson Collection of Ellen G. White Letters
L.B. 18, P. 426 C
PC 47.2
“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 8 (1893)
Lt 64, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 64, 1893, par. 7
“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.] Here the office of Christ is plainly specified, and the work He engages to do for fallen man, if he will co-operate with God. This is the overture of God’s mercy to man.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 71a, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 71a, 1894, par. 12
We need, oh so much, physicians for the soul, who have been educated in the school of Christ, and who can work in Christ’s lines. Christ has announced the mission for which He came to earth. He said, “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; and 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 garments 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 10 (1895)
Lt 91, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 91, 1895, par. 1
I have a message from the Lord for you. You have believed and loved the truth, but you have been sorely tempted. Now, the Lord Jesus has not forsaken you. He is looking with pitying tenderness upon you and your wife. These words were presented before me: “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 brokenhearted, 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 in Zion; to appoint unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.” [Isaiah 61:1-3.] In (Luke 4:18) the Lord Jesus applies this scripture to Himself. My dear tempted brother, you have a personal interest in this matter. Faith in Christ as your personal Saviour will bring you into the light of the Sun of Righteousness. There is One who has made reconciliation for sin. In Him you will find peace and hope.Isaiah 61:1-4
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Ms 91, 1908
23LtMs, Ms 91, 1908, par. 9
The mission of the people of God in this age is outlined in the words of inspiration that describe the work of the Messiah: “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.]23LtMs, Ms 91, 1908, par. 10
“And they shall build up the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.” [Verse 4.]Counsels on Health
The Gospel in Practice
CH 530.1
When health reform was first brought to our notice, about thirty-five years ago, the light presented to me was contained in this scripture: “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 brokenhearted, 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. And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.” Isaiah 61:1-4.Sermons and Talks, vol. 2
Letter 94a, 1909
2SAT 308.4
Isaiah, speaking of the mission of Christ and His followers, says: [Isaiah 61:1-4; 58:12, quoted.]2SAT 312.3
Missionaries are called for to go to foreign countries to present the truth to those who are in darkness. And the cities right around us are unworked, and are calling for help. “Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord” [Isaiah 43:10], “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” (Isaiah 61:1, 2). My brethren and sisters, let us not make representations of unbelief, but let the light shine forth to the world in clear, distinct rays.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 16, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, par. 71
The prophet Isaiah says, They that shall be of Thee shall build the old waste places: Thou shalt raise up the foundation of many generations—what is that? The Sabbath of the fourth commandment. Raise it up by pen, by voice, and ring out the truth in every way possible. And thou shalt be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of paths to dwell in. [Isaiah 58:12.] See Isaiah 58:13, 14. This is the work of those who see the Sabbath of the Lord trodden down: they are to give it the exalted position it deserves. See Isaiah 61:1-4.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 45, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 45, 1900, par. 13
“And they that be of thee shall build the old waste places; thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in. If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” [Verses 12-14.] Read chapters 56 and 60:1-3; chapter 61:1-4.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 150, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 150, 1901, par. 3
When health reform was first brought to our notice, about thirty-five years ago, the light presented to me was contained in this Scripture, “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 brokenhearted, 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 them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garments 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. And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.” [Isaiah 61:1-4.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Lt 94a, 1909
24LtMs, Lt 94a, 1909, par. 17
“And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.” Isaiah 61:1-4. “Thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach; the restorer of paths to dwell in.” Isaiah 58:12.24LtMs, Lt 94a, 1909, par. 37
Missionaries are called for to go to foreign countries to present the truth to those who are in darkness. And the cities right around us are unworked and are calling for help. “Ye are My witnesses, saith the Lord,” “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.” Isaiah 43:10; 61:1, 2. My brethren and sisters, let us not make representations of unbelief, but let the light shine forth to the world in clear, distinct rays.Isaiah 61:1-8
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 55, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 55, 1894, par. 9
I was reading in Isaiah this morning that the Lord Jesus came to preach the gospel to the meek. [Isaiah 61:1.] I desire the meekness of Christ; and yet, when I see men interposing their unsanctified decision in the way of the Lord’s work, I shall not be clear in holding my peace. I shall speak decidedly; I shall not be silent, although my mission and the work given me of God may not be recognized by some in your councils. But I dare not be silent, whether men will hear or forbear. I have had my commission, “Cry aloud, and spare not; lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgressions, and the house of Jacob their sins.” [Isaiah 58:1.] There are many things that God does not approve that pass currency in Battle Creek.9LtMs, Lt 55, 1894, par. 10
Oh that every man and every woman that handle or are in touch with sacred things would be pure in heart and upright in all their dealing with every man, saint or sinner! It is because of indulgence in sharp dealing, and in practice, that all such will be ever suspicious of others, judging them by themselves. I have had this scripture much before me: “For I the Lord love judgment; I hate robbery for burnt offering. I will direct their work in truth, and will make an everlasting covenant with them.” [Isaiah 61:8.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Ms 52, 1896
11LtMs, Ms 52, 1896, par. 33
Should laborers in the cause of God exact from the poor that which they have not power to bestow, whether in service or in money, the Word of God comes to them, be they ministers or people, “I hate robbery for burnt offerings.” [Isaiah 61:8.] Whenever money is exacted for the cause by methods that cause suffering from hunger or for want of clothing, God will judge the one who does it, and all who suffer this to be done come under the censure of the Lord.11LtMs, Ms 52, 1896, par. 71
The heart of Christ is full of tenderness toward His heritage. The ear of the Lord is open to all the cries of those who are in His service, and He has promised, “I will guide thee with mine eye.” [Psalm 32:8.] Walk humbly with your God, and ask Him to make your course of duty plain. When God speaks to His representatives, and asks them to be laborers together with Him, they will do the same kind of work that Jesus announced as His work when He stood up to read in the synagogue at Nazareth. He opened the book of the prophet Isaiah, and read, “The Spirit ....” [Luke 4:16-18; Isaiah 61:1.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Ms 1, 1896
11LtMs, Ms 1, 1896, par. 7
The ministers of our conferences cannot say that they have a home, for they are sometimes in this country, and sometimes in that. The people for whom they labor are poor; but Christ came to preach the gospel to the poor, for He says, “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 brokenhearted, 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 them 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.] This is the work the Lord’s shepherds are required to do. Money is consumed in travelling from place to place, in settling and unsettling every few months, in buying household goods and selling them or venturing transportation. The entire family have no release from their efforts, for they must always appear cheerful and fresh, that they may bring sunshine into the minds of those who need help.11LtMs, Ms 1, 1896, par. 13
Every minister must have a margin to work upon, that he may have something with which to lead out in good enterprises, building churches and advancing the cause of God in every line, pushing the work with zeal, and laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. “For I the Lord love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offerings.” [Isaiah 61:8.] And He tells us, “Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn.” [1 Timothy 5:18.] This is a figure of those who work under the eye of God to advance His cause in lifting the minds of men from the contemplation of earthly things to heaven. These God loves, and He would have men respect their rights.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 142, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 142, 1903, par. 6
“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.]18LtMs, Ms 142, 1903, par. 11
Will my brethren consider these things which the Lord has brought before my mind in a most impressive manner? Will those who have never carried the burden of such work, and who suppose that the chosen and faithful ministers of God have an easy time, bear in mind that the sentinels of God are on duty constantly? Their labor is not measured by hours. When their accounts are audited, if selfish men shall, with voice or stroke of pen, limit the worker in his wages, they discourage and depress him. Every minister must have a salvage to work upon, that he may have something with which to lead out in good enterprises, building churches and advancing the cause of God in every line, pushing the work with zeal and laying up in store for himself a good foundation, against the time to come, that he may lay hold on eternal life. “For I the Lord love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering.” [Isaiah 61:8.] And He tells us, “Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn.” [1 Corinthians 9:9.] This is a figure of those who work under the eye of God to advance His cause in lifting the minds of men from the contemplation of earthly things to the heavenly. These God loves, and He would have men respect their rights.18LtMs, Ms 142, 1903, par. 142
Will my brethren consider these things which the Lord has brought before my mind in a most impressive manner? Will those who have carried the burden of such work, and who suppose that the chosen and faithful ministers of God have an easy time, bear in mind that the sentinels of God are on duty constantly? Their labor is not measured by hours. When their accounts are audited, if selfish men shall, with voice or stroke of pen, limit the worker in his wages, they discourage and depress him. Every minister must have a salvage to work upon, that he may have something with which to lead out in good enterprises, building churches and advancing the cause of God in every line, pushing the work with zeal, and laying up in store for himself a good foundation, against the time to come, that he may lay hold on eternal life. “For I the Lord love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering.” [Isaiah 61:8.] And He tells us, “Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn.” [1 Corinthians 9:9.] This is a figure of those who work under the eye of God to advance His cause in lifting the minds of men from the contemplation of earthly things to heaven. These God loves, and He would have men respect their rights.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 33, 1912
25LtMs, Ms 33, 1912, par. 6
“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, and 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.]25LtMs, Ms 33, 1912, par. 11
Will my brethren consider these things which the Lord has brought before my mind in a most impressive manner? Will those who have never carried the burden of such work, and who suppose that the chosen and faithful ministers of God have an easy time, bear in mind that the sentinels of God are on duty constantly? Their labor is not measured by hours. When their accounts are audited, if selfish men shall, with voice or stroke of pen, limit the worker in his wages, they discourage and depress him. Every minister must have a salvage to work upon, that he may have something with which to lead out in good enterprises, building churches and advancing the cause of God in every line, pushing the work with zeal and laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. “For I the Lord love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering.” [Isaiah 61:8.] And He tells us, “Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn.” [1 Corinthians 9:9.] This is a figure of those who work under the eye of God to advance His cause in lifting the minds of men from the contemplation of earthly things to heaven. These God loves, and He would have men respect their rights.Isaiah 61:1-11
From Heaven With Love
Chapter 50—Among Snares
HLv 308.2
Many who were convinced that Jesus was the Son of God were misled by the false reasoning of the priests and rabbis. These teachers had repeated with great effect the prophecies concerning the Messiah, that He would “reign in Mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before His ancients gloriously,” that He would “have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.” Isaiah 24:23; Psalm 72:8. Then they made contemptuous comparisons between the glory here pictured and the humble appearance of Jesus. Had the people studied the Word for themselves, they would not have been misled. Isaiah 61 testifies that Christ was to do the very work He did. Chapter 53 sets forth His rejection; and chapter 59 describes the character of the priests and rabbis.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Ms 67, 1909
24LtMs, Ms 67, 1909, par. 2
The work represented by the prophet in the 61st and 58th chapters of Isaiah is to be done by all who have a part in educational work. The prophet declares: “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 brokenhearted, 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 25 (1910 - 1915)
Lt 30, 1910
25LtMs, Lt 30, 1910, par. 7
What would be the result if our brethren should heed and accept the sixtieth and sixty-fifth chapters of Isaiah? Chapters sixty and sixty-one would be understood, and chapter sixty-two to sixty-five would speak to you in a most decided manner. As our brethren take these words, and stop all complaining and every evil work, then the Lord will manifest His power in the conviction and conversion of souls.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Lt 32a, 1910
25LtMs, Lt 32a, 1910, par. 13
What will be the result if you heed and accept the sixtieth and sixty-first chapters of Isaiah? When the same reformation shall come to the people of God, chapters sixty and sixty-one will be understood.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 37, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 37, 1894, par. 10
When the priests entered the temple, they heard acclamations of joy and songs of praise. They heard men glorifying God for the wonderful works that were done among them. They heard mothers bidding their children to praise their deliverer, and to give thanks to Him who had brought comfort and relief, health and peace. He gave them an evidence of His divine mission! He was doing the very work which had been prophesied that the Messiah would do. He had opened the book of the prophet Isaiah in the synagogue at Nazareth and had read the description of His mission. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.” [Luke 4:18.]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 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 14 (1899)
Lt 135, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 135, 1899, par. 11
Read the sixty-first chapter of Isaiah. This chapter will tell us what is the work before us. “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.” [Verses 1-3.]14LtMs, Lt 135, 1899, par. 12
Please consider what this [fourth] verse means: “And they shall build up the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, and the desolations of many generations. And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your ploughmen and your vinedressers. But ye shall be named the priests of the Lord; men shall call you the ministers of our God; ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in your glory shall ye boast yourselves.” [Verses 4-6.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 15, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 15, 1900, par. 4
“And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people; all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the Lord hath blessed. I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the ground causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.” [Isaiah 61:1-11.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 184, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 184, 1907, par. 9
The Lord is glorified when His people enter new fields and occupy new territory. He desires that His people shall all unite in the sowing of the Gospel seed. Now is your time to work in Merced. Let each do his appointed work and seek to make that work a specialty. The ministers have not time to stay long in one place. They cannot afford to linger over churches that have been long established. When the truth has been preached, the workers must move on and enter new fields. Christ and heavenly angels will unite with those who will do their appointed work, not trusting in self, but pleading with the Lord for His power and grace to be manifested. Read carefully the 60th and 61st chapters of Isaiah. There is inspiration and encouragement in these words for those who are called to act a part in the work of God in the earth.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Ms 43, 1908
23LtMs, Ms 43, 1908, par. 31
In the sixty-first chapter of Isaiah, the prophet speaks of the mission of our Saviour. He says:23LtMs, Ms 43, 1908, par. 32
“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.” [Verses 1, 2.]23LtMs, Ms 43, 1908, par. 34
The Lord Jesus was anointed also “to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garments of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that the might be called Trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified.” [Verse 3.]23LtMs, Ms 43, 1908, par. 39
In the following verses our work is pointed out: “And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations. And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen, and your vinedressers. But ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.” [Verses 4-6.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Lt 7, 1901
16LtMs, Lt 7, 1901, par. 14
Christ said of His work, “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 brokenhearted, to preach 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.” [Isaiah 61:1, 2.] Notice; you are not to comfort only the few whom you are inclined to regard with favor, but all that mourn, all who apply to you for help and relief; and more, you are to search for the needy. Job says, “The cause that I knew not, I searched out.” [Job 29:16.] He did not wait to be urged, and then turn away, saying, “I will not help him.”16LtMs, Lt 7, 1901, par. 15
“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 61:3.]16LtMs, Lt 7, 1901, par. 17
Of those who act as His helping hand, the Lord says, “Ye shall be named Priests of the Lord; men shall call you the Ministers of our God; ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves. For your shame ye shall have double; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion; therefore in their land they shall possess the double; everlasting joy shall be unto them. For I the Lord love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among all the people; all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the Lord hath blessed. I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations. ... And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness and all kings thy glory; and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord shall name. Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God.” [Isaiah 61:6-11; 62:2-3.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 76, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 76, 1897, par. 8
The Lord’s anointing was upon Christ. “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,” He declared, “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.]12LtMs, Ms 76, 1897, par. 9
“And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.” [Verse 4.] This work is given to all who return to their loyalty by keeping God’s commandments. “For I the Lord love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people: all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the Lord hath blessed.12LtMs, Ms 76, 1897, par. 10
“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.” [Verses 8-11.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 128, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 128, 1899, par. 21
Christ was fulfilling the commission given Him of His Father, “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,” He said, “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 for them that are bound, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, ... 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.]14LtMs, Ms 128, 1899, par. 22
Through Isaiah the Lord had declared, “I the Lord love judgment; I hate robbery for burnt offerings; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people: all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the Lord hath blessed. I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.” [Verses 8-11.]Isaiah 61:2
The Desire of Ages
Chapter 24—“Is Not This the Carpenter’s Son?”
DA 240.4
When Jesus in the synagogue read from the prophecy, He stopped short of the final specification concerning the Messiah’s work. Having read the words, “To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord,” He omitted the phrase, “and the day of vengeance of our God.” Isaiah 61:2. This was just as much truth as was the first of the prophecy, and by His silence Jesus did not deny the truth. But this last expression was that upon which His hearers delighted to dwell, and which they were desirous of fulfilling. They denounced judgments against the heathen, not discerning that their own guilt was even greater than that of others. They themselves were in deepest need of the mercy they were so ready to deny to the heathen. That day in the synagogue, when Jesus stood among them, was their opportunity to accept the call of Heaven. He who “delighteth in mercy” (Micah 7:18) would fain have saved them from the ruin which their sins were inviting.With God at Dawn
Christ’s Work Is Our Work, October 19
WGD 294.1
To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all that mourn. Isaiah 61:2.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 148, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 148, 1903, par. 26
From the beginning of the prophetic era the coming of a distinguished Teacher had been predicted—a Teacher whose words would demand universal attention, whose power would be sufficient to overcome the power of Satan. Prophecy declared that He would “preach the gospel to the poor,” and “proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” [Luke 4:18; Isaiah 61:2.] He was to “set judgment in the earth.” The isles were to “wait for His law.” [Isaiah 42:4.] The Gentiles were to come to His light, and kings to the brightness of His rising. [Isaiah 60:3.] The “Messenger of the covenant” was expected. The Sun of righteousness was to arise “with healing in His wings.” [Malachi 3:1; 4:2.]Isaiah 61:3
Christ’s Object Lessons
Chapter 17—“Spare it this Year Also”
COL 214.3
God’s purpose toward His people, and the glorious possibilities before them, had been set forth in the beautiful words, “That they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified,” Isaiah 61:3. The dying Jacob, under the Spirit of inspiration, had said of his best-loved son, “Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall.” And he said, “The God of thy Father” “shall help thee,” the Almighty “shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under.” Genesis 49:22, 25. So God had planted Israel as a goodly vine by the wells of life. He had made His vineyard “in a very fruitful hill.” He had “fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine.” Isaiah 5:1, 2.The Great Controversy
Chapter 40—God’s People Delivered
GC 650.1
The heirs of God have come from garrets, from hovels, from dungeons, from scaffolds, from mountains, from deserts, from the caves of the earth, from the caverns of the sea. On earth they were “destitute, afflicted, tormented.” Millions went down to the grave loaded with infamy because they steadfastly refused to yield to the deceptive claims of Satan. By human tribunals they were adjudged the vilest of criminals. But now “God is judge Himself.” Psalm 50:6. Now the decisions of earth are reversed. “The rebuke of His people shall He take away.” Isaiah 25:8. “They shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of the Lord.” He hath appointed “to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.” Isaiah 62:12; 61:3. They are no longer feeble, afflicted, scattered, and oppressed. Henceforth they are to be ever with the Lord. They stand before the throne clad in richer robes than the most honored of the earth have ever worn. They are crowned with diadems more glorious than were ever placed upon the brow of earthly monarchs. The days of pain and weeping are forever ended. The King of glory has wiped the tears from all faces; every cause of grief has been removed. Amid the waving of palm branches they pour forth a song of praise, clear, sweet, and harmonious; every voice takes up the strain, until the anthem swells through the vaults of heaven: “Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.” And all the inhabitants of heaven respond in the ascription: “Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever.” Revelation 7:10, 12.The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)
Chapter 40—God’s People Delivered
GC88 650.1
The heirs of God have come from garrets, from hovels, from dungeons, from scaffolds, from mountains, from deserts, from the caves of the earth, from the caverns of the sea. On earth they were “destitute, afflicted, tormented.” Millions went down to the grave loaded with infamy, because they steadfastly refused to yield to the deceptive claims of Satan. By human tribunals they were adjudged the vilest of criminals. But now “God is judge himself.” [Psalm 50:6.] Now the decisions of earth are reversed. “The rebuke of his people shall he take away.” [Isaiah 25:8.] “They shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of the Lord.” He hath appointed “to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.” [Isaiah 62:12; 61:3.] They are no longer feeble, afflicted, scattered, and oppressed. Henceforth they are to be ever with the Lord. They stand before the throne clad in richer robes than the most honored of the earth have ever worn. They are crowned with diadems more glorious than were ever placed upon the brow of earthly monarchs. The days of pain and weeping are forever ended. The King of glory has wiped the tears from all faces; every cause of grief has been removed. Amid the waving of palm-branches they pour forth a song of praise, clear, sweet, and harmonious; every voice takes up the strain, until the anthem swells through the vaults of Heaven, “Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.” And all the inhabitants of Heaven respond in the ascription, “Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God forever and ever.” [Revelation 7:10, 12.]The Upward Look
The Uses of Adversity, September 2
UL 259.1
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 61:3.From Heaven With Love
Chapter 31—The Sermon on the Mount
HLv 199.3
“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” The mourning of which He speaks does not consist in melancholy and lamentation. We often sorrow because our evil deeds bring unpleasant consequences, but real sorrow for sin is the result of the working of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit brings us in contrition to the foot of the cross. By every sin Jesus is wounded afresh; and as we look on Him whom we have pierced, we mourn for sins that have brought anguish on Him. Such mourning will lead to the renunciation of sin. This sorrow binds the penitent to the Infinite One. The tears of the penitent are the raindrops that precede the sunshine of holiness, heralding a joy which will be a living fountain in the soul. See Jeremiah 3:12, 13; Isaiah 61:3.Homeward Bound
The Joy of the Heirs of God, December 13
HB 378.2
The heirs of God have come from garrets, from hovels, from dungeons, from scaffolds, from mountains, from deserts, from the caves of the earth, from the caverns of the sea. On earth they were “destitute, afflicted, tormented.” Millions went down to the grave loaded with infamy because they steadfastly refused to yield to the deceptive claims of Satan. By human tribunals they were adjudged the vilest of criminals. But now “God is judge Himself.” (Psalm 50:6.) Now the decisions of earth are reversed. “The rebuke of His people shall He take away.” (Isaiah 25:8.) “They shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of the Lord.” He hath appointed “to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.” (Isaiah 62:12; 61:3.) They are no longer feeble, afflicted, scattered, and oppressed. Henceforth they are to be ever with the Lord. They stand before the throne clad in richer robes than the most honored of the earth have ever worn. They are crowned with diadems more glorious than were ever placed upon the brow of earthly monarchs. The days of pain and weeping are forever ended. The King of glory has wiped the tears from all faces; every cause of grief has been removed. Amid the waving of palm branches they pour forth a song of praise, clear, sweet, and harmonious; every voice takes up the strain, until the anthem swells through the vaults of heaven: “Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.” And all the inhabitants of heaven respond in the ascription: “Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever.” (Revelation 7:10, 12.)Radiant Religion
When There Is True Repentance, April 24
RRe 116.1
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 61:3.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Ms 50, 1895
10LtMs, Ms 50, 1895, par. 3
What a foundation is laid for our faith in all ages! When Christ ascended into the heavens, He ascended as our Advocate, and we have a friend at court. He has sent His representative, the Holy Spirit, and will give divine anointing to all who believe in Jesus Christ. The plan of salvation is the great theme that underlines all true, sanctified education. It is to be the theme of our conversation. All idle, cheap, common talk is to be cleansed from our lips. Levity, jesting and joking is an evidence that the soul temple is unsanctified and unholy. We are now to understand the science of true education. “This is life eternal that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent.” [John 17:3.] Shall we not educate in these lines? The everlasting Father has given His only begotten Son, and by so doing has opened a channel by which inexhaustible treasures may come to the world. All who come unto Christ may have everlasting life. This sacred food is to satisfy the soul hunger. Filled with the bread of life, we cannot hunger for earthly attractions, worldly excitements, and earthly grandeur. Our religious experience will be of the same order as the food upon which we feed. The Lord’s anointing was upon Jesus Christ. He says, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised. ... 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 fruit of heaviness; that they might be called ...” [See Luke 4:18; Isaiah 61:3.] [Remainder missing.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 21, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 21, 1902, par. 32
By the punishment of the fruitless fig tree, Christ testified to His disappointment because the Jewish nation bore no fruit and to the punishment that must come to them. This nation had been favored with every spiritual advantage. By the mighty working of God’s power He had brought His people from Egypt into a land where they were to become “trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified.” [Isaiah 61:3.] But they did not profit by their blessings. For more than a thousand years the Jewish nation abused God’s mercy and invited His judgments. They determined their own destruction. Christ’s withering curse pronounced upon the fruitless fig tree was in perfect harmony with His words concerning the Jewish nation, “If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.” [Luke 19:42.]In Heavenly Places
Reflecting God’s Love, March 28
HP 94.4
The Lord Jesus was anointed also “to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garments 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 61:3).Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 131, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 131, 1902, par. 9
To lose heaven is to lose everything. I can hardly endure to think of the presumptuous ventures that some students are making upon the patience of a long-suffering God. They bear evil fruit only. Christ is watching to see them place themselves under the power of His transforming grace, that they may become trees of righteousness, bearing good fruit. He is hungry for the fruits of the Spirit. How many trees there are that are not “the planting of the Lord”! [Isaiah 61:3.]Lift Him Up
Growth Comes From God, February 25
LHU 70.2
The change of heart by which we become children of God is in the Bible spoken of as birth. Again, it is compared to the germination of the good seed sown by the husbandman. In like manner those who are just converted to Christ are, “as newborn babes,” to “grow up” to the stature of men and women in Christ Jesus (1 Peter 2:2; Ephesians 4:15). Or like the good seed sown in the field, they are to grow up and bring forth fruit. Isaiah says that they shall “be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified” (Isaiah 61:3). So from natural life, illustrations are drawn, to help us better to understand the mysterious truths of spiritual life.Reflecting Christ
We Can Bear the Fruits of Righteousness, April 6
RC 110.1
That they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified. Isaiah 61:3.Reflecting Christ
The Redeemed Sing, “Worthy Is the Lamb!” December 26
RC 374.1
To give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Isaiah 61:3.Steps to Christ
Chapter 8—Growing Up Into Christ
SC 67.1
The change of heart by which we become children of God is in the Bible spoken of as birth. Again, it is compared to the germination of the good seed sown by the husbandman. In like manner those who are just converted to Christ are, “as new-born babes,” to “grow up” to the stature of men and women in Christ Jesus. 1 Peter 2:2; Ephesians 4:15. Or like the good seed sown in the field, they are to grow up and bring forth fruit. Isaiah says that they shall “be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified.” Isaiah 61:3. So from natural life, illustrations are drawn, to help us better to understand the mysterious truths of spiritual life.The Desire of Ages
Chapter 31—The Sermon on the Mount
DA 300.4
The worldling may pronounce this sorrow a weakness; but it is the strength which binds the penitent to the Infinite One with links that cannot be broken. It shows that the angels of God are bringing back to the soul the graces that were lost through hardness of heart and transgression. The tears of the penitent are only the raindrops that precede the sunshine of holiness. This sorrow heralds a joy which will be a living fountain in the soul. “Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy God;” “and I will not cause Mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful, saith the Lord.” Jeremiah 3:13, 12. “Unto them that mourn in Zion,” He has appointed to give “beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.” Isaiah 61:3.The Faith I Live By
True Sorrow for Sin, May 1
FLB 127.5
The tears of the penitent are only the raindrops that precede the sunshine of holiness. This sorrow heralds a joy which will be a living fountain in the soul. “Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy God”; “and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful, saith the Lord.” Jeremiah 3:13, 12. “Unto them that mourn in Zion,” He has appointed to give “beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.” Isaiah 61:3.4The Desire of Ages, 300, 301.Isaiah 61:3-11
The Review and Herald
July 1, 1915
RH July 1, 1915, Art. A, par. 5
“The rebuke of his people shall he take away” (Isaiah 25:8), the prophet declared. “They shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of the Lord.” Isaiah 62:12. He hath appointed “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 61:3.RH July 1, 1915, Art. A, par. 33
“And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the Lord.” Isaiah 66:23. “The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.” Isaiah 40:5. “The Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.” Isaiah 61:11. “In that day shall the Lord of hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of his people.” Isaiah 28:5.Prophets and Kings
Chapter 60—Visions of Future Glory
PK 725.1
“No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper;And every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,
And their righteousness is of Me, saith the Lord.” Isaiah 25:8; 62:12; 61:3; 52:1, 2; 54:11-17.
PK 733.2
“The Lord shall comfort Zion: He will comfort all her waste places; and He will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord.” “The glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon.” “Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called My Delight, and thy land Beulah.... As the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee.” Isaiah 66:23; 40:5; 61:11; 28:5; 51:3; 35:2; 62:4, 5, margin.Isaiah 61:4
Prophets and Kings
Chapter 57—Reformation
PK 677.2
The spiritual restoration of which the work carried forward in Nehemiah’s day was a symbol, is outlined in the words of Isaiah: “They shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities.” “They that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.” Isaiah 61:4; 58:12.Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6
Chapter 17—The Need of Educational Reform
6T 126.1
“And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.” “And thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.” Isaiah 61:4; 58:12. These words of Inspiration present before believers in present truth the work that should now be done in the education of our children and youth. When the truth for these last days came to the world in the proclamation of the first, second, and third angels’ messages, we were shown that in the education of our children a different order of things must be brought in; but it has taken much time to understand what changes should be made.Testimony Treasures, vol. 2
The Need of Educational Reform
2TT 409.1
“And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.” “And thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.” Isaiah 61:4; 58:12. These words of Inspiration present before believers in present truth the work that should now be done in the education of our children and youth. When the truth for these last days came to the world in the proclamation of the first, second, and third angels’ messages, we were shown that in the education of our children a different order of things must be brought in; but it has taken much time to understand what changes should be made.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Lt 161, 1910
25LtMs, Lt 161, 1910, par. 8
“‘And they shall build the old waste places, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.’ ‘And thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.’ Isaiah 61:4; 58:12. These words of Inspiration present before believers in present truth the work that should now be done in the education of our children and youth. When the truth for these last days came to the world in the proclamation of the first, second, and third angels’ messages, we were shown that in the education of our children a different order of things must be brought in.” Testimonies for the Church 6:126. In some places it has taken much time to comprehend the true reformatory work God required of His people, and many families are far behind.Isaiah 61:4-8
The Ministry of Healing
Learning by Imparting
MH 406.4
“I will direct their work in truth,And I will make an everlasting covenant with them.”
“Their race shall be illustrious among the nations,
And their offspring among the people;
All that see them shall acknowledge
That they are a race which Jehovah hath blessed....
For as the earth putteth forth her shoots,
And as a garden causeth its plants to spring forth,
So shall the Lord Jehovah cause salvation to spring forth,
And praise before all the nations.” Isaiah 61:4, 6-8, Noyes; 61:8; 61:9, 11, Noyes.
Isaiah 61:4-11
Manuscript Releases, vol. 13 [Nos. 1000-1080]
MR No. 1029—Words of Instruction on Administration and Medical Missionary Work
[Isaiah 61:4-11, quoted.]
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 55, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 55, 1901, par. 11
“They shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations. And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers. But ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord; men shall call you the Ministers of our God; ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves. For your shame ye shall have double; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion; therefore in their land they shall possess the double; everlasting joy shall be unto them. For I the Lord love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people: all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the Lord hath blessed. I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with jewels. For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.” [Isaiah 61:4-11.]Isaiah 61:6
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Ms 1, 1909
24LtMs, Ms 1, 1909, par. 6
The development of Christ’s life and experience on earth reveals that to obtain the higher education does not mean to gain popularity, to secure worldly advantages, to have all the temporal wants abundantly supplied, and to be honored by the titled and wealthy of earth. The Prince of life left the royal courts, laid off His kingly crown and royal robes, and clothed His divinity with humanity. He suffered the inconveniences of poverty, that He might discern the needs of the poor; yet by His divine power He supplied with a few loaves and fishes the needs of a multitude that was faint with hunger. It was for the work of ministering to the suffering and needy that He came to the world. He wore not the gorgeous robes of the High Priest; he had not the “riches of the Gentiles” [Isaiah 61:6]; but He had his Father’s power granted Him to work miracles for the help and uplifting of mankind.Isaiah 61:6-11
Manuscript Releases, vol. 16 [Nos. 1186-1235]
MR No. 1195—By Deeds of Mercy Christians are to be God’s Helping Hands
16MR 75.3
Of those who act as His helping hand the Lord says, “Ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord; men shall call you the ministers of our God.” [Isaiah 61:6-11; 62:2, 3, quoted.]Isaiah 61:7-11
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 154, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 154, 1898, par. 24
“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.” [Isaiah 61:7-11.]Isaiah 61:8
Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)
Proper Remuneration for Ministers
GW 450.2
It is a terrible injustice for an auditing committee to disappoint a worthy minister who is in need of every cent that he has been led to expect. The Lord declares, “I the Lord love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt-offering.” [Isaiah 61:8.] He would have His people reveal a liberal spirit in all their dealings with their fellows. The principle underlying His command to ancient Israel, “Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn,” [1 Corinthians 9:9; See Deuteronomy 25:4.] is a principle that should never be set aside by any who have to do with the remuneration of those who have given themselves to advance God’s cause in the world, and who spend their strength in lifting the minds of men from the contemplation of earthly things to the heavenly. God loves these workers, and He would have men respect their rights.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 65, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 65, 1895, par. 27
God says, “I hate robbery for burnt offering.” [Isaiah 61:8.] The men who value their own souls will, by the grace of God, guard against the first tinge of unfairness in deal, the first approach to the ungodly practices of the world, the practices that prevailed in the days of Noah and Lot. The poison has been at work for a long time, and others are drinking of the cup. Wake up, Brother Olsen, Wake up!Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 47, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 47, 1895, par. 54
Time is short, and there are but few workers in the vineyard of the Lord. Several have been sent from this part of the world to be educated at Battle Creek, in order that they may become laborers together with God. It was hoped that the Holy Spirit would work with them for the salvation of those who are in the shadow of death. These students have been supported by the sacrifices of men and women who, to my certain knowledge, have hired money to pay their tuition and to cover their expenses. The world is to be warned, and yet you have thought it necessary to consume time and money in making an unnecessary large preparation for the work that these students may be called upon to do. The same God lives today that Isaiah saw in his vision, and can give enlightenment to those who are acting a part in the work of fitting men for a solemn, sacred work. He says, “I the Lord love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offerings, and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.” [Isaiah 61:8.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Ms 10a, 1895
10LtMs, Ms 10a, 1895, par. 63
The world is to be warned; and yet you have thought it necessary to consume time and money in making an unnecessarily large preparation for the work that these students may be called upon to do. The same God lives today that Isaiah saw in his vision, and can give enlightenment to those who are acting a part in the work of fitting men for a solemn, sacred work. He says, “I the Lord love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.” [Isaiah 61:8.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 122, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 122, 1895, par. 6
The Lord permitted the men in the Review office to have an opportunity of manifesting what character they would develop. They have shown that they could not resist the temptation to commit robbery of God, if they had a chance, confederating to take from His treasury all they could grasp; some were ready to receive more than they did. They knew that this was unjust and dishonest. Are they as willing that others should have what is only their due because God has given them ability, tact, mental capacity, equal to, and in advance of, them? No, no; they would bring under contribution to the treasury every available talent of ability to acquire means to be employed in the advancement of the work. Their tact in this line of robbery is great. They felt authorized to accept of large remuneration for their own work [while] restricting others, denying them the opportunities and means Providence had offered them to labor as His instrumentalities, to carry on His work. God says, “I hate robbery for burnt offering.” Isaiah 61:8. The men who value their own souls will, by the grace of God, guard against the first tinge of unfairness in deal, the first approach to the ungodly practices of the world—the practices that prevailed in the days of Noah and Lot. The poison has been at work for a long time, and others are drinking of the cup. ...Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 80, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 80, 1897, par. 8
“Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness,” said Christ. [Matthew 6:33.] This is the positive requirement of God. But this, the simplest, plainest injunction contained in the Word of Him who is judge of every man’s actions, has been deliberately set aside. Men connected with the Review and Herald office have departed from Christian principles to carry out a system of sharp practice. They have flattered themselves that it was the cause of God to be advantaged at the loss of others, therefore they would gather from every source possible to bring money into the treasury. But God declares, I hate robbery for burnt-offerings. [Isaiah 61:8.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 7a, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 7a, 1897, par. 13
Prosperity would have attended the Conference and all the lines of the publishing work if the men in responsible positions had moved wholly in the fear of the Lord, irrespective of consequences. But the publishing house let The Great Controversy fall dead from the press, and crowded in and carried Bible Readings; and from that time more decidedly dishonest schemes were acted upon to get possession of books. There were men who no longer worked in the fear of the Lord, but entered upon flattering schemes. They swayed things just as they pleased, and for years kept from the people the book they needed. The Lord removed His favor because of this wrong course of action, and the things that these men thought to do by unfaithful scheming, has brought a dearth of means. The same spirit that led them to pursue a selfish, ungenerous course when dealing with authors has defiled their spiritual honor. The Lord would not uphold the course they pursued. He declares, “I hate robbery for burnt offerings.” [Isaiah 61:8.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 117, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 117, 1898, par. 3
God says, “I hate robbery for burnt offerings.” [Isaiah 61:8.] The Lord will work for those who are pure in heart. “The pure in heart shall see God.” [Matthew 5:8.] And they will see in Him no corrupting principles. When all selfishness and covetousness is cleansed from the church and from our institutions, we shall see the Lord in His ways and in His works, and great good will be done. His righteousness will go before us. It is Christ our Righteousness who leads the way for our feet in the path cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in. If we are worked by the Holy Spirit, we shall seek for the conversion of souls. Everything possible should be done to draw them to Christ—by religious instruction, by a right training in the home and school life. Everything that will prove a hindrance to their conversion should be kept from them. Instruction is needed. The fullest education should be obtained. The character must be formed for the future eternal life, if we would be conquerors over the difficulties which all must meet.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 169a, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 169a, 1899, par. 1
Honesty, integrity, justice, mercy, love, compassion, and sympathy are embraced in medical missionary work. In all this work the religion of the Bible is to be presented. The Lord does not want any one to labor as His representative who follows the wrong customs and practices of worldly physicians in treating suffering humanity. Our physicians need to reform in the matter of making high charges for critical operations; and the reform should extend farther than this. Often an exorbitant sum is charged for even small services, because physicians are supposed to be governed in their charges by the practices of worldly physicians. Some follow worldly policy in order to accumulate means, as they say, for God’s service. But God does not accept such offerings. He says, “I hate robbery for burnt offering.” Isaiah 61:8. Those who deal unjustly with their fellow men while professing to believe My words, I will judge for thus misrepresenting Me.Manuscript Releases, vol. 12 [Nos. 921-999]
MR No. 979—More Counsel to Frederick Griggs
12MR 267.2
God says, “I hate robbery for burnt offering” [Isaiah 61:8]. The Lord will work for those who are pure in heart. “The pure in heart ... shall see God” [Matthew 5:8], and they will see in Him no corrupting principles. When all selfishness and covetousness is cleansed from the church and from our institutions, we shall see the Lord in His ways and in His works, and great good will be done. His righteousness will go before us. It is Christ our righteousness who leads the way for our feet in the path cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 154, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 154, 1899, par. 15
God will not be trifled with. He says, “I hate robbery for burnt offering.” [Isaiah 61:8.] No one in the ranks of Sabbathkeepers has worked more unselfishly than Edson White. He thought he was doing a necessary work in preparing a boat as his home. The Lord showed me that Edson would be in danger if he entered into business management. He is adapted to another work, the work of seeking and saving lost sheep. His knowledge of the principles of truth would make him a living channel of light. But God showed me that if he should give himself up to secular business, he would not be prepared to be impressed by the Holy Spirit to open the living oracles of truth.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 2, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 2, 1899, par. 2
Those who have been striving unlawfully to obtain money, whether for their own personal benefit, or to enrich the treasury of God, have committed an offense in His sight. He will not accept or make the least account of means gained in this way. He declares “I hate robbery for burnt offering.” [Isaiah 61:8.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 142, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 142, 1899, par. 7
I have been instructed to bear the message from the Lord to these institutions that the Lord holds them accountable for it. The Lord would have those who handle His work use no common fire in their censers, but the sacred fire of the Lord’s own kindling, which demonstrates that the divine and human agencies are co-operating. To those who have taken unfair advantages, thinking they were excusable because it was for the cause of God, the Lord says, “I hate robbery for burnt offering.” [Isaiah 61:8.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 169, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 169, 1899, par. 40
Honesty, integrity, justice, mercy, love, compassion, and sympathy are embraced in medical missionary work. In all this work the religion of the Bible is to be practiced. The Lord does not want any one to labor as His representative who follows the wrong customs and practices of worldly physicians in treating suffering humanity. Our physicians need to reform in the matter of making high charges for critical operations. And the reform should extend farther than this. Often an exorbitant sum is charged for even small services, because physicians are supposed to be governed in their charges by the practices of worldly physicians. There are those who follow worldly policy in order to accumulate means, as they say, for God’s service. But God does not accept such offerings. He says, “I hate robbery for burnt offering.” Isaiah 61:8. “Those who deal unjustly with their fellow men while professing to believe My Word, I will judge for thus misrepresenting Me.”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 30, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 30, 1900, par. 17
“Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” [Verse 14.] No one is to work evil to his brother’s interest with the excuse that it is to help in a certain line of the work of God. In doing that certain work he places his brethren in a position where they are hindered from doing the work the Lord would have them do in behalf of truth and righteousness. The Lord will not accept such an offering. It is gained by robbery, and He says, “I hate robbery for burnt offering.” [Isaiah 61:8.]15LtMs, Ms 30, 1900, par. 19
“I hate robbery for burnt offering.” [Verse 8.] A plea that it is to do good will not justify a man for working on wrong principles. God will bring those who deprive their fellow workers of their rightful advantage to a strict account. There are those who think they can do this work if they choose. Men often do, themselves, that which they condemn in others, without asking themselves, “Am I advancing the Lord’s work in right lines? Am I doing that which I would condemn if done by others? What would Christ do under such circumstances? Will the Lord be pleased if I bind about the work my brethren are doing in order to advance my own interests? Would this not be weaving into the web threads of selfishness which would spoil the pattern?”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 78, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 78, 1903, par. 5
The Lord was in the establishment of the Review and Herald office in Battle Creek. And until the men in positions of trust in that institution transgressed the principles of God’s law, a good work was done there. But there were brought into connection with the office men who in character and disposition did not represent Christ. God says, “I hate robbery for burnt offering.” [Isaiah 61:8.]Medical Ministry
Represent Upright Principles
MM 125.3
Honesty, integrity, justice, mercy, love, compassion, and sympathy are embraced in medical missionary work. In all this work the religion of the Bible is to be practiced. The Lord does not want anyone to labor as His representative who follows the wrong customs and practices of worldly physicians in treating suffering humanity. Our physicians need to reform in the matter of making high charges for critical operations. And the reform should extend farther than this. Often an exorbitant sum is charged for even small services, because physicians are supposed to be governed in their charges by the practices of worldly physicians. Some follow worldly policy in order to accumulate means, as they say, for God’s service. But God does not accept such offerings. He says, “I hate robbery for burnt offering.” Isaiah 61:8. Those who deal unjustly with their fellowmen while professing to believe My word, I will judge for thus misrepresenting Me.Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7
Chapter 34—The Author
7T 179.3
He declares: “I hate robbery for burnt offering.” “Thou shalt not have in thine house divers measures, a great and a small. But thou shalt have a perfect and just weight, a perfect and just measure shalt thou have.... All that do unrighteously, are an abomination unto the Lord thy God.” Isaiah 61:8; Deuteronomy 25:14-16.Testimonies on Fair Dealing and Book Royalties
The Author
PH102 14.1
He declares: “I hate robbery for burnt-offering.” “Thou shalt not have in thine house divers measures, a great and a small. But thou shalt have a perfect and just weight, a perfect and just measure shalt thou have: ...for all that do such things, and all that do unrighteously, are an abomination unto the Lord thy God.” Isaiah 61:8; Deuteronomy 25:14-16.The Kress Collection
Exorbitant Fees
KC 59.3
Honesty, integrity, justice, mercy, love, compassion, and sympathy are embraced in medical missionary work. In all this work the religion of the Bible is to be practised. The Lord does not want anyone to labor as His representative who follows the wrong customs and practice of worldly physicians in treating suffering humanity. Our physicians need to reform in the matter of making high charges for critical operations. And the reform should extend farther than this. Often an exorbitant fee is charged for even small services, because physicians are supposed to be governed in their charges by the practices of worldly physicians. There are those who follow worldly policy in order to accumulate means, as they say, for God’s service. But God does not accept such offerings. He says, “I hate robbery for burnt offering.” Isaiah 61:8. Those who deal unjustly with their fellow-men while professing to believe My word, I will judge for thus misrepresenting Me.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 34, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 34, 1894, par. 9
The true cause of God is very large and very liberal. In the lessons of Christ the poor are not left out. Our duty to the poor is included in the doing in the words of Christ. Should laborers in the cause of God exact from the poor that which they have not power to bestow, whether in service or money, the word of God comes to them, be they ministers or [lay] people, “I hate robbery for burnt offerings.” [Isaiah 61:8.] Whenever money is exacted for the cause by methods that cause suffering from hunger or for want of clothing, God will judge the one who does it and all who suffer this to be done come under the censure of the Lord.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 45, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 45, 1894, par. 11
The Lord says, “I hate robbery for burnt-offering.” [Isaiah 61:8.] Close or unfair dealing with any man, rich or poor, high or low, black or white, to enrich the office, will only impoverish it. God will not have His work bear the slightest stain of covetousness or avarice. His favor will not rest on any man or council of men that shall seek to enrich the publishing house by unfair dealings. Let God be true, though every man should be proved a liar. The Lord lives and reigns.Isaiah 61:9
God’s Amazing Grace
A Mysterious Power, October 5
AG 286.1
All that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the Lord hath blessed. Isaiah 61:9.Isaiah 61:9-11
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 45, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 45, 1897, par. 11
“And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people: all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the Lord hath blessed. I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garment of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with jewels. For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.” [Isaiah 61:9-11.]Isaiah 61:10
Christ’s Object Lessons
Chapter 16—“Lost, and Is Found”
COL 206.2
Your heavenly Father will take from you the garments defiled by sin. In the beautiful parabolic prophecy of Zechariah, the high priest Joshua, standing clothed in filthy garments before the angel of the Lord, represents the sinner. And the word is spoken by the Lord, “Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him He said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.... So they set a fair miter upon his head, and clothed him with garments.” Zechariah 3:4, 5. Even so God will clothe you with “the garments of salvation,” and cover you with “the robe of righteousness.” Isaiah 61:10. “Though ye have lien among the pots, yet shall ye be as the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold.” Psalm 68:13.The General Conference Bulletin
December 1, 1895
GCB December 1, 1895, Art. A, par. 15
Arise, and go unto your Father and say, “I have sinned against heaven and in thy sight. I am no more worthy to be called thy son.” (R.V.) He will meet you a great way off; he will give you his love and compassion; he will clothe you with the garments of salvation, and cover you with the robe of righteousness. “Though ye have lain among the pots, yet shall ye be as the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold.” Isaiah 61:10; Psalm 68:13. He will bring you into his banqueting house, and his banner over you shall be love. Song of Solomon 2:4.True Revival
Who Wants to Repent?
TR 32.3
He who would become a child of God must receive the truth that repentance and forgiveness are to be obtained through nothing less than the atonement of Christ. Assured of this the sinner must put forth an effort in harmony with the work done for him, and with unwearied entreaty he must supplicate the throne of grace, that the renovating power of God may come into his soul. Christ pardons none but the penitent, but whom He pardons He first makes penitent. The provision made is complete, and the eternal righteousness of Christ is placed to the account of every believing soul. The costly, spotless robe, woven in the loom of heaven, has been provided for the repenting, believing sinner, and he may say: “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness” (Isaiah 61:10).Radiant Religion
He Clothes Me in His Righteousness, January 23
RRe 25.1
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. Isaiah 61:10.God’s Amazing Grace
Grace Enough for All, June 22
AG 181.3
The provision made is complete, and the eternal righteousness of Christ is placed to the account of every believing soul. The costly, spotless robe, woven in the loom of heaven, has been provided for the repenting, believing sinner, and he may say: “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness” (Isaiah 61:10).Selected Messages Book 1
Chapter 62—Justified by Faith
1SM 393.3
He who would become a child of God must receive the truth that repentance and forgiveness are to be obtained through nothing less than the atonement of Christ. Assured of this the sinner must put forth an effort in harmony with the work done for him, and with unwearied entreaty he must supplicate the throne of grace, that the renovating power of God may come into his soul. Christ pardons none but the penitent, but whom He pardons He first makes penitent. The provision made is complete, and the eternal righteousness of Christ is placed to the account of every believing soul. The costly, spotless robe, woven in the loom of heaven, has been provided for the repenting, believing sinner, and he may say: “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness” (Isaiah 61:10).That I May Know Him
A Change of Raiment, April 12
TMK 108.1
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. Isaiah 61:10.The Faith I Live By
Clothed in His Righteousness, April 17
FLB 113.1
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. Isaiah 61:10.The Faith I Live By
The Meaning of Forgiveness, May 3
FLB 129.4
Your heavenly Father will take from you the garments defiled by sin. In the beautiful parabolic prophecy of Zechariah, the high priest Joshua, standing clothed in filthy garments before the angel of the Lord, represents the sinner. And the word is spoken by the Lord, “Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.... So they set a fair mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments.” Zechariah 3:4, 5. Even so God will clothe you with “the garments of salvation,” and cover you with “the robe of righteousness.” Isaiah 61:10....The Great Controversy
General Notes
GC 691.4
Page 373. Ascension Robes.—The story that the Adventists made robes with which to ascend “to meet the Lord in the air,” was invented by those who wished to reproach the Advent preaching. It was circulated so industriously that many believed it, but careful inquiry proved its falsity. For many years a substantial reward was offered for proof that one such instance ever occurred, but no proof has been produced. None who loved the appearing of the Saviour were so ignorant of the teachings of the Scriptures as to suppose that robes which they could make would be necessary for that occasion. The only robe which the saints will need to meet the Lord is the righteousness of Christ. See Isaiah 61:10; Revelation 19:8.To Be Like Jesus
Christ’s Robe of Righteousness Is for the Repentant, December 30
BLJ 382.5
Christ pardons none but the penitent, but whom He pardons He first makes penitent. The provision made is complete, and the eternal righteousness of Christ is placed to the account of every believing soul. The costly, spotless robe, woven in the loom of heaven, has been provided for the repenting, believing sinner, and everyone may say: “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness” (Isaiah 61:10).—Selected Messages 1:393, 394.A New Life (Revival and Beyond)
Who Wants to Repent?
NL 24.2
He who would become a child of God must receive the truth that repentance and forgiveness are to be obtained through nothing less than the atonement of Christ. Assured of this the sinner must put forth an effort in harmony with the work done for him, and with unwearied entreaty he must supplicate the throne of grace, that the renovating power of God may come into his soul. Christ pardons none but the penitent, but whom He pardons He first makes penitent. The provision made is complete, and the eternal righteousness of Christ is placed to the account of every believing soul. The costly, spotless robe, woven in the loom of heaven, has been provided for the repenting, believing sinner, and he may say: “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness” (Isaiah 61:10).Isaiah 61:10-11
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 151a, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 151a, 1897, par. 3
The Lord has a work for you to do. Bear this in mind. Never, never unyoke from Christ. “Take my yoke,” He says to every son and daughter; “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 11:29, 30. The Lord will pardon our transgressions and will put a new song into our mouths. “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God: for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness.” Isaiah 61:10.12LtMs, Lt 151a, 1897, par. 4
We cannot exert a correct influence when we are under a cloud of anxiety and depression. We must reach up the hand of faith and grasp the hand of our Redeemer. We must not wait for the latter rain, for it is coming upon all who recognize and appropriate the dew and showers of grace that will come upon us. When we gather up the fragments of light, when we appreciate the sure mercies of a God who loves to have us trust Him, then every promise will be fulfilled. “For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.” Verse 11. The whole earth is to be filled with the glory of God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 151, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 151, 1897, par. 3
The Lord will pardon our transgressions, and put a new song into our mouth. “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of righteousness.” [Isaiah 61:10.] We cannot exert a correct influence when we are under a cloud of anxiety and depression. We must reach out the hand of faith, and grasp the hand of our Redeemer. We must not wait for the latter rain. It is coming upon all who will recognize and appropriate the dew and showers of grace that fall upon us.12LtMs, Lt 151, 1897, par. 4
When we gather up the fragments of light, when we appreciate the sure mercies of God, who loves to have us trust Him, then every promise will be fulfilled. “For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.” [Verse 11.] The whole earth is to be filled with the glory of God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 17, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 17, 1897, par. 13
What is the language of those who stand before God forgiven? “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness. As the bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.” [Isaiah 61:10, 11.] Here nature is opened before us as an object lesson, from which we are to learn.Isaiah 61:11
Christ’s Object Lessons
Chapter 3—“First the Blade, Then the Ear”
COL 63.3
“As the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth.” Isaiah 61:11. As in the natural, so in the spiritual sowing; the teacher of truth must seek to prepare the soil of the heart; he must sow the seed; but the power that alone can produce life is from God. There is a point beyond which human effort is in vain. While we are to preach the word, we can not impart the power that will quicken the soul, and cause righteousness and praise to spring forth. In the preaching of the word there must be the working of an agency beyond any human power. Only through the divine Spirit will the word be living and powerful to renew the soul unto eternal life. This is what Christ tried to impress upon His disciples. He taught that it was nothing they possessed in themselves which would give success to their labors, but that it is the miracle-working power of God which gives efficiency to His own word.The Great Controversy
Chapter 17—Heralds of the Morning
GC 301.3
About His coming cluster the glories of that “restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.” Acts 3:21. Then the long-continued rule of evil shall be broken; “the kingdoms of this world” will become “the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever.” Revelation 11:15. “The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.” “The Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.” He shall be “for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of His people.” Isaiah 40:5; 61:11; 28:5.The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)
Chapter 17—Heralds of the Morning
GC88 301.3
About his coming cluster the glories of that “restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.” [Acts 3:21.] Then the long-continued rule of evil shall be broken; “the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign forever and ever.” [Revelation 11:15.] “The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.” “The Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.” He shall be “for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of his people.” [Isaiah 40:5; 61:11; 28:5.]This Day With God
Cultivating the Soil, January 4
TDG 12.1
For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all nations. Isaiah 61:11.From Eternity Past
God Will Win the Battle
EP 238.4
The sacred statutes which Satan has hated and sought to destroy will be honored throughout a sinless universe. “The Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.” Isaiah 61:11.From Here to Forever
Chapter 17—Promises of Christ’s Return
HF 188.2
Then the long-continued rule of evil shall be broken: “The kingdoms of this world” will become “the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.” Revelation 11:15. “The Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.” Isaiah 61:11.The Great Hope (Condensed)
Chapter 9—Real Hope
GrH_c 38.6
Then the long-continued rule of evil shall be broken: “The kingdoms of this world” will become “the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.” Revelation 11:15. “The Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.” Isaiah 61:11.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 48, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 48, 1893, par. 23
“For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.” [Isaiah 61:11.]Education
Sowing in Faith
Ed 104.5
“The seed is the word of God.” “As the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth.” Luke 8:11; Isaiah 61:11. As in the natural, so in the spiritual sowing; the power that alone can produce life is from God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 66, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 66, 1906, par. 9
We must cherish constantly the abiding assurance that the presence of God will be with those who present the Word in its purity, unmixed with sophistry. I am instructed that we are to preach the Word; that we are to be instant in season and out of season. “For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.” [Isaiah 61:11.]Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)
The Gospel to all Countries
GW 28.2
“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 rising. Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to thee: thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be nursed at thy side. Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee.” “For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.” [Isaiah 60:1-5; 61:11.]Heaven
Chapter 9—Eden Restored
Hvn 79.1
“From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord’s name is to be praised.” Psalm 113:3. “In that day shall there be one Lord, and His name one.” “And Jehovah shall be king over all the earth.” Zechariah 14:9. Says the Scripture, “Forever, O Lord, Thy word is settled in heaven.” “All His commandments are sure. They stand fast forever and ever.” Psalm 119:89; 111:7, 8. The sacred statutes which Satan has hated and sought to destroy, will be honored throughout a sinless universe. And “as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all nations.” Isaiah 61:11.—Patriarchs and Prophets, 342.Heaven
Chapter 20—A Call for Us to Be There
Hvn 188.2
“The Lord shall comfort Zion: He will comfort all her waste places; and He will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord.” “The glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon.” “Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called My Delight, and thy land Beulah.... As the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee.” Isaiah 66:23; 40:5; Isaiah 61:11; 28:5; Isaiah 51:3; 35:2; Isaiah 62:4, 5, margin.—Prophets and Kings, 730-733.Manuscript Releases, vol. 1 [Nos. 19-96]
MR No. 45—Statements on the “Latter Rain”
1MR 177.2
We cannot exert a correct influence when we are under a cloud of anxiety and depression. We must reach out the hand of faith, and grasp the hand of our Redeemer. We must not wait for the latter rain. It is coming upon all who will recognize and appropriate the dew and showers of grace that fall upon us. When we gather up the fragments of light, when we appreciate the sure mercies of God, who loves to have us trust Him, then every promise will be fulfilled. “For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations” (Isaiah 61:11). Letter 151, 1897, pp. 1, 2. (To James Edson and Emma White, August 29, 1897.)Manuscript Releases, vol. 2 [Nos. 97-161]
MR No. 99—The Importance, Work, and Influence of the Holy Spirit; The Third Angel’s Message To Be Proclaimed; Comments on the Avondale Property
2MR 18.1
We must not wait for the latter rain. It is coming upon all who will recognize and appropriate the dew and showers of grace that fall upon us. When we gather up the fragments of light, when we appreciate the sure mercies of God, who loves to have us trust Him, then every promise will be fulfilled. “For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations” [Isaiah 61:11]. The whole earth is to be filled with the glory of God.—Letter 151, 1897, pp. 1, 2. (To “My Children,” August29, 1897.)Patriarchs and Prophets
Chapter 29—Satan’s Enmity Against the Law
PP 342.2
“From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord’s name is to be praised.” Psalm 113:3. “In that day shall there be one Lord, and His name one.” “And Jehovah shall be king over all the earth.” Zechariah 14:9. Says the Scripture, “Forever, O Lord, Thy word is settled in heaven.” “All His commandments are sure. They stand fast forever and ever.” Psalm 119:89; 111:7, 8. The sacred statutes which Satan has hated and sought to destroy, will be honored throughout a sinless universe. And “as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all nations.” Isaiah 61:11.EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
Isaiah 61:1
Counsels on Health
To Promulgate Health Principles
CH 207.2
We are to labor both for the health of the body and for the saving of the soul. Our mission is the same as that of our Master, of whom it is written that He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by Satan. Acts 10:38. Of His own work He says: “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 heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.” Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:18. As we follow Christ’s example of labor for the good of others, we shall awaken their interest in the God whom we love and serve.From Heaven With Love
Jesus Presents Evidence
HLv 139.5
The disciples bore the message, and it was enough. John recalled the prophecy concerning the Messiah, “The Lord hath anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives.” Isaiah 61:1. The works of Christ declared Him to be the Messiah. Jesus was to do His work, not with the clash of arms and the overturning of thrones and kingdoms, but through speaking to the hearts of men by a life of mercy and self-sacrifice.With God at Dawn
Christ’s Work Specified, October 18
WGD 293.1
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 brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound. Isaiah 61:1.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)
Lt 36, 1880
3LtMs, Lt 36, 1880, par. 6
Why not cut out of your Bibles, when Christ refers to His work, “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me; because He hath anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, 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 27, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 27, 1893, par. 13
“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 brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.” [Isaiah 61:1.] He is the only One that had power to do it. Here the great price has been paid for souls sunk in sin. Man must be of value. Christ weighs him. Christ’s taking human nature upon Himself shows that He places a value upon every soul. “What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” [1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.] This is the value God places upon man, and again He says, “I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir.” [Isaiah 13:12.] But God will do nothing without the co-operation of the human agent.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 23a, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 23a, 1893, par. 40
Jesus came into the world to “bind up the brokenhearted; to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.” [Isaiah 61:1.] “The Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in his wings.” [Malachi 4:2.] The world is full of men and women who are carrying a heavy burden of sorrow and suffering and sin. God sends His children to reveal to them Him who will take away the burden and give them rest. It is the mission of Christ’s followers to help, to bless, and to heal.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 4, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 4, 1894, par. 4
When God speaks to His representatives, and asks them to be laborers together with Him, they will do the same kind of work that Jesus announced as His work when He stood up to read in the synagogue at Nazareth. He opened the book of the prophet Isaias, and read, “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 22 (1907)
Lt 388, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 388, 1907, par. 8
Of His own work Christ says: “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 heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.” [Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:18.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Ms 109, 1908
23LtMs, Ms 109, 1908, par. 14
The ear of the Lord is open to the cries of those who are in His service. He has promised, “I will guide thee with Mine eye.” [Psalm 32:8.] Walk humbly with God, and ask Him to make your course of duty plain. When He speaks to His representatives, and asks them to be laborers together with Him, they will do the same kind of work that Jesus announced as His work when He stood up to read in the synagogue at Nazareth. He opened the book of the prophet Esaias, and read, “The Spirit of the Lord 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.]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.]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.]Reflecting Christ
Christ Revealed the Riches of Heaven, January 29
RC 43.1
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 brokenhearted. Isaiah 61:1.Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9
“Laborers Together With God”
9T 202.3
The ear of the Lord is open to the cries of those who are in His service. He has promised: “I will guide thee with Mine eye.” Psalm 32:8. Walk humbly with God, and ask Him to make your course of duty plain. When He speaks to His representatives and asks them to be laborers together with Him, they will do the same kind of work that Jesus announced as His work when He stood up to read in the synagogue at Nazareth. He opened the book of the prophet Esaias and read: “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 brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.” Isaiah 61:1.Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6
How to Present the Message
6T 54.4
Christ came into the world 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. The Sun of Righteousness shall “arise with healing in His wings.” Malachi 4:2. The world is full of men and women who are carrying a heavy burden of sorrow and suffering and sin. God sends His children to reveal to them Him who will take away the burden and give them rest. It is the mission of Christ’s servants to help, to bless, and to heal.Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6
Chapter 26—God’s Design in Our Sanitariums
6T 225.2
We are to labor both for the health of the body and for the saving of the soul. Our mission is the same as that of our Master, of whom it is written that He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by Satan. Acts 10:38. Of His own work He says: “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 heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.” Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:18. As we follow Christ’s example of labor for the good of others we shall awaken their interest in the God whom we love and serve.To Be Like Jesus
God’s People to Reflect His Glory, December 26
BLJ 378.1
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound. Isaiah 61:1, NKJV.Testimony Treasures, vol. 2
A Soul-saving Agency
2TT 483.1
We are to labor both for the health of the body and for the saving of the soul. Our mission is the same as that of our Master, of whom it is written that He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by Satan. Acts 10:38. Of His own work He says: “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 heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.” Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:18. As we follow Christ’s example of labor for the good of others we shall awaken their interest in the God whom we love and serve.