EGW WritingsJohn 1

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 92, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 92, 1891, par. 1

Revelation 1:1-10. “The revelation of Jesus Christ which God gave unto him to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass.” One thousand years is with the Lord as one day. “The Word was with God and the Word was God.” [John 1:1.] “And he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ and of all things that he saw.” [Revelation 1:1, 2.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 12, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 12, 1894, par. 15

Peter represents Christians as those who have purified their souls “in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren.” And he adds the exhortation, “See that ye love another with pure hearts fervently, being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.” “For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: but the word of the Lord endureth forever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.” [1 Peter 1:22-25.] Our faith and hope are founded, not in feeling, but in God. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” [John 1:1.]

Lift Him Up

God’s Love Expressed in Creation, February 5

LHU 50.4

The Sovereign of the universe was not alone in His work of beneficence. He had an associate—a coworker who could appreciate His purposes, and could share His joy in giving happiness to created beings. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God” (John 1:1, 2). Christ, the Word, the only begotten of God, was one with the eternal Father—one in nature, in character, in purpose—the only being that could enter into all the counsels and purposes of God. “His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6)....

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 1—Why was Sin Permitted?

PP 34.1

The Sovereign of the universe was not alone in His work of beneficence. He had an associate—a co-worker who could appreciate His purposes, and could share His joy in giving happiness to created beings. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God.” John 1:1, 2. Christ, the Word, the only begotten of God, was one with the eternal Father—one in nature, in character, in purpose—the only being that could enter into all the counsels and purposes of God. “His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6. His “goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” Micah 5:2. And the Son of God declares concerning Himself: “The Lord possessed Me in the beginning of His way, before His works of old. I was set up from everlasting.... When He appointed the foundations of the earth: then I was by Him, as one brought up with Him: and I was daily His delight, rejoicing always before Him.” Proverbs 8:22-30.

From Eternity Past

Chapter 1—Why Was Sin Permitted?

EP 9.2

The Sovereign of the universe was not alone in His work of beneficence. He had an associate who could appreciate His purpose and share His joy in giving happiness to created beings. See John 1:1, 2.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 256, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 256, 1906, par. 8

“The Sovereign of the universe was not alone in His work of beneficence. He had an associate—a co-worker who could appreciate His purposes, and could share His joy in giving happiness to created beings. ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God.’ [John 1:1, 2.] Christ, the Word, the only begotten of God, was one with the eternal Father—one in nature, in character, in purpose, the only being that could enter into all the counsels and purposes of God. ‘His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of peace.’ [Isaiah 9:6.] His ‘goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.’ [Micah 5:2.] And the Son of God declares concerning Himself: ‘The Lord possessed Me in the beginning of His way, before the works of old. I was set up from everlasting. ... When He appointed the foundations of the earth, then was I with Him, as one brought up with Him; and I was daily His delight, rejoicing always before Him.’ [Proverbs 8:22, 23, 29, 30.]

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Co-Worker, March 17

JNN 85.3

The Sovereign of the universe was not alone in His work of beneficence. He had an associate—a co-worker who could appreciate His purposes, and could share His joy in giving happiness to created beings. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God” (John 1:1, 2). Christ, the Word, the Only Begotten of God, was one with the eternal Father—one in nature, in character, in purpose—the only being that could enter into all the counsels and purposes of God. “His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). His “goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting” (Micah 5:2). And the Son of God declares concerning Himself: “The Lord possessed Me in the beginning of His way, before His works of old. I was set up from everlasting.... When He appointed the foundations of the earth: then I was by Him, as one brought up with Him: and I was daily His delight, rejoicing always before Him” (Proverbs 8:22-30).

Lift Him Up

The Pre-Existence of the Son of God, January 2

LHU 16.2

While God’s Word speaks of the humanity of Christ when upon this earth, it also speaks decidedly regarding His pre-existence. The Word existed as a divine being, even as the eternal Son of God, in union and oneness with His Father. From everlasting He was the Mediator of the covenant, the one in whom all nations of the earth, both Jews and Gentiles, if they accepted Him, were to be blessed. “The Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). Before men or angels were created, the Word was with God, and was God.

LHU 16.3

The world was made by Him, “and without Him was not any thing made that was made” (verse 3). If Christ made all things, He existed before all things. The words spoken in regard to this are so decisive that no one need be left in doubt. Christ was God essentially, and in the highest sense. He was with God from all eternity, God over all, blessed forevermore.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 84, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 84, 1898, par. 9

The science of education is contained in the words spoken by Christ and in the words He inspired His servants to write. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ... All things were made by him, and without him was not anything made that was made.” [John 1:1, 3.] Teachers and students are to bring the Word of God into every action of life, into their studies and into their physical work. By a living connection with God, they may create an atmosphere round their souls that will be Christlike. If they are emptied of self, if they are humble and contrite before God, a wholesome, life-giving atmosphere will pervade the school.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 8, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 8, 1896, par. 5

In the record He was charged by the Holy Spirit to present, John says of Christ, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him, and without him was not anything made that was made.” [John 1:1-3.] This is the most precious unfolding of definite truth, flashing its divine light and glory upon all who will receive it. What more important knowledge can be received than that given in the Book which teaches of the fall of man and the consequences of that sin, which opened the floodgates of woe upon our world; which teaches also of the first advent of Christ, a helpless babe, born in a stable and cradled in a manger.

Patriarchs and Prophets

Appendix

PP 761.5

Again: Christ is called the Word of God. John 1:1-3. He is so called because God gave His revelations to man in all ages through Christ. It was His Spirit that inspired the prophets. 1 Peter 1:10, 11. He was revealed to them as the Angel of Jehovah, the Captain of the Lord’s host, Michael the Archangel.

That I May Know Him

Christ the Eternal Word, January 5

TMK 11.1

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. John 1:1-3.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 29—The Sabbath

DA 281.3

All things were created by the Son of God. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God.... All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made.” John 1:1-3. And since the Sabbath is a memorial of the work of creation, it is a token of the love and power of Christ.

DA 288.2

“Wherefore the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath.” These words are full of instruction and comfort. Because the Sabbath was made for man, it is the Lord’s day. It belongs to Christ. For “all things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made.” John 1:3. Since He made all things, He made the Sabbath. By Him it was set apart as a memorial of the work of creation. It points to Him as both the Creator and the Sanctifier. It declares that He who created all things in heaven and in earth, and by whom all things hold together, is the head of the church, and that by His power we are reconciled to God. For, speaking of Israel, He said, “I gave them My Sabbaths, to be a sign between Me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord that sanctify them,”—make them holy. Ezekiel 20:12. Then the Sabbath is a sign of Christ’s power to make us holy. And it is given to all whom Christ makes holy. As a sign of His sanctifying power, the Sabbath is given to all who through Christ become a part of the Israel of God.

The Faith I Live By

A Holy Memorial, January 26

FLB 32.3

All things were created by the Son of God. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God.... All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.” John 1:1-3. And since the Sabbath is a memorial of the work of creation, it is a token of the love and power of Christ.

The Review and Herald

August 18, 1910

RH August 18, 1910, par. 3

All things were created by the Son of God. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God.... All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.” John 1:1-3. And since the Sabbath is a memorial of the work of creation, it is a token of the love and power of Christ.

Homeward Bound

The Sabbath Created by Christ, June 15

HB 188.4

All things were created by the Son of God. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God. . . . All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made.” (John 1:1-3.) And since the Sabbath is a memorial of the work of creation, it is a token of the love and power of Christ. . . .

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 16, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 16, 1899, par. 2

Christ was present at the creation of the world, as Commander in the heavenly courts. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” [John 1:1-5.] Adam was appointed to be monarch of the world, under the supervision of God. “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness, and let him have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him, male and female created he them.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 111, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 111, 1903, par. 1

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” [John 1:1-5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 55, 1911

25LtMs, Ms 55, 1911, par. 24

It is John who writes, “In the beginning, ... comprehended it not.” [John 1:1-5.]

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

MR No. 1465—True “Higher Education” Is Obtainable Only From the Master Teacher

20MR 194.3

There is a constant progress in the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ whom He has sent, but when men feel that they are wise above a “Thus saith the Lord,” they need to become fools in order that they may be wise. The living oracles of God were given to lie at the very foundation of all true education. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” There is a distinction to be made between the sacred and the common, and we are accountable to God if we place human wisdom at the head as essential for education. Language may change, and study books may present the supposed improvements, but, “in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not” [John 1:1-5].

Selected Messages Book 1

Chapter 43—Christ the Life-giver

1SM 296.1

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not” (John 1:1-5). The world did not see divinity in the humble Man of Nazareth. The only-begotten Son of the infinite God was in the world, and men knew Him not in His true character.

1SM 296.2

“In him was life; and the life was the light of men” (John 1:4). It is not physical life that is here specified, but immortality, the life which is exclusively the property of God. The Word, who was with God, and who was God, had this life. Physical life is something which each individual receives. It is not eternal or immortal; for God, the Life-giver, takes it again. Man has no control over his life. But the life of Christ was unborrowed. No one can take this life from Him. “I lay it down of myself” (John 10:18), He said. In Him was life, original, unborrowed, underived. This life is not inherent in man. He can possess it only through Christ. He cannot earn it; it is given him as a free gift if he will believe in Christ as his personal Saviour. “This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” (John 17:3). This is the open fountain of life for the world.

The Signs of the Times

February 13, 1912

ST February 13, 1912, par. 1

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. John 1:1-5..

Selected Messages Book 1

Chapter 64—“The Darkness Comprehended It Not”

1SM 401.1

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (John 1:1-9).

Manuscript Releases, vol. 8 [Nos. 526-663]

MR No. 598—Study Materials in SDA Schools

8MR 280.2

True education is the inculcation of those ideas which will impress the mind with the knowledge of God the Creator and Jesus Christ the only begotten Son of God. This education, which will ennoble the intellect and expand the mind, may be gained from a study of God’s words: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehendeth it not.... He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not.” (John 1:1-5, 10.)....

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 20, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 20, 1895, par. 1

True education is the inculcation of those ideas which will impress the mind with the knowledge of God the Creator, and Jesus Christ the only begotten Son of God. This education, which will ennoble the intellect and expand the mind, may be gained from a study of God’s words: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not. ... He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.” [John 1:1-5, 10.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 101, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 101, 1897, par. 14

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. ... That was the true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” [John 1:1-4, 9-11.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 42, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 42, 1902, par. 7

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. ... That was the true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” [John 1:1-4, 9-12.]

17LtMs, Ms 42, 1902, par. 8

It has been most distinctly presented to me that as a people we must now walk and work as men and women accountable to God. We must depend on Him, not on human beings. The Word of the living God is to be our guide. Each one is to realize his dependence on Him whose he is by creation and by redemption. Read and study the statements made in the sixth chapter of John. Pray for an understanding of these truths. I am alarmed as I see the spiritual weakness of those who have had such great light. Had they walked in this light, they would have been strong in the Lord. But they have not, and those who come into the truth through their efforts look to human beings for wisdom, instead of looking to Jesus Christ, “the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” [John 1:9.] When those who claim to believe in Christ receive Him by faith, He will be to them their sanctification and their righteousness.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 45, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 45, 1898, par. 23

John, the beloved disciple, testifies of Christ, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ... All things were made by him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men ... And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth.” [John 1:1, 3, 4, 14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 56, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 56, 1900, par. 22

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us”—the same Word that was in the beginning with God, and was God. [John 1:14, 1.] Through His own life in human nature, Christ has revealed to us His methods of usefulness in saving souls. His character is to be revealed in His followers. The reception of the great testing truths for these last days never makes the receiver coarse and rough and uncourteous, harsh in conversation and spirit. The truth genuinely believed is a reality to the receiver. It never degrades, but always refines, elevates, and ennobles the receiver. Through sanctification of the Spirit it makes him an agency through whom the unseen angels of God work out His holy principles.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 104, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 104, 1902, par. 7

It must have been a very severe ordeal for our Saviour to lay aside His royal robe and kingly crown, and clothe His divinity with humanity, coming to this world as a little child, to live a life of obedience in behalf of the sinful race. Lest we should make a mistake in regard to what the redeemed must be, He came to give in His life a revelation of the character God requires His children to form. He came that we might have an example of what human nature may become by receiving Him as a perfect Saviour. He came to show us that we may be Christlike. “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” [John 1:12.] He came to reveal the character of God. He took human nature upon Him in order that He might come to this world as a man, and as a man live a life of obedience.

17LtMs, Lt 104, 1902, par. 11

Ask John, the beloved disciple: “In the beginning was the Word,” he declares, “and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ... In him was life, and the life was the light of men. ... And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” [John 1:1, 4, 14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 140, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 140, 1903, par. 20

We ask John, the beloved disciple, and what does he reply?—“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ... All things were made by Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made. ... And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, ... full of grace and truth.” [John 1:1, 3, 14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 276, 1904

19LtMs, Lt 276, 1904, par. 8

Under the new covenant, the conditions by which eternal life may be gained are the same as under the old—perfect obedience. Under the old covenant, there were many offenses of a daring, presumptuous character, for which there was no atonement specified by law. In the new and better covenant, Christ has fulfilled the law for the transgressors of law, if they receive Him by faith as a personal Saviour. “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God.” [John 1:12.] Mercy and forgiveness are the reward of all who come to Christ, trusting in His merits to take away their sins. In the better covenant we are cleansed from sin by the blood of Christ.

19LtMs, Lt 276, 1904, par. 22

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ... All things were made by Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. ... And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth.” [John 1:1, 3, 4, 14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 277, 1904

19LtMs, Lt 277, 1904, par. 2

The Son of God, the divine foundation of all faith, all truth, all righteousness intends that fallen human beings shall have every possible advantage as they strive against evil. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ... All things were made by Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not.” [John 1:1, 3-5.]

19LtMs, Lt 277, 1904, par. 4

“There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” [Verses 6-9.] The Saviour is calling, “Follow Me, and ye shall not walk in darkness.” [John 8:12.] God is calling upon you, my brother, to turn away from human devising, to follow His guidance, to refuse to be deceived.

19LtMs, Lt 277, 1904, par. 5

“He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name. ... And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth.” [John 1:10-12, 14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 216, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 216, 1906, par. 5

Under the new covenant, the conditions by which eternal life may be gained are the same as under the old. The conditions are, and ever have been, based on perfect obedience. Under the old covenant, there were many offenses of a daring, presumptuous character, for which there was no atonement specified by law. In the new and better covenant, Christ has fulfilled the law for the transgressors of law, if they receive Him by faith as a personal Saviour. “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God.” [John 1:12.] Mercy and forgiveness are the reward of all who come to Christ, trusting in His merits to take away their sins. We are cleansed from sin by the blood of Christ Jesus our Saviour.

21LtMs, Lt 216, 1906, par. 18

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ... All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. ... And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” [John 1:1, 3, 4, 14.]

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

MR No. 944—Luther Warren and Work in New York City

12MR 99.2

It must have been a very severe ordeal for our Saviour to lay aside His royal robe and kingly crown, and clothe His divinity with humanity, coming to this world as a little child, to live a life of obedience in behalf of the sinful race. Lest we should make a mistake in regard to what the redeemed must be, He came to give in His life a revelation of the character God requires His children to form. He came that we might have an example of what human nature may become by receiving Him as a perfect Saviour. He came to show us that we may be Christlike. “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name” (John 1:12). He came to reveal the character of God. He took human nature upon Him in order that He might come to this world as a man, and as a man live a life of obedience.

12MR 99.4

Think you not that Christ was often homesick as, unrecognized and unhonored, He lived in the world that He Himself had made. Who was He? Ask Isaiah, he will tell you: [Isaiah 9:6; 63:1 quoted.] Ask him who was sent to announce His coming: [Matthew 3:1, 2, 11, 12 quoted.] Ask John, the beloved disciple: [John 1:1, 4, 14 quoted.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 16, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 16, 1894, par. 18

We read in John, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” [John 1:1.] And then we read in the 17th chapter that “this is life eternal, that we might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” [Verse 3.] Well then, if we are living in His eternal love, if we can see Christ in His matchless charms in the kingdom of glory, shall we not reveal to the world that we are the happiest people in the world?

9LtMs, Ms 16, 1894, par. 19

“All things were made by him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life and the life was the light of men.” [John 1:3, 4.] We want to know what that light is. I have understood what it is for more than fifty years, and oh, how precious it was to me when the gleams of the glory of God came to me first! They thought that I was dead, and there they watched and cried and prayed so long, but to me it was heaven, it was life, and then the world was spread out before me and I saw darkness like the pall of death.

9LtMs, Ms 16, 1894, par. 22

Here again we read, “And the light shineth in the darkness and the darkness comprehended it not.” [Verse 5.] That is the great mystery to me. When all heaven is before us and we can see that we can obtain the victory through Jesus Christ, why is every living mortal not striving for the victory? He can obtain it through Jesus Christ. There was a man sent from God whose name was Jesus. Why did they not believe on Him? What will their excuse be in the judgment? They cannot render an excuse.

9LtMs, Ms 16, 1894, par. 25

“That all men through him should believe.” [John 1:7.] Now we see that everyone may believe if they will only take the Word of God and be obedient to it. John was not that light, but was sent to prepare the way. Oh, the precious light there is in Jesus Christ! I say it in the morning, I say it in the night, I say it all the hours of the day. Precious, precious Jesus, who gave His life! God forbid that I should make Him ashamed by the character I present to the world. We read that He was not ashamed to call us brethren. [Hebrews 2:11.] “He was in the world and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.” [John 1:10.] Do you want to link hands with the world and consult its habits and customs and practices? We cannot do this and win souls away from the world or enlist in the army of Christ. “He came unto his own and his own received him not.” [Verse 11.] And therefore Christ says, “It was for you to have received the word of life.” But since we have not received it, what then? Why, “we turn to the Gentiles.” [Acts 13:46.] Those that hear the Word of God may receive it if they will, but it is a cross. These crosses must be lifted. You cannot trample them under your feet. “Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” [Mark 8:34.]

9LtMs, Ms 16, 1894, par. 28

But we will read a little further. “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name; which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” [John 1:12-14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 133, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 133, 1897, par. 15

The great transforming power of God is essential. Seek for it. Christ is standing at the door of your hearts, and knocking for admission. Will you let the heavenly Guest knock in vain? You need to take hold of the work in earnest. Do something, every soul of you, do it now. “While it is called today, if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” [Hebrews 3:13, 15.] Cry unto God with heart and soul and voice that you may have courage to receive Jesus. “For as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” [John 1:12-14.]

12LtMs, Lt 133, 1897, par. 18

God would have His precious treasure of truth accepted and appreciated. It is to be prized above silver and gold, above diamonds and earthly gain. “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.” “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” “In him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not.” [Verses 14, 1, 4, 5.] Shall the people who call themselves God’s people be among those who do not comprehend the light?

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

During the Next Year and a Half

15MR 105.6

The artist may do his best to represent the things his eyes have never seen, but his representations are so far beneath the reality that I am pained as I behold them. Neither God nor heaven nor Christ, who is the image of the Father, can be truly represented by the art of man. If the Lord had thought it advisable to represent Christ in this way, His person would have been described in the writings of the apostle. In the words of the disciple John, Christ is presented before us: [John 1:1-14, quoted].

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

MR No. 1487—Privileges and Responsibilities of Christians; Depend on Holy Spirit, Not Self

20MR 323.1

As we behold the restless ocean and the sea and waves roaring, we think of the mighty power of God with whom we have to do. And all who accept of Jesus Christ are brought into close relationship with God. [John 1:1-14, quoted.]

The Publishing Ministry

Chapter 19—Book Sales and Illustrations

PM 220.1

In the words of the disciple John, Christ is presented before us: [John 1:1-14 quoted].

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 93, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 93, 1893, par. 2

“There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:1-14.

In Heavenly Places

Mystery of All Mysteries, February 4

HP 41.3

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.... All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.” “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us” (John 1:1-3, 14)....

From Eternity Past

Appendix

EP 551.1

Note 6, page 256: The Ten Commandments were given by Christ. See 1 Corinthians 8:6; Acts 7:38; Isaiah 63:9; Exodus 23:20-23; John 1:1-3, 14; 1 Peter 1:10, 11.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 24, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 24, 1890, par. 1

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. ... And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” [John 1:1-3, 14.] “For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life. He that cometh to me shall never hunger, and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” [John 6:33-35.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 191, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 2

Do you ask how this may be done? John tells us in his gospel: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were by him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.” [John 1:1-4.]

20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 4

“The light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not.” [Verse 5.] The passion for money-getting dulls the comprehension of eternal truth. Farms, real estate, bank stock, and money investments absorb the time and attention of men; and if death comes to them suddenly, they are unprepared. In their anxiety to obtain temporal advantages, they have lost life, eternal life. Such will not be among the number whom Christ will lead by the living waters, to open before them the eternal weight of glory which is theirs.

20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 7

“There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.” In the same way there are men sent from God today to bear a message. “The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.” [John 1:6, 7.]

20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 9

John continues, “He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.” [John 1:8.] Those who are to bear witness of the Light must have the light in them. No one can bear witness to the Light, unless that light is shining into the chambers of the mind and into the soul temple. There must be an abiding witness, that they may proclaim it with all the confidence and all the assurance possible. They will speak the truth, but it is not their words that will impress hearts. It is the power that is back of their words, it is the presence of Christ, the Light, that makes the impression upon the human mind.

20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 10

“That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not.” [Verses 9, 10.] In their greed for money and worldly gain, the world failed to recognize the Son of the living God, who came to live among men. “He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” [Verse 11.]

20LtMs, Ms 191, 1905, par. 12

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” [Verses 12-14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 42, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 42, 1894, par. 16

When our heavenly Father has not only given Jesus to our world, but all heaven in the One great Gift, when He made no reserve whereby He could exceed the value of His gift, those who are the recipients of such wonderful love are called upon to love one another as Christ has loved them. The Saviour’s teachings in the Old Testament, while enshrouded in the cloudy pillar, present the same high standard as do His teachings in the New Testament. Please read Leviticus 19. The entire chapter is a lesson given for the benefit of future generations. It is Jesus Christ who is speaking. Read also 1 John 2:4-7. John 1:1-4, 14.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 37, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 37, 1898, par. 1

“Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” [Isaiah 9:6.] What is John’s testimony regarding Christ? “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. ... And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” [John 1:1-4, 14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 31, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 31, 1898, par. 33

The word of Jehovah will stand forever. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehendeth it not. ... He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” [John 1:1-5, 10-14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 59, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 59, 1903, par. 1

How wonderful is the thought that God became flesh and dwelt among us. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. ... And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, ... full of grace and truth.” [John 1:1-5, 14.] How can men claim to believe these words, and to be followers of Christ, and yet go on in their blind selfishness, following their perverted ideas. I call upon those connected with our institutions to repent and be converted, that Christ may unite His power with their humanity, and give them strength to live out the principles of God’s law. True faith in Christ is invincible.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 388, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 388, 1907, par. 2

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. ... He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” [John 1:1-5, 10-14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 410, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 410, 1907, par. 11

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. ... He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not.” [John 1:1-5, 10.]

22LtMs, Lt 410, 1907, par. 13

“But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name. Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” [Verses 12-14.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 19 [Nos. 1360-1419]

MR No. 1415—Counsels Concerning Sanitarium Work; Importance of Personal Holiness

19MR 372.3

Multitudes have heard me speak, and have read my writings, but no one has ever heard me claim to work miracles. I have at times been called upon to pray for the sick, and the word of the Lord has been verified: “Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him [James 5:14, 15]. Christ is the great miracle-worker. To Him be all the glory. He it is of whom John writes: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.... He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not” [John 1:1-5, 10].

19MR 373.2

“But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” [John 1:12-14].

Selected Messages Book 1

Chapter 34—The Word Made Flesh

1SM 246.1

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:1-5, 14).

1SM 246.3

The doctrine of the incarnation of Christ in human flesh is a mystery, “even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations” (Colossians 1:26). It is the great and profound mystery of godliness. “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). Christ took upon Himself human nature, a nature inferior to His heavenly nature. Nothing so shows the wonderful condescension of God as this. He “so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son” (John 3:16). John presents this wonderful subject with such simplicity that all may grasp the ideas set forth, and be enlightened.

1SM 247.2

But while God’s Word speaks of the humanity of Christ when upon this earth, it also speaks decidedly regarding His pre-existence. The Word existed as a divine being, even as the eternal Son of God, in union and oneness with His Father. From everlasting He was the Mediator of the covenant, the one in whom all nations of the earth, both Jews and Gentiles, if they accepted Him, were to be blessed. “The Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). Before men or angels were created, the Word was with God, and was God.

1SM 247.3

The world was made by Him, “and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:3). If Christ made all things, He existed before all things. The words spoken in regard to this are so decisive that no one need be left in doubt. Christ was God essentially, and in the highest sense. He was with God from all eternity, God over all, blessed forevermore.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 38, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 38, 1896, par. 10

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehendeth it not. ... And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” [John 1:1-5, 14.] Would that every one whose name is written in the church books could from the heart utter these words. The church members need to know from experience what the Holy Spirit will do for them. It will bless the receiver, and make him a blessing. It is sad that every soul is not praying for the vital breath of the Spirit, for we are ready to die if it breathe not on us.

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

MR No. 814—Marriage and the Christian Home

10MR 197.1

Marriage, and Christ’s First Miracle—[John 2:1, 2; 1:1-15: Genesis 1:26-31 quoted.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 12, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 12, 1899, par. 12

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God ... In him was life; and the life was the light of men ... He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.” [John 1:1, 4, 10.] How many who claim to be Christians are Christians in thought? How many have an abiding Christ? How many reveal to the world the glory that Christ declares He gave His people? Who among those who have been given great light reveal that light to the world in clear, distinct rays by their unity and love for one another?

14LtMs, Ms 12, 1899, par. 13

All true Christians will carry out Christ’s principles. They will represent Him by their compassionate tenderness for each other. We read, “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. ... And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. ... And of his fullness have all we received, grace for grace.” [Verses 12, 14, 16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 14, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 14, 1900, par. 13

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. ... He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. ... And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth. ... And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.” [John 1:1-4, 10-12, 14, 16.] As the grace which is in the soul flows out to others, more grace flows in to be given back to God in willing offerings.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 20, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 20, 1903, par. 14

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. ... And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. ... And of His fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.” “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” [John 1:1-4, 14, 16, 12.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 131, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 131, 1899, par. 4

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. ... That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believed on his name: which were born, not of blood, not of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us ... full of grace and truth ... And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.” [John 1:1-5, 9-14, 16.]

14LtMs, Ms 131, 1899, par. 5

There were times when Christ spoke with the authority of true greatness. “He that hath ears to hear,” He said, “let him hear.” [Matthew 11:15.] He called for submissive attention to His words, for although He was in human form, He bore His commission from the Excellent Glory. “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, ... full of grace and truth.” [John 1:14.] God summons the world to listen while He speaks, and to receive every word He utters as law and life.

14LtMs, Ms 131, 1899, par. 7

Christ is to be all and in all to the believer. There must be none of self, and all of Christ, whose we are by creation and by redemption. The Holy Spirit takes the most attractive excellencies of the One who is altogether lovely, and presents them in such a way as to engage the attention and receive the best attention of the renewed heart. God designs that the Holy Spirit shall keep before the mind’s eye scenes that will attract and absorb all there is of the new-born soul. We need not any external representations of the person of Christ. The imagination must take in the only begotten of the Father, “full of grace and truth” [John 1:14], the One altogether lovely, and the chiefest among ten thousand.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 117, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 117, 1903, par. 11

How did men treat Christ when He came? “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not.” [John 1:1-5.]

18LtMs, Lt 117, 1903, par. 12

“There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the light, that all men through Him might believe. He was not that light, but was sent to bear witness of that light. That was the true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.” [Verses 6-11.]

18LtMs, Lt 117, 1903, par. 14

“But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name. ... And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, ... full of grace and truth. ... And of His fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.” [Verses 12, 14, 16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 145, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 145, 1905, par. 16

John, the beloved disciple, bears witness: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ... All things were made by Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. ... And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John bare witness of Him, and cried, saying, This is He of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me; for He was before me. And of His fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.” [John 1:1, 3, 4, 14-16.]

20LtMs, Ms 145, 1905, par. 19

“For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” [John 1:17.] “Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven; yea, the Lord shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase. Righteousness shall go before Him, and shall set us in the way of His steps.” [Psalm 85:10-13.]

20LtMs, Ms 145, 1905, par. 20

“No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him.” [John 1:18.] Moses, pleading with God, said, “I beseech Thee, show me Thy glory.” And He said, “I will make all My goodness to pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy unto whom I will show mercy. And He said, Thou canst not see My face, and live; for there shall no man see Me and live. And the Lord said, Behold, there is a place by Me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock; and it shall come to pass, while My glory passeth by, that I will put thee into the cleft of the rock, and will cover thee with My hand, while I pass by. And I will take away My hand, and thou shalt see My back parts, but My face shall not be seen.” [Exodus 33:18-23.]

Manuscript Release No. 760

Introductory Note :

MR760 18.1

John, the beloved disciple, bears witness: [John 1:1-4, 14-16; 3:34-36 quoted.]

MR760 18.3

“For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). [Psalm 85:10-13; John 1:18 quoted.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 61, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 61, 1899, par. 23

Who is this? We ask Isaiah, and he answers, “Unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulders, and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” [Isaiah 9:6.] John the Baptist tells us who He is, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” [John 1:29.] And the beloved disciple adds his testimony, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” [Verse 1.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 16 [Nos. 1186-1235]

MR No. 1198—The Teacher Sent from God

16MR 96.2

Who is this? We ask Isaiah, and he answers, “Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace” [Isaiah 9:6]. John the Baptist tells us who He is: “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” [John 1:29]. And the beloved disciple adds his testimony, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” [John 1:1].—Manuscript 61, 1899.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 21, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 21, 1897, par. 35

Who is Christ? Whose Son is He? The only begotten Son of the infinite God. What distinction had He in the heavenly courts? He was Commander of all heaven. He laid aside His glory, His royal robe, His high position as Commander of the heavenly angels. He laid aside His princely crown, His majesty, and clothed His divinity with humanity, that humanity might touch humanity. Had He not done this, He could not have approached fallen, sinful man at all. John, full of faith and zeal, cries out, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sins of the world.” [John 1:29.] He was the Prince of life; but He came to represent humanity, to elevate and ennoble every human being that will come unto Him, that he might have life.

12LtMs, Lt 21, 1897, par. 39

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ... All things were made by him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in the darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” [John 1:1, 3-5.] Why do men take to themselves great power? Because they do not see Christ, or believe in Him. “He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. ... And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth ... and of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.” [Verses 10-12, 14, 16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 16, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 16, 1897, par. 4

John obtained his education in the solitude of the desert and among the trees of the wood by the sea shore. In them he heard the voice of God. The glory of God is reflected in His works, and with open face we may behold God in His creation. God looked upon the things which He had made, and pronounced them good. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not. There was a man sent from God whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” [John 1:1-12.]

12LtMs, Ms 16, 1897, par. 30

The doctrine taught by Paul, both publicly and from house to house, was repentance toward God and faith in Christ. The human family are in trouble because of their transgression of the Father’s law. But He does not leave the sinner until He shows the remedy for sin. The sinner must come in faith to Christ, take hold of His merits, lay his sins upon the Sin-bearer, and receive His pardon. John declared, “Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world.” [John 1:29.] It was for this cause that He came into the world. The righteousness of Christ is imputed to the repenting, believing sinner. He becomes a member of the royal family, a child of the heavenly King, heir of God, and joint heir with Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 90, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 90, 1897, par. 7

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him, and without him was not anything made that was made. ... And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. ... He was in the world, and the world was made by him and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” [John 1:1-3, 14, 10, 11.] It is amazing to the angels that those who live in God’s house, daily receive His favors, should refuse His only begotten Son.

12LtMs, Ms 90, 1897, par. 13

The Lord has not left the world without witness. He has His loyal, chosen people. They do not make this world their home, but they are here, to witness for God, and as long as probation lasts, a living witness will be borne by these faithful messengers. Satan and his angels confederate, with men who yield to temptation, against God’s remnant people, the champion of righteousness. They strive to counteract their testimony, and to destroy them. So Christ was treated. The Prince of life came to His own, but they refused to receive Him. He came on an embassage of mercy, to save, not to condemn the world, though rebellion against His law had become wide spread. He called upon all to behold Him, the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. [John 1:29.] But He was scorned as deceiver, and hunted from place to place as a pretender. But did the words of men make Him a pretender?

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

MR No. 999—Christ as Sacrifice and High Priest

12MR 391.4

[John 1:1-4, 9-11, quoted.]

12MR 404.1

From the desert where single-handed Christ wrestled with the temptation of the enemy, to the cross, Satan was on the Saviour’s track. All hell was leagued against Christ. And the people that God had honored by making them the repositories of sacred truth, that they might be lights in the darkness of the world, joined the ranks of the great rebel, and sought to extinguish the light that was to lighten every man that cometh into the world. “He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not” [John 1:10]. Satan had thrown his hellish shadow across their pathway, to intercept the rainbow of promise. Priests and rulers confederated with him to catch Christ in His words, but they failed. At times the temptations were most painful, but step by step Christ advanced in the path of humiliation and self-sacrifice. All Satan’s attempts to inspire Him with his own attributes were unsuccessful.

12MR 416.3

All is terror and confusion. The priest is about to plunge his knife to the heart of the victim, but the knife drops from his nerveless hand, and the lamb, no longer fettered, escapes. At the moment that the expiring Saviour exclaimed, “It is finished,” an unseen hand rent the veil of the Temple from the top to the bottom. Thus God said, “I can no longer reveal My presence in the Most Holy Place.” Type had met antitype in the death of God’s Son. The Lamb of God, slain from the foundation of the world, is dead. The way into the Holiest of all is laid open. A new and living way, which has no veil between, is offered to all. From henceforth all may walk in this way. No longer need sinful, sorrowing humanity await the coming of the high priest. It was as if a living voice had spoken to the worshipers: There is now an end to all sacrifices and offerings. The Son of God has come according to His word, “Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of Me, I delight to do thy will, O My God” [Psalm 40:8]. “Behold the lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” [John 1:29].

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 40, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 40, 1894, par. 1

Lift Him up, the Man of Calvary. Lift Him up and cry, “Behold, the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world.” [John 1:29.] Keep Christ before the people, and this will be giving to every man his portion of meat in due season. Jesus has said, “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. ... Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father; so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. ... It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” John 6:35, 54-57, 63.

9LtMs, Ms 40, 1894, par. 14

John says of Him, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him: and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. ... And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth.” [John 1:1-4, 14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 65, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 65, 1898, par. 3

There is a constant progress in the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ whom He has sent, but when men feel that they are wise above a “Thus saith the Lord,” they need to become fools in order that they may be wise. The living oracles of God were given to lie at the very foundation of all true education. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” [Proverbs 9:10.] There is a distinction to be made between the sacred and the common, and we are accountable to God if we place human wisdom at the head as essential for education. Language may change, and study books may present the supposed improvements, but, “in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men: and the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not.” [John 1:1-5.]

13LtMs, Lt 65, 1898, par. 10

We inquire of John, the beloved disciple. Hear his words: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in the darkness; and the darkness comprehendeth it not. ... And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth.” [John 1:1-5, 14.]

13LtMs, Lt 65, 1898, par. 13

Again we ask John, What of Christ? “That was the true light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe in his name, which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of men, but of God. And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” [John 1:9-14, 29.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 31, 1889

6LtMs, Ms 31, 1889, par. 23

But when prejudice has closed the door of the heart to the light of truth, what will convince man? If our ministering brethren would take the Scriptures as their authority, asking the Lord to teach them what is truth, they would not make my work so hard, and the instruction given me would not have to be so often repeated. But like the Jews of old, many are saying, “Can any good come out of Nazareth?” [John 1:46.]

6LtMs, Ms 31, 1889, par. 84

Somewhere I have read the statement that if truth were to come down from heaven and in its glory appear on this earth, all would fall down and worship it. But this is not so. Truth did come down from heaven. Christ declares, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” [John 14:6.] And at the Saviour’s baptism, God declared, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.” [Matthew 17:5.] “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” [John 1:1-5.]

6LtMs, Ms 31, 1889, par. 85

“That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.” [Verses 9-11.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Lt 28, 1909

24LtMs, Lt 28, 1909, par. 17

The disciple John writes, concerning the mission of Christ, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ... All things were made by Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not.” [John 1:1, 3-5.] Read this first chapter of the gospel of John. There are wonderful lessons presented here for our thought and study.

24LtMs, Lt 28, 1909, par. 18

I am instructed to tell, in every way possible, how to discern the meaning of true higher education. Many of our teachers talk of higher education, but they do not realize what higher education really comprehends. This is the only education that is of saving value. The first chapter of John, with the third chapter, plainly defines higher education. Take these words of inspiration and read them carefully. Read them verse by verse thoughtfully and prayerfully. The instruction here given is only feebly comprehended by us; and no man can understand its full import until he is born again. Said Christ to Nicodemus, “Verily I say unto you, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit he cannot see the kingdom of God.” [John 3:5, 3.] Christ has given us definite instruction regarding the nature of true education, but we can only receive this instruction through sanctification of the Spirit of God. Christ declared, “Verily, verily I say unto you, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe them not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up into heaven, but He that came down out of heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.” [Verses 11-13.]

Notebook Leaflets from the Elmshaven Library, vol. 2

Our Attitude Toward Doctrinal Controversy

2NL 159.8

In the night seasons I seem to be repeating to my brethren in responsible positions, words from the first epistle of John. [Chapter 1 is quoted.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 22, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 22, 1900, par. 16

The words in the first chapter of John are full of meaning. “He was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. ... The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. ... And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.” [Verses 9-12, 14, 16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 91, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 91, 1903, par. 15

Why do we need a Matthew, a Mark, a Luke, a John, a Paul, and all these other writers who have borne their testimony in regard to the life of the Saviour during His earthly ministry? Why could not one of the disciples have written a complete record, and thus have given us a connected account of Christ’s life and work? The Gospels differ. One writer brings in points that another does not bring in. If these points are essential, why did not all these writers mention them? It is because the minds of men differ and do not comprehend all things in exactly the same way. Some Scripture truths appeal much more strongly to the minds of certain persons than to others; some points appear to be much more important to some than to others. The same principle applies to speakers. Some speakers dwell at considerable length on points that others would pass by quickly or not mention at all. Thus the whole truth is presented more clearly by several than by one. In the Gospels the records blend in one harmonious whole.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 63, 1910

25LtMs, Ms 63, 1910, par. 4

The time of the commencement of the work of John the Baptist was a period of intense interest. Read the first chapter of the Gospel of St. John. “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” John 1:6-9. He, the precious Christ, was our Teacher. “He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not.” Verse 10. Read the first chapter of John—the whole chapter.

Ellen G. White: The Progressive Years: 1862-1876 (vol. 2)

In San Francisco

2BIO 361.4

Sabbath, October 12, James and Ellen White attended the morning worship service in San Francisco at eleven, and another in late afternoon, both speaking at each of the meetings. “We had good liberty,” wrote Ellen White, “and the people seemed much encouraged.”—Manuscript 5, 1872. At a meeting Sunday morning she preached from John 1. In the afternoon James spoke on the “reasons of our faith” and Ellen on “God in nature.” Thus their work began in San Francisco.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Ms 5, 1872

2LtMs, Ms 5, 1872, par. 9

At eleven o’clock I opened the meeting by prayer and spoke from John first chapter. I had the best of attention. By the request of Brother Diggins we accompanied him home to dinner. The horse car took us near his door. We had a pleasant visit. They have a beautiful garden, laid out and arranged with great skill and taste. We conversed some with Mrs. Diggins. She makes no profession of being a follower of Christ, yet she is a kind, devoted wife, a most affectionate mother, and a truly obliging neighbor. Brother Diggins was gratified that we conversed freely with his wife. She has been much prejudiced by false reports. My husband spoke in a most clear manner in regard to the reasons of our faith. I followed, speaking of God in nature. The people listened with the greatest attention. Their prejudice is removed and we hope the truth will reach hearts.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 23, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 23, 1896, par. 3

The first chapter of John tells you how. “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” [Verse 12.] What name? “And lo, a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” [Matthew 3:17.] “Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of peace.” [Isaiah 9:6.] Does your faith lay hold upon this? Not yet. You do not know Him whom to know aright is life and peace. Before you shall come to Him, self must be expelled from the soul and crucified. This experience of having an abiding Christ, you do not know. “But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believed not.” [John 6:36.] You have a theoretical knowledge of Christ, but not an experimental knowledge through belief in Him as your personal Saviour.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 42, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 42, 1896, par. 1

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] With this gracious promise in (John 1) we read, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” [Verse 12.] So you see, much depends upon our taking God at His word. He who was in the form of God, who thought it not robbery to be equal with God, descended from His throne, and laid off His royal robe, laid off His kingly crown, and clothed His divinity with humanity, that He might become your surety and substitute, and become acquainted with all the temptations wherewith man should be beset, that He might know how to succor just such tempted ones as you and me. He is touched with the feelings of our infirmities; He would have us lay our perplexities and troubles at His feet, and leave them there.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 40, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 40, 1897, par. 13

The religious leaders, the guides and instructors of the people, the men who ought to have pointed the people to Jesus, saying as did John, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” [John 1:29], followed in the lead of the enemy of all good. They persuaded the poor ignorant people, who knew not the Scriptures testifying of Christ, to reject the Son of God and let them to choose in His stead a murderer and a robber. “The chief priests and elders persuaded the people that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.” [Matthew 27:20.]

12LtMs, Ms 40, 1897, par. 15

The four apostles Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, all bear record that Jew and Gentile, rulers, kings, and governors, priests and people, all classes and tongues, were represented in rejecting and crucifying Christ, the Son of God, a man who was innocent, and against whom they could find no proof. The synagogue of Satan, the prince of darkness and his evil agents, united in a desperate companionship with disloyal, evil men. They resolved to put the whole power of their corrupt energies to work to put out of the world the light of truth.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 153, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 153, 1898, par. 14

“Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.” [Psalm 40:7, 8.] “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father;) full of grace and truth.” [John 1:14.] God was “manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” [1 Timothy 3:16.]

13LtMs, Ms 153, 1898, par. 24

The character of Christ is an infinitely perfect character. The Word declares Him. He is lifted up, and proclaimed as the One who gave His life for the life of the world. You have not the least right to trust in any man, or to make flesh your arm. Christ gave His own life, that all the disloyal and disobedient might realize the truth of the promise given in the first chapter of John, “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” [Verse 12.] Tell it over and over again. We may become the sons of God, members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King. All who accept Jesus Christ and hold the beginning of their confidence firm unto the end will be heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ to “an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserve in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time.” [1 Peter 1:4, 5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 53, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 53, 1900, par. 4

In our Bible, we might ask, Why need Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the Gospels, why need the Acts of the Apostles, and the variety of writers in the Epistles, go over the same thing?

15LtMs, Lt 53, 1900, par. 6

We are not to feel that we must speak the very same things, giving the same representation in the same words, and yet there is to be unity in the diversity. All the different testimonies unite to form one whole, as the books of the Bible are brought together, and bound under one cover. But should Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John go off on some tangent, contradicting each other’s testimony, then there would be confusion. In the presentation of truth by different minds, there is to be unity in diversity.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 41, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 41, 1902, par. 14

The tree of life was a type of the one great source of immortality. Of Christ it is written, “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.” [John 1:4.] He is the fountain of life. Obedience to Him is the life-giving, vivifying power that gladdens the soul. Through sin man shut himself off from access to the tree of life. Now, life and immortality are brought to light through Jesus Christ.

17LtMs, Ms 41, 1902, par. 40

We are to remember the exhortation, “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.] By creation and by redemption we are the Lord’s property. God gave His Son as a sacrifice to save the human family, that they might live—not the life of Satan, but the life of Christ; for in Christ the divine nature was united with human nature. The Word, who “was in the beginning with God,” “was made flesh and dwelt among us.” [John 1:2, 14.] Christ was God manifest in the flesh. “Without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” [1 Timothy 3:16.]

From Heaven With Love

Greater Care Shown Animals

HLv 190.4

“The Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath.” For “all things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made.” John 1:3. Since Christ made all things, He made the Sabbath. By Him it was set apart as a memorial of creation. It points to Him as both Creator and Sanctifier. It declares that He who created all things is the Head of the church and that by His power we are reconciled to God. He said, “I gave them My Sabbaths, to be a sign between Me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord that sanctify them”—make them holy. Ezekiel 20:12. The Sabbath is a sign of Christ’s power to make us holy. And it is given to all whom Christ makes holy, as a sign of His sanctifying power.

Homeward Bound

Hearing Jesus’ Voice, January 8

HB 23.3

Jesus said of the Old Testament Scriptures—and how much more is it true of the New—“They are they which testify of Me,” the Redeemer, Him in whom our hopes of eternal life are centered. (John 5:39.) Yes, the whole Bible tells of Christ. From the first record of creation—for “without Him was not anything made that was made”—to the closing promise, “Behold, I come quickly,” we are reading of His works and listening to His voice. (John 1:3; Revelation 22:12.) If you would become acquainted with the Saviour, study the Holy Scriptures.

Homeward Bound

The Lord’s Day, June 17

HB 190.3

“Wherefore the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath.” These words are full of instruction and comfort. Because the Sabbath was made for mankind, it is the Lord’s day. It belongs to Christ. For “all things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made.” (John 1:3.) Since He made all things, He made the Sabbath. By Him it was set apart as a memorial of the work of creation. It points to Him as both the Creator and the Sanctifier. It declares that He who created all things in heaven and in earth, and by whom all things hold together, is the head of the church, and that by His power we are reconciled to God. For, speaking of Israel, He said, “I gave them My Sabbaths, to be a sign between Me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord that sanctify them”—make them holy. (Ezekiel 20:12.) Then the Sabbath is a sign of Christ’s power to make us holy. And it is given to all whom Christ makes holy. As a sign of His sanctifying power, the Sabbath is given to all who through Christ become a part of the Israel of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 119, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 119, 1898, par. 5

The Word of God has been preserved through the centuries to be our lessonbook in these last days, and this Word is to be studied. The minds that are turned to righteousness will be full of faith and hope and courage. We are to keep before the mind God and His creative work, “for without him was not anything made that was made.” [John 1:3.] He created the world, “and all things that are therein.” [Nehemiah 9:6.] His Book has been preserved by a miracle of God to guide men into right theories, and preserve men from the vague untruthful theories, which, because of human inventions [that] have tried to mold and fashion the Bible, are prevalent in the world today.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Lt 98, 1909

24LtMs, Lt 98, 1909, par. 4

The physical creation testifies of God and of Christ as Creator of all things. “All things were made by Him.” [John 1:3.] And He “who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined into our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” [2 Corinthians 4:6.] This knowledge, the knowledge of the glory of God, is the highest class of learning that mortals can obtain. And “this treasure we have in earthen vessels that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” [Verse 7.]

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Commander of the Heavenly Intelligences, February 11

JNN 50.1

All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.—John 1:3

The Faith I Live By

All the Bible Inspired, January 6

FLB 12.6

Jesus said of the Old Testament Scriptures—and how much more it is true of the New—“They are they which testify of me” (John 5:39).... Yes, the whole Bible tells of Christ. From the first record of creation, for “without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:3), to the closing promise, “Behold, I come quickly” (Revelation 22:12), we are reading of His works and listening to His voice. If you would become acquainted with the Saviour, study the Holy Scriptures.25Steps to Christ, 88.

The Story of Jesus

Chapter 11—Sabbathkeeping

SJ 67.2

The Bible says, “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” “The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God.” “For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.” Exodus 20:8, 10, 11; 31:16, 17. Christ had worked with His Father in creating the earth, and He had made the Sabbath. The Bible says that “all things were made by Him.” John 1:3.

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 29—Jesus Rescues the Sabbath

HLv 185.3

All things were created by the Son of God. “All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made.” John 1:3. And since the Sabbath is a memorial of the work of creation, it is a token of the love and power of Christ.

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

MR No. 515—Counsels Regarding Medical Work

7MR 372.2

Those who read and listen to the sophistries that prevail in this age do not know God as He is. They contradict the Word of God, and extol and worship nature in the place of the Creator. While we may discern the working of God in the things He has created, these things are not God. Nature’s voice is heard in its influence upon the senses. Her voice, the Word declares, is heard to the end of the world. The physical creation testifies of God and Jesus Christ as the great Creator of all things. “All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men” (John 1:3, 4). The psalmist bears witness, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard” (Psalm 19:1-3)....

The Upward Look

The God of Science and Revelation, September 21

UL 278.2

Those who read and listen to the sophistries that prevail in this age do not know God as He is. They contradict the Word of God, and extol and worship nature in the place of the Creator. While we may discern the workings of God in the things He has created, these things are not God.... The physical creation testifies of God and Jesus Christ as the great Creator of all things. “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men” (John 1:3, 4). The psalmist bears witness, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard” (Psalm 19:1-3)....

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 117, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 117, 1898, par. 5

Those who read and listen to the sophistries that prevail in this age do not know God as He is. They contradict the Word of God, and extol and worship nature in the place of the Creator. While we may discern the workings of God in the things He has created, these things are not God. Nature’s voice is heard in its influence upon the senses. Her voice, the Word declares, is heard to the end of the world. The physical creation testifies of God and Jesus Christ as the Great Creator of all things. “All things were made by him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men.” [John 1:3, 4.] The psalmist bears witness, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard.” [Psalm 19:1-3.]

Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students

An Encouraging Experience

CT 530.2

Only by the aid of that Spirit who in the beginning “was brooding upon the face of the waters;” of that Word by whom “all things were made;” of that “true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (Genesis 1:2, R.V., margin; John 1:3, 9), can the testimony of science be rightly interpreted. Only by their guidance can its deepest truths be discerned. Only under the direction of the Omniscient One shall we, in the study of His works, be enabled to think His thoughts after Him.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 35a, 1877

3LtMs, Lt 35a, 1877, par. 7

Because the world does this is no evidence. We are exhorted to come out from the world and be separate, and touch not the unclean; “and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:17, 18. “Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore shall be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” James 4:4. Christ declares Himself to be the light of the world. “All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehendeth it not. ... He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.” John 1:3-5, 10, 11. As the world knew not Christ, neither will they know His followers. It is in no way safe to make the world’s faith our faith, the world’s practice our example. “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not.” 1 John 3:1.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 25, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 25, 1898, par. 12

“All things were made by him (Christ); and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not. ... That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” [John 1:3-5, 9-11.] How perfectly was this revealed in the life, and sufferings, and death of Christ. Christ became the substitute and surety for man, taking all transgression upon Himself, and suffering the penalty of sin, that man, through faith in Him, might be free, a partaker of the great redemption brought within his reach.

13LtMs, Ms 25, 1898, par. 18

God’s messengers to the world are to set forth Jesus Christ and Him crucified. They are to lead men to “behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” [John 1:29.] But no one can preach the gospel, presenting the plan of redemption, and holding forth pardon for transgression to all who will receive it, without also having a clear-cut testimony to bear in regard to the judgment pronounced against all who continue in sin. As Christ’s ambassadors we are to speak to men as to those to whom God has given perceptive faculties. We may present the pardon which Christ offers to all who are contrite in heart, but while we present the love and pardoning mercy of Christ, we are also to keep before men the judgment to be visited upon every transgressor. In proportion to the light and truth received and despised, will be the severity of the sentence.

Christian Education

Chapter 6—A Knowledge of God

CE 56.3

Jesus said of the Old Testament Scriptures,—and how much more is it true of the New,—“They are they which testify of me,” [John 5:39.] the Redeemer, him in whom our hopes of eternal life are centered. Yes, the whole Bible tells of Christ. From the first record of creation,—“for without him was not anything made that was made,” [John 1:3]—to the closing promise, “Behold I come quickly,” we are reading of his works and listening to his voice. If you would become acquainted with the Saviour, study the Holy Scriptures.

CE 59.1

Never should the Bible be studied without prayer. Before opening its pages, we should ask for the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit, and it will be given. When Nathanael came to Jesus, the Saviour exclaimed, “Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile.” [John 1:47.] Nathanael said, “Whence knowest thou me?” Jesus answered, “Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig-tree, I saw thee.” And Jesus will see us also in the secret places of prayer, if we will seek him for light, that we may know what is truth. Angels from the world of light will be with those who in humility of heart seek for divine guidance.

Steps to Christ

Chapter 10—A Knowledge of God

SC 88.1

Jesus said of the Old Testament Scriptures,—and how much more is it true of the New,—“They are they which testify of Me,” the Redeemer, Him in whom our hopes of eternal life are centered. John 5:39. Yes, the whole Bible tells of Christ. From the first record of creation—for “without Him was not anything made that was made”—to the closing promise, “Behold, I come quickly,” we are reading of His works and listening to His voice. John 1:3; Revelation 22:12. If you would become acquainted with the Saviour, study the Holy Scriptures.

SC 91.1

Never should the Bible be studied without prayer. Before opening its pages we should ask for the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit, and it will be given. When Nathanael came to Jesus, the Saviour exclaimed, “Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!” Nathanael said, “Whence knowest Thou me?” Jesus answered, “Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.” John 1:47, 48. And Jesus will see us also in the secret places of prayer if we will seek Him for light that we may know what is truth. Angels from the world of light will be with those who in humility of heart seek for divine guidance.

Reflecting Christ

True Character Radiates From Within, October 1

RC 288.7

No other light ever has shone or ever will shine upon fallen man save that which emanates from Christ. Jesus, the Saviour, is the only light that can illuminate the darkness of a world lying in sin. Of Christ it is written, “In him was life; and the life was the light of men” (John 1:4). It was by receiving of His life that His disciples could become light bearers. The life of Christ in the soul, His love revealed in the character, would make them the light of the world.—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, 39, 40.

Sons and Daughters of God

By Receiving Christ, the Source of Life, October 1

SD 281.1

In him was life; and the life was the light of men. John 1:4.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8

The Glory of the Cross

8T 288.3

Of Christ it is written: “In Him was life; and the life was the light of men.” John 1:4. He is the Fountain of life. Obedience to Him is the life-giving power that gladdens the soul.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8

An Aid in the Study of Nature

8T 324.5

He who has a knowledge of God and His word through personal experience is prepared to engage in the study of natural science. Of Christ it is written: “In Him was life; and the life was the light of men.” John 1:4. When Adam and Eve in Eden lost the garments of holiness, they lost the light that had illuminated nature. No longer could they read it aright. But for those who receive the light of the life of Christ, nature is again illuminated. In the light shining from the cross, we can rightly interpret nature’s teaching.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 27—“Thou Canst Make Me Clean”

DA 270.2

Jesus came to “destroy the works of the devil.” “In Him was life,” and He says, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” He is “a quickening spirit.” 1 John 3:8; John 1:4; 10:10; 1 Corinthians 15:45. And He still has the same life-giving power as when on earth He healed the sick, and spoke forgiveness to the sinner. He “forgiveth all thine iniquities,” He “healeth all thy diseases.” Psalm 103:3.

The Faith I Live By

Dear to the Heart of God, October 1

FLB 280.3

Christ “loved the church, and gave himself for it.” Ephesians 5:25. It is the purchase of His blood. The divine Son of God is seen walking amid the seven golden candlesticks. Jesus Himself supplies the oil to these burning lamps. He it is that kindles the flame. “In him was life; and the life was the light of men.” John 1:4. No candlestick, no church, shines of itself. From Christ emanates all its light.... The Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the light thereof.2SDA Bible Commentary 6:1118.

The Ministry of Healing

Chapter 39—The Knowledge Received Through God’s Word

MH 461.6

He who has gained a knowledge of God and His word through personal experience is prepared to engage in the study of natural science. Of Christ it is written, “In Him was life; and the life was the light of men.” John 1:4. Before the entrance of sin, Adam and Eve in Eden were surrounded with a clear and beautiful light, the light of God. This light illuminated everything which they approached. There was nothing to obscure their perception of the character or the works of God. But when they yielded to the tempter, the light departed from them. In losing the garments of holiness, they lost the light that had illuminated nature. No longer could they read it aright. They could not discern the character of God in His works. So today man cannot of himself read aright the teaching of nature. Unless guided by divine wisdom, he exalts nature and the laws of nature above nature’s God. This is why mere human ideas in regard to science so often contradict the teaching of God’s word. But for those who receive the light of the life of Christ, nature is again illuminated. In the light shining from the cross, we can rightly interpret nature’s teaching.

The Upward Look

Nature Is Our Lesson Book, April 14

UL 118.1

In him was life; and the life was the light of men. John 1:4.

Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing

“Ye are the light of the world.”—Matthew 5:14.

MB 39.2

No other light ever has shone or ever will shine upon fallen man save that which emanates from Christ. Jesus, the Saviour, is the only light that can illuminate the darkness of a world lying in sin. Of Christ it is written, “In Him was life; and the life was the light of men.” John 1:4. It was by receiving of His life that His disciples could become light bearers. The life of Christ in the soul, His love revealed in the character, would make them the light of the world.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 2, 1883

4LtMs, Ms 2, 1883, par. 17

During Christ’s ministry the disciples were closely associated with Him. It was the Saviour’s purpose that they should be imbued with His Spirit that they might form characters which would fit them to do work for the Master. They had every advantage for being trained for high and holy service. They may have been called ignorant and unlearned, but they had as an instructor the greatest Teacher the world has ever known, the Light of life. “In him was life, and the life was the light of men.” [John 1:4.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 1a, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 1a, 1890, par. 5

Christ “loved the church, and gave Himself for it.” [Ephesians 5:25.] It is the purchase of His blood. The divine Son of God is seen walking amid the seven golden candlesticks. Jesus Himself supplies the oil to these burning lamps. He it is that kindles the flame. “In Him was life; and the life was the light of men.” [John 1:4.] No candlestick, no church, shines of itself. From Christ emanates all its light. The church in heaven today is only the complement of the church on earth; but it is higher, grander—perfect. The same divine illumination is to continue through eternal ages. The Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the light thereof. No church can have light if it fails to diffuse the glory it receives from the throne of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 59, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 32

John’s attention was called to another scene: “And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God.” Revelation 7:2. Who is this? The Angel of the covenant. He comes from the sunrising. He is the Dayspring from on high. He is the Light of the world. “In Him is life; and the life was the light of men.” John 1:4. This is the One Isaiah describes: “Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6. He cried, as One who had superiority over the hosts of angels in heaven “to whom it was given to hurt the earth, and the sea, saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.” Revelation 7:2, 3.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 137, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 137, 1896, par. 10

The pillar of cloud that was dark with terror and avenging wrath to the Egyptians, was to the people of God a pillar of fire for brightness. So will it be to the Lord’s people in these last days. The light and glory of God to His commandment-keeping people are darkness to the unbelieving. They see that it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. The arm, long stretched, strong to save all who come unto Him, is strong to execute His judgment upon all who would not come unto Him that they might have life. God grant that while mercy still lingers, while the voice of invitation is still heard, that there will be a turning unto the Lord. The sure provision has been made to shelter every soul and shield those who have kept His commandments until the indignation be overpast. “In him was life; and the life was the light of men.” [John 1:4.] Then we are to seek that light now, and here on this earth we are to learn the redemption song, that we may sing praises of God and the Lamb here, and in heaven.

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

MR No. 1165—Heaven’s Judgments on the Wicked; God’s People Sealed

15MR 221.3

John’s attention was called to another scene: “And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God” (Revelation 7:2). Who is this? The Angel of the covenant. He comes from the sunrising. He is the Dayspring from on high. He is the Light of the world. “In Him was life; and the life was the light of men” (John 1:4). This is the One Isaiah describes: “Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). He cried, as One who had superiority over the hosts of angels in heaven “to whom it was given to hurt the earth, and the sea, saying, “hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads” (Revelation 7:2, 3).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 2, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 2, 1896, par. 5

Our life is something we receive from Christ by a study of His Word. “In him was life,” original, unborrowed. [John 1:4.] He was the Fountain of life. We receive life from the Saviour which He takes back again. That life which God has given us should be put to the very best account, for as human agents we are forming our own destiny. We need to wisely those associates who will best fit us—body, soul, and spirit—for the future country, even the heavenly. In our choices of companions we should not place ourselves under influences which are in any way unfavorable to the formation of pure and correct principles, for we need all the assistance we can possibly obtain, that in our associations we may develop characters after Christ’s likeness.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 112, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 112, 1898, par. 10

Christ continued, “But there are some of you which believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.” [Verse 64.] Consider this, and when tempted to turn away from truth and righteousness, remember that He knows who will trust in Him, who will rely upon Him, and be encouraged by His promises. We all need a personal Saviour, and the Lord has made provision for every one of us. “In him was life, and the life was the light of men.” [John 1:4.] Will we quench this life by our unbelief? We need far greater faith and Christian simplicity, a deeper humility of mind. We need that faith which works by love and purifies the soul. If we do not cultivate this faith, we will grow away from Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 121, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 121, 1899, par. 36

Unfaithfulness in these institutions is a greater sin than it would be elsewhere, because it has a greater influence than it would have elsewhere, as coming from men who have been favored with greater light than any others in the world. Christ is in these institutions as a Watcher and a Healer. “In him was life, and the life was the light of men” [John 1:4]; and any unfaithfulness, any injustice, any dishonesty, any conniving at wrong, obstructs the light which God designs shall shine forth from these institutions.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 317, 1904

19LtMs, Lt 317, 1904, par. 4

I beg you and your sons not to let your love for Christ diminish. In the Word of God we have subjects of the highest value to contemplate. Christ’s life is an illustration of sacred, ennobling purity. “In Him was life; and the life was the light of men.” [John 1:4.] O the depth of the riches of that love wherein God hath abounded toward us in the person of His Son.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 14 [Nos. 1081-1135]

Letter 317, 1904. (To Sister Gray, November 23, 1904, from San Diego, Calif.)

14MR 219.2

I beg you and your sons not to let your love for Christ diminish. In the Word of God we have subjects of the highest value to contemplate. Christ’s life is an illustration of sacred, ennobling purity. “In Him was life; and the life was the light of men” [John 1:4]. Oh, the depth of the riches of that love wherein God hath abounded toward us in the person of His Son!

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Healer of the Soul, March 21

JNN 89.3

Jesus came to “destroy the works of the devil.” “In Him was life,” and He says, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” He is “a quickening spirit” (1 John 3:8; John 1:4; 10:10; 1 Corinthians 15:45). And He still has the same life-giving power as when on earth He healed the sick, and spoke forgiveness to the sinner....

Reflecting Christ

As Our Example Christ Is All and in All, January 21

RC 35.1

In him was life; and the life was the light of men. John 1:4.

From the Heart

Slow to Learn, June 7

FH 170.1

In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. John 1:4, 5.

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Great Source of Illumination, June 19

JNN 182.2

No other light ever has shone or ever will shine upon fallen humanity save that which emanates from Christ. Jesus, the Saviour, is the only light that can illuminate the darkness of a world lying in sin. Of Christ it is written, “In Him was life; and the life was the light of men” (John 1:4). It was by receiving of His life that His disciples could become light bearers. The life of Christ in the soul, His love revealed in the character, would make them the light of the world.

Reflecting Christ

Christ Offers the Riches of the Universe, April 2

RC 106.3

“In him was life; and the life was the light of men” (John 1:4). The life and the death of Christ, the price of our redemption, are not only to us the promise and pledge of life, not only the means of opening again to us the treasures of wisdom: they are a broader, higher revelation of His character than even the holy ones of Eden knew.

RC 106.5

Christ is the “Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (verse 9). As through Christ every human being has life, so also through Him every soul receives some ray of divine light. Not only intellectual but spiritual power, a perception of right, a desire for goodness, exists in every heart. But against these principles there is struggling an antagonistic power. The result of the eating of the tree of knowledge of good and evil is manifest in every man’s experience. There is in his nature a bent to evil, a force which, unaided, he cannot resist. To withstand this force, to attain that ideal which in his inmost soul he accepts as alone worthy, he can find help in but one power. That power is Christ. Cooperation with that power is man’s greatest need.—Education, 28, 29.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 69, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 69, 1897, par. 45

God has highly exalted Christ, and given him a name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, and every tongue should confess that he is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. “In him are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” [Colossians 2:3.] “In him was life, and the life was the light of men. ... That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. ... And the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not.” [John 1:4, 9, 5.]

12LtMs, Ms 69, 1897, par. 46

It can truly be said of those in Battle Creek, “the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not.” [Verse 5.] In this God has been decidedly dishonored. Light has repeatedly flashed upon the students in our college, and on the church; but by many it has been regarded as a strange thing, which they must be afraid to entertain. God has wrought again and again, and though some appreciated the light, received the light, and rejoiced in it, many have not recognized the manifestations of the Spirit of God. The light has shone in the darkness, but those upon whom it has shown, have comprehended it not. They have chosen darkness rather than light.

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 27—The First Leper to Be Cleansed by Christ

HLv 175.3

Jesus still has the same life-giving power as when on earth He healed the sick and spoke forgiveness to the sinner. He “forgiveth all thine iniquities”; He “healeth all thy diseases.” Psalm 103:3; see 1 John 3:8; John 1:4-10; 10:10; 1 Corinthians 15:45.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 22, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 22, 1898, par. 6

Christ’s life was a life of intense reality. He has given us His own testimony; therefore there can be nothing misleading in the words. “In him was life, and the life was the light of men; and the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not. ... But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God.” [John 1:4, 5, 12.]

13LtMs, Ms 22, 1898, par. 45

Christ came to this world to save perishing souls. He delights to impart His Holy Spirit to every soul who loved His presence. His first work is to preside in the family, that every member may learn lessons of heavenly wisdom and love. John, the heaven-sent messenger, states, “In him was life.” [John 1:4.] He is as the tree of life. In Him is life, original, unborrowed, underived. Our life given to Christ brings us into connection with Him. We have then a living connection with the fountain of life. We are wholly dependent on Him, for our life is received from Him, and as the Giver, He takes it again.

13LtMs, Ms 22, 1898, par. 46

“And the life was the light of men.” [Verse 4.] Without light all vegetation would die. Jesus is the lifegiver. He imparted His life to the sick, the afflicted, those possessed by demons. He turned away none who came to receive His healing power. He knew that those who petitioned Him for help had brought disease upon themselves; yet He did not refuse to heal them. And when in the healthful current, virtue from Christ entered into these poor souls. They were convinced of sin and were healed of their spiritual sickness, as well as of their bodily infirmities. Christ was the most successful physician the world has ever known.

Education

Chapter 4—Relation of Education to Redemption

Ed 28.2

“The Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, ... full of grace and truth.” “In Him was life; and the life was the light of men.” John 1:14, R.V.; 1:4. The life and the death of Christ, the price of our redemption, are not only to us the promise and pledge of life, not only the means of opening again to us the treasures of wisdom: they are a broader, higher revelation of His character than even the holy ones of Eden knew.

Ed 29.1

Christ is the “Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” John 1:9. As through Christ every human being has life, so also through Him every soul receives some ray of divine light. Not only intellectual but spiritual power, a perception of right, a desire for goodness, exists in every heart. But against these principles there is struggling an antagonistic power. The result of the eating of the tree of knowledge of good and evil is manifest in every man’s experience. There is in his nature a bent to evil, a force which, unaided, he cannot resist. To withstand this force, to attain that ideal which in his inmost soul he accepts as alone worthy, he can find help in but one power. That power is Christ. Co-operation with that power is man’s greatest need. In all educational effort should not this co-operation be the highest aim?

Selected Messages Book 1

Chapter 55—Presented as Old Truth in New Framework

1SM 356.1

But the labors of the Sabbath were not in vain. On Sunday morning there was decided evidence that the Spirit of God was working great changes in the moral and spiritual condition of those assembled. There was a surrendering of the mind and heart to God, and precious testimonies were borne by those who had long been in darkness. One brother spoke of the struggle that he had experienced before he could receive the good news that Christ is our righteousness. The conflict was severe, but the Lord was at work with him, and his mind was changed, and his strength renewed. The Lord presented the truth before him in clear lines, revealing the fact that Christ alone is the source of all hope and salvation. “In him was life; and the life was the light of men.” “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:4, 14).

Faith and Works

Chapter 10—E. G. White Report on Response to the Ottawa Sermon

FW 81.3

But the labors of the Sabbath were not in vain. On Sunday morning there was decided evidence that the Spirit of God was working great changes in the moral and spiritual condition of those assembled. There was a surrendering of the mind and heart to God, and precious testimonies were borne by those who had long been in darkness. One brother spoke of the struggle that he had experienced before he could receive the good news that Christ is our righteousness. The conflict was severe, but the Lord was at work with him, and his mind was changed, and his strength renewed. The Lord presented the truth before him in clear lines, revealing the fact that Christ alone is the source of all hope and salvation. “In Him was life; and the life was the light of men.” “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:4, 14).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 39, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 39, 1894, par. 5

Christ is man’s example. “In him was life; and the life was the light of men ... That was the true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world ... And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” [John 1:4, 9, 14.] Christ, our Redeemer, comprehended all the necessities of man. He formulated the mighty plans by which fallen man is to be uplifted from the degradation of sin. In every circumstance, however trivial, He represented the Father. Though upholding the world by the word of His power, yet He would stoop to relieve a crippled bird.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 264, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 264, 1903, par. 9

John says of Christ, “He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. ... But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” [John 1:10, 12-14.]

18LtMs, Lt 264, 1903, par. 10

“In Him was life; and the life was the light of men.” [Verse 4.] The words of John show that all spiritual light is also spiritual life. The Word is the light and the life of men. And since all light and life come from Christ, should we not realize our dependence upon Him?

18LtMs, Lt 264, 1903, par. 12

“The light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” [Verse 5.] What sadness this brings to the heart of our Lord Jesus Christ! He sheds His bright rays among the spiritually ignorant and depraved, the debased and the wretched, and they comprehend it not! They do not understand that the greatest blessing possible is offered to them.

18LtMs, Lt 264, 1903, par. 13

Some thought that John was the Light, and he said of himself, “He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.” [Verse 8.] He would not receive the glory that did not belong to him.

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

MR No. 1443—Reflect Christ, the True Light; Lay Up Treasure in Heaven

20MR 88.3

Christ, the Light and the Life—John says of Christ, “He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. But as many as received him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.)” “In him was life; and the life was the light of men” [John 1:10-14, 4].

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 130, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 130, 1906, par. 8

John writes, “In Him was life, and the light was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not.” “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (And we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” [John 1:4, 5, 14.] If we would only receive the blessings that Christ would bestow on us, we would have a heaven here below to go to heaven in.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 55, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 55, 1895, par. 11

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth.” [John 1:12-14.] These words are written of Christ. He is our representative before the Father. Whatsoever was given to Christ—the “all things” to supply every need of fallen man—was given to Him as the head and representative of humanity. Who will be the receivers of eternal life? All who before the universe of heaven are adjudged to have in Christ endured the penalty of the law, and in Him fulfilled its righteousness. We are to be one in character with Christ. He said, “The glory (character) which thou gavest me, I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them as thou hast loved me.” [John 17:22, 23.] Mark these words.

10LtMs, Lt 55, 1895, par. 20

One has come from the heavenly courts to represent God in human form. The Son of God was made man, and dwelt among us. “In him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not. ... That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God.” [John 1:4, 5, 9-12.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 105, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 105, 1894, par. 14

It is of great consequence to us that we know what saith the Scriptures. The word of God standeth fast forever, and is the only guide book to heaven. If we neglect the study of the guide book, we shall miss our way, lose our souls, and by precept and example, lead our children and our neighbors to regard it of no special consequence whether they heed a “Thus saith the Lord” or not. The loss of the souls of our children and our neighbors will lie at the our door if by our example we lead them to lightly regard the law of our God. We are not to lead others to suppose that it is of no special consequence whether or not they are doers of the word of God. Those who have had light on the commandments of God, and who disregard the divine precepts strengthen others in their disobedience and transgression. But although men refuse to see the light that shineth in darkness, their refusal to see light does not extinguish it. Of Christ John says that “he was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” [John 1:9.] “In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehendeth it not. ... he was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” [Verses 4, 5, 10, 11.] What does this mean? It means that the very ones who claimed to be the children of God did not receive the Son of God. He was the light of the world, shining amidst the moral darkness, but he did not come in a way to suit their opinions and ideas; he was the hope of the world but the world received him not. The priests and rulers were too proud and self-righteous to admit that their ideas were incorrect and needed remodeling. They would not consent to the idea that they needed repentance and conversion in order to obtain salvation. Rather than make this acknowledgement they preferred to count Christ as an imposter. His teachings were not in harmony with their own teaching.

9LtMs, Ms 105, 1894, par. 15

This is the same spirit that is manifested today in the Christian world. They claim to be the children of God, yet they reject the truth that God has sent them from heaven, just as the Jewish nation rejected Christ, because the doctrines that he advocated did not coincide with the errors which they have received. “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe his name; which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth.” [Verses 12-14.] Those who are the light of the world are blessed because they behold spiritual things and see Christ as one who is full of grace and truth, and are partakers of the divine nature. “And of his fullness have we all received and grace for grace.” [Verse 16.] The reception of the grace of Christ makes a marked change in the character; for those who receive it are called “born of God.” [1 John 3:9.] The grace of Christ is diffusive. As the believing soul receives the truth as it is in Jesus, he obtains a glimpse of the righteousness of Christ in the law, and exclaims, “Open thou mine eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” [Psalm 119:18.] “Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue, whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” [2 Peter 1:1-4.] The whole Christian experience is presented in a small compass, and it is all embraced in believing and doing the words of Christ. Peter brings to view the plan of addition, the working out of the promise of receiving grace for grace. He says, “And besides this giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge, and to knowledge temperance, and to temperance patience, and to patience godliness, and to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” [Verses 5-8.] Are you adding to your Christian experience? Grace is to be multitude unto you through the knowledge you receive of God and of Jesus Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 16, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 16, 1899, par. 4

“In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehendeth it not.” [John 1:4, 5.] This is a representation of your case. He “was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.” [Verse 10.] Shall the heavenly universe look upon you as one of those who have no appreciation of Christ, as one of those who receive Him not? “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” [Verse 12.] The Lord would have you accept Christ as your personal Saviour; for unless your hope of eternal life is centered in Him, and you give Him your heart’s best and holiest affections, you will not gather with Him; you will scatter abroad. Can you afford to run this risk, and thus work away from Christ?

14LtMs, Lt 16, 1899, par. 5

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. ... And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.” [Verses 14, 16.] The more grace you receive through a full and complete acceptance of Christ by faith, the more grace will you show forth in your talent of speech and your talent of influence. You will exert a saving influence upon others, and thus work to win souls into safe paths. As you receive grace from Christ, you will acknowledge that grace, and will impart it to others. And in doing this you will place yourself on Christ’s side as a worker together with Him.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 69a, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 69a, 1896, par. 25

Although men refuse to see the light that shineth in darkness, it does not extinguish the light. Of Christ John says, “In Him was [life] and the [life] was the light of men, and the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not. [There was a man sent of God]. ... The same came ... to bear witness of the Light, that all men through Him might believe. ... He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.” [John 1:4-7, 10, 11.] What does this mean? Just this: The very ones who claimed to be children of God did not receive the Son of God. When He came, the Light of the world, to dispel the moral darkness of the world, why did not Christ receive acknowledgement and recognition from those He came to save? When He was their only hope, He came. He did not come in just the way to suit their opinions and ideas. They were too proud and self-righteous to admit that the ideas of the priests and rulers were incorrect and needed remodeling. The repentance, the conversion, essential for their salvation they would not consent to receive. They preferred to count Christ as an imposter, because His teachings were not in harmony with their own teachings.

11LtMs, Ms 69a, 1896, par. 26

This same spirit is manifested today in the Christian world claiming to be the children of God. They reject truth sent from heaven, as the Jewish nation rejected Christ, because the truth advocated does not coincide with the errors which they have received. “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name, which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” [Verses 12, 13.] Receiving Christ as our personal Saviour is represented as being born again. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” [Verse 14.] Who beholds Him in this light? Those who receive Him by faith as the Son of God, the Word made flesh, the Light of the world, are blessed with viewing spiritual things, seeing Christ as full of grace and truth, and are partakers of the divine nature. “And of his fullness have we all received, and grace for grace.” [Verse 16.]