EGW WritingsJohn 14
Ellen G. White · Page 3 of 7
Read John 14 in the BibleJohn 14:2
Homeward Bound
Mansions for the Redeemed, December 21
HB 386.1
In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you.—John 14:2.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)
Lt 2a, 1856
1LtMs, Lt 2a, 1856, par. 8
It is true the world is dark. Opposition may wax strong. The trifler and scorner may grow bolder and harder in his iniquity. Yet, for all this, we will not be moved. We have not run as uncertain. No, no. My heart is fixed, trusting in God. We have a whole Saviour. We can rejoice in His rich fulness. I long to be more devoted to God, more consecrated to Him. This world is too dark for me. Jesus said He would go away and prepare mansions for us, that where He is we may be also. [John 14:2.] Praise God for this. My heart leaps with joy at the cheering prospect.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)
Lt 9, 1856
1LtMs, Lt 9, 1856, par. 5
This world is too dark for me, it is not my home. Jesus said He would go away and prepare mansions for us, that where He is there we may be also. [John 14:2.] We shall ever dwell with and enjoy the light of His precious countenance. My heart leaps with joy at the cheering prospect. We are almost home. Heaven, sweet heaven, it is our eternal home. I am glad every moment that Jesus lives, and because He lives we shall live also. My soul says, Praise the Lord. There is a fullness in Jesus, a supply for each, for all, and why should we die for bread or starve in foreign lands?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 19, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 19, 1890, par. 10
We are God’s servants, and to each of us He has given talents, both natural and spiritual. As children of God, we should be constantly gaining a fitness for the heavenly mansions which Christ told His disciples He was going away to prepare for them. [John 14:2.] He who lays hold upon the righteousness of Christ may become a perfect man in Christ Jesus. Working from a high standpoint, seeking to follow the example of Christ, he shall grow up into His likeness, possessing more and more refinement.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 20, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 20, 1894, par. 7
If we will indeed believe that Christ is our personal Saviour and that He made an infinite sacrifice that we might have the gift of everlasting life, then our life is hid with Christ in God. And although we may go down into the grave, we shall not stop there. We shall not remain there, for the Lifegiver is coming and the trumpet is to sound, and the dead are to come forth, for Jesus said He was going to prepare mansions for those that loved Him. [John 14:2.] They shall come forth from their graves to a glorious immortality. Then had we not better begin to calculate about that life? Had we not better look well and see where our hope is grounded? Had we not better see whether it is placed upon Jesus; whether He is the center of our life and affections?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 128, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 128, 1897, par. 15
Christ brought the same attraction to view, saying, “In my Father’s house are many mansions (permanent abiding places). I go to prepare a place for you.” [John 14:2.] Let us prepare to move to that better country, even the heavenly.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 63a, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 63a, 1898, par. 7
If we will only keep step with the Saviour, then the Lord will reveal Himself as a wonderful power to His people. Satan will seek to lead minds to follow his course of action, and do after his way and his will, and thus exalt the human agencies, but God does not work in this way. Man is wholly dependent upon God, and just as soon as man shall work away from his purposes, there is an agency comes in to destroy a pure pattern and design which God has given them to work out for His own name’s glory. Self-esteem and self-importance will seek for recognition, but all who walk softly and circumspectly before God, hiding self in Jesus Christ, not seeking to make outward display but trusting all their care and themselves to God, keeping His glory in view—God will honor and make a place for [them]. “Them that honor me will I honor, and make a place for him.” [See 1 Samuel 2:30; John 14:2.]Jesus, Name Above All Names
Saviour of the World, March 31
JNN 99.1
“In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”—John 14:2John 14:2-3
Christian Experience and Teachings of Ellen G. White
The Pastor’s Visit
CET 43.1
My father replied that he must be mistaken in calling this a new and strange doctrine; that Christ Himself, in His teachings to His disciples, had preached His second advent. He had said: “In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:2, 3. When He was taken up to heaven, as His faithful followers stood gazing after their vanishing Lord, “behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven.” Acts 1:10, 11.Sermons and Talks, vol. 1
Keep the Commandments
1SAT 238.1
You are heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ to riches that will be imperishable. Christ says, “I go to prepare a place for you that where I am, there ye may be also.” (See John 14:2, 3.) Then we will be with Christ until the city of God comes upon the earth and we will take possession of our home. We will build houses and inhabit them, and plant vineyards and eat the fruit of them. Heaven is worth something to us. We want you to have a place in the earth made new. That is why we have been talking so plainly to you today. We want to tell every one of you who have been sinning against the law of God, Repent of your transgressions and come to Jesus for mercy, and He will abundantly pardon. He will cleanse you from every stain of sin.Ellen White: Woman of Vision
1844—And Following
WV 19.9
Their confidence seemed well founded, for even scholars who had no conviction about the near advent of Christ saw no flaw in the reckoning of the prophecy. Ardently the believers had proclaimed what they understood to be the message of the first angel of Revelation, “The hour of his judgment is come” (Revelation 14:7). The Bible contained numerous prophecies concerning the second advent of Christ, foremost of which was given by Jesus Himself: “I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:2, 3).Ellen G. White: The Early Years: 1827-1862 (vol. 1)
A Test of True Character
1BIO 48.5
Ardently the believers had proclaimed what they understood to be the message of the first angel of Revelation: “The hour of his judgment is come” (verse 7). The Bible contained most assuring prophecies concerning the second advent of Christ, foremost of which was given by Jesus Himself: “I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:2, 3).From Here to Forever
Chapter 17—Promises of Christ’s Return
HF 187.4
The Saviour comforted His disciples with the assurance that He would come again: “In my father’s house are many mansions. ... I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go, ... I will come again, and receive you unto myself.” “The Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: and before him shall be gathered all nations.” John 14:2, 3; Matthew 25:31, 32.From Here to Forever
The First Resurrection
HF 336.3
When about to leave His disciples, Jesus did not tell them that they would soon come to Him: “I go to prepare a place for you,” He said. “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself.” John 14:2, 3. Paul tells us further, that “the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” And he adds: “Comfort one another with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18. At the coming of the Lord, the fetters of the tomb shall be broken and the “dead in Christ” shall be raised to eternal life.The Great Hope (Condensed)
Resurrection to Eternal Life
GrH_c 18.6
When about to leave His disciples, Jesus did not tell them that they would soon come to Him: “I go to prepare a place for you,” He said. “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself.” John 14:2, 3. Paul tells us further, that “the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” And he adds: “Comfort one another with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18. At the coming of the Lord, the fetters of the tomb shall be broken and the “dead in Christ” shall be raised to eternal life.The Great Hope (Condensed)
Chapter 9—Real Hope
GrH_c 38.4
The Saviour comforted His disciples with the assurance that He would come again: “In my father’s house are many mansions.... I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go,... I will come again, and receive you unto myself.” “The Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: and before him shall be gathered all nations.” John 14:2, 3; Matthew 25:31, 32.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Ms 25, 1887
5LtMs, Ms 25, 1887, par. 26
There was a great excitement in London last week. The Queen was coming. All wanted to see their sovereign. But there is One greater than the Queen coming. “The glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” [Titus 2:13.] Can we not get up an excitement on this subject? Jesus will bring the dead from their graves, and they shall be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. They shall enter into the city of God. There they shall see the gates open wide to receive them, and shall eat of the tree of life. There are angels there, who never fell. The saints of all ages are to be there, and take the kingdom, and it shall be theirs. Why cannot we make some excitement on this subject? “In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:2, 3.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 103, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 103, 1893, par. 5
You may be sure Satan will make desperate efforts, after this evidence of the power of God, to get standingroom in your midst; but you are perfectly and entirely safe from his power if you walk humbly with God. “In my Father’s house are many mansions”—permanent, abiding. “I go to prepare a place for you, and if I go ... I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” [John 14:2, 3.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 10, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 10, 1894, par. 29
You are heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ to riches that will be imperishable. Christ says, “I go to prepare a place for you that where I am there ye may be also.” [John 14:2, 3.] Then we will be with Christ until the city of God comes upon the earth, and then we will take possession of our home. We will build houses and inhabit them, and plant vineyards and eat the fruit of them. Heaven is worth something to us. We want you to have a place in the earth made new. That is why we have been talking so plainly to you today. We want to tell everyone of you who have been sinning against the law of God, Repent of your transgressions and come to Jesus for mercy, and He will abundantly pardon. He will cleanse you from every stain of sin.Heaven
Preface
Hvn 5.1
Throughout the centuries the promise of Jesus in John 14:2, 3 has filled the hearts of Christians with hope: “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also.” In the darkest moments of despair, disappointment, despondency, or defeat, the hope of living with Jesus in heaven has brightened the day, cleared away the clouds, and lifted the spirits.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 37, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 37, 1894, par. 31
When the world is brought in connection with the converted people of God, they realize that they have been transformed in character, and thus they glorify God. Of them Jesus says, “Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory,” (they are to behold His divinity, His oneness with the Father which He had from the beginning,) “which thou hast given me, for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.” [John 17:24.] Christ said to His disciples, “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you ... I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” [John 14:2, 3.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 60, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 60, 1903, par. 20
Let us, as Christians for whom Christ has given His life, do our duty to our children. Let us fit them for the heavenly mansions. “I go,” said Christ, “to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” [John 14:2, 3.] Let this ever be kept before their minds, while you yourselves are improving in every way possible. God forbid that Christ should say of any of us, “I cannot acknowledge you as members of My family. Your traits of character are such that you would spoil your own pleasure and that of others in heaven.”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 84, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 84, 1903, par. 10
Our message is a solemn, sacred one. Are we prepared to meet the issue? “And this is the will of Him that sent Me, that every one which seeth the Son and believeth on Him, may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” [John 6:40.] “I am the Resurrection and the Life: he that believeth on Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die.” [John 11:25, 26.] “I go to prepare a place for you” (who believe in Me, and are imitators of Me). “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am there ye may be also.” [John 14:2, 3.]Life Sketches of Ellen G. White
The Pastor’s Visit
LS 50.3
My father replied that he must be mistaken in calling this a new and strange doctrine; that Christ Himself, in His teachings to His disciples, had preached His second advent. He had said: “In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:2, 3. When He was taken up to heaven, as His faithful followers stood gazing after their vanishing Lord, “behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven.” Acts 1:10, 11.Manuscript Releases, vol. 19 [Nos. 1360-1419]
The Home School
19MR 71.1
Let us, as Christians for whom Christ has given His life, do our duty to our children. Let us fit them for the heavenly mansions. “I go,” said Christ, “to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye be may be also” [John 14:2, 3]. Let this ever be kept before their minds, while we ourselves are improving in every way possible. God forbid that Christ should say of any of us, “I cannot acknowledge you as members of My family. Your traits of character are such that you would spoil your own pleasure and that of others in heaven.”The Great Controversy
Chapter 33—The First Great Deception
GC 548.1
But when about to leave His disciples, Jesus did not tell them that they would soon come to Him. “I go to prepare a place for you,” He said. “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself.” John 14:2, 3. And Paul tells us, further, that “the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” And he adds: “Comfort one another with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18. How wide the contrast between these words of comfort and those of the Universalist minister previously quoted! The latter consoled the bereaved friends with the assurance that, however sinful the dead might have been, when he breathed out his life here he was to be received among the angels. Paul points his brethren to the future coming of the Lord, when the fetters of the tomb shall be broken, and the “dead in Christ” shall be raised to eternal life.The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)
Chapter 33—The First Great Deception
GC88 548.1
But when about to leave his disciples, Jesus did not tell them that they would soon come to him. “I go to prepare a place for you,” he said. “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself.” [John 14:2, 3.] And Paul tells us, further, that “the Lord himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” And he adds, “Comfort one another with these words.” [1 Thessalonians 4:16-18.] How wide the contrast between these words of comfort and those of the Universalist minister previously quoted. The latter consoled the bereaved friends with the assurance, that, however sinful the dead might have been, when he breathed out his life here he was to be received among the angels. Paul points his brethren to the future coming of the Lord, when the fetters of the tomb shall be broken, and the “dead in Christ” shall be raised to eternal life.The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4
Chapter 13—William Miller
4SP 215.2
Why were the doctrine and preaching of Christ’s second coming so offensive to the churches? When Jesus made known to his disciples that he must be separated from them, he said, “I go to prepare a place for you; and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also.” [John 14:2, 3.] When he ascended from Olivet, the compassionate Saviour, anticipating the loneliness and sorrow of his followers, commissioned angels to comfort them with the assurance that he would come again in person, even as he went into heaven. As the disciples stood gazing intently upward to catch the last glimpse of him whom they loved, their attention was arrested by the words, “Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” [Acts 1:11.] Hope was kindled afresh by the angels’ message. The disciples “returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God.” [Luke 24:52, 53.] They were not rejoicing because Jesus had been separated from them and they were left to struggle with the trials and temptations of the world, but because of the angels’ assurance that he would come again.The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4
Chapter 28—The First Great Deception
4SP 367.1
When about to leave his disciples, Jesus did not tell them that they would soon come to him. “I go to prepare a place for you,” he said. “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself.” [John 14:2, 3.] And Paul tells us, further, that “the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” And he adds, “Comfort one another with these words.” [1 Thessalonians 4:16-18.] How wide the contrast between these words of comfort and those of the minister previously quoted. The latter consoled the bereaved friends with the assurance, that, however sinful the dead might have been, he was received among the angels as soon as he breathed out his life here. Paul points his brethren to the future coming of the Lord, when the fetters of the tomb shall be broken, and the “dead in Christ” shall be raised to eternal life.John 14:2-14
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 97, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 97, 1895, par. 42
There were men among the disciples of Christ who did not always manifest faith in the Word of God. When Christ told them that He would go away and prepare mansions for them, and come again and receive them unto Himself, and said, “Whither I go ye know, and the way he know,” Thomas said unto Him, “Lord, we know not whither Thou goest; and how can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by Me. If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him, and have seen Him.” [John 14:2-7.]10LtMs, Lt 97, 1895, par. 43
Thomas did not believe in the Word of God, and did not discern the divine character of Christ. But he was not alone in his unbelief. “Philip saith unto Him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip? He that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak unto you, I speak not of Myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, He doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me; or else believe me for the very works sake. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it.” [Verses 8-14.]John 14:3
The Acts of the Apostles
Chapter 52—Steadfast Unto the End
AA 536.1
Peter kept alive in his heart the hope of Christ’s return, and he assured the church of the certain fulfillment of the Saviour’s promise, “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself.” John 14:3. To the tried and faithful ones the coming might seem long delayed, but the apostle assured them: “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.The Desire of Ages
Chapter 87—“To My Father, and Your Father”
DA 832.2
Christ had ascended to heaven in the form of humanity. The disciples had beheld the cloud receive Him. The same Jesus who had walked and talked and prayed with them; who had broken bread with them; who had been with them in their boats on the lake; and who had that very day toiled with them up the ascent of Olivet,—the same Jesus had now gone to share His Father’s throne. And the angels had assured them that the very One whom they had seen go up into heaven, would come again even as He had ascended. He will come “with clouds; and every eye shall see Him.” “The Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise.” “The Son of man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory.” Revelation 1:7; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Matthew 25:31. Thus will be fulfilled the Lord’s own promise to His disciples: “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:3. Well might the disciples rejoice in the hope of their Lord’s return.The Great Controversy
Chapter 18—An American Reformer
GC 339.2
And why were the doctrine and preaching of Christ’s second coming so unwelcome to the churches? While to the wicked the advent of the Lord brings woe and desolation, to the righteous it is fraught with joy and hope. This great truth had been the consolation of God’s faithful ones through all the ages; why had it become, like its Author, “a stone of stumbling” and “a rock of offense” to His professed people? It was our Lord Himself who promised His disciples: “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself.” John 14:3. It was the compassionate Saviour, who, anticipating the loneliness and sorrow of His followers, commissioned angels to comfort them with the assurance that He would come again in person, even as He went into heaven. As the disciples stood gazing intently upward to catch the last glimpse of Him whom they loved, their attention was arrested by the words: “Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven.” Acts 1:11. Hope was kindled afresh by the angels’ message. The disciples “returned to Jerusalem with great joy: and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God.” Luke 24:52, 53. They were not rejoicing because Jesus had been separated from them and they were left to struggle with the trials and temptations of the world, but because of the angels’ assurance that He would come again.The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)
Chapter 18—An American Reformer
GC88 339.1
And why were the doctrine and preaching of Christ’s second coming so unwelcome to the churches? While to the wicked the advent of the Lord brings woe and desolation, to the righteous it is fraught with joy and hope. This great truth had been the consolation of God’s faithful ones through all the ages; why had it become, like its Author, “a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense” to his professed people? It was our Lord himself who promised his disciples, “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself.” [John 14:3.] It was the compassionate Saviour, who, anticipating the loneliness and sorrow of his followers, commissioned angels to comfort them with the assurance that he would come again in person, even as he went into heaven. As the disciples stood gazing intently upward to catch the last glimpse of him whom they loved, their attention was arrested by the words, “Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” [Acts 1:11.] Hope was kindled afresh by the angels’ message. The disciples “returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God.” [Luke 24:52, 53.] They were not rejoicing because Jesus had been separated from them and they were left to struggle with the trials and temptations of the world, but because of the angels’ assurance that he would come again.The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1
The Spirit of Prophecy
1SP 11.4
We have seen that the manifestation of the spirit of prophecy in dreams and in visions became necessary in consequence of man’s being separated from the visible presence of God. But when the tabernacle of God shall be with men, and he shall dwell with them, and God himself shall be with them,Revelation 21:3; when Christ shall come again with all the holy angels, and receive his people unto himself, that where he shall be, there they may be also, John 14:3; and when man redeemed shall walk and talk with God, and Christ, and angels, in Eden restored; then there will be no further need of the spirit of prophecy.The Nashville Sanitarium
Sanitariums as Evangelizing Agencies in the Cities of the South
SpTB18 19.2
Through the instrumentality of our sanitariums, the great questions of Bible truth are to enter into the very heart of society, to reform and convert men and women, bringing them to see the great necessity of preparing for the mansions that Christ told his disciples he would prepare for those that love him. “I will come again,” he declared, “and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:3....Record of Progress and An Appeal In Behalf of the Boulder-Colorado Sanitarium
Chapter 3—Appeal to the Colorado Conference
SpTB05 29.3
Through the instrumentality of our sanitariums, the great questions of Bible truth are to enter into the very heart of society, to reform and convert men and women, bringing them to see the great necessity of preparing for the mansions that Christ told His disciples He would prepare for those that love Him. “I will come again,” He declared, “and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:3.From Trials to Triumph
Christ’s Second Coming—the Hope of the Church
TT 20.1
Thus will be fulfilled Christ’s promise: “I will come again, and receive you unto Myself.” John 14:3. The righteous dead will come from their graves, and those who are alive will be caught up with them, “to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thessalonians 4:17). They will hear the voice of Jesus, sweeter than music, saying, “Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” Matthew 25:34.From Trials to Triumph
Chapter 52—Peter Crucified at Rome
TT 281.2
Peter kept alive in his heart the hope of Christ’s return, and he assured the church of the certain fulfillment of the Saviour’s promise, “I will come again.” John 14:3. The coming might seem long delayed, but the apostle assured them: “The Lord is not slow about His promise as some count slowness, but is forbearing toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”From Heaven With Love
Chapter 87—Christ’s Triumphal Entry Into Heaven
HLv 554.1
Thus will be fulfilled the Lord’s own promise to His disciples: “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am there ye may be also.” John 14:3.Counsels on Health
Sanitariums and Gospel Work
CH 212.3
There is most precious missionary work to be done in our sanitariums. In them Christ and the angels work to relieve suffering caused by bodily disease. And the work is by no means to stop there. The prayers offered for the sick and the opening of the Scriptures to them give them a knowledge of the great Medical Missionary. Their attention is called to Him as the One who can heal all disease. They learn about the great gift of eternal life, which the Lord Jesus is longing to bestow on those who receive Him. They learn how to prepare for the mansions that Christ has gone to prepare for those that love Him. If I go away, He said, “I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:3. In the word of God there are gracious promises, from which those who are suffering, whether in body or in mind, may receive comfort and hope and encouragement.Christ in His Sanctuary
Differing Responses
CIHS 96.2
And why were the doctrine and preaching of Christ’s second coming so unwelcome to the churches? While to the wicked the advent of the Lord brings woe and desolation, to the righteous it is fraught with joy and hope. This great truth had been the consolation of God’s faithful ones through all the ages; why had it become, like its Author, “a stone of stumbling” and “a rock of offense” to His professed people? It was our Lord Himself who promised His disciples: “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself.” John 14:3.From the Heart
What a Christmas Present! December 24
FH 370.1
I will come again and receive you to Myself John 14:3.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 27, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 27, 1893, par. 8
Every trial is God’s workman; it is working out a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory for those who have pressed on with unfaltering steps where duty led the way. When temptations assail, they have with firm, steadfast faith been true to their allegiance, declaring they would serve God, and Him alone. They would stand under the banner of Christ, sacrificing their prospects of worldly gain. For Christ’s sake they give up their own way, their own will, relying on the assurance of God’s Word. They desire a better country, even a heavenly; “Wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for he hath prepared for them a city.” [Hebrews 11:16.] “Where I am, there ye shall be also.” [John 14:3.] Will my brother and sister consider these things? Will they read their Bibles with a purpose to acknowledge the claims of God, and respond to these claims?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 49, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 49, 1898, par. 3
“Then said he unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” [Nehemiah 8:10.] The Lord would have us realize our high privileges as the people of God. He would have us appreciate the great plan of redemption, dwelling with thanksgiving and praise upon the coming of our Lord. “If I go and prepare a place for you,” He said, “I will come again, and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also.” [John 14:3.] Should we not rejoice in the blessed hope of the soon appearing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ? Should not gratitude well up in our hearts that we have access to the mercy seat, that we may cast all our care upon Him who careth for us? We are the heritage of the Lord, and Christ’s righteousness is the white linen of His saints. Our garments may be pure and white. Talk it, sing it, pray it.Heaven
Chapter 8—Face-to-Face at Last
Hvn 68.4
“The Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise.” “The Son of man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory.” Revelation 1:7; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Matthew 25:31. Thus will be fulfilled the Lord’s own promise to His disciples: “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:3. Well might the disciples rejoice in the hope of their Lord’s return.—The Desire of Ages, 832.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 32, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 32, 1905, par. 8
There is most precious missionary work to be done in our sanitariums. In them, Christ and the angels work to relieve suffering caused by bodily disease. And the work is by no means to stop there. The prayers offered for the sick, and the opening of the Scriptures to them, give them a knowledge of the great Medical Missionary. Their attention is called to Him as the One who can heal all disease. They learn about the great gift of eternal life, which the Lord Jesus is longing to bestow on those who receive Him. They learn how to prepare for he mansions that Christ has gone to prepare for those that love Him. “If I go away,” He said, “I will come again, and receive you unto Myself, that where I am, there ye may be also.” [John 14:3.] In the Word of God there are gracious promises from which those who are suffering, whether in body or in mind, may receive comfort and hope and encouragement.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 50, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 50, 1905, par. 6
There is most precious missionary work to be done in our sanitariums. In them Christ and the angels work to relieve the suffering cause by bodily disease. And the work is by no means to stop there. The prayers offered for the sick, and the opening of the Scriptures to them, give them a knowledge of the great Medical Missionary. Their attention is called to Him as the One who can heal all disease. They learn about the great gift of eternal life, which the Lord Jesus is longing to bestow on those who receive Him. They learn how to prepare for the mansions that Christ has gone to prepare for those that love Him. “If I go away,” He said, “I will come again, and receive you unto Myself, that where I am, there ye may be also.” [John 14:3.] In the Word of God there are gracious promises from which those who are suffering, whether in body or in mind, may receive comfort and hope and encouragement.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 144, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 144, 1905, par. 8
In ministry to the sick, we have before us the work that Christ would have us do in behalf of our fellow men, not only in San Diego, but in every place where we can teach and practice the true principles of healing for both soul and body. Our time for work is short, and we must be more in earnest. There is a great work to be done, and we need means with which to do this work. Said Christ, “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” [Matthew 16:24.] Shall we not follow Him in self-denial and sacrifice, laboring with all our power to prepare men and women, physically and spiritually, for the coming of Christ? For the Son of man is coming in His glory, with all the holy angels, and then will He fulfil the promise made to His disciples: “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself, that where I am, there ye may be also.” [John 14:3.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 233, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 233, 1905, par. 36
In our sanitariums, the truth is to be cherished, not banished or hidden from sight. The light is to shine forth in clear, distinct rays. These institutions are the Lord’s facilities for the revival of pure, elevated morality. We do not establish them as a speculative business, but to help men and women to follow right habits of living. Christ, the great Medical Missionary, is no longer in our world in person. But He has not left the world in darkness. To His subjects He has given the commission, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature,” “teaching them all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” [Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:20.] The great questions of Bible truth are to enter into the very heart of society to reform and convert men and women, bringing them to see the great necessity of preparing for the mansions that Christ told His disciples He would prepare for those that love Him. “If I go away,” He declared, “I will come again, and receive you unto Myself, that where I am, there ye may be also.” [John 14:3.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 130, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 130, 1905, par. 24
There is a great work to be done, and we need means with which to do this work. Said Christ, “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” [Matthew 16:24.] Shall we not follow him in self-denial and sacrifice, laboring with all our power to prepare men and women, physically and spiritually, for the coming of Christ? For the Son of man is coming in His glory, with all the holy angels, and then will He fulfil the promise made to His disciples: “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself, that where I am, there ye may be also.” [John 14:3.]—Unpublished MS., dated August 3, 1905. (Ms 144, 1905).Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 3, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 3, 1906, par. 3
The Bible is to be studied with special interest; for it contains the most valuable information that mortal beings can have, pointing out the right way to prepare for the coming of the Son of man in the clouds of heaven, to gather to Himself those who have received Him as their Saviour and most determinedly shaped their characters after His likeness, putting away sin and putting on the white robes of character that will give them entrance to the mansions that Christ told His disciples He was going away to prepare for them. “If I go away,” He said, “I will come again, and receive you unto Myself, that where I am, there ye may be also.” [John 14:3.]Lift Him Up
Jesus Sowed the Seed of the Living Word, April 4
LHU 108.6
Christ’s favorite theme was the paternal tenderness and abundant grace of God; He dwelt much upon the holiness of His character and His law; He presented Himself to the people as the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Let these be the themes of Christ’s ministers. Present the truth as it is in Jesus. Make plain the requirements of the law and the gospel. Tell the people of Christ’s life of self-denial and sacrifice; of His humiliation and death; of His resurrection and ascension; of His intercession for them in the courts of God; of His promise, “I will come again, and receive you unto myself” (John 14:3) (Christ’s Object Lessons, 39, 40).Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 130, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 130, 1906, par. 7
You may have constant comfort and hope and courage. Let us all develop characters that will give us a fitness for a place in those mansions that Christ has gone to prepare for those that love Him. If we purify our souls in obeying the truth, we shall know the meaning of the promise, “If I go away, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself, that where I am, there ye may be also.” [John 14:3.] Let us get all the comfort possible from the grand and blessed thought that where our Saviour is, there we shall be also.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Ms 63, 1908
23LtMs, Ms 63, 1908, par. 5
The truth is to be cherished, not banished or hidden from sight. The light is to shine forth in clear, distinct rays. These institutions are the Lord’s facilities for the revival of pure, elevated morality. We do not establish them as a speculative business, but to help men and women to follow right methods of living. Christ, the great Medical Missionary, is no longer in our world in person. But He has not left the world in darkness. To His subjects He has given the commission, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature,” “teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” [Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:20.] The great questions of Bible truth are to enter into the very heart of society, to reform and convert men and women, bringing them to see the great necessity of preparing for the mansions that Christ told His disciples He would prepare for them that love Him. “If I go away,” He declared, “I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” [John 14:3.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Lt 201, 1908
23LtMs, Lt 201, 1908, par. 6
Once more I say, When you give yourself to God, and wed your heart to Him who gave His life to you, you will become an heir of God and a joint-heir with Christ. You will become a sharer in His kingdom. If you continue in the faith, you have the promise, “Where I am there shall ye be also.” [John 14:3.] You will have the indwelling of the spirit of peace. A thorough conversion will change your whole conception of truth. I am charged to say to you, Cease your continual controversy with God and His believing ones. When you really lay down your battle axe, and become meek and lowly, your heart will be joined to the heart of Christ. Your life will be joined by hidden links to His life. You will join yourself to the Lord by a perpetual covenant.Lift Him Up
Steadfast Unto the End, December 7
LHU 355.3
Peter kept alive in his heart the hope of Christ’s return, and he assured the church of the certain fulfillment of the Saviour’s promise, “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself” (John 14:3). To the tried and faithful ones the coming might seem long delayed, but the apostle assured them: “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.Our Father Cares
Almost Home! April 30
OFC 132.1
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14:3.Our High Calling
Almost Home! December 27
OHC 367.1
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14:3.Peter’s Counsel to Parents
World conditions prior to Christ’s second coming
PCP 60.3
Peter kept alive in his heart the hope of Christ’s return, and he assured the church of the certain fulfillment of the Saviour’s promise, “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself.” John 14:3. To the tried and faithful ones the coming might seem long delayed, but the apostle assured them: “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.The Acts of the Apostles
Chapter 3—The Great Commission
AA 34.1
Thus will be fulfilled Christ’s promise to His disciples, “I will come again, and receive you unto Myself.” John 14:3. Those who have loved Him and waited for Him, He will crown with glory and honor and immortality. The righteous dead will come forth from their graves, and those who are alive will be caught up with them to meet the Lord in the air. They will hear the voice of Jesus, sweeter than any music that ever fell on mortal ear, saying to them, Your warfare is accomplished. “Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” Matthew 25:34.John 14:3-10
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 7, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 7, 1898, par. 14
In Christ the world beheld the invisible God. “I am in my Father,” He said, “and my Father in me.” “He that hath seen me, hath seen the father.” “If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also, and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.” [John 14:10, 9, 7.] In all our acts of true devotion we fix our eye of faith upon our Advocate, who is standing between man and the eternal throne, waiting to meet our every effort and by His Spirit assist us to a more perfect knowledge of God.13LtMs, Ms 7, 1898, par. 33
The Lord is coming, and we now need the oil of grace in our vessels with our lamps. I ask, Who will now be on the Lord’s side? Before Jesus went away, He promised that He would come again, and receive us unto Himself, “that where I am,” He said, “ye may be also.” [John 14:3.] We are strangers and pilgrims in this world. We are to wait, watch, pray, and work. The whole mind, the whole heart, and the whole strength are purchased by the blood of the Son of God. We are not to feel it our duty to wear a pilgrims dress of just such a color, just such a shape, but neat apparel, that the Word of Inspiration teaches us we should wear. If our hearts are united with Christ’s heart, we shall have a most intense desire to be clothed with His righteousness. Nothing will be put upon the person to attract attention or to create controversy.John 14:3-14
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Ms 7, 1888
5LtMs, Ms 7, 1888, par. 24
Now, Christ left us His work when He went away, and He said, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:20.] We are not left alone in the hands of the devil. Do you think our heavenly Father would leave us alone to carry on the work of redemption and bringing up the fallen race, that He would leave us in a world flooded with evil with no help, no support, after He had endured the agonies of the cross? Do you think He will leave us now?—No! Says the Saviour, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” And again, “If I go away, I will come again.” [John 14:3.] “If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.” [Verse 14.] This is on the condition that we keep His commandments. Is not this a blessed promise? Why do we not talk of it more and praise God for it? Here are the precious promises of the Word of God to us, and why do we not take them?John 14:3-23
Christ’s Object Lessons
Chapter 2—“The Sower Went Forth to Sow”
COL 40.2
Christ’s favorite theme was the paternal tenderness and abundant grace of God; He dwelt much upon the holiness of His character and His law; He presented Himself to the people as the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Let these be the themes of Christ’s ministers. Present the truth as it is in Jesus. Make plain the requirements of the law and the gospel. Tell the people of Christ’s life of self-denial and sacrifice; of His humiliation and death; of His resurrection and ascension; of His intercession for them in the courts of God; of His promise, “I will come again, and receive you unto Myself.” John 14:3.COL 61.3
“If a man love Me,” Christ said, “he will keep My words; and My Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” John 14:23. The spell of a stronger, a perfect mind will be over us; for we have a living connection with the source of all-enduring strength. In our divine life we shall be brought into captivity to Jesus Christ. We shall no longer live the common life of selfishness, but Christ will live in us. His character will be reproduced in our nature. Thus shall we bring forth the fruits of the Holy Spirit—“some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.”John 14:4-11
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 75, 1912
25LtMs, Ms 75, 1912, par. 7
“Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip? he that hath seen Me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of Myself: but the Father that dwelleth in Me, He doeth the works. Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me: or else believe Me for the very works’ sake.” John 14:4-11.John 14:5-8
The Desire of Ages
Chapter 30—“He Ordained Twelve”
DA 292.2
At the head of one of the groups into which the apostles are divided stands the name of Philip. He was the first disciple to whom Jesus addressed the distinct command, “Follow Me.” Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. He had listened to the teaching of John the Baptist, and had heard his announcement of Christ as the Lamb of God. Philip was a sincere seeker for truth, but he was slow of heart to believe. Although he had joined himself to Christ, yet his announcement of Him to Nathanael shows that he was not fully convinced of the divinity of Jesus. Though Christ had been proclaimed by the voice from heaven as the Son of God, to Philip He was “Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” John 1:45. Again, when the five thousand were fed, Philip’s lack of faith was shown. It was to test him that Jesus questioned, “Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” Philip’s answer was on the side of unbelief: “Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.” John 6:5, 7. Jesus was grieved. Although Philip had seen His works and felt His power, yet he had not faith. When the Greeks inquired of Philip concerning Jesus, he did not seize upon the opportunity of introducing them to the Saviour, but he went to tell Andrew. Again, in those last hours before the crucifixion, the words of Philip were such as to discourage faith. When Thomas said to Jesus, “Lord, we know not whither Thou goest; and how can we know the way?” the Saviour answered, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.... If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also.” From Philip came the response of unbelief: “Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.” John 14:5-8. So slow of heart, so weak in faith, was that disciple who for three years had been with Jesus.From Heaven With Love
Slow to Believe
HLv 194.1
When the Greeks inquired of Philip concerning Jesus, he did not seize the opportunity of introducing them to the Saviour, but went to tell Andrew. Again, in those last hours before the crucifixion, the words of Philip were such as to discourage faith. When Thomas said, “Lord, ... how can we know the way?” the Saviour answered, “I am the Way... . If ye had known Me, ye would have known My Father also.” From Philip came the response of unbelief: “Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.” John 14:5-8.John 14:6
Christ’s Object Lessons
Chapter 14—“Shall Not God Avenge His Own?”
COL 173.1
If we surrender our lives to His service, we can never be placed in a position for which God has not made provision. Whatever may be our situation, we have a Guide to direct our way; whatever our perplexities, we have a sure Counselor; whatever our sorrow, bereavement, or loneliness, we have a sympathizing Friend. If in our ignorance we make missteps, Christ does not leave us. His voice, clear and distinct, is heard saying, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” John 14:6. “He shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper.” Psalm 72:12.Manuscript Releases, vol. 11 [Nos. 851-920]
MR No. 919—Themes for Meditation
11MR 363.1
Let Jesus Be Lifted Up—The truly converted soul is illuminated by the light shining from the Sun of Righteousness. That light tells upon hearts, lightens the pathway, dispels the darkness, because it comes from Him who says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Let everyone, to a man, now rise, and let his light so shine before men that they may see his good works, and glorify our Father which is in heaven. (See Matthew 5:16.) Do what you can, and do it at once, cheerfully, heartily, prayerfully, joyfully, not as unto men, but unto God. Settle it in your hearts, that you are not on the earth to exalt self, to make a great name, but to sink self wholly out of sight in Jesus Christ. Let Jesus be lifted up. Let the great truths connected with the salvation of man be the theme of your meditation day and night. Your work, both by precept and example, is to hold forth the word of life, to seek with all your power to bring souls to the knowledge of the truth.—Letter 38, 1890, p. 8. (To “Brethren Church and Bell, and All the Church in Fresno,” February 21, 1890.)Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 25, 1911
25LtMs, Ms 25, 1911, par. 20
The Son of God suffered the death of the cross that you might have eternal life. But there are conditions with which you must comply. The Saviour says, “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” [Matthew 16:24.] “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” [7:7.] Here is the Word of God; search its pages, for this is that which testifies of Him who declares, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” [John 14:6.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 61, 1911
25LtMs, Ms 61, 1911, par. 14
I have a special message to parents. I am charged to bring to parents the strict requirements of God in each family. Fathers and mothers need to be daily reconverted in the line of bringing light into their own families. Cultivate Christian politeness in your training of your children. Guard yourselves. Never allow your hand to strike a child in anger. Your children are the Lord’s property, and they must be treated kindly, but not vindicated in their disrespect of righteousness and truth by your own careless irreverence. Give them righteousness. Christ is truth, the complete, perfect sample of what every soul must be if he enters the heavenly courts. All the great facts are set forth. You can never cure an evil spirit by doing irreligious work. Christ is your sample of character. This we are to know: In God we live and move and have our being. Oh, that the work in our schools shall train the students to understand what God requires of them! I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, Christ says. [John 14:6.] Study the Word and be converted.Jesus, Name Above All Names
Guide, September 23
JNN 281.5
If we surrender our lives to His service, we can never be placed in a position for which God has not made provision. Whatever may be our situation, we have a Guide to direct our way; whatever our perplexities, we have a sure Counselor; whatever our sorrow, bereavement, or loneliness, we have a sympathizing Friend. If in our ignorance we make missteps, Christ does not leave us. His voice, clear and distinct, is heard saying, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6). “He shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper” (Psalm 72:12).Manuscript Releases, vol. 20 [Nos. 1420-1500]
MR No. 1436—The High Honor of Being a Child of God
20MR 61.4
Christ did not merely give us directions as to the path in which we must travel, but He came to be our teacher. He did not merely tell us how we ought to obey, but in His own life He gave us a practical example of how we should obey. Thus He is the true Helper. Going before us, He beats down the obstructions, and tells us to walk in His footsteps. Our blessed Saviour says, Follow Me; I will lead you; I am the way, the truth, and the life. He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness. [See Matthew 4:19; John 14:6; 8:12.]My Life Today
Christ Is the Truth, September 13
ML 260.1
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6.Our Father Cares
Let Jesus Lead, April 4
OFC 106.1
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6.Our High Calling
A Safe Guide, January 10
OHC 16.3
Satan is working with great diligence to compass the ruin of the souls of men. He has come down with great power, knowing that he has but a short time to work. Our only safety lies in following closely after Christ, walking in His wisdom, and practicing His truth. We cannot always readily detect the working of Satan; we do not know where he lays his traps. But Jesus understands the subtle arts of the enemy, and He can keep our feet in safe paths.... “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6) Christ declares.16Letter 204, 1907.Our High Calling
A Higher Standard, January 15
OHC 21.2
What fullness is expressed in the words, “I am the light of the world.” John 8:12. “I am the bread of life.” John 6:35. “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” John 14:6. “I am the good shepherd.” John 10:14. “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10. This life is what we must have, and we must have it more abundantly. God will breathe this life into every soul that dies to self and lives to Christ. But entire self-renunciation is required. Unless this takes place, we carry with us the evil that destroys our happiness. But when self is crucified, Christ lives in us, and the power of the Spirit attends our efforts.Our High Calling
Let Jesus Lead, February 1
OHC 38.1
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6.Reflecting Christ
Christ Is the Truth, January 22
RC 36.1
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6.Selected Messages Book 1
Chapter 34—The Word Made Flesh
1SM 249.3
“I am the way, the truth, and the life,” Christ declares: “no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). Christ is invested with power to give life to all creatures. “As the living Father hath sent me,” He says, “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 6:57, 63). Christ is not here referring to His doctrine, but to His person, the divinity of His character. “Verily, verily, I say unto you,” He says again, “The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; and hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man” (John 5:25-27).Colporteur Ministry
Chapter 7—Wholly Surrendered to God
CM 50.1
Soul Brought to Jesus in Safekeeping—When a soul has been brought to Christ through this personal labor, leave the surrendered, humbled heart for God to work with; let God urge upon him just such service as He sees fit. God has promised that His grace shall be sufficient for everyone who will come unto Him. Those who surrender to Jesus, who open the door of the heart and invite Him in, will be in safekeeping. He says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” John 14:6. Possessing Jesus, they will possess truth. They will be complete in Him.—Manual for Canvassers, 38, 39 (1902).EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
John 14:1-31
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 192, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 192, 1903, par. 1
Never was there more a time when we want and should understand what we must do so that we should inherit eternal life. We read that the Lord’s coming is at a time when we think not. Is it that we have to be all prepared, and know just the moment He is coming? No. To every man God has given his work, and we read in (John 14), “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.” [Verse 1.] We do not believe one-half of what we ought to believe. We want that faith that is a working faith, a faith that works by love, a faith that purifies the soul. If we have confidence to believe that Christ gave His own life for us, then we shall not be in a position that we shall say all the time, “I do not know; I do not know.” We keep asking the Lord for His blessing; we keep saying, “I believe,” but we think the Lord is not just ready. Now, it is we who are not just ready to take the blessing.18LtMs, Ms 192, 1903, par. 2
“In My Father’s house are many mansions.” John 14:2-6 quoted. “The truth and the life.” Keep that faith before your mind that it is Christ who is our only dependence, our only hope for salvation. It is Jesus Christ. “He so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, (whosoever) shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] When we consider what Christ has done for us in giving His life, how can we doubt that He means just what He says, when He tells us, “Ask, and ye shall receive;” and He says again, “Without Me ye can do nothing.” [John 16:24; 15:5.]18LtMs, Ms 192, 1903, par. 7
We cannot let our light shine to the world; it is not a possibility, unless the light is in us. Well, now, Christ is the light of the world; He is the way; He is the truth; and we want the life-giving power of Jesus Christ in our hearts, and to believe that He means to save us. And then what does He say in John 14? He tells us there what God can do for us. He says in (verse 11): “Believe me for the works’ sake.” That is just what He wants us to do. And here, poor souls are carrying along all their infirmities, and yet they think that they must sin—they cannot live in the world unless they do sin. Why, that is not so at all. There is no sin in Christ. You put on Christ, you take Him as your loving Helper, as One who wants to save you in your own righteousness connected with the life-giving power in Jesus Christ. Then you are to work out your own righteousness with fear and with trembling, lest what? Lest you should weave in your self-importance, as though it was in your own merits. No, it is the merits of Christ. “Work out your own salvation in fear and trembling; for it is God that worketh in you to will and to do of His good pleasure.” [Philippians 2:12, 13.]18LtMs, Ms 192, 1903, par. 8
O, I am so thankful that time is not closed yet. I am so thankful that we have a probation. I am so glad for everyone, that they can come to Christ, that they can lay up their treasure in heaven. I am so thankful that there is a way that you can find Christ, and put on Christ, and rejoice in Christ. Yes, you can do that, because He has promised it. He says in ([John 14] verse 12): “The works that I do shall he do also.”18LtMs, Ms 192, 1903, par. 10
“The works that I do he shall do also, and greater works shall he do, because I go to my Father.” [Verse 12.] And what then? Why, He stands there as our Advocate. And when we consider this, we should rejoice that we have One that has not left His humanity. When He ascended on high, He ascended with His humanity. Divinity and humanity combined. Now there is our hope, that He stands at the head of our humanity to work with every soul that will be worked, and to put His spirit into every heart that will accept it; and He wants us to be His little children, to put our trust in Him as little children would put their trust in their parents. And He will come to love us.18LtMs, Ms 192, 1903, par. 18
“And whatsoever ye shall ask in My name,” here is the assurance, “that will I do.” (Verse 13.) If we ask it in the name of Christ, we shall not ask any foolish thing. We shall ask for spirituality, we shall ask for grace, we shall ask for power, and God will give it unto us, because He has died, that we might have all this power. He has given His life that we might have it. We want to be pleasant in this world. We know that there is roughness enough that we will have to meet through the contention of the devil.18LtMs, Ms 192, 1903, par. 20
“If ye love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive” [verses 15-17]—well, they could receive it, if they would accept Christ; but they cannot receive it and have the spirit of the world, too—“because” verse 17.18LtMs, Ms 192, 1903, par. 21
“I will not leave you comfortless.” [Verse 18.] Does anyone here feel comfortless, feel that you have no comforter that knows how to pity you and sympathize with you? Well, don’t. Have we not a God? Have we not a Christ, who has given His life for us? Well, then, let us take God at His word. I want to honor God. I do not want Him to be ashamed of me. We profess to believe in Him; now we are to represent Christ to our world in character. We are to lay right hold upon the Mighty One, that we can represent His character to the world, that they may see the difference between Him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not. God will help us, because He has promised to do it, and (verse 19) says, “but ye see me; because I live, ye shall live also.”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 188, 1903
Thoughts on John 14-16
18LtMs, Ms 188, 1903, par. 1
“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither Thou goest; and how can we know the way?” [John 14:1-5.]18LtMs, Ms 188, 1903, par. 3
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me. If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him, and have seen Him. Philip saith unto Him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip? He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of Myself: but the Father that dwelleth in Me, He doeth the works. Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me: or else believe Me for the very works’ sake. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto My Father.” [Verses 6-12.]18LtMs, Ms 188, 1903, par. 4
Now here is the presentation that Christ makes just before His crucifixion. He had told them that He should be crucified; and then their hearts were exceedingly troubled, and because of this, He addresses them: “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” [Verses 1-3.]18LtMs, Ms 188, 1903, par. 5
Now there is just where we want to be. We want to be where our Saviour is, and we want and need—He knew we needed—just this presentation, that “If I go away, I will come again.” [Verse 3.] Well, we believe in His near coming. We believe that the signs are being fulfilled as Christ stated how it would be just prior to His coming. He has stated to us that there should be wars and rumors of wars, and He has stated to us that there would be troublous times, and we see it. We know that wickedness is increasing in our world. Well, then, what is our work? Is it our business to be discouraged? It is our place to stand in that position that we shall keep in view the second coming of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, to our world; and we are to be preparing ourselves here that we shall see our Lord when He cometh; that we shall meet Him in peace, that we are getting ready for those mansions that He has gone to prepare for us.18LtMs, Ms 188, 1903, par. 11
But I want to read a little further: “Verily, verily I say unto you, He that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto My Father.” [John 14:12.]18LtMs, Ms 188, 1903, par. 13
“And whatsoever (now you see all this is brought in) ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” [Verse 13.]18LtMs, Ms 188, 1903, par. 15
“If ye shall ask anything in My name, I will do it.” [Verse 14.]18LtMs, Ms 188, 1903, par. 16
Well, every one of us to is be sending up our petitions to God in faith and believe that Christ will do just as He said He would do. Well, have we that faith? Are we encouraging it? Are we constantly reaching up the hand of faith to grasp the promises that have been made unto us? “If ye love Me, keep My commandments.” [Verse 15.]18LtMs, Ms 188, 1903, par. 23
He gives us another promise: “If ye love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever.” [John 14:15, 16.] Now that is our privilege.18LtMs, Ms 188, 1903, par. 24
“Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” [Verse 17.]18LtMs, Ms 188, 1903, par. 26
Well, here, the world does not see or know Him. “But ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” [John 14:17, 18.]18LtMs, Ms 188, 1903, par. 41
I will read still further: He said here that He would send the Comforter and He does send it. I know it. I know that I have had that presence of the Comforter. The last that I read you was, “I will not leave you comfortless, I will come to you.” [John 14:18.] Well, you say, I do not sin. We read in the verse before, The world doth not see Him, but thou who believe in Jesus Christ see Him by a living faith, and the hand of faith takes hold of Jesus Christ, and they see Him as their Helper and their God.18LtMs, Ms 188, 1903, par. 42
He says, “Ye know Him; for He dwelleth in you, and shall be with you. I will not leave you comfortless, I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth Me no more; but ye see Me.” [Verses 17-19.] Why? Through His Word. Through living faith in the Word of God, you grasp the hand of infinite power. Because I live, ye shall live also. If you will only live the life of faith here, you will live with Me in My kingdom. He prays the Father, and the Son, and to have what? The far more, the exceeding, the eternal weight of glory. That is what you can be. And what? Heir to God, and joint-heir with Jesus Christ, to the immortal inheritance, to the eternal substance.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 18 (1903)
Lt 232, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 232, 1903, par. 48
My brethren and sisters, study the thirteenth, fourteenth, fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth chapters of John. The words of these chapters explain themselves. “This is life eternal,” Christ declared, “that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.” [John 17:3.] In these words the personality of God and of His Son is clearly spoken of. The personality of the one does not do away with the necessity for the personality of the other.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 86, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 86, 1903, par. 3
Yesterday I visited the Home for the first time. To the soldiers gathered in the chapel, I spoke from the fourteenth chapter of John. As I stood before them I saw many men of fine appearance. All seemed to be deeply interested and paid good attention. I spoke for thirty-five minutes. After the service was closed, several expressed themselves as being much pleased with my remarks. One old man said to me, “You spoke to us the words of life. It was good to hear them.”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 343, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 343, 1904, par. 11
Tell them of the principles that we hold, and of why we have established the Sanitarium, that, under the guidance of God, it may be a help in relieving suffering humanity. Tell them that medical missionary work is to prepare people for the mansions that Christ has gone to prepare for those who are true and loyal to His commandments. Let it be understood that the love of God alone can keep His people true in the self-denial and self-sacrifice that they are called to endure for Christ’s sake. Repeat often the first three verses of the fourteenth chapter of John. This Scripture is a panacea for trouble, disappointment, and affliction. A conviction that the hope of eternal life is sure causes the heart to overflow with gratitude and thanksgiving.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Ms 118, 1904
19LtMs, Ms 118, 1904, par. 1
Christ had been giving His disciples the instruction contained in the fourteenth chapter of John. Then He led them from the upper chamber out through the city to the Mount of Olives. On their way they passed a beautiful vine; and the disciples, charmed with its loveliness, called the Saviour’s attention to it. As they looked upon it, Christ said, “I am the true vine, and My Father is the husbandman. Every branch in Me that beareth not fruit, He taketh away; and every branch that beareth fruit, He purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” [John 15:1, 2.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 250, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 250, 1905, par. 3
Read carefully the fourteenth chapter of John. The Saviour said to His disciples, “Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself, that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.” [Verses 1-4.]20LtMs, Lt 250, 1905, par. 4
“If ye love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him, but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth Me no more; but ye see Me; because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in My Father, and ye in Me, and I in you. He that hath My commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me; and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him.” [Verses 15-21.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 336, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 336, 1906, par. 5
What a wonderful mission was given to the disciples. It was their last week together, and Christ desired to prepare their minds for the coming trial, for the separation that was shortly to take place, for the wicked things they would see Him suffer at the hands of men. This was to be their trial—to see the sufferings of their Lord. He, their Saviour, was to be betrayed by Judas into the hands of wicked men. He was to suffer rejection. But He comforted His disciples with the words of encouragement found in the thirteenth, fourteenth, fifteenth, and sixteenth chapters of John.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 346, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 346, 1907, par. 3
Let us as ministers and teachers study the sermons of Christ and by prayerful effort learn to comprehend the very spirit of these discourses. They are to be presented so that the common people can understand them. Let us study over and over again the fourteenth to the seventeenth chapters of John. The last sermons of Christ and His last prayer for His disciples contain precious instruction, the treasures of which, study as we will, we can never exhaust.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 334, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 334, 1907, par. 9
Seeing them in sorrow and perplexity, the Saviour continued: “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” [John 14:1-3.] Read the whole of this fourteenth chapter of John. It is full of instruction for the followers of Christ, instruction that only the Son of God could give.22LtMs, Lt 334, 1907, par. 13
“At that day, ye shall know that I am in the Father, and ye in Me, and I in you. He that hath My commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me; and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father: and I will love him, and will manifest Myself unto him.” [Verses 12-21.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 84, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 84, 1907, par. 2
We have been receiving precious light from the Lord. The fourteenth to the seventeenth chapters of John contain precious instruction for our churches at this time. Christ was about to close His work on earth and return to His Father. He had told His disciples that He was about to leave them, and He understood their feelings at the thought that they were to lose their beloved Master. The bitterest cup His humanity must drink is about to be held to His lips; and He knows the result to them as well as to Himself. His three years of labor for His disciples had been to prepare them for the trials that were soon to open before them. Forgetting Himself and His suffering, He seeks to comfort His sorrowing disciples.22LtMs, Lt 84, 1907, par. 3
“Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in Me. I am the brightness of the Father’s glory, the manifestation of His love, the channel by which His mercy comes to you, and by which your prayers rise to Him. In My Father’s house are many mansions.” [John 14:1, 2.]22LtMs, Lt 84, 1907, par. 6
“Thomas saith unto Him, We know not whither Thou goest, and how can we know the way?” [Verses 2-5.] We have reason to be thankful that this question was asked and answered. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man cometh unto the Father, but by Me. If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also; and from henceforth ye have known Him, and have seen Him.22LtMs, Lt 84, 1907, par. 7
“Philip saith unto Him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip? He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak unto you, I speak not of Myself; but the Father that dwelleth in Me, He doeth the works. Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me; or else believe Me for the very works’ sake. Verily, verily I say unto you, he that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do, because I go unto the Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in My name, I will do it. If ye love Me, keep My commandments.” [Verses 6-15.]22LtMs, Lt 84, 1907, par. 9
“If I go away,” Christ says, “I will come again.” [Verse 3.] “I will not leave you comfortless, I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth Me no more; but ye see Me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in the Father, and ye in Me and I in you. He that hath My commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me; and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself unto him.22LtMs, Lt 84, 1907, par. 10
“Judas saith unto Him, [not Iscariot,] Lord, how is it that Thou will manifest Thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man will love Me, he will keep My words: and My Father will love him, and We will come unto him, and make Our abode with him. He that loveth Me not keepeth not My sayings: and the word which ye hear is not Mine, but the Father’s which sent Me. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. ... Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” [Verses 18-27.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Ms 130, 1909
Elgin, Illinois
August 7, 1909
Portions of this manuscript are published in the NIRec 08/17/1909.
24LtMs, Ms 130, 1909, par. 1
John 14. “Let not your heart be troubled.” To verse 3. Let us remember that. While Christ is gone, or going, to prepare a place for every one who shall comply with the conditions, He expects that every soul of us shall be interested in our own eternal interests. Having a knowledge of the infinite sacrifice that our Saviour has made in our behalf, shall we not comply with every condition that He has made that we can co-operate with Christ and Christ with us? It is a mutual work. On our part it is implicit obedience; on Christ’s part it is to stand before the Father in His eternal light, having purchased us with His own blood. Therefore the work is mutual. We have no right to be indifferent; we have no right to be careless. We must show that we have an interest in this world that is of the highest order, in order to give to the world and evidence that we are to be transformed to the higher courts where we shall dwell with our Saviour who has purchased us with His blood.24LtMs, Ms 130, 1909, par. 2
Verse 3. “I will come again.” Now He did not leave us helpless. “I will come again and receive you unto myself that where I am there ye may be also, and whither I go ye know and the way ye know.” [Verses 3, 4.] Thomas, one of the doubting ones, saith, verse 6. We shall know that it was with a tremendous price that He has paid for every soul that is in this congregation, that they might be transformed through a living obedience to the requirements of the Word of the living God to the higher courts, that we might have a right to the tree of life, that we might have the gates thrown open before us.24LtMs, Ms 130, 1909, par. 3
Parents should educate their children. If they devote that interest in their children that they should devote, it will be the work of a lifetime to prepare their children for a heaven that measures with the life of God. There can be no indifference here; there can be no carelessness in this matter; there can be no supposition that if we let our children do just as they pleased that they will come up with an education prepared for the higher courts. We are to study the Word of God and we are to work with intense interest to educate every one, high or low, that is in our family, by our influence and example, living the Word of God, that they shall have a place with us in the kingdom of God.24LtMs, Ms 130, 1909, par. 4
Verses 6-9. “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.” It is said that He is in the express image of His Father’s presence. Verse 10. Now bear that in mind. Verse 11. What a statement is that! How high, how broad, how deep, how full! “The very works’ sake.” Did He go, like the priests and rulers, from place to place with a noble and exalted opinion of Himself? He went as a man of poverty.24LtMs, Ms 130, 1909, par. 5
He walked from place to place and the multitudes followed Him as He walked, until thousands were added to His congregation, and then He pitied them and He said to them: “Now,” He says to His disciples, “these people are weary, they have been listening to the teachings I have been giving and they are weary and they are hungry.” “Well, what shall we do?” “What have you here to eat?” “Well, we have a few loaves and two small fishes.” “Well, bring them along.” And they brought them. There they divided this little food and He says, “Give to the multitude that they may eat.” And after they were all satisfied He says, “Gather up the fragments that nothing be lost,” and they gathered up, I think it was, five or seven bushels. [Mark 6:38; John 6:5-13; Matthew 16:9, 10.]24LtMs, Ms 130, 1909, par. 6
Now we can see what it means to be connected with Christ. You can understand that you must do your best. It may not be much but do your best, and when you have done your best cast your helpless soul upon Jesus Christ as your Saviour, as your Redeemer, and then just have that faith. What kind of a faith? A faith that works by love and purifies the soul. That is the faith. “Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father in me, or else believe me for the very works’ sake.” [John 14] Verse 12. Do you bear that in mind?24LtMs, Ms 130, 1909, par. 7
Do we show our faith by works that Christ approves? Verse 12. Why what a word is that for Him to speak? “Because I go to the Father.” [John 16:16.] And these are the last lessons that He was leaving with His disciples. “And whatever you shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in my name I will do it.” [John 14:13, 14.] Now, there must be a faith that is carried out in that. There must be a faith that claims the Word. What a wonderful thing it is—our salvation! What a wonderful work!24LtMs, Ms 130, 1909, par. 8
He wants them to take it all in—the connection that He has with the Father, that when He shall go away, why, there they have an advocate with the Father even Jesus Christ the righteous. “Verily, verily, I say unto you.” Verse 12. Did He deceive you in that? Then why not have that simplicity of faith that takes God at His word? Why not believe that He will do just as He said He would? Why, if we will carry out our faith now, right from this meeting, from the advantages that you have had here, and if you walk in the light that God has given you, is it you that does the work? No, He does it. Why, here is Jesus that has given His life for you, that you might be a partaker of the divine nature, He does the work although He has ascended into heaven. He has angels all around, angels that are working upon human hearts right here today. This very present day, the very time that angels of God are right here in our midst. Are they the only ones? No; Satan’s angels are here to turn your minds away from the truth and godliness, that you shall not hear intelligently and that you shall not understand, and he can lay stumbling blocks in your way. Now, don’t let him. How will you prevent it? In prayer. We have not half the simplicity and trust.24LtMs, Ms 130, 1909, par. 9
Some people think they must sing. Well now, it is right to sing if that brings souls to the knowledge of the truth in Christ Jesus. That is what we want, living faith. “And these things shall you do, and whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” “If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it.” “If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father that He shall give you another Comforter and abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth.” [Verses 12-17.]24LtMs, Ms 130, 1909, par. 10
That is what we want. Satan is advancing at the present day in knowledge that he will bring into every church in existence, for them to accept, and when you accept it, any of you, then he has gained his point. He can lead you on and on until when Christ shall come in the clouds of heaven He will not acknowledge you, and why? Because you have listened to the influence of Satan. “Even the spirit of truth whom the world cannot receive.” Why? Because it does not know Him. There I fear exaltation of self. Now, the very humblest position that we can take is that position that relies upon the “Thus saith the Lord.” Don’t let any satanic influence come in. “I will not leave you comfortless, I will come to you.” Now what an assurance. Will we believe it? Why, He gave His life for us. “At that day ye shall know that I am in the Father, and ye in Me and I in you.” “He that hath my commandments and keepeth them.” [Verses 17, 18, 20, 21.] Now be sure and find out what these commandments are. It would not do to guess at it and be far off.24LtMs, Ms 130, 1909, par. 11
Verses 21-23. Can you take in that? Can you accept that promise and say, “I will walk and I will work in harmony with one that laid off His royal robe, that laid aside His royal crown, and took upon Him humanity that humanity might touch humanity and divinity combined with humanity would bring humanity in harmony with God if the human agent would humble his heart to obedience.”24LtMs, Ms 130, 1909, par. 12
Verse 23. “If a man love Me.”24LtMs, Ms 130, 1909, par. 13
Verses 24-31. Well now then, this the next lesson, Chapter 15:1. Now He is explaining, trying to make it so clear that you can understand that the Father and himself are working in co-partnership.24LtMs, Ms 130, 1909, par. 14
Verse 2. “Every branch in Me.” Now bear in mind the conditions. “That beareth not fruit.”24LtMs, Ms 130, 1909, par. 15
Verse 3. Now here is our work. “Every branch in Me that beareth not fruit He taketh away.” What does it mean? It means that you should work out His teachings in truth and righteousness to the world. It is not enough to have your name on the church book. It is enough to go down into the water and be baptized, to come up out of the water with a solemn pledge that you are dead to the world. Now, do you keep that pledge or imitate the fashions and habits of the world? Confess Him to the world. I have seen sights since I have been on this journey, and my heart is stirred to its depths. I said to myself, What can I do, what shall I do to make people understand that there are souls round about them to be saved? They are to work to deny self, to make sacrifices on the right and on the left. Here is Christ as an example. What an example has He given us!24LtMs, Ms 130, 1909, par. 16
“Every branch that beareth not fruit should be taken away.” [Verse 2.] Do you want to be taken away? What part do you bear? What evidence have you that you belong to Jesus Christ? What evidence do you bear to the world around you? What sacrifice did you make to save the shillings and the dollars? It will all be counted just as it is. I want everyone to understand it. Christ will make no mistake in this matter. The heavenly angels, Christ, and the Father are perfectly united. They that will not create a second rebellion in heaven will be there.24LtMs, Ms 130, 1909, par. 17
Those who have worked in harmony with the heavenly angels can join Him in the heavenly courts. And if we are of that number, we can glorify God in the heavenly courts. We must cot complain that it is too much to require. Not one will be there who does, for it will be another rebellion if they should. “Every branch in me that beareth not fruit,” not in harmony with Christ. [Verse 2.] Every branch that bears fruit, He will purge, that it may bear more fruit.24LtMs, Ms 130, 1909, par. 18
When you have a hard time, do you give right up to it and say, It is no use. I have tried to be a Christian and I have met with disappointment and losses, and all this. What did Christ suffer? He came down to this world to be a man of sorrow and acquainted with grief. Will you consider this? “Every branch that beareth fruit He purgeth it.” [Verse 2.] When you unite yourself in company that has no interest in the truth and you do not try to create an interest, you will not become helpers with Jesus Christ. Every one of us have a work to do.24LtMs, Ms 130, 1909, par. 19
It is truth that sanctifies the soul. The truth that purifies the soul, you know, belongs with God. Sit right down and study the Word with your companions. Do not exalt yourself. Study it together. Everyone can be helpers together, helpers together with God. “Every branch that beareth fruit, He purgeth it, that it may bear more fruit.” [Verse 2.] They will seek the Lord in their perplexity and tell Christ all about it. You must pray in humility with your family, and you tell your family when in perplexity not to complain, not to tell it outside the family, but work in your household before God. “Now are ye clean through the Word that I have spoken unto you.” [Verse 3.]24LtMs, Ms 130, 1909, par. 20
“Abide in me and I in you.” Verse 4. Now just look at that. Verse 5. Will we unite with consecrated, devoted workers for Christ, for it is only a little while to save souls that are ready to perish. We cannot afford to take a haphazard course; we cannot afford it. There are souls to be lost or saved through our influence.24LtMs, Ms 130, 1909, par. 21
Verse 4. Now, we want at this meeting, if it is possible to understand what true conversion is. It is simply taking God at His word and it is following out the teachings of Jesus Christ, lest you should make a mistake, to follow His Word, study it with your family, study it with your children, lest some of your children shall not understand it. Then never speak a cross word because that is of the devil. You want to deal with them just as Christ deals with them. Verse 4. Now consider this. Verse 5. Will you bear that in mind? Verse 6. Well now, that means if you are not connected with Christ, why, you will act just as the world acts; you will fall into temptation and you will do just as the world does. But you cannot afford to do so. It is the living religion you must have way down here in the last end of time. We want to bind off our experience with the likeness of Jesus Christ.24LtMs, Ms 130, 1909, par. 22
Now let us see the result. Verse 7. Because you will ask nothing amiss—if you abide in Christ. Christ came from the heavenly courts to help and strengthen, to bring to you, in the form of humanity divinity, the divine Son of God. He came from the heavenly courts, that you might be a partaker of the divine nature having overcome the corruption that is in the world through lust, and you never can do it unless you take right hold of the divinity of Christ by prayer and then claim the promise. You must have a soul-saving experience. We must be a people that thinks more of saving souls that of putting money into dress and into various worldly enterprises to make money. One soul saved is worth a world. You just consider it. I feel it to the very intensity of my being or you would never see me here, nearly eighty-two years old, and yet I feel such an intensity I cannot give up the work.24LtMs, Ms 130, 1909, par. 23
Verse 7. You want to study the words. It shall be done unto you because your humanity—the simplicity of a living faith—grasps the promises of God and those promises are laying hold of the divinity of Jesus Christ.24LtMs, Ms 130, 1909, par. 24
Verses 8-10. Now you find out these commandments are: “Ye shall abide in my love.” Verse 10. Now the commandments declare that the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord our God. If we accept the man-made sabbath we teach other people error. Now we have found out what is the true Sabbath; now we are seeking to get that before those who do not know it. Verse 10. Now you see the representation. He represents your life in connection with Him and His life in connection with the Father. You just see the sacrifice represented. Verses 11-12. Be sure and bear that in mind. Verse 13. And that is what Christ was doing, that He might bring every soul who was in that position so that they can save their souls through obedience to the Word.24LtMs, Ms 130, 1909, par. 25
Now in a family the example of the father and mother in respect to the Word runs through that family. The Word of God is to be our counsellor. That Word brings into that family a kind spirit and works for their salvation. That is what we want to do, “Do these things if ye keep my commandments.” Verse 11. Yes, it will be without an exception; it will be without a blot.24LtMs, Ms 130, 1909, par. 26
Are we preparing for the grand review that will take place? We cannot tell just when, but it is very nigh. We want to ask you, Are you preparing for that review? Verse 13. Now I want to say to everyone here: Take this whole chapter—I will not read the remainder of it—but you take it and you take these two chapters that I have dwelt upon and when there is any special conflict that any one expects is going to come up in the church, you just take these two chapters and you read these two chapters, and you will see that they will do in that church if it is a church with humility and the fear of God before them. They will understand that it is no place for them to be in contention in the church. It is not right at all.24LtMs, Ms 130, 1909, par. 27
When you come up out of the water you pledge yourself in Jesus Christ to be in harmony with heaven, to be in harmony with Christ and then live your pledge by baptism. I want that every soul of us shall understand there is a work for each of us to do. We are not to be idlers in the Lord’s field. We are to become helpers with Jesus Christ. That is what you should be, to help lift the burden.24LtMs, Ms 130, 1909, par. 28
One of the disciples who was in love with his Master’s teaching said, “I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.” He turned to him and knew just what to say, “Foxes have holes, the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” [Luke 9:57, 58.] Night after night He was upon the ground, sleeping without any good mattress. He was sleeping there. The next day He wanted to reach certain people, and His humanity reached that humanity so that He might win souls to Himself.24LtMs, Ms 130, 1909, par. 29
Now we want to say to you, let us have the Word of God to guide us in its simplicity and prize that simplicity in our own lives. You may come to meeting and put on a certain appearance in meeting, but that it is not what Christ wants. He wants a religion that goes through and works in the family with power. Pray and believe and in doing that you can bring a reformation in your homes. You can bring soul after soul to Christ through the very family influence that can be exerted on others.24LtMs, Ms 130, 1909, par. 30
What we want is heaven at the cost of all things. What we want is eternal life. What we want is to see souls saved and to know that we have acted a part in their salvation. It is nothing to be preached to all the time and you not do anything particularly yourself. Every man has a work and to every man it is declared that the Lord has given his work, therefore let every influence be exerted to win souls.24LtMs, Ms 130, 1909, par. 31
I pray that the blessing of God may rest upon this attentive audience and pray that the glory of God may be revealed in your lives. Why? Because Christ laid off His golden crown, He laid aside His royal robes. He is willing to do that—the great Teacher, the Son of the living God. He laid off His royalty and came down and was willing to be a little child to help His father at the carpenter’s trade, and then the young around Him laughed at Him being so particular. That did not affect Him. He began singing some of the Psalms. He did that with His beautiful voice, and they joined with Him and soon they found it would not amount to anything to have Him try to do His work carelessly. If He was building, He would build surely and safely. That was His work.24LtMs, Ms 130, 1909, par. 32
He calls upon every man and every woman to form characters upon His divine similitude, and there it is that humanity grasps divinity. You know it is your business to be a laborer, that is your work, and if you work in harmony with God you will have a church that is a power. Our churches will become a force, not merely the ministers that carry the message, but you will feel that you got a message at home to carry to your neighbors.24LtMs, Ms 130, 1909, par. 33
I have seen these houses in America set close together, and if they have any outdoor air and exercise they set right on the front steps.24LtMs, Ms 130, 1909, par. 34
Now here we are in possession of a truth that will bring us into possession of an immortal inheritance, eternal substance, and we will never know pain, disease; we will not be grasping around for tobacco or any of these indulgences, but we will have that company, that society in the heavenly city, so that crowns can be placed on our heads as overcomers. And then those crowns will be laid at the feet of Jesus, and then you will greet your friends that have helped you, that have spoken a word in season and you know they turned the scale at a certain time when you needed their words.24LtMs, Ms 130, 1909, par. 35
We have a battle to fight. We have got a heaven to gain, we have got a crown to gain, and may God help every one of us. I know something about this matter. Again and again has it been presented to me that just as a soul was about to decide, there was someone who would come in and present an objection.24LtMs, Ms 130, 1909, par. 36
Now remember, you can help us save souls. You can help me. You can help me so that I shall realize that there is a work being accomplished for those that need it. And you can take your children with you to the heavenly city. Are you educating them for this? We want to act as though it were a reality with us.24LtMs, Ms 130, 1909, par. 37
I cannot afford to lose my soul. I am going about at my age because people do not understand how to save the souls about them. I want to say to everyone of you, for Christ’s sake do what you can. If you are converted to Christ, have His words and His Spirit. Lay hold of Christ’s life and that divinity and humanity combined will bring you an experience where you will have a rejoicing in the heavenly courts. You will have a golden harp and crown and then everlasting salvation.24LtMs, Ms 130, 1909, par. 38
Not a one shall enter into that city that is not an overcomer. Everyone must overcome in this world. The devil himself is to be destroyed in time and heaven will stand free. We want everyone to have an eternal weight of glory. We want you to see the King in His beauty. We want to sing the song of glory. Can you determine yourself that you will walk and keep His commandments just as is written in regard to the Sabbath commandment and everything else that God has given us? Will you not stand before God as those walking for an eternal reward, transformed and going no more out forever, no more sickness, no more sorrow, no more pain?24LtMs, Ms 130, 1909, par. 39
What will you do? How many of you will start on this work and decide that you will have heaven? Christ died, Christ suffered upon the cross, and He was taking the sins of the whole world upon Him. He was separated from His Father and the great bloody sweat came from His brow and moistened the sod of Gethsemane. He said, “If it be possible let this cup pass by Me, nevertheless not My will but Thine be done.” [Matthew 26:39; Luke 22:42.] He staggered and the cup trembled in His hand and it seemed that the destiny of a lost world was upon Him. It was balanced, and a strong angel came from heaven and there he strengthened the Son of man.24LtMs, Ms 130, 1909, par. 40
There He hung upon the cross and there it was that there were two thieves, one on the right hand and another on the left hand of Christ. One said, “Save yourself and us if you can.” The other rebuked him, “He does not deserve it.” He said, “Lord Jesus.” There was a suffering Saviour with the nails through His hands and feet. There he asked that he be remembered when He came into His kingdom, and what did He say? “Verily I say unto you today,” being executed as a criminal as He was, “Thou shalt be with me in paradise.” [Luke 23:39-43.] Now we can see how fully He can impress the sinner. God loves the sinner. And now I will ask you, who of you will be willing to endure the sufferings of Christ?24LtMs, Ms 130, 1909, par. 41
Who of us will take the Saviour and leave your pride behind? What does He want? He wants co-laborers, helpers together with God. He wants human agents. He wants you to sacrifice. He wants you, if possible, to cast your influence with His, and it is possible if you make it so. God will help us that we may walk to the front. Who will stand up here and be determined that they will walk to eternal life? Life and immortality will be brought to light to help save souls. Rise right up whoever will.24LtMs, Ms 130, 1909, par. 42
(All the congregation stood up.)Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Ms 101, 1909
24LtMs, Ms 101, 1909, par. 7
Let not our workers be content to go over and over again the ground where the truth is well known, while many fields are left untouched. Let workers be carefully selected, to labor two and two in our cities, under the direction and commission of Jesus Christ. They should study the fourteenth and fifteenth chapters of John, opening their hearts to receive the divine instruction, and looking unto Jesus, the Author and the Finisher of their faith.Manuscript Release No 1033
Norwich, Connecticut, Friday, November 28, 1890
MR1033 34.2
I am quite comfortable today. Wrote many pages to send to Battle Creek to be read during the week of prayer. We rode out to Norwichtown, Conn., three miles. Purchased cloth shoes, for my feet are cold and I dare not continue to have them cold. I was pleased to get back to my place where I was entertained. I spoke in the evening from John 14. “If ye love me keep my commandments,” etc. There was not a large number present. I had a measure of freedom in speaking. Brother Robinson and Farman came to this place last night at eleven o’clock.—Manuscript 49, 1890, 3 (Diary 16, p. 347).Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 20, 1913
25LtMs, Ms 20, 1913, par. 1
(Sermon, at St. Helena, California, Sabbath morning, September 27, 1913, from the fourteenth chapter of St. John, by Mrs. E. G. White.)25LtMs, Ms 20, 1913, par. 2
“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto Him, Lord, we know not whither Thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me. If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him, and have seen Him.” [John 14:1-7.] I want you to keep these words in mind.25LtMs, Ms 20, 1913, par. 3
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto My Father.” [Verse 12.] What wonderful words! Since we have such promises, let not one of us doubt; let not one of us fall into unbelief. Let us take the Lord at His word—believe Him. The Spirit that was with Christ will indeed be with all who trust in the Lord.25LtMs, Ms 20, 1913, par. 4
“If ye love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but Ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” [Verses 15-18.] What breadth, what height, what greatness of love is presented to us.25LtMs, Ms 20, 1913, par. 5
When you are in trouble, and difficulty, and hardly know what to do, open your Bible to the fourteenth chapter of John, and read the promises that it contains. Read these promises at family worship to the children. Present these wonderful truths so that their young minds will comprehend. “I will not leave you comfortless.” [Verse 18.] Do you believe this as the Word of God? Do you lay hold of God’s promises and present them to the members of your family? When you do this, you will have peace and hope and rejoicing. You may be discouraged, you may be disheartened, but you have God’s promise that He will not leave you comfortless. I believe this; for I have proved it.25LtMs, Ms 20, 1913, par. 7
“He that hath My commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me: and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him.” [Verse 21.] Here is a promise that I do not know how to express my gratefulness for. The divine assurance contained in these words we are to appropriate in our families so that the life and the health of ourselves and our families shall reflect the love of Christ. We want this in all its richness and greatness. In the words that I have just read, we have God’s promise that the highest of all power is at our command. We need to have a higher conception of the will of God concerning us.25LtMs, Ms 20, 1913, par. 8
“Judas saith unto Him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that Thou wilt manifest Thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love Me, he will keep My words: and My Father will love him, and We will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” [Verses 22, 23.] Ever keep this promise in mind, and when the enemy tempts you to doubt, say, No. Now, is there any excuse for not perfecting Christian character? I do not see any excuse.25LtMs, Ms 20, 1913, par. 9
“He that loveth Me not keepeth not My sayings: and the word which ye hear is not Mine, but the Father’s which sent Me.” “These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved Me, ye would rejoice because I said, I go unto the Father: for My Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe. Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in Me. But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave Me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.” [Verses 24-31.] I wanted to read this Scripture to you, and I wish that I might impress it upon your minds.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 57, 1912
25LtMs, Ms 57, 1912, par. 1
To the workers in our institutions I am instructed to say, Truth must be wisely, kindly, tenderly presented. In the fourteenth chapter of John there are precious lessons, valuable instruction, which should be appreciated by every child of God who desires to minister to others the comfort and grace of God. Let these lessons be impressed upon the mind; over and over again let them be repeated.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Lt 24, 1912
25LtMs, Lt 24, 1912, par. 3
I ask you to read the fourteenth chapter of John and to study its lessons. We need to crowd into our lives all the comfort we possibly can. We need to dwell on the words of courage that Christ spoke to His disciples toward the close of His earthly ministry. The fourteenth and fifteenth chapters of John should be very precious to every believing heart. Though a cruel death was just before Him, Christ’s words to His followers were full of hope. He desired to bring all the comfort possible to their hearts. Let us be strong in Him.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 75, 1911
Oakland, California
July 15, 1911
Previously unpublished.
25LtMs, Ms 75, 1911, par. 1
John 14:1-31.25LtMs, Ms 75, 1911, par. 2
You see with what assurance He gives to us of His power and His grace and His authority. Can you take it in? It is worth everything to us. Now we have our opportunity to bring ourselves in right relation to God. We have no time to hesitate and question for here is the statement just as plain as it can be made, and we are to believe the Word. Let us come into that position where we can take God at His word.25LtMs, Ms 75, 1911, par. 3
We want to be in that right relation to God that He accepts us. If we take that word and present it to the Lord, do you think that He will turn away from His word? No. Some of you have been giving your hearts to God. We are glad for this. And we want you to understand in doing this you are to humble your hearts before a righteous God. You are to repent and to be converted. The power of God will come upon human hearts, and you can testify before angels and before men that you have taken Christ as your Leader, as your Saviour and your Keeper.25LtMs, Ms 75, 1911, par. 4
And when you come in to your family, you are to bear the right relation to your family and to your God. That family that you have you are to labor for. You are to take the children patiently and talk with them and open the Scriptures to them, and you can kneel right down and pray with them. The Lord recognizes such service as this. He wants that every soul shall be in right relation to God. We have had a very important season here on this ground, and we do not want to lose the impressions that have been given us here, but retain them. And those that have not been converted, we greatly desire that they may be converted because Christ has given His life for them.25LtMs, Ms 75, 1911, par. 5
We are to cling to the arm of the Mighty One, for we are to have trials that you scarcely dream of. But we read over and over again, “I will not leave you comfortless.” [Verse 18.] Now, God will not leave us comfortless. Let us not be taken off from the belief that “Christ is my Saviour. He came into the world to be tempted in all points like as we are. If we fail in standing by the precious promises of God, we ourselves are to blame; but we cannot afford it. A life that measures with the life of God is promised to us in the Word, therefore we want to take these promises and we want to apply them to ourselves, and He will help us. We have a work to do to give to others the light that God has given to us.25LtMs, Ms 75, 1911, par. 6
Educate your children. There is a great work that is left undone. You cannot afford it. They are God’s property, and you are to work for the saving of the souls of your children. Guard them from the evils they will come in contact with. Bring the light of heaven into your homes, and if you fail to do this, who is to blame but yourselves? We want the converting power of God in our homes.25LtMs, Ms 75, 1911, par. 7
We want to labor for the salvation of the souls of our children. Scolding and fretting only hardens their hearts. If you are a Christian, you will be Christlike. You should talk to them, and tell them what it is their privilege to have and what is it their privilege to shun, and tell them that they are right in view of heaven that is watching and waiting to receive them if they will repent and come unto God. Talk to them kindly and tenderly. They understand more than you suppose. Do not rest until your family is united with you in the faith.25LtMs, Ms 75, 1911, par. 8
The world is working to draw the young people unto itself and to draw the older people unto itself, and it has much success. Therefore, Christians that are here on these grounds, we want you to understand that we have a Saviour, and that if we receive Him by living faith He will cleanse us from all our sins, and He will bring us into that relation to God so we can work with our children and so we can pray with them and for them and intercede to God to have compassion on our children, that when the work here is ended, we may come up to the city of God and enter in with our children. You can say, Jesus, I have labored for these children. I want them to have an entrance into the city of God with me. I want them to have a right to the tree of life.25LtMs, Ms 75, 1911, par. 9
God will give the mother capabilities if she will make the care and training of our children her business in her home and in her life. Now let them work for the salvation of their children here in this world, for unless they are cleansed by the blood of the Lamb, they will have no place in that kingdom of God. You want to take them with you. As we approach the close of time, everything possible will be invented to draw our minds in worldly channels, but you cannot afford it.25LtMs, Ms 75, 1911, par. 10
We want pure and undefiled religion. I was but a child, an afflicted child, but by separating myself from those that would entice me to sin and keeping myself in right relation to God, I knew that I was kept by His power. And thus I have an experience that no living mortal can change, because is it grounded in my experience from my childhood. And the children are to be brought to Jesus. Do not neglect them.25LtMs, Ms 75, 1911, par. 11
Christ said, “Let not your hearts be troubled. I go to prepare a place for you.” [Verses 1, 2.] What was that “going”? He was taken by wicked hands and condemned, and stretched upon the cross. He did that to save us, and what are you willing to do to save your own soul? You have a heaven to win, and it becomes you, fathers and mothers, in the place of going out to parties and such places to which you are not called at all, to stand over your children and teach them and educate them and train them for salvation. If you do this, angels of God are right around you. It is not you that makes all the impression. You act your part, and the angels of heaven are right around you to act their part.25LtMs, Ms 75, 1911, par. 12
Fathers and mothers have no right to spend their time in parties and pleasure excursions and leave their children to the temptation of the enemy. I want all who possibly can to give their children to the Lord, and themselves make a consecration, and then watch them. Why? You are preparing them for the grand review. You are preparing them that they may enter through the gates into the city to go no more out, and now is your opportunity.25LtMs, Ms 75, 1911, par. 13
To those who invite you to parties say, No; God has given me my work. It is to fit my children for the future immortal life. I want them to stand by my side and help me, and I want to help them that they may accomplish that which they are capable of accomplishing through the love of Christ and faith in His Word. I ask you, fathers and mothers, if you have habits or practices that will blot you out of the kingdom of heaven, for Christ’s sake to overcome them, and teach your children that eternal life will take their all.25LtMs, Ms 75, 1911, par. 14
We want every soul here to understand that we are dealing with eternal realities. We cannot be turned away by any invitations to go to parties and dances and these things. Tell them, No; I take no stock in these things. I am preparing for the grand review, and I want to take my children with me to enter in through the gates into the city. The crown of life will be placed upon their brow, and they shall have a harp of gold, to sing the praises to God. The music parties that they have do not give spiritual strength to scarcely any unless they are under the inspiration of God. We must come out from the world and be separate, and we are to be partakers with Christ of His sufferings. You know what the history of Christ is, for you have read it in your Bibles.25LtMs, Ms 75, 1911, par. 15
I want you to make your decisions here if you will accept the testimonies that I have been bearing ever since I was twelve years old. The Lord has been with me, and He has brought me from place to place through sickness after sickness, and yet I have gone to the foreign countries. He has saved me when the doctors said it was not possible for me to live. I said, “I believe God will raise me up.” Christ seemed to be right by the side of my bed when night after night I could not turn my body or move, except my right arm. The Lord is good. Will you trust Him? Will you take Him at His word that He is your Saviour, that He gave His precious life for you, and that He has gone to prepare mansions for you, that where He is there you may be also? Will you consider this? May God help you do it.25LtMs, Ms 75, 1911, par. 16
I have an interest for the children, and I want that the parents shall never scold them. They are to be brought up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. That is what we want. All the frivolity that is in the world, it is from the devil. It is not from the Lord. The Lord wants us to think soberly and righteously and sensibly in regard to the future life. We are striving for an immortal crown. We are striving that we may see the King in His majesty, and that we may sing the song of Moses and the Lamb in the city of God, and that we may have that salvation that we shall never lose.25LtMs, Ms 75, 1911, par. 17
It is for our own happiness here to reject everything like foolishness and pride and vanity, and labor to be overcomers. And we can be overcomers, for angels of God are right around us. If you will give them a chance, they will come in and mold the characters of your children. If you have no regard for them themselves, how can you expect that they will come in and take possession in them? You must educate your children for the heavenly courts, and when you do this, angels of God will accept and strengthen your efforts. Will you seek for that life that measures with the life of God? Will you seek to honor Him who came to our world and died a sacrifice that He might be able to win your children and your own hearts to His service? How many will agree to place themselves on the right side to win heaven? How many can appreciate the value of being on the Lord’s side?25LtMs, Ms 75, 1911, par. 18
Christ came and died that He might make it possible for Him to save every child that will obey Christ’s commandments. Then how should you labor, fathers and mothers, to teach your children the commandments of God and pray with them instead of going visiting a neighbor or going to a party of pleasure? How much better it is to feel that you have let your children have the blessings that you can give of your presence in the place of letting them grow up without any real solid education. Will you try it? I want you to understand we have a heaven to win. We have an eternal inheritance to come into possession of in the heavenly courts. It is above any earthly possession. It is for eternity that we are saved by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.25LtMs, Ms 75, 1911, par. 19
You will have temptations; you will have trials, but read your Bible and conform your life to the conditions laid down in that Word, and everyone who will conform his life to the life of Christ will mount up on angel wings and enter in through the gates into the city of God. A crown will be placed upon the brow, a song of triumph and praise is sung that the battles of life are over. Will you give yourselves to Jesus? He will work for you. He will give you strength. All heaven is watching for know the decision you make.25LtMs, Ms 75, 1911, par. 20
May God help you that this very day you may search your Bibles and obey the commandments of God. He has given you prophets and testimonies, line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little, and now what are you going to do about it? I will now leave this matter with you. There is a battle for you to fight. Let your novels that have entertained you make a bonfire, and put every one of them in it. Let them never be brought into your house. I have told everyone in my house, If I find a novel, you will never see it again. I shall put it right in the fire. The Bible, the precious Bible, that teaches us the way of salvation. God help us that we may appreciate it. I have seen that heaven is worth everything. God will help us. He will help you.Manuscript Release No 1033
Norwich, Connecticut, Tuesday, December 2, 1890
MR1033 35.4
I have been writing diligently upon the words of Christ in John 14. This day I had a long conversation with Dr. Smith who is a new convert to the truth. He and his wife are certainly seeking to do the will of God.—Diary 16, p. 357.Manuscript Release No 1033
Lynn, Massachusetts, Sabbath, December 6, 1890
MR1033 38.2
I spoke to the people assembled on the Sabbath from John 14. The Lord gave me freedom in speaking to the people. Many had just come into the faith. One family, all at home—father, mother, and three children—embraced the truth. The father is cousin to Edwin Burnham, a First-day Adventist. He was considered one of the most eloquent preachers among the First-day Adventists. He opposed the Sabbath of the fourth commandment with great vigor. He made most extravagant expressions. He stated that the law of God was an old thunder and lightning law, a bloody law; that it was not possible for man to keep that law—that they never could keep it; it was dead and buried and did not deserve a gravestone. He said he always felt better after he had given the law a good run. And now here is a relative by the name of Burnham who has, with nearly all his family, taken hold of the Sabbath!—Manuscript 50, 1890, 2-3 (Diary 16, pp. 363-364).Manuscript Release No 1033
A Letter to Mrs. White’s Children, December 6, 1890
MR1033 38.3
I have just come from the hall where the little company assemble to worship on the Sabbath. There were about 80 present. I spoke from John 14:15—“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” I had much freedom in speaking, then we had a social meeting and 38 testimonies were borne. The older members did not take the time, but gave opportunity for those who had more recently come to the faith....MR1033 39.3
I shall go to Danvers Wednesday. I have been so deeply interested in John, chapters 14, 15, 16, and 17 that I am writing on the subject. I have written 12 pages today upon John 14, for fear I should have the force of the subject wear away from my mind. This will come in Life of Christ. I have in all 40 pages written.Manuscript Release No 1033
Danvers, Massachusetts, Thursday, December 11, 1890
MR1033 41.6
I spoke in the evening. A much larger assembly was present. I had freedom in speaking from John 14, dwelling upon the rich promises of God that are so plainly given us in such positive words. The presence of the Lord was in our meeting. I sought the Lord in earnest prayer before going to the meeting. My head was confused, but I knew the Lord God of Israel was a present help in every time of need. I was blessed and had freedom in speaking. I understand there were one dozen of the First-day Adventists present, and many outsiders were also in the meeting.The Upward Look
The Price of Our Redemption, December 9
UL 357.3
The disciples were filled with great joy. Over and over again they repeated the words Christ had spoken to them in His last lessons, as recorded in the fourteenth, fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth chapters of John; and every one had something to say about the instruction, especially with regard to the words of the fourteenth of John ... [verses 1-3, quoted]....Manuscript Release No 1033
Washington, D. C., Sunday, December 28, 1890
MR1033 53.5
The meeting was opened at once. I spoke from John 14, dwelling particularly upon that portion which refers to the commandments of God, verses 15, 21-26. The Lord strengthened and blessed me in speaking to the people....The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials
Evangelism in Norwich and Lynn, Massachusetts; Concern for Those Who Unsettle Faith in the Testimonies and Misinterpret the Scriptures
1888 735.1
I have just come from the hall where the little company assemble to worship on the Sabbath. There were about eighty present. I spoke from John 14:15: “If ye love Me, keep My commandments.” I had much freedom in speaking, then we had a social meeting and thirty-eight testimonies were borne. The older members did not take the time, but gave opportunity for those who had more recently come to the faith. I was much pleased to see the readiness to bear testimony and to see and feel the good spirit which prevailed. It was indeed a precious season to all our souls. I was just as sure that the presence of Jesus was with us as if I could see Him in person. The Lord blessed His people. There is a goodly number of intelligent, noble-minded souls who have embraced the truth and are made to feel what it means to deny self and lift the cross and follow Jesus.1888 740.2
I slept last night about ten hours; praise the Lord, praise His holy name! I believe He will give me strength and grace. I am making my home with Sister Ellen Warfe, one of the number, a kind family. We have things here convenient and pleasant. I shall go to Danvers Wednesday. I have been so deeply interested in John, chapters 14, 15, 16, and 17, that I am writing on the subject. I have written twelve pages today upon John 14, for fear I should have the force of the subject wear away from my mind. This will come in Life of Christ. I have in all forty pages written.The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials
Diary — April 18 — May 31, 1893(Wellington, New Zealand; Visit to Petone)
1888 1168.3
Sabbath. Last night the stars shone like diamonds in the heavens, but this morning is cloudy and rainy. Elder Israel, W.C.W., and Sister Brown go to Mentone about nine o’clock. Sister Tuxford, Sister Israel, and I go this afternoon, as soon as we shall take an early dinner. But rain, rain, rain is the order of the day. The hackman concluded we would not venture out. He sent a man to know if we intended to go. We said we would go, and soon we were on our way. Brother Simpson, who bears the responsibilities of the meetings when he is at home, said to Willie, “I do not think your mother will come.” Willie said, “We will see. It would be an exceptional occurrence for my mother to fail to meet her appointments.” When we drove up to the place of meeting there were about one dozen in all assembled, but when that carriage drove through the village and it was known I had come the house was well filled, and, which was best of all, we had the heavenly Guest. The Lord gave me words to speak to the people. John 14. I was surprised myself at the words given me.Sermons and Talks, vol. 2
Manuscript 20, 1913
2SAT 337.1
“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, l would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go Ye know, and the way Ye know. Thomas saith unto Him, Lord, we know not whither Thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me. If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him, and have seen Him” [John 14:1-7]. I want you to keep these words in mind.2SAT 337.2
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto My Father” [verse 12]. What wonderful words! Since we have such promises, let not one of us doubt; let not one of us fall into unbelief. Let us take the Lord at His word—believe Him. The Spirit that was with Christ will indeed be with all who trust in the Lord.2SAT 337.3
“If ye love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you” [verses 15-18]. What breadth, what height, what greatness of love is presented to us.2SAT 337.4
When you are in trouble and difficulty, and hardly know what to do, open your Bible to the fourteenth chapter of John, and read the promise that it contains. Read the promises to the children at family worship. Present these wonderful truths so that their young minds will comprehend. “I will not leave you comfortless.” Do you believe this as the word of God? Do you lay hold of God’s promises and present them to the members of your family? When you do this, you will have peace and hope and rejoicing. You may be discouraged, you may be disheartened, but you have God’s promise that He will not leave you comfortless. I believe this, for I have proved it.2SAT 338.1
“Yet a little while, and the world seeth Me no more; but ye see Me: because I live, ye shall live also” [verse 19]. What could be more precious to us in discouragement than God’s presence? Let us take God at His word, and consecrate ourselves to Him. Let us, as needy applicants, present our case to Him, and prove that He will do just as He said He would.2SAT 338.2
“He that hath My commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me: and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him” [verse 21]. Here is a promise for which I do not know how to express my gratitude. The divine assurance contained in these words, we are to appropriate in our families, so that the life and the health of ourselves and our families shall reflect the love of Christ. We want this in all its richness and greatness. In the words that I have just read, we have God’s promise that the highest of all power is at our command. We need to have a higher conception of the will of God concerning us.2SAT 338.3
“Judas saith unto Him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that Thou wilt manifest Thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love Me, he will keep My words: and My Father will love him, and we will come unto him” [verses 22, 23]. Ever keep this promise in mind, and when the enemy tempts you to doubt, say No. Now, is there any excuse for not perfecting Christian character? I do not see any excuse.2SAT 338.4
“He that loveth Me not keepeth not My sayings: and the word which ye hear is not Mine, but the Father’s which sent Me. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.2SAT 338.5
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved Me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for My Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.2SAT 338.6
“Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in Me. But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave Me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence” [verses 24-31].2SAT 338.7
I wanted to read this Scripture to you, and I wish that I might impress it upon your minds.2SAT 339.1
Christ is from everlasting to everlasting, a present help to all who seek Him diligently. And those who seek Him diligently will find Him. I am so thankful that the Lord is ours. I want to serve Him and glorify Him.2SAT 339.2
I shall not talk longer at this time, but will ask you to study this Scripture during the week, and to glorify God in every way possible, fathers, mothers, and children. Then the children can speak of the kindness and love of Jesus because the great peace of God will come into their minds.2SAT 339.3
Everyone should reach a higher standard. The light of heaven should shine into our minds. The Lord will help us in our daily walk with Him. He will carry our cares and He will prove His word. He wants us to test Him. I ask you to glorify God in your homes. Take more time to study God’s Word.2SAT 339.4
May God help you to weigh these matters sensibly and thoroughly, that you may follow on to know the Lord, whose going forth is prepared as the morning. Amen.—Ms. 20, 1913.Manuscript Releases, vol. 9 [Nos. 664-770]
MR No. 763—Ellen White and the Church in Adelaide, South Australia
9MR 345.1
My health is recovering. I have been strengthened by the Lord to speak to the people five times. I was able to speak the first Sabbath after reaching Melbourne, and I felt more natural than I have at any time since I was first afflicted. The Lord blessed me as I spoke from the first four verses of John 14. I spoke again on Sunday on the same subject. On this day there was a fair congregation, and I had much freedom in speaking. One man who is studying for the ministry was present, and he said he enjoyed the meeting much. “Why,” said he, “how could I help but enjoy such preaching as that?” Another man, a great critic, living in the same house with one of our sisters, said that he was going to the meeting to take notes, and would pick Mrs. White all to pieces. After the meeting this sister told me that he sat through the meeting with his eyes fastened upon me, and did not use his pencil once.Ellen G. White in Europe 1885-1887
Visiting the Church at Gladbach
EGWE 284.5
That afternoon she preached a touching sermon from John 15:1-3, Brother Conradi interpreting. She seemed to feel her subject intensely. “The truth was to me a reality,” she explained, “and I felt that God indeed gave me special strength and imparted to me of His Holy Spirit while speaking. I saw before me an intelligent company who had but few privileges and little labor from the ministering brethren. We hope and pray that this meeting may prove a blessing to those who were present.”—The Review and Herald, October 11, 1887. Often during her lifework did the Lord’s servant preach from John, chapters 14 and 15.Ellen G. White: The Australian Years: 1891-1900 (vol. 4)
Chapter 7—(1893) On to New Zealand
4BIO 70.1
Leaving Melbourne on Thursday, January 26, the party arrived in Sydney on Friday. Ellen White met with the church at Parramatta on Sabbath morning, and this introduced a full week of meetings. There was a question in the minds of some as to whether she was well enough to speak in the town hall on Sunday night and also take the Sabbath-morning service as planned. She determined in the strength of God to go forward with the Sabbath-morning worship service, and spoke with great freedom from John 14 to an audience that filled the house (Letter 127, 1893).The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials
The Visit to Washington, D C. Diary, December 19 to [30], 1890
1888 770.1
In the evening I walked to the place of meeting and spoke in a large hall to about one hundred people. Oh, how my heart yearns to see the people of God coming up to their high calling! I greatly desire that we should have an increase of faith and stand as valiant soldiers of Jesus Christ. I spoke from John 14:1-4: “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I do ye know, and the way ye know.” This is the promise of His second coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. Thus we are second Adventists.1888 776.3
Will we open the door and let Jesus come in with the riches of His grace? “The Spirit of truth ...shall be in you.” John 14:17. We are become indeed the building, even the temple of the living God. We are watched over by faithful sentinels day and night. We are kept by the power of God through faith. Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God by resisting or refusing the gift of His grace and choosing your own way. “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” John 17:3.1888 784.1
The meeting was opened at once. I spoke from John 14, dwelling particularly upon that portion which refers to the commandments of God, verses 15, 21-26. The Lord strengthened and blessed me in speaking to the people. I presented before them the fact that the Lord had graciously given to man a probation to try and test us, to see if we will prove loyal and true to the laws that govern His kingdom. Satan proved disloyal and was expelled from heaven, with the disloyal angels.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 53, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, par. 14
In the evening I walked to the place of meeting and spoke in a large hall to about one hundred people. Oh, how my heart yearns to see the people of God coming up to their high calling! I greatly desire that we should have an increase of faith and stand as valiant soldiers of Jesus Christ. I spoke from (John 14:1-4): “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.” This is the promise of His second coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. Thus we are second Adventists.6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, par. 38
Will we open the door and let Jesus come in with the riches of His grace? “The Spirit of truth ... shall be in you.” John 14:17. We are become indeed the building, even the temple of the living God. We are watched over by faithful sentinels day and night. We are kept by the power of God through faith. Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God by resisting or refusing the gift of His grace and choosing your own way. “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” John 17:3.6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, par. 61
The meeting was opened at once. I spoke from (John 14), dwelling particularly upon that portion which refers to the commandments of God, verses 15, 21-26. The Lord strengthened and blessed me in speaking to the people. I presented before them the fact that the Lord has graciously given to man a probation to try and test us, to see if we will prove loyal and true to the laws that govern His kingdom. Satan proved disloyal and was expelled from heaven, with the disloyal angels.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 191, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 191, 1899, par. 14
I spoke in afternoon. About one hundred persons were present. Spoke from John 14:1-4. The Lord gave me freedom to represent the ascension of Christ, and His announcing that His going away was to prepare mansions for them, and He would come again and receive them unto Himself, that where He is there they may be also. We are to expect the soon coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ the Lord.14LtMs, Ms 191, 1899, par. 15
This afternoon there were about two hundred present. We were glad to see quite a large number of hearers on the outside of the tent. There was no confusion or noise. I followed on the same line as on Saturday. The love of God which passes knowledge. I read verses from John 14.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 101, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 101, 1904, par. 9
“Philip saith unto Him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip? He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, show us the Father?” [John 14:1-9.]19LtMs, Lt 101, 1904, par. 11
The fourteenth chapter of John is full of marrow and fatness. What a positive statement is made in verse 21:19LtMs, Lt 101, 1904, par. 13
“Judas saith unto Him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that Thou wilt manifest Thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love Me, he will keep My words: and My Father will love him, and We will come unto him, and make Our abode with him. He that loveth Me not keepeth not My sayings: and the word which ye hear is not Mine, but the Father’s which sent Me. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you.” [Verses 22-26.]19LtMs, Lt 101, 1904, par. 15
“Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that My Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in My name, I will do it. If ye love Me, keep My commandments.” [John 14:13-15.]