EGW WritingsJohn 14
Ellen G. White · Page 4 of 7
Read John 14 in the BibleJohn 14:6-9
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 140, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 140, 1903, par. 44
While Christ stood forth as the Son of man, in His own personality, He was at the same time one with the Deity. He stood within the light surrounding the throne of God, and His words were spoken with power and authority. “The Father is in Me, and I in Him,” He declared. [John 10:38.] “No man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him.” [Matthew 11:27.] “Whatsoever the Father doeth, that also doeth the Son likewise.” [John 5:19.] “I and My Father are one.” [John 10:30.] “He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father.” [John 14:9.] Christ and God are one, and yet they are distinct personalities. Christ spoke with conscious authority, as one possessing in Himself power that would enable Him to perform His work.18LtMs, Ms 140, 1903, par. 51
To those who were trying to find spot or stain in His life, Christ could say, “Which of you convinceth Me of sin?” [John 8:46.] And there was not one who dared accept the challenge. Never did a word of prevarication or untruth pass His lips. Truth was His authority and gave force to His requirements, His commandments, His reproofs. Truth never languished on His lips, never suffered in His hands. He Himself was truth. “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life,” He declared. [John 14:6.] “To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth.” With the freshness of a new revelation, truth fell from His lips. He was the word and wisdom of God. “Every one that is of the truth heareth My words,” He said. [John 18:37.]John 14:6-11
Selected Messages Book 1
Chapter 42—The Revelation of God
1SM 292.1
In the person of His only-begotten Son, the God of heaven has condescended to stoop to our human nature. To the question of Thomas, Jesus said: “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, shew 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, Shew 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 14:6-11).Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 92, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 92, 1898, par. 3
To the question of Thomas, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, except by me. If ye have 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.” [John 14:6-8.] The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth His handiwork, but Philip could not accept nature as his God. “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, which 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.” [Verses 9-11.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 24b, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 24b, 1896, par. 29
Shortly before Christ’s ascension Him, “Lord, show us the Father and it sufficeth us.” Grieved at His unbelief, Christ turned to him saying, “Hast thou been so long with me, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip?” It is impossible that I have walked with you, and talked with you, and fed you by miracles, and you have not comprehended that I was sent of God, “the Way, the Truth, and the Life,” that I came down from heaven to represent 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.” “He that hath seen me, hath seen the Father;” for I am the “brightness of his glory,” and the “express image of his person.” “How sayest thou, then, Show us the Father?” “Believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in me, or else believe me for the very works’ sake.” [John 14:6, 8-11; Hebrews 1:3.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 24, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 24, 1896, par. 19
Shortly before Christ’s ascension, Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.” Grieved at His unbelief, Christ turned to him saying, “Have I been so long with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip?” Is it possible that I have walked with you, and talked with you, and fed you by miracles, and yet you have not comprehended that I was the Sent of God, “the Way, the Truth, and the Life,” that I came down from heaven to represent 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.” “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father;” for I am the “brightness of his glory,” and the “express image of his person.” “How sayest thou then, Show us the Father?” “Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me, or else believe me for the very works’ sake.” [John 14:6, 8-11; Hebrews 1:3.]John 14:6-14
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 360, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 360, 1907, par. 12
While He was clothed with human nature, Christ had such a firm conviction that He was doing the will of His Father that He could say, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no man cometh unto the Father but by Me. ... 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.” [John 14:6, 13, 14.]John 14:6-15
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)
Lt 35, 1877
3LtMs, Lt 35, 1877, par. 24
Has God commanded? Then we must obey, without hesitating and seeking to find out some way to be saved without obedience. This would be climbing up some other way. “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” “I have kept My Father’s commandments,” says the Majesty of heaven. [John 14:6; 15:10.]3LtMs, Lt 35, 1877, par. 26
It was a great sacrifice Christ made for man in dying for him upon the cross. What are we willing to sacrifice for His love? Jesus says, “If ye love Me, keep My commandments” [John 14:15]—not to select out one or two or nine, but the whole ten—all His commandments must be kept. John tells us of those who pretend to love, but do not obey God’s requirements. “He who saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not grievous.” [1 John 2:4; 5:3.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)
Lt 35b, 1877
3LtMs, Lt 35b, 1877, par. 16
Has God commanded? Then we must obey, without hesitating and seeking to find out some way to be saved without obedience. This would be climbing up some other way. “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” “I have kept my Father’s commandments,” says the Majesty of heaven. [John 14:6; 15:10.]3LtMs, Lt 35b, 1877, par. 18
It was a great sacrifice Christ made for man in dying for him upon the cross. What are we willing to sacrifice for His love? Jesus says, “If ye love Me, keep My commandments” [John 14:15]—not to select out one or two or nine, but the whole ten—all His commandments must be kept. John tells us of those who pretend to love but do not obey God’s requirements. “He who saith I know Him and keepeth not His commandments is a liar and the truth is not in him.” “For this is the love of God that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not grievous.” [1 John 2:4; 5:3.]John 14:6-18
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 24, 1885
4LtMs, Ms 24, 1885, par. 16
“I am the resurrection and the life,” says Christ. [John 11:25.] “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” [John 14:6.] “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, 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.” [Verses 13-18.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 20, 1885
4LtMs, Ms 20, 1885, par. 17
Sister Martha Bourdeau, Jesus loves you. Why gather about your soul the clouds of darkness? Why walk in a fog of unbelief? Come into the clear light, where there is no darkness, no shadows. Come just as you are, helpless and hopeless. He says that He is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to those that ask Him than parents are to give good gifts to their children. [Luke 11:13.] When the promise is so ample, why do you stand in the shadow? Christ says, “I am the resurrection and the life.” “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” John 11:25[; 14:6]. “Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye ask anything in My name, I will do it. 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.” John 14:13-18.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 16, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, par. 88
We lose much by not dwelling constantly upon the character of Christ. Believe Me, He says, that I am in the Father and the Father in Me or believe Me for the very works’ sake. If ye love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father and He will give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of Truth. [John 14:11, 15-17.] Jesus said to Thomas, I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by Me. [Verse 6.]6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, par. 89
And He says of 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 unto you. I am the Vine, ye are the branches; he that abideth in Me and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit, for without Me ye can do nothing. If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love, even as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. [John 14:17, 18; 15:5, 10.]John 14:6-21
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Ms 9, 1896
11LtMs, Ms 9, 1896, par. 6
Christ’s prediction regarding the destruction of the temple was a lesson on the purification of religion, by making of none effect forms and ceremonies. He announced Himself greater than the temple, and stood forth proclaiming, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” [John 14:6.] He was the One in whom all the Jewish ceremony and typical service was to find its fulfillment. He stood forth in the place of the temple; all the offices of the church centered in Himself alone.11LtMs, Ms 9, 1896, par. 7
In the past, Christ had been approached through forms and ceremonies, but now He was upon the earth, calling attention directly to Himself, presenting a spiritual priesthood, and placing the sinful human agent at the footstool of mercy. “Ask, and it shall be given you,” He promised; “seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” [Matthew 7:7.] “If ye ask anything in my name, I will do it. If ye love me, keep my commandments.” “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me ... and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” [John 14:14, 15, 21.] “As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.” [John 15:9, 10.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 97, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 97, 1899, par. 28
Separation from the world, obedience to the word of God, is the sure evidence that we love God. Christ declared, “If ye love me, keep my commandments. ... 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 manifest myself to him.” [John 14:15, 21.]14LtMs, Ms 97, 1899, par. 29
Sin has divorced man from God. Christ alone can bring him back. He has bridged the gulf that sin made, and He declares, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” [Verse 6.] Paul sought to lead all to understand that the gospel is the knowledge of a personal Saviour. The answer to the question, “What must I do to be saved?” is, Believe in Christ as your personal Saviour. [Acts 16:30, 31.]John 14:6-24
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 60, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 60, 1898, par. 15
“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. ... 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.” [John 14:6, 15, 21, 23, 24.] “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love: even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.” [John 15:10.]John 14:6-26
Manuscript Releases, vol. 14 [Nos. 1081-1135]
MR No. 1084—Individual Responsibility to Accept Truth; Christ, the Great “I AM”; The Holy Spirit and His Work
14MR 20.2
We cannot overestimate the value of simple faith and unquestioning obedience. It is by following in the path of obedience in simple faith that the character obtains perfection. Adam was required to render strict obedience to God’s commandments, and no lower standard is presented to those who desire salvation in 1895. Christ has promised us sufficient power to reach this high standard. He says, “Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in My name, I will do it. 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” [John 14:13-17]. Consider this statement a moment. But why “cannot” the world receive the truth? “Because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him” [Verse 17]. The world is leagued against the truth, because it does not desire to obey the truth. Shall I who perceive the truth close my eyes and heart to its saving power because the world chooses darkness rather than light? Shall I bind myself up with the bundles of tares because my neighbors refuse to be bound up with the wheat?14MR 23.1
When Jesus came to our world, He proclaimed Himself, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me” [John 14:6]. “Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man” [John 1:51].14MR 23.2
Although our Lord ascended from earth to heaven, the Holy Spirit was appointed as His representative among men. “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” [John 14:15-18].14MR 23.3
Cumbered with humanity, Christ could not be in every place personally; therefore it was altogether for their advantage that He should leave them, go to His father, and send the Holy Spirit to be His successor on earth. The Holy Spirit is Himself divested of the personality of humanity and independent thereof. He would represent Himself as present in all places by His Holy Spirit, as the Omnipresent. “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall (although unseen by you), [This phrase was added by Ellen White.] teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” [John 14:26]. “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will come not unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you” [John 16:7].Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 1, 1891
7LtMs, Ms 1, 1891, par. 8
He says, No man cometh to the Father except by Me. [John 14:6.] Therefore it is important for us to study the life of Christ and understand what He is to humanity and what He is to us individually. We want to know what Jesus Christ is to the world, and when we know it aright, it is life everlasting. Many have a casual faith. You remember upon a certain time when Christ was healing the sick and restoring sight to the blind, a certain ruler came to Him and begged Him to come and raise his daughter who had died.7LtMs, Ms 1, 1891, par. 27
We have lost the simplicity of true godliness, and now we must find it through the truth of heavenly origin. You must know the terms of salvation, for our life depends upon it. Christ says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” [John 14:6.] He says, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me.” [Matthew 11:29.] That is what we want; but do we act like it? Don’t we act half of the time as though the responsibility of the Christian was a great yoke? Don’t we talk our darkness and discouragement, and the more you talk, the darker it becomes. Then what shall we do? Talk of Christ; open your hearts; clear away the rubbish, and invite Jesus in. Abide with me for the day is far spent, and the night is at hand.7LtMs, Ms 1, 1891, par. 30
Christ came to bring moral power to man; and when Satan has buried up the truth in a mass of rubbish, Christ comes and shows you how to get the field, that you may have the truth as it is in Jesus. Now while He points to the error and darkness He tells you that angels compose the ranks which war against Satan. He says, “I will send you the Comforter that he may abide with you forever. And 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.” [John 14:16, 26.] Even when brought before magistrates and lawyers, or when cast into prison, take no thought what ye shall answer; I will put words into your mouth. Well, here is One to stand with us in the battle. Don’t you love Him? I do. I see in Him matchless charms. Here He presents it to us, and what is it? A far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory! What do you want richer than that?7LtMs, Ms 1, 1891, par. 32
And shall we, in the face of all that God has done for us, be disloyal? God forbid. We want to be loyal and true to the God of heaven. You will have trials—you must expect them—but let us honor God. Don’t run to any living mortal with your trials and difficulties, but go to God, and then you will find that you are a branch grafted into the living Vine, and you will find that the sap and nourishment that flows in the living Vine is in you. And here He says, “If a man loves me he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. ... 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.” [John 14:23, 25, 26.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 119, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 119, 1895, par. 8
We cannot overestimate the value of simple faith and unquestioning obedience. It is by following in the path of obedience in simple faith that the character attains perfection. Adam was required to render strict obedience to God’s commandments, and no lower standard is presented to those who desire salvation in 1895. Christ has promised us sufficient power to reach this high standard. He says, “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, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive.” [John 14:13-17.]10LtMs, Lt 119, 1895, par. 9
Consider this statement a moment. But why “cannot” the world receive the truth? “Because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him.” [Verse 17.] The world is leagued against the truth, because it does not desire to obey the truth. Shall I, who perceive the truth, close my eyes and heart to its saving power because the world chooses darkness rather than light? Shall I bind myself up with the bundles of tares because my neighbors refuse to be bound up with the wheat? Shall I refuse light, the evidence of truth which leads to obedience, because my relations and friends choose to follow in the paths of disobedience which lead away from God? Shall I close my mind against the knowledge of truth because my neighbors and friends will not open their understanding to discern the truth as it is in Jesus? Shall I refuse to grow in the grace and knowledge of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ because my neighbors consent to remain dwarfs?10LtMs, Lt 119, 1895, par. 16
When Jesus came to our world, He proclaimed Himself, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: No man cometh unto the Father but by me.” “Hereafter ye shall see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.” [John 14:6; 1:51.]10LtMs, Lt 119, 1895, par. 17
Although our Lord ascended from earth to heaven, the Holy Spirit was appointed as His representative among men. “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.” [John 14:15-18.]10LtMs, Lt 119, 1895, par. 18
Cumbered with humanity, Christ could not be in every place personally; therefore it was altogether for their advantage that He should leave them, go to His Father, and send the Holy Spirit to be His successor on earth. The Holy Spirit is Himself, divested of the personality of humanity, and independent thereof. He would represent Himself as present in all places by His Holy Spirit, as the Omnipresent. “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall [although unseen by you] teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. ... Nevertheless, I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.” [John 14:26; 16:7.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 50a, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 50a, 1897, par. 22
Men have become feeble by looking to men and trusting in men. They go when men say, “Go.” They ought to look to God, and trust in Him for wisdom. “I am the truth.” [John 14:6.] God’s thoughts are expressed and made prominent through the inspired writers. Christ’s Comforter is upon earth, not discerned in human form, although He oft comes as a man to protect and to counsel. “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.” [Verse 26.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 50, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 50, 1897, par. 21
Men have become feeble by looking to men, and trusting in men. They go when men say, Go. They ought to look to God, and trust in Him for wisdom. “I am the Truth.” [John 14:6.] God’s thoughts are expressed and made prominent through the inspired writers. Christ’s Comforter is upon earth, not discerned in human form, although He oft comes as a man to protect and to counsel. “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.” [Verse 26.]John 14:6-30
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 31, 1889
6LtMs, Ms 31, 1889, par. 75
“The prince of this world cometh,” Christ declared, “and hath nothing in me.” [John 14:30.] In the heart of Christ, the enemy found no place to sow the seeds of evil. Christ’s life was hid in God, and Satan could obtain no advantage over Him.6LtMs, Ms 31, 1889, par. 84
Somewhere I have read the statement that if truth were to come down from heaven and in its glory appear on this earth, all would fall down and worship it. But this is not so. Truth did come down from heaven. Christ declares, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” [John 14:6.] And at the Saviour’s baptism, God declared, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.” [Matthew 17:5.] “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” [John 1:1-5.]John 14:7-9
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 27, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 27, 1892, par. 21
“To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known, by the church, the manifold wisdom of God. According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” [Ephesians 3:10, 11.] This eternal purpose embodied, before the universe, glory of divine love in the salvation of man. Charged with His <exalted> mission, Jesus came into the world as the visible representative of the invisible God. He said to Philip, “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.” “Henceforth ye know the Father, and hath seen him.” [John 14:9, 7.] “I and my Father are one.” [John 10:30.]John 14:8
Reflecting Christ
Instead of Murmuring, Let Us Exercise Faith, December 6
RC 354.1
Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. John 14:8.John 14:8-9
Manuscript Releases, vol. 21 [Nos. 1501-1598]
Love the Fulfilling of the Law
21MR 410.1
We cannot by searching find out God. But He has revealed Himself in the character of Christ, who is the brightness of the Father’s glory and the express image of His person. If we desire a knowledge of God, we must be Christlike. When Philip said to Christ, “Show us the Father, and it sufficeth us,” the Saviour answered, “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 14:8, 9]. Christ was the express image of the Father in person and character.Steps to Christ
Chapter 1—God’s Love for Man
SC 11.1
The Son of God came from heaven to make manifest the Father. “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him.” John 1:18. “Neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him.” Matthew 11:27. When one of the disciples made the request, “Show us the Father,” Jesus answered, “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 14:8, 9.That I May Know Him
Our Perfect Pattern, April 15
TMK 111.2
To human eyes Christ was only a man, yet He was a perfect man. In His humanity He was the impersonation of the divine character. God embodied His own attributes in His Son—His power, His wisdom, His goodness, His purity, His truthfulness, His spirituality, and His benevolence. In Him, though human, all perfection of character, all divine excellence, dwelt. And to the request of His disciple, “Shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us,” He could reply, “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, Shew us the Father?” “I and my Father are one” (John 14:8, 9; 10:30)....This Day With God
Christ Is the Way, September 20
TDG 272.1
Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew 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. John 14:8, 9.Testimony Treasures, vol. 2
The Character of God Revealed in Christ
2TT 335.4
When Philip came to Jesus with the request, “Show us the Father, and it sufficeth us,” the Saviour answered 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 14:8, 9. Christ declares Himself to be sent into the world as a representative of the Father. In His nobility of character, in His mercy and tender pity, in His love and goodness, He stands before us as the embodiment of divine perfection, the image of the invisible God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 32, 1889
6LtMs, Ms 32, 1889, par. 11
Christ revealed the Father. When Philip asked to see the Father, Christ said: “Have I been so long with you and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip? He that hath seen Me, hath seen the Father.” [John 14:8, 9.] Our work is now to teach men how to enter the strait gate, to tell men what they should do to be saved. We want to know what fruit is borne. Christ says: “I sanctify Myself that they may be sanctified.” [John 17:19.] Have you a home religion? Do you speak kind, true words? Do you make home a place to plead with God and to teach your children to come to Him? That He bought them? Do you teach them constantly, the claim high heaven has upon them? If so, then the precious Saviour will save them.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 41, 1892
7LtMs, Ms 41, 1892, par. 8
Christ came from heaven to give to the world a correct representation of the Father. He says, “neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.” [Matthew 11:27.] And [when] one of the disciples made the request, “Show us the Father,” Jesus answered, “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 14:8, 9.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 157, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 157, 1898, par. 7
Here we are shown what man may become by looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. He who made so great a sacrifice in behalf of the human race will complete that which He has begun, if the human agent will co-operate with the divine. Of himself man cannot obtain that completeness, but through Christ every gift of heaven is granted to those who will co-operate with Him, every day striving for the mastery over the deceptive allurements of the devil. By searching, we cannot find out God, but Christ has declared Him. When Philip said, “Show us the Father,” Jesus said, “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.” [John 14:8, 9.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 133, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 133, 1899, par. 16
We cannot by searching find out God. But He has revealed Himself in the character of Christ, who is the brightness of the Father glory, and the express image of His person. If we desire a knowledge of God, we must be Christlike. When Philip said to Christ, “Show us the Father, and it sufficeth us,” the Saviour answered, “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 now sayest thou then, Show us the Father?” [John 14:8, 9.]John 14:8-11
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 72, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 72, 1901, par. 5
The relation existing between the Father and the Son was not fully understood by the disciples. “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.” [John 14:8-11.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 229, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 44
“I am the light of life,” Jesus Christ says. [John 8:12.] When Philip said, “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.” [John 14:8-11.] The Saviour was the express image of His Father’s person.John 14:9
In Heavenly Places
A Crown of Thorns—A Crown of Glory, December 16
HP 357.4
As the representative of God, Christ appeared in human flesh. Though in the form of a man, He was the Son of God, and the world was given an opportunity to see how it would treat God. Christ declared, “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father” (John 14:9). But when He comes the second time, divinity is no longer concealed. He comes as One equal with God, as His own beloved Son, Prince of heaven and earth. He is also the Redeemer of His people, the Life-giver. The glory of the Father and the Son are seen to be one.... Then shall He shine forth “before his ancients gloriously” (Isaiah 24:23).22Letter 90, 1898.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 20, 1892
7LtMs, Ms 20, 1892, par. 33
The Lord is good and greatly to be praised. I dare not center my thoughts upon myself. The Word of God, how full of comfort it is, how large with promise. Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Christ is indeed the Word of life. His words are echoes of what God has said. “He that hath seen me,” He said, “hath seen the Father.” [John 14:9.] We have no way of knowing what God is except by gaining a knowledge of Christ as He is revealed in the Word.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 35, 1892
7LtMs, Ms 35, 1892, par. 1
The Lord is good and greatly to be praised. I dare not center my thoughts upon myself. The Word of God, how full of comfort it is, how large with promise! Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. Christ is indeed the Word of life. His words are echoes of what God has said. “He that hath seen me,” He said, “hath seen the Father.” John 14:9. We have no way of knowing what God is except by gaining a knowledge of Christ as He is revealed in the Word.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 52a, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 52a, 1896, par. 4
Christ came not to be ministered unto, but to minister and to give His life a ransom for many. His own divine power and Godhead given for Me? Yes. He declared, “He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father. I and my Father are one.” [John 14:9; John 10:30.] When challenged by the high priest, “I adjure thee by the living God that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God,” Jesus saith unto him, “Thou hast said.” The high priest knew just what that saying comprehended, and he turned and said, “He hath spoken blasphemy.” [Matthew 26:63-65.] Bear all this in your mind. The Saviour whom I know you love, is behind all His words, for His words are truth. Now look at His character, believe His words. Amid insult and scorn and mockery and rejection and shame is He not without guile? Then rest in His words of love, and honor Him by your faith.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Ms 30a, 1896
11LtMs, Ms 30a, 1896, par. 10
Time is passing. Christ speaks to your individual hearts, as He spoke to Philip: “Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip?” [John 14:9.] But thank God it is not yet too late to repent. Mercy still lingers. Will you, in this your day, heed the words of invitation and mercy? Will you know the things which belong unto your peace? The gracious invitation is still sounding. The things which belong unto your peace are still presented to you for acceptance.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 102, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 102, 1897, par. 19
The most solemn period of responsibility for the Jewish nation was when Christ was in their midst, working the works of God. It was that generation that rejected the Messiah. Christ addressed them as the most guilty, because they had the Word of God. “It is not only delegates, servants, and prophets to whom you have refused to listen,” He declared, “but your Redeemer. Ye would none of my counsel, ye despised all my reproof. Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me? If thou art destroyed, O Jerusalem, thyself alone wilt be responsible. Ye will not come unto me that ye might have life.” [See Proverbs 1:30; John 14:9; 5:40.]Our High Calling
The Highest Exercise of Our Powers, February 24
OHC 61.2
To comprehend and enjoy God is the highest exercise of the powers of man. This may be attained only when our affections are sanctified and ennobled by the grace of Christ.... In Christ was the brightness of His Father’s glory, the express image of His person. Said our Saviour, “He that hath seen me, hath seen the Father.” John 14:9. In Christ is the life of the soul. In the outgoings of our hearts to Him, in our earnest, affectionate yearnings for His excellence, in our eager searching into His glory, we find life. In communion with Him we eat the bread of life.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 19, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 19, 1900, par. 2
And this they did. The Saviour by His Spirit was abiding in their hearts, and His love and light and power shone out through them. Men, beholding, marvelled, and they took knowledge of them that they had been with Jesus. And as the disciples witnessed to the mission of Christ, they bore witness also of the Father, for Christ had said, “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.” [John 14:9.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 78, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 78, 1900, par. 9
Christ came to reveal God. He said, “He that hath seen me, hath seen the Father.” [John 14:9.] Oh, that man would look and believe! God is in Christ; for He is the express image of His person. Here is eternal righteousness. Nowhere is God more manifest than in the teachings, and in the life of Jesus Christ.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 81, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 81, 1903, par. 5
God is revealed to us in Christ. Our Saviour is the image of the invisible God. O how near to heaven we may be. “He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father,” Christ declared. [John 14:9.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Ms 45, 1904
19LtMs, Ms 45, 1904, par. 15
The great Teacher held in His hand the entire map of truth. In simple language He made plain to His disciples the way to heaven and the endless subjects of divine power. The question of the essence of God was a subject on which He maintained a wise reserve, for their entanglements and specifications would bring in science which could not be dwelt upon by unsanctified minds without confusion. In regard to God and in regard to His personality, the Lord Jesus said, “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.” [John 14:9.] Christ was the express image of His Father’s person.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 304, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 304, 1906, par. 9
Christ might have said to Philip, “Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip?” or, as the Lord answered Moses in a similar case, “Is the Lord’s hand waxen short?” [John 14:9; Numbers 11:23.] In our feeble faith we are likely to distrust God’s power and believe no further than we can see. After seeing the miracle of Christ, Philip could readily have answered, “Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst exert Thy power for this hungry multitude;” but now he asked, “What are they among so many?” [John 6:9.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 304, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 304, 1907, par. 8
“God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] The Son of God gave His precious life that He might bring salvation to perishing souls. Man could not satisfy the claims of justice; no human hand could apply the atoning blood and cleanse the heart from sin. Christ alone could do this work. He clothed His divinity with humanity, that <His> humanity might touch humanity and bring it near to God. In the compassionate life of the Saviour we behold the character of the Father. “He that hath seen Me,” Christ declared, “hath seen the Father.” [John 14:9.] His life was spent in doing good, in ministering to the needs and sufferings of mankind. Those who accept Christ as their Saviour today may trust in His mercy and call upon Him in their need. Today, as when He walked the earth, He is the Saviour and deliverer of men. And those who accept Him as their Saviour accept also His commission to work His works. The assurance of His presence is given to every soul who labors for the upbuilding of His kingdom.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Lt 44, 1909
24LtMs, Lt 44, 1909, par. 11
Christ stood before the human race as the representative of God. “He that hath seen Me,” He said, “hath seen the Father.” [John 14:9.] The church of Christ on earth should represent Christ’s character. The Saviour devoted all the powers of His being to the work of redemption. For this He withdrew Himself from the glories of heaven and set His feet in the path of humiliation and trial. He humbled Himself that He might uplift mankind. As He took up His earthly work and saw the duties and trials that confronted Him, He did not fail nor become discouraged. His great desire was to establish the cross between divinity and humanity, that man might be reconciled to God.The Upward Look
There Is a Safe Path, May 14
UL 148.1
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, Shew us the Father? John 14:9.UL 148.2
There is a world to be warned, and every effort must now be made to exalt the truth.... The great Teacher held in His hand the entire map of truth. In simple language He made plain to His disciples the way to heaven, and the endless subjects of divine power. The question of the essence of God was a subject on which He maintained a wise reserve, for their entanglements and specifications would bring in science which could not be dwelt upon by unsanctified minds without confusion. In regard to God and in regard to His personality, the Lord Jesus said, “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” (John 14:9). Christ was the express image of His Father’s person.From the Heart
Revealing the Father, August 18
FH 242.1
He who has seen Me has seen the Father. John 14:9.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 57, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 57, 1890, par. 9
Our Lord was tempted as man is tempted. He was capable of yielding to temptations, as are human beings. His finite nature was pure and spotless, but the divine nature that led Him to say to Philip, “He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father” also [John 14:9], was not humanized; neither was humanity deified by the blending or union of the two natures; each retained its essential character and properties.John 14:9-11
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 108, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 108, 1899, par. 21
No man or woman can see Christ as He is unless the truth exerts its sanctifying influence upon the life. “Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” [1 Peter 2:9.] The Saviour says to His people today as He said to His disciple Philip, “Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me?” “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 14:9-11.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 58, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 58, 1900, par. 33
It was Christ who spoke the law from Mount Sinai. The authority by which He spoke was expressly His own; yet it was the authority of the Father also. The Son of God cannot be separated from His Father. The law of God is the express character of the Father and the Son. He placed Himself on a line with the eternal throne, so that its glory was shed in clear rays directly upon Him and was by Him reflected back, mingled with the luster of His own greatness. While He stood forth distinctly in His own personality and spoke in His own name, He was one with the Father. His voice was the living oracle the center of glory. After He assumed humanity He said, “I am in the Father, and the Father in me.” [John 14:10, 11.] “No man knoweth the Son but the Father, neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whom the Son shall reveal him.” [Matthew 11:27.] “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.” [John 14:9.] “I and my Father are one.” [John 10:30.]That I May Know Him
Christ the Revelation of God, February 1
TMK 38.5
As legislator, Jesus exercised the authority of God; His commands and decisions were supported by the sovereignty of the eternal throne. The glory of the Father was revealed in the Son; Christ made manifest the character of the Father. He was so perfectly connected with God, so completely embraced in His encircling light, that he who had seen the Son had seen the Father. His voice was as the voice of God.... He says, “I am in the Father, and the Father in me.” “No man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.” “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father” (John 14:11; Matthew 11:27; 14:9).3The Review and Herald, January 7, 1890.John 14:9-14
The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials
A Chosen People
1888 131.1
In order for man to obtain eternal life, divine power must unite with human effort, and this power Christ came to place within our reach. He says, “Without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5). And He says again, “If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it” (John 14:14). We have a right to lay hold of the arm of infinite power. When Christ came to the world, all heaven was poured out in this one great gift. God Himself came to us in Christ. “Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip?” Christ said. “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?” (John 14:9).Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Ms 17, 1888
5LtMs, Ms 17, 1888, par. 12
In order for man to obtain eternal life, divine power must unite with human effort, and this power Christ came to place within our reach. He says, “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] And He says again, “If ye shall ask anything in My name, I will do it.” [John 14:14.] We have a right to lay hold of the arm of infinite power. When Christ came to the world, all heaven was poured out in this one great gift. God Himself came to us in Christ. “Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip?” Christ said. “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?” [Verse 9.]John 14:9-27
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 124, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 124, 1897, par. 14
By the power of the Holy Spirit the disciples were fitted to act out the impression that had been left upon their minds by Christ’s words, that they held in trust the most sacred truths ever committed to mortals. The church was fitted for the work of representing Christ. The messengers of God spoke as the Spirit gave them utterance. In accordance with the directions given, they prayed in the name of Jesus. So were the words of Christ fulfilled, “Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. ... 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.” [John 14:13, 26, 27.]12LtMs, Ms 124, 1897, par. 15
Shortly before His ascension Christ had prayed, “For their sakes I sanctify myself.” [John 17:19.] I have given myself wholly to the work of human redemption. Charged with this exalted office, Christ stood as the head of humanity, the visible representative of an invisible God. “He that hath seen me,” He declared, “hath seen the Father;” and again, “I and my Father are one.” [John 14:9; 10:30.] And having embodied in Himself the love of God, Christ has imparted it to those who believe on His name, that the copies of His character may be multiplied.John 14:9-30
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 90, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 90, 1898, par. 23
God wants us to honor Him with all there is of us. Christ began the work of redemption just where the ruin began—upon the point of appetite. The victory Satan gained over man, causing him to spoil soul, body, and spirit, led him to determine to overthrow Christ. But Christ was conqueror. He could say, “He can find nothing in me.” [See John 14:30.] God calls us to look upon the apostate world. They have made void the law of God. The honor of God is not promoted by them. Selfish ambition, violence, crime, and every wickedness is indulged in by the beings whom God has created, and who belong to Him by the right of creation and redemption.13LtMs, Lt 90, 1898, par. 26
As the representative of God, Christ appeared in human flesh. Though in the form of a man, He was the Son of God, and the world was given an opportunity to see how it would treat God. Christ declared, “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.” [John 14:9.] But when He comes the second time, divinity is no longer concealed. He comes as one equal with God, as His own beloved Son, Prince of heaven and earth. He is also the Redeemer of His people, the Lifegiver. The glory of the Father and the Son are seen to be one. His claim to being one with the Father is now substantiated. His glory is the glory of the Son, and the glory of God. Then shall He shine forth before His ancients gloriously.John 14:10
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 28, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 28, 1892, par. 13
Let these words ring like musical bells in our ears and heart, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16. How urgently my soul pleads for the heavenly endowment. Of myself I can do nothing. The power and the glory is all of God. “The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.” John 5:19. “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.” John 14:10.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 123, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 123, 1899, par. 12
There is a special work to be done in ministering to the most hopeless cases. The workers can possess a science of simplicity and eloquence that will search out and help the most needy, the class for which the sermonizers feel no special burden. Was not Christ the greatest Teacher the world ever knew? Was He not the Son of the infinite God, and yet He said, “I do nothing of myself.” “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 my Father which dwelleth in me, he doeth the work.” [John 8:28; 14:10.]John 14:10-17
Steps to Christ
Chapter 8—Growing Up Into Christ
SC 74.1
As they met together after the ascension they were eager to present their requests to the Father in the name of Jesus. In solemn awe they bowed in prayer, repeating the assurance, “Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” John 16:23, 24. They extended the hand of faith higher and higher with the mighty argument, “It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” Romans 8:34. And Pentecost brought them the presence of the Comforter, of whom Christ had said, He “shall be in you.” And He had further said, “It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you.” John 14:17; 16:7. Henceforth through the Spirit, Christ was to abide continually in the hearts of His children. Their union with Him was closer than when He was personally with them. The light, and love, and power of the indwelling Christ shone out through them, so that men, beholding, “marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13.SC 75.2
Jesus prayed for us, and He asked that we might be one with Him, even as He is one with the Father. What a union is this! The Saviour has said of Himself, “The Son can do nothing of Himself;” “the Father that dwelleth in Me, He doeth the works.” John 5:19; 14:10. Then if Christ is dwelling in our hearts, He will work in us “both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13. We shall work as He worked; we shall manifest the same spirit. And thus, loving Him and abiding in Him, we shall “grow up into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” Ephesians 4:15.John 14:11-12
Homeward Bound
Greater Works, February 3
HB 50.1
Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.—John 14:11.HB 50.3
“Verily, verily, I say unto you,” Christ continued, “He that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also.” (John 14:12.) The Saviour was deeply anxious for His disciples to understand for what purpose His divinity was united to humanity. He came to the world to display the glory of God, that we might be uplifted by its restoring power. God was manifested in Him that He might be manifested in us. Jesus revealed no qualities, and exercised no powers, that we may not have through faith in Him. His perfect humanity is that which all His followers may possess, if they will be in subjection to God as He was.HB 50.4
“And greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto My Father.” (Verse 12.) By this Christ did not mean that the disciples’ work would be of a more exalted character than His, but that it would have greater extent. He did not refer merely to miracle working, but to all that would take place under the working of the Holy Spirit.John 14:12
From the Heart
Coworkers With Christ, August 28
FH 252.1
Greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. John 14:12.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Ms 6, 1888
5LtMs, Ms 6, 1888, par. 7
If Christ is formed within, the hope of glory, you will put away all vanity and foolish speaking. You will be sanctified through the truth. You will so labor for God that you can have an approving conscience in your ministerial work and you can say with the devoted Saint Paul that you are clean from the blood of all men. But you cannot say this unless you are constantly gaining wisdom and knowledge from God as the branch draws nourishment from the living vine—unless His Holy Spirit is resting upon you, and you are taking Jesus into your heart, thinking and talking of Jesus and doing His work wherever you are. This is the only way that we can work successfully in these last times. Christ was Himself the example we should follow, not merely in outward form, but as He was in purity, self-denial, meekness, and love, so we should follow Him in the world. His humiliation, His reproach, His crucifixion and His cross He gave to His disciples. He also gave to them the glory that was given Him. He said, “The works that I do shall ye do also, and greater works than these shall ye do because I go to my Father.” [John 14:12.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 30, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 30, 1898, par. 18
“Greater things than these shall ye do,” said Christ to His disciples, “because I go unto the Father.” [John 14:12.] Through the Holy Spirit’s working, the disciples would remember the lessons Christ had given them, and their language would fully express the divine thought of God. It would be as infallible as the language of the ten commandments. Thus the truth would come down through pure channels, commending itself to the hearts of the receivers. Christ’s followers plant their feet, not upon the word of pope or prelate, not on the word of the clergy, who mystify everything that is plain, and confuse the minds of the ignorant; they place their feet upon the sure foundation. God has given them a platform on which to stand, even the eternal Word of truth, and there their feet will stand on the Rock of ages.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 30, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 30, 1899, par. 3
We see a great work to be done in this field. I dare not let go my hold here, not for a moment. Our motto is, Go forward from victory to victory. We must not let a shade of unbelief darken the work. Thus saith the Lord Jesus, “Greater things than these shall ye do, because I go unto my Father.” [John 14:12.] We are marshalled under His banner, to obey His orders, and win souls for Him.Manuscript Releases, vol. 3 [Nos. 162-209]
MR No. 207—Manuscript Materials Requested for Use in Books and Articles
3MR 424.2
If the law could have been abolished, Christ need not have died, but He came, the only begotten Son, to die and suffer for the human family. Now He says, “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).—Manuscript 12, 1894, 5. (No title, February 18, 1894.)Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Ms 139, 1907
22LtMs, Ms 139, 1907, par. 19
Let none seek to be first, but let all now unite in ministering to the world the teachings of Christ. Each converted soul should seek earnestly to acquire a knowledge of the truth and seek to wield an influence that will represent to worldlings a better world than this. Whatever the moral standing of those about you, it is your privilege to show plainly the line that separates you from the world. By pursuing a course in contrast to the selfishness of the world, and which by its purity condemns the practices of the world, you are to show that you are conforming to the perfect Pattern. Those who minister in word and doctrine are to beseech men and women to be reconciled to God. They are to declare their conversion from evil by consecrating the will, the talent of means, the whole being to the service of God. Because wickedness exists in society, there should be Christian influences in every land that will stem the tide of evil by manifesting the sympathy, the tenderness, the love of Christ. “And greater works than these shall he do,” Christ declared of every one of His followers; “because I go unto the Father.” [John 14:12.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Ms 37, 1908
23LtMs, Ms 37, 1908, par. 25
We are not, because Christ died, left a company of orphans. “Greater works than these shall ye do,” says He, “because I go unto My Father.” [John 14:12.] It is possible for us to obtain victory after victory and be the most happy people on the face of the earth. True, we shall feel sorrow as we see the results of sin around us. But we have a message to bear that can, through the grace of Christ as revealed in the Word, transform the sinner. We are not to fold our arms and do nothing. If there are around us unconverted ones, we are not to leave them till the day of judgment to find out what their sins are. We must hunt for these people. We have words to speak to them of the highest, holiest import. As we endeavor to win them to Christ, we must ever keep Him in view.Our High Calling
Don’t Be a Pretender, April 27
OHC 123.1
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.Reflecting Christ
Christ’s Followers to Do Greater Works Than He, January 30
RC 44.1
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.John 14:12-13
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Ms 45, 1895
10LtMs, Ms 45, 1895, par. 21
Our character is to be modeled after the divine similitude, and to be reformed by that “faith that works by love and purifies the soul.” [See Galatians 5:6; 1 Peter 1:22.] The grace of God will beautify, ennoble, and sanctify the character. The servant of the Lord who works intelligently may be successful. Our Saviour said, “Greater things than these shall ye do, because I go to my Father.” [John 14:12.] What are these “greater things”? If our lips are touched with the living coal from off the altar, we shall reveal to the world the wonderful love manifested by God in giving Jesus, His only begotten Son, to the world, “that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]10LtMs, Ms 45, 1895, par. 23
In His ministry on earth, Jesus revealed the love of God for fallen man. After His crucifixion and resurrection, He appeared unto His disciples and again talked to them, opening to them the Scriptures concerning Himself. He showed them that every specification of the prophecies had been fulfilled in His life, His suffering and His death. This was to be an evidence to them of the great love of God for man, an assurance to them of the power which should attend them in their future labors. “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.]10LtMs, Ms 45, 1895, par. 28
The promise “Greater things than these shall ye do, because I go to my Father,” was fulfilled. [John 14:12.] Christ, the Messiah, had come. The Saviour of the world had died that all might have life, eternal life. It was no more a matter of faith with them that He was a teacher sent of God. They realized that although He was clothed with humanity, He was of divine origin. With what burning language they clothed their ideas as they addressed the multitude on the day of Pentecost. They declared that “This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we are all witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this (the baptism of the Holy Ghost) which ye now see and hear ... Let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. [Acts 2:32, 33, 36.]10LtMs, Ms 45, 1895, par. 30
This assuring testimony could not have been given before the crucifixion of Christ, but He had promised, “Greater things than these shall ye do, because I go to my Father.” [John 14:12.] Christ had ascended to His Father. “And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.” [Acts 4:33.] The scenes of the rejection and crucifixion, the resurrection and ascension of Christ, were a living reality to them. They laid hold on the promise of Christ to some purpose. He had said, “Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” [John 14:13.] The record says that “When they had prayed, the place was shaken where they assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul.” [Acts 4:31, 32.]Sermons and Talks, vol. 1
Eternal Life
1SAT 242.1
God has done so much for us in giving His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish but have everlasting life. We are persons of hope. We may every one lay hold on the hope that is set before us. “He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also” (John 14:12), and He says, “I kept My Father’s commandments.” The Pharisees said when the disciples rubbed the ears of corn as they went through the wheat fields, “He has broken the Sabbath.” Could they have fastened that upon Him, then what? They would not have had to get false witnesses to speak against Him. They would have condemned Him as a Sabbath-breaker. But He said, “Ye do not know what this means, I will have mercy and not sacrifice” (See Matthew 9:13), or ye would not have condemned the guiltless.1SAT 242.3
If the law could have been abolished, Christ need not have died, but He came, the only begotten Son, to die and suffer for the human family. Now He says, “Ye that believe in me the works that I do shall they do also, and greater works than these shall these do because I go to my Father; and whatsoever ye shall ask in my name that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” (See John 14:12, 13.) Please tell me, if you can, why you are so weak and helpless. Why, as professing Christians, are we so mixed and mingled with the world till we lose sight of eternity, till we lose sight of Jesus Christ, and till we lose sight of the Father?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Ms 108, 1904
19LtMs, Ms 108, 1904, par. 13
Christ has declared, “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.” [John 14:12, 13.] To all who ask in faith will be imparted grace and power in rich measure.The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials
Chapter 54—Issues at the Gen. Conf. of 1889
1888 487.2
The Lord will lead His people and guide them. The commandment will go forth from God as to Daniel, to help those making earnest intercession to the throne of His grace in their time of need. Said Christ, “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.” (John 14:12, 13).Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 6, 1889
6LtMs, Ms 6, 1889, par. 51
The Lord will lead His people and guide them. The commandment will go forth from God as to Daniel, to help those making earnest intercession to the throne of His grace in their time of need. Said Christ, “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.” John 14:12-13.John 14:12-14
Lift Him Up
He Was All He Claimed, June 25
LHU 190.1
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.LHU 190.5
The pathway of sincerity and integrity is not a path free from obstruction, but in every difficulty we are to see a call to prayer. There is no one living who has any power that he has not received from God, and the source whence it comes is open to the weakest human being. “Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name,” said Jesus, “that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it” (John 14:13, 14) (The Desire of Ages, 667).John 14:12-15
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 1e, 1890
6LtMs, Lt 1e, 1890, par. 5
Righteousness of Christ imputed to men means holiness, uprightness, purity. Unless Christ’s righteousness was imputed to us, we could not have acceptable repentance. The righteousness dwelling in us by faith consists of love, forbearance, meekness, and all the Christian virtues. Here the righteousness of Christ is laid hold of and becomes a part of our being. All who have this righteousness will work the works of God. “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. If ye love me, keep my commandments.” [John 14:12-15.] “Little children, let no man deceive you: He that doeth righteousness is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil.” [1 John 3:7, 8.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Ms 42, 1895
10LtMs, Ms 42, 1895, par. 5
Christ, through the operation of the Spirit, had His abiding place in each individual soul, and grace and peace were multiplied through the knowledge of the fact that they had a risen Saviour who made an atonement for every one who came to Him by faith. We have this same Saviour, and He says, “Ask, and ye shall receive; seek, and ye shall find: knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” [Matthew 7:7.] “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 ask anything in my name, I will do it. If ye love me, keep my commandments.” [John 14:12-15.] If we would experience the love of Christ we must be obedient children, keeping company with Jesus. We may walk in love, having His abiding presence to guide, direct and control.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 124, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 124, 1906, par. 11
This morning I awoke at half-past two o’clock. Have had a good night’s rest. My heart is earnestly seeking the Lord by a living faith. I will grasp the hand of infinite power. I claim the promise, “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. If ye love Me, keep My commandments.” [John 14:12-15.]John 14:12-21
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 160, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 160, 1898, par. 24
“Verily, verily, I say unto you,” Christ continued, “the works that I do shall ye do also; and greater works than these shall ye do, because I go to my Father.” [John 14:12.] After His resurrection and ascension, the disciples were privileged to bear a firm, bold testimony that could not be controverted, that He who had been with them in this world was the Son of the Infinite God.13LtMs, Ms 160, 1898, par. 27
“And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye ask anything in my name I will do it. If ye love me, keep my commandments. ... 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.” [John 14:13-15, 21.] “The pure in heart shall see God.” [Matthew 5:8.] Yes, they will endure the seeing of Him who is invisible. “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love, even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might abide in you, and that your joy might be full.” [John 15:10, 11.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 160a, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 160a, 1898, par. 26
“Verily, verily, I say unto you,” Christ continued, “the works that I do shall ye do also, because I go to my Father.” [John 14:12.] After Christ’s resurrection and ascension to the Father, the disciples were privileged to bear a bold firm testimony that could not be controverted, that He who had been with them in the world was the Son of the Infinite God.13LtMs, Ms 160a, 1898, par. 29
“And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye ask anything in my name, I will do it. If ye love me, keep my commandments. ... 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.” [John 14:13-15, 21.] “The pure in heart shall see God.” [Matthew 5:8.] They shall endure the seeing of Him who is invisible. “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love, even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might abide in you, and that your joy might be full.” [John 15:10, 11.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Ms 11, 1896
11LtMs, Ms 11, 1896, par. 7
Christ has made every provision for the encouragement of His followers. To all who believe in Him He says, “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 to my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” [John 14:12, 13.] Why need the followers of Christ mourn and be discouraged, when God has said that He is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him than parents are to give good gifts to their children?11LtMs, Ms 11, 1896, par. 9
Christ came to our world to bring life and immortality to light, and He would have us rejoice in this. In the place of wasting our lives over the pleasures of this world, He would have us understand His work and character; by the sanctifying influence of the Holy Spirit, He would have us one with Him, as He is one with the Father. To the promise, “If ye ask anything in my name, I will do it,” He adds, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” [John 14:14, 15.] There are many who profess to keep God’s commandments, and yet break them. “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.” [2 Corinthians 13:5.] Do not stumble into perdition through self-sufficiency.11LtMs, Ms 11, 1896, par. 12
When we are brought into trial and affliction for His sake, the Comforter will stand by our side, bringing to our remembrance the words and teaching of Christ. “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.” [John 14:17, 18.] With this promise before us, what excuse is there for sin, what excuse for continuing in opposition to God. If we continue in sin, what excuse will there be for us to be present in the day when we stand before God to answer for the deeds done in the body?11LtMs, Ms 11, 1896, par. 15
“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.” [John 14:21.] Christ knew that Satan would continue the work begun in the Paradise of God, striving to persuade men to transfer their allegiance from God by transgressing His law. He knew that His followers would be tempted on all sides, and for their encouragement and hope, He promised, I will manifest myself to them.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 93, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 93, 1898, par. 6
As workers together with God, Christ’s disciples were to represent the character of their Redeemer. Christ said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth in me, the works that I do, shall he do also; and greater works than these shall ye 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.” [John 14:12-14.] But there are conditions.13LtMs, Ms 93, 1898, par. 7
“If ye love me,” He said, “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 love 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 manifest myself unto him.” [Verses 15-21.]The Signs of the Times
April 24, 1893
ST April 24, 1893, par. 1
We should contemplate the love of Jesus, his mission and his work in reference to us as individuals. We are to say, Jesus so loved me that he gave his own life to save me. The Father loves me, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” It becomes us to ascertain upon what terms Christ promises the gift of eternal life. I answer, It is upon our faith. We must have faith in the promises. Jesus says, “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. 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 who love me know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be 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.” John 14:12-17, 21.John 14:12-23
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 7, 1891
7LtMs, Ms 7, 1891, par. 36
Notice the fruit of such a vital union. “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 we shall ask anything in my name, I will do it.” “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.” “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.” [John 14:12, 13, 21, 23.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 114, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 114, 1898, par. 7
We would present to you the words of Christ. He makes a plain distinction between those who believe on Him and those who do not. Those who are genuine believers reveal their love for God by keeping His commandments. Christ said: “Verily, verily,”—words that mean to give assurance to every word that should follow—“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 to the Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” [John 14:12, 13.]13LtMs, Ms 114, 1898, par. 9
Christ specified the ones who should receive and believe on Him. “To you,” He said, speaking to His disciples, “It is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven.” [Luke 8:10.] These they were to proclaim to the world, for thus He had commanded them. This is the first and great business to be carried on in our world. “What ye hear in the ear,” He said on one occasion, “that preach ye upon the house tops,” for there is nothing in the knowledge of truth and righteousness that is to be regarded as a mystery. [Matthew 10:27.] The door is thrown wide open for all who believe. “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.” [John 14:13, 14.]13LtMs, Ms 114, 1898, par. 10
Christ then tells them plainly the evidence they must give to the world that they love the Saviour who gave His life a ransom for them. “If ye love me,” He says, “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.” [Verses 15-19.]13LtMs, Ms 114, 1898, par. 15
“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. 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.” [John 14:21-23.]John 14:12-24
The Bible Echo
June 10, 1895
BEcho June 10, 1895, par. 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. 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 any thing in My name, I will do it.” John 14:12-14.BEcho June 10, 1895, par. 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 forever.” “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.” “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.” Verses 15, 16, 21, 23, 24.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 1, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 1, 1895, par. 3
(John 14:12-14): “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 any thing in my name, I will do it.”10LtMs, Lt 1, 1895, 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.” [Verses 15, 16.] “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.” [Verse 21.]10LtMs, Lt 1, 1895, par. 5
“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 which sent me.” [Verses 23, 24.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 16, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 16, 1892, par. 6
Now the terms. “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 (who love me) know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be 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.” John 14:12-17, 21.7LtMs, Lt 16, 1892, par. 7
“He that hath my commandments” means he that hath light upon what constitutes the commandments of God and will not disobey His commandments although it might apparently seem a temporal advantage to do so. The 23rd verse of the same reads, “If a man love me he will keep my words: (my commandments) and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him and make our abode with him.” Now the test, “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.” verse 24.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 151, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 151, 1902, par. 11
“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 to 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. 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 see Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you.” [John 14:12-18.]17LtMs, Ms 151, 1902, par. 13
“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. ... 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.” [Verses 21, 23, 24.]John 14:12-27
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 109, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 109, 1901, par. 14
Minute men are needed, men who will see the necessity of opening new fields and will do all in their power to meet this necessity. To enter the fields that have been neglected, to give to the world the precious, saving message of the gospel—this is the work that must be done. Talent is needed; influence is needed, not such as the world gives, but such as Christ gives. He says, “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. ... 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.” [John 14:27, 12, 13.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Lt 141, 1901
16LtMs, Lt 141, 1901, par. 22
While in this world the Majesty of heaven was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. Why? Because the men who claimed to be pious were not what they claimed to be. They were striving to make appearance the great power of God, but they failed. We need now minute men who will see the necessity of opening new fields in America and do all in their power to meet this necessity. To enter the fields which have been neglected, to give to the world the precious saving message of the gospel, is the work that must be done, but it cannot be done without means. Talent is needed. Influence is needed—not such as the world gives, but such as Christ gives. He says, “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.” [John 14:27.] Heed this comforting assurance, and commit the keeping of your souls unto God as unto a faithful Creator. Work and pray and wait, and you will see the salvation of God.16LtMs, Lt 141, 1901, par. 23
“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 any thing in my name, I will do it. 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.” [Verses 12-19.]John 14:12-28
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Ms 44, 1895
10LtMs, Ms 44, 1895, par. 1
There is a great work to be done by every son and daughter of God. Our Saviour prayed not only for His apostles, “but for them also which shall believe on me through their word.” [John 17:20.] We are expected to bear as definite a testimony of the truth as it is in Jesus as the apostles did. If we do this, trusting in the efficiency of the Holy Spirit, the darkness will be dispelled from many minds, and many voices will be heard testifying of the mercy, goodness, and love of a crucified and risen Saviour. Christ’s instruction to His followers is, “As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” [John 20:21.] And He also says, “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.” “Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye love me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father, for my Father is greater than I.” [John 14:15, 16, 28.] If we believe the words of Christ, He has promised, “greater works than these (that He did) shall ye do; because I go to my Father.” [Verse 12.]EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
John 14:6
Selected Messages Book 1
Chapter 50—Come and Seek and Find
1SM 333.3
Then come, and seek, and find. The reservoir of power is open, is full and free. Come with humble hearts, not thinking that you must do some good work to merit the favor of God, or that you must make yourself better before you can come to Christ. You are powerless to do good, and cannot better your condition. Apart from Christ we have no merit, no righteousness. Our sinfulness, our weakness, our human imperfection make it impossible that we should appear before God unless we are clothed in Christ’s spotless righteousness. We are to be found in Him not having our own righteousness, but the righteousness which is in Christ. Then in the name that is above every name, the only name given among men whereby men can be saved, claim the promise of God, saying, “Lord, forgive my sin; I put my hands into Thy hand for help, and I must have it, or perish. I now believe.” The Saviour says to the repenting sinner, “No man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6), “and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37). “I am thy salvation” (Psalm 35:3).Selected Messages Book 1
Chapter 57—Christ the Way of Life
1SM 368.1
Many are losing the right way, in consequence of thinking that they must climb to heaven, that they must do something to merit the favor of God. They seek to make themselves better by their own unaided efforts. This they can never accomplish. Christ has made the way by dying our sacrifice, by living our example, by becoming our great high priest. He declares, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). If by an effort of our own we could advance one step toward the ladder, the words of Christ would not be true. But when we accept Christ, good works will appear as fruitful evidence that we are in the way of life, that Christ is our way, and that we are treading the true path that leads to heaven.Steps to Christ
Chapter 2—The Sinner’s Need of Christ
SC 21.1
But in vain are men’s dreams of progress, in vain all efforts for the uplifting of humanity, if they neglect the one Source of hope and help for the fallen race. “Every good gift and every perfect gift” (James 1:17) is from God. There is no true excellence of character apart from Him. And the only way to God is Christ. He says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” John 14:6.That I May Know Him
The Great I Am, January 6
TMK 12.3
Christ was using the great name of God that was given to Moses to express the idea of the eternal presence. [See Exodus 3:14.] Isaiah also saw Christ, and his prophetic words are full of significance. He says, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Speaking through him, the Lord says, “I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour.... Fear not: for I am with thee.... I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no saviour.... Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, that I am God. Yea, before the day was I am he.... I am the Lord, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King” (Isaiah 43:3-15).... When Jesus came to our world, He proclaimed Himself, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6)....That I May Know Him
A Bridge for the Gulf, March 17
TMK 82.1
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.That I May Know Him
An All-sufficient Saviour, April 16
TMK 112.2
Many are making laborious work of walking in the narrow way of holiness. To many the peace and rest of this blessed way seems no nearer today than it did years in the past. They look afar off for that which is nigh; they make intricate that which Jesus made very plain. He is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). The plan of salvation has been plainly revealed in the Word of God, but the wisdom of the world has been sought too much, and the wisdom of Christ’s righteousness too little. And souls that might have rested in the love of Jesus have been doubting and troubled about many things....The Desire of Ages
Chapter 1—“God With Us”
DA 24.3
By His humanity, Christ touched humanity; by His divinity, He lays hold upon the throne of God. As the Son of man, He gave us an example of obedience; as the Son of God, He gives us power to obey. It was Christ who from the bush on Mount Horeb spoke to Moses saying, “I AM THAT I AM.... Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.” Exodus 3:14. This was the pledge of Israel’s deliverance. So when He came “in the likeness of men,” He declared Himself the I AM. The Child of Bethlehem, the meek and lowly Saviour, is God “manifest in the flesh.” 1 Timothy 3:16. And to us He says: “I AM the Good Shepherd.” “I AM the living Bread.” “I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” “All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth.” John 10:11; 6:51; 14:6; Matthew 28:18. I AM the assurance of every promise. I AM; be not afraid. “God with us” is the surety of our deliverance from sin, the assurance of our power to obey the law of heaven.The Upward Look
Follow the Great Exemplar, May 11
UL 145.1
I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6.The Upward Look
Never Yield Christian Principle, June 1
UL 166.4
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).This Day With God
The Way, the Truth, the Life, May 11
TDG 140.5
Christ declares Himself [to be] “the way, the truth, and the life” (chap. 14:6). The way to heaven is represented as a narrow path, cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in. But truth illuminates this path at every step....Faith and Works
Faith the Condition of Promise
FW 102.1
Many are losing the right way, in consequence of thinking that they must climb to heaven, that they must do something to merit the favor of God. They seek to make themselves better by their own unaided efforts. This they can never accomplish. Christ has made the way by dying our Sacrifice, by living our Example, by becoming our great High Priest. He declares, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). If by any effort of our own we could advance one step toward the ladder, the words of Christ would not be true. But when we accept Christ, good works will appear as fruitful evidence that we are in the way of life, that Christ is our way, and that we are treading the true path that leads to heaven.The Colporteur Evangelist
Soul Brought to Jesus in Safe Keeping
CEv 62.2
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.From the Heart
Source of All Truth, November 18
FH 334.1
I am the way, the truth, and the life. John 14:6.Homeward Bound
God Understands, February 9
HB 56.3
By His humanity, Christ touched humanity; by His divinity, He lays hold upon the throne of God. As the Son of man, He gave us an example of obedience; as the Son of God, He gives us power to obey. It was Christ who from the bush on Mount Horeb spoke to Moses saying, “I AM THAT I AM.” . . . And to us He says: “I AM the Good Shepherd.” “I AM the living Bread.” “I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” “All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth.” (John 10:11; 6:51; 14:6; Matthew 28:18.) I AM the assurance of every promise. I AM; be not afraid. “God with us” is the surety of our deliverance from sin, the assurance of our power to obey the law of heaven.—The Desire of Ages, 24, 25.Homeward Bound
Prayer Moves the Arm of Omnipotence, May 13
HB 154.7
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.)—Christ’s Object Lessons, 171-173.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 83, 1886
4LtMs, Ms 83, 1886, par. 21
Now we take His character and life. The Saviour of the world who came to make us better, to give us strength to overcome everything that is unlike Christ—that precious Saviour is leading us, and we can follow where He leads. It is a path of sacrifice, but what if it is? That is just what we need, because we are all full of self, all full of defects and errors and sin; and we want to separate from our own inclinations and self-indulgence and go where Jesus leads the way. And as we follow, Jesus says, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. I am the Light of the world. [John 14:6; 8:12.] If we follow in His footsteps, we shall be a light to the world. He left the commission with His disciples to go into all the world and preach the gospel to all nations.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 4, 1889
6LtMs, Lt 4, 1889, par. 46
Sufficient light was given to the Jewish people so that they might have known “the time of their visitation.” God had sent them “the way, the truth, and the life” [John 14:6] in the gift of His Son. Christ came as the Messenger of Jehovah, and His path was marked with blessings. He was sent to make known the Father. His whole life to its final sacrifice was a revelation of God to men. Calvary itself announced Him, “The Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering and abundant in goodness and truth, ... forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty.” [Exodus 34:6, 7.] From Christ, the light of the world, shone forth the clear, bright beams of His Father’s glory. Yet the Jews comprehended it not.6LtMs, Lt 4, 1889, par. 56
Christ has said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” [John 14:6.] If your good works were the way, then Christ would not have said, “I am the way.” It is not our doings and deservings that will save us. If man could have gained heaven by his own efforts, Christ need not have died to make an atonement for our sins. Yet all who tread the narrow path that leads to heaven will bear the fruits of godliness and give evidence that they are the light of the world.God’s Amazing Grace
Where We Find Deliverance From Sin, March 16
AG 83.3
When Christ bowed on the banks of Jordan, after His baptism, the heavens, were opened, and the Spirit descended in the form of a dove, like burnished gold, and encircled Him with its glory; and the voice of God from the highest heaven was heard, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). The prayer of Christ in man’s behalf opened the gates of heaven, and the Father had responded, accepting the petition for the fallen race. Jesus prayed as our substitute and surety, and now the human family may find access to the Father through the merits of His well-beloved Son.... Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). The gate of heaven has been left ajar, and the radiance from the throne of God shines into the hearts of those who love Him.34The Review and Herald, February 28, 1888.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 48, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 48, 1890, par. 6
I was gratified to see the Spirit of the Lord working its sure work in human hearts. Sabbath, November 22 was a day I can never forget. I was awakened in the night with a burden of supplication. I could not give up the point [that] we must have a deeper realization of the sacredness, the solemnity and necessity of constant connection with the Lord in the work. I had a sense of my own efficiency to do anything, constantly compassed with infirmities, perplexities and trials pressing without, that, if I looked away from Jesus, my only Helper, threaten to overwhelm me. My only hope and courage were drawn from one source. “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.” John 14:6. Everything else seemed fading away into hopeless darkness.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 24, 1890
6LtMs, Lt 24, 1890, par. 14
The principles of order, of exactness, of thorough discipline, are set forth in God’s Word; and this should be carefully studied, that His work may be done in accordance with His will. He, who does not thus learn the will of God and do it, will have no excuse to offer for his neglect. God is jealous for His honor and His glory. Let those who are inclined to be remiss, thoughtless, careless, remember that there is One at their right hand saying, “I am the way.” [John 14:6.] <All workers should> study the Word of God. <They should see the force of> the particular direction given by Christ from the cloudy pillar in the wilderness.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 43, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 43, 1890, par. 15
The harvest of the world is ready. Souls are being impressed and moved upon by the Spirit of God. Christ is drawing all men unto Him. There are men wanted, women also, who shall give themselves to God to cooperate with Jesus Christ who is the “Way, the Truth, and the Life.” [John 14:6.] These living human agents are to be laborers together with God. They are to seize the opportunities as they appear presented before them, and gathering light from the source of all light they are to reflect light to the world and lead men to the knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus, leaving in clear and distinct lines a bright track heavenward. The harvest is ready, the laborers are few.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 38, 1890
6LtMs, Lt 38, 1890, par. 17
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 every one, 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.” [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 in the knowledge of the truth.Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)
Unbelief and Doubt
GW 263.1
Jesus does not call on us to follow Him, and then forsake us. 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.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 82, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 82, 1893, par. 4
“Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God: lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.” [Verse 15.] The world’s Redeemer full of grace and truth stands saying, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” [John 14:6.] “Ye are the salt of the earth.” “Ye are the light of the world.” [Matthew 5:13, 14.] All the virtue in the salt is derived from Christ. All the light that shines forth from the human agent must first be received from the Source of all light. Ye are to let your light (not be hid under a bushel) but shine to the world. Thus man fallen is elevated, ennobled, and brought up to the high level of working in Christ’s lines. “Ye are laborers together with God. Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 16, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 16, 1894, par. 31
Go to the Father with the pledged Word: “You said, Lord, if we ask we shall receive. You said You were more willing to give than we [to] receive. I believe Your Word.” I cannot give you any new way. God has opened the way for eternal life. “I am the way, the truth and the life.” [John 14:6.] Christ has given His life that we might be saved. He wills not that any man might perish, but that all should come to Him and be saved.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 34, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 34, 1894, par. 15
Christ is the complete system of truth. He says, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” [John 14:6.] All true believers center in Christ, their character is irradiated by Christ, all meet in Christ, and circulate about Christ. Truth comes from heaven to purify and cleanse the human agent from every moral defilement. It leads to benevolent action, to kind, tender, thoughtful love toward the needy, the distressed, the suffering. This is practical obedience to the words of Christ.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 32a, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 32a, 1894, par. 8
As we journeyed homeward, my mind was called out in contemplation of these precious themes, and I was filled with an intense longing to pass along some of these precious thoughts to my brethren and sisters. O that with pen and voice I could represent the privileges of the children of God as they really exist! O that we who are pilgrims and strangers in this foreign country, seeking a better country, even a heavenly, might comprehend Christ, the way, the truth, and the life! He says, “No man cometh unto the Father but by me.” [John 14:6.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 29, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 29, 1896, par. 2
Would we know how we may best please the Saviour? It is not in engaging in political speeches, either in or out of the pulpit. It is in considering with fear and trembling every word we utter. Where the people assemble to worship God let not a word be spoken that shall divert the mind from the great central interest, Jesus Christ and Him crucified. The third angel’s message is to be our burden of warning. The side issues are not for us to meddle with. The burden of the work is, Preach the Word. There are those who have had an experience in seeking the salvation of souls for whom Christ has given His precious life. That work is the special enterprise to engross everyone who feeds the flock of God. It is a time now when voices will be heard: “Hear. This is the way, walk in this path.” But the Lord Jesus says, “Follow thou Me. They that follow Me shall not walk in darkness.” [See John 8:12.] The saving of souls is to be our personal work, from which nothing is of sufficient moment to divert the mind. Christ came to our world to save souls, to diffuse light amid moral darkness. A living voice is heard, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” [John 14:6.]Heaven
Chapter 1—The Way to Heaven
Hvn 10.3
The Surety of Our Deliverance—By His humanity, Christ touched humanity; by His divinity, He lays hold upon the throne of God. As the Son of man, He gave us an example of obedience; as the Son of God, He gives us power to obey. It was Christ who from the bush on Mount Horeb spoke to Moses saying, “I AM THAT I AM.... Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.” Exodus 3:14. This was the pledge of Israel’s deliverance. So when He came “in the likeness of men,” He declared Himself the I AM. The Child of Bethlehem, the meek and lowly Saviour, is God “manifest in the flesh.” 1 Timothy 3:16. And to us He says: “I AM the Good Shepherd.” “I AM the living Bread.” “I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” “All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth.” John 10:11; 6:51; 14:6; Matthew 28:18. I AM the assurance of every promise. I AM; be not afraid. “God with us” is the surety of our deliverance from sin, the assurance of our power to obey the law of heaven.—The Desire of Ages, 24, 25.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Ms 52, 1896
11LtMs, Ms 52, 1896, par. 19
As we journeyed homeward, my mind was called out in contemplation of these precious themes, and I was filled with an intense longing to pass along some of these precious thoughts to my brethren and sisters. O that with pen and voice, I could represent the privileges of the children of God as they really exist! O that we who are pilgrims and strangers in this foreign country, seeking a better country, even a heavenly, might comprehend Christ, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He says, “No man cometh unto the Father but by me.” [John 14:6.] The path He has marked out is so plain and distinct that the veriest sinner, loaded with guilt, need not miss his way. Not one trembling seeker need to fail of finding the true path, and of walking in pure and holy light, for Jesus leads the way. The path is so narrow, so holy, that sin cannot be tolerated therein, yet access to the path has been made for all, and not one desponding, doubting, trembling soul needs to say, “God cares nought for me.”11LtMs, Ms 52, 1896, par. 36
Christ is the complete system of truth. He says, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” [John 14:6.] All true believers center in Christ; their character is irradiated by Christ; all meet in Christ, and circulate about Christ.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 135, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 135, 1897, par. 14
Outward obedience to the Word of God is thought by many to constitute them Christians; but it can never do this. The heart must be touched by the Spirit of God. No one should rest content unless he has the mind of Christ. He says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” [John 14:6.] Those who truly accept Him are covered with the robe of His righteousness. By eating His flesh, and drinking His blood, they become partakers of His divine nature. The blood of Christ washes away their sins, and they become true branches of the living vine.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 60, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 60, 1897, par. 19
It is the almost universal practice of the human agent to subordinate the eternal to the temporal, the claims of the future, the unseen, to the common affairs of the present. But Christ declares, “Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” “No man can serve two masters.” [Matthew 6:24.] The god of this world claims wonderful activity and constant slavery to his will. Christ, the uplifted Saviour, calls men to look and live. “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” [John 14:6.] Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things of secondary importance shall be added unto you.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 48, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 48, 1897, par. 31
What is Bible religion? Living the law of God as Christ lived it in His humanity. That law is holy, just, and good. “The words that I speak unto you,” said Christ, “they are spirit, and they are life.” [John 6:63.] Whatever be our situation, if we are doers of those words, we have a guide to direct our way; whatever our perplexity, we have a sure counsellor; whatever our sorrow, bereavement, or loneliness, we have a sympathizing friend. If you, in your ignorance, have taken missteps, God does not leave you. His voice, clear and distinct, is heard, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” [John 14:6.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 143, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 143, 1897, par. 24
Christ set forth truths more spiritual and deep than had have ever before been heard from rulers, scribes, or elders. “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life,” He declared. [John 14:6.] The rich treasures of truth opened before the people attracted and charmed their senses. They were in marked contrast with the dry, lifeless, spiritless expositions of the Old Testament Scriptures by the rabbis. And the miracles which He wrought kept constantly before His hearers the honor and glory of God. He seemed to them a messenger direct from heaven, for He spoke not to their ears only, but to their hearts.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 84b, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 84b, 1897, par. 23
“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent.” [John 17:3.] This is the only safe knowledge that students can obtain. The light reading of the Scriptures makes my heart ache. Whilst I am writing I groan in spirit as I see how superficial is the understanding of the Scriptures, and yet they are teachers. There is an abundance of profession of Christianity, but very little practice. Jesus says, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. [John 14:6.] Who will prove themselves wise virgins? Who are the foolish virgins? Those who have no oil in their vessels with their lamps. Shall it be as represented—half wise, and half foolish?Lift Him Up
The Way to Salvation, January 8
LHU 22.1
I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me. John 14:6.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 43, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 43, 1898, par. 26
Take a retrospective view of your life, [to see] if you have followed Him who said, “He that will come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” [Mark 8:34.] “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” [John 14:6.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 16, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 16, 1898, par. 5
Obedience to God’s law would bring our world into closer harmony with the heavenly intelligences. The task before each human being is to become intelligent in the things of God, to find the right path, the narrow way that leads through the gate of self-denial into the city of God. The road that leads to perdition is broad and full of human indulgence; but at the end thereof there is no city whose Maker and Builder is God. The road that leads to heaven is narrow, and few there be that find it, for no human device can make this road smooth or easy. “If any man will come after me,” Christ said, “let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” [Luke 9:23.] “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” [John 14:6.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 107, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 107, 1898, par. 17
It is the privilege of all to give to the world, in their family government, in their customs and practices and order, an evidence of what the truth can do for those who obey it. You are not to allow yourselves to come down to a low, cheap level in words or works. The truth of God brought into the sanctuary of the soul, is the grand remedy for all physical, mental, and spiritual disorders. What ever the Word says is to be taken home. It is to be partaken of as the bread of heaven, as the flesh and blood of the Son of God. Fallen man must daily derive his vitalizing power from Him who has said, “I am the Light of the world.” “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” [John 8:12; 14:6.] Apart from Him, everything is worthless.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 166, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 166, 1898, par. 52
Our work is presented before us in the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah. This chapter marks out a right and a wrong course, and gives assurance that if we follow the right, we shall receive the blessings specified. If we take up the very duties around us, we shall avoid the faults condemned in ancient Israel. God would teach us to exercise calm, unwavering trust in Him who is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” [John 14:6.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 136, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 136, 1898, par. 2
I am not so distressed as you may suppose I would be, because you are the Lord’s agent, and God has ways and means, and He will surely fulfil His Word. You must consider that the righteousness of Christ shall go before you. Though you have made mistakes and errors, will God be pleased to have you fold your hands and do nothing? You are to call, and the Lord will answer, “Here I am.” [Isaiah 58:9.] Jesus Christ, your righteousness, shall go before you. He is light and truth. He forgives our transgressions and sins. Then move in faith, and love in prayer. The Lord Jesus is your righteousness. With His presence leading the way, there will be no fear of evil. The ever-recurring difficulties do not baffle the wisdom of Christ. “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” [John 14:6.] Ask of God wisdom, and He says that it shall be given you. His mercy is full of pardon and grace to all who repent, and His mercy is not exhausted.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 197, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 197, 1898, par. 7
The Father loved sinful men and from the depths of infinite mercy, He provided salvation for all. He sent His only begotten, well-beloved Son into the world as a perfect revelation of His paternal character. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father but by me.” [John 14:6.] John writes of Him, saying, “He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” [1 John 2:2-4.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 122, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 122, 1899, par. 71
This is the kind of enlightenment the people need. They have heard doctrines until they are disgusted. Let the Lord Jesus Christ be the sum and substance of everything. If the people surrender to Jesus, if they open the door of their hearts and invite Him in, they will be in safe keeping. Jesus says, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” [John 14:6.] Possessing Jesus, they will possess truth; for if they follow on to know the Lord, they will know that His goings forth are prepared as the morning. They will be complete in Him. In our work we need far less controversy, and far more presentation of Christ.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 73, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 73, 1899, par. 4
Christ declares Himself “The Way, the Truth, and the Life.” [John 14:6.] The way to heaven is represented as a narrow path, cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in. But truth illuminates this path at every step. Christ is “the true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth.” “And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.” [John 1:9, 14, 16.] Every grace we receive is given us to impart, and when we make others the recipients of the grace we have, our souls are prepared to receive new grace.Manual for Canvassers
The Canvasser and Bible Work
MC 38.3
When the 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 every one who will come unto Him. Those who surrender to Jesus, who open the door of the heart and invite Him in, will be in safe keeping. 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.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 46, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 46, 1899, par. 6
Seeking pardon for sin, Saul found the sin-pardoning Saviour, who takes away the guilt of the world. He found the One who said to him, “A new heart also will I give thee.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” “Whosoever believeth in me, shall not perish, but shall have the light of life.” [John 14:6; 3:16; 8:12.] In reference to Paul Christ could indeed say, “I was found of him who sought me not.” [See Romans 10:20.] Paul was not searching for the pearl of great price. But it flashed its invaluable loveliness before him, that his attention might be attracted. Christ and his righteousness became to Paul more than the whole world. “I count all things but loss ... that I may win Christ,” he declared. [Philippians 3:8.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 79, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 79, 1900, par. 14
Christ spoke with the authority of greatness as with a clear, distinct voice He said, “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. ... My sheep hear my voice, and they know me, and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” [John 10:14, 27, 28.] “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” [Matthew 11:28-30.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 153, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 153, 1901, par. 2
The Saviour declares, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” [John 14:6.] Then those who are following Jesus are walking in the light as He is in the light. Those who walk with Christ walk in a path that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 126, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 126, 1902, par. 10
There is only one true religion; only one way to heaven; only one light to illuminate the way as the pilgrims press on. As we follow on to know the Lord, we shall acknowledge at every step that Christ is the Light of the world, that He is “the way, the truth, and the life;” and we shall find that the path which He bids us follow “is as a shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” [John 14:6; Proverbs 4:18.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 53, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 53, 1902, par. 26
There is only one way to heaven. Christ declares, “I am the way.” [John 14:6.] When the Saviour spoke these words, He declared that the gulf between heaven and earth had been bridged, and that man, though he had wandered far from God, could return and be accepted in the Beloved.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 79, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 79, 1903, par. 11
There will always be obstacles before us, but we are to follow our Leader, meeting our difficulties unitedly, hand in hand. There is only one way to heaven. We must walk in the footsteps of Jesus, doing His works, even as He did the works of His Father. We must study His ways, not man’s ways; we must obey His will, not our own. Walk carefully. Do not go ahead of Christ. Make no move without consulting your Leader. Ask in humble prayer, and “ye shall receive.” He is “the Way, the Truth, the Life.” [John 16:24; 14:6.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 262, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 262, 1903, par. 20
Christ says, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” “He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” [John 14:6; 8:12.] He who accepts Christ enters upon a pathway illuminated by the splendor of the Son of the true and living God. The truth that he believes sheds light on every step of the way. God’s chosen ones will advance from strength to strength, from grace to grace.Manuscript Releases, vol. 11 [Nos. 851-920]
MR No. 906—An Appeal for Acceptance of the Message of Christ’s Righteousness
11MR 289.4
Christ has said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). If your good works were the way, then Christ would not have said, “I am the way.” It is not our doings and deservings that will save us. If man could have gained heaven by his own efforts, Christ need not have died to make an atonement for our sins. Yet all who tread the narrow path that leads to heaven, will bear the fruits of godliness, and give evidence that they are the light of the world....Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 149, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 149, 1905, par. 10
Christ declares, “I am the way. ... No man cometh unto the Father but by me.” [John 14:6.] By His precious blood He hath consecrated a new and living way into the holiest of all. Let us lay all our burdens at the feet of Jesus. We are ever to seek for unity. Discord and strife cannot possibly glorify God. We are to seek to harmonize. All envy, all strife, all ambition is to be put away. We are to encourage humility. God has promised to keep us away from evil, and we cannot cherish evil thinking and envy and at the same time keep our souls unspotted. We are bidden to pray, “Deliver us from evil.” [Matthew 6:13.] We are to act in harmony with this prayer, and not enter into evil.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 166, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 166, 1905, par. 2
“I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life,” Christ declares. “No man cometh unto the Father but by Me.” [John 14:6.] Those who have a living connection with Christ will reveal it by their works. “Faith without works is dead, being alone.” [James 2:17, 20.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 17, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 17, 1905, par. 15
Every sincere Christian bows to Jesus as the true physician of souls. When He stands by the bedside of the afflicted, there will be many, not only converted, but healed. He who declared, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life,” will be with His faithful physicians and nurses as they strive to co-operate with Him. [John 14:6.] If through judicious ministration the patient is led to give his soul to Christ, and to bring his thoughts into obedience to the will of God, a great victory is gained.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 214, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 214, 1906, par. 2
“I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life,” Christ declares. “No man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” [John 14:6.] Those who have a living connection with Christ will reveal it by their works. “Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” [James 2:17.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 204, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 204, 1907, par. 17
“I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life,” Christ declares. [John 14:6.] Follow on with your brethren to know the Lord. Sympathize with those who are bearing a heavy load, and encourage them wherever you can. Your voices are to be heard in unity, and not in dissension. You are to exercise your influence as pioneers, as old standardbearers to meet and quiet the spirit of censure and complaint among the workers. Teach them to be afraid of such a work, lest they be found building barriers between themselves and Christ.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Ms 11, 1909
24LtMs, Ms 11, 1909, par. 21
The science of overcoming as Christ overcame is the science of salvation. If we will unite with Christ in the work of developing Christian character, if we will maintain unwavering faith in God and in the truths of His Word, we will be given strength to overcome every evil thing in this life. But there are some to whom Christ says today, “Ye will not come unto Me that ye might have life—eternal life which My Father will give to all who believe. I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life,” He pleads, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” [See John 5:40; 14:6; Matthew 11:28.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Ms 85, 1909
24LtMs, Ms 85, 1909, par. 6
We are to present to the world a life of overcoming—overcoming by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. But in order to do this, we must seek the Lord daily that our natural temperaments and desires may be brought under the converting power of the Holy Spirit and into harmony with the life of Christ. When you submit to these conditions, you will realize Christ’s power and sufficiency. Denying self, and walking humbly with God, you will experience the truth of the words of the Saviour, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” [John 14:6; 8:12.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Lt 189, 1909
24LtMs, Lt 189, 1909, par. 15
“I am come” are the words of the heavenly Messenger. “Think not I am come to destroy the law or the prophets. I am come not to destroy but to fulfill.” [Matthew 5:17.] The Lord Jehovah is true; obeying His righteous law and working the works of Christ, to become one with Christ, man becomes in words and works partaker of His divine nature. Humanity lays hold of divinity. The Lord Jehovah has condescended that the pattern of the heavenly being should be represented by His only beloved Son. “For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His only begotten Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled,” in the new power He would give them. “For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His only begotten Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and because of sin, condemned sin in” the human nature, for Christ was tempted upon all points like as man is tempted. “For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh, that His righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh but after the spirit.” Romans 8. [Verses 3, 4.] Christ says, “I am come; the way, the truth, and the life.” [See John 14:6.] Christ tells us Himself, “I am not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” [Matthew 9:13.]