EGW WritingsJohn 14
Ellen G. White · Page 5 of 7
Read John 14 in the BibleJohn 14:12-31
Manuscript Releases, vol. 1 [Nos. 19-96]
MR No. 81—God’s Rebuke to Laodicea
1MR 368.3
Having complied with the Word of God, do not depend on your feelings for evidence of acceptance with God. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). If you have complied with the conditions, believe God, whether or not you feel any different. Christ declared, “As the Father gave me commandment, even so I do.... 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 14:31; 15:10). Let all who understand the abiding claims of the law of God, yield implicit obedience to every requirement given in the Word. The convictions of the Holy Spirit are warnings which it is dangerous to disregard.1MR 370.2
When a man is filled with the Holy Spirit, the more severely he is tested and tried, the more clearly he proves that he is a true representative of Christ in word, in spirit, in action. Christ declares, “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). What is the promise to every true believer? “Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you” (Acts 1:8). Might we not better, my brethren and sisters, take ourselves to task for our unlikeness to Christ? He says, “Ye are my witnesses” (Isaiah 43:10). What kind of witnesses are we for truth and righteousness? Are we striving with all our God-given powers to reach the measure of the stature of men and women in Christ? Are we seeking for His fullness, ever reaching higher and higher, trying to attain to the perfection of His character?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 148, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 148, 1899, par. 25
Having complied with the Word of God, do not depend on your feelings for evidence of acceptance with God. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.] If you have complied with the conditions, believe God, whether or not you feel any different. Christ declared, “As the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. ... 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 14:31; 15:10.] Let all who understand the abiding claims of the law of God yield implicit obedience to every requirement given in the Word. The convictions of the Holy Spirit are warnings which it is dangerous to disregard.14LtMs, Ms 148, 1899, par. 31
When a man is filled with the Holy Spirit, the more severely he is tested and tried, the more clearly he proves that he is a true representative of Christ in word, in spirit, in action. Christ declares, “He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works that these shall he do; because I go to my Father.” [John 14:12.] What is the promise to every true believer? “Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you.” [Acts 1:8.]John 14:13
Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8
Chapter 29—Christ the Medium of Prayer and Blessing
8T 177.1
I have just received your letters. I see that you are having a close battle financially. I am so glad that you can heed the encouragement in the words: “Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me.” Isaiah 27:5. Let us have faith in God. Let us put our trust in Him. He understands all about the situation in which we are placed, and He will work in our behalf. He is honored when we trust in Him, bringing to Him all our perplexities. “Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name,” Christ says, “that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” John 14:13. God’s appointments and grants in our behalf are without limit. The throne of grace itself is occupied by One who permits us to call Him Father.Letters to Physicians and Ministers
Christ the Medium of Prayer and Blessing
SpTB01 13.1
I have just received your letters. I see that you are having a close battle financially. I am so glad that you can heed the encouragement in the words, “Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me.” Isaiah 27:5. Let us have faith in God. Let us put our trust in Him. He understands all about the situation in which we are placed, and He will work in our behalf. He is honored when we trust in Him, bringing to Him all our perplexities. “Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name,” Christ says, “that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” John 14:13. God’s appointments and grants in our behalf are without limit. The throne of grace itself is occupied by One who permits us to call Him Father.Testimony Treasures, vol. 3
Even to the End
3TT 213.2
My brethren and sisters, plead for the Holy Spirit. God stands back of every promise He has made. With your Bibles in your hands, say: “I have done as Thou hast said. I present Thy promise, ‘Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.’” Christ declares: “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” “Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” Matthew 7:7; Mark 11:24; John 14:13.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)
Lt 20, 1880
3LtMs, Lt 20, 1880, par. 1
I am very cheerful and happy now. The Lord has graciously blessed me and His peace is abiding in my heart. This morning we met in the basement of the church at half-past five. I was led out in prayer and my faith grasped the promises of God. I learned anew that my heavenly Father answers prayer. “Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” John 14:13. My soul is continually yearning for my Saviour.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 30, 1886
4LtMs, Ms 30, 1886, par. 10
I point you to the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He will comfort and sustain all who come to Him for help. Our Saviour did not remain in the tomb. He rose from the dead and is now making intercession for us. He wants to take the garments of sin from those who desire a better world than this and clothe them with the robes of His righteousness. He is a living, all-powerful Saviour, and we ought to have unwavering faith in Him; for He says, “Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do.” [John 14:13.] Let us seek a close connection with Christ; for thus only can we grow in grace and in a knowledge of the truth.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 98, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 98, 1893, par. 33
Repeat in full confidence, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you; for everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?” Matthew 7:7-11. “Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” John 14:13.Counsels for the Church
Chapter 15—The Holy Spirit
CCh 98.2
My brethren and sisters, plead for the Holy Spirit, God stands back of every promise He has made. With your Bibles in your hands, say: “I have done as Thou hast said, I present Thy promise, ‘Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.’” Christ declares: “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” “Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” Matthew 7:7; Mark 11:24; John 14:13.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 56, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 56, 1895, par. 1
On Sabbath, May 25, we had a most precious meeting in the hall where our people meet at North Fitzroy. For several days before the meeting, I knew that I was expected to speak in the church on Sabbath; but unfortunately I had a severe cold, and was quite hoarse. I felt inclined to excuse myself from this appointment, but as it was my only opportunity, I said, “I will place myself before the people, and I believe the Lord will answer my earnest prayers and remove the hoarseness so that I can present my message to the people.” I presented to my heavenly Father the promise, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened ... If ye then being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children; how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” [Luke 11:9, 10, 13.] Again Christ says, “Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” [John 14:13.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 22, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 22, 1898, par. 2
At present there is no money in the treasury, and we are sorely pressed on every hand financially. I see also that you are having a close battle. I am so glad that you can heed the encouragement given, “Let him take hold of my strength, and make peace with me, and he shall make peace with me.” [Isaiah 27:5.] We will have faith in God. We will put our trust in Him. He understands all about the situation, and will work in our behalf. I am so thankful that we may trust in God. And the Lord is honored when we trust in Him, bringing to Him all our perplexities. “Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name,” He says, “that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” [John 14:13.] God’s appointments and grants in our behalf are without limit. The throne of grace is itself the highest attraction, because occupied by one who permits us to call Him Father. “For God so love the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 66, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 66, 1901, par. 10
Christ says to us, “Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” [John 14:13.] Why do we not take Christ at His word? Why are we so listless and indolent? There is no need for us to rust from inaction. We may receive to impart.God’s Amazing Grace
Christ’s Name Our Password, March 18
AG 85.1
Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. John 14:13.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 258, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 258, 1903, par. 8
But this does not worry me. The only thing that disturbs my mind is the present disjointed condition of the cause of God. It pains me to think that we stand before the world on a low level, when every provision has been made for us to stand before unbelievers on the elevated platform of eternal truth, possessing the advantages that God designed us to possess. Does not Christ say, “Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son”? [John 14:13.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 151, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 151, 1903, par. 7
Jesus asks you to present your needs before the Father in His name. “Ye shall ask in My name,” He says, “and I say not unto you that I will pray the Father for you: for the Father Himself loveth you, because ye have loved Me, and have believed that I came out from God.” [John 16:26, 27.] Christ does not have to entreat the Father to hear us. As we come in the name of Christ, the Father’s heart of love is open to hear us and to bestow upon us all the riches of His grace. “Ask, and ye shall receive.” [Verse 24.] “Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” [John 14:13.] All the human encouragement we could receive falls far short of the divine assurance.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Ms 74, 1904
19LtMs, Ms 74, 1904, par. 16
Those who are invested with Christ’s Spirit are virtually clothed with priestly garments and are placed on vantage ground. Christ puts into their hands a censer filled with the incense of His righteousness. And He distinctly pledges Himself to answer their supplications. “Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name,” He says, “that will I do.” [John 14:13.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 219, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 219, 1905, par. 9
Have I not said enough? If you will heed this counsel, you will become a truly changed man. The Lord desires you to be genuinely converted. Not until you are can you know the fulfilment of the words, “Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” [John 14:13.] Never, never give up until you know where you are standing religiously. You need to begin a work that will rid you of selfishness and make you a witness for God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 52, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 52, 1906, par. 16
Lay before the Father the promise given us to present: “Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, I will give it you.” [John 14:13.] Plead now, just at this time, “Let Thine hand be upon the Man of Thy right hand, upon the Son of man whom Thou hast made strong for Thyself. [Psalm 80:17.] For His name’s sake hear us, pity us, strengthen us. We will not boast, but glory in our infirmities, if Thy power, O Christ, will rest upon us.”In Heavenly Places
Asking in Christ’s Name, March 11
HP 77.1
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. John 14:13.In Heavenly Places
The Promise Is for Us, November 23
HP 334.5
My brethren and sisters, plead for the Holy Spirit. God stands back of every promise He has made. With your Bibles in your hands say, “I have done as Thou hast said. I present Thy promise, ‘Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you’” (Matthew 7:7). Christ declares, “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them” (Mark 11:24). “Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do ...” (John 14:13).36The Review and Herald, April 30, 1908.Manuscript Releases, vol. 19 [Nos. 1360-1419]
MR No. 1394—Be Meek and Kind to Critics, Not Avenging Oneself; Trust in God and Seek His Guidance, Intercession, and Approval
19MR 215.3
If you walk carefully before God, those who believe in Christ will respect you for Christ’s sake. Jesus receives and welcomes you as His own friend. He loves you, He has pledged Himself to open before you all the treasures of His grace for your appropriation. He says, “At that day ye shall ask in My name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: for the Father Himself loveth you, because ye have loved Me, and have believed that I came out from God” [John 16:26, 27]. He virtually says, Make use of My name, and it will be your passport to the heart of My Father and to all the riches of His grace. “Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it to you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full” [verses 23, 24]. “And whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son” [John 14:13]. You should educate the soul to have implicit trust in God; for what we need is more faith.—Letter 92, 1895.My Life Today
Power in Prayer, January 14
ML 18.1
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do. John 14:13.Prayer
Chapter 20—Praying In The Name of Jesus
Pr 221.4
Christ has said, “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Mark 11:24. “Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” John 14:13. And the beloved John, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, speaks with great plainness and assurance: “If we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.” 1 John 5:14, 15. Then press your petition to the Father in the name of Jesus. God will honor that name.—(Christ’s Object Lessons, 147, 148.)John 14:13-14
Christ’s Object Lessons
Search for the Treasure
COL 111.3
Our salvation depends on a knowledge of the truth contained in the Scriptures. It is God’s will that we should possess this. Search, O search the precious Bible with hungry hearts. Explore God’s word as the miner explores the earth to find veins of gold. Never give up the search until you have ascertained your relation to God and His will in regard to you. Christ declared, “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.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 80, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 80, 1893, par. 1
We are made sad to hear of the unfavorable features apparent in the sickness of Brother Wilson. After the telegram was received, we had a special season of prayer for him; Elders Israel, Starr, White, and Brother Simpson being present, and all prayed. We believe the Lord hath heard our petitions He has given us His word, “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.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 117, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 117, 1893, par. 2
She said she must leave at two o’clock sharp p.m. At about ten I was in the chair and in a short time the teeth were not where they once were, but scattered in every direction. Not a muscle or nerve quivered through the operation; not a groan or moan escaped my lips. Why, I had prayed about this matter, believing the Lord meant just what He said, “Ask and ye shall receive, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you.” [Matthew 7:7.] I relied on the Word that is sure and never failing. “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.] Precious words of assurance! Certainly if I ever needed to trust in God it was at this time. I took nothing to stupefy me and not even anything to deaden the gums, knowing that reaction would be more severe than if left in their natural state.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 29, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 29, 1893, par. 1
Your letter is received, and as I read the same, I could but feel sad that you have withheld yourself from the richest blessing that can be given to man; but I am grateful that you are turning unto the Lord with full purpose of heart. You have the promise, “Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name that will I do.” “Ask in my name and I will do it.” [John 14:13, 14.] I have not the slightest doubt of the promise.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 231, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 231, 1899, par. 7
Christ assures us that He is pledged to intercede in our behalf. Thus He would encourage our faith and our belief in success. He said to His disciples, and the Word is for us, “If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. I am beloved by my Father, and for my sake He will refuse you nothing.” [See John 14:13, 14.] Let us not cease to pray. Let us believe the assurance of the Word of God. Let us receive the promise, and say, “I thank thee, my heavenly Father, that I receive the things I ask of thee.”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 312, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 312, 1907, par. 8
Faith in the Word of God will bring to us the fulfilment of His promises. “Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do,” the Saviour declares. “If ye shall ask anything in My name, I will do it.” [John 14:13, 14.] “And all things whatsoever ye shall ask in faith believing, ye shall receive.” [Matthew 21:22.] When we learn to place our reliance not on the word of man, but in God, He will make that word Yea and Amen to us in Christ Jesus.Manuscript Releases, vol. 10 [Nos. 771-850]
MR No. 801—Acceptable Prayer
10MR 97.1
The Comforter Sent in Answer to the Prayer of Faith—At all times and in all places; in all sorrows and in all affliction, when the outlook seems dark, and the future perplexing, and souls feel helpless and alone, these are the times when the Comforter will be sent in answer to the prayer of faith. There is no more encouraging promise than this: “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).—Letter 89b, 1897, p. 2. (To Herbert and Lilian Lacey, March 22, 1897.)To Be Like Jesus
What It Means to Pray in Christ’s Name, January 24
BLJ 31.1
And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. John 14:13, 14, NKJV.Homeward Bound
Get Acquainted With Truth, January 22
HB 37.4
Our salvation depends on a knowledge of the truth contained in the Scriptures. It is God’s will that we should possess this. Search, O search the precious Bible with hungry hearts. Explore God’s word as the miner explores the earth to find veins of gold. Never give up the search until you have ascertained your relation to God and His will in regard to you. Christ declared, “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.)With God at Dawn
Whatsoever We Ask in His Name He Will Do, July 11
WGD 194.1
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.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 5b, 1891
7LtMs, Lt 5b, 1891, par. 3
Coming to Christ does not mean coming now and then, but always coming, always asking, always seeking, always knocking. Here is your strength. Jesus 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.” [John 14:13, 14.] I point you to the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 22, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 22, 1893, par. 2
Not a groan or mourn escaped my lips, not muscle or nerve quivered through the operation; why, I had prayed about this matter, and believing the Lord meant just what He said, when He said, “Ask and ye shall receive; seek and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you.” [Matthew 7:7.] I relied on the Word that is sure and never failing. “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.] Precious words of assurance. Certainly if I ever needed to trust in God it was at this time. I took nothing to stupefy me, and even not anything to deaden the gums, knowing that reaction would be more severe than if left in their natural state.John 14:13-15
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 93, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 93, 1897, par. 10
It is profitable to cherish the thought that Jesus gave His life to redeem us from sin, to save us fully and entirely to Himself as beings that belong to God, soul, body, and spirit. Thus we carry with us a sense that we are not our own, but God’s. We say, I will think no thoughts, I will speak no words, I will perform no actions that I would not do in the conscious presence of God. My ear shall be opened to listen to a “Thus saith the Lord.” He has shown me how I may evidence my love for Him. “If ye love me, keep my commandments. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” [John 14:15, 13.]A Sketch of the Christian Experience and Views of Ellen G. White
Texts of Scripture Referred to on Page 8
ExV 40.12
If ye love me, keep my commandments. Chap. 14:13-15.Christian Experience and Teachings of Ellen G. White
A Severe Trial
The Fifty Texts Luke 1:20
John 16:15
Acts 2:4
Acts 4:29, 30
Acts 4:31
Matthew 7:6
Matthew 7:7-12
Matthew 7:15
Matthew 24:24
Colossians 2:6, 7
Colossians 2:8
Hebrews 10:35-37
Hebrews 10:38, 39
Hebrews 4:10, 11
Hebrews 4:12
Philippians 1:6
Philippians 1:27-29Philippians 2:13-15
Ephesians 6:10-13
Ephesians 6:14-18
Ephesians 4:32
1 Peter 1:22
John 13:34, 35
2 Corinthians 13:5
1 Corinthians 3:10, 11
1 Corinthians 3:12, 13
Acts 20:28-30
Galatians 1:6-9
Luke 12:3-7
Luke 4:10, 11
2 Corinthians 4:6-9
2 Corinthians 4:17, 18
1 Peter 1:5-7
1 Thessalonians 3:8Mark 16:17, 18
John 9:20-27
John 14:13-15
John 15:7, 8
Mark 1:23-25
Romans 8:38, 39
Revelation 3:7-13
Revelation 14:4, 5
Philippians 3:20
James 5:7, 8
Philippians 3:21
Revelation 14:14-17
Hebrews 4:9
Revelation 21:2
Revelation 14:1
Revelation 22:1-5
Early Writings
Texts Referred to on Preceding Page
EW 29.3
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 14:13-15.Manuscript Releases, vol. 21 [Nos. 1501-1598]
MR No. 1595—Words of Instruction Regarding Camp Meetings, Soul Winning, and Truth-filled Books
21MR 443.1
Christ declared, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:34, 35). This is the love church members are to manifest for one another. Such love will exert a powerful influence in favor of the truth. Christ desires to work through His appointed agencies to make His cause a power in our world. 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” (John 14:13-15).Spiritual Gifts, vol. 2
Chapter 10—Trials and Victories
2SG 59.2
Luke 1:20; John 16:15; Acts 2:4; 4:29-31; Matthew 7:6-12, 15; 24:24; Colossians 2:6-8; Hebrews 10:35-39; 4:10-12; Philippians 1:6, 27-29; 2:13-15; Ephesians 6:10-18; 4:32; 1 Peter 1:22; John 13:34, 35; 2 Corinthians 13:5; 1 Corinthians 3:10-13; Acts 20:28-30; Galatians 1:6-9; Luke 12:3-7; 4:10, 11; 2 Corinthians 4:6-9, 17, 18; 1 Peter 1:5-7; 1 Thessalonians 3:8; Mark 16:17, 18; John 9:20-27; 14:13-15; 15:7, 8; Mark 1:23-25; Romans 8:38, 39; Revelation 3:7-13; 14:4, 5; Philippians 3:20; James 5:7, 8; Philippians 3:21; Revelation 14:14-17; Hebrews 4:9; Revelation 21:2; 14:1; 22:1-5.Life Sketches Manuscript
Some Erroneous Theories
Luke 1:202 Corinthians 4:6-9, 17, 18John 16:151 Peter 1:5-7Acts 2:4, 429-311 Thessalonians 3:8Matthew 7:6-12, 15; 24:24Mark 15:17, 18Colossians 2:6-8John 9:20-27; 14:13-15; 15:7, 8 Hebrews 10:35-39; 4:10-12 Mark 1:23-25Philippians 1:6, 27-29; 2:13-15 Romans 8:38, 39Ephesians 6:10-18; 4:32 Revelation 3:7-13; 14:4, 51 Peter 1:22Philippians 3:20John 13:34, 35James 5:7, 82 Corinthians 13:5Philippians 3:211 Corinthians 3:10-13Revelation 14:14-17Acts 20:28-30Hebrews 4:9Galatians 1:6-9Revelation 21:2; 14:1; 22:1-5Luke 12:3-7; 10, 11
John 14:13-16
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 200, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 200, 1899, par. 1
Have faith in God. Our precious Saviour 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 send you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever.” [John 14:13-16.] Christ not only undertakes to present our petitions to the Father, and to intercede in our behalf, but He promises to bestow the blessings sought. What encouragement this is. And should it not awaken in us a wealth of devotion? Christ supplies us with the key with which to unlock heaven’s storehouse and draw from the divine treasury. His precious name we are to use, His merits we are to acknowledge before the Father. Praise the Lord, my fellow laborers; praise His holy name! Let us pray unitedly, in faith, as believers in the Word of Christ.John 14:13-17
Selected Messages Book 2
Chapter 47—Preparing for the Final Crisis
2SM 367.2
The people of God are not to be guided by the opinions or practices of the world. Hear what the Saviour said to His disciples, “I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you” (John 14:16, 17). “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not” (1 John 3:1).2SM 370.2
Let not one who believes the truth, be silent now. None should be careless now; let all urge their petitions at the throne of grace, pleading the promise, “Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do” (John 14:13). It is a perilous time now. If this land of boasted liberty is preparing to sacrifice every principle which enters into her Constitution, making decrees to suppress religious freedom, and for the enforcing of papal falsehood and delusion, then the people of God need to present their petitions in faith to the Most High. There is every encouragement, in the promises of God, for those who put their trust in Him. The prospect of being brought into personal danger and distress, need not cause despondency, but should quicken the vigor and hopes of God’s people; for the time of their peril is the season for God to grant them clearer manifestations of His power.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 48, 1891
7LtMs, Ms 48, 1891, par. 9
We are not to be guided and influenced by the practice of the world, either in the proclamation or the publication of truth. Hear what the Saviour said to His disciples: “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.” [John 14:16, 17.] “Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed on us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not because it knew him not.” [1 John 3:1.]7LtMs, Ms 48, 1891, par. 24
Let not one who believes the truth be silent now. None should be careless now; let all urge their petitions to the throne of grace, pleading the promise, “Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do.” [John 14:13.] It is a perilous time now. If, in the land of boasted liberty, a Protestant government is preparing to sacrifice every principle which enters into her constitution, making decrees to suppress religious liberty, and for the enforcing of papal falsehoods and delusions, then the people of God need to present their petitions in faith to the Most High. There is every encouragement in the promises of God for those who put their trust in Him.Lift Him Up
A Special, Distinguishing Sign, May 5
LHU 139.6
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 [today].... [Christ] 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 for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive” (John 14:13-17).... 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? (Letter 119, 1895).That I May Know Him
Simple Faith and Unquestioning Obedience, April 20
TMK 116.3
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 for ever; even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive” (John 14:13-17).TMK 116.4
Consider this statement a moment. 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 relatives 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? ...Knowing and Obeying the Lord
Knowing and Obeying the Lord
PH045 3.1
We can not overestimate the value of simple faith and unquestioning obedience. It is by following the path of obedience in humble 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 today. 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 can not receive.” [John 14:13-17.]PH045 3.2
Why can not the world receive the truth? “Because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him.” [John 14:17.]John 14:13-18
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 41, 1891
7LtMs, Ms 41, 1891, par. 3
I devoted some time to writing, and my heart is drawn out to God in prayer for strength, both physical and spiritual, that I can devote to the Lord. I want, much, to give the Lord healthful, wholesome service; and to this end I must practice self-denial, eat and drink such things as will conduce to health. I have the promise, full and rich, “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” John 14:13. [John 14:14-18 quoted.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 98e, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 98e, 1896, par. 1
We have a precious Saviour. Before Christ left His disciples He made them the promise, “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 14:13-15.] Here is a test for your love. You are to express to the world that love by obedience. “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, which the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” “I will not leave you comfortless, I will come to you.” [Verses 16-18.]John 14:13-21
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 10, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 10, 1896, par. 2
We are thankful for the goodness and love of God. We praise His holy name that in Him we may trust and not be ashamed. It is not best for us to look on the dark side and walk in the shadow of the cross. We must have faith in God; we must believe and trust God to be our Healer, our joy, and our song. Many trying things will cross our pathway, but we must present ourselves before Him as children, asking of a parent the things we need. We must tell the Lord exactly what we want. And He says, “Whatsoever thing ye ask in my name, I will do it.” [John 14:13.] Have we proved this true? Then we have accepted it, and appropriated it to ourselves personally.11LtMs, Lt 10, 1896, par. 4
After this promise, the Lord Jesus adds His practical lesson, If you do really love Me, show Me that love by first keeping My commandments, “and I will pray the Father, and he will give you another comforter, who shall abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth.” [Verses 16, 17.] He is not only the Comforter, but the Spirit of truth. He will not frame a falsehood to deceive you, for there is no comfort in error or in a lie. There is satisfaction only in the truth. The truth makes free.11LtMs, Lt 10, 1896, par. 7
Our duty is to speak the truth plainly; live the truth; maintain the truth; and leave the comfort to follow. The Holy Spirit dwells in the heart as the Spirit of truth, and through the truth, dwells in the heart as a Comforter. “I will not leave you comfortless.” I will not leave you orphans, but “I will come unto you.” The best evidence we can have to prove our love to God is to obey Him. “He that hath my commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me.” [Verses 18, 21.] Here is the true test. To do His will is the best evidence we can give to show that we are believers in Jesus as our personal Saviour. We evidence we love Him by doing His commandments. The evidence that we love Him is not pretension but practice. You may read this to some who need it.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 164, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 164, 1902, par. 10
The lesson to be drawn from this record is more precious than any earthly treasure. He who led Solomon’s mind as he made this prayer will today teach His servants how to pray for what they need. The same One who appeared to Solomon said to the twelve: “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.] As they asked in His name, their prayers would be as acceptable as the prayer of Solomon. “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. ... 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. ... He that hath My commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me; and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him.” [Verses 15, 16, 18, 19, 21.] “If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” [John 15:7.]John 14:13-24
Christ’s Object Lessons
Chapter 12—Asking to Give
COL 139.1
Christ was continually receiving from the Father that He might communicate to us. “The word which ye hear,” He said, “is not Mine, but the Father’s which sent Me.” John 14:24. “The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister.” Matthew 20:28. Not for Himself, but for others, He lived and thought and prayed. From hours spent with God He came forth morning by morning, to bring the light of heaven to men. Daily He received a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. In the early hours of the new day the Lord awakened Him from His slumbers, and His soul and His lips were anointed with grace, that He might impart to others. His words were given Him fresh from the heavenly courts, words that He might speak in season to the weary and oppressed. “The Lord God hath given Me,” He said, “the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: He wakeneth morning by morning, He wakeneth Mine ear to hear as the learned.” Isaiah 50:4.COL 143.2
There are conditions to the fulfillment of God’s promises, and prayer can never take the place of duty. “If ye love Me,” Christ says, “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 to him.” John 14:15, 21. Those who bring their petitions to God, claiming His promise while they do not comply with the conditions, insult Jehovah. They bring the name of Christ as their authority for the fulfillment of the promise, but they do not those things that would show faith in Christ and love for Him.COL 147.4
Christ has said, “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Mark 11:24. “Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” John 14:13. And the beloved John, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, speaks with great plainness and assurance: “If we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.” 1 John 5:14, 15. Then press your petition to the Father in the name of Jesus. God will honor that name.Prayer
Chapter 31—Asking to Give
Pr 304.1
Christ was continually receiving from the Father that He might communicate to us. “The word which ye hear,” He said, “is not Mine, but the Father’s which sent Me.” John 14:24. “The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister.” Matthew 20:28. Not for Himself, but for others, He lived and thought and prayed. From hours spent with God He came forth morning by morning, to bring the light of heaven to men. Daily He received a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. In the early hours of the new day the Lord awakened Him from His slumbers, and His soul and His lips were anointed with grace, that He might impart to others. His words were given Him fresh from the heavenly courts, words that He might speak in season to the weary and oppressed. “The Lord God hath given Me,” He said, “the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: He wakeneth morning by morning, He wakeneth Mine ear to hear as the learned.” Isaiah 50:4.Pr 307.4
There are conditions to the fulfillment of God’s promises, and prayer can never take the place of duty. “If ye love Me,” Christ says, “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 to him.” John 14:15, 21. Those who bring their petitions to God, claiming His promise while they do not comply with the conditions, insult Jehovah. They bring the name of Christ as their authority for the fulfillment of the promise, but they do not those things that would show faith in Christ and love for Him.Pr 311.5
Christ has said, “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Mark 11:24. “Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” John 14:13. And the beloved John, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, speaks with great plainness and assurance: “If we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.” 1 John 5:14, 15. Then press your petition to the Father in the name of Jesus. God will honor that name.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 44, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 44, 1898, par. 19
“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever, even the Spirit of truth, which 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. ... He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me. And he that loveth me shall be loved by 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 upon him, and make our abode with him.” [John 14:13-18, 21, 23.]13LtMs, Ms 44, 1898, par. 20
The test is plainly defined: “He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings, and the words which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.” “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 remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” [John 14:24; 15:10, 11.]John 14:13-26
Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8
Chapter 3—The Power Promised
8T 19.2
Just before His crucifixion the Saviour said to His disciples: “I will not leave you comfortless.” “I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever.” “When He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will show you things to come.” “He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” John 14:18, 16; 16:13; John 14:26.8T 23.1
My brethren and sisters, plead for the Holy Spirit. God stands back of every promise He has made. With your Bibles in your hands, say: “I have done as Thou hast said, I present Thy promise, ‘Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.’” Christ declares: “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” “Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” Matthew 7:7; Mark 11:24; 14:13.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 157, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 157, 1903, par. 4
Just before His crucifixion, the Saviour said to His disciples, “I will not leave you comfortless. ... I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever.” [John 14:18, 16.] “When He, the Spirit of truth is come, He will guide you into all truth; for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak; and He will show you things to come.” [John 16:13.] “He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” [John 14:26.]18LtMs, Ms 157, 1903, par. 25
My brethren and sisters, plead for the Holy Spirit. God stands back of every promise He has made. With your Bibles in your hands, say, I have done as Thou hast said. I present Thy promise, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” [Matthew 7:7.] Christ declares, “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” [Mark 11:24.] “Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” [John 14:13.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 89b, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 89b, 1897, par. 4
The work is the Lord’s and we will trust in Him, and He will bring it to pass. Our feet shall be placed in a large place. At present we seem to be cramped and hedged in, but the Lord will give room for His own purposes to be accomplished. The words spoken to Christ’s disciples come to us through their words. The Comforter is ours as well as theirs, at all times and in all places, in all sorrows and in all affliction, when the present outlook seems dark, and the future perplexing, and souls feel helpless and alone. These are the times when the Comforter will be sent in answer to the prayer of faith. There is no more encouraging promise than this: “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.]12LtMs, Lt 89b, 1897, par. 5
Earthly comforters may do their best, they speak to the ear, but there is no comfort like Christ’s, so tender and so true. He is touched with the feelings of our infirmities. His Spirit speaks to the heart. Circumstances may separate friends; the wide, broad sea may roll its restless waters between us and them. Their words and sincere wishes may still exist, and yet they be unable to demonstrate them, and do for us that which would be pleasantly and gratefully received, but no distance, no circumstances can separate us from “the Comforter.” [Verse 26.] Wherever we are, wherever we may go, He is there, always a presence, a person connected with heaven, One given us in Christ’s place, to act in His stead. He is always at our right hand, to speak to us soothing, gentle words, to support, sustain, uphold, and cheer.12LtMs, Lt 89b, 1897, par. 6
We are often in perplexity. We desire to keep the way of the Lord. We will to do justice and judgment. The unseen is close at hand, the Comforter. He is our appointed teacher. Said Christ, “He shall teach you all things.” [Verse 26.] The blessed Son of God in person taught His disciples while He was with them. But He was soon to leave them, and He told them, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” [Verse 15.] These are the conditions He places on all His followers.12LtMs, Lt 89b, 1897, par. 7
While they reveal their love for their Saviour by their obedience, through inconvenience, trial, and loss of earthly things, He assures them, “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 (who do my will, and keep my commandments) see me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” [Verses 16-21.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 158, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 158, 1898, par. 1
“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 14:26.] There is a multitude of errors in our world, but the truth is a unit always. Those who cherish the truth in the heart will manifest its sanctifying power; for true faith works by love and purifies the soul. “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth,” Christ declared, “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 16:7.]13LtMs, Ms 158, 1898, par. 3
“If ye love me, keep my commandments,” Christ continued. “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 14:15, 21.]13LtMs, Ms 158, 1898, par. 4
When God’s people search the Scriptures with a desire to know what is truth, Jesus is present in the person of His representative, the Holy Spirit, reviving the heart of the humble and contrite ones. “If a man love me, he will keep my words,” Christ said, “and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” [Verse 23.] “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 right remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” [John 15:10, 11.]13LtMs, Ms 158, 1898, par. 6
Our salvation depends on knowing the truth contained in the Scriptures. It is God’s will that we should know this. Search, O search, the precious Bible with hungry hearts. Explore God’s Word as the miner explores the earth to find veins of gold. Never give up the search until you have ascertained your relation to God and His will in regard to you. Christ declared, “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.]John 14:13-27
The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials
Diary—January 1891
1888 868.2
“The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.” Matthew 11:12. What an encouragement to every soul! When, armed with the promises of God, you come to the Father in the name of Jesus, the Great Intercessor is seen by faith, standing at the altar of incense and having in His hand the golden censer. You hear His voice saying, “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever.” John 14:16. What hope will fill your poor discouraged heart! What shame and remorse will you feel for your cherished unbelief!1888 882.2
In our season of prayer at the commencement of the Sabbath I was drawn out in earnest supplication to God that Jesus, the Great Physician, would restore me to soundness and give me victory over my present exhaustion that I could speak to the people. I could not give up the point. I must have help; I must have the divine touch, and strength would then be given me and my feebleness be removed and life-giving power be imparted. The Lord heard [my] prayer. I believe in His name. I claim His promises, Ask and ye shall receive. “Whatsoever ye 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. I had all the assurance I wanted. God’s Word, that is yea and amen.1888 882.3
I slept but little through the night but feel of good courage in the Lord. My physical strength is still small but I will continue to believe. When the time comes that I shall stand before the people at eleven o’clock a.m. then I shall realize an all-efficient Helper for my time of need, for the promises of God will not fail me. “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to 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 14:18, 27.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 40, 1891
7LtMs, Ms 40, 1891, par. 14
“The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.” Matthew 11:12. What an encouragement to every soul! When, armed with the promises of God, you come to the Father in the name of Jesus, the Great Intercessor is seen by faith, standing at the altar of incense and having in His hand the golden censer. You hear His voice saying, “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever.” John 14:16. What hope will fill your poor discouraged heart! What shame and remorse will you feel for your cherished unbelief!7LtMs, Ms 40, 1891, par. 64
In our season of prayer at the commencement of the Sabbath, I was drawn out in earnest supplication to God that Jesus, the Great Physician, would restore me to soundness and give me victory over my present exhaustion, that I could speak to the people. I could not give up the point. I must have help; I must have the divine touch, and strength would then be given me and my feebleness be removed and life-giving power be imparted. The Lord heard [my] prayer. I believe in His name. I claim His promises, Ask and ye shall receive. “Whatsoever ye 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. I had all the assurance I wanted. God’s Word, that is yea and amen.7LtMs, Ms 40, 1891, par. 65
I slept but little through the night but feel of good courage in the Lord. My physical strength is still small, but I will continue to believe. When the time comes that I shall stand before the people at eleven o’clock a.m., then I shall realize an all-efficient Helper for my time of need, for the promises of God will not fail me. “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to 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 14:18, 27.John 14:13-31
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 92, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 92, 1895, par. 32
Our great Exemplar said, “As the Father gave me commandment, even so I do.” [John 14:31.] I beseech you to be much with God in prayer. You can do your work successfully with Jesus. He will show you how to work. When He accomplished one work in His mission, He advanced and addressed himself to another. “This commandment have I received of My Father.” [John 10:18.] In everything that Christ did in the world He consulted the will of God, fulfilling the purpose and design of God in all His earthly life. Thus He represented the will of our heavenly Father toward man.10LtMs, Lt 92, 1895, par. 43
Christ proclaims Himself our Intercessor. He would have us know that He has graciously engaged to be our Substitute. He places His merit in the golden censer to offer up with the prayers of His saints, so that the prayers of His dear children may be mingled with the fragrant merits of Christ’s perfections as they ascend to the Father in the cloud of incense. The Father hears every prayer of His contrite children. The voice of supplication from the earth unites with the voice of our Intercessor who pleads in heaven, whose voice the Father always hears. Let our prayers therefore continually ascend to God. Let them not come up in the name of any human being, but in the name of Him who is our Substitute and Surety. Christ has given us His name to use. He says, “Ask in My name.” [John 14:13.] Let us pray in faith. Let us not falter, but go forward from strength to strength, from character to character, from victory to victory.10LtMs, Lt 92, 1895, par. 44
If you walk carefully before God, those who believe in Christ will respect you for Christ’s sake. Jesus receives and welcomes you as His own friend. He loves you, He has pledged Himself to open before you all the treasures of His grace for your appropriation. He says, “At that day ye shall ask in My name, and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: for the Father Himself loveth you, because you have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.” [John 16:26, 27.] He virtually says, Make use of My name, and it will be your passport to the heart of My Father and to all the riches of His grace. “Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it to you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name; ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” [Verses 23, 24.] “And whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” [John 14:13.] You should educate the soul to have implicit trust in God, for what we need is more faith.John 14:14
Prayer
Chapter 3—God Hears Prayer
Pr 34.1
God Hears and Answers Prayer—God hears prayer. Christ has said, “If ye shall ask anything in My name, I will do it.” Again He says, “If any man serve Me, him will My Father honor.” John 14:14; John 12:26. If we live according to His word, every precious promise He has given will be fulfilled to us. We are undeserving of His mercy, but as we give ourselves to Him, He receives us. He will work for and through those who follow Him.—(The Ministry of Healing, 226, 227.)From the Heart
In My Name, January 28
FH 40.1
If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. John 14:14.The Great Hope (Condensed)
Direct Access to God
GrH_c 29.5
Through the merits of Christ we have access to the throne of Infinite Power. “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” Jesus says: “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” “If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it.” “Ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” Romans 8:32; Luke 11:13; John 14:14; 16:24.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Lt 11, 1883
4LtMs, Lt 11, 1883, par. 14
You need a physician: you [need] the grace of Christ which is the balm of Gilead, that you may walk worthy of the vocation wherewith you are called that you may be presented to God without spot or wrinkle or any such thing. Satan is ever seeking to corrupt us. He is seeking to corrupt you, to pollute you. This is Satan’s aim. Are you letting him do his hellish work? While we are powerless to stay the workings of sin and Satan, help has been provided. Ask and ye shall receive. Two or three may claim the promise; if they ask anything in His name, He will do it. [John 14:14; Matthew 18:19, 20.] He will be inquired of to do these things for us.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Ms 4, 1888
5LtMs, Ms 4, 1888, par. 22
Why do we not get rid of these habits? Jesus Christ will help us. He is not in Joseph’s new tomb. He is a living Saviour, and we can plead His blood now, in 1888; and that same Saviour is He who said, What ye ask in My name will I give you. [John 14:14.] If I take His promises today, and believe that He will fulfill them because He said He would and present His name to the Father, saying, Father, I believe on Him whom Thou hast sent, His righteousness is pledged for me.Prayer
Chapter 5—God’s Promises Concerning Prayer
Pr 47.4
God hears prayer. Christ has said, “If ye shall ask anything in My name, I will do it.” Again He says, “If any man serve Me, him will My Father honor.” John 14:14; John 12:26. If we live according to His word, every precious promise He has given will be fulfilled to us. We are undeserving of His mercy, but as we give ourselves to Him, He receives us. He will work for and through those who follow Him.—(The Ministry of Healing, 226, 227.)Reflecting Christ
Prayer Is Appropriate Anytime, Anywhere, April 18
RC 122.1
If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. John 14:14.The Great Controversy
Chapter 27—Modern Revivals
GC 477.1
Here are revealed the heights of attainment that we may reach through faith in the promises of our heavenly Father, when we fulfill His requirements. Through the merits of Christ we have access to the throne of Infinite Power. “He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” Romans 8:32. The Father gave His Spirit without measure to His Son, and we also may partake of its fullness. Jesus says, “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?” Luke 11:13. “If ye shall ask anything in My name, I will do it.” “Ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” John 14:14: 16:24.The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)
Chapter 27—Modern Revivals
GC88 477.1
Here are revealed the heights of attainment that we may reach through faith in the promises of our heavenly Father, when we fulfill his requirements. Through the merits of Christ, we have access to the throne of infinite power. “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” [Romans 8:32.] The Father gave his Spirit without measure to his Son, and we also may partake of its fullness. Jesus says: “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” [Luke 11:13.] “If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it.” “Ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” [John 14:14; 16:24.]The Ministry of Healing
Chapter 16—Prayer for the Sick
MH 226.3
And God hears prayer. Christ has said, “If ye shall ask anything in My name, I will do it.” Again He says, “If any man serve Me, him will My Father honor.” John 14:14; 12:26. If we live according to His word, every precious promise He has given will be fulfilled to us. We are undeserving of His mercy, but as we give ourselves to Him, He receives us. He will work for and through those who follow Him.Sermons and Talks, vol. 2
Manuscript 144, 1901
2SAT 165.2
When I open a letter beginning, “I am sorry to trouble you, Sister White, but I am in trouble, and I wish to know something in regard to my family and in regard to myself,” I feel so sad at heart. When it is essential for you to know, God will let you know. He has promised that if you ask wisdom from Him, He will give it to you. But it is not always essential for us to know all the whys and wherefores. We dishonor God by striving to get someone who we think understands our case to help us. Has He not given us His only begotten Son? Is not Christ close beside us, and will He not give us the help we need? “Lo, I am with you alway,” He says, “even unto the end of the world.” His Word repeats the promise over and over again. “If ye shall ask any thing in My name, I will do it” [John 14:14], He says. “If ye love Me, keep My commandments.”From Here to Forever
Biblical Sanctification
HF 293.4
Through the merits of Christ we have access to the throne of Infinite Power. “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” Jesus says: “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” “If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it.” “Ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” Romans 8:32; Luke 11:13; John 14:14; 16:24.John 14:14-15
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 98, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 98, 1898, par. 2
As you come with earnestness and assurance to God, tell the Lord all about your necessities. You want to build for time, and then you will build for eternity. Take the promises of God. He has given us the privilege of coming to Him, and we need not fear of wearying Him. Do not doubt His Word of promise. Study the Word, and with your Bible in your hand say, Here, Lord, I come to receive the gift thou hast promised me. And as you do this, be able to say, I have done as Thou hast said. Do not bring God’s Word before Him, asking Him to do things which He has promised when you are not entitled to the promise. The conditions are, “Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.” “If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it.” [John 16:23; 14:14.]13LtMs, Ms 98, 1898, par. 3
What are the conditions? “If you love me, keep my commandments.” [Verse 15.] If you are disobedient, you bring to the Lord a note to be cashed when you have not fulfilled your part of the contract. [You] claim that your check is not honored when it is a forged check. Thus it is with those who bring the name of Christ as their authority for the fulfillment of the promise when they do not those things by which they show their love and faith in Jesus Christ.Lift Him Up
To Know God Is to Obey Him, June 13
LHU 178.1
If ye shall ask any thing in my name I will do it. If ye love me keep my commandments. John 14:14, 15.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 13, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 13, 1899, par. 9
Why do we not show more faith? We do not know what blessings we are losing because of unbelief. To exercise faith it is not necessary that we become worked up into an ecstasy of feeling; this is not at all essential. Exercising faith means taking God at His word, believing in His power to save to the uttermost all who come to Him, relying upon His Word because He is behind the promise and can do all things. If we come to Him in living faith, we shall receive of His fulness. “If ye ask anything in my name,” He says, “I will do it.” Then comes the condition: “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” [John 14:14, 15.] Our obedience makes us witnesses for God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 144, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 144, 1901, par. 9
When I open a letter beginning, “I am sorry to trouble you, Sister White, but I am in trouble, and I wish to know something in regard to my family and in regard to myself,” I feel so sad at heart. When it is essential for you to know, God will let you know. He has promised that if you ask wisdom from Him, He will give it to you. But it is not always essential for us to know all the why’s and wherefore’s. We dishonor God by striving to get some one whom we think understands our case to help us. Has He not given us His only begotten Son? Is not Christ close beside us, and will He not give us the help we need? “Lo, I am with you always,” He says, “even to the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:20.] His Word repeats the promise over and over again. “If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it,” He says. “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” [John 14:14, 15.]John 14:14-21
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 9a, 1891
7LtMs, Lt 9a, 1891, par. 14
The Lord Himself has pledged His word, “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.” [John 14:14-17.] Now mark the following words: “Whom the world can not receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him, for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. He that hath my commandments” (he that hath light in regard to the binding claims of the law of God) “and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me; and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I shall love him and will manifest myself to him.” [Verses 17-21.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 33, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 33, 1895, par. 19
The Lord Himself has pledged His word: “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.” You are standing under the banner of Jesus Christ. Now mark the following words: “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” (how? by faith) “because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. He that hath my commandments” (he that hath light in regard to the binding claims of the law of God), “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 14:14-21.]John 14:14-24
Manuscript Releases, vol. 18 [Nos. 1301-1359]
MR No. 1338—Reform Needed at St. Helena Health Retreat; Identify with Fellow Christians, not with Worldlings; an Appeal to Dr. Burke
18MR 239.2
Listen to Him who spake as never man spake to His children who believe in Him: “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” [John 14:14-17].18MR 239.3
Then I ask, How can it be possible that those who love God and the truth will be truly estimated and kindly received by the world, who seeth not the truth because they see not and love not the Author of truth? “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. Judas saith unto Him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that Thou wilt manifest Thyself unto us, and not unto the world?” Let everyone mark the answer, “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love Me, he will keep My words: and My Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth Me not keepeth not My sayings: and the word which ye hear is not Mine, but the Father’s which sent Me” [Verses 21-24].Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 17a, 1891
7LtMs, Lt 17a, 1891, par. 9
Listen to Him who spake as never man spake to His children who believe in Him: “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.” [John 14:14-17.]7LtMs, Lt 17a, 1891, par. 10
Then I ask, How can it be possible that those who love God and the truth will be truly estimated and kindly received by the world who seeth not the truth because they see not and love not the Author of truth? “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. Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?” Let everyone mark the answer, “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.” [Verses 21-24.]John 14:14-26
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Lt 278, 1908
23LtMs, Lt 278, 1908, par. 2
You know how much joy it gives to bestow good gifts on your children. The Saviour says, “How much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him.” [Luke 11:13.] The Father is much more willing to bestow His grace than we are to ask for it. “If ye shall ask anything in My name,” He says, “I will do it.” “The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name,” Christ declared, “He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” [John 14:14, 26.] Whatever we ask in Christ’s name, and in accordance with His will, will be given us.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 112, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 112, 1901, par. 12
“If ye shall ask any thing 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 to him. Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?” [John 14:14, 15, 21, 22.]16LtMs, Ms 112, 1901, par. 13
Let all have ears to hear the answer from the divine Teacher: “If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” [Verses 23-26.]John 14:15
Our Father Cares
Terms of the Covenant, August 10
OFC 234.3
The ten commandments, Thou shalt, and Thou shalt not, are ten promises, assured to us if we render obedience to the law governing the universe. “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Here is the sum and substance of the law of God. The terms of salvation for every son and daughter of Adam are here outlined....The Faith I Live By
The Great Principle of the Law, March 21
FLB 86.1
If ye love me, keep my commandments. John 14:15.FLB 86.6
The Ten Commandments, Thou shalt, and Thou shalt not, are ten promises, assured to us if we render obedience to the law governing the universe. “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15.87SDA Bible Commentary 1:1105.This Day With God
Dallying With Sin, November 6
TDG 319.3
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 that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1 John 2:4). “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous” (chap. 5:3)....God’s Amazing Grace
Terms of the Covenant, May 6
AG 134.3
The ten commandments, Thou shalt, and Thou shalt not, are ten promises, assured to us if we render obedience to the law governing the universe. “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Here is the sum and substance of the law of God. The terms of salvation for every son and daughter of Adam are here outlined....Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 36, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 36, 1890, par. 33
While one class perverts the doctrine of justification by faith and neglects to comply with the conditions laid down in the Word of God—“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” [John 14:15]—there is fully as great an error on the part of those who claim to believe and obey the commandments of God but who place themselves in opposition to the precious rays of light—new to them—reflected from the cross of Calvary. The first class do not see the wondrous things in the law of God for all who are doers of His Word. The others cavil over trivialities, and neglect the weightier matters, mercy and the love of God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 24, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 24, 1890, par. 13
While one class pervert the doctrine of justification by faith, and neglect to comply with the conditions laid down in the Word of God, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” [John 14:15], there is fully as great an error on the part of those who claim to believe and obey the commandments of God, who place themselves in opposition to the precious rays of light (new to them) reflected from the cross of Calvary. They do not see the wondrous things in the law of God. To all who are doers of the word, with every injunction to obedience there is a promise the most positive underlying the command.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 24, 1891
7LtMs, Ms 24, 1891, par. 64
“Whosoever heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock.” [Matthew 7:24.] The character of the Christian will be positive and stable; it will be monumental, commemorating the great truths of the Bible, that others may be benefited by the sign of obedience he carries. “If ye love Me, keep My commandments.” [John 14:15.] The Sabbath of the fourth commandment “is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you.” [Exodus 31:13.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 20, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 20, 1895, par. 7
We must through faith accept the truth as it is in Jesus. The Bible election is plainly stated in the Word of God. “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.] “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” [John 14:15.] “He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his words, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.” “And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the spirit which he hath given us.” [1 John 2:4, 5; 3:24.] (See Revelation 22:12-21.)Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 101, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 101, 1895, par. 8
What is the test of our love? “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” [John 14:15.] Dear children—little flock—let your obedience be the point of faith and the dictate of love. Let it be genuine service to God, an evidence that you love Jesus. How pleased is the Lord to see you—His little flock—truthful, upright, honest in all things! How pleased is your Father in heaven to listen to the fervent prayer rising from each heart: “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? Is there any precept of thy word slighted, any command that I disobey? Am I inclined to be untruthful in little things? Am I seeking to form right habits? Is the spirit I cherish in accordance with the mind and will of my pattern—Jesus Christ? Is there any secret excuse I am making for my neglect of duty, for my disobedience?”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Ms 38, 1896
11LtMs, Ms 38, 1896, par. 4
The life practice of the believing child of God should exalt the gospel of Christ. It should testify of the power of the Word upon the human life. Christ has said, “If ye love me keep my commandments.” [John 14:15.] “And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word.” [John 17:19, 20.] Here is where the responsibility of individual influence comes in. The words of the disciple of Christ will simply be a voicing of the words of Christ, and are to be received from his servants as the words of Christ.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 110, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 110, 1899, par. 12
God pities His disobedient children, who by the disregard of the laws of His kingdom deprive themselves of His rich comfort. But He will not permit the impression to be given that those who have been called by His name are blessed by Him in doing the wrong things done by worldlings. Christ declared, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” [John 14:15.] Those who obey Satan, following the impulses of the natural will, are under the control of the enemy, and God cannot sanction their transgression.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 51, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 51, 1899, par. 7
We are individually to be true and loyal to higher laws. Our Redeemer, who paid His life as a ransom for us, has said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” [John 14:15.] The world around us sets its standard of customs and fashions to suit the inclination of unsanctified hearts; but they are not the rules for those who love Jesus Christ. Christ has chosen us out of the world, and has given us His own life to be our standard and our pattern. Every one whom God loves will say, I must live in this world, and yet not be of it. I must be as Christ has appointed. He says, “Ye are the light of the world. ... Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14, 16.] Keep the windows of the soul open toward heaven, and let the pure, holy atmosphere of heaven flow into the chambers of your mind and into the soul temple. Then the windows that open earthward will close of themselves.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 59, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 59, 1900, par. 15
Mistakes have been made in regard to what constitutes sanctification and holiness. This is claimed by many who have no right to it, for while they claim and teach purity, their own course of action belies their profession. They mislead minds and their course of conduct testifies that they are doing the works of the enemy. We are called into the freedom of the gospel but not into the service of sin. We are called to wear Christ’s yoke, which is true liberty, not liberty to sin and disregard the plainest injunction of the Word of God, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” [John 14:15.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 27, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 27, 1900, par. 12
“If ye love me,” Christ says, “keep my commandments.” [John 14:15.] “He that willeth to do his will shall know of the doctrine.” [John 7:17.] He shall indeed know, not uncertainly, but with a knowledge that makes the soul brave and courageous, anxious to sow the seed of truth and reap the harvest. This work is the source of elevated, holy, and constantly refreshing joy. “The water that I shall give him,” Christ declares, “shall be in him a well of water, springing up into everlasting life.” [John 4:14.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 143, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 143, 1901, par. 78
Christ declared, “If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.” [John 9:41.] “If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.” [John 15:24.] To His disciples He said, “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.” [Verse 10.] “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” [John 14:15.] “He that hateth me hateth my Father also.” [John 15:23.] “He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” [1 John 2:4.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 178, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 178, 1903, par. 4
Obedience to God is the proof of being chosen in the beloved, because they have faith that works by love and purifies the soul. Said Christ, “If ye love Me, keep My commandments.” [John 14:15.] This is the test. Obedience to God is proof of being chosen and born of God, a partaker of the divine nature, and such are the elect of God and precious.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 24, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 24, 1903, par. 14
Christ said to His disciples, “If ye love Me, keep My commandments.” [John 14:15.] He desired to make His disciples understand that mere attachment to His person is not enough. They must have faith in the work that He came to do. “If ye indeed love Me,” He says to them and to us, “show your love by keeping My commandments, by doing the work you have seen Me do, by putting into practice the lessons I have taught you. Then your love will not be merely emotional; it will be a permanent principle of action. It will bring forth fruit unto life eternal. The loving will make the doing easy.”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 142, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 142, 1903, par. 104
“God calls for a reformation among Seventh-day Adventists. He calls upon His people to prepare themselves to do the highest service. He calls upon them to humble their proud hearts at His altar, confessing their sins, banishing human ideas from their plans. Christ’s standard of perfection adjusts the matter of every man’s salvation. He says, ‘I have manifested Thy name unto the men which Thou gavest Me out of the world.’ [John 17:6.] ‘If ye love Me, keep My commandments.’ [John 14:15.] We are not to keep only those commandments which do not interfere with human inclination, thinking this is our whole duty. God requires full and willing obedience. The day of final reward will be a day of great astonishment to those who have done well in serving themselves, making everything convenient for self, placing their own value upon the work they perform and requiring the highest wages, but failing to keep the commandments of God.”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 308, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 308, 1903, par. 16
The character of the Christian who practices the truth of the Gospel will be in his simplicity, [representing] monumental truths commemorative of the great saving message for these last days. “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” [John 14:15.]Manuscript Releases, vol. 10 [Nos. 771-850]
MR No. 817—What Being Saved Means
10MR 291.2
What is the evidence of conversion?—“If ye love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). “If you love Me, let not your love be merely like the supposed feeling of attachment between people. Genuine love lies in the keeping of My commandments.” The love that will yield willing obedience is not a fickle thing, but a strong, fixed principle, revealed in word and action.John 14:15-16
Homeward Bound
Heart Obedience, April 14
HB 123.1
If you love Me, keep My commandments.—John 14:15.HB 123.5
Before offering Himself as the sacrificial victim, Christ sought for the most essential and complete gift to bestow upon His followers, a gift that would bring within their reach the boundless resources of grace. “I will pray the Father,” He said, “and He shall give you another Comforter.” (John 14:16.)—The Desire of Ages, 668, 669.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 94, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 94, 1899, par. 17
God calls for a reformation among Seventh-day Adventists. He calls upon His people to prepare themselves to do the highest service. He calls upon them to humble their proud hearts at His altar, confessing their sins, banishing human ideas from their plans. Christ’s standard of perfection adjusts the matter of every man’s salvation. He says, “I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world.” “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” [John 17:6; 14:15.] We are not to keep only those commandments which do not interfere with human inclination, thinking this is our whole duty. God requires full and willing obedience. The day of final reward will be a day of great astonishment to those who have done well in serving themselves, making everything convenient for self, placing their own value upon the work they perform, and requiring the highest wages, but failing to keep the commandments of God and having no interest in their fellow workers. They did not bring the commandments into their practical life.14LtMs, Ms 94, 1899, par. 42
Why do you not cease from sin? You may overcome if you will co-operate with God. Christ’s promise is sure. He pledges Himself to fill the office of personal Intercessor, saying, “I will pray the Father for you.” [See John 14:16.] He who could not see human beings exposed to destruction without pouring out His soul unto death to save them from eternal ruin will look with pity and compassion upon every soul who realizes that he cannot save himself. He will see no trembling suppliant without raising him up. He who through His own atonement provided for them an infinite fund of moral power will not fail to employ this power in their behalf. He will impute to them His own righteousness.John 14:15-17
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)
Lt 9, 1873
2LtMs, Lt 9, 1873, par. 4
Christ is your rock and your fortress. Unto His name the righteous runneth and are safe. Says Christ, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15. Christ promised His followers that He would pray to His Father and after His departure He would send them another Comforter that He might abide with them forever, “even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive.” John 14:17.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 141, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 141, 1899, par. 16
There is no comfort in living a lie, to profess to be sons of God and yet fail to act our part in giving Him diligent faithful whole-souled service. If the Holy Spirit was abiding in the heart as the Comforter, this would be revealed. Said Christ, “I will pray the Father, and he will 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.” [John 14:16, 17.] The world cannot receive this statement, for spiritual things are spiritually discerned. Unconverted church members are registered in the books of heaven as disobedient sons.14LtMs, Ms 141, 1899, par. 17
Those who have taken this solemn covenant upon themselves, have pledged themselves to receive the Word of God and obey it. But they do not do this. They do not place themselves in obedience to the requirements of God. The surrender to God must be complete. “If ye love me,” Christ says, “keep my commandments.” [Verse 15.] “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.” [Matthew 11:29.] My yoke is not, as many suppose, a yoke of bondage. It is a yoke of perfect freedom, linking man with God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 8c, 1891
7LtMs, Ms 8c, 1891, par. 11
Again He 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; even the Spirit of truth [not deception]; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not [Jesus, the author of truth], neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” [John 14:15-17.] What is the work of the Comforter? “And when he is come, he will”—praise, flatter, exalt? No;—“he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you.” [John 16:8-14.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 90, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 90, 1897, par. 5
Satan claims this world as his kingdom. Here he has set up his seat. But even amid the moral darkness some light shines. God has a little flock. This people are not popular, for the world has chosen darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil. But Christ says to His chosen ones, “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.” [John 14:15-17.]John 14:15-18
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 55, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 55, 1893, par. 18
My sister, let us love God supremely, allowing no influence to come between us and our God. We must give heed to the light which God has permitted to shine upon our pathway; we must show before all heaven that we appreciate every ray of light; we must reflect that light upon others. We are responsible to God for our influence. Even if we are compelled to stand apparently alone, we are not alone, for Christ is with us to encourage and strengthen and bless us. He is acquainted, dear sister, with every desire of your heart, with every purpose of your soul. He says, “I will not leave you comfortless, I will come to you.” [John 14:18.]8LtMs, Lt 55, 1893, par. 21
“Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth.” “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” [John 17:17; 14:15.] “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. But whosoever keepeth his words, in him verily is the love of God perfected. Hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also to walk, even as he walked.” Mark these words: “Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye have heard from the beginning.” [1 John 2:3-7.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 49, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 49, 1897, par. 2
A Christian! What does the term comprehend? Our Saviour 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. Even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him.” “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” “But ye know him, for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” [John 14:15-17; 1 Corinthians 2:14.]12LtMs, Ms 49, 1897, par. 4
The natural growth cannot develop a symmetrical character. There must be a new birth. “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, but of God.” [John 1:12, 13.] “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit. Marvel not that I say unto thee, ye must be born again.” [John 3:6, 7.] The believing soul is here represented in the words of Christ. “Ye know him, for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” And His promise to His follower is, “I will not leave you comfortless.” [John 14:17, 18.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 8, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 8, 1894, par. 11
Those who have the knowledge of the truth are rich in the possession of heavenly treasures. But the world will not appreciate the value of the truth, and neither will those who claim to be preaching the gospel, and who yet are turning away their ears from the truth to hear fables and to present fables because it better suits their unconsecrated hearts. Those who stand on the side of Christ will hear His commandment and receive His promise. He 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; 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 14:15-18. He came not only to show us His divinity, but to make fallen men partakers of the divine nature.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 24, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 24, 1898, par. 21
We shall learn the value of the human soul when we learn to value the love of God for us. A divine Saviour died for all, that all might find in Him their divine Source. In Christ Jesus we are one, lifted to the same rank, members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King, by the utterance of one name, “Our Father,” through Jesus Christ who loved us and gave His life a ransom for us. This places an equal value upon all. To the poor and oppressed and downtrodden of earth, Christ says, “If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, even the Spirit of truth, (which is Christ formed within the hope of glory,) whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not: but ye know him, for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless.” [John 14:15-18.]John 14:15-20
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 41, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, par. 28
None of us liveth to himself. Each is assigned a post of duty in labor. The influence of each, closely bound in the closest bonds of holy union by the links of the golden chain of love, because God is love, is the evidence to the world that God has sent His Son. The love that is revealed in the home life bursts its bonds and becomes a working power in the church and extends to the neighborhood. Thus the love principle which caused Christ to die to save the world extends to the community, and to the nations and kingdoms of the world. John 14:15-20.John 14:15-21
Prayer
Chapter 7—Prayer And Obedience
Pr 67.2
Prayer Does Not Take the Place of Obedience—There are conditions to the fulfillment of God’s promises, and prayer can never take the place of duty. “If ye love Me,” Christ says, “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 to him.” John 14:15, 21. Those who bring their petitions to God, claiming His promise while they do not comply with the conditions, insult Jehovah. They bring the name of Christ as their authority for the fulfillment of the promise, but they do not those things that would show faith in Christ and love for Him.Prayer
Chapter 11—Answered Prayer
Pr 104.4
We Insult God by Claiming the Promise Without Meeting the Conditions—There are conditions to the fulfillment of God’s promises, and prayer can never take the place of duty. “If ye love Me,” Christ says, “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 to him.” John 14:15, 21. Those who bring their petitions to God, claiming His promise while they do not comply with the conditions, insult Jehovah. They bring the name of Christ as their authority for the fulfillment of the promise, but they do not those things that would show faith in Christ and love for Him.—(Christ’s Object Lessons, 143.)Prayer
Chapter 26—Counterfeit Prayers
Pr 263.1
There are conditions to the fulfillment of God’s promises, and prayer can never take the place of duty. “If ye love Me,” Christ says, “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 to him.” John 14:15, 21. Those who bring their petitions to God, claiming His promise while they do not comply with the conditions, insult Jehovah. They bring the name of Christ as their authority for the fulfillment of the promise, but they do not those things that would show faith in Christ and love for Him.—(Christ’s Object Lessons, 143.)That I May Know Him
Evidence of Our Allegiance, October 14
TMK 293.1
If ye love me, keep my commandments. John 14:15.TMK 293.4
“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). This is the yoke which Christ invites us to wear—the yoke of obedience. Can we not say, “Lord, I take Thee at Thy word; I receive Thy promise. I come to Thee because I need Thee as a personal Saviour. I must have an abiding Christ. I am dependent on Thee. Thou art mine.” Christ says, “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them”—not in pretense, but with the whole mind, heart, soul, and strength—“he it is that loveth me” (John 14:21). This is the true test of character. We must be doers of the Word.17Letter 66, 1898.Homeward Bound
The Science of Prayer, May 3
HB 144.5
There are conditions to the fulfillment of God’s promises, and prayer can never take the place of duty. “If ye love Me,” Christ says, “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 to him.” (John 14:15, 21.) Those who bring their petitions to God, claiming His promise while they do not comply with the conditions, insult Jehovah. They bring the name of Christ as their authority for the fulfillment of the promise, but they do not those things that would show faith in Christ and love for Him.—Christ’s Object Lessons, 142, 143.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 47, 1886
4LtMs, Ms 47, 1886, par. 1
“If ye love Me, keep My commandments.” John 14:15.4LtMs, Ms 47, 1886, par. 2
Here is presented before us the fact that they that love God will keep His commandments. The Spirit of truth “the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him.” [Verse 17.] It should not be surprising to those who keep the commandments of God if they should meet the opposition of the world. The Word tells us to be separated from the disobedient. This will cause a feeling of opposition to arise with those who have a hatred toward the precepts of their Creator. But we cannot afford to be disloyal to God for the friendship of the world. The truth is worldwide, and if we have a knowledge of it, we must not let those who are in darkness lead us from it.4LtMs, Ms 47, 1886, par. 4
“He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh My blood.” [John 6:56.] How can we explain the meaning of these words? “It is the Spirit that quickeneth; ... the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” John 6:63. So we see the eating of the flesh and drinking the blood is in obeying His Word. “He that hath My commandments, and keepeth them.” John 14:21. “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. Now we want to be in harmony with our Redeemer, and if we are that is evidence that we keep His sayings. The souls of men are of the highest value, and it is our duty to know that we are in harmony with God. We need to cultivate faith in God and His Word.4LtMs, Ms 47, 1886, par. 10
The Lord would have us look to Him and cry for His Holy Spirit, for there are souls to save. We need not only work out our own salvation, but it is our duty to assist others to become acquainted with God. This should be done with fear and trembling. We should accept the Word of God and have His love in our hearts. Christ says, “If ye love Me, keep My commandments.” John 14:15. If we have the love of God in our hearts, we shall be happy. We may be poor in this world, but we are joint heirs with Jesus Christ.4LtMs, Ms 47, 1886, par. 15
We must not question whether we shall have trials. It is always best to be on the Lord’s side. More than one scandal has followed me. Should this drive me away from Jesus because I was a partaker with His suffering? We are commanded to take up the cross and follow Him. He suffered reproach that we might be saved from death. Christ says, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” [Verse 15.] And if we comply, it is an evidence that we love Him. “Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they my have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” Revelation 22:14.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Ms 16, 1887
5LtMs, Ms 16, 1887, par. 8
The difficulty rests with us. We are not willing to go any further than we can see, and yet the sons and daughters of God must walk by faith. But there are conditions even to the promises of God. He declares to us that if we love Him, we shall keep His commandments. “If ye love Me, keep My commandments.” “He that hath My commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me.” John 14:15, 21.In Heavenly Places
The Witness of the Spirit, May 17
HP 144.3
The law of God is the great standard of righteousness. This the apostle declares is holy, just, and good. David says, “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul” (Psalm 19:7). Christ says, “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 to him” (John 14:15, 21). This is most assuredly the witness of the Spirit.... “If ye keep my commandments”—from the heart—“ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love” (John 15:10).Manuscript Releases, vol. 5 [Nos. 260-346]
MR No. 318—The Christian Pathway
5MR 262.4
“If ye love Me, keep My commandments” [John 14:15].5MR 263.2
“He that eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood.” How can we explain the meaning of these words? “It is the spirit that quickeneth; ... the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” [John 6:63]. So we see the eating of the flesh and drinking the blood is in obeying His word. “He that hath My commandments, and keepeth them” [John 14:21]. “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]. Now we want to be in harmony with our Redeemer, and if we are, that is evidence that we keep His sayings. The souls of men are of the highest value, and it is our duty to know that we are in harmony with God. We need to cultivate faith in God and His word.5MR 265.3
The Lord would have us look to Him and cry for His Holy Spirit, for there are souls to save. We need not only work out our own salvation, but it is our duty to assist others to become acquainted with God. This should be done with fear and trembling. We should accept the word of God and have His love in our hearts. Christ says, “If ye love Me, keep My commandments” [John 14:15]. If we have the love of God in our hearts we shall be happy. We may be poor in this world, but we are joint heirs with Jesus Christ.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 28, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 28, 1900, par. 11
“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 to him.” [John 14:15, 21.] “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit, so shall ye be my disciples. 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. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” [John 15:7-11.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 63, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 63, 1903, par. 13
Medical missionary workers are acknowledged by Christ, not because they bear the name they do, but because they are under the guardianship of the Chief Missionary, who left heaven to give His life for the life of the world. He says, “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.]Manuscript Releases, vol. 13 [Nos. 1000-1080]
MR No. 1010—Counsel to those in Authority
13MR 61.2
Jesus says, “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]. The king saw the form of the Fourth, and was convinced that the God of the three Hebrews was the living God. He acknowledged the wonderful miracle that had been wrought, but because he did not continue to walk in the light he lost the holy impression that had been made upon his mind. But God saw fit to give the king another dream that is recorded in the fourth chapter of Daniel.13MR 65.2
The Lord gave him the truth, but he did not practice it. The universe of heaven said to the king of Babylon, “Thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men” [cf. Matthew 16:23]. The ways of men are opposed to the ways of God. The Lord Jesus gave lessons to His disciples to show to us all that it is through His grace alone that we shall be able to discern spiritual truths. “If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you” [John 14:15-17]. To us who believe have been committed the oracles of God. The books of Daniel and Revelation are full of matter which concerns every one of us. We should study these books, and let the Lord God of Israel communicate truth to us, so that we may be able to communicate the truth to others who live in these last days. The Lord would have His people learn of Jesus. God forbid that those for whom He has wrought shall become highminded and be left to their own way as was the king of Babylon.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Ms 15, 1896
11LtMs, Ms 15, 1896, par. 6
Jesus says, “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 14:21.] The king saw the form of the Fourth, and was convinced that the God of the three Hebrews was the living God. He acknowledged the wonderful miracle that had been wrought, but because he did not continue to walk in the light he lost the holy impression that had been made upon his mind. But God saw fit to give the king another dream that is recorded in the fourth chapter of Daniel.11LtMs, Ms 15, 1896, par. 17
The Lord gave him the truth, but he did not practice it. The universe of heaven said to the king of Babylon, “Thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.” [Matthew 16:23.] The ways of men are opposed to the ways of God. The Lord Jesus gave lessons to His disciples to show to us all that it is through His grace alone that we shall be able to discern spiritual truths. “If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” [John 14:15-17.]11LtMs, Ms 15, 1896, par. 36
Many who profess the truth do not know its preciousness, nor realize the richness of the assurances God has given. And they will not understand this until they are pressed into places of difficulty. But then they will understand what the Saviour means when He says, “I will manifest myself unto them.” [John 14:21.] When surrounded by those who have not the love of God, the Christian will realize how precious it is to have communion with God, and to obtain views of eternal redemption.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 29, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 29, 1900, par. 9
“Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. 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. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” [John 15:8-11.] “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. ... At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. He that hath my commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me; and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” [John 14:15-18, 20, 21.]In Heavenly Places
The Heavenly Father’s Claim, May 1
HP 128.5
There are only two classes in the world today, and only two classes will be recognized in the judgment—those who violate God’s law and those who obey it. Christ gives the test by which we prove our loyalty or disloyalty. “If ye love me,” He says, “keep my commandments.... He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me ...” (John 14:15-21).1The Review and Herald, June 23, 1910.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 10, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 10, 1898, par. 8
I have but a few moments to write now, but I will write to you again soon. God bless you. He does, He will, bless you. “If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world seeth me no more, but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” [John 14:15-21.]John 14:15-23
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 138, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 138, 1897, par. 28
What is the evidence of conversion? “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” [John 14:15.] If you love Me, let not your love be merely like the supposed feeling of attachment between people. Genuine love lies in the keeping of My commandments. The love that will yield willing obedience is not a fickle thing, but a strong, fixed principle, revealed in word and action.12LtMs, Ms 138, 1897, par. 40
“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 14:23.] What a promise is this. Christ has given it to His church, yea, to all who shall believe on Him. “We will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” Can we ask more than this? This efficiency is waiting our reception. Why do we then distrust? Why do we walk in darkness and unbelief? Where is our faith?12LtMs, Ms 138, 1897, par. 42
A weight of responsibility rests upon every worker. Look carefully at Christ’s words: “He that hath my commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me, and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” [Verse 21.] Meditate upon these words. If they are truly believed, the messengers sent by God will be endued with power from above.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 130, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 130, 1901, par. 10
“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” [John 13:34.] The Lord our Redeemer had not yet demonstrated fully that love to its completeness. After His condemnation in the judgment hall, His crucifixion on the cross, when He cried out in clear, loud voice, “It is finished,” that love stands forth as an exhibition of a new love—“as I have loved you”—is demonstrated. [John 19:30.] Can the human mind take this in? Can we obey the commandment given? Christ requires nothing of any soul that it is not possible for him to do. “By this (revealing of unity and love one for the other) shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” [John 13:35.] “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” [John 14:15.] “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.” John 14:21, 23. “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. 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. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.” [John 15:8-12.]EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
John 14:12-28
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 70a, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 70a, 1897, par. 2
“Verily, verily, I say unto you,” Christ continued, “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.] By this Christ did not mean that the disciples would make any more exalted exertion than He had made. He meant that their work would have greater magnitude. He did not refer merely to miracle-working, but to all that would take place under the working of the Holy Spirit. Christ’s work was largely confined to Judea. But though His personal ministry did not extend to other lands, people from all nations listened to His teaching, and carried the message to all parts of the world. Many heard of Jesus by hearing of the wonderful miracles that He performed. And the knowledge of His suffering and death, which were to be witnessed by the large number in attendance at the Passover, would be spread from Jerusalem to all parts of the world.12LtMs, Ms 70a, 1897, par. 4
“Greater works than these shall ye do because I go to my Father.” [Verse 12.] He would intercede for them, and would send them His own representative, the Holy Spirit, who would attend them in their work. This representative would not appear in human form, but by faith would be seen and recognized by all who believe in Christ.12LtMs, Ms 70a, 1897, par. 5
“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.” This promise is given on a condition: “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” [Verses 13-15.] The ten commandments, Thou shalt, and Thou shalt not, are ten promises, secured to us if we render obedience to the law governing the universe. A certain lawyer came to Christ, saying, “Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering, said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.] This is the sum and substance of the law of God. The terms of salvation for every son and daughter of Adam are here outlined. It is plainly stated that the condition of gaining eternal life is obedience to the commandments of God.12LtMs, Ms 70a, 1897, par. 8
Those who dishonor God by transgressing His law may talk sanctification, but it is of the same value, and just as acceptable, as was the offering of Cain. Obedience to the commandments of God is the only true sign of sanctification. Disobedience is the sign of disloyalty and apostasy. “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 14:21.] Again Christ repeated the condition of union with Him. This promise is made to every sincere Christian. Our Saviour speaks so plainly that no one need fail to understand that true love will always produce obedience. Obedience is the sign of true love. Christ and the Father are one, and those who in truth receive Christ will love God, as the great center of their adoration, and will also love one another; and in so doing they will keep the law.12LtMs, Ms 70a, 1897, par. 9
“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of the 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.” [Verses 16, 17.] Christ was about to depart to His home in the heavenly courts; but He assured His disciples that He would send them a Comforter, who would abide with them forever. To the guidance of this Comforter all may implicitly trust. He is the spirit of truth, but this truth the world can neither see nor receive.12LtMs, Ms 70a, 1897, par. 11
“The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice because I said, I go unto the Father; for my Father is greater than I.” [John 14:26-28.] This assurance was given to the disciples to be given to all who should believe on Him till the close of this earth’s history.12LtMs, Ms 70a, 1897, par. 12
Christ desired His disciples to understand that He would not leave them orphans. “I will not leave you comfortless,” He declared; “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 18, 19.] Precious, glorious assurance of eternal life! Even though He was to be absent, their relation to Him as to be that of a child to its parent.12LtMs, Ms 70a, 1897, par. 13
“At that day,” He said, “ye shall know that I am in the Father, and ye in me, and I in you.” [Verse 20.] He sought to impress the minds of the disciples with the distinction between those who are of the world, and those who are of Christ. He was about to die, but He desired them to realize that He would live again. And although after His ascension He would be absent from them, yet by faith they might see and know Him. And He would have the same loving interest in them that He had while with them.Manuscript Releases, vol. 12 [Nos. 921-999]
MR No. 977—The Power of the Holy Spirit
12MR 258.3
“Greater Works” to Be Done in Power of the Holy Spirit—“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]. Christ’s work was largely confined to Judea. But though His personal ministry did not extend to other lands, people from all nations listened to His preaching, and carried the message to all parts of the world. Many heard of Jesus by hearing of the wonderful miracles He performed.12MR 260.1
Christ Present With Believers by the Holy Spirit—“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” [John 14:16, 17]. Christ was about to depart to His home in the heavenly courts. But He assured His disciples that He would send them another Comforter, who would abide with them forever. To the guidance of this Comforter all who believe in Christ may implicitly trust. He is the Spirit of truth, but this truth the world can neither discern nor receive.12MR 260.3
[John 14:26-28 quoted.] This positive assurance was given to the disciples, to be given to all who should believe on Him to the close of this earth’s history.12MR 260.4
Christ desired His disciples to understand that He would not leave them orphans. “I will not leave you comfortless,” He declared; “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 18, 19]. A precious, glorious assurance of eternal life! Even though He was to be absent, their relation to Him was to be that of a child to its parent.Selected Messages Book 1
Chapter 37—“Even So Send I You”
1SM 263.1
“As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you” (John 20:21). We are to bear as definite a testimony to the truth as it is in Jesus, as did Christ and His apostles. Trusting in the efficiency of the Holy Spirit, we are to testify of the mercy, goodness, and love of a crucified and risen Saviour, and thus be agents through whom the darkness will be dispelled from many minds, and cause thanksgiving and praise to ascend from many hearts to God. There is a great work to be done by every son and daughter of God. Jesus 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 for ever” (John 14:15, 16). In His prayer for His disciples, He says that He not only prayed for those in His immediate presence, but “for them also which shall believe on me through their word” (John 17:20). Again He said, “Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I” (John 14:28). Thus we see that Christ has prayed for His people, and made them abundant promises to ensure success to them as His colaborers. He said, “Greater works than these [those He did] shall he do; because I go unto my Father” (John 14:12).