EGW WritingsJohn 15
Ellen G. White · Page 4 of 9
Read John 15 in the BibleJohn 15:2
Christ Triumphant
Christ Wants Us to Bear Fruit by Working for Him, September 7
CTr 257.1
Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. John 15:2.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 65, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 65, 1897, par. 17
“Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended after they heard this saying?” Christ knows the hearts of all men. Nothing is hid from Him. “He answered, and said, Every plant which my heavenly Father hath not planted shall be rooted up.” [Verses 12, 13.] “Every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he taketh away; and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” [John 15:2.] “Let them alone, they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.” [Matthew 15:14.] “For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed. Therefore the Lord shall have no joy in their young men, neither shall have mercy on their fatherless and widows; for every one is an hypocrite and an evil doer, and every mouth speaketh folly. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.” [Isaiah 9:16, 17.]Sons and Daughters of God
God Prunes Us to Make Us More Fruitful, October 9
SD 289.1
Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. John 15:2.Jesus, Name Above All Names
Heavenly Vine, February 3
JNN 42.1
“Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.”—John 15:2Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 34, 1890
6LtMs, Lt 34, 1890, par. 39
If your spirit, my sister, were in harmony with that of Christ you would not suggest one word of envy or suspicion to your husband’s mind. No thought of evil would germinate and spring up to bear fruit, and result in separating you and him from the work. “Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away, and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” [John 15:2.] Seek the Lord with all your heart before it shall be too late.John 15:2-5
Testimony Treasures, vol. 1
Self-Denial and Sacrifice
1TT 366.1
The foundation of the plan of salvation was laid in sacrifice. Jesus left the royal courts and became poor, that we through His poverty might be made rich. All who share this salvation, purchased for them at such an infinite sacrifice by the Son of God, will follow the example of the true Pattern. Christ was the chief Cornerstone, and we must build upon this Foundation. Each must have a spirit of self-denial and self-sacrifice. The life of Christ upon earth was unselfish; it was marked with humiliation and sacrifice. And shall men, partakers of the great salvation which Jesus came from heaven to bring them, refuse to follow their Lord and to share in His self-denial and sacrifice? Says Christ: “I am the Vine, ye are the branches.” John 15:5. “Every branch in Me that beareth not fruit He taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, He purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” Verse 2. The very vital principle, the sap which flows through the vine, nourishes the branches, that they may flourish and bear fruit. Is the servant greater than his Lord? Shall the world’s Redeemer practice self-denial and sacrifice on our account, and the members of Christ’s body practice self-indulgence? Self-denial is an essential condition of discipleship.John 15:2-8
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 80, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 80, 1894, par. 20
In His lesson of the vine and the branches, Jesus says, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] “Every branch in me (those who claim to believe in Me) that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. ... Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.” [Verses 2, 4.] <We must pray for grace to endure the purging.>9LtMs, Lt 80, 1894, par. 24
The character of Christ is to be reproduced in His followers. The grace of Christ was to be bestowed in rich abundance, producing in men a character after the divine similitude. Jesus says, “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” [John 15:8.] “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.” [Galatians 5:22, 23.] Those who have vital connection with Jesus Christ will bear this quality of fruit.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Lt 66, 1884
4LtMs, Lt 66, 1884, par. 7
What has Jesus done for you, and what is He continually doing for us individually? What have you that you have not received? Said Christ,—“I am the vine, ye are the branches.” “Every branch in me that beareth not fruit He taketh away; and every branch that beareth fruit, He purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” [John 15:5, 2.] The branches do not sustain the vine, but the vine supports and nourishes the branches. The church does not support Christ, but Christ, by His vital power, supports the church. It is not enough to be a branch; we are to be fruitful branches. “He that abideth in me,” said Jesus, “and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit.” [Verse 5.] But if the fruit produced be that of the thorn bush, it is evident that we are not branches of the Living Vine.4LtMs, Lt 66, 1884, par. 17
There is work for you to do in the church and out of the church. “Herein is my Father glorified that ye bear much fruit.” [John 15:8.] The fruit we bear is the only test of the character of the tree before the world. This is the proof of our discipleship. If our works are of such a character that as branches of the Living Vine we bear rich clusters of precious fruit, then we bear before the world God’s own badge as His sons and daughters. We are living epistles, known and read of all men.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 14, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 14, 1894, par. 3
We are to unite together to bring God’s light into the world, every one adding his jot or tittle in Christ’s lines. This is the order of Christ. “Ye are the branches of the vine.” [See John 15:5.] You are bearing fruit, then, and it is the fruit of righteousness. But you do not bear thorns. You do not come here to the school to see how much you can follow your own inclinations; you do not come here to have your own way and see how near you can come to the border of disorder and lawlessness, and yet maintain your position in the school. You cannot do this way. You may think, “Because I have done so and so, they have dealt with me very severely, and I only considered it a little thing.” I refer you to Adam and Eve in Eden. God said, “Ye shall not eat of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil lest ye die.” [Genesis 2:17.] But Eve was flattered by the enemy and ventured to take of the fruit of the tree and eat, and gave to her husband. She showed that she felt as though she was indeed a representative of Satan. She presents it to her husband and he did eat.9LtMs, Ms 14, 1894, par. 14
A letter comes to me from America saying, “Well, by and by I may take up the work of the Lord after I have all my debts paid, but as yet I am not religiously inclined.” They were going to drift as they pleased, serve God as they pleased, stand under the banner of the enemy and then get under Christ’s banner, as they think; but they are not there at all, because [Christ says,] Every branch that is in Me that beareth not fruit shall be taken away. [John 15:2.] The enemy takes it.9LtMs, Ms 14, 1894, par. 24
God gave Daniel true education and knowledge and understanding and wisdom, for he was closely connected with the living God; and if you are, you will have the same current running through your veins that is in the living Vine. [Christ says,] It is My Father’s good pleasure that ye bear much fruit. [John 15:8.] See if you are on Christ’s side. Inquire, “Am I on the Lord’s side? Am I doing the work of my heavenly Father? Am I becoming rooted and grounded and established in the present truth?”John 15:2-10
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 38, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 38, 1897, par. 22
O that Peter had learned more of the lesson given in the fifteenth chapter of John, of the necessity of abiding in Christ! “As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself,” said Christ, “except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.” [John 15:4.] Christ longed to have His disciples understand the privileges and advantages coming to them through Him. Peter heard these lessons as Christ pointed to the vine on which was a withered branch, and said, “Every branch in me that beareth no fruit, he taketh away; and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth (pruneth) it, that it may bring forth more fruit. ... As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye except ye abide in me. ... If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.” [Verses 2, 4, 6.]12LtMs, Ms 38, 1897, par. 24
One who loved them was seeking to give them special instruction. He was thinking of them, praying for them. His eye read every phase of their future experience during the terrible ordeal through which He was about to pass. Then how eager would they have been if they could do nothing more than look with sympathy and love upon their Lord, and with faith undimmed show that they realized that His eye was upon them, and that at this trying moment He was guiding, upholding, and caring for them. O, if they could have looked into that heart of infinite love, if they could only have seen how sorry He was for them. If words could have passed from Him to them, they would have been spoken gently and sympathizingly, “Abide in my love.” [Verse 10.] Be of good cheer, thou art in Christ’s heart. Thou art not alone.Manuscript Releases, vol. 17 [Nos. 1236-1300]
MR No. 1269—Every Person Has God-Given Talents Which Should Bear Fruit; Church Leaders Not to Exercise Absolute Control Over Others
17MR 199.1
Every branch has a work to do. Christ says: [John 15:2-8, quoted].17MR 199.4
“As the Father hath loved Me,” said Christ, “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” [verses 9, 10]. Every soul that has a vital connection with God will reveal the works and ways of God. The doing of the commandments of God is his absorbing interest. He receives light from Christ, and radiates it to others.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 7, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 7, 1896, par. 10
Every branch has a work to do. Christ says, “Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away; and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now are ye clean, through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 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.” [John 15:2-8.]11LtMs, Lt 7, 1896, par. 13
“As the Father hath loved me,” said Christ, “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.” [Verses 9, 10.] Every soul that has a vital connection with God will reveal the works and ways of God. The doing of the commandments of God is his absorbing interest. He receives light from Christ and radiates it to others.John 15:2-11
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 13, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 13, 1899, par. 3
As Christ was about to leave His disciples, He illustrated by the symbol of the vine and the branches the relation which should exist between Him and His disciples. “Every branch in me,” He said, “that beareth fruit, he purgeth (pruneth) it, that it may bring forth more fruit. ... Abide in me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in me and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 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 15:2, 4-7.]14LtMs, Ms 13, 1899, par. 19
“Herein is my Father glorified,” Christ declares, “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.] The greatest sin we can cherish is the sin of unbelief. Many say, “I do not know how to be a Bible Christian.” It is because you do not receive Christ a sin-pardoning Saviour. Therefore your experience is full of inconsistency and unbelief. No one can have joy and peace who does not receive and obey Christ’s words.John 15:2-14
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 41, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, par. 5
It is a painful thought to me that I can do so little. The limited sphere of human capabilities leads me to feel indeed the words of Christ, “Without Me, ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] Many are endowed with superior talents and do not use them, because they have no living connection with God. A sense of their robbery in withholding from God is not taken in.6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, par. 41
The ministers were invited to Sister Deloss Green’s and we had a social season together. I praise the Lord that in our feebleness we may take hold upon divine power. “Without me ye can do nothing,” said the great Teacher. [John 15:5.] The promises we are to claim by faith. The treasures of all heaven are at our command. He will reveal to us His glory. He loves us. He speaks of His followers as ever present in His mind, as members of His Father’s family.6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, par. 56
Said Christ, “I am the vine, ye are the branches.” “Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. ... Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine: no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5, 2-5.6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, par. 57
Every fruit-bearing branch is in Christ, drawing its nourishment from Him; and if a branch, a member of the church, is not an active worker for God, and in his character revealing Jesus Christ, he is not of the Vine. Rich clusters of fruit will appear from every branch that is in Christ Jesus. “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” Verse 8. Here is the condition of our discipleship plainly stated, and if we continue to be fruitless we shall be withered branches.6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, par. 58
“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 15:9-12.6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, par. 59
The love of Christ is evidenced for man in that He gave His life to redeem him. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” Vs. 13, 14.John 15:2-16
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 116, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 116, 1894, par. 2
The branch derives all its fruit-bearing qualities from the parent stock. Of those who believe is Christ he says, “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit.” [John 15:8.] Our profession of religion is no proof by itself. The test, the evidence that we are branches of the true vine, is the quality of fruit we bear. “By their fruits ye shall know them.” [Matthew 7:20.]9LtMs, Ms 116, 1894, par. 3
If we are branches of the true vine, we shall bear fragrant fruit. We shall derive our strength from Christ. If our fruit testifies that we are branches of the true vine, we shall have divine credentials, and may be assured that our ways please God. Jesus says, “Every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” [John 15:2.] If you are really branches of the true vine, nourished by the sap that flows from the vine to the branches, you will be partakers of the divine nature. You will have moral power from Christ by which to overcome Satan, to hate sin, and you cannot be silent concerning the truth.9LtMs, Ms 116, 1894, par. 7
Heavenly agencies are waiting for the co-operation of human agencies in the grand work of reflecting light to the world. I send an appeal to the churches to “Arise, shine, for thy light is come; and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” [Isaiah 60:1.] Wherever there is a soul converted on the earth, a note of joy rings through heaven. When a soul is snatched from Satan’s hand, and given as a trophy to Christ, there is joy in the presence of God among the holy angels because he that was lost is found. Christ says, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” [John 15:16.]9LtMs, Ms 116, 1894, par. 10
Every branch that is in vital union with the living vine will bring forth fruit, and it is the Father’s good pleasure that ye bear much fruit. “Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away. ... If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered, and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.” [John 15:2, 6.] Does not this statement from the lips of the great Teacher alarm you who have settled down in an easy position? Those who bear no burdens, who gratify none but self, who lift no cross, are not followers of Jesus. Why is it that the church and the world confederate together in confidence? Has the world become converted, or has the church lost her holy and peculiar character, and become assimilated to the world? The reason is that her members have failed to live up to the <divine> instruction, “Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” [2 Corinthians 6:17, 18.] Many of the professed followers of Christ feel no more burden for souls than do the worldings. The lust of the eye, the pride of life, the love of display, the love of ease, has separated the professed Christian from God, and the missionary spirit has been to a great degree extinguished in the church. What can be done to open the eyes of sinners in Zion, and to make hypocrites tremble? The spirit of truth must become a living principle in the soul. To those who ask what they shall do that they may work the works of God, the answer is, “This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” [John 6:29.] Those who have true faith will make it manifest; for their works will testify to the fact. They will be one with Christ as he is one with the Father. They will be continually drawing after Christ, and will ever be seeking to devise means whereby they may save perishing souls. They will cultivate love, they will deny self because they love Jesus who died for them, and who died for their neighbors as well as themselves. They will love the purchase of the blood of Christ, and will shine as lights in the world. Those who have light, will diffuse light.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 16e, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 16e, 1892, par. 6
This day, Bro. Robert Hare and wife called upon us and spent several hours. They are on their way to Sydney. I was pleased to see that Bro. Hare and wife are trying the burden of visiting. This is the very work that must be done, and is not done because the men laboring in word and doctrine do not feel the burden of making personal efforts. Brother Hare says he kept as close as possible to Brother Starr, that he might learn of him and see how he managed in [the] visiting line. This is what I urged upon them, in our conference in Melbourne. I told him this kind of work could only be done aright through a living connection and abiding with and in the presence of Jesus Christ. He says, “Without Me, ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.]7LtMs, Lt 16e, 1892, par. 9
The branch has a living union with the living vine, and as such the words of Paul are appropriate, “Who shall separate us from the love of God, in Christ Jesus?” [Romans 8:35, 39.] Shall affliction, storm, tempest, persecution, life, or death? Paul says, No, nothing shall be able to do this. The branch derives all its fruit-bearing qualities from the parent stock. The branches do not sustain the vine, but the vine sustains the branches. “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit.” [John 15:8.] Here is the test, the criterion before the world that we are branches of the True Vine. Our profession alone is no proof. The only real proof that we bear to the world that we are Christians is the quality of fruit which we bear. “By their fruits ye shall know them.” [Matthew 7:20.] Heavenly intelligences never make a mistake.7LtMs, Lt 16e, 1892, par. 10
If we are branches in the True Vine, we will bear fragrant fruit; the Holy Spirit inspires all who are branches in Christ Jesus. We derive our support and strength from Him. If, by our fruit, we show that we are branches of the True Vine, we have the divine credentials; we have the witness that our ways please God. “Every branch,” He says, “that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” [John 15:2.] The Master prunes His true branches, stirs its roots, cleanses, purifies it that it may bring forth more fruit. And the fruit may abide.7LtMs, Lt 16e, 1892, par. 19
“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth much fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatsoever ye ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” [John 15:16.] O! what a depth of meaning [is] in those words! We can say from the heart, “Truth, Lord!” [Matthew 15:27.] We were not the ones to make the first movement toward Christ. It was our Redeemer who made the movement toward us. “And I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto me.” [John 12:32.] He touched your heart; by His grace, you responded and drew toward Jesus. Man would not make the first movement; he could not. Christ was lifted up on the cross. It was His love that brought Him to our world, His love expressed for fallen man that led Him to make an offering of His soul for sin. And as the heart responds in gratitude to this unspeakable love, the language of the soul is, “Thy gentleness hath made me great.” [Psalm 18:35.]7LtMs, Lt 16e, 1892, par. 23
Where is the fruit borne by the branches in those large churches? “Every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he taketh it away.” “If a man abide not in me he is cast out as a branch, and is withered.” “And men gather them and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.” [John 15:2, 6.] Does not this statement from the lips of the great Teacher alarm you who have taken such an easy position, bearing no burdens, gratifying self, lifting no cross and not following Jesus?John 15:3
Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1
Chapter 65—Northern Wisconsin
1T 339.5
John 15:3: “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.”The Review and Herald
May 6, 1862
RH May 6, 1862, par. 19
John 15:3: “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.”Testimony Treasures, vol. 1
No Sanctification to the Disobedient
1TT 113.6
“Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.” John 15:3.Testimony for the Church — No. 8
Northern Wisconsin
T08 46.1
John 15:3: “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 95, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 95, 1902, par. 1
“Ye are clean through the Word.” [John 15:3.]17LtMs, Ms 95, 1902, par. 21
Christ said, “Now ye are clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you.” [John 15:3.] The third chapter of Titus is full of instructive lessons to those who desire to reach the highest Christian experience through obedience to this Word. The apostle says: “Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, to speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men. For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;, that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” [Verses 1-7.]John 15:4
Christ Triumphant
In Christ We May Have Perfect Humanity, July 20
CTr 208.1
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. John 15:4.Sons and Daughters of God
We Bear Fruit Only as We Abide in Christ, October 10
SD 290.1
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. John 15:4.That I May Know Him
Tender, Loving, Compassionate, February 8
TMK 45.4
Jesus calls us to Himself not simply to refresh us with His grace and presence for a few hours, and then to send us forth from His light to walk apart from Him in sadness and gloom. No, no. He tells us that we must abide with Him and He with us. Wherever His work is to be done He is present—tender, loving, and compassionate. He has prepared for you and me an abiding dwelling place in Himself. He is our refuge. Our experience should broaden and deepen. Jesus has opened up all the divine fullness of His inexpressible love, and He declares to you, Ye “are labourers together with God” (1 Corinthians 3:9). O what meaning these words have—“Abide in me” (John 15:4), “Take my yoke upon you” (Matthew 11:29). Will we take it? for the promise is, “Ye shall find rest unto your souls.” There is rest, complete rest in abiding in Christ.12Letter 1a, 1894.That I May Know Him
Abiding in Christ, May 6
TMK 132.1
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. John 15:4.The Faith I Live By
Union With Christ, May 9
FLB 135.1
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. John 15:4.The Upward Look
Abide in Christ, October 16
UL 303.1
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. John 15:4.Ye Shall Receive Power
Abiding in Him, February 20
YRP 59.1
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. John 15:4.With God at Dawn
Abide in Me, April 8
WGD 100.1
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. John 15:4.In Heavenly Places
Abiding in Christ, February 18
HP 55.1
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. John 15:4.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 6a, 1890
6LtMs, Lt 6a, 1890, par. 86
The converting power of God is needed every day. We must hide in Christ, “As the branch cannot bear fruit in itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.” [John 15:4.] None of us can afford to sin. It is expensive business. Sin so blinds the eyes that evil is not discerned; and by their indiscreet actions those thus blinded become instruments of unrighteousness to scatter for Satan.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 38, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 38, 1892, par. 10
I feel so sad that the professed children of God should bring so little glory to our Redeemer. We need to behold Him more steadfastly, that we may be changed into His image. “As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.” [John 15:4.] How He longs to help every soul. He bids them, “Let him take hold of my strength, that he make peace with me; and he shall make peace with me.” [Isaiah 27:5.] Are any burdened? He says, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” How is the rest found? “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly of heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls; for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” [Matthew 11:28, 29.] Do we believe this? Will we draw near and repose in His love?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 1a, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 1a, 1894, par. 7
I inquire, will we ever learn the gentleness of Christ? Oh, how much we need to know Jesus, and our heavenly Father, that we may represent Him in character! All blessings are bestowed upon those who have a vital connection with Jesus Christ. Jesus calls us to Himself not simply to refresh us with His grace and presence for a few hours, and then to send us forth from His light to walk apart from Him in sadness and gloom. No, no. He tells us that we must abide with Him and He with us. Wherever His work is to be done He is present—tender, loving, and compassionate. He has prepared for you and me an abiding dwelling place in Himself. He is our refuge. Our experience should broaden and deepen. Jesus has opened up all the divine fullness of His inexpressible love, and He declares to you, “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] O what meaning these words have—“Abide in Me,” “take My yoke upon you.” Will we take it? For the promise is, “ye shall find rest unto your souls.” [John 15:4; Matthew 11:29.] There is rest, complete rest in abiding in Christ.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 51, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 51, 1896, par. 4
Grasp the promise. Forget the things that are behind, and lay hold of the Word of promise: “I will manifest myself unto you,” “I will come unto you,” and “abide with you.” [John 14:21, 23; 15:4.] You must work, and God will work. The work He requires of you is to believe in Jesus Christ whom He has sent to save you. Your soul is of value with God. You must pray and believe and obey. You must be a laborer together with God, for it is God that worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 74, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, par. 49
The converting power of God is needed every day. We must abide in Christ. “As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abide in the vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in me.” [John 15:4.] None of us can afford to sin; it is expensive business. Sin so blinds the eyes that men do not discern evil, and by their indiscreet practices they become instruments of unrighteousness, to scatter from Christ. The exhortation to Christians is, “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without” [Colossians 4:5]; for wise, discreet words and actions will be a power to draw others to Christ, where they will have fellowship with the saints. Are professed Christians walking in wisdom when they are vain and frivolous, and live so at variance with their profession of faith that those without cannot see in them the evidences of purity, of heavenly nobility?In Heavenly Places
Revealing Christ’s Likeness, June 29
HP 187.3
We can, we can, reveal the likeness of our divine Lord. We can know the science of spiritual life. We can honor our Maker. But do we do it? Oh, what an illustrious example we have in the life that Christ lived on this earth! He has shown us what we can accomplish through cooperation with divinity. We are to seek for the union of which He speaks when He says, “Abide in me, and I in you” (John 15:4). This union is deeper, stronger, truer, than any other union and is productive of all good. Those who are thus united to the Saviour are controlled by His will and are moved by His love to suffer with those who suffer, to rejoice with those who rejoice, to feel a deep sympathy for every one in weakness, sorrow, or distress.44The Review and Herald, November 24, 1904.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 61, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 61, 1897, par. 10
What means has God appointed for you to accomplish the work of grace in your heart? It is a vital union of your soul with the life of Christ. The sinner must have a constant connection with Christ; he must receive the divine life that flows from his life in words, in spirit, and in works. “As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself except it abide in the vine; no more can ye except ye abide in me.” [John 15:4.] Mark and fathom the meaning of the words, “Except ye abide in me.” It amounts to nothing to act as a Christian occasionally. It is not so much great talents that are needed as humble men who will live by earnest prayer and living faith, and thus advance the cause of their Redeemer. There is great need of humble men, not self-sufficient men. We have enough of these. But men are needed who will rely wholly upon God, who are made “a spectacle unto the world, to angels, and to men.” [1 Corinthians 4:9.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 119, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 119, 1898, par. 4
If the life we live in this world is wholly and entirely for Christ, it is a life of daily surrender. He has the freewill service, and each soul is His own jewel. If we can impress upon the minds of our sisters the good which it is in their power to do through the Lord Jesus Christ, we shall see a large work accomplished. But this work can be done only through the Holy Spirit. If we can arouse the mind and heart to co-operate with the great Worker, we shall gain, through the work they may accomplish, great victories. But self must be hidden. Christ must appear as the worker. Christ invites us, “Abide in me, and I in you.” [John 15:4.] Cannot we bring these souls to understand, without a moment’s delay, that every day is the ever-present Now?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 103, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 103, 1898, par. 15
If I could see you, I would have words to speak that might be more acceptable than these traced with my pen. Christ comes as a Comforter to all who believe. He invites your confidence. He says, “Abide in me.” [John 15:4.] Surely we may trust in our loving Saviour. You can say, “Yes, my Saviour; in thee I can and will trust. I will abide in thee.” Then how trustfully you can work in His presence. Your works will be but the fruit of Christ working in you. You may rest in what Christ can do for you. And the energies of your soul will be awakened to co-operate [with] Him. He will work in you to do His good pleasure.Manuscript Releases, vol. 19 [Nos. 1360-1419]
Medical Missionary Training Schools
19MR 49.5
Let us remember that He also said, “He that believeth on Me, believeth not on Me, but on Him that sent Me. And he that seeth Me seeth Him that sent Me. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on Me should not abide in darkness” [John 12:44-46]. “Yet a little while, and the world seeth Me no more; but ye see Me: because I live, ye shall live also” [John 14:19]. “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me” [John 15:4]. Those who see Christ by living faith, those who abide in Him, will have power to work miracles for His glory.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 65, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 65, 1898, par. 18
How many names will be written in the Lamb’s book of life because they have learned from your life and Christlike character to become sons and daughters of God? We are to seek to live in unity with Christ. “As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself except it abide in the vine,” said Christ, “no more can ye except ye abide in me.” [John 15:4.] We may have the faithful Shepherd’s guidance at every step. Said Christ, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me, And I will give to them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” [John 10:27, 28.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 18, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 18, 1899, par. 9
The Lord Jesus is calling you to follow Him. “He that will come after me,” He says, “let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” [Mark 8:34.] Is it not desirable to have God as your Father and the Father of your dear children? He says to you, “Abide in me.” [John 15:4.] While there are many who claim to believe in Christ, many do not obey His requirements.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 3, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 3, 1900, par. 13
God is already writing the record of some cases, “Incurable.” “He is joined to his idols, let him alone.” [Hosea 4:17.] The time is soon coming when the work of God’s judgment will begin at His sanctuary. God Himself is now drawing the separating line. He says, “As for me also, mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity, but I will recompense their way upon their own heads.” [Ezekiel 9:10.] What carefulness should this work [be] in every soul who is striving for eternal life. “As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine,” Christ says, “no more can ye, except ye abide in me.” [John 15:4.] Keep this in mind. Every living branch is fruitful. What is the character of the fruit borne? It is the most precious fruit—love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 88, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 88, 1902, par. 8
Brother and Sister Shireman, your dangers are presented before me. I entreat you to remember that you are grieving the Spirit of God. You are speaking words that are destroying your own happiness, and you are making false representations to your brethren and sisters in the church. Do not do this any longer. If you will see your error and repent, the Lord will pardon you and give you peace. Stop just where you are. Do not destroy yourselves. Give yourselves to God in humble faith. This is your only hope. Christ says, “Abide in Me.” [John 15:4.] Paul declares, “The life that I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” [Galatians 2:20.] By courage, by faith, by committing yourselves to God as unto a faithful Creator, you can conquer. Will you abide in Christ?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 154, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 154, 1903, par. 11
Make Christ your dependence. Thus you may every day be increasingly enriched by His love, which passeth knowledge. But without Him we are helpless, utterly unable to subdue one sin or to overcome the smallest temptation. May God help you to understand the words: “As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in Me.” [John 15:4.] Connection with Christ is a positive necessity if the fruit we bear is acceptable to God. Connection with Christ results in purification of the heart and in a circumspect life and faultless character.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 121, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 121, 1904, par. 22
We can, we can reveal the likeness of our divine Lord. We can know the science of spiritual life. We can glorify God in our body and in our spirit, which are His. Do we do it? Oh, what an illustrious example we have in the life that Christ lived on this earth. He has shown us what we can accomplish through co-operation with Him. We are to seek for the union with Him of which He speaks when He says, “Abide in Me, and I in you.” [John 15:4.] This union is deeper, stronger, truer, than any other union. The heart must be filled with the grace of Christ. His will must control us, moving us by His love to suffer with those who suffer, to rejoice with those who rejoice, to feel a deep tenderness for every one in weakness, sorrow, or distress.Our Father Cares
Tender, Loving, Compassionate, May 3
OFC 135.4
Jesus calls us to Himself not simply to refresh us with His grace and presence for a few hours, and then to send us forth from His light to walk apart from Him in sadness and gloom. No, no. He tells us that we must abide with Him and He with us. Wherever His work is to be done He is present—tender, loving, and compassionate. He has prepared for you and me an abiding dwelling place in Himself. He is our refuge. Our experience should broaden and deepen. Jesus has opened up all the divine fullness of His inexpressible love, and He declares to you, Ye “are labourers together with God” (1 Corinthians 3:9). O what meaning these words have—“Abide in me” (John 15:4), “Take my yoke upon you” (Matthew 11:29). Will we take it? for the promise is, “Ye shall find rest unto your souls.” There is rest, complete rest in abiding in Christ.3That I May Know Him, 45.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Ms 145, 1904
19LtMs, Ms 145, 1904, par. 11
Said Jesus to His believing disciples, “Abide in Me.” [John 15:4.] This means continual faith on the part of the believer. “Abide in Me.” This means, listen to the instruction of Christ. We must do His will. Christ makes us at home with Him, and we enjoy the favors of His home, enjoy His peace. All human frictions, all ill-temper, all irritation cease in His home.Jesus, Name Above All Names
Living Vine, March 11
JNN 79.1
“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.”—John 15:4Our Father Cares
Abiding in Christ, May 11
OFC 143.1
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. John 15:4.Our High Calling
Abiding in Christ, May 19
OHC 145.1
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. John 15:4.John 15:4-5
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 19, 1892
7LtMs, Ms 19, 1892, par. 51
If we trust in ourselves, we shall certainly fall. Christ says, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.” [John 15:4.] What is the fruit that we are to bear? “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” [Galatians 5:22, 23.]7LtMs, Ms 19, 1892, par. 68
My prayer on awaking is, Jesus, keep Thy child today. Take me under Thy guardianship. Make me a healthy, fruit-bearing branch of the living Vine. “Without me,” Christ says, “ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] In and through Christ we can do all things.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 33, 1892
7LtMs, Ms 33, 1892, par. 38
If we trust in ourselves, we shall certainly fall. Christ says, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.” John 15:4. What is the fruit that we are to bear? “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22, 23.7LtMs, Ms 33, 1892, par. 55
My prayer on awaking is, Jesus, keep Thy child today. Take me under Thy guardianship. Make me a healthy, fruit-bearing branch of the living Vine. “Without me,” Christ says, “ye can do nothing.” John 15:5. In and through Christ we can do all things.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 74, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 74, 1900, par. 20
The Lord has need of those who occupy positions of influence. The Lord calls for those in the highways. He desires them to represent their Saviour. He longs to see them drawing near to Him by the new and living way. They have no guarantee of safety in this life or the future life unless the angel of God’s ministration shall see on the threshold the blood of the covenant, testifying that the sinner has accepted Christ as his personal Saviour. “He that abideth in me beareth much fruit.” [John 15:5.] Let those in the highways be earnestly sought for and labored for. They are sinners, and Christ died that they might become saints.15LtMs, Ms 74, 1900, par. 22
Christ says, “Abide in me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye except ye abide in me.” [Verse 4.] Day by day we are to take hold of Christ anew with firmer faith. As we do this, He draws us to Himself. As we receive His lessons, they grow more and more impressive, and we gain an increased power to receive instruction. The soul is vivified by the healthful exercise of receiving from Christ and giving to others. It is by emptying ourselves to impart to others that we gain increased capacity for receiving a fresh supply.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 99, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 99, 1902, par. 21
Christ, in His human nature, was dependent on His Father for the success of His work. So we are dependent on Christ for the success of our work. He says to us, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in Me.” [John 15:4.] Day by day we are to take hold of Christ anew with a firmer faith. As we study His lessons, they grow more and more impressive, and we gain increased power to receive instruction. The soul is vivified by receiving from Christ and giving to others. It is by emptying ourselves to give to others that we gain increased capacity for receiving a larger supply.17LtMs, Ms 99, 1902, par. 74
The work that God says is to be done can be done only by those whose hearts are sanctified by the presence of an abiding Christ. No one in his own power can work successfully for God. Only those who surrender body, mind, and spirit into the hands of the Lord, to be controlled by Him, will see of His salvation. Let every one remember Christ’s words, “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] Let all the workers unite their efforts, standing under the bloodstained banner of Prince Emmanuel.Selected Messages Book 2
Meditations Through Days of Affliction
2SM 236.2
If we trust in ourselves, we shall certainly fall. Christ says, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me” (John 15:4).2SM 237.4
June 29, 1892—My prayer on awaking is, Jesus, keep Thy child today. Take me under Thy guardianship. Make me a healthy, fruit-bearing branch of the living Vine. “Without me,” Christ says, “ye can do nothing” (John 15:5). In and through Christ we can do all things.Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
Separation From the World
CT 329.1
“By their fruits ye shall know them” (Matthew 7:20), the Saviour declared. All the true followers of Christ bear fruit to His glory. Their lives testify that a good work has been wrought in them by the Spirit of God, and their fruit is unto holiness. Their lives are elevated and pure. Right actions are the unmistakable fruit of true godliness, and those who bear no fruit of this kind reveal that they have no experience in the things of God. They are not in the Vine. Said Jesus, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me. I am the Vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing.” John 15:4, 5.This Day With God
Don’t Shun the Cross, October 12
TDG 294.3
When we profess to be servants of Christ we should no longer serve the world, and should not have union or fellowship with those who reject the truths which we deem sacred. I was pointed to 1 John 2:6. “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:4, 5)....Spiritual Gifts, vol. 4b
Consecration
4bSG 79.2
“By their fruits ye shall know them.” All of Christ’s followers bear fruit to his glory. Their lives testify that a good work has been wrought in them by the Spirit of God, and their fruit is unto holiness It is elevated and pure. Those who bear no fruit have no experience in the things of God. They are not in the vine. Read John 15:4, 5. “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials
Chapter 112—Diary Entry—Christ Our Righteousness
1888 892.3
Christ further declares: “Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is meat indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. He that eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, dwelleth in Me, and I in him” (Verses 54-56). These words are very similar to those He used in representing Himself as the Vine, and His followers as the branches: “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in Me. I am the Vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing” (John 15:4, 5).Testimony Treasures, vol. 2
An Appeal
2TT 72.1
What can I say to you, my brethren, that shall arouse you from your carnal security? I have been shown your perils. There are both believers and unbelievers in the church. Christ represents these two classes in His parable of the vine and its branches. He exhorts His followers: “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me. I am the Vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing.” John 15:4, 5.Testimony for the Church — No. 7
Consecration
T07 47.2
“By their fruits ye shall know them.” All of Christ’s followers bear fruit to his glory. Their lives testify that a good work has been wrought in them by the Spirit of God, and their life is unto holiness. It is elevated and pure. Those who bear no fruit, have no experience in the things of God. They are not in the vine. Read John 15:4, 5. “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine: no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)
Lt 9, 1861
1LtMs, Lt 9, 1861, par. 6
Again the life of Christ was presented—His self-denial and sacrifice to purchase redemption for us. When we profess to be servants of Christ we should no longer serve the world, and should not have union or fellowship with those who reject the truths which we deem sacred. I was pointed to (1 John 2:6): “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” (John 15:4, 5): “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 21, 1891
7LtMs, Ms 21, 1891, par. 10
Christ further declares: “Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is meat indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. He that eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, dwelleth in Me, and I in him.” [Verses 54-56.] These words are very similar to those He used in representing Himself as the Vine, and His followers as the branches: “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine: no more can ye, except ye abide in Me. I am the Vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:4, 5.]Manuscript Releases, vol. 9 [Nos. 664-770]
MR No. 747—Christ Our Righteousness
9MR 295.3
Christ further declares: “Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is meat indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. He that eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, dwelleth in Me, and I in him” (Verses 54-56). These words are very similar to those He used in representing Himself as the Vine, and His followers as the branches: “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in Me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing” (John 15:4, 5).Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 34, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 34, 1893, par. 2
I was, a few nights since, in my dreams in conversation with the teachers in the school or chapel room. I was speaking to the teachers, and said, “I have a message for you,” and in substance I presented that which I now write. I was speaking to the teachers in regard to their great responsibility of being under the control at all times of the Spirit of God. I repeated these words, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.” “I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:4, 5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 78, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 78, 1893, par. 30
I am thankful for the precious night’s rest I enjoyed the past night. Several times I awoke during the night and my heart went out in peaceful, grateful praise to God. “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.” John 12:46. What comfort to all who center their hopes in Jesus Christ! “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:4, 5. We have a right to lay hold of the promise.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 48, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 48, 1893, par. 48
Those who would reach perfection of character must have a living connection with Christ. They will be united to Him as the graft is united to the parent stock. The sap that flows through the stock nourishes the graft, and the branch bears fruit of the same character as that of the vine. Jesus says, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:4, 5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 70, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 70, 1893, par. 6
But, brother, what will all this jealous care, this constant study and education, amount to in the end? All perish with the using. There is altogether too much value placed on these inanimate, perishable things, and that to the neglect of your own eternal interest. The prayer of Christ for His disciples was, “Sanctify them through Thy truth, Thy word is truth.” [John 17:17.] You are regarded as a branch of the living vine to bear fruit after Christ’s order. “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without Me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:4, 5.] Suppose that you should study attentively your own case as a branch of the living vine in the light of the Scriptures.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Ms 24, 1896
11LtMs, Ms 24, 1896, par. 7
Our Saviour said, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:4, 5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 148, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 148, 1897, par. 16
“Abide in me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in me. ... I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in me and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:4, 5.] We show that we are fruit-bearers by pure words, unselfish planning in the meekness and lowliness of Christ, by softened hearts, full of sympathy, love, and compassion. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance; against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vainglory, provoking one another, envying one another.” [Galatians 5:22-26.]Manuscript Releases, vol. 12 [Nos. 921-999]
MR No. 933—The Christian Life
12MR 53.3
[John 15:4, 5, quoted.] We show that we are fruit-bearers by pure words, unselfish planning in the meekness and lowliness of Christ, by softened hearts full of sympathy, love, and compassion. [Galatians 5:22-26, quoted.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 139, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 139, 1898, par. 22
Truth and righteousness are to be maintained, whatever may be your surroundings. Never forget that Christ has said, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in me and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit, for without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:4, 5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 73a, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 73a, 1900, par. 14
Christ is the vine, His disciples are the branches. He says to them, “Abide in me.” It is impossible for them to live and work apart from Him. He says plainly, “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:4, 5.] True Christians are members of Christ’s body. God’s Word declares, “He that hath the Son hath life, and he that hath not the Son hath not life.” “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. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that when he shall appear, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” [1 John 5:12; 3:1, 2.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 104, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 104, 1901, par. 4
There is no safety in dependence on self. Christ says to His chosen, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches; he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:4, 5.] The union between Christ and His disciples is mutual. By faith and love and obedience they abide in Him, and by His Holy Spirit He abides in them—the Source of their spiritual life.Messages to Young People
Separation From the World
MYP 377.1
“By their fruits ye shall know them” (Matthew 7:20), the Saviour declared. All the true followers of Christ bear fruit to His glory. Their lives testify that a good work has been wrought in them by the Spirit of God, and their fruit is unto holiness. Their lives are elevated and pure. Right actions are the unmistakable fruit of true godliness, and those who bear no fruit of this kind reveal that they have no experience in the things of God. They are not in the Vine. Said Jesus, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing.” John 15:4, 5.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 142, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 142, 1903, par. 10
God calls upon believers to put forth personal efforts for souls, as those who must render an account to God. He says to them, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in Me. I am the vine, ye are the branches; he that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without Me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:4, 5.]Steps to Christ
Chapter 8—Growing Up Into Christ
SC 68.3
Jesus teaches the same thing when He says, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me.... Without Me ye can do nothing.” John 15:4, 5. You are just as dependent upon Christ, in order to live a holy life, as is the branch upon the parent stock for growth and fruitfulness. Apart from Him you have no life. You have no power to resist temptation or to grow in grace and holiness. Abiding in Him, you may flourish. Drawing your life from Him, you will not wither nor be fruitless. You will be like a tree planted by the rivers of water.Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1
Chapter 60—Consecration
1T 289.1
“By their fruits ye shall know them.” All the followers of Christ bear fruit to His glory. Their lives testify that a good work has been wrought in them by the Spirit of God, and their fruit is unto holiness. Their lives are elevated and pure. Those who bear no fruit have no experience in the things of God. They are not in the Vine. Read John 15:4, 5: “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me. I am the Vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing.”John 15:4-6
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 59, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 59, 1892, par. 9
We may apply this to our spiritual walk. The Lord Jesus cannot save any soul who will persistently follow his own way and his own will. There is no sanctification of the soul who holds persistently to his own way. I look upon you as in the greatest danger. I have given to you the invitations and the warnings and entreaties of the Spirit of God, and yet my soul is grieved, for I see you departing from the counsels of the Lord, marking out your own course; and this places me where I have not confidence in you, because you have taken your hand out of the hand of Christ. “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.” [John 15:4.]7LtMs, Lt 59, 1892, par. 10
I cannot but warn and entreat you although it is only repeating what has been said again and again. “If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered.” [Verse 6.] I know if you were following on to know the Lord, you would not be so utterly silent in regard to your soul’s highest interest. You know nothing could make my heart more joyful than to know that you were walking in the truth.7LtMs, Lt 59, 1892, par. 19
And could you expect, my son, that at this distance I should telegraph to you as you desired? I dare not do it. If I lose all my property through mismanagement of others, I had better do it than through the mismanagement of my own son. I cannot place myself in your hands in any way while you will not place yourself in the hands of God, to seek His counsel and to be humbly guided by His wisdom. “Seek the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near.” [Isaiah 55:6.] Have pity on yourself, have pity on me, and show respect to Jesus Christ who has bought you with His own blood. May the Lord work for you! I can do nothing more. However good may be your intentions and purposes, Christ says, “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 6, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 6, 1899, par. 17
We are individually held responsible to God for our influence in the home, in the church, among all with whom we associate. We are to receive our traits of character from an indwelling Saviour. He says, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in me.” [John 15:4.] The kind of fruit we bear, in words, in spirit, in action, testifies whether we are abiding in Christ or in ourselves. If we abide in ourselves, the taint of a disagreeable disposition will often manifest itself. Christ says, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing.” [Verse 5.]14LtMs, Lt 6, 1899, par. 18
You may have had good advantages for gaining an education, but unless you are under discipline to Christ, your education will be of no real benefit to you. You will not form a right character. “If a man abide not in me,” Christ said, “he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire.” [Verse 6.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 59, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 59, 1897, par. 8
The condition of your bearing fruit is that you abide in the vine. “Abide in me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.” [John 15:4-6.]John 15:4-7
This Day With God
The Way, the Truth, the Life, May 11
TDG 140.1
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.TDG 140.3
Christ is acquainted with the difficulties that try every soul, and He says, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:4, 5).John 15:4-8
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 4, 1890
6LtMs, Lt 4, 1890, par. 5
The Lord Jesus Christ is the living vine, and all who are children of God are grafted into the parent stock, drawing sap and nourishment from the one root. The branches are not blended into one, but are diverse, separate branches, yet they all live from the same root. In the words of Christ we find an important lesson, which should have a more direct bearing upon the life, the motives, and the experience of those who claim to be children of God. “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:4, 5.] How essential it is that every one who claims to be a child of God should work in harmony with Christ, catching the divine illumination of His spirit, studying the manner of His labor, and working as He worked, putting self out of sight and <ever> making Christ prominent. We should bring our own ways into harmony with Christ’s ways, manifesting the spirit of the Master-worker, that Jesus may appear in our work and in our character.6LtMs, Lt 4, 1890, par. 8
The Lord’s resources are unlimited; we are only instruments in His hands, and great things can be accomplished through His name. “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.” [John 15:7, 8.] We are so familiar with our own peculiar traits of character that we often think too highly of self. We become satisfied and do not seek to improve as we should. Sanctification through the truth requires a daily improvement in manner, address, attitude, and spirit. If we are branches of the true vine, we shall bear fragrant blossoms and desirable fruit. In our feebleness and ignorance we cannot depend upon our-selves. We must not think that there are no improvements to be made, for we are to learn daily in the school of Christ, not how to reach the highest place, but to become meek and lowly of heart, pure and undefiled, rising above cheapness and the commonplace. We have intercourse with the eternal world, and we must reveal all the light which we have received from heaven. Our thoughts must not run in a low, narrow channel, but we must be learners, constantly receiving clearer views, and higher and holier aspirations.6LtMs, Lt 4, 1890, par. 12
Love of self, pride, and self-sufficiency lie at the foundation of the greatest trials and discords that have ever existed in the religious world. Again and again the angel has said to me, “Press together, press together, be of one mind, of one judgment.” Christ is the leader, and you are brethren: follow Him. Walk in the light as He is in the light. Those who walk in the footsteps of Christ shall not walk in darkness but those who draw apart in unsanctified independence cannot have God’s presence and blessing in the work. Clean hands, a pure heart, and a right spirit are the gifts of God; seek for them with all diligence. Christ says: “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 6a, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 6a, 1900, par. 3
Time is more precious than gold. Press your way into the surrounding settlements. As you go, do not hesitate to present the subjects of present truth. When Christ sent out the seventy, He sent them out two and two. Today in every worker who goes forth to labor in Christ’s name, there are two agencies, the visible, and the invisible. Your success depends on the presence of that invisible One. He says to you, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can you, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:4, 5.]15LtMs, Lt 6a, 1900, par. 4
Here are the conditions, Herbert. Do not be afraid to learn what it means to abide in Christ. Is it not possible that you may have a superficial experience, an experience that knows very little of an abiding Christ? “If ye abide in me,” Christ says, “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.” [Verses 7, 8.] The words of Christ must abide in us, and give us sanctification of the Spirit. Those who have not had a personal knowledge of the power which has made us what we are should be the most diligent students, eating and drinking the words of eternal life. He who has an experimental knowledge of the Son of God, has life in Christ. He is a living stone, builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.John 15:4-9
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 204, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 204, 1903, par. 2
Each retains his individuality as a person whose character is continually forming—valuable to the work of the church and able to be used to the glory of God. They have not all the same stamp of character. There is diversity as in the branches of the vine, yet in diversity there is unity in Christ Jesus. Each branch of the parent stock is doing its best to bear the most perfect fruit, pleasant and profitable, each acting out his personality in union with the Great Worker, as represented in the prayer of Christ just before His death. They now have a mutual understanding of the words of Christ, “It is my Father’s good pleasure” “that ye bear much fruit.” [See Luke 12:32; John 15:8.] “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing” that will be of value with God. “If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you”—for abiding in Christ, he has the spirit and will of Christ. “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.” [Verses 4-9.]John 15:4-10
The Sanctified Life
Chapter 10—Christian Character
SL 80.1
The character of the Christian is shown by his daily life. Said Christ, “Every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit” (Matthew 7:17). Our Saviour compares Himself to a vine, of which His followers are the branches. He plainly declares that all who would be His disciples must bring forth fruit; and then He shows how they may become fruitful branches. “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me” (John 15:4).SL 80.3
The law of God is the only true standard of moral perfection. That law was practically exemplified in the life of Christ. He says of Himself, “I have kept my Father’s commandments” (John 15:10). Nothing short of this obedience will meet the requirements of God’s word. “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked” (1 John 2:6). We cannot plead that we are unable to do this, for we have the assurance, “My grace is sufficient for thee” (2 Corinthians 12:9). As we look into the divine mirror, the law of God, we see the exceeding sinfulness of sin, and our own lost condition as transgressors. But by repentance and faith we are justified before God, and through divine grace enabled to render obedience to His commandments.Reflecting Christ
Love Is Shown by Willing Obedience, March 23
RC 96.2
The character of the Christian is shown by his daily life. Said Christ, “Every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit” (Matthew 7:17). Our Saviour compares Himself to a vine, of which His followers are the branches. He plainly declares that all who would be His disciples must bring forth fruit; and then He shows how they may become fruitful branches. “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me” (John 15:4).RC 96.4
The law of God is the only true standard of moral perfection. That law was practically exemplified in the life of Christ. He says of Himself, “I have kept my Father’s commandments” (John 15:10). Nothing short of this obedience will meet the requirements of God’s Word. “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked” (1 John 2:6). We cannot plead that we are unable to do this, for we have the assurance, “My grace is sufficient for thee” (2 Corinthians 12:9). As we look into the divine mirror, the law of God, we see the exceeding sinfulness of sin, and our own lost condition as transgressors. But by repentance and faith we are justified before God, and through divine grace enabled to render obedience to His commandments.The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4
Chapter 22—Modern Revivals
4SP 299.1
Its advocates teach that the law of God is a grievous yoke. and that by faith in Christ, men are released from all obligation to keep his Father’s commandments. Bible sanctification is a conformity to the will of God, attained by rendering obedience to his law, through faith in his Son. Our Saviour prayed for his disciples, “Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth.” [John 17:17.] There is no genuine sanctification except through obedience to the truth; and the psalmist declares, “Thy law is the truth.” [Psalm 119:142.] The law of God is the only standard of moral perfection. That law was exemplified in the life of Christ. He says, “I have kept my Father’s commandments.” [John 15:10.] And the apostle John affirms, “He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” And again, “This is the love of God, that we keep his commandments.” [1 John 2:6; 5:3.] Those who love God will love his commandments also. The truly sanctified heart is in harmony with the divine precepts; for they are “holy, and just, and good.”4SP 305.1
It is the privilege and the duty of every Christian to maintain a close union with Christ, and to have a rich experience in the things of God. Then his life will be fruitful in good works. When we read the lives of men who have been eminent for their piety, we often regard their experiences and attainments as beyond our reach. But this is not the case. Said Christ: “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit.” “As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in me.” “He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit.” [John 15:8, 4, 5.] The prophets and apostles did not perfect Christian character by a miracle. They used the means which God had placed within their reach, and all who will put forth a like effort will secure a like result.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 78, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 78, 1899, par. 7
Those who wear Christ’s yoke of restraint and obedience to the commandments of God will gather with Christ. They will work in Christ’s lines. Like the Samaritan woman, as soon as they are convinced that they have found the Messiah, they will work for Him and magnify His name. They will be branches of the living Vine. “Abide in me, and I in you,” Christ said. “As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.” [John 15:4-6.]14LtMs, Ms 78, 1899, par. 17
May the Lord help His people to have clear discernment, to live and speak and act as children of the light, trying in everything to please Him who gave His life that we might become His representatives in the world. “We are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.” [1 Corinthians 4:9.] “By one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified, whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness unto us.” [Hebrews 10:14, 15.] Are these people wearing the yoke of bondage? They know no other yoke than that of Christ, who in His human life declared, “I have kept my Father’s commandments.” [John 15:10.]John 15:4-11
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 112, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 112, 1901, par. 11
Christ said, “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. ... Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. ... 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, 4-7, 9-11.]John 15:4-12
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 19, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 19, 1902, par. 4
“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 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. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.” [John 15:4-12.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 71, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 71, 1895, par. 6
Those who are united with Christ as the branch is united with the living vine, will represent Him in character. Jesus gives us instruction, saying, “Abide in Me, and I in you: as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him: the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing ... 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 written 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 15:4, 5, 8-12.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 75a, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 75a, 1900, par. 20
Christ says to His followers, “Abide in me, and I in you; as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself except it abide in the vine, no more can ye except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in me and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit.” But in order to bring forth much fruit, we must be imbued with the vivifying, sanctifying power of Christ, for He says, “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:4, 5.]15LtMs, Ms 75a, 1900, par. 21
Our churches have no excuse for being without faith and without power. Christ says, “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. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.” [Verses 7-12.]John 15:4-14
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 287, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 287, 1904, par. 7
“This is My commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are My friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” [John 15:4-14.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 194, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 194, 1898, par. 6
“Abide in me,” comes to every soul from the lips of Jesus Christ. [John 15:4.] Who is He that thus so heartily gives us the invitation? This invitation is genuine. It has no deception in it. His Word is truth. He is the propitiation for not only your sins, but the sins of the whole world. He would have you obey His Word that all His promises may be fulfilled in you. If you come to Him in penitence and repent of your sins, His pardon is full and free. His love is greater than the love of a parent for his child. He longs to make you a partaker of His blessings, and of the joy of His love, most sweet and precious.13LtMs, Ms 194, 1898, par. 7
Have you wandered from your Saviour into paths of disobedience? The blessings He bestows are all upon condition that you “come to me.” These blessings cannot be enjoyed apart from Christ, but will be freely, gladly imparted and enjoyed when you shall come to Him in close fellowship. With Christ your peace is assured. You are to come to Christ, to stay with Christ. He says, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28. You must abide with Christ if you find rest to your poor, sin-burdened souls. He extends a constant invitation to all who will to come unto Him. Here is your rest, in the assurance of His reception. He invites you to abide with Him that you might have the great privilege of unbroken communion with Himself. What words more tender, more assuring, could be spoken? “Abide in me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in me, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:4, 5.13LtMs, Ms 194, 1898, par. 9
“Abide in me.” Do not stand outside of Christ, as many professed Christians of today. To “abide in me, and I in you” is a possible thing to do, and the invitation would not be given if you could not do this. [John 15:4.] Jesus our Saviour is constantly drawing you by His Holy Spirit, working with your mind that you will abide with Christ. You have wandered from Him who is your light, your life, your salvation. The blessings He bestows are all connected with your own individual action. Shall Christ be refused? He says, “Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37. Of another class He says, “Ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.” John 5:40. The Lord Jesus knew man could not save himself. He must be saved by a power outside of himself.13LtMs, Ms 194, 1898, par. 10
Have you, have I, fully comprehended the gracious call, “Come unto me”? [Matthew 11:28.] He says, “Abide in me,” not Abide with Me. [John 15:4.] “Do understand My call. Come to Me to stay with Me.” He will freely bestow all blessings connected with Himself upon all who come to Him for life. He has something better for you than a short-lived blessedness that you feel when you seek the Lord in earnest prayer. That is but as a drop in the bucket, to have a word with Christ. You are privileged with His abiding presence in the place of a short-lived privilege that was not lasting as you engaged in the duties of life.13LtMs, Ms 194, 1898, par. 22
When the blessing is pronounced upon all honesty and true godliness, then completion of character will be cultivated and receive the reward of well doing. We wish to repeat over and over again, until it is indelibly imprinted upon the heart, the blessed invitation, “Abide in Me.” [John 15:4.] Read the Word, and in the light of a “Thus saith the Lord,” meditate upon it. Pray until the lesson and meaning of abiding in is fully learned, accompanied with its claims and its promises. The Holy Spirit, which is Christ’s representative, is now in our world to bring all things to our remembrance, that His claims shall not be forgotten or neglected. Read the Word and pray. Meditate on the Scriptures until the understanding, the gate to the door to the heart, is opened to comprehend its requirements and our dependence.13LtMs, Ms 194, 1898, par. 23
Those who will wait to hear what the Spirit saith unto them shall not hear in vain. Fix the eye upon Christ alone in quiet waiting upon Him to hear His voice saying, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in 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 I have 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 15:4, 10-12.13LtMs, Ms 194, 1898, par. 24
Who of those who claim to be Christians obey this commandment, “That ye love one another, as I”—your Lord and Saviour—“have loved you.” [Verse 12.] “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends if ye do what soever I command you.” Verses 13, 14.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 98, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 98, 1898, par. 4
Christ gave His life to make it possible for the human family to have another trial, to form such characters that it will be safe for the Lord to give them the title of sons and daughters, that He can make them members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King. The Lord will comply with the conditions He has made, if they will show themselves true and faithful. “Abide in me,” He says, “and I in you; as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can you except ye abide in me. ... 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.” [John 15:4, 7, 8.]13LtMs, Ms 98, 1898, par. 5
Those who bring their petitions to God, claiming that the promise of God has been made for them, and yet do not comply with the conditions God has made, insult Jehovah. They do not love God, and are not doing the things He has required of them. “As the Father hath loved me,” Christ said, “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. Greater love hath no man that this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” [Verses 9-14.] This is the substance of the covenant which God has made with His people.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 114, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 114, 1897, par. 7
The times in which we now live call for whole-souled helpers. The practical character of the doctrines which we profess will make an impression upon hearts, for heavenly messengers co-operate with the worker whose faith and works are combined. He who has a vital connection with Jesus Christ will have a testimony to bear as a witness for the Master. “Ye are my friends,” said Christ, “if ye do whatsoever I command you.” [John 15:14.] All who in truth are friends of Christ will do the works of Christ. We are so inclined to bring unsanctified, unconverted, traits of character into our family government and into the church; and these make our words, our manner, and our spirit not only an offense in the home, but also to the church and to the whole heavenly universe. God calls it a perverse spirit.12LtMs, Ms 114, 1897, par. 9
Paul, in addressing his epistle to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus, says, “Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.” [Ephesians 1:2.] These words are not spoken to the souls out of Christ. All our success, all our efficiency, is in Christ. We must continually look above earthly help, higher than the greatest human power, higher than the apostles. We must fasten our faith directly upon Christ Himself. He has declared, “Without me ye can do nothing.” “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the Vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit, for without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:4, 5.]This Day With God
Power to Overcome, October 7
TDG 289.2
The times in which we now live call for whole-souled helpers. The practical character of the doctrines which we profess will make an impression upon hearts, for heavenly messengers cooperate with the worker whose faith and works are combined. He who has a vital connection with Jesus Christ, will have a testimony to bear as a witness for the Master. “Ye are my friends,” said Christ, “if ye do whatsoever I command you” (John 15:14).TDG 289.6
All our success, all our efficiency, is in Christ. We must continually look above earthly help, higher than the greatest human power, higher than the apostles. We must fasten our faith directly upon Christ Himself. He has declared, “Without me ye can do nothing” (verse 5). “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me” (verse 4).—Manuscript 114, October 7, 1897, “To the Faithful in Christ Jesus.”John 15:4-15
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Ms 56, 1895
10LtMs, Ms 56, 1895, par. 3
There is a consolidation these men can enter into with safety. Christ speaks. Hear what He says: “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:4, 5; verses 6-13, 15; John 17:21-23.John 15:4-16
Help In Daily Living
“Abide in Me”
HDL 63.2
“Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in My name, He may give it you.” John 15:4-16.The Ministry of Healing
“Abide in Me”
MH 514.6
“Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in My name, He may give it you.” John 15:4-16.EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
John 15:1-27
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 86, 1910
Berkeley, California
August 21, 1910
Previously unpublished.
25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 1
[John 15:1-4 quoted.] Now that is the plain statement.25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 2
Verse 5. Will we take that into consideration—“Without Me ye can do nothing”—in the line of soul-saving?25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 3
Verse 5 again.25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 4
Let us bear that in mind. We must have a living Saviour. We must be in a position where we can exercise that right that Christ gives us, so that we bear fruit in Christ. “Without Me ye can do nothing.” And if we realize our advantages, and if we will claim the promises of God, we shall see the salvation of God just as surely as it is represented here.25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 5
Verse 6.25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 6
What more can we expect than to have a living connection Christ? There we have the promise that is full, “Ask what you will, and it shall be done unto you.” [Verse 7.] Now where is our faith? Do we walk out by that living faith that claims our advantage? We are losing a living sense of Christ abiding in us every day of our life; we are losing the most precious experience which it is possible for us to have. Well, then, the simplicity of it is brought right in here. Now a word of it but what you can understand it. And mark you:25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 7
Verse 7. Now there is no need of our going crippling along, and thinking we are half saved, and that is enough. We want the fulness that is to come to us through a crucified and risen Saviour. He is pleading in our behalf.25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 8
“If ye abide in Me.” The “if” is there. “Ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” I think how oft we disappoint our Saviour, when if we recognized Him, when if we would come to Him in humility, we should see so many difficulties removed that loom up before us in our religious experience. The fathers and the mothers want that living faith that will bear the test, and we cannot afford to be without it.25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 9
We want that living connection with Jesus Christ that it is our privilege to have, and you can take in what I have read; it is simple enough to be understood.25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 10
Verse 7.25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 11
I thank Thee, Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, that Thou hast given us assurance upon assurance, lest our faith should weaken. Help this people to lay hold on this. Help this people that are in this congregation to be baptized with the Holy Spirit of God, and that the sinner may be convicted, and that the sinners may be converted. This is the prayer I offer to our Father now through Jesus Christ.25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 12
Verse 7 again.25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 13
Well, now, if you feel that you have not much faith, you just take the Bible in your hands, and say, Lord, I am a weak, feeble mortal; but I come right to Thee with Thy Word. I present it to Thee, and I ask Thee to bring me in a sacred nearness with Thyself, that I can speak forth understandingly and intelligently to those that I am trying to win to Thee. Now this is the prayer that you can make.25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 14
(Verse 8, verse 9) to “so have I loved you.”25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 15
Here Christ came to walk on foot from place to place, and the multitudes followed Him. And then there were so many and they were weary, and He just called them aside, and He said, Prepare a place for these; they are weary; and they prepared a place. There were five thousand, and all that large company was following Christ. They were drawn by the impressiveness of Him that was teaching them. “Herein is My Father glorified.” Now, then, we know how our Father will be glorified.25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 16
“That ye bear much fruit, so shall ye be My disciples.”25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 17
Verses 9, 10.25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 18
Now this is said to every one of us. It is left for us in the Word, that we should take this Word, and we should believe the Word, and we should accept the Word. And we should in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth claim large blessings, and then we will have the large blessings to bestow. God wants us to increase in faith, in love, in knowledge, and in rejoicing in the God of our salvation.25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 19
Verse 10.25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 20
Now here are the conditions; here are the provisions made for us. There are none of us who need to go complaining and feeling that we are really having a hard time. Well, you do not need to have it. There is the promise. Do you believe the words of Christ? If you do, take Him into your family. Teach it to your children, the trust that we can have in One that left the heavenly throne, and came down into our world to meet Lucifer, who was playing the game of life with the souls of men. And here He came to withstand the power of Lucifer, who was cast out of heaven because he wanted the place of Christ and could not have it.25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 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.” [Verse 10.]25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 22
Verse 11.25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 23
Now I want every one of you to have your ears open, and to understand what it is: “This is My commandment, that ye should love one another, as I have loved you.” [Verse 12.]25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 24
Is that a possibility? Would He require anything of us that was impossible? Oh, the Lord wants to do great things for us, if we will let Him; if we will only take our position as Christians, humble Christians, not Christians that are one day on the mount, and the next day in the valley. We have got a present Saviour; and therefore we must speak to honor that Saviour, to glorify that Saviour. Every one of us has a character to form for eternal happiness.25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 25
We are passing through the test now. We are passing through the trial, and we are developing character for the future, immortal life, if we accept of Jesus Christ as an abiding Saviour, and take His words, and know that if we know the Lord, we shall know His goings forth are prepared as the morning. Shall we do it? Shall we act like Christians, or will we act half and half—today on the mount, and tomorrow away down in the vale, scolding and fretting because things do not go right? Well, now, if we hide in Christ, and Christ abides in us, we are having the victory every day; and what we want is a living Saviour.25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 26
“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.” [Verses 10, 11.] Brethren, what can we ask more? “That my joy might remain in you, and your joy might be full.” What do you think would be the influence if that should be the representation? What would be the influence, I ask, if that should be the representation? Well, it is our privilege to make it so.25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 27
We want to put away our unbelief; we want to put away our pettish feelings. We want not to speak out because we feel disturbed in our minds. We want to sensibly carry forward the idea that Christ is abiding in us, if we will let Him come in and we are abiding in Him. We want to see victories here in this meeting. We want to see the salvation of God revealed here.25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 28
We want your faith to grasp the living promise. We want your faith to walk out so that it will be demonstrated to believers and unbelievers that your life is hid with Christ in God. Shall it be so? Will you grieve the Saviour that left the royal courts? What did He do it for? Well, Lucifer, he was striving; he had glory in the heavenly courts, but he was striving for Christ’s place next to God. Next he wanted to be God, but he could not obtain that.25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 29
Christ was the only begotten Son of God, and Lucifer, that glorious angel, got up a warfare over the matter, until he had to be thrust down to the earth. He knows what I am saying today. He knows whenever there is a company assembled together as you are here. He knows when we are making efforts in every way possible to reach out to win the minds of the people. He has his agencies appointed so that after this meeting will be over, circumstances will arise and the enemy will try to gain the victory.25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 30
Now if you are converted here, if you have evidences that Jesus Christ is abiding in you, if you take that to your homes and with your children, you just bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. We want to meet them in the heavenly courts; we want to see these children. Christ has paid the price of His own blood, that He could bring these children to the heavenly courts, to this eternal life. When you are welcomed into the city of God, and the gates are thrown back upon their glittering hinges, the nations that have kept the truth are welcomed in.25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 31
But if you serve the devil half of the time, you will lose heaven entirely. There is a grand review ahead of us. It is going on now. The time will come when we shall understand what our destiny is—whether we shall enter the courts of the Lord, or whether we shall be forbidden to have any part there.25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 32
Every one of your children could be educated to recognize that the Lord Jesus will cleanse them from all sin. When the parents dropped the burden, when He was upon the earth, they felt their need of help. One family after another came and united together. They came to where Jesus was, and Jesus knew all about when they had left their homes. After they had walked on their long way, the disciples were sending them away. But Christ is teaching this company that is here. He cannot be interrupted. “Forbid them not,” says Christ. “Let the children come unto me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” [Matthew 19:14.]25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 33
Well, now, let parents take that in. Let them educate and train their children for the future, immortal life. Let them seek with all the influence and ingenuity of the mind to win these children, so that Christ can let His rich blessing rest upon the children. Well, let us take in all of these things. Every one of us that are to act the part of Christians at home and abroad, we want the light of heaven to shine upon our pathway.25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 34
[John 15] Verses 10-12.25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 35
What a requirement is that! The commandment is to love one another, and here we see professed Christians that know the truth, and we see them getting up little differences, we see them not in harmony. It causes our heart such pain as we consider that Christ has written this beautiful chapter for every living soul that is connected with the church in any capacity. We want to be in connection with the children. We do not want to set them aside; I know we do not. I know we do not. I know there are efforts made to bring these children to the love of Jesus. There are children that understand the truth—many of them have a knowledge of the truth. Let us work intelligently in this line; let us not repress it.25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 36
“These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you.” [Verse 11.] Now you see it is not a hopeless, it is not a complaining, spirit, but “these things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” God help us. “This is My commandment, That ye love one another. As I have loved you. Greater love hath no man that this, that a man lay down His life for his friends.” [Verses 12, 13.] And now here He comes right to the point, where in a few hours he would be in the hands of the persecutors—Lucifer working with all his power that he should in some way get the victory over the Son of man. “Henceforth I call you not servants, for the servant knoweth not what his Lord doeth ... for all things ... I have made known unto you.” [Verse 15.]25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 37
Will you search it out? Will you bring it into your mind? Will you exercise your reasoning faculties to do the very things that Christ came into the world to make you capable of doing? Shall not every one of us at this meeting get such decided victories that we will be able to glorify God in this tent, and there will be a unity that will destroy this disunion and this hedging one way and the other way, and every one wanting his own way. We thank God that there are many of our people who stand decided, and are trying to overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 38
Verse 15.25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 39
He took special pains to correct every evil, knowing just what His lot would be, that they would take Him, abuse Him, and He would move straight along in the channel that was marked out, to do the very works that He should do. Shall we show Christ today that we appreciate what He has done? Shall we do it? Shall we take hold and repent of our sins, and shall we be converted, and shall we lay hold on God? May the salvation of God go through our encampment, that many souls will be brought to the knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus.25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 40
He says: “I have called you friends.”25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 41
Verses 15, 16.25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 42
Now mark this promise: “That whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you.” Oh, thank the Lord with heart and with soul and with voice.25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 43
Verse 18-27.25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 44
This chapter should be taken to your hearts. There is a disposition in us—lack of love, lack of resignation to bear any cross or any difficulty—but if we just come in sacred union with God, we shall see the salvation of God in a remarkable manner. The Lord Jesus is to do a great work for us before we can stand that grand review where we shall be reined up at the Judgment. Let us get ready right here on this campground. You need not wait to get home, but right here humble your souls before God. If you would seek the Lord, confess your way where you are wrong, and let your light shine forth because the Lord is working with you.25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 45
Lucifer will come in and he will tell you every kind of theory. Lucifer was determined to have the place of Christ; therefore he worked against Him all the time that He was upon the earth. And he is working for every soul. Fathers and mothers, educate your children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. The admonition is here in this chapter. You will find it in many ways, and you will find that it requires strict discipline in love. Don’t scold, don’t fret, because you gain nothing by it. But just present to them that Christ gave His life for them. I have always gained the victory in that way.25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 46
I have tried to approach children, presenting how Christ loved them, how He took children in His arms. And when those mothers came, the disciples wanted to send them right off. “Why, the Master is teaching,” they said. But Christ catches that word. Did He not see those children come from home, and in the dusty path, and calling on neighbor after neighbor, and neighbor after neighbor? Did He not observe this? Certainly He did. He caught the word. He said, “Suffer little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” [Luke 18:16.]25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 47
Now, little children and large children, we want every one of you to be determined that you will strive for the victory over your passions. See that your parents won’t have so hard a battle to bring up their children. They do not want to cause them pain. But do try, for Christ’s sake.25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 48
We want the victory at every step, and those who are older, if they want to enter the kingdom of heaven through the gates into the city, they must put away all disunion. They can do it, if they will. But the idea to have one’s own way seems to be a great victory for them to gain, when if they should gain it, it would be at the loss of their own souls. Now let us, every one, strive for the victory; let us every one follow on to know the Lord.25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 49
Let us seek to help one another in the way to life, eternal life; and let me tell you, the grand review is to take place. Are we ready for it? You know not how soon Satan’s battle may be set in array, bringing in the most difficult heresies for us to overcome. God help us to help one another, and may we see the salvation of God that shall be revealed. But I want to see fathers and mothers coming to the Saviour, and I want to see them in unity and in harmony and in love, and when we shall come into the meetings the glory of God shall be revealed, because the principles of heaven are being carried out.25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 50
But we have got a work to perform right here in this world. Men that are grown, men that have had an experience, we want to seek the Lord in these meetings. We want the shout of victory to go up from this place. We want to humble our hearts before God, and we want to be reconverted, because the enemy and the powers of darkness are striving against us. Lucifer, who was next to Christ, because he could not have Christ’s place, is working the very best he can to deceive and to lead souls to destruction.25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 51
Well, I am glad we have got a Father in heaven. I am glad we have got a Redeemer. I am glad that Christ lives. I am glad that Christ has disciples here upon earth. I am glad we can work in companionship with the heavenly host together, if we will. There is a heavenly host that is working in our behalf against the power of Lucifer, that was condemned to the world because he would not obey the government of heaven.25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 52
But let us now obey this chapter. I don’t know but that I have said enough on it; but we want, fathers and mothers, never to get into a scolding line. You will never gain anything by it in your home. Just try to bring the children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord in the home. Try to teach them the love and nurture and knowledge of Jesus Christ.25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 53
Remember that there is a vast host, a vast host, that is working every device possible, so that souls may perish in discouragement. But shall we join them or shall we join Christ? Think what He suffered. He was not exalted. He traveled from place to place on foot. He walked, and was weary, until His parents and His friends felt that they must take Him by force, and yet they hardly dared to do it. Christ saw their design, and He slipped out in a boat. He went away, and thought He would have solitude, but there they were; they would come right around. He could not get rid of them. He wanted to keep His work going.25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 54
Well, I want to tell you we have got a Saviour on our side. Will you be on His side? Who will be on Christ’s side, we ask you? Who will be on Christ’s side, to work with Christ, just to the best of your ability, to overcome the temptations of the enemy? Who will work that they may enter in through the gates into the city? Whoever will, stand up, right up on your feet, if you can. We want to know. We want life, eternal life, that we may enter through the gates into the city, where there is no more death, there is no more sin, there is no more temptation, there is no devil; there is no Lucifer. I hope you will carry out the purpose that you have in mind. I hope you will carry it out to victory.25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 55
May God put His Spirit upon you, and upon our ministers. Let us labor unitedly and heartily for the victory at every step; and if we do, the Lord will reveal Himself to us as Christ is represented by the chapter that I have read, that we are never alone. We are working, working, for the victory, working for heaven, working to see the King in His beauty. You want your children to have beauty of character, that they can be welcomed in through the gates into the city, and have right to the tree of life, and it will only be a little while now, only a short while now and the history here now earth will be closed.25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 56
Brethren, let us do everything that we can, and our very best. That is all we can do—leave our cases in the hands of God. We will have perplexities to the close of time; we shall have it. Souls are deciding one way or the other. May God help us to lift up our “voice like a trumpet, and show My people their transgressions, and the house of Jacob their sins. Yet they seek me daily, ... as a people that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinances of their God.” [Isaiah 58:1, 2.]25LtMs, Ms 86, 1910, par. 57
Well, now, let us stop all this parleying with the devil. Let us come right up to the help of the Lord. Let us talk faith; let us work faith; let us pray in faith. There are souls that have been hesitating, who will gather up their responsibilities; they will take their stand on the side of God. Amen.Manuscript Releases, vol. 6 [Nos. 347-418]
MR No. 354—Individuality and Creativity
6MR 104.1
This chapter [John 15] is very simple in its illustrations, and every one should seek to understand its lessons. They should bear in mind that the branches in the true Vine are the believers who are brought into oneness by being connected with the Vine stock. There must be unity in their diversity. Individuality is preserved; for one branch cannot blend into another in the same stock; yet every individual branch must be in fellowship with the other if they are united to the parent stock.The Upward Look
The Price of Our Redemption, December 9
UL 357.3
The disciples were filled with great joy. Over and over again they repeated the words Christ had spoken to them in His last lessons, as recorded in the fourteenth, fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth chapters of John; and every one had something to say about the instruction, especially with regard to the words of the fourteenth of John ... [verses 1-3, quoted]....Special Testimonies for Ministers and Workers—No. 6
Meetings at St. Helena, Cal
SpTA06 8.1
The world is the chief enemy of religion. The satanic forces are constantly at work through the world, and those who are professed Christians, yet associated with the world in close fellowship, are so much one in spirit, aims, and principles of working, that they cannot discern between him who serveth God and him who serveth the world. The enemy works constantly to push the world to the front, to be looked upon as superior to those who believe in Jesus, and who seek to be doers of his word. Words of praise and flattery from worldlings are received as sweet morsels, but the judgment of those who love this sort of food is in accordance with the weakness which they show in this direction. Their spiritual life is composed of just the kind of material they feed upon. Their Christian experience is largely dependent on flattery and human appreciation. The fear and love of God are not interwoven in their experience. How pitiable and sad to see men who have known something of the Spirit of God, fall so completely into the arms of the world, as to be swayed and influenced by its voice, and depend upon its favors for strength and success! How manifestly such are alienated from Christ, how full of self-confidence, how full of vaunting, of vanity, and how short-sighted in regard to spiritually! How little true discernment have they to distinguish between him who is a child of God, an heir of the kingdom, and him who is a child of the wicked one, who is a child of disobedience, and an enemy of God! There are only two classes in our world: Those who are obedient to Jesus Christ, who seek the Master, to do his will, and work for the attainment of the salvation of their own souls, and the soul of every one who is associated with them, who names the name of Christ; and the children of disobedience. There are but two classes in our world. Then listen to the words of One who knows: “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.” 1 John 4:4, 5. Souls are being deluded. The fear and love of God have not a controlling power. The world is their master, and they chase after its delusive, flattering mirage. Listen to One who gave his life for the world, “that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” He spake as never man spake. The whole of John 15 contains a most important lesson. Read it; obey it. Again, hear the voice of God, “Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”Manuscript Releases, vol. 16 [Nos. 1186-1235]
MR No. 1196—Evangelism in Norwich, Connecticut, And Lynn, Massachusetts; Concern for Those Who Unsettle Faith in the Testimonies And Misinterpret the Scriptures
16MR 81.2
I slept last night about ten hours; praise the Lord, praise His holy name! I believe He will give me strength and grace. I am making my home with Sister Ellen Warfe, one of the number, a kind family. We have things here convenient and pleasant. I shall go to Danvers Wednesday. I have been so deeply interested in John 14, 15, 16, 17, that I am writing on the subject. I have written twelve pages today upon John 14, for fear I should have the force of the subject wear away from my mind. This will come in Life of Christ. I have in all forty pages written.Sermons and Talks, vol. 1
Having Our Conversation In Heaven (Sermon by Ellen G. White in Copenhagen, Denmark, July 24, 1886)
1SAT 44.3
It is through the Son of God that we claim the promises that He has left on record for us. Here we have come out, and are keeping His commandments, because we see it is His requirement. We make ourselves peculiar from the world in this respect; and as we follow the best light we have in keeping His commandments, it is our privilege to claim His blessing, and then lay your whole burden upon Jesus Christ and claim by faith His rich salvation. While Satan will press upon your soul his darkness and tell you [that] you cannot be saved, tell him, “Jesus died for me; it was a whole sacrifice that was made in my behalf, and I claim a whole salvation. The Master would have me joyful, for He has said it (John 15). The Word of God declares plainly and positively, ‘Herein is My Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be My disciples.... These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. ’”Sermons and Talks, vol. 1
I Am the True Vine
1SAT 397.1
“I am the true Vine, and My Father is the Husbandman. Every branch in Me that beareth not fruit He taketh away; and every branch that beareth fruit, He purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit” (John 15:1-2).1SAT 397.2
Jesus is speaking of the fruitless Christian, the professing believer, who, because he does not comply with the conditions of discipleship, departs more and more from Christ. He does not in his life bear the fruits of righteousness; he does not copy the life of Christ. But the true follower of Christ can have no lower standard than His perfect life.1SAT 397.3
“And every branch that beareth fruit, He purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” “He purgeth it.” Christ suffers trial to come upon His followers that they may be led to seek the Lord more earnestly. Then when trials come, do not think that the Lord is your enemy. He purges for a reason. He does not want you to be discouraged, but He would prove you, to see if you will be true to Him and will conduct yourselves circumspectly under every circumstance. He does not want to drive you away, but to drive you nearer to the Lord. In God is the Christian’s only hope in time of perplexity.1SAT 397.4
Do not talk to others about your trials, for they have enough of their own to bear, and our human friends cannot always understand. It is your privilege to go to One who will always understand, because His life on earth was one of constant trial and perplexity, borne without failure and sin.1SAT 398.1
“Abide in Me,” Christ says, “and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me” (John 15:4). Christ would not tell us this if it were impossible for us to abide in Him. He shows us the possibility and the importance of a close relation with Himself. “He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5).1SAT 398.2
What is the “much fruit” that we must bear? It is fruit of a heavenly nature, the result of lives sanctified by the Holy Spirit of God. When we abide in Christ, and Christ abides in us, we shall be men and women of prayer, of truth, men and women who carry themselves circumspectly before God and before the world. Daily we shall draw from Christ the strength we need to work the works of God. This is what the world needs—a manifestation of the power of truth in Christian characters. What we need is faith in the Word of God, and with true faith we shall have the living witness that our ways please God. Of what worth is religion to us if when we approach God we cannot have the evidence in ourselves that He hears and answers prayer?1SAT 398.3
“Without Me,” He says, “ye can do nothing.” Then let us press close to the bleeding side of Christ. In Him our humanity is provided for. In Him we may become partakers of the divine nature, and overcome the corruption that is in the world through lust.1SAT 399.1
“If a man abide not in Me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 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” (John 15:6-9).1SAT 399.2
It is not enough that now and then you offer a prayer, and now and then deal righteously. You are to have the attributes of an abiding Christ working out in your life constantly. How many of us have this experience? Yet we may have it, and having it, we will be the happiest people on the face of the earth. With Christ’s word abiding in us, we shall give evidence that we have wholly received Him who in His humanity lived a sinless life. In the strength of divinity we shall overcome every tendency to evil.1SAT 399.3
But if men abide not in Christ, “they are cast forth as a branch,” and are withered. Man may make great claims to piety, but if in his business transactions he does not reveal that the Holy Spirit of God is governing words and actions, he had far better make no profession. Christ’s life and death does not avail for him who chooses to do as he pleases, who follows his own imaginations and carries out on his own way and will.1SAT 399.4
“As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in His love” (John 15:9, 10). Let us thank God that this is our privilege. Though we are sent out into the world, we can keep before us the example of the pattern Man, and in His strength carry out the principles of overcoming. It is only the overcoming Christian who will reach the kingdom of heaven. May God help us in this matter, is my prayer. Let us see that we keep His commandments in all our dealings with one another. When we not only talk, but live our religion, we shall show that we are branches of the living vine.1SAT 400.1
“These things have I spoken unto you,” the Saviour continued, “that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full” (John 15:11). I think there was something said when the disciples heard that. Do you not think that if we had that full joy, we would do as we did when we first felt the sanctifying power of God upon our hearts? When we were looking for the coming of the Lord in the early days of this message, we would praise Him in our prayers and in our conversation. There was not one particle of fanaticism among those who truly loved the Lord and were seeking His glory.1SAT 400.2
True religion does not demand great bodily demonstrations such as some of you have had the misfortune to witness here. These are no evidence of the presence of the Spirit of God. In 1843 and 1844 we were called to meet just such fanaticism. Men would say, I have the Holy Spirit of God, and they would come into the meeting and roll just like a hoop. Because some would not receive this as evidence of the working of the Spirit of God, they were looked upon as wicked people. The Lord sent me into the midst of this fanaticism though I was not more than sixteen years of age. Some would come to me and ask, Why do you not join with them? I said, I have another Leader than this, One who is meek and lowly in heart, One who made no such demonstrations as you are making here, nor such boasts. These demonstrations are not of Christ, but of the devil.1SAT 401.1
Every particle of selfishness is to be purged from the character. We are to show the difference between the lovers of pleasure and the world, and the lovers of Jesus. “This is My commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are My friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you” (John 15:12-14).1SAT 401.2
All that was communicated to Him by His Father, Christ makes known to His followers. “Henceforth I call you not servants;” He says, “for the servant knoweth not what His Lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of My Father I have made known unto you” (John 15:15). How was this done? By words merely? No; by character; by the daily life. It was thus that Christ represented His Father. My brethren and sisters, let us make it known that we are branches of the living vine in that we represent the character of Christ. By a life of fruitbearing we are to make known the truth of the Word. You may profess a religion that is as high as the heavens; but unless you do the commandments of God, you are certainly not recommending the love of Christ to the world.1SAT 401.3
“If the world hate you, ye know that it hated Me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for My name’s sake, because they know not Him that sent Me” (John 15:18-21).1SAT 402.1
“If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin. He that hateth Me hateth My Father also. 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. But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated Me without a cause. But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, He shall testify of Me: And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with Me from the beginning” (John 15:22-27).1SAT 402.2
The difference between the character of Christ and the character of other men of His day was everywhere apparent, and because of this difference the world hated Him. It hated Him for His goodness and His strict integrity. And Christ declared that those who manifest the same attributes would be likewise hated. As we near the end of time this hatred for the followers of Christ will be more and more manifest.1SAT 402.3
Christ took humanity and bore the hatred of the world that He might show men and women that they could live without sin, that their words, their actions, their spirit might be sanctified to God. We can be perfect Christians if we will manifest this power in our lives. When the light of heaven rests upon us continually we shall represent Christ. It was the righteousness revealed in His life that distinguished Christ from the world and called forth its hatred.1SAT 402.4
We are nearing the close of this earth’s history. Let us ever remember that there is a heaven to win and a hell to shun. There are some among us who refuse to purify their souls by obedience to the truth, and they bring forward their sophistries to show that those who adhere strictly to a thus saith the Lord are altogether too particular. They seek to divert the mind from purity and truth and holiness and the development of Christian character; but such souls stand on Satan’s side of the question.1SAT 403.1
Shall those who refuse to be converted, who reject the right of entrance through the gates into the city, charge God with severity and harshness? The result of allowing one sinner to enter heaven would be a second rebellion, and God cannot permit another. All who enter the heavenly city must be sanctified through the grace of God. Their weaknesses must be brought into such relation to truth that truth shall be their strongest point of character. Only those who have kept the truth—kept it in practice—can enter through the gates into the city of God.1SAT 403.2
The words of Christ are spoken for His people in all ages—for us upon whom the ends of the world are come. The test that will come to us will be upon the commandments of God. Only as we become partakers of the divine nature shall we learn to overcome. I pray that none in this congregation may lightly regard this great privilege, but that each may be a living branch of the true vine, bearing fruit to the glory of God.1SAT 403.3
In the life of Christ a perfect pattern has been given to every child of humanity. From infancy to manhood the life of Christ was perfect, teaching us that in everything we should seek perfection. To His work at His father’s bench He brought the same principle. Some would laugh at Him for the pains He would take, but He would not be turned from His purpose to bring out of that which was imperfect something that would stand the test of proving.1SAT 404.1
And in His spiritual as in His temporal life Christ was perfect. Did He not have temptations? We know that He did. We know that temptation came to Him in every form. He knew what trial was. He spent whole nights in prayer to His Father. He wrestled with the powers of darkness until He overcame. And how fully the glory of the Father was revealed through Him!1SAT 404.2
Should we not honor the One who gave His Son to a life of trial and reproach for us? In giving His Son to a life of suffering God would teach us that because we suffer we have no reason to feel that we are not children of God, and thus lose faith in Him. When we are in trouble, let us think of this. If we would have more faith, we would see more of the glory of God than we do.1SAT 404.3
I think of the children in our families. Are we teaching them to live so that the gates of the city of God will be opened to them? Let fathers and mothers feel the solemn obligation resting upon them to teach their children the way of the Lord in kindness and tenderness and love. The mother should be the first teacher of her child. Parents, be kind and gentle with your children, and they will learn gentleness. Let us demonstrate in our homes that we are Christians. I value as worthless that profession that is not carried out in the home life in kindness and forbearance and love. Let us seek to form characters after the divine similitude. Let us maintain a living connection with heaven.1SAT 405.1
Consider the blessed reward in the kingdom of God awaiting those who in this life seek for the divine similitude. There there will be no more trial, no more affliction or pain or death. There we shall receive the crown of the overcomer and the harp of gold. Not for a few short years, but from everlasting to everlasting, we shall live to sing the song of praise to the Lamb. Will you engage in the effort to win these eternal blessings? Will you give your hearts unreservedly to God? He wants you. He stands ready to accept you, ready to forgive when you repent and turn from your sins. You may fail again and again, but again and again He will forgive if you truly repent, and He will bring you off more than conqueror at last through Him who has loved you and washed you in His own blood.—Manuscript 97, 1909. (MR 900.47)Manuscript Releases, vol. 21 [Nos. 1501-1598]
MR No. 1547—Trials and Blessings at the Newcastle Camp Meeting; Abiding in Christ and Resting in His Love
21MR 227.3
On the Sabbath Elder Starr spoke in the forenoon. In the afternoon I spoke from John 15. I sought to impress upon the people the lesson of that wonderful parable of the vine and the branches. John 15:1-6.21MR 228.3
A deep impression was made as I spoke from John 15 on the vine and the branches. I spoke of the wonderful contrast between the spurious branches and the true branches, those that have a vital connection with the parent stock. I read only a few verses, to imprint upon their minds the necessity of abiding in Christ.Sermons and Talks, vol. 2
Manuscript 37, 1908
2SAT 292.3
“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 15:1-7].2SAT 293.1
“As the Father hath loved Me,” He continues, “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” [verses 9, 10]. This language is so plain that there need be no mistake as to what God requires of us. “This is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous” [1 John 5:3].2SAT 293.3
“These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full” [John 15:11].2SAT 294.6
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are My friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of My Father I have made known unto you” [verses 13-15].2SAT 295.2
“Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in My name, He may give it you” [verse 16].2SAT 296.6
“But all these things will they do unto you for My name’s sake, because they know not Him that sent Me. If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin. He that hateth Me hateth My Father also. 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. But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated Me without a cause” [John 15:17-25].2SAT 297.2
“But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, He shall testify of Me: and ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with Me from the beginning” [verses 26, 27].Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Ms 37, 1908
23LtMs, Ms 37, 1908, par. 3
“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 15:1-7.]23LtMs, Ms 37, 1908, par. 5
The Saviour next points out the sign of discipleship: “Herein is My Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be My disciples.” [Verse 8.]23LtMs, Ms 37, 1908, par. 8
“As the Father hath loved Me,” He continues, “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.” [Verses 9, 10.] This language is so plain that there need be no mistake as to what God requires of us. “This is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous.” [1 John 5:3.]23LtMs, Ms 37, 1908, par. 10
“These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” [John 15:11.]23LtMs, Ms 37, 1908, par. 15
“This is My commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.” [John 15:12.] This is a wonderful statement. In our lives we are to exemplify the love of Christ. Then, like Him, we shall labor most earnestly for the salvation of sinners. He desires that we shall abide in Him, that He may work through us in keeping before the world such a representation of the infinite love of God as He Himself gave. Through our lives the despondent may receive an assurance that it is possible to be partakers of the divine nature, and by taking hold of this divinity, win the victory that all must win who shall enter in through the gates into the city.23LtMs, Ms 37, 1908, par. 20
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are My friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of My Father I have made known unto you.” [Verses 13-15.]23LtMs, Ms 37, 1908, par. 22
“Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in My name, He may give it you.” [Verse 16.]23LtMs, Ms 37, 1908, par. 24
“Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit.” [Verse 16.] We are ordained unto God to bear fruit. Was this not our experience when we were led down into the water and baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost? What did that mean?—It meant that the three great powers in heaven were pledged to keep us so long as we remain one with Christ, united to the vine.23LtMs, Ms 37, 1908, par. 30
“These things I command you, that ye love one another. If the world hate you, ye know that it hated Me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept My saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for My name’s sake, because they know not Him that sent Me. If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin. He that hateth Me hateth My Father also. 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. But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated Me without a cause.” [John 15:17-25.]23LtMs, Ms 37, 1908, par. 31
Jesus says, “They hated Me without a cause.” [Verse 25.] And if we take a straightforward course to lift up Jesus Christ, if we work determinedly, that we may bring souls to Him, we shall arouse the hatred of the world, even as did He whom we follow.23LtMs, Ms 37, 1908, par. 32
“But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, He shall testify of Me: and ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with Me from the beginning.” [Verses 26, 27.] I am very glad that our workers have the privilege of attending these meetings. I hope that as a result of the labors put forth here, some who have not been keeping the commandments of God will be led to feel that it is high time to take hold of the divine nature of Jesus Christ, in order that they may be overcomers. Do not allow these opportunities to pass by without seeking the Lord with all the heart. Let every one repent and be converted. If you will do this, you will see of the salvation of God. We may be misunderstood by the world; for spiritual things are spiritually discerned; but we are to go straightforward, following in the footsteps of our Lord. We are to trust Him who is spirit and life to the believer.