EGW WritingsJohn 15
Ellen G. White · Page 6 of 9
Read John 15 in the BibleJohn 15:5-7
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 35, 1891
7LtMs, Ms 35, 1891, par. 12
Who gave you that mind? It was God. What right have you to commit day by day, hour by hour, week by week, month by month, and year by year, a system of robbery against God? What right have you to take the gift of reason, the gift of intelligence, and put that intelligence and reason largely to your own benefit in worldly profit? We are to yield ourselves up, all that there is of us. Men in positions of trust, positions in our institutions, you become self-centered; you bring commercial business in. Men of responsibility that stand in positions of trust have contracted too big and heavy burdens to stop to pray. You are to consider the words of Christ, “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.]7LtMs, Ms 35, 1891, par. 43
When the minister goes forth to labor he can say, I go in the strength of the God of Israel. I have no confidence in self. I have no confidence in my finite ability, but I have a standing promise from One who says, “I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:20.] You have no lack of power then. What more assurance do you want? “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.] Do you believe it? Do you believe the promise?Ye Shall Receive Power
Directions for the Youth, August 28
YRP 249.4
We must not trust in self. Our finite strength is only weakness. Says Jesus, “Without me ye can do nothing”; but He promises, “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 15:5, 7).Sermons and Talks, vol. 1
Work and Baptism of Holy Spirit Needed
1SAT 174.3
Men in positions of trust, positions in our institutions, you become self-centered; you bring commercial business in. Men of responsibility that stand in positions of trust have contracted too big and heavy burdens to stop to pray. You are to consider the words of Christ, “Without me ye can do nothing” [John 15:5]. Leave Christ out of your service and you cannot distinguish between the common and sacred fire. Oh, they are too crowded with the cares of life for them to pray. What is their positions before God? You can go on and load yourself with burdens and with cares and perplexities, and live [a secular life]. “Without me ye can do nothing.” Now, what is the use to leave Jesus out of the question and go on with your bungling work, botchwork, and with your affections centered upon the things of this world, and absorbed and controlled by the business part—the temporal things of this life and that which is of no value to us—and that which is of eternal moment to us is put away as a thing to be taken up transiently, when most convenient? If you go to meeting, you cannot keep awake because you have robbed God of the nerve brain power in pressure of worldly cares and of the physical and of the spiritual. You have not been drinking of the life streams which made glad the city of our God. You have not been drinking of the snow of Lebanon, but you have been drinking at the malarious streams in the valley; and what you want [lack] is religion. It is what you will have to have or you will never enter the kingdom of God.1SAT 185.1
We want to know, brethren, if you are going to make the surrender to God. We want to know if you will consider that everything has been done for you that a God could do. We want to know if you consider that all heaven—just think of it!—all heaven has been poured out to you in one gift, with Jesus Christ. When God gave His Son He gave with Him the richest treasures of heaven. It is yours, if you will cooperate with Him. He gave all heaven; all heaven He gave in that one gift. All heaven is at our command. All heaven we may claim. When the minister goes forth to labor he can say, “I go in the strength of the God of Israel. I have no confidence in self. I have no confidence in my finite ability, but I have a standing promise from One who says, ‘I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.’” You have no lack of power then. What more assurance do you want? “If he 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]. Do you believe it? Do you believe the promise?John 15:5-8
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 18, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 18, 1894, par. 24
Here are your children after they claim to have been converted, after they claim to have been washed in the blood of the Lamb. Can you offer them your tobacco? Can you offer them your beer and cider? “But I cannot give them up.” What is the matter? They have the control of your mind and will. But does not Jesus say that if ye abide in Him and His words abide in you, you shall ask what you will and it shall be done unto you? “It is my Father’s good pleasure that you bear much fruit.” He tells us that He is the Vine and we are the branches, and we are to take the sap that flows through the Vine and bear like fruit with Jesus Christ. [John 15:7, 8, 5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 122, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 122, 1899, par. 41
Our brethren who hold responsible positions of trust must be faithful sentinels. They have to deal with those who have proved to be unfaithful men, who have revealed the fact that they cannot be relied upon in doing business connected with the cause of God. Unless these men are converted, and are transformed in character, unless they will maintain their integrity at any cost to themselves, they must be separated from the work; for the heavenly intelligences will not co-operate with them. “Without me,” says Christ, “ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] These men have lost discrimination of correct principles. God’s work must have men connected with it who have solid principles, men who in all lines of the work will do right because it is right. They must be led by the Lord in all their methods. Then they will take the right path, because they are doers of the words of Christ.14LtMs, Ms 122, 1899, par. 70
When a soul has been brought to Jesus through this kind of personal labor, leave the surrendered, humbled heart for God to work with, and let God impose upon him just such burdens and urge upon him just such service as He sees fit. God has given His pledge that His grace shall be sufficient for every one who will listen to His invitation and come unto Him. Jesus says, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me; so shall he be my disciple.” [See Matthew 16:24; John 15:8.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 171, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 171, 1905, par. 11
Well might the disciples say, “Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life.” [Verse 68.] Consider what Christ was. The Son of the Highest, yet a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. Have we experienced the blessing that comes from trusting Him with the whole heart and honoring Him by ever showing our love and devotion to Him? Christ is hungry for fruit—fruit that will appease His hunger of soul in our behalf. It is His desire that we bear “much fruit.” [John 15:5, 8.]Our Father Cares
Being Alive Unto God, September 11
OFC 266.4
O, did we remember that Christ became poor, that we through His poverty might become rich, would we not seek to honor His name, and advance His cause? We are to abide in Him as the branch abides in the vine. 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.... Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples” (John 15:5-8).This Day With God
Being Alive Unto God, May 10
TDG 139.4
O, did we remember that Christ became poor, that we through His poverty might become rich, would we not seek to honor His name, and advance His cause? We are to abide in Him as the branch abides in the vine. 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.... Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples” (John 15:5-8).John 15:5-10
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 16, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, par. 79
At every point [and] decision inquire, Is this the way of the Lord? With your Bibles open before you consult sanctified reason and a good conscience. Your heart must be moved, you soul touched, your reason and intellect awakened, by the Spirit of God. The Holy principles laid down in His Word will give light to the soul. I tell you, my brethren, our true source of wisdom and virtue and power is in the cross of Calvary. Christ is the author and finisher of our faith. He says, “Without Me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] Jesus is the only sure guarantee for intellectual success and advancement. We need to practice temperance in all things that the taste may be elevated, the appetite controlled, the passions subdued. The Lord Jesus can supply every grace. Love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance—these are the fruits borne by the Christian tree. The Lord Jesus requires of every believer an unreserved surrender of soul, body, and spirit. All the energies, all the capabilities, throughout your lifetime belong to Him. Let no man seek to go about God’s work in any of its branches, in his own strength, for if he does this the fruit will not be such as will abide unto eternal life.6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, par. 89
And He says of the Spirit of Truth, Whom the world cannot receive because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him. But ye know Him: for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless, I will come unto you. I am the Vine, ye are the branches; he that abideth in Me and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit, for without Me ye can do nothing. If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love, even as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. [John 14:17, 18; 15:5, 10.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Ms 17, 1895
10LtMs, Ms 17, 1895, par. 1
I was in a council meeting where many things were under consideration; one of the dignity and authority arose, and presented in a clear light the present condition of the work, and its dangers. All were listening with intense interest as the principles upon which we should act in this time of peril were set forth. The words were often repeated, “Where there is unity, there is strength.” There is need of an Almighty power to work the human agent if he shall make straight paths for his feet. “If ye keep My commandments ye shall abide in My love.” [John 15:10.] In order to have unity, we must recognize our dependence upon one another, for everyone is a part of the great web of humanity. But there has come in a servile dependence which leads man to look to his fellow man, and not to our infallible Superior, Jesus Christ. We are all weak, sinful, erring mortals, and unless we look to the Lord continually, we can do nothing in the right spirit, as it should be done.10LtMs, Ms 17, 1895, par. 2
When men are encouraged to lean on men, there will manifest a surprising weakness. All the aptitude, all the sharp, clear discernment, becomes mixed with merely human wisdom. “Without Me,” says Christ, “ye can do nothing.” [Verse 5.] Every one must learn to lean on the true support, Jesus Christ, who of God is made unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. It is the grace of Christ alone that makes us overcomers, and this victory is gained through entire dependence upon God, and close examination of self. Our probation is short. The Lord calls for deep humility, earnest, humble prayer.John 15:5-11
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 113, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 113, 1893, par. 15
Oh, how thankful should we be because of the promises of God! As you closely examine your own heart, the Lord will reveal to you the work He wishes you to do. “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling: For it is God that worked in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12, 13. God works in you; cooperate with God, and you are a worker together with God in the saving of your own soul. Says Christ, “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] With Christ you can come off more than conqueror through Him that has given His life for you.8LtMs, Lt 113, 1893, par. 41
Happiness is not dependent on the frivolities and dissipations of the world. When the door of the heart is opened to the love of Jesus there are opened fountains of pure and never-ceasing joy in the soul. Jesus has said, “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” John 15:11. We have a precious, loving Saviour who wants us to find our happiness in Him, because the happiness He gives is not fluctuating but enduring. The religion of Jesus Christ never makes its possessor unhappy, never creates gloom or despondency. God calls on every soul to enter His way of peace and find rest in placing all their burdens upon Him.John 15:5-12
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 19d, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 19d, 1892, par. 31
As Christ was about to leave His disciples, He said, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another.” This is the measure with which we are to love one another: “As I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” [John 13:34, 35.] Again He said, “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.” [John 15:8, 9.] Mark the words of Christ and bear them in mind, “As I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” [John 13:34.]7LtMs, Lt 19d, 1892, par. 32
“This is my commandment, that ye love one another as I have loved you.” [John 15:12.] “Neither pray I for these alone; but for them also which shall believe on me through their word, that they all may be one.” How full and perfect is this union to be? “As thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me, I have given them, that they may be one, even as we are one. I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.” [John 17:20-23.]7LtMs, Lt 19d, 1892, par. 34
There are many in the ministry who have no love for God or for their fellowmen. They are asleep, and while they sleep, Satan is sowing his tares. The flock of God is in need of help from heaven, and the sheep and lambs are perishing for food. But let those who would have a deep and living experience in the things of God cease to depend upon men, even upon their pastors and teachers, and put their trust wholly upon God, using their God-given ability to His glory. Christ is to be lifted up before the people, for by beholding Him we are to become changed to His image. Jesus says, “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] He has made ample atonement, and he who lays hold upon Christ by faith has peace with God. The Holy Spirit purifies the heart, presenting God in new and endearing views as our heavenly Father.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 77, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 77, 1893, par. 21
God so loved the world, that He manifested His love by giving His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Jesus said: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one for another.” “This is My commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you.” [John 13:34, 35; 15:12.] Let your zeal be manifest, not in exposing your variances but in cultivating the precious plant of love, just as Jesus has told us to do.8LtMs, Lt 77, 1893, par. 63
Work, O work, keeping eternity in view. Bear in mind that every power must be sanctified. In yourselves you are powerless to do anything good. Christ declares, “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] Becoming partakers of the divine nature you can do all things. Through Christ you can have power with God and with men.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 76, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 76, 1893, par. 42
Love produces love; words and works of compassion and love are the good seeds dropped into the soil of the heart which will produce good fruit, for the Lord Jesus alone can give the increase. Have fervent charity (love) among yourselves. This will constrain Christians to love one another, to be good, clean, pure, and to do good; to communicate all possible good to one another and to be fruitful in good works. “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one for another.” John 13:35. “This is my commandment, that ye love one another.” John 15:12. All spiritual life is indeed the life of God in the soul. Everything which works in the human agent to perfect a Christian character is divine.8LtMs, Ms 76, 1893, par. 43
I thank my heavenly Father for His blessings, His light and His love. Oh, precious is Christ to my soul this morning! I can do nothing in and of myself. I must have a vital connection with the Light of the world, the Truth. I am afraid of Christianity without Christ. It is a broken cistern which can hold no water. Unity with Christ is that which we all need. My soul goes out after God. I long for His presence. I pant for the waters of life. “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.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 271, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 271, 1903, par. 21
“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.]18LtMs, Lt 271, 1903, par. 23
“If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” [Verse 7.] These are the conditions of receiving blessing. You are not to run ahead of Christ, supposing that He will follow the one who should follow Him.18LtMs, Lt 271, 1903, par. 25
“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 8-12.]John 15:5-14
Manuscript Releases, vol. 19 [Nos. 1360-1419]
MR No. 1374—Bear Witness to Christ Before the World; How to Conduct the Christian Warfare
19MR 104.2
The inhumanity of man toward man is our greatest sin. God is yet present in our world to work through the children of men, and He would not have His people imitate the practices of the Jewish nation. They would not then be a wholesome, saving element in the world. Jesus says, “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted?” [Matthew 5:13] “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” [John 15:5-9]. Now the condition, “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 15:10-12].19MR 105.1
This is the principle that needs to be cultivated. “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 15:13, 14]. In submission to the principles of the law of God is our only safety. The world is in great need of salt, which Christian precept and practice can introduce into it. The world is following in the steps of the inhabitants of the Noachian world and of the Sodomites. Of the days of Noah it is written. “God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” [Genesis 6:5]. And Jude says, “Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire” [Jude 1:7].Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 7, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 7, 1895, par. 12
“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.” Now the condition, “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 15:5-12.]10LtMs, Lt 7, 1895, par. 13
This is the principle that needs to be cultivated. “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.” [Verses 13, 14.] In submission to the principles of the law of God is our only safety. The world is in great need of salt, which Christian precept and practice can introduce into it. The world is following in the steps of the inhabitants of the Noachian world and of the Sodomites. Of the days of Noah it is written, “God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” [Genesis 6:5.] And Jude says, “Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.” [Verse 7.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 82, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 82, 1895, par. 28
“If ye love me, keep my commandments. ... He that hath my commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me, and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself unto him. ... If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.” [John 14:15, 21, 23, 24.] “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. ... 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 15:10, 11, 13, 14.]10LtMs, Lt 82, 1895, par. 36
Jesus says, “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] Union with Christ is our only means for overcoming sin. Living in Christ, adhering to Christ, supported by Christ, drawing nourishment from Christ, we bear fruit after the similitude of Christ. We live and move in Him; we are one with Him, and one with the Father. The name of Christ is glorified in the believing child of God. This is Bible religion.John 15:5-16
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 16, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 16, 1892, par. 2
I thought perhaps I might have left the impression on your mind that I did not appreciate the church in this place, but I do; that is why I am here in Adelaide. There are many precious souls in the church. They have their defects and weaknesses, but the Lord does not forsake them for this, He loves them still. The church militant is not the church triumphant. “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. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” [1 John 3:2, 3.] (As God is pure in His sphere, so may the believing, trusting child of God be <pure> in his sphere.) “He that abideth in me and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit.” [John 15:5.] We have precious truth, and we want to enjoy it and be sanctified through the truth.7LtMs, Lt 16, 1892, par. 34
Christ calls for you. He has given me a message to you. “Return unto me, and I will return unto you and heal all thy backslidings.” [Malachi 3:7; Jeremiah 3:22.] He calls for you to be a laborer together with God. He tells you, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you.” [John 15:16.] O how true are these words. You did not make the first movement toward Christ, but He made the first movement toward you. He drew you by the cords of His love. He touched your hearts by His grace. Your approach to Him was the response of His drawing. If Jesus had left you alone, you would have perished. Truth you want at any cost.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 174, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 174, 1897, par. 22
I read to the students important matter in reference to hygienic principles connected with Bible religion—eating, drinking, and speaking, that all out actions shall be in accordance with the will and ways of God, corresponding with the great truths which He has given us in His Word. The Lord does want us to be miserable, but happy. The yoke of Christ, accepted submissively, is a restraint from pulling apart from Christ in wrong directions. “Without me,” He says, “ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] All who wear the yoke of Christ draw with Christ and He gives the human agent, if he submits, grace and willingness to co-operate with Him.12LtMs, Ms 174, 1897, par. 91
Everything is at stake with us. Our obedience or disobedience to the commandments of God will decide our eternal welfare. “If ye keep my commandments,” Christ says, “ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.” [John 15:10.] “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me; and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. ... If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not, keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.” [John 14:15, 21, 23, 24.]12LtMs, Ms 174, 1897, par. 93
I was able to sleep till 3:30. I thank the Lord that I am gaining some strength. I pray to my Lord for strength; I give myself to His service. I long for physical strength and health, for mental clearness, that I may render to God acceptable service. “Ye have not chosen me,” Christ has said, “but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go, and bring forth, 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.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 179, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 179, 1901, par. 17
I have met persons who have professed to believe in Christ, who for years have been in an uncertain position as to whether or not we should bow our knees to Christ in prayer. Well, you can see how some stumble over little things. Well, here it is just as plain: “For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that he would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man.” [Verses 14-16.] What is that? Why, we have here an abiding Christ, and “if ye abide in me, and my words abide in you,” He says, “ye shall go forth and bring forth much fruit.” [John 15:7, 16, 5.] Well, that is just what we want to do.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 119, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 119, 1904, par. 4
Christ declares, “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 15:5, 6.]19LtMs, Lt 119, 1904, par. 7
“If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” [Verse 7.]19LtMs, Lt 119, 1904, par. 9
“Herein is My Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be My disciples.” [Verse 8.] Neither you nor your mother and brothers and sisters need misunderstand these words. Let your hearts practice them in the daily life, and you will enjoy the blessing that always comes from obedience to them. Hold the beginning of your confidence firm unto the end. Then, day by day, you will realize the fulfilment of the promises made by the great Teacher. Hear, and receive, and obey. Let the words of Christ enter into the intents and purposes of your hearts.19LtMs, Lt 119, 1904, par. 10
“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.” [Verses 9, 10.] Who could misunderstand the terms of salvation here given. Where could you find simpler, clearer, more valuable knowledge than is here revealed? My brother, these precious words are spoken to you and to the other members of the Wessels family. You need not fail of comprehending them.19LtMs, Lt 119, 1904, par. 11
“These things have I spoken unto you that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” [Verse 11.] The joy that comes from any other source than Christ is valueless. It is a pretense, an emotion that brings no abiding satisfaction.19LtMs, Lt 119, 1904, par. 12
“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. 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. 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.” [Verses 12-16.]John 15:5-21
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 40, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, par. 46
There is no peace to be obtained in uniting our interest with the world, whom Christ says cannot receive the truth because they know not the Father or the Son Jesus Christ. Jesus says, “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.” John 15:18, 19. Jesus was drawing the world but they refused to come to Jesus, refused to know Him. “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 sayings, they will also 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 15:20, 21.6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, par. 65
The Review and Herald Office is not in a right position before God. The Lord requires that every one of His servants do His bidding, but there is a great neglect of this. The atmosphere in the Review Office is not healthful. The managers are not fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. While they profess to believe the Bible they fail in practising its teachings. They are hearers but not doers of the Word. The heavenly graces are not in the heart and woven into the character. The requirement is, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness.” Matthew 6:33. The truth as it is in Jesus will lead men to make Christ first and the world second. They will not engage in the sacred work of God without most earnestly seeking heavenly direction, because Christ has said, “Without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5.6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, par. 73
Every sharp transaction in deal, every bargain made to advantage yourselves to the disadvantage of another, is a violation of God’s law. You do not love your neighbor as you love yourself and you are registered—even you that handle sacred things—as transgressors of the law of God. Those who are doing the work of God cannot dishonor His name more decidedly than by being sharp and dishonest in deal. You may not call these sharp, keen transactions dishonest; but God calls them so. You can never gain respect as Christians unless you represent Christ in spirit, in temper, in deportment, in all your business transactions. In order to do good to those connected with you in the work, you must inspire them with sound confidence in your piety and the purity of your principles. If they see you stern, iron-hearted, unfeeling, cold, unloving, they know you are not Christians. Christ says, “Love one another, as I have loved you.” John 15:12.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 40a, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, par. 54
Jesus says, “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. And 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.]6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, par. 69
If men possessed the truth as it is in Jesus, they would not engage in the sacred work in carelessness of spirit, but would most earnestly seek for heavenly direction. They would realize the truth of the Saviour’s words, “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] Men bearing responsibilities in the publishing house need divine enlightenment that their business transactions may meet the approval of God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 86, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 86, 1895, par. 10
The Lord Jesus understands all about the trials they must meet. He says, “These things I command you, that ye love one another. If the world hate you, yet 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 15:17-21.]10LtMs, Lt 86, 1895, par. 11
We have here the plainest statement that those who manifest the spirit of persecution toward such as love and fear God, are in a satanic delusion. Christ says, “They know not him that sent me.” [Verse 21.] When you work as a servant of Christ, and your message is rejected, always remember Jesus, and keep at your work <still, sowing the seeds of> truth.10LtMs, Lt 86, 1895, par. 24
Whatever may have been the feeling and conduct of others toward you, let not this have a shadow of influence upon you in your contact with them. Not one of us lives to himself. Each has God’s entrusted talents to use. Consider well what is demanded of you in order to represent Christ in every place and under every circumstance. Self is to be hid with Christ in God. “Without me,” said Christ, “ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] But the Holy Spirit is given to help us in every time of need. Stand in humble dependence upon that power that will be given to all who seek for it and depend on it. Your capabilities will be a success in the service of Christ if you feel your own insufficiency and your dependence upon God.The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials
Chapter 115—The Vision at Salamanca
1888 930.1
There is no peace to be obtained in uniting our interest with the world, whom Christ says cannot receive the truth because they know not the Father or the Son Jesus Christ. Jesus says, “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.” John 15:18, 19. Jesus was drawing the world but they refused to come to Jesus, refused to know Him. “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 sayings, 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 15:20, 21.1888 934.4
The Review and Herald Office is not in a right position before God. The Lord requires that every one of His servants do His bidding, but there is a great neglect of this. The atmosphere in the Review Office is not healthful. The managers are not fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. While they profess to believe the Bible they fail in practicing its teachings. They are hearers but not doers of the Word. The heavenly graces are not in the heart and woven into the character. The requirement is, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness.” Matthew 6:33. The truth as it is in Jesus will lead men to make Christ first and the world second. They will not engage in the sacred work of God without most earnestly seeking heavenly direction, because Christ has said, “Without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5.1888 937.3
Every sharp transaction in deal, every bargain made to advantage yourselves to the disadvantage of another, is a violation of God’s law. You do not love your neighbor as you love yourself and you are registered—even you that handle sacred things—as transgressors of the law of God. Those who are doing the work of God cannot dishonor His name more decidedly than by being sharp and dishonest in deal. You may not call these sharp, keen transactions dishonest; but God calls them so. You can never gain respect as Christians unless you represent Christ in spirit, in temper, in deportment, in all your business transactions. In order to do good to those connected with you in the work, you must inspire them with sound confidence in your piety and the purity of your principles. If they see you stern, iron-hearted, unfeeling, cold, unloving, they know you are not Christians. Christ says, “Love one another, as I have loved you.” John 15:12.John 15:5-23
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 35, 1891
7LtMs, Lt 35, 1891, par. 30
“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.” [John 15:17-23.]7LtMs, Lt 35, 1891, par. 32
God gives His messages to save the soul from death, and any disregard of His Word, and turning from the ways of the Lord, will result in disaster, but truth and righteousness will triumph. How little does the transgressor realize where the path will lead which looks so enticing in the first moment of temptation. He may travel it long and it will become more and more crooked. In pain and sorrow and sin, you can find no rest in mind, no relief for the soul. Christ says, “Without me ye can do nothing.” [Verse 5.]John 15:5-27
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 117, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 117, 1902, par. 13
Seeking for the most powerful agency to send to the aid of the disciples when He should no longer be with them, Christ promised to send them His Spirit. “When the Comforter is come,” He said, “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 15:26, 27.] Christ declared that the disciples would reap the harvest of His seed sowing, and that after His ascension they would do even greater works than He had done. And as they saw the fulfilment of all that was predicted of Him—His trial in the judgment hall, His rejection, His death on Calvary—they were so filled with love for Him and for those for whom He died that hearts were melted by the words they spoke and the prayers they offered. They spoke in the power of the Holy Spirit, and under the influence of that power thousands were converted.17LtMs, Ms 117, 1902, par. 20
The call to every one who knows the truth is to proclaim it to those who know it not, not in self-sufficiency, but in the power of Him who declares, “Without Me ye can do nothing.” [Verse 5.] Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted to others, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. The truly converted are blessed by the Holy Spirit, that they may bless others. In the place of wounding and bruising the hearts of their fellow workers, men and women are to uplift and strengthen them. Thus they honor and glorify God. Not an unkind word is to pass their lips. All that they say is to heal and restore. When the workers in God’s cause know the truth as it is in Jesus, they will be as salt that has retained its savor. Filled with love for sinners, they will proclaim the message of present truth with such power that many will be converted.John 15:6
Sons and Daughters of God
Withered Branch Apart From Christ, October 11
SD 291.1
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. John 15:6.John 15:6-7
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 53, 1910
25LtMs, Ms 53, 1910, par. 10
We must arise and co-operate with Christ. “If a man abide not in Me,” the Saviour declares, “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 15:6, 7.] In thought, in word, and in deed we are to do the works of Christ, evidencing that we are abiding in Him and are branches of the living Vine.John 15:6-12
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 205, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 205, 1903, par. 12
“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 15:6.]18LtMs, Lt 205, 1903, par. 15
“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.” [Verses 7, 8.] Fruit-bearing, then, is the condition of discipleship. What is the fruit that is to be borne?—purity of character, unselfish deeds, Christlike words. Those who do not bear this fruit, those whose lives do not reveal the tenderness of Christ, are not accepted as representatives of God.18LtMs, Lt 205, 1903, par. 17
“As the Father hath loved Me, so have I loved you; continue ye in My love.” [Verse 9.] These words show that man has a part to act. He is to continue in Christ’s love, wearing His yoke, learning His meekness and lowliness. We are bidden to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling, fearing lest we make a failure, and grieve the Spirit of God. But we are not left to work alone. The apostle adds, “It is God that worketh in you, both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” [Philippians 2:13.] Divine and human effort are to be combined. If the human agent realizes that he is a laborer together with God, if he relies on the Lord to do that which he cannot do, the work will go forward successfully.18LtMs, Lt 205, 1903, par. 18
“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 15:10-12.] As Christ has loved us—this is the measurement of the love that we are to have for one another.John 15:7
A Sketch of the Christian Experience and Views of Ellen G. White
Prayer and Faith
ExV 59.2
True faith lays hold of and claims the promised blessing before it is realized and felt. I have seen that we must send up our petitions in faith within the second vail, and have our faith take hold of the promised blessing, and claim it as ours. And we are then to believe that the blessing is ours, and that we receive it, because our faith has hold of it, and according to the Word it is ours. “What things soever ye desire when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Here is faith, naked faith, to believe that we receive the blessing, even before we realize it. When the promised blessing is realized and enjoyed, faith is swallowed up. But many suppose they have much faith when sharing largely of the Holy Spirit, and that they cannot have faith unless they feel the power of the Spirit. Such confound faith with the blessing that comes through faith. The very time to exercise faith is when we feel destitute of the Spirit. When thick clouds of darkness seem to hover over the mind, then is the time to let living faith pierce the darkness, and scatter the clouds. True faith rests on the promises contained in the word of God, and those only who obey the Word, can claim the glorious promises contained in it. “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. “Whatsoever we ask we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.” 1 John 3:22.Our High Calling
Rejoicing in Assurance, May 21
OHC 147.1
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.Prayer
Chapter 6—The Prayer Of Faith
Pr 59.1
True faith lays hold of and claims the promised blessing before it is realized and felt. We must send up our petitions in faith within the second veil and let our faith take hold of the promised blessing and claim it as ours. We are then to believe that we receive the blessing, because our faith has hold of it, and according to the Word it is ours. “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Mark 11:24. Here is faith, naked faith, to believe that we receive the blessing, even before we realize it. When the promised blessing is realized and enjoyed, faith is swallowed up. But many suppose they have much faith when sharing largely of the Holy Spirit and that they cannot have faith unless they feel the power of the Spirit. Such confound faith with the blessing that comes through faith. The very time to exercise faith is when we feel destitute of the Spirit. When thick clouds of darkness seem to hover over the mind, then is the time to let living faith pierce the darkness and scatter the clouds. True faith rests on the promises contained in the Word of God, and those only who obey that Word can claim its glorious promises. “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. “Whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.” 1 John 3:22.—(Early Writings, 72, 73.)Prayer
Chapter 7—Prayer And Obedience
Pr 68.2
The promise is “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. And John declares: “Hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected.” 1 John 2:3-5.—(Christ’s Object Lessons, 143, 144.)Prayer
Chapter 31—Asking to Give
Pr 308.2
The promise is “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. And John declares: “Hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected.” 1 John 2:3-5.Selected Messages Book 2
Messages of Comfort to a Daughter-in-Law Suffering Affliction
2SM 246.1
We do not cease to pray for you, my dear child, and the goodness and mercy of God is so clear and distinct to me that every time I pray it seems as though the Saviour had you in His own arms and that you were reposing there. I have faith in your case. I do believe that the Lord has heard prayer in your behalf, and that He will work for your good and His own name’s glory. He has said, “Ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you” (John 15:7). “Whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive” (Matthew 21:22).Spiritual Gifts, vol. 2
Chapter 7—Call to Travel
2SG 46.3
Elder B-----t appeared to be a very holy man. Had much to say upon charity. Speaking of faith he said, “All we have to do is believe, then whatever we ask of God will be given.” Bro. White answered, “Blessings are promised on conditions. John 15:7: If ye abide in me and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be given unto you. Your theory of faith is empty as a flour barrel with both heads out. And as regards true charity, she is a very delicate personage, never stepping out of the path of Bible truth.”Spiritual Gifts, vol. 2
Chapter 37—Testimony for the Church
2SG 291.2
True faith lays hold of and claims the promised blessing before it is realized and felt. I have seen that we must send up our petitions in faith within the second vail, and take hold of the promised blessing, and claim it as ours. And we are then to believe that the blessing is ours, and that we receive it, because our faith has hold of it, and according to the Word it is ours. “What things soever ye desire when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Here is faith, naked faith, to believe that we receive the blessing, even before we realize it. When the promised blessing is realized and enjoyed, faith is swallowed up. But many suppose they have much faith when sharing largely of the Holy Spirit, and that they cannot have faith unless they feel the power of the Spirit. Such confound faith with the blessing that comes through faith. The very time to exercise faith is when we feel destitute of the Spirit. When thick clouds of darkness seem to hover over the mind, then is the time to let living faith pierce the darkness, and scatter the clouds. True faith rests on the promises contained in the word of God, and those only who obey the Word, can claim the glorious promises contained in it. “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. “Whatsoever we ask we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.” 1 John 3:22.Sermons and Talks, vol. 1
The Minister’s Relationship to God’s Word
1SAT 62.1
Here the apostle presents a solemn charge to every minister of the Gospel. He arrays them before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead, to preach the Word, and they are not to show a partiality for merely the prophecies and the argumentative portions of the Scriptures, but the greatest and most important lessons that are given us are those given us by Jesus Christ Himself. If we become thoroughly acquainted with the doctrines of Jesus Christ, then we shall be able to win souls to Christ. We shall have the love of Christ in our hearts, for we will see that we can do nothing without it. Why, 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” [John 15:7].Christian Experience and Teachings of Ellen G. White
Chapter 21—Prayer and Faith
CET 126.4
True faith rests on the promises contained in the word of God, and those only who obey that word can claim its glorious promises. “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. “Whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.” 1 John 3:22.Sermons and Talks, vol. 1
Eternal Life
1SAT 241.3
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” (John 15:7). Then it is plainly expressed what His will and work are, in the fourteenth chapter of John and the twelfth verse. It is believing on Jesus Christ who is able to save you to the utmost. He came to this world to bring fallen man moral power, that he might keep the commandments of God and be a partaker in the divine nature, overcoming the corruption that is in the world through lust. It is the privilege of every one of us.From the Heart
Striking Examples of Prayer, January 10
FH 22.1
If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. John 15:7.The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1
Ms 10, 1859
1EGWLM 768.1
Elder B—t [Bennett] had the appearance of being a very holy man. He spoke upon the subject of faith, and said “that all we had to do was to believe, and what we asked of God would be given.” He also had much to say upon charity. Brother White answered, “Blessings are promised on conditions,” and quoted John 15:7, “‘If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.’ Your theory of faith is empty as a flour barrel with both heads out. True charity is a very delicate personage, never stepping her foot out of the path of Bible truth.”With God at Dawn
God’s Promises Are Conditional on Obedience, March 29
WGD 90.1
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.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)
Ms 10, 1859
1LtMs, Ms 10, 1859, par. 3
Elder Bennet had the appearance of being a very holy man. He spoke upon the subject of faith, and said “that all we had to do was to believe, and what we asked of God would be given.” He also had much to say upon charity. Brother White answered, “Blessings are promised on conditions,” and quoted (John 15:7), “‘If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.’ Your theory of faith is empty as a flour barrel with both heads out. True charity is a very delicate personage, never stepping her foot out of the path of Bible truth.”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)
Lt 40, 1874
2LtMs, Lt 40, 1874, par. 5
I have found great comfort in these promises of God. “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. Precious indeed is this promise. The Word of God is pledged on the condition of obedience and prayer. I am daily seeking for fresh evidences of the love and power of God. I earnestly desire my will to be swallowed up in His will. God will not leave me to walk in darkness when I try to follow the course He has marked out, and do those things which are pleasing in His sight. I feel more and more every day that I have no time to lose. I must bear my testimony to others and work earnestly to get before others the light which God has given me. I do not feel that I am my own, but bought with a price.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)
Lt 20, 1880
3LtMs, Lt 20, 1880, par. 3
This has been the language of my soul ever since I have been upon this coast. All are so very busy. I am alone in my room nearly all the time, and my mind has been very perplexed, my anxiety very great. My prayers have come from a burdened heart. But Jesus has lifted my burden and He is a wellspring of joy in my soul. Christ’s words seem to be spoken to me. In the night season I seem to hear His voice; “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.Christian Experience and Teachings of Ellen G. White
Chapter 35—Missionary Work
CET 215.2
We have too little faith. We limit the Holy One of Israel. We should be grateful that God condescends to use any of us as His instruments. For every earnest prayer put up in faith for anything, answers will be returned. They may not come just as we have expected; but they will come—not perhaps as we have devised, but at the very time when we most need them. But, oh, how sinful is our unbelief! “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.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 5, 1886
4LtMs, Ms 5, 1886, par. 5
For a few weeks past I have had a deep sense of the promises of God and the hope of the Christian. The Bible never seemed to me so full of rich gems of promises as within the last few weeks. It seems that the dews of heaven are ready to fall upon us and refresh us, if we will only take the promises to ourselves. We can never overcome our own natural tendencies without the help of Heaven, and the precious Jesus places Himself right by our side to help us in this work. He says, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:20.] Well now, we want to believe just what Christ has said. We want that our faith shall compass the promises. We want to throw it wide open, the door of our hearts, that Jesus can come in and dwell with us. He 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.” [John 15:7.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Ms 16, 1887
5LtMs, Ms 16, 1887, par. 9
Christ Himself has said, “If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine.” [John 7:17.] It is the privilege of every one of us individually to become acquainted with the Word of God. We need not walk in darkness, for Christ is light. He says that those who follow Him shall not walk in darkness, but they shall have the Light of life. [John 8:12.] My heart is very anxious that those who claim to be children of God should show their obedience to all of God’s commandments. We manifest our love for our heavenly Father when we have respect to all of His commandments. He 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.” [John 15:7.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Ms 13, 1888
5LtMs, Ms 13, 1888, par. 5
Here the apostle presents a solemn charge to every minister of the gospel. He arrays them before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead, to preach the Word, and they are not to show a partiality for merely the prophecies and the argumentative portions of the Scriptures, but the greatest and most important lessons that are given us are those given us by Jesus Christ Himself. If we become thoroughly acquainted with the doctrines of Jesus Christ, then we shall be able to win souls to Christ. We shall have the love of Christ in our hearts for we will see that we can do nothing without it. Why, 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.” [John 15:7.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 71, 1889
6LtMs, Lt 71, 1889, par. 4
We do not cease to pray for you, my dear child. And the goodness and mercy of God is so clear and distinct to me, [that] every time I pray it seems as though the Saviour had you in His own arms and that you were reposing there. I have faith in your case. I do believe that the Lord has heard prayer in your behalf and that He will work for your good and His own name’s glory. He has said, “Ask what ye will and it shall be done unto you.” [John 15:7.] “Whatsoever ye ask in [prayer] believing, ye shall receive.” [Matthew 21:22.] I know that stormy times are before us, and we must know how to trust, how to lay hold on the source of our strength. The Lord is good to those that trust in Him, and they shall not be overcome.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 13, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 13, 1894, par. 19
Do you think Satan wants this school to be carried on where his word cannot be carried out, where you will perfect Christian characters? Does he want that? Every student here has an influence, and there is an unconscious influence that surrounds every one of you. It is as poisonous as hell, or it is from Jesus Christ. The fragrance of Christ’s character makes you a savor of life unto life. We want Jesus to abide with us, and we open our soul temple and invite him in. He 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.” [John 15:7.] There is the promise, and the condition. Can you do just as you please and think that you can come to Christ at any time and ask Him for anything that you want? No, you do not know how to pray. What we want is to know how to pray intelligently, how to speak intelligently and how to live intelligently as in the sight of God and the whole universe of Heaven. And God will help everyone of us. We need not to be destitute of His help, for God will give us grace upon grace.Christ’s Object Lessons
Chapter 12—Asking to Give
COL 144.1
The promise is “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. And John declares: “Hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected.” 1 John 2:3-5.EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
John 15:5
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 50, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 50, 1900, par. 4
There is no other way for man’s salvation. “Without me,” says Christ, “ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] Through Christ, and Christ alone, the springs of life can vitalize man’s nature, transform his taste, and set his affections flowing toward heaven. Through the union of the divine with the human nature, Christ could enlighten the understanding and infuse His life-giving properties through the soul dead in trespasses and sins.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 74, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 74, 1900, par. 19
It is safe to encourage every soul to let go his grasp of the world, and place his hand in the hand of Christ. “Without me,” the Saviour declares, “ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 85, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 85, 1900, par. 2
I received your letter from Mexico. I rejoice in any token for good in the warfare of pressing the triumphs of the cross. The Saviour declared, “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] Just as long as you walk in the footsteps of Christ you will be safe.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 92, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 92, 1900, par. 36
God calls for a decided change in the program. Christ has prayed for the unity of His people. In their unity is their strength. God desires all to be laborers together with Him. The Saviour says, “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] Man cannot, by any efforts he may make, thwart the purpose of God. Let there be a consideration of these things. Let men come to their senses. Let them not work at cross-purposes with God. “A man’s heart deviseth his way, but the Lord directeth his steps.” [Proverbs 16:9.] There are many devisings in a man’s heart, nevertheless the counsel of God, that shall stand.Our Father Cares
Time for Meditation, April 11
OFC 113.5
There is constant need of private communion with God. We must take in the spirit of Christ if we would impart it to others. We cannot meet satanic and human agencies combined unless we spend much time in intercourse with the Source of all strength. There are times when we should get away from the sounds of earthly toil and human voices, and in retired places listen to the voice of Jesus. Thus we may taste of His love and imbibe His spirit. Thus we shall learn to crucify self. This course of action may seem impossible to the human mind. “I have not time,” you may say. But when you consider the matter as it really is, you lose no time; for when you secure the power and grace that come alone from God, you do not accomplish the work. It is Jesus who is the real worker. “Without me,” says Christ, “ye can do nothing.” John 15:5.... Reflection and earnest prayer will inspire to holy endeavor.11Our High Calling, 116.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 126, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 126, 1900, par. 5
If you had the money you so long to possess, let me tell you something that you need to understand. You are not a good financier. You would use a large sum in gratifying your speculative propensities, and you would soon reveal a great deficiency in business capacity. The prospecting ability you possess will be revealed to your injury. The enemy has presented before you wonderful prospects, but your brethren could have advised you if you had not thought that you knew what was best. You had to learn the truth of Christ’s words, “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] The Lord has been willing to help you, and give you wisdom and knowledge and understanding; but you did not feel the necessity of close, diligent application to improve your ministerial ability. You did not want the tax required to perfect your gift.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 25, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 25, 1900, par. 9
When the sick are restored to health, the glory is often given to the physician, when it was the divine touch and healing balm of the Saviour that gave relief and prolonged life. If the one who has been restored gives the praise to the physician, it is the physician’s duty and privilege to point him to the compassionate Saviour as the One who has spoken to him the Word of life and given him a new lease of life, to be used for a high and holy purpose. The Lord is the Worker; the physician is only the instrument. “Without me,” Christ declares, “ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] He says to the faithful physician, “I will stand by your side. And as you tell those for whom you work that Christ is all and in all, that He died for their sins in order that they should not perish, but have everlasting life, I will impress their hearts.”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 50, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 50, 1900, par. 11
A physician needs to have a very close connection with God. Never is he to lose his hold of God’s helpful, strengthening power. He is to drink deeply of the water of life, and then lead others to the living stream. The fact that the physician acts so important a part in bringing relief from suffering will naturally place him where he will be regarded with feelings of love and gratitude by those whom he has helped. Let him not take the praise and glory to himself. Let him hide self in the Saviour, pointing to Christ as the One who is to receive all praise and thanksgiving. The Lord is the worker; the physician is only the instrument. “Without me,” Christ declares, “ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] He says to the faithful physician, I will stand by your side, and as you tell those for whom you work that Christ is all and in all, that He died for their sins, in order that they should not perish, but have everlasting life, it will impress their hearts.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 2, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 2, 1900, par. 5
Those controlling various lines of work in our institutions need to realize the truth of the words, “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] A genuine missionary work must be done in the different lines of work. New Principles must be developed as well as talked. In the place where all should walk humbly before God, there must be no large care for business and little care to understand whether the Lord Jesus is presiding. Begin your work every morning with prayer. The Lord says, “Them that honor me, I will honor.” [1 Samuel 2:30.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 5, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 5, 1901, par. 6
This is the One who says to us today, “Him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out.” [John 6:37.] Then cling to the mighty One. Do not, I beseech you, dishonor your Redeemer by turning from Him to seek help from human beings. Help those who are weak in faith by showing firm confidence in God. Do not encourage these souls to lean on any human prop. Do not insult the Saviour by turning from His promises, from the fullness of His love and assurance, to human resources. Trace not a word of doubt in the One who loves you, whose you are by creation and by redemption. Go not for help to those who are just as dependent as you. Christ has declared, “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” [Matthew 11:28.] Christians, is not this promise of value? Had there been a surer way of finding rest, would not the Lord have pointed it out to His weary, fainting children? But He has told us of no way in which to find rest except by wearing His yoke. “Take my yoke upon you,” He says, “and learn of me, and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” And the dear Saviour adds, “My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” [Verses 29, 30.]16LtMs, Ms 5, 1901, par. 11
By this miracle Christ would teach us the truth of the words, “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] He is the source of all power, the Giver of all temporal and spiritual blessings. He employs human beings as co-workers, giving them a part to act with Him as His helping hand. By the work of the disciples He illustrated the work His disciples are to do in all ages. They are to receive from Him the precious truth that they may give it to those who are fainting by the wayside. And as they empty their hands in giving to the hungry, Christ gives them more to impart.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 149, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 149, 1901, par. 5
I am not going to specify any one in particular as being in the wrong. There should be a general reformation, a closer examination of self. Ask yourselves the question, “What should I be?” Christ says, “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 29, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 29, 1901, par. 16
God wants you to stand in position where He can breathe upon you the Holy Spirit, where Christ can abide in the heart. He wants you at the beginning of this meeting to lay off whatever of controversy, of strife, of dissension, of murmuring, you have been carrying. What we need is a great deal more of Christ and none of self. The Saviour says, “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Lt 174, 1901
16LtMs, Lt 174, 1901, par. 9
I am surprised that I feel as much braced up as I do this morning, after passing through such a night. We hope that you are all enjoying the blessing of the Lord. My heart is drawn out that the Lord will bless you all and give you wisdom. I am pleading with Him to go before us and prepare the way for us. “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] When we take ourselves into our own hands, we are weakness itself. Now as never before we need the efficiency of the Holy Spirit.Our High Calling
Time for Meditation, April 20
OHC 116.5
There is constant need of private communion with God. We must take in the spirit of Christ if we would impart it to others. We cannot meet satanic and human agencies combined unless we spend much time in intercourse with the Source of all strength. There are times when we should get away from the sounds of earthly toil and human voices, and in retired places listen to the voice of Jesus. Thus we may taste of His love and imbibe His spirit. Thus we shall learn to crucify self. This course of action may seem impossible to the human mind. “I have not time,” you may say. But when you consider the matter as it really is, you lose no time; for when you secure the power and grace that come alone from God, you do not accomplish the work. It is Jesus who is the real worker. “Without me,” says Christ, “ye can do nothing.” John 15:5.... Reflection and earnest prayer will inspire to holy endeavor.47Manuscript 25a, 1891.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Lt 195, 1901
16LtMs, Lt 195, 1901, par. 8
Remember that working with Christ as your personal Saviour is your strength and your victory. This is the part all are to act. To those who do this comes the assurance, “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God.” [John 1:12.] Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He declares, “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] And the repenting, believing soul responds, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” [Philippians 4:13.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 14, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 14, 1901, par. 39
The Lord has a place and work for thousands of men in connection with His cause. But when men feel that they can go on a warfare at their own charges, the Lord is left on one side, and they exhibit themselves. What is the result? A failure; for Christ says, “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] When a minister or a physician feels that by his smartness and tact he can represent the cause of God, he leaves the side of Christ and runs ahead of Him. He will learn to his sorrow that the divine presence and power is wanting in his work, that without the Lord Jesus his labors are worthless.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Lt 35b, 1901
16LtMs, Lt 35b, 1901, par. 3
Brother Santee, yoke up with Christ. He says, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” [Matthew 11:29, 30.] I am instructed that unless Brother Santee shall make changes in his attitude and spirit, unless he feels less self-confidence, he will have trouble. Learn, my dear brother, in the school of Christ. He says, “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] I would be much pleased to see you standing in the attitude spoken of by David: “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.” [Psalm 121:1, 2.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 102, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 102, 1901, par. 34
To every one has been given the wonderful talent of speech. Let us cultivate this talent, never misrepresenting Christ, never casting a shadow on those with whom we speak. We are to speak the truth in love. This truth may cut those to whom we tell it, because they are not in harmony with it; but the truth must be spoken. If while we are talking we see the Spirit of God exerting an influence upon human hearts, we are to take no glory to ourselves; for it is Christ Himself working through the human instrumentality. He says, “Lo, I am with you alway.” [Verse 20.] “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] In the presence of such a Companion, we ought to walk worthy, realizing that as His representatives we are in this world to glorify Him.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Lt 21, 1901
16LtMs, Lt 21, 1901, par. 12
Each soul has an individuality. Each soul must live in hourly communion with Christ; for He says, “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] His principles are to be our principles; for these principles are the everlasting truth, proclaimed in righteousness, goodness, mercy, and love.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 188, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 188, 1901, par. 7
He who thinks that success depends on laying aside the yoke of Christ, and putting on the yoke of the world, will fail entirely of gaining success. Christ declares, “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 24, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 24, 1902, par. 17
No human being can work for God successfully in his own power. Christ says, “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] Those who surrender body, mind, and spirit into the hands of God to be controlled by Him, will see of His salvation.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 62, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 62, 1902, par. 5
A connection with God means everything to you. A connection with worldly men is of little value to physicians who have received a knowledge of present truth. The Lord calls upon you to be a true representative of Him. To devote large sums of money to outward display will not accomplish what you suppose it will. This is one way of calling the attention of the higher classes to your work, but it is not the Lord’s way. You need to bind about your desire to make a striking appearance. You need to learn of the great Teacher the lessons that will make you wise unto salvation. Set Christ ever before you. Remember that He is your efficiency. “Without me,” He says, “ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.]Our High Calling
The Source of My Strength, May 20
OHC 146.1
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.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 145a, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 145a, 1902, par. 5
Religious life must characterize our business transactions if we keep the breath of life in our souls. We have been instructed that pure, strong faith in a “Thus saith the Lord” must bear a signal part in all our business enterprises, else all who are connected with these enterprises, whatever they may be, will stand on losing ground. When God can accept us as laborers together with Him in seeking to save the souls ready to perish, He can co-operate with us in carrying forward the enterprises with which we are connected. And His co-operation places us where our efforts work out His plans. It unites us with Christ, and from Him we derive the nourishment that enables us to bear “much fruit.” [John 15:5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 92, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 92, 1902, par. 6
Help us this morning, because we need Thy help. Help us, because we can do nothing without Thee. Thou hast told us, “Without Me ye can do nothing” [John 15:5]; and therefore we plead for Thy presence to abide with us during our council meeting here this morning. May this be a meeting in which Thou canst impress and lead human minds. May we learn to put our trust in eternal realities. We do not want to be separated from Thee. Be with those who remain here today, and also with those who depart.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 49, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 49, 1902, par. 29
The object of all we do, whether we eat, or drink, or whatever we do, is to be the glory of God. The health and strength that He has given us is to be carefully guarded. We are never to plan our work in a way that calls for a prodigal outlay of means or for an undue taxation of the mental and physical powers. The worker who plans his work in this way does great harm to himself. He worries, and his mind is worn out by his anxiety to make everything appear to what he supposes to be the best effect; for he gets nervous if he cannot obtain all the means he needs to carry out his plans to his satisfaction. While a worker follows such methods, he cannot be guided by the Holy Spirit. He is working in a worldly way to satisfy a worldly appetite. He forgets that true success is dependent on the One who has said, “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] The things that should have taken the first and highest control of the mind are lost sight of in the effort to make a striking impression. The common fire, not the sacred fire of God’s kindling, is used.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 145, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 145, 1902, par. 9
Religious life must characterize our business transactions if we keep the breath of life in our souls. We have been instructed that pure, strong faith in a “Thus saith the Lord” must bear a signal part in all our business enterprises, else all who are connected with these enterprises, whatever they may be, will stand on losing ground. When God can accept us as laborers together with Him in seeking to save the souls ready to perish, He can co-operate with us in carrying forward the enterprises with which we are connected. And His co-operation places us where our efforts work out His plans. It unites us with Christ, and from Him we derive the nourishment that enables us to bear “much fruit.” [John 15:5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 157, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 157, 1902, par. 28
Religious life must characterize our business transactions if we keep the breath of life in our souls. We have been instructed that pure, strong faith in a “Thus saith the Lord” must bear a signal part in all our business enterprises, else all who are connected with these enterprises, whatever they may be, will stand on losing ground. When God can accept us as laborers together with Him in seeing to save the souls ready to perish, He can co-operate with us in carrying forward the enterprises with which we are connected. And His co-operation places us where our efforts work out His plans. It unites us with Christ, and from Him we derive the nourishment that enables us to bear “much fruit.” [John 15:5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 49, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 49, 1902, par. 3
We are living in a time when Satan is working with all his power to discourage and defeat those who are laboring in God’s service. But we must not fail nor be discouraged. We must exercise greater faith in God, believing His promises, and trusting His living Word. Unless we as workers have a firmer hold from above, we shall never be able to cope with the powers of darkness that will be seen and felt in every department of the work. We are surrounded with missionary fields. God will use humble men, if they are daily learning in the school of Christ. Some men are inclined to overrate their own importance, and some are self-sufficient. Such men have not the strength that Jesus gives. And “without Me,” He says, “ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.]17LtMs, Ms 49, 1902, par. 15
Let every minister, by his course of action, prove that he is honest before God. Those who engage in sacred work need not think that they can be laborers together with God, if they work in a bungling manner. Shall any professing Christian worker do less than when he was an alien from God’s service? Surely no one desires to be found doing thus. Let every one prove his work, to see of what sort it is. Let every one show that he realizes that Christ is his Companion. The Saviour says, “Without Me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] He who is truly yoked up with Christ cannot fail of doing his best and of bearing witness to the world that companionship with Christ not only fits a man for service, but daily strengthens him to do most excellent work.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 4, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 4, 1902, par. 14
“Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] By the partnership of God and man, the work of warning the world is to be carried forward to completion. With fear and trembling every man is to work out his own salvation, knowing that God is working in him to will and to do of His good pleasure. It is God’s good pleasure, not man’s; for man is easily turned to the corrupted standard of the world. In order to be successful in the service of God, man must be guided by the Holy Spirit. Christ declares, “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] And the one who refuses to unite with Christ, the one who exchanges the pure principles of heaven for the corrupting principles of the world, thus searing his conscience, would better be separated from the work that is to represent in this world God’s justice, mercy, truth, and holiness. I am instructed to say: Unless our ministers and directors believe and practice the Word of God, they will never see the King in His beauty. God’s law is the standard of character. He has no other standard for any one. Obedience to this law is the condition of salvation. Upon obedience depends our present and future happiness. Godliness is profitable for all things. It is the fruit of a repentance that needs not to be repented of. The evidence of its worth is in itself and is demonstrated by good works.Our High Calling
In the Sunlight of Christ, July 29
OHC 216.5
Your fellowship is with the Father and with the Son, and you grow into the knowledge of the divine perfection. You grow in reverence, you gain confidence in communion with God. Looking steadfastly to Jesus, you grow in faith, and learning to distrust self, you appreciate the words of Christ, “Without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5....Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 25, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 25, 1902, par. 4
The work that God has specified is to be done is a work which can be done only 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 blood-stained banner of prince Emmanuel.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 102, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 102, 1903, par. 13
I speak to my brethren and sisters who know the truth. Will you not seek to blend in Christian fellowship? Will you not strengthen one another, in God’s way? In your work of character building, be sure that Christ is your director. It makes a great difference whether you are laborers together with God or whether you are laborers together against God, whether it is your highest ambition to magnify God or to magnify yourself and your plans. Christ declares, “Without Me ye can do nothing”—nothing that will be approved by God. [John 15:5.] Study your motives carefully, and make sure that you are not working in your own wisdom, apart from Christ.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 275, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 275, 1903, par. 33
Our belief in Christ is not to be a casual belief, but a belief that enters into every part of the life. Such a belief leads us to ask Him to supply our need because we realize that He is our only dependence. A casual belief admits that He is the Redeemer, but does not honor Him by receiving Him as a friend, a helper. Those who have such a belief do not know the meaning of the words, “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] They work without taking Christ into their confidence.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 192, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 192, 1903, par. 2
“In My Father’s house are many mansions.” John 14:2-6 quoted. “The truth and the life.” Keep that faith before your mind that it is Christ who is our only dependence, our only hope for salvation. It is Jesus Christ. “He so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, (whosoever) shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] When we consider what Christ has done for us in giving His life, how can we doubt that He means just what He says, when He tells us, “Ask, and ye shall receive;” and He says again, “Without Me ye can do nothing.” [John 16:24; 15:5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 52, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 52, 1903, par. 4
Every man who, placed in a position of influence, begins his years of service with a spirit like that of Jehu will surely reap that which he has sown. It becomes men in responsible places to heed the words, “Without Me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 130, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 130, 1903, par. 3
My dear granddaughter, I feel a deep interest in you. I want you to have an experience that will be for your present and eternal good. Keep your heart stayed ever upon God. He who has given Jesus for your salvation loves to have you seek Him in faith. Jesus, the precious Saviour, invites you to come to Him when weary and heavy laden. He will help and bless and encourage you. Without His help your efforts will be unavailing. “Without Me,” He says, “ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 148, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 148, 1903, par. 2
God is to receive all honor and glory. “Without Me,” Christ said, “ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] If day by day our life is hid with Christ in God, when He who is our Life shall appear, we also who by living faith have revealed Him to the world shall appear with Him.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 123, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 123, 1903, par. 3
The evangelization of the world is Christ’s work. In the service that we do for Him, we are to follow His example, that we may make no mistakes. A new era is to begin among the people of God. We are now to ask and receive blessing from on high. Christ has declared, “Without Me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] How important, then, that we have His guidance at every step. How important that we move guardedly and that we understand by experience the sixth chapter of John. This chapter contains lessons that every worker in Christ’s service should comprehend.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 190, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 190, 1903, par. 20
If we work the works of God, let me tell you, we shall have to cooperate with Jesus Christ. He says, “Without Me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] But, claiming Jesus Christ as our Saviour, we know just what our work is. “Ye are laborers together.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Oh, how I want to underscore the “together” every time I write this. The “together” means everything to us. Why? “Ye are not your own, you are bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and your spirit, which are God’s.” [1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.] “Ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]Our High Calling
A Superficial Experience Not Enough, November 20
OHC 330.4
Nothing but a deep personal experience will enable us to stand the test of the trials and temptations we shall meet in the Christian warfare. Too often we feel well when everything goes smoothly; but when doubts assail the soul, and Satan whispers his suggestions, our defense is gone, and we yield quickly to the arts of the tempter, with scarcely an effort to resist and repulse him, It is not enough to have good impulses. The soul must be barricaded by prayer and study the Scriptures. Armed with these weapons, Jesus encountered our wily foe on the field of battle, and overcame him. We may all conquer in His strength; but it will not answer for us to suppose that we can dispense with His help. He says, “Without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5. But no truly humble soul who walks in the light as Christ is in the light, will be ensnared by Satan’s deceptive devices.28The Signs of the Times, October 26, 1904 (The Signs of the Times, June 26, 1884).Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 182, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 182, 1903, par. 21
When you see yourself as you are, when you are ready to accept the estimate that Christ puts upon your character, you will believe His words, “Without Me, ye can do nothing;” you will realize that your great swelling words of vanity have been out of place. [John 15:5.] Unless in past years you have exerted a Christian influence, and have let your light shine forth in good works, you have nothing whereof to boast.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 76, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 76, 1903, par. 33
Those who are indeed adopted into the family of God are transformed by His Spirit. Self-indulgence and supreme love for self is changed for self-denial and supreme love for God. No man inherits holiness of character by nature, nor can he, by any methods that man can devise, become loyal and true to God. “Without Me,” Christ says, “ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] Human righteousness is as “filthy rags.” [Isaiah 64:6.] But with God all things are possible. In the strength of the Redeemer, weak, erring man can be made more than conqueror over the evil that besets him.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 262, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 262, 1903, par. 38
Those who today work for God must be sanctified through the truth. The Lord calls for men upon whom He can depend, men who will not lead His people into strange paths. Those who do not take Christ as their Leader will surely fail. In His power alone can we gain success. “Without Me,” He declares, “ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 103, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 103, 1903, par. 13
The Lord calls upon every believer to consecrate himself wholly to His service. All are to work for Him, according to their several ability. To those in the Sanitarium I would say, Work with the facilities that you have, and trust the Lord for your success. Do your best, in the fear of the Lord, and He will accept your work; for He is behind your efforts. “Without Me,” He said, “ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 196, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 196, 1903, par. 9
Those who are adopted into the family of God are transformed by His Spirit. Self-indulgence and supreme love for self are changed for self-denial and supreme love for God. No man inherits holiness as a birthright, nor can he, by any methods that he can devise, become loyal to God. “Without Me,” Christ says, “ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] Human righteousness is as “filthy rags.” [Isaiah 64:6.] But with God all things are possible. In the strength of the Redeemer, weak, erring man can become more than conqueror over the evil that besets him.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 11, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 11, 1904, par. 29
The Lord will surely humble those who uplift themselves. Men are not safe unless they are clothed with the garments of Christ’s righteousness. A holy joy, a sanctified experience it is our privilege to have. The apostle Paul points us to the true source of peace and joy and victory. He says, “Rejoice in the Lord.” [Philippians 3:1; 4:4.] There is to be no ambitious exalting of self. “Without Me ye can do nothing,” Christ declares. [John 15:5.] Then give all the glory to God. “Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness.” [Psalm 97:12.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 73, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 73, 1904, par. 6
Be of good courage, my dear brother and sister. Walk in the light as Christ is in the light. We are not to talk discouragement, pray discouragement, or act discouragement. And remember that God’s workers are to harmonize with one another. We cannot follow Christ and at the same time follow our own independent judgment. “Press together” is the word given to me for you all. Press together. In unity there is strength; in disunion, weakness. One man’s mind and one man’s judgment is not to be the controlling influence in any place. God has given no such directions. We are ever to cultivate the meekness and lowliness of Christ, learning constantly of Him. Thus we obtain an education of the highest value. Christ says, “Without Me, ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] He desires to blend heart with heart, mind with mind in harmony with the prayer that He offered for us just before His crucifixion.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 111, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 111, 1904, par. 4
All would be helped by ministerial labor, by the opening of the Scriptures. Advantage must be taken of circumstances. Tact must be shown, that those in Battle Creek might be interested and impressed. A simple, heartfelt exposition of truth will reach hearts, exerting a powerful influence for good. I saw that if all worked wisely, great good would be done, and the enemy would be defeated. Christ says, “Without Me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] But with Him as our helper, we can gain the victory over the enemy. His promise is, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:20.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Ms 16, 1904
19LtMs, Ms 16, 1904, par. 5
Our belief in Christ is not to be a casual belief, but a belief that enters into every part of the life. Such a belief leads us to ask Him to supply our need because we realize that He is our only dependence. A casual belief admits that He is the Redeemer, but does not honor Him by receiving Him as a friend, a helper. Those who have such a belief do not know the meaning of the words, “Without Me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] They work without taking Christ into their confidence.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 35, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 35, 1905, par. 15
All heaven is interested in the work we are to do for the Master. Heavenly agencies will unite with us in presenting the words of Christ to the unconverted. Remember that we are to be laborers together with God. That word “together” has great significance. [1 Corinthians 3:9.] “Without Me,” said Christ, “ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] All the converting efficiency is of Him. We are in danger of greatly overestimating our own capabilities. Our power for service is dependent upon our bringing the Word of God into our life practice. Do not seek merely to work upon the feelings of those for whom you labor. The Word presented in simplicity, with a settled, intelligent knowledge of its requirements, will be received by many, and the Spirit of God will bring conviction to their hearts.Prayer
Chapter 14—Daily Prayer
Pr 162.4
Unless the teacher realizes the need of prayer and humbles his heart before God, he will lose the very essence of education. He should know how to pray and what language to use in prayer. “I am the vine,” Jesus said, “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. The teacher should let the fruit of faith be manifest in his prayers. He should learn how to come to the Lord and plead with Him until he receives the assurance that his petitions are heard.—(Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 231.)Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 421, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 421, 1907, par. 6
It is a wonderful education to know how to deal with human minds of the young. I have thought much of individual responsibility to mold and fashion the minds of children and youth in every circumstance so that Christ may see we are doing our very best with His heritage. When we are doing our work with the thought that Christ has died for every soul, we are in the very best school to discipline ourselves. And not a human being is prepared to be a teacher unless he is constantly a learner of the great Teacher who gave His life to save the sinful. Why should we not be partakers of the divine nature, that we may work as He worked? I long after Jesus. I want to be more and more like Jesus so that I can better represent His character. We have nothing wherein we may boast. “Without Me,” saith the divine Teacher, “you can do nothing.” [John 15:5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Ms 109, 1908
23LtMs, Ms 109, 1908, par. 16
The end is near, and every soul is now to walk carefully, humbly, meekly with Christ Jesus. Our precious Saviour, from whom all rays of truth radiate to the world through His light-bearers, wants us to put not our trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help; but to lean wholly upon Him. He says, “Without Me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] We need to look to Jesus constantly, in order that He may impress upon us His own lovely image. We are to behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. Then we shall reveal Christ to our fellow men.Reflecting Christ
Set Your Mark High, October 12
RC 299.6
Stand like Daniel, that faithful statesman, a man whom no temptation could corrupt. Do not disappoint Him who so loved you that He gave His own life to cancel your sins. He says, “Without Me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5). Remember this. If you have made mistakes, you certainly gain a victory if you see these mistakes and regard them as beacons of warning. Thus you turn defeat into victory, disappointing the enemy and honoring your Redeemer.—Christ’s Object Lessons, 331, 332.Jesus, Name Above All Names
Living Vine, January 3
JNN 10.1
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”—John 15:5Jesus, Name Above All Names
Captain of the Lord’s Host, January 22
JNN 29.3
The angel, the mighty angel from heaven, is to “lighten the earth with His glory” while He cries mightily with a loud voice, “Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen” (Revelation 18:1, 2). Oh, how I wish the church to arise and shine because the glory of the Lord has risen upon her. What can we not do in God if every human agency is doing its very utmost. “Without Me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5).Jesus, Name Above All Names
Chief Among Ten Thousand, January 30
JNN 37.3
Jesus says, “I am the vine, ye are the branches” (John 15:5). Can we conceive of a more intimate relation than this implies? The fibers of the branch are identical with those of the vine. The communication of life, strength, and nourishment from the trunk to the branches is unobstructed and constant. The root sends its nourishment through the branches. Such is the believer’s relation to Christ, if he abides in Christ and draws his nourishment from Him. But this spiritual relation between Christ and the soul can be established only through the exercise of personal faith. “Without faith it is impossible to please Him” (Hebrews 11:6); for it is faith that connects us with the power of heaven, and brings us strength for coping with the powers of darkness. “This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4).... Our souls become strong in spiritual power; for we are breathing the atmosphere of heaven, and realizing that God is at our right hand, that we shall not be moved. We are rising above the world, beholding Him who is the Chief among ten thousand, the one altogether lovely, and by beholding we are to become changed into His image.—Selected Messages 1:334, 335.Jesus, Name Above All Names
Great Burden Bearer, April 26
JNN 126.3
You may feel the deficiency of your character and the smallness of your ability in comparison with the greatness of the work. But if you had the greatest intellect ever given to human beings, it would not be sufficient for your work. “Without Me ye can do nothing,” says our Lord and Saviour (John 15:5). The result of all we do rests in the hands of God. Whatever may betide, lay hold upon Him with steady, persevering confidence.Selected Messages Book 1
Chapter 46—A Divine Sin Bearer
1SM 310.2
Those who are adopted into the family of God are transformed by His Spirit. Self-indulgence and supreme love for self are changed for self-denial and supreme love for God. No man inherits holiness as a birthright, nor can he, by any methods that he can devise, become loyal to God. “Without me,” Christ says, “ye can do nothing” (John 15:5). Human righteousness is as “filthy rags.” But with God all things are possible. In the strength of the Redeemer, weak, erring man can become more than conqueror over the evil that besets him.Selected Messages Book 1
Chapter 50—Come and Seek and Find
1SM 334.2
Jesus says, “I am the vine, ye are the branches” (John 15:5). Can we conceive of a more intimate relation than this implies? The fibers of the branch are identical with those of the vine. The communication of life, strength, and nourishment from the trunk to the branches is unobstructed and constant. The root sends its nourishment through the branches. Such is the believer’s relation to Christ, if he abides in Christ and draws his nourishment from Him. But this spiritual relation between Christ and the soul can be established only through the exercise of personal faith. “Without faith it is impossible to please him” (Hebrews 11:6); for it is faith that connects us with the power of heaven, and brings us strength for coping with the powers of darkness. “This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4). Faith familiarizes the soul with the existence and presence of God, and, living with an eye single to the glory of God, more and more we discern the beauty of His character, the excellence of His grace. Our souls become strong in spiritual power; for we are breathing the atmosphere of heaven, and realizing that God is at our right hand, that we shall not be moved. We are rising above the world, beholding Him who is the chief among ten thousand, the one altogether lovely, and by beholding we are to become changed into His image.Christ’s Object Lessons
Other Talents
COL 332.2
Stand like Daniel, that faithful statesman, a man whom no temptation could corrupt. Do not disappoint Him who so loved you that He gave His own life to cancel your sins. He says, “Without Me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5. Remember this. If you have made mistakes, you certainly gain a victory if you see these mistakes and regard them as beacons of warning. Thus you turn defeat into victory, disappointing the enemy and honoring your Redeemer.Selected Messages Book 1
Chapter 52—Christ Our High Priest
1SM 341.1
There is no other way for man’s salvation. “Without me,” says Christ, “ye can do nothing” (John 15:5). Through Christ, and Christ alone, the springs of life can vitalize man’s nature, transform his tastes, and set his affections flowing toward heaven. Through the union of the divine with the human nature Christ could enlighten the understanding and infuse His life-giving properties through the soul dead in trespasses and sins.Selected Messages Book 1
Chapter 60—Relation of Faith and Works
1SM 381.2
Let no man present the idea that man has little or nothing to do in the great work of overcoming; for God does nothing for man without his cooperation. Neither say that after you have done all you can on your part, Jesus will help you. Christ has said, “Without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5). From first to last man is to be a laborer together with God. Unless the Holy Spirit works upon the human heart, at every step we shall stumble and fall. Man’s efforts alone are nothing but worthlessness; but cooperation with Christ means a victory. Of ourselves we have no power to repent of sin. Unless we accept divine aid we cannot take the first step toward the Saviour. He says, “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end” (Revelation 21:6) in the salvation of every soul.Selected Messages Book 2
Look Constantly to Jesus
2SM 59.2
Our only safety is in keeping fast hold of Jesus. Never are we to lose sight of Him. He says, “Without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5). We must cultivate an abiding sense of our own inefficiency and helplessness and rely wholly on Jesus. This should keep us individually calm and steadfast in words and deportment. Excitement in the speaker is not power but weakness. Earnestness and energy are essential in presenting Bible truth, the gospel, which is the power of God unto salvationSelected Messages Book 2
A View of Threatening Dangers in 1890
2SM 195.1
He who judgeth righteously has said, “Without Me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5). All talents, great or small, have been entrusted to men by God, to be employed in His service, and when men use their ability simply for themselves, and have no special care to work in harmony with those in medical practice, who are of the same faith, they reveal that they are inclined to judge these men by themselves; they do not seek to answer the prayer of Christ, that they may be one as He is one with the Father. When they demand exorbitant prices for their services, God, the Judge of all the earth, will hold them to the measure of their own overrated estimation, and require of them to the full extent of the value they put upon themselves.Sons and Daughters of God
Dependence Upon God, March 11
SD 77.1
For without me ye can do nothing. John 15:5, last part.Sons and Daughters of God
We Are the Branches, October 8
SD 288.1
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.Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9
The Need of Earnest, Whole-Souled Labor
9T 152.2
Remember that in working with Christ as your personal Saviour lies your strength and your victory. This is the part all are to act. Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. He declares: “Without Me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5. And the repentant, believing soul responds: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13. To those who do this comes the assurance: “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God.” John 1:12.Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9
“Laborers Together With God”
9T 203.2
The end is near, and every soul is now to walk carefully, humbly, meekly with Christ Jesus. Our precious Saviour, from whom all the rays of truth radiate to the world, wants us to put not our trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help; but to lean wholly upon Him. He says: “Without Me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5. We need to look to Jesus constantly in order that He may impress upon us His own lovely image. We are to behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. Then we shall reveal Christ to our fellow men.Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7
Chapter 7—The Work in Greater New York
7T 39.2
Remember that working with Christ as your personal Saviour is your strength and your victory. This is the part that all are to act. To those who do this comes the assurance: “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God.” John 1:12. Christ declares: “Without Me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5. And the humble, believing soul responds: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13.Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
The Teacher’s Need of Prayer
CT 231.2
Unless the teacher realizes the need of prayer and humbles his heart before God, he will lose the very essence of education. He should know how to pray and what language to use in prayer. “I am the vine,” Jesus said, “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. The teacher should let the fruit of faith be manifest in his prayers. He should learn how to come to the Lord and plead with Him until he receives the assurance that his petitions are heard.Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7
The Object of Our Publications
7T 151.4
Never does man show greater folly than when he seeks to secure acceptance and recognition in the world by sacrificing in any degree the allegiance and honor due to God. When we place ourselves where God cannot co-operate with us, our strength will be found weakness. All that is ever done toward restoring the image of God in man is done because God is the efficiency of the worker. It is His power alone that can restore the body, energize the mind, or renew the soul. In our publishing work, as in every other line of effort or Christian living, will be demonstrated the truth of Christ’s words: “Without Me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5.Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6
Chapter 29—Responsibilities of Medical Workers
6T 247.2
Of himself, what can man accomplish in the great work set forth by the infinite God? Christ says: “Without Me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5. He came to our world to show men how to do the work given them by God, and He says to us: “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30. Why is Christ’s yoke easy and His burden light? Because He bore the weight of it upon the cross of Calvary.That I May Know Him
Take Time to Think, August 15
TMK 233.3
Good character does not come by chance; it is formed by persevering, untiring effort. The youth should seek to make all that is possible of themselves, by improving every entrusted talent and capability to the glory of God. The world’s Redeemer says, “Without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5). Faith in Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour will give strength and solidity to your character. Those who have faith in Christ will be sober-minded, ever remembering that God’s eye is upon them, that angels of God are watching to see what manner of characters they will develop....That I May Know Him
Dare to Be Different! November 8
TMK 318.4
Jesus says, “Without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5). Union with Christ is our only means for overcoming sin. Living in Christ, adhering to Christ, supported by Christ, drawing nourishment from Christ, we bear fruit after the similitude of Christ. We live and move in Him; we are one with Him and one with the Father. The name of Christ is glorified in the believing child of God. This is Bible religion.10Letter 82, 1895.The Ministry of Healing
The Divine Counselor
MH 513.1
You may feel the deficiency of your character and the smallness of your ability in comparison with the greatness of the work. But if you had the greatest intellect ever given to man, it would not be sufficient for your work. “Without Me ye can do nothing,” says our Lord and Saviour. John 15:5. The result of all we do rests in the hands of God. Whatever may betide, lay hold upon Him with steady, persevering confidence.The Retirement Years
“Make Me a Healthy, Fruit-bearing Branch”
RY 138.1
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.The Story of Jesus
Chapter 16—In Gethsemane
SJ 101.4
We can do nothing of ourselves. It is only by relying on Christ for all our strength that we can overcome, and do His will on earth. We must have the same simple, childlike trust in Him that He had in His Father. Christ said, “Without Me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5.The Upward Look
Prayer and Practice Must Be United, January 8
UL 22.1
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.Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
God’s Guidance to Be Sought
CT 412.2
Too often, as the studies accumulate, the wisdom from above has been given a secondary place, and the farther the student advances, the less confidence he has in God. He looks upon much learning as the very essence of success in life; but if all would give due consideration to the statement of Christ, “Without Me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5), they would make different plans. Without the vital principles of true religion, without the knowledge of how to serve and glorify the Redeemer, education is more harmful than beneficial. When education in human lines is pushed to such an extent that the love of God wanes in the heart, that prayer is neglected, and that there is a failure to cultivate the spiritual attributes, it is wholly disastrous. It would be far better to cease seeking to obtain an education, and to recover your soul from its languishing condition, than to gain the best of educations and lose sight of eternal advantages....The Upward Look
Are You a Fruitful Branch? June 17
UL 182.1
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.This Day With God
Christian Humility, January 8
TDG 16.5
Has not the Lord reproved your course? ... You have entrusted capabilities that may be improved greatly and be made efficacious under the discipline of God. Then His righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rereward. “Without me,” says Christ, “ye can do nothing” (John 15:5). If you set at naught His counsel, then you are in danger.—Letter 21c, January 8, 1892,.This Day With God
Partners With God, September 24
TDG 276.5
Thus is presented the copartnership of the human and the divine. All the power is of God. “Without me,” says Christ, “ye can do nothing” (John 15:5). Then how many hours is it safe for us to try to work alone? All the glory proceeds from God and should flow back in all possible ways to God, through our cooperation with God....Ye Shall Receive Power
Dependence, March 30
YRP 98.3
But unless there is an hourly dependence upon Christ, increasing knowledge and privileges will result in self-trust and self-righteousness. The young Christian is in danger of forgetting that it is Christ that has begun the good work in him, and that it is Christ that must finish it. The soul must renounce all merit, and trust wholly in the merit of Him who is too wise to err. Man of himself can do no good thing. Said Jesus, “Without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5). The soul is to stay itself upon God.Ye Shall Receive Power
Opening the Heart, October 9
YRP 291.1
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.Living by Principle
Heart Service
PH048 42.2
John 15:5 (margin): He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for severed from me ye can do nothing.A New Life (Revival and Beyond)
Present a Balanced Message
NL 38.4
Let no man present the idea that man has little or nothing to do in the great work of overcoming; for God does nothing for man without his cooperation. Neither say that after you have done all you can on your part, Jesus will help you. Christ has said, “Without Me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5). From first to last man is to be a laborer together with God. Unless the Holy Spirit works upon the human heart, at every step we shall stumble and fall. Man’s efforts alone are nothing but worthlessness; but cooperation with Christ means a victory....The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials
A Chosen People
1888 131.1
In order for man to obtain eternal life, divine power must unite with human effort, and this power Christ came to place within our reach. He says, “Without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5). And He says again, “If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it” (John 14:14). We have a right to lay hold of the arm of infinite power. When Christ came to the world, all heaven was poured out in this one great gift. God Himself came to us in Christ. “Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip?” Christ said. “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?” (John 14:9).Faith and Works
You Can’t Reason It Out
FW 65.3
“I want,” says one, “to reason out this matter.” Well, reason it out if you can. “The wind bloweth where it listeth,” and you hear the sound thereof, but you cannot explain it. And no more can you explain the things of God upon the human heart. You cannot explain this faith that lays right hold upon the merits of the blood of a crucified and risen Saviour to bring Christ’s righteousness into your life. Clothed with the righteousness of Christ and not your own righteousness, you will not depend upon what you can do or what you will do. Don’t you know you cannot do anything without Christ? “Without Me,” He says, “ye can do nothing” (John 15:5).The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials
Meetings in Washington, D. C.; The Need of the Holy Spirit; Final Events
1888 761.3
The angel, the mighty angel from heaven, is to lighten the earth with his glory, while he cries mightily with a loud voice, “Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen” (Revelation 18:2). Oh, how I wish the church to arise and shine because the glory of the Lord has risen upon her. What can we not do in God if every human agency is doing its very utmost! “Without Me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5). We would lose faith and courage in the conflict if we were not sustained by the power of God. Every form of evil is to spring into intense activity. Evil angels unite their powers with evil men, and as they have been in constant conflict and attained an experience in the best modes of deception and battle, and have been strengthening for centuries, they will not yield the last great final contest without a desperate struggle. All the world will be on one side or the other of the question. The battle of Armageddon will be fought, and that day must find none of us sleeping. Wide-awake we must be, as wise virgins having oil in our vessels with our lamps. What is this? Grace, Grace.The Kress Collection
Dangers and Duties of the Physicians and the Medical Missionary
KC 55.5
Of himself, what can man accomplish in the great work set forth by the infinite God? Christ says, “Without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5. He came to our world to show men how to do the work given them by God, and He says to us, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in the heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30. Why is Christ’s yoke easy and His burden light? Because He bore the weight of it upon the cross of Calvary.The Watchman
December 17, 1907
SW December 17, 1907, par. 1
I am the vine, ye are the branches,” Christ says; “he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for severed from me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5, margin. The Jews had always regarded the vine as the most noble of plants, and a type of all that was excellent and fruitful. When Christ was about to take leave of his disciples, he gave them this cherished plant as a beautiful emblem of his relation to believers. He had been presenting before them the close union with himself by which they could maintain spiritual life when his presence was withdrawn. To impress this truth upon their minds, he illustrated it by using the vine as its most appropriate and striking symbol.Testimony Treasures, vol. 2
The Dearth of Trained Workers
2TT 228.1
Young men must soon bear the burdens older ones have borne. We have lost time in neglecting to bring young men to the front and give them a higher, more solid education. The work is constantly advancing, and we must obey the command: “Go forward.” Much good could be done by youth who are established in the truth and are not easily influenced or swayed from the right by their surroundings, but who walk with God, who pray much, and who put forth most earnest endeavors to gather all the light they can. The worker should be prepared to put forth the highest mental and moral energies with which nature, cultivation, and the grace of God have endowed him; but his success will be proportionate to the degree of consecration and self-sacrifice in which the work is done, rather than to either natural or acquired endowments. The most earnest and continued efforts to acquire qualifications for usefulness are necessary; but unless God works with the human efforts, nothing can be accomplished. Christ says: “Without Me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5. Divine grace is the great element of saving power; without it all human efforts are unavailing; its co-operation is needed even with the strongest and most earnest human efforts for the inculcation of truth.Testimony Treasures, vol. 2
“The Appearance of Evil”
2TT 232.1
I Feel urged to address those who are engaged in giving the last message of warning to the world. Whether those for whom they labor see and accept the truth depends very much upon the individual workers. The command from God is, “Be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord” (Isaiah 52:11); and Paul charges Timothy, “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine.” 1 Timothy 4:16. The work must commence with the worker; he must be united to Christ as the branch is united to the vine. “I am the Vine,” said Christ; “ye are the branches.” John 15:5. The closest possible connection is here represented. Engraft the leafless twig upon the flourishing vine stock, and it becomes a living branch, drawing sap and nourishment from the vine. Fiber by fiber, vein by vein, the sapling clings, until it buds and blossoms and bears fruit. The sapless twig represents the sinner. When united to Christ, soul is joined to soul, the feeble and finite to the holy and infinite, and man becomes one with Christ.Testimony Treasures, vol. 2
On the Threshold of Solemn Events
2TT 353.3
Under God’s Supervision. Because of unconsecrated workers, things will sometimes go wrong. You may weep over the result of the wrong course of others, but do not worry. The work is under the supervision of the blessed Master. All He asks is that the workers shall come to Him for their orders, and obey His directions. All parts of the work—our churches, missions, Sabbath schools, institutions—are carried upon His heart. Why worry? The intense longing to see the church imbued with life must be tempered with entire trust in God; for “without Me,” said the great Burden Bearer, “ye can do nothing.” John 15:5. “Follow Me.” He leads the way; we are to follow.Testimony Treasures, vol. 2
The Officers and Teachers
2TT 565.3
Every teacher in the Sabbath school should be a follower of Christ, and those who have not identified themselves as the disciples of Christ, showing by a consistent life that they are Christians, should not be invited to become teachers in the Sabbath school, for they have need that someone first teach them the foundation principles of the love and fear of God. “Without Me,” Christ says, “ye can do nothing.” John 15:5. Then of what value would be the teaching of one who knew nothing by personal experience of the power of Christ? It would be a great inconsistency to urge such a one to take a class in the Sabbath school, but it is even worse to permit a class to be under the influence of a teacher whose dress and deportment deny the Saviour, whom he professes to serve.Testimony Treasures, vol. 3
The Object of Our Publications
3TT 152.4
Never does man show greater folly than when he seeks to secure acceptance and recognition in the world by sacrificing in any degree the allegiance and honor due to God. When we place ourselves where God cannot co-operate with us, our strength will be found weakness. All that is ever done toward restoring the image of God in man is done because God is the efficiency of the worker. It is His power alone that can restore the body, energize the mind, or renew the soul. In our publishing work, as in every other line of effort or Christian living, will be demonstrated the truth of Christ’s words: “Without Me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5.God’s Amazing Grace
Abiding in Christ, October 12
AG 293.1
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.True Revival
Present a Balanced Message
TR 46.2
Let no man present the idea that man has little or nothing to do in the great work of overcoming; for God does nothing for man without his cooperation. Neither say that after you have done all you can on your part, Jesus will help you. Christ has said, “Without Me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5). From first to last man is to be a laborer together with God. Unless the Holy Spirit works upon the human heart, at every step we shall stumble and fall. Man’s efforts alone are nothing but worthlessness; but cooperation with Christ means a victory. ...From the Heart
Ordained to Bring Forth Fruit, May 28
FH 160.1
I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. John 15:5.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)
Lt 8, 1867
1LtMs, Lt 8, 1867, par. 2
In no case should those engaged in this enterprise pattern after the [Dansville] Health Reform Institute. Yet there would be danger of following in this track and losing sight of the exalted character of the work. I was shown that if those connected in this enterprise should descend from the pure, exalted principles of truth to imitate the theories and practices of those engaged in other institutions, where invalids are treated merely for disease, not working from a high religious standpoint, God’s special blessing will not, cannot, rest upon us any more than upon them. The Health Reform Institute is to be one of the efficacies to prepare a people to be perfect before God, to have physical and mental clearness, and strength to appreciate the elevated truths of God’s Word, and be brought into a position where with clear and sanctified judgment they will be able to discern the imperfections upon their moral character and reform so as to have friendship with God. “Without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)
Lt 23, 1870
2LtMs, Lt 23, 1870, par. 2
Please write and answer me these questions. We hope our labor will not be in vain in the Lord. Without the accompanying blessing of God but little can be accomplished. We hope you will wait on God, and seek wisdom from above. “Without me,” says Christ, “ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)
Lt 19a, 1874
2LtMs, Lt 19a, 1874, par. 2
Our interest is unabated that the work shall move right, here in California. We would gladly please our children and our brethren in returning to Colorado to attend the round of camp meetings, but as we can be at but one place at the same time, and as there is important work to be done here, we think it our duty to remain here. We intend to put the armor on, moving forward in faith; and now it seems to us quite in the order of God to start a paper upon the coast. We must, through the help of God, bring up the cause and work of God before we leave the Pacific Coast. In God we trust. Said Christ, “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] With Jesus’ help and blessing we may do all things. God will work for us and by us and through us, if we will give ourselves to Him without reserve, walking in all humility of mind, working with faith, and having confidence in His power to supply all our needs.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)
Lt 11, 1871
2LtMs, Lt 11, 1871, par. 5
I dread the responsibility of speaking to the people. Oh, that God would give me His Spirit and His grace. “Without me,” says Christ, “ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] I may never meet these souls again until the grand review when every case will be decided and rewarded as their works have been. We see that Satan is vigilant, earnest and persevering. He sleeps not a moment. If we out-general the enemy, we must be wide awake. We must not falter. We must not be off our guard an instant. Overcome as He has overcome. This requires a life-long, persevering, untiring effort, and then the reward at last.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)
Lt 3b, 1881
3LtMs, Lt 3b, 1881, par. 9
Now, dear children, I hope you will be of good courage and not do too much. We are nothing. Jesus is everything. In ourselves we are nothing. Said Christ, “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] Let us then do all in the strength of Jesus.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)
Lt 46, 1880
3LtMs, Lt 46, 1880, par. 4
You have not felt your weakness and your ignorance and the positive necessity of your closely connecting with the God of wisdom and of power in order for your labors to be acceptable in the Lord. You have given the impression that you understood better than other ministers how the work should be done. Now the facts in the case are [that] you do not see and sense how Isaac Sanborn can do without God. You need to humble yourself under the mighty hand of God and both yourself and your wife learn more fully, “without Me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] If the Spirit of Christ dwells in you, then you will reveal the true characteristics of a Christian. You would not manifest a self-sufficient, important spirit. You would always manifest kindness, respect for other’s feelings, and place a higher estimate upon their labors than upon your own.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)
Lt 24a, 1882
3LtMs, Lt 24a, 1882, par. 15
“Quit you like men, be strong.” [1 Corinthians 16:13.] Take your eyes and thoughts away from yourself, and let the whole heart be surrendered to God. Ask of Jesus, “Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?” [Acts 9:6.] Lay yourself, all you have and are, at the cross of Calvary. You can achieve nothing of yourself worth your living in this world, for “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] Divine resources are at the command of everyone who shall seek God in a spirit of helpless nothingness.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Lt 11, 1886
4LtMs, Lt 11, 1886, par. 11
You need Christ as the Physician in Chief in your institution. “Without Me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] Therefore you may be assured and have confidence in God. But do not trust to your own wisdom. Do not become careless and separate from the Source of your strength. Watch your thoughts, watch your words, and in all things you seek to do, seek to glorify God. The more closely you lie at the foot of the cross, the more clearly will you see the matchless charms of Jesus and the unparalleled love He has evidenced for fallen man. Stand, my brother, firmly for principle. This health retreat may be the means of great good. This is the object to be kept prominent. It is one branch of the work of God in these last days to fit a people to stand in the day of the Lord. It is an instrumentality in the hands of God’s stewards to accomplish great good, if it will be kept pure and holy and undefiled. Satan will seek always to work through the natural inclinations. This is the reason so much is said in the teachings of Christ of a radical change in the entire man, represented as being born again. New motives must be created.Gospel Workers (1892/1893 ed.)
The Need of Preaching Christ
GW92 47.2
Moral and intellectual powers are needed in order to discharge with fidelity the important duties devolving upon you; but these may be possessed, and yet there may be a great lack of godliness. The endowment of the Holy Spirit is indispensably essential to success in your great work. Said Christ, “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] But through Christ strengthening you, you can do all things.—Testimonies for the Church 4:313.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 8, 1886
4LtMs, Ms 8, 1886, par. 12
All heaven is interested in the work of those who are to be saved in the kingdom of God. “Without Me,” says Christ, “ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] Therefore there is not one iota of glory that we can take to ourselves. Notwithstanding you may feel your weakness, yet you may link yourself to the mighty God. I know that I am nothing, but Jesus is mighty to save. I can do nothing, but Jesus can do great things. God wants me in the work, but my efforts will be useless without His help. Imagine just as strong as you please that you have linked your arm in with the mighty Leader and He will do great things for you.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 37, 1886
4LtMs, Ms 37, 1886, par. 22
“Without Me,” says Christ, “ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] Have we Christ with us? Are we abiding in Christ? Do we seek Him most earnestly daily that He will be our counselor, our support, our helper? Do we lay aside our wisdom and seek earnestly the wisdom that cometh from above, which “is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits”? James 3:17.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 67, 1886
4LtMs, Ms 67, 1886, par. 7
Arise at four. My heart is drawn out in earnest prayer to God that I may have His presence to go with me. I am weak and unworthy; but if the Lord can use me, frail and imperfect, to act a part in His work, I will consider it the greatest honor. How carefully we need to walk before the Lord, lest we shall feel self-confident and go forward in our own spirit. Jesus says, “Without Me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] Then we must not leave Jesus, but the language of our heart should be, “Abide with me.” I feel this morning that confidence in God that I can commit the keeping of my soul to Him as unto a faithful Creator. I would trust Him as fully and simply as a child its earthly parents. It seems to me this morning that we can go about our work, doing our very best with watchfulness and with prayer, and dismiss our many anxieties and worries. The Lord would have us bring our burdens to Him, and He says He will give us rest. Do we believe His word? Will we comply with the conditions? Will we come to Jesus? If we remain apart from Him, we cannot wear His yoke, neither can we lift His burden. If we come to Him, we shall not be disappointed. He said, “Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” [Matthew 11:28.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Lt 117, 1886
4LtMs, Lt 117, 1886, par. 16
W. C. White’s judgment and counsel are appreciated by all wherever he goes. I am surprised that those who have not know him so readily accept his counsel. But in regard to Brethren Haskell and Farnsworth’s coming to England, we say, Come, and we will unite our forces. We will go to England and we will work together and push things. “Without Me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] Jesus will help us. He will not leave us. We will see of His mighty power.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Lt 7, 1885
4LtMs, Lt 7, 1885, par. 12
They are to work in God. “Without Me,” says the Saviour of the world, “ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Lt 48, 1886
4LtMs, Lt 48, 1886, par. 13
There are different kinds of work to be done. Souls are precious in the sight of God; educate them, teach them as they embrace the truth how to bear responsibilities. He who sees the end from the beginning, who can make the seeds sown wholly fruitful, will be with you in your efforts. Says Christ, “Without Me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] Let not one discouraged thought or feeling come in. See and sense the value of human souls. Toil for them knowing you must meet these again. Oh, we have not fully learned the value of Christ or of His work. Work in faith; do your part, and believe the Lord will work with your efforts. God giveth the increase.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Lt 25, 1884
4LtMs, Lt 25, 1884, par. 5
It is not enough that you are merely interested, and would interest others, to save your soul. You must remember you have personal work to do for other souls, to reach them where they are. Live out your profession of faith; humble your souls before God. But at this holy convocation work unselfishly. “Without Me,” says Christ, “ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] Examine your own selves, see whether you be in the faith. Except Jesus Christ be in you, then ye are reprobates.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Lt 9, 1884
4LtMs, Lt 9, 1884, par. 11
We must not repeat the failures and mistakes of the past in any department of the work. We can not do anything as we should do it unless Jesus is suggesting and planning for us and working with His mighty power in our behalf. “Without Me,” said Christ, “ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Lt 10, 1884
4LtMs, Lt 10, 1884, par. 16
Your Lord is willing to do great things for you if you will allow Him to work in and through you. But unless you cooperate with Him, He cannot use you to do His work. All your powers, physical, mental, and spiritual, are His. If you weaken or debase any of the faculties or organs that He has given you, you please Satan and sever your connection with God, the Source of your strength. Said Jesus, “Without Me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] With all your powers strive most earnestly to co-operate with Him. If He is formed within, the hope of glory, you will through His strength become a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth, giving by voice and pen to every man his portion of meat in due season.