EGW WritingsJohn 16
Ellen G. White · Page 1 of 4
Read John 16 in the BibleJohn 16:1-6
The Kress Collection
The Regions Beyond
KC 127.7
April 28, Sabbath. The Lord gave me strength to speak to the people this afternoon. I felt indeed that physical and spiritual strength was given me. I spoke from John 16:1-6. Christ’s words are plain and definite: “These things have I spoken unto you that ye should not be offended.” Before this, some of the disciples had been offended because Christ had said, “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” “I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if any man eat of this bread he shall live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 67, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 67, 1900, par. 7
The Lord gave me strength to speak to the people this afternoon. I felt indeed that physical and spiritual strength was given me. I spoke from John 16:1-6. Christ’s words are plain and definite: “These things have I spoken unto you that ye should not be offended.” Before this, some of the disciples had been offended because Christ had said, “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” “I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if any man eat of this bread he shall live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” [John 6:35, 51.]John 16:1-7
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 87, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 87, 1897, par. 14
Christ does not promise His followers a smooth and easy path, but He does not ask them to travel the Christian way alone. “When the Comforter is come,” He said, “whom I will send unto you from the Father, 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. These things have I spoken unto you that ye should not be offended.” [John 15:26-16:1.] He told them the truth regarding the future, that when their trial came, they might not fall into discouragement and doubt. When John the Baptist was beheaded, His disciples were inclined to reproach Christ because He did not work a miracle to save His servant. So today there is danger that we shall become dissatisfied because Christ does not work a miracle in our behalf, and humiliate our enemies.12LtMs, Ms 87, 1897, par. 15
“They shall put you out of the synagogue.” [John 16:2.] Has not this been done? Have not those who have accepted the light in regard to the binding claims of the law of God, who have decided to observe conscientiously the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, been turned out of the churches? But they are precious in God’s sight. When the light came to them, they repented and were converted, and Christ’s words are applicable to them: “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 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 14:21; 15:10.]12LtMs, Ms 87, 1897, par. 16
“Yea, the time cometh that whosoever killeth you will think he doeth God a service.” [John 16:2.] These words come sounding down along the line to our time. What a deception is upon him who oppresses other men because they do not believe the same form of doctrine that he himself believes. Such a one can give no stronger testimony to the heavenly universe and to the worlds unfallen that he has chosen to stand on Satan’s side, for Satan is always an oppressor of those that love God. Christ gave no such example in His life.12LtMs, Ms 87, 1897, par. 17
Again Christ repeated the reason for so fully presenting the future. “These things have I told you,” He declared, “that when the time may come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things said I not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you” to strengthen you by My presence, and to comfort you by My words. “But now I go my way to him that sent me, and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou? But because I have said these things, sorrow hath filled your heart. Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you.” [Verses 4-7.]John 16:1-11
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 113, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 113, 1899, par. 23
Christ warned His disciples, “These things have I spoken unto you that ye should not be offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues; yea, the time cometh that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me. But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them.” “Nevertheless,” He said, “it is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they believed not on me; of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; of judgment, because the Prince of this world is judged.” [John 16:1-4, 7-11.] The agency of the Holy Spirit, which Christ purchased by His death, will bring condemnation to the world.John 16:1-15
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 259, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 259, 1902, par. 13
The Saviour has instructed us that God’s commandment-keeping people are a distinct people. Read carefully John 16:1-15. The gospel wins its converts by the transforming effects that Christ describes thus, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth will draw all men unto me.” John 12:32. Belief in Christ the Saviour uplifted upon the cross makes one ready to sacrifice life itself. He has a new birth. He cannot live to himself any more. He has not been created anew in Christ Jesus merely for self-enjoyment.John 16:1-33
Manuscript Release No 1033
A Letter to Mrs. White’s Children, December 6, 1890
MR1033 39.3
I shall go to Danvers Wednesday. I have been so deeply interested in John, chapters 14, 15, 16, and 17 that I am writing on the subject. I have written 12 pages today upon John 14, for fear I should have the force of the subject wear away from my mind. This will come in Life of Christ. I have in all 40 pages written.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 85, 1890
6LtMs, Lt 85, 1890, par. 3
Bro. Olsen had freedom and I was blessed with a measure of freedom and then we had a long social meeting. If you had heard the testimonies borne of gratitude to God for the truth they had heard, could you have seen the tears shed, you would have concluded that there were those who heartily received the Word with gladness. I spoke from John 16[17?] and John 6:53-45 [65?].Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 109, 1890
6LtMs, Lt 109, 1890, par. 15
I slept last night about ten hours; praise the Lord, praise His holy name. I believe He will give me strength and grace. I am making my home with Sister Ellen Warfe, one of the number, a kind family. We have things here convenient and pleasant. I shall go to Danvers Wednesday. I have been so deeply interested in John, chapters 14, 15, 16, and 17 that I am writing on the subject. I have written twelve pages today upon (John 14), for fear I should have the force of the subject wear away from my mind. This will come in Life of Christ. I have in all forty pages written.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 42, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, par. 19
I feel intensely when I read and dwell upon the subjects contained in the 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, and 17th chapters of John. These lessons are of deep import and need to be studied and even committed to memory. The richest promises are found here. I am pained when I see so little real, genuine piety among Seventh-day Adventists, when we have had so great light. We must be more diligent searchers of the Word, that we may speak a word in season to the oppressed, the sorrowful, the afflicted. We must keep the mind as a storehouse of truth from which to draw the richest consolation to impart to others who are ready to perish. “Thus saith the Lord” and “It is written” should be ever upon our lips, and our souls should be like a natural garden whose waters fail not, refreshing all who are around us. Let us read the Bible and study the meanings of every word.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 16j, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 16j, 1892, par. 3
Time is given to unimportant matters, but the very things of eternal consequence scarcely arrest the attention and seem to make but faint impress on the mind. Actions speak for themselves. The thirteenth, fourteenth, fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth chapters of John need careful study and earnest practice if we honor God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent. We cannot afford to be living in neglect of the very duties, specified by our Substitute and Surety, that bear the divine credentials to the world that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 80, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 80, 1893, par. 36
Arise early to engage in work. Last night I was, in my dreams, in Kaeo, standing before the little church assembled and was saying some plain words to them. I said, You need a deeper work of the grace of God in your hearts. You need to make the Word of God your study. You are altogether too much absorbed in business, and have but very little deep insight into spiritual things. You are not growing in the Christian graces. The Lord Jesus spoke plainly with His disciples in (John 15 and 16) in regard to the difficulties that they should meet in the world.8LtMs, Ms 80, 1893, par. 41
Then He tells them that they will also cooperate with the Holy Spirit. The great Source of their strength—which is our changeless consolation and hope and courage—would ever be within their reach. They were to be Christ’s witnesses. “And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.” John 15:27. They should be His faithful representatives to an apostate world. While in the world they are not to be of the world, but bear a faithful testimony against the evil that is working in worldly policy plans contrary to the truth and righteousness. “These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.” John 16:1.8LtMs, Ms 80, 1893, par. 42
He plainly presents their future trials. Verses 2, 3. “But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you in the beginning, because I was with you. But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou? But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart.” Verses 4-6.8LtMs, Ms 80, 1893, par. 43
These (chapters 14, 15, 16, 17) of John are of highest value for every soul who is consecrating his life to the service of God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 115, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 115, 1897, par. 13
How many things the Lord had told His disciples in regard to His sufferings and death and resurrection. Why then did the disciples look on the dark side, and feel so wholly discouraged. Had not Christ anticipated their disappointment? Had He not given them the precious instruction in John 14, 15, 16? “Let not your heart be troubled,” He had said, “Ye believe in God: believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself, that where I am there ye may be also. ... Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father; for my Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.” [John 14:1-3, 27-29.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 40, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 40, 1897, par. 15
The four apostles Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, all bear record that Jew and Gentile, rulers, kings, and governors, priests and people, all classes and tongues, were represented in rejecting and crucifying Christ, the Son of God, a man who was innocent, and against whom they could find no proof. The synagogue of Satan, the prince of darkness and his evil agents, united in a desperate companionship with disloyal, evil men. They resolved to put the whole power of their corrupt energies to work to put out of the world the light of truth.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 23, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 23, 1898, par. 20
The fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth chapters of John are rich in promises, and are calculated to be of inestimable value to the disciples in their future work. “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, who is so plainly revealed in the Old Testament Scriptures, believe [also] in me as the brightness of his glory, the manifestation of his character. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so I would have told you. I would not deceive you, I go to prepare a place for you, to secure for you the right to a home in my Father’s kingdom. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also. I left the royal courts of heaven to come to you, to show you the way. And if I have come to the earth for your sake, I will be with you in the mansions I have prepared. Let not sorrow fill your hearts, because I love you; and whither I go ye know and the way ye know.” [See John 14:1-4.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 136, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 136, 1899, par. 2
Our heavenly Father has made every provision that this should be. Read the fourteenth, fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth chapters of John. There we are shown what God desires to do for the human race. If the Holy Spirit could come upon us as it came upon the disciples on the day of Pentecost, eyes now blinded would be opened, for the scales would fall from them.14LtMs, Ms 136, 1899, par. 29
God’s people can expect nothing less than persecution, for their Master was persecuted, and He says to them, “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.” “These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues; yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.” [John 15:20; 16:1-3.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 92, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 92, 1900, par. 38
After the meeting. We had the house full. The partition was lifted and both rooms thrown into one. Brethren Colcord, Hickox, W. C. White, Brother Lyndon, and Brother Robinson were present. I spoke but one hour from John 16. The Lord strengthened me, and I was not weary as I feared I should be. I tried to present to the hearers the large work to be done in this portion of the Lord’s vineyard.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 53, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 53, 1900, par. 4
In our Bible, we might ask, Why need Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the Gospels, why need the Acts of the Apostles, and the variety of writers in the Epistles, go over the same thing?15LtMs, Lt 53, 1900, par. 6
We are not to feel that we must speak the very same things, giving the same representation in the same words, and yet there is to be unity in the diversity. All the different testimonies unite to form one whole, as the books of the Bible are brought together, and bound under one cover. But should Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John go off on some tangent, contradicting each other’s testimony, then there would be confusion. In the presentation of truth by different minds, there is to be unity in diversity.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 131, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 131, 1900, par. 3
The will of God in regard to His people is plainly expressed in the sixth, thirteenth, fourteenth, fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth chapters of John. If this instruction cannot cure dissension, what can my words or my presence do? I tell you that souls are sick and in need of a physician, but they think themselves whole, and in place of humbling themselves before God as a little child, they are trying to humble someone else. If they would live the prayer of Christ, the sure result would be realized—unity with one another and with Christ.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 76, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 76, 1901, par. 8
We need to study carefully and prayerfully the fourteenth, fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth chapters of John. If we study these chapters with a heart softened and subdued, we shall receive ideas which will make us wise unto salvation.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 125, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 125, 1901, par. 64
The disciples were filled with great joy. Over and over again they repeated the words Christ had spoken to them in His last lessons, as recorded in the fourteenth, fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth chapters of John; and every one had something to say about the instruction, especially with regard to the words of the fourteenth of John:16LtMs, Ms 125, 1901, par. 67
“Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come,” his office work will be to “reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they believe not on me; of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.” [John 16:7-11.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 139, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 139, 1902, par. 1
I thank the Lord this morning for His keeping power. I awake very early, unable to sleep. During the past night, my mind has been greatly burdened. I am bidden to bear to those who minister in word and doctrine the message that they need to be converted; for they do not understand the philosophy of the genuine missionary work that should be done by those who are acquainted with present truth. In the thirteenth, fourteenth, fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth chapters of John, God’s will is plainly outlined before them. It is their privilege to believe that God means just what He says. God desires them to believe every verse in these chapters and to live them out before their brother ministers.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 71, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 71, 1902, par. 5
Knowing the trials that would come to His church through unconverted believers, Christ spoke the words of encouragement found in the fourteenth, fifteenth, and sixteenth chapters of John. These chapters are full of encouragement and hope. To those who study them, they impart a courage that will enable them to stand fast in the most trying hour. As long as time shall last, these chapters will bring to the true believer strength and assurance.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 169, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 169, 1902, par. 50
When we are willing to have our own minds unsoldered, and resoldered by the melting influences of the Spirit of God, we shall understand with new enlightenment Christ’s instruction to us as recorded in the fourteenth, fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth chapters of John. O how great are the possibilities that He has placed within our reach! He says, “Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you.” [John 16:23.] He promises to come to us as a Comforter to bless us. Why do we not believe these promises? That which we lack in faith we make up by the use of drugs. Let us give up the drugs, believing that Jesus does not desire us to be sick, and that if we live according to the principles of health reform, He will keep us well.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 217, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 217, 1903, par. 22
Before Christ left His disciples, He gave them plain, distinct lessons in regard to the future. He urged them to remember that He would not leave them in blindness and ignorance. He would make them acquainted with His purposes and plans. He gave them evidence, in a special manner, of His love for them; for He desired that in all their work and their councils, they should bring this love to mind. He knew the trials and temptations that they were to meet, and in the fourteenth, fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth chapters of John, He gives them instruction that would strengthen them for the difficulties before them. Brother Tenney, study these chapters. They will help you in your work.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 188, 1903
Thoughts on John 14-16
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 91, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 91, 1903, par. 15
Why do we need a Matthew, a Mark, a Luke, a John, a Paul, and all these other writers who have borne their testimony in regard to the life of the Saviour during His earthly ministry? Why could not one of the disciples have written a complete record, and thus have given us a connected account of Christ’s life and work? The Gospels differ. One writer brings in points that another does not bring in. If these points are essential, why did not all these writers mention them? It is because the minds of men differ and do not comprehend all things in exactly the same way. Some Scripture truths appeal much more strongly to the minds of certain persons than to others; some points appear to be much more important to some than to others. The same principle applies to speakers. Some speakers dwell at considerable length on points that others would pass by quickly or not mention at all. Thus the whole truth is presented more clearly by several than by one. In the Gospels the records blend in one harmonious whole.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 232, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 232, 1903, par. 48
My brethren and sisters, study the thirteenth, fourteenth, fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth chapters of John. The words of these chapters explain themselves. “This is life eternal,” Christ declared, “that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.” [John 17:3.] In these words the personality of God and of His Son is clearly spoken of. The personality of the one does not do away with the necessity for the personality of the other.18LtMs, Lt 232, 1903, par. 51
Let us talk of Christ, His preexistence, His humble ministry, His mighty power, His prospective personal glory in the heavenly courts. The Son of God restores to life whom He will. “All that the Father hath is Mine,” He says. [John 16:15.] “I and My Father are one.” [John 10:30.] He has greatness, present and prospective, that baffles human conception. He encircles the race with His long human arm, while with His divine arm He grasps the throne of the Infinite.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 336, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 336, 1906, par. 5
What a wonderful mission was given to the disciples. It was their last week together, and Christ desired to prepare their minds for the coming trial, for the separation that was shortly to take place, for the wicked things they would see Him suffer at the hands of men. This was to be their trial—to see the sufferings of their Lord. He, their Saviour, was to be betrayed by Judas into the hands of wicked men. He was to suffer rejection. But He comforted His disciples with the words of encouragement found in the thirteenth, fourteenth, fifteenth, and sixteenth chapters of John.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 151, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 151, 1906, par. 15
At the Day of Pentecost three thousand converts were brought to the faith. We would [have] our young people arise and obtain a knowledge of the Word and its converting power. The works and words of Christ can be the sure evidence of what you present to the people in a “Thus saith the Lord.” When the lesson of John 16 has been studied and you are willing to the take the words Christ has commanded you to give, then the evidence will come to the people, “Lo, I am with you alway,” says Christ, “even to the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:20.]21LtMs, Ms 151, 1906, par. 24
Let all now understand the representation given by Christ, “He shall not speak of himself”—He shall testify of Me; He shall glorify Me. [John 16:13; 15:26; 16:14.] As the Saviour came to glorify the Father by demonstrating His infinite love in all His works, so the demonstration of the Spirit came to glorify Christ by demonstrating [that] “I and My Father are one.” [John 10:30.] This the true disciples of Christ will do—to so assimilate themselves to Christ that in His disciples should be manifest His great love to the world in [the] expression of their oneness in and through Christ.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 288, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 288, 1907, par. 9
This is Christ’s instruction to every church, to every printing establishment, to every sanitarium and every school; and I am instructed to present them to you. I thought to write to all, for these words are addressed to all who claim to be Christians, but concluded to let this wonderful discourse speak to you. Let it make its impression on your heart. The words of Christ recorded in the 15th, 16th, and 17th chapters of John are needed by all. In every home they are to be presented as a message from God, telling how we may come into possession of the grace of Christ. If we refuse to comply with the conditions He lays down, we will be counted unworthy to have a place with His people when Christ comes in His glory. Our unworthiness will then be made to appear; for we shall be unable to look upon His face.Manuscript Releases, vol. 16 [Nos. 1186-1235]
MR No. 1196—Evangelism in Norwich, Connecticut, And Lynn, Massachusetts; Concern for Those Who Unsettle Faith in the Testimonies And Misinterpret the Scriptures
16MR 81.2
I slept last night about ten hours; praise the Lord, praise His holy name! I believe He will give me strength and grace. I am making my home with Sister Ellen Warfe, one of the number, a kind family. We have things here convenient and pleasant. I shall go to Danvers Wednesday. I have been so deeply interested in John 14, 15, 16, 17, that I am writing on the subject. I have written twelve pages today upon John 14, for fear I should have the force of the subject wear away from my mind. This will come in Life of Christ. I have in all forty pages written.The Desire of Ages
Chapter 73—“Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled”
DA 662.1
Looking upon His disciples with divine love and with the tenderest sympathy, Christ said, “Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in Him.” Judas had left the upper chamber, and Christ was alone with the eleven. He was about to speak of His approaching separation from them; but before doing this He pointed to the great object of His mission. It was this that He kept ever before Him. It was His joy that all His humiliation and suffering would glorify the Father’s name. To this He first directs the thoughts of His disciples.DA 662.2
Then addressing them by the endearing term, “Little children,” He said, “Yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek Me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.”DA 662.3
The disciples could not rejoice when they heard this. Fear fell upon them. They pressed close about the Saviour. Their Master and Lord, their beloved Teacher and Friend, He was dearer to them than life. To Him they had looked for help in all their difficulties, for comfort in their sorrows and disappointments. Now He was to leave them, a lonely, dependent company. Dark were the forebodings that filled their hearts.DA 662.4
But the Saviour’s words to them were full of hope. He knew that they were to be assailed by the enemy, and that Satan’s craft is most successful against those who are depressed by difficulties. Therefore He pointed them away from “the things which are seen,” to “the things which are not seen.” 2 Corinthians 4:18. From earthly exile He turned their thoughts to the heavenly home.DA 663.1
“Let not your heart be troubled,” He said; “ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.” For your sake I came into the world. I am working in your behalf. When I go away, I shall still work earnestly for you. I came into the world to reveal Myself to you, that you might believe. I go to the Father to co-operate with Him in your behalf. The object of Christ’s departure was the opposite of what the disciples feared. It did not mean a final separation. He was going to prepare a place for them, that He might come again, and receive them unto Himself. While He was building mansions for them, they were to build characters after the divine similitude.DA 663.2
Still the disciples were perplexed. Thomas, always troubled by doubts, said, “Lord, we know not whither Thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me. If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him, and have seen Him.”DA 663.3
There are not many ways to heaven. Each one may not choose his own way. Christ says, “I am the way: ... no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” Since the first gospel sermon was preached, when in Eden it was declared that the seed of the woman should bruise the serpent’s head, Christ had been uplifted as the way, the truth, and the life. He was the way when Adam lived, when Abel presented to God the blood of the slain lamb, representing the blood of the Redeemer. Christ was the way by which patriarchs and prophets were saved. He is the way by which alone we can have access to God.DA 663.4
“If ye had known Me,” Christ said, “ye should have known My Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him, and have seen Him.” But not yet did the disciples understand. “Lord, show us the Father,” exclaimed Philip, “and it sufficeth us.”DA 663.5
Amazed at his dullness of comprehension, Christ asked with pained surprise, “Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip?” Is it possible that you do not see the Father in the works He does through Me? Do you not believe that I came to testify of the Father? “How sayest thou then, Show us the Father?” “He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father.” Christ had not ceased to be God when He became man. Though He had humbled Himself to humanity, the Godhead was still His own. Christ alone could represent the Father to humanity, and this representation the disciples had been privileged to behold for over three years.DA 664.1
“Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me: or else believe Me for the very works’ sake.” Their faith might safely rest on the evidence given in Christ’s works, works that no man, of himself, ever had done, or ever could do. Christ’s work testified to His divinity. Through Him the Father had been revealed.DA 664.2
If the disciples believed this vital connection between the Father and the Son, their faith would not forsake them when they saw Christ’s suffering and death to save a perishing world. Christ was seeking to lead them from their low condition of faith to the experience they might receive if they truly realized what He was,—God in human flesh. He desired them to see that their faith must lead up to God, and be anchored there. How earnestly and perseveringly our compassionate Saviour sought to prepare His disciples for the storm of temptation that was soon to beat upon them. He would have them hid with Him in God.DA 664.3
As Christ was speaking these words, the glory of God was shining from His countenance, and all present felt a sacred awe as they listened with rapt attention to His words. Their hearts were more decidedly drawn to Him; and as they were drawn to Christ in greater love, they were drawn to one another. They felt that heaven was very near, and that the words to which they listened were a message to them from their heavenly Father.DA 664.4
“Verily, verily, I say unto you,” Christ continued, “He that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also.” The Saviour was deeply anxious for His disciples to understand for what purpose His divinity was united to humanity. He came to the world to display the glory of God, that man might be uplifted by its restoring power. God was manifested in Him that He might be manifested in them. Jesus revealed no qualities, and exercised no powers, that men may not have through faith in Him. His perfect humanity is that which all His followers may possess, if they will be in subjection to God as He was.DA 664.5
“And greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto My Father.” By this Christ did not mean that the disciples’ work would be of a more exalted character than His, but that it would have greater extent. He did not refer merely to miracle working, but to all that would take place under the working of the Holy Spirit.DA 667.1
After the Lord’s ascension, the disciples realized the fulfillment of His promise. The scenes of the crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Christ were a living reality to them. They saw that the prophecies had been literally fulfilled. They searched the Scriptures, and accepted their teaching with a faith and assurance unknown before. They knew that the divine Teacher was all that He had claimed to be. As they told their experience, and exalted the love of God, men’s hearts were melted and subdued, and multitudes believed on Jesus.DA 667.2
The Saviour’s promise to His disciples is a promise to His church to the end of time. God did not design that His wonderful plan to redeem men should achieve only insignificant results. All who will go to work, trusting not in what they themselves can do, but in what God can do for and through them, will certainly realize the fulfillment of His promise. “Greater works than these shall ye do,” He declares; “because I go unto My Father.”DA 667.3
As yet the disciples were unacquainted with the Saviour’s unlimited resources and power. He said to them, “Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My name.” John 16:24. He explained that the secret of their success would be in asking for strength and grace in His name. He would be present before the Father to make request for them. The prayer of the humble suppliant He presents as His own desire in that soul’s behalf. Every sincere prayer is heard in heaven. It may not be fluently expressed; but if the heart is in it, it will ascend to the sanctuary where Jesus ministers, and He will present it to the Father without one awkward, stammering word, beautiful and fragrant with the incense of His own perfection.DA 667.4
The path of sincerity and integrity is not a path free from obstruction, but in every difficulty we are to see a call to prayer. There is no one living who has any power that he has not received from God, and the source whence it comes is open to the weakest human being. “Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name,” said Jesus, “that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in My name, I will do it.”DA 667.5
“In My name,” Christ bade His disciples pray. In Christ’s name His followers are to stand before God. Through the value of the sacrifice made for them, they are of value in the Lord’s sight. Because of the imputed righteousness of Christ they are accounted precious. For Christ’s sake the Lord pardons those that fear Him. He does not see in them the vileness of the sinner. He recognizes in them the likeness of His Son, in whom they believe.DA 668.1
The Lord is disappointed when His people place a low estimate upon themselves. He desires His chosen heritage to value themselves according to the price He has placed upon them. God wanted them, else He would not have sent His Son on such an expensive errand to redeem them. He has a use for them, and He is well pleased when they make the very highest demands upon Him, that they may glorify His name. They may expect large things if they have faith in His promises.DA 668.2
But to pray in Christ’s name means much. It means that we are to accept His character, manifest His spirit, and work His works. The Saviour’s promise is given on condition. “If ye love Me,” He says, “keep My commandments.” He saves men, not in sin, but from sin; and those who love Him will show their love by obedience.DA 668.3
All true obedience comes from the heart. It was heart work with Christ. And if we consent, He will so identify Himself with our thoughts and aims, so blend our hearts and minds into conformity to His will, that when obeying Him we shall be but carrying out our own impulses. The will, refined and sanctified, will find its highest delight in doing His service. When we know God as it is our privilege to know Him, our life will be a life of continual obedience. Through an appreciation of the character of Christ, through communion with God, sin will become hateful to us.DA 668.4
As Christ lived the law in humanity, so we may do if we will take hold of the Strong for strength. But we are not to place the responsibility of our duty upon others, and wait for them to tell us what to do. We cannot depend for counsel upon humanity. The Lord will teach us our duty just as willingly as He will teach somebody else. If we come to Him in faith, He will speak His mysteries to us personally. Our hearts will often burn within us as One draws nigh to commune with us as He did with Enoch. Those who decide to do nothing in any line that will displease God, will know, after presenting their case before Him, just what course to pursue. And they will receive not only wisdom, but strength. Power for obedience, for service, will be imparted to them, as Christ has promised. Whatever was given to Christ—the “all things” to supply the need of fallen men—was given to Him as the head and representative of humanity. And “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.DA 668.5
Before offering Himself as the sacrificial victim, Christ sought for the most essential and complete gift to bestow upon His followers, a gift that would bring within their reach the boundless resources of grace. “I will pray the Father,” He said, “and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you orphans: I will come to you.” John 14:16-18, margin.DA 669.1
Before this the Spirit had been in the world; from the very beginning of the work of redemption He had been moving upon men’s hearts. But while Christ was on earth, the disciples had desired no other helper. Not until they were deprived of His presence would they feel their need of the Spirit, and then He would come.DA 669.2
The Holy Spirit is Christ’s representative, but divested of the personality of humanity, and independent thereof. Cumbered with humanity, Christ could not be in every place personally. Therefore it was for their interest that He should go to the Father, and send the Spirit to be His successor on earth. No one could then have any advantage because of his location or his personal contact with Christ. By the Spirit the Saviour would be accessible to all. In this sense He would be nearer to them than if He had not ascended on high.DA 669.3
“He that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him.” Jesus read the future of His disciples. He saw one brought to the scaffold, one to the cross, one to exile among the lonely rocks of the sea, others to persecution and death. He encouraged them with the promise that in every trial He would be with them. That promise has lost none of its force. The Lord knows all about His faithful servants who for His sake are lying in prison or who are banished to lonely islands. He comforts them with His own presence. When for the truth’s sake the believer stands at the bar of unrighteous tribunals, Christ stands by his side. All the reproaches that fall upon him, fall upon Christ. Christ is condemned over again in the person of His disciple. When one is incarcerated in prison walls, Christ ravishes the heart with His love. When one suffers death for His sake, Christ says, “I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore, ... and have the keys of hell and of death.” Revelation 1:18. The life that is sacrificed for Me is preserved unto eternal glory.DA 669.4
At all times and in all places, in all sorrows and in all afflictions, when the outlook seems dark and the future perplexing, and we feel helpless and alone, the Comforter will be sent in answer to the prayer of faith. Circumstances may separate us from every earthly friend; but no circumstance, no distance, can separate us from the heavenly Comforter. Wherever we are, wherever we may go, He is always at our right hand to support, sustain, uphold, and cheer.DA 670.1
The disciples still failed to understand Christ’s words in their spiritual sense, and again He explained His meaning. By the Spirit, He said, He would manifest Himself to them. “The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things.” No more will you say, I cannot comprehend. No longer will you see through a glass, darkly. You shall “be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge.” Ephesians 3:18, 19.DA 670.2
The disciples were to bear witness to the life and work of Christ. Through their word He was to speak to all the people on the face of the earth. But in the humiliation and death of Christ they were to suffer great trial and disappointment. That after this experience their word might be accurate, Jesus promised that the Comforter should “bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”DA 670.3
“I have yet many things to say unto you,” He continued, “but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will show you things to come. He shall glorify Me: for He shall receive of Mine, and shall show it unto you.” Jesus had opened before His disciples a vast tract of truth. But it was most difficult for them to keep His lessons distinct from the traditions and maxims of the scribes and Pharisees. They had been educated to accept the teaching of the rabbis as the voice of God, and it still held a power over their minds, and molded their sentiments. Earthly ideas, temporal things, still had a large place in their thoughts. They did not understand the spiritual nature of Christ’s kingdom, though He had so often explained it to them. Their minds had become confused. They did not comprehend the value of the scriptures Christ presented. Many of His lessons seemed almost lost upon them. Jesus saw that they did not lay hold of the real meaning of His words. He compassionately promised that the Holy Spirit should recall these sayings to their minds. And He had left unsaid many things that could not be comprehended by the disciples. These also would be opened to them by the Spirit. The Spirit was to quicken their understanding, that they might have an appreciation of heavenly things. “When He, the Spirit of truth, is come,” said Jesus, “He will guide you into all truth.”DA 671.1
The Comforter is called “the Spirit of truth.” His work is to define and maintain the truth. He first dwells in the heart as the Spirit of truth, and thus He becomes the Comforter. There is comfort and peace in the truth, but no real peace or comfort can be found in falsehood. It is through false theories and traditions that Satan gains his power over the mind. By directing men to false standards, he misshapes the character. Through the Scriptures the Holy Spirit speaks to the mind, and impresses truth upon the heart. Thus He exposes error, and expels it from the soul. It is by the Spirit of truth, working through the word of God, that Christ subdues His chosen people to Himself.DA 671.2
In describing to His disciples the office work of the Holy Spirit, Jesus sought to inspire them with the joy and hope that inspired His own heart. He rejoiced because of the abundant help He had provided for His church. The Holy Spirit was the highest of all gifts that He could solicit from His Father for the exaltation of His people. The Spirit was to be given as a regenerating agent, and without this the sacrifice of Christ would have been of no avail. The power of evil had been strengthening for centuries, and the submission of men to this satanic captivity was amazing. Sin could be resisted and overcome only through the mighty agency of the Third Person of the Godhead, who would come with no modified energy, but in the fullness of divine power. It is the Spirit that makes effectual what has been wrought out by the world’s Redeemer. It is by the Spirit that the heart is made pure. Through the Spirit the believer becomes a partaker of the divine nature. Christ has given His Spirit as a divine power to overcome all hereditary and cultivated tendencies to evil, and to impress His own character upon His church.DA 671.3
Of the Spirit Jesus said, “He shall glorify Me.” The Saviour came to glorify the Father by the demonstration of His love; so the Spirit was to glorify Christ by revealing His grace to the world. The very image of God is to be reproduced in humanity. The honor of God, the honor of Christ, is involved in the perfection of the character of His people.DA 671.4
“When He [the Spirit of truth] is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.” The preaching of the word will be of no avail without the continual presence and aid of the Holy Spirit. This is the only effectual teacher of divine truth. Only when the truth is accompanied to the heart by the Spirit will it quicken the conscience or transform the life. One might be able to present the letter of the word of God, he might be familiar with all its commands and promises; but unless the Holy Spirit sets home the truth, no souls will fall on the Rock and be broken. No amount of education, no advantages, however great, can make one a channel of light without the co-operation of the Spirit of God. The sowing of the gospel seed will not be a success unless the seed is quickened into life by the dew of heaven. Before one book of the New Testament was written, before one gospel sermon had been preached after Christ’s ascension, the Holy Spirit came upon the praying apostles. Then the testimony of their enemies was, “Ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine.” Acts 5:28.DA 672.1
Christ has promised the gift of the Holy Spirit to His church, and the promise belongs to us as much as to the first disciples. But like every other promise, it is given on conditions. There are many who believe and profess to claim the Lord’s promise; they talk about Christ and about the Holy Spirit, yet receive no benefit. They do not surrender the soul to be guided and controlled by the divine agencies. We cannot use the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is to use us. Through the Spirit God works in His people “to will and to do of His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13. But many will not submit to this. They want to manage themselves. This is why they do not receive the heavenly gift. Only to those who wait humbly upon God, who watch for His guidance and grace, is the Spirit given. The power of God awaits their demand and reception. This promised blessing, claimed by faith, brings all other blessings in its train. It is given according to the riches of the grace of Christ, and He is ready to supply every soul according to the capacity to receive.DA 672.2
In His discourse to the disciples, Jesus made no mournful allusion to His own sufferings and death. His last legacy to them was a legacy of peace. He said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”DA 672.3
Before leaving the upper chamber, the Saviour led His disciples in a song of praise. His voice was heard, not in the strains of some mournful lament, but in the joyful notes of the Passover hallel:DA 672.4
“O praise the Lord, all ye nations:Praise Him, all ye people.
For His merciful kindness is great toward us:
And the truth of the Lord endureth forever.
Praise ye the Lord.” Psalm 117.
DA 673.1
After the hymn, they went out. Through the crowded streets they made their way, passing out of the city gate toward the Mount of Olives. Slowly they proceeded, each busy with his own thoughts. As they began to descend toward the mount, Jesus said, in a tone of deepest sadness, “All ye shall be offended because of Me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.” Matthew 26:31. The disciples listened in sorrow and amazement. They remembered how in the synagogue at Capernaum, when Christ spoke of Himself as the bread of life, many had been offended, and had turned away from Him. But the twelve had not shown themselves unfaithful. Peter, speaking for his brethren, had then declared his loyalty to Christ. Then the Saviour had said, “Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?” John 6:70. In the upper chamber Jesus said that one of the twelve would betray Him, and that Peter would deny Him. But now His words include them all.DA 673.2
Now Peter’s voice is heard vehemently protesting, “Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.” In the upper chamber he had declared, “I will lay down my life for Thy sake.” Jesus had warned him that he would that very night deny his Saviour. Now Christ repeats the warning: “Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny Me thrice.” But Peter only “spake the more vehemently, If I should die with Thee, I will not deny Thee in anywise. Likewise also said they all.” Mark 14:29, 30, 31. In their self-confidence they denied the repeated statement of Him who knew. They were unprepared for the test; when temptation should overtake them, they would understand their own weakness.DA 673.3
When Peter said he would follow his Lord to prison and to death, he meant it, every word of it; but he did not know himself. Hidden in his heart were elements of evil that circumstances would fan into life. Unless he was made conscious of his danger, these would prove his eternal ruin. The Saviour saw in him a self-love and assurance that would overbear even his love for Christ. Much of infirmity, of unmortified sin, carelessness of spirit, unsanctified temper, heedlessness in entering into temptation, had been revealed in his experience. Christ’s solemn warning was a call to heart searching. Peter needed to distrust himself, and to have a deeper faith in Christ. Had he in humility received the warning, he would have appealed to the Shepherd of the flock to keep His sheep. When on the Sea of Galilee he was about to sink, he cried, “Lord, save me.” Matthew 14:30. Then the hand of Christ was outstretched to grasp his hand. So now if he had cried to Jesus, Save me from myself, he would have been kept. But Peter felt that he was distrusted, and he thought it cruel. He was already offended, and he became more persistent in his self-confidence.DA 674.1
Jesus looks with compassion on His disciples. He cannot save them from the trial, but He does not leave them comfortless. He assures them that He is to break the fetters of the tomb, and that His love for them will not fail. “After I am risen again,” He says, “I will go before you into Galilee.” Matthew 26:32. Before the denial, they have the assurance of forgiveness. After His death and resurrection, they knew that they were forgiven, and were dear to the heart of Christ.DA 674.2
Jesus and the disciples were on the way to Gethsemane, at the foot of Mount Olivet, a retired spot which He had often visited for meditation and prayer. The Saviour had been explaining to His disciples His mission to the world, and the spiritual relation to Him which they were to sustain. Now He illustrates the lesson. The moon is shining bright, and reveals to Him a flourishing grapevine. Drawing the attention of the disciples to it, He employs it as a symbol.DA 674.3
“I am the true Vine,” He says. Instead of choosing the graceful palm, the lofty cedar, or the strong oak, Jesus takes the vine with its clinging tendrils to represent Himself. The palm tree, the cedar, and the oak stand alone. They require no support. But the vine entwines about the trellis, and thus climbs heavenward. So Christ in His humanity was dependent upon divine power. “I can of Mine own self do nothing,” He declared. John 5:30.DA 675.1
“I am the true Vine.” The Jews had always regarded the vine as the most noble of plants, and a type of all that was powerful, excellent, and fruitful. Israel had been represented as a vine which God had planted in the Promised Land. The Jews based their hope of salvation on the fact of their connection with Israel. But Jesus says, I am the real Vine. Think not that through a connection with Israel you may become partakers of the life of God, and inheritors of His promise. Through Me alone is spiritual life received.DA 675.2
“I am the true Vine, and My Father is the husbandman.” On the hills of Palestine our heavenly Father had planted this goodly Vine, and He Himself was the husbandman. Many were attracted by the beauty of this Vine, and declared its heavenly origin. But to the leaders in Israel it appeared as a root out of a dry ground. They took the plant, and bruised it, and trampled it under their unholy feet. Their thought was to destroy it forever. But the heavenly Husbandman never lost sight of His plant. After men thought they had killed it, He took it, and replanted it on the other side of the wall. The vine stock was to be no longer visible. It was hidden from the rude assaults of men. But the branches of the Vine hung over the wall. They were to represent the Vine. Through them grafts might still be united to the Vine. From them fruit has been obtained. There has been a harvest which the passers-by have plucked.DA 675.3
“I am the Vine, ye are the branches,” Christ said to His disciples. Though He was about to be removed from them, their spiritual union with Him was to be unchanged. The connection of the branch with the vine, He said, represents the relation you are to sustain to Me. The scion is engrafted into the living vine, and fiber by fiber, vein by vein, it grows into the vine stock. The life of the vine becomes the life of the branch. So the soul dead in trespasses and sins receives life through connection with Christ. By faith in Him as a personal Saviour the union is formed. The sinner unites his weakness to Christ’s strength, his emptiness to Christ’s fullness, his frailty to Christ’s enduring might. Then he has the mind of Christ. The humanity of Christ has touched our humanity, and our humanity has touched divinity. Thus through the agency of the Holy Spirit man becomes a partaker of the divine nature. He is accepted in the Beloved.DA 676.1
This union with Christ, once formed, must be maintained. Christ said, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me.” This is no casual touch, no off-and-on connection. The branch becomes a part of the living vine. The communication of life, strength, and fruitfulness from the root to the branches is unobstructed and constant. Separated from the vine, the branch cannot live. No more, said Jesus, can you live apart from Me. The life you have received from Me can be preserved only by continual communion. Without Me you cannot overcome one sin, or resist one temptation.DA 676.2
“Abide in Me, and I in you.” Abiding in Christ means a constant receiving of His Spirit, a life of unreserved surrender to His service. The channel of communication must be open continually between man and his God. As the vine branch constantly draws the sap from the living vine, so are we to cling to Jesus, and receive from Him by faith the strength and perfection of His own character.DA 676.3
The root sends its nourishment through the branch to the outermost twig. So Christ communicates the current of spiritual strength to every believer. So long as the soul is united to Christ, there is no danger that it will wither or decay.DA 676.4
The life of the vine will be manifest in fragrant fruit on the branches. “He that abideth in Me,” said Jesus, “and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing.” When we live by faith on the Son of God, the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives; not one will be missing.DA 676.5
“My Father is the husbandman. Every branch in Me that beareth not fruit He taketh away.” While the graft is outwardly united with the vine, there may be no vital connection. Then there will be no growth or fruitfulness. So there may be an apparent connection with Christ without a real union with Him by faith. A profession of religion places men in the church, but the character and conduct show whether they are in connection with Christ. If they bear no fruit, they are false branches. Their separation from Christ involves a ruin as complete as that represented by the dead branch. “If a man abide not in Me,” said Christ, “he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.”DA 676.6
“And every branch that beareth fruit, He purgeth [pruneth] it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” From the chosen twelve who had followed Jesus, one as a withered branch was about to be taken away; the rest were to pass under the pruning knife of bitter trial. Jesus with solemn tenderness explained the purpose of the husbandman. The pruning will cause pain, but it is the Father who applies the knife. He works with no wanton hand or indifferent heart. There are branches trailing upon the ground; these must be cut loose from the earthly supports to which their tendrils are fastening. They are to reach heavenward, and find their support in God. The excessive foliage that draws away the life current from the fruit must be pruned off. The overgrowth must be cut out, to give room for the healing beams of the Sun of Righteousness. The husbandman prunes away the harmful growth, that the fruit may be richer and more abundant.DA 677.1
“Herein is My Father glorified,” said Jesus, “that ye bear much fruit.” God desires to manifest through you the holiness, the benevolence, the compassion, of His own character. Yet the Saviour does not bid the disciples labor to bear fruit. He tells them to abide in Him. “If ye abide in Me,” He says, “and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” It is through the word that Christ abides in His followers. This is the same vital union that is represented by eating His flesh and drinking His blood. The words of Christ are spirit and life. Receiving them, you receive the life of the Vine. You live “by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4. The life of Christ in you produces the same fruits as in Him. Living in Christ, adhering to Christ, supported by Christ, drawing nourishment from Christ, you bear fruit after the similitude of Christ.DA 677.2
In this last meeting with His disciples, the great desire which Christ expressed for them was that they might love one another as He had loved them. Again and again He spoke of this. “These things I command you,” He said repeatedly, “that ye love one another.” His very first injunction when alone with them in the upper chamber was, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” To the disciples this commandment was new; for they had not loved one another as Christ had loved them. He saw that new ideas and impulses must control them; that new principles must be practiced by them; through His life and death they were to receive a new conception of love. The command to love one another had a new meaning in the light of His self-sacrifice. The whole work of grace is one continual service of love, of self-denying, self-sacrificing effort. During every hour of Christ’s sojourn upon the earth, the love of God was flowing from Him in irrepressible streams. All who are imbued with His Spirit will love as He loved. The very principle that actuated Christ will actuate them in all their dealing one with another.DA 678.1
This love is the evidence of their discipleship. “By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples,” said Jesus, “if ye have love one to another.” When men are bound together, not by force or self-interest, but by love, they show the working of an influence that is above every human influence. Where this oneness exists, it is evidence that the image of God is being restored in humanity, that a new principle of life has been implanted. It shows that there is power in the divine nature to withstand the supernatural agencies of evil, and that the grace of God subdues the selfishness inherent in the natural heart.DA 678.2
This love, manifested in the church, will surely stir the wrath of Satan. Christ did not mark out for His disciples an easy path. “If the world hate you,” He said, “ye know that it hated Me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept My saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for My name’s sake, because they know not Him that sent Me.” The gospel is to be carried forward by aggressive warfare, in the midst of opposition, peril, loss, and suffering. But those who do this work are only following in their Master’s steps.DA 678.3
As the world’s Redeemer, Christ was constantly confronted with apparent failure. He, the messenger of mercy to our world, seemed to do little of the work He longed to do in uplifting and saving. Satanic influences were constantly working to oppose His way. But He would not be discouraged. Through the prophecy of Isaiah He declares, “I have labored in vain, I have spent My strength for nought, and in vain: yet surely My judgment is with the Lord, and My work with My God.... Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord, and My God shall be My strength.” It is to Christ that the promise is given, “Thus saith the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel, and His Holy One, to Him whom man despiseth, to Him whom the nation abhorreth; ... thus saith the Lord: ... I will preserve Thee, and give Thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages; that Thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Show yourselves.... They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for He that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall He guide them.” Isaiah 49:4, 5, 7-10.DA 679.1
Upon this word Jesus rested, and He gave Satan no advantage. When the last steps of Christ’s humiliation were to be taken, when the deepest sorrow was closing about His soul, He said to His disciples, “The prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in Me.” “The prince of this world is judged.” Now shall he be cast out. John 14:30; 16:11; 12:31. With prophetic eye Christ traced the scenes to take place in His last great conflict. He knew that when He should exclaim, “It is finished,” all heaven would triumph. His ear caught the distant music and the shouts of victory in the heavenly courts. He knew that the knell of Satan’s empire would then be sounded, and the name of Christ would be heralded from world to world throughout the universe.DA 679.2
Christ rejoiced that He could do more for His followers than they could ask or think. He spoke with assurance, knowing that an almighty decree had been given before the world was made. He knew that truth, armed with the omnipotence of the Holy Spirit, would conquer in the contest with evil; and that the bloodstained banner would wave triumphantly over His followers. He knew that the life of His trusting disciples would be like His, a series of uninterrupted victories, not seen to be such here, but recognized as such in the great hereafter.DA 679.3
“These things I have spoken unto you,” He said, “that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Christ did not fail, neither was He discouraged, and His followers are to manifest a faith of the same enduring nature. They are to live as He lived, and work as He worked, because they depend on Him as the great Master Worker. Courage, energy, and perseverance they must possess. Though apparent impossibilities obstruct their way, by His grace they are to go forward. Instead of deploring difficulties, they are called upon to surmount them. They are to despair of nothing, and to hope for everything. With the golden chain of His matchless love Christ has bound them to the throne of God. It is His purpose that the highest influence in the universe, emanating from the source of all power, shall be theirs. They are to have power to resist evil, power that neither earth, nor death, nor hell can master, power that will enable them to overcome as Christ overcame.DA 680.1
Christ designs that heaven’s order, heaven’s plan of government, heaven’s divine harmony, shall be represented in His church on earth. Thus in His people He is glorified. Through them the Sun of Righteousness will shine in undimmed luster to the world. Christ has given to His church ample facilities, that He may receive a large revenue of glory from His redeemed, purchased possession. He has bestowed upon His people capabilities and blessings that they may represent His own sufficiency. The church, endowed with the righteousness of Christ, is His depositary, in which the riches of His mercy, His grace, and His love, are to appear in full and final display. Christ looks upon His people in their purity and perfection, as the reward of His humiliation, and the supplement of His glory,—Christ, the great Center, from whom radiates all glory.DA 680.2
With strong, hopeful words the Saviour ended His instruction. Then He poured out the burden of His soul in prayer for His disciples. Lifting His eyes to heaven, He said, “Father, the hour is come; glorify Thy Son, that Thy Son also may glorify Thee: as Thou hast given Him power over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as Thou hast given Him. And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.”DA 680.3
Christ had finished the work that was given Him to do. He had glorified God on the earth. He had manifested the Father’s name. He had gathered out those who were to continue His work among men. And He said, “I am glorified in them. And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to Thee. Holy Father, keep through Thine own name those whom Thou hast given Me, that they may be one, as We are.” “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word; that they all may be 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.”DA 680.4
Thus in the language of one who has divine authority, Christ gives His elect church into the Father’s arms. As a consecrated high priest He intercedes for His people. As a faithful shepherd He gathers His flock under the shadow of the Almighty, in the strong and sure refuge. For Him there waits the last battle with Satan, and He goes forth to meet it.The Upward Look
The Price of Our Redemption, December 9
UL 357.3
The disciples were filled with great joy. Over and over again they repeated the words Christ had spoken to them in His last lessons, as recorded in the fourteenth, fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth chapters of John; and every one had something to say about the instruction, especially with regard to the words of the fourteenth of John ... [verses 1-3, quoted]....The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials
Evangelism in Norwich and Lynn, Massachusetts; Concern for Those Who Unsettle Faith in the Testimonies and Misinterpret the Scriptures
1888 740.2
I slept last night about ten hours; praise the Lord, praise His holy name! I believe He will give me strength and grace. I am making my home with Sister Ellen Warfe, one of the number, a kind family. We have things here convenient and pleasant. I shall go to Danvers Wednesday. I have been so deeply interested in John, chapters 14, 15, 16, and 17, that I am writing on the subject. I have written twelve pages today upon John 14, for fear I should have the force of the subject wear away from my mind. This will come in Life of Christ. I have in all forty pages written.The Review and Herald
February 9, 1892
RH February 9, 1892, par. 20
Let every professed Christian read frequently and carefully the John 14:1, 15th, 16th, and 17th chapters of John. Read with a heart determined to understand the teachings of Christ, and to be a doer of his word.From Heaven With Love
Chapter 73—“Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled”
HLv 445.1
Judas had left the upper chamber, and Christ was alone with the eleven. He was about to speak of His approaching separation from them; but before this He pointed to the great object of His mission. He kept ever before Him His joy that all His humiliation and suffering would glorify the Father’s name. To this He first directed the thoughts of His disciples.HLv 445.2
Their Master and Lord, their beloved Teacher and Friend, was dearer to them than life. Now He was to leave them. Dark were the forebodings that filled their hearts.HLv 445.3
But the Saviour’s words were full of hope. He knew that Satan’s craft is most successful against those who are depressed by difficulties. Therefore He turned their thoughts to the heavenly home: “Let not your hearts be troubled... . In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” When I go away, I shall still work earnestly for you. I go to the Father to cooperate with Him in your behalf.HLv 445.4
Christ’s departure was the opposite of what the disciples feared—it did not mean a final separation. He was going to prepare a place for them, that He might receive them to Himself. While He was building mansions for them, they were to build characters after the divine similitude.HLv 446.1
Thomas, troubled by doubts, said, “Lord, we know not whither Thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me. If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him, and have seen Him.”HLv 446.2
There are not many ways to heaven. Each may not choose his own way. Christ was the way by which patriarchs and prophets were saved. He is the way by which alone we can have access to God.HLv 446.3
But not yet did the disciples understand. “Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us,” exclaimed Philip. Christ asked with pained surprise, “Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip?” Is it possible that you do not see the Father in the works He does through Me? “How sayest thou, Show us the Father?” “He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father.” Christ had not ceased to be God when He became man; the Godhead was still His own. Christ’s work testified to His divinity. Through Him the Father had been revealed.HLv 446.4
If the disciples believed this vital connection between the Father and the Son, their faith would not forsake them when they saw Christ’s suffering and death. How perseveringly our Saviour sought to prepare His disciples for the storm of temptation soon to beat upon them. All present felt a sacred awe as they listened with rapt attention to His words. And as their hearts were drawn to Christ in greater love, they were drawn to one another. They felt that heaven was very near.HLv 446.5
The Saviour was anxious for His disciples to understand why His divinity was united to humanity. He came to the world to display the glory of God, that man might be uplifted by its restoring power. Jesus revealed no qualities, and exercised no powers, that men may not have through faith in Him. His perfect humanity is that which all His followers may possess, if they will be in subjection to God as He was.HLv 447.1
“Greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto My Father.” By this Christ meant that the disciples’ work would have greater extent under the working of the Holy Spirit. After the Lord’s ascension, the disciples realized the fulfillment of His promise. They knew that the divine Teacher was all that He had claimed to be. As they exalted the love of God, men’s hearts were subdued, and multitudes believed on Jesus.HLv 447.2
The Saviour explained that the secret of their success would be in asking for strength and grace in His name. The prayer of the humble suppliant He presents before the Father as His own desire in that soul’s behalf. Sincere prayer may not be fluently expressed, but it will ascend to the sanctuary where Jesus ministers. He will present it to the Father without one awkward, stammering word, fragrant with the incense of His own perfection.HLv 447.3
The path of sincerity and integrity is not free from obstruction, but in every difficulty we are to see a call to prayer. “Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name,” said Jesus, “that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in My name, I will do it.”HLv 447.4
In Christ’s name His followers are to stand before God. Because of the imputed righteousness of Christ they are accounted precious. The Lord does not see in them the vileness of the sinner. He recognizes in them the likeness of His Son, in whom they believe.HLv 447.5
The Lord is disappointed when His people place a low estimate on themselves. God wanted them, else He would not have sent His Son on such an expensive errand to redeem them. He is well pleased when they make the very highest demands on Him, that they may glorify His name. They may expect large things if they have faith in His promises.HLv 447.6
But to pray in Christ’s name means that we are to accept His character, manifest His spirit, and work His works. The Saviour saves men, not in sin, but from sin; and those who love Him show their love by obedience.HLv 448.1
All true obedience comes from the heart. It was heart work with Christ. And if we consent, He will so blend our hearts and minds in conformity to His will, that when obeying Him we shall be but carrying out our own impulses. The will finds its highest delight in doing His service. Our life will be a life of continual obedience. Sin will become hateful to us.HLv 448.2
As Christ lived the law in humanity, so we may do if we will take hold of the Strong for strength. But we cannot depend for counsel on humanity. The Lord will teach us our duty just as willingly as He will teach somebody else. If we come to Him in faith, He will speak His mysteries to us personally. Our hearts will often burn within us as One draws nigh to commune with us as He did with Enoch. Those who decide to do nothing in any line that will displease God, will know, after presenting their case before Him, just what course to pursue. And power for obedience, for service, will be imparted to them, as Christ has promised.HLv 448.4
The Holy Spirit is Christ’s representative, but divested of the personality of humanity, and independent thereof. Cumbered with humanity, Christ could not be in every place personally. It was for their interest that He should go, and send the Spirit to be His successor on earth. No one could then have any advantage because of his location. By the Spirit the Saviour would be accessible to all.HLv 449.1
Jesus read the future of His disciples. He saw one brought to the scaffold, one to the cross, one to exile among the lonely rocks of the sea, others to persecution and death. But in every trial He would be with them. When for the truth’s sake the believer stands at the bar of unrighteous tribunals, Christ stands by his side. The reproaches that fall on him, fall on Christ. When one is incarcerated in prison walls, Christ ravishes the heart with His love.HLv 449.2
At all times and in all places, when we feel helpless and alone, the Comforter will be sent in answer to the prayer of faith. Circumstances may separate us from every earthly friend, but no circumstance can separate us from the heavenly Comforter. He is always at our right hand to sustain and cheer.HLv 449.3
The disciples still failed to understand Christ’s words, and again He explained: By the Spirit He would manifest Himself to them. “The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things.” No more will you say, I cannot comprehend.HLv 449.4
Through the disciples Christ was to speak to all the people on the face of the earth. But in the death of Christ they were to suffer great disappointment. That after this experience their word might be accurate, Jesus promised that the Comforter should “bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” “When He, the Spirit of truth is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will show you things to come. He shall glorify Me: for He shall receive of Mine, and shall show it unto you.”HLv 450.1
Jesus’ disciples had been educated to accept the teaching of the rabbis as the voice of God, and it still held a power over their minds. Earthly ideas still had a large place in their thoughts. They did not understand the spiritual nature of Christ’s kingdom. Many of His lessons seemed almost lost on them. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit should recall these sayings to their minds.HLv 450.2
The Comforter is called “the Spirit of truth.” His work is to define and maintain truth. He first dwells in the heart as the Spirit of truth, and thus He becomes the Comforter. There is comfort in truth, but no real comfort in falsehood. Through false traditions Satan gains his power over the mind. False standards misshape the character. The Holy Spirit exposes error and expels it from the soul. By the Spirit of truth, working through the Word of God, Christ subdues His chosen people to Himself.HLv 450.3
Jesus sought to inspire His disciples with the joy and hope that inspired His own heart. He rejoiced because the Holy Spirit was the highest of all gifts He could solicit from His Father for His people. The Spirit was to be given as a regenerating agent, and without this the sacrifice of Christ would have been of no avail. The power of evil had been strengthening for centuries, and the submission of men to satanic captivity was amazing. Sin could be resisted and overcome only through the mighty agency of the Third Person of the Godhead, who would come in the fullness of divine power. The Spirit makes effectual what has been wrought out by the world’s Redeemer. By the Spirit the heart is made pure. Christ has given His Spirit to overcome all hereditary and cultivated tendencies to evil, and to impress His own character on His church. The very image of God is to be reproduced in humanity. The honor of God, the honor of Christ, is involved in the perfection of the character of His people.HLv 451.1
“When He [the Spirit of truth] is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.” The preaching of the Word will be of no avail without the presence of the Holy Spirit. Only when truth is accompanied to the heart by the Spirit will it quicken the conscience or transform the life. Unless the Holy Spirit sets home the truth, no souls will fall on the Rock and be broken. No advantages, however great, can make one a channel of light.HLv 451.2
Christ has promised the gift of the Holy Spirit to His church, and the promise belongs to us as much as to the first disciples. But like every other promise, it is given on conditions. Many who profess to claim the Lord’s promise talk about Christ and about the Holy Spirit, yet receive no benefit. They do not surrender the soul to be guided by the divine agencies. We cannot use the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is to use us. But many want to manage themselves. Only to those who wait humbly upon God is the Spirit given. This promised blessing, claimed by faith, brings all other blessings in its train. Christ is ready to supply every soul according to the capacity to receive.HLv 451.3
Before leaving the upper chamber, the Saviour led His disciples in a song of praise. His voice was heard, not in the strains of some mournful lament, but in the joyful notes of the Passover hallel:O praise the Lord, all ye nations:
Praise Him, all ye people.
For His merciful kindness is great toward us:
And the truth of the Lord endureth forever.
Praise ye the Lord.
Psalm 117
HLv 451.4
After the hymn they made their way out of the city gate toward the Mount of Olives. Slowly they proceeded, each busy with his own thoughts. As they began to descend toward the mount, Jesus said, “All ye shall be offended because of Me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered abroad.” Matthew 26:31. In the upper chamber Jesus had said that one of the twelve would betray Him and that Peter would deny Him. But now His words include them all.HLv 452.1
Now Peter’s voice was heard, protesting, “Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.” Jesus had warned him that he would that very night deny his Saviour. Now He repeated the warning: “Verily I say unto thee, that this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny Me thrice.” But Peter only “spake the more vehemently, If I should die with Thee, I will not deny Thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all.” Mark 14:29-31.HLv 452.2
When Peter said he would follow his Lord to prison and to death, he meant every word of it, but he did not know himself. Hidden in his heart were elements of evil that circumstances would fan into life. Unless he was made conscious of his danger, these would prove his eternal ruin. The Saviour saw in him a self-love that would overbear even his love for Christ. Peter needed to distrust himself and to have a deeper faith in Christ. When on the Sea of Galilee he was about to sink, he cried, “Lord, save me.” So now if he had cried, Save me from myself, he would have been kept. But Peter thought it cruel that he was distrusted, and he became more persistent in his self-confidence.HLv 452.3
Jesus could not save His disciples from the trial, but He did not leave them comfortless. Before the denial, they had the assurance of forgiveness. After His death and resurrection, they knew they were forgiven and were dear to the heart of Christ.HLv 452.4
Jesus and the disciples were on the way to Gethsemane, at the foot of Mount Olivet. The moon was shining brightly and revealed to Him a flourishing grapevine. Drawing the attention of His disciples to it, Jesus said, “I am the true vine.” The vine with its clinging tendrils represents Himself. The palm tree, the cedar, and the oak stand alone; they require no support. But the vine entwines about the trellis, and thus climbs heavenward. So Christ in His humanity was dependent upon divine power. “I can of Mine own self do nothing.” John 5:30.HLv 453.1
“I am the true vine, and My Father is the husbandman.” On the hills of Palestine our heavenly Father had planted this goodly Vine. Many were attracted by the beauty of this Vine, and declared its heavenly origin. But the leaders in Israel trampled the plant under their unholy feet. After men thought they had killed it, the heavenly Husbandman took it and replanted it on the other side of the wall. The vine stock was to be no longer visible. It was hidden from the rude assaults of men. But the branches of the Vine hung over the wall, and through them grafts might still be united to the Vine.HLv 453.2
The connection of the branch with the vine, Jesus said, represents the relation His followers are to sustain to Him. The scion is engrafted into the living vine, and fiber by fiber, vein by vein, it grows into the vine stock. So the soul receives life through connection with Christ. The sinner unites His weakness to Christ’s strength, his emptiness to Christ’s fullness. Then he has the mind of Christ. The humanity of Christ has touched our humanity, and our humanity has touched divinity.HLv 453.3
This union must be maintained. Christ said, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me.” This is no off-and-on connection. The branch becomes a part of the living vine. The life you have received from Me, said Jesus, can be preserved only by continual communion. Without Me you cannot overcome sin or resist temptation. We are to cling to Jesus and receive from Him by faith the perfection of His own character.HLv 453.4
The root sends its nourishment through the branch to the outermost twig. “He that abideth in Me,” said Jesus, “and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing.” When we live by faith on the Son of God, the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives; not one will be missing.HLv 454.1
“My Father is the husbandman. Every branch in Me that beareth not fruit He taketh away.” There may be an apparent connection with Christ without a real union with Him by faith. A profession of religion places men in the church, but the character shows whether they are in connection with Christ. If they bear no fruit, they are false branches. “If a man abide not in Me,” said Christ, “he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.”HLv 454.2
“And every branch that beareth fruit, He purgeth [pruneth] it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” From the Twelve who had followed Jesus, one as a withered branch was about to be taken away; the rest were to pass under the pruning knife of bitter trial. The pruning will cause pain, but it is the Father who applies the knife. He works with no wanton hand. Excessive foliage that draws away the life current from the fruit must be pruned off. Overgrowth must be cut out to give room for the healing beams of the Sun of Righteousness. The husbandman prunes away the harmful growth, that the fruit may be more abundant.HLv 454.3
“Herein is My Father glorified,” said Jesus, “that ye bear much fruit.” God desires to manifest through you the holiness, benevolence, and compassion of His own character. Yet the Saviour does not bid the disciples labor to bear fruit. He tells them to abide in Him. Through the Word Christ abides in His followers. The life of Christ in you produces the same fruits as in Him. Living in Christ, adhering to Christ, supported by Christ, drawing nourishment from Christ, you bear fruit after the similitude of Christ.HLv 454.4
Jesus’ very first injunction when alone with His disciples in the upper chamber was, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” To the disciples this commandment was new, for they had not loved one another as Christ had loved them. But through His life and death they were to receive a new conception of love. The command to love one another had a new meaning in the light of His self-sacrifice.HLv 455.1
When men are bound together, not by force or self-interest, but by love, they show the working of an influence that is above every human influence. It is evidence that the image of God is being restored in humanity. This love, manifested in the church, will surely stir the wrath of Satan. “If the world hate you,” He said, “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 yours keep also. But all these things will they do unto you for My name’s sake, because they know not Him that sent Me.” The gospel is to be carried forward in the midst of opposition, peril, loss, and suffering.HLv 455.2
As the world’s Redeemer, Christ was constantly confronted with apparent failure. He seemed to do little of the work He longed to do. Satanic influences were constantly working to oppose His way. But He would not be discouraged. Through Isaiah He declares, “I have labored in vain, I have spent My strength for nought, and in vain: yet surely My judgment is with the Lord, and My work with My God.” Isaiah 49:4.HLv 455.3
Upon this word Jesus rested, and He gave Satan no advantage. When the deepest sorrow was closing about His soul, He said to His disciples, “The prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in Me.” “The prince of this world is judged.” Now shall he be cast out. John 14:30; 16:11; 12:31.HLv 456.1
Christ knew that when He should exclaim, “It is finished,” all heaven would triumph. His ear caught the distant music and the shouts of victory in the heavenly courts. He knew that the name of Christ would be heralded from world to world throughout the universe. He knew that truth, armed with the Holy Spirit, would conquer in the contest with evil. He knew that the life of His trusting disciples would be like His, a series of uninterrupted victories, not seen to be such here, but recognized as such in the great hereafter.HLv 456.2
Christ did not fail, neither was He discouraged, and His followers are to manifest a faith of the same enduring nature. They are to live as He lived and work as He worked. Instead of deploring difficulties, they are to surmount them, to despair of nothing.HLv 456.3
Christ designs that heaven’s order and divine harmony shall be represented in His church and on earth. Thus through His people He may receive a large revenue of glory. The church, endowed with the righteousness of Christ, is His depositary, in which the riches of His grace and love are to appear in full display. Christ looks on His people in their purity and perfection as the reward of His humiliation and the supplement of His glory.HLv 456.4
With strong, hopeful words the Saviour ended His instruction. He had finished the work given Him to do. He had manifested the Father’s name and gathered out those who were to continue His work among men.HLv 456.5
As a consecrated high priest Christ interceded for His people: “Holy Father, keep through Thine own name those whom Thou hast given Me, that they may be one, even as We are.” “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word; that they all may be one; ... that the world may know that Thou hast sent Me, and hast loved them, as Thou hast loved Me.”HLv 456.6
Christ gave His elect church into the Father’s arms. For Him there waited the last battle with Satan, and He went forth to meet it.From Heaven With Love
How the Holy Spirit Makes Christ’s Work for Us Effective
HLv 448.3
Before offering Himself as the sacrificial victim Christ sought for the most essential gift to bestow on His followers. “I will pray the Father,” He said, “and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you orphans: I will come to you.” John 14:16-18, margin. While Christ was on earth, the disciples had desired no other helper. Not until deprived of His presence would they feel their need of the Spirit, and then He would come.John 16:2
Maranatha
Martyrs in the Last Days, July 10
Mar 199.1
They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. John 16:2.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 49, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 49, 1894, par. 32
Dear friends, we have a living Saviour, and He has not left us in this world to fight the battles alone. No. But He has not flattered us. He did not tell us, If you will believe on Me, you shall have no trials, no difficulties. He says, “If they receive you, they will receive Me. If they hate Me, they will hate you.” [See Matthew 10:40; John 15:18.] And He tells us that there shall be those “that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.” [John 16:2.] That is a terrible deception that comes on human minds. But here He has shown you the plan of the battle; He tells you what you are to meet. “We struggle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” [Ephesians 6:12.] This is what we have to meet. Then what does He say? “Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” [Verse 11.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 42, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 42, 1894, par. 15
Just after the decisions are made, the forces of the powers of darkness take these minds that have been convicted, and that have resisted the conviction of the Spirit of God. They have a superstition, and Satan works upon those minds until there is an intensity of opposition to the truth and everybody that believes it, and they think they are in God’s service, as Christ told us, “Whosoever killeth you thinketh that he doeth God service.” [John 16:2.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 29, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 29, 1897, par. 15
Shall we call this step the moving of the Spirit of God? We see not one sign of Christlikeness in this way of treating matters. There is a moral as well as a mental mania; when this is the case, humanity seems to be displaced, to drop out of the <being.> Another power takes possession and control. In the case of Brother McCullagh, mental self-delusion was strongly combined with an infatuated moral perversion. He has been as deluded as those of whom Christ said, “They shall put you out of the synagogue: yea, the time cometh that whosoever killeth you will think he doeth God service.” [John 16:2.] How many will hereafter walk in the footsteps of Judas, I am not able to say, but to the end I shall meet and contend with this dragon spirit.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 186, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 186, 1897, par. 37
Another power takes possession and controls. In the case of Brother McCullagh, mental self-delusion was strongly combined with an infatuated moral perversion. He was as deluded as those of whom Christ said, “They shall put you out of the synagogue; yea, the time cometh that whosoever killeth you will think he doeth God service.” [John 16:2.]John 16:2-3
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 55, 1886
4LtMs, Ms 55, 1886, par. 32
This prophecy of enmity between Satan and Christ is far-reaching. It is a delineation of an unwearied conflict between Christ and His followers and Satan and his angels and fallen men united in a desperate companionship to reproach, bruise, wound, and exterminate the followers of Christ to the close of time. This controversy between Satan and Christ was carried on here in this world. Satan was constantly afflicting the Son of God and creating prejudice in the minds of men. Not only were Christ’s doctrines and teachings perverted, misinterpreted, and wrested from their true meaning, but falsehoods followed Him everywhere. His pure character was assailed, and He was compelled to flee from one city to another because of the spies upon His track. The falsehoods and misrepresentations that the chief priests and Pharisees and Sadducees poured into the ears of the people appealed to the worst passions of adulterers, fornicators, and dishonest men, exciting a burning prejudice that made it almost impossible for Him to live upon the earth for even three years and a half after His public ministry began. Why, then, should those who bear the truth of God to the world be discouraged and fainthearted? Christ has said, “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated Me before it hated you.” John 15:18. Ye “are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” John 17:14. They will “revile you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My name’s sake.” Matthew 5:11. “Yea, the time cometh that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father nor Me.” John 16:2, 3.John 16:2-4
From Trials to Triumph
Chapter 8—Peter and John Freed From Prison
TT 43.2
The disciples were not intimidated. The Holy Spirit brought to their minds the words spoken by Christ: “If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.” “The time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.” “These things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them.” John 15:20; 16:2, 4.John 16:2-32
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 41, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 41, 1897, par. 8
During these last sorrowful hours, Christ told His disciples that on the night of His trial they would all be offended because of Him. He would not be left alone. He told them that for a little while after His death they would be sorrowful, but their sorrow would be turned into joy. [Mark 14:27; John 16:32, 20.]12LtMs, Ms 41, 1897, par. 9
He told them that the time was coming that they would be put out of the synagogue, and that those who killed them would think that they were doing God a service. [Verse 2.] He stated plainly why He told them these things while He was with them—that when they should transpire, they would remember that He told them of them before they came to pass and believe on Him as their Redeemer. [John 13:19.] Thus is expressed the great love and tender compassion of the Son of God. In prefiguring His future He was plain and definite that in their coming trials and difficulties, the disciples might know that the Most High would not forget or forsake them, but would send them the Holy Spirit, to remain with them always.John 16:2-33
The Acts of the Apostles
Chapter 8—Before the Sanhedrin
AA 79.1
The disciples were not intimidated or cast down by this treatment. The Holy Spirit brought to their minds the words spoken by Christ: “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.” “They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.” “These things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them.” John 15:20, 21; 16:2, 4.AA 84.2
Christ said of Himself, “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.” Matthew 10:34. The Prince of Peace, He was yet the cause of division. He who came to proclaim glad tidings and to create hope and joy in the hearts of the children of men, opened a controversy that burns deep and arouses intense passion in the human heart. And He warns His followers, “In the world ye shall have tribulation.” “They shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for My name’s sake.” “Ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.” John 16:33; Luke 21:12, 16.AA 85.1
What was the strength of those who in the past have suffered persecution for Christ’s sake? It was union with God, union with the Holy Spirit, union with Christ. Reproach and persecution have separated many from earthly friends, but never from the love of Christ. Never is the tempest-tried soul more dearly loved by his Saviour than when he is suffering reproach for the truth’s sake. “I will love him,” Christ said, “and will manifest Myself to him.” John 14:21. When for the truth’s sake the believer stands at the bar of earthly tribunals, Christ stands by his side. When he is confined within prison walls, Christ manifests Himself to him and cheers his heart with His love. When he suffers death for Christ’s sake, the Saviour says to him, They may kill the body, but they cannot hurt the soul. “Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness.” John 16:33; Isaiah 41:10.John 16:5-14
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 1, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 1, 1903, par. 9
The salvation of human beings is a vast enterprise that calls into action every attribute of the divine nature. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit have pledged themselves to make God’s children more than conquerors through Him that has loved them. The Lord is gracious and long-suffering, not willing that any should perish. He has provided power to enable us to be overcomers. How full of comfort and love are the words of Christ to His disciples just before His trial and crucifixion. He was about to leave them, but He did not want them to think that they were to be left helpless orphans. “I go My way to Him that sent Me,” He said, “and none of you asketh Me, Whither goest Thou? But because I have said these things, sorrow hath filled your heart. Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you. And when He is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment; of sin, because they believe not on Me; of righteousness, because I go to My Father, and ye see Me no more; of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit, when He, the Spirit of truth is come, He will guide you into all truth; for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak; and He will show you things to come. He shall glorify Me; for He shall receive of Mine, and shall show it unto you.” [John 16:5-14.]John 16:7
This Day With God
The Holy Spirit—The Gift of Gifts, November 28
TDG 341.4
Christ has said to His disciples, “It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you” (John 16:7). This was the gift of gifts. The Holy Spirit was sent as the most priceless treasure man could receive. The church was baptized with the Spirit’s power. The disciples were fitted to go forth and proclaim Christ, first in Jerusalem, where the shameful work of dishonoring the rightful King had been done, and then to the uttermost parts of the earth....Ye Shall Receive Power
Christ’s Representative, January 5
YRP 13.1
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. John 16:7.The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials
Chapter 175—To My Brethren in America
1888 1493.1
The great office work of the Holy Spirit is thus distinctly specified by our Saviour, “And when He is come, He will reprove the world of sin.” Christ knew that this announcement was a wonderful truth. He was nearing the close of His ministry upon this earth, and was standing in view of the cross, with a full realization of the load of guilt that must be placed upon Him as the sin-bearer. Yet His greatest anxiety was for His disciples. He was seeking to find solace for them, and He told them, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you.” (John 16:7)Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Ms 8, 1888
5LtMs, Ms 8, 1888, par. 18
Christ says, If I go away, I will send you the Comforter [John 16:7], and when we have the Holy Spirit, we have everything. We have knowledge, wisdom, power, and we have a connection with the God of wisdom, the greatest Teacher the world ever knew. When the heaven was opened to man and God said, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased,” He said it to us. Your prayers, through faith in your substitute, Jesus Christ, are accepted. God accepts Christ, our substitute. He took human nature upon Himself and fought the battles that human nature is engaged in. He is connected with the divine and was to fight the battles with Satan.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Ms 12, 1895
10LtMs, Ms 12, 1895, par. 21
How did Adam lose the tree of life? By disobeying the commandments of God. The Lord is giving us a precious provision to prove and test us whether we will accept Jesus Christ, the offering, and come back to our allegiance to God. And He has something for us to do in this matter. There is not one of us that has seen the truth of heavenly origin that can afford to be careless and indifferent. There are souls to save. There are children in your houses to save. Why, we have a wonderful work to do, and what is it? “Ye are labourers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] We are to study how Christ labored. We are to work in Christ’s lines. We are to receive that which is left us; and what is it? He said, “If I go away, I will send you the Comforter.” [John 16:7.] And what is the Comforter? It is the Holy Spirit of God. What is it? It is the representative of Jesus Christ, which comes to every individual of the human family to impress them with the truth.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 119, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 119, 1895, par. 18
Cumbered with humanity, Christ could not be in every place personally; therefore it was altogether for their advantage that He should leave them, go to His Father, and send the Holy Spirit to be His successor on earth. The Holy Spirit is Himself, divested of the personality of humanity, and independent thereof. He would represent Himself as present in all places by His Holy Spirit, as the Omnipresent. “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall [although unseen by you] teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. ... Nevertheless, I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.” [John 14:26; 16:7.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 128, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 128, 1897, par. 38
Christ has said to His disciples, “It is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you, but if I depart, I will send him unto you.” [John 16:7.] This was the gift of gifts. The Holy Spirit was sent as the most priceless treasure man could receive. The church was baptized with the Spirit’s power. The disciples were fitted to go forth and proclaim Christ, first in Jerusalem, where the shameful work of dishonoring the rightful king had been done, and then to the uttermost parts of the earth. The evidence of the enthronement of Christ in His mediatorial kingdom was given. God testified to the great work of Christ in reconciling the world to God, by giving the true understanding of the kingdom which He was establishing upon the earth, the foundation of which His own hand had laid.God’s Amazing Grace
A Comforter Like Christ, July 6
AG 195.1
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. John 16:7.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 107, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 107, 1898, par. 4
Christ promised His followers, “If I go away, I will send another comforter, that he may abide with you forever.” [John 16:7; 14:16.] With this divine endowment the human agent is qualified to work in Christ’s lines. Christ continued, “He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have spoken unto you.” [Verse 26.] Individually living the life of Christ, His followers become living, working agencies. They possess the character of Christ. They have the love of Christ, His faith, His hope, His oneness with the Father. They lean on Christ as their only staff and sufficiency. They are Christ’s living witnesses. By their words, their spirit, their true courtesy, their influence, by their every action they testify of Christ. A power goes out from these human agencies, bearing the testimony that they are laborers with God, that they have communion with their Saviour.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 12, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 12, 1901, par. 15
“It is expedient for you that I go away,” Christ said; “for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.” [John 16:7.] Christ’s ascension to heaven was the time which, in the order of heaven, it had been arranged that His representative, the Holy Spirit, should come to this world. This was the plan of the divine government. Thus the Redeemer designed to show His union with the Father and with men.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 7, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 7, 1902, par. 9
Christ said to His disciples, “If I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.” [John 16:7.] After Christ’s ascension, the disciples were joyful, not because He had left them, but because He had ascended to stand in the presence of His Father, that He might secure for His waiting, praying, watching Church on earth the gift of the Holy Spirit. And while the disciples were praying in an upper chamber, the Saviour’s promise was verified. The Comforter came to the bereaved Church, and the apostles became mighty in power as the Holy Spirit rested upon them. God’s chosen messengers “out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.” [Hebrews 11:34.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 188, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 188, 1905, par. 24
Verse 7. “as he is in the light.” You see it is our privilege, God wants us. Christ said, “He that will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.” [Mark 8:34.] We have a living Christ, who says, “If I go to My Father, then I will send you the Comforter.” [See John 16:7.] Well, the Holy Spirit of God is to come to us in power, as soon as we have faith to embrace it, as soon as we recognize it.In Heavenly Places
Christ Accessible Through His Spirit, November 26
HP 337.1
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. John 16:7.Manuscript Releases, vol. 14 [Nos. 1081-1135]
MR No. 1084—Individual Responsibility to Accept Truth; Christ, the Great “I AM”; The Holy Spirit and His Work
14MR 23.3
Cumbered with humanity, Christ could not be in every place personally; therefore it was altogether for their advantage that He should leave them, go to His father, and send the Holy Spirit to be His successor on earth. The Holy Spirit is Himself divested of the personality of humanity and independent thereof. He would represent Himself as present in all places by His Holy Spirit, as the Omnipresent. “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall (although unseen by you), [This phrase was added by Ellen White.] teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” [John 14:26]. “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will come not unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you” [John 16:7].Our Father Cares
A Comforter Like Christ, August 16
OFC 240.1
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. John 16:7.Our Father Cares
The Holy Spirit—The Gift of Gifts, September 27
OFC 282.4
Christ has said to His disciples, “It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you” (John 16:7). This was the gift of gifts. The Holy Spirit was sent as the most priceless treasure man could receive. The church was baptized with the Spirit’s power. The disciples were fitted to go forth and proclaim Christ, first in Jerusalem, where the shameful work of dishonoring the rightful King had been done, and then to the uttermost parts of the earth....Our High Calling
Jesus’ Crowning Gift, May 24
OHC 150.1
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. John 16:7.Reflecting Christ
By the Eye of Faith Christ Is Present Ever, January 8
RC 22.1
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. John 16:7.John 16:7-8
Lift Him Up
Christ’s Favorite Subject, June 26
LHU 191.1
It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. John 16:7, 8.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 44, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 44, 1898, par. 15
The value of a gift is proportionate to its adaptability to the needs of perishing souls. When Christ gave Himself, the One precious pearl of great price, He opened up a spiritual fountain of divine influence, that fallen man through faith might be a partaker of the divine nature. Standing near His trial, rejection, condemnation, and crucifixion, He said, “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth, It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you, and when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.” [John 16:7, 8.] This is a wonderful announcement.The Upward Look
Holy Spirit, Faithful Guide, February 6
UL 51.1
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. John 16:7, 8.UL 51.2
Christ knew that this announcement [the coming of the Comforter] was a wonderful truth. He was nearing the close of His ministry upon this earth, and was standing in view of the cross, with a full realization of the load of guilt that must be placed upon Him as the Sin-bearer. Yet His greatest anxiety was for His disciples. He was seeking to find solace for them, and He told them, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you” (John 16:7).This Day With God
Ever Onward, April 25
TDG 124.1
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. John 16:7, 8.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 40, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, par. 60
Jesus says, “I will send you the Comforter. My Spirit alone is competent for the task of saving the world, if they will accept of the provisions of My grace. The Comforter shall convince the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment.” [John 16:7, 8.]6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, par. 103
God has a living testimony, not a tame, lifeless sermonizing. Men in responsible positions are not to study to meet the world’s plans, to cater to the world’s ideas, to speak smooth words and prophesy deceit. The Comforter—the Holy Spirit of God whom Christ said the Father would send in His name—with unsparing lips reproves the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. [John 14:26; 16:8.] “Reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and doctrine.” 2 Timothy 4:2.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 68, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 68, 1898, par. 6
The Lord Jesus promised His disciples that after His ascension He would send them the Holy Spirit as a Comforter. “It is expedient for you that I go away,” He declared, “for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you, but if I go away, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment.” [John 16:7, 8.] On the Day of Pentecost this promise was fulfilled; the Holy Spirit was given, and hundreds were brought to the faith of the gospel.John 16:7-10
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 66, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 66, 1897, par. 9
This is the work of the Holy Spirit. Said Christ, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment; of sin, because they believe not on me; of righteousness, because I go to the Father.” [John 16:7-10.] And the church should be electrified at every point, each member a living working agent under the ministration of the Holy Spirit.John 16:7-11
Manuscript Releases, vol. 13 [Nos. 1000-1080]
MR No. 1044—Deficiencies and Mistakes of Gospel Workers not to be Publicized
13MR 270.2
Those who speak and write concerning the truths of God must have the endowment of the Holy Spirit or they will make great mistakes. Jesus said to His disciples concerning the gift of the Holy Spirit, “It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you” [John 16:7]. What is the work of the Holy Spirit upon the heart and conscience of the human agent? “And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment; of sin, because they believe not on Me (that is, in a practical way); of righteousness, because I go to My Father, and ye see Me no more; of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged” [verses 8-11].Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 16, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, par. 62
The Comforter, the Holy Spirit, which Christ said He would send into the world, was to bear an unwavering testimony, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient that I go away; for if I go not away, the comforter will not come unto you: but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come he will reprove the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they believed not on me; of righteousness, because I go unto my Father, and ye see me no more; of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.” [John 16:7-11.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 48, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 48, 1894, par. 5
Those who speak and write concerning the truths of God must have the endowment of the Holy Spirit or they will make great mistakes. Jesus said to His disciples concerning the gift of the Holy Spirit, “It is expedient to you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you.” What is the work of the Holy Spirit upon the heart and conscience of the human agent? “And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness and of judgment. Of sin, because they believe not on me (that is in a practical way); of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and you see me no more; of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.” [John 16:7-11.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 30, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 30, 1895, par. 17
God has laid weighty responsibilities upon men who are placed in positions of trust. They are to watch for souls as they that must give an account. They must be endowed with the Holy Spirit which is the appointed agency through whom men may represent Christ in all places and at all times. Christ said to His disciples, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you, and when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. Of sin, because they believe not on me.” [John 16:7-9.] “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] The Holy Spirit will reprove “of righteousness, because I go to the Father and ye see me no more; of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged,” by the Lord God of heaven and the whole angelic family. [John 16:10, 11.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 107, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 107, 1898, par. 7
Christ said to His followers, “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you: but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they believe not on me; of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.” [John 16:7-11.]John 16:7-13
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 59, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 59, 1898, par. 15
What is the character of the work of the Holy Spirit? “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth,” Christ declared. “It is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. Of sin, because they believe not on me; of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. ... When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself, but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he shall show you things to come.” [John 16:7-11, 13.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 76, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 76, 1902, par. 8
The Holy Spirit has been given as our Guide and Comforter. Christ said to His disciples, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they believe not on me; of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. ... When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth; for he shall not speak of himself, but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak; and he shall show you things to come.” [John 16:7-11, 13.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 178, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 178, 1907, par. 4
Before His crucifixion, Christ had spoken to His disciples of the Comforter that should be sent. “It is expedient for you that I go away,” He said, “for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you. And when He is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment; of sin, because they believe not on Me; of righteousness, because I go to My Father, and ye see Me no more; of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak; and He will show you things to come.” [John 16:7-13.]John 16:7-14
Ye Shall Receive Power
The Spirit Speaks to Us, January 23
YRP 31.3
Before His crucifixion, Christ promised that the Comforter should be sent to His disciples. He said: “It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (John 16:7, 8). “When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you” (verses 13, 14).Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 8, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 8, 1896, par. 1
The great office work of the Holy Spirit is thus distinctly specified by our Saviour, “And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin.” [John 16:8.] Christ knew that this announcement was a wonderful truth. He was nearing the close of His ministry on this earth, and was standing in view of the cross, with a full realization of the load of guilt that must be placed upon Him as the Sin-bearer. Yet His greatest anxiety was for His disciples. He was seeking to find solace for them, and He told them, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.” [Verse 7.]11LtMs, Lt 8, 1896, par. 11
The divine Spirit reveals its working on the human heart. When the Holy Spirit operates upon the mind, the human agent will understand the statement made by Christ, “He shall receive of Mine, and shall show it unto you.” [John 16:14.] Subjection to the Word of God means the restoration of one’s self. Let Christ work by His Holy Spirit, and awaken you as from the dead, and carry your mind along with His. Let Him employ your faculties. He has created your every capability, that you may better honor and glorify His name. Consecrate yourself to Him, and all associated with you will see that your energies are inspired of God, that your noblest powers are called into exercise to do God’s service. The faculties once used to serve self and advance unworthy principles, once serving as members of unrighteous purposes, will be brought into captivity to Jesus Christ, and become one with the will of God.John 16:7-15
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 128, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 128, 1901, par. 29
Let every man realize that he is to be worked by the Holy Spirit. Christ said: “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they believe not on me; of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit, when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth; for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. He shall glorify me; for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you.” [John 16:7-15.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 130, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, par. 32
“Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you. And when He is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they believe not on Me; of righteousness, because I go to My Father, and ye see Me no more; of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will show you things to come. He shall glorify Me: for He shall receive of Mine, and shall show it unto you. All things that the Father hath are Mine: therefore said I, that He shall take of Mine, and shall show it unto you.” John 16:7-15.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 158, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 158, 1898, par. 1
“The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” [John 14:26.] There is a multitude of errors in our world, but the truth is a unit always. Those who cherish the truth in the heart will manifest its sanctifying power; for true faith works by love and purifies the soul. “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth,” Christ declared, “It is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.” [John 16:7.]13LtMs, Ms 158, 1898, par. 23
“Howbeit, when he the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth; for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, he shall speak; and he will show you things to come. He shall glorify me; for he shall receive of mine, and shall give it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine; therefore, said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you.” [John 16:13-15.] By employing our entrusted gifts aright, by accepting the grace which Christ would give us, we may glorify God. He desires us to seek to extend the knowledge and influence which Christ desires the church to possess.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 163, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 163, 1903, par. 6
“It is expedient for you that I go away,” Christ said; “for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you.” “When He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth; for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak; and He will show you things to come. He shall glorify Me; for He shall receive of Mine, and shall show it unto you. All things that the Father hath are Mine; therefore said I, that He shall take of Mine, and shall show it unto you.” [John 16:7, 13-15.]18LtMs, Ms 163, 1903, par. 7
Those who will not take God’s Word as assurance need not hope that human wisdom can help them; for human wisdom, aside from God, is like the waves of the sea, driven with the wind and tossed. The Word of Christ is, “He shall guide you into all truth.” [Verse 13.] Reject not the light given.Selected Messages Book 1
Danger of Light Becoming Darkness
1SM 133.3
The Lord has condescended to give you an outpouring of His Holy Spirit. At the camp meetings, and in our various institutions, a great blessing has been showered upon you. You have been visited by the heavenly messengers of light and truth and power, and it should not be thought a strange thing that God should thus bless you. How does Christ subdue His chosen people to Himself?—It is by the power of His Holy Spirit; for the Holy Spirit, through the Scriptures, speaks to the mind, and impresses truth upon the hearts of men. Before His crucifixion, Christ promised that the Comforter should be sent to His disciples. He said: “It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.... When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you” (John 16:7, 8, 13-15).True Revival
Danger of Light Becoming Darkness
TR 75.2
The Lord has condescended to give you an outpouring of His Holy Spirit. At the camp meetings, and in our various institutions, a great blessing has been showered upon you. You have been visited by the heavenly messengers of light and truth and power, and it should not be thought a strange thing that God should thus bless you. How does Christ subdue His chosen people to Himself? It is by the power of His Holy Spirit; for the Holy Spirit, through the Scriptures, speaks to the mind, and impresses truth upon the hearts of men. Before His crucifixion, Christ promised that the Comforter should be sent to His disciples. He said: “It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. ...When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you” (John 16:7, 8, 13-15).John 16:7-21
Manuscript Releases, vol. 12 [Nos. 921-999]
MR No. 954—Study of Growth of Ellen White’s Theological Understanding
12MR 144.2
The Gift of the Holy Spirit—“The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:26). There is a multitude of errors in our world, but the truth is a unit always. Those who cherish the truth in the heart will manifest its sanctifying power, for true faith works by love and purifies the soul. “Nevertheless I tell you the truth,” Christ declared, “It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you” (John 16:7).12MR 145.1
“If ye love Me, keep My commandments, “Christ continued. “He that hath My commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me: and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him” (verse 21).John 16:7-23
Education
A Lesson in Love
Ed 94.2
“It is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him.” “All things that I have heard of My Father I have made known unto you.” And “the Comforter, ... whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” John 16:7; 15:15; 14:26.Ed 94.3
“All things that the Father hath are Mine.” “When He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth.... He shall receive of Mine, and shall show it unto you.” John 16:15, 13, 14.Ed 95.1
They knew that His sympathies were with them still. They knew that they had a representative, an advocate, at the throne of God. In the name of Jesus they presented their petitions, repeating His promise, “Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you.” John 16:23.John 16:7-24
Steps to Christ
Chapter 8—Growing Up Into Christ
SC 74.1
As they met together after the ascension they were eager to present their requests to the Father in the name of Jesus. In solemn awe they bowed in prayer, repeating the assurance, “Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” John 16:23, 24. They extended the hand of faith higher and higher with the mighty argument, “It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” Romans 8:34. And Pentecost brought them the presence of the Comforter, of whom Christ had said, He “shall be in you.” And He had further said, “It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you.” John 14:17; 16:7. Henceforth through the Spirit, Christ was to abide continually in the hearts of His children. Their union with Him was closer than when He was personally with them. The light, and love, and power of the indwelling Christ shone out through them, so that men, beholding, “marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13.The Acts of the Apostles
Chapter 4—Pentecost
AA 35.2
In obedience to Christ’s command, they waited in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father—the outpouring of the Spirit. They did not wait in idleness. The record says that they were “continually in the temple, praising and blessing God.” Luke 24:53. They also met together to present their requests to the Father in the name of Jesus. They knew that they had a Representative in heaven, an Advocate at the throne of God. In solemn awe they bowed in prayer, repeating the assurance, “Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” John 16:23, 24. Higher and still higher they extended the hand of faith, with the mighty argument, “It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” Romans 8:34.AA 38.2
“It is expedient for you that I go away,” Christ had said to His disciples; “for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you.” “When He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will show you things to come.” John 16:7, 13.John 16:8
God’s Amazing Grace
The Office of the Spirit, July 5
AG 194.1
When he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. John 16:8.With God at Dawn
Holy Spirit Brings Conviction, August 11
WGD 225.1
And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. John 16:8.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Lt 28, 1888
5LtMs, Lt 28, 1888, par. 10
The Lord has plainly shown us in His Word that if we are loyal to God and to His truth, we shall not have the friendship of the world, the Lord’s enemies. And of the work of the Comforter, Jesus says, “When he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.” [John 16:8.] And in His last prayer for His disciples, Jesus said, “I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. ... And now I come to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. ...Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 92, 1891
7LtMs, Lt 92, 1891, par. 5
There is a work to be wrought in the heart of each one, that you may not sow tares. When the lips of the watchman are touched with a live coal from off the altar by the Lord of hosts, the trumpet will give a certain sound, very different from the sound we have hitherto heard. God has a living testimony for the world. This tame, lifeless sermonizing is not after God’s order. I appeal to you, men in responsible positions, do not seek to meet the world’s standard, to catch the world’s ideas. Do not speak smooth things, prophesying deceit. The Comforter, the Holy Spirit of God, whom “the Father shall send in my name,” said Christ, “shall convince the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment.” [John 14:26; 16:8.] The ministers of the Lord are to “reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and doctrine.” [2 Timothy 4:2.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 22, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 22, 1897, par. 13
The great object of the advent of the Holy Spirit is distinctly specified by Christ. “When he is come,” He said, “he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.” [John 16:8.] This light has been kept before our people for years. The power of the Holy Spirit has been largely manifested at Battle Creek, the great heart of the work, to be communicated to those in the highways and hedges, that the mass of human beings under Satan’s sway of sin and death might be reformed and renovated by the Spirit’s power. But when light has come to those at the center of the work, they have not known how to treat it. The testimonies God has given His people are in harmony with His Word.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 257, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 257, 1903, par. 1
I received a letter from you yesterday and read it carefully. I am very thankful to learn that your eyes are being opened and that you [are] beginning to understand the perilous position in which you have been standing. Nothing will give me so much joy as to know that the Holy Spirit is doing its threefold work in your heart—the work spoken of in John 16:8. “When He is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.”Our High Calling
Christ’s Representative, May 26
OHC 152.1
And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. John 16:8.Reflecting Christ
We Cannot Use the Holy Spirit, the Spirit Is to Use Us, April 27
RC 131.1
When he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. John 16:8.Ye Shall Receive Power
Cooperating With the Divine Power, June 6
YRP 166.2
God has determined to leave nothing undone to recover man from the toils of the enemy. After Christ’s ascension, the Holy Spirit was given to man to assist all who would cooperate with Him in the reshaping and remodeling of the human character. The Holy Spirit’s part of the work has been defined by our Saviour. He says, “He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (John 16:8). The Holy Spirit is the convictor, and sanctifier as well.Ye Shall Receive Power
Feeling the Need for the Spiritual Gifts, July 31
YRP 221.2
Those who would be successful in winning souls to Christ must carry with them the divine influence of the Holy Spirit. But how little is known concerning the operation of the Spirit of God. How little has been said of the importance of being endowed by the Holy Spirit, and yet it is through the agency of the Holy Spirit that men are to be drawn to Christ, and through His power alone can the soul be made pure. The Saviour said: “And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (John 16:8).John 16:8-9
John 16:8-11
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 44, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 44, 1899, par. 8
“The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” [John 14:26.] “And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. Of sin, because they believed not on me; of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.” [John 16:8-11.]John 16:8-13
Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)
The Holy Spirit
GW 284.1
“When He, the Spirit of truth, is come,” “He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.” [John 16:13, 8.]From Trials to Triumph
God Has Not Restricted His Gift
TT 29.3
The Holy Spirit convicts of sin. See John 16:8. If the sinner responds, he will be brought to repentance and aroused to the importance of obeying the divine requirements. To the repentant sinner, the Holy Spirit reveals the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. Christ said, “He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” John 14:26.TT 29.4
The Spirit is given as a regenerating agency, to make effectual the salvation wrought by the death of our Redeemer. The Spirit is constantly seeking to draw attention to the cross of Calvary, to unfold the love of God, and to open to the convicted soul the precious things of the Scriptures. Having brought conviction of sin, the Holy Spirit withdraws the affections from the things of this earth and fills the soul with a desire for holiness. “He will guide you into all truth.” John 16:13. The Spirit will take the things of God and stamp them on the soul.John 16:8-14
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 8c, 1891
7LtMs, Ms 8c, 1891, par. 11
Again He says, “If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth [not deception]; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not [Jesus, the author of truth], neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” [John 14:15-17.] What is the work of the Comforter? “And when he is come, he will”—praise, flatter, exalt? No;—“he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you.” [John 16:8-14.]EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
John 16:1-4
Manuscript Releases, vol. 19 [Nos. 1360-1419]
MR No. 1387—The Lot of God’s People in a World of Sin; Peter’s Denial and Jesus’ Trial; Satan’s Confederacy of Evil Angels and Evil Men
19MR 162.2
[John 15:18-25; 16:1-4, quoted.] The truth of these words of Christ has been a reality in the experience of those who have been loyal and true to the God of heaven, according to the light received. “If they have persecuted Me,” He said, “they will also persecute you; if they have kept My sayings, they will keep yours also” [John 15:20]. “All that will live [not merely profess] godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” [2 Timothy 3:12]. “And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known [by experimental knowledge] the Father, nor Me” [John 16:3].Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 38, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 38, 1896, par. 22
“But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: and ye also shall bear witness of me, because ye have been with me from the beginning. These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me. But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them.” [John 15:26-16:4.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 104, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 104, 1897, par. 5
“These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh when whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you because they have not known the Father nor me. But there things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.” [John 16:1-4.]12LtMs, Ms 104, 1897, par. 6
The truth of these words of Christ has become a reality in the experience of those who have been loyal and true to the God of heaven, according to the light received. “If they have persecuted me,” He said, “they will also persecute you; if they have kept my sayings, they will keep yours also.” [John 15:20.] “All who will live [not merely profess] godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution.” [2 Timothy 3:12.] “And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known [by experimental knowledge] the Father nor me.” [John 16:3.]