EGW WritingsJohn 17

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 61, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 61, 1893, par. 15

In Christ Jesus there is love, and those who are united to Christ will not have merely a tame, common regard as acquaintances, but true, sincere love for one another, because they are endued with the spirit of Christ. This drawing off from one another is not Christlike, but it is after Satan’s order. Love is not a mere simple regard, but a living principle; not a temporary emotion, but a permanent power. We drink it in fresh from the fountain of love that flows from the cross of Calvary. We are quickened by this love. “I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them as thou hast loved me.” [John 17:23.] Quickened by this love, the power of the Holy Spirit, we learn to love one another in and through Christ Jesus—truly, sincerely, unaffectedly.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 47, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 47, 1894, par. 19

This grace received into the heart makes the human agent one with Christ in faith and practical godliness. “I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one: and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.” John 17:23. Oh grand and wonderful statement! How far-reaching and comprehensive! It is the mystery of godliness. Being sanctified through the truth, the sinner is made a child of God, a joint-heir with Christ, fitted for the society of heavenly angels. Rich and poor, high and low, bond and free, are God’s heritage. As believers they are united in one faith and one hope of our calling, in the unity of Christian fellowship, as the branches are united by their connection with the one perfect stalk. All are in Christ and Christ in God. Then we have a moral efficiency that through Christ is powerful, because we are co-workers with Him.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 63, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 63, 1895, par. 24

The Lord Jesus, living through the faculties of the consecrated human agent, will act through their organs, and they will depend on and choose His will, and will conform to His character. All selfish pride, all superiority, all arbitrary exactions will be put away, for they will have the meekness and lowliness of Christ. It is no more themselves that live and act, but Christ liveth in them, while these precious words will be understood in the prayer of our Saviour, “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 lovest them as Thou hast loved me.” [John 17:23.] The eternal Father is Himself waiting for every individual soul to look less to the finite, and depend less in men who are counselors, but who evidence that themselves have not a knowledge of the grace of Christ and the truth as it is in Jesus.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 58, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 58, 1895, par. 28

When human agents choose the will of God and are conformed to the character of Christ, Jesus acts through their organs and faculties. They put aside all selfish pride, all manifestation of superiority, all arbitrary exactions, and manifest the meekness and lowliness of Christ. It is no more themselves that live and act, but it is Christ who lives and acts through them. They understand the precious words of the Saviour’s prayer, “I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them as thou hast loved me.” [John 17:23.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 46, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 46, 1896, par. 2

You are privileged as a daughter of Abraham to have gladness in God Himself. Through the name and merits of Christ Jesus, you become, not only restored to God, but an heir of God, and joint-heir of Jesus Christ. When you as heir of God survey your restored inheritance, your countenance lights up with peace and restfulness in God. This is gladness in your heart. The joy of Christ in the soul is worth everything. It is Christ’s summer in the soul. “Then are they glad,” because they are privileged to be quiet and rest in the arms of everlasting love. [Psalm 107:30.] “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him.” [Psalm 37:7.] Through faith in Jesus Christ we are at one with the Father, “I in thee, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that thou has sent me, and hast loved them as thou hast loved me.” [John 17:23.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 43, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 43, 1900, par. 9

Enoch not only meditated and prayed, and put on the armor of watchfulness, but he came forth from his pleadings with God to plead with his fellow men. He did not mask the truth to find favor with unbelievers, thus neglecting their souls. This close connection with God gave him courage to work the works of God. Enoch walked with God and “had the testimony that his ways pleased God.” [Hebrews 11:5.] This is the privilege of every believer today. It is men dwelling with God, and God taking up his abode with man. “I in them, and thou in me,” says Jesus. [John 17:23.] To walk with God and have the witness that their ways please Him is an experience not to be confined to Enoch, to Elijah, to patriarchs, to prophets, to apostles, and to martyrs. It is not only the privilege but the duty of every follower of Christ to have Jesus enshrined in the heart, to carry Him with them in their lives, and they will indeed be fruit-bearing trees.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 43, 1904

19LtMs, Lt 43, 1904, par. 11

“I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in one, that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me, and hast loved them as Thou hast loved Me.” [John 17:23.]

Prayer

“When ye pray, say Our Father.” Luke 11:2.

Pr 290.4

Here is the announcement of that wonderful truth, so full of encouragement and comfort, that God loves us as He loves His Son. This is what Jesus said in His last prayer for His disciples, Thou “hast loved them, as Thou hast loved Me.” John 17:23.

Selected Messages Book 1

Chapter 59—Perfect Obedience Through Christ

1SM 375.1

God justly condemns all who do not make Christ their personal Saviour; but He pardons every soul who comes to Him in faith, and enables him to work the works of God, and through faith to be one with Christ. Jesus says of these, “I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one [this unity brings perfection of character]; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me” (John 17:23). The Lord has made every provision whereby man may have full and free salvation, and be complete in Him. God designs that His children shall have the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness, that all may have the light of truth. God has provided salvation for the world at infinite cost, even through the gift of His only-begotten Son. The apostle asks, “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:32). Then if we are not saved, the fault will not be on the part of God, but on our part, that we have failed to cooperate with the divine agencies. Our will has not coincided with God’s will.

Sons and Daughters of God

We Reflect Christ to the World, October 16

SD 296.1

I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. John 17:23.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 27, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 27, 1890, par. 6

All this humiliation and anguish was endured to bring back the wanderers, guilty and thankless, to the Father’s house. Oh, the home of the blest, I cannot afford to lose it! I shall, if saved in the kingdom of God, be constantly discerning new depths in the plan of salvation. All the redeemed saints will see and appreciate, as never before, the love of the Father and the Son, and songs of praise will burst forth from immortal tongues. He loved us, He gave His life for us. With glorified bodies, with enlarged capacities, with hearts made pure, with lips undefiled, we shall sing the riches of redeeming love. There will be no suffering ones in heaven, no skeptics whom we must labor to convince of the reality of eternal things, no prejudices to uproot; but all will be susceptible of that love which passeth knowledge. Rest, thank God, there is a rest for the people of God where Jesus will lead the redeemed into green pastures, by the streams of living waters which make glad the city of our God. Then the prayer of Jesus to His Father will be answered, “I will that those also whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am.” [John 17:24.]

6LtMs, Lt 27, 1890, par. 7

Although in this world we must battle and strive, let us be patient, considering the love that is bestowed upon us. Jesus prayed, “That the love wherewith thou [the Father] hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.” [Verse 26.] “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.” [Verse 23.] Oh what a thought, that fallen man, corrupted with sin, may be clothed with the righteousness of Christ, and be purified, elevated, and ennobled by the grace of Christ; being partakers of the divine nature can do for him all things. The Father loves the one in whom Christ abides, even as He loved the Son. “And I have declared unto them thy name and will declare it that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them.” [Verse 26.] The people of God are catching glimpses of the attraction of heaven, and they should keep the eye steadily fixed upon the bright beams of heavenly hope. Clouds may gather, and for a time shut away the brightness, yet if they keep their eyes fixed where they last saw the light, the storm will pass away, the clouds disappear, and rays from the Sun of Righteousness will shine forth in brighter glory than before the cloud hid it from sight.

Darkness Before Dawn

The Rainbow of Glory

DD 46.2

By the people of God a voice, clear and melodious, is heard, saying, “Look up,” and lifting their eyes to the heavens, they behold the bow of promise. The black, angry clouds that covered the firmament are parted, and like Stephen they look up steadfastly into heaven and see the glory of God and the Son of man seated upon His throne. In His divine form they discern the marks of His humiliation; and from His lips they hear the request presented before His Father and the holy angels: “I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am.” John 17:24. Again a voice, musical and triumphant, is heard, saying: “They come! they come! holy, harmless, and undefiled. They have kept the word of My patience; they shall walk among the angels;” and the pale, quivering lips of those who have held fast their faith utter a shout of victory.

Selected Messages Book 1

Chapter 45—The First Fruits

1SM 306.7

There is the throne, and around it the rainbow of promise. There are seraphim and cherubim. The angels circle round Him, but Christ waves them back. He enters into the presence of His Father. He points to His triumph in this antitype of Himself—the wave sheaf—those raised with Him, the representatives of the captive dead who shall come forth from their graves when the trump shall sound. He approaches the Father, and if there is joy in heaven over one sinner that repents, if the Father rejoices over one with singing, let the imagination take in this scene. Christ says: Father, it is finished. I have done Thy will, O My God. I have completed the work of redemption. If Thy justice is satisfied, “I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am” (John 17:24). And the voice of God is heard; justice is satisfied; Satan is vanquished. “Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other” (Psalm 85:10). The arms of the Father encircle the Son, and His voice is heard, saying, “Let all the angels of God worship him” (Hebrews 1:6).

Sons and Daughters of God

We Become Like Him, November 30

SD 341.1

Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. John 17:24.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6

Chapter 37—The Reward of Service

6T 309.2

It is the reward of Christ’s workers to enter into His joy. That joy, to which Christ Himself looks forward with eager desire, is presented in His request to His Father: “I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am.” John 17:24.

That I May Know Him

Home at Last! December 31

TMK 371.1

Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am. John 17:24.

The Faith I Live By

Saved From Violence, December 7

FLB 347.5

By the people of God a voice, clear and melodious, is heard, saying, “Look up,” and lifting their eyes to the heavens, they behold the bow of promise. The black, angry clouds that covered the firmament are parted, and like Stephen they look up steadfastly into heaven, and see the glory of God, and the Son of man seated upon His throne. In His divine form they discern the marks of His humiliation; and from His lips they hear the request, presented before His Father and the holy angels, “I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am.” John 17:24. Again a voice, musical and triumphant, is heard, saying: “They come! they come! holy, harmless, and undefiled. They have kept the word of My patience; they shall walk among the angels;” and the pale, quivering lips of those who have held fast their faith, utter a shout of victory. It is at midnight that God manifests His power for the deliverance of His people. The sun appears, shining in its strength. Signs and wonders follow in quick succession. The wicked look with terror and amazement upon the scene, while the righteous behold with solemn joy the tokens of their deliverance.16The Great Controversy, 635, 636.

The Great Controversy

Chapter 29—The Origin of Evil

GC 501.3

When the great sacrifice had been consummated, Christ ascended on high, refusing the adoration of angels until He had presented the request: “I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am.” John 17:24. Then with inexpressible love and power came forth the answer from the Father’s throne: “Let all the angels of God worship Him.” Hebrews 1:6. Not a stain rested upon Jesus. His humiliation ended, His sacrifice completed, there was given unto Him a name that is above every name.

The Great Controversy

Chapter 40—God’s People Delivered

GC 636.1

By the people of God a voice, clear and melodious, is heard, saying, “Look up,” and lifting their eyes to the heavens, they behold the bow of promise. The black, angry clouds that covered the firmament are parted, and like Stephen they look up steadfastly into heaven and see the glory of God and the Son of man seated upon His throne. In His divine form they discern the marks of His humiliation; and from His lips they hear the request presented before His Father and the holy angels: “I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am.” John 17:24. Again a voice, musical and triumphant, is heard, saying: “They come! they come! holy, harmless, and undefiled. They have kept the word of My patience; they shall walk among the angels;” and the pale, quivering lips of those who have held fast their faith utter a shout of victory.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 29—The Origin of Evil

GC88 502.1

When the great sacrifice had been consummated, Christ ascended on high, refusing the adoration of angels until he had presented the request, “I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am.” [John 17:24.] Then with inexpressible love and power came forth the answer from the Father’s throne, “Let all the angels of God worship him.” [Hebrews 1:6.] Not a stain rested upon Jesus. His humiliation ended, his sacrifice completed, there was given unto him a name that is above every name.

God’s Amazing Grace

Victory Over Death, December 15

AG 357.6

Now is fulfilled the Saviour’s prayer for His disciples, “I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am” (John 17:24). “Faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy” (Jude 24), Christ presents to the Father the purchase of His blood.... Oh, the wonders of redeeming love! The rapture of that hour when the infinite Father, looking upon the ransomed, shall behold His image ...! 24The Great Controversy, 644-646.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 40—God’s People Delivered

GC88 636.1

By the people of God a voice, clear and melodious, is heard, saying, “Look up,” and, lifting their eyes to the heavens, they behold the bow of promise. The black, angry clouds that covered the firmament are parted, and like Stephen they look up steadfastly into Heaven, and see the glory of God, and the Son of man seated upon his throne. In his divine form they discern the marks of his humiliation; and from his lips they hear the request, presented before his Father and the holy angels, “I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am.” [John 17:24.] Again a voice, musical and triumphant, is heard, saying, “They come! they come! holy, harmless, and undefiled. They have kept the word of my patience; they shall walk among the angels;” and the pale, quivering lips of those who have held fast their faith, utter a shout of victory.

The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4

Chapter 24—Origin of Evil

4SP 322.1

When the great sacrifice had been consummated, Christ ascended on high, refusing the adoration of angels until he had preferred the request, “I will that they also whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am.” [John 17:24.] Then with inexpressible love and power came forth the answer from the Father’s throne, “Let all the angels of God worship him.” [Hebrews 1:6.] Not a stain rested upon Jesus. His humiliation ended, his sacrifice completed, there was given unto him a name that is above every name.

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 87—Christ’s Triumphal Entry Into Heaven

HLv 555.4

But He waved them back. Not yet. He entered into the presence of His Father. He pointed to His wounded head, the pierced side, the marred feet; He lifted His hands bearing the print of nails. He presented those raised with Him as representatives of that great multitude who shall come from the grave at His second coming. Before the foundations of the earth were laid, Father and Son had clasped hands in a solemn pledge that Christ should become the surety for the human race. When on the cross Christ cried out, “It is finished,” He addressed the Father. The compact had been fully carried out. Now He declared, Father, I have completed the work of redemption. “I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am.” John 17:24.

From Here to Forever

Chapter 40—God’s People Delivered

HF 385.4

By the people of God a voice is heard, saying, “Look up.” Like Stephen they look up and see the glory of God and the Son of man on His throne. See Acts 7:55, 56. They discern the marks of His humiliation, and hear the request, “I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am.” John 17:24. A voice is heard saying, “They come, holy, harmless, and undefiled! They have kept the word of my patience.”

From the Heart

Today’s Assignment, June 6

FH 169.1

Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me. John 17:24.

The Great Hope (Condensed)

Chapter 10—The Great Rescue

GrH_c 44.4

By the people of God a voice is heard, saying, “Look up.” Like Stephen, the early Christian martyr, they look up and see the glory of God and the Son of man on His throne. See Acts 7:55, 56. They discern the marks of His humiliation, and hear the request, “I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am.” John 17:24. A voice is heard saying, “They come, holy, harmless, and undefiled! They have kept the word of my patience.”

Homeward Bound

The Shout of Victory, December 3

HB 368.2

By the people of God a voice, clear and melodious, is heard, saying, “Look up,” and lifting their eyes to the heavens, they behold the bow of promise. The black, angry clouds that covered the firmament are parted, and like Stephen they look up steadfastly into heaven and see the glory of God and the Son of man seated upon His throne. In His divine form they discern the marks of His humiliation; and from His lips they hear the request presented before His Father and the holy angels: “I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am.” (John 17:24.) Again a voice, musical and triumphant, is heard, saying: “They come! they come! holy, harmless, and undefiled. They have kept the word of My patience; they shall walk among the angels;” and the pale, quivering lips of those who have held fast their faith utter a shout of victory.

Homeward Bound

Sharing Jesus’ Glory, December 27

HB 392.1

Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me.—John 17:24.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 11, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 11, 1886, par. 10

When Christ arose, a multitude of captives came forth with Him from their graves and went into the city to testify that Christ has risen, and we are risen with Him. Thus the crucifixion and resurrection of the Son of God testified that the law of God was immutable, unchangeable. The great rebel was uprooted from the thoughts of every one as they saw Christ’s resurrection; the question was settled that the law of God was immutable and covered all that were in heaven and in earth, and all the created intelligences. Christ was with His disciples 40 days and 40 nights and then, in my text, it says He was taken up from them into heaven; and the multitude of captives were with Him; and a multitude of the heavenly host was around Him; and as they approached the city of God, the angel that was accompanying Him said, “Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lifted up, ye ever lasting doors, that the King of glory may come in.” And the sentinels ask, “Who is this King of glory?” And the answer comes back with music rolling up to the gates of heaven, “Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lifted up, ye everlasting doors, and the King of glory shall come in.” And again the question comes, “Who is this King of glory? The Lord of Hosts, the Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates, even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.” [Psalm 24:7-9.] And the heavenly train passes within the gates of the city; and while the angels are about to worship Him, He waves them back, Not yet; He must hear from the lips of the Father that the sacrifice is accepted. And then He has a request to make, and that request is that “those that Thou hast given Me shall be with Me where I am.” [John 17:24.] He does not forget those who are struggling with the temptations of the enemy upon earth: “They must be with Me where I am.” And the answer comes back from the God of heaven, “And let all the angels of God worship Him.” [Hebrews 1:6.] And there the song echoes and reechoes through the courts of heaven, “Worthy, worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory.” [Revelation 5:12.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Ms 8, 1888

5LtMs, Ms 8, 1888, par. 27

The justice of God was seen in that He gave Christ to die to save man, for the law condemned man to death, but the righteousness of Christ was brought in and imputed to him that he might be brought back to his loyalty to God. And when [Christ’s] work was done, the news was heralded through the heavenly hosts. When Jesus arose triumphant over the grave and when He ascended from the Mount of Olivet, He was not only in sight of a few disciples, but many were looking on. There was a multitude of angels; thousands upon thousands beheld the Son of God as He ascended on high. And as He approached the city of God, their voices were raised, and the highest angels sang, “Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.” The question arises, “Who is this King of glory?” Then the answer comes back, “The Lord of hosts,” the Lord of hosts, He is King. [Psalm 24:7-10.] Then the gates are thrown back and the heavenly train enter in, and the angels would bow in adoration before the Son of God, but He waves them back. Not yet. He must first hear from the Father that the sacrifice has been accepted, and He says, I have a request. Well, what is that request? That those “whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am.” [John 17:24.] Then comes the answer, Let all the angels worship Him, and they bow in adoration before Him, and they touch their golden harps and raise their voices in praise, saying, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain and lives again, a conqueror. And how the arches of heaven ring with rejoicing!

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 16, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 16, 1893, par. 16

Christ is not in Joseph’s new tomb. The angel from heaven rolled away the mighty stone. The panoply of heaven came, and the Roman guards fell as dead men to the earth. They saw the glory and the Son of God. He had risen and ascended to heaven above, and the angels were singing with glory and admiration. And as they reach the gates of the city of God they cry out, “Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lifted up, ye everlasting doors; and the king of glory shall come in.” [Psalm 24:7.] And the sentinels at the gates inquire, “Who is this King of glory?” The reply comes, “The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.” See also Psalm 24:8, 10. And the heavenly gates are opened and they pass within the city. Angels on every side would worship Him, but Christ motions them back as they worship Him, waves them back, and He presents this petition to the Father, “I will that they also, ... be with me where I am.” [John 17:24.] And the Father grants the petition. Then the angels of God worship Christ and they touch their heavenly harps and the strain echoes and re-echoes through the courts of heaven. And Jesus is inaugurated to stand as our substitute and surety. Does He tell you that you shall go into heaven without any battles? He shows you that you will have battles to fight.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 115, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 115, 1897, par. 33

There is the throne and around it the rainbow of promise. There are seraphim and cherubim. The angels circle round Him, but He waves them back. He enters into the presence of His Father. He points to His triumph in this antitype of Himself, the wave sheaf, those raised with Him, the symbol of the captive dead who shall come forth from their graves when the last trump shall sound. He approaches the Father, and if there is joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, if the Father rejoices over them with singing, let the imagination take in this scene. Christ says, “Father, it is finished. I have done thy will, O my God. I have completed the work of redemption. If thy justice is satisfied, I will that those whom thou hast given me be with me where I am.” [See John 17:24.] The voice of God is heard. Justice is satisfied. Satan is vanquished. Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. The arms of the Father encircle His Son, and His voice is heard, saying, “And let all the angels of God worship him.” [Hebrews 1:6.]

Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)

The Reward of Service

GW 516.4

It is the reward of Christ’s workers to enter into His joy. That joy, to which Christ Himself looks forward with eager desire, is presented in His request to His Father, “I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am.” [John 17:24.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 204, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 204, 1899, par. 11

Then the pearly gates are thrown open, and the train passes into the city. As Christ enters, angels rank on every side to worship him; but he waves them back. He must first hear from the lips of his Father that his sacrifice is accepted. And he has a request to prefer. He presents himself before the Father, “I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am.” [John 17:24.] The Father accepts the sacrifice, and grants the request. “Let all the angels of God worship him,” He says. [Hebrews 1:6.] Then the angels bow in adoration before the King of glory, and their songs of triumph make heaven’s arches ring. “Glory, majesty, and power,” they sing, “be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.” [Revelation 5:13.]

14LtMs, Ms 204, 1899, par. 13

“We have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities.” [Hebrews 4:15.] As the Son of man he ascended to heaven. As man’s advocate, he pleads before the Father in behalf of those whom he has left upon the earth. “Father,” he says, “I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me; for thou lovedst me before the world.” [John 17:24.] It is court week with us. A risen and ascended Saviour pleads our case before the Father. The Intercessor, the Son of man, holds in his hands the censor of his own merits; and gathering the prayers and praises of his people, he presents them to the Father as a sweet savor well pleasing to him.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 208a, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 208a, 1902, par. 43

To the humble and contrite ones Christ’s prayer will be answered, “Father, I will that they also ... be with Me where I am; that they may behold My glory.” [John 17:24.] Christ Himself will show them the rich glories of His kingdom. Then shall the righteous shine forth in the kingdom of their Father. Sweeter than any music that ever fell on mortal ear will be the voice of God, saying, Ye are complete in Him.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 57, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 57, 1902, par. 31

“If we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection.” [Verse 5.] As Christ came forth from the rent sepulcher of Joseph, He proclaimed in triumph, “I am the resurrection and the life.” [John 11:25.] Never again is He to lie in the grave. To every believer, Christ is the resurrection and the life. This is typified in the baptismal ceremony. We are buried in the likeness of Christ’s death and raised in the likeness of His resurrection, henceforth to live a new life. And when at last we enter the portals of the city of God, we shall be welcomed by the One who prayed, “I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am; that they may behold My glory.” [John 17:24.]

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Representative in Heaven, December 9

JNN 361.1

“Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am.”—John 17:24

Heaven

Chapter 4—God’s People Delivered

Hvn 26.1

God Manifests His Power at Midnight—By the people of God a voice, clear and melodious, is heard, saying, “Look up,” and lifting their eyes to the heavens, they behold the bow of promise. The black, angry clouds that covered the firmament are parted, and like Stephen they look up steadfastly into heaven and see the glory of God and the Son of man seated upon His throne. In His divine form they discern the marks of His humiliation; and from His lips they hear the request presented before His Father and the holy angels: “I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am.” John 17:24.

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Surety for the Human Race, December 31

JNN 383.4

But He waves them back. Not yet; He cannot now receive the coronet of glory and the royal robe. He enters into the presence of His Father. He points to His wounded head, the pierced side, the marred feet; He lifts His hands, bearing the print of nails. He points to the tokens of His triumph; He presents to God the wave sheaf, those raised with Him as representatives of that great multitude who shall come forth from the grave at His second coming. He approaches the Father, with whom there is joy over one sinner that repents; who rejoices over one with singing. Before the foundations of the earth were laid, the Father and the Son had united in a covenant to redeem men and women if they should be overcome by Satan. They had clasped Their hands in a solemn pledge that Christ should become the Surety for the Human Race. This pledge Christ has fulfilled. When upon the cross He cried out, “It is finished,” He addressed the Father. The compact had been fully carried out. Now He declares: Father, it is finished. I have done Thy will, O My God. I have completed the work of redemption. If Thy justice is satisfied, “I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am” (John 19:30; 17:24).

Lift Him Up

In the Father’s Arms, March 30

LHU 103.2

Before the foundations of the earth were laid, the Father and the Son had united in a covenant to redeem man if he should be overcome by Satan. They had clasped Their hands in a solemn pledge that Christ should become the surety for the human race. This pledge Christ has fulfilled. When upon the cross He cried out, “It is finished,” He addressed the Father. The compact had been fully carried out. Now He declares: Father, it is finished. I have done Thy will, O My God. I have completed the work of redemption. If Thy justice is satisfied, “I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am” (John 19:30; 17:24).

Lift Him Up

Christ Delegates Power to Us, June 10

LHU 175.6

Jesus pleaded, not for one only, but for all His disciples: “Father, I will that they also whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am” (John 17:24). His eye pierced the dark veil of the future and read the life history of every son and daughter of Adam. He felt the burdens and sorrows of every tempest-tossed soul, and that earnest prayer included with His living disciples all His followers to the close of time.... That prayer ... embraces even us.... When all human support fails, then Jesus comes to our aid, and His presence scatters the darkness and lifts the cloud of gloom (Testimonies for the Church 4:528-530).

Manuscript Releases, vol. 15 [Nos. 1136-1185]

MR No. 1154—Value of the Soul; Importance of the Will; Christ’s Intercession in the Heavenly Sanctuary

15MR 103.1

If you will without delay solemnly and earnestly take Christ as your personal Saviour, committing to His hands and care the keeping of your precious soul, He will take it. He is waiting for you to open the door. Will you let Jesus in now, just now? Christ has undertaken to save us. “Father, I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am; that they may behold My glory, which Thou hast given Me: for Thou lovedst Me before the foundation of the world” [John 17:24]. “Thine they were, and Thou gavest them Me.” And again He says, “I give unto them eternal life;... neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand.”

Notebook Leaflets from the Elmshaven Library, vol. 1

Distinct Personalities

1NL 124.8

Still the Son of God urges His petition to His Father, Read John 17:24-26.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 19a, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 19a, 1895, par. 13

The servant of Christ will work as Christ worked, and steadfastly maintain truth and righteousness. Christ was patient under abuse, He manifested forbearance, meekness, and lowliness of mind. He who follows His example will be a telling witness on the side of truth. Christ said, “Father, I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am; that they may behold My glory, which Thou hast given Me; for Thou lovedst Me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world hath not known Thee, but I have known Thee, and these have known that Thou hast sent Me. And I have declared unto them Thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith Thou hast loved Me may be in them, and I in them.” [John 17:24-26.] Did ever Christ make a request to His Father that was not granted? Never, never. His request is a virtual assurance that what He asks will surely be granted.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 21, 1882

3LtMs, Lt 21, 1882, par. 38

He assumes the form of godliness to deceive the children of men. This is his most successful armor. Truth and holiness were never more odious to the unregenerate heart than today. It was the practical purity; it was the earnest life of holiness manifested in the life and conduct of Christ that awakened the enmity of the Jews against Him. Christ prayed, “O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee.” John 17:25. Even so it is now. The world refuses to receive the truth in the love of it. The carnal mind is at enmity with God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 36, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 36, 1897, par. 3

Those who represent God the Father as unloving, ready to break forth on His sinful creatures in vindictive wrath, do not speak the truth. In His prayer to His Father, Christ said, “O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee; but I have known thee.” [John 17:25.] The world has measured God by their own finite measurement. They have misjudged and misinterpreted His truth and righteousness. But Christ could say, “I have known thee, for I have been in the secret chambers of the Most High.” If the world had been admitted into the counsels of God, they would have one, and only one, testimony to bear, and that is, “God is love.” [1 John 4:8.]

Christian Education

Chapter 8—The Teacher of Truth the Only Safe Educator

CE 75.1

Christ declares the mission he had in coming to the earth. He says in his last public prayer, “O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it; that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.” [John 17:25, 26.] When Moses asked the Lord to show him his glory, the Lord said, “I will make all my goodness pass before thee.” [Exodus 33:19.] “And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, long suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty.... And Moses made haste, and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshiped.” [Exodus 34:6-8.] When we are able to comprehend the character of God as did Moses, we too shall make haste to bow in adoration and praise. Jesus contemplated nothing less than “that the love wherewith Thou hast love me” [John 17:26.] should be in the hearts of his children, that they might impart the knowledge of God to others.

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Glorified Head, April 22

JNN 122.1

“That the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”—John 17:26

JNN 122.2

Christ declares the mission He had in coming to the earth. He says in His last public prayer, “O righteous Father, the world hath not known Thee: but I have known Thee, and these have known that Thou hast sent Me. And I have declared unto them Thy name, and will declare it; that the love wherewith Thou hast loved Me may be in them, and I in them” (John 17:25, 26). When Moses asked the Lord to show him His glory, the Lord said, “I will make all My goodness pass before thee” (Exodus 33:19). “And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty.... And Moses made haste, and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshiped” (Exodus 34:6-8). When we are able to comprehend the character of God as did Moses, we too shall make haste to bow in adoration and praise. Jesus contemplated nothing less than “that the love wherewith Thou hast loved Me” (John 17:26) should be in the hearts of His children, that they might impart the knowledge of God to others.

Lift Him Up

He Represents the Father, January 22

LHU 36.1

O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou has loved me may be in them, and I in them. John 17:25, 26.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 28, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 28, 1892, par. 17

Jesus said of His disciples, “And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.” [John 17:26.] That love wherewith the infinite God loved His Son is to be conveyed to fallen man who believes in Jesus Christ. He transfuses this love through those who believe. As our life-blood, so is the circulating vitality of that love diffused through every part of our nature, that it may dwell in us as it does in Him. Wonderful statement! That it is possible for God to love us as He loves Christ. He loves the believing soul because he is a part of Christ, a partaker of the divine nature.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 11, 1892

7LtMs, Ms 11, 1892, par. 16

Jesus could have flashed bright beams of light on the darkest mysteries of science, but He would not spare a moment from teaching the knowledge of the science of salvation. His time, His knowledge, His faculties, His life itself, were appreciated only as the means of working out the salvation of the souls of men. O what love, what matchless love! Contrast our tame, lifeless, half-paralyzed efforts with the work of the Lord Jesus. Listen to His words, to His prayer to the Father, “I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it; that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.” [John 17:26.] What language is this! How deep, how broad, how full!

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 11, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 11, 1892, par. 11

Let us hear the words of Christ, “I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it, that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.” [John 17:26.] It is possible that God can work in our behalf, for He is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him, than parents are to give good gifts unto their children. Elder Haskell, in God you may trust. Stand out free in Jesus Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 68, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 68, 1895, par. 15

You can greatly benefit your own family and those with whom you come into association if you will weed out of your conversation your extravagant condemnation of others. You are to be a learner in the school of Christ in order that you may be a teacher in your family. You should teach others how to secure precious things from the treasure house of truth by presenting profitable things in your conversation. As your lips shall be touched with a coal from off the altar, as your heart shall be sanctified to the Lord Jesus Christ, you may stand in your little circle of home as an oracle of the cross. Christ will inspire you with the right words because He dwells in your heart by faith, and speaks through you, testifying to the wonders of His grace until you can say, “I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it.” [John 17:26.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 63, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 63, 1898, par. 19

“I have declared unto them thy name,” Christ said in His wonderful prayer, “and will declare it, that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them and I in them.” [John 17:26.] The knowledge that such possibilities and privileges lie before humanity should stir us to greater activity, leading us to make more self-denying, self-sacrificing efforts in behalf of those who know not Christ. Shall not those whose hearts are warmed by the love of Christ show how much they prize that love by telling others about it, seeking in every possible way to arrest the attention of the unconverted, and point them to Jesus? Show them by precept and example that you appreciate God’s love. Wherever you are, in whatever society you may be, do what you can to declare the name and love of God, and to impress minds with the great loss they sustain by not enlisting in Christ’s service.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 409, 1904

19LtMs, Lt 409, 1904, par. 6

The tide of divine love flowing forth from the heart of God to our world found its rest and channel through Christ. Thus was opened a course, a channel, through which His divine love should flow. His sufferings, His death in our stead, flowed forth with unabated strength to reach His people, carrying away all their sins, shedding its cleansing streams abroad in hearts opened to receive it, thus giving a realizing sense of God’s love for sinners to draw them to Christ. “That the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them” [John 17:26].

Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 1

Chapter 26—Brotherly Love

1MCP 245.4

Contrast our tame, lifeless, half-paralyzed efforts with the work of the Lord Jesus. Listen to His words, to His prayer to the Father, “I have declared unto them Thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith Thou hast loved Me may be in them, and I in them” (John 17:26). What language is this! How deep, how broad, how full! The Lord Jesus desires to shed abroad His love through every member of the body, His church, that the vitality of that love may circulate through every part of the body and dwell in us as it dwells in Him. The Lord then can love fallen man as He does His own Son; and He declares that He will be satisfied with nothing less than this in our behalf.—Manuscript 11, 1892.

Sons and Daughters of God

We Abide in His Love, October 18

SD 298.1

I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them. John 17:26.

Homeward Bound

Self-Renouncing Love, February 6

HB 53.3

By coming to dwell with us, Jesus was to reveal God both to humanity and to angels. He was the Word of God—God’s thought made audible. In His prayer for His disciples He says, “I have declared unto them Thy name,“—“merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,“—“that the love wherewith Thou hast loved Me may be in them, and I in them.” (John 17:26; Exodus 34:6.) But not alone for His earthborn children was this revelation given. Our little world is the lesson book of the universe. God’s wonderful purpose of grace, the mystery of redeeming love, is the theme into which “angels desire to look,” and it will be their study throughout endless ages. Both the redeemed and the unfallen beings will find in the cross of Christ their science and their song. It will be seen that the glory shining in the face of Jesus is the glory of self-sacrificing love. In the light from Calvary it will be seen that the law of self-renouncing love is the law of life for earth and heaven; that the love which “seeketh not her own” has its source in the heart of God; and that in the meek and lowly One is manifested the character of Him who dwelleth in the light which no man can approach unto.