EGW WritingsJohn 18

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 77—Christ’s Trial Before the Roman Governor

HLv 481.1

In the judgment hall of Pilate, the Roman governor, Christ stood bound as a prisoner, about Him the guard of soldiers. The hall was fast filling with spectators. Just outside were the judges of the Sanhedrin, priests, rulers, and the mob.

HLv 481.2

After condemning Jesus, the Sanhedrin had come to Pilate to have the sentence confirmed and executed. But these Jewish officials would not enter the Roman judgment hall. According to their ceremonial law they would be defiled thereby and prevented from taking part in the Passover. They did not see that murderous hatred had defiled their hearts. They did not see that since they had rejected Christ, the real Passover Lamb, the great feast had for them lost its significance.

HLv 481.3

Pilate looked on the Saviour with no friendly eyes. Called from his bedroom in haste, he determined to do his work as quickly as possible. Assuming his severest expression, he turned to see what kind of man he had to examine.

HLv 481.4

His gaze rested searchingly on Jesus. He had to deal with all kinds of criminals, but never had a man of such goodness and nobility been brought before him. On His face he saw no sign of guilt, no fear, no boldness or defiance. He saw a man whose countenance bore the signature of heaven.

HLv 481.5

Pilate’s better nature was roused. His wife had told him something of the wonderful deeds performed by the Galilean prophet, who cured the sick and raised the dead. He recalled rumors that he had heard from several sources. He demanded of the Jews their charges against the prisoner. Who is this Man, and why have you brought Him? They answered that He was a deceiver called Jesus of Nazareth.

HLv 482.1

Again Pilate asked, “What accusation bring ye against this Man?” The priests did not answer his question, but in irritation said, “If He were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered Him up unto thee.” When the Sanhedrin brings to you a man it deems worthy of death, is there need to ask for an accusation against him? They hoped to lead Pilate to accede to their request without going through many preliminaries.

HLv 482.2

Before this, Pilate had hastily condemned to death men not worthy of death. In his estimation, whether a prisoner was innocent or guilty was of no special consequence. The priests hoped that Pilate would now inflict the death penalty on Jesus without giving Him a hearing.

HLv 482.3

But something in the prisoner held Pilate back. He dared not do it. He remembered how Jesus had raised Lazarus, a man that had been dead four days; and he determined to know the charges against Him and whether they could be proved.

HLv 482.4

If your judgment is sufficient, he said, why bring the prisoner to me? “Take ye Him, and judge Him according to your law.” The priests said they had already passed sentence on Him, but they must have Pilate’s sentence to render their condemnation valid. What is your sentence? Pilate asked. Death, they answered. They asked Pilate to enforce their sentence; they would take the responsibility of the result. Weak though he was in moral power, Pilate refused to condemn Jesus until a charge had been brought against Him.

HLv 482.5

The priests were in a dilemma. They must not allow it to appear that Christ had been arrested on religious grounds, for this would have no weight with Pilate. They must make it appear that Jesus was a political offender. The Romans were constantly on the watch to repress everything that could lead to an outbreak.

HLv 483.1

In their extremity the priests called false witnesses. “And they began to accuse Him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that He Himself is Christ a King.” Three charges, each without foundation. The priests knew this but were willing to commit perjury.

HLv 483.2

Pilate did not believe that the prisoner had plotted against the government. He was convinced that a deep plot had been laid to destroy an innocent man. Turning to Jesus he asked, “Art Thou the King of the Jews?” The Saviour answered, “Thou sayest it.” And as He spoke, His countenance lighted up as if a sunbeam were shining on it.

HLv 483.3

When they heard His answer, Caiaphas called Pilate to witness that Jesus had admitted the crime with which He was charged. Pilate said, “Answerest Thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against Thee. But Jesus yet answered nothing.”

HLv 483.4

Standing behind Pilate, in view of all in the court, Christ heard the abuse; but to all the false charges He answered not a word. He stood unmoved by the fury of the waves that beat about Him. It was as if the heavy surges of wrath, rising like the waves of the ocean, broke about Him but did not touch Him. His silence was as a light shining from the inner to the outer man.

HLv 483.5

Pilate was astonished. Does this Man not care to save His life? As he looked at Jesus, he felt that He could not be as unrighteous as were the clamoring priests. To escape the tumult of the crowd, Pilate took Jesus aside and again questioned, “Art Thou the King of the Jews?”

HLv 483.6

Jesus did not directly answer. The Holy Spirit was striving with Pilate, and He gave him opportunity to acknowledge his conviction. “Sayest thou this thing of thyself,” He asked, “or did others tell it thee of Me?” Pilate understood Christ’s meaning, but he would not acknowledge the conviction that pressed upon him. “Am I a Jew?” he said. “Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered Thee unto me; what hast Thou done?”

HLv 484.1

Jesus did not leave Pilate without further light. He gave him to understand that He was not seeking an earthly throne.

HLv 484.2

“My kingdom is not of this world,” He said; “if My kingdom were of this world, then would My servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is My kingdom not from hence. Pilate therefore said unto Him, Art Thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Everyone that is of the truth heareth My voice.” Christ desired Pilate to understand that only by receiving and appropriating truth could his ruined nature be reconstructed.

HLv 484.3

Pilate’s mind was confused. His heart was stirred with a great longing to know what the truth really was and how he could obtain it. “What is truth?” he inquired. But he did not wait for an answer. The priests were clamorous for immediate action. Going out to the Jews, he declared emphatically, “I find in Him no fault at all.”

HLv 484.4

As the priests and elders heard this from Pilate, their disappointment and rage knew no bounds. As they saw the prospect of the release of Jesus, they seemed ready to tear Him in pieces. They loudly denounced Pilate, and threatened him with the censure of the Roman government. They accused him of refusing to condemn Jesus who, they affirmed, had set Himself up against Caesar. Angry voices declared that the seditious influence of Jesus was well known throughout the country. “He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.”

HLv 485.1

Pilate at this time had no thought of condemning Jesus. He knew that the Jews had accused Him through hatred and prejudice. Justice demanded that Christ should be released. But should he refuse to give Jesus into the hands of the people, a tumult would be raised, and this he feared to meet. When he heard that Christ was from Galilee, he decided to send Him to Herod, the ruler of that province, who was then in Jerusalem. By this course, Pilate thought to shift the responsibility to Herod. He also thought this a good opportunity to heal an old quarrel between himself and Herod. And so it proved. The two magistrates made friends over the trial of the Saviour.

HLv 485.2

Amid the insults of the mob Jesus was hurried to Herod. “When Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad.” He had “heard many things of Him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by Him.” This Herod was he whose hands were stained with the blood of John the Baptist. When Herod first heard of Jesus, he was terror-stricken, and said, “It is John ... risen from the dead.” Yet he desired to see Jesus. Now there was opportunity to save the life of this prophet, and the king hoped to banish forever from his mind the memory of that bloody head brought to him in a charger. He also desired to have his curiosity satisfied and thought that if Christ were given a prospect of release, He would do anything that was asked of Him.

HLv 485.3

When the Saviour was brought in, the priests and elders excitedly urged their accusations against Him. But Herod commanded silence. He ordered that the fetters of Christ should be unloosed, at the same time charging His enemies with roughly treating Him. He as well as Pilate was satisfied that Christ had been accused through malice and envy.

HLv 485.4

Herod questioned Christ in many words, but the Saviour maintained a profound silence. At the command of the king, the decrepit and maimed were then called in, and Christ was ordered to prove His claim by working a miracle. Jesus did not respond, and Herod continued to urge: Show us a sign that Thou hast the power with which rumor has credited Thee. But the Son of God had taken upon Himself man’s nature, and He must do as man must do in like circumstances. Therefore, He would not work a miracle to save himself the pain and humiliation that man must endure in a similar position.

HLv 486.1

Herod promised that if Christ would perform some miracle, He should be released. Fear seized Christ’s accusers lest He should now work a miracle. Such a manifestation would prove a deathblow to their plans and would perhaps cost them their lives. Raising their voices, the priests and rulers declared, He is a traitor, a blasphemer; He works His miracles through the powers of the prince of the devils!

HLv 486.2

Herod’s conscience was now far less sensitive than when he had trembled with horror at the request of Herodias for the head of John the Baptist. His moral perceptions had become more and more degraded by his licentious life. He could even boast of the punishment he had inflicted on John for daring to reprove him. And he now threatened Jesus, declaring that he had power to condemn Him. But no sign from Jesus gave evidence that He heard a word.

HLv 486.3

Herod was irritated by this silence. It seemed to indicate utter indifference to his authority. Again he angrily threatened Jesus, who still remained unmoved and silent.

HLv 486.4

The mission of Christ was not to gratify idle curiosity. Could He have spoken any word to heal sin-sick souls, He would not have kept silent. But He had no words for those who trample truth under their unholy feet. Herod had rejected the truth spoken to him by the greatest of the prophets, and no other message was he to receive. Not a word had the Majesty of heaven for him. Those lips were closed to the haughty king who felt no need of a Saviour.

HLv 486.5

Herod’s face grew dark with passion. He angrily denounced Jesus as an impostor. Then to Christ he said, If You will give no evidence of Your claim, I will deliver You up to the soldiers and the people. If You are an impostor, death is what You merit; if You are the Son of God, save Yourself by working a miracle.

HLv 487.1

No sooner were these words spoken than, like wild beasts, the crowd darted upon their prey. Jesus was dragged this way and that, Herod joining the mob in seeking to humiliate the Son of God. Had not the Roman soldiers interposed, the Saviour would have been torn in pieces.

HLv 487.2

“Herod with his men of war set Him at nought, and mocked Him, and arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe.” The Roman soldiers joined in this abuse. All that these corrupt soldiers and the Jewish dignitaries could instigate was heaped upon the Saviour. Yet His patience failed not.

HLv 487.3

But there were some who trembled in Christ’s presence. Some who came forward for mockery turned back, afraid and silenced. Herod was convicted. The last rays of merciful light were shining on his sin-hardened heart. Divinity had flashed through humanity. Herod felt that he was beholding a God upon His throne. Hardened as he was, he dared not ratify the condemnation of Christ. He sent Jesus back to the Roman judgment hall.

HLv 487.4

Pilate was disappointed when the Jews returned with their prisoner. He reminded them that he had already examined Jesus and found no fault in Him. They had not been able to prove a single charge. And Herod, one of their own nation, also had found in Him nothing worthy of death. “I will therefore chastise Him and release Him.”

HLv 487.5

Here Pilate showed his weakness. Jesus was innocent, yet he was willing to sacrifice justice in order to pacify His accusers. This placed him at a disadvantage. The crowd presumed upon his indecision. If at first Pilate had stood firm, refusing to condemn a man whom he found guiltless, he would have broken the fatal chain that was to bind him in remorse as long as he lived. Christ would have been put to death, but the guilt would not have rested on Pilate. But Pilate had taken step after step in violation of his conscience, and he now found himself almost helpless in the hands of the priests and rulers.

HLv 488.1

Even now Pilate was not left to act blindly. His wife had been visited by an angel and in a dream had conversed with the Saviour. Pilate’s wife was not a Jew, but as she looked on Jesus in her dream, she knew Him to be the Prince of God. She saw Pilate give Jesus to the scourging, after he had declared, “I find no fault in Him.” She saw him give Christ up to His murderers. She saw the cross uplifted, the earth wrapped in darkness, and heard the mysterious cry, “It is finished.”

HLv 488.2

Still another scene met her gaze. She saw Christ seated on the great white cloud and His murderers fleeing from the presence of His glory. With a cry of horror she awoke and at once wrote to Pilate words of warning.

HLv 488.3

A messenger pressed through the crowd and handed him the letter from his wife, which read: “Have thou nothing to do with that just Man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of Him.”

HLv 488.4

Pilate’s face grew pale. He was confused by his own conflicting emotions. While he had been delaying to act, the priests and rulers were inflaming the minds of the people. He now thought of a custom which might serve to secure Christ’s release. It was customary at this feast to release one prisoner whom the people might choose. There was not a shadow of justice in this custom, but it was greatly prized by the Jews. The Roman authorities at this time held a prisoner named Barabbas, who was under sentence of death. This man claimed authority to establish a different order of things. Whatever he could obtain by theft and robbery was his own. He had gained a following among the people and had excited sedition against the Roman government. Under cover of religious enthusiasm he was a hardened villain, bent on rebellion and cruelty.

HLv 489.1

By giving the people a choice between this man and the innocent Saviour, Pilate thought to arouse them to a sense of justice.

HLv 489.2

“Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?” Like the bellowing of wild beasts came the answer, “Release unto us Barabbas!” Thinking that the people had not understood his question, Pilate asked, “Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?” But they cried out again, “Away with this Man, and release unto us Barabbas!” “What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?” Demons in human form were in the crowd, and what could be expected but the answer, “Let Him be crucified.”

HLv 489.3

Pilate had not thought it would come to that. He shrank from delivering an innocent man to the most cruel death that could be inflicted. “Why, what evil hath He done?” But the case had gone too far for argument.

HLv 489.4

Still Pilate endeavored to save Christ. “He said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath He done?” But the very mention of His release stirred the people to frenzy. Louder and louder they cried, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!”

HLv 489.5

Faint and covered with wounds, Jesus was scourged, “and the soldiers led Him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band. And they clothed Him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about His head, and began to salute Him, Hail, King of the Jews! And they ... did spit upon Him, and bowing their knees worshiped Him. And ... they ... mocked Him.” Occasionally some wicked hand struck the crown, forcing the thorns into His temples, and sending the blood trickling down His face.

HLv 490.1

A maddened throng enclosed the Saviour of the world. Mocking and jeering were mingled with oaths of blasphemy. Satan led the mob. It was his purpose to provoke the Saviour to retaliation if possible, or to drive Him to perform a miracle to release Himself. One stain upon His human life, and the Lamb of God would have been an imperfect offering, and the redemption of man a failure. But He submitted with perfect calmness to the coarsest insult and outrage.

HLv 490.3

When Pilate gave Jesus up to be scourged, he hoped the multitude would decide that this was sufficient punishment. But with keen perception the Jews saw the weakness of punishing a man who had been declared innocent. They were determined that Jesus should not be released.

HLv 490.4

Pilate now sent for Barabbas to be brought into the court, the two prisoners side by side. Pointing to the Saviour he said, “Behold the Man!” There stood the Son of God, stripped to the waist, His back showing the long stripes from which blood flowed freely. His face was stained and bore the marks of pain, but never had it appeared more beautiful than now. Every feature expressed the tenderest pity for His cruel foes. In His manner there was the strength and dignity of long-suffering.

HLv 491.1

In striking contrast was the prisoner at His side. Every line of the countenance of Barabbas proclaimed him a hardened ruffian. The contrast spoke to every beholder. As some looked on Jesus they wept, their hearts full of sympathy. The priests and rulers were convicted that He was all that He claimed to be.

HLv 491.2

The Roman soldiers that surrounded Christ were not all hardened. They looked at the divine Sufferer with feelings of pity, His silent submission stamped upon their minds. The scene was never to be effaced until they either acknowledged Him as the Christ, or by rejecting Him decided their own destiny.

HLv 491.3

Pilate did not doubt that the sight of this Man in contrast with Barabbas would move the Jews to sympathy. But he did not understand the fanatical hatred of the priests. Again priests, rulers, and people raised that awful cry, “Crucify Him, crucify Him.” At last, losing all patience with their unreasoning cruelty, Pilate cried out despairingly, “Take ye Him, and crucify Him: for I find no fault in Him.”

HLv 491.4

The Roman governor, though familiar with cruel scenes, was moved with sympathy for the suffering prisoner. But the priests declared, “We have a law, and by our law He ought to die, because He made Himself the Son of God.”

HLv 491.5

Pilate was startled; it might be a divine being that stood before him! Again he said to Jesus, “Whence art Thou?” But Jesus gave no answer. The Saviour had spoken freely to Pilate, explaining His mission. Pilate had disregarded the light. He had abused the high office of judge by yielding to the demands of the mob. Jesus had no further light for him. Vexed at His silence, Pilate said haughtily: “Speakest Thou not unto me? knowest Thou not that I have power to crucify Thee, and have power to release Thee?”

HLv 491.6

Jesus answered, “Thou couldest have no power at all against Me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered Me unto thee hath the greater sin.” Christ meant Caiaphas, who represented the Jewish nation. They had light in the prophecies that testified of Christ, and unmistakable evidence of the divinity of Him whom they condemned to death. The heaviest responsibility belonged to those who stood in the highest places in the nation. Pilate, Herod, and the Roman soldiers were comparatively ignorant of Jesus. They had not the light which the Jewish nation had so abundantly received. Had the light been given to the soldiers, they would not have treated Christ as they did.

HLv 492.1

Again Pilate proposed to release the Saviour. “But the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar’s friend.” Of all the opponents of Roman rule, the Jews were most bitter; but to accomplish the destruction of Christ, they would profess loyalty to the foreign rule which they hated.

HLv 492.2

“Whosoever maketh himself a king,” they continued, “speaketh against Caesar.” Pilate was under suspicion by the Roman government and knew that such a report would ruin him. He knew the Jews would leave nothing undone to accomplish their revenge.

HLv 492.3

Pilate again presented Jesus to the people, saying, “Behold your King!” Again the mad cry was heard, “Away with Him, crucify Him.” In a voice that was heard far and near, Pilate asked, “Shall I crucify your King?” But from profane, blasphemous lips went forth the words, “We have no king but Caesar.”

HLv 492.4

Thus by choosing a heathen ruler, the Jewish nation rejected God as their king. Henceforth they had no king but Caesar. To this the priests and teachers had led the people. For this, with the fearful results that followed, they were responsible. A nation’s sin and a nation’s ruin were due to the religious leaders.

HLv 492.5

“When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just Person: see ye to it.” Pilate looked upon the Saviour, and said in his heart, He is a God. Turning to the multitude he declared, I am clear of His blood. Crucify Him, but I pronounce Him a just man. May He whom He claims as His Father judge you and not me for this day’s work. Then to Jesus he said, Forgive me for this act; I cannot save You. And when he had again scourged Jesus, He delivered Him to be crucified.

HLv 493.1

Pilate longed to deliver Jesus, but he saw that he could not do this and yet retain his own position. Rather than lose his worldly power, he chose to sacrifice an innocent life. How many in like manner sacrifice principle. Conscience and duty point one way, and self-interest another. The current sets in the wrong direction, and he who compromises with evil is swept away into the thick darkness of guilt.

HLv 493.2

But in spite of his precautions, the very thing Pilate dreaded came upon him. He was cast down from his high office, and, stung by remorse and wounded pride, not long after the crucifixion he ended his own life.

HLv 493.3

When Pilate declared himself innocent of the blood of Christ, Caiaphas answered defiantly, “His blood be on us, and on our children.” The awful words were echoed by the crowd in an inhuman roar of voices. The whole multitude said, “His blood be on us, and on our children.”

HLv 493.4

The people of Israel had made their choice—Barabbas, the robber and murderer, the representative of Satan. Christ, the representative of God, had been rejected. In making this choice they accepted him who from the beginning was a liar and a murderer. Satan was their leader. His rule they must endure.

HLv 493.5

The Jews had cried, “His blood be on us, and on our children.” That prayer was heard. The blood of the Son of God was on their children and their children’s children. Terribly was it realized in the destruction of Jerusalem and in the condition of the Jewish nation for nearly two thousand years—a branch severed from the vine, dead. From land to land throughout the world, from century to century, dead in trespasses and sins!

The Story of Jesus

Chapter 20—Before Pilate

SJ 123.5

“What accusation bring ye against this man?” John 18:29.

SJ 126.8

But he did not wait to receive an answer. The tumult of the crowd outside the hall of justice had increased to a roar. The priests were clamorous for immediate action, and Pilate was recalled to the interests of the hour. Going out to the people, he declared: “I find in Him no fault at all.” John 18:33-38.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 112, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 112, 1897, par. 26

After Herod had done his satanic work, he sent Christ, without having pronounced judgment upon Him, back to Pilate, a man convinced, a man convicted of the truth, but unwilling to yield. Pilate seemed wrought upon by unseen influences to acknowledge his convictions in regard to the Holy One of Israel. His wavering mind was compelled to acknowledge that Christ was no pretender, that not a single trace of deception could be found in His words or deportment. Before all Christ’s accusers, he was compelled by his convictions to confess, “I find in him no fault at all.” [John 18:38.] His last effort was in behalf of Christ. Before that satanic, maddened throng, he pled for the scourge in the place of the cross.

12LtMs, Ms 112, 1897, par. 28

While seeking to set Christ free, Pilate asked Him the question, Art thou the king of the Jews? Jesus replied, “Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.” Again Pilate questioned, “What is truth?” [Verses 33, 37, 38.] But before waiting to receive an answer to so important a question, he descended from the judgment seat and went out into the portico, and said to the chief priests, “Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. The Jews answered him, We have a law and by our law he ought to die, because he hath made himself the Son of God.” [John 19:6, 7.] We have no power to put any man to death; therefore, as He is guilty of a capital crime, we have brought Him to you.

12LtMs, Ms 112, 1897, par. 38

In anticipation of this ordeal Christ had prayed in the garden of Gethsemane, “What shall I say then? Father, save me from this hour?” He Himself answers the question, “But for this cause came I unto this hour.” [John 12:27.] And when accosted by Pilate He said, “For this cause was I born (for this cause I came in human form) and to this end came I into the world, that I might bear witness to the truth.” [John 18:37.] In anticipation He had borne the present crisis all His life. Who can take in or even make an approach to, the sacrifice made by Christ in the change from the heavenly world to the world that was marred and seared by the curse of sin. The suffering of Christ was a lifetime of protracted anticipation.

12LtMs, Ms 112, 1897, par. 39

And now He is to endure the most terrible humiliation from the world He came to save. There arose to heaven a cry of tremendous significance to all the world. All heaven heard that cry in which all seemed to join with a zeal and desperation born of their choice. “Not this man,” they said pointing to Jesus, “but Barabbas.” [Verse 40.] The cry, “Barabbas,” rose like the bellowing of wild beasts. The world’s Redeemer was rejected, the guilty murderer spared.

12LtMs, Ms 112, 1897, par. 49

The question has been asked, Will religious bigotry and fanaticism ever induce religionists of this age to do as did the Jewish nation? It seems impossible that we shall ever reject Christ and accept Barabbas. Shall we be guilty of a sin similar to the Jews, and cry out, “Not this man, but Barabbas”? [John 18:40.] It seems an impossibility. Men may say, Never, I can never reject my Saviour, disown Christ. But they are to do this very thing. Priests and rulers will bring about just such an issue, and history will be repeated. The development of sin, which is the transgression of the law, will be continually strengthening its tendencies to become more sinful, to multiply by rejecting light and warnings and truth, and propagate a whole harvest of sin.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 290, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 290, 1906, par. 6

“Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto Him, Art Thou the King of the Jews? Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of Me? Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered Thee unto me: what hast Thou done? Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if My kingdom were of this world, then would My servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is My kingdom not from hence. Pilate therefore said unto Him, Art Thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth My voice. Pilate saith unto Him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in Him no fault at all. But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews? Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.” [John 18:33-40.]

God’s Amazing Grace

A Spiritual Kingdom, January 5

AG 13.1

Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world. John 18:36.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 198, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 198, 1899, par. 28

“My kingdom,” Christ declared, “is not of this world.” [John 18:36.] It is not established by force or by warfare or any one man’s wisdom. Human power will not accomplish this warfare. “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” [Zechariah 4:6.] He addresses every element opposing the work for which He gave His life, suffering reproach and rejection by His own people whose moral taste was in accordance with their choice. “Away with the Lord Jesus Christ; release Barabbas, a thief, a murderer,” was their choice. [See Luke 23:18.] With thieves and murderers will they have their portion—with all those of like choice.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 25, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 25, 1902, par. 26

In the Southern fields there should be facilities for the manufacture of inexpensive, necessary health foods. Worldly policy is not to be brought into this work. Christ said, “My kingdom is not of this world.” [John 18:36.] It was not established by human power, and human power cannot overthrow it.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 114, 1904

19LtMs, Ms 114, 1904, par. 18

After Christ had been crucified and had risen from the dead, He remained with His disciples on this earth for forty days, giving them much instruction. The time came when He must ascend to His Father. But He promised to send them His Spirit as His successor. This Spirit was to be the guide and counsellor of the church, teaching the disciples and bringing to their remembrance the things that Christ had told them. By the Spirit, under Christ’s own dictation, there was given to the church its only code and charter. No human being could interfere to prevent Christ’s followers from having the divine sufficiency of the Spirit. Said Christ, “My kingdom is not of this world.” [John 18:36.] It has no principles in common with the world. Human patronage is not to be sought by it.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 11 [Nos. 851-920]

MR No. 909—Attending and Acting in Theatrical Performances

11MR 341.1

I have a message for your daughters: You are not feeding upon the bread which came down from heaven, but upon husks. All the praise and glory you receive from human beings is of no value. Repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Christ, the Sent of God, gave His life a sacrifice that the world might have a second probation in which to return to their loyalty to God. When Christ was threatened by His foes, He said, “My kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36). It is not My mission to recognize caste and human theories, or to establish political interests. My kingdom is not to be set up by the power of human armies or the sword. If My kingdom were of this world, then would My soldiers fight. No human power can weaken or overthrow My kingdom through the enemies of God.”

Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 1

Chapter 2—The Christian and Psychology

1MCP 14.3

Man to Become a New Creature—Men are to become the subjects of Christ’s kingdom. Through the divine power imputed to them they are to return to their allegiance. By laws and resources God has ordained a heavenly communication with man’s spiritual life that in its action is as mysterious as the science and operation of the wind (John 3:7, 8). Christ declared, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). While it imprints its influence upon earthly governments, it cannot take the slightest imprint from them without marring the divine similitude.

Sons and Daughters of God

He Did Not Interfere With Those in Power, May 19

SD 146.1

Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. John 18:36.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 55—Not With Outward Show

DA 509.2

But today in the religious world there are multitudes who, as they believe, are working for the establishment of the kingdom of Christ as an earthly and temporal dominion. They desire to make our Lord the ruler of the kingdoms of this world, the ruler in its courts and camps, its legislative halls, its palaces and market places. They expect Him to rule through legal enactments, enforced by human authority. Since Christ is not now here in person, they themselves will undertake to act in His stead, to execute the laws of His kingdom. The establishment of such a kingdom is what the Jews desired in the days of Christ. They would have received Jesus, had He been willing to establish a temporal dominion, to enforce what they regarded as the laws of God, and to make them the expositors of His will and the agents of His authority. But He said, “My kingdom is not of this world.” John 18:36. He would not accept the earthly throne.

The Great Controversy

Chapter 16—The Pilgrim Fathers

GC 297.1

The regulation adopted by the early colonists, of permitting only members of the church to vote or to hold office in the civil government, led to most pernicious results. This measure had been accepted as a means of preserving the purity of the state, but it resulted in the corruption of the church. A profession of religion being the condition of suffrage and officeholding, many, actuated solely by motives of worldly policy, united with the church without a change of heart. Thus the churches came to consist, to a considerable extent, of unconverted persons; and even in the ministry were those who not only held errors of doctrine, but who were ignorant of the renewing power of the Holy Spirit. Thus again was demonstrated the evil results, so often witnessed in the history of the church from the days of Constantine to the present, of attempting to build up the church by the aid of the state, of appealing to the secular power in support of the gospel of Him who declared: “My kingdom is not of this world.” John 18:36. The union of the church with the state, be the degree never so slight, while it may appear to bring the world nearer to the church, does in reality but bring the church nearer to the world.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 16—The Pilgrim Fathers

GC88 296.4

The regulation adopted by the early colonists, of permitting only members of the church to vote or to hold office in the civil government, led to most pernicious results. This measure had been accepted as a means of preserving the purity of the State, but it resulted in the corruption of the church. A profession of religion being the condition of suffrage and office-holding, many, actuated solely by motives of worldly policy, united with the church, without a change of heart. Thus the churches came to consist, to a considerable extent, of unconverted persons; and even in the ministry were those who not only held errors of doctrine, but who were ignorant of the renewing power of the Holy Spirit. Thus again was demonstrated the evil results, so often witnessed in the history of the church from the days of Constantine to the present, of attempting to build up the church by the aid of the State, of appealing to the secular power in support of the gospel of Him who declared, “My kingdom is not of this world.” [John 18:36.] The union of the church with the State, be the degree never so slight, while it may appear to bring the world nearer to the church, does in reality but bring the church nearer to the world.

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 55—Not With Outward Show

HLv 340.4

The kingdom of God comes not with outward show. The gospel, with its spirit of self-abnegation, can never be in harmony with the spirit of the world. But today multitudes desire to make our Lord the ruler of the kingdoms of this world, the ruler in its courts, legislative halls, palaces, and marketplaces. They expect Him to rule through legal enactments, enforced by human authority. Since Christ is not now here in person, they themselves will act in His stead. Such a kingdom is what the Jews desired in the days of Christ. But He said, “My kingdom is not of this world.” John 18:36.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 1, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 1, 1897, par. 23

Men are to become the subjects of Christ’s kingdom. Through the divine power imputed to them, they are to return to their allegiance. By laws and resources God has ordained a heavenly communication with man’s spiritual life that in its action is as mysterious as the science and operation of the wind. Christ declared, “My kingdom is not of this world.” [John 18:36.] While it imprints its influence upon earthly governments, it cannot take the slightest imprint from them without marring the divine similitude. So spiritual is the character of God’s work upon the human heart that receives it, that it makes every one a new creature, without destroying or weakening any capability God has given to man. It purifies every attribute fit for connection with the divine nature. That which is born of the Spirit is Spirit, and when man is born from above, a heavenly peace pervades the soul.

Christian Education

Chapter 10—The Science of Salvation the First of Sciences

CE 88.1

Jesus knew that whatever was presented that was out of harmony with what he came to earth to unfold, was false and delusive. But he said, “Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.” [John 18:37.] Having stood in the counsels of God, having dwelt in the everlasting heights of the sanctuary, all elements of truth were in him, and of him; for he was one with God. “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak what we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.” [John 3:11-13.] “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” [Proverbs 30:5, 6.]—The Review and Herald, December 1, 1891.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 8, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 8, 1896, par. 2

He said of Himself, “For this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth.” [John 18:37.] The truth came from His lips with freshness and power, as a new revelation. He was the Way, the Truth, and the Life. His life, given for this sinful world, was full of earnestness and momentous results; for His work was to save perishing souls. He came forth to be the True Light, shining amid the moral darkness of superstition and error, and was announced by a voice from heaven, proclaiming, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” [Matthew 3:17.] And at His transfiguration this voice from heaven was again heard, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.” [Matthew 17:5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 69, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 69, 1897, par. 54

Christ came to sow the world with truth, and He expects every teacher to be a co-worker with Him in educating the youth to know God and Jesus Christ whom He hath sent. “Every one that is of the truth,” Christ said, “heareth my words.” [John 18:37.] Having been in the councils of God, having been the commander of the angelic host, having been in the heavenly sanctuary, the elements of truth were familiar to Him. He understood all concerning the salvation of the human race, and He spoke that which He knew. He came as the revealer of the Infinite mind, and He spoke with undisputed authority, for He was unfolding the wisdom of God. Truth of the highest order, the words of eternal life, fell from His lips.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 5, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 5, 1898, par. 2

There is need of different elements in the Echo office and in the North Fitzroy church. Christ announced Himself as the Light of this world, and those who follow Jesus should walk no more in darkness, but should have the light of life. By His pure doctrines, Christ revealed the contrast between truth and error, light and darkness. To Him, truth, all truth, was ever present and self-evident. He uttered no worthless sentiments, notions, or opinions, but spoke only important truths. “Every one that is of the truth,” He said, “heareth my voice.” [John 18:37.] If this were the case with those who claim to know the truth today, we should have from them the unmistakable evidence that they hear the voice of Jesus, and obey.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 49, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 49, 1898, par. 40

The Saviour knew that this was to come, and He cried, “If it be possible, let this cup pass from me.” [Matthew 26:39.] But had this cup passed from Him, as He prayed, the plan of redemption must have been frustrated. There rose before Him the picture of a lost world, and He added, “Not my will, but thine be done. For this cause came I into the world.” [Luke 22:42; John 18:37.]

13LtMs, Ms 49, 1898, par. 47

The holy law itself rejoiced in Christ’s righteousness. The living representation of the law, Christ could look around on a nation of witnesses, and say, “Which of you convinceth me of sin?” [John 8:46.] Truth never languished on His lips, never suffered in His hands for want of perfect obedience to its requirements. “To this end was I born,” Christ declared, “and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth.” [John 18:37.] And the mighty principles of truth fell from His lips with the freshness of a new revelation. The truth was spoken by Him with an earnestness proportionate to its infinite importance and to the momentous results depending on its success.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 196, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 196, 1899, par. 8

Christ is the light of the world. We are to walk in His light, for He is “that true Light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” [John 1:9.] “Every one,” said He, “that is of the truth, heareth my words.” [John 18:37.] “He that will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” [Luke 9:23.] It is through disregard of this command that backsliding has come into our ranks. Men have been placed where God should be, and their example has been followed. Christ spoke no mere sentiments, notions, or opinions, but pure, clean, holy, eternal truth. He set forth principles, both in precept and example, from His own personal knowledge. He saw what men in their selfish blindness and self-indulgence failed to see—that whatever deviates or leads away from the eternal principles He has set forth, however plausible or deeply reverenced in the minds of men, is a delusion and a falsehood, unable to sanctify or save the soul.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 58, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 58, 1900, par. 49

The example of Christ was perfect. There was not one inconsistent act in His life. In every precept taught, He was expounding His own life. He did not point the people to the tables of stone. He invited them to learn of Him, for He was the embodiment, the living representation of the law. He could say, “Which of you convinceth me of sin?” Righteousness and truth never languished on His lips. He said, “To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world that I should bear witness unto the truth.” [John 18:37.] Satan’s work was to make the truth of no effect.

15LtMs, Ms 58, 1900, par. 62

The power of truth must not be accredited to men. The man must not be praised, petted, and glorified. The excellency of the power must ever be accredited to God, not to the superior endowments of men. This was why men subject to infirmities and suffering were chosen to meet men in the same condition as themselves, and as earthen vessels to convey to them the glorious truth. God will accept these apparently unattractive ones, and will let the light of the knowledge of His glory in the face of Jesus Christ shine upon them. He will make a revelation to man’s intellectual nature which will enrich his mind with the highest and most sacred knowledge, and will shed a flood of light upon the atonement. The beaming light of the Saviour’s countenance renders all things bright and glorious. The knowledge of God in the face of Jesus Christ is the consummation of all knowledge. “Every one that is of the truth,” said Christ, “heareth my voice.” [John 18:37.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 104, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 104, 1901, par. 11

While the believer is on this earth, it will always be essential for him to oppose error and defend the truth. Error is injurious to the soul. Truth is always beneficial. Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He came to enlighten those spiritually blind by bearing witness to the truth. He said, “Every one that is of the truth heareth my words.” [John 18:37.]

Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students

True Success in Education

CT 22.2

“Everyone that is of the truth,” Christ declared, “heareth My voice.” John 18:37. Having stood in the counsels of God, having dwelt in the everlasting heights of the sanctuary, all elements of truth were in Him and of Him. He was one with God. It means more than finite minds can comprehend to present in every missionary effort Christ and Him crucified. “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5. “He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21. Christ crucified for our sins; Christ risen from the dead; Christ ascended on high as our intercessor—this is the science of salvation that we need to learn and to teach. This is to be the burden of our work.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 19, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 19, 1901, par. 2

I appeal to our people in the name of the Lord. Let there be a consecrated, united effort made to lift our institutions in Scandinavia out of the difficulty into which they have fallen. Let all rally to this work. Let all that is done be done in faith. Do not allow the name of Christ to be reproached. Do not begin to censure and condemn. God’s institutions are in peril, and all who can should act their part without delay in delivering them. Those who do this work with faithfulness will be among the number to whom the words apply, “Every one that is of the truth heareth my words.” [John 18:37.] Christ’s life was a life of pure, disinterested benevolence. He assumed our human nature for no other purpose than to display the glory of God in the happiness of man. To accomplish this, He gave His life.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 140, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 140, 1903, par. 51

To those who were trying to find spot or stain in His life, Christ could say, “Which of you convinceth Me of sin?” [John 8:46.] And there was not one who dared accept the challenge. Never did a word of prevarication or untruth pass His lips. Truth was His authority and gave force to His requirements, His commandments, His reproofs. Truth never languished on His lips, never suffered in His hands. He Himself was truth. “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life,” He declared. [John 14:6.] “To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth.” With the freshness of a new revelation, truth fell from His lips. He was the word and wisdom of God. “Every one that is of the truth heareth My words,” He said. [John 18:37.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Lt 222, 1908

23LtMs, Lt 222, 1908, par. 18

The only begotten Son of God came to our world to reveal truth in contrast with error. This saving truth we are to reveal in our speech and in Christlike deportment. Truth never languished on the lips of Christ. It was clearly defined, in words, in works, in spirit. He declared of Himself, “For this cause came I into the world, that I might bear witness unto the truth.” [John 18:37.] He was the truth, the Light of the world. His bright beams were to shine amid the moral darkness of this sin-cursed world.

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Eternal Word, August 19

JNN 245.1

“For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth.”—John 18:37

JNN 245.2

Christ was the greatest teacher the world has ever known. He came to this earth to shed abroad the bright beams of truth, that humanity might gain a fitness for heaven. “For this cause came I into the world ... that I should bear witness unto the truth” (John 18:37). He came to reveal the character of the Father, that people might be led to worship Him in spirit and in truth.

Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students

The Great Teacher

CT 259.1

Christ was the greatest teacher the world has ever known. He came to this earth to shed abroad the bright beams of truth, that men might gain a fitness for heaven. “For this cause came I into the world,” He declared, “that I should bear witness unto the truth.” John 18:37. He came to reveal the character of the Father, that men might be led to worship Him in spirit and in truth.

Lift Him Up

The Great Teacher, June 1

LHU 166.1

For this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. John 18:37.

Sons and Daughters of God

He Is the Embodiment of Truth, January 20

SD 26.1

To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. John 18:37.

That I May Know Him

Author and Teacher of Truth, July 20

TMK 207.1

To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. John 18:37.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 52, 1891

7LtMs, Lt 52, 1891, par. 25

Jesus allowed nothing to come into the numerous doors open to divert Him from the work which He came to our world to do. He came to bring to view the knowledge of God, representing the Father in His own character. Not the least inconsistency existed between His instruction and His character. Every one that is of the truth, said He, heareth My voice. [John 18:37.] He was unfolding truth of the highest order, the words of eternal life.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 65, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 65, 1895, par. 13

Truth was to Him truth, and it never suffered at His hands. To Him truth was a living reality; for He was the Author of truth. “To this end,” He says, “was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth.” [John 18:37.] The truth came from His lips with the freshness of a new revelation. He exalted the truth always. But men did not love the truth, they loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. They did not desire to be told of their errors and sins, to be reproved and corrected. The hearts of those whom He loved to save were determined to resist Him.

10LtMs, Ms 65, 1895, par. 14

Jesus saw that however deeply rooted were the principles that were set in opposition to the principles He proclaimed, yet they were delusion and falsehood, and had originated in the enemy of all righteousness. Jesus said to the people, “Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.” [Verse 37.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Lt 100, 1910

25LtMs, Lt 100, 1910, par. 15

“When the chief priests therefore and officers saw Him, they cried out, saying, Crucify Him, crucify Him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye Him, and crucify Him; for I find no fault in Him. The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law He ought to die, because He made Himself the Son of God.” [John 18:37-19:7.]

This Day With God

In His Steps, February 29

TDG 68.2

The Lord does not accept the service of those who live an inefficient, do-nothing life. They exert an influence that leads away from Christ. Self-denial and nobility of purpose marked His life. From the beginning to the close of His earthly ministry He went about doing good. In His life no sin appeared. No selfishness marred word or act. “Which of you convinceth me of sin?” (John 8:46), He asked the Pharisees, knowing that they could find nothing of which to accuse Him. And at His trial, Pilate declared emphatically, “I find in him no fault at all” (John 18:38).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 101, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 101, 1897, par. 5

The mock trial of Christ shows how base the priesthood had become. The priests hired men to testify under oath to falsehood, that Jesus might be condemned. But on this occasion, truth came to the help of Christ. Pilate declared Him to be without fault. How significant was the oft-repeated statement, “I find no fault in him at all.” [John 18:38.] Thus it was shown that the testimonies borne against Him were false, that the witnesses had been hired by men who cherished in their hearts the basest elements of corruption. It was God’s design that the men who delivered Jesus should hear the testimony of His innocence. “I find no fault in him,” Pilate declared. [John 19:4.] And Judas, throwing at the feet of the priests the money he had received for betraying Christ, bore testimony, “I have sinned, in that I have betrayed innocent blood.” [Matthew 27:4.]

12LtMs, Ms 101, 1897, par. 21

Our Redeemer humbled Himself, fully identifying His interest with humanity. Look at Him girding Himself, and washing the feet of His disciples. Mark how tenderly He performs this act of ministry, to give them a lesson in humility. He who was one with God, who thought it not robbery to be equal with God, humbled Himself, and took upon Him the form of a servant. But who was tender and compassionate to Him? During His trial, what friend had He that dared to say even as did the heathen Pilate, “I find no fault in him at all”? [John 18:38.] Christ’s humanity so completely veiled His glory that it was difficult for even His disciples to believe in Him, and when He died on the cross, they felt that their hopes had perished. As Christ told them the things He must suffer at the hands of wicked men, He said, “If they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?” [Luke 23:31.] If they do these wicked acts to your divine Lord, what will they do to those that bear the testimony that He came from God, that He was God in human flesh?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 72, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 72, 1898, par. 11

Had Pilate had the courage to follow his convictions, he would have faced the people in Christ’s defense, not only declaring, “I find no fault at all in him” [John 18:38; 19:4], but condemning the crowd as a band of murderers for desiring to take the life of a just man. Had he feared God, it would not have been recorded of him that he scourged an innocent man, and then delivered him up to the most ignominious of deaths. If when the hoarse cry was raised, Crucify him, crucify him, he had said firmly, He shall not be crucified, he would have saved himself the stings of a guilty conscience. His name would not have been handed down to infamy. But he yielded to the clamors of the mob, and his course of action has been followed by judges more times than can be numbered.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 45, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 45, 1900, par. 17

Those poor souls who are building upon the sand of human ideas and speculations would better learn “what is truth?” [John 18:38.] They would better eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God, which is a figure used by Christ to illustrate that obedience to the Word of God in keeping His commandments is the condition of eternal life, given in the Word by Him who is the Son of God, our Redeemer. He explains by saying that the flesh profiteth nothing; “the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life.” [John 6:63.] The Word of God brought into the soul through the understanding is Spirit and life, and the spiritual experience is demonstrated by the food given the mind and heart.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 125, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 125, 1902, par. 9

In their treatment of Christ, the Jews were prompted by the one who had been cast out of heaven for rebellion. All the abuse and ridicule and malice that satanic hate could suggest was heaped upon Him. Pilate had declared, “I find in him no fault at all.” [John 18:38.] But the priests and rulers had given themselves over to Satan’s control, and under his guidance they made the scene of [Christ’s] trial and crucifixion one of bitter shame and sorrow.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 2, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 2, 1903, par. 5

From the beginning to the close of His earthly ministry, Christ went about doing good. In His life no sin appeared. No selfishness marred word or act. “Which of you convinceth Me of sin?” He asked the Pharisees, knowing that they would find nothing of which to accuse Him. [John 8:46.] And at His trial, Pilate declared emphatically, “I find in Him no fault at all.” [John 18:38.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 124, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 124, 1903, par. 27

The question for us to study is, “What is truth” [John 18:38]—the truth for this time, which is to be cherished, loved, honored, and obeyed? The devotees of science have been defeated and disheartened in their effort to find out God. What they need to inquire is, What is truth? How many of those who profess to minister at the altar of God have asked this question? How many of those who search the heavens have inquired, as they have beheld the wondrous works of God, “What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that Thou visitest him?” [Hebrews 2:6.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 32, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 32, 1906, par. 5

To every one God has made an offer that will help to brace every nerve and spiritual muscle for the time of test that is to come to us all. I am charged with the message, Clothe yourselves with the whole armor of Christ’s righteousness. Every piece of the Christian armor is essential. And, having done all you can do on your part, you have the assurance of victory. To every soul is granted the gracious opportunity of standing on the Rock of Ages. I am bidden by the Lord to charge every soul, with open Bible, to seek for divine wisdom, that he may learn “what is truth,” and accept truth as his standard. [John 18:38.] “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.” [Psalm 19:7.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 139, 1907

22LtMs, Ms 139, 1907, par. 8

Christ suffered one of the cruelest of deaths, though none had proved Him guilty of any offense. He had declared Himself the Son of God, and for this He was condemned to die. His executors were not able to prove one of the false charges they had brought against Him. The Father Himself had signified His approval of His Son in the words, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” [Matthew 3:17.] Judas, the traitor-disciple, declared, “I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood.” [Matthew 27:4.] The message of Pilate’s wife concerning Him was, “Have thou nothing to do with that just man.” [Verse 19.] And Pilate himself declared, “I find in Him no fault at all.” [John 18:38.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 65, 1912

25LtMs, Ms 65, 1912, par. 29

The one great burden and grief of Jesus was that He, with omniscient eye, was viewing the destruction of Jerusalem. He wept not for Himself. He wept not on account of His betrayal, His trial, His rejection, His deliverance into the hands of His enemies. The most cruel death was appointed to a man who could not be condemned, a man concerning whom Pilate declared, “I find in Him no fault at all.” John 18:38. His tears were for those who were placing themselves beyond the reach of the long-suffering, long-forbearing mercy of a sin-hating God.

Sermons and Talks, vol. 2

Manuscript 65, 1912

2SAT 331.7

The one great burden and grief of Jesus was that He, with omniscient eye, was viewing the destruction of Jerusalem. He wept not for Himself. He wept not on account of His betrayal, His trial, His rejection, His deliverance into the hands of His enemies. The most cruel death was appointed to a Man who could not be condemned, a Man concerning whom Pilate declared, “I find in Him no fault at all” [John 18:38]. His tears were for those who were placing themselves beyond the reach of the long-suffering, long-forbearing mercy of a sin-hating God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 9, 1885

4LtMs, Ms 9, 1885, par. 5

Those who give the things of this world the proper place in their life will inquire, “What is truth?” [John 18:38.] As light shines upon the Word of God, they will follow that light. We are not to follow that light only which shone in the days of prophets and apostles. The light is growing brighter and brighter, and additional light is shining upon us. The jewels of truth, which have been buried beneath the rubbish of error, are being dug out and replaced in their original setting. Daily we are to search the Scriptures; and as we do this, light will shine upon its pages.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 1, 1889

6LtMs, Ms 1, 1889, par. 61

The question is, “What is truth?” [John 18:38.] It is not how many years have I believed that makes it the truth. You must bring your creed to the Bible and let the light of the Bible define your creed and show where it comes short and where the difficulty is. The Bible is to be your standard; the living oracles of Jehovah are to be your guide. You are to dig for the truth as for hidden treasures. You are to find where the treasure is, and then you are to plow every inch of that field to get the jewels. You are to work the mines of truth for new gems, for new diamonds, and you will find them.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 24, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 24, 1891, par. 65

Let the inquiry be, “What is truth?” [John 18:38.] The darkness of error and superstition and falsehood has covered the earth, and gross darkness the people.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 111, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 111, 1897, par. 17

The religion of error and superstition bore its fruit, bigotry, cruelty, falsehood, murder. These were exercised on the person of the only begotten Son of God. The priests tried in every way to entrap Christ, to find in Him something that they could use against Him. But notwithstanding the fact that they hired the ignorant tools of the enemy to bear a testimony which they had put in their mouths, nothing was found in Christ worthy of condemnation. Three times the judge declared, “I find no fault in him.” [John 18:38; 19:4, 6.] Yet instead of protecting Christ as an innocent man, and thus earning the reputation of being a just and considerate ruler, Pilate gave Him up into the hands of the mob. The only begotten Son of God was placed on trial, but it was a mock trial from beginning to end. It was shown to the world that the religion of the Jewish teachers was a religion of oppression. It proved unable to reform them. Tradition and rites of no value whatever were exalted above the Word of God. Truth indeed had “fallen in the streets, and equity could not enter.” [Isaiah 59:14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 132, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 132, 1897, par. 12

Time and again I have had presented before me a vision of people, across the broad ocean, standing in perplexity, and pale with anxiety, earnestly inquiring, “What is truth?” [John 18:38.] Say they, “We want the bread of life. Our churches are backslidden from God. They have become proud, selfish, and worldly. We want to find the old paths. We want to come back to the simplicity of gospel religion.” Our tears will flow as we see this picture, like a reality, rising vividly before us. The voice from heaven pleads, “Go ye therefore into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” [Mark 16:15.] While so great work remains to be done, shall not we, as Christ’s followers, rouse to a sense of our God-given responsibilities, and be active in doing our part?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 128, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 128, 1897, par. 2

Who is able to describe the last scenes of Christ’s life on earth, His trial in the judgment hall, His crucifixion? Who witnessed these scenes? The unfallen worlds, the heavenly universe, God the Father, Satan and his angels. What scenes they were for the disciples. Wonderful events took place in the betrayal of Christ. During His mock trial in the judgment hall, His accusers found nothing by which they could prove Him guilty. Three times Pilate declared, “I find no fault in him at all.” [John 18:38; 19:4, 6.] But nevertheless he ordered him to be scourged, and then delivered Him up to suffer the most cruel death that could be devised.

Christ Triumphant

Will You Choose Jesus? September 24

CTr 274.1

But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews? John 18:39.

The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 4—Pentecost

AA 42.3

Some of those who listened to the apostles had taken an active part in the condemnation and death of Christ. Their voices had mingled with the rabble in calling for His crucifixion. When Jesus and Barabbas stood before them in the judgment hall and Pilate asked, “Whom will ye that I release unto you?” they had shouted, “Not this Man, but Barabbas!” Matthew 27:17; John 18:40. When Pilate delivered Christ to them, saying, “Take ye Him, and crucify Him: for I find no fault in Him;” “I am innocent of the blood of this just Person,” they had cried, “His blood be on us, and on our children.” John 19:6; Matthew 27:24, 25.

From Trials to Triumph

Chapter 4—Pentecost: The Apostles Begin Their Work

TT 25.1

Some who listened had taken part in the condemnation and death of Christ, their voices calling for His crucifixion. When Pilate asked, “Whom will ye that I release unto you?” they had shouted, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” When Pilate delivered Christ to them, they had cried, “His blood be on us, and on our children.” Matthew 27:17; John 18:40; Matthew 27:25.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 92, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 92, 1897, par. 16

Unsanctified ministers are arraying themselves against God. They are praising Christ and the god of this world in the same breath. While professedly they receive Christ, they embrace Barabbas, and by their actions say, “Not this man, but Barabbas.” [John 18:40.] Let all who shall read these lines take heed. Satan has made his boast of what he can do. He thinks to dissolve the unity that Christ prayed might exist in His church. He says, “I will go forth and be a lying spirit to deceive those that I can, to criticize, condemn, and falsify.” Let the son of deceit and false witness be entertained by a church who has had great light, great evidence, and that church will discard the message that the Lord has sent, and receive the most unreasonable assertions and suppositions and false theories. Satan laughs at their folly, for he knows what truth is.