EGW WritingsJohn 1
Ellen G. White · Page 2 of 6
Read John 1 in the BibleJohn 1:4-29
The Faith I Live By
The Saving Power of Jesus, March 31
FLB 96.5
There must be a power working from within, a new life from above, before men can be changed from sin to holiness. That power is Christ. His grace alone can quicken the lifeless faculties of the soul, and attract it to God, to holiness.... The idea that it is necessary only to develop the good that exists in man by nature, is a fatal deception. “The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:14.... Of Christ it is written, “In him was life; and the life was the light of men”—the only “name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” John 1:4; Acts 4:12....FLB 96.6
Paul the apostle ... longed for the purity, the righteousness, to which in himself he was powerless to attain, and he cried out, “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from this body of death?” Romans 7:24, margin. Such is the cry that has gone up from burdened hearts in all lands and in all ages. To all, there is but one answer, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29.138Steps to Christ, 18, 19.Homeward Bound
By Grace Alone, March 3
HB 80.3
The Saviour said, “Except a man be born from above,” unless he shall receive a new heart, new desires, purposes, and motives, leading to a new life, “he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3, margin.) The idea that it is necessary only to develop the good that exists in us by nature, is a fatal deception. “The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” “Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” (1 Corinthians 2:14; John 3:7.) Of Christ it is written, “In Him was life; and the life was the light of men”—the only “name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (John 1:4; Acts 4:12.)HB 80.4
It is not enough to perceive the loving-kindness of God, to see the benevolence, the fatherly tenderness, of His character. It is not enough to discern the wisdom and justice of His law, to see that it is founded upon the eternal principle of love. Paul the apostle saw all this when he exclaimed, “I consent unto the law that it is good.” “The law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.” But he added, in the bitterness of his soul-anguish and despair, “I am carnal, sold under sin.” (Romans 7:16, 12, 14.) He longed for the purity, the righteousness, to which in himself he was powerless to attain, and cried out, “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from this body of death?” (Romans 7:24, margin.) Such is the cry that has gone up from burdened hearts in all lands and in all ages. To all, there is but one answer, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29.)—Steps to Christ, 18, 19.Our Father Cares
The Saving Power of Jesus, March 8
OFC 79.5
There must be a power working from within, a new life from above, before men can be changed from sin to holiness. That power is Christ. His grace alone can quicken the lifeless faculties of the soul, and attract it to God, to holiness.... The idea that it is necessary only to develop the good that exists in man by nature, is a fatal deception. “The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:14.... Of Christ it is written, “In him was life; and the life was the light of men”—the only “name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” John 1:4; Acts 4:12....OFC 79.6
Paul the apostle ... longed for the purity, the righteousness, to which in himself he was powerless to attain, and he cried out, “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from this body of death?” Romans 7:24, margin. Such is the cry that has gone up from burdened hearts in all lands and in all ages. To all, there is but one answer, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29.8The Faith I Live By, 96.John 1:4-51
Steps to Christ
Chapter 2—The Sinner’s Need of Christ
SC 18.2
The Saviour said, “Except a man be born from above,” unless he shall receive a new heart, new desires, purposes, and motives, leading to a new life, “he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3, margin. The idea that it is necessary only to develop the good that exists in man by nature, is a fatal deception. “The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” “Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” 1 Corinthians 2:14; John 3:7. Of Christ it is written, “In Him was life; and the life was the light of men”—the only “name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” John 1:4; Acts 4:12.SC 19.1
It is not enough to perceive the loving-kindness of God, to see the benevolence, the fatherly tenderness, of His character. It is not enough to discern the wisdom and justice of His law, to see that it is founded upon the eternal principle of love. Paul the apostle saw all this when he exclaimed, “I consent unto the law that it is good.” “The law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.” But he added, in the bitterness of his soul-anguish and despair, “I am carnal, sold under sin.” Romans 7:16, 12, 14. He longed for the purity, the righteousness, to which in himself he was powerless to attain, and cried out, “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from this body of death?” Romans 7:24, margin. Such is the cry that has gone up from burdened hearts in all lands and in all ages. To all, there is but one answer, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29.SC 20.1
This is the same figure to which Christ referred in His conversation with Nathanael, when He said, “Ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.” John 1:51. In the apostasy, man alienated himself from God; earth was cut off from heaven. Across the gulf that lay between, there could be no communion. But through Christ, earth is again linked with heaven. With His own merits, Christ has bridged the gulf which sin had made, so that the ministering angels can hold communion with man. Christ connects fallen man in his weakness and helplessness with the Source of infinite power.John 1:5
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Ms 12b, 1896
11LtMs, Ms 12b, 1896, par. 2
The minds of all students would receive an important discipline if they would search, not merely read, but search the Scriptures. There is great wisdom for every person in an understanding of the word of God. It presents no mysteries; it is the light shining in darkness, but the sad part of this is that the darkness “comprehendeth it not.” [John 1:5.] If men earnestly desire light and a better knowledge of God, they will turn their faces toward the light.The Desire of Ages
Chapter 8—The Passover Visit
DA 80.3
They could not but see that their expectation in regard to the Messiah was not sustained by prophecy; but they would not renounce the theories that had flattered their ambition. They would not admit that they had misapprehended the Scriptures they claimed to teach. From one to another passed the inquiry, How hath this youth knowledge, having never learned? The light was shining in darkness; but “the darkness apprehended it not.” John 1:5, R. V.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)
Lt 9, 1873
2LtMs, Lt 9, 1873, par. 9
Dear Sister, it is for us to be patient, to choose the suffering part of religion. Your own precious child may not discern the mystery of godliness and may think you stubborn and foolish, that you will be odd and singular from the world. But faint not. If faithful to duty, God may touch the heart of your child and she may see the matchless charms of a Saviour’s love. To the unbeliever whose happiness is in the things of the world, its pleasures and its vanities, the conscientious observers of the Lord’s Sabbath seem wild and erratic. They may inquire why the great men, the ministers, the doctors, and the learned do not see these things if they are indeed the truth? Because of the cross! Popularity and worldly inducements are too great considerations for them to yield up. They have their minds darkened by the god of this world. “The light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” John 1:5.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Lt 70, 1886
4LtMs, Lt 70, 1886, par. 23
It is surely time to awake out of sleep, to arise from the dead, that Christ may give you life. O that we may sit together in heavenly places! “The light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” [John 1:5.] God forbid that we should lose the heavenly blessings because we do not comprehend the light. We must be God’s peculiar people in good works.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 95, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 95, 1894, par. 14
He who is daily a learner in the school of Christ can say, “As the Father gave me commandment, so I do.” [John 14:31.] Thus did the Son of God in His human life leave us an example of perfect obedience, prefacing every deed with such words as these: That which the Son seeth the Father do, he doeth also. “This commandment have I received of my Father.” [John 10:18.] The history of Christ’s human life in our world is the record of His purpose toward us for the manifestation of His divine perfection. He was the light shining in darkness, and what is the record? “And the darkness comprehended it not.” [John 1:5.] The standard is high, for Christ is our Standard, and He could justly claim perfection in all His works. But how few, in their practice, will follow the Lamb of God whithersoever He goeth. Following Jesus, imbued with His Spirit moment by moment, the human agent would represent Christ, as Christ represented the Father.John 1:5-11
Christ’s Object Lessons
Chapter 9—The Pearl
COL 116.1
Christ “came unto His own, and His own received Him not.” John 1:11. The light of God shone into the darkness of the world, and “the darkness comprehended it not.” John 1:5. But not all were found indifferent to the gift of heaven. The merchantman in the parable represents a class who were sincerely desiring truth. In different nations there were earnest and thoughtful men who had sought in literature and science and the religions of the heathen world for that which they could receive as the soul’s treasure. Among the Jews there were those who were seeking for that which they had not. Dissatisfied with a formal religion, they longed for that which was spiritual and uplifting. Christ’s chosen disciples belonged to the latter class, Cornelius and the Ethiopian eunuch to the former. They had been longing and praying for light from heaven; and when Christ was revealed to them, they received Him with gladness.John 1:5-13
Ye Shall Receive Power
Tastes Are Changed, February 14
YRP 53.2
John says, “The light”—Christ—“shineth in darkness,” that is, in the world, “and the darkness comprehended it not.... But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:5-13). The reason why the unbelieving world is not saved is that they do not choose to be enlightened. The old nature, born of blood and the will of the flesh, cannot inherit the kingdom of God. The old ways, the hereditary tendencies, the former habits, must be given up; for grace is not inherited. The new birth consists in having new motives, new tastes, new tendencies.John 1:5-14
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 99, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 99, 1894, par. 11
All these precious lessons were to make an impression upon the hearts of His disciples, and were to be revived and deepened by the Holy Spirit. They were to mold and fashion the character in order that they might represent Christ to the world and show the spiritual character of His kingdom. They learned of Christ that they must give up forms and maxims and customs in order to reach minds and bring souls to Him, but not to please the whole world were they to surrender one jot or tittle of vital truth. Christ was the way, the truth, and the life; He was the Sun of Righteousness. He was fully aware that darkness had covered the earth, and gross darkness the people, and were He to withdraw His beams the world would be left in eternal night. But as many as received Him were go to forth to show the praises of Him who had called them out of darkness into His marvelous light. “He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” [John 1:11.] He said unto them, “Ye will not come unto me, that ye might have life.” [John 5:40.]9LtMs, Ms 99, 1894, par. 13
Christ was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them which believe on his name.” [John 1:10, 12.] Those who accepted Christ by faith became living witnesses for Him. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth.” [Verse 14.]9LtMs, Ms 99, 1894, par. 17
In this age many are zealous in a similar manner. They have false religious views and manifest the same spirit, persecuting Christ in the person of His saints. It is as true today as it was in the time of Christ that “The light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not.” [John 1:5.]John 1:5-29
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 19d, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 19d, 1892, par. 1
We are certainly living amid the perils of the last day, and while we may intellectually accept the theory of the truth, it will be of no saving value to us unless the prayer of Christ avails in our behalf, “Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth.” [John 17:17.] The meaning of that prayer is, Make them holy through the knowledge of the Word. “The light (Christ) shineth in darkness (the world), and the darkness comprehended it not.” [John 1:5.] Instead of welcoming that which scatters the darkness, many comprehended it not and received it not. Ministers are sent, as was John, to bear witness of that Light. The office of the messenger sent of God is not to draw the sympathies of the people to himself, but to direct the affections and sympathies away from himself, to center them upon Christ. The burden of his message should be, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” [Verse 29.]7LtMs, Lt 19d, 1892, par. 2
Christ “was in the world, and the world was made by him;” but the world had sunk to such terrible depths of unbelief that when its own Creator came to it, it knew Him not. “He came to his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name; which were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” [Verses 10-13.] This grace is not inherited. I wish that all would see that the very same spirit which refused to accept Christ, the Light that would dispel the moral darkness, is far from being extinct in this age of the world. There are those in our day who are no more ready to recognize and acknowledge light than were the people when the prophets and the apostles came with messages from God, and many rejected the message and despised the messenger. Let us beware that this spirit is not entertained by any one of us.John 1:6
From the Heart
John the Baptist’s Example, December 2
FH 348.1
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. John 1:6.John 1:6-7
John 1:6-10
To Be Like Jesus
Genuine Sanctification Involves Obedience, February 28
BLJ 67.6
The epistles of John breathe a spirit of love. But when he comes in contact with that class who break the law of God and yet claim that they are living without sin, he does not hesitate to warn them of their fearful deception. [First John 1:6-10 quoted.]—The Sanctified Life, 67-69.John 1:6-29
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 70, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 70, 1903, par. 3
John the Baptist bore witness of the One through whom we may become sons and daughters of God. “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through Him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” [John 1:6-12.]18LtMs, Ms 70, 1903, par. 4
Divine sonship is not something we may gain of ourselves. Only to those who receive Christ as their Saviour is given the power to become sons and daughters of God. But the promise is to all who “believe on His name.” [Verse 12.] What an incentive to greater effort this assurance should be to those who are trying to set the hope of the gospel before those who are still in the darkness of error!18LtMs, Ms 70, 1903, par. 5
The sinner cannot, by any power of his own, rid himself of sin. For the accomplishment of this work he must look to a higher Power. John exclaimed, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” [Verse 29.] Christ alone has power to cleanse the heart from sin. As soon as the penitent one turns from sin, and looks to the Saviour for help, the Holy Spirit begins its transforming work upon the heart. Man is dependent on God for transforming grace. Every one who comes to Jesus in faith, nothing wavering, will receive pardon. He who is seeking for forgiveness and acceptance can only say:Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 181, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 181, 1905, par. 4
“There was a man sent from God whose name was John.” This John did not claim to be the Light. “He was not the Light, but was sent to bear witness of the Light.” [John 1:6, 8.] He was not to take Christ’s place, but was to point all men to the Light. No human being can take the position of Christ, but all can give the message, “Behold the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world.” [Verse 29.] This is the work of every minister of the gospel. He is not to attach the sympathies of the people to himself. In all the work that he does in the Master’s service, he is to lift the people’s sympathies above himself to Christ. The crucified One is to be presented before the people in His true office, and they are to be told that from Him alone can they gain the strength that will enable them to overcome evil.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 108, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 108, 1897, par. 14
“There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.” [John 1:6-8.] This is the work that the Lord would have every minister gladly and heartily do. The servant of Christ is not to take Christ’s place or to arrogate Christ’s glory. He is to be simply a witness, pointing the people to the light shining in darkness, and saying, “Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.” [Verse 29.]12LtMs, Ms 108, 1897, par. 20
This evil has been done in united action. Men do not well, to try now, to shield themselves and fasten their guilt upon one or two. Their hearts must change. Those in connection with the work of God must watch for souls as they that must give an account. Those who are looked upon by the people as counsellors are not to fasten the people to themselves. Turn their sympathies to Jesus Christ. Lift them above poor, erring mortals, until their eyes shall rest upon Christ and Him crucified. Those in the ministry are to let the light shine forth to others, not in botch work, not in selfish actions, but in clear, distinct rays of tenderness, lowliness, and meekness. They are to give a representation of the light that shineth in darkness. It is not numbers that gives strength to all lines of the work. It is the ministration of heavenly intelligences. Constantly God’s servants are to say, by precept and example, “Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.” [Verse 29.]12LtMs, Ms 108, 1897, par. 21
“That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.” [Verses 9, 10.] O to what depth of darkness men may sink when they degrade all their powers to the service of Satan! Christ came to His own, and His own received Him not. The very people to whom the Lord had committed the sacred oracles refused to receive the Messiah.12LtMs, Ms 108, 1897, par. 24
I address you, my brethren, who are handling sacred things. For your souls’ sakes turn to the Lord with an undivided heart. By confessing just a little, and then justifying yourself, you show that you have a divided, unsubdued, unrepentant heart. “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believed on his name.” [Verse 12.] Prayerfully confess your own wrongs, remembering that you are not A. R. Henry’s sin-bearer. If you had to bear your own sins, you would surely perish.John 1:8-29
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 33, 1890
6LtMs, Lt 33, 1890, par. 14
No man is to take Christ’s place; no man is to take to himself power or authority. He is not to take the smallest tittle of glory to himself. Christ has said, “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] Then to whom do all your words of praise belong? Not to man. Although he may have talent and ability, it is only lent him of God. He is not to take the place of the great power of God, or to take to himself any praise. All should go back to the Giver. Man at his best is only God’s instrumentality; God does His work through him. John said, “I am not that Light.” [John 1:8.] He came to bear witness of the Light, and he was ever pointing to the Life, the Truth, and the Way. He was a witness to the glory of Christ. His voice proclaimed, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” [Verse 29.] So the office work of the minister sent of God is not to attract people to himself, to have their sympathies and praise directed to finite man.6LtMs, Lt 33, 1890, par. 15
“He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.” [Verse 10.] With many professed Christians this is true. O, to what depths of degradation have souls sunk when they know not God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent. “He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” [Verse 11.] Let the minister of Christ direct every word of praise away from self. Put self out of sight, and never feel that your work is well done till the mind’s eye can see only Jesus, the crucified One. This is not a surface, casual reception. It means to empty the soul of everything that defileth. Make room for Jesus in the soul temple, that He may be all and in all.6LtMs, Lt 33, 1890, par. 16
“As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” [Verse 12.] Here is faith, that genuine faith which works by love and purifies the soul. Let each be a true home missionary, and without delay begin to empty his soul of envy, all bitterness, all evil thinking and evil speaking. If you indulge in these things, you are working to separate your own souls and the souls of your brethren from Christ. We are either gathering into oneness with Christ by making any and every sacrifice <of self> for peace and unity, or we are separating and scattering from Him. Again I say, Just as long as the praise of any man is in your mind and on your lips, you place him where God should be. You are weak in moral power, and every time you utter one word of praise to man, you are an agent of Satan, who is seeking to destroy every man who has ability or talent. Let heaven register the praises of men. It is not safe for you to do it.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 228, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 228, 1902, par. 2
We have a whole far-reaching history. Christ’s prayer is: “Sanctify them through thy truth” [John 17:17]—that is, make the human agent holy through the sanctification of Thy Word. The human agent is not to take Christ’s place, or to receive the glory that was to be His living ministration. He was to behold and bear witness to the Light, pointing out the way, a witness attesting to the glory—a voice in the desert, “Behold the Lamb of God.” [John 1:29.] That you may understand more clearly, John [the Baptist] says he was not that Light, but was appointed for this office, “to bear witness of that Light.” [Verse 8.]17LtMs, Ms 228, 1902, par. 3
Here is to be a lesson for all ministers who wish to fill the place Christ would have them fill. The minister of the gospel is to keep his hearer’s attention to the fact he is a witness crying in the wilderness, “Behold the Lamb of God.” [Verse 29.] He was the True Light.John 1:9
Christ’s Object Lessons
Chapter 27—“Who is My Neighbour?”
COL 385.1
Wherever there is an impulse of love and sympathy, wherever the heart reaches out to bless and uplift others, there is revealed the working of God’s Holy Spirit. In the depths of heathenism, men who have had no knowledge of the written law of God, who have never even heard the name of Christ, have been kind to His servants, protecting them at the risk of their own lives. Their acts show the working of a divine power. The Holy Spirit has implanted the grace of Christ in the heart of the savage, quickening his sympathies contrary to his nature, contrary to his education. The “Light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (John 1:9), is shining in his soul; and this light, if heeded, will guide his feet to the kingdom of God.Our Father Cares
When Truth Controls the Life, September 29
OFC 284.4
Christ has declared our position. “He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12). He is Himself the bright and morning Star. He is the Sun of Righteousness, the brightness of His Father’s glory. He is the “true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (chap. 1:9). A Physician, a Healer, He came to restore the moral image of God that was lost by transgression.Prophets and Kings
Chapter 31—Hope for the Heathen
PK 376.3
At times those who have no knowledge of God aside from that which they have received under the operations of divine grace have been kind to His servants, protecting them at the risk of their own lives. The Holy Spirit is implanting the grace of Christ in the heart of many a noble seeker after truth, quickening his sympathies contrary to his nature, contrary to his former education. The “Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (John 1:9), is shining in his soul; and this Light, if heeded, will guide his feet to the kingdom of God. The prophet Micah said: “When I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me.... He will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold His righteousness.” Micah 7:8, 9.Selected Messages Book 1
Chapter 42—The Revelation of God
1SM 291.2
Nature is filled with spiritual lessons for mankind. The flowers die only to spring forth into new life; and in this we are taught the lesson of the resurrection. All who love God will bloom again in the Eden above. But nature cannot teach the lesson of the great and marvelous love of God. Therefore, after the Fall, nature was not the only teacher of man. In order that the world might not remain in darkness, in eternal spiritual night, the God of nature met us in Jesus Christ. The Son of God came to the world as the revelation of the Father. He was that “true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (John 1:9). We are to behold “the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6).Steps to Christ
Chapter 3—Repentance
SC 24.2
But when the heart yields to the influence of the Spirit of God, the conscience will be quickened, and the sinner will discern something of the depth and sacredness of God’s holy law, the foundation of His government in heaven and on earth. The “Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world,” illumines the secret chambers of the soul, and the hidden things of darkness are made manifest. John 1:9. Conviction takes hold upon the mind and heart. The sinner has a sense of the righteousness of Jehovah and feels the terror of appearing, in his own guilt and uncleanness, before the Searcher of hearts. He sees the love of God, the beauty of holiness, the joy of purity; he longs to be cleansed and to be restored to communion with Heaven.Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8
A Divine Teacher
8T 256.2
We need a divine Teacher. In order that the world might not remain in darkness, in eternal spiritual night, God met us in Jesus Christ. Christ is “the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” John 1:9. “The light of the knowledge of the glory of God” is revealed “in the face of Jesus Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:6. The light of Christ, illuminating our understanding, and shining upon the face of nature, enables us still to read the lesson of God’s love in His created works.That I May Know Him
Christ’s Blessings Universal, April 2
TMK 98.1
That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. John 1:9.The Desire of Ages
Chapter 32—The Centurion
DA 317.3
The Jews had been instructed from childhood concerning the work of the Messiah. The inspired utterances of patriarchs and prophets and the symbolic teaching of the sacrificial service had been theirs. But they had disregarded the light; and now they saw in Jesus nothing to be desired. But the centurion, born in heathenism, educated in the idolatry of imperial Rome, trained as a soldier, seemingly cut off from spiritual life by his education and surroundings, and still further shut out by the bigotry of the Jews, and by the contempt of his own countrymen for the people of Israel,—this man perceived the truth to which the children of Abraham were blinded. He did not wait to see whether the Jews themselves would receive the One who claimed to be their Messiah. As the “light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (John 1:9) had shone upon him, he had, though afar off, discerned the glory of the Son of God.The Great Controversy
Chapter 14—Later English Reformers
GC 261.3
The doctrine of the divine decrees, unalterably fixing the character of men, had led many to a virtual rejection of the law of God. Wesley steadfastly opposed the errors of the antinomian teachers and showed that this doctrine which led to antinomianism was contrary to the Scriptures. “The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.” “This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave Himself a ransom for all.” Titus 2:11; 1 Timothy 2:3-6. The Spirit of God is freely bestowed to enable every man to lay hold upon the means of salvation. Thus Christ, “the true Light,” “lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” John 1:9. Men fail of salvation through their own willful refusal of the gift of life.The Great Controversy
Chapter 32—Snares of Satan
GC 528.2
Satan can present a counterfeit so closely resembling the truth that it deceives those who are willing to be deceived, who desire to shun the self-denial and sacrifice demanded by the truth; but it is impossible for him to hold under his power one soul who honestly desires, at whatever cost, to know the truth. Christ is the truth and the “Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” John 1:9. The Spirit of truth has been sent to guide men into all truth. And upon the authority of the Son of God it is declared: “Seek, and ye shall find.” “If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine.” Matthew 7:7; John 7:17.Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
The Teacher’s Need Of The Holy Spirit’s Aid
CT 360.4
From God, the fountain of wisdom, proceeds all the knowledge that is of value to man, all that the intellect can grasp or retain. The fruit of the tree representing good and evil is not to be eagerly plucked because it is recommended by one who was once a bright angel in glory. He has said that if men eat thereof, they shall know good and evil; but let it alone. The true knowledge comes not from infidels or wicked men. The word of God is light and truth. The true light shines from Jesus Christ, who “lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” John 1:9. From the Holy Spirit proceeds divine knowledge. He knows what humanity needs to promote peace, happiness, and restfulness here in this world, and to secure eternal rest in the kingdom of God.—Special Testimonies On Education, 26-31; written from Cooranbong, N.S.W., Australia, June 12, 1896.The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)
Chapter 14—Later English Reformers
GC88 261.3
The doctrine of the divine decrees, unalterably fixing the character of men, had led many to a virtual rejection of the law of God. Wesley steadfastly opposed the errors of the Antinomian teachers, and showed that this doctrine which led to Antinomianism was contrary to the Scriptures. “The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.” “This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom for all.” [Titus 2:11; 1 Timothy 2:3-6.] The Spirit of God is freely bestowed, to enable every man to lay hold upon the means of salvation. Thus Christ, “the true light,” “lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” [John 1:9.] Men fail of salvation only through their own willful refusal of the gift of life.The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)
Chapter 32—Snares of Satan
GC88 528.2
Satan can present a counterfeit so closely resembling the truth that it deceives those who are willing to be deceived, who desire to shun the self-denial and sacrifice demanded by the truth; but it is impossible for him to hold under his power one soul who honestly desires, at whatever cost, to know the truth. Christ is the truth, and the “light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” [John 1:9.] The Spirit of truth has been sent, to guide men into all truth. And upon the authority of the Son of God it is declared, “Seek, and ye shall find.” “If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine.” [Matthew 7:7; John 7:17.]The Upward Look
Look to Jesus Christ, June 16
UL 181.4
The Word of the living God is to be our guide. Each one is to realize his dependence upon Him, whose he is by creation and by redemption. Read and study the statements made in the sixth chapter of John. Pray for an understanding of these truths. I am alarmed as I see the spiritual weakness of those who have had such great light. Had they walked in this light, they would have been strong in the Lord. But they have not, and those who come into the truth through their efforts look to human beings for wisdom, instead of looking to Jesus Christ, “the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (John 1:9). When those who claim to believe in Christ receive Him by faith, He will be to them their sanctification, their righteousness, and their exceeding great reward....This Day With God
When Truth Controls the Life, December 14
TDG 357.4
Christ has declared our position. “He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12). He is Himself the bright and morning Star. He is the Sun of Righteousness, the brightness of His Father’s glory. He is the “true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (chap. 1:9). A Physician, a Healer, He came to restore the moral image of God that was lost by transgression.The Southern Watchman
April 24, 1902
SW April 24, 1902, par. 5
The possession of the Word is a talent, a treasure house of knowledge; and in all who believe, it creates a responsibility to impart. Receive the seed in good soil, and then let it spring up, first the blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear, then the harvest. You have much work before you, but go no faster than you can move solidly. Teach the word in the very simplest way possible. You will need to illustrate to many of the colored people with cheap pictures. This will be a necessity. If they had been educated to read, then the illustrations would not be necessary. May the Lord help the laborers in the South to walk and work, trusting in Jesus Christ. But the fact must be understood that the Scriptures do not depend upon a process of reasoning in bringing souls from darkness to light, from sin to repentance, but it is faith that accepts the divine, God-given testimony that the Scripture is the great power of God. Many things testify that Jesus “was the true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him [by faith as the Son of God], to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” John 1:9.The Review and Herald
June 24, 1915
RH June 24, 1915, par. 18
At times those who have no knowledge of God aside from that which they have received under the operations of divine grace, have been kind to his servants, protecting them at the risk of their own lives. The Holy Spirit is implanting the grace of Christ in the heart of many a noble seeker after truth, quickening his sympathies contrary to his nature, contrary to his former education. The “Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (John 1:9), is shining in his soul; and this Light, if heeded, will guide his feet to the kingdom of God. The prophet Micah said, “When I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me.” Micah 7:8.From Heaven With Love
Chapter 32—An Army Officer Asks Help for His Servant
HLv 211.1
The Jews saw in Jesus nothing to be desired. But the centurion, educated in the idolatry of Rome, seemingly cut off from spiritual life by education and surroundings, and shut out by the bigotry of the Jews—this man perceived truth to which the children of Abraham were blind. The “Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (John 1:9) had shone upon him, and he had discerned the glory of the Son of God. To Jesus this was an earnest of the gathering of souls from all nations to His kingdom.From Here to Forever
Wesley Escapes Death
HF 163.2
The doctrine of divine decrees, unalterably fixing the character of men, had led many to rejection of the law of God. Wesley steadfastly opposed this doctrine which led to antinomianism. “The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.” “God our Saviour ... will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave himself a ransom for all.” Christ, “the true Light, ... lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” Titus 2:11; 1 Timothy 2:3-6; John 1:9. Men fail of salvation through their own wilful refusal of the gift of life.From Here to Forever
Sufficient Evidence
HF 326.3
Satan can present a counterfeit so closely resembling the truth that it deceives those willing to be deceived, who desire to shun the sacrifice demanded by the truth. But it is impossible for him to hold under his power one soul who honesty desires, at whatever cost, to know the truth. Christ is the truth, the “Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine.” John 1:9; 7:17.From Splendor to Shadow
The Church Takes the “Good News” to the World
SS 198.3
Among all nations the Lord sees men and women praying for light. They grope as blind men. But they are honest in heart. With no knowledge of the written law of God nor of His Son Jesus, they have revealed the working of a divine power on mind and character. At times those who have no knowledge of God aside from that which they have received under the operations of divine grace have protected His servants at the risk of their own lives. The Holy Spirit is implanting the grace of Christ in the heart of many a noble seeker after truth, quickening his sympathies contrary to his former education. The “Light, which lighteth every man” (John 1:9) is shining in his soul, and, if heeded, will guide his feet to the kingdom of God.The Great Hope (Condensed)
Sufficient Evidence
GrH_c 12.5
Satan can present a counterfeit so closely resembling the truth that it deceives those willing to be deceived, who desire to shun the sacrifice demanded by the truth. But it is impossible for him to hold under his power one soul who honesty desires, at whatever cost, to know the truth. Christ is the truth, the “Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine.” John 1:9; 7:17.Homeward Bound
An Example of Repentance, March 21
HB 98.2
When the heart yields to the influence of the Spirit of God, the conscience will be quickened, and sinful human beings will discern something of the depth and sacredness of God’s holy law, the foundation of His government in heaven and on earth. The “Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world,” illumines the secret chambers of the soul, and the hidden things of darkness are made manifest. (John 1:9.) Conviction takes hold upon the mind and heart. Sinners have a sense of the righteousness of Jehovah and feel the terror of appearing, in their own guilt and uncleanness, before the Searcher of hearts. They see the love of God, the beauty of holiness, the joy of purity; they long to be cleansed and to be restored to communion with Heaven.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 120, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 120, 1898, par. 2
We must pray more, and walk more humbly and more by faith. Christ was perfect in His humanity, and the more faith we have in Him as our sufficiency, the more humbly we walk with God, the more entire our consecration, the less intrusion of self will there be between God and man. The grace of Christ must be an abiding presence in the soul day by day. Only thus can we endure the seeing of Him who is invisible. Christ came to our world to manifest God to men, to lead men to God. “I am the light of the world,” He declared. [John 8:12.] What was it that consecrated Him the light of the world? It was this: He came down from heaven. He is the true Teacher sent from God. He was the One chosen to reveal God’s character to the world. He is the Bright and Morning Star. He is the Sun of Righteousness, a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of His people Israel. John declared of Him, “That was the true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” [John 1:9.]Darkness Before Dawn
Hooks on which to Hang Doubts
DD 12.1
Satan can present a counterfeit so closely resembling the truth that it deceives those who are willing to be deceived, who desire to shun the self-denial and sacrifice demanded by the truth; but it is impossible for him to hold under his power one soul who honestly desires, at whatever cost, to know the truth. Christ is the truth and the “Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” John 1:9. The Spirit of truth has been sent to guide men into all truth. And upon the authority of the Son of God it is declared: “Seek, and ye shall find.” “If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine.” Matthew 7:7; John 7:17.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 73, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 73, 1900, par. 8
Christ had compassion upon fallen man. He placed Himself in his stead, to suffer the penalty of transgression. Thus He has made it possible for sinners to return to their allegiance to God, to take their place under the royal standard of the Prince of life. Christ has purchased the whole race, to give them an opportunity to become reconciled to God. He placed truth before men with such clearness and simplicity that all who will may find the path to heaven. He is “the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” [John 1:9.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 78, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 78, 1902, par. 6
It has been most distinctly presented to me that as a people we must walk and work as men and women accountable to God. We must depend upon Him, not on human beings, for if we depend on human beings we shall be brought into bondage. The Word of the Living God is to be our guide. Each one is to realize his dependence upon Him whose he is by creation and by redemption. Read and study the statements made in the sixth chapter of John. Pray for an understanding of these truths. I am alarmed as I see the spiritual weakness of those who have had such great light. Had they walked in this light, they would have been strong in the Lord. But they have not, and those who come into the truth through their efforts look to human beings for wisdom, instead of looking to Jesus Christ, “the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” [John 1:9.] When those who claim to believe in Christ receive Him by faith, He will be to them their sanctification, their righteousness, and their exceeding great reward.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 1, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 1, 1902, par. 14
Christ is the Light of the world. Pure, clear, and undimmed, this light shines out in sharp <clear rays to cut away> Satan’s darkness. Into the gloom of error and deception it casts a light that is a perpetual reproach to the sensuality and sin of the world. Our Redeemer did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth. He is “the true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” [John 1:9.] He offers to cover our unworthiness with the spotless robe of His righteousness.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 55, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 55, 1902, par. 8
The mother must realize that God is her helper; that love is her success, her power. If she is a wise Christian, she will not attempt to force the child into submission. She will pray; and as she prays, she will be conscious of a renewal of spiritual life within herself. And she will see that at the same time the power that is working in her is working also in the child. And the child, in the place of being compelled, is led, and grows gentler; and the battle is gained. Each kindly thought, each patient action, each word of wise restraint, is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. The mother has gained a victory more precious than language can express. She has renewed light and increased experience. The “true Light, which lighteneth every man that cometh into the world,” has subdued her will. [John 1:9.] There is peace after the storm, like the shining of the sun after rain.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 56, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 56, 1903, par. 6
But the fact must be understood that the Scriptures do not depend upon a process of reasoning in bringing souls from darkness to light, from sin to repentance, but it is faith that accepts the divine, God-given testimony that the Scripture is the great power of God expressed. Many things are affirmed. (John 1:9[-12]): “That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him (by faith as the Son of God), to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.”Jesus, Name Above All Names
Sun of Righteousness, November 13
JNN 334.3
Christ came to our world to manifest God to men and women, to lead them to God. “I am the light of the world,” He declared (John 8:12). What was it that consecrated Him the Light of the world? It was this. He came down from heaven. He is the true Teacher sent from God. He was the One chosen to reveal God’s character to the world. He is the bright and morning Star. He is the Sun of Righteousness, a Light to Lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of His people Israel. John declared of Him, “That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (John 1:9).God’s Amazing Grace
Illuminates the Scriptures, July 9
AG 198.5
The Holy Spirit is implanting the grace of Christ in the heart of many a noble seeker after truth, quickening his sympathies contrary to his nature, contrary to his former education. “The light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (John 1:9), is shining in his soul; and this Light, if heeded, will guide his feet to the kingdom of God.23Prophets and Kings, 376, 377.God’s Amazing Grace
Teacher of Truth, July 10
AG 199.4
From God, the fountain of wisdom, proceeds all the knowledge that is of value to man, all that the intellect can grasp or retain. The fruit of the tree representing good and evil is not to be eagerly plucked because it is recommended by one who was once a bright angel in glory. He has said that if men eat thereof, they shall know good and evil; but let it alone. The true knowledge comes not from infidels or wicked men. The word of God is light and truth. The true light shines from Jesus Christ, who “lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (John 1:9). From the Holy Spirit proceeds divine knowledge. He knows what humanity needs to promote peace, happiness, and restfulness here in this world, and to secure eternal rest in the kingdom of God.26Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 360, 361.John 1:9-12
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 89, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 89, 1903, par. 16
Those who strive for the Spirit of God will be rewarded in accordance with the promise, “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the Sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” [John 1:12.] My brethren and sisters, will you not awake out of sleep? Will you not pray and watch unto prayer? Through the power that Jesus gives, we can be more than conquerors. But we cannot manufacture this power. Only through the Spirit of God can we receive it. We need a deep insight into the nature of Christ and into the mystery of His love “that passeth knowledge.” [Ephesians 3:19.] We are to live in the warm, genial rays of the Sun of righteousness. Nothing but His loving compassion, His divine grace, His almighty power can enable us to baffle the relentless foe and subdue the opposition of the human heart. What is our strength?—The joy of the Lord. Let the melting love of Christ fill the heart, and we are softened and subdued, prepared to receive the power that He has for us.18LtMs, Ms 89, 1903, par. 31
“That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. ... But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” [John 1:9, 10, 12.]John 1:9-14
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 59, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 59, 1902, par. 5
“The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.” [John 1:14.] This Word was “the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” [Verse 9.] O that all would see the importance of understanding the Word of Life! “He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not.” [Verse 10.] What a representation! The Majesty of heaven, sent to our world in the guise of humanity, was unrecognized, unacknowledged. Shall God’s people be as ignorant now of His working as were the people mentioned in this Scripture? Servants of the Most High are again preparing a people to know and understand Christ, uplifting Him before the people as the Lamb of God, who alone can take away the sin of the world. Shall we, by neglecting to obey the Word, allow our spiritual eyesight to become so blinded that we cannot discern the working of Jesus Christ by His Holy Spirit through His servants?17LtMs, Ms 59, 1902, par. 6
“He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.” [Verse 11.] What a statement is this! History is being repeated in our time. “But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” [Verses 12, 13.] The will of the human mind has but little influence. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” [Verse 14.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 21, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 21, 1899, par. 9
If you receive the Lord Jesus Christ, taking His yoke upon you, you are yoked up with Christ, and every step you advance, you understand Him better. “That was the true Light, which lighteth every man which cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world ... received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. ... And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” [John 1:9-12, 14.] The power to become the sons of God is not in any human agent, but comes from Him who gave His life to save man from the yoke of Satan.Sermons and Talks, vol. 2
Manuscript 11, 1906
2SAT 274.2
It is our privilege to gather strength from the Lord, and to be fitting up characters for translation to heaven and to the mansions that He is preparing for us. We should be continually grateful for the power from above that has been promised us. Christ was that “true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” [John 1:9-14].Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 11, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 11, 1906, par. 2
It is our privilege to gather strength from the Lord and to be fitting up characters for translation to heaven and to the mansions that He is preparing for us. We should be continually grateful for the power from above that has been promised us. Christ was that “true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the Only Begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” [John 1:9-14.]21LtMs, Ms 11, 1906, par. 5
A follower of Jesus refrains from gathering up burdens and responsibilities that he is unable to bear—burdens that crush the life forces and that give no relief. Christ has not given us any such work to do. We must receive Him, believe in Him, and reveal His character, showing by our religious experience that we have been born of God. Then we shall have healthful heartbeats. “Born again, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” [John 1:13.] The power comes to us through receiving Jesus Christ. “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the Only Begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” [Verse 14.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 86, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 86, 1898, par. 8
Therefore, after the fall, nature was not the only teacher of man. In order that the world might not remain in darkness, in eternal, spiritual night, the God of nature must meet [man] in Jesus Christ. The Son of God came to the world as a revelation of the Father. He was “that true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” [John 1:9.]13LtMs, Ms 86, 1898, par. 11
Nature is not God nor ever was God. God is in nature; the voice of nature testifies of God; but nature is not God. It but bears a testimony of God’s power, as His created works. There is a personal God, the Father; there is a personal Christ, the Son. “God, who at sundry times and in diverse manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.” [Hebrews 1:1-3.] Here the Son of God is referred to, “who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power.” John declares, “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory (glory as of the only begotten of the Father) full or grace and truth.” [John 1:14.]John 1:9-16
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 68, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 68, 1898, par. 8
Christ came to this world to declare the truth, that we might be sanctified by it. Speaking of Him John says, “That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him” (as their personal Saviour), “to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. ... And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.” [John 1:9-14, 16.] Thus has the Father declared the Son. “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Then shall we not awaken to our holy responsibilities, and strive to meet God’s standard of character? If we are one with Christ by faith, we are sons and daughters of God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 157, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 157, 1898, par. 6
Speaking of Christ, John says, “That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name; which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. ... And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.” [John 1:9-14, 16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 329a, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 329a, 1905, par. 7
This work of overcoming is to be understood and worked out through receiving Christ. “That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name; which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth, ... and of His fulness have we all received, and grace for grace.” [John 1:9-14, 16.]20LtMs, Lt 329a, 1905, par. 8
We have every encouragement, that if we daily surrender our wills to God, the promise will be fulfilled: “And of His fulness have we all received, and grace for grace.” [Verse 16.] Every revealing of the grace of Christ in our behalf is for us. We are to reveal His grace in our lives, in thought, word, and deed. Let us not lose our opportunity to speak and act Christ Jesus. We are to represent the mercy, the love, and the power of Christ—the power that He has given us. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.” [Psalm 46:1, 2.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 110, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 110, 1893, par. 9
We believe in Jesus Christ. We unite our souls to Christ. He says, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he may give it you. These things I command you, that ye love one another.” John 15:16, 17. “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” John 1:12.8LtMs, Lt 110, 1893, par. 19
How long shall this be? Is it not full time that we receive in the school of Christ an altogether different education? If the image of Christ is seen by spiritually anointed eyes you will say, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” “And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace.” John 1:14, 16.8LtMs, Lt 110, 1893, par. 24
“Ye are my witnesses” (Isaiah 43:10), saith Jesus. “That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” John 1:9. Oh, arise and shine, all who believe the truth, for “the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” Isaiah 60:1. Let every soul humble himself before God, seeking Him in all meekness and lowliness of mind. Then the Lord will exalt you by giving you richly of His Holy Spirit. Mercy and the love of God will appear gloriously triumphant.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 164, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 164, 1898, par. 3
Christ has declared our position. “He that abideth in me,” He says, “shall not walk in darkness; but shall have the light of life.” [John 15:5; 8:12.] He is Himself the Bright and morning star. He is the Sun of Righteousness, the brightness of His Father’s glory. He is the “true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” [John 1:9.] A Physician, a Healer, He came to restore the moral image of God that was lost by transgression.13LtMs, Ms 164, 1898, par. 13
God says, “Let there be light,” and there is light. [Genesis 1:3.] The soul possesses an abiding Christ, who is the light of life. Christ humbles the proud heart by giving it a view of Himself, His generosity, His great love. He would save us, soul, body, and spirit, by uniting us to Himself. He would have us behold His glory as the glory of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. Then we can say, “And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.” [John 1:16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 73, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 73, 1899, par. 4
Christ declares Himself “The Way, the Truth, and the Life.” [John 14:6.] The way to heaven is represented as a narrow path, cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in. But truth illuminates this path at every step. Christ is “the true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth.” “And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.” [John 1:9, 14, 16.] Every grace we receive is given us to impart, and when we make others the recipients of the grace we have, our souls are prepared to receive new grace.14LtMs, Ms 73, 1899, par. 19
In this union Christ identifies Himself with man before God and the heavenly universe. “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” [John 1:12.] Our sins are reckoned to Jesus Christ. His righteousness is imputed to us. “He was made sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” [2 Corinthians 5:21.] Because of His atoning sacrifice our prayers go up to the Father laden with the fragrance of Christ’s character, and, one with Christ, we are accepted in the Beloved.Manuscript Releases, vol. 2 [Nos. 97-161]
MR No. 122—Christ To Be Supreme; Counsel on Camp Meetings
2MR 163.1
How long shall this be? Is it not full time that we receive in the school of Christ an altogether different education? If the image of Christ is seen by spiritually anointed eyes you will say, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” “And of His fulness have all we received, and grace for grace” [John 1:14, 16].2MR 164.3
“Ye are My witnesses” (Isaiah 43:10), saith Jesus. “That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world” [John 1:9]. Oh, arise and shine, all who believe the truth, for “the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” Let every soul humble himself before God, seeking Him in all meekness and lowliness of mind. Then the Lord will exalt you by giving you richly of His Holy Spirit. Mercy and the love of God will appear gloriously triumphant.—Letter 110, 1893, pp. 1, 2, 6-8. (To A. T. Robinson, April 24, 1893.)John 1:9-18
Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)
Christ as a Teacher
GW 50.1
“That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” [John 1:9.] The world has had its great teachers, men of giant intellect and wonderful research, men whose utterances have stimulated thought and opened to view vast fields of knowledge; and these men have been honored as guides and benefactors of their race. But there is One who stands higher than they. “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God.” “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him.” [John 1:12, 18.]John 1:9-29
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 77, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 77, 1899, par. 22
The world saw God imaged in the purity and benevolence of Christ, but because of their depravity and darkness men did not recognize Him as the Son of God. “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory, (the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” [John 1:14.] He was “that true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” [Verses 9-11.] In spite of overwhelming evidence, men manifested an unbelief which only Satan could inspire.14LtMs, Ms 77, 1899, par. 23
It was not alone by dying on the cross that Christ accomplished His work of saving men. The ignominy and suffering and humiliation was a part of His mission. “He was wounded for our transgressions, and bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed.” [Isaiah 53:5.] This penalty Christ bore for the sins of the transgressor; He has borne the punishment for every man and for this reason He can ransom every soul, however fallen his condition, if he will accept the law of God as his standard of righteousness. He who sees the guilt of his transgression, and sees the infinite sacrifice made in his behalf will not continue in sin. He asks, “What must I do to be saved?” and is pointed to the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. [Acts 16:30; John 1:29.] He accepts the truth as it is in Jesus and commences his life of loyalty to God.Manuscript Releases, vol. 12 [Nos. 921-999]
MR No. 984—The Matchless Christ Offers His Spirit to the Humble and Contrite
12MR 296.2
Again we ask John, What of Christ? [John 1:9-14, 29, quoted]. We hear the testimony of Isaiah: [Isaiah 62:1-3; 63:1-4, quoted]. We ask John what he saw and heard in the vision at Patmos, and he answers: [Revelation 5:1-3, quoted].Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 45, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 45, 1902, par. 10
The sin-pardoning Saviour wills man’s salvation. Men will be saved if they will to put their will on the side of Christ’s will. Christ wills to make men steadfast and obedient, and to keep them so. John declares, “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” [John 1:12.]17LtMs, Ms 45, 1902, par. 11
“The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. ... That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” [Verses 14, 9.] “He that hath received His testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. He whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God; for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto Him.” [John 3:33, 34.] “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” [John 1:29.]John 1:10
Christ Triumphant
Are We Prepared for Christ’s Return, July 28
CTr 216.1
He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. John 1:10.Jesus, Name Above All Names
Heavenly Visitant, December 3
JNN 355.1
He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.—John 1:10Testimony Treasures, vol. 2
The Character of God Revealed in Christ
2TT 334.2
No man, without divine aid, can attain to this knowledge of God. The apostle says that “the world by wisdom knew not God.” 1 Corinthians 1:21. Christ “was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not.” John 1:10. Jesus declared to His disciples: “No man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him.” Matthew 11:27. In that last prayer for His followers, before entering the shadows of Gethsemane, the Saviour lifted His eyes to heaven, and in pity for the ignorance of fallen men He said: “O righteous Father, the world hath not known Thee: but I have known Thee.” “I have manifested Thy name unto the men which Thou gavest Me out of the world.” John 17:25, 6.From the Heart
Christ as a Child, August 6
FH 230.1
He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. John 1:10.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 97, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 97, 1893, par. 2
To worship God on a common working day upon which He has placed no sanctity, in our ignorance is not sin, but when light comes to us showing us what is truth, we are to give up error and accept the truth. If God plainly states that He requires one thing, and we present to Him another, claiming for ourselves that it makes no difference, we deceive our own souls to our own ruin, for God will not be trifled with. We see that it is essential that we should every one show our colors and stand fully and entirely under our own standard, which is the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. We are not to do just as the world does and think that this is all that is required. We are to adhere strictly to the Scriptures and are under obligation to God and man to present the subject to others just as God has specified. Not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. We do not wish to hide our faith or drop our standard because the world will look upon us with disfavor. The favor of God we should prize highly above gold, yes, above fine gold. We are not to meet the world’s standard, for Christ declares the world knew Him not, and because they knew Him not, they will not know His followers. [John 1:10.] We are Adventists. We believe our Lord is soon coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. Said Christ, just before His crucifixion, “Let not your hearts be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:1-3.John 1:10-11
Christ Triumphant
Pure, Unselfish Faith Honored by Heaven, August 22
CTr 241.4
Who were Israelites indeed—Jew or Gentile, barbarian, Scythian, bond or free? Jesus “was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” John 1:10, 11. But this Roman, a commander in authority, came to Jesus with a most earnest entreaty for one of his servants, sick of palsy, grievously tormented with pain. His faith in its simplicity was a pure, unselfish faith. He asks not of Jesus, “Show me a sign from heaven,” but solicits Him to work a cure for his suffering servant. He tells Him he feels unworthy to have Him come under his roof. He who dwells in the high and lofty place, yet will He come and make His abode with the humble and contrite in heart....Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 85, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 85, 1906, par. 7
When Jesus came into our world, the Jewish nation were not ready to receive Him. “The world knew Him not.” “He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.” [John 1:10, 11.] They had lost sight of the character that He would reveal, and the manner of His coming, although these were plainly delineated in the Word. As a nation, they had become estranged from the pure spirituality attained through obedience to God’s law. And so when the Lord Jesus came to the world, His chosen people did not recognize their Deliverer; and they continued to teach for doctrines the commandments of men.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 11, 1886
4LtMs, Ms 11, 1886, par. 2
Now why should we not believe that the very same Jesus would so come in like manner as He went into heaven? Our Redeemer came into this world at His first advent, and He was not accepted by the children of men. And all <that> the world could endure of their Redeemer was the few years He was with them upon the earth, and they wanted to get rid of Him <almost as soon as His mission commenced.> John says, “The world knew Him not,” and they would not accept Him because they knew Him not. [John 1:10, 11.] The question that every one of us has to settle is: Am I prepared for the coming of the Son of man? If you have accepted your Saviour by living faith, if you have repented of your sins, then you are in that position of acceptance with God that if Christ should come, you would meet Him in peace.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 114, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 114, 1895, par. 14
Who were Israelites indeed—Jew or Gentile, barbarian, Scythian, bond or free? Jesus “was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” John 1:10, 11. But this Roman, a commander in authority, came to Jesus with most earnest entreaty for one of his servants, sick of palsy, grievously tormented with pain. His faith in its simplicity was a pure, unselfish faith. He asks not of Jesus, “Show me a sign from heaven,” but solicits Him to work a cure for his suffering servant. He tells Him he feels unworthy to have Him come under his roof. He who dwells in the high and lofty place, yet will He come and make His abode with the humble and contrite in heart.John 1:10-12
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 6, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 6, 1893, par. 1
I think of you all without an exception. I rejoice in Christ that there is salvation through the merits of Christ and the grace of the Holy Spirit for you. We are washed and justified and sanctified in the name of our Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. “He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.” What a sad record! “He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” [John 1:10, 11.]8LtMs, Lt 6, 1893, par. 2
How long God, the heavenly Father, bears with the perversity of men who refuse to accept the gift of God to our world of His only begotten Son. How must the unfallen worlds be astonished at the exhibition of such marvelous love of Jehovah in giving to our world all heaven in one gift, for with Christ He gave all the treasure of heaven. Thank God some did receive Jesus. “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to those that believe on his name.” [Verse 12.]Manuscript Releases, vol. 16 [Nos. 1186-1235]
MR No. 1234—An Appeal to Evangelize the Iowa Conference
16MR 345.2
The world does not acknowledge that, at an infinite cost, Christ has purchased the human race. They do not acknowledge that by creation and by redemption He holds a just claim to every human being. But as the Redeemer of the fallen race, He has been given the deed of possession, which entitles Him to claim them as His property. “He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name” [John 1:10-12].Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 136, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 136, 1902, par. 22
The world does not acknowledge that, at an infinite cost, Christ has purchased the human race. They do not acknowledge that by creation and by redemption He holds a just claim to every human being. But as the Redeemer of the fallen race, He has been given the deed of possession, which entitles Him to claim them as His property. “He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” [John 1:10-12.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 137, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 137, 1904, par. 2
In my dreams last night I was speaking to a company of young men. I asked them to sing, “Almost Persuaded.” Some present were deeply moved. I knew that they were almost persuaded, but that if they did not make decided efforts to return to Christ, the conviction of their sinfulness would leave them. You made some confessions, and I asked you, “Will you not from this time stand on the Lord’s side?” If you will receive Jesus, He will receive you. “He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God.” [John 1:10-12.] You need not be discouraged. Come to the Saviour, saying,Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Ms 8, 1904
19LtMs, Ms 8, 1904, par. 19
John, the beloved disciple, declares concerning his Lord: “He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” [John 1:10-12.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 324, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 324, 1907, par. 3
For a long time I have seen the danger that was coming into our ranks in the tendency to look to human wisdom and to depend on human guidance. This will always prove a snare to souls, and I am bidden to lift the danger signal, warning my fellow-workers against it, and pointing them to the Lord Jesus. The man or woman who leans upon the wisdom of the human mind, leans on a broken reed. I am instructed to point those who are in need of wisdom to the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world. “He was in the world, and the world was made by Him; and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” [John 1:10-12.] “If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering; for he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea, driven with the wind and tossed; for let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. ... Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him.” [James 1:5-8, 12.]The Upward Look
Promise to the Overcomer, November 7
UL 325.2
We must not think that by walking in the path of obedience, we shall escape trials, for the enemy will do all in his power to hinder us from gaining heaven. But the Saviour has promised to help us. Have you trials? So had Jesus. Are you tempted? So was He—in all points like as we are. “He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God” (John 1:10-12)....Sermons and Talks, vol. 2
Manuscript 8, 1904
2SAT 251.3
John, the beloved disciple, declares concerning his Lord: “He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came into His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name” [John 1:10-12].Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 7, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 7, 1900, par. 31
“The more faith we have in Christ, the more sincere, sanctified love we shall have for the saints. They are the purchase of His blood, the objects of His tenderest care and affection, and we are to be united in Christian fellowship. Every fresh manifestation of His rich grace will melt and subdue our hearts, and we will study the words of Inspiration, ‘He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.’ [John 1:10-12.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Lt 177, 1901
16LtMs, Lt 177, 1901, par. 7
The world knows not that Jesus Christ has purchased all of its possessions. He has a just claim to every human being. By creation and by redemption they are His. The deed of possession has been given to the Redeemer of the fallen race. “He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” [John 1:10-12.]John 1:10-14
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 317a, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 317a, 1904, par. 20
“He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” [John 1:10-12.]19LtMs, Lt 317a, 1904, par. 21
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” [Verse 14.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 198, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 198, 1899, par. 27
“He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” John 1:10-12. [Read also] verse 14. This grace and this truth it is our duty to make known to the world, because we have a living experience. We are living epistles in the latter days, the very time when Christ predicted the inhabitants would be as were the inhabitants in the days of Noah. The message God had given Noah in warnings, he gave to the world before the flood, but they would not believe. They were eating and drinking and planting and building, and marrying and giving in marriage, until the flood came upon the unrepenting inhabitants and took them all away. Hear the words of Christ: “So shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.” [Luke 17:30.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)
Ms 9, 1868
1LtMs, Ms 9, 1868, par. 4
Jesus “came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:10-14.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 64, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 64, 1893, par. 8
We must awaken to earnest activity. We have the testimony in John, “He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” [John 1:10-14.] We must work by faith. We will have no stronger reason for discouragement than had the world’s Redeemer. But of Him we read, “He will not fail, nor be discouraged.” [Isaiah 42:4.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 124, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 124, 1905, par. 13
John says in his gospel: “He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name; which were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” [John 1:10-14.]John 1:10-16
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 78, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 78, 1900, par. 6
Christ gave Himself to ransom man from the power of the destroyer. By becoming the Sin-bearer He broke the power of Satan. He says, I will become the center of the redeemed world. “He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. (Because the world had chosen Satan’s side of the question.) He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name; ... and the word was made flesh and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth. ... And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.” [John 1:10-12, 14, 16.]John 1:10-18
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 133, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 133, 1906, par. 8
The truth of heavenly origin was brought to our world by Christ in person. If great display were necessary to make an impression on the minds of human beings, to call them to repentance, Christ would have adopted that plan. All the expense could have been met by Him who said, “The gold and the silver are Mine.” [Haggai 2:8.] But Christ made no display. He might have come to the world accompanied by a retinue of angelic beings; but He did not. He was commanded in the heavenly courts, but He laid aside His kingly crown and His royal robes and clothed His divinity with humanity, coming to this world as a helpless babe. He came to meet all the temptations wherewith human beings are beset. For our sake, He stood at the head of the fallen race, to give men and women an opportunity to see that “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] “He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name; which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John bare witness of Him, and cried, saying, This was He of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me; for He was before me. And of His fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him.” [John 1:10-18.]John 1:10-29
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 111, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 111, 1897, par. 14
From the desert, where single-handed Christ wrestled with the temptation of the enemy, to the cross, Satan was on the Saviour’s track. All hell was leagued against Christ. And the people that God had honored by making them the repositories of sacred truth, that they might be lights in the darkness of the world, joined the ranks of the great rebel, and sought to extinguish the light that was to lighten every man that cometh into the world. “He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.” [John 1:10.] Satan had thrown his hellish shadow across their pathway, to intercept the rainbow of promise. Priests and rulers confederated with him to catch Christ in His words, but they failed. At times the temptations were most painful, but step by step Christ advanced in the path of humiliation and self-sacrifice. All Satan’s attempts to inspire Him with his own attributes were unsuccessful.12LtMs, Ms 111, 1897, par. 52
Type had met antitype in the death of God’s Son. The Lamb of God, slain from the foundation of the world, is dead. The way into the Holiest of all is laid opened. A new and living way, which has no veil between, is offered to all. From henceforth all may walk in this way. No longer need sinful, sorrowing humanity await the coming of the high priest. It was as if a living voice had spoken to the worshipers: “There is now an end to all sacrifices and offerings. The Son of God has come according to His Word, Lo I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me) to do thy will O God.” “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” [John 1:29.]John 1:11
Christ Triumphant
The Saviour Has Intense Sorrow When We Reject His Love, September 4
CTr 254.1
He came unto his own, and his own received him not. John 1:11.From Heaven With Love
Chapter 2—The People Who Should Have Welcomed Him
HLv 17.1
For more than a thousand years the Jewish people had awaited the Saviour’s coming. And yet at His coming they knew Him not. They saw in Him no beauty that they should desire Him. See Isaiah 53:2. “He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.” John 1:11.From Splendor to Shadow
Israel Rejects Her Messiah
SS 366.3
For more than a thousand years the Jewish people had awaited the coming of the promised Saviour. In song and prophecy, in temple rite and household prayer, His name had been enshrined. Yet when He came they did not recognize Him. “He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.” John 1:11. They discerned in Him no beauty that they should desire Him. See Isaiah 53:2.From the Heart
Rejected, August 17
FH 241.1
He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. John 1:11.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)
Ms 8, 1874
2LtMs, Ms 8, 1874, par. 2
The portion of Scripture presented before us, which I have referred to and have presented before your minds, is of intense meaning—much more than I am able to explain. It is of great interest to us, and we should consider it and let it have due weight upon our minds. We find by perusing God’s sacred Word of inspiration that when the promised Messiah, the Son of God, came into the world, His own people, even His own nation, the Jews, would not and did not receive Him. As we are told in the first chapter of St. John, “He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.” John 1:11.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 111, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 111, 1894, par. 10
The morals and success of the school will be determined in a large measure by its location. If this matter is settled according to mere human judgment there will be constant uphill work and much disappointment. All our cities are hotbeds of iniquity. Satan is working with intense activity to perfect in evil the minds of human agents that are given to his control. Evil angels conspire with evil men and the whole energy of apostasy is concentrated to counterwork every effort that shall be made by the missionaries, by the champions of truth, and to destroy their influence. For a time success will appear to be with the majority. The heel of the seed of the woman is bruised. “He came unto his own and his own received him not.” [John 1:11.] The churches and the world walk together in spirit, following their leader. The law of God is made void and truth is rejected for error.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 50, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 50, 1897, par. 7
Christ was surrounded by religious enemies. “He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” [John 1:11.] But although He was rejected by His own nation, He did not fail, nor become discouraged. Why did not the Jewish people receive their Lord? Because truth did not languish on His tongue. They were displeased with Him, because He did not receive His knowledge from the religious teachers of the nation. Yet He gave evidence that He had a perfect knowledge of the Jewish system of economy, as represented in the Scriptures. He gave the true interpretation of the law and the prophets, and the true signification of every type and symbol. The scribes and Pharisees taught the law, but they taught also the commandments of men, mingling human tradition with the divine precepts, covering the genuine requirements of God with man-made forms and ceremonies. Thus their true religious service was corrupted.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 65b, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 65b, 1898, par. 9
Those who take hold of the work for the love of Christ and the love of souls will work in Christ lines. This world is a lazar house of disease, but Christ came to heal the sick, to comfort the broken-hearted, to proclaim deliverance to the captives, to give sight to the blind. The gospel is the very essence of restoration, and Christ would have us bid the broken-hearted, the hopeless, and the afflicted, take hold of His strength, for the acceptable year of the Lord has come. “His own received Him not.” [John 1:11.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 134, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 134, 1902, par. 1
“His own received Him not.” [John 1:11.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 86, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 86, 1907, par. 5
Christ had been the leader of ancient Israel, guiding them by a cloud in the day, that light and heat should not oppress them, and at night by a cloud lighted by the brightness of His presence. But when “He came unto His own, His own received Him not.” [John 1:11.] They were absorbed in their study of forms and symbols and were walking in the ways of their own choosing. They would not be reformed by the messages from heaven, nor heed the counsel and admonitions of God. They crucified the Lord of glory, taunting Him as He hung dying upon the cross, “Let Him come down from the cross, and we will believe Him.” “He saved others; Himself He cannot save.” [Matthew 27:42.]Jesus, Name Above All Names
Divine Voice, January 20
JNN 27.1
He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.—John 1:11Jesus, Name Above All Names
Beloved of Heaven, July 17
JNN 211.2
For more than a thousand years the Jewish people had awaited the Saviour’s coming. Upon this event they had rested their brightest hopes. In song and prophecy, in temple rite and household prayer, they had enshrined His name. And yet at His coming they knew Him not. The Beloved of heaven was to them “as a root out of a dry ground;” He had “no form nor comeliness;” and they saw in Him no beauty that they should desire Him. “He came unto His own, and His own received Him not” (Isaiah 53:2; John 1:11).Prophets and Kings
Chapter 59—“The House of Israel”
PK 710.1
For more than a thousand years the Jewish people had waited the coming of the promised Saviour. Their brightest hopes had rested upon this event. For a thousand years, in song and prophecy, in temple rite and household prayer, His name had been enshrined; and yet when He came, they did not recognize Him as the Messiah for whom they had so long waited. “He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.” John 1:11. To their world-loving hearts the Beloved of heaven was “as a root out of a dry ground.” In their eyes He had “no form nor comeliness;” they discerned in Him no beauty that they should desire Him. Isaiah 53:2.The Desire of Ages
Chapter 2—The Chosen People
DA 27.1
For more than a thousand years the Jewish people had awaited the Saviour’s coming. Upon this event they had rested their brightest hopes. In song and prophecy, in temple rite and household prayer, they had enshrined His name. And yet at His coming they knew Him not. The Beloved of heaven was to them “as a root out of a dry ground;” He had “no form nor comeliness;” and they saw in Him no beauty that they should desire Him. “He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.” Isaiah 53:2; John 1:11.This Day With God
Shield of Protection, April 10
TDG 109.1
He came unto his own, and his own received him not. John 1:11.Sermons and Talks, vol. 1
Called to the Wedding Feast (Sermon by Ellen G. White In Washington, Township, Iowa, Cir. 1874.)
1SAT 4.2
The portion of Scripture presented before us, which I have referred to and have presented before your minds, is of intense meaning—much more than I am able to explain. It is of great interest to us, and we should consider it, and let it have due weight upon our minds. We find by perusing God’s sacred Word of inspiration that when the promised Messiah, the Son of God, came into the world His own people, even His own nation—the Jews—would not and did not receive Him. As we are told in the first chapter of St. John, “He came unto His own, and His own received Him not” (John 1:11).John 1:11-12
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 20, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 20, 1897, par. 9
The man who is niggardly, who possesses a narrow, self-serving mind, is himself responsible for these objectionable traits of character, for Christ has made it possible for him to be freed from these defects. He has placed within the reach of man the possibility of receiving Him. And He bears testimony, “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” [John 1:12.]12LtMs, Ms 20, 1897, par. 13
“He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” [John 1:11.] “He was a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. ... 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. ... He was oppressed and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; he was brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth.” [Isaiah 53:3, 5, 7.]Manuscript Releases, vol. 12 [Nos. 921-999]
MR No. 970—Jesus—Our Righteousness, Example, and Partner
12MR 234.1
The man who is niggardly, who possesses a narrow, self-serving mind, is himself responsible for those objectionable traits of character; for Christ has made it possible for him to be freed from these defects. He has placed within the reach of man the possibility of receiving Him. And He bears testimony, “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name” [John 1:12].12MR 234.4
In His Son God has placed before the human agent the life he is to live. It is not for him to be constantly branching out in lines of his own choosing, and placing his will against the power of the will of God. Yet many are expending their God-given powers in hopeless pursuit of things they can never attain. How different are the lives of such when compared with that of their Example, who for their sakes pledged Himself to a life of self-denial, of poverty, and of suffering, unappreciated, unacknowledged, despised, and rejected. Christ was often weary and hungry, and filled with sorrow in the consciousness of unrequited love. The nation whom He came to save and bless did not realize His mission. They had departed from God, and were constantly misunderstanding and misinterpreting Him. [John 1:11; Isaiah 53:3, 5, 7, quoted.]That I May Know Him
The Sons of God, February 17
TMK 54.1
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. John 1:12.TMK 54.2
How did men treat Christ when He came? ... “He came unto his own, and his own received him not” (John 1:11). Thus it is today. This history is being repeated, and will be repeated again and again before the Lord shall come in the clouds of heaven. The deceptions of Satan will be upon those who dwell on the earth....Manuscript Releases, vol. 1 [Nos. 19-96]
Abrahamic—The Covenant of Grace
1MR 110.1
Now my sister, if it were not possible for human beings under the Abrahamic covenant to keep the commandments of God, every soul of us is lost. The Abrahamic covenant is the covenant of grace. “By grace ye are saved” (Ephesians 2:5). “He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name” (John 1:11, 12). Disobedient children? No, obedient to all His commandments. If it were not possible for us to be commandment keepers, then why does He make the obedience to His commandments the proof that we love Him? Letter 16, 1892, pp. 2, 3. (To Brother and Sister Holland, November 10, 1892).The Upward Look
Accept the Saviour’s Plan, November 1
UL 319.5
Our work is to be carefully studied, and is to be in accordance with our Saviour’s plan. He might have had armies of angels to display His true, princely character, but He laid all that aside, and came to our world in the garb of humanity, to suffer with humanity all the temptations wherewith man is tempted. He was tempted in all points as human beings are tempted, that He might reveal that it is possible for us to be victorious overcomers—one with Christ as Christ is one with the Father. “He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (John 1:11, 12).Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 43, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 43, 1895, par. 57
Failing to lead Christ into sin, the prince of darkness gathered together his human agencies in the religious world, and instilled into men the enmity which he felt against the Champion of truth. He led them to reject Christ, to expel the Prince of truth from his territory. For a time success seemed to attend his efforts. “Christ came unto his own, and his own received him not.” “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” [John 1:11, 12.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Ms 21a, 1895
10LtMs, Ms 21a, 1895, par. 3
The Southern field is beset with difficulties, and should I present the field to you as it has been presented to me, many of you would draw back and say, “No, I cannot enter such a field.” But the condition of the colored race is no more disheartening than was the condition of the world when Christ left heaven to work for fallen man. He clothed His divinity with humanity, and came into the world, in order that His humanity might touch humanity and His divinity lay hold upon the throne of God in man’s behalf. He came to seek the one lost sheep, to bring back the wandering one from the wilderness of sin to the heavenly fold. He was treated with every indignity by those whom He came to save from eternal ruin, and the missionary to the Southern field will need to arm himself with the mind that was in Christ Jesus. The record says, “He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” [John 1:11, 12.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 9, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 9, 1900, par. 9
Amid the abounding of Israel’s sin, Christ recognized the grace of God. “He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” [John 1:11, 12.] He declared, “My meat is to do the will of my Father, and to finish his work.” [John 4:34.] At the time of His rejection, He said, “I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight. All things are delivered unto me of my Father; and no man knoweth the Son but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father save the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him.” [Matthew 11:25-27.] Man’s rejection of God did not impair Christ’s confidence in His Father.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 25, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 25, 1903, par. 9
Christ, standing at the head of the human family, His divinity clothed with humanity, bids us, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” [Matthew 5:48.] How can we attain to such a high elevation? Our Saviour does not ask us to do impossibilities. He never gives a command without furnishing the power to obey. “He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even as many as believe on His name.” [John 1:11, 12.]John 1:11-13
Manuscript Releases, vol. 3 [Nos. 162-209]
MR No. 202—Counsel To The Wife of an Unbelieving Husband
3MR 370.1
Jesus “came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:11-13).Testimonies on Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and Divorce
Chapter 5—The Christian Spouse’s Behavior
TSB 45.1
Jesus “came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” [John 1:11-13].Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 108, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 108, 1899, par. 6
I have much to say in regard to many things, and how shall I say it? May the Lord give me wisdom to speak. If the teachers in our schools receive the Saviour in living faith and love, they will study in a new light the words of the disciple John when speaking of Christ. He said, “He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name, which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” [John 1:11-13.] These words show us that grace is not inherent in us. It is obtained by receiving Christ in faith.John 1:11-14
Testimony Treasures, vol. 3
The Innocent Suffer
3TT 392.2
“The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us ... full of grace and truth.” But those whom Christ came to save, would have none of Him. “He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.” John 1:14, 11. Yielding themselves to Satan’s control, they rejected the Messiah and sought opportunity to put Him to death.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 87, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 87, 1903, par. 4
“The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, ... full of grace and truth.” [John 1:14.] But those whom Christ came to save would have none of Him. “He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.” [Verse 11.] Yielding themselves to Satan’s control, they rejected the Messiah and sought opportunity to put Him to death.Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9
Chapter 27—A Time of Trial Before Us
9T 228.3
“The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, ... full of grace and truth.” But those whom Christ came to save, would have none of Him. “He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.” John 1:14, 11. Yielding themselves to Satan’s control, they rejected the Messiah and sought opportunity to put Him to death.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 16, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 16, 1892, par. 8
Now my sister, if it were not possible for human beings under the Abrahamic covenant to keep the commandments of God, every soul of us is lost. The Abrahamic covenant is the covenant of grace. “By grace ye are saved.” [Ephesians 2:5.] “He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” [John 1:11, 12.] Disobedient children? No, obedient to all His commandments.7LtMs, Lt 16, 1892, par. 9
If it were not possible for us to be commandment-keepers, then why does He make the obedience to His commandments the proof that we love Him? (Verse 14) reads, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” [1 John 3:4.]John 1:11-16
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 76, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 76, 1903, par. 32
“He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name. ... And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, ... full of grace and truth. ... And of His fulness have we all received, and grace for grace.” [John 1:11, 12, 14, 16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 196, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 196, 1903, par. 8
“He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name. ... And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, ... full of grace and truth. ... And of His fullness have all we received and grace for grace.” [John 1:11, 12, 14, 16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 65, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 65, 1903, par. 5
I entreat of every one who shall read these words, Come to Christ; He is your only hope. Receive Him. “He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” [John 1:11, 12.] What an inducement to believe on Him! Lay open your inmost soul to Him to whom you belong by right of creation and by redemption. Have faith in the pardoning love of Christ your Saviour.18LtMs, Ms 65, 1903, par. 6
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. ... And of His fulness have we all received, and grace for grace.” [Verses 14, 16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Ms 72, 1895
10LtMs, Ms 72, 1895, par. 14
“I am the bread of life.” [Verse 35.] The doing of the words of Christ will give eternal life to the soul. The constant eating of the Word and practicing the teaching of the Word is eternal life to all who eat His Word. [They] will be eating His flesh and drinking His blood and an important union is formed between every soul and Christ through the perfect unity with His spirit in perfect obedience to His Word. All such will show that the Word of God is obeyed. Pride and selfishness are killed. The soul, body, and spirit are brought into perfect subjection to Jesus Christ. The once-polluted habitations of pride and selfishness are purified, cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ, and the testimony of [Paul and] John is voiced by them: “In him dwelleth the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” [Colossians 2:9.] “And of his fulness have we all received, and grace for grace.” [John 1:16.] As they receive the grace from Christ they impart that grace, and by imparting, increase of grace is the return. If they do not impart that grace the supply is not continued. Branches of the living vine will be distinguished as a healthy branch. “If any man eat me even he shall live by me.” [John 6:57.] The life is hid with Christ in God. “Because I live, ye shall live also.” [John 14:19.]10LtMs, Ms 72, 1895, par. 23
“He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. ... And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.” [John 1:11-14, 16.]Selected Messages Book 1
Chapter 46—A Divine Sin Bearer
1SM 310.1
“He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.... And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, ... full of grace and truth.... And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace” (John 1:11-16).John 1:11-29
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 155, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 155, 1902, par. 18
In order to be saved, we must have a full and complete experience in the things of God. The atonement for sin has been made by the gift of the Son of the infinite God. “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” [John 1:14.] Let us show that we appreciate this gift. There is a higher life for God’s people than they have yet lived. It is the beholding of which John speaks that we need—the beholding of the virtues of the character of the One full of grace and truth. Then of us it can be said, “Of His fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.” “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” [Verses 16, 12.]17LtMs, Lt 155, 1902, par. 20
“He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.” [John 1:11.] Shall this be said of those who have been given every opportunity to gain rich and abundant treasures of truth? Shall it be the mistake of your life and mine to be frivolous and careless and selfish, choosing a path of our own, not the path that Christ has marked out?17LtMs, Lt 155, 1902, par. 29
The work of John the Baptist is our work. Of him we read, “Behold, I send My messenger before Thy face, which shall prepare Thy way before Thee. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make His paths straight.” [Mark 1:2, 3.] This is indeed our work, to prepare the way of the Lord for Christ’s coming by bearing a fruitful witness. We are to bear a clear-cut testimony to the world in our life, in the words we speak and the deeds that we do. By revealing the principles of righteousness in our dealings with one another, we are to proclaim the message, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” [John 1:29.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 4, 1889
6LtMs, Lt 4, 1889, par. 27
You may encase yourselves in pride and continue to reject Christ in the person of His messengers. <When men> do this, the words of the <apostle> will find an application in their case, as in the time of the Jews: “He came to his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” [John 1:11, 12.] Said Christ, “I am come in my Father’s name, and you received me not. If another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.” [John 5:43.]6LtMs, Lt 4, 1889, par. 30
When you receive the words of Christ as if they were addressed to you personally, when each <applies the truth to> himself as if he were the only sinner on the face of the earth for whom Christ died, you will learn to claim by faith the merits of the blood of a crucified and risen Saviour <in your own case.> Your religious experience will have a different mold from what it now has. <Pharisaism will not then exist.> You will think it the highest honor to lift up Jesus before the people, saying, “Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.” [John 1:29.] Your manner, your attitude, your voice, your language, your thoughts, will represent Jesus, <and then there will be a great change in your presentation of truth.>6LtMs, Lt 4, 1889, par. 86
We deplore the fact that men idolize their own opinions, that they are willing to be governed by their own preconceived ideas rather than by a plain “Thus saith the Lord.” It is the most difficult thing in the world to convince men who do not want to be convinced. Satan beclouds the perceptions and hardens the heart so that men will not give up their own ways that they may work for the salvation of a backslidden church, and point sinners to the “Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.” [John 1:29.] Instead of engaging heartily in this work, they hold back and almost hope and pray that those upon whom the Lord has laid the burden will not succeed, for if success crowns the efforts of the burden bearers, it will prove these doubters to be in the wrong.John 1:12
Christ Triumphant
Jesus Gives Us Power to Become God’s Children, July 13
CTr 201.1
But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God. John 1:12, NRSV.Manuscript Releases, vol. 8 [Nos. 526-663]
MR No. 541—The Covenants
8MR 31.1
Under the new covenant, the conditions by which eternal life may be gained are the same as under the old. The conditions are, and ever have been, based on perfect obedience. Under the old covenant, there were many offenses of a daring, presumptuous character, for which there was no atonement specified by law. In the new and better covenant, Christ has fulfilled the law for the transgressors of law, if they receive Him by faith as a personal Saviour. “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God.” (John 1:12.) Mercy and forgiveness are the reward of all who come to Christ trusting in His merits to take away their sins. We are cleansed from sin by the blood of Christ Jesus our Saviour.—Letter 216, 1906, p. 2. (To “Dear Brother in Christ Jesus,” July 2, 1906.)Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 124, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 124, 1897, par. 24
Christ travailed in soul for the salvation of perishing sinners. “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” [John 1:12.] He commissioned His disciples to be unceasing in their efforts to save the world. He Himself appointed the Christian ministry and the various means of grace, as channels through which His grace and light and truth might be communicated to every creature that is in need. Abundant provision is in readiness to give spiritual power, and to set the grace of Christ flowing through channels that are cleansed and ready to receive the heavenly gift.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 128, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 128, 1897, par. 34
The time had come for the universe of heaven to accept their king. Angels and archangel, cherubim and seraphim, would now stand in view of the cross. The Father bows his head in recognition of the One of whom the priests and rulers had said, “He trusted in God; let him deliver him now if he will have him.” [Matthew 27:43.] The Father accepted His Son. No words could convey the language of heaven, or God’s expression of satisfaction and delight in His only begotten Son, as He saw the completion of the Atonement. Christ’s sacrifice was in every way satisfactory. In Him mercy and truth met together; righteousness and peace kissed each other. The Father embraced His Son, and this includes all who receive Him. “To them gave he power to become the sons of God.” [John 1:12.] They are His chosen ones, joint-heirs with Christ in the great firm of heaven. They overcome as He overcame.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 6, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 6, 1897, par. 3
The invitation is to go to all, without limitation or restriction. Bad, yes, evil men and women, old and young, rich and poor, white and black—all are to be called, but only those will be chosen who truly receive Christ. “To as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to as many as believe on his name.” [John 1:12.] Those who truly accept, and in so doing yield themselves up to God, to be and to do as He wills, obeying the commandments of God, to live as He has given them an example in His life, will wear the wedding garment.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 50a, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 50a, 1897, par. 39
Men are not left in absolute darkness. As the light of the world, Christ addresses the world. His light is not at all mingled with darkness. It is clearer, brighter, and far more penetrating than any other light. His light shineth in darkness, but the darkness comprehendeth it not. “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” [John 1:12.] He is waiting and watching, taking the imperfect ideas of men, not extinguishing them, but correcting their errors, supplying their defective ideas of management with correct ideas, and putting His own truth in the place of their erroneous principles.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 102, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 102, 1897, par. 4
What a contrast will there then be between the cases of those who have refused Christ and those who have received Him as their personal Saviour. “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believed on his name.” [John 1:12.] What a testimony will be borne in their behalf. They can say, “I believed in Him who was condemned at Pilate’s bar, and given up to the priests and rulers to be crucified. Look not upon me, a sinner, but look upon my Advocate. There is nothing in me worthy of the love He manifested for me; but He gave His life for me. Behold me in Jesus. He became sin for me that I might become the righteousness of God in Him.”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 79, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 79, 1897, par. 12
You are not deceived here, for had you read the Bible to any purpose, you would know this without my telling you. That Word declares, “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” [John 1:12.] This power comes only to those who believe on His name. Every genuine believer in Christ in the first place obtains a knowledge of Christ, and that knowledge is of a character to generate confidence through heart obedience to His Word. Then comes that confidence that sustained Paul. He believed that Jesus, in whom he had believed and trusted, was able to keep that which he had committed unto Him against that day when He should be glorified in His saints, and be admired of all them that believe. This committal is first committed to the believing one in His name, and the believing one becomes a son of God. The gift of God which is life and truth and righteousness, gives him confidence to commit all to his Redeemer who has honored him with His name and His character.Manuscript Releases, vol. 18 [Nos. 1301-1359]
MR No. 1319—To God Be the Glory; Forsake All Idols
18MR 128.2
The words of light, of inspiration, shine from the Word weighty with heavenly assurance. God is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. When God works to prepare a soul, it is brought in connection with those who are reconciled to God. “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God” [John 1:12]. No longer is it a dreadful thought that “He doeth according to His will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth” [Daniel 4:35].Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 47, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 47, 1897, par. 14
Judas was given every opportunity to receive Christ as his personal Saviour, but he refused this gift. In many respects he acted as Christ’s disciple. He manifested an interest in His work, and in a certain sense believed on Him. But Christ read beneath the surface. He saw the true inwardness of the heart. He knew that Judas was not converted. John says, “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God.” [John 1:12.] Judas had never received Christ; he was not a true son of God. He had not lost something once possessed. He had never experienced the soul cleansing, the change of character, that constitutes conversion.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 140, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 140, 1897, par. 12
Missionary work is to be done in the home. In the home those who have received Christ are to show what grace has done for them. “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” [John 1:12.] A conscious authority pervades the true believer in Christ that makes its influence felt throughout the home. This is favorable for the perfection of the characters of all in the home.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 119, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 119, 1897, par. 5
God would have us realize that all this was done to counterwork sin and rebellion against God, and bring in everlasting righteousness. “For as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” [John 1:12.] He is able and willing “to save unto the uttermost all who come unto God by him.” [Hebrews 7:25.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 50, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 50, 1897, par. 38
Men are not left in absolute darkness. As the light of the world, Christ addresses the world. His light is not at all mingled with darkness. It is clearer, brighter, and far more penetrating than any other light. His light shineth in darkness, but the darkness comprehendeth it not. “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” [John 1:12.] He is waiting and watching, taking the imperfect ideas of men, not extinguishing them, but correcting their errors, supplying their defective ideas of management with correct ideas, and putting His own truth in the place of their erroneous principles.Manuscript Releases, vol. 9 [Nos. 664-770]
MR No. 733—Results of Adam’s Sin
9MR 236.2
It is by teaching them, line upon line, precept upon precept, how to give the heart and will up to Christ, that Satan’s power is broken. “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name” (John 1:12). This is the work, the grand and holy work of parents. They are to keep before their children the great and vital work of receiving Christ, of believing on Christ as their Redeemer, the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is the instruction they are to give to their children. All who will accept Christ by living faith will take His life as their pattern.—Letter 68, 1899, pp. 6, 7. (To John Wessels and Wife, April 10, 1899.)Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 150, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 150, 1898, par. 9
How are we to testify of our love and gratitude to Christ? By thorough consecration of ourselves to Him. When we were bankrupt and without hope, and helpless to supply our great need, Christ came to our relief and revealed himself to us as a sin pardoning Saviour. And now His voice is heard saying, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” [Matthew 11:28-30.] Has he called you to be his children? “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” [John 1:12.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 9, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 9, 1898, par. 19
What constitutes the kingdom of heaven? It is a granted to the sinful in which to repent and become righteous, a dispensation of divine mercy, of forgiveness and peace. The blackness of wretchedness and sin is broken by the beams of the Sun of Righteousness shining forth upon a guilty world. It is not instituted by men; it is not according to the impulse of men; it is not mingled with partiality, or corrupted by hypocrisy. It is not for the few self-centered ones to share largely of the heavenly gift, while the stricken and unfortunate and those most in need of this favor are left desolate and forsaken. The kingdom of heaven is a dispensation of forgiveness and pardon to every one who will receive it. “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe in his name.” [John 1:12.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 63, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 63, 1898, par. 16
Those who receive and impart Christ’s grace, receive grace for grace. “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name,” “having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved, in whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.” [John 1:12; Ephesians 1:5-7.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 67, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 67, 1898, par. 24
The whole probationary period is a time of test and trial, but by all who are obedient to Christ the words of the inspired John will be experienced: “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believed in his name.” [John 1:12.] The Lord Jesus came to strengthen every earnest seeker for truth, to reveal the Father. He allowed nothing to divert His mind from the great work of restoring to man the moral image of God. And every human agent must see that the great and important work for him in this life is to receive the divine likeness, to prepare a character for the future life. He must appropriate the heavenly truths to his special use in practical life.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 111, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 111, 1898, par. 23
Christ identifies Himself with every sincere believer. “As many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” [John 1:12.] All such are in union with Christ. They identify themselves with Him whom the world has rejected.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 48, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 48, 1898, par. 9
The Lord is calling upon your husband to make a surrender of himself to God. He has been bought with a price, even the blood of the Son of God. “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe in his name.” [John 1:12.] My brother, may the Lord indeed wash all your sins away, and give you a new heart. “Behold I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.” [Revelation 16:15.]EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
John 1:4-18
The Desire of Ages
Chapter 51—“The Light of Life”
DA 464.1
By one who listened to these words, they were long afterward re-echoed in that sublime passage, “In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in the darkness; and the darkness apprehended it not.” “That was the true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” John 1:4, 5, R. V., 9. And long after Jesus had ascended to heaven, Peter also, writing under the illumination of the divine Spirit, recalled the symbol Christ had used: “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the daystar arise in your hearts.” 2 Peter 1:19.DA 464.4
“That was the true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” The world has had its great teachers, men of giant intellect and wonderful research, men whose utterances have stimulated thought, and opened to view vast fields of knowledge; and these men have been honored as guides and benefactors of their race. But there is One who stands higher than they. “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God.” “No man hath seen God at any time; the only-begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him.” John 1:12, 18. We can trace the line of the world’s great teachers as far back as human records extend; but the Light was before them. As the moon and the stars of the solar system shine by the reflected light of the sun, so, as far as their teaching is true, do the world’s great thinkers reflect the rays of the Sun of Righteousness. Every gem of thought, every flash of the intellect, is from the Light of the world. In these days we hear much about “higher education.” The true “higher education” is that imparted by Him “in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” “In Him was life; and the life was the light of men.” Colossians 2:3; John 1:4. “He that followeth Me,” said Jesus, “shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”DA 470.2
The Light was shining in darkness; but “the darkness apprehended it not.” John 1:5, R. V.From Heaven With Love
Chapter 51—“The Light of Life”
HLv 313.2
It was morning; the sun had just risen above the Mount of Olives, and its rays fell with dazzling brightness on the marble palaces, and lighted up the gold of the temple walls, when Jesus, pointing to it, said, “I am the light of the world.” These words were long afterward reechoed by the apostle John in that sublime passage, “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” “The true light that enlightens every man was coming into the world.” John 1:4, 5, 9, RSV. God is light; and in the words, “I am the light of the world,” Christ declared His oneness with God and His relation to the whole human family. It was He who at the beginning had caused the “light to shine out of darkness.” 2 Corinthians 4:6. He is the light of sun, moon, and star. As the sunbeams penetrate to the remotest corners of the earth, so does the light of the Sun of Righteousness shine on every soul.HLv 313.3
“That was the true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” Men of giant intellect and wonderful research, whose utterances have opened vast fields of knowledge, have been honored as benefactors of their race. But One stands higher than they. “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God.” “No man hath seen God at any time; the only-begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him.” John 1:12, 18. We can trace the line of the world’s great teachers as far back as human records extend; but the Light was before them. As the moon and the stars of the solar system reflect the light of the sun, so, as far as their teaching is true, do the world’s great thinkers reflect the rays of the Sun of Righteousness. The true “higher education” is that imparted by Him “in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:3. “He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”