EGW WritingsJohn 1

The Paulson Collection of Ellen G. White Letters

B.214’06

PC 83.2

Let us walk in the footsteps of Christ, in all the humility of true faith. Let us put away all self-trust, committing ourselves, day by day and hour by hour, to the Saviour, constantly receiving and imparting His grace. I beg those who profess to believe in Christ to walk humbly before God. Pride and self-exaltation are an offense to Him. “If any man will come after Me,” Christ declares, “let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” Those only who obey this word will He recognize as His believing ones. “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 1:12-14)

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 31, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 31, 1903, par. 7

If we should commit these words to memory so that we could always think of them, would it not bring great blessing to us? We shall be without excuse if we continue in sin. It is possible for us to be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. Let us think of the greatness of the privilege presented to us, the privilege of being sons and daughters of God. Let us seize the possibility held out before us. In our behalf Christ laid aside His royal robe and kingly crown and stepped down from His high command. He clothed His divinity with humanity, that, standing at the head of humanity, He might reveal what human beings could become by receiving the power that He came to give. 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; 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, ... full of grace and truth.” [John 1:12-14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 94, 1905

20LtMs, Lt 94, 1905, par. 15

“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 1:12-14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 113, 1905

20LtMs, Lt 113, 1905, par. 14

“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, ... full of grace and truth.” [John 1:12-14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 11, 1889

6LtMs, Ms 11, 1889, par. 12

Christ stands at the head of humanity to win men back to their allegiance. “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 1:12-14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 81, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 81, 1898, par. 10

“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 who have a deep and living experience will understand the import of these words. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, (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.” [Verses 14, 16.] Christ said to His disciples, “He that will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” [Luke 9:23.] Those who drink of the cup of Christ’s sufferings must meet the temptations Christ met and overcome in His name. And every trial endured will add to the weight of their eternal glory. Every faithful discharge of duty, every act of charity in the name of Christ, every word of encouragement and consolation spoken, will bring to them according to their works. They will soon be acknowledged before the assembled universe as co-laborers with Christ to save a perishing world.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 127, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 127, 1901, par. 26

While the new converts should be instructed to ask counsel of those more experienced in the work, they should also be taught not to put the ministers in the place of God. Ministers are not gods, but human beings, men compassed with infirmities. Christ is the one to whom all are to look for guidance. “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. ... 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 1:14, 16, 12.]

This Day With God

God’s Promise to Parents, July 29

TDG 219.3

The work of Christ in the heart does not destroy man’s powers. Christ directs, strengthens, ennobles, and sanctifies the faculties of the soul. It is through personal acquaintance with Him that we become qualified to represent His character to the world. John says, “As many as receive him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (John 1:12). And again, “Of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace” (verse 16).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 51, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 51, 1894, par. 3

He is the bright and morning star. He says, “He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have light of life.” [John 8:12.] “And the Spirit and the Bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst, come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” [Revelation 22:17.] This commission to bid others to come embraces the whole church, and applies to everyone who has accepted Christ as his personal Saviour. Of those who receive Christ it is written, “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 of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace.” [John 1:12, 16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 32, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 32, 1894, par. 5

The work of Christ in the heart does not destroy man’s powers. Christ directs, strengthens, ennobles, and sanctifies the faculties of the soul. It is through personal acquaintance with Him that we become qualified to represent His character to the world. John says, “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 again, “Of his fullness have we all received, and grace for grace.” [John 1:12, 16.] Christ is to be represented in the home circle. Fathers and mothers bear a weighty responsibility; for they will be held accountable for giving correct lessons to their children. They are to speak kindly to them, to be patient with them, to watch unto prayer, praying the Lord to mold and fashion the hearts of the children.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 84, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 84, 1894, par. 7

Christ is the Root, and He sustains every branch by His power. He is the bright and morning star. He says, “He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” [John 8:12.] “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come, and let him that heareth say, Come, and let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” [Revelation 22:17.] This commission to bid others to come embraces the entire church, and applies to every one who has accepted Christ as his personal Saviour. Of those who receive Christ it is written, “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 of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.” [John 1:12, 16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 64, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 64, 1894, par. 18

Those standing under Christ’s banner are to be united in the various branches of the work. They are to be of one mind, of one judgment. As there is to be one shepherd of the sheep, so there is to be one flock. “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.] Union with Christ brings man back to his allegiance to his Creator. It implants in the mind a love for God and His holy law. The soul that is one with Christ prays, and watches unto prayer, that he may have transcribed in his heart and reflected in his life the purity, the forbearance, the mercy, and the righteousness of God. “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us ... full of grace and truth. And of his grace have all we received, and grace for grace.” [Verses 14, 16.] Upon this all-perfect Pattern he fixes his eye, and with open face, beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, he is changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 15, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 15, 1895, par. 26

The law speaks condemnation to those who are [not] doers of His precepts. God will accept no plea that man can offer to obtain acquittal. There is no power in law to save the transgressor of law. But Christ, who gave himself as the world’s sin bearer, becomes the Mediator for man, and the Sin-pardoner for all who come confessing their sins and accepting Him as their Saviour. “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 of His fullness have all we received, and grace for grace.” [John 1:12, 16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 57, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 57, 1895, par. 48

This is the testimony that must go throughout the length and breadth of the world. It presents the law and the gospel, binding up the two in a perfect whole. (See Romans 5, and 1 John 3:9) to the close of the chapter. These precious scriptures will be impressed upon every heart that is opened to receive them. “The entrance of Thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding to the simple”—those who are contrite in heart. [Psalm 119:130.] “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.] These have not a mere nominal faith, a theory of truth, a legal religion, but they believe to a purpose, appropriating to themselves the richest gifts of God. They plead for the gift, that they may give to others. They can say, “Of His fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.” [Verse 16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 98a, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 98a, 1897, par. 21

By looking constantly to Jesus, from morn till eve, with the eye of faith, we shall be strengthened. God will make the most precious revelations to His hungering, thirsting people. They will find that Christ is a personal Saviour. They feed upon His Word; for it is spirit and life. This Word kills the natural, earthly nature, and a new life in Christ Jesus is created. The Holy Spirit comes as a Comforter to them. Love takes the place of hatred, and the heart receives the mold of the divine similitude. The image of Christ is reproduced in the human agent, and by the transforming efficacy of the grace of Christ he becomes a new creature. “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 1:12, 13.] This is the new birth.

12LtMs, Lt 98a, 1897, par. 22

“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.” [Verses 14, 16.] The yearning after entire conformity to the will of God, after His holiness and peace, opens the eyes of the understanding to see the doctrines of the Word. Thus God’s children are strengthened and established; they are “steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” [1 Corinthians 15:58.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 10 [Nos. 771-850]

MR No. 811—Ellen White’s Confidence in Her Calling

10MR 166.1

By looking constantly to Jesus, from morn till eve, with the eye of faith, we shall be strengthened. God will make the most precious revelations to His hungering, thirsting people. They will find that Christ is a personal Savior. They feed upon His word, for it is spirit and life. This word kills the natural, earthly nature, and a new life in Christ Jesus is created. The Holy Spirit comes as a Comforter to them. Love takes the place of hatred, and the heart receives the mold of the divine similitude. The image of Christ is reproduced in the human agent, and by the transforming efficacy of the grace of Christ he becomes a new creature. “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 1:12, 13). This is the new birth.

10MR 166.2

“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” (verses 14, 16). The yearning after entire conformity to the will of God, after His holiness and peace, opens the eyes of the understanding to see the doctrines of the Word. Thus God’s children are strengthened and established; they are “steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 26, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 26, 1896, par. 17

God has a yearning desire to save the purchase of the blood of Christ from the sure result of a wrong course of action, which, if persisted in, will bring upon them the wrath of the rejected Lamb. Mercy, rich and free, is presented in the gift of Christ’s righteousness. Those who scorn this precious gift, who despise and reject the Saviour, who refuse the invitation, “Let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; and he shall make peace with me.” [Isaiah 27:5.] Reject the offer of the attributes of a character which will constitute them sons and daughters of God. “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 (what name? Immanuel, the Son of God); which were borne, 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 1:12-14.]

11LtMs, Ms 26, 1896, par. 18

The Word is our Instructor. All who will be doers of the Word, in sincerity and truth, will behold His glory, “the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” Then there is indeed a new birth, a transformation of character. “Of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.” [Verses 14, 16.] This makes us “living epistles, known and read of all men.” [See 2 Corinthians 3:2.] “He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hands. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life; and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” [John 3:33-36.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 69, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 69, 1897, par. 10

“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 1:12-14, 16.] Because of the ransom paid for him, man, by his own choice, by obedience, may accomplish the design of God, and through the grace given of God bear the image that was first impressed upon him, and afterwards lost through the fall.

12LtMs, Lt 69, 1897, par. 30

Then let man, however imperfect, hope in God, saying not, “If I were of a different disposition I would serve God,” but bring himself to Him in true service. Christ has invited you to do this. He says, “Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you (convert your entrusted capabilities to God), and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For,” He declares, “my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” [Matthew 11:28-30.] That nature has been redeemed by Me. “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.] You are not degraded, but raised, ennobled, refined by Me. You can find refuge in Me. You can obtain victory and be more than conquerors in My name.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 70, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 70, 1897, par. 35

Will you search diligently the Word of God, to see if you are indeed receiving Christ? “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 who have this genuine faith, will practice the works of Christ, will reveal His spirit. “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.” [Verses 13, 14.]

12LtMs, Ms 70, 1897, par. 51

The more we reveal the power of an indwelling Saviour, the more of His power will be manifested unto us. “And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory 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.] “Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.” [Psalm 85:10.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 143, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 143, 1898, par. 15

The history of these children is recorded for our benefit, and reveals that which God will do for us if we will do the work assigned us. He will increase our capabilities to acquire. All who will be faithful He will teach His ways. All who will cheerfully do His will He will mold and fashion and give to them increased power and knowledge and growth. John declares, “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believed 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 fullness have all we received, and grace for grace.” [John 1:12-14, 16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 50, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 50, 1898, par. 28

“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 1:12-14, 16.] A transformation of character takes place in the human agent, and he becomes a son of God, a member of the royal family, a child of the heavenly King, fitted to be the companion of angels.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 20, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 20, 1899, par. 20

“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, ... full of grace and truth. ... And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.” [John 1:12-14, 16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 238, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 238, 1899, par. 11

If we follow on to know the Lord, we shall know “his going forth is prepared as the morning.” [Hosea 6:3.] We are to appreciate the talents of words, faith, hope, charity. “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 1:12-14, 16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 64, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 64, 1899, par. 10

“And now, Israel, what doth the Lord require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, to keep the commandments of the Lord, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good?” [Deuteronomy 10:12, 13.] Parents, you are to keep the commandments of God perfectly, through the power given you by God. “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 fullness have all we received, and grace for grace.” [John 1:12-14, 16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 191, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 191, 1901, par. 4

The striving to enter the strait gate which leads to life is the means by which Christ prepares men to enter. “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 1:12, 13.] Self-righteousness finds no credit in God’s sight. “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.] It is this beholding that the apostle Paul brings before us: “We all, with open face, beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory”—from character to character—“even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” [2 Corinthians 3:18.] Our safety is in beholding Christ. When self is the object of worship, when men bow to their own image, when they lose sight of Christ, and are filled with self-exaltation at the thought of their own wisdom, they are in fearful danger. All such fail of reflecting the character of Christ.

16LtMs, Lt 191, 1901, par. 5

“And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.” [John 1:16.] The Lord desires every soul to come to the light. Christ is the light of the world. Study His words attentively. Keep your eyes fixed on His perfection. Thus you walk in heaven’s light. Turn your face from the Saviour, and you walk in spiritual darkness.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 49, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 49, 1901, par. 4

But human effort is not sufficient. Human effort avails nothing without divine power. Of himself man has not strength to wrestle with the powers of darkness. Therefore Christ clothed His divinity with humanity and came to this earth that He might co-operate with man. To those who will receive Him and trust in His power to save, He imparts the virtue of His righteousness. He gives them power to become the sons of God. “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, ... full of grace and truth. ... And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.” [John 1:12-14, 16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 76, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 76, 1902, par. 7

It is to Christ, not to man, that we are to go for aid and guidance. What do those become who believe the Word of God, receiving Christ as a personal Saviour? “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 men, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, ... full of grace and truth.” [John 1:12-14.] This is the honor that is bestowed on the sinful, repentant, believing ones who accept Christ for all that He has promised to be to them. “And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.” [Verse 16.] God says to us, “Freely ye have received, freely give.” [Matthew 10:8.] Impart to others the blessings you receive.

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Source of Immortality, May 15

JNN 146.3

But human effort is not sufficient. Human effort avails nothing without divine power. Of themselves humans have not strength to wrestle with the powers of darkness. Therefore Christ clothed His divinity with humanity and came to this earth that He might co-operate with us. To those who will receive Him and trust in His power to save, He imparts the virtue of His righteousness. He gives them power to become the sons of God. “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 ... full of grace and truth.... And of His fulness have all we received, and grace for grace” (John 1:12-14, 16).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 56, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 56, 1895, par. 11

This Sabbath day was a precious day. Was there not joy in heaven over these two souls who had received Christ? John says, “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 them, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and peace ... And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.” [John 1:12-14, 16.]

Selected Messages Book 3

What the Incarnation Accomplishes

3SM 134.5

“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 1:12-16).

3SM 135.4

Our Saviour took up the true relationship of a human being as the Son of God. We are sons and daughters of God. In order to know how to behave ourselves circumspectly, we must follow where Christ leads the way. For thirty years He lived the life of a perfect man, meeting the highest standard of perfection. Then let man, however imperfect, hope in God, saying not, “If I were of a different disposition I would serve God,” but bring himself to Him in true service.... That nature has been redeemed by Me. “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)—you are not degraded, but raised, ennobled, refined by Me. You can find refuge in Me. You can obtain victory and be more than conquerors in My name.—Letter 69, 1897.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 102, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 102, 1899, par. 5

No man has yet measured the nature of God or the character of His Son. We must have a knowledge of God by living experience. If we follow on to know the Lord, we shall know His goings forth are prepared as the morning. We are to appreciate the talents of the words faith, hope, and charity. “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them which 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 1:12-16.]

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Light of Sun, Moon, and Star, November 29

JNN 350.5

“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.—The Desire of Ages, 464, 465.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 19, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 19, 1897, par. 7

Jesus came not to save man in his sins, but from his sins. John’s testimony of Him was, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” [John 1:29.] And, “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.]

12LtMs, Ms 19, 1897, par. 63

We need to investigate closely our own life and character. We need to have true contrition of soul, fellowship with Jesus Christ, and fellowship with our brethren. Then we shall show that we can appreciate the work of the Holy Spirit upon our hearts. The barriers of pride and self-sufficiency have first to be broken down, and then the love of Jesus will abound in our hearts. Then we can partake of the communion with a consciousness of sins forgiven, for whoever sits down at the communion service should sit down humble and clean in heart, purified from all defilement. Then the sunshine of Christ’s righteousness will fill the chambers of the mind and the soul temple. We shall “behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” [John 1:29.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 33, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 33, 1897, par. 7

Christ heard the eager, hungering cry, “We would see Jesus.” [Verse 21.] These Greeks represented the nations and tribes and peoples who would awake to their great need of a power out of and above finite power. For a moment Christ looked into futurity, and heard the voices proclaiming in all places of the earth, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” [John 1:29.] This anticipation, the consummation of His hopes, is expressed in His words, “The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.” [John 12:23.] But the way and manner that this glorifying was to take place was never absent from Christ’s mind. Only by His death could the world be saved. As the grain of wheat, the Son of man must be cast into the earth, and die, and be buried out of sight; but He was to live again.

12LtMs, Ms 33, 1897, par. 17

This is the result of the crucifixion of Christ and the restoration of the world. “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God.” [John 1:12.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 19, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 19, 1897, par. 17

I beg of our people to walk carefully and circumspectly before God. Follow the custom of dress in health reform, but do not again introduce the short dress and pants, unless you have the word of the Lord for it. Each of my brethren and sisters have a safer guide than any human agent. Let them understand that there is an individual duty for them to perform. This is but feebly understood by a large number of the members of the church. There is far greater need, in this day of deception and false claims, of heeding the proclamation of John, “Behold the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world.” [John 1:29.]

12LtMs, Lt 19, 1897, par. 36

“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.] In believing and doing His words, we are eating the bread of life; we are drinking of the blood of the Son of God. All such Christ declares, “hath eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. ... As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father; so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.” [John 6:54, 57.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 121, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 121, 1897, par. 5

Through the moral power Christ has brought to man, we may give thanks unto God who hath made us meet for the inheritance with the saints in light. Through Jesus Christ every man may overcome in his own behalf and on his own account, standing in his own individuality of character. The Word comes to him, “Behold the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world.” [John 1:29.] How important is the Christian faith! How our whole earthly solace hangs upon Him whose mission to earth was to give power unto men. Through His servant He declares, “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.” [Verse 12.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 149, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 149, 1897, par. 16

Remission of sins can be obtained only through the merits of Christ. On no man, priest, or pope, but on God alone, rests the forgiveness of sins. All who announce the gospel message to sinners voice the words of John, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sins of the world.” [John 1:29.] “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God.” [Verse 12.] Here is the message that is to be borne. “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not the truth. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected.” On this basis Christians are free. Give encouragement of sins remitted.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 135, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 135, 1898, par. 2

“Behold the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world.” [John 1:29.] I repeat the words of John, “Behold the Lamb of God,” that you may all contemplate Jesus; this, the cross of Calvary, is doctrine, it is the all-powerful argument. This is our message to the impenitent, our warning to the backslider—Behold Jesus. Keeping his eye upon the cross, man, who has brought the message, may step to one side for his work is done. It is then he will learn his lesson, and there, by beholding, he will hate the sin that brought such suffering upon Jesus Christ. By beholding he contemplates and he will believe. “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” [John 17:3.] The sinner sees Jesus as He is, full of compassion and tender love, and he becomes transformed by beholding this exhibition of suffering because of the great love wherewith He hath loved fallen apostate man.

13LtMs, Lt 135, 1898, par. 8

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even as many as believed 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 1:12, 14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 143, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 143, 1899, par. 24

The Lord will be our Instructor. He has need of every agency that holds the truth in righteousness. The soul that is imbued with the Spirit of Christ becomes one with Christ in His deep unresting love for perishing souls. Christ is formed within the hope of glory, and He works through the human instrument. “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 privilege of God’s people in every place.

14LtMs, Ms 143, 1899, par. 26

We want more of the Infinite workings, and far less of the wisdom of man. Our work is to prepare a people to stand in the great day of God. Our message, our argument, our doctrine, our warning to the impenitent, and our encouragement to the believer is “The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” [Revelation 14:12.] We are to strike a key note which will vibrate to the believer’s soul and bring joy to the heavenly intelligences. Presenting the cross of Calvary we are to cry, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” [John 1:29.] When men shall cease to trust in man and make God their efficiency, we shall see the earth filled with the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 11, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 11, 1899, par. 2

I spoke from the first chapter of Second Peter. “Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” [Verse 1.] If all could appreciate this great blessing, what an advantage it would be to them. We can obtain like precious faith with Peter and those who were his companions through only one source—the righteousness of Jesus Christ, who stood at the head of humanity as a sin-bearer, overcoming in our behalf, that we might overcome in His strength. “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.]

14LtMs, Ms 11, 1899, par. 9

We must learn of Christ. We must learn what He is to those He has ransomed. We must realize that it is our privilege through a belief on Christ to be partakers of the divine nature, and so escape the corruption that is in the world through lust. We <may> escape from all sin, all defects of character. <Christ> is the Sin-bearer, and John pointed the people to Him, saying, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” [John 1:29.] We need not retain one sinful propensity.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 47, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 47, 1901, par. 6

Every provision has been made for the salvation of the fallen race. All power was given to Him who offered Himself as a sacrifice to redeem every son and daughter of Adam who would accept Him as a personal Saviour. “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.] Christ came to this world and stood before men with the hoarded love of eternity. The whole ocean of divine love was flowing forth from its great center. The Godhead—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—were working in behalf of man. Every power in the heavenly universe was put into activity to carry forward the plan of redemption.

16LtMs, Ms 47, 1901, par. 13

Then let the believing soul stand beside the cross of Calvary, and with a heart swelling with grateful love, cry, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” [John 1:29.] Behold Him. Say it with heart and soul and voice. Induce the sinner to look. When his gaze is arrested, amazed at such wonderful condescension, he steps nearer, his eyes are holden, and he learns of the Saviour the lesson all must learn, the lesson of meekness and lowliness.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 192, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 192, 1903, par. 5

Justice sees the sinner, and it is death to disobey and transgress. And here comes One equal with God, who says, “I will give My life, I will take the sinner’s place, I will give My life for the sinner, and I will take the punishment for the sins of the whole world.” John understood it, and said—as others had been coming for baptism, and he saw the Son of God coming, he lifted up his hand, and said, “Behold the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world.” [John 1:29.]

18LtMs, Ms 192, 1903, par. 6

Now, that death would have taken away the sin of every mortal that is upon the earth. He came to take way the sin of the whole world, and He died for every person; no one was left out. Everyone could have been saved through the merits of the blood of the Son of the living God. Well, then what? How were they going to be saved? Well, He says, “Ask, and ye shall receive; seek, and ye shall find.” [Matthew 7:7.] He wants you to believe in Him, that He will do just exactly as He said. He would take away your sins. When you repent, and ask His pardon, He is all ready. And then what? Why, you are to believe; you are to accept it. He is not to make you to believe. But there is a power in you to believe. “To as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to as many as believed in His name.” [John 1:12.] Well, then, let us believe.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 28, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 28, 1905, par. 13

The most striking feature of this covenant of peace is the exceeding richness of the pardoning mercy expressed to the sinner if he repents and turns from his sin. The Holy Spirit describes the gospel as salvation through the tender mercies of our God. “I will be merciful to their unrighteousness,” the Lord declares of those who repent, “and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.” [Hebrews 8:12.] Does God turn from justice in showing mercy to the sinner? No; God cannot dishonor His law by suffering it to be transgressed with impunity. Under the new covenant, perfect obedience is the condition of life. If the sinner repents and confesses his sins, he will find pardon. By Christ’s sacrifice in his behalf, forgiveness is secured for him. Christ has satisfied the demands of the law for every repentant, believing sinner. “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” “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 1:12, 14, 16.]

20LtMs, Ms 28, 1905, par. 15

I am instructed to say the every sinner, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” [Verse 29.] We may be renewed in the divine nature. The promise has been made, “I will put My laws in their minds, and in their hearts will I write them.” [Hebrews 8:10.] Through disobedience man forfeited holiness, accepting in its place the principles of unrighteousness. But by breaking the yoke that Satan has fastened on him, and taking the yoke of Christ, learning His meekness and lowliness, the sinner is created anew. Christ has promised to write in the heart of every repentant sinner the principles of God’s law, which is holy, just, and good. He promises to renovate the soul, through the medium of truth. He makes no use of the science of sophistry, which would palsy the higher powers of the soul, but diffuses His own life through the entire being. Thus the sinner is born again, and henceforth, in a life of loving service, he is to work out the grand, ennobling principles that he can take with him into the heavenly courts.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6

How to Present the Message

6T 53.3

The very first and most important thing is to melt and subdue the soul by presenting our Lord Jesus Christ as the sin-pardoning Saviour. Never should a sermon be preached, or Bible instruction in any line be given, without pointing the hearers to the “Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29. Every true doctrine makes Christ the center, every precept receives force from His words.

6T 58.4

The work for this time is to train students and workers to deal with subjects in a plain, serious, and solemn manner. There must be no time uselessly employed in this great work. We must not miss the mark. Time is too short for us to undertake to reveal all that might be opened to view. Eternity will be required for us to know all the length and breadth, the depth and height, of the Scriptures. There are some souls to whom certain truths are of more importance than other truths. Skill is needed in your education in Scriptural lines. Read and study Psalm 40:7, 8; John 1:14; 1 Timothy 3:16; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:14-17; Revelation 5:11-14.

6T 59.3

Teach the great practical truths that must be stamped upon the soul. Teach the saving power of Jesus, “in whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins.”Colossians 1:14. It was at the cross that mercy and truth met together, that righteousness and truth kissed each other. Let every student and every worker study this again and again, that they, setting forth the Lord crucified among us, may make it a fresh subject to the people. Show that the life of Christ reveals an infinitely perfect character. Teach that “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. Tell it over and over again. We may become the sons of God, members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King. Let it be known that all who accept Jesus Christ and hold the beginning of their confidence firm to the end will be heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ “to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” 1 Peter 1:4, 5.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 28, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 28, 1893, par. 7

Losing sight of ourselves and looking unto Jesus, we obtain brighter and still more glorious views of God. Our hearts are melted with the contemplation of His great love in giving us Jesus, the priceless Gift. We will receive Jesus. We will appreciate the Lord’s gift of His only begotten Son. We will heed the words of John, “Behold the Lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world.” [John 1:29.] We see in Him the perfection of grace, truth, and righteousness. To “as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God.” [Verse 12.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 93, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 93, 1893, par. 19

Will you comply with these conditions? Shall you choose Christ and heaven as your portion in this life? Is the promise not rich and glorious that you shall become members of the royal family and children of the heavenly King? Will you make any and every sacrifice that you may join the heavenly family above? “Choose ye this day whom ye will serve.” [Joshua 24:15.] “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” [John 1:29.] Will you refuse Him and choose the world? The world crucified Jesus. They are choosing today between Christ and Barabbas. Many have made their choice and others are deciding their destiny. Which will you have, Jesus or Barabbas?

8LtMs, Lt 93, 1893, par. 20

We need not be horrified at any crime of cruelty and monstrous wickedness that is perpetrated by a world who would not receive and confess Christ, but reject and crucify Him. We read in the secular papers the police reports, the grand juries’ decisions. History is being made in our cities and towns in regard to iniquity of every stripe and type. Should we be surprised, when the world would not receive Jesus but crucified Him, at the development of every stripe and type of iniquity? He was the Life and Light of the world, yet the world knew Him not. But we know Him; He is our precious Saviour. He is our risen Saviour. He proclaimed over the rent tomb of Joseph, “I am the resurrection and the life.” [John 11:25.] The world would not have Jesus. “But as many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God.” [John 1:12.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 63, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 63, 1895, par. 31

If men will only follow the leadings of the Holy Spirit of God, they will find ways and means to work for the salvation of souls in every part of God’s great moral vineyard, for the message of warning is to go forth, and the third angel’s message will go forward to a glorious victory. All God’s servants who will live in obedience to God’s requirements, speaking in all humility of mind to those who know not the truth, will carry an influence with them which will work for the salvation of many souls. We must not allow the people to hang helplessly upon us. We are human and finite. We must direct them to Jesus Christ as did John, saying, “Behold the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world.” [John 1:29.]

10LtMs, Lt 63, 1895, par. 37

In the taking of Jericho the Lord God of hosts was the Mighty General of armies to command the plan of battle both for the heavenly and human agencies in such a way that not one human hand should be set to take down the walls of Jericho, lest man should take credit to himself of achieving victories when God was the One to be glorified. So it shall be in the work in which we engage. No glory is to be given to human agencies, but the Lord God alone is to be magnified. Please read carefully the third chapter of Ezekiel. The Lord God must be our entire dependence and trust. Ever bear in mind also: the Lord God of Israel has need of every agency that holds the truth in righteousness; as human living agents we are to stand in full view of the cross of Calvary, and raise our voice in earnest proclamation and invitation, “Behold the Lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the world.” [John 1:29.]

10LtMs, Lt 63, 1895, par. 58

“To them that receive him gave he power to become the sons of God.” [John 1:12.] This is the great privilege of the people of God everywhere, in all places, and God has been and continues speaking to our people who believe that they shall not corrupt their simplicity, or their faith and perfect trust in God by sinking their individuality in any finite person, whatever their calling or profession.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 58, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 58, 1895, par. 24

In the taking of Jericho the Lord God of Hosts was the general of the army. He made the plan for the battle and united heavenly and human agencies to act a part in the work, but no human hand touched the walls of Jericho. God so arranged the plan that man could take no credit to himself for achieving the victory. God alone is to be glorified. So it shall be with the work in which we are engaged. The glory is not to be given to human agencies; the Lord alone is to be magnified. Please read carefully the third chapter of Ezekiel. We must learn to put our entire dependence upon God, and yet we must ever bear in mind that the Lord God has need of every agency that holds the truth in righteousness. As workers for Christ we are to stand in view of the cross of Calvary, proclaiming to the world, “Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.” [John 1:29.] We are to proclaim the third angel’s message with our human voices, and it is to go to the world with power and glory.

10LtMs, Lt 58, 1895, par. 37

The servants of God who live in obedience to His requirements, who speak the truth in humility, will carry an influence with them which will work for the salvation of many souls. But we must not allow the people to hang helplessly upon us. We are human and finite. We must direct them to Christ, saying, “Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.” [John 1:29.] Jesus pleads the case of His co-laborers, but every hour they need to feel humble dependence upon the Captain of their salvation, and through the intercession of Christ our Advocate, many souls will be saved unto eternal life.

10LtMs, Lt 58, 1895, par. 43

When he who is a co-laborer with Christ presses home the truth to the sinner’s heart in humility and love, the voice of God speaks through the human instrumentality. Heavenly intelligences work with a consecrated human agent, and the Spirit operates upon the soul of the unbeliever. Efficiency to believe comes from God to the heart, and the sinner accepts the evidence of God’s Word. Through the gracious influence of the Holy Spirit he is changed and becomes one with Christ in spirit and purpose. His affection for God increases, he hungers after righteousness and longs to be more like his Master. By beholding Christ, he is changed from glory to glory, from character to character, and becomes more and more like Jesus. He is imbued with love for Christ and filled with a deep, unresting love for perishing souls, and Christ is formed within, the hope of glory. “As many as receive 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 12 (1897)

Ms 60, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 60, 1897, par. 1

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life.” [John 3:14, 15.] In the Word of God alone can we find how we shall secure eternal life. We are not left to guess and conjecture how we shall obtain it: we are to work out the statement made by receiving the truth in the heart. The religion that comes from God is the only religion that will lead to God. “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life.” [Verse 36.] “And 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 60, 1897, par. 4

Bid the sinner have hope, and not feel that he is an outcast from his fellows. Reveal to the desperate, discouraged, human sufferers that he is a prisoner of hope. Let your message be, “Behold the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world.” [John 1:29.] Present before man in your life a love that is higher than it is possible for you to express in words. You are laborers together with God, to bring back the lost faith in God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 44, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 44, 1898, par. 24

Those here represented have found in Christ the one precious pearl of great price, for which all other pearls should be sold. Those who try to find peace and rest will be unsuccessful unless they find the One of whom John said, Behold the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world. [John 1:29.] But the soul that finds Jesus feels that his wants are entirely satisfied. Christ says, A new heart will I give you. [Ezekiel 36:26.] This is the reward of obedience.

13LtMs, Ms 44, 1898, par. 36

“As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” [John 1:12, 13.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 166, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 166, 1905, par. 10

Let us walk in the footsteps of Christ, in all the humility of true faith. Let us put away all self-trust, committing ourselves, day by day and hour by hour, to the Saviour, constantly receiving and imparting His grace. I beg those who profess to believe in Christ to walk humbly before God. Pride and self-exaltation are an offense to Him. “If any man will come after Me,” Christ declares, “let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” [Matthew 16:24.] Those only who obey this word will He recognize as His believing ones. “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 1:12, 13.]

20LtMs, Ms 166, 1905, par. 11

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.” [Verse 14.] O wonderful condescension. The Prince of heaven, the Commander of the heavenly hosts stepped down from His high position, laid aside His royal robe and kingly crown, and clothed His divinity with humanity, that He might become the divine teacher of all classes of men and live before human beings a life free from all selfishness and sin, setting them an example of what, through His grace, they may become.

20LtMs, Ms 166, 1905, par. 12

“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.] Praise God for this wonderful statement. The possibilities that it presents seem almost too great for us to grasp and put to shame our weakness and our unbelief. I praise God that I can see my Saviour by faith. My soul grasps the great gift. Our only hope in this life is to reach forth the hand of faith and grasp the hand outstretched to save. “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” [Verse 29.] If we would look away from self to Jesus, making Him our guide, the world would see in our churches a power that it does not now see.

Our Father Cares

Walk in the Footsteps of Jesus, September 30

OFC 285.2

Study the instruction found in Matthew 25:14-46. Compare this instruction with your life record. Let every man put away his boasting.... Let us walk in the footsteps of Christ in all the humility of true faith. Let us put away all self-trust, committing ourselves, day by day and hour by hour, to the Saviour, constantly receiving and imparting His grace. I beg those who profess to believe in Christ to walk humbly before God. Pride and self-exaltation are an offense to Him. “If any man will come after me,” Christ declares, “let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). Those only who obey this word will He recognize as His believing ones. “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 1:12, 13).

OFC 285.3

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us” (verse 14). O wonderful condescension! The Prince of heaven, the Commander of the heavenly hosts, stepped down from His high position, laid aside His royal robe and kingly crown, and clothed His divinity with humanity, that He might become the divine Teacher of all classes of men, and live before human beings a life free from all selfishness and sin, setting them an example of what, through His grace, they may become.

OFC 285.4

“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). Praise God for this wonderful statement. The possibilities that it presents seem almost too great for us to grasp, and put to shame our weakness and our unbelief. I praise God that I can see my Saviour by faith. My soul grasps the great gift. Our only hope in this life is to reach forth the hand of faith, and grasp the hand outstretched to save. “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (verse 29). If we would look away from self to Jesus, making Him our Guide, the world would see in our churches a power that it does not now see.30This Day With God, 373.

This Day With God

Walk in the Footsteps of Jesus, December 30

TDG 373.2

Study the instruction found in Matthew 25:14-46. Compare this instruction with your life record. Let every man put away his boasting.... Let us walk in the footsteps of Christ in all the humility of true faith. Let us put away all self-trust, committing ourselves, day by day and hour by hour, to the Saviour, constantly receiving and imparting His grace. I beg those who profess to believe in Christ to walk humbly before God. Pride and self-exaltation are an offense to Him. “If any man will come after me,” Christ declares, “let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). Those only who obey this word will He recognize as His believing ones. “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 1:12, 13).

TDG 373.3

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us” (verse 14). O wonderful condescension! The Prince of heaven, the Commander of the heavenly hosts, stepped down from His high position, laid aside His royal robe and kingly crown, and clothed His divinity with humanity, that He might become the divine Teacher of all classes of men, and live before human beings a life free from all selfishness and sin, setting them an example of what, through His grace, they may become.

TDG 373.4

“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). Praise God for this wonderful statement. The possibilities that it presents seem almost too great for us to grasp, and put to shame our weakness and our unbelief. I praise God that I can see my Saviour by faith. My soul grasps the great gift. Our only hope in this life is to reach forth the hand of faith, and grasp the hand outstretched to save. “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (verse 29). If we would look away from self to Jesus, making Him our Guide, the world would see in our churches a power that it does not now see.—Manuscript 166, December 30, 1905, “Aggressive Work to Be Done.”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 148, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 148, 1901, par. 8

“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 1:12-14.] This is the only true mind cure, the only thing that can save the perishing soul. Human beings, with all their defects, all their wilful stubbornness, may come to Christ in humility, contrition, and sincere repentance, and receive pardon. Christ will take away their sins and impute to them His righteousness. The Holy Spirit takes the things of Christ and presents them to the earnest suppliant, and the salvation of the soul is ensured.

16LtMs, Lt 148, 1901, par. 9

“And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.” [Verse 16.] Looking upon Christ, John’s countenance lighted up, and he cried, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” [Verse 29.] These are the words we are to speak to every sinner. Never are we to be beguiled by the sophistry of Satan to tempt any human being to depend on another human mind for healing. God alone is the One who can heal. Those whose minds and bodies are diseased are to behold Christ as the Restorer of mind and body. His assurance is so full: “I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me; because I live, ye shall live also.” [John 14:18, 19.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 214, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 214, 1906, par. 15

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.” [John 1:12-14.] Oh, wonderful condescension! The Prince of heaven, the Commander of the heavenly hosts stepped down from His high position, laid aside His royal robe and kingly crown, and clothed His divinity with humanity, that He might become the divine Teacher of all classes of men and live before human beings a life free from all selfishness and sin, setting them an example of what, through His grace, they may become.

21LtMs, Lt 214, 1906, par. 16

“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.] Praise God for this wonderful statement! The possibilities that it presents seem almost too great for us to grasp and put to shame our weakness and our unbelief. Let us praise God that we can see our Saviour by faith. Let us grasp the great gift. Our only hope in this life is to reach forth the hand of faith and grasp the hand outstretched to save. Daily we are to “behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” [Verse 29.] If we would look away from self to Jesus, making Him our guide, the world would see in our churches a power that it does not now see.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 27, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 27, 1894, par. 3

A happy union is formed between Christ and the unworthy sinner when he seeks God with his whole heart. “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” [John 1:29.] Christ is our substitute and security, and He taketh away the sin of the believing soul, and imparts to the penitent His own righteousness. Now, after God has canceled the debt of the believing sinner, even while he is all undeserving, is it consistent that any human being should unveil the sins that have been covered by the blood of Christ? The Lord wants His people to understand His grace and everlasting love in order that they may be renewed in the spirit of their mind, and work not after Satan’s order, but after the order of God.

9LtMs, Ms 27, 1894, par. 8

The faith they possessed was more than many now comprehend. They understood, accepted, and communicated the redemption that they had fully and freely received, and distinctly experienced through Jesus Christ. They knew the meaning of the words, “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 of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” [John 1:12-14.] “And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.” [Revelation 14:13.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 30, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 30, 1895, par. 9

When Philip visited Christ where He dwelt, and listened to the words that fell from His lips as He expounded the Scriptures in regard to the work and mission of the Messiah, the Holy Spirit spoke to his heart. He looked up into the face of Christ, and as he listened to His gentle words, they were as rain upon the mown grass, as seed sown in good soil. The teaching of Christ came from an inwrought conviction and experience, and Philip became a teacher after the divine order. He went in search of Nathanael, and when he found him, he did not say, “I want you to see the Saviour of which Moses speaks;” but he said with assurance, “We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” [John 1:45.] It was not a supposition with him, but a live truth, his whole soul was aglow with the truth which he had found. He taught as one who knew whereof he spoke, and the one who heard saw the reasonableness of the truth and laid hold upon it.

10LtMs, Lt 30, 1895, par. 12

The Word and the Spirit agree, and through the power of both, the human agent becomes the possessor of that faith that works by love and purifies the soul, and he is thus enabled to bear a decided testimony saying, “I know whom I have believed. Christ is my personal Saviour, not merely because I have read of him, but because his grace has transformed my heart and character.” He realizes the fulfillment of 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; 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.” [Verses 12-14.]

Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students

The Great Teacher

CT 259.2

Man’s need for a divine teacher was known in heaven. The pity and sympathy of God were aroused in behalf of human beings, fallen and bound to Satan’s chariot car; and when the fullness of time was come, He sent forth His Son. The One appointed in the councils of heaven came to this earth as man’s instructor. The rich benevolence of God gave Him to our world, and to meet the necessities of human nature He took humanity upon Himself. To the astonishment of the heavenly host the eternal Word came to this world as a helpless babe. Fully prepared, He left the royal courts and mysteriously allied Himself with fallen human beings. “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.” John 1:14.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 10 [Nos. 771-850]

MR No. 802—Results of the Work of the Holy Spirit

10MR 100.2

When, after the resurrection and ascension of Christ, the words spoken to them from lips human and divine, were fulfilled, the apostles related the scenes of His [Christ’s] life experience, and the wonderful truths of His life became their experience, and awoke their slumbering senses. The word, bearing testimony by the disciples, the men of His appointment, awoke them as from a trance, and they proclaimed after the words were spoken, repeating the same words, “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 1:14).—Manuscript 63, 1900. (Untitled Manuscript, October 2, 1900.)

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 75, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 75, 1899, par. 2

This departure from God and His Word has for a long time been coming in; and it was God who called the attention of several of our brethren to the Scriptures, calling upon them to dig for the truth, which had been buried beneath customs and traditions, as for hidden treasure. Truths which to many minds have been a great mystery are to be unfolded. “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.” [John 1:14.] This Word is in a special sense to be proclaimed, that those who believe in Christ as a personal Saviour may have eternal life.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 115, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 115, 1899, par. 1

The Lord sends His messages again and again to urge His people to reach a higher standard. Christ humbled Himself to humanity, that He might give expression to the mind 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.] The Son of God clothed Himself with humanity, and became a servant, that He might show human beings what constitutes true ministry. Man needed a divine Instructor to teach him what he might become in character and practice if he would be a son of God. The Word of the Eternal is given to the world in the teachings of Christ, not only in the New Testament, but in the Old Testament Scriptures as well. The lessons of Christ are to be sacredly cherished and obeyed. We shall not long behold Christ’s example of ministry before our own lives will bear testimony to a reformation, and light will be reflected to all with whom we are connected.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 27, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 27, 1899, par. 14

As represented in the parable given by Christ, God sent His messengers to them, but these were persecuted and put to death. Last of all He sent His only begotten Son, “The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us ... full of grace and truth.” [John 1:14.] But the people He came to save refused to receive Him. They rewarded Him evil for good, and in Pilate’s judgment hall He was condemned to crucifixion. “Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? This that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat? I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me.” [Isaiah 63:1-3.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 114, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 114, 1899, par. 5

Prophets and teachers and servants of God had foretold the events which would take place under the gospel message, and the interest of the wise men of all nations was awakened in the Desire of Ages who was soon to come. And at last the promised One came. “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.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 165, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 165, 1899, par. 7

Christ’s identity with man will ever be the power of His influence. He became bone of our bone and flesh of our flesh. “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.] Adam’s sin plunged the race into hopeless misery. Christ, by His human relationship to men, drew them close to God. He might have cut Himself loose from fallen beings. He might have treated them as sinners deserve to be treated. But instead, He came still nearer to them. He clothed His divine nature with the garb of humanity, and demonstrated before the heavenly universe, before the unfallen worlds, and before the fallen world how much God loves the human race.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 115a, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 115a, 1899, par. 1

The Lord sends his messages again and again, to urge his people to reach a higher standard. Christ humbled himself to humanity, that he might give expression to the mind of God. “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory of as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” [John 1:14.] The Son of God clothed himself with humanity, and became a servant, that he might show human beings what constitutes true ministry. Man needed a divine instructor to teach him what he might become in character and in practice if he would be a son of God. The word of the eternal is given to the world in the teachings of Christ, not only in the New Testament, but in the Old Testament as well. The lessons of Christ are to be sacredly cherished and obeyed. We shall not long behold Christ’s example of ministry before our own lives will testify to a reformation, and light will be reflected to all with whom we are connected.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 21, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 21, 1900, par. 7

When Adam’s sin plunged the race into hopeless misery, God might have cut Himself loose from fallen beings. He might have treated them as sinners deserve to be treated. He might have commanded the angels of heaven to pour out upon our world the vials of His wrath. He might have removed this dark blot from His universe. But He did not do this. Instead of banishing them from His presence, He came still nearer to the fallen race. He gave His Son to become bone of our bone and flesh of our flesh. “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.] Christ by His human relationship to men drew them close to God. He clothed His divine nature with the garb of humanity, and demonstrated before the heavenly universe, before the unfallen worlds, how much God loves the children of men.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 53, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 53, 1900, par. 5

The Truth, the Life, and the Light of the world was to find a place in the hearts of men. For this, Christ clothed His divinity with humanity. This was the only means by which He could reach humanity. “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.” [John 1:14.] Christ became one with the human family. He spoke in the language of man. He bore with them their trials and their poverty. He ate with them at their tables, and shared their toils. Thus He assured them of His complete identification with humanity.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 26, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 26, 1900, par. 13

We are to act as Christ’s property, His sons and daughters. To all who receive Him He gives power to become His sons and daughters, even to those who believe on His name. They are then newborn souls, translated into the kingdom 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.] The power of God is to work in the character of every one who is born again. We are God’s property, and He wants everyone to be a co-laborer with Him. No one has anything beyond that which God gives him. All that he has, his time, his ability, his strength, given him in trust by God, has been bought with a price. A ransom has been paid which includes every son and daughter of Adam.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 161, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 161, 1903, par. 3

Let those who talk of principle, as if they would not on any account depart from principle, be sure that they understand the principles laid down in the Word of God for our guidance. There are some who follow false principles. Their idea of principle is misleading. Following right principle means the faithful doing of the first four and the last six commandments. In obedience to these divine commands, we eat the flesh and drink the blood of Christ, appropriating all that is embraced in the atonement made on Calvary. Christ will stand by the side of all who receive Him as their Saviour. To them He will give power to become the sons 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.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 293, 1904

19LtMs, Lt 293, 1904, par. 25

The great Medical Missionary left the heavenly courts and came to this world to save sinners. He “was made flesh, and dwelt among us.” [John 1:14.] He sympathized with suffering humanity. He went about doing good, feeding the hungry and healing the sick, by His loving deeds showing how those who receive Him must work.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 206, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 206, 1906, par. 6

“The ten commandments were spoken by God Himself, and were written by His own hand. They are of divine, and not human composition. But the Bible, with its God-given truths expressed in the language of men, presents a union of the divine and the human. Such a union existed in the nature of Christ, who was the Son of God and the Son of man. Thus it is true of the Bible, as it was of Christ, that ‘the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.’ John 1:14.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 192, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 192, 1906, par. 9

“The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us” [John 1:14], that we may understand the character we may possess if we eat His flesh and drink His blood. “Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood,” He declares, “hath eternal life.” And He further says, “The flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [John 6:54, 63.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 44, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 44, 1907, par. 18

“The Word became flesh, and dwelt among us.” [John 1:14.] This was done to convince us that there is no love in the universe but God’s, and that the happiness of man consists in loving Him, doing His will, and carrying out His precepts. My brother, the Lord desires you to guard against any doctrines that would lead to dissension and strife. You are charged to hold the beginning of your confidence firm unto the end. There is need of much prayer. The warning is given us in the Word, “Some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils.” [1 Timothy 4:1.] Brother Sheafe, is not this warning fulfilled in what we see in Battle Creek?

Our Father Cares

Standing by Principle, October 18

OFC 303.2

Let those who talk of principle as if they would not on any account depart from it be sure that they understand the principles laid down in the Word of God for our guidance. There are some who follow false principles. Their idea of principle is misleading. Following right principle means the faithful doing of the first four and the last six commandments. In obedience to these divine commands, we eat the flesh and drink the blood of Christ, appropriating all that is embraced in the atonement made on Calvary. Christ will stand by the side of all who receive Him as their Saviour. To them He will give power to become the sons 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).

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Only Safe Guide, October 6

JNN 295.3

The Son of God stooped to uplift the fallen. For this He left the sinless worlds on high, the ninety and nine that loved Him, and came to this earth to be “wounded for our transgressions” and “bruised for our iniquities” (Isaiah 53:5). He was in all things made like unto His brethren. He became flesh, even as we are. He knew what it meant to be hungry and thirsty and weary. He was sustained by food and refreshed by sleep. He was a stranger and a sojourner on the earth—in the world, but not of the world; tempted and tried as men and women of today are tempted and tried, yet living a life free from sin. Tender, compassionate, sympathetic, ever considerate of others, He represented the character of God. “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, ... full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Originator of All Truth, December 17

JNN 369.1

And the Word became 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

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 24—The Passover

PP 277.4

The flesh was to be eaten. It is not enough even that we believe on Christ for the forgiveness of sin; we must by faith be constantly receiving spiritual strength and nourishment from Him through His word. Said Christ, “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life.” John 6:53, 54. And to explain His meaning He said, “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” Verse 63. Jesus accepted His Father’s law, wrought out its principles in His life, manifested its spirit, and showed its beneficent power in the heart. Says John, “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. The followers of Christ must be partakers of His experience. They must receive and assimilate the word of God so that it shall become the motive power of life and action. By the power of Christ they must be changed into His likeness, and reflect the divine attributes. They must eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God, or there is no life in them. The spirit and work of Christ must become the spirit and work of His disciples.

Selected Messages Book 1

A Letter to Dr. Paulson

1SM 25.2

“The Ten Commandments were spoken by God Himself, and were written by His own hand. They are of divine, and not human composition. But the Bible, with its God-given truths expressed in the language of men, presents a union of the divine and the human. Such a union existed in the nature of Christ, who was the Son of God and the Son of man. Thus it is true of the Bible, as it was of Christ, that ‘the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us’ (John 1:14).

Sons and Daughters of God

Look Upon Christ—Assimilate His Image, November 27

SD 338.1

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 1:14.

That I May Know Him

God in Human Flesh, January 19

TMK 25.1

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 1:14.

That I May Know Him

A Hidden Treasure, February 21

TMK 58.5

“The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). The treasure indeed is hidden under the garb of humanity. Christ is the unsearchable riches, and he who finds Christ finds heaven. The human agent who looks upon Jesus, who dwells by faith on His matchless charms, finds the eternal treasure.27The Youth’s Instructor, August 22, 1895 .

The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 45—Written From Rome

AA 472.1

The Son of God stooped to uplift the fallen. For this He left the sinless worlds on high, the ninety and nine that loved Him, and came to this earth to be “wounded for our transgressions” and “bruised for our iniquities.” Isaiah 53:5. He was in all things made like unto His brethren. He became flesh, even as we are. He knew what it meant to be hungry and thirsty and weary. He was sustained by food and refreshed by sleep. He was a stranger and a sojourner on the earth—in the world, but not of the world; tempted and tried as men and women of today are tempted and tried, yet living a life free from sin. Tender, compassionate, sympathetic, ever considerate of others, He represented the character of God. “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, ... full of grace and truth.” John 1:14.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 1—“God With Us”

DA 23.3

God commanded Moses for Israel, “Let them make Me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them” (Exodus 25:8), and He abode in the sanctuary, in the midst of His people. Through all their weary wandering in the desert, the symbol of His presence was with them. So Christ set up His tabernacle in the midst of our human encampment. He pitched His tent by the side of the tents of men, that He might dwell among us, and make us familiar with His divine character and life. “The Word became flesh, and tabernacled among us (and we beheld His glory, glory as of the Only Begotten from the Father), full of grace and truth.” John 1:14, R. V., margin.

The Faith I Live By

Christ the Living Word, January 11

FLB 17.1

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 1:14.

The Great Controversy

Introduction

GC v.4

The Ten Commandments were spoken by God Himself, and were written by His own hand. They are of divine, and not of human composition. But the Bible, with its God-given truths expressed in the language of men, presents a union of the divine and the human. Such a union existed in the nature of Christ, who was the Son of God and the Son of man. Thus it is true of the Bible, as it was of Christ, that “the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.” John 1:14.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Author’s Preface

GC88 c.5

The ten commandments were spoken by God himself, and were written by his own hand. They are of divine, and not human composition. But the Bible, with its God-given truths expressed in the language of men, presents a union of the divine and the human. Such a union existed in the nature of Christ, who was the Son of God and the Son of man. Thus it is true of the Bible, as it was of Christ, that “the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.” John 1:14.

The Upward Look

Standing by Principle, July 1

UL 196.2

Let those who talk of principle as if they would not on any account depart from it be sure that they understand the principles laid down in the Word of God for our guidance. There are some who follow false principles. Their idea of principle is misleading. Following right principle means the faithful doing of the first four and the last six commandments. In obedience to these divine commands, we eat the flesh and drink the blood of Christ, appropriating all that is embraced in the atonement made on Calvary. Christ will stand by the side of all who receive Him as their Saviour. To them He will give power to become the sons 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).

Ye Shall Receive Power

Given by Inspiration of God, August 1

YRP 222.3

The Ten Commandments were spoken by God Himself, and were written by His own hand. They are of divine and not of human composition. But the Bible, with its God-given truths expressed in the language of men, presents a union of the divine and the human. Such a union existed in the nature of Christ, who was the Son of God and the Son of man. Thus it is true of the Bible, as it was of Christ, that “the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us” (John 1:14).

Camp-Meetings Their Object, and How to Conduct Them

What the People Need

PH130 29.2

Learn to meet the people where they are. Do not present subjects that will arouse controversy. Let not your instruction be of a character to perplex the mind. Do not cause the people to worry over things which you may see, but which they do not see, unless these are of vital consequence to the saving of the soul. Do not present the Scriptures in a way to exalt self and encourage vain glory in the one who opens the Word. The work for this time is to train students and workers to deal with subjects in a plain, serious, and solemn manner. There must be no time uselessly employed in this great work. We must not miss the mark. Time is too short for us to undertake to reveal all that might be opened to view. Eternity will be required for us to know all the length and breadth, the depth and height of the Scriptures. There are some souls to whom certain truths are of more importance than other truths. Skill is needed in your education in scriptural lines. Read and study Psalm 40:7, 8; John 1:14; 1 Timothy 3:16; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:14-17; Revelation 5:11-14.

The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials

Diary—January 1891

1888 869.2

God became one with man when, in the council between the Father and the Son in heaven it was determined that if man fell from his allegiance, the Son of God should be his Redeemer and restore in him the moral image of God. How was it to be done? “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, ...full of grace and truth.” John 1:14. “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:48. Christ’s oneness with the Father brings us into close union, through the Son of God, with the Father.

The Review and Herald

April 4, 1899

RH April 4, 1899, par. 9

Learn to meet the people where they are. Let not your study of the Scriptures be of a cheap or casual order. Let not your instruction be of a character to perplex the mind. Do not cause the people to worry over things that you may see, but which they do not see, unless these are of vital consequence to the saving of the soul. Do not present the Scriptures in a way to exalt self, and encourage vainglory in the one who opens the Word to others. The work for this time is to train students and workers to deal with subjects in a plain, serious, and solemn manner. There must be no time uselessly employed in this great work. We must not miss the mark. Time is too short for us to undertake to reveal all that might be opened up to view. Eternity will be required that we may know all the length and breadth, the height and depth, of the Scriptures. There are some souls to whom certain truths are of more importance than other truths. Skill is needed in your education in Scriptural lines. Read and study Psalm 40:7, 8; John 1:14; 1 Timothy 3:16; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:14-17; Revelation 5:11-14.

The Review and Herald

August 30, 1906

RH August 30, 1906, par. 6

“The ten commandments were spoken by God himself, and were written by his own hand. They are of divine, and not of human, composition. But the Bible, with its God-given truths expressed in the language of men, represents a union of the divine and the human. Such a union existed in the nature of Christ, who was the Son of God and the Son of man. Thus it is true of the Bible, as it was of Christ, that `the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.’ John 1:14.

God’s Amazing Grace

In Humility, October 17

AG 298.3

The lessons of Christ, setting forth meekness and humility and love as essential to growth in grace and a fitness for His work, were of the highest value to John. He treasured every lesson, and constantly sought to bring his life into harmony with the divine pattern. John had begun to discern the glory of Christ—not the worldly pomp and power for which he had been taught to hope, but “the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).... John desired to become like Jesus, and under the transforming influence of the love of Christ he did become meek and lowly. Self was hid in Jesus.40The Acts of the Apostles, 544.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 2

Victory over Temptation

2TT 220.2

Christ said: “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is meat indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. He that eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, dwelleth in Me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent Me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth Me, even he shall live by Me.” John 6:53-57. How many of those who are laboring in word and doctrine are eating Christ’s flesh and drinking His blood? How many can comprehend this mystery? The Saviour Himself explains this matter: “It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” Verse 63. The word of God must be interwoven with the living character of those who believe it. The only vital faith is that faith which receives and assimilates the truth till it is a part of the being and the motive power of the life and action. Jesus is called the Word of God. He accepted His Father’s law, wrought out its principles in His life, manifested its spirit, and showed its beneficent power in the heart. Says John: “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. The followers of Christ must be partakers of His experience. They must assimilate the word of God. They must be changed into its likeness by the power of Christ and reflect the divine attributes. They must eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God, or there is no life in them. The spirit and work of Christ must become the spirit and work of His disciples.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 2

Union of the Divine and the Human

2TT 345.1

The union of the divine and the human, manifest in Christ, exists also in the Bible. The truths revealed are all “given by inspiration of God;” yet they are expressed in the words of men and are adapted to human needs. Thus it may be said of the Book of God, as it was of Christ, that “the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.” John 1:14. And this fact, so far from being an argument against the Bible, should strengthen faith in it as the word of God. Those who pronounce upon the inspiration of the Scriptures, accepting some portions as divine while they reject other parts as human, overlook the fact that Christ, the divine, partook of our human nature, that He might reach humanity. In the work of God for man’s redemption, divinity and humanity are combined.

From Trials to Triumph

John Learned His Lessons Well

TT 285.3

John treasured every lesson and sought to bring his life into harmony with the divine pattern. He had begun to discern the glory of Christ—“glory as of the Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14.

From Heaven With Love

A Voluntary Sacrifice

HLv 13.5

Through Israel’s weary wandering in the desert, the symbol of God’s presence, the sanctuary, was with them. See Exodus 25:8. So Christ pitched His tent by the side of the tents of men that He might make us familiar with His divine character and life. “The Word became flesh, and tabernacled among us (and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father), full of grace and truth.” John 1:14, RV, margin.

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 55—Not With Outward Show

HLv 339.4

Not until after Christ’s ascension and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, did the disciples fully appreciate the Saviour’s character and mission. They began to realize they had been in the very presence of the Lord of glory. See John 1:14. Their minds were opened to comprehend the prophecies and to understand the miracles He had wrought. They were as men awakened from a dream. The disciples never wearied of rehearsing Christ’s words and works. His lessons now came as a fresh revelation. The Scriptures became to them a new book.

From the Heart

Jesus Is God, June 1

FH 164.1

And the Word became 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.

Homeward Bound

Divinity Needed Humanity, February 4

HB 51.1

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.—John 1:14.

Radiant Religion

Immanuel, “God with Us,” Has Come, March 4

RRe 65.3

God commanded Moses for Israel, “Let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them,” and He abode in the sanctuary, in the midst of His people. Through all their weary wandering in the desert, the symbol of His presence was with them. So Christ set up His tabernacle in the midst of our human encampment. He pitched His tent by the side of the tents of men, that He might dwell among us, and make us familiar with His divine character and life. “The Word became flesh, and tabernacled among us (and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father) full of grace and truth.” John 1:14, R.V. margin.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Lt 85, 1886

4LtMs, Lt 85, 1886, par. 10

It is my privilege to feel that I am forgiven. It is the privilege of all who comply with the conditions to have an experimental faith, to know for themselves that Jesus does pardon. When we confess our sins, His word is pledged that He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Put away unbelief, put away the suspicion that God does not mean these promises for you. They are for every sinner that repents, and you dishonor God by your unbelief. Let us pick up the precious pearls of promises in God’s Word, and in thus doing eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God. “My flesh is meat indeed, and My blood is drink indeed.” “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [John 6:55, 63.] “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 1:14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 40, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 40, 1891, par. 17

God became one with man when, in the council between the Father and the Son in heaven, it was determined that if man fell from his allegiance, the Son of God should be his Redeemer and restore in him the moral image of God. How was it to be done? “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, ... full of grace and truth.” John 1:14. “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:48. Christ’s oneness with the Father brings us into close union, through the Son of God, with the Father.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 109, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 109, 1893, par. 34

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith” [Hebrews 12:2], the experience of the beholder is this: “We beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14. “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” Romans 8:22. After giving the human family such a pledge of His parental love, will He leave us in difficulties unassisted? Will He require sacrifices that we cannot offer Him? Oh no.

Lift Him Up

Christ Took Upon Himself Human Nature, March 1

LHU 74.1

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 1:14.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 117, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 117, 1894, par. 12

In the promise Jesus made that he would send the Holy Spirit, provision was made to make up for the deficiencies of finite beings through this agency, that we might be qualified to be witnesses for him unto the uttermost parts of the earth, becoming co-workers with God. The Lord Jesus was seen as never before by his disciples, for the Holy Spirit revealed his complex character of human and divine. After the outpouring of the Spirit the disciples realized that “the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.” [John 1:14.] “For verily he took not on him the nature of angels but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered, being tempted, he is able also to succor them that are tempted.” [Hebrews 2:16-18.] Christ takes fallen man, degraded by sin, into unison with deity. The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, and this flesh was associated with all the humbling conditions of a fallen race. Yet Christ exemplified the law of Jehovah in humanity, and exalted humanity by connecting it with the divine nature. Humanity and divinity combined may represent the character of Christ and the character of the Father.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 1, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 1, 1895, par. 19

We require a better, deeper, more lovely teaching than man can give us. “My words,” saith Christ, “are spirit and life.” [John 6:63.] The truth enshrined in the heart becomes a vitalizing power, and we cannot be too urgent in impressing this upon human minds. There is absolutely no panoply but truth. The only dishonor we should fear is rebellion against God. Make sure we are working on Christ’s side, cling closely to the Bible for it alone will ennoble and purify, and when we are like-minded with our God, we shall be strong in His strength. “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 1:14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 22, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 22, 1895, par. 2

At no period of time has man learned all that can be learned of the Word of God. There are yet new views of truth to be seen, and much to be understood of the character and attributes of God—His benevolence, His mercy, His long forbearance, His example of perfect obedience. “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 1:14.] This would be a most valuable study, taxing the intellect and giving strength to the mental ability.

Lift Him Up

The Bible—A Perfect Whole, April 13

LHU 117.5

The Ten Commandments were spoken by God Himself, and were written by His own hand. They are of divine, and not of human composition. But the Bible, with its God-given truths expressed in the language of men, presents a union of the divine and the human. Such a union existed in the nature of Christ, who was the Son of God and the Son of man. Thus it is true of the Bible, as it was of Christ, that “the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us” (John 1:14).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 72, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 72, 1896, par. 8

With His divinity veiled by humanity, Christ came to this world that He might touch humanity. By becoming one with us He became our example, a Pattern for all humanity, in order that, by following His example, the image of God might be restored in us. In the beginning, when darkness was upon the face of the earth, “God said, Let there be light: and there was light.” [Genesis 1:3.] And when spiritual darkness covered the earth, and gross darkness the people, God said again, “Let there be light.” He sent Jesus, “the light of the world,” to bring truth to the world. [John 8:12.] “The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.” [John 1:14.] The divine instructor came when darkness appeared to be universal and complete. The Lord of truth looked from heaven, but darkness covered the earth like a funeral pall, and His image could not be discerned. He must descend and shine.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 9, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 9, 1896, par. 9

The deep necessity of man for a divine teacher was known in heaven. The pity and sympathy of God was exercised in behalf of man, fallen and bound to Satan’s chariot car; and when the fulness of time was come, He sent forth His Son. The One appointed in the councils of heaven came to the earth as an instructor. He was no less a being than the Creator of the world, the Son of the Infinite God. The rich benevolence of God gave Him to our world, and to meet the necessities of humanity, He took on Him human nature. To the astonishment of the heavenly host, He walked this earth as the Eternal Word. Fully prepared, He left the royal courts to come to a world marred and polluted with sin. Mysteriously He allied Himself to human nature. “The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.” [John 1:14.] God’s excess of goodness, benevolence, and love was a surprise to the world of grace which could be realized, but not told.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 11, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 11, 1897, par. 7

The redemption of men draws them away from political strife to rest and peace and quietude in God. All who contemplate this will indeed have the mind of Christ, will be clothed with the garments of Christ’s righteousness. And all who are thus blessed will, with ardor, cry, “We beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” [John 1:14.]

12LtMs, Lt 11, 1897, par. 8

Here was presented to the human mind spiritual and glorious light. “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, ... full of grace and truth.” [Verse 14.] What nearness to God we may experience, what views of heaven we may obtain. But that which is of the greatest importance to all who live their life to God, is for them to understand their daily service for Jesus Christ, in representing His character in meekness and lowliness of heart, and in being good and doing good.

Lift Him Up

The Great Teacher, June 1

LHU 166.3

Man’s need for a divine teacher was known in heaven. The pity and sympathy of God were aroused in behalf of human beings, fallen and bound to Satan’s chariot car; and when the fullness of time was come, He sent forth His Son. The One appointed in the councils of heaven came to this earth as man’s instructor. The rich benevolence of God gave Him to our world, and to meet the necessities of human nature He took humanity upon Himself. To the astonishment of the heavenly host, the eternal Word came to this world as a helpless babe. Fully prepared, He left the royal courts and mysteriously allied Himself with fallen human beings. “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us” (John 1:14).

The Upward Look

Gracious Words Needed, August 10

UL 236.5

“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” (John 1:14, 15). Yes, He was before John. Enshrouded in the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night, He led the children of Israel through the wilderness. “And of His fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.”—Manuscript 118, August 10, 1905, “A Divine Saviour.”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 33, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 33, 1898, par. 30

O what a God we have connected with us by the strongest ties! His spontaneous love calls for love, deep, earnest, and full, from every soul whom He has redeemed. He has a work for us to do in this world. For our sakes He became poor, that we through His poverty might be made rich. What do these riches comprehend? A life that measures with the life of God, an eternal weight of glory. He has collected all the riches of heaven, and laid upon all the resources of His infinite nature for all who will consent to return to their loyalty. He has given all heaven to our world. He has given to us a gift to convince us that there is no love that can measure with the love of God; and He would have His children express their love in return, by obedience to His commandments. “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.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 92, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 92, 1899, par. 23

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” [Hebrews 4:16.] “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.” “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life, and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him.” [John 1:14, 16; 3:36.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 7a, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 7a, 1900, par. 7

As they meditated upon His words and deeds, and pure, holy life, they felt that these could never be recorded as they really were. No human words could express their beauty. In their lives they must bear witness to the loveliness of Christ’s character. And this they did. “The word was made flesh,” they declared, “and dwelt among us, ... full of grace and truth. ... And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.” [John 1:14, 16.] “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the word of life; ... that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us.” [1 John 1:1, 3.] And as they witnessed to the name of Christ, they bore witness of the Father also; for had not Christ declared, “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.” [John 14:9.] All that is comprehended in Deity was represented in the human life of Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 63, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 63, 1900, par. 10

When, after the resurrection and ascension of Christ, the words spoken to them from lips human and divine, were fulfilled, the apostles related the scenes of His [Christ’s] life experience, and the wonderful truths of His life became their experience, and awoke their slumbering senses. The Word, bearing testimony by the disciples, the men of His appointment, awoke them as from a trance, and they proclaimed after the words were spoken, repeating the same words, “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 1:14, 16.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 12 [Nos. 921-999]

MR No. 967—Controversy Over the “Daily” to be Avoided

12MR 225.2

The simplicity of our faith is to be dwelt upon. Let the ministers teach the people how to give to others a knowledge of the saving truth for this time. The teachings of Christ are very simple but they are all essential. Let us heed His words, for we are exhorted to look to Him for guidance. We should ever bear in mind that we are to be taught of God. “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 1:14, 16). The power of the gospel is to come upon the companies who are raised up to bear witness to the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 96, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 96, 1902, par. 27

This is our hope. “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 1:14, 16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 99, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 99, 1903, par. 8

“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 1:14, 16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 83, 1905

20LtMs, Lt 83, 1905, par. 14

Christ came to this world bearing a message freighted with redemption. To all who receive Him as a personal Saviour, He gives power to become the sons of God. “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 1:14, 16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Ms 99, 1908

23LtMs, Ms 99, 1908, par. 24

Christ made every sacrifice that we might stand perfected before Him at last. He calls upon every believer in the Word to become His helping hand, working with unwearying earnestness to seek and to save the lost. All who accept Christ as their Saviour pledge themselves to unite with Him in bearing the cross. At their baptism they pledged themselves to become laborers together with God in winning souls to Christ. They are to be His witnesses, bound by their covenant of baptism to act a part in the great plan of redemption. The transforming power of God’s grace will mold and fashion every soul who gives himself to 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. ... And of His fulness have all we received and grace for grace.” [John 1:14, 16.] The hearts of His disciples, under the influence of the grace of Christ, may be so filled with His love, that their hearts will feel the burden He felt for the souls He purchased by His suffering and shame and reproach.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Lt 226, 1908

23LtMs, Lt 226, 1908, par. 7

The simplicity of our faith is to be dwelt upon. Let the ministers teach the people how to give to others a knowledge of the saving truth for this time. The teachings of Christ are very simple, but they are all essential. Let us heed His words; for we are exhorted to look to Him for guidance. We should ever bear in mind that we are to be taught of God. “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 1:14, 16.] The power of the gospel is to come upon the companies who are raised up to bear witness to the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7

Chapter 3—Work for Church Members

7T 20.1

Just as soon as a church is organized, let the minister set the members at work. They will need to be taught how to labor successfully. Let the minister devote more of his time to educating than to preaching. Let him teach the people how to give to others the knowledge they have received. While the new converts should be taught to ask counsel from those more experienced in the work, they should also be taught not to put the minister in the place of God. Ministers are but human beings, men compassed with infirmities. Christ is the One to whom we are to look for guidance. “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 1:14, 16.

The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 51—A Faithful Under-Shepherd

AA 520.2

Thus it had been with Peter and his fellow disciples. Christ was the revealer of truth to the world. By Him the incorruptible seed—the word of God—was sown in the hearts of men. But many of the most precious lessons of the Great Teacher were spoken to those who did not then understand them. When, after His ascension, the Holy Spirit brought His teachings to the remembrance of the disciples, their slumbering senses awoke. The meaning of these truths flashed upon their minds as a new revelation, and truth, pure and unadulterated, made a place for itself. Then the wonderful experience of His life became theirs. The Word bore testimony through them, the men of His appointment, and they proclaimed the mighty truth, “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 1:14, 16.

The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 53—John the Beloved

AA 544.1

The lessons of Christ, setting forth meekness and humility and love as essential to growth in grace and a fitness for His work, were of the highest value to John. He treasured every lesson and constantly sought to bring his life into harmony with the divine pattern. John had begun to discern the glory of Christ—not the worldly pomp and power for which he had been taught to hope, but “the glory as of the Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14.

AA 544.2

The depth and fervor of John’s affection for his Master was not the cause of Christ’s love for him, but the effect of that love. John desired to become like Jesus, and under the transforming influence of the love of Christ he did become meek and lowly. Self was hid in Jesus. Above all his companions, John yielded himself to the power of that wondrous life. He says, “The life was manifested, and we have seen it.” “And of His fullness have all we received, and grace for grace.” 1 John 1:2; John 1:16. John knew the Saviour by an experimental knowledge. His Master’s lessons were graven on his soul. When he testified of the Saviour’s grace, his simple language was eloquent with the love that pervaded his whole being.

The Review and Herald

March 5, 1914

RH March 5, 1914, par. 3

Just as soon as a church is organized, let the minister set the members to work. They will need to be taught how to labor successfully. Let the minister devote more of this time to educating than to preaching. Let him teach the people how to give to others the knowledge they have received. While the new converts should be taught to ask counsel from those more experienced in the work, they should also be taught not to put the minister in the place of God. Ministers are but human beings, men compassed with infirmities. Christ is the One to whom we are to look for guidance. “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 1:14, 16.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 3

Organizing for Service

3TT 83.1

Just as soon as a church is organized, let the minister set the members at work. They will need to be taught how to labor successfully. Let the minister devote more of his time to educating than to preaching. Let him teach the people how to give to others the knowledge they have received. While the new converts should be taught to ask counsel from those more experienced in the work, they should also be taught not to put the minister in the place of God. Ministers are but human beings, men compassed with infirmities. Christ is the One to whom we are to look for guidance. “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 1:14, 16.

From Trials to Triumph

The Fruit Produced by the Love of Truth

TT 274.1

Many of the most precious lessons of the Great Teacher were spoken to those who did not then understand them. When, after His ascension, the Holy Spirit brought His teachings to their remembrance, slumbering senses awoke. The meaning of these truths flashed on their minds as a new revelation. Then the men of His appointment proclaimed the mighty truth, “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 1:14, 16.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 64, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 64, 1895, par. 10

“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.] This is the vital current that is to flow from the heart of Christ as living water into the human vessel, from whence it again flows forth in rich currents, revealing Jesus, the Fountain head. This is experimental Christianity.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 71, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 71, 1897, par. 17

How thankful we should be that the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, character, (the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. “Of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace.” [John 1:14, 16.] This means that as we receive grace, we are to bestow the same upon those with whom we associate cheerfully employing all our powers and capabilities in God’s service.

Selected Messages Book 1

Chapter 62—Justified by Faith

1SM 394.2

“Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus” (Romans 3:24-26). “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). [John 1:14-16 quoted.]

That I May Know Him

Strength Through Trial, September 27

TMK 276.5

You represent Christ in true goodness of character, and understand what these words signify: “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). You receive grace, you develop grace; and as you reveal grace in your words, in your spirit and actions, God pours upon you a larger measure of grace. In proportion as you surrender yourselves to the working of the Holy Spirit you are supplied with heavenly grace. You are molded and fashioned a vessel unto honor, and become a channel through which God makes manifest His grace to the world.36The Youth’s Instructor, September 26, 1895.

A New Life (Revival and Beyond)

Amazing Grace

NL 25.2

“Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, I say, at this time His righteousness: that He might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus” (Romans 3:24-26). “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). [John 1:14-16 quoted.]

True Revival

Amazing Grace

TR 33.2

“Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, I say, at this time His righteousness: that He might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus” (Romans 3:24-26). “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). [John 1:14-16 quoted.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 187, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 187, 1903, par. 13

“The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory 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.” [John 1:14, 15.] Yes, He was before John. Enshrouded in the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night, He led the children of Israel through the wilderness. “And of His fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.” [Verse 16.] John was a burning and a shining light, but he was not That Light which was to lighten the whole world with the brightness of redeeming love. He was before John; for He existed from eternity with the Father.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8

Christ’s Revelation of God

8T 286.2

“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 1:18.

8T 286.5

“The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, ...full of grace and truth.” Verse 14.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 56, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 56, 1898, par. 23

“The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us; and we beheld his glory (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. ... 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 1:14, 16, 18.] “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 28, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 28, 1898, par. 4

Christ says, “He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life.” [John 6:54.] The Word of inspiration declares, “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.] This was in human flesh. When Christ came as the Word, and the Light of the world, He gave His exposition of the kingdom of heaven, calling upon nature to bear testimony to the workings of God, to bear witness to the truth. The earth has a history that man will never understand until he walks with his Redeemer in the paradise of God. “For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall lead them unto living fountains of waters, and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” [Revelation 7:17.]

13LtMs, Ms 28, 1898, par. 5

John pointed to the world’s Redeemer as “the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.” [John 1:29.] Higher education is the simplicity of godliness; and the unlearned in our schools, in abiding in Christ, in doing His will, through simple faith in His Word, may have a knowledge of God. This will lead them to obedience as they read a “Thus saith the Lord.” And thus they will be putting into practice their higher education.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 41—The Crisis in Galilee

DA 385.2

“Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent.” The price of heaven is Jesus. The way to heaven is through faith in “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29.

DA 387.2

Jesus did not attempt to explain the mystery of His birth. He made no answer to the questionings in regard to His having come down from heaven, as He had made none to the questions concerning His crossing the sea. He did not call attention to the miracles that marked His life. Voluntarily He had made Himself of no reputation, and taken upon Him the form of a servant. But His words and works revealed His character. All whose hearts were open to divine illumination would recognize in Him “the Only-begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 67, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 67, 1895, par. 4

Christ should be uplifted as the first Great Teacher, the only begotten Son of God, who was with the Father from eternal ages. The Son of God was the Great Teacher sent into the world as the Light of the world. “The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.” [John 1:14.] The Father was represented in Christ, and the attention in education must be of that character that they will look to Him and believe in Him as the likeness of God. He had a most wonderful mission to our world, and his work was not in a line to give a full relation of His personal claims to deity, but His humiliation was a concealment of His claims. This is why the Jewish nation did not acknowledge Christ as the Prince of life, because He did not come with display in outward appearance, for He hid under the garb of humanity His glorious character.

10LtMs, Lt 67, 1895, par. 8

What book can begin to compare with the Bible? It is essential for every child, for youth, and those of mature age to understand, for it is the Word of God, the Word to guide all the human family to heaven. Then why does not the Word from God contain the chief elements which constitute education? Uninspired authors are placed in the hands of children and youth in our schools as lesson books—books from which they are to be educated. They are kept before the youth, taking up their precious time in studying those things which they can never use. Many books have been introduced into the schools which should never have been placed there. These books do not in any sense voice the words of John, “Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world.” [John 1:29.] The whole line of studies in our schools should be to prepare a people for the future, immortal life.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 73, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 73, 1895, par. 21

Paul could be as zealous as any of the most zealous in his allegiance to the law of God, and show that he was perfectly familiar with the Old Testament Scriptures. He could dwell upon the types and shadows that typified Christ; he could exalt Christ and tell all about Christ and his special work in behalf of humanity, and what a field He had to explore! He could advance most precious light upon the prophecies that they had not seen; and yet he would not offend them. Thus the foundation was laid nicely, that when the time came that their spirits softened, he could say in the language of John, “Behold in Jesus Christ, who was made flesh, and dwelt among us, the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world.” [See John 1:14, 29.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 147, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 147, 1897, par. 16

Christ laid out a work before His disciples. They were to preach the Word. Not in their own strength were they to do this. Christ came to reveal the truth. “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, ... full of grace and truth.” [John 1:14.] In His power the disciples were to carry forward the work. The Lord has more and still more grace and love and assurance to communicate to those who preach the gospel to sinners. A work is to be done for and in the churches. They are not merely to be preached to; they are to be educated to receive Christ as their personal Saviour. The hearts of the members are to be so softened and humbled and teachable, that they will receive with meekness the engrafted Word, which is able to save their souls. All heaven is waiting for men to take up their God-given responsibilities, and co-operate with heavenly intelligences in voicing the lessons given by Christ to His disciples when He was with them in humanity.

12LtMs, Ms 147, 1897, par. 34

Jesus Christ is our surety. “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sins of the world.” [John 1:29.] Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us. Every drop of blood shed as the sacrifices were offered pointed to the Lamb of God. All the typical offerings were fulfilled in Him. Type met antitype when He died on the cross. He came to make it possible to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. He is our substitute and surety. He paid the ransom for our redemption. We are bought with a price, and Christ calls upon us to let Him take our sins and impute to us His righteousness.