EGW WritingsJohn 20

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 189, 1907

22LtMs, Ms 189, 1907, par. 24

Here we have John 20:1. How hard it was for them to believe that Christ would do just exactly as He said He would do. He said He would rise from the dead the third day. They had forgotten all about it. The comfort of this that should have been with them, they had forgotten, and so the comfort that will be with a true father and a true mother takes care of their home life, teaching the older daughters to take up the responsibilities of life just as soon as they are able to take them up. Bow with them in prayer. When they have a temper that perhaps the mother or the father has given them, the poor little children need sympathy and love and pity and compassion. Bring them along tenderly. Appetites and passions are to be brought under obedience to the law.

A Call To Stand Apart

Chapter 11—Grand Resurrection

CSA 41.3

Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. John 20:1-17.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 82—“Why Weepest Thou?”

DA 788.1

The women who had stood by the cross of Christ waited and watched for the hours of the Sabbath to pass. On the first day of the week, very early, they made their way to the tomb, taking with them precious spices to anoint the Saviour’s body. They did not think about His rising from the dead. The sun of their hope had set, and night had settled down on their hearts. As they walked, they recounted Christ’s works of mercy and His words of comfort. But they remembered not His words, “I will see you again.” John 16:22.

DA 788.2

Ignorant of what was even then taking place, they drew near the garden, saying as they went, “Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulcher?” They knew that they could not remove the stone, yet they kept on their way. And lo, the heavens were suddenly alight with glory that came not from the rising sun. The earth trembled. They saw that the great stone was rolled away. The grave was empty.

DA 788.3

The women had not all come to the tomb from the same direction. Mary Magdalene was the first to reach the place; and upon seeing that the stone was removed, she hurried away to tell the disciples. Meanwhile the other women came up. A light was shining about the tomb, but the body of Jesus was not there. As they lingered about the place, suddenly they saw that they were not alone. A young man clothed in shining garments was sitting by the tomb. It was the angel who had rolled away the stone. He had taken the guise of humanity that he might not alarm these friends of Jesus. Yet about him the light of the heavenly glory was still shining, and the women were afraid. They turned to flee, but the angel’s words stayed their steps. “Fear not ye,” he said; “for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead.” Again they look into the tomb, and again they hear the wonderful news. Another angel in human form is there, and he says, “Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how He spake unto you when He was yet in Galilee, saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.”

DA 789.1

He is risen, He is risen! The women repeat the words again and again. No need now for the anointing spices. The Saviour is living, and not dead. They remember now that when speaking of His death He said that He would rise again. What a day is this to the world! Quickly the women departed from the sepulcher “with fear and great joy; and did run to bring His disciples word.”

DA 789.2

Mary had not heard the good news. She went to Peter and John with the sorrowful message, “They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulcher, and we know not where they have laid Him.” The disciples hurried to the tomb, and found it as Mary had said. They saw the shroud and the napkin, but they did not find their Lord. Yet even here was testimony that He had risen. The graveclothes were not thrown heedlessly aside, but carefully folded, each in a place by itself. John “saw, and believed.” He did not yet understand the scripture that Christ must rise from the dead; but he now remembered the Saviour’s words foretelling His resurrection.

DA 789.3

It was Christ Himself who had placed those graveclothes with such care. When the mighty angel came down to the tomb, he was joined by another, who with his company had been keeping guard over the Lord’s body. As the angel from heaven rolled away the stone, the other entered the tomb, and unbound the wrappings from the body of Jesus. But it was the Saviour’s hand that folded each, and laid it in its place. In His sight who guides alike the star and the atom, there is nothing unimportant. Order and perfection are seen in all His work.

DA 789.4

Mary had followed John and Peter to the tomb; when they returned to Jerusalem, she remained. As she looked into the empty tomb, grief filled her heart. Looking in, she saw the two angels, one at the head and the other at the foot where Jesus had lain. “Woman, why weepest thou?” they asked her. “Because they have taken away my Lord,” she answered, “and I know not where they have laid Him.”

DA 790.1

Then she turned away, even from the angels, thinking that she must find someone who could tell her what had been done with the body of Jesus. Another voice addressed her, “Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou?” Through her tear-dimmed eyes, Mary saw the form of a man, and thinking that it was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if thou have borne Him hence, tell me where thou hast laid Him, and I will take Him away.” If this rich man’s tomb was thought too honorable a burial place for Jesus, she herself would provide a place for Him. There was a grave that Christ’s own voice had made vacant, the grave where Lazarus had lain. Might she not there find a burial place for her Lord? She felt that to care for His precious crucified body would be a great consolation to her in her grief.

DA 790.2

But now in His own familiar voice Jesus said to her, “Mary.” Now she knew that it was not a stranger who was addressing her, and turning she saw before her the living Christ. In her joy she forgot that He had been crucified. Springing toward Him, as if to embrace His feet, she said, “Rabboni.” But Christ raised His hand, saying, Detain Me not; “for I am not yet ascended to My Father: but go to My brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto My Father, and your Father; and to My God, and your God.” And Mary went her way to the disciples with the joyful message.

DA 790.3

Jesus refused to receive the homage of His people until He had the assurance that His sacrifice was accepted by the Father. He ascended to the heavenly courts, and from God Himself heard the assurance that His atonement for the sins of men had been ample, that through His blood all might gain eternal life. The Father ratified the covenant made with Christ, that He would receive repentant and obedient men, and would love them even as He loves His Son. Christ was to complete His work, and fulfill His pledge to “make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir.” Isaiah 13:12. All power in heaven and on earth was given to the Prince of Life, and He returned to His followers in a world of sin, that He might impart to them of His power and glory.

DA 790.4

While the Saviour was in God’s presence, receiving gifts for His church, the disciples thought upon His empty tomb, and mourned and wept. The day that was a day of rejoicing to all heaven was to the disciples a day of uncertainty, confusion, and perplexity. Their unbelief in the testimony of the women gives evidence of how low their faith had sunk. The news of Christ’s resurrection was so different from what they had anticipated that they could not believe it. It was too good to be true, they thought. They had heard so much of the doctrines and the so-called scientific theories of the Sadducees that the impression made on their minds in regard to the resurrection was vague. They scarcely knew what the resurrection from the dead could mean. They were unable to take in the great subject.

DA 793.1

“Go your way,” the angels had said to the women, “tell His disciples and Peter that He goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see Him, as He said unto you.” These angels had been with Christ as guardian angels throughout His life on earth. They had witnessed His trial and crucifixion. They had heard His words to His disciples. This was shown by their message to the disciples, and should have convinced them of its truth. Such words could have come only from the messengers of their risen Lord.

DA 793.2

“Tell His disciples and Peter,” the angels said. Since the death of Christ, Peter had been bowed down with remorse. His shameful denial of the Lord, and the Saviour’s look of love and anguish, were ever before him. Of all the disciples he had suffered most bitterly. To him the assurance is given that his repentance is accepted and his sin forgiven. He is mentioned by name.

DA 793.3

“Tell His disciples and Peter that He goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see Him.” All the disciples had forsaken Jesus, and the call to meet Him again includes them all. He has not cast them off. When Mary Magdalene told them she had seen the Lord, she repeated the call to the meeting in Galilee. And a third time the message was sent to them. After He had ascended to the Father, Jesus appeared to the other women, saying, “All hail. And they came and held Him by the feet, and worshiped Him. Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell My brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see Me.”

DA 793.4

Christ’s first work on earth after His resurrection was to convince His disciples of His undiminished love and tender regard for them. To give them proof that He was their living Saviour, that He had broken the fetters of the tomb, and could no longer be held by the enemy death; to reveal that He had the same heart of love as when He was with them as their beloved Teacher, He appeared to them again and again. He would draw the bonds of love still closer around them. Go tell My brethren, He said, that they meet Me in Galilee.

DA 794.1

As they heard this appointment, so definitely given, the disciples began to think of Christ’s words to them foretelling His resurrection. But even now they did not rejoice. They could not cast off their doubt and perplexity. Even when the women declared that they had seen the Lord, the disciples would not believe. They thought them under an illusion.

DA 794.2

Trouble seemed crowding upon trouble. On the sixth day of the week they had seen their Master die; on the first day of the next week they found themselves deprived of His body, and they were accused of having stolen it away for the sake of deceiving the people. They despaired of ever correcting the false impressions that were gaining ground against them. They feared the enmity of the priests and the wrath of the people. They longed for the presence of Jesus, who had helped them in every perplexity.

DA 794.3

Often they repeated the words, “We trusted that it had been He which should have redeemed Israel.” Lonely and sick at heart they remembered His words, “If they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?” Luke 24:21; 23:31. They met together in the upper chamber, and closed and fastened the doors, knowing that the fate of their beloved Teacher might at any time be theirs.

DA 794.4

And all the time they might have been rejoicing in the knowledge of a risen Saviour. In the garden, Mary had stood weeping, when Jesus was close beside her. Her eyes were so blinded by tears that she did not discern Him. And the hearts of the disciples were so full of grief that they did not believe the angels’ message or the words of Christ Himself.

DA 794.5

How many are still doing what these disciples did! How many echo Mary’s despairing cry, “They have taken away the Lord, ... and we know not where they have laid Him”! To how many might the Saviour’s words be spoken, “Why weepest thou? whom seekest thou?” He is close beside them, but their tear-blinded eyes do not discern Him. He speaks to them, but they do not understand.

DA 794.6

Oh that the bowed head might be lifted, that the eyes might be opened to behold Him, that the ears might listen to His voice! “Go quickly, and tell His disciples that He is risen.” Bid them look not to Joseph’s new tomb, that was closed with a great stone, and sealed with the Roman seal. Christ is not there. Look not to the empty sepulcher. Mourn not as those who are hopeless and helpless. Jesus lives, and because He lives, we shall live also. From grateful hearts, from lips touched with holy fire, let the glad song ring out, Christ is risen! He lives to make intercession for us. Grasp this hope, and it will hold the soul like a sure, tried anchor. Believe, and thou shalt see the glory of God.

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 82—“Woman, Why Are You Weeping?”

HLv 525.1

On the first day of the week, very early, the women who had stood by the cross made their way to the tomb to anoint the Saviour’s body. They did not think about His rising from the dead. The sun of their hope had set. They remembered not His words, “I will see you again.” John 16:22.

HLv 525.2

Ignorant of what was even then taking place, they drew near the garden, saying, “Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulcher?” And lo, the heavens were suddenly alight with glory. The earth trembled. The great stone was rolled away. The grave was empty!

HLv 525.3

Mary Magdalene was the first to reach the place, and seeing that the stone was removed, she hurried to tell the disciples. Meanwhile the other women came. A light was shining about the tomb, but the body of Jesus was not there.

HLv 525.4

As they lingered, suddenly they saw that they were not alone. A young man in shining garments was sitting by the tomb. It was the angel who had rolled away the stone. He had taken the guise of humanity that he might not alarm these friends of Jesus. Yet about him the light of the heavenly glory was still shining, and the women were afraid. “Do not be afraid,” the angel said, “for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead.”

HLv 525.5

They looked into the tomb, and another angel in human form said, “Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how He spake unto you when He was yet in Galilee, saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.”

HLv 526.1

The women remembered now—He said He would rise again! What a day is this! Quickly they departed “with fear and great joy; and did run to bring His disciples word.”

HLv 526.2

Mary had not heard the good news. She went to Peter and John with the sorrowful message, “They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulcher, and we know not where they have laid Him.” The disciples hurried to the tomb and saw the shroud and the napkin, but did not find their Lord. Yet even here was testimony that He had risen. The graveclothes were not thrown heedlessly aside, but carefully folded, each in a place by itself. John “saw, and believed.” He now remembered the Saviour’s words foretelling His resurrection.

HLv 526.3

Christ Himself placed those graveclothes with such care. As the mighty angel from heaven rolled away the stone, another entered the tomb and unbound the wrappings from the body of Jesus. But it was the Saviour’s hand that folded each, and laid it in its place. In His sight who guides alike the star and the atom, nothing is unimportant.

HLv 526.4

Mary had followed John and Peter to the tomb; when they returned to Jerusalem, she remained. Grief filled her heart. Looking into the empty tomb, she saw the two angels, one at the head and the other at the foot where Jesus had lain. “Woman, why weepest thou?” they asked her. “Because they have taken away my Lord,” she answered, “and I know not where they have laid Him.”

HLv 526.5

Then she turned away, thinking that she must find someone who could tell her what had been done with the body. Another voice addressed her: “Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou?” Through tear-dimmed eyes, Mary saw a man, and thinking it was the gardener, said, “Sir, if thou have borne Him hence, tell me where thou hast laid Him, and I will take Him away.” If this rich man’s tomb was thought too honorable for Jesus, she herself would provide a place for Him. There was a grave that Christ’s own voice had made vacant, the grave where Lazarus had lain.

HLv 527.1

But now in His own familiar voice, Jesus said to her, “Mary.” Turning, she saw before her the living Christ! Springing toward Him as if to embrace His feet, she said, “Rabboni.” But Christ raised His hand, saying, Detain Me not; “for I have not yet ascended to My Father: but go to My brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto My Father, and your Father; and to My God, and your God.” Mary went her way with the joyful message.

HLv 527.2

Jesus refused the homage of His people until He ascended to the heavenly courts and from God Himself heard the assurance that His atonement for the sins of men had been ample, that through His blood all might attain eternal life. The Father ratified the covenant made with Christ, that He would receive repentant and obedient men and would love them even as He loves His Son. All power in heaven and on earth was given to the Prince of life, and He returned to His followers in a world of sin, that He might impart of His power and glory to His followers.

HLv 527.3

While the Saviour was in God’s presence, receiving gifts for His church, the disciples mourned and wept. The day of rejoicing to all heaven was to them a day of confusion and perplexity. Their unbelief in the testimony of the women gives evidence of how low their faith had sunk. They could not believe the news. It was too good to be true, they thought. They had heard so much of the so-called scientific theories of the Sadducees that they scarcely knew what the resurrection from the dead could mean.

HLv 527.4

“Go your way,” the angels had said to the women, “tell His disciples and Peter that He goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see Him, as He said unto you.” The message of these angels to the disciples should have convinced them of its truth. Such words could have come only from the messengers of their risen Lord.

HLv 528.1

Since the death of Christ, Peter had been bowed down with remorse. His shameful denial of the Lord was ever before him. Of all the disciples, he had suffered most bitterly. To him the assurance was given that his repentance was accepted. He was mentioned by name.

HLv 528.2

When Mary Magdalene had told the disciples she had seen the Lord, she repeated the call to the meeting in Galilee. And a third time the message was sent to them. After He had ascended to the Father, Jesus appeared to the other women, saying, “Go tell My brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see Me.”

HLv 528.3

Christ’s first work after His resurrection was to convince His disciples of His undiminished love and tender regard for them. He would draw the bonds of love still closer around them. Go tell My brethren, He said, that they meet Me in Galilee.

HLv 528.4

But even now the disciples could not cast off their doubt and perplexity. Even when the women declared that they had seen the Lord, they thought them under an illusion.

HLv 528.5

Trouble seemed crowding on trouble. They had seen their Master die; they found themselves deprived of His body; and they were accused of having stolen it for the sake of deceiving the people. They despaired of ever correcting the false impressions that were gaining ground. They feared the enmity of the priests and the wrath of the people. They longed for the presence of Jesus.

HLv 528.6

Often they repeated the words, “We trusted that it had been He which should have redeemed Israel.” Luke 24:21. Lonely and sick at heart, they met together in the upper chamber, and closed and fastened the doors, knowing that the fate of their beloved Teacher might at any time be theirs.

HLv 529.1

And all the time they might have been rejoicing in the knowledge of a risen Saviour. Many are still doing what these disciples did. The Saviour is close beside them, but their tear-blinded eyes do not discern Him. He speaks to them, but they do not understand.

HLv 529.2

“Go quickly, and tell His disciples that He is risen.” Look not to the empty sepulcher. From grateful hearts, from lips touched with holy fire, let the glad song ring out, Christ is risen! He lives to make intercession for us.

Daughters of God

Women at the Tomb of Jesus

DG 68.1

While John was troubled about the burial of his Master, Joseph returned with Pilate’s order for the body of Christ; and Nicodemus came bringing a costly mixture of myrrh and aloes ... for His embalming.... The disciples were astonished to see these wealthy rulers as much interested as they themselves in the burial of their Lord....

DG 68.2

Gently and reverently they [Joseph and Nicodemus] removed with their own hands the body of Jesus from the cross. Their tears of sympathy fell fast as they looked upon His bruised and lacerated form. Joseph owned a new tomb, hewn in a rock. This he was reserving for himself; but it was near Calvary, and he now prepared it for Jesus. The body, together with the spices brought by Nicodemus, was carefully wrapped in a linen sheet, and the Redeemer was borne to the tomb. There the three disciples [John, Joseph, and Nicodemus] straightened the mangled limbs, and folded the bruised hands upon the pulseless breast. The Galilean women came to see that all had been done that could be done for the lifeless form of their beloved Teacher. Then they saw the heavy stone rolled against the entrance of the tomb, and the Saviour was left at rest. The women were last at the cross and last at the tomb of Christ. While the evening shades were gathering, Mary Magdalene and the other Marys lingered about the resting place of their Lord, shedding tears of sorrow over the fate of Him whom they loved. “And they returned, ... and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.” Luke 23:56.—The Desire of Ages, 773, 774 (1898).

DG 68.3

“In the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulcher.” Matthew 28:1. As they approached, they saw that the great stone was rolled away and that a light was shining about the tomb. The body of Jesus was not there, but soon they saw an angel.—Sermons and Talks 2:281 (1906).

DG 69.1

The women had not all come to the tomb from the same direction. Mary Magdalene was the first to reach the place; and upon seeing that the stone was removed, she hurried away to tell the disciples. Meanwhile the other women came up. A light was shining about the tomb, but the body of Jesus was not there. As they lingered about the place, suddenly they saw that they were not alone. A young man clothed in shining garments was sitting by the tomb. It was the angel who had rolled away the stone. He had taken the guise of humanity that he might not alarm these friends of Jesus. Yet about him the light of the heavenly glory was still shining, and the women were afraid.

DG 69.2

They turned to flee, but the angel’s words stayed their steps. “Fear not ye,” he said; “for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead.” Again they look into the tomb, and again they hear the wonderful news. Another angel in human form is there, and he says, “Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.”—The Desire of Ages, 788, 789 (1898).

DG 69.3

“Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, and seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She said unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.”

DG 69.4

Feeling that she must find someone who will tell her what has been done with Jesus, Mary turns away even from the words of the angels. As she does so, another voice addresses her: “Woman, why weepest thou?” Through her tear-dimmed eyes, Mary sees one whom she supposes to be the gardener. “Sir,” she says, “if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. Jesus saith unto her, Mary.” At the familiar voice, she turns to Him. She knows now that it is no stranger who speaks. Before her she sees the living Saviour. She springs toward Him, as if to embrace His feet, saying, “Rabboni.” But the Saviour raises His hand and says, “Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.”—The Youth’s Instructor, July 21, 1898.

DG 70.1

“Go your way,” the angels had said to the women, “tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you”....

DG 70.2

[The message was repeated a second time:] “Tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him.” All the disciples had forsaken Jesus, and the call to meet Him again includes them all. He has not cast them off. When Mary Magdalene told them she had seen the Lord, she repeated the call to the meeting in Galilee. And a third time the message was sent to them. After He had ascended to the Father, Jesus appeared to the other women, saying, “All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped Him. Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see Me.”—The Desire of Ages, 793 (1898).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 40, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 40, 1897, par. 15

The four apostles Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, all bear record that Jew and Gentile, rulers, kings, and governors, priests and people, all classes and tongues, were represented in rejecting and crucifying Christ, the Son of God, a man who was innocent, and against whom they could find no proof. The synagogue of Satan, the prince of darkness and his evil agents, united in a desperate companionship with disloyal, evil men. They resolved to put the whole power of their corrupt energies to work to put out of the world the light of truth.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 53, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 53, 1900, par. 4

In our Bible, we might ask, Why need Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the Gospels, why need the Acts of the Apostles, and the variety of writers in the Epistles, go over the same thing?

15LtMs, Lt 53, 1900, par. 6

We are not to feel that we must speak the very same things, giving the same representation in the same words, and yet there is to be unity in the diversity. All the different testimonies unite to form one whole, as the books of the Bible are brought together, and bound under one cover. But should Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John go off on some tangent, contradicting each other’s testimony, then there would be confusion. In the presentation of truth by different minds, there is to be unity in diversity.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 91, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 91, 1903, par. 15

Why do we need a Matthew, a Mark, a Luke, a John, a Paul, and all these other writers who have borne their testimony in regard to the life of the Saviour during His earthly ministry? Why could not one of the disciples have written a complete record, and thus have given us a connected account of Christ’s life and work? The Gospels differ. One writer brings in points that another does not bring in. If these points are essential, why did not all these writers mention them? It is because the minds of men differ and do not comprehend all things in exactly the same way. Some Scripture truths appeal much more strongly to the minds of certain persons than to others; some points appear to be much more important to some than to others. The same principle applies to speakers. Some speakers dwell at considerable length on points that others would pass by quickly or not mention at all. Thus the whole truth is presented more clearly by several than by one. In the Gospels the records blend in one harmonious whole.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 155, 1904

19LtMs, Ms 155, 1904, par. 1

“The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulcher, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulcher. Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulcher, and we know not where they have laid him. Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulcher. So they both ran together; and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulcher. And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulcher, and seeth the linen clothes lie, and the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes but wrapped together in a place by itself. Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulcher, and he saw, and believed. For as yet they knew not the Scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.” [John 20:1-9.]

19LtMs, Ms 155, 1904, par. 4

“Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said unto Him, Sir, if thou have borne Him hence, tell me where thou hast laid Him, and I will take Him away. Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto Him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to My Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto My Father, and your Father; and to My God, and your God.” [Verses 10-17.]

19LtMs, Ms 155, 1904, par. 7

“Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he showed unto them His hands and His side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw their Lord.” [Verses 18-20.]

19LtMs, Ms 155, 1904, par. 9

“Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you; as My Father hath sent Me, even so send I you.” [Verse 21.]

19LtMs, Ms 155, 1904, par. 12

“But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said to him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.” [Verses 22-25.]

19LtMs, Ms 155, 1904, par. 14

“And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.” [Verse 26.]

19LtMs, Ms 155, 1904, par. 16

“Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side; and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” [Verses 27-29.]

19LtMs, Ms 155, 1904, par. 18

“And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: but these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name.” [Verses 30, 31.]

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

MR No. 999—Christ as Sacrifice and High Priest

12MR 420.4

Mary saw that her Lord was not in the tomb. “Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid Him” [John 20:2]. While Mary was hastening to the abode of Peter and John, other women came to the tomb from another direction, wondering how they would roll away the stone. But they found the stone rolled away, and, entering the sepulcher, they saw that the body of their Lord was not there.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 111, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 111, 1897, par. 66

Mary saw that her Lord was not in the tomb. “Then she runneth and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulcher, and I know not where they have laid him.” [John 20:2.] While Mary was hastening to the abode of Peter and John, other women came to the tomb from another direction, wondering how they would roll away the stone. But they found the stone rolled away, and entering the sepulcher, they saw that the body of their Lord was not there.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 115, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 115, 1897, par. 4

When Mary found the stone rolled away from the door of the tomb, “she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulcher, and we know not where they have laid him. Peter therefore went forth, and the other disciple, and came to the sepulcher. And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying: yet went he not in. Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulcher, seeth the linen clothes lie, and the napkin that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. Then went in that other disciple also, which came first to the sepulcher, and he saw and believed. For as yet they knew not the scripture, ....” [John 20:2, 3, 5-9.] “Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine holy One to see corruption.” [Psalm 16:10.] “But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave; for he shall receive me.” [Psalm 49:15.]

12LtMs, Ms 115, 1897, par. 5

“Then the disciples went away again to their own home. But Mary stood without at the sepulcher weeping: and as she wept she stooped down, and looked into the sepulcher, and seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus has lain. And they said unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She said unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. And when she has thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? ... She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith to him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and said unto him, Rabboni, which is to say, Master. Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I have not yet ascended unto my Father, but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend to my Father, and your Father, and to my God, and your God.” [John 20:10-17.]

12LtMs, Ms 115, 1897, par. 35

Thomas was not with the twelve when Jesus appeared to them. “The other disciples therefore said unto him, we have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my fingers into the prints of his nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.” [John 20:25.]

Lift Him Up

Order and Perfection Seen in All He Did, March 26

LHU 99.1

Then cometh Simon Peter ... and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, and the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. John 20:6, 7.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 106, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 106, 1896, par. 35

After the resurrection of Christ, the record is that the disciples, hearing of His resurrection, came to the sepulcher, “and seeth the linen clothes lie, and the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.” [John 20:6, 7.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 45, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 45, 1895, par. 25

When Christ permitted Himself to be put to death, His disciples were greatly disappointed, “for as yet they knew not the Scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.” [John 20:9.] On the day of His resurrection, two of His disciples, as they walked toward Emmaus, were reasoning on these things. When we honestly seek to understand the revelation of God, Christ is ready to come to our help. As these two “communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. ... And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” [Luke 24:15, 27.]

Life Sketches of Ellen G. White

Discourse by Elder Haskell

LS 478.1

“Jesus saith unto her, Mary.” That is all He said—“Mary.” Many a time she had heard that familiar voice, and she must have recognized Jesus by His tone or expression, for immediately she acknowledged Him as her Master and Lord. “Touch Me not,” He said to her; “for I am not yet ascended to My Father: but go to My brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto My Father, and your Father; and to My God, and your God.” John 20:11-17. Then it was that Mary hastened to the disciples with the glad tidings of a risen Saviour.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 8 [Nos. 526-663]

MR No. 597—The Need for a Proper Concept of Righteousness by Faith

8MR 277.1

Oh, why do our church members stop short of their privileges? They are not personally alive to the necessity of the influence of the Spirit of God. The church may, like Mary, say, “They have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid Him.” (John 20:13.)

Christ in His Sanctuary

Disappointed, But Faith in God’s Word Unshaken

CIHS 124.2

But again they were destined to disappointment. The time of expectation passed, and their Saviour did not appear. With unwavering confidence they had looked forward to His coming, and now they felt as did Mary when, coming to the Saviour’s tomb and finding it empty, she exclaimed with weeping: “They have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid Him.” John 20:13....

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 27, 1889

6LtMs, Ms 27, 1889, par. 26

Oh, why do our church members stop short of their privileges? They are not personally alive to the necessity of the influence of the Spirit of God. The church may, like Mary, say, “They have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.” John 20:13.

Selected Messages Book 3

Need for a Proper Concept of Righteousness by Faith

3SM 189.1

Our Need for the Holy Spirit—Oh, why do our church members stop short of their privileges? They are not personally alive to the necessity of the influence of the Spirit of God. The church may, like Mary, say, “They have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him” (John 20:13).

The Great Controversy

Chapter 22—Prophecies Fulfilled

GC 403.2

But again they were destined to disappointment. The time of expectation passed, and their Saviour did not appear. With unwavering confidence they had looked forward to His coming, and now they felt as did Mary when, coming to the Saviour’s tomb and finding it empty, she exclaimed with weeping: “They have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid Him.” John 20:13.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 22—Prophecies Fulfilled

GC88 403.2

But again they were destined to disappointment. The time of expectation passed, and their Saviour did not appear. With unwavering confidence they had looked forward to his coming, and now they felt as did Mary, when, coming to the Saviour’s tomb and finding it empty, she exclaimed with weeping, “They have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.” [John 20:13.]

The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4

Chapter 17—The Midnight Cry

4SP 252.1

But again they were destined to disappointment. The time of expectation passed, and their Saviour did not appear. With unwavering confidence they had looked forward to his coming, and now they felt as did Mary, when, coming to the Saviour’s tomb and finding it empty, she exclaimed with weeping, “They have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.” [John 20:13.]

The Story of Redemption

The Women at the Sepulcher

SR 235.1

But Mary chose to linger around the sepulcher, thinking of what she had seen and distressed with the thought that she might have been deceived. She felt that new trials awaited her. Her grief was renewed, and she broke forth in bitter weeping. She stooped down to look again into the sepulcher, and beheld two angels clothed in white. One was sitting where the head of Jesus had lain, the other where His feet had been. They spoke to her tenderly and asked her why she wept. She replied, “They have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid Him.” John 20:13.

The Story of Redemption

Disappointed but Not Forsaken

SR 371.3

But again they were destined to disappointment. The time of expectation passed, and their Saviour did not appear. With unwavering confidence they had looked forward to His coming, and now they felt as did Mary, when, coming to the Saviour’s tomb and finding it empty, she exclaimed with weeping, “They have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid Him.” John 20:13.

The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials

Counsels to Ministers — 2The Need of a True Concept of Righteousness by Faith

1888 435.2

Oh, why do our church members stop short of their privileges? They are not personally alive to the necessity of the influence of the Spirit of God. The church may, like Mary, say “They have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.” John 20:13.

From Here to Forever

Disappointed Again

HF 248.3

But again, the time of expectation passed, and their Saviour did not appear. Now they felt as did Mary when, coming to the Saviour’s tomb and finding it empty, she exclaimed with weeping: “They have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.” John 20:13.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 94, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 94, 1897, par. 34

As she looked into the empty tomb, grief filled her heart. Looking in, she saw two angels, one at the head and the other at the foot of the place where Christ had lain. “Woman, why weepest thou?” they asked her. “Because they have taken away my Lord,” she answered, “and I know not where they have laid him.” [John 20:13.]

12LtMs, Ms 94, 1897, par. 35

Then she turned away, even from the angels, thinking that she must find some one who could tell her what had been done with the body of Jesus. Another voice addressed her, “Woman, why weepest thou?” Through her tear-dimmed eyes, Mary saw the form of a man, and thinking that it was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if thou have borne him away, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.” In His old familiar voice, Jesus said to her, “Mary.” Now she knew that it was not a stranger addressing her, and turning she saw before her a living Christ. Springing toward Him, as if to embrace His feet, she said, “Rabboni.” But Christ raised His hand, saying, “Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father; but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.” [Verses 15-17.]

My Life Today

Weep Not, June 28

ML 183.1

Why weepest thou? John 20:15.

The Story of Jesus

Chapter 27—Go Tell My Disciples

SJ 160.8

Jesus then said, “Touch Me not; for I am not yet ascended to My Father: but go to My brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto My Father, and your Father; and to My God, and your God.” John 20:15-17.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 80, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 80, 1886, par. 6

But how sad the disciples were when they came and saw not the body of Jesus in Joseph’s new tomb! When Mary came and found Him not there, she turned away in sadness, and with weeping said, (to one she supposed to be the gardener), “If you have taken Him away, tell us where you have laid Him.” “And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus!” But the voice comes, “Mary.” She knows this voice, and turns to worship Him, but He says, “Touch Me not; for I am not yet ascended to My Father.” [John 20:15-17.]

Lift Him Up

In the Father’s Arms, March 30

LHU 103.1

I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. John 20:17.

LHU 103.6

From that scene of heavenly joy, there comes back to us on earth the echo of Christ’s own wonderful words, “I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God” (John 20:17). The family of heaven and the family of earth are one. For us our Lord ascended, and for us He lives. “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25) (The Desire of Ages, 832, 835).

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 87—Christ’s Triumphal Entry Into Heaven

HLv 556.3

From that scene of heavenly joy, there comes back to us on earth the echo of Christ’s words, “I ascend unto My Father, and your Father; and to My God, and your God.” John 20:17. The family of heaven and the family of earth are one. For us our Lord ascended, and for us He lives. “Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 52, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 52, 1897, par. 32

And He pledged that dying soul His word, saying, “Verily I say unto you today, (while I am giving My life for the world) thou shalt be with Me in Paradise.” [Verse 43.] Christ was not in paradise that day. After His resurrection on the third day, He said to Mary, “I have not yet ascended to the Father.” [John 20:17.] The Lord designed in this scene of repentance and conversion to kindle a light that would be carried from thence, one that would never lose its bright beams in behalf of the sinner and to the glory of the Redeemer. As long as time shall last, this wonderful exercise of the power of Christ would be repeated throughout the world.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 123, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 123, 1897, par. 5

Christ did not go to heaven directly after His death. It is claimed by some that when He died, although His body was laid in the grave, His spirit went to heaven. But after His resurrection He said <to Mary,> “Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father; but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and you Father, to my God and your God.” [John 20:17.] If after He bowed His head and died, He directly went to heaven, certainly He did ascend to His Father.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 190, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 190, 1903, par. 41

That poor, dying soul right by the side of Christ when He was crucified, looked upon Christ. He had been convicted before this crucifixion, that He was the Christ, and he asked Him, that He would have compassion upon him. And Christ told him, “Verily I say unto you today,” (that is, I, Christ, hanging upon this humiliating cross,) “verily I say unto you today, Thou shalt be with Me in paradise.” [Luke 23:43.] Well, now, some let that comma go out, and they say, “Verily I say unto you, Today thou wilt be with Me in Paradise.” But that could not be, for Mary saw Him, and she came to touch Him, and He said, “Touch Me not, for I have not yet ascended to My Father, and to your Father, and to My God and your God.” [John 20:17.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 102, 1905

20LtMs, Lt 102, 1905, par. 17

The faith of the dying thief grasped the truth of a sin-pardoning Saviour. And Jesus showed Himself able to save to the uttermost all who should receive Him. Jesus said unto him, “Verily I say unto thee today, Shalt thou be with Me in Paradise.” [Verse 43.] Jesus did not say, “I shall be in My kingdom today, and thou shalt be with Me.” After His resurrection He said to Mary, “I have not yet ascended unto My Father.” [John 20:17.] Even in the agonies of death, in His humiliation and apparent defeat, He asserted His right and His power to forgive sins.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 78—Calvary

DA 751.3

I say unto thee today, Thou shalt be with Me in Paradise. Christ did not promise that the thief should be with Him in Paradise that day. He Himself did not go that day to Paradise. He slept in the tomb, and on the morning of the resurrection He said, “I am not yet ascended to My Father.” John 20:17. But on the day of the crucifixion, the day of apparent defeat and darkness, the promise was given. “Today” while dying upon the cross as a malefactor, Christ assures the poor sinner, Thou shalt be with Me in Paradise.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 87—“To My Father, and Your Father”

DA 835.2

From that scene of heavenly joy, there comes back to us on earth the echo of Christ’s own wonderful words, “I ascend unto My Father, and your Father; and to My God, and your God.” John 20:17. The family of heaven and the family of earth are one. For us our Lord ascended, and for us He lives. “Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25.

The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 3

Chapter 10—Calvary

3SP 157.2

Jesus did not promise the penitent thief that he should go with him, upon the day of their crucifixion, to Paradise; for he himself did not ascend to his Father until three days afterward. See John 20:17. But he declared unto him, “I say unto thee today—” meaning to impress the fact upon his mind, that at that time, while enduring ignominy and persecution, he had the power to save sinners. He was man’s Advocate with the Father, having the same power as when he healed the sick and raised the dead to life; it was his divine right to promise that day to the repentant, believing malefactor, “Thou shalt be with me in Paradise.”

The Story of Redemption

“Touch Me Not”

SR 235.2

As she turned from the sepulcher she saw Jesus standing near, but knew Him not. He spoke to her tenderly, inquiring the cause of her sorrow and asking whom she was seeking. Supposing that He was the gardener, she begged Him, if He had borne away her Lord, to tell her where He had laid Him, that she might take Him away. Jesus spoke to her with his own heavenly voice, saying, “Mary!” She was acquainted with the tones of that dear voice, and quickly answered, “Master!” and in her joy was about to embrace Him; but Jesus said, “Touch Me not; for I am not yet ascended to My Father: but go to My brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto My Father, and your Father; and to My God, and your God.” John 20:17. Joyfully she hastened to the disciples with the good news. Jesus quickly ascended to His Father to hear from His lips that He accepted the sacrifice, and to receive all power in heaven and on earth.

Redemption Or The Sufferings Of Christ His Trial And Crucifixion

Calvary

5Red 77.2

Jesus did not promise the penitent thief that he should go with him, upon the day of their crucifixion, to Paradise; for he himself did not ascend to his Father until three days afterward. See John 20:17. But he declared unto him, “I say unto thee today—” meaning to impress the fact upon his mind, that at that time, while enduring ignominy and persecution, he had the power to save sinners. He was man’s Advocate with the Father, having the same power as when he healed the sick and raised the dead to life; it was his divine right to promise that day to the repentant, believing malefactor, “Thou shalt be with me in Paradise.”

The Present Truth (UK)

January 21, 1886

PrT January 21, 1886, par. 9

Jesus did not promise the penitent thief that he should go with him, upon the day of their crucifixion, to Paradise; for he himself did not ascend to his Father until three days afterward. See John 20:17. But he declared unto him, “I say unto thee today,” meaning to impress the fact upon his mind, that at that time, while enduring ignominy and persecution, he had the power to save sinners. He was man’s Advocate with the Father, having the same power as when he healed the sick and raised the dead to life; it was his Divine right to promise that day to the repentant, believing sinner, “Thou shalt be with me in Paradise.”

From Heaven With Love

One Crucified Thief Believes

HLv 501.3

I say unto thee today, Thou shalt be with Me in Paradise. Christ did not promise that the thief should be with Him in Paradise that day. He Himself did not go that day to Paradise. He slept in the tomb, and on the morning of the resurrection He said, “I am not yet ascended to My Father.” John 20:17. But on the day of apparent defeat the promise was given. “Today,” while dying on the cross as a malefactor, Christ assured the sinner, “You will be with Me in Paradise.”

Our High Calling

Happy New Year! January 1

OHC 7.7

May the beginning of this year be a time that shall never be forgotten—a time when Christ shall come in among us, and say, “Peace be unto you.” John 20:19. Brethren and sisters, I wish you, one and all, a happy new year.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Lt 64, 1886

4LtMs, Lt 64, 1886, par. 7

I was so rejoiced to read your letter that you were drawing nigh to God, because the promise is, “Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you,” and when Jesus comes nigh to us, He says, “Peace be unto you.” [James 4:8; John 20:19.] The Lord is our helper, the Lord is our shield; just trust in Him and believe in Him. Unless His arm supports you, you will quickly fall. We have much to learn yet in the school of Christ that we have not learned, and we shall not cease to learn when we exchange earth for heaven. Our religion must have solid rock for our foundation. The truth must be firmly believed and the dependence be wholly upon God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 83, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 83, 1886, par. 24

What we want is religion. What we want is that peace that comes from heaven. When Christ entered that upper chamber where His disciples were assembled, He said to them, Peace be unto you. [John 20:19.] This is what we want, the peace of Christ. Your friends may bring you happiness, but that is not the peace of Christ, and we want to take that course in this life that may be a light to this crooked and perverse nation.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 18 [Nos. 1301-1359]

MR No. 1313—Thoughts About the Pre-Flood World, Christ’s Love for Man, Fruit-Bearing, Peace, and Surrender to God’s Will

18MR 96.4

Christ’s Legacy of Peace—“The same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when He had so said, He showed unto them His hands and His side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as My Father hath sent Me, even so send I you. And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained” [John 20:19-23].

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 144, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 144, 1897, par. 31

“Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he showed them his hands and his feet. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus unto them again, Peace be unto you; as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said, Receive ye the Holy Ghost; whosoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.” [John 20:19-23.] “Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted.” [Matthew 28:16, 17.] Thus it will ever be.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 149, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 149, 1897, par. 4

“Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, came Jesus, and stood in the midst, and said unto them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he showed them his hands and his side.” He gave them evidence that He was the same Jesus that had been crucified. “Then were the disciples glad when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus unto them again, Peace be unto you; as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this he breathed on them, and said unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.” [John 20:19-23.]

12LtMs, Ms 149, 1897, par. 8

“And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said, Receive ye the Holy Ghost; whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted.” [Verses 22, 23.] The warnings in the seventh chapter of Matthew forbid men from pronouncing judgment on their fellow men. The remission of sins is to be understood as the prerogative of God alone. The Holy Spirit will convince of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. The lesson given to the disciples means that wise men, truly taught of God, possessing the inward working of the Holy Spirit, are to be representative men, samples of the whole body of believers. These are to show themselves capable of preserving due order in the church.

12LtMs, Ms 149, 1897, par. 12

The gospel commission is entrusted to men to be executed by those who know the inward working of the Spirit, and who have the attributes of Christ. Christ’s breath is breathed upon them, and He says to them, “Receive ye the Holy Ghost.” [John 20:22.] All who are thus inspired by God have a work to do for the churches. Christ’s representatives, the ministers of the grace of God may say to others, “It is written,” “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9.] This is remission of sins in accordance with the Word of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 72, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 72, 1902, par. 23

“The same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when He had so said, He showed them His hands and His side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus unto them again, Peace be unto you; as My Father hath sent Me, even so send I you. And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.” [John 20:19-23.]

Conflict and Courage

Thomas the Doubter, November 18

CC 328.1

Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. John 20:29.

CC 328.2

When Jesus first met the disciples in the upper chamber [following His resurrection], Thomas was not with them. He heard the reports of the others, and received abundant proof that Jesus had risen; but gloom and unbelief filled his heart.... He was determined not to believe, and for a whole week he brooded over his wretchedness, which seemed all the darker in contrast with the hope and faith of his brethren.... He ardently loved his Lord, but he had allowed jealousy and unbelief to take possession of his mind and heart.39Ibid., 806, 807.

CC 328.3

[He] firmly and self-confidently affirmed that he would not believe unless he should put his fingers in the prints of the nails and his hand in the side where the cruel spear was thrust....

CC 328.4

When Jesus again met with His disciples, Thomas was with them.... And Jesus gave him the evidence which he had desired.40Early Writings, 188.

CC 328.5

His heart leaped for joy, and he cast himself at the feet of Jesus crying, “My Lord and my God.” Jesus accepted his acknowledgment, but gently reproved his unbelief....

CC 328.6

Many who, like Thomas, wait for all cause of doubt to be removed, will never realize their desire. They gradually become confirmed in unbelief....

CC 328.7

In His treatment of Thomas, Jesus gave a lesson for His followers. His example shows how we should treat those whose faith is weak, and who make their doubts prominent. Jesus did not overwhelm Thomas with reproach, nor did He enter into controversy with him. He revealed Himself to the doubting one. Thomas had been most unreasonable in dictating the conditions of his faith, but Jesus, by His generous love and consideration, broke down all the barriers. Unbelief is seldom overcome by controversy.... But let Jesus, in His love and mercy, be revealed as the crucified Saviour, and from many once unwilling lips will be heard the acknowledgment of Thomas, “My Lord and my God.” 41The Desire of Ages, 807, 808.

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 84—The Resurrected Christ Appears

HLv 534.1

On reaching Jerusalem the two disciples entered at the eastern gate, made their way through the narrow streets by the light of the rising moon, and went to the upper chamber where Jesus had spent the last evening before His death. Here they knew their brethren were to be found. The door was securely barred. They knocked for admission, but no answer came. All was still. Then they gave their names. The door was carefully unbarred, they entered, and Another, unseen, entered with them. Then the door was again fastened, to keep out spies.

HLv 534.2

The travelers found all in surprised excitement. Voices in the room said, “The Lord has risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon!” Then the two, panting with haste, told how Jesus had appeared to them. Some were saying that they could not believe it, for it was too good to be true, when another Person stood before them. No stranger had knocked for entrance, no footstep had been heard. The disciples were startled. Then they heard the voice of their Master, clear and distinct, “Peace be unto you.”

HLv 534.3

“But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And He said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself: handle Me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see Me have. And when He had thus spoken, He showed them His hands and His feet.”

HLv 534.4

“And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, He said unto them, Have ye here any meat? And they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And He took it, and did eat before them.” “Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.” Faith took the place of unbelief, and they acknowledged their risen Saviour.

HLv 535.1

The countenance of the risen Saviour, His manner, His speech, were all familiar to His disciples. As Jesus arose from the dead, so those who sleep in Him are to rise again. We shall know our friends, as the disciples knew Jesus. In the glorified body their identity will be perfectly preserved. We shall recognize those we love.

HLv 535.2

Jesus reminded His disciples of the words He had spoken before His death. “Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures, and said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things.” Christ’s life, His death and resurrection, the prophecies that pointed to these events, the sacredness of the law of God, the mysteries of the plan of salvation, the power of Jesus for the remission of sins—all these they were to make known to the world.

HLv 535.3

“And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whosesoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whosesoever sins ye retain, they are retained.” The more abundant impartation of the Holy Spirit did not take place until after Christ’s ascension. But Christ breathed His Spirit upon them to impress them with the fact that without the Holy Spirit they could not fulfill their official duties in connection with the church.

HLv 535.4

The impartation of the Spirit is the impartation of the life of Christ. It imbues the receiver with the attributes of Christ. Only those who possess the inward working of the Spirit, and in whose life the Christ-life is manifested, are to minister in behalf of the church.

HLv 536.1

“Whose soever sins ye remit,” said Christ, “they are remitted; ... and whosesoever sins ye retain, they are retained.” Christ here gives no liberty for any man to pass judgment on others. This is the prerogative of God. But on the church in its organized capacity He places a responsibility for the individual members. Toward those who fall into sin, the church has a duty to warn, to instruct, and if possible to restore. Deal faithfully with wrongdoing. Call sin by its right name. Declare what God has said in regard to lying, Sabbath-breaking, stealing, and every other evil. If they persist in sin, the judgment you have declared from God’s Word is pronounced on them in heaven. The church must show that she does not sanction their deeds, or she herself dishonors her Lord. She must deal with sin as God directs, and her action is ratified in heaven.

HLv 536.4

When Jesus first met the disciples in the upper chamber, Thomas was not with them. He heard the reports of the others that Jesus had risen, but gloom and unbelief filled his heart. If Jesus had really risen, there could be no hope of a literal earthly kingdom. And it wounded his vanity to think that his Master should reveal Himself to all except him. He was determined not to believe, and for a whole week he brooded over his wretchedness.

HLv 537.1

He repeatedly declared, “Except I shall see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into His side, I will not believe.” He would not exercise faith which was dependent on the testimony of his brethren. He loved his Lord, but he had allowed jealousy and unbelief to take possession of his heart.

HLv 537.2

One evening Thomas determined to meet with the others in the familiar upper room. He had a faint hope that the good news was true. Taking their evening meal, the disciples talked of the evidences Christ had given them in the prophecies. “Then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.”

HLv 537.3

Turning to Thomas He said, “Reach hither thy finger, and behold My hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into My side: and be not faithless, but believing.” The doubting disciple knew that none of his companions could have told the Master of his unbelief. He had no desire for further proof. His heart leaped for joy, and he cast himself at the feet of Jesus, crying, “My Lord and my God!”

HLv 537.4

Jesus accepted his acknowledgment but gently reproved his unbelief: “Thomas, because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” Should the world now follow the example of Thomas, no one would believe, for all who receive Christ must do so through the testimony of others. Many who, like Thomas, wait for all cause of doubt to be removed, will never realize their desire. They gradually become confirmed in unbelief. They are sowing seeds of doubt, and they will have a harvest of doubt to reap. When faith and confidence are most essential, many will thus find themselves powerless to hope and believe.

HLv 538.1

Jesus’ treatment of Thomas shows how we should treat those who make their doubts prominent. Thomas had been most unreasonable in dictating the conditions of his faith, but Jesus, by His generous consideration, broke down all the barriers. Unbelief is seldom overcome by controversy. But let Jesus, in His love and mercy, be revealed as the crucified Saviour, and from many once unwilling lips will be heard the acknowledgment of Thomas, “My Lord and my God.”

From Heaven With Love

We Shall Recognize Our Loved Ones

HLv 536.2

But there is a brighter side. “Whosesoever sins ye remit, they are remitted.” Let this thought be uppermost. Let the shepherds speak to the erring of the forgiving mercy of the Saviour. Let them encourage the sinner to repent and believe in Him who can pardon. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9. Let the trembling hand of the repenting one be placed in the loving hand of Jesus. Such a remission is ratified in heaven.

From Heaven With Love

Only God Can Forgive

HLv 536.3

Only in this sense has the church power to absolve the sinner. Remission of sins can be obtained only through the merits of Christ. To no man, to no body of men, is given power to free the soul from guilt. The name of Jesus is the only “name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 84—“Peace Be Unto You”

DA 802.1

On reaching Jerusalem the two disciples enter at the eastern gate, which is open at night on festal occasions. The houses are dark and silent, but the travelers make their way through the narrow streets by the light of the rising moon. They go to the upper chamber where Jesus spent the hours of the last evening before His death. Here they know that their brethren are to be found. Late as it is, they know that the disciples will not sleep till they learn for a certainty what has become of the body of their Lord. They find the door of the chamber securely barred. They knock for admission, but no answer comes. All is still. Then they give their names. The door is carefully unbarred, they enter, and Another, unseen, enters with them. Then the door is again fastened, to keep out spies.

DA 802.2

The travelers find all in surprised excitement. The voices of those in the room break out into thanksgiving and praise, saying, “The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.” Then the two travelers, panting with the haste with which they have made their journey, tell the wondrous story of how Jesus has appeared to them. They have just ended, and some are saying that they cannot believe it, for it is too good to be true, when behold, another Person stands before them. Every eye is fastened upon the Stranger. No one has knocked for entrance. No footstep has been heard. The disciples are startled, and wonder what it means. Then they hear a voice which is no other than the voice of their Master. Clear and distinct the words fall from His lips, “Peace be unto you.”

DA 803.1

“But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And He said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself: handle Me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see Me have. And when He had thus spoken, He showed them His hands and His feet.”

DA 803.2

They beheld the hands and feet marred by the cruel nails. They recognized His voice, like no other they had ever heard. “And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, He said unto them, Have ye here any meat? And they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And He took it, and did eat before them.” “Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.” Faith and joy took the place of unbelief, and with feelings which no words could express they acknowledged their risen Saviour.

DA 803.3

At the birth of Jesus the angel announced, Peace on earth, and good will to men. And now at His first appearance to the disciples after His resurrection, the Saviour addressed them with the blessed words, “Peace be unto you.” Jesus is ever ready to speak peace to souls that are burdened with doubts and fears. He waits for us to open the door of the heart to Him, and say, Abide with us. He says, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:20.

DA 804.1

The resurrection of Jesus was a type of the final resurrection of all who sleep in Him. The countenance of the risen Saviour, His manner, His speech, were all familiar to His disciples. As Jesus arose from the dead, so those who sleep in Him are to rise again. We shall know our friends, even as the disciples knew Jesus. They may have been deformed, diseased, or disfigured, in this mortal life, and they rise in perfect health and symmetry; yet in the glorified body their identity will be perfectly preserved. Then shall we know even as also we are known. 1 Corinthians 13:12. In the face radiant with the light shining from the face of Jesus, we shall recognize the lineaments of those we love.

DA 804.2

When Jesus met with His disciples, He reminded them of the words He had spoken to them before His death, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the Psalm concerning Him. “Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures, and said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things.”

DA 805.1

The disciples began to realize the nature and extent of their work. They were to proclaim to the world the wonderful truths which Christ had entrusted to them. The events of His life, His death and resurrection, the prophecies that pointed to these events, the sacredness of the law of God, the mysteries of the plan of salvation, the power of Jesus for the remission of sins,—to all these things they were witnesses, and they were to make them known to the world. They were to proclaim the gospel of peace and salvation through repentance and the power of the Saviour.

DA 805.2

“And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whosesoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whosesoever sins ye retain, they are retained.” The Holy Spirit was not yet fully manifested; for Christ had not yet been glorified. The more abundant impartation of the Spirit did not take place till after Christ’s ascension. Not until this was received could the disciples fulfill the commission to preach the gospel to the world. But the Spirit was now given for a special purpose. Before the disciples could fulfill their official duties in connection with the church, Christ breathed His Spirit upon them. He was committing to them a most sacred trust, and He desired to impress them with the fact that without the Holy Spirit this work could not be accomplished.

DA 805.3

The Holy Spirit is the breath of spiritual life in the soul. The impartation of the Spirit is the impartation of the life of Christ. It imbues the receiver with the attributes of Christ. Only those who are thus taught of God, those who possess the inward working of the Spirit, and in whose life the Christ-life is manifested, are to stand as representative men, to minister in behalf of the church.

DA 805.4

“Whosesoever sins ye remit,” said Christ, “they are remitted; ... and whosesoever sins ye retain, they are retained.” Christ here gives no liberty for any man to pass judgment upon others. In the Sermon on the Mount He forbade this. It is the prerogative of God. But on the church in its organized capacity He places a responsibility for the individual members. Toward those who fall into sin, the church has a duty, to warn, to instruct, and if possible to restore. “Reprove, rebuke, exhort,” the Lord says, “with all long-suffering and doctrine.” 2 Timothy 4:2. Deal faithfully with wrongdoing. Warn every soul that is in danger. Leave none to deceive themselves. Call sin by its right name. Declare what God has said in regard to lying, Sabbathbreaking, stealing, idolatry, and every other evil. “They which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:21. If they persist in sin, the judgment you have declared from God’s word is pronounced upon them in heaven. In choosing to sin, they disown Christ; the church must show that she does not sanction their deeds, or she herself dishonors her Lord. She must say about sin what God says about it. She must deal with it as God directs, and her action is ratified in heaven. He who despises the authority of the church despises the authority of Christ Himself.

DA 806.1

But there is a brighter side to the picture. “Whosesoever sins ye remit, they are remitted.” Let this thought be kept uppermost. In labor for the erring, let every eye be directed to Christ. Let the shepherds have a tender care for the flock of the Lord’s pasture. Let them speak to the erring of the forgiving mercy of the Saviour. Let them encourage the sinner to repent, and believe in Him who can pardon. Let them declare, on the authority of God’s word, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9. All who repent have the assurance, “He will have compassion upon us; He will subdue our iniquities; and Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” Micah 7:19.

DA 806.2

Let the repentance of the sinner be accepted by the church with grateful hearts. Let the repenting one be led out from the darkness of unbelief into the light of faith and righteousness. Let his trembling hand be placed in the loving hand of Jesus. Such a remission is ratified in heaven.

DA 806.3

Only in this sense has the church power to absolve the sinner. Remission of sins can be obtained only through the merits of Christ. To no man, to no body of men, is given power to free the soul from guilt. Christ charged His disciples to preach the remission of sins in His name among all nations; but they themselves were not empowered to remove one stain of sin. The name of Jesus is the only “name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12.

DA 806.4

When Jesus first met the disciples in the upper chamber, Thomas was not with them. He heard the reports of the others, and received abundant proof that Jesus had risen; but gloom and unbelief filled his heart. As he heard the disciples tell of the wonderful manifestations of the risen Saviour, it only plunged him in deeper despair. If Jesus had really risen from the dead, there could be no further hope of a literal earthly kingdom. And it wounded his vanity to think that his Master should reveal Himself to all the disciples except him. He was determined not to believe, and for a whole week he brooded over his wretchedness, which seemed all the darker in contrast with the hope and faith of his brethren.

DA 807.1

During this time he repeatedly declared, “Except I shall see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into His side, I will not believe.” He would not see through the eyes of his brethren, or exercise faith which was dependent upon their testimony. He ardently loved his Lord, but he had allowed jealousy and unbelief to take possession of his mind and heart.

DA 807.2

A number of the disciples now made the familiar upper chamber their temporary home, and at evening all except Thomas gathered here. One evening Thomas determined to meet with the others. Notwithstanding his unbelief, he had a faint hope that the good news was true. While the disciples were taking their evening meal, they talked of the evidences which Christ had given them in the prophecies. “Then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.”

DA 807.3

Turning to Thomas He said, “Reach hither thy finger, and behold My hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into My side: and be not faithless, but believing.” These words showed that He was acquainted with the thoughts and words of Thomas. The doubting disciple knew that none of his companions had seen Jesus for a week. They could not have told the Master of his unbelief. He recognized the One before him as his Lord. He had no desire for further proof. His heart leaped for joy, and he cast himself at the feet of Jesus crying, “My Lord and my God.”

DA 807.4

Jesus accepted his acknowledgment, but gently reproved his unbelief: “Thomas, because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” The faith of Thomas would have been more pleasing to Christ if he had been willing to believe upon the testimony of his brethren. Should the world now follow the example of Thomas, no one would believe unto salvation; for all who receive Christ must do so through the testimony of others.

DA 807.5

Many who are given to doubt excuse themselves by saying that if they had the evidence which Thomas had from his companions, they would believe. They do not realize that they have not only that evidence, but much more. Many who, like Thomas, wait for all cause of doubt to be removed, will never realize their desire. They gradually become confirmed in unbelief. Those who educate themselves to look on the dark side, and murmur and complain, know not what they do. They are sowing the seeds of doubt, and they will have a harvest of doubt to reap. At a time when faith and confidence are most essential, many will thus find themselves powerless to hope and believe.

DA 808.1

In His treatment of Thomas, Jesus gave a lesson for His followers. His example shows how we should treat those whose faith is weak, and who make their doubts prominent. Jesus did not overwhelm Thomas with reproach, nor did He enter into controversy with him. He revealed Himself to the doubting one. Thomas had been most unreasonable in dictating the conditions of his faith, but Jesus, by His generous love and consideration, broke down all the barriers. Unbelief is seldom overcome by controversy. It is rather put upon self-defense, and finds new support and excuse. But let Jesus, in His love and mercy, be revealed as the crucified Saviour, and from many once unwilling lips will be heard the acknowledgment of Thomas, “My Lord and my God.”

Sermons and Talks, vol. 2

Manuscript 110, 1901

2SAT 173.1

“Then were the disciples glad when they saw the Lord” [John 20:20]. Faith and joy took the place of unbelief, and with feelings which no words could express they acknowledged their risen Saviour.

Radiant Religion

The Disciples Were Glad When They Saw the Risen Lord, October 24

RRe 299.1

When He had so said, He showed unto them His hands and His side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. John 20:20.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 110, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 110, 1901, par. 12

“Then were the disciples glad when they saw the Lord.” [John 20:20.] Faith and joy took the place of unbelief, and with feelings which no words could express they acknowledged their risen Saviour.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 113a, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 113a, 1897, par. 18

“Then,” John writes, “were the disciples glad when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus unto them again, Peace be unto you; as my Father hath sent me, even so I send you. And when he has said this, he breathed on them, and said unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost.” [John 20:20-22.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 113, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 113, 1897, par. 20

“Then” John states, “were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus unto them again, Peace be unto you; as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost. Whosoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whosesoever sins ye retain, they are retained.” [John 20:20-23.]

Maranatha

Heaven Is Waiting for You, April 30

Mar 128.1

As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. John 20:21.

Our Father Cares

We Are to Reflect Christ’s Love, November 24

OFC 340.1

Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. John 20:21.

Reflecting Christ

We Are to Reflect Christ’s Love, October 3

RC 290.1

Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. John 20:21.

Selected Messages Book 1

Chapter 37—“Even So Send I You”

1SM 263.1

“As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you” (John 20:21). We are to bear as definite a testimony to the truth as it is in Jesus, as did Christ and His apostles. Trusting in the efficiency of the Holy Spirit, we are to testify of the mercy, goodness, and love of a crucified and risen Saviour, and thus be agents through whom the darkness will be dispelled from many minds, and cause thanksgiving and praise to ascend from many hearts to God. There is a great work to be done by every son and daughter of God. Jesus says, “If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever” (John 14:15, 16). In His prayer for His disciples, He says that He not only prayed for those in His immediate presence, but “for them also which shall believe on me through their word” (John 17:20). Again He said, “Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I” (John 14:28). Thus we see that Christ has prayed for His people, and made them abundant promises to ensure success to them as His colaborers. He said, “Greater works than these [those He did] shall he do; because I go unto my Father” (John 14:12).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 20, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 20, 1894, par. 36

Christ was the Head of the whole Jewish economy and He Himself gave directions that no offering that was tainted or corrupt could be accepted of God. But why? It was an offering that symbolized the spotless character of Christ. Christ said that as the Father had sent Him into the world so He had sent us. [John 20:21.] What did He come to the world for? To represent the Father, and if a spot or corruption had been seen in His character, the world would have been lost. But He gave a spotless offering. The offering of Christ was of such value that He encircles the whole of humanity in His arms. Who will let Him encircle them? He is the propitiation for our sins. He will prepare us for the courts above. What is our work? We are laborers together with God. Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. I want you to consider that there is a solemn, sacred work before you.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 105, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 105, 1894, par. 26

If we looked at our lives and our influence in the light of the word of God, we should realize more deeply its solemnity. We should consider the fact there are many with whom we are brought into contact who gather the only knowledge they have of God and Christ from our words and actions. Then what a positive necessity there is that our thoughts and words should be right in every respect, lest we fail to represent Christ and manifest his truth. The question is, is the heart right? Through faith and prayer, we may know that our hearts are one with the heart of Christ, and that God loves us as he loves his Son. While we were yet sinners Christ died for us, and because he kept his Father’s commandments, his abiding place was in the Father’s love. He says of his followers, “As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” [John 20:21.] “Ye are the salt of the earth; but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is henceforth god for nothing, but to be cast out and to be trodden underfoot of men.” [Matthew 5:13.] How can any remain in darkness who possess a Bible and searches the Scriptures, desiring to understand the conditions upon which eternal life is founded. But if we care not to hear the voice of God, if we are like those who were invited to the supper and begin to make excuses, and one go to his farm and another to his merchandise we shall not be benefitted by the heavenly invitation to “Come to my supper; for all things are now ready.” [Luke 14:17.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 44, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 44, 1895, par. 1

There is a great work to be done by every son and daughter of God. Our Saviour prayed not only for His apostles, “but for them also which shall believe on me through their word.” [John 17:20.] We are expected to bear as definite a testimony of the truth as it is in Jesus as the apostles did. If we do this, trusting in the efficiency of the Holy Spirit, the darkness will be dispelled from many minds, and many voices will be heard testifying of the mercy, goodness, and love of a crucified and risen Saviour. Christ’s instruction to His followers is, “As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” [John 20:21.] And He also says, “If ye love me keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever.” “Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye love me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father, for my Father is greater than I.” [John 14:15, 16, 28.] If we believe the words of Christ, He has promised, “greater works than these (that He did) shall ye do; because I go to my Father.” [Verse 12.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 69a, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 69a, 1896, par. 42

God has made known His will in regard to us through His Word. “As the Father hath sent Me into the world so have I sent you into the world to save the world, but if the salt has lost its savour, wherewith shall it be salted?” [See John 20:21; Matthew 5:13.] With our Bible speaking to us individually, clear and distinct upon these subjects, how can any one of us who has the Bible in our possession remain in darkness if we read the Scriptures and search the Scriptures with the interest that we should have where eternal interests are involved? If we care not to hear the voice of God speaking to us out of His Word—if one goes to his farm, another to his merchandise, and says, I cannot comply with the heavenly invitation, “Come to My supper for all things are now ready”—if the invited souls begin, with one consent, to make their excuses, the Lord is dishonored, His invitation slighted. [Luke 14:17-19.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 24, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 24, 1903, par. 12

In giving His commission to the disciples, Christ said: “As My Father hath sent Me, even so send I you.” [John 20:21.] “In My name I send you forth, and by My Spirit I will qualify you for service.” And as He sent His disciples forth, so today He sends forth His ministers. They are His shepherds! It is their work to feed the flock of God with meat in due season. They may feel weak, inefficient, powerless; but if they make God their strength, He will work with them, and they will not labor in vain. They should feel that it is not a deceptive, unreal work in which they are engaged. It is not a work in which they will never know whether or not they have gained success. God said to Jeremiah: “Say not, I am a child; for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee, thou shalt speak. Be not afraid of their faces; for I am with thee to deliver thee.” Then the Lord put forth His hand, and touched His servant’s mouth, and said to him, “Behold, I have put My words in thy mouth.” [Jeremiah 1:7-9.] Let us thank God for such encouragement.

Counsels on Health

“Press Together”

CH 517.1

The Lord’s work is one, and His people are to be one. He has not directed that any one feature of the message should be carried on independently or become all-absorbing. In all His labors He united the medical missionary work with the ministry of the word. He sent out the twelve apostles, and afterward the Seventy, to preach the gospel to the people, and He gave them power also to heal the sick and to cast out devils in His name. Thus should the Lord’s messengers enter His work today. Today the message comes to us: “As My Father hath sent Me, even so send I you. And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost.” John 20:21, 22.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6

“Press Together”

6T 292.1

The Lord’s work is one, and His people are to be one. He has not directed that any one feature of the message should be carried on independently or become all-absorbing. In all His labors He united the medical missionary work with the ministry of the word. He sent out the twelve apostles, and afterward the seventy, to preach the gospel to the people, and He gave them power also to heal the sick and to cast out devils in His name. Thus should the Lord’s messengers enter His work today. Today the message comes to us: “As My Father hath sent Me, even so send I you. And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost.” John 20:21, 22.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 2

“Press Together”

2TT 529.3

The Lord’s work is one, and His people are to be one. He has not directed that any one feature of the message should be carried on independently or become all-absorbing. In all His labors He united the medical missionary work with the ministry of the word. He sent out the twelve apostles, and afterward the seventy, to preach the gospel to the people, and He gave them power also to heal the sick and to cast out devils in His name. Thus should the Lord’s messengers enter His work today. Today the message comes to us: “As My Father hath sent Me, even so send I you. And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost.” John 20:21, 22.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 65, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 65, 1902, par. 13

“When the twelve were elected to the apostleship, they expected that Christ would give them preferments, but instead, He gave them commandments. And He gave them the Holy Spirit, His presence, as a Comforter, to abide with them and teach them. ‘Peace be unto you,’ He said; ‘as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost.’ [John 20:21, 22.]

Christ’s Object Lessons

Gifts of the Holy Spirit

COL 327.2

Before He left His disciples, Christ “breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost.” John 20:22. Again He said, “Behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you.” Luke 24:49. But not until after the ascension was the gift received in its fullness. Not until through faith and prayer the disciples had surrendered themselves fully for His working was the outpouring of the Spirit received. Then in a special sense the goods of heaven were committed to the followers of Christ. “When He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.” Ephesians 4:8. “Unto every one of us is given grace, according to the measure of the gift of Christ,” the Spirit “dividing to every man severally as He will.” Ephesians 4:7; 1 Corinthians 12:11. The gifts are already ours in Christ, but their actual possession depends upon our reception of the Spirit of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 138, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 138, 1897, par. 45

There is not one tithe of the pleading with sinners to come to Jesus that there will be when Christ breathes into the soul, and says, “Receive ye the Holy Ghost.” [John 20:22.] Be assured that God’s Spirit will plead for the conversion of souls with groanings that cannot be uttered. Be instant in season and out of season, warning the young, pleading with sinners, with the love for them that Christ has. When there comes from the lips of the sinner the cry, “O my sins, my sins, I fear that they are too grievous to be forgiven,” encourage faith. Hold Jesus up, higher and still higher, saying, “Behold the Lamb of God,” which taketh away the sins of the world. [John 1:29.] When the cry is heard, God be merciful to me a sinner, point the trembling soul to a sin-pardoning Saviour as a refuge.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 32, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 32, 1897, par. 11

It was Christ who breathed on His disciples, and said, “Receive ye the Holy Ghost.” [John 20:22.] And Christ is represented by His Holy Spirit today in all parts of the world. He will give the inspiration of His Holy Spirit to those who are of a contrite heart. Let there be more dependence upon the Holy Spirit’s efficiency, and far less upon human agencies. Some, at least, have no evidence that they have an abiding Christ, and that He has inspired them with wisdom in counsel through the transfusion of His own self in the heart. There are among our leaders those who are living a life separate from Christ. While they are looked to, trusted in, and relied upon as the great council of God, they have not the mind of Christ. Jesus Christ, living in the faculties of the consecrated human agents, will act through every organ. They will depend upon and choose the will of God, and conform to His character. All pride, all superiority, all arbitrary exactment will be put away; they will feel that they are “all brethren.” [See Matthew 23:8.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 94, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 94, 1899, par. 36

By his heavenly gifts the Lord has made ample provision for His people. An earthly parent cannot give his child a sanctified character. He cannot transfer His character to His child. God alone can transform us. Christ breathed on His disciples, and said, “Receive ye the Holy Ghost.” [John 20:22.] This is the great gift of heaven. Christ imparted to them through the Spirit His own sanctification. He imbued them with His power, that they might win souls to the gospel.

God’s Amazing Grace

A Refining and Sanctifying Force, July 14

AG 203.4

An earthly parent cannot give his child a sanctified character. He cannot transfer his character to his child. God alone can transform us. Christ breathed on His disciples, and said, “Receive ye the Holy Ghost” (John 20:22). This is the great gift of heaven. Christ imparted to them through the Spirit His own sanctification. He imbued them with His power, that they might win souls to the gospel. Henceforth Christ would live through their faculties, and speak through their words.... They must cherish His principles and be controlled by His Spirit. They were no longer to follow their own way, to speak their own words. The words they spoke were to proceed from a sanctified heart, and fall from sanctified lips.40Sons and Daughters of God, 294.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 2 [Nos. 97-161]

MR No. 99—The Importance, Work, and Influence of the Holy Spirit; The Third Angel’s Message To Be Proclaimed; Comments on the Avondale Property

2MR 36.2

The Holy Spirit indites all genuine prayer. I have learned to know that in all my intercessions, the Spirit intercedes for me and for all saints whose intercessions are according to the will of God, never contrary to His will. “The Spirit also helpeth our infirmities” [Romans 8:26], and the Spirit being God, knoweth the mind of God; therefore in every prayer of ours for the sick, or for other needs, the will of God is to be regarded. “For what man knoweth the things of man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God” [2 Corinthians 2:11]. If we are taught of God, we shall pray in conformity to His revealed will and in submission to His will which we know not. We are to make supplication according to the will of God, relying on the precious Word, and believing that Christ not only gave Himself for, but to, His disciples. The record declares, “He breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost” [John 20:22].

Ye Shall Receive Power

The Spirit Helps Us, January 18

YRP 26.3

If we are taught of God, we shall pray in conformity to His revealed will, and in submission to His will which we know not. We are to make supplication according to the will of God, relying on the precious Word, and believing that Christ not only gave Himself for but to His disciples. The record declares, “He breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost” (John 20:22).

Ye Shall Receive Power

Lips Are Sanctified, February 10

YRP 49.2

By His heavenly gifts the Lord has made ample provision for His people. An earthly parent cannot give his child a sanctified character. He cannot transfer his character to his child. God alone can transform us. Christ breathed on His disciples, and said, “Receive ye the Holy Ghost” (John 20:22). This is the great gift of heaven. Christ imparted to them through the Spirit His own sanctification. He imbued them with His power, that they might win souls to the gospel. Henceforth Christ would live through their faculties, and speak through their words. They were privileged to know that hereafter He and they were to be one. They must cherish His principles and be controlled by His Spirit. They were no longer to follow their own way, to speak their own words. The words they spoke were to proceed from a sanctified heart, and fall from sanctified lips. No longer were they to live their own selfish life; Christ was to live in them and speak through them. He would give to them the glory that He had with the Father, that He and they might be one in God.

Sermons and Talks, vol. 1

Work and Baptism of Holy Spirit Needed

1SAT 185.2

We have been so earthly; we have been talking of earthly things; we have had our conversation upon common and earthly things until eternity has been dropped out of our reckoning. Shall we bring it in? God help us that we may arouse as we never have done before. I tell you, it is an individual work. Do not look at another and say, “They have defects in character; they are thus and so.” “What is that to thee? follow thou me.” I speak of Peter. Said the Lord Jesus Christ, “What is that to thee? follow thou me” [John 20:22]. He told Peter what should happen to him, and then Peter says, pointing to John, “What shall this man do?” Well, now, you just keep your eye single to the glory of God. What is it to keep the eye single? What does it mean? It means that you should let the world go out of your reckoning, and let the eternal realities come in. God help us to be Christians at home.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 11b, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 11b, 1892, par. 6

The Holy Spirit indites all genuine prayer. I have learned to know that in all my intercessions, the Spirit intercedes for me and for all saints whose intercessions are according to the will of God, never contrary to His will. “The Spirit also helpeth our infirmities,” (Romans 8:26) and the Spirit being God, knoweth the mind of God; therefore in every prayer of ours for the sick, or for other needs, the will of God is to be regarded. “For what man knoweth the things of man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:11. If we are taught of God, we shall pray in conformity to His revealed will, and in submission to His will which we know not. We are to make supplication according to the will of God, relying on the precious Word, and believing that Christ not only gave Himself for, but to, His disciples. The record declares, “He breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost.” John 20:22

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 63, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 63, 1895, par. 22

Christ breathed upon His disciples upon one occasion, and said, “Receive ye the Holy Ghost.” [John 20:22.] Christ is represented by His Holy Spirit today in every part of His great moral vineyard. He will give the inspiration of His Holy Spirit to all those who are of a contrite spirit. Let there be more dependence upon the Holy Spirit’s efficiency and far less dependence upon human agencies. I am sorry to say some at least have not evidenced that they have learned the special lesson of meekness and lowliness in the school of Christ. They have not an abiding Christ, and have not a vital connection with Christ. Therefore they cannot be inspired with the wisdom of Christ in counsel through the transfusion of His Holy Spirit.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 58, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 58, 1895, par. 26

Christ breathed upon His disciples, and said, “Receive ye the Holy Ghost.” [John 20:22.] Christ is represented by His Holy Spirit today in every part of His great moral vineyard. He will give the inspiration of His Holy Spirit to all those who are of a contrite spirit.

Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)

Remission of Sins

GW 502.1

“Whosesoever sins ye remit,” said Christ, “they are remitted; ...and whosesoever sins ye retain, they are retained.” [John 20:23.] Christ here gives no liberty for any man to pass judgment upon others. In the sermon on the mount He forbade this. It is the prerogative of God. But on the church in its organized capacity He places a responsibility for the individual members. Toward those who fall into sin, the church has a duty, to warn, to instruct, and if possible to restore. “Reprove, rebuke, exhort,” the Lord says, “with all long-suffering and doctrine.” [2 Timothy 4:2.]

Testimony Treasures, vol. 1

God Leading Out a People

1TT 444.2

How earnestly should the professed followers of Christ seek to answer this prayer in their lives. Many do not realize the sacredness of church relationship and are loath to submit to restraint and discipline. Their course of action shows that they exalt their own judgment above that of the united church, and they are not careful to guard themselves lest they encourage a spirit of opposition to its voice. Those who hold responsible positions in the church may have faults in common with other people and may err in their decisions; but notwithstanding this, the church of Christ on earth has given to them an authority that cannot be lightly esteemed. Christ, after His resurrection, delegated power unto His church, saying: “Whosesoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whosesoever sins ye retain, they are retained.” John 20:23.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 21, 1889

6LtMs, Ms 21, 1889, par. 65

The invitation has come from our Lord Jesus to all classes of people. Luke 24:44-48. Acts 13:46-48. “Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.” John 20:23. The meaning of this is, Ye shall prescribe and publish the terms on which the salvation of the soul rests.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 135, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 135, 1901, par. 29

Many do not realize the sacredness of church relationship, and are loath to submit to restraint and discipline. Their course of action shows that they exalt their own judgment above that of the united church; and they are not careful to guard themselves lest they encourage a spirit of opposition to its voice. Those who hold responsible positions in the church may have faults in common with other people, and may err in their decisions; but notwithstanding this, the church of Christ on earth has given to them an authority that cannot be lightly esteemed. Christ, after His resurrection, delegated power unto His church, saying, “Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.” [John 20:23.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)

Ms 5, 1867

1LtMs, Ms 5, 1867, par. 4

Our Saviour has no words of commendation for those who are slow of heart to believe in these last days, any more than he had for a doubting Thomas, who boasted that he would not believe upon the evidence the disciples rehearsed, which they credited, that Christ had indeed risen and appeared to them. [Said Thomas:] “Except I shall see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into His side, I will not believe.” John 20:25.

1LtMs, Ms 5, 1867, par. 5

Christ granted the evidence he had declared he would have. He reprovingly said to him, “Be not faithless, but believing.” John 20:27. Thomas acknowledged himself convinced.

1LtMs, Ms 5, 1867, par. 6

Jesus said unto him, “Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” John 20:29.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 65a, 1878

3LtMs, Lt 65a, 1878, par. 6

“Be not faithless, but believing.” [John 20:27.] There are those upon the Pacific Coast who have money; let them come up and make the offering to God. Some in California have shown that they had greater confidence in unbelievers than in those whom God has honored by connecting them with His cause.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 14, 1891

7LtMs, Lt 14, 1891, par. 10

Words of encouragement were spoken to you and cautions were given you. “Be not faithless, but believing.” [John 20:27.] He cautioned you to put your trust wholly in God, and that you should not be suspicious and mistrust your brethren, for your suspicions are often without true foundation. Your confidence is so shaken in your brethren that nothing they can do will be interpreted by you in an incorrect light. You imagine that something is concealed from you, that there is some underhanded work that by and by will be revealed. You have had some trials, but they are not half as great as you imagine. Evil is not determined against you as you suppose.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 93, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 93, 1903, par. 3

My dear sister, I hope that you are taking care of yourself and that your health is improving. Remember that the Lord Jesus is the Chief Physician. He knows every anxiety of your mind. He is acquainted with your every difficulty. He would have you lay aside your trouble and anxiety and put your trust in Him. “Be not faithless, but believing.” [John 20:27.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)

Ms 2, 1868

1LtMs, Ms 2, 1868, par. 2

You have, like faithless Thomas, considered it a virtue to doubt unless you could have unmistakable evidence removing all cause from your mind for doubting. Did Jesus commend the unbelieving Thomas? As He granted him the evidence he had declared he would have before he believed, He said unto him, “Be not faithless, but believing.” Thomas answered, “My Lord and my God.” He is now compelled to believe. There is no room to doubt. Jesus said unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen Me thou hast believed; blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. [John 20:27-29.] You were represented to me as uniting your efforts with the rebel leader and his host to annoy, perplex, dishearten, discourage and overthrow those who are battling for the right, who are standing under the blood-stained banner of Prince Immanuel. Your influence, I was shown, has turned souls from keeping the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. You have employed your talents, your skill, to manufacture weapons to place in the hands of the enemies of God to fight those who are trying to obey God in keeping His commandments. While angels have been commissioned to strengthen the things that remain, to withstand and counteract your influence, they have looked with the deepest grief upon your work to dishearten and destroy. You have caused pure, sinless, holy angels to weep.

The Story of Jesus

Chapter 28—Witnesses

SJ 165.5

On this occasion He again showed in His hands and feet the marks of the crucifixion. Thomas was at once convinced, and cried, “My Lord and my God.” John 20:28.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 75, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 75, 1900, par. 11

Strive continually to improve. Let your life fulfill the words, “Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies.” [Verse 98.] Look ever to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of your faith. Talk with your Elder Brother, who will complete your sanctification line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little. A close connection with Him who offered Himself as a sacrifice to save a perishing world will make you an acceptable worker. When you can lay your hand on truth and appropriate it, when you can say, “My Lord and my God” [John 20:28], grace and peace and joy in rich treasures will be yours.

The Story of Redemption

Doubting Thomas

SR 236.3

God was not pleased with the unbelief of Thomas. When Jesus again met with His disciples, Thomas was with them; and when he beheld Jesus, he believed. But he had declared that he would not be satisfied without the evidence of feeling added to sight, and Jesus gave him the evidence which he had desired. Thomas cried out, “My Lord and my God!” But Jesus reproved him for his unbelief, saying, “Thomas, because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” John 20:28, 29.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 148, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 148, 1901, par. 6

When the Jews asked Christ, “What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?” He answered, “This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent.” [John 6:28, 29.] In closing his gospel, St. John speaks words of deep importance: “And many signs did Jesus in the presence of them all, which are not written in this book; but these are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” [John 20:30, 31.] This statement shows the great importance of understanding the question, “What is faith in the Son of God?”

Manuscript Releases, vol. 8 [Nos. 526-663]

MR No. 548—How Ellen White Bore Suffering

8MR 46.5

Day by day I am given an assurance of the love of God. [John 5:24; 20:31; John 12:46; Revelation 22:17, quoted]....

Steps to Christ

Chapter 6—Faith and Acceptance

SC 49.3

You have confessed your sins, and in heart put them away. You have resolved to give yourself to God. Now go to Him, and ask that He will wash away your sins and give you a new heart. Then believe that He does this because He has promised. This is the lesson which Jesus taught while He was on earth, that the gift which God promises us, we must believe we do receive, and it is ours. Jesus healed the people of their diseases when they had faith in His power; He helped them in the things which they could see, thus inspiring them with confidence in Him concerning things which they could not see—leading them to believe in His power to forgive sins. This He plainly stated in the healing of the man sick with palsy: “That ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith He to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.” Matthew 9:6. So also John the evangelist says, speaking of the miracles of Christ, “These are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name.” John 20:31.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 43—Barriers Broken Down

DA 403.1

The Saviour’s visit to Phoenicia and the miracle there performed had a yet wider purpose. Not alone for the afflicted woman, nor even for His disciples and those who received their labors, was the work accomplished; but also “that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name.” John 20:31. The same agencies that barred men away from Christ eighteen hundred years ago are at work today. The spirit which built up the partition wall between Jew and Gentile is still active. Pride and prejudice have built strong walls of separation between different classes of men. Christ and His mission have been misrepresented, and multitudes feel that they are virtually shut away from the ministry of the gospel. But let them not feel that they are shut away from Christ. There are no barriers which man or Satan can erect but that faith can penetrate.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 19, 1892

7LtMs, Ms 19, 1892, par. 42

Day by day I am given an assurance of the love of God. “He that heareth my word,” Christ says, “and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” [John 5:24.] “These are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name.” [John 20:31.] I long to proclaim the gospel of good news, the glad tidings of great joy. I am anxious to present to our people the message that the Lord has given me, that Christ has made us His own, that He has bought us with a price beyond computation. The Saviour declared, “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.” [John 12:46.] He would have all heed his invitation, “Whosoever will, let him take of the water of life freely.” [Revelation 22:17.] God presents salvation to all; He gives it to those who believe.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 33, 1892

7LtMs, Ms 33, 1892, par. 27

Day by day I am given an assurance of the love of God. “He that heareth my word,” Christ says, “and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” John 5:24. “These are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” John 20:31.