EGW WritingsJohn 3

Testimony Treasures, vol. 1

Cross Reveals Principle of Sacrifice

1TT 469.1

We should be zealous workers in this cause, seeking to lead sinners, repenting and believing, to a divine Redeemer, and to impress them with an exalted sense of God’s love to man. “God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16. What an incomparable love is this! A theme for the most profound meditation! The amazing love of God for a world that did not love Him! The thought has a subduing power upon the soul and brings the mind into captivity to the will of God. Men who are crazy for gain, and are disappointed and unhappy in their pursuit of the world, need the knowledge of this truth to quiet the restless hungering and thirsting of their souls.

From Heaven With Love

In Heaven This Law Was Broken!

HLv 12.4

The plan for our redemption was not a plan formulated after the fall of Adam. It was a revelation of “the mystery which hath been kept in silence through times eternal.” Romans 16:25, RV. It was an unfolding of the principles that from eternal ages have been the foundation of God’s throne. God foresaw sin’s existence and made provision to meet the terrible emergency. He covenanted to give His only-begotten Son, “that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.

From Heaven With Love

Treated As We Deserve

HLv 15.2

It was Satan’s purpose to bring eternal separation between God and man; but in taking our nature, the Saviour bound Himself to humanity by a tie that is never to be broken. “God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son.” John 3:16. He gave Him, not only to die as our sacrifice; He gave Him to become one of the human family, forever to retain His human nature.

From Eternity Past

Chapter 4—The Plan of Redemption Is Unveiled

EP 31.3

The plan of salvation had been laid before the creation of the earth, for Christ is “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8); yet it was a struggle with the King of the universe to yield up His Son to die for the guilty race. But “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16. O, the mystery of redemption! the love of God for a world that did not love Him!

From Here to Forever

The Two Apartments

HF 256.3

“And the counsel of peace shall be between them both.” The love of the Father is the fountain of salvation for the lost race. Said Jesus to His disciples, “The Father himself loveth you.” God was “in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself.” “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son.” John 16:27; 2 Corinthians 5:19; John 3:16.

God’s Amazing Grace

Encircled by a Rainbow, March 3

AG 70.2

The rainbow of promise encircling the throne on high is an everlasting testimony that “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). It testifies to the universe that God will never forsake His people in their struggle with evil. It is an assurance to us of strength and protection as long as the throne itself shall endure.5The Desire of Ages, 493.

Christ in His Sanctuary

Christ’s Ministry in the Heavenly Sanctuary

CIHS 139.1

“And the counsel of peace shall be between Them both.” The love of the Father, no less than of the Son, is the fountain of salvation for the lost race. Said Jesus to His disciples before He went away: “I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: for the Father Himself loveth you.” John 16:26, 27. God was “in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself.” 2 Corinthians 5:19. And in the ministration in the sanctuary above, “the counsel of peace shall be between Them both.” “God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.

Homeward Bound

A Voluntary Sacrifice, February 1

HB 48.2

The plan for our redemption was not an afterthought, a plan formulated after the fall of Adam. It was a revelation of “the mystery which hath been kept in silence through times eternal.” (Romans 16:25, R.V.) It was an unfolding of the principles that from eternal ages have been the foundation of God’s throne. From the beginning, God and Christ knew of the apostasy of Satan, and of the fall of man through the deceptive power of the apostate. God did not ordain that sin should exist, but He foresaw its existence, and made provision to meet the terrible emergency. So great was His love for the world, that He covenanted to give His only-begotten Son, “that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16.) . . .

Homeward Bound

An Unbreakable Tie, February 2

HB 49.2

By His life and His death, Christ has achieved even more than recovery from the ruin wrought through sin. It was Satan’s purpose to bring about an eternal separation between God and mankind; but in Christ we become more closely united to God than if we had never fallen. In taking our nature, the Saviour has bound Himself to humanity by a tie that is never to be broken. Through the eternal ages He is linked with us. “God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son.” (John 3:16.) He gave Him not only to bear our sins, and to die as our sacrifice; He gave Him to the fallen race. To assure us of His immutable counsel of peace, God gave His only-begotten Son to become one of the human family, forever to retain His human nature. This is the pledge that God will fulfill His word. . . . God has adopted human nature in the person of His Son, and has carried the same into the highest heaven. It is the “Son of man” who shares the throne of the universe. . . . The I AM is the Daysman between God and humanity, laying His hand upon both. He who is “holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners,” is not ashamed to call us brethren. (Hebrews 7:26; 2:11.) In Christ the family of earth and the family of heaven are bound together. Christ glorified is our brother. Heaven is enshrined in humanity, and humanity is enfolded in the bosom of Infinite Love. . . .

Homeward Bound

You Are Not Alone, April 12

HB 121.4

To us, as to Peter, the word is spoken, “Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.” (Luke 22:31, 32.) Thank God, we are not left alone. He who “so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16), will not desert us in the battle with the adversary of God and mankind. “Behold,” He says, “I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” (Luke 10:19.)

With God at Dawn

Christ’s Mission Prompted by Father’s Love, February 9

WGD 42.1

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 23, 1873

2LtMs, Lt 23, 1873, par. 6

Dear children, on no consideration live for yourselves alone. There are those who ever need the help you can give them. Jesus gave Himself for us. What a condescension! Let us deny self and bless others. Glorify God by choosing His way, His will. He will be your wise counselor and your fast, unchanging Friend. “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son” for its redemption. [John 3:16.] It is a marvel with the angelic host that the humiliation and death of the Son of God should not call men to repentance, that such a Saviour, who made so great a sacrifice to ransom man, should be rejected and scorned.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 35, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 35, 1886, par. 6

We need to have higher and more distinct views of the character of Christ, that we may copy His example. We need to understand better what constitutes a pure religious life. We must learn to be Christlike in disposition and in character. We want an increase of faith in the promises of God. He has shown us great and precious favors. He has revealed to us His glory, all loving, all holy. His attributes are blended with justice and mercy. We are not to think of God only as a judge and to forget Him as a loving Father. Nothing can do our souls greater harm than this, for our whole spiritual life is molded from our conceptions of God’s character. We have lessons to learn of Jesus’ love. He has been ever solicitous for our welfare. His voice is ever inviting us to come to Him with all our griefs, all our sorrows, and if we will obey the call we will be drawn toward Jesus. Now let us improve the precious opportunities to become acquainted with our heavenly Father who “so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 27, 1885

4LtMs, Ms 27, 1885, par. 4

We went on the cars twenty miles to fill an appointment at Drammen. The fog settled down so thick we could not obtain a sight of the country through which we were passing. We were two hours on the cars. We found a hall full of people at the appointed hour. The hall could only accommodate seven hundred people. The passageway was filled. All the standing room was crowded, and respectful attention was given as I addressed them from John 3:16.

God’s Amazing Grace

Accepted by Faith, May 12

AG 140.3

True faith is that which receives Christ as a personal Saviour. God gave His only-begotten Son, that I, by believing in Him, “should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). When I come to Christ, according to His word, I am to believe that I receive His saving grace. The life that I now live, I am to “live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).37The Ministry of Healing, 62.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 89, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 89, 1886, par. 6

But Satan did not succeed, although he had brought not only the world, who know not God, but the Christian world who claim to know God and His Son Jesus Christ, to take his side and array evidence against God in order that He shall not stand before angels and men infallible, supreme, infinite in wisdom. The most glorious tidings that ever fell upon mortal ears are: “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him might not perish, but have eternal life.” [John 3:16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Lt 48, 1888

5LtMs, Lt 48, 1888, par. 23

“God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Oh, what love! What amazing love! And yet how few appreciate it! How few are partakers of the divine nature! Having undertaken the amazing work of redemption, He resolved that He would not give up the plan, but that He would spare nothing, however costly, withhold nothing, however dear, which was essential to the consummation of His design of bestowing on man gift upon gift until He had opened to Him all the treasures of heaven.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 30, 1889

6LtMs, Ms 30, 1889, par. 58

Earnest discourses have been given in the power and Spirit of God by His servants in regard to the hope set before us in the gospel. The love of Jesus and the righteousness of Christ have been presented, and they are so plainly seen the mind grasps them by faith. They have come to many who have long been Christians as a new revelation. “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Oh, this is meat in due season from first to last!

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 20, 1889

6LtMs, Lt 20, 1889, par. 1

[I see] from your letter that you are in a state [of unbelief, questioning] whether there is hope in your case. As [Christ’s ambassador,] I would say to you, “Hope thou in God.” [Psalm 42:5.] He “so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Now cannot you take courage from this gracious promise? Satan may tell you many times that you are a sinner, but you can answer, “True, I am a sinner; but ‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.’” [1 Timothy 1:15.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 10, 1889

6LtMs, Ms 10, 1889, par. 8

The world is full of evidences of God’s love for fallen man. How much He loved us we can never with our finite minds measure, we have no line with which to fathom, no standard with which to compare it, but with John we may say, “He so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son,” that through Christ He might confer on us everlasting life. [John 3:16.] This subject fills my mind, and it is so grand, so elevating, that I am entranced as I think of it.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 36a, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 36a, 1890, par. 11

Who can anticipate the gifts of infinite Love. “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] God’s love for the world was not manifest because He sent His Son, but because He loved the world He sent His Son into the world that divinity clothed with humanity might touch humanity, while divinity lay hold of infinity. Though sin had produced a gulf between man and his God, divine benevolence provided a plan to bridge that gulf. And what material did He use? A part of Himself. The brightness of the Father’s glory came to a world all seared and marred with the curse, and in His own divine character, in His own divine body, bridged the gulf and opened a channel of communication between God and man. The windows of heaven were opened, and the showers of heavenly grace in healing streams came to our benighted world. O what love, what matchless, inexpressible love!

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 18, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 18, 1890, par. 4

We shall be tempted to be covetous, to be avaricious, to cultivate an insatiable desire for more, and this will bring upon us the same perils that fell upon ancient Jerusalem. Thus we shall fail to know God and to represent Him in character. Christ represented God as paternal in character, full of tender compassion and yearning love. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] We need to closely watch ourselves, lest we fall after the same example of unbelief as did the Jews. We must work unselfishly. We must feel a deep interest in the establishment and growth of other institutions besides those over which we have superintendency. I almost wish that the sanitarium was miles away from Battle Creek. I know it would be better for its spirituality and usefulness. The college in Lincoln will take a large number from the Battle Creek College, and this is as it should be. The light should shine forth from other localities as well as from Battle Creek. God designs that the light should shine forth from different cities, and from various localities.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 40, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, par. 52

The measure of the love of God to man is found in the gift of Christ. He is the medium to convey the love of God to man. “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16. God loved us and therefore He gave Christ; not, He gave Christ and therefore He loved us.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 1f, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 1f, 1890, par. 27

“I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth. ... And I will remember my covenant, ... and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh.” [Genesis 9:13-15.] In the rainbow above the throne is an everlasting testimony that “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Whenever the law is presented before the people, let the teacher of truth point out the throne arched with the rainbow of promise, the righteousness of Christ. The glory of the law is Christ; he came to magnify the law, and make it honorable. Make it distinct that mercy and truth have met together in Christ, and righteousness and peace have embraced each other.

God’s Amazing Grace

Exile From Heaven’s Throne, June 1

AG 160.2

In order to fully realize the value of salvation, it is necessary to understand what it cost. In consequence of limited ideas of the sufferings of Christ, many place a low estimate upon the great work of the atonement. The glorious plan of man’s salvation was brought about through the infinite love of God the Father. In this divine plan is seen the most marvelous manifestation of the love of God to the fallen race. Such love as is manifested in the gift of God’s beloved Son amazed the holy angels. “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). This Saviour was the brightness of His Father’s glory and the express image of His person. He possessed divine majesty, perfection, and excellence. He was equal with God. “It pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell” (Colossians 1:19)....

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 25, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 25, 1890, par. 14

The Lord Jesus awakens an interest in man by encouraging him to draw nigh and become acquainted with His character. “This is life eternal that they might know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent.” [John 17:3.] We do not contemplate as we should the character of God. “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 55, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 55, 1890, par. 18

There have been so many discourses that have not had the fragrance of Christ’s merits and His righteousness that the gospel as it has been preached does not convict and convert souls. “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] We may dwell upon the punishing of every sin, and the awfulness of the punishment inflicted on the guilty, but this will not melt and subdue the soul.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 17, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 17, 1890, par. 20

Before his death, this eminent physician ordered a column to be erected near the spot where his body was to lie, on which were to be inscribed these texts, as voices from eternity: “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” [Matthew 11:28.] “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” [Hebrews 12:14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 41, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 41, 1890, par. 6

“God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Heaven was purchased for men at an infinite price, and no man will enter the portals of bliss who has not through self-denial and self-sacrifice proved the quality and genuineness of his life for Christ and suffering humanity.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 40a, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, par. 58

There is no safe peace without the presence of the Spirit of Christ. There is no real peace except that which flows from the cross of Calvary. Christ is accepted as a theory in the mind before He becomes the Prince of Peace in the heart. But that He may become the Prince of Peace in the heart, He has promised to impart to us His Spirit. He said, “I will not leave you comfortless.” [John 14:18.] The comfort of the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the gift of the Holy Spirit. The measure of the love of God to man is found in Christ. He is the medium through which the knowledge of the love of God is imparted. John writes, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] God so loved us that He gave His well-beloved Son. It is not that He gave Christ, and therefore He loved us; but that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us as a manifestation of the Father’s compassion.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 13, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 13, 1890, par. 19

This man was an eminent physician. Before his death he ordered a column to be erected near the spot where his body was to lie, on which were to be inscribed these texts, as voices from eternity: “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him might not perish, but have eternal life.” [John 3:16.] “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” [Matthew 11:28.] “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” [Hebrews 12:14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 64, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 64, 1890, par. 4

Now, if you labor any in Colorado, be careful what you say. Give the people the Bread of Life, the Word of God in its simplicity. Repeat with your whole heart the message God has given you. “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16. “He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation.” John 5:24. We have a message of peace, of love and mercy from the Prince of peace.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 34, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 34, 1892, par. 11

It is important that every one who is to act as a medical missionary be skilled in ministering to the soul as well as to the body. He is to be an imitator of Christ, presenting to the sick and suffering the preciousness of pure and undefiled religion. While doing all in his power to relieve physical distress and to preserve this mortal life, he should point to the mercy and the love of Jesus, the Great Physician, who came that “whosoever believeth in him might not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.

Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)

Breaking the Bread of Life to Souls

GW 155.1

Unless ministers are guarded, they will hide the truth under human ornamentation. Let no minister suppose that he can convert souls by eloquent sermons. Those who teach others should plead with God to imbue them with His Spirit, and enable them to lift up Christ as the sinner’s only hope. Flowery speeches, pleasing tales, or inappropriate anecdotes do not convict the sinner. Men listen to such words as they would to a pleasant song. The message that the sinner should hear is, “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] The reception of the gospel does not depend on learned testimonies, eloquent speeches, or deep arguments, but upon its simplicity, and its adaptation to those who are hungering for the bread of life.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 7, 1892

7LtMs, Ms 7, 1892, par. 15

Why, the worker can do nothing without Jesus. I am not speaking of ministers only, but of every living soul who has given himself to God as His servant. Indolence cannot once be tolerated by God who “gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 27, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 27, 1892, par. 29

When one who claims to be a Christian is unforgiving, harsh and critical, accusing and denunciatory, he is doing the very same work that Satan is doing; he is denying Christ <under> the pretense of representing His grace. God calls for the highest capabilities and talents to be purified, refined, softened by the grace of Christ, that the whole being may convey to the world the character of God. Jesus Himself could not express in words to the understanding of man the love of the Father; He could only say, “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] But He did express the love of God in His actions. Never can we equal the goodness and the love of Jesus, but He calls upon every man and woman and youth and child to behold Him, and by beholding His perfection of character, to become changed into His image. Call every talent into exercise to copy the Pattern. As Christ died to save man, He calls upon us to live as seeing Him who is invisible, that we may save souls. In all our business calling, we should let Christ preside, let His spirit and His mercy and His love be prominent.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 2, 1892

7LtMs, Ms 2, 1892, par. 29

As I took my glasses from my pocket to put them on, one of the gold arms was broken. But although it was impossible to read without my glasses, I took my text from (John 3:16): “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” I had perfect freedom, and those not of our faith listened with intense interest. The Lord strengthened me with His Holy Spirit [so] that I could speak in clearness and power to the people. I praise His holy name. Many hearts were touched; tears were in the eyes of many.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 16, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 16, 1892, par. 4

The office of the Holy Spirit is to comfort, to bring things to your remembrance that will increase faith. We need to contemplate the love of Jesus, His mission and His works in reference to us as individuals. Jesus so loved me that He gave His own life to save me. The Father loved me. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 19, 1892

7LtMs, Ms 19, 1892, par. 28

“God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] These words show us why God’s wrath descended on His only begotten Son, why the Innocent suffered for the guilty, why the Just bore the punishment wholly due to the unjust. Jesus came to bear the penalty of man’s transgression, to uphold and vindicate the immutability of the law of God, and the rectitude of His government. He came to make an end of sin and to bring in everlasting righteousness. He can lift sinners from their low estate, and in so doing magnify the law of Jehovah. These thoughts make me almost forget my pain.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 9a, 1891

7LtMs, Lt 9a, 1891, par. 6

Now, my sister, let your prayers ascend to your heavenly Father, and let this fifty-first Psalm be assurance and comfort to you. Do not keep yourself away from Jesus, for He loves you. You may say, He will not hear my prayers; I am a sinner. But Christ says, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] Then you are not to wait, but come now, and believe that He will receive you. “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] You cannot enjoy His blessing without any action on your part. Salvation is a gift offered to you free; on no other condition can you obtain it; only as a free gift. But co-operation on your part is essential to salvation. “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God that worketh in you, to will and to do of His good pleasure.” [Philippians 2:12, 13.] You are to come humbly, saying,

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 41, 1892

7LtMs, Ms 41, 1892, par. 15

It was only by the death of Christ that the human race could be redeemed. Man had broken the law of God, and Christ alone could atone for the transgression. But this great sacrifice was not made in order to create in the Father’s heart a love for man, not to make Him willing to save. No, no. “God so loved the world, that he gave His only begotten Son.” [John 3:16.] God suffered with His Son. In the agony of Gethsemane, the death of Calvary, the heart of Infinite Love paid the price of our redemption. “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself.” [2 Corinthians 5:19.] “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son.” [John 3:16.] He gave Him not only to live among men, to bear their sins, and die their sacrifice; He gave Him to the fallen race.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 12, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 12, 1891, par. 9

Merely to speak to beautiful things that please the ear and attract attention should not be our purpose. We are to present Christ and Him crucified, that souls who are dead in trespasses and sins may be alarmed and quickened. Those who seek to teach others need to be converted to Christ, they need to plead with God that He will imbue them with His Holy Spirit before they can lift up Christ as the sinner’s only hope. Flowery speeches, pleasing tales, anecdotes and stories do not convict the sinner. Men listen to such words as they would listen to a pleasant song, and the laborers gather but few sheaves into the garner. The message the sinner should hear is, “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] And the truth will subdue and [make] tender the soul of the teacher because he feels its practical utility.

Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)

The Love of God

GW 157.1

Through the love of God the treasures of the grace of Christ have been laid open before the church and the world. “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] What marvelous, unfathomable love, which led Christ to die for us while we were yet sinners! And what a loss the soul suffers who, understanding the strong claims of the law, fails to acknowledge that where sin abounds, the grace of Christ does much more abound!

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 31, 1891

7LtMs, Lt 31, 1891, par. 26

It is time that you were occupied with serious thoughts; and you cannot dwell upon the self-denying, self-sacrificing life of the world’s Redeemer, and find pleasure in jesting and joking and whiling away your time by indulging in foolishness. And yet those who have professed to be followers of Christ have been guilty of these very things. Sins of no light character have been committed by those who have been in the truth for years, who have had great light, great privileges and responsibilities. “But turn ye, turn ye, for why will ye die?” [Ezekiel 33:11.] Make a complete surrender to him who has given himself for you, that you should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 33, 1892

7LtMs, Ms 33, 1892, par. 11

“God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16. These words show us why God’s wrath descended on His only begotten Son, why the innocent suffered for the guilty, why the just bore the punishment wholly due to the unjust. Jesus came to bear the penalty of man’s transgression, to uphold and vindicate the immutability of the law of God, and the rectitude of His government. He came to make an end of sin and to bring in everlasting righteousness. He can lift sinners from their low estate, and in so doing magnify the law of Jehovah. These thoughts make me almost forget my pain.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 43, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 43, 1892, par. 16

Say to the youth, “If you have not given your heart to Jesus, make Him the offering ere the year 1892 shall close. What has Jesus done for you? He has given His precious life for you. If God had not loved you He would have retained Jesus in heaven. “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Do not allow the enemy to crowd this out of your mind. It is the most important theme for your meditation. What have I done to show that I appreciate this great love? What have I given to Jesus? The gift that will be a precious and fragrant offering to Him will be yourself. You that have not made your decision to be sons and daughters of God, I beg of you to do this without any delay. Place your will on the side of God’s will. He delights in mercy. “Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? He retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.” [Micah 7:18.] Have you decided to become a part of the heritage of the Lord? “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Come to Jesus, just as you are, weak and sinful, ignorant and unworthy and He will receive you. He says, “A new heart will I give you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 45, 1892

7LtMs, Ms 45, 1892, par. 1

“God is love.” [1 John 4:8.] He showed us that He loved us by giving His well-beloved Son to die for our sins. The angels wondered at God’s love when they saw that He “so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish (come to nothing) but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Jesus said, “The Father himself loveth you.” [John 16:27.] God loves us, not because He gave His Son for us, but He loves us so much that He gave His well-beloved Son, so that we might believe in His tender love toward us. God gave His Son to suffer with us and for us, but in the pain that Christ suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross of Calvary, the great God, the Father of all, the Heart of unmeasured love, suffered also, and in Christ paid the price of our salvation.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 38, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 38, 1892, par. 6

I thank the Lord I have had an active part in this work from the beginning, and amid all my pain, I have comfort and assurance and peace and hope. What should I do without the grace of Christ? I am filled with the tenderest love for Jesus, and for precious souls for whom He died. When I consider that Jesus gave His precious life for me, and that “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life” [John 3:16], I want to have health that I may speak of His love and tell of His power in the congregation of the saints.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 16e, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 16e, 1892, par. 20

Then what is the duty of every enlightened soul who should feel, as he looks upon the infinite Sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father, “that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life?” [John 3:16.] What are you doing by personal efforts to lead souls to believe? There are not many ordained ministers, but this is not necessary before you deny self. Lift the cross and carry the burdens of Christ.

7LtMs, Lt 16e, 1892, par. 38

The work of every Christian has ever been to stain their door-posts with blood, to gather their children unto their houses with them, that the destroying angel might see the mark of blood—the acknowledgment of faith in the only begotten Son of the Father, for “whosoever believeth in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 25b, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 25b, 1892, par. 4

Here are the credentials we are to bear to the world that the Lord hath sent His Son Jesus, “that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] When so much importance is attached to the unity of believers, why is there so little effort to preserve unity? Why are not the words of our Saviour more decidedly practiced? Why is not greater caution exercised that differences shall not exist; and if there are differences of opinion, why swell them to as large proportions as possible, and make the breach as wide as possible? Why present these differences conspicuously before the world?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 39, 1892

7LtMs, Ms 39, 1892, par. 35

I rode into Ballarat to speak at three p.m. We had a good congregation. The people were just such a class as I am pleased to address. As I took out my glasses to put them on, one arm was broken, and I could do nothing with them, so I gave my text (John 3:16): “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” The Lord strengthened me in body and in spirit, and through His grace I spoke in the power and demonstration of the Spirit. The congregation listened with profound attention and hearts were touched. Tears were oft wiped away. I was free in the Lord.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 39, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 39, 1891, par. 15

Two classes in our world—then listen to the words of One who knows, “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.” 1 John 4:4, 5. Souls are being deluded. The fear and love of God have not a controlling power. The world is their Master, and they chase after its delusive, flattering mirage. Listen to One who gave His life for the world, “that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] He spake as never man spake. The whole of (John 15) contains the most important lesson. Read it; obey it. Again, hear the voice of God, “Ye cannot serve God and Mammon.” [Matthew 6:24.]

Christian Education

Chapter 8—The Teacher of Truth the Only Safe Educator

CE 74.1

The Teacher from heaven, no less a personage than the Son of God, came to earth to reveal the character of the Father to men, that they might worship him in spirit and in truth. Christ revealed to men the fact that the strictest adherence to ceremony and form would not save them; for the kingdom of God was spiritual in its nature. Christ came to the world to sow it with truth. He held the keys to all the treasures of wisdom, and was able to open doors to science, and to reveal undiscovered stores of knowledge, were it essential to salvation. He presented to men that which was exactly contrary to the representations of the enemy in regard to the character of God, and sought to impress upon men the paternal love of the Father, who “so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] He urged upon men the necessity of prayer, repentance, confession, and the abandonment of sin. He taught them honesty, forbearance, mercy, and compassion, enjoining upon them to love not only those who loved them, but those who hated them, who treated them despitefully. In this he was revealing to them the character of the Father, who is long-suffering, merciful, and gracious, slow to anger, and full of goodness and truth. Those who accepted his teaching were under the guardian care of angels, who were commissioned to strengthen, to enlighten, that the truth might renew and sanctify the soul.

Heaven

Chapter 8—Face-to-Face at Last

Hvn 72.1

A Tie Never to Be Broken—By His life and His death, Christ has achieved even more than recovery from the ruin wrought through sin. It was Satan’s purpose to bring about an eternal separation between God and man; but in Christ we become more closely united to God than if we had never fallen. In taking our nature, the Saviour has bound Himself to humanity by a tie that is never to be broken. Through the eternal ages He is linked with us. “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son.” John 3:16. He gave Him not only to bear our sins, and to die as our sacrifice; He gave Him to the fallen race. To assure us of His immutable counsel of peace, God gave His only-begotten Son to become one of the human family, forever to retain His human nature. This is the pledge that God will fulfill His word. “Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder.”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 40, 1892

7LtMs, Ms 40, 1892, par. 12

The Holy Spirit goes on convicting the sinner, piling up his condemnation, until the powers of the soul awaken and exclaim, “What must I do to be saved?” [Acts 16:30.] The divine Spirit, working with the human agent, has drawn the sinner, condemned by the law, to Jesus Christ. “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16. All heaven is waiting and ready to co-operate with the human agent to expel sin from the soul and supply the vacuum with the Holy Spirit.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 61, 1891

7LtMs, Lt 61, 1891, par. 13

Then you, my dear sister, Reuben, and your attendant, have reason to hope in His mercy and to believe on Jesus Christ, that He can save you. Why? Because you are guiltless? No; because you are sinners, and Jesus says, “I came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] When the devil whispers to you, There is no hope, tell him you know there is, for “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] What more could God do for you, more than He has done, to make you love Him? Lizzie, believe, simply believe that Jesus means just what He says. Take Him at His word and hang your helpless soul on Jesus Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 46, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 46, 1891, par. 1

Justification by faith is to many a mystery. A sinner is justified by God when he repents of his sins. He sees Jesus upon the cross of Calvary. Why all this suffering? The law of Jehovah has been broken. The law of God’s government in heaven and earth has been transgressed, and the penalty of sin is pronounced to be death. But “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Oh what love, what matchless love! Christ, the Son of God, dying for guilty man!

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 83, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 83, 1891, par. 4

We want to be very particular to stand on the very ground on which the Lord wants us to stand [and] that is to recognize that all the blessings that we receive come through the mercy and compassion and goodness of our God, while we are undeserving. It is not because we regard ourselves good in many particulars, but it is because “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] It is not one now and then, in one hundred or one thousand, in five or ten thousands, [who] may have life. No, whosoever believeth on Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 42, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 42, 1892, par. 15

Those who co-operate with God will attain unto purity of heart, and their spiritual eyesight will become clear. The character of God will appear attractive and lovely and glorious. They will see God in nature. They will see Him in His providences, and in meekness will bow to His will, knowing that He understands what is best. Under trying circumstances they will not fret or complain, but be filled with the love of God. They will take up the Word of God, and hear His voice in the assuring promises, and their soul will become alive with God. They will behold His character which is His glory. They will behold His glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. Standing beneath the cross of Calvary they see in the dying victim the heart of God opened to their view. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 20, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 20, 1891, par. 7

O how weak is our faith, that we do not avail ourselves of the rich, glorious promises of God. It is God’s nature to bestow His gifts upon us. All-wise and all-powerful, He will give liberally to all who ask in faith. He is more merciful, more tender, more patient and loving than any earthly parent. He draws us to Him by endearing language, that we may have courage and confidence. We are won to Him by the disclosure of the tenderest sympathy which flows from His heart of love. No human parent could plead as earnestly with an erring child as God pleads with us. He “so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]

7LtMs, Ms 20, 1891, par. 17

Anciently, believers were saved by faith in the Saviour, who was typified by sacrifices and offerings. From time to time the Sun of Righteousness was revealed to them, and their faith waxed strong. When the fullness of time was come, God sent His Son to the earth. He “so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] He desires to purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. He needs workers who are growing in capability.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 11b, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 11b, 1892, par. 4

Who is this that speaks? Is it one whose word is doubtful? One who does not know what He is talking about? No, it is the world’s Redeemer, He who so loved us that He died on Calvary, that “whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16. Shall we take His pledged word as verity and truth?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 110, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 110, 1893, par. 13

I would in this letter to you, my brother, communicate to our brethren and sisters in Africa words from the Lord to you. “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:48. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 14, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 14, 1893, par. 18

We read, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Jesus came to save sinners, those in rebellion and pollution. When God gave Jesus, He gave all heaven. He would make the sacrifice so full that He could not do more. Will man dare to complain? They spit in the face of the Lord of glory. Many seem to be sad because of their religion.

In Heavenly Places

Gift of God’s Love, January 5

HP 11.1

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 24, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 24, 1893, par. 3

You have had abundance of light and evidence. You need not be deceived. You have lost your discernment of the real nature and character of sin and its many disguises. It is deceitful in its very nature. Transgression of God’s law darkens the understanding, obscures the spiritual vision, blunts and stupefies every faculty of the soul. You have no excuse for your being infatuated with sin. You may now break with Satan. Why pursue your course onward and downward in guilt and transgression, listening to and inviting Satan’s specious arguments? They are lies from beginning to end and are leading you to shame and dishonor against your own soul, against your family, and to the dishonor of God who “so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 20a, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 20a, 1893, par. 9

Thursday morning I found myself greatly exhausted. But during the night I had passed through an experience similar to that which I had at Salamanca, New York, two years ago. When I awoke from my first short sleep, light seemed to be all around me, the room seemed to be full of heavenly angels. The Spirit of God was upon me, and my heart was full to overflowing. O, what love was burning in my heart! I was exclaiming aloud, “Lord Jesus, I love thee; thou knowest that I love thee: My heavenly Father, I praise thee with my whole heart.” “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] “The path of the just is as a shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” [Proverbs 4:18.] “Jesus, my Redeemer, the Representative of the Father, I put my trust in thee.”

8LtMs, Lt 20a, 1893, par. 23

There have been those connected with the publishing house who know not, and do not wish to know, by experience what it cost their predecessors to build up the work. When these later workers accepted a part in it, they did not enter into a partnership with God. They do not recognize the principles and conditions that must govern the human agent in co-operation with the divine. “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] No man who is not a partaker of this self-sacrificing love is prepared to labor for God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 11, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 11, 1893, par. 5

How easy it is for us to drift with the current, and live unmindful of God, thinking that to enlist in His service is a species of slavery. This is the way Satan presents the matter. But it will be for your interest to consider the matter in the true light. You are the Lord’s property, His by creation, His by redemption. For “God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] What a gift for God to make! And oh, how sad that so few accept this precious gift! What a terrible history humanity must meet in that great day because they refused the priceless offering, the richest gift God could bestow. Through this inestimable gift all our blessings come; life, health, friends, reason, happiness—all are ours only through Christ. Will you, dear Eric, consider this? Will you seek to realize it, and in all you have will you acknowledge the ownership of your Creator?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 116, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 116, 1893, par. 2

I thought I could not possibly find time to write to you without bringing upon myself nervous prostration. When I consider that the closest relationship exists between the mother and her children, I am often placed in a position where my burden of thoughts would crush me if I did not cast my burden upon the Burden Bearer. I have hoped and prayed that my son Edson would not disappoint his mother and his Redeemer who gave His life for the life of the world, “that whosoever believeth in him”—in Jesus as his personal Saviour—“should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 98, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 98, 1893, par. 1

“God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] The price which heave has paid for man reveals the value of every soul. There is not one passed by in the provision of God’s love. “Whosoever believeth in Him” shall not perish, but have everlasting life.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 28, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 28, 1893, par. 8

We consider that love. We repeat with grateful wonder. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Our hearts are full of thankfulness for this priceless love. We exclaim, He so loved me, He gave me Jesus. I receive Him as my personal Saviour. He is the God of forgiveness, the God of compassion, the God of love. I receive now the precious gift of Jesus. He is mine and I am His.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 6, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 6, 1893, par. 7

Christ has ten-thousand times ten-thousand and thousands of thousands of angels working for the human family. The work that they have to do in the counsels of heaven is to see where we need help. None will have to fight the battles of the Lord in our own finite strength. Make room that Christ may be enthroned in the heart. <If you fill the whole space with your own spirit and self-sufficiency, then there is no room for Jesus.> Christ should shine through the human tenement. Then what? The glory of the Lord is your rearward. We carry the divine credentials. What is it? Why God has sent His Son into the world. John 3:16.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 17, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 17, 1893, par. 6

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] O what a gift! What amazing condescension! He that was equal with God has evidenced to you a love that is higher and deeper and more enduring than even the love of father and mother. He laid aside His royal crown, laid off His royal robe, stepped down from His high and holy throne, clothed His divinity with humanity, and came to a world all seared and marred with the curse to save fallen man who has transgressed His holy law. He came to bring life and immortality to light. He came to suffer, the just, the holy, that He might save, through bearing the penalty of the sins of the unjust, disloyal subjects in His own person, and through becoming their substitute and surety give them another opportunity through His own merits to win back the favor of God by returning their loyalty and obedience to the laws of His government.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 67, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 67, 1893, par. 6

The Lord God of heaven has made ample provision that all who believe in Him shall have rest of soul. “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” “As the Father hath loved me so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.” [John 15:11, 9.] As long as doubt and uncertainty shall remain in the mind, there can be no rest. Therefore the promises of God are ample and complete, and to distrust is to doubt the Lord “Who so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Where is there room to doubt? There is no rest of soul until the Day Star arise in the heart, and Christ is formed within the hope of glory, and then how spontaneously the cry comes from the depths of the soul, “Abba, Father.” [Romans 8:15.]

In Heavenly Places

Christ Exemplified God’s Law, February 1

HP 38.3

So deep was the Lord’s interest in the beings He had created, so great His love for the world, that He “gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Christ came to bring moral power to man, to elevate, ennoble, and strengthen him, enabling him to be a partaker of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. He proved to the inhabitants of the unfallen worlds and to human beings that the law can be kept. While possessing the nature of man, He obeyed the law of God, vindicating God’s justice in demanding that it be obeyed. In the judgment His life will be an unanswerable argument in favor of God’s law.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 17, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 17, 1893, par. 1

Luke 10:21-25. [This is] the most important question ever presented to human minds; from the youngest to the oldest we want to know this. What does Jesus say? He lets him answer himself. Vs. 26. Love God with one quarter of [the] heart and [the] rest given to [the] world? No. Verses 27, 28. Live and have life that runs parallel with [the] life of Jehovah. Vs. 29. He presents man, wounded and bruised, as his neighbor. Verses 30, 31, 32. These are men in responsible positions, [but with] no pity. Verses 33, 34, 35. What does it mean to love God with all the heart, and thy neighbor as thyself? The two great arms—love to God, and love to our neighbor. To hold God supremely. And [the] last six commandments, love to our fellow man. Thank God that the first four commandments are not put after [the] last six, because when we love God supremely we have the mind of Christ. John 3:16. Here is [the] love of God to man, and love of man for God. There is not one of you that loves God unless you love your neighbor. Why? Because he is the purchase of the blood of Christ. There is love for sinners. We would not any more enclose ourselves in four walls, and shut ourselves away from the suffering. It takes more than four walls to make us happy.

8LtMs, Ms 17, 1893, par. 5

Satan cannot touch the mind or intellect unless we yield it to him. John 3:16. Excuse sins as though we had no power to overcome them? How readily would God have given Adam and Eve power, if they had gone to Him. We may say how weak they were, but we have their example, and it is repeated over and over again. And what is required to save man? To abolish the law of God? No. Not one jot or tittle of the law of God has been changed. If the law could have been changed, then Jesus need not have died. God’s law was immutable, and changeless as His throne. He would not leave men free to continue in transgression. Because man was lost he must be ransomed with a price.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 19, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 19, 1893, par. 23

The plan of salvation was a costly plan whereby man may be uplifted, ennobled, sanctified; and if we will give ourselves to Him, we will always stand under His banner, and we need never shrink or be ashamed to show our colors. We are Seventh-day Adventists. The whole universe of heaven is looking upon us to see if we individually appreciate the great sacrifice made in our behalf, if we estimate the infinite price paid for our redemption. This is the everlasting expression of love toward the sinner, the cross of Calvary. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 16, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 16, 1893, par. 7

We read in [the] Word of God, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] That means you and me. It means every one of us. That is wonderful; we ought to see enough in this to have a thankful heart continually. “For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant.” See Isaiah 53:2. Why, His human form must be so attractive, and it was; but His purity cut right across their pathway, cut directly across their human attractions. Read also verses 2 and 3.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 1, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 1, 1893, par. 6

“The Devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” [1 Peter 5:8.] He secures as his allies youth who are inexperienced, and he leads them away from pure and divine influences into pleasure loving, pleasure seeking; and they are easily led to corrupt their God-given powers to the service of Satan. Solicitations will meet every soul, and vices will betray the souls for whom Christ has died, away from safe paths, from holiness, and from God. Merriment and songs and hilarity and glee ascend to the god whom they serve and whom they worship, to the forgetting and dishonoring of the God of heaven who “so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 77, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 77, 1893, par. 22

If God gave His Son to atone for sin, sin must be a tremendous evil to demand such a sacrifice. But “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] The punishment rested on One innocent and divine, undeserving of the wrath of God, that the guilty might have hope and life and pardon. Christ was anxious to save the lost, and we who believe in Christ must feel that same earnest interest.

In Heavenly Places

Self Hidden in Christ, August 16

HP 235.3

Before his death this eminent physician ordered a column to be erected near the spot where his body was to lie, on which were to be inscribed these texts, as voices from eternity: “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 59, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 59, 1893, par. 8

An attempt was made to hire a hall, the only one in the place, but a school teacher exerted his influence so it should not be done. He stated that he had been informed that Seventh-day Adventists did not believe in the divinity of Christ. He was assured to the contrary. Well, he said he did not want them to come to that place, so the door was closed. I called upon all in Napier, both young and old, to practice economy and to lay by something wherewith they could do something for the cause and work of God, and this was obligatory upon them; the Lord would not excuse them if they devoted the means the Lord had entrusted to them to advance His cause and His work in self-pleasing, or in making Christmas presents to their relations and friends. Every exertion was to be made to present to the Lord our thank offerings and our gifts of the great gift He had made to the world in sending Jesus. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth on him should not perish but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 27, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 27, 1893, par. 18

That liquor seller will have to answer for all the sins of the drunkard, and the drunkard will have to give an account of his deeds. Their only hope is to lay their souls upon the crucified and risen Saviour, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] What does Christ say? Ye “are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Christ came to bring back to man moral power. Here we see human passions are destroying human beings. Here are our youth being tempted. The minds of many are being taken up with gambling and horse racing. May God help us to arouse.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 30, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 30, 1893, par. 30

Our heavenly Father teaches by His own example of beneficence. God gives [to] us regularly, freely, and abundantly. He “so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Christ Jesus left the royal courts of heaven, and for our sakes became poor, that we through His poverty might be rich, not rich in houses and lands, but rich in heavenly treasure.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 6, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 6, 1893, par. 9

Gisborne, October 12, 1893. Hear the words of One who spake as never man spake, “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” [John 13:34, 35.] The amazing love of God for our world has been newly set forth in the life and character of Jesus Christ. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Jesus, the only begotten Son of God, so loved fallen men, who were His enemies, that He gave His life a ransom to redeem them. Oh, with what tenderness, with what forbearance, did the Saviour love! Although that love was beaten back by the resistance of the rocky sin-bound souls, it returned again in stronger waves of light and affection. Of Him the Word declares, “He shall not fail nor be discouraged.” [Isaiah 42:4.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 93, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 93, 1893, par. 11

But Brother and Sister Harris, we have an intense desire that you shall be saved, and if you are finally overcomers it will not be by your having your own will and your own way. You are tempted, Sister Harris, “that no one careth for my soul;” but do not let the enemy deceive you with his temptations of this character, for it is not truth. There are those who do love you and care for your soul, and do have an intense interest that you shall have the comfort, peace, hope, and joy that your Redeemer has purchased for you, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Then having done so much for you, will He leave you neglected and uncared for? He is the Author and Finisher of your faith. The most infinite God loves you with that depth of love that Calvary alone can express.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 33, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 33, 1893, par. 9

We received the bill of twenty dollars all right. I wish I had twenty thousand. I could use every dollar of it to advance the cause and work in these countries, and yet there would be need of another twenty thousand to make even a beginning in the opening of new fields. We know that God knows all about it, and He has unlimited resources. He will help us in our great necessity. When you see our brethren and sisters launching out in extra adornings in the house and on persons, just tell them that new and untried fields are opening. Every farthing should be carefully cherished to be used in the sending of messengers and the message into new fields to warn, to enlighten, to bless with the message God sends to perishing souls that, “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 21, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 21, 1893, par. 13

O, how lives have been marred by sin, and Satan has triumphed as he has thought he should certainly be successful in capturing the professed servants of Christ, that he might disfigure and spoil in them the image of their Redeemer. Christ alone can reshape and fashion the human character that has been ruined by sin. “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Our Saviour stooped to lift up the ruined lives of men from the dust, that He might restore in the soul of man the lost image of God and reshape the marred character after the pattern of His own divine character. He makes the character beautiful with His own glory.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 29, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 29, 1893, par. 2

The truth is One who gave it, One who is verity and truth. I have not a doubt but Jesus is drawing you. The many prayers offered in your behalf He is answering by awakening in your heart that great need you have of a personal Saviour, One who can be to you everything that you need. “If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink!” [John 7:37.] Every soul is of value with God, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 41, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 41, 1893, par. 1

I have read your letter with much interest, and will try to help you. “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect,” as our heavenly Father is perfect in His sphere. [Matthew 5:48.] So also those for whom Christ has given His own life that they may not hopelessly perish. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] In this expressed love we are to believe for our individual selves, and live that belief, not in your own strength but trusting in the efficiency and righteousness of Christ. “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.” 1 John 4:9.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 48, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 48, 1893, par. 15

So deep was the Lord’s interest in the beings He had created, so great His love for the world, “that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Christ came to bring moral power to man, to elevate, ennoble and strengthen him, enabling him to be a partaker of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Lift Him Up

The Bread of Life for the Hungry, April 22

LHU 126.3

The infinite value of the sacrifice required for our redemption reveals the fact that sin is a tremendous evil. God might have wiped out this foul blot from His creation by sweeping the sinner from the face of the earth. But He “so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Why are not all who claim to love God seeking to enlighten their neighbors and their associates, that they may not longer neglect this great salvation? ...

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 72, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 72, 1893, par. 12

God loves you. The Lord loves your children. They are His heritage. “For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] The brightness of the Father’s glory was revealed in His Son. Christ was in the express image of His Father’s glory. He was the only One of sufficient virtue and value as an atoning sacrifice. He became the substitute and surety for fallen man, and He was fully authorized to give to every soul who should repent of their disobedience, and return to their allegiance to God, full forgiveness and pardon.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 2, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 2, 1893, par. 5

To the question, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” we answer, serve God with all the powers of your mind. [Luke 10:25-27.] Jesus Christ paid the price for the redemption of man, paid the price for the sins of the whole world. Why do we not come? John 3:16. God’s love for man led Him to save man from perdition, to establish his feet on the Rock of ages. Christ made the infinite sacrifice, that we might have the life that measures with the life of God, an eternity of glory and bliss.

8LtMs, Ms 2, 1893, par. 8

See John 3:16. It is your business to believe. Supposing there are tares among the wheat. Remember the church militant is not the church triumphant. We feel like Jeremiah, that we could weep day and night. [Jeremiah 9:1.] Some are stumbling blocks—signposts that point the wrong way. Such do not represent Christ. We cannot afford to do that.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 100, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 100, 1893, par. 5

Again as the Holy Spirit rested upon the prophet, he sees a door opened in heaven, and hears a voice calling him to look upon the things which shall be hereafter. And he says, “Behold, a throne was set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon as a jasper and a sardine stone.” [Revelation 4:2, 3.] Ministering angels [were] around about Him, waiting and eager to do His will, while the rainbow of God’s promise, which was a token of His covenant with Noah, was seen by John encircling the throne on high—a pledge of God’s mercy to every repentant, believing soul. It is an everlasting testimony that “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] It declares to the whole world that God will never forget His people in their struggle with evil.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 64, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 64, 1893, par. 3

I wish I had more means to appropriate in this way. The Lord knows all about these destitute fields, and He will work in His own way and time. Our heavenly Father is rich and the work is His. The cause is His. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 103, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 103, 1893, par. 5

Iniquity has debased the form of human beings and has well nigh obliterated the image of God from their hearts. Christ came to restore that which was lost. Man had proved disloyal; but “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] God is jealous of His honor, and He sent Christ to reshape the character of man, and to restore in him the divine image.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 9, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 9, 1893, par. 23

What wonderful promises are made to us in the Word of God. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] That is what the Lord gave Jesus for. The law of God had been transgressed. It could not be changed to meet man in his fallen condition. Jesus Christ, the maker of the law, came to our world in the image of God, and died that we might have eternal life. The law is a transcript of God’s character. No more could the law of God be abolished, nor one precept of it altered, than you could tear away the throne of the infinite God. Christ who stood at the head could rescue men from the power of the enemy. He was the foundation of the whole Jewish economy. Type met antitype in Christ when He came to our world. Type met antitype on the cross of Calvary.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 73, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 73, 1893, par. 3

You say you have no religious inclinations. I am not surprised at this, because it is a long time since you have taken yourself away from God and refused to be a follower of Jesus Christ, and changed leaders. The god whom you have chosen as your god is not at all religiously inclined, and as long as you give yourself [as] a willing subject to the great leader of apostasy, you will never be religiously inclined. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Here the conditions are plainly stated by Jesus Christ, the Sin-bearer. When you deliberately decide to go contrary to the word spoken by Jesus Christ, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you” [Matthew 6:33], how can you expect to be religiously inclined? To enlarge our views of His condescension and beneficence, He presents the picture of the judgment—the separation of the just and unjust—and shows us He identifies His interests with suffering humanity. He is teaching in the open field where the eye can take in the beauties of nature and the creatures of God’s creation.

8LtMs, Ms 73, 1893, par. 10

I cannot neglect the great salvation that has been brought to me at such an infinite cost to my heavenly Father, who “so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] I will not dishonor my Redeemer to lightly esteem His sufferings, His trials, His condescension, His sacrifice, His death, because He so loves us, He would Himself become our sin-bearer. O what love, what inexpressible love! He became a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. He died on the cross [as] a transgressor, that man might be justified through His merits.

Lift Him Up

Christ Is the Center of the Law, May 27

LHU 161.3

Through the love of God the treasures of the grace of Christ have been laid open before the church and the world. “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). What marvelous, unfathomable love, which led Christ to die for us while we were yet sinners! And what a loss the soul suffers who, understanding the strong claims of the law, fails to acknowledge that where sin abounds, the grace of Christ does much more abound!

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 23a, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 23a, 1893, par. 53

God has given His only begotten Son, “that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Christ has invited us, “Come unto me all ye that are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you ... and ye shall find rest to your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” [Matthew 11:28-30.] Let these words fill us with comfort and hope and peace. While you are worrying over the sins of others, Jesus says, Turn your eyes away from these things and behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world. You are not to be crushed under the load. Jesus is the great Physician; He can cure the maladies of the soul. There is a balm in Gilead; there is a Physician there, and He can cure all the maladies of the soul.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 113, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 113, 1893, par. 29

I address myself to you, Brother Faulkhead. Your soul is in peril. You are insensible to your perils and to your responsibility to God. The price paid for your redemption has bound your individual being up with God. You are His property, whatever course you may decide to pursue. Grave decisions are being made by you. You can never cease to be responsible to Him who “so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 54, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 54, 1894, par. 8

By precept and example we are to reveal to the world that Christ has made reconciliation for sin, that He is our only hope, the One who has brought in everlasting righteousness. He is the anointed priest that ever liveth to make intercession for every individual soul. Our only efficiency is Jesus Christ. We are to represent to the world His love, both in words and works. We are constantly to express to the world our appreciation of God’s unspeakable gift, which He has given us because of the great love with which He hath loved us. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 18, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 18, 1894, par. 12

We long for men to lay down the weapons of their warfare against God. He dies to redeem them, the whole human family. He dies that He might restore the moral image of God in man. But here is man working with all the power and influence he has to counteract the influence of the work of God upon the human instrument. How does Heaven look upon this thing? How do the heavenly intelligences regard it? He that gave to the world all heaven in one gift, how does He regard it? “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 61, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 61, 1894, par. 2

In our solemn council we decided that methods must be devised by which the work could be more effectual, and while we laid open our situation before God a voice was heard full of melody and sweetness saying, “If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave on the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord.” [James 1:5-7.] The voice continued, “Cast thy net on the right side of the ship; walk not in the shadow of the cross, but in the path where the Sun of Righteousness is ever shining to impart life and vitality, and to give grace for grace. The cross of Calvary is to you a pledge of forgiveness, of righteousness, of peace, and of fullness of joy. It is a well of water to every believer, springing up into everlasting life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but should have everlasting life.” [See John 21:6; 4:14; 3:16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 44, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 44, 1894, par. 9

When men will show confidence in their fellow men, they will come much nearer to possessing the mind of Christ. The Lord has revealed the estimate that He places upon men. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] But some minds are ever seeking to reshape the character of others according to their own ideas and measures. God has not given them this work to do.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 10, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 10, 1894, par. 1

(John 3:16): “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Suppose that we had not another promise in all the lids of the Scripture. Is not this enough to condemn every soul that has not a living faith in a personal Saviour? Whosoever believeth in Him. He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever—and that whosoever means you and me; it means parents and children. For whom did Christ die? Was it for a select few? It was for the whole world, the world that was fallen because of transgression.

9LtMs, Ms 10, 1894, par. 25

In the judgment, when we stand around the great white throne, what evidence will be presented for the law of God? The victim of Calvary’s cross testifies that God could not change His law, but that He “so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son” in order to give man another trial to see if he would keep the commandments. [John 3:16.] This will decide our destiny for eternity, because if we are obedient children here we will be obedient children there. He will not take those to heaven who have no respect for the law. He has a law to govern in heaven. But God will not force anyone to keep the commandments, because every soul is elected to be saved if they will obey the light that falls upon their pathway.

9LtMs, Ms 10, 1894, par. 27

The righteousness of God never covers a soul all polluted with sin. John says, “Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world.” [John 1:29.] Will you let Him take it away? You cannot bear your own sin. Christ says He will take your sin if you lay hold of the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour. Christ came and suffered for our sins “that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Believe on Him as One upon whom the sins of the whole world are laid, that man might have another trial. That trial we are having today. Shall it be that Christ shall not have died for us in vain? Shall we give to the world the evidence of the character of God because of our rectitude in keeping His commandments? May God help us to be loyal servants of His.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 34, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 34, 1894, par. 14

The follower of Christ testifies by his daily life in his home, in the church, and in his business, the relation he sustains to his professed Lord. He who is a fruit-bearing branch of the true Vine will bear fruit after the same quality as the Vine. If the fruit is not after the order of the Vine, it will be apparent to the world, to angels, and to men that the branch is not grafted into the true vine. Christ says, “I am the true vine.” [Verse 1.] But because there is a true vine there will also be a counterfeit vine, and the only way in which to distinguish the true from the counterfeit is by the quality of fruit borne by the branches. “I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” [Verse 5.] The words, the deportment, the actions will reveal the kind of fruit borne upon the branch. True love in the heart is a fruit of the Spirit of God, received only from Jesus Christ. Love is a property that is divine; it does not center the thoughts about self but is diffusive in its character, leading its possessor to seek the happiness and prosperity of others. Envy and evil surmising will not be dealt in by those who possess the element of love; for love “seeketh not her own.” [1 Corinthians 13:5.] God’s love is expressed in language that cannot be misinterpreted. “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]

Manuscript Release No 1033

14. Melbourne, Australia, January 9, 1893

MR1033 67.1

During the night I ... passed through an experience similar to that which I had at Salamanca, New York, two years ago. When I awoke from my first short sleep, light seemed to be all around me, the room seemed to be full of heavenly angels. The Spirit of God was upon me, and my heart was full to overflowing. Oh, what love was burning in my heart! I was exclaiming aloud, “Lord Jesus, I love Thee; Thou knowest that I love Thee. My heavenly Father, I praise Thee with my whole heart. ‘For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life’ (John 3:16). ‘The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day’ (Proverbs 4:18). Jesus, my Redeemer, the Representative of the Father, I put my trust in Thee.”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 26, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 26, 1894, par. 7

As I was speaking to my natural sister, the wife of a Methodist minister, in regard to the requirements of the Word of God, she said she would keep the Sabbath if the whole world would keep it. The duty of keeping the Sabbath is plainly laid down before us, and God does not say, “If it [is] convenient.” Parents know it is a sacred thing to carry out these principles in the household. And if the parent expects to bring up his children in the right way, he cannot play the lad. He must have growing dignity that Christ gives to a man. God so appreciated every soul that He “gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 16, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 16, 1894, par. 43

There is one thing that covers everything else. He gave us Jesus Christ because He loved us. “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son.” [John 3:16.] Oh, praise the Lord in your hearts and teach your tongues to praise Him. Seek the gifts of God, take His precious words and hang them in memory’s hall, and when you do that, look upon them, talk of them, praise God for them and then the hellish shadow will not interpose between you and your God. We may every one of us have this rich experience to give to the world, that we know God and Jesus Christ, whom He hath sent.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 6, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 6, 1894, par. 9

One week ago I spoke in Brighton with earnest, pointed words upon the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. An excellent class of people were present and a good impression was made. The Lord is moving upon minds. About twelve are now keeping the Sabbath in Brighton, and a large number are convinced but have not courage as yet to come out on the Lord’s side. Last Sunday I spoke at Williamstown, twelve miles from Melbourne, where Brethren Baker and Israel are working with the tent. I had chosen (John 3:16) for my text, but I could not dwell upon the great love which God has expressed to men without presenting in clear lines the fallacy of claiming that the commandments are abolished when we have not in the Scriptures one single word or intimation of such a monstrous idea.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 38, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 38, 1894, par. 11

Teach the simple lessons of Christ. Tell the people the touching story of His life of self-denial and sacrifice. Tell them of His humiliation and death. Tell them of His resurrection and ascension, of His intercession for them in the courts of God. Tell them that “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 87, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 87, 1894, par. 3

The great principles contained in the law of God enjoin upon us the duty of loving God supremely and our neighbors as ourselves. Those who love God will keep the first four precepts of the Decalogue, which define the duty of man to his Creator. But in carrying out this principle through the grace of Christ, we shall express in our characters the divine attributes, and will work out the love of God in all our dealing with our fellow men. “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] God gave His best gift to the world, and whosoever has the attributes of God will love his fellow men with the same love wherewith God has loved him. The Spirit of God dwelling in the heart, will be manifested in love to others.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 90, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 90, 1894, par. 1

“God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Calvary is the estimate that heaven has placed upon the human soul. God gave Jesus, the richest gift of heaven, to pay the ransom price for the human family. If the veil could be drawn aside, and we could look into eternity, we should see that which would change our opinions and our actions. We should see the glory of Jesus Christ, who is in the high and holy place, surrounded by seraphim and cherubim, with angels and principalities waiting to do his bidding. We should see that there is no heavenly being indifferent to the joys and woes of any one of the human family.

9LtMs, Ms 90, 1894, par. 5

I call upon the church and the world to say how God could have done more for the world than He has done. He “so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [Verse 16.] He has poured forth upon the world a flood of heavenly grace. The Lord gave the best gift of heaven, in which all heaven was contained. God so loved the world that he would not suffer it to be possible that the infinite One could do more than has been done. He bestowed a gift that was past all computation, a gift that aroused in Satan the demon spirit of jealousy, and settled him in his determination to make that gift of God of no avail to man through his misrepresentation of the divine character. The reception of this gift will eradicate from the heart all selfishness, and transform its possessor into the image of Him who abides in the heart by faith.

9LtMs, Ms 90, 1894, par. 9

Jesus left the royal courts of heaven, and laid aside His own glory, and clothed His divinity with humanity, that He might come into close connection with humanity, and by precept and example uplift and ennoble humanity, and restore in the human soul the lost image of God. This is the work of Christ; but what is the influence of those who legalize the liquor traffic? What is the influence of those who put the bottle to their neighbor’s lips? Contrast the work of the rumseller with the work of Jesus Christ, and you will be forced to admit that those who deal in liquor, and those who sustain the traffic, are working in copartnership with Satan. Through this business they are doing a greater work to perpetuate human woe than are men through any other business in the world. But Christians cannot use intoxicating liquors, nor connect themselves in the least degree with any business that leads to the degradation and downfall of humanity. They will realize that “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] They will realize that the Son of God submitted to a life of shame, contempt, and poverty, and for our sake became poor, that we through His poverty might be rich, might possess eternal riches; and knowing this, they will regard themselves as their brothers’ keepers.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 62, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 62, 1894, par. 37

The Lord Jesus has come to our world to seek and to save that which was lost. He said, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] How earnestly we should believe in Christ as our personal Saviour, cultivating an intense desire to use every God-given faculty, every God-intrusted capability of means and influence to present a crucified and risen Saviour to those who are in darkness. What a pity it is that so many professed Christians are infatuated and deluded with the flattering prospect of becoming rich, in order to make a display and to glorify self before the world!

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 12, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 12, 1894, par. 9

The law of Jehovah is to be obeyed; it cannot in any wise change its definite distinctions of character in order to meet men in their fallen condition. God did so love the world, “that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]

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

MR No. 548—How Ellen White Bore Suffering

8MR 45.3

“God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16.) These words show us why God’s wrath descended on His only begotten Son, why the innocent suffered for the guilty, why the just bore the punishment wholly due to the unjust. Jesus came to bear the penalty of man’s transgression, to uphold and vindicate the immutability of the law of God, and the rectitude of His government. He came to make an end of sin, and to bring in everlasting righteousness. He can lift sinners from their low estate, and in so doing magnify the law of Jehovah. These thoughts make me almost forget my pain.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 20, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 20, 1894, par. 24

“Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?” [Matthew 6:30.] Do you believe in God? Must you make very preparation to see the end from the beginning before you can trust the leadings of that God “who gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life”? [John 3:16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 43, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 43, 1894, par. 17

Well, what is sin? Every minister in our land is obliged to tell him, if they are true shepherds, what sin is. John says, “Sin is the transgression of the law,” and the Word of God declares that where there is no [law], there is no transgression. [1 John 3:4; Romans 4:15.] God wants every one of us to have a living connection with Jesus Christ, and if we have a living connection with Him we shall be saved, “for God so loved the world that he gave.” Now you see He did not love the world because He gave, “He so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not”—oh, that word is of immense value, “should not perish, but have everlasting life”—a life that measures with the life of God, and runs parallel with the life of Jehovah. [John 3:16.] Can we ask more than this as our reward of obedience? Well then, what are we to do? We say, I believe in Him; I accept Him as my Saviour.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 33, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 33, 1894, par. 15

We shall always have tried and tempted ones to deal with, and it is essential that we be converted to God every day and be vessels that can be used unto His name’s honor and glory. The true value of the soul can be estimated only by the cross of Calvary. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Those who are unconverted, who are unsanctified, will make manifest what manner of spirit they are of. They will show by their likes and dislikes that their natural feelings are not under the control of a sanctified will. The religion of Jesus Christ is one that will revolutionize the entire man.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 7, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 7, 1894, par. 9

Truth, eternal testing truth, must be not only professed but acted. The vials of the wrath of God are to be poured upon the inhabitants of the world who would not be drawn to Christ, and would not be molded into His likeness. Self <exaltation> was so strongly impregnating their whole characters that God could not use them, and His curse is to come upon all such who have not by beholding Christ been changed into His image. God has “so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] All are chosen who through obedience to all the commandments of God will become loyal subjects of His kingdom.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 11a, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 11a, 1894, par. 16

There is no excuse for envy, fault-finding, jealousy, sin, and iniquity, for Christ has made every provision, that he who believes in Him as his personal Saviour shall be saved from sin. Christ was manifested to take away our sins, and to give His grace in ample abundance to His followers in order that they may not sin. We are not to walk after the flesh, but after the Spirit. O, what marvellous condescension on the part of God who “so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] God made Christ the great sin offering to save fallen man. Every man and every woman who gives himself or herself to Jesus to use his entrusted ability to be [a] laborer together with God is sacred to the heart of Jesus Christ. He identifies His interest with them in a special manner. He says to all, “Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.” [Psalm 105:15.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 67, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 67, 1894, par. 31

Christ prayed to His Father saying, “The glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.” [John 17:22, 23.] Those who are stimulated by the love of Jesus will all be drawn to the great Center, to contemplate the wondrous sacrifice that has been made for them. They will all be filled with soul-hunger, and will search out the hidden treasures of truth, sinking the shaft of inquiry deep into the mine of truth, that the precious ore may be discovered. They will look into those depths into which the angels desired to look. They will be constrained by the love of Christ to form characters after the divine similitude, in order that they may bear intelligent credentials to the world, and persuade men to believe that God has sent His Son into the world, “that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 84, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 84, 1894, par. 4

In the love of God has been opened the most marvelous vein of precious truth, and the treasures of the grace of Christ are laid open before the church and the world. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] What love is this, what marvelous, unfathomable love, that would lead Christ to die for us while we were yet sinners! What a loss it is to the soul who understands the strong claims of the law, and who yet fails to understand the grace of Christ which doth much more abound!

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 43a, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 43a, 1894, par. 7

Christ gave His life that we might not perish. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him might not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Our precious Saviour has made the world, and when He came into the world He found the great usurper there, and He came into the world that He might contest with him the possession of this earth. Therefore the battle, the conflict, was carried on right here in this world, and here He tells us that it is for our eternal interest to lay up for ourselves a treasure in the heavens. Oh well, you say, How can I do it? In Christ. When the Householder went away from his house, he gave to every man talents, to some five, to some two, and to another one. And these talents he gave them direction to employ in his service. He gave to some the property of means, to others ability, intellect, all God’s gifts. We could not have any of it unless it came through Jesus Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 53, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 53, 1894, par. 16

In consideration of the amazing condescension on the part of God in paying such a price for the ransom of men, should not every human agent humble himself, and learn to respect his fellow men, and not show the slightest contempt or feel the least indifference for those for whom God has displayed such amazing love? “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]

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

MR No. 596—Encouragement for the Sick

8MR 266.2

Christ’s yoke is a yoke of restraint and obedience. We owe full and complete obedience to our Lord, for we are His by creation and by redemption. “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16.)

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 32a, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 32a, 1894, par. 9

The path He has marked out is so plain and distinct that the veriest sinner, loaded with guilt, need not miss his way. Not one trembling seeker needs to fail of finding the true path, and of walking in pure and holy light, for Jesus leads the way. The path is so narrow, so holy, that sin cannot be tolerated therein, yet access to the path has been made for all, and not one desponding, doubting, trembling soul needs to say, “God cares nought for me.” Every soul is precious in His sight, “for God so loved the world,” even in its blackness and disobedience, even with the heavy shadow of sin, and Satan upon it, “that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 93, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 93, 1894, par. 10

After the fall of man, it cost our heavenly Father an infinite price in order to provide a way by which the defaced image of God in man might not be wholly obliterated, but restored to the soul. “For God so love the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Then will you neglect your God-given capabilities? Will you fail to improve upon the talents that have been bestowed upon you by heaven? Will you lightly regard the advantages of another trial, another probation, in which it is to be decided whether or not you shall have eternal life? Will you trample under foot the great privileges that have been secured to you at infinite cost?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 110, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 110, 1894, par. 9

The facilities for carrying out the missionary enterprises are at the command of the church. The Lord has His stewards in the church. The Lord has wrought in His providence in behalf of His cause. He has made to the world a wonderful donation in giving Jesus to our world. Behold, what manner of love hath the Father bestowed upon us, “that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] We need the quickening influence of the Holy Spirit of God. We need to let alone many things that are not essential, and to be most earnest in doing things that will please Jesus, the influence of which will be abiding. How much more will He not with Him freely give us all things, that His name may be glorified before the world, for there is not seen a conformity to the world’s fashions. The church, God’s representatives, are not to be dwarfs in the Christian life, neither are they to be ignorant, inefficient, and careless in regard to temporal matters.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 30, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 30, 1895, par. 17

God has laid weighty responsibilities upon men who are placed in positions of trust. They are to watch for souls as they that must give an account. They must be endowed with the Holy Spirit which is the appointed agency through whom men may represent Christ in all places and at all times. Christ said to His disciples, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you, and when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. Of sin, because they believe not on me.” [John 16:7-9.] “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] The Holy Spirit will reprove “of righteousness, because I go to the Father and ye see me no more; of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged,” by the Lord God of heaven and the whole angelic family. [John 16:10, 11.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 4, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 4, 1895, par. 4

May Lacey, W. C. White’s future wife, accompanied me to Petersham, where I was to speak in the tent, Sunday evening. May was horse-woman, driving our colt Jessie, eleven miles. We had a well filled tent, of the very best class of people. One hundred and fifty were present. Brother Hare was at Ashfield, Brother Collins at Parramatta, Brother Kellogg at Prospect, Brother Byron Belden at Kellyville, and Brother McCullagh helped me in the services at Petersham. <It is thus we divide and scatter our forces.> I have never spoken to a more interested audience <than last Sunday night.> I spoke from 1 John 3, “Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us; that we should be called the sons of God.” [Verse 1.] I spoke one hour with freedom upon the atoning sacrifice made in our behalf, and at what cost to heaven this provision had been made. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but should have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 91, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 91, 1895, par. 7

God is manifest in Christ as just to pardon, merciful to save all who believe in Him. The justice, holiness and truth of Christ in the law do not obstruct the mercy of God to forgive all that repent and believe. For “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] The love of Christ is revealed to justify, pardon, and save all who through faith receive Him as their personal Saviour. Through this gracious acceptance of Christ, the sinless Saviour, in behalf of all that believe in him, reconciliation is made for sin, and the believing soul may stand toward God, toward his holy law, and toward his justice and truth, as if he had never sinned; for his life is hid with Christ in God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 19, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 19, 1895, par. 16

Let the faith that works by love and purifies the soul come into your spirit. Leave your son in the hands of God who is his Creator and Redeemer. Will not the Lord God of heaven do that which is righteous and just? Will He not save the purchase of His blood if it is a possible thing? Who has manifested the greatest love toward your son? Yourself with your finite capacity, or Jesus in His infinite capacity? God has made manifest the fact that He loves every human being infinitely above the love with which human beings love each other. “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] But your influence, your words, your attitude, is a daily reproach upon God whose love is measureless. Change your attitude, or your reason will fail you.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 26, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 26, 1895, par. 19

“Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper. And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the Lord that they should praise the beauties of holiness, and they went out before the army, and said, Praise the Lord: for his mercy endureth for ever. And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord sent ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, which were come against Judah, and they were smitten.” [2 Chronicles 20:20-22.] “Unto you therefore which believe he is precious.” [1 Peter 2:7.] Consider the fact that the Lord has given his only begotten Son, “that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 66, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 66, 1895, par. 6

“God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] It is our duty to encourage faith, to talk faith that we may have faith. If we talk doubt, and encourage doubt, we shall have abundant doubt; for Satan will help us in this kind of work. We need sanctified hearts and sanctified lips; we need to breathe in the rich, bracing atmosphere that comes from the heavenly Canaan. We need to be filled with all [the] fulness of God. We shall have life, power, grace, and salvation.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 24, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 24, 1895, par. 3

“God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] But our faith must be more than a casual assent to the idea that Jesus has come to our world and died; it must be a faith that makes Christ a personal Saviour. All the world may believe, but it will not help you one whit, unless you know that Christ is your Saviour.

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

MR No. 911—Insights into the Incarnation

11MR 345.3

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Christ did not come to change the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. He did not come to lessen the law of God in one particular. He came to express in His own person the love of God. He came to vindicate every precept of the holy law.—Manuscript 145, 1897, 4. (“Notes of Work,” December 30, 1897.)

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 48, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 48, 1895, par. 6

Man fell through disobedience, severing his life from the life of God. Christ stooped to take humanity, that through Him man might gain eternal life. In the guise of humanity, Christ defeated the purposes of the enemy. “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] But Satan has interposed between the sinful, human being and the living source of life and power, so that it is impossible for man of himself to appropriate the circulating element of the divine nature. Unless man has a vital connection with God he will pervert every blessing he receives and employ every gracious gift as [a] weapon against the bountiful bestower. It is only as human beings receive Christ that God can bless them. They are elevated and placed on vantage ground.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 33, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 33, 1895, par. 8

“God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] You cannot enjoy His blessing without you have faith on your part. Salvation is a gift offered to you free; on no other conditions can you obtain it, only as a free gift. But co-operation on your part is essential for your salvation. “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” [Philippians 2:12, 13.] You are to come humbly saying,

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 67, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 67, 1895, par. 7

All the rays of light shining in the Scriptures point to Jesus Christ and testify of Him, linking together the Old and New Testament Scriptures. Christ is presented as the Author and Finisher of their faith, Himself the One in whom their hopes of eternal life are centered. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 77, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 77, 1895, par. 9

The infinite value of the sacrifice required for our redemption reveals the fact that sin is a tremendous evil. God might have wiped out this foul blot upon creation by sweeping the sinner from the face of the earth. But He “so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Then why are we not more in earnest? Why are so large a number idle? Why are not all who claim to love God seeking to enlighten their neighbors and their associates, that they may no longer neglect this great salvation?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 32, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 32, 1895, par. 1

I received your letter, but at the time I received your letter, you must have received the letter which I sent to you. I hope you will find the comfort and encouragement the Lord has commissioned me to give you. God is love. He loves every one whom He has created and that are His both by creation and redemption. He loves every one on earth however much they refuse to love Him. “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish; but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 16, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 16, 1895, par. 24

But the men who are handling these responsibilities do not see where they are permitting themselves to be carried. God perceives how things are being turned out of their proper course. Every time you have made it necessary for men to come to your terms, and have so bound them that they could not do otherwise than to concede to your wishes, you have exercised a power which God has not permitted one man to exercise over another. “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Has Christ given Himself for the rescue of man in order that man may be placed under human bondage? There must be a decided change in the policy of action that has been followed. Do not compel your God to humble you as He did the Jews; He will do so if you continue to pursue the course which you have done.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 52, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 52, 1895, par. 4

I have very solemn feelings as I consider the condition the world is in—O, how careless, how full of crime and disobedience and sin! How sad, how terribly sad, is the fact that the world does not recognize the love of God in giving Jesus Christ as our Redeemer—Jesus Christ, who was equal with God. “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Sin has for ages disturbed, or I might say, impeded the great work of divine benevolence by obstructing the channel through human agencies that refuse to receive the heavenly gift and therefore cannot impart the same.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 24, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 24, 1895, par. 3

You are in perplexity as to what is the best course for you to pursue. Please consider that the Lord is acquainted with you. He knows every event connected with your life. He knoweth our frame, that we are but dust. Knowing this, He desires to impress us with the conviction that our only hope is in and through the merits of Jesus Christ. Of our own selves we cannot bear the weight of our own sins, nor atone for our mistakes and errors, but the Lord has provided a way of escape: for it is because He saw us sinners, unable to save ourselves, that God’s great heart was touched, and He “so loved the world, (in their degradation and sin) that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 23—The Lord’s Vineyard

COL 301.3

God claims the whole earth as His vineyard. Though now in the hands of the usurper, it belongs to God. By redemption no less than by creation it is His. For the world Christ’s sacrifice was made. “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son.” John 3:16. It is through that one gift that every other is imparted to men. Daily the whole world receives blessing from God. Every drop of rain, every ray of light shed on our unthankful race, every leaf and flower and fruit, testifies to God’s long forbearance and His great love.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 22, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 22, 1895, par. 15

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] As the mind is summoned to the consideration of these great themes, it will rise higher and higher in the comprehension of these subjects of eternal importance, leaving the cheaper and insignificant matters to drop as a dead weight.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 45, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 45, 1895, par. 21

Our character is to be modeled after the divine similitude, and to be reformed by that “faith that works by love and purifies the soul.” [See Galatians 5:6; 1 Peter 1:22.] The grace of God will beautify, ennoble, and sanctify the character. The servant of the Lord who works intelligently may be successful. Our Saviour said, “Greater things than these shall ye do, because I go to my Father.” [John 14:12.] What are these “greater things”? If our lips are touched with the living coal from off the altar, we shall reveal to the world the wonderful love manifested by God in giving Jesus, His only begotten Son, to the world, “that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 88a, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 88a, 1895, par. 15

God gives the Holy Spirit and supplies opportunities and privileges. God has given moral sensibilities for the uplifting of the human agent. The Lord has given His only begotten Son “that whosoever believeth in him should not perish by have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] If we will work with God and Christ, being in every sense laborers together with God, we will not fight as one who beateth the air. Our mental and spiritual powers must be called into action. Christ is the Light, the Truth, and the Way. Children, when I get upon this subject, I am overwhelmed with amazement at the marvelous love of God. We must appreciate and use every help offered, and then we will never fail nor be discouraged. Christian duties are to be faithfully done, and this gives the heavenly agencies channels through which they can work in these hours of probation. God expects us to develop moral improvement. His grace is bestowed without limit, full and broad and deep.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 97, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 97, 1895, par. 28

The Lord has given us precious blessings in the simple flowers of the field, in the fragrance so grateful to our senses. He has tinted every flower with beauty, for He is the great Master Artist. He who has created the beautiful things in nature will do far greater things for the soul. God is a lover of the beautiful, and He would adorn our characters with His own rich graces. He would have our words as fragrant as the flowers of the field. He has given us blessings in daily provision for our physical needs. The very bread we eat has upon it the image and superscription of the cross. If Christ had not died upon the cross of Calvary, we should all have miserably perished. “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]

10LtMs, Lt 97, 1895, par. 54

I love to speak of Jesus and His matchless love. I haven’t one doubt of the love of God. I know that He is able to save to the uttermost all that come unto Him. His precious love is a reality and the doubts expressed by those who know not the Lord Jesus Christ have no effect upon me. “God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Do you believe that Jesus is your friend and that He has manifested His love for you in giving His precious blood for your salvation? You have had sincere faith, and all that is required of you still is that you take Jesus as your personal Saviour.

10LtMs, Lt 97, 1895, par. 61

The wages of sin is death, and He freely offered Himself as a propitiation for the sins of men. We have every reason to hope in His mercy, to believe in His love. You have every reason to believe that He can, and will save you. Why? Because you are guiltless? No; because you are a sinner, and Jesus says, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] The call is addressed to you, and when Satan says to you that there is no hope, tell him you know there is, “for God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 9 [Nos. 664-770]

MR No. 708—Insights Concerning the Incarnation

9MR 121.1

The Sinner’s Only Hope—“God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). God is our creator, benefactor, preserver. The author of all good, He is able to fulfill the purpose that He had in the creation of human beings.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 3, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 3, 1895, par. 10

You have hung as a weight upon the church. You have not helped to advance the cause by dealing honorable with your Lord who “so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] The conditions upon which eternal life is promised is that you believe in Christ as your personal Saviour. But you yourself have failed to lay hold upon Christ as your personal Saviour, yet you have climbed upon the judgment seat to behold that which you have deemed inconsistent in others. Your self-esteem has led you to judge the motives of others, and to think and speak evil of them. You are not seeking to behold the good, to look upon that which is praise-worthy and virtuous.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 75, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 75, 1895, par. 6

The Lord Jesus does not teach us to hate anyone, in the way we use the word hate. Sin only is a hateful thing in the sight of God, and while the Lord hates the sin, he loves the sinner, and has manifested this by giving Christ for the sins of the world. “For God so loved the world, (not their sins and transgressions,) that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] But he that would follow after Christ, must not let the influence of his affection for father, mother, son, or daughter, or any other friend or relative lead him into disobedience. He who yields his loyalty to God because of his affection for his relatives, shows that he does not love God supremely, and refuses to accept the condition of salvation. There are parents who are opposed to God, and who are determined that their children shall not obey God’s requirements. The commandments of the Lord enjoin upon children obedience to their parents up to a certain limit. But when parents seek to come between God and their children, when obedience to their parents means transgression of the law of God, then children are to obey God, who is our heavenly Father, him from whom all blessings flow. When children are placed in so disagreeable a position as this, they must go forward humbly, prayerfully, but be as firm as a rock to principle. If called upon to endure punishment, let them meekly submit to the pain. Children are to respect their parents in everything where they can do so conscientiously; but a child of God cannot respect parents in acts of transgression. The apostle says, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.” [Ephesians 6:1.] Children can obey their parents in the Lord, for then they will not be called upon to violate the commandments of God. Let children obey their parents in every command that is right, but let parents and children both remember that God is the Father and the Owner of us all. If parents should ask their children to swear falsely, to steal, to bear false witness, to break the Sabbath, or to violate any other one of the ten commandments, they are not to obey. God has the first claim upon them. He is the heavenly Parent, the Creator and Redeemer of the whole human family. But if the children who are under age, are compelled to do things that are contrary to that which is plainly prescribed by the commandments of the Lord, then sin is charged to the parents and they will have to answer for their own sins and for causing their children to transgress.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 50, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 50, 1896, par. 2

“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.” [Matthew 5:48.] As our heavenly Father is perfect in His sphere, so also those for whom Christ has given His own life that they may not hopelessly perish, should be perfect through the grace of Christ in their humanity. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] In this expressed love, we are to believe for our individual selves, and live that belief, not in our own strength, but trusting in the efficiency and righteousness of Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 58, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 58, 1896, par. 12

But the words of Christ identify His interest, not only with His people in the world, but, in a wider sense, with every child of Adam. When Jesus would uplift men to become members of the heavenly family, He humbled Himself to become a member of the earthly family, and by partaking of our nature He became the Son of man, the Son of Adam, and a brother to every son and daughter of our fallen race. “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,” (John 3:16) and thus the Saviour has identified Himself with suffering humanity. “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us;” and He bids us, “Love one another, as I have loved you.” [Romans 5:8;] John 15:12. Christ’s love embraces the fallen, the erring, and the sinful; and every deed of kindness done to uplift a fallen soul, every act of mercy, is accepted as done to our Saviour.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 98b, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 98b, 1896, par. 2

My sister, you desire to please the Lord Jesus, and you can do this by believing that He has forgiven your sins. Will you not look to the Lord, and commit the keeping of your soul to Him as unto a faithful Creator? He loves you, and He does not want you to spend your days in mourning over your sins. Everything that God could do, He has done to manifest His great love and mercy to you. He “so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Then rest in the assurance of the love of God. Open the door of your heart, and let the sunbeams of Christ’s righteousness drive away the shadow of sadness and grief.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 45, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 45, 1896, par. 2

Then Christ is teaching the divine redemption through the sacrifice of His own life upon the cross. And what a full, free, abundant, and perfect offering was made upon the cross that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. You are included in the “whosoever.” [John 3:16.] Then reveal to others with whom you shall converse that you do not entertain any longer one doubt of the word of Jesus Christ, because doubts of His forgiving love pain His heart, so full of mercy, so full of sympathy for those who are so dear to Him that He gave His precious life that they should not perish.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 71, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 71, 1896, par. 17

“The wages of sin is death.” [Romans 6:23.] There is no possibility that God will abolish His law to meet the sinner in his fallen state; the transgressor of law must reap that which he has sown. The Governor of the universe has a law, and penalties to meet the transgression of that law. But “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Not by passing over sin does God save the sinner; He saves him by the gift of His only begotten Son, who was made a substitute and a surety for the transgressor. Christ, the innocent One, was treated as a criminal, that the sinner, through faith in Him, might be treated as innocent. He suffered not only in body, but in soul, to secure the ransom of the sinner. As He bore the guilt of the whole world, He endured the hiding of the Father’s face. He suffered the wrath of an offended God as the sinner will suffer who continues to remain in impenitence and transgression.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 53, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 53, 1896, par. 6

Teachers should teach every student to care for the body, the wonderful organism given them of God, for we read in God’s Word, “What, know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” [1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.] They should teach them that to neglect or misuse any of their powers is to be unfaithful to the trust God has given them—to cooperate with Christ in the work of restoring their minds and bodies, so that they may do acceptable service for the Lord of heaven, who “so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 91, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 91, 1896, par. 15

Well may our hearts turn to our Redeemer with the most perfect trust when we think of what He has done for us, even when we were sinners. “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Through faith we may rest in His love. “Whosoever cometh unto me,” He says, “I will in no wise cast out.” [John 6:37.] It would be a terrible thing to stand before God clothed in sinful garments, with His eye reading every secret of our lives. But through the efficacy of Christ’s sacrifice we may stand before God pure and spotless, with our sins pardoned and atoned for. “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.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 9 [Nos. 664-770]

Mr No. 716—The Law in Galatians and the 1888 General Conference

9MR 186.3

There have been so many discourses that have not had the fragrance of Christ’s merits and His righteousness, that the gospel, as it has been preached, does not convict and convert souls. “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). We may dwell upon the punishing of every sin, and the awfulness of the punishment inflicted on the guilty, but this will not melt and subdue the soul.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 77, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 77, 1896, par. 9

The Lord has a controversy with His people over this matter. Why have they left the Lord their God, who so loved them “that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him might not perish, but have everlasting life”? [John 3:16.] His love is not uncertain and fluctuating, but is as far above all other love as the heavens are above the earth. Ever He watches over His children with a love that is measureless and everlasting. “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and love of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!” [Romans 11:33.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 24b, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 24b, 1896, par. 17

In the hour of need we can gain no power by looking to ourselves. Our eyes need to be anointed with the heavenly eye salve, that we may discern our spiritual poverty and lack of faith. God is declared in all His dealings with His people; and with clear unclouded eye, in adversity and sickness, in disappointment, and in trial, as well as in prosperity, we are to behold the light of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ and trust to His guiding hand. Remember the power and love of God has shown us in time past. He “so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Then will He not find a way for us out of our difficulties?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 125, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 125, 1896, par. 1

I have received a letter from your mother, in which she speaks of your having a hard time in the office. I feel a deep earnest sympathy for all the youth. Satan presents to them peculiar temptations. But in Christ, the Source of all strength, they can find a refuge from his power. The Saviour says to them, “Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” [Matthew 11:28.] I ask you, young man, Why have you not given your heart to Jesus? Why do you not heed this invitation? He says to you, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” [Verse 29.] Bear in mind that you are the purchased possession of Jesus Christ. “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Jesus gave His life for you. He desires that you shall take to Him all your perplexities and trials. You do yourself great injustice in refusing the blessings He so freely offers you.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 42, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 42, 1896, par. 1

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] With this gracious promise in (John 1) we read, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” [Verse 12.] So you see, much depends upon our taking God at His word. He who was in the form of God, who thought it not robbery to be equal with God, descended from His throne, and laid off His royal robe, laid off His kingly crown, and clothed His divinity with humanity, that He might become your surety and substitute, and become acquainted with all the temptations wherewith man should be beset, that He might know how to succor just such tempted ones as you and me. He is touched with the feelings of our infirmities; He would have us lay our perplexities and troubles at His feet, and leave them there.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 24, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 24, 1896, par. 10

In the hour of need we can gain no power by looking to ourselves. Our eyes need to be anointed with the heavenly eye salve, that we may discern our spiritual poverty and lack of faith. God is declared in all His dealing with His people; and with clear, unclouded eye, in adversity, in sickness, in disappointment, and in trial, as well as in prosperity, we are to behold the light of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ and trust to His guiding hand. Remember the power and love of God has shown us in time past. He “so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Then will He not find a way for us out of our difficulties?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 175, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 175, 1896, par. 7

The relation of the human organism to the spiritual life is the most important branch of education, and it is to receive careful attention in our schools, that students may know how to treat the body intelligently, from a Christian standpoint. The Lord has shown how much value He places upon man by paying such a wonderful price for his redemption. “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] We are the Lord’s by creation and by redemption.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 82, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 82, 1896, par. 13

The Lord bestows His gifts abundantly upon us. He “so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Every blessing we have comes through Jesus Christ. Then shall we not arouse, and do our duty toward God, upon whom we are dependent for life and health for His blessing upon our crops and fields, our cattle, our herds, and our vineyards. We are assured if we give to the Lord’s treasury, we shall receive of Him again; but if we withhold our means, He will withhold His blessing from us, and send a curse upon the unfaithful.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 4, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 4, 1896, par. 9

And though sin existed for ages, seeking to counteract the merciful tide of love flowing from God to the human race, yet the love and care that God bestows upon the beings He has created in His own image has not ceased to increase in richness and abundance. “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] He crowned His benevolence by the inestimable gift of Jesus. By this sacrifice, a healing flood of life and heavenly grace was poured upon our world. This was God’s gift to man—a gift that defies all computation. By giving His Son, God made it impossible for man to say that he could have done more; and the mind of man is put to the utmost stretch in the effort to comprehend this wonderful love.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 3, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 3, 1896, par. 5

Christ came not to abolish the law, for it is the expression to all mankind of the character they must seek to form, but to condemn sin in the flesh. With a voice that will reach to the end of time, and by the marks of the crucifixion which He will ever bear upon His divine person, Christ proclaimed His abhorrence of all transgression of God’s law. The moral defection of the human family because of transgression is deep and broad, but the angels in heaven are commissioned to proclaim that there is a remedy; “for God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 9, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 9, 1896, par. 1

Those who are daily learning of Jesus Christ are fitted to take their position as laborers together with God, and whatever their trade or business may be, they may exert their God-given powers after the similitude of Christ’s character, while He tabernacled in the flesh. The young will carry with them just the influence they received in their school education. God holds teachers responsible for their work as educators. They must learn daily in the school of Christ, in order to uplift the youth who have had a lax training at home, who have not formed studious habits, who have little knowledge of the future immortal life, for which the highest price was paid by the God of heaven in giving His only begotten Son to live a life of humiliation and die a most shameful death, “that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 9 [Nos. 664-770]

MR No. 733—Results of Adam’s Sin

9MR 235.1

Disobedience the Vital Point in Adam’s Transgression—“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 62, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 62, 1896, par. 6

Every day, every hour, every moment of your time belongs to the Lord, but have you given Him that soul-service which He has purchased with His own blood? The great and amazing love which God has expended upon men is beyond computation. No greater or more powerful love could be exercised or imagined. “Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us that we might be called the sons of God.” [1 John 3:1.] “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] In view of this, what use are you making of the wonderful mercy of God and His great love for you? I ask you, in the name of Him who has died for you, what are you doing for Christ?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 70, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 70, 1896, par. 4

Man’s indebtedness to God, and his entire dependence upon Him, should lead him to acknowledge God as the Giver of all blessings in giving Jesus to our world. God desires that the memories of men, women, and children should be freshened in the year 1896. He desires that their hearts be filled with gratitude, and that they connect their outward, worldly blessings with the atonement of the great sacrifice made in their behalf. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]