EGW WritingsJohn 5

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 191, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 191, 1897, par. 1

“After this, there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.” [John 5:1-3.]

12LtMs, Ms 191, 1897, par. 5

“When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?” [Verse 6.] The sick man was lying on his mat, and occasionally lifting his head to gaze at the pool that contained what he thought to be life-giving power, when the words of Jesus, spoken in tones of the tenderest sympathy and compassion, reached his senses.

12LtMs, Ms 191, 1897, par. 6

“Wilt thou be made whole?” Had he not been coming to this pool for years, in the hope of being cured of his disease? Had he not longed and hoped, waited and prayed, only to be disappointed? But the tender, compassionate face now bonding over him, and the words, “Wilt thou be made whole,” arrested his attention. That face and those words brought hope to his discouraged heart. He felt that in some way he was to have help. With piteous yearning of soul he answered, “Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming another steppeth down before me.” [Verse 7.]

12LtMs, Ms 191, 1897, par. 7

Christ did not require an evidence of faith as a condition of receiving his mercy. He simply said to the man, “Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.” [Verse 8.] With the words of Christ, hope revived in the heart of the sufferer. He felt every nerve and muscle thrill, and healthful action came to his crippled limbs. Without question he put his will to work to obey the word of Christ. All his muscles responded to his will, and springing to his feet, he finds himself an active man. He is sound, and no longer a cripple.

The Story of Jesus

Chapter 11—Sabbathkeeping

SJ 72.9

He took up his bed and hurried away, praising God at every step. Soon he met some of the Pharisees, and told them of his wonderful cure. They did not seem glad, but reproved him for carrying his bed on the Sabbath day. The man told them, “He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.” John 5:1-11.

SJ 73.3

The Saviour declared that His action was in harmony with the Sabbath law. It was in harmony with the will and the work of God. “My Father worketh hitherto,” He said, “and I work.” John 5:17.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 21—Bethesda and the Sanhedrin

DA 201.1

“Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.”

DA 201.2

At certain seasons the waters of this pool were agitated, and it was commonly believed that this was the result of supernatural power, and that whoever first after the troubling of the pool stepped into the waters, would be healed of whatever disease he had. Hundreds of sufferers visited the place; but so great was the crowd when the water was troubled that they rushed forward, trampling underfoot men, women, and children, weaker than themselves. Many could not get near the pool. Many who had succeeded in reaching it died upon its brink. Shelters had been erected about the place, that the sick might be protected from the heat by day and the chilliness of the night. There were some who spent the night in these porches, creeping to the edge of the pool day after day, in the vain hope of relief.

DA 201.3

Jesus was again at Jerusalem. Walking alone, in apparent meditation and prayer, He came to the pool. He saw the wretched sufferers watching for that which they supposed to be their only chance of cure. He longed to exercise His healing power, and make every sufferer whole. But it was the Sabbath day. Multitudes were going to the temple for worship, and He knew that such an act of healing would so excite the prejudice of the Jews as to cut short His work.

DA 202.1

But the Saviour saw one case of supreme wretchedness. It was that of a man who had been a helpless cripple for thirty-eight years. His disease was in a great degree the result of his own sin, and was looked upon as a judgment from God. Alone and friendless, feeling that he was shut out from God’s mercy, the sufferer had passed long years of misery. At the time when it was expected that the waters would be troubled, those who pitied his helplessness would bear him to the porches. But at the favored moment he had no one to help him in. He had seen the rippling of the water, but had never been able to get farther than the edge of the pool. Others stronger than he would plunge in before him. He could not contend successfully with the selfish, scrambling crowd. His persistent efforts toward the one object, and his anxiety and continual disappointment, were fast wearing away the remnant of his strength.

DA 202.2

The sick man was lying on his mat, and occasionally lifting his head to gaze at the pool, when a tender, compassionate face bent over him, and the words, “Wilt thou be made whole?” arrested his attention. Hope came to his heart. He felt that in some way he was to have help. But the glow of encouragement soon faded. He remembered how often he had tried to reach the pool, and now he had little prospect of living till it should again be troubled. He turned away wearily, saying, “Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.”

DA 202.3

Jesus does not ask this sufferer to exercise faith in Him. He simply says, “Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.” But the man’s faith takes hold upon that word. Every nerve and muscle thrills with new life, and healthful action comes to his crippled limbs. Without question he sets his will to obey the command of Christ, and all his muscles respond to his will. Springing to his feet, he finds himself an active man.

DA 203.1

Jesus had given him no assurance of divine help. The man might have stopped to doubt, and lost his one chance of healing. But he believed Christ’s word, and in acting upon it he received strength.

DA 203.2

Through the same faith we may receive spiritual healing. By sin we have been severed from the life of God. Our souls are palsied. Of ourselves we are no more capable of living a holy life than was the impotent man capable of walking. There are many who realize their helplessness, and who long for that spiritual life which will bring them into harmony with God; they are vainly striving to obtain it. In despair they cry, “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from this body of death?” Romans 7:24, margin. Let these desponding, struggling ones look up. The Saviour is bending over the purchase of His blood, saying with inexpressible tenderness and pity, “Wilt thou be made whole?” He bids you arise in health and peace. Do not wait to feel that you are made whole. Believe His word, and it will be fulfilled. Put your will on the side of Christ. Will to serve Him, and in acting upon His word you will receive strength. Whatever may be the evil practice, the master passion which through long indulgence binds both soul and body, Christ is able and longs to deliver. He will impart life to the soul that is “dead in trespasses.” Ephesians 2:1. He will set free the captive that is held by weakness and misfortune and the chains of sin.

DA 203.3

The restored paralytic stooped to take up his bed, which was only a rug and a blanket, and as he straightened himself again with a sense of delight, he looked around for his Deliverer; but Jesus was lost in the crowd. The man feared that he would not know Him if he should see Him again. As he hurried on his way with firm, free step, praising God and rejoicing in his new-found strength, he met several of the Pharisees, and immediately told them of his cure. He was surprised at the coldness with which they listened to his story.

DA 203.4

With lowering brows they interrupted him, asking why he was carrying his bed on the Sabbath day. They sternly reminded him that it was not lawful to bear burdens on the Lord’s day. In his joy the man had forgotten that it was the Sabbath; yet he felt no condemnation for obeying the command of One who had such power from God. He answered boldly, “He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.” They asked who it was that had done this, but he could not tell. These rulers knew well that only One had shown Himself able to perform this miracle; but they wished for direct proof that it was Jesus, that they might condemn Him as a Sabbath-breaker. In their judgment He had not only broken the law in healing the sick man on the Sabbath, but had committed sacrilege in bidding him bear away his bed.

DA 204.1

The Jews had so perverted the law that they made it a yoke of bondage. Their meaningless requirements had become a byword among other nations. Especially was the Sabbath hedged in by all manner of senseless restrictions. It was not to them a delight, the holy of the Lord, and honorable. The scribes and Pharisees had made its observance an intolerable burden. A Jew was not allowed to kindle a fire nor even to light a candle on the Sabbath. As a consequence the people were dependent upon the Gentiles for many services which their rules forbade them to do for themselves. They did not reflect that if these acts were sinful, those who employed others to perform them were as guilty as if they had done the work themselves. They thought that salvation was restricted to the Jews, and that the condition of all others, being already hopeless, could be made no worse. But God has given no commandments which cannot be obeyed by all. His laws sanction no unreasonable or selfish restrictions.

DA 204.2

In the temple Jesus met the man who had been healed. He had come to bring a sin offering and also a thank offering for the great mercy he had received. Finding him among the worshipers, Jesus made Himself known, with the warning words, “Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.”

DA 204.3

The healed man was overjoyed at meeting his Deliverer. Ignorant of the enmity toward Jesus, he told the Pharisees who had questioned him, that this was He who had performed the cure. “Therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay Him, because He had done these things on the Sabbath day.”

DA 204.4

Jesus was brought before the Sanhedrin to answer the charge of Sabbathbreaking. Had the Jews at this time been an independent nation, such a charge would have served their purpose for putting Him to death. This their subjection to the Romans prevented. The Jews had not the power to inflict capital punishment, and the accusations brought against Christ would have no weight in a Roman court. There were other objects, however, which they hoped to secure. Notwithstanding their efforts to counteract His work, Christ was gaining, even in Jerusalem, an influence over the people greater than their own. Multitudes who were not interested in the harangues of the rabbis were attracted by His teaching. They could understand His words, and their hearts were warmed and comforted. He spoke of God, not as an avenging judge, but as a tender father, and He revealed the image of God as mirrored in Himself. His words were like balm to the wounded spirit. Both by His words and by His works of mercy He was breaking the oppressive power of the old traditions and man-made commandments, and presenting the love of God in its exhaustless fullness.

DA 205.1

In one of the earliest prophecies of Christ it is written, “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto Him shall the gathering of the people be.” Genesis 49:10. The people were gathering to Christ. The sympathetic hearts of the multitude accepted lessons of love and benevolence in preference to the rigid ceremonies required by the priests. If the priests and rabbis had not interposed, His teaching would have wrought such a reformation as this world has never witnessed. But in order to maintain their own power, these leaders determined to break down the influence of Jesus. His arraignment before the Sanhedrin, and an open condemnation of His teachings, would aid in effecting this; for the people still had great reverence for their religious leaders. Whoever dared to condemn the rabbinical requirements, or attempt to lighten the burdens they had brought upon the people, was regarded as guilty, not only of blasphemy, but of treason. On this ground the rabbis hoped to excite suspicion of Christ. They represented Him as trying to overthrow the established customs, thus causing division among the people, and preparing the way for complete subjugation by the Romans.

DA 205.2

But the plans which these rabbis were working so zealously to fulfill originated in another council than that of the Sanhedrin. After Satan had failed to overcome Christ in the wilderness, he combined his forces to oppose Him in His ministry, and if possible to thwart His work. What he could not accomplish by direct, personal effort, he determined to effect by strategy. No sooner had he withdrawn from the conflict in the wilderness than in council with his confederate angels he matured his plans for still further blinding the minds of the Jewish people, that they might not recognize their Redeemer. He planned to work through his human agencies in the religious world, by imbuing them with his own enmity against the champion of truth. He would lead them to reject Christ and to make His life as bitter as possible, hoping to discourage Him in His mission. And the leaders in Israel became instruments of Satan in warring against the Saviour.

DA 206.1

Jesus had come to “magnify the law, and make it honorable.” He was not to lessen its dignity, but to exalt it. The scripture says, “He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till He have set judgment in the earth.” Isaiah 42:21, 4. He had come to free the Sabbath from those burdensome requirements that had made it a curse instead of a blessing.

DA 206.2

For this reason He had chosen the Sabbath upon which to perform the act of healing at Bethesda. He could have healed the sick man as well on any other day of the week; or He might simply have cured him, without bidding him bear away his bed. But this would not have given Him the opportunity He desired. A wise purpose underlay every act of Christ’s life on earth. Everything He did was important in itself and in its teaching. Among the afflicted ones at the pool He selected the worst case upon whom to exercise His healing power, and bade the man carry his bed through the city in order to publish the great work that had been wrought upon him. This would raise the question of what it was lawful to do on the Sabbath, and would open the way for Him to denounce the restrictions of the Jews in regard to the Lord’s day, and to declare their traditions void.

DA 206.3

Jesus stated to them that the work of relieving the afflicted was in harmony with the Sabbath law. It was in harmony with the work of God’s angels, who are ever descending and ascending between heaven and earth to minister to suffering humanity. Jesus declared, “My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.” All days are God’s, in which to carry out His plans for the human race. If the Jews’ interpretation of the law was correct, then Jehovah was at fault, whose work has quickened and upheld every living thing since first He laid the foundations of the earth; then He who pronounced His work good, and instituted the Sabbath to commemorate its completion, must put a period to His labor, and stop the never-ending routine of the universe.

DA 206.4

Should God forbid the sun to perform its office upon the Sabbath, cut off its genial rays from warming the earth and nourishing vegetation? Must the system of worlds stand still through that holy day? Should He command the brooks to stay from watering the fields and forests, and bid the waves of the sea still their ceaseless ebbing and flowing? Must the wheat and corn stop growing, and the ripening cluster defer its purple bloom? Must the trees and flowers put forth no bud nor blossom on the Sabbath?

DA 207.1

In such a case, men would miss the fruits of the earth, and the blessings that make life desirable. Nature must continue her unvarying course. God could not for a moment stay His hand, or man would faint and die. And man also has a work to perform on this day. The necessities of life must be attended to, the sick must be cared for, the wants of the needy must be supplied. He will not be held guiltless who neglects to relieve suffering on the Sabbath. God’s holy rest day was made for man, and acts of mercy are in perfect harmony with its intent. God does not desire His creatures to suffer an hour’s pain that may be relieved upon the Sabbath or any other day.

DA 207.2

The demands upon God are even greater upon the Sabbath than upon other days. His people then leave their usual employment, and spend the time in meditation and worship. They ask more favors of Him on the Sabbath than upon other days. They demand His special attention. They crave His choicest blessings. God does not wait for the Sabbath to pass before He grants these requests. Heaven’s work never ceases, and men should never rest from doing good. The Sabbath is not intended to be a period of useless inactivity. The law forbids secular labor on the rest day of the Lord; the toil that gains a livelihood must cease; no labor for worldly pleasure or profit is lawful upon that day; but as God ceased His labor of creating, and rested upon the Sabbath and blessed it, so man is to leave the occupations of his daily life, and devote those sacred hours to healthful rest, to worship, and to holy deeds. The work of Christ in healing the sick was in perfect accord with the law. It honored the Sabbath.

DA 207.3

Jesus claimed equal rights with God in doing a work equally sacred, and of the same character with that which engaged the Father in heaven. But the Pharisees were still more incensed. He had not only broken the law, according to their understanding, but in calling God “His own Father” had declared Himself equal with God. John 5:18, R. V.

DA 207.4

The whole nation of the Jews called God their Father, therefore they would not have been so enraged if Christ had represented Himself as standing in the same relation to God. But they accused Him of blasphemy, showing that they understood Him as making this claim in the highest sense.

DA 208.1

These adversaries of Christ had no arguments with which to meet the truths He brought home to their consciences. They could only cite their customs and traditions, and these seemed weak and vapid when compared with the arguments Jesus had drawn from the word of God and the unceasing round of nature. Had the rabbis felt any desire to receive light, they would have been convinced that Jesus spoke the truth. But they evaded the points He made concerning the Sabbath, and sought to stir up anger against Him because He claimed to be equal with God. The fury of the rulers knew no bounds. Had they not feared the people, the priests and rabbis would have slain Jesus on the spot. But the popular sentiment in His favor was strong. Many recognized in Jesus the friend who had healed their diseases and comforted their sorrows, and they justified His healing of the sufferer at Bethesda. So for the time the leaders were obliged to restrain their hatred.

DA 208.2

Jesus repelled the charge of blasphemy. My authority, He said, for doing the work of which you accuse Me, is that I am the Son of God, one with Him in nature, in will, and in purpose. In all His works of creation and providence, I co-operate with God. “The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He seeth the Father do.” The priests and rabbis were taking the Son of God to task for the very work He had been sent into the world to do. By their sins they had separated themselves from God, and in their pride were moving independently of Him. They felt sufficient in themselves for all things, and realized no need of a higher wisdom to direct their acts. But the Son of God was surrendered to the Father’s will, and dependent upon His power. So utterly was Christ emptied of self that He made no plans for Himself. He accepted God’s plans for Him, and day by day the Father unfolded His plans. So should we depend upon God, that our lives may be the simple outworking of His will.

DA 208.3

When Moses was about to build the sanctuary as a dwelling place for God, he was directed to make all things according to the pattern shown him in the mount. Moses was full of zeal to do God’s work; the most talented, skillful men were at hand to carry out his suggestions. Yet he was not to make a bell, a pomegranate, a tassel, a fringe, a curtain, or any vessel of the sanctuary, except according to the pattern shown him. God called him into the mount, and revealed to him the heavenly things. The Lord covered him with His own glory, that he might see the pattern, and according to it all things were made. So to Israel, whom He desired to make His dwelling place, He had revealed His glorious ideal of character. The pattern was shown them in the mount when the law was given from Sinai, and when the Lord passed by before Moses and proclaimed, “The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin.” Exodus 34:6, 7.

DA 209.1

Israel had chosen their own ways. They had not builded according to the pattern; but Christ, the true temple for God’s indwelling, molded every detail of His earthly life in harmony with God’s ideal. He said, “I delight to do Thy will, O My God: yea, Thy law is within My heart.” Psalm 40:8. So our characters are to be builded “for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:22. And we are to “make all things according to the pattern,” even Him who “suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps.” Hebrews 8:5; 1 Peter 2:21.

DA 209.2

The words of Christ teach that we should regard ourselves as inseparably bound to our Father in heaven. Whatever our position, we are dependent upon God, who holds all destinies in His hands. He has appointed us our work, and has endowed us with faculties and means for that work. So long as we surrender the will to God, and trust in His strength and wisdom, we shall be guided in safe paths, to fulfill our appointed part in His great plan. But the one who depends upon his own wisdom and power is separating himself from God. Instead of working in unison with Christ, he is fulfilling the purpose of the enemy of God and man.

DA 209.3

The Saviour continued: “What things soever He [the Father] doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.... As the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom He will.” The Sadducees held that there would be no resurrection of the body; but Jesus tells them that one of the greatest works of His Father is raising the dead, and that He Himself has power to do the same work. “The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.” The Pharisees believed in the resurrection of the dead. Christ declares that even now the power which gives life to the dead is among them, and they are to behold its manifestation. This same resurrection power is that which gives life to the soul “dead in trespasses and sins.” Ephesians 2:1. That spirit of life in Christ Jesus, “the power of His resurrection,” sets men “free from the law of sin and death.” Philippians 3:10; Romans 8:2. The dominion of evil is broken, and through faith the soul is kept from sin. He who opens his heart to the Spirit of Christ becomes a partaker of that mighty power which shall bring forth his body from the grave.

DA 210.1

The humble Nazarene asserts His real nobility. He rises above humanity, throws off the guise of sin and shame, and stands revealed, the Honored of the angels, the Son of God, One with the Creator of the universe. His hearers are spellbound. No man has ever spoken words like His, or borne himself with such a kingly majesty. His utterances are clear and plain, fully declaring His mission, and the duty of the world. “For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: that all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He that honoreth not the Son honoreth not the Father which hath sent Him.... For as the Father hath life in Himself; so hath He given to the Son to have life in Himself; and hath given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of man.”

DA 210.2

The priests and rulers had set themselves up as judges to condemn Christ’s work, but He declared Himself their judge, and the judge of all the earth. The world has been committed to Christ, and through Him has come every blessing from God to the fallen race. He was the Redeemer before as after His incarnation. As soon as there was sin, there was a Saviour. He has given light and life to all, and according to the measure of light given, each is to be judged. And He who has given the light, He who has followed the soul with tenderest entreaty, seeking to win it from sin to holiness, is in one its advocate and judge. From the opening of the great controversy in heaven, Satan has maintained his cause through deception; and Christ has been working to unveil his schemes and to break his power. It is He who has encountered the deceiver, and who through all the ages has been seeking to wrest the captives from his grasp, who will pass judgment upon every soul.

DA 210.3

And God “hath given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of man.” Because He has tasted the very dregs of human affliction and temptation, and understands the frailties and sins of men; because in our behalf He has victoriously withstood the temptations of Satan, and will deal justly and tenderly with the souls that His own blood has been poured out to save,—because of this, the Son of man is appointed to execute the judgment.

DA 210.4

But Christ’s mission was not for judgment, but for salvation. “God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:17. And before the Sanhedrin Jesus declared, “He that heareth My word, and believeth Him that sent Me, hath eternal life, and cometh not into judgment, but hath passed out of death into life.” John 5:24, R. V.

DA 211.1

Bidding His hearers marvel not, Christ opened before them, in still wider view, the mystery of the future. “The hour cometh,” He said, “in which all that are in the tombs shall hear His voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done ill, unto the resurrection of judgment.” John 5:28, 29, R. V.

DA 211.2

This assurance of the future life was that for which Israel had so long waited, and which they had hoped to receive at the Messiah’s advent. The only light that can lighten the gloom of the grave was shining upon them. But self-will is blind. Jesus had violated the traditions of the rabbis, and disregarded their authority, and they would not believe.

DA 211.3

The time, the place, the occasion, the intensity of feeling that pervaded the assembly, all combined to make the words of Jesus before the Sanhedrin the more impressive. The highest religious authorities of the nation were seeking the life of Him who declared Himself the restorer of Israel. The Lord of the Sabbath was arraigned before an earthly tribunal to answer the charge of breaking the Sabbath law. When He so fearlessly declared His mission, His judges looked upon Him with astonishment and rage; but His words were unanswerable. They could not condemn Him. He denied the right of the priests and rabbis to question Him, or to interfere with His work. They were invested with no such authority. Their claims were based upon their own pride and arrogance. He refused to plead guilty of their charges, or to be catechized by them.

DA 211.4

Instead of apologizing for the act of which they complained, or explaining His purpose in doing it, Jesus turned upon the rulers, and the accused became the accuser. He rebuked them for the hardness of their hearts, and their ignorance of the Scriptures. He declared that they had rejected the word of God, inasmuch as they had rejected Him whom God had sent. “Ye search the Scriptures, because ye think that in them ye have eternal life; and these are they which bear witness of Me.” John 5:39, R. V.

DA 211.5

In every page, whether history, or precept, or prophecy, the Old Testament Scriptures are irradiated with the glory of the Son of God. So far as it was of divine institution, the entire system of Judaism was a compacted prophecy of the gospel. To Christ “give all the prophets witness.” Acts 10:43. From the promise given to Adam, down through the patriarchal line and the legal economy, heaven’s glorious light made plain the footsteps of the Redeemer. Seers beheld the Star of Bethlehem, the Shiloh to come, as future things swept before them in mysterious procession. In every sacrifice Christ’s death was shown. In every cloud of incense His righteousness ascended. By every jubilee trumpet His name was sounded. In the awful mystery of the holy of holies His glory dwelt.

DA 212.1

The Jews had the Scriptures in their possession, and supposed that in their mere outward knowledge of the word they had eternal life. But Jesus said, “Ye have not His word abiding in you.” Having rejected Christ in His word, they rejected Him in person. “Ye will not come to Me,” He said, “that ye might have life.”

DA 212.2

The Jewish leaders had studied the teachings of the prophets concerning the kingdom of the Messiah; but they had done this, not with a sincere desire to know the truth, but with the purpose of finding evidence to sustain their ambitious hopes. When Christ came in a manner contrary to their expectations, they would not receive Him; and in order to justify themselves, they tried to prove Him a deceiver. When once they had set their feet in this path, it was easy for Satan to strengthen their opposition to Christ. The very words that should have been received as evidence of His divinity were interpreted against Him. Thus they turned the truth of God into a lie, and the more directly the Saviour spoke to them in His works of mercy, the more determined they were in resisting the light.

DA 212.3

Jesus said, “I receive not honor from men.” It was not the influence of the Sanhedrin, it was not their sanction He desired. He could receive no honor from their approbation. He was invested with the honor and authority of Heaven. Had He desired it, angels would have come to do Him homage; the Father would again have testified to His divinity. But for their own sake, for the sake of the nation whose leaders they were, He desired the Jewish rulers to discern His character, and receive the blessings He came to bring them.

DA 212.4

“I am come in My Father’s name, and ye receive Me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.” Jesus came by the authority of God, bearing His image, fulfilling His word, and seeking His glory; yet He was not accepted by the leaders in Israel; but when others should come, assuming the character of Christ, but actuated by their own will and seeking their own glory, they would be received. And why? Because he who is seeking his own glory appeals to the desire for self-exaltation in others. To such appeals the Jews could respond. They would receive the false teacher because he flattered their pride by sanctioning their cherished opinions and traditions. But the teaching of Christ did not coincide with their ideas. It was spiritual, and demanded the sacrifice of self; therefore they would not receive it. They were not acquainted with God, and to them His voice through Christ was the voice of a stranger.

DA 213.1

Is not the same thing repeated in our day? Are there not many, even religious leaders, who are hardening their hearts against the Holy Spirit, making it impossible for them to recognize the voice of God? Are they not rejecting the word of God, that they may keep their own traditions?

DA 213.2

“Had ye believed Moses,” said Jesus, “ye would have believed Me: for he wrote of Me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe My words?” It was Christ who had spoken to Israel through Moses. If they had listened to the divine voice that spoke through their great leader, they would have recognized it in the teachings of Christ. Had they believed Moses, they would have believed Him of whom Moses wrote.

DA 213.3

Jesus knew that the priests and rabbis were determined to take His life; yet He clearly explained to them His unity with the Father, and His relation to the world. They saw that their opposition to Him was without excuse, yet their murderous hatred was not quenched. Fear seized them as they witnessed the convincing power that attended His ministry; but they resisted His appeals, and locked themselves in darkness.

DA 213.4

They had signally failed to subvert the authority of Jesus or to alienate the respect and attention of the people, many of whom were convicted by His words. The rulers themselves had felt deep condemnation as He had pressed their guilt home upon their consciences; yet this only made them the more bitter against Him. They were determined to take His life. They sent messengers all over the country to warn the people against Jesus as an impostor. Spies were sent to watch Him, and report what He said and did. The precious Saviour was now most surely standing under the shadow of the cross.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Lt 189, 1909

24LtMs, Lt 189, 1909, par. 5

(John 5.) At a feast of the Jews, “a certain man was there which had an infirmity thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, He saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? The impotent man answered Him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.” [Verses 5-7.] Christ’s heart of pity and compassion was always ready for any such emergencies. He had wrought many miracles to relieve suffering humanity on the Sabbath day, and “Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.” [Verse 8.] “Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk? And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed Himself away, a multitude being in that place.” That wonderful miracle of healing seemed to have no influence upon those Jewish authorities to remove their prejudice, but if they could have had a chance to have condemned Christ then and there, they would have done Him harm.

24LtMs, Lt 189, 1909, par. 6

“Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee. The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole. And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay Him, because He had done these things on the Sabbath day.” [Verses 12-16.] The Sabbath day is never desecrated by the Lord Jesus Christ. But when their wrath waxed strong against Christ for relieving the poor, suffering human being—this act of mercy in working so wonderful a cure—the facts of healing were in perfect harmony with His Father’s plan to relieve suffering humanity. It was not a desecration of the law of God to do these wonderful works in our world. It was in harmony with the law of God to give relief to the suffering humanity.

24LtMs, Lt 189, 1909, par. 8

“For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: that all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.” [Verses 17-23.]

24LtMs, Lt 189, 1909, par. 10

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My word and believeth on Him that sent Me hath everlasting life, and shall not come unto condemnation; but has passed from death unto life.” [Verse 24.] “And shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”

24LtMs, Lt 189, 1909, par. 11

When we think of Jesus as coming from the Father to act the part God has sent Him to act, let us have a much higher, larger faith that will not become weak and inefficient when tempted and tried. What words are these, “I am come,” surely come, according to the arrangements God made with His Son, that great and full sacrifice that would save every repenting soul. [Verse 43.] This was a sacrifice and death unlike all other deaths—the just and righteous suffering for the unjust and the unrighteous of all the sinful race. Christ without the guilt or stain of sin takes the guilt of every sinner upon His own divine soul. He that was guiltless, He that was equal with God, sent on such a message to our world! Can we comprehend it? I speak to church members, Can you comprehend this matter and be so indifferent in regard to saving souls ready to perish? In all the cities there are souls to be saved. As I stand before the congregations of believers and unbelievers, it seems that I am bearing a message to all, that they should consider putting before them eternal truths upon which their souls’ salvation is pending, according to their treatment of the message. I feel to the depths of my human being the result of the message I am giving. It is no time now to treat these efforts made by ministers and their helpers in any indifferent manner.

Ellen G. White in Europe 1885-1887

A Disciplinary Recommendation

EGWE 203.3

Sabbath morning she urged upon the people the message of John 5, where the story of the healing of the sick man by the pool of Bethesda is told. The believers needed to be reconverted before they could become righteous. This was the burden of her appeal.

Ellen G. White: The Lonely Years: 1876-1891 (vol. 3)

Dealing Carefully and Firmly with the Church Situation

3BIO 349.2

Ellen White again addressed the church on Sabbath, July 10, reading from John 5, a chapter she held as enlightening to those “who need to be reconverted before they can become righteous” (Manuscript 66, 1886). Sunday morning, after taking the six o’clock devotional meeting, she went into a meeting of the committee. She described it in a letter to her son Edson:

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 21—Bethesda and the Sanhedrin

HLv 127.1

“Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered.”

HLv 127.2

At certain seasons the waters of this pool were agitated, and it was commonly believed that this was supernatural and that whoever first stepped in would be healed of whatever disease he had. Hundreds of sufferers visited the place; but so great was the crowd when the water was troubled that they trampled underfoot men, women, and children weaker than themselves. Many who succeeded in reaching the pool died on its brink. Shelters had been erected about the place. Some of the sick spent the night in these porches, creeping to the edge of the pool day after day, in hope of relief.

HLv 127.3

Jesus was again at Jerusalem. Walking alone, in apparent meditation and prayer, He came to the pool. Seeing the wretched sufferers, He longed to exercise His healing power and make every sufferer whole. But it was the Sabbath day, and He knew that such an act of healing would so excite the prejudice of the Jews as to cut short His work.

HLv 127.4

The Saviour, however, saw one case of supreme wretchedness, a man who had been a helpless cripple for thirty-eight years. His disease was looked on as a judgment from God. Alone and friendless and feeling shut out from God’s mercy, the sufferer had passed long years of misery. When it was expected that the waters would be troubled, those who pitied his helplessness would bear him to the porches. But at the favored moment he had no one to help him in. He had seen the rippling of the water, but had never been able to get farther than the edge of the pool. His persistent efforts and continual disappointment were fast wearing away his strength.

HLv 128.1

The sick man was lying on his mat when a compassionate face bent over him. The hopeful words, “Wilt thou be made whole?” arrested his attention. He felt that in some way he was to have help. But the glow of encouragement soon faded. He remembered how often he had tried to reach the pool. “Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.”

HLv 128.2

Jesus did not ask this sufferer to exercise faith in Him. He simply said, “Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.” But the man’s faith took hold upon that word. Every nerve and muscle in his crippled limbs thrilled with new life. He set his will to obey Christ, and his muscles responded. Springing to his feet, he found himself an active man.

HLv 128.3

The man might have stopped to doubt and lost his one chance of healing. But he believed Christ’s word, and in acting upon it he received strength. Through the same faith we may receive spiritual healing. By sin our souls have been severed from the life of God and are palsied. Of ourselves we are no more capable of living a holy life than was the impotent man capable of walking. Many who realize their helplessness and long for spiritual life are vainly striving to obtain it. The Saviour is bending over these desponding, struggling ones, saying, “Wilt thou be made whole?”

HLv 129.1

The restored paralytic stooped to take up his rug and blanket, and, as he straightened himself, he looked around for his Deliverer. But Jesus was lost in the crowd. As he hurried on his way with firm, free step, rejoicing in his new-found strength, he told several of the Pharisees of his cure. He was surprised at the coldness with which they listened.

HLv 129.2

They interrupted him, asking why he was carrying his bed on the Lord’s day. In his joy the man had forgotten it was the Sabbath. He answered boldly, “He that made me whole, said unto me, take up thy bed, and walk.” They asked who had done this, but he could not tell. These rulers wished for direct proof that they might condemn Jesus as a Sabbathbreaker. In their judgment, He had not only broken the law in healing the sick man on the Sabbath but had committed sacrilege in bidding him to bear away his bed.

HLv 129.3

The Jews had so perverted the law with meaningless requirements that they made it a yoke of bondage, and had made its observance an intolerable burden. A Jew was not allowed to kindle a fire nor even light a candle on the Sabbath. As a consequence the people were dependent on the Gentiles for many services which their rulers forbade them to do for themselves. They thought salvation was restricted to the Jews, and that the condition of others, already hopeless, could be made no worse. But God has given no commandments which cannot be obeyed by all.

HLv 129.4

In the temple Jesus met the man who had been healed. He had come to bring a sin offering and also a thank offering for the great mercy he had received. Jesus made Himself known. The healed man was overjoyed at meeting his Deliverer. Ignorant of the enmity toward Jesus, he told the Pharisees that this was He who had performed the cure. “Therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay Him, because He had done these things on the Sabbath day.”

HLv 130.1

Jesus was brought before the Sanhedrin to answer the charge of Sabbathbreaking. Had the Jews been an independent nation, such a charge would have served their purpose for putting Him to death. But the accusations brought against Christ would have no weight in a Roman court. Other objects, however, they hoped to secure. Christ was gaining an influence greater than their own, and multitudes uninterested in the harangues of the rabbis were attracted by His teaching. He spoke of God, not as an avenging judge, but as a tender father. By His words and works of mercy He was breaking the oppressive power of man-made commandments, and presenting the love of God.

HLv 130.2

In one of the earliest prophecies of Christ it is written, “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto Him shall the gathering of the people be.” Genesis 49:10. The people were gathering to Christ. If the priests and rabbis had not interposed, His teaching would have wrought such a reformation as this world has never witnessed. But these leaders determined to break down the influence of Jesus. Arraignment before the Sanhedrin and open condemnation would aid in effecting this. Whoever dared to condemn the rabbinical requirements was regarded as guilty of treason. On this ground the rabbis hoped to excite suspicion of Christ as trying to overthrow established customs, thus causing division among the people, and preparing the way for complete subjugation by the Romans.

HLv 130.3

After Satan had failed to overcome Christ in the wilderness, he combined his forces to oppose Christ and thwart His work. He matured his plans to blind the minds of the Jewish people that they might not recognize their Redeemer, imbuing their leaders with his own enmity against the champion of truth. He would lead them to reject Christ and make His life as bitter as possible, hoping to discourage Him in His mission.

HLv 131.1

Jesus had come to “magnify the law, and make it honorable.” Isaiah 42:21. He had come to free the Sabbath from those burdensome requirements that had made it a curse instead of a blessing. For this reason He had chosen the Sabbath for the healing at Bethesda. He could have healed the sick man on any other day, or simply have cured him without bidding him bear away his bed. But He selected the worst case and told the man to carry his bed through the city to publish the great work wrought on him. This would open the way for Him to denounce the restrictions of the Jews in regard to the Lord’s day and to declare their traditions void.

HLv 131.2

Jesus stated that the work of relieving the afflicted was in harmony with the Sabbath law. God’s angels are ever ministering to suffering humanity. “My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.” All the days are God’s, in which to carry out His plans for the human race. If the Jews’ interpretation of the law was correct, then He who instituted the Sabbath must put a period to His labor, and stop the never-ending routine of the universe.

HLv 131.3

Should God forbid the sun to perform its office on the Sabbath? Must He command the brooks to stay from watering fields and forests? Must wheat and corn stop growing? Must trees and flowers put forth no bud nor blossom on the Sabbath?

HLv 131.4

God could not for a moment stay His hand, or man would faint and die. Man also has work to perform on this day. The sick must be cared for, the wants of the needy supplied. God’s holy rest day was made for man; God does not desire His creatures to suffer an hour’s pain that may be relieved on the Sabbath.

HLv 131.5

The Sabbath law forbids secular labor on the rest day of the Lord; the toil that gains a livelihood must cease; no labor for worldly pleasure or profit is lawful on that day. But as God ceased His labor of creating, and rested on the Sabbath, so man is to leave the occupations of daily life and devote those sacred hours to healthful rest, worship, and holy deeds. Christ’s healing the sick honored the Sabbath.

HLv 132.1

But the Pharisees were still more incensed. Jesus had not only broken the law, according to their understanding, but in calling God “His own Father” had declared Himself equal with God. RSV. They accused Him of blasphemy. These adversaries of Christ could only cite their customs and traditions, and these seemed weak and vapid when compared with the arguments Jesus had drawn from the Word of God and the unceasing round of nature. But the rabbis evaded the points He made and sought to stir up anger against Him because He claimed to be equal with God. Had they not feared the people, the priests and rabbis would have slain Jesus on the spot. But popular sentiment in His favor was strong. Many justified His healing of the sufferer at Bethesda.

HLv 132.2

Jesus repelled the charge of blasphemy. My authority, He said, is that I am the Son of God, one with Him in nature, will, and purpose. I cooperate with God. “The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He seeth the Father do.” The priests and rabbis were taking the Son of God to task for the very work He had been sent into the world to do. They felt sufficient in themselves, and realized no need of a higher wisdom. But the Son of God was surrendered to the Father’s will and dependent on His power. Christ made no plans for Himself. Day by day the Father unfolded His plans. So should we depend upon God that our lives may be the simple outworking of His will.

HLv 132.3

The words of Christ teach that we should regard ourselves as inseparably bound to our Father in heaven. Whatever our position, we are dependent upon God. He has appointed us our work and has endowed us with means for that work. So long as we surrender the will to God and trust in His strength and wisdom, we shall be guided in safe paths, to fulfill our appointed part in His plan. But the one who depends upon his own wisdom and power is separating himself from God and fulfilling the purpose of the enemy of God and man.

HLv 133.2

The humble Nazarene rose above humanity, threw off the guise of sin and shame, and stood revealed, the Son of God, One with the Creator of the universe. His hearers were spellbound. No man ever spoke words like His, or bore himself with such kingly majesty. His utterances were clear and plain, fully declaring His mission. “The Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son... . The Father ... hath given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of man.”

HLv 133.3

The priests and rulers set themselves up as judges to condemn Christ’s work, but He declared Himself to be their judge and judge of all the earth. Through Him has come every blessing from God to the fallen race. As soon as there was sin, there was a Saviour. He who has given light to all, He who has followed the soul with tender entreaty, seeking to win it from sin to holiness, is in one its advocate and judge. He who through all the ages has been seeking to wrest the captives from the deceiver’s grasp, is the one who will pass judgment on every soul.

HLv 134.1

Because He has tasted the dregs of human affliction and temptation, and understands the frailties of men; because He has withstood the temptations of Satan and will deal justly and tenderly with the souls that His own blood has been poured out to save—because of this, the Son of man is appointed to execute judgment.

HLv 134.3

“The hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear His voice and come forth, those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of judgment.” RSV.

HLv 134.4

The only light that can lighten the gloom of the grave was shining upon Israel. But self-will is blind. Jesus had violated the traditions of the rabbis, and they would not believe.

HLv 134.5

The time, the place, the intensity of feeling that pervaded the assembly combined to make the words of Jesus before the Sanhedrin the more impressive. The highest religious authorities of the nation were seeking the life of Him who declared Himself the restorer of Israel. The Lord of the Sabbath was arraigned to answer the charge of breaking the Sabbath. His judges looked on Him with astonishment and rage, but His words were unanswerable. He denied the right of priests and rabbis to interfere with His work. He refused to plead guilty to their charges or be catechized by them.

HLv 135.1

Instead of apologizing, Jesus rebuked the rulers for their ignorance of the Scriptures. He declared that they had rejected the Word of God, inasmuch as they had rejected Him whom God had sent. “Ye search the scriptures, because ye think that in them ye have eternal life; and these are they which bear witness of Me.” RV.

HLv 135.2

The Old Testament Scriptures are irradiated with the glory of the Son of God. The entire divine system of Judaism was a compacted prophecy of the gospel. Through the patriarchal line and the legal economy, heaven’s glorious light made plain the footsteps of the Redeemer. In every sacrifice Christ’s death was shown. In every cloud of incense His righteousness ascended. In the awful mystery of the holy of holies His glory dwelt.

HLv 135.3

The Jews supposed that in their mere outward knowledge of the Scriptures they had eternal life. But having rejected Christ in His Word, they rejected Him in person. “Ye will not come to Me,” He said, “that ye might have life.”

HLv 135.4

The Jewish leaders had studied the teachings of the prophets, not with a sincere desire to know the truth, but with the purpose of finding evidence to sustain their ambitious hopes. When Christ came in a manner contrary to their expectations, they would not receive Him and tried to prove Him a deceiver. The more directly the Saviour spoke to them in His works of mercy, the more determined they were in resisting the light.

HLv 135.5

Jesus said, “I receive not honor from men.” It was not the Sanhedrin’s sanction He desired. He was invested with the honor and authority of Heaven. Had He desired it, angels would have come to do Him homage. But for their own sake and for the sake of the nation whose leaders they were, He desired the Jewish rulers to discern His character.

HLv 136.1

“I am come in My Father’s name, and ye receive Me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.” When others should come, assuming the character of Christ but seeking their own glory, they would be received. Why? Because he who seeks his own glory appeals to the desire for self-exaltation in others. The Jews would receive the false teacher because he flattered their pride. But the teaching of Christ was spiritual and demanded the sacrifice of self; therefore they would not receive it. To them His voice was the voice of a stranger.

HLv 136.2

Are there not many religious leaders in our day who are rejecting the Word of God that they may keep their own traditions?

HLv 136.3

“Had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed Me: for he wrote of Me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe My words?” If they had listened to the divine voice that spoke through their great leader, Moses, they would have recognized it in the teachings of Christ.

HLv 136.4

The priests and rabbis saw that their opposition to Jesus was without excuse, yet their murderous hatred was not quenched. Fear seized them as they witnessed the convincing power that attended His ministry, but they locked themselves in darkness.

HLv 136.5

They had failed to subvert the authority of Jesus or alienate the people, many of whom were convicted by His words. The rulers themselves felt deep condemnation, yet they were determined to take His life. They sent messengers to warn the people against Jesus as an impostor. Spies were sent to report what He said and did. The precious Saviour was now most surely standing under the shadow of the cross.

From Heaven With Love

The Secret of Spiritual Healing

HLv 128.4

Do not wait to feel whole. Believe His word, and put your will on the side of Christ. In acting on His word you will receive strength. Whatever may be the evil which binds both soul and body, Christ is able to deliver. He will impart life to the soul “dead in trespasses.” Ephesians 2:1.

From Heaven With Love

Jesus Dependent on the Father’s Power

HLv 133.1

The Sadducees held that there would be no resurrection of the body, but Jesus told them that one of the greatest works of His Father is raising the dead and that He Himself had power to do the same work. “As the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom He will.” “The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.” Christ declared that the power which gives life to the dead was among them, and they were to behold its manifestation. This same resurrection power gives life to the soul and sets men “free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:2. Through faith the soul is kept from sin. He who opens his heart to Christ becomes a partaker of that mighty power which shall bring forth his body from the grave.

HLv 134.2

But “God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:17. And before the Sanhedrin Jesus declared, “He that heareth My word, and believeth Him that sent Me, hath eternal life, and cometh not into judgment, but hath passed out of death into life.” RV.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 66, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 66, 1886, par. 20

I spoke to the people assembled from John 5. This chapter is of special interest. This whole chapter is truth. It is an enlightening of the people who need to be reconverted before they can become righteous.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 40, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 40, 1897, par. 15

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

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 53, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 53, 1900, par. 4

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

15LtMs, Lt 53, 1900, par. 6

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

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 91, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 91, 1903, par. 15

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

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 57, 1904

19LtMs, Lt 57, 1904, par. 6

Let us study the Word of God. Let us make it a part of our lives, bringing its teachings into the daily experience. Thus only can we gain the knowledge that will enable us, in these days of peril, to distinguish the true from the false. Study the fifth and sixth chapters of John. They contain instruction that is indeed the mystery of godliness. “Search the Scriptures,” Christ said; “for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of Me.” [John 5:39.]

19LtMs, Lt 57, 1904, par. 7

There are some who, though they have received great light, do not feel the need of following Jesus in humility and contrition. God has honored them, but they have not reflected His glory. Jesus says to them, “Ye will not come unto Me that ye might have life.” “I receive not honor from men. But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you. I am come in My Father’s name, and ye receive Me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.” “How can ye believe, which receive honor one of another and seek not the honor that cometh from God only?” [Verses 40-44.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 248, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 248, 1906, par. 12

After I had spoken, the meeting was changed into an earnest revival effort. He made a most urgent appeal for all who desired a new experience to come to Christ just as they are and by faith receive Him, telling them that as they did this, they would receive power to accept the pardon of all their sins. He asked them to rise to their feet. Some of the front seats were then vacated, and a large number came forward—men, women, and children. We then had singing interspersed with speaking. This had effect, and every seat vacant at the front was occupied. More seats had to be vacated at the front to make room for those who came forward. Several prayers were then offered. I felt that it was my privilege to take hold of the hand of infinite power and hold fast in behalf of the ones who needed an experience in the meaning of the truth contained in the fifth chapter of John.

21LtMs, Lt 248, 1906, par. 14

“But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill Him, because He not only had broken the Sabbath, but said also that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God. Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He seeth the Father do: for what things soever He doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the Son, and showeth Him all things that Himself doeth: and He will show him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom He will. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: that all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He that honoreth not the Son honoreth not the Father which hath sent Him. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My words, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in Himself; so hath He given to the Son to have life in Himself; and hath given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming in the which all that are in the grave shall hear His voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life, and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation.” [Verses 16-29.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 6, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 6, 1907, par. 3

“Ye sent unto John,” Christ said, “and he bare witness unto the truth. But I receive not testimony from man; but these things I say, that ye might be saved. He was a burning and a shining light; and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light. But I have greater witness than that of John; for the works which the Father hath given Me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of Me, that the Father hath sent Me. And the Father Himself which hath sent Me hath borne witness of Me. Ye have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His shape, and ye have not His word abiding in you; for whom He hath sent, Him ye believe not. Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of Me. And ye will not come unto Me, that ye might have life.” [John 5:33-40.]

22LtMs, Lt 6, 1907, par. 4

There are many in our churches to whom these words are applicable, “Ye would not come unto Me, that ye might have life.” [Verse 40.] I am charged to present this chapter, the fifth of John, to our churches. Unless those who have had such great light shall awake from their sleep, and keep their lamps burning, they will slumber until they will at last find that their lamps are without oil. Now, now, without delay, let our people improve the opportunity to arise and shine. Let them take the Bible and on their knees before God confess their sins of neglect. Let every other consideration become secondary. Earthly, common business is of little consequence compared with eternal interests.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 8, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 8, 1907, par. 14

Read the fifth chapter of John. The whole chapter is full of instruction that we all need. “Then answered Jesus and said unto them, The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He seeth the Father do; for what things soever He doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the Son, and showeth Him all things that Himself doeth; and He will show Him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.” [Verses 19, 20.]

22LtMs, Lt 8, 1907, par. 15

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” [Verse 24.]

The Ministry of Healing

“Wilt Thou Be Made Whole?”

MH 81.1

“Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.” John 5:2, 3.

MH 84.1

Jesus bids him, “Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.” Verses 6-8. With a new hope the sick man looks upon Jesus. The expression of His countenance, the tones of His voice, are like no other. Love and power seem to breathe from His very presence. The cripple’s faith takes hold upon Christ’s word. Without question he sets his will to obey, and, as he does this, his whole body responds.

A New Life (Revival and Beyond)

Alienated and Reconciled—How Does It Happen?

NL 12.3

Is he now free to transgress God’s law? Says Paul: “Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.” “How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” And John declares: “This is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous” (Romans 3:31; 6:2; John 5:3). In the new birth the heart is brought into harmony with God, as it is brought into accord with His law. When this mighty change has taken place in the sinner, he has passed from death unto life, from sin unto holiness, from transgression and rebellion to obedience and loyalty....

True Revival

Alienated and Reconciled—How Does It Happen?

TR 22.1

Is he now free to transgress God’s law? Says Paul: “Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.” “How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” And John declares: “This is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous” (Romans 3:31; 6:2; John 5:3). In the new birth the heart is brought into harmony with God, as it is brought into accord with His law. When this mighty change has taken place in the sinner, he has passed from death unto life, from sin unto holiness, from transgression and rebellion to obedience and loyalty. ...

Faith and Works

The Response to the Impotent Man

FW 68.2

There was the impotent man, and as Christ talked with him, he told the pitiful story of how, just as soon as he would go down into the water to be healed, somebody else would step in before him. Christ asked him, “Wilt thou be made whole?” (John 5:6). What a question! That was what he was there for, but Christ wanted to call forth the expression of desire in that man’s heart to be made whole. And when Christ bade him to rise, take up his bed and walk, he did just as Christ told him to do. He did not say, “Why, I have been here thirty years and have not taken a step during that time.” He did not stop to argue, but did just as he was bidden. He took up his bed and walked out and was healed from that time.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 18, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 18, 1903, par. 5

I have a plea to make of those who at the last General Conference refused to yield the will to Christ’s will. The Saviour asks them, “Wilt thou be made whole?” [John 5:6.] Will they turn from Him, or will they at the coming Conference surrender themselves to Him who will save to the uttermost all who come to Him? They have been doing a strange work. They have been planning to resist the Spirit of God by unbelief and falsehood. They have cherished opinions that have no foundation in truth. The deceitfulness of sin has been making its mark upon them. But God lives. If they perish it will not be because of His dealings with them, but because they are determined to resist light and evidence. They will never, never have greater evidence than that given them at the last General Conference. The testimony then given was borne in the demonstration of the Spirit and in power.

From the Heart

Act When Opportunity Knocks, August 20

FH 244.1

Do you want to be made well? John 5:6.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 24, 1885

4LtMs, Ms 24, 1885, par. 14

I said, Jesus stands at the door of your heart, knocking, my sister, inviting you to let Him in. Will you hear His voice? Will you open the door? Will you welcome Jesus? Will you renounce self? Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean, and I will receive you. I will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My child, saith the Lord of hosts. [2 Corinthians 6:17, 18.] Jesus came to save sinners, not to destroy them. He says, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Luke 5:32.] You who are sick need a physician, and Jesus, the great and all-successful Physician, has come to heal the sinsick soul. Let Him do His soul-saving work for your soul. “Wilt thou be made whole?” He is saying to you. [John 5:6.] What answer have you to give?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 6, 1885

4LtMs, Ms 6, 1885, par. 10

Christ Jesus is the Author and the Finisher of our faith. I fear that with many of us, faith does not reach any further than we can see. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen. Let no one allow his strength to be wasted by vain conflicts, or his heart to be wearied and saddened because of unanswered desires. Even amid the fiercest conflicts of life, there is rest for the weary. Christ gives rest to all who trust in Him. To those who are afflicted with physical and spiritual maladies, He is saying, “Wilt thou be made whole?” [John 5:6.] He is ready and willing to do great things for all who place their dependence on Him.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 20, 1885

4LtMs, Ms 20, 1885, par. 16

I said, “Jesus stands at the door of your heart, my sister, knocking for entrance, inviting you to let Him in. Will you hear His voice? Will you open the door? Will you renounce self and welcome Jesus?” “Come out from among them, and be ye separate, ... and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord of hosts.” 2 Corinthians 6:17, 18. Jesus came to save sinners, not to destroy them. He declares, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Mark 2:17. You who are sin-sick need the aid of the great, all-powerful Physician. Let Him do His work for you. “Wilt thou be made whole?” [John 5:6.] He is saying to you. What answer have you to give?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 43, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 43, 1902, par. 11

To the sick and suffering, Christ comes with the question, “Wilt thou be made whole?” [John 5:6.] He comes to them as a Physician who knows what they need. He comes to them as a Healer, a Redeemer. The help that He offers is sufficient for the greatest sorrow, the deepest grief.

Homeward Bound

Spiritual Healing, March 13

HB 90.3

Jesus does not ask this sufferer to exercise faith in Him. He simply says, “Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.” (John 5:8.) But the man’s faith takes hold upon that word. Every nerve and muscle thrills with new life, and healthful action comes to his crippled limbs. Without question he sets his will to obey the command of Christ, and all his muscles respond to his will. Springing to his feet, he finds himself an active man.

HB 90.5

Through the same faith we may receive spiritual healing. By sin we have been severed from the life of God. Our souls are palsied. Of ourselves we are no more capable of living a holy life than was the impotent man capable of walking. There are many who realize their helplessness, and who long for that spiritual life which will bring them into harmony with God; they are vainly striving to obtain it. In despair they cry, “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from this body of death?” (Romans 7:24, margin.) Let these desponding, struggling ones look up. The Saviour is bending over the purchase of His blood, saying with inexpressible tenderness and pity, “Wilt thou be made whole?” (John 5:6.) He bids you arise in health and peace. Do not wait to feel that you are made whole. Believe His word, and it will be fulfilled. Put your will on the side of Christ. Will to serve Him, and in acting upon His word you will receive strength. Whatever may be the evil practice, the master passion which through long indulgence binds both soul and body, Christ is able and longs to deliver. He will impart life to the soul that is “dead in trespasses.” (Ephesians 2:1.) He will set free the captive that is held by weakness and misfortune and the chains of sin.—The Desire of Ages, 202, 203.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 1, 1889

6LtMs, Ms 1, 1889, par. 26

There was the impotent man, and as Christ talked with him, he told the pitiful story of how, that just as soon as he would go down into the water to be healed, somebody else would step in before him. Christ asked him, “Wilt thou be made whole?” John 5:6. What a question! That was what he was there for, but Christ wanted to call forth the expression of desire in that man’s heart to be made whole. And when Christ bade him to rise, take up his bed, and walk, he did just as Christ told him to do. He did not say, “Why, I have been here thirty years and have not taken a step during that time.” He did not stop to argue, but did just as he was bidden. He took up his bed and walked out and was healed from that time.

6LtMs, Ms 1, 1889, par. 62

You know how it is with the papal power. The people have no right to interpret the Scriptures for themselves. They must have someone else interpret the Scriptures for them. Have you no mind? Have you no reason? Has not God given judgment to the common people, just as well as He has to the priests and rulers? When Christ, the Lord of life and glory, came to our world, if they had known Him, they never would have crucified Him. God had told them to search the Scriptures, “for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me.” John 5:39.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 60, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 60, 1886, par. 15

Christ says, “If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” John 5:7. Here is a precious promise, and the Lord would have us take hold of His Word and by faith lay hold of the promises. Oh, that all would place themselves in that condition where they would feel the need of a Saviour and be forgiven and cleansed from all unrighteousness!

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 141, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, par. 55

And when He came to a poor suffering man who could not get to the pool, He stands right over him, and He says, Wilt thou be made whole? Can you tell how that man felt that had been so many years trying to get relief and could not get any? Jesus Christ bids him be whole. “Take up your blanket, and go to your home.” Well, the righteous priests would not do any such thing. There he was suffering for years. “It is on the Sabbath day.” [John 5:8, 10.] Now all such words as those He shows us—what should we know without His example? He tells us there are cases of necessity, and He has come to show us in His experience and example what to do for suffering humanity.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 192, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 192, 1897, par. 2

Presently they interrupting him by inquiring why he was carrying his bed, saying, “It is the Sabbath day; it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.” He answered them, “He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk. Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed and walk? And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place.” [John 5:10-13.]

12LtMs, Ms 192, 1897, par. 3

Before the eyes of a large number who were looking upon him with astonishment, the man pressed his way to the temple, there to present the praise of a full soul to God. Christ knew that the man’s own sinful course of action had brought its sure result, and finding him in the temple, he said unto them, “Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.” [Verse 14.]

12LtMs, Ms 192, 1897, par. 4

“The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole.” [Verse 15.] The man did not once think that in naming Jesus as the One who had healed him, he was provoking the anger of the priests and rulers so as to imperil the Saviour’s life. He was overjoyed to behold his deliverer, and, ignorant of the malice which the Jews held against Jesus, he had informed the Pharisees who had before questioned him that this was he who had wrought the wondrous cure.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 21 [Nos. 1501-1598]

Love the Fulfilling of the Law

21MR 411.4

It is the greatest and most fatal deception to suppose that a man can have faith unto life eternal without possessing Christlike love for his brethren. He who loves God and his neighbor is filled with light and love. God is in him and all around him. Christians love those around them as precious souls for whom Christ has died. There is no such thing as a loveless Christian, for “God is love.” [1 John 2:3-5, 8-11; John 13:34, 35; 5:12, quoted.]—Manuscript 133, 1899.

Counsels on Health

Christ’s Manner of Healing

CH 30.4

To many of the afflicted ones who received healing Christ said, “Sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.” John 5:14. Thus He taught that disease is the result of violating God’s laws, both natural and spiritual. The great misery in the world would not exist, did men but live in harmony with the Creator’s plan....

Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students

A Call for Gospel Medical Missionaries

CT 466.4

To many of the afflicted ones who received healing, Christ said, “Sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.” John 5:14. Thus He taught that disease is the result of violating God’s laws, both natural and spiritual. The great misery in the world would not exist had men from the beginning lived in harmony with the Creator’s plan. There are conditions to be observed by all who would preserve health. All should learn what these conditions are. The Lord is not pleased with ignorance in regard to His laws, either natural or spiritual. We are to be workers together with God for the restoration of health to the body as well as to the soul.

Lift Him Up

Spiritual and Physical Maladies Healed, September 1

LHU 258.5

To many of the afflicted ones who received healing, Christ said, “Sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee” (John 5:14). Thus He taught that disease is the result of violating God’s laws, both natural and spiritual. The great misery in the world would not exist did men but live in harmony with the Creator’s plan.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 86—Go Teach All Nations

DA 824.2

To many of the afflicted ones who received healing, Christ said, “Sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.” John 5:14. Thus He taught that disease is the result of violating God’s laws, both natural and spiritual. The great misery in the world would not exist did men but live in harmony with the Creator’s plan.

The Ministry of Healing

The Source of Healing

MH 113.5

When Christ healed disease, He warned many of the afflicted ones, “Sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.” John 5:14. Thus He taught that they had brought disease upon themselves by transgressing the laws of God, and that health could be preserved only by obedience.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 18, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 18, 1898, par. 14

But the world’s Redeemer is the Restorer. He encircles man with His long human arm, while with His divine arm He lays hold of Omnipotence. He who created man knows just how to rid the human machinery of the clogs which have weakened the action of nerve, brain, bone and muscles, and poisoned the life current flowing through the body. He knows how to speak the word, “Be whole;” and when He has healed the sufferer He says, “Go and sin no more.” [Mark 5:34; John 5:14.] He does not specify the particular sin; His word “sin” convicts the transgressor of the sin of which he has been guilty.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 86, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 86, 1901, par. 16

Christ’s power was always manifested to heal physical suffering. And then He said, “Behold, thou art made whole; sin no more, lest a worse thing happen unto thee.” [John 5:14.] Those who do not accept the light God has given in regard to the proper care of the body, who do not do their best to prevent sickness and disease, are not the proper ones to engage in medical missionary work.

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Great Healer, March 22

JNN 90.5

To many of the afflicted ones who received healing, Christ said, “Sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee” (John 5:14). Thus He taught that disease is the result of violating God’s laws, both natural and spiritual. The great misery in the world would not exist did human beings but live in harmony with the Creator’s plan.

From the Heart

Abundant Evidence for Faith, August 21

FH 245.1

The man ... told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. John 5:15.

To Be Like Jesus

Good Works Continue on the Sabbath, May 27

BLJ 158.1

For this reason the Jews persecuted Jesus, and sought to kill Him, because He had done these things on the Sabbath. But Jesus answered them, “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.” John 5:16, 17, NKJV.

BLJ 158.3

The Savior declared that His action was in harmony with the Sabbath law. It was in harmony with the will and the work of God. “My Father worketh hitherto,” He said, “and I work” (John 5:17).

Christian Education

Chapter 24—The Literal Week

CE 194.3

Many teach that matter possesses vital power,—that certain properties are imparted to matter, and it is then left to act through its own inherent energy; and that the operations of nature are conducted in harmony with fixed laws, with which God himself cannot interfere. This is false science, and is not sustained by the word of God. Nature is the servant of her Creator. God does not annul his laws, or work contrary to them; but he is continually using them as his instruments. Nature testifies of an intelligence, a presence, an active energy, that works in and through her laws. There is in nature the continual working of the Father and the Son. Christ says, “My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.” [John 5:17.]

Testimony Treasures, vol. 3

The Laws of Nature

3TT 260.3

The Lord is constantly employed in upholding and using as His servants the things that He has made. Said Christ: “My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.” John 5:17.

From Eternity Past

True Science and the Bible Agree

EP 67.4

Many teach that the operations of nature are conducted in harmony with fixed laws with which God Himself cannot interfere. This is false science. Nature is the servant of her Creator. God does not annul His laws but is continually using them as His instruments. There is in nature the continual working of the Father and the Son. Christ says, “My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.” John 5:17.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Ms 4, 1882

3LtMs, Ms 4, 1882, par. 11

“When he uttereth his voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens, he maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures.” [Jeremiah 10:13.] Although the Lord has ceased His work in creating, He is constantly employed in upholding and using as His servants the things which He has made. Said Christ, “My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.” [John 5:17.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 62, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 62, 1894, par. 18

To every man God has given his work. Those who have not felt the responsibility resting upon them to use their God-given faculties in active labor are not doing their duty, even though they have a competency, and are not actually compelled to labor for a livelihood. God has given them hands and brain power, and He expects them to use both. For this they were created, and useful employment will bring its own daily reward in improved health and spirits. No one is to be idle. Christ said, “My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.” [John 5:17.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 126, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 126, 1897, par. 16

Work is constantly being done in heaven. There are no idlers there. “My Father worketh hitherto,” said Christ, “and I work.” [John 5:17.] We cannot suppose that when the final triumph shall come, and we have the mansions prepared for us, that idleness will be our portion, that we shall rest in a blissful do-nothing state. We have a great work in many lines to do in this our day to prepare the way for the King of kings, and Lord of lords. Be sure that He finds us at the occupation He has given us. To every man He has given his work, a fitting occupation, to prepare a people to stand in the great day of the Lord.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 115, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 115, 1898, par. 52

The God of nature is perpetually at work. His infinite power works unseen, but manifestations appear in the effects which the work produces. The same God who guides the planets works in the fruit orchard and the vegetable garden. He never made one thorn, one thistle or tare. These are Satan’s productions, which he plants among the precious things. It is through God’s immediate agency that every bud bursts into blossom. When He was in the world, in the form of humanity, Christ said, “My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.” [John 5:17.] So when the students employ their time and strength in agricultural work, in heaven it is said of them, “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Life Sketches of Ellen G. White

Spiritual Magnetism

LS 80.2

I thought of our Saviour, who labored so untiringly for the good of others. “My Father worketh hitherto, and I work” (John 5:17), He declared. The sanctification that He taught was shown by deeds of kindness and mercy, and the love that leads men and women to regard others better than themselves.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 170, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 170, 1899, par. 16

The God of nature is perpetually at work. His infinite power works unseen, but manifestations appear in the effects which the work produces. The same God who guides the planets works in the fruit orchard and in the vegetable garden. He never made a thorn, a thistle, or a tare. These are Satan’s work, the result of degeneration, introduced by him among the precious things. It is through God’s immediate agency that every bud bursts into blossom. When He was in the world in the form of humanity, Christ said, “My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.” [John 5:17.] So when the students employ their time and strength in agricultural work, in heaven it is said of them, “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Great Chief Worker, March 9

JNN 77.1

But Jesus answered them, “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.”—John 5:17

Maranatha

Satisfying Employment, December 8

Mar 350.1

My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. John 5:17.

Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 2

(C) Other Laws

2MCP 570.3

The Answer to Deism—Many teach that matter possesses vital power—that certain properties are imparted to matter, and it is then left to act through its own inherent energy; and that the operations of nature are conducted in harmony with fixed laws, with which God Himself cannot interfere. This is false science and is not sustained by the Word of God. Nature is the servant of her Creator. God does not annul His laws or work contrary to them, but He is continually using them as His instruments. Nature testifies of an intelligence, a presence, an active energy, that works in and through her laws. There is in nature the continual working of the Father and the Son. Christ says, “My Father worketh hitherto, and I work” (John 5:17).—Patriarchs and Prophets, 114 (1890).

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 9—The Literal Week

PP 114.4

Many teach that matter possesses vital power—that certain properties are imparted to matter, and it is then left to act through its own inherent energy; and that the operations of nature are conducted in harmony with fixed laws, with which God Himself cannot interfere. This is false science, and is not sustained by the word of God. Nature is the servant of her Creator. God does not annul His laws or work contrary to them, but He is continually using them as His instruments. Nature testifies of an intelligence, a presence, an active energy, that works in and through her laws. There is in nature the continual working of the Father and the Son. Christ says, “My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.” John 5:17.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8

Laws of Nature

8T 260.4

The Lord is constantly employed in upholding and using as His servants the things that He has made. Said Christ: “My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.” John 5:17.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6

God and Nature

6T 186.2

The God of nature is perpetually at work. His infinite power works unseen, but manifestations appear in the effects which the work produces. The same God who guides the planets works in the fruit orchard and in the vegetable garden. He never made a thorn, a thistle, or a tare. These are Satan’s work, the result of degeneration, introduced by him among the precious things; but it is through God’s immediate agency that every bud bursts into blossom. When He was in the world in the form of humanity, Christ said: “My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.” John 5:17. So when the students employ their time and strength in agricultural work, in heaven it is said of them, Ye “are laborers together with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9.

The Faith I Live By

All Nature Upheld by God, January 22

FLB 28.7

There is in nature the continual working of the Father and the Son. Christ says, “My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.” John 5:17.96Patriarchs and Prophets, 114.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 42, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, par. 104

Christ is our pattern. His life, His character, His manner of teaching need to be continually studied by those who give themselves to His service to direct and instruct those who are ready to perish, as to what they must do in order to be saved. If the ministers of Christ would not study any other man’s ways, attitude, manner of teaching, manner of address, but the one unerring Pattern, they would be far more successful. In constantly keeping the Lord Jesus ever before them, they would learn in His school, practice His ways, and catch His Spirit. Jesus Christ ever assumed an equality and identity with God. “My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.” “What things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.” John 5:17, 19.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 20, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 20, 1899, par. 19

“We are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry. ” The Lord is working, doing soul gardening, striving to bring all the capabilities of man into active working order that fruit shall appear to the glory of God. He presents another representation before us: “Ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] You are working in harmony with God co-operating with Him by placing yourself in right relation with Him that you may know the mind of God, and do as Christ declared He did. The Jews were finding fault with Christ, because He healed the man on the Sabbath day, and were determined to put an end to His life, but Jesus said to them, “My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.” [John 5:17.] This made the Jews all the more angry. “Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he had not only broken the Sabbath, but said God was his Father making himself equal with God.

14LtMs, Lt 20, 1899, par. 20

“Then said Jesus unto them, Verily, verily I say unto you, the Son doeth nothing of himself but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the Son and showeth him all things that he himself doeth: and he will show him greater works than these that ye may marvel.” [Verses 19, 20.] Wonderful words! Those then who believe the works that Christ did, do the works of the Father. There is to be co-operation with Christ, and the souls He came to save. What shall we say then to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him for us all, how can He [not] freely with Him give us all things? All the power is of God. “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.]

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8

Testimony of Scripture

8T 268.4

Jesus said to the Jews: “My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.... The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He seeth the Father do: for what things soever He doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the Son, and showeth Him all things that Himself doeth.” John 5:17-20.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 3

Testimony of Scripture

3TT 266.5

Jesus said to the Jews: “My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. ... The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He seeth the Father do: for what things soever He doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the Son, and showeth Him all things that Himself doeth.” John 5:17-20.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 111, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 111, 1903, par. 6

Jesus said to the Jews, “My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill Him, because He not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God. Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He seeth the Father do: for what things soever He doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth Him all things that Himself doeth: and He will show Him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.” [John 5:17-20.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 43b, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 43b, 1891, par. 9

The divine nature of Christ was not transformed into human nature, but the divine and human were united. Christ was God in the flesh; in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily to act out the principles that govern all heaven. “All things,” He says, “are delivered to Me of My Father.” [Luke 10:22.] “As the Father hath life in Himself, so hath He given the Son to have life in Himself and hath given Him authority to execute judgment also because He is the Son of man.” [John 5:26, 27.] The scribes and Pharisees were impatient to accuse Him, and after waiting and critically spying upon all His actions and words and finding nothing, they charged His disciples with breaking the Sabbath because passing through a field of grain they plucked the heads of the wheat and rubbed them in their hands and ate the kernels. He, Christ, repelled their charge, and not only established the innocence of His disciples in the deed, but with a dignity which He alone possessed He cast over them His shield of His own prerogatives.

7LtMs, Ms 43b, 1891, par. 10

The Son of man is the Lord even of the Sabbath day. When [they] accused [Him] of transgressing the Sabbath on another occasion—through their bigotry and intolerance cloaking their hypocrisy under a pretense of special reverence and sanctity for the Sabbath—they made the act of healing into a breach of the Sabbath. He, Christ, the Son of God, declared that He was guiltless. He declared, “The Father worketh hitherto and I work.” [Verse 17.] The work of His Father knew no intermission. The working of providence does not come to a standstill upon the Sabbath day, for then the world would perish, but continues every moment of time. So was His own work. He must fill the world with His agency, and thus He placed His own miraculous work on the Sabbath to relieve suffering humanity on a level with the work of His Father. Thus He assumed an identity with God in will, in power, in might.

Christian Education

Chapter 19—To Teachers

CE 152.1

Self-cultured, self-controlled, under discipline in the school of Christ, having a living connection with the great Teacher, they will have an intelligent knowledge of practical religion; and keeping their own souls in the love of God, they will know how to exercise the grace of patience and Christlike forbearance. The patience, love, long-forbearance, and tender sympathies are called into activity. They will discern that they have a most important field in the Lord’s vineyard to cultivate. They must lift up their hearts unto God in sincere prayer, Be thou my pattern, and then by beholding Jesus they will do the work of Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do.” [John 5:19.] So with the sons and daughters of God; they steadfastly and teachably look to Jesus, doing nothing in their own way and after their own will and pleasure; but that which they have, in the lessons of Christ, seen him, their pattern, do, they do also. Thus they represent to the students under their instruction at all times and upon all occasions the character of Jesus Christ. They catch the bright rays of the Sun of Righteousness and reflect these precious beams upon the children and youth whom they are educating. The formation of correct habits is to leave its impress upon the mind and characters of the children, that they may practice the right way. It means much to bring these children under the direct influence of the Spirit of God, training and disciplining them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. The formation of correct habits, the exhibition of a right spirit, will call for earnest efforts in the name and strength of Jesus. The instructor must persevere, giving line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little, in all long-suffering and patience, sympathy and love, binding these children to his heart by the love of Christ revealed in himself.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 27, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 27, 1892, par. 8

I have contemplated these matters much during my protracted sickness, and I have been deeply impressed that where many have erred was in not being careful in following God’s ideas—but their own. Christ Himself declared, “The Son of man can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do.” [John 5:19.] So utterly was He emptied of Himself that He made no schemes and plans. He lived, accepting God’s plans for Him, and the Father unfolded day by day His plans. If Jesus was so wholly dependent and declared, “Whatsoever I see the Father do, that I do,” how much more should human agents depend upon God for constant instruction, so that their lives might be the simple working out of God’s plans.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 28, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 28, 1892, par. 13

Let these words ring like musical bells in our ears and 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. How urgently my soul pleads for the heavenly endowment. Of myself I can do nothing. The power and the glory is all of God. “The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.” John 5:19. “Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, He doeth the works.” John 14:10.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 34, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 34, 1893, par. 31

Jesus said, I do nothing of Myself; the things I have seen of the Father that I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. [See John 5:19.] So with the sons and daughters of God; they steadfastly and teachably look to Jesus, doing nothing in their own way and after their own will and pleasure; but that which they have in the lessons of Christ seen Him, their Pattern, do, they do also. Thus they represent to the students under their instruction at all times and upon all occasions the character of Jesus Christ. They catch the bright rays of the Sun of Righteousness and reflect these precious beams upon the children they are educating.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 43c, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 43c, 1901, par. 9

We are making, not straight paths for our feet, but crooked paths that the lame shall be turned out of the way—and we cannot afford it. It has cost too much to Heaven to give us Jesus; it has cost too much to Heaven for Christ to lay aside His royal robe, to lay aside His royal crown, and to step down from His high command, the Prince of Life and Glory, in order that He might make Himself in humanity, and in order that He might the better combine the human with the divine, as a steppingstone for man to step on. It was not humanity, but humanity and divinity combined, and man could step on that steppingstone, and he would be [on] vantage ground with God, because of the perfume—because the sanctified and holy character of God imbues the life of every soul that eats of the Bread of Life and drinks the water of salvation. And every one that eats of Christ, that takes His Word and practices it, should have eternal life. It is in him, because it is in Christ, and Christ is in him. Now here is the way the matter is presented. But when there is a ... I don’t care, I am going right contrary to the law that God has given in His Word, I don’t ask him to take my word, I don’t ask him to do it. Lay Sister White right to one side; lay her to one side; don’t you ever quote my words again as long as you live until you can obey the Bible! When you take the Bible and make that your food, and your meat, and your drink, and make those the elements of your character, when you can do that, you will know better how to receive some counsel from God. But here is the Word, the precious Word, exalted before you today. And don’t you give a rap any more what “Sister White said”—“Sister White said” this, and “Sister White said” that, and “Sister White said” the other thing. But say, “Thus saith the Lord God of Israel,” and then you do just what the Lord God of Israel does, and what He says. Christ says, “I do the works of my Father. The works that I saw him do, I do.” [John 5:19.] Now the works and the sentiments and the principles that we have seen, that God has manifested in dealing with one another, the purchase of the blood of Christ—only think of it. Here we are, the purchase of the blood of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. You just think of it.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 43a, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 43a, 1901, par. 24

Now here is the way the matter is represented; but when there is “I do not care,” and going right contrary to the light that God has given in His Word—I do not ask you to take my word; I do not ask you to do it; lay Sister White right to one side; you lay her right to one side. Do you not—never quote my words again as long as you live, until you can obey the Bible. When you take the Bible and make that, make that your food, your meat, and your drink, and make that the elements of your character—when you can do that, then you will know better how to receive some counsel from God. But here the Word, the precious Word, I exalt it before you today; and do not go and repeat any more what Sister White said—“Sister White said this,” and “Sister White said that,” and “Sister White said the other thing;” you say, “What saith the Lord God of Israel?” and then you [not] do just what the Lord God of Israel does and what He says. Christ says: “I do the works of my Father; the works that I see Him do I do.” [John 5:19.] Well now, the works and sentiments and the principles that you have seen, that God has manifested in dealing with one another, the purchase of the blood of Christ—why, only think of it. Here we are the purchase of the blood of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. You just think of it. We cost His life. He was crucified for us, and yet here are the very instrumentalities that God would have stand next to Heaven, that God would have stand where the light of His glory can shine upon them in unmistakable rays, and they know that the light of Heaven is with them. It is no emotion, it is a living faith that is founded on the living words of a living God, of a Saviour that proclaimed over the rent sepulcher of Joseph, “I am the resurrection and the life” [John 11:25]; and here He wants you to eat His principles, to live His principles; but those that are now there never will appreciate it. They have had their test; they have had their trial; they have had their warnings.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 43d, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 43d, 1901, par. 22

Now here is the way the matter [is] represented; but when there is “I do not care,” and going right contrary to the light that God has given in His Word—I do not ask you to take my word; I do not ask you to do it; lay Sister White right to one side; you lay her right to one side. Do you not—never quote my words again as long as you live, until you can obey the Bible. When you take the Bible and make that, make that your food, your meat, and your drink, and make that the elements of your character—when you can do that, then you will know better how to receive some counsel from God. But here the Word, the precious Word, I exalt it before you today; and do not go and repeat any more what Sister White said—“Sister White said this,” and “Sister White said that,” and “Sister White said the other thing;” you say, “What saith the Lord God of Israel?” and then you do just what the Lord God of Israel does and what He says. Christ says: “I do the works of my Father; the works that I see him do, I do.” [John 5:19.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 22, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 22, 1902, par. 5

“Whatsoever things the Father doeth, those things the Son doeth also in like manner.” [John 5:19.] In the language of conscious authority Christ speaks, saying: “Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice, and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.” [John 10:16.] He could say to whom He pleased, “Follow Me;” and the one addressed rose, and followed Him. The spell of the world’s enchantment was broken by His command. At the sound of His voice the spirit of greed and ambition fled from the heart, and men rose, emancipated, and followed the Saviour.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 156, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 156, 1903, par. 4

Thus He removed the difficulty from this sin-burdened soul and placed the man, whom He knew was repentant, in a hopeful frame of mind. The Medical Missionary took away the sins of the paralytic and then presented him to the Supreme Governor as pardoned. God had placed upon His Son authority to lay hold of the eternal throne with His divine nature. While Christ stood forth distinct in His own personality, He reflected the luster of the greatness that was His because of His position of honor within the encircling light of the eternal throne, in unity with God. His words were spoken with the authority referred to in the Scriptures: “Glorify Thy Son, that Thy Son also may glorify Thee.” [John 17:1.] “No man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him.” [Matthew 11:27.] “What things soever He (the Father) doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.” [John 5:19.]

In Heavenly Places

God’s Way, Not Mine, May 20

HP 147.3

Where many have erred, was in not being careful in following God’s ideas, but their own. Christ Himself declared, “The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do” (John 5:19). So utterly was He emptied of Himself that He made no schemes and plans. He lived accepting God’s plans for Him, and the Father day by day unfolded His plans. If Jesus was so wholly dependent, and declared, “Whatsoever I see the Father do, that I do,” how much more should human agents depend upon God for constant instruction, so that their lives might be the simple working out of God’s plans! ...

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 170, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 170, 1906, par. 2

Of mine own self I can do nothing. I feel that all credit must be given to a higher Power whose will and word I am to carry out, in order that, united with heavenly intelligences, I may have a clear perception of spiritual and eternal things. Christ has said, “The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He seeth the Father do: for what things soever He doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.” [John 5:19.]

Sons and Daughters of God

He Depended Completely on Divine Power, May 1

SD 128.1

Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. John 5:19.

Steps to Christ

Chapter 8—Growing Up Into Christ

SC 75.2

Jesus prayed for us, and He asked that we might be one with Him, even as He is one with the Father. What a union is this! The Saviour has said of Himself, “The Son can do nothing of Himself;” “the Father that dwelleth in Me, He doeth the works.” John 5:19; 14:10. Then if Christ is dwelling in our hearts, He will work in us “both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13. We shall work as He worked; we shall manifest the same spirit. And thus, loving Him and abiding in Him, we shall “grow up into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” Ephesians 4:15.

This Day With God

Heavenly Invitation, May 3

TDG 132.2

Let no one exalt himself, talking of himself, extolling his abilities, displaying his knowledge, and cultivating self-conceit. Let no one seek to tear down the work of others who do not labor according to his standard. The heavenly Teacher gives us the invitation, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). Christ was never self-confident, bigoted, or self-conceited. He declared, “The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise” (John 5:19)....

Homeward Bound

In Safe Paths, April 6

HB 115.1

The Son can do nothing of Himself but what He sees the Father do.—John 5:19.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Lt 10, 1884

4LtMs, Lt 10, 1884, par. 14

Let no one exalt himself, talking of himself, extolling his abilities, displaying his knowledge, and cultivating self-conceit. Let no one seek to tear down the work of others who do not labor according to his standard. The heavenly Teacher gives us the invitation, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” Christ was never self-confident, bigoted, or self-conceited. He declared, “The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He seeth the Father do: for what things soever He doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.” [John 5:19.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 259, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 259, 1903, par. 1

We are safe if we do the will of our heavenly Father. If I have any will of my own, I do not know it. Mark the closeness of the relationship between Christ and His Father. See the entire dependence of the Son on the Father, as shown in the words, “The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He seeth the Father do.” Mark the implicit obedience in the words, “For whatsoever things the Father doeth, these things doeth the Son in like manner.” [John 5:19.] No less entire is to be our dependence on Christ, and no less implicit our obedience. Christ’s words regarding this matter are definite. He was standing at the head of humanity, and He set human beings an example of perfect obedience.

18LtMs, Lt 259, 1903, par. 2

“For the Father loveth the Son, and showeth Him all things that He Himself doeth.” [Verse 20.] It was in our behalf that Christ came to this world to make known the will of His Father, and to show human beings what they must become before they can stand before God in the heavenly courts. It is our work to obey God—to learn and obey the laws of His kingdom.

The Upward Look

Revelations of God’s Will, November 23

UL 341.1

Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. John 5:19.

UL 341.2

We are safe if we do the will of our heavenly Father.... See the entire dependence of the Son on the Father, was shown in the words “The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do”—mark the implicit obedience in the words—“for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise” (John 5:19). No less entire is to be our dependence on Christ, and no less implicit our obedience. Christ’s words regarding this matter are definite....

UL 341.3

“For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth” (verse 20). It was in our behalf that Christ came to this world to make known the will of His Father, and to show human beings what they must become before they can stand before God in the heavenly courts. It is our work to obey God—to learn and obey the laws of His kingdom.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 48, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 48, 1890, par. 10

Said Jesus, “The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He seeth the Father do: for what things soever He doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth Him all things that Himself doeth: and He will shew Him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.” John 5:19, 20.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 51b, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 51b, 1894, par. 15

Christ took humanity upon Him. He was our substitute and surety. He said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of Himself but what He seeth the Father do: for what things soever He doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the Son, and showeth Him all things that Himself doeth; and He will show Him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom He will.” [John 5:19-21.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 140, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 140, 1903, par. 21

We ask Christ Himself, Who art Thou? and the answer comes, “Before Abraham was, I AM.” “I and My Father are one.” “For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom He will. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son.” [John 8:58; 10:30; 5:21, 22.]

18LtMs, Ms 140, 1903, par. 44

While Christ stood forth as the Son of man, in His own personality, He was at the same time one with the Deity. He stood within the light surrounding the throne of God, and His words were spoken with power and authority. “The Father is in Me, and I in Him,” He declared. [John 10:38.] “No man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him.” [Matthew 11:27.] “Whatsoever the Father doeth, that also doeth the Son likewise.” [John 5:19.] “I and My Father are one.” [John 10:30.] “He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father.” [John 14:9.] Christ and God are one, and yet they are distinct personalities. Christ spoke with conscious authority, as one possessing in Himself power that would enable Him to perform His work.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 118, 1904

19LtMs, Ms 118, 1904, par. 12

But often we take ourselves in our own hands, thinking that we can arrange matters in a way that will bring us peace and rest. Do we succeed? No! We get into more trouble than before. When things arise to perplex our minds, we fret and worry and begin to accuse others and to find fault with them. What ought we to do? Christ tells us: “Verily, verily I say unto you,” He declares, “Except ye eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of man, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth My flesh and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is meat indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. He that eateth My flesh and drinketh My blood dwelleth in Me and I in him. As the living Father hath sent Me, and I live by the Father, so he that eateth Me, even he shall live by Me.” [John 6:53-57.] “It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing; the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life.” [Verse 63.] These words are clearly explained in (John 5:24), “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and he shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”

19LtMs, Ms 118, 1904, par. 15

“Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He seeth the Father do: For what things soever He doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the Son, and showeth Him all things that Himself doeth: and He will show Him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. For the Father riseth up the dead, and quickeneth them, even so the Son quickeneth whom He will. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment to the Son; That all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He that honoreth not the Son honoreth not the Father which hath sent Him.” [John 5:19-23.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)

Ms 1, 1867

1LtMs, Ms 1, 1867, par. 22

I answered, “Christ’s life was indeed a life of hardness. He was a burden-bearer for the whole race. ‘He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed’ [Isaiah 53:5]. But Jesus is not held up to the people in the true light. He was filled with grief because the great blessings He came to bring to man, man would not see and accept, but continued to choose the hard path of transgression. He says, ‘Ye will not come to me, that ye might have life’ [John 5:20]. He is the joy and light of the world. ‘He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness’ [John 8:12]. Heaven is all light, peace, and joy. Jesus says, ‘Ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full’ [John 16:24].

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 108, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 108, 1898, par. 5

Christ declared, “The Father loveth the Son, and showeth him all things that himself doeth: and he will show him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.” Then He explains the wonderful works of God: “As the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son; that all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He that honoreth not the Son, honoreth not the Father which hath sent him. Verily, verily I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” [John 5:20-24.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 107, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 107, 1897, par. 16

Of Himself Christ declares, “Before Abraham was, I am.” “I and my Father are one.” “For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son.” [John 8:58; 10:30; 5:21, 22.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 37, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 37, 1898, par. 2

What is Christ’s testimony regarding Himself? “Before Abraham was, I am.” “I and my Father are one.” “For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth whom he will, even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son, that all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father.” [John 8:58; 10:30; 5:21-23.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 65, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 65, 1898, par. 11

To Christ Himself we address the inquiry, “Who art thou?” Listen! “Before Abraham was, I am.” “I and my Father are one.” “As the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom He will. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: That all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He that honoreth not the Son, honoreth not the Father which hath sent him.” [John 8:58; 10:30; 5:21-23.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 276, 1904

19LtMs, Lt 276, 1904, par. 23

Christ Himself answers: “Before Abraham was, I AM.” “I and My Father are one.” “For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom He will. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son; that all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father.” [John 8:58; 10:30; 5:21-23.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 216, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 216, 1906, par. 19

Christ Himself answers: “Before Abraham was, I AM.” “I and My Father are one.” “For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom He will. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son; that all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father.” [John 8:58; 10:30; 5:21-23.]

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

MR No. 944—Luther Warren and Work in New York City

12MR 100.1

We turn to Peter, and he declares of his Master: “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). We ask Christ Himself who He is, and He replies: [John 8:58; 5:22 quoted.] We ask Paul. With strength and assurance comes the answer: [1 Timothy 3:16; Philippians 2:6-11; Colossians 1:14-17 quoted.]

Maranatha

Christ Is Judge, November 29

Mar 341.1

The Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son. John 5:22.

Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing

“Why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye?”—Matthew 7:3.

MB 125.3

Christ is the only true standard of character, and he who sets himself up as a standard for others is putting himself in the place of Christ. And since the Father “hath committed all judgment unto the Son” (John 5:22), whoever presumes to judge the motives of others is again usurping the prerogative of the Son of God. These would-be judges and critics are placing themselves on the side of antichrist, “who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” 2 Thessalonians 2:4.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 39, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 39, 1898, par. 3

“The Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son.” [John 5:22.] He has given Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of man. In His superadded humanity consists the reason of Christ’s appointment. God hath committed all judgment unto the Son, for without controversy He is God manifest in the flesh.

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Guiltless One, November 15

JNN 336.1

“For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son.”—John 5:22

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 104, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 104, 1902, par. 13

We ask Christ Himself who He is, and He replies: “Before Abraham was, I am.” “The Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son; that all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father.” [John 8:58; 5:22, 23.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 17 [Nos. 1236-1300]

MR No. 1251—Complete Victory Possible Through Faith in Christ

17MR 83.2

You can see from these Scriptures that it is no virtue in anyone to be faithless. The Son of God came to save to the uttermost all who would come unto God by Him. Though your sins are as scarlet, yet if you will come to Christ confessing your sins, He is faithful and just to forgive you your sins, and to cleanse you from all unrighteousness. Will you not exercise faith in the one upon whom the Lord has laid all power? “The Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: that all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He that honoreth not the Son honoreth not the Father which hath sent Him. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” [John 5:22-24].

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Lt 206, 1908

23LtMs, Lt 206, 1908, par. 3

You can see from these Scriptures that it is no virtue in any one to be faithless. The Son of God came to save to the uttermost all who would come unto God by Him. Though your sins are as scarlet, yet if you will come to Christ, confessing your sins, He is faithful and just to forgive you your sins and to cleanse you from all unrighteousness. Will you not exercise faith in the One upon whom the Lord has laid all power. “The Father judgeth no man; but hath committed all judgment unto the Son; that all men should honor the Son even as they honor the Father. He that honoreth not the Son honoreth not the Father, which hath sent Him.” “Verily, verily I say unto you, He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” [John 5:22-24.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 131, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 131, 1900, par. 15

God desires this solemn truth to be presented to the people who claim to believe the third angel’s message. He desires His people to act aright in regard to that decisive day. The truth that Christ is coming should be kept before every mind. He will come in all His glory, and before Him shall be gathered all nations. “The Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment to the Son. ... He hath authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.” [John 5:22, 27.] He accepted humanity, and lived a pure, sanctified life. For this reason He has received the appointment.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 137, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 137, 1897, par. 6

“The Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son” [John 5:22], who can best determine human suffering in that endured by the saints in the cause of truth and virtue in a world corrupted by false religious theories. The judge, the Prince of sufferers for the truth’s sake is on the throne—He who submitted to be arraigned at the bars of Herod and Pilate, who was rejected by His own nation, condemned by the very man who had declared, “I find no fault in him,” He who was lacerated with stripes, spit upon, degraded, and whose holy brow was crowned with thorns. [John 19:1-4.]

12LtMs, Ms 137, 1897, par. 12

Can we not feel that this is real? He has told them of a partial resurrection, of the souls who came up after His resurrection, whom He led captive through the gates of the city to the throne: and He says, “Marvel not at this for the hour cometh in the which all that are in their graves shall hear the voice of the Son of man, and shall come forth.” [John 5:28, 29.] This voice is soon to resound through all the nations of the dead, and every saint who sleeps in Jesus shall awake and leave his prison house. The general judgment shall take place at the end of the one thousand years. Whoever then has disowned Christ, betrayed Him in the person of His saints, will see the result of their work.

A Call To Stand Apart

Chapter 6—The Answer Lies in the Soil

CSA 19.9

The word of God is the seed. Every seed has in itself a germinating principle. In it the life of the plant is enfolded. So there is life in God’s word. Christ says, “The words that I speak unto you, they are Spirit, and they are life.” John 6:63. “He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life.” John 5:24. In every command and in every promise of the word of God is the power, the very life of God, by which the command may be fulfilled and the promise realized. He who by faith receives the word is receiving the very life and character of God.

Homeward Bound

Only Rule of Faith, January 3

HB 18.1

He who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life.—John 5:24.

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)

Ms 19, 1892

7LtMs, Ms 19, 1892, par. 42

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

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 33, 1892

7LtMs, Ms 33, 1892, par. 27

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

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 171, 1905

20LtMs, Lt 171, 1905, par. 13

But, my son, do not give any one an occasion to think that you do not carry the burden of souls. You need daily to brace your soul in Christ. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My words and believeth on Him that sent Me hath eternal life, and shall not come into condemnation, but is passed from death unto life.” [John 5:24.] Christ is to be the eternal delight of the heart of the Christian. We have abundant proof of the love of God for us, and let us be thankful.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 188, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 188, 1906, par. 14

In the Scriptures we have the life of Christ before us—a living example in vital, spiritual action. His ministry was marked with keenness of perception. He was always true. His life evidenced inward spirituality. In the name of the Lord God of Israel, I would say that those who are partakers of the divine nature will have spiritual life and light with which to bless others. “He that heareth My Word,” saith Christ, “and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life.” [John 5:24.] It is not an inactive faith, but a living, working faith that enables us to be successful laborers together with God.

Lift Him Up

A Decided Reformation Needed, October 14

LHU 301.1

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life. John 5:24.

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

MR No. 548—How Ellen White Bore Suffering

8MR 46.5

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

Selected Messages Book 1

Chapter 62—Justified by Faith

1SM 392.2

Christ is a risen Saviour; for, though He was dead, He has risen again, and ever liveth to make intercession for us. We are to believe with the heart unto righteousness, and with the mouth make confession unto salvation. Those who are justified by faith will make confession of Christ. “He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life” (John 5:24). The great work that is wrought for the sinner who is spotted and stained by evil is the work of justification. By Him who speaketh truth he is declared righteous. The Lord imputes unto the believer the righteousness of Christ and pronounces him righteous before the universe. He transfers his sins to Jesus, the sinner’s representative, substitute, and surety. Upon Christ He lays the iniquity of every soul that believeth. “He hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

A New Life (Revival and Beyond)

Righteous in Him

NL 22.3

Christ is a risen Saviour; for, though He was dead, He has risen again, and ever liveth to make intercession for us. We are to believe with the heart unto righteousness, and with the mouth make confession unto salvation. Those who are justified by faith will make confession of Christ. “He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life” (John 5:24). The great work that is wrought for the sinner who is spotted and stained by evil is the work of justification. By Him who speaketh truth he is declared righteous. The Lord imputes unto the believer the righteousness of Christ and pronounces him righteous before the universe. He transfers his sins to Jesus, the sinner’s representative, substitute, and surety. Upon Christ He lays the iniquity of every soul that believeth. “He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

The Paulson Collection of Ellen G. White Letters

Union with Christ

PC 316.2

But often we take ourselves in our own hands, thinking that we can arrange matters in a way that will bring us peace and rest. Do we succeed? No. We get into more trouble than before. When things arise to perplex our minds, we fret and worry, and begin to accuse others, and to find fault with them. What ought we to do? Christ tells us. “Verily, verily, I say unto you,” He declares, “except ye eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of man, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is meat indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. He that eateth My flesh and drinketh My blood, dwelleth in Me and I in him. As the living Father hath sent Me, and I live by the Father, so he that eateth Me, even he shall live by Me.” “It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing; the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life.” These words are clearly explained in John 5:24; “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and he shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”

True Revival

Righteous in Him

TR 31.2

Christ is a risen Saviour; for, though He was dead, He has risen again, and ever liveth to make intercession for us. We are to believe with the heart unto righteousness, and with the mouth make confession unto salvation. Those who are justified by faith will make confession of Christ. “He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life” (John 5:24). The great work that is wrought for the sinner who is spotted and stained by evil is the work of justification. By Him who speaketh truth he is declared righteous. The Lord imputes unto the believer the righteousness of Christ and pronounces him righteous before the universe. He transfers his sins to Jesus, the sinner’s representative, substitute, and surety. Upon Christ He lays the iniquity of every soul that believeth. “He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

From the Heart

Hidden Treasure, March 23

FH 94.1

He who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. John 5:24.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 13 [Nos. 1000-1080]

MR No. 1030—A Challenge to Consecrate, Decentralize, and Evangelize

13MR 219.2

I am obliged to say that those who claim to believe the truth reach too low a standard. What nourishment do you give your soul? Do you follow the prescription of the heavenly Physician? He says: [John 5:24-29, quoted].

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 2—“The Sower Went Forth to Sow”

COL 38.1

The word of God is the seed. Every seed has in itself a germinating principle. In it the life of the plant is enfolded. So there is life in God’s word. Christ says, “The words that I speak unto you, they are Spirit, and they are life.” John 6:63. “He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life.” John 5:24. In every command and in every promise of the word of God is the power, the very life of God, by which the command may be fulfilled and the promise realized. He who by faith receives the word is receiving the very life and character of God.

COL 38.3

The teachers of Israel were not sowing the seed of the word of God. Christ’s work as a teacher of truth was in marked contrast to that of the rabbis of His time. They dwelt upon traditions, upon human theories and speculations. Often that which man had taught and written about the word, they put in place of the word itself. Their teaching had no power to quicken the soul. The subject of Christ’s teaching and preaching was the word of God. He met questioners with a plain, “It is written.” “What saith the Scriptures?” “How readest thou?” At every opportunity, when an interest was awakened by either friend or foe, He sowed the seed of the word. He who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, Himself the living Word, points to the Scriptures, saying, “They are they which testify of Me.” And “beginning at Moses and all the prophets,” He opened to His disciples “in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.” John 5:39; Luke 24:27.

COL 60.2

“And bring forth fruit.” Those who, having heard the word, keep it, will bring forth fruit in obedience. The word of God, received into the soul, will be manifest in good works. Its results will be seen in a Christlike character and life. Christ said of Himself, “I delight to do Thy will, O My God; yea, Thy law is within My heart.” Psalm 40:8. “I seek not Mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent Me.” John 5:30. And the Scripture says, “He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.” 1 John 2:6.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 73, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 73, 1901, par. 14

I am obliged to say that those who claim to believe the truth reach too low a standard. What nourishment do you give your soul? Do you follow the prescription of the heavenly Physician? He says: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation, but is passed from death unto life. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God, and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in himself, so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; and hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. Marvel not at this; for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in their graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth, they that have done good unto the resurrection of life, and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation.” [John 5:24-29.]

16LtMs, Lt 73, 1901, par. 21

Christ was their Redeemer, Protector, and wonder-working God. But the miracles He wrought in their behalf did not save them, because they were not willing to walk in obedience to His will. And when He came to their children in person, He found them filled with the same rebellious spirit. The sin charged to the disbelieving Pharisees was, “I know that ye have not the love of God in you.” [John 5:42.] Shall these words be said of those who today have been given great light and wonderful opportunities?

A Word to the Little Flock

To the Remnant Scattered Abroad

WLF 14.3

By this time the 144,000 were all sealed and perfectly united. On their foreheads was written, God, New Jerusalem, and a glorious Star containing Jesus’ new name. [Revelation 3:12.] At our happy, holy state the wicked were enraged, and would rush violently up to lay hands on us to thrust us in prison, when we would stretch forth the hand in the name of the Lord, and the wicked would fall helpless to the ground. Then it was that the synagogue of Satan knew that God had loved us who could wash one another’s feet, and salute the holy brethren with a holy kiss, and they worshipped at our feet. [Revelation 3:9.] Soon our eyes were drawn to the East, for a small black cloud had appeared about half as large as a man’s hand, which we all knew was the Sign of the Son of Man. [Matthew 24:30.] We all in solemn silence gazed on the cloud as it drew nearer, lighter, and brighter, glorious, and still more glorious, till it was a great white cloud. [Revelation 14:14.] The bottom appeared like fire, a rainbow was over it, around the cloud were ten thousand angels singing a most lovely song. And on it sat the Son of Man, [Luke 21:27.] on his head were crowns, [Revelation 19:12.] his hair was white and curly and lay on his shoulders. [Revelation 1:14.] His feet had the appearance of fire, [Revelation 1:15.] in his right hand was a sharp sickle, [Revelation 14:14.] in his left a silver trumpet. [1 Thessalonians 4:16.] His eyes were as a flame of fire, [Revelation 1:14.] which searched his children through and through. Then all faces gathered paleness, and those that God had rejected gathered blackness. Then we all cried out, who shall be able to stand? Is my robe spotless? Then the angels ceased to sing, and there was some time of awful silence, [Revelation 8:1.] when Jesus spoke. Those who have clean hands and a pure heart shall be able to stand, my grace is sufficient for you. At this, our faces lighted up, and joy filled every heart. And the angels struck a note higher and sung again while the cloud drew still nearer the earth. Then Jesus’ silver trumpet sounded, as he descended on the cloud, wrapped in flames of fire [2 Thessalonians 1:7, 8] He gazed on the graves of the sleeping saints, then raised his eyes and hands to heaven and cried out, [John 5:25.] Awake! Awake! Awake! ye that sleep in the dust, and arise. Then there was a mighty earthquake. The graves opened, and the dead came up clothed with immortality. The 144,000 shouted, Hallelujah! as they recognized their friends who had been torn from them by death, and in the same moment we were changed and caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air. [1 Thessalonians 4:17.] We all entered the cloud together, and were seven days ascending to the sea of glass, when Jesus brought along the crowns and with his own right hand placed them on our heads. [2 Esdras 2:43.] He gave us harps of gold and palms of victory. [Revelation 15:2. Revelation 7:9.] Here on the sea of glass the 144,000 stood in a perfect square. Some of them had very bright crowns, others not so bright. Some crowns appeared heavy with stars, while others had but few. All were perfectly satisfied with their crowns. And they were all clothed with a glorious white mantle from their shoulders to their feet. [Revelation 7:9.] Angels were all about us as we marched over the sea of glass to the gate of the City. Jesus raised his mighty glorious arm, laid hold of the gate and swung it back on its golden hinges, and said to us, You have washed your robes in my blood, stood stiffly*The original publication had the spelling “stifly.” for my truth, enter in. [Isaiah 26:2.] We all marched in and felt we had a perfect right in the City. Here we saw the tree of life, and the throne of God. Out of the throne came a pure river of water, and on either side of the river was the tree of life. [Revelation 22:1, 2.] On one side of the river was a trunk of a tree and a trunk on the other side of the river, both of pure transparent gold.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 363, 1904

19LtMs, Lt 363, 1904, par. 11

“Verily I say unto you, The hour is coming and now is when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God; and they that hear shall live.” [John 5:25.] They are aroused from the slumber of sin and brought into newness of life. They accept the garment of Christ’s righteousness and show to the world a life changed and transfigured by His transforming grace. They hunger to be partakers of the divine nature. They break away from the bondage of sin. They submit to be trained for service for every duty His service requires. Their hearts pant after God. They long to enjoy the life-giving power that He alone can impart. The consciousness that they are wearing Christ’s yoke, and learning of Him His meekness and lowliness, surrounds them with an atmosphere of peace. They realize that the yoke of Christ is indeed easy and His burden light. To be made partakers of that which they know is a divine principle is to them a pledge of resurrection to eternal life.

Selected Messages Book 1

Chapter 34—The Word Made Flesh

1SM 249.3

“I am the way, the truth, and the life,” Christ declares: “no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). Christ is invested with power to give life to all creatures. “As the living Father hath sent me,” He says, “and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.” “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:57, 63). Christ is not here referring to His doctrine, but to His person, the divinity of His character. “Verily, verily, I say unto you,” He says again, “The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; and hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man” (John 5:25-27).