EGW WritingsJohn 6

Manuscript Releases, vol. 19 [Nos. 1360-1419]

MR No. 1412—The Case of J. H. Kellogg; Christ, the Great Medical Missionary; Physicians to Labor as Christ Labored

19MR 359.1

The Great Medical Missionary—“After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias. And a great multitude followed Him, because they saw His miracles which He did on them that were diseased. And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there He sat with His disciples” [John 6:1-3].

19MR 360.2

The disciples finally came to Him urging that for His own sake the people should be sent away. Many had come from far, and had eaten nothing since morning. In the surrounding towns and villages they might be able to buy food. But Jesus said, “Give ye them to eat” [Matthew 14:16], and then, turning to Philip, questioned, “Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” [John 6:5]. This He said to test the faith of the disciples. Philip looked over the sea of heads, and thought how impossible it would be to provide food to satisfy the wants of such a crowd. He answered that two hundred pennyworth of bread would not be nearly enough to divide amongst them, so that each might have a little.

19MR 360.3

Jesus inquired how much food could be found among the company. “There is a lad here,” said Andrew, “which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?” [John 6:9]. Jesus directed that these be brought to Him. Then He bade the disciples seat the people on the grass in parties of fifty or a hundred, to preserve order and that all might witness what He was about to do. When this was accomplished, Jesus took the food, “and looking up to heaven, He blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to His disciples, and the disciples to the multitude” [Matthew 14:19]. “And they did all eat, and were filled. And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes” [Mark 6:42, 43].

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 39—“Give Ye Them to Eat”

DA 364.1

Christ had retired to a secluded place with His disciples, but this rare season of peaceful quietude was soon broken. The disciples thought they had retired where they would not be disturbed; but as soon as the multitude missed the divine Teacher, they inquired, “Where is He?” Some among them had noticed the direction in which Christ and His disciples had gone. Many went by land to meet them, while others followed in their boats across the water. The Passover was at hand, and, from far and near, bands of pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem gathered to see Jesus. Additions were made to their number, until there were assembled five thousand men besides women and children. Before Christ reached the shore, a multitude were waiting for Him. But He landed unobserved by them, and spent a little time apart with the disciples.

DA 364.2

From the hillside He looked upon the moving multitude, and His heart was stirred with sympathy. Interrupted as He was, and robbed of His rest, He was not impatient. He saw a greater necessity demanding His attention as He watched the people coming and still coming. He “was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd.” Leaving His retreat, He found a convenient place where He could minister to them. They received no help from the priests and rulers; but the healing waters of life flowed from Christ as He taught the multitude the way of salvation.

DA 365.1

The people listened to the words of mercy flowing so freely from the lips of the Son of God. They heard the gracious words, so simple and so plain that they were as the balm of Gilead to their souls. The healing of His divine hand brought gladness and life to the dying, and ease and health to those suffering with disease. The day seemed to them like heaven upon earth, and they were utterly unconscious of how long it had been since they had eaten anything.

DA 365.2

At length the day was far spent. The sun was sinking in the west, and yet the people lingered. Jesus had labored all day without food or rest. He was pale from weariness and hunger, and the disciples besought Him to cease from His toil. But He could not withdraw Himself from the multitude that pressed upon Him.

DA 365.3

The disciples finally came to Him, urging that for their own sake the people should be sent away. Many had come from far, and had eaten nothing since morning. In the surrounding towns and villages they might be able to buy food. But Jesus said, “Give ye them to eat,” and then, turning to Philip, questioned, “Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” This He said to test the faith of the disciple. Philip looked over the sea of heads, and thought how impossible it would be to provide food to satisfy the wants of such a crowd. He answered that two hundred pennyworth of bread would not be nearly enough to divide among them, so that each might have a little. Jesus inquired how much food could be found among the company. “There is a lad here,” said Andrew, “which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes; but what are they among so many?” Jesus directed that these be brought to Him. Then He bade the disciples seat the people on the grass in parties of fifty or a hundred, to preserve order, and that all might witness what He was about to do. When this was accomplished, Jesus took the food, “and looking up to heaven, He blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to His disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.” “And they did all eat, and were filled. And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes.”

DA 365.4

He who taught the people the way to secure peace and happiness was just as thoughtful of their temporal necessities as of their spiritual need. The people were weary and faint. There were mothers with babes in their arms, and little children clinging to their skirts. Many had been standing for hours. They had been so intensely interested in Christ’s words that they had not once thought of sitting down, and the crowd was so great that there was danger of their trampling on one another. Jesus would give them a chance to rest, and He bade them sit down. There was much grass in the place, and all could rest in comfort.

DA 366.1

Christ never worked a miracle except to supply a genuine necessity, and every miracle was of a character to lead the people to the tree of life, whose leaves are for the healing of the nations. The simple food passed round by the hands of the disciples contained a whole treasure of lessons. It was humble fare that had been provided; the fishes and barley loaves were the daily food of the fisher folk about the Sea of Galilee. Christ could have spread before the people a rich repast, but food prepared merely for the gratification of appetite would have conveyed no lesson for their good. Christ taught them in this lesson that the natural provisions of God for man had been perverted. And never did people enjoy the luxurious feasts prepared for the gratification of perverted taste as this people enjoyed the rest and the simple food which Christ provided so far from human habitations.

DA 367.1

If men today were simple in their habits, living in harmony with nature’s laws, as did Adam and Eve in the beginning, there would be an abundant supply for the needs of the human family. There would be fewer imaginary wants, and more opportunities to work in God’s ways. But selfishness and the indulgence of unnatural taste have brought sin and misery into the world, from excess on the one hand, and from want on the other.

DA 367.2

Jesus did not seek to attract the people to Him by gratifying the desire for luxury. To that great throng, weary and hungry after the long, exciting day, the simple fare was an assurance not only of His power, but of His tender care for them in the common needs of life. The Saviour has not promised His followers the luxuries of the world; their fare may be plain, and even scanty; their lot may be shut in by poverty; but His word is pledged that their need shall be supplied, and He has promised that which is far better than worldly good,—the abiding comfort of His own presence.

DA 367.3

In feeding the five thousand, Jesus lifts the veil from the world of nature, and reveals the power that is constantly exercised for our good. In the production of earth’s harvests God is working a miracle every day. Through natural agencies the same work is accomplished that was wrought in the feeding of the multitude. Men prepare the soil and sow the seed, but it is the life from God that causes the seed to germinate. It is God’s rain and air and sunshine that cause it to put forth, “first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.” Mark 4:28. It is God who is every day feeding millions from earth’s harvest fields. Men are called upon to co-operate with God in the care of the grain and the preparation of the loaf, and because of this they lose sight of the divine agency. They do not give God the glory due unto His holy name. The working of His power is ascribed to natural causes or to human instrumentality. Man is glorified in place of God, and His gracious gifts are perverted to selfish uses, and made a curse instead of a blessing. God is seeking to change all this. He desires that our dull senses shall be quickened to discern His merciful kindness and to glorify Him for the working of His power. He desires us to recognize Him in His gifts, that they may be, as He intended, a blessing to us. It was to accomplish this purpose that the miracles of Christ were performed.

DA 368.1

After the multitude had been fed, there was an abundance of food left. But He who had all the resources of infinite power at His command said, “Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.” These words meant more than putting the bread into the baskets. The lesson was twofold. Nothing is to be wasted. We are to let slip no temporal advantage. We should neglect nothing that will tend to benefit a human being. Let everything be gathered up that will relieve the necessity of earth’s hungry ones. And there should be the same carefulness in spiritual things. When the baskets of fragments were collected, the people thought of their friends at home. They wanted them to share in the bread that Christ had blessed. The contents of the baskets were distributed among the eager throng, and were carried away into all the region round about. So those who were at the feast were to give to others the bread that comes down from heaven, to satisfy the hunger of the soul. They were to repeat what they had learned of the wonderful things of God. Nothing was to be lost. Not one word that concerned their eternal salvation was to fall useless to the ground.

DA 368.2

The miracle of the loaves teaches a lesson of dependence upon God. When Christ fed the five thousand, the food was not nigh at hand. Apparently He had no means at His command. Here He was, with five thousand men, besides women and children, in the wilderness. He had not invited the large multitude to follow Him; they came without invitation or command; but He knew that after they had listened so long to His instruction, they would feel hungry and faint; for He was one with them in their need of food. They were far from home, and the night was close at hand. Many of them were without means to purchase food. He who for their sake had fasted forty days in the wilderness would not suffer them to return fasting to their homes. The providence of God had placed Jesus where He was; and He depended on His heavenly Father for the means to relieve the necessity.

DA 369.1

And when we are brought into strait places, we are to depend on God. We are to exercise wisdom and judgment in every action of life, that we may not, by reckless movements, place ourselves in trial. We are not to plunge into difficulties, neglecting the means God has provided, and misusing the faculties He has given us. Christ’s workers are to obey His instructions implicitly. The work is God’s, and if we would bless others His plans must be followed. Self cannot be made a center; self can receive no honor. If we plan according to our own ideas, the Lord will leave us to our own mistakes. But when, after following His directions, we are brought into strait places, He will deliver us. We are not to give up in discouragement, but in every emergency we are to seek help from Him who has infinite resources at His command. Often we shall be surrounded with trying circumstances, and then, in the fullest confidence, we must depend upon God. He will keep every soul that is brought into perplexity through trying to keep the way of the Lord.

DA 369.2

Christ has bidden us, through the prophet, “Deal thy bread to the hungry,” and “satisfy the afflicted soul;” “when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him,” and “bring the poor that are cast out to thy house.” Isaiah 58:7-10. He has bidden us, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15. But how often our hearts sink, and faith fails us, as we see how great is the need, and how small the means in our hands. Like Andrew looking upon the five barley loaves and the two little fishes, we exclaim, “What are they among so many?” Often we hesitate, unwilling to give all that we have, fearing to spend and to be spent for others. But Jesus has bidden us, “Give ye them to eat.” His command is a promise; and behind it is the same power that fed the multitude beside the sea.

DA 369.3

In Christ’s act of supplying the temporal necessities of a hungry multitude is wrapped up a deep spiritual lesson for all His workers. Christ received from the Father; He imparted to the disciples; they imparted to the multitude; and the people to one another. So all who are united to Christ will receive from Him the bread of life, the heavenly food, and impart it to others.

DA 369.4

In full reliance upon God, Jesus took the small store of loaves; and although there was but a small portion for His own family of disciples, He did not invite them to eat, but began to distribute to them, bidding them serve the people. The food multiplied in His hands; and the hands of the disciples, reaching out to Christ Himself the Bread of Life, were never empty. The little store was sufficient for all. After the wants of the people had been supplied, the fragments were gathered up, and Christ and His disciples ate together of the precious, Heaven-supplied food.

DA 370.1

The disciples were the channel of communication between Christ and the people. This should be a great encouragement to His disciples today. Christ is the great center, the source of all strength. His disciples are to receive their supplies from Him. The most intelligent, the most spiritually minded, can bestow only as they receive. Of themselves they can supply nothing for the needs of the soul. We can impart only that which we receive from Christ; and we can receive only as we impart to others. As we continue imparting, we continue to receive; and the more we impart, the more we shall receive. Thus we may be constantly believing, trusting, receiving, and imparting.

DA 370.2

The work of building up the kingdom of Christ will go forward, though to all appearance it moves slowly and impossibilities seem to testify against advance. The work is of God, and He will furnish means, and will send helpers, true, earnest disciples, whose hands also will be filled with food for the starving multitude. God is not unmindful of those who labor in love to give the word of life to perishing souls, who in their turn reach forth their hands for food for other hungry souls.

DA 370.3

In our work for God there is danger of relying too largely upon what man with his talents and ability can do. Thus we lose sight of the one Master Worker. Too often the worker for Christ fails to realize his personal responsibility. He is in danger of shifting his burden upon organizations, instead of relying upon Him who is the source of all strength. It is a great mistake to trust in human wisdom or numbers in the work of God. Successful work for Christ depends not so much on numbers or talent as upon pureness of purpose, the true simplicity of earnest, dependent faith. Personal responsibilities must be borne, personal duties must be taken up, personal efforts must be made for those who do not know Christ. In the place of shifting your responsibility upon someone whom you think more richly endowed than you are, work according to your ability.

DA 370.4

When the question comes home to your heart, “Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” let not your answer be the response of unbelief. When the disciples heard the Saviour’s direction, “Give ye them to eat,” all the difficulties arose in their minds. They questioned, Shall we go away into the villages to buy food? So now, when the people are destitute of the bread of life, the Lord’s children question, Shall we send for someone from afar, to come and feed them? But what said Christ? “Make the men sit down,” and He fed them there. So when you are surrounded by souls in need, know that Christ is there. Commune with Him. Bring your barley loaves to Jesus.

DA 371.1

The means in our possession may not seem to be sufficient for the work; but if we will move forward in faith, believing in the all-sufficient power of God, abundant resources will open before us. If the work be of God, He Himself will provide the means for its accomplishment. He will reward honest, simple reliance upon Him. The little that is wisely and economically used in the service of the Lord of heaven will increase in the very act of imparting. In the hand of Christ the small supply of food remained undiminished until the famished multitude were satisfied. If we go to the Source of all strength, with our hands of faith outstretched to receive, we shall be sustained in our work, even under the most forbidding circumstances, and shall be enabled to give to others the bread of life.

DA 371.2

The Lord says, “Give, and it shall be given unto you.” “He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he that soweth with blessings shall reap also with blessings.... And God is able to make all grace abound unto you; that ye, having always all sufficiency in everything, may abound unto every good work; as it is written,— “He hath scattered abroad, he hath given to the poor:
His righteousness abideth forever.“And He that supplieth seed to the sower and bread for food, shall supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness: ye being enriched in everything unto all liberality, which worketh through us thanksgiving to God.” Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11, R. V., margin.

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 39—“Give Ye Them to Eat”

HLv 244.1

This rare season of peaceful quietude was soon broken. The disciples thought they would not be disturbed, but as soon as the multitude missed the divine Teacher, they inquired, “Where is He?” Some had noticed the direction where He and His disciples had gone. Many went by land, others in their boats, to meet them. The Passover was at hand, and pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem gathered to see Jesus, until there were assembled 5000 men besides women and children.

HLv 244.2

From the hillside Jesus looked upon the multitude, and “was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd.” Leaving His retreat, He found a convenient place where He could minister to them.

HLv 244.3

The people listened to words of mercy from the Son of God, words that were as balm to their souls. The healing of His divine hand brought life to the dying and ease and health to those suffering with disease. The day seemed like heaven on earth, and they were unconscious of how long it had been since they had eaten anything.

HLv 244.4

At length the sun was sinking in the west, and yet the people lingered. Jesus had labored all day without food or rest, but He could not withdraw Himself from the multitude that pressed upon Him.

HLv 244.5

The disciples finally urged that for their own sake the people should be sent away. Many had eaten nothing since morning. In surrounding towns they might buy food. But Jesus said, “Give ye them to eat.” Turning to Philip, He questioned, “Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” This He said to test the faith of the disciple. Philip looked over the sea of heads, and answered that two hundred pennyworth1The “penny,” or denarius, was equivalent to the daily wage of a common laborer. See Matthew 20:1, 2. of bread would not be nearly enough, so that each of them might have a little.

HLv 245.1

Jesus inquired how much food could be found among the company. “There is a lad here,” said Andrew, “which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?” Jesus directed that these be brought to Him and that the disciples seat the people on the grass in parties of fifty or a hundred, that all might witness what He was about to do. When this was accomplished, Jesus “looked up to heaven, and blessed, and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples to set before the people; and He divided the two fish among them all. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish.” RSV. He who taught the people the way to secure peace and happiness was just as thoughtful of their temporal necessities as of their spiritual need.

HLv 245.2

Christ never worked a miracle except to supply a genuine necessity, and every miracle was to lead the people to the tree of life. The simple food passed round by the disciples contained a whole treasure of lessons. Humble fare had been provided; the fishes and barley loaves were the daily food of the fisherfolk. Christ could have spread a rich repast, but food prepared merely for the gratification of appetite would have conveyed no lesson for their good. Never did people enjoy luxurious feasts as this people enjoyed the rest and simple food which Christ provided so far from human habitations.

HLv 245.3

If men today were simple in their habits, living in harmony with nature’s laws, there would be an abundant supply for the human family. There would be fewer imaginary wants, and more opportunities to work in God’s ways. But selfishness and indulgence of unnatural taste have brought sin and misery into the world.

HLv 246.1

To that great throng, weary and hungry, the simple fare was an assurance not only of Jesus’ power, but of His tender care for them in the common needs of life. The Saviour has not promised His followers luxuries. Their fare may be plain, even scanty; their lot may be shut in by poverty. But His word is pledged that their need shall be supplied, and He has promised that which is far better than worldly good—the comfort of His own presence.

HLv 246.2

In the production of earth’s harvests, God is working a miracle every day. Through natural agencies the same work is accomplished that was wrought in the feeding of the multitude. Men prepare the soil and sow the seed, but life from God causes the seed to germinate. It is God who every day feeds millions from earth’s harvest fields. Men ascribe the working of His power to natural causes or to human instrumentality. Man is glorified in place of God, and His gracious gifts are made a curse instead of a blessing. God desires us to recognize Him in His gifts. To accomplish this, the miracles of Christ were performed.

HLv 246.3

After the multitude had been fed, there was an abundance of food left. But Jesus said, “Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.” The lesson was twofold. Nothing is to be wasted. Let everything be gathered up that will relieve earth’s hungry ones. And there should be the same carefulness in spiritual things. The people wanted their friends at home to share in the bread that Christ had blessed. So those who were at the feast were to give to others the bread that comes down from heaven, to satisfy the hunger of the soul. They were to repeat what they had learned of the wonderful things of God. Nothing was to be lost.

HLv 247.1

The miracle of the loaves teaches dependence upon God. When Christ fed the 5000, food was not nigh at hand. Here He was, in the wilderness. But He knew that the large multitude would feel hungry and faint, for He was one with them in their need for food. They were far from home, and many were without means to purchase food. The providence of God had placed Jesus where He was; and He depended on His heavenly Father for the means to relieve the necessity.

HLv 247.2

We too are to depend on God. We are not to plunge into difficulties and misuse the faculties God has given us. But when, after following His directions, we are brought into strait places, we are to seek help from Him who has infinite resources at His command. He will keep every soul that is brought into perplexity through trying to keep the way of the Lord.

HLv 247.4

In Christ’s act is wrapped up a deep spiritual lesson for all His workers. Christ received from the Father; He imparted to the disciples; they imparted to the multitude; and the people to one another. So all who are united to Christ will receive from Him the bread of life and impart it to others. Jesus took the small loaves, and although there was but a small portion for His own disciples, He did not invite them to eat, but began to distribute to them, bidding them serve the people. The food multiplied in His hands; and the hands of the disciples, reaching out to Christ, were never empty. After the people had been supplied, Christ and His disciples ate together of the Heaven-supplied food.

HLv 248.1

The disciples were the channel of communication between Christ and the people. The most intelligent, the most spiritual, can bestow only as they receive. We can impart only what we receive from Christ; and we can receive only as we impart to others. And the more we impart, the more we shall receive.

HLv 248.2

Too often the worker for Christ fails to realize his personal responsibility. He is in danger of shifting his burden on organizations instead of relying on Him who is the source of all strength. Successful work for Christ depends not so much on talent as on earnest, dependent faith. In place of shifting your responsibility on someone you think is more richly endowed than you are, work according to your ability. When the question comes home to your heart, “Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” let not your answer be the response of unbelief. When people are destitute of the bread of life, shall we send for someone from afar to come and feed them? Christ said, “Make the men sit down,” and fed them there. So when you are surrounded by souls in need, know that Christ is there. Bring your barley loaves to Jesus. The little that is wisely used in the service of the Lord will increase in the very act of imparting.

From Heaven With Love

How We Often Repeat Andrew’s Unbelief

HLv 247.3

Christ has bidden us, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15. But how often our faith fails us, as we see how great is the need and how small the means in our hands. Like Andrew, often we hesitate, unwilling to give all that we have, fearing to spend and to be spent for others. But Jesus has bidden us, “Give ye them to eat.” Behind His command is the same power that fed the multitude beside the sea.

HLv 248.3

The Lord says, “Give, and it will be given to you.” “He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your resources and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for great generosity.” Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:10, 11, RSV.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 302, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 302, 1907, par. 6

“One of the disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, saith unto Him, There is a lad here which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes, but what are they among so many? And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves; and when He had given thanks, He distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. When they were filled, He said unto His disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above to them that had eaten. Then those men, when they had seen the miracle which Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet which should come into the world.” [John 6:1-14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 156, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 156, 1902, par. 1

“Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.” [John 6:12.]

17LtMs, Ms 156, 1902, par. 3

“When Jesus then lifted up His eyes, and saw a great company come unto Him, He saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? And this He said to prove him: for He Himself knew what He would do. Philip answered Him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, saith unto Him, There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves; and when He had given thanks, He distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.” [Verses 1-11.]

17LtMs, Ms 156, 1902, par. 5

“When they were filled, He said unto His disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.” [Verses 12, 13.]

17LtMs, Ms 156, 1902, par. 7

This lesson on economy should be carefully studied. If Christ had not foreseen the need throughout the centuries of such a lesson, He would not have said so definitely, “Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.” [Verse 12.]

17LtMs, Ms 156, 1902, par. 15

It may be surprising to some that after feeding the multitude, Christ gave to His disciples the direction, “Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.” [John 6:12.]

17LtMs, Ms 156, 1902, par. 21

The Lord designs that those who are brought from the darkness of sin into the marvelous light of His truth should be missionaries, bestowing upon others the spiritual blessings that they receive. As the Israelites after their return from the Babylonish captivity were to “send portions” of the blessings they received “unto them for whom nothing is prepared,” so we are to use our blessings, both spiritual and temporal, in such a way that we shall be heeding the words of Christ, “Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.” [Verse 10; John 6:12.]

17LtMs, Ms 156, 1902, par. 23

Let those who have made Christ their only hope, keep before them His words, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but My Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.” [Verse 32.] Moses was greatly honored in being chosen by God to be His missionary, His helping hand. But he was only the instrumentality through whom God worked; therefore the Israelites were not to look to him as the one to whom they were indebted. They were to look beyond the human agent to God. Even Moses, after having borne with rebellious Israel so long without being overcome by temptation, on one occasion spoke unadvisedly, placing himself where God should be. “Must we fetch you water out of this rock?” he exclaimed, as he smote the rock twice with his rod. [Numbers 20:10.] The water that flowed from the riven rock was not created by Moses. It was God that supplied His chosen people with food and drink.

Counsels on Health

The Great Physician’s Prescription for Rest

CH 370.4

Study the word, which God in His wisdom and love and goodness has made so plain and simple. The sixth chapter of John tells us what is meant by a study of the word. The principles revealed in the Scriptures are to be brought home to the soul. We are to eat the word of God; that is, we are not to depart from its precepts. We are to bring its truths into our daily lives, grasping the mysteries of godliness.

Our Father Cares

The Banquet of God’s Word, September 23

OFC 278.1

I am the living bread which came down from heaven: ... and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. John 6:51.

OFC 278.2

The only safety for any of us is to plant our feet upon the Word of God and study the Scriptures, making God’s Word our constant meditation. Tell the people to take no man’s word regarding the Testimonies, but to read them and study them for themselves, and then they will know that they are in harmony with the truth. The Word of God is the truth. Of a good man the psalmist declares, “His delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night” (Psalm 1:2). He who puts mind and heart into this work gains a solid, valuable experience. The Holy Spirit is in the Word of God. Here is the living, undying element so distinctly represented in the sixth chapter of John....

Special Testimonies On Education

Chapter 28—Books and Authors in Our Schools

SpTEd 232.2

Jesus Christ is the knowledge of the Father, and Christ is our great teacher sent from God. Christ has declared in the sixth chapter of John that he is that bread sent down from heaven “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” The disciples did not comprehend his words. Says Christ, “It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8

Historical and Theological Lore

8T 307.1

Many who are seeking a preparation for the Lord’s work think it essential to accumulate large volumes of historical and theological writings. They suppose that the study of these works will be a great advantage to them in learning how to reach the people. This is an error. As I see shelves piled with these books, some of them rarely looked into, I think: Why spend money for that which is not bread? The sixth chapter of John tells us more than can be found in such works. Christ says: “I am the Bread of Life.” “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” John 6:35, 63.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6

Bible Study

6T 132.3

The study of God’s word should take the place of the study of those books that have led minds into mysticism and away from the truth. Its living principles, woven into our lives, will be our safeguard in trials and temptations; its divine instruction is the only way to success. As the test comes to every soul, there will be apostasies. Some will prove to be traitors, heady, high-minded, and self-sufficient, and will turn away from the truth, making shipwreck of faith. Why? Because they did not live “by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” They did not dig deep and make their foundation sure. When the words of the Lord through His chosen messengers are brought to them, they murmur and think the way is made too strait. In the sixth chapter of John we read of some who were thought to be disciples of Christ, but who, when the plain truth was presented to them, were displeased and walked no more with Him. In like manner these superficial students also will turn away from Christ.

The Ministry of Healing

Historical and Theological Lore

MH 441.1

As a preparation for Christian work, many think it essential to acquire an extensive knowledge of historical and theological writings. They suppose that this knowledge will be an aid to them in teaching the gospel. But their laborious study of the opinions of men tends to the enfeebling of their ministry, rather than to its strengthening. As I see libraries filled with ponderous volumes of historical and theological lore, I think, Why spend money for that which is not bread? The sixth chapter of John tells us more than can be found in such works. Christ says: “I am the Bread of Life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst.” “I am the living Bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this Bread, he shall live forever.” “He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life.” “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” John 6:35, 51, 47, 63.

The Upward Look

Look to Jesus Christ, June 16

UL 181.1

I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. John 6:35.

UL 181.4

The Word of the living God is to be our guide. Each one is to realize his dependence upon Him, whose he is by creation and by redemption. Read and study the statements made in the sixth chapter of John. Pray for an understanding of these truths. I am alarmed as I see the spiritual weakness of those who have had such great light. Had they walked in this light, they would have been strong in the Lord. But they have not, and those who come into the truth through their efforts look to human beings for wisdom, instead of looking to Jesus Christ, “the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (John 1:9). When those who claim to believe in Christ receive Him by faith, He will be to them their sanctification, their righteousness, and their exceeding great reward....

The Upward Look

Bring God’s Word Unto the Very Life, July 18

UL 213.1

Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. John 6:53.

UL 213.7

The Word of God is to be brought into the very life. “I am that bread of life,” Christ declares. “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” “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 6:48, 53, 54, 63). Study the whole of the sixth chapter of John. Strive for your soul’s sake to understand it.—Letter 253, July 18, 1904, to a longtime Adventist in business in Battle Creek, Michigan.

This Day With God

The Banquet of God’s Word, October 10

TDG 292.1

I am the living bread which came down from heaven: ... and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. John 6:51.

TDG 292.2

The only safety for any of us is to plant our feet upon the Word of God and study the Scriptures, making God’s Word our constant meditation. Tell the people to take no man’s word regarding the Testimonies, but to read them and study them for themselves, and then they will know that they are in harmony with the truth. The Word of God is the truth. Of a good man the psalmist declares, “His delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night” (Psalm 1:2). He who puts mind and heart into this work gains a solid, valuable experience. The Holy Spirit is in the Word of God. Here is the living, undying element so distinctly represented in the sixth chapter of John....

To Be Like Jesus

Learn the Truth, Then Live It, April 8

BLJ 108.2

Study the word, which God in His wisdom and love and goodness has made so plain and simple. The sixth chapter of John tells us what is meant by a study of the Word. The principles revealed in the Scriptures are to be brought home to the soul. We are to eat the Word of God; that is, we are not to depart from its precepts. We are to bring its truths into our daily lives, grasping the mysteries of godliness.

What Shall We Teach?

Domestic Science

PH124 30.1

9. History.—“Many who are seeking a preparation for the Lord’s work think it essential to accumulate large volumes of historical and theological writings. They suppose that the study of these works will be a great advantage to them in learning how to reach the people. This is an error. As I see shelves piled with these books, some of them rarely looked into, I think, Why spend money for that which is not bread? The sixth chapter of John tells us more than can be found in such works. Christ says, ‘I am the bread of life.’ ‘The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.’

Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students

Historical and Theological Lore

CT 379.2

As a preparation for Christian work many think it essential to acquire an extensive knowledge of historical and theological writings. They suppose that this knowledge will be an aid to them in teaching the gospel. But their laborious study of the opinions of men tends to the enfeebling of their ministry rather than to its strengthening. As I see libraries filled with ponderous volumes of historical and theological lore, I think, Why spend money for that which is not bread? The sixth chapter of John tells us more than can be found in such works. Christ says: “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst.” “I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever.” “He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life.” “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” John 6:35, 51, 47, 63.

The Kress Collection

Correct School Discipline

KC 64.4

“Chosen of God and precious.” Consider, every one who names the name of Christ, have you tasted that the Lord is gracious? Has this been an actual part of your experience, represented in John 6 as eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of God? As new born babes are you learning to desire the sincere milk of the word that you may grow thereby? Have you at any time in your life been truly converted? Have you been born again? If you have not, then it is time for you to obtain the experience that Christ told one of the chief rulers that he must have. “Ye must be born again,” He said, “Except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” That is, he cannot discern the requirements essential to having a part in that spiritual kingdom. “Marvel not that I say unto thee, ye must be born again.” If you open your minds to the entrance of God’s word, with a determination to practice that word, light will come; for the word gives understanding to the simple.

Loma Linda Messages

Make the Bible Your Man of Counsel. Your Acquaintance with It Will Grow Rapidly If You Keep Your Mind from Rubbish.

LLM 65.5

Study the Word, which God in His wisdom and love and goodness has made so plain and simple. The sixth chapter of John tells us that (what) is meant by a study of the Word. The principles revealed in the Scriptures are to be brought home to the soul. We are to eat the Word of God, that is, we are not to depart from its precepts. We are to bring its truths into our daily lives, grasping the mysteries of godliness.

The Southern Review

December 19, 1899

SW December 19, 1899, par. 1

“I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will (in accordance with the word), and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” Here is seen the sure result to every human being who receives Christ and believes him. “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believed on his name.” In the sixth chapter of John we find the same lesson given by another illustration. “Then Jesus said, unto them, verily, verily, I say unto you, except ye eat the flesh of the Son of (God) man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father, so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.”

The Gospel Herald

December 1, 1899

GH December 1, 1899, par. 12

The sixth chapter of John tells us more than you can find in these books. There is a history in this chapter. Christ says, “I am the bread of life.” “Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This (myself) is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If any man eat of this bread he shall live forever; and the bread is my flesh that I will give for the life of the world.” Read on to the sixty-third verse, “It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing; the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”

The Signs of the Times

June 2, 1898

ST June 2, 1898, par. 4

We may all know, if we wish, of the provision which has been made for the salvation of every one that lives on the earth. But there is a serious question for each one to answer: Have you personally accepted that salvation? A mere assent to the theory of truth is of no value to you. Your name may be enrolled on the church books, but do you love the truth of God’s Word? Do you regard it as a privilege to be able to gain an experimental knowledge of the truth? Do you associate with those who are faithful and true, who believe and practise the truth? In the sixth chapter of John is recorded Christ’s lesson on the bread of life, spoken that His children might have an understanding of the terms of salvation. Read and understand the truth as it is here presented. Cling to the truth of Christ’s Word, eating His flesh and drinking His blood.

The Review and Herald

August 13, 1901

RH August 13, 1901, par. 11

The sixth chapter of John is full of elevating, ennobling instruction. “Labor not for the meat which perisheth,” Christ said, “but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for Him hath God the Father sealed. Then said they unto Him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent.... Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.... I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.... Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.... It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing; the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”

Testimony Treasures, vol. 2

Bible Study

2TT 413.2

The study of God’s word should take the place of the study of those books that have led minds into mysticism and away from the truth. Its living principles, woven into our lives, will be our safeguard in trials and temptations; its divine instruction is the only way to success. As the test comes to every soul, there will be apostasies. Some will prove to be traitors, heady, high-minded, and self-sufficient, and will turn away from the truth, making shipwreck of faith. Why? Because they did not live “by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” They did not dig deep and make their foundation sure. When the words of the Lord through His chosen messengers are brought to them, they murmur and think the way is made too strait. In the sixth chapter of John we read of some who were thought to be disciples of Christ, but who, when the plain truth was presented to them, were displeased and walked no more with Him. In like manner these superficial students also will turn away from Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 63, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 63, 1890, par. 3

The Bible studied diligently would, if brought as lessons into the practical life, be a continual counselor. Will our youth and those who are now seeking the Lord read to a purpose that which the Lord has favored them with in the Testimonies? These are a voice on the right hand and on the left, saying to them, “This is the way, walk ye in it.” [Isaiah 30:21.] When the Lord had fed the five thousand, multiplying the meager supply in the hands of His disciples, He might have created a fresh quantity of food; but He said to His disciples, who had been His helping hands, “Gather up the fragments; let nothing be lost.” [John 6:12.] Let the light that the Lord has graciously given His people in His Word be heeded. Said Christ, “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.]

6LtMs, Ms 63, 1890, par. 7

The Lord would have His people qualified to represent the truth. He would have His Word, which is spirit and life, not only read but studied. Put to the stretch every spiritual sinew and muscle and become exercised therein to understand what saith the Scripture. It is as represented in (John 6)—the bread of life is to be eaten, taken into the mind, understood, practiced. The whole life is exercised thereby. “These things command and teach.” [1 Timothy 4:11.]

6LtMs, Ms 63, 1890, par. 8

(John 6:35) plainly defines the essential life-eternal principles, which families and churches are not careful to read: “I am the bread of life.” “I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” [Verse 51.] “Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” [Verse 54.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 49a, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 49a, 1896, par. 13

In our institutions a course of action is being followed that will bring results we little expect. When we crave things that are not for our best good, when we are determined to have our own way, the Lord takes us over paths that are very painful to travel. Let us study the principles set forth in the sixth chapter of John. The Lord Jesus unfolded truths that the priests and rulers, and even many of the disciples did not understand. The Great Teacher knew that these words must be spoken, in order to lead the people to decide for or against Him. It were better that those not of the faith should manifest themselves in a decided manner before His crucifixion, else they would tempt the disciples in their great trial to dishonor their Master. Christ knew that all who were not wholly with Him then would at His trial take a position against Him. Therefore He presented the truths found in this chapter, leading His hearers to reveal the real sentiments of their hearts.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 74, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 74, 1897, par. 13

Those who would bring forth precious things from the storehouse of the heart will avoid all cheap reading, all cheap ideas and talk. They will seek for the most precious store of information. They will search the Scriptures, that they may understand the Word of God. This is represented by Christ in the sixth chapter of John as eating His flesh and drinking His blood. “This is the bread that cometh down from heaven,” Christ said, “that a man may eat thereof, and not die. ... Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat of the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood hath eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood dwelleth in me, and I in him. ... It is the spirit that quickeneth, the flesh profiteth nothing, the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life.” [Verses 50, 53-56, 63.]

Counsels to Writers and Editors

Chapter 15—The Educational Journal

CW 120.2

How important it is that the men to whom students look for instruction shall diligently search the Scriptures, that they may know the way, the truth, and the life. In the sixth chapter of John there is instruction of great importance to those who would be teachers. Let it be carefully studied by our teachers, that they may be able to give their students meat in due season. “It is written in the prophets,” said Christ, “And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto Me. Not that any man hath seen the Father, save He which is of God, He hath seen the Father. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread that I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world....

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 68, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 68, 1897, par. 7

Hear the words of the great Teacher: “For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.” [John 6:33.] There is no need to be dull and indolent, to live only for common, earthly excitement. Life is given to every believer, as well as comfort and sobriety. All may have joy, because of the satisfaction of having Christ as an abiding guest in the soul.

12LtMs, Ms 68, 1897, par. 8

When Jesus said to the multitude, “The bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world,” some in the multitude said, “Lord, evermore give us this bread.” The Bread of heaven was in their midst, but they did not recognize Him as the Bread of life. Jesus then stated plainly “I am the bread of life; he that cometh to me shall never hunger, and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” [Verses 33-35.]

12LtMs, Ms 68, 1897, par. 9

This sixth chapter of John contains the most precious and important lessons for all who are being educated in our schools. If they want that education that will endure through time and through eternity, let them bring the wonderful truths of this chapter into their practical life. The whole chapter is very instructive, but is only faintly understood. We urge students to take in these words of Christ, that they may understand their privileges. The Lord Jesus teaches us what He is to us, and what advantage it will be to us individually to eat His words, realizing that He Himself is the great center of our life. “The words that I speak unto you,” He said, “they are spirit, and they are life.” [Verse 63.]

12LtMs, Ms 68, 1897, par. 13

None who deal with the young should be iron-hearted, but affectionate, tender, pitiful, courteous, winning, and companionable; yet they should know that reproofs must be given, and that even rebuke may have to be spoken to cut off some evil-doing. Encourage the youth to glorify God by giving expression to their gratitude to the Lord for all His mercies. Let their thanks be spoken often in the heart and with the voice, and let self-denial and self-sacrifice be shown. If those who claim to be Christ’s disciples will eat His flesh and drink His blood, which is His Word, they will have eternal life. “And I will raise him up at the last day,” Christ says. “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.” [Verses 54-56.]

12LtMs, Ms 68, 1897, par. 14

“As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father, so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.” [Verse 57.] How many have experienced this? How many realize the true meaning of these words? Will we individually seek to understand the Word of God, and practice it? This Word, believed, is to every truly converted soul the free gift of grace. It cannot be bought with money. We should continually realize that we do not deserve grace because of our merit, for all that we have is God’s gift. He says to us, “Freely ye have received, freely give.” [Matthew 10:8.]

12LtMs, Ms 68, 1897, par. 19

“Chosen of God and precious.” [Verse 4.] Consider, every one who names the name of Christ, have you tasted that the Lord is gracious? Has this become a part of your actual experience, represented in (John 6) as eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of God? As newborn babes are you learning to desire the sincere milk of the Word, that you may grow thereby? Have you at any time in your life been truly converted? Have you been born again? If you have not, then it is time for you to obtain the experience that Christ told one of the chief rulers that he must have. “Ye must be born again,” He said. “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” That is, he cannot discern the requirements essential to having a part in that spiritual kingdom. “Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” [John 3:3, 7.] If you open your mind to the entrance of God’s Word, with determination to practice that Word, light will come, for the Word gives understanding to the simple.

12LtMs, Ms 68, 1897, par. 24

“No man can come unto me, except the Father, which hath sent me, draw him; and I will raise him up at the last day.” What is the drawing? “It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard and hath learned of the Father cometh unto me.” [John 6:44, 45.] There are men that hear, and do not learn the lesson as diligent students. They have a form of godliness, but are not believers. They know not the truth by practice. They receive not the engrafted Word.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 90, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 90, 1897, par. 17

Associate with those who are faithful and true, who believe and practice the truth. In the sixth chapter of John is recorded Christ’s lesson on the bread of life, spoken that His children might have an understanding of the terms of eternal life. Read and understand the truth as it is here presented. Cling to the truth of Christ’s Word, eating His flesh and drinking His blood.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 140, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 140, 1897, par. 10

I spoke from (John 6) upon the words of Christ: “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day; for my flesh is meat and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me and I in him.” [Verses 53-56.]

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 12 (1897)

Ms 67, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 67, 1897, par. 13

In the sixth chapter of John we find the same lesson given by another illustration: “Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father; so he that hateth me, even he shall live by me.” [Verses 53-57.]

12LtMs, Ms 67, 1897, par. 14

These two chapters given by the great Teacher contain the very mystery of godliness. No one need be left in darkness. It is the truth that is to be received, and its reception will be revealed in the life of every true believer. In John we can see and understand more clearly who the real believer is and who the spurious. A large number of those who followed Christ were not grafted into the True Vine, and they revealed the fact when Christ gave this lesson. Many of the Jews who claimed to be Christ’s disciples had murmured among themselves because Christ had said, “I am the bread which came down from heaven.” [Verse 41.] And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How is it then that he sayeth, I came down from heaven? Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves.

12LtMs, Ms 67, 1897, par. 15

“No man can come unto me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father cometh unto me. Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father. Verily, verily I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” [Verses 44-51.]

12LtMs, Ms 67, 1897, par. 16

But the priests and rulers strove among themselves saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat? Then Jesus said unto them, verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father; so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.” [Verses 52-57.] This is the same union that is represented by the graft of the parent vine stock. When by faith the believer takes hold of Christ, there comes a turning point in his life. He absorbs the spirit and mind of Christ, and represents His character.

12LtMs, Ms 67, 1897, par. 17

All who heard might have interpreted correctly the words spoken by Jesus if they had searched the Scriptures, for He explained: “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.]

12LtMs, Ms 67, 1897, par. 19

The feeding of the five thousand with the five barley loaves and the two small fishes had been a wonderful miracle to these Jews. The word given by the Master, “Gather up the fragments that nothing be lost,” was obeyed; and it was found that the five loaves and two small fishes had increased in the hands of the disciples, so that five thousand men besides women and children had partaken of the feast thus blessed of God. The food was as heavenly manna to the taste of the hungry multitude. And they “filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above to them that had eaten. Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.” [Verses 12-14.] Many of the disciples were ready to crown Him king at once; but because Christ did not concede to their wishes, they harbored the temptation [to think], He is not the Messiah. But Christ knew that those who would now force Him to take the throne of David, and who would have cried, Behold your King, in a short time would choose Barabbas in the place of Christ, and their voices be raised in the cry, “Crucify him; crucify him.” [John 19:6.]

12LtMs, Ms 67, 1897, par. 20

“When Christ therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.” [John 6:15.] Christ dismissed the multitude, and bade His disciples depart in their ship. Afterward He appeared to them on the boisterous waters, walking on the snowcapped billows. The whole transaction was made known by the disciples to all with whom they came in contact. But not content with this, the people sought Jesus with the question, “Rabbi, how camest thou hither? Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” [Verses 25-29.]

12LtMs, Ms 67, 1897, par. 23

Christ utters sayings that have power to obtain a place in every heart that is seeking to know the will of God. He declared, “For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life; he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. ... All that the Father giveth to me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” [Verses 33-35, 37.] Those who will to do his will shall know of its doctrine. But if their human ideas, received through tradition and maxims and customs of men, are still retained as of value, they may be convicted that the words of Christ will satisfy their highest wants; they may be frank enough to express their wish, “Lord, evermore give us this bread;” they may be impressed by the Holy Spirit that the words of Christ can comfort, encourage, strengthen, and settle them, and remove from them their unrest, their weariness and uncertainty; they may feel a most earnest desire for the results following the partaking of the Bread of heaven, yet they will reject Christ, and lose His proffered blessings.

12LtMs, Ms 67, 1897, par. 24

“Many therefore of his disciples, when they heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing; the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who there were that believed not, and who should betray him. And he said, Therefore said I unto you, That no man can come unto me except it were given unto him of my Father.” [Verses 60-65.]

12LtMs, Ms 67, 1897, par. 25

“From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.” [Verse 66.] What then? They spake against Him. These disciples had turned away from the priests and rulers to Christ. But the lesson here given was to test and prove them. Christ revealed His true relation to His believing disciples. Have they genuine faith in Him, or are they of the number of whom Christ said, “Ye also have seen me, and believe not.” [Verse 36.]

12LtMs, Ms 67, 1897, par. 26

“Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? He spake of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.” [Verses 67-71.]

12LtMs, Ms 67, 1897, par. 27

Here we have an explanation of the statement made in (John 15:6): “If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.” Christ had come to the time when the truth must be spoken decidedly, that the disciples who were indeed in the Vine might be distinguished from those who had no vital connection with Christ. And here was a branch who apparently was one with the vine; but after living with the disciples, and listening to the words of Christ, he gave evidence that he was not abiding in the Vine. “Have not I chosen you twelve,” said Christ, “and one of you is a devil?” [John 6:70.]

12LtMs, Ms 67, 1897, par. 51

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Every provision has been made in behalf of humanity. Christ came to teach that, through living faith in Him, we may become one with Him. His promise is, “Whosoever cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out” as branches that are withered and bear no fruit. [John 6:37; 15:6.] As the representative of the human family He came to save whoever would make application, with prayer and supplication, to God in His name.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 53, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 53, 1898, par. 9

The uplifted banner on which is inscribed, “The Bible, and the Bible only,” reveals the whole duty of men. Read the sixth chapter of John. Who can take in the words of the greatest Teacher the world has ever seen. Listen to His description of the Hord. If received into good and honest hearts, uncumbered by the interpretations of higher critics; if left to be understood in its pure simplicity under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, it will to be a mysterious something which no one can understand. The Word is to be studied by all who claim to be Christians and practiced by all who go forth as missionaries to other countries, to raise the standard higher and still higher, and to purpose to sink or conquer in defense of its principles and under its protection.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 5, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 5, 1898, par. 14

The Word of God is what it claims to be in the sixth chapter of John—the bread of life—for it represents the body and blood of the Son of God. Its aim is the heart. It addresses our moral nature, and takes possession of the will. It casts down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and brings into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. It is the wayward heart that has dragged down the faculties of the soul.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 54, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 54, 1898, par. 1

In our school the Word of God is to be our main study. We are to learn, not only to read the Word, but to study it as the Book which we must understand in order to be complete in Christ. Read the sixth chapter of John, for it is of the highest consequence that teachers and students comprehend it. There are various lessons here to be searched out. If you understood this chapter thoroughly, and there were not another lesson in the Book of books, you would have placed before you the conditions of eternal life. Read it, pray over it and you will come into possession of a knowledge which but few now possess. Every soul who fully understands and lives by this chapter will have a life that measures with the life of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 9, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 9, 1898, par. 4

The Word of God is made the principal book of study in our school. In the communication of Christ to His disciples in the sixth chapter of John is opened before us that which constitutes “higher Education.” “Blessed are they who hear the word of God and keep it.” [Luke 11:28.] “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” [Matthew 5:48.] If we can educate the children and youth in the understanding of the words of Christ, we shall be doing a grand work, for they perceive more quickly than do older persons.

13LtMs, Lt 9, 1898, par. 5

Our prayers are constantly ascending to heaven for spiritual food, for the bread of God, “which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.” Jesus said to His disciples, “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. ... It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God; every man therefore that hath heard and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. ... Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. ... I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread he shall live forever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” [John 6:33, 35, 45, 47, 48, 51.]

13LtMs, Lt 9, 1898, par. 6

The explanation of His words was given to the disciples that all may understand. “It is the spirit that quickeneth,” said Christ, “the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [Verse 63.]

Fundamentals of Christian Education

Chapter 47—Books and Authors in Our Schools

FE 383.3

Jesus Christ is the knowledge of the Father, and Christ is our great teacher sent from God. Christ has declared in the sixth chapter of John that He is that bread sent down from heaven. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread that I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” The disciples did not comprehend His words. Says Christ, “It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 186, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 186, 1898, par. 17

Slept longer than usual—until half past three o’clock. Then I wrote quite a little matter upon the parables—(Luke 15), the lost sheep and the lost piece of silver. I spoke in the school chapel. Elder Haskell opened with prayer. The seats were well filled. I spoke to them from (John 6)—Christ is the Bread of Life. The Lord gave me much freedom and I am so much blessed in considering this chapter and how much it means to us.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 57, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 57, 1898, par. 22

The necessity of establishing a school at Avondale, where the Scriptures may be thoroughly searched and understood, has been presented before us. The Word is to be brought home to the understanding, that mind and soul may be filled with its greatness and its power. This Christ impressed upon the people in the lesson recorded in the sixth chapter of John. “The bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world,” He declared. “Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger, and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” [Verses 33-35.]

13LtMs, Ms 57, 1898, par. 23

“The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father; so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.” [Verses 52-58.]

13LtMs, Ms 57, 1898, par. 24

Christ explained this mystery in the words: “It is the spirit that quickeneth: the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [Verse 63.] The Lord Jesus asserted with great solemnity, “Unless ye eat my flesh and drink my blood, ye have no life in you.” [Verse 53.] How little those who claim to believe the truth comprehend these words.

13LtMs, Ms 57, 1898, par. 25

“From that time, many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.” [Verse 66.] They were offended and they expressed their sentiments in regard to His words. They had been privileged with evidence heaped upon evidence, sufficient to convince any mind open to evidence, but they did not have faith in Him. They heard only with their ears; their understanding was closed against Him. But the thoughtful and candid in the synagogue, who had witnessed the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand, were being led to take exalted views of His character and office. Some might think that Christ’s words at this time were inappropriate, because many were offended at them, but He knew that this was the best time for the unbelieving and criticizing ones to show that they had no genuine faith.

13LtMs, Ms 57, 1898, par. 28

The words of Christ are to be studied and received as words from which there can be no departure. “I am the bread of life,” He declares. “He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.” [John 6:35, 47.] Christ assures us that He Himself is the everlasting sustenance of the life of the believer. In Him is the very element which can impart life-giving virtue. His death and resurrection from the dead gives life and value to all who receive and believe in him as their personal Saviour. “Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.” “He that eateth me, even he shall live by me.” [Verses 56, 57.] As our food is incorporated with our flesh and blood, so Christ is incorporated with those who have genuine faith. His flesh and blood becomes their spiritual life. Christ is formed with[in], the hope of glory. This is the mystery of godliness.

13LtMs, Ms 57, 1898, par. 29

Grammar, geography, history, arithmetic, and other things, are to be studied in the school here, to give the students opportunity to become acquainted with the simple lines of education. But the Bible is to be made the foundation of all education. Such an education will enable the student to secure that life which is eternal, which measures with the life of God. When the sixth chapter of John is properly understood, all will understand the meaning of Christ’s words, “The flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [Verse 63.] This is the great preparation needed to prepare missionaries to accomplish the work to be done in our world. The Lord has money sufficient to carry on this great work. It is in the hands of His stewards, and if all will bring to the Lord’s treasury their entrusted talent of means, for this special object, we shall give thanks to the Lord.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 58a, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 58a, 1898, par. 20

My sister, I have an intense interest that you shall have the rich manna of heaven upon which to feed. Read the sixth chapter of John. You are choosing whom you will serve. If you keep before your eyes and in your ears the transactions of the theater, you will find in your heart no soul hunger for God. It is a question of life or death with you. The Lord has appointed means whereby your may gain spiritual strength and comfort. But if you close the door of your heart to the rays of light from the throne of God, and give your mind to the performances of the stage, you can have no peace, no joy, no hope. Gradually you have been losing the Spirit of assurance. Your love for Bible religion is dying out. You cannot serve God with a divided heart.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 202, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 202, 1898, par. 2

There has been a school established in Cooranbong and at large expense that children and youth and men and women may become educated to become workers together with God. If parents feel that this is the work to be done, why not make every effort possible to have your children attend the school at Cooranbong? We have the most complete faculty we have hitherto had, and that education which is given in John 6 shows the importance of feeding upon Christ’s words as the very flesh of Christ and His blood. Of all matters of importance, youth should be educated in regard to the law of Jehovah and the penalty of transgression. But Christ would have the children and youth understand that God accepts the ransom made by the Saviour in behalf of themselves if they are obedient to the law of Jehovah.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 40, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 40, 1899, par. 17

Dr. Kellogg, there is a different, a more exalted, experience to be obtained by every worker in every phase of God’s work. This experience all will gain if they read the Word of God, and appropriate that Word as the living bread which came down from heaven. But not one in a hundred know the value of eating the bread of life. The directions given by Jesus Christ, the invisible Leader of Israel, in the Old Testament Scriptures are full of marrow and fatness. No soul will repine in spiritual hunger if they take these words and eat them. The words spoken in the sixth chapter of John have special reference to the spirituality of the Word.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 121, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 121, 1899, par. 41

God calls the church His body. The church is the bride, the Lamb’s wife. God is the Father of the family, the Shepherd of the flock. But a mere outward connection with any church will not save a man. It is personal faith in a personal Saviour which brings the soul into spiritual union with Christ. This truth Christ plainly teaches in the sixth chapter of John. “Labor not for that meat which perisheth,” He said, “but for that meat which endureth unto eternal life, which the Son of man shall give unto you; for him hath God the Father sealed. ... I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. But I say unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believed not. All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.

14LtMs, Ms 121, 1899, par. 42

“And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all things which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life. ... I am the Bread of life. ... This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread he shall live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” [Verses 27, 35-40, 48, 50, 51.]

14LtMs, Ms 121, 1899, par. 43

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father, so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. This is the bread that came down from heaven; not as your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead; he that eateth of this bread shall live forever.” [Verses 53-58.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 117, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 117, 1899, par. 31

In the sixth chapter of John, He tells priest and ruler, Jew and Gentile, that He is the bread of life. Except we eat His flesh and drink His blood, we cannot have life. We must be Christlike. Let us strive to make our lives what Christ designs them to be, full of the fragrance of love to God and our fellow men, full of Christ’s own divine Spirit, full of holy aspirations toward God, rich in the beauty of Christlikeness.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 13, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 13, 1899, par. 2

Many are guilty of presumption in matters where their eternal interests are involved, which will result in the loss of their souls. All do not agree with the standard God has given. Many measure character according to their own ideas. As I consider this, I am afraid, not that God will fail to fulfil every specification of His promise, but that He will be hindered by our continuing in sin. A firm stand must be taken by all who decide for Christ. There must be a surrendering to God of that which is already His own. Unless we accept the righteousness of Christ, as defined in the sixth chapter of John, we have not on the wedding garment.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 164, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 164, 1899, par. 20

The sixth chapter of John tells us more than you can find in these books. There is a history in this chapter. Christ says, “I am the bread of life.” “Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This (myself) is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If any man eat of this bread he shall live forever; and the bread is my flesh that I will give for the life of the world.” [Verses 35, 49-51.] Read on to the sixty-third verse. “It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing; the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”

Fundamentals of Christian Education

Chapter 59—Correct School Discipline

FE 456.1

This sixth chapter of John contains the most precious and important lessons for all who are being educated in our schools. If they want that education that will endure through time and through eternity, let them bring the wonderful truths of this chapter into their practical life. The whole chapter is very instructive, but is only faintly understood. We urge students to take in these words of Christ, that they may understand their privileges. The Lord Jesus teaches us what He is to us, and what advantage it will be to us individually to eat His words, realizing that He himself is the great center of our life, “The words that I speak unto you,” He said, “they are spirit, and they are life.”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 177, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 177, 1899, par. 24

In the sixth chapter of John the Saviour teaches us how important are the truths of His Word. “I am the living bread,” He says, “which came down from heaven; if any man eat of this bread he shall live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world. ... Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh, and drink the blood of the Son of God, 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.” [Verses 51, 53-57.] Eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of God, we become one with Him. Unity of purpose and harmony of action marks our work. This mutual love and confidence constitutes a moral force which is a convicting power to the world. When absolute homage is paid to the Word of God in matters of doctrine and principle, there will be no easy fellowship with the world. There will be no slip-shod religion. When the Bible and the Bible alone is the rule of our faith and practice, the influence of our lives will have a telling power on the world.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 85a, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 85a, 1899, par. 12

The men to whom students look for their instruction might better search the scriptures for themselves. When they are controlled by the Holy Spirit, they will have a clearer perception of what true education means. The sixth chapter of John is of great importance to those who claim to be teachers. These need to give it careful study, that they may be able to give students meat in due season. “It is written in the prophets,” Christ said, “and they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard and learned of the Father cometh unto me. Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. ... Verily, verily I say unto you, except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood hath eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father; so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. This is that bread that came down from heaven; not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead; he that eateth of this bread shall live forever. ... It is the Spirit that quickeneth, the flesh profiteth nothing; the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life.” [Verses 45-51, 53-58, 63.]

14LtMs, Lt 85a, 1899, par. 14

In many things connected with our papers God is not leading. What the editor of every paper needs to do is to attract the attention of every reader to the book of books. When the Holy Spirit controls the men who write the articles for our papers, more of God’s Word and less of man’s ideas will be recommended. When our editors sit at the feet of Jesus and learn of Him who is infinite in wisdom, and whose they are by creation and by redemption, they will understand by living experience what it means to eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God. They will bring the word of God into the practical life. “It is the Spirit that quickeneth,” Christ said, “the flesh profiteth nothing; the words that I speak unto you, they are Spirit and they are life.” [Verse 63.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 85, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 85, 1899, par. 14

How important it is that the men to whom students look for instruction shall diligently search the Scriptures, that they may know the Way, the Truth, and the Life. In the sixth chapter of John there is instruction of great importance to those who would be teachers. Let it be carefully studied by our teachers, that they may be able to give their students meat in due season. “It is written in the prophets,” said Christ, “And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: If any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” [Verses 45-51.]

14LtMs, Lt 85, 1899, par. 15

“Verily, verily I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. This is that bread that came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live forever ... It is the Spirit that quickeneth, the flesh profiteth nothing; the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life.” [Verses 53-58, 63.]

14LtMs, Lt 85, 1899, par. 16

If these words were studied and clearly understood, they would bring joy and light, but there are some who will never see their beauty or importance. “The words that I speak unto you,” said Jesus, “they are spirit, and they are life.” [Verse 63.] Perfect excellence is found only in the Word of the living God. Educators of the youth may freely feed upon this with safety, but they should know that there is danger in feeding upon other books, though there may be many excellent things in them.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 94, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 94, 1899, par. 8

There is great need of believing the Word, appropriating it as is represented in the sixth chapter of John. Read it and understand it. “Wherefore laying apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any man be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass. For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 139, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 139, 1900, par. 21

Christian missionary work is of great value to the home churches. By it the members who know and believe the truth are inspired with holy, sanctified zeal to deny self, to lift the cross of Christ, and labor with self-sacrificing zeal to send the truth to places nigh and afar off. Christian missionary work has a reflex influence upon the churches, an influence uplifting and sanctifying, demonstrating the importance of Christ’s teaching in the sixth chapter of John. Christian missionary work has a salutary influence upon unbelievers, for as the workers labor under divine superintendence, worldlings are led to see the greatness of the resources God has provided for those who serve Him. God’s truth, demonstrated by the working of grace in the heart, multiplies the agencies of Christian usefulness and makes a decided impression upon the world.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 146, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 146, 1900, par. 14

In the sixth chapter of John is recorded the plain testimony which Christ bore to His disciples. But this testimony offended many. By their actions they showed that the truth was not palatable to them. They closed their eyes and their hearts against reproof, and chose the praise of men rather than the admonition of God. Today souls are being tested as were the disciples in Christ’s day. And today many turn away from Jesus when the truth is brought home to their hearts and they see that a rebuke is upon them because their lives are not in accordance with truth and righteousness. To take up the work of self-denial is too humiliating; therefore they are angry with those whom Christ has commissioned to point out to them their defects of character. Praise and flattery is the food upon which they live. They are pleased with words of human praise.

15LtMs, Lt 146, 1900, par. 16

The Lord Jesus declared before the worshipers in the synagogue, “This is the bread that cometh down from heaven.” [Verse 50.] It was necessary that He should speak the truth in regard to His work, that He might test those who claimed to be His disciples. They needed to be proved, and this before He should leave them, lest their apostasy should come as a surprise to the true disciples, and the trial be too severe for them. Christ saw that this test was essential for the safety of His future work, that it should not be swayed into wrong paths.

15LtMs, Lt 146, 1900, par. 18

Jesus did not call the people back and enter into controversy with them. He did not seek to remove from their minds the impression that resulted in their leaving. The news quickly spread that Christ had Himself declared that He was not the Messiah. This garbled statement turned the people away from Him, and changed the popular feeling. But Christ did not try to explain away His words. Looking upon the remaining twelve He said, “Will ye also go away?” Peter responded by an inquiry, “Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life.” “To whom shall we go?” Away from the teaching of Christ, what would they receive? Should they leave His lessons of love and mercy to receive the unbelief and wickedness of the world? No; while the Saviour was forsaken by many who had witnessed His mighty works, Peter declared, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” [Verses 67-69.]

15LtMs, Lt 146, 1900, par. 19

Christ said to the people, “There are some of you which believe not; ... therefore said I unto you that no man can come unto me except it be given unto him of my Father.” [Verses 64, 65.] He desired to impress them with the fact that if they were not drawn to Him, it would be because they were not sensible of the greatness of the Father’s love for fallen man. The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit; for they are foolishness unto him, neither can he know them; for they are spiritually discerned. It is by a living, ever-increasing faith that the soul sees and enjoys the holiness of Jesus Christ. This is the glory that pure faith receives, and it kindles in the soul the decided action that demonstrates the power of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 92, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 92, 1900, par. 13

No man is to be relied upon who works away from the plan of God. When the truth is received in simplicity, when the heart follows Christ as a perfect Saviour, when the desire of the soul is to be wholly and altogether the Lord’s, it is because the instruction contained in the sixth chapter of John is carried out to the letter. Those who have the attributes of Christ will reveal these attributes in word and action. In His providence the Lord allows things to take place to test and prove His people, to lead them to show their characters to themselves and to others. The words and deeds are the measurement of the man. We either reveal the attributes of Christ, because we are doers of the Word, or we reveal the attributes of Satan.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 202, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 202, 1900, par. 6

The truth of God in Bible principles will give life to the soul. Truth, eternal truth, taken from the Word of God and stamped on the soul will develop first the blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear. Bible truth never makes the receiver uncouth, rough, and disagreeable. The truth of God refines the taste, sanctifies the judgment, and makes the receiver modest, meek, and lowly of heart. The mind will grow pure and elevated and ennobled as it is fed on the pure truth which is carried into the practical life. It is represented in (John 6) as eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of God. Christ explained that “the flesh profiteth nothing.” “It is the spirit that quickeneth; ... the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” “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. This is that bread which came down from heaven.” John 6:63, 56-58. The Lord Jesus will indeed abide in the human heart.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 32, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 32, 1900, par. 30

In bringing men to repentance, it is not the office work of the Holy Spirit to reveal new truths, but to present to the mind and urge upon the conscience the precious lessons which Christ has given in the Old and New Testaments. The sixth chapter of John bears the decided word from Christ Himself, the great Teacher, that the words contained in the Old Testament Scriptures are all-sufficient. Christ lived to save the souls of them in that age of the world, and if all believed the Old Testament Scriptures in this age, they would believe the New.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 132, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 132, 1900, par. 37

The only safety for any of us is to plant our feet upon the Word of God and study the Scriptures, making God’s Word our constant meditation. Tell the people to take no man’s word regarding the Testimonies but to read them and study them for themselves, and then they will know that they are in harmony with the truth. The Word of God is the truth. Of a good man the Psalmist declares, “His delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” [Psalm 1:2.] He who puts mind and heart into this work gains a solid, valuable experience. The Holy Spirit is in the Word of God. Here is the living, undying element so distinctly represented in the sixth chapter of John.

15LtMs, Lt 132, 1900, par. 38

“Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, ye have no life in you: whosoever 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.” [Verses 53-57, 63.]

15LtMs, Lt 132, 1900, par. 44

Let us believe the Word. He who thus eats the bread of heaven is nourished every day, and will know what these words mean, “Needeth not that any man teach you.” [1 John 2:27.] We have lessons pure from the lips of Him who owns us, who has bought us with the price of His own blood. The precious Word of God is a solid foundation upon which to build. When men come to you with their supposed suppositions, tell them that the Great Teacher has left you His Word, which is of incalculable value, that He has sent a Comforter in His own name, even the Holy Ghost. “He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” [John 14:26.] “I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if a man eat of this bread he shall live forever, and the bread that I give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” [John 6:51.]

15LtMs, Lt 132, 1900, par. 46

I am instructed to ask those who profess to receive Christ as their personal Saviour, Why do you pass by the words of the Great Teacher, and send your letters to human beings for words of comfort. Why do you rely upon human help when you have the large, full, grand promises, “He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood dwelleth in me and I in him. ... This is the bread that came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live forever.” [Verse 56, 58.] He may die, yet the life of Christ in him is eternal, and he will be raised up at the last day. “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.]

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

Ellen White Depicts Educational Goals

8MR 157.4

Let those who are educating the youth take themselves in hand, and educate themselves according to the high principles which Christ has given us in His Word. Let us consider that, as far and as fast as possible, we are to recover the lost ground, that we may weave into our school the spirituality that was in the school of the prophets. The sixth chapter of John needs to be studied with much more special diligence, for it reveals Christ as the Bread of Life.

8MR 162.1

The question is asked, What shall we do that we might work the works of God? What shall we do to gain heaven? This important question is answered to all who desire to know, “This is the work of God, that ye believe in Him whom He hath sent.” (John 6:29.) The price for which you may have heaven is the Messiah; the way to heaven is faith in Jesus Christ. He asks you first to believe, next to work.

8MR 162.2

“This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent.” “For the Bread of God is He which cometh down from heaven, and giveth light unto the world.” “I am the Bread of Life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst” (Verses 29, 33, 35). Christ gives them to understand that a man needs to be taught of God in order to comprehend these things. This is the cause of so much cheap knowledge of the Scriptures in the churches of today. Ministers preach only portions of the Word, and refuse to practice even as much as they teach. This leads to misconceptions of the Word and doctrine, it creates error and misinterpretations of the Scripture.

8MR 162.3

All, from the oldest to the youngest, need to be taught of God. We may be taught by man to see the truth clearly, but God alone can teach the heart to receive the truth savingly, which means to receive the words of eternal life into good and honest hearts. The Lord is waiting patiently to instruct every willing soul who will be taught. The fault is not with the willing Instructor, the greatest Teacher the world ever knew, but it is with the learner who holds to his own impressions and ideas, and will not give up his human theories and come in humility to be taught. He will not allow his conscience and his heart to be educated, disciplined, and trained—worked as the husbandman works the earth, and as the architect constructs the building. “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” (1 Corinthians 3:9.) Everyone needs to be worked, molded and fashioned after the divine similitude. Christ tells you, my dear friends, young and old, the everlasting truth, “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you. [If you do not take Christ’s word as the man of your counsel, you will not reveal His wisdom or His spiritual life.] Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life; ... 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.” (John 6:53-56.) Said Christ, “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.)

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 15 (1900)

Lt 88, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 88, 1900, par. 2

Let those who are educating the youth take themselves in hand, and educate themselves according to the high principles which Christ has given us in His Word. Let us consider that, as far and as fast as possible, we are to recover the lost ground, that we may weave into our school the spirituality that was in the school of the prophets. The sixth chapter of John needs to be studied with much more special diligence, for it reveals Christ as the Bread of life.

15LtMs, Lt 88, 1900, par. 15

The question is asked, What shall we do that we might work the works of God? What shall we do to gain heaven? This important question is answered to all who desire to know, “This is the work of God, that ye believe in him whom he hath sent.” [John 6:29.] The price for which you may have heaven is the Messiah; the way to heaven is faith in Jesus Christ. He asks you, first to believe, next to work.

15LtMs, Lt 88, 1900, par. 16

“This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” “For the Bread of God is he who cometh down from heaven, and giveth light unto the world.” “I am the Bread of Life; he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” [Verses 29, 33, 35.] Christ gives them to understand that a man needs to be taught of God in order to comprehend these things. This is the cause of so much cheap knowledge of the Scriptures in the churches of today. Ministers preach only portions of the Word, and refuse to practice even as much as they teach. This leads to misconceptions of the Word and doctrine; it creates error and misinterpretations of the Scripture.

15LtMs, Lt 88, 1900, par. 18

Christ tells you, my dear friends, young and old, the everlasting truth, “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. (If you do not take Christ’s word as the man of your counsel, you will not reveal His wisdom or His spiritual life.) Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; ... 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.” [John 6:53-56.] Said Christ, “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.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 191, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 191, 1900, par. 3

We need to trust in God with heart and mind and soul. We must have the whole being consecrated to God. Christ has given His life for the life of the world, and He will be found faithful and true to all He has engaged to do. He gave His flesh for the life of the world, and that saying of Christ in (John 6) means a great deal: “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life;”—not the human life—“and I will raise him up at the last day. ... He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him,” just as the branch is connected with the parent stock. “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [Verses 53, 54, 56, 63.]

15LtMs, Lt 191, 1900, par. 4

Shall Christ say of His disciples today as on that occasion, “There are some of you that believe not”? [Verse 64.] Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who believed, and who should betray Him. What patience He showed to the erring, knowing just how they would each one treat Him. We want the spirit of Christ. We want to be conformed to His image and represent His character. We need to be united with Christ day by day, else the enemy will steal a march upon us before we are aware of his approach.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 131, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 131, 1900, par. 3

The will of God in regard to His people is plainly expressed in the sixth, thirteenth, fourteenth, fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth chapters of John. If this instruction cannot cure dissension, what can my words or my presence do? I tell you that souls are sick and in need of a physician, but they think themselves whole, and in place of humbling themselves before God as a little child, they are trying to humble someone else. If they would live the prayer of Christ, the sure result would be realized—unity with one another and with Christ.

15LtMs, Lt 131, 1900, par. 7

The divine antidote for the sin of the whole world is contained in the gospel of St. John. There is found a recipe for all the maladies of the soul. “Whoso eateth of my flesh and drinketh of my blood,” Christ declares, “hath eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” [John 6:54.] He may die, as Christ died, but the life of the Saviour is in him; his life is hid with Christ in God. “I am come that they might have life,” Jesus said, “and that they might have it more abundantly.” [John 10:10.] Again He said, “Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water, springing up unto everlasting life.” [John 4:14.] “This spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him shall receive.” [John 7:39.] Christ carries on the great process by which believers become one with Him in this present life and are one with Him in life eternal.

15LtMs, Lt 131, 1900, par. 9

He declares, “As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father, so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. ... This is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth in him, may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” [John 6:57, 40.] Christ became one with us in humanity in order that we might become one with Him in life everlasting. Thus our life is united with His life. He proclaimed over the rent sepulchre of Joseph, “I am the resurrection and the life.” [John 11:25.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 95, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 95, 1901, par. 19

You have not cherished in your heart the truth that works by love and purifies the soul. Read the sixth chapter of John. Study the meaning of eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of God. See how eternal life is gained.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 93, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 93, 1901, par. 11

In order for us to comprehend and appreciate the truth as it is in Jesus, we must eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God, as represented in the sixth chapter of John. We must make continual growth in grace, and for this, as well as for all other blessings, our prayers should ascend to God. Christ taught His disciples to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.” [Matthew 6:11.] Truth must be brought into the daily experience. Our people must be taught daily in the school of Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 81, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 81, 1901, par. 11

The sixth chapter of John is full of elevating, ennobling instruction. “Labor not for the meat which perisheth,” Christ said, “but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you; for him hath God the Father sealed. Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. ... Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven, but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. ... I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. ... Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father, so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. ... It is the spirit that quickeneth, the flesh profiteth nothing; the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life.” [Verses 27-29, 32, 33, 51, 53-57, 63.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 9, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 9, 1902, par. 1

Read carefully the sixth chapter of John. Today Christ is the same compassionate Saviour. He did not overlook the physical needs of the hungry multitude that had followed Him in their eagerness to hear from His lips words of life. How wonderful is this record of the Saviour’s ministry! After every one of the multitude had been fed, the Lord Jesus said to the disciples, “Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.” [Verses 12, 13.]

17LtMs, Lt 9, 1902, par. 4

By this miracle the Lord Jesus desired to give the people a spiritual lesson. The next morning many who had heard of the miracle went out to search for Christ. Going to the place where the miracle had been performed, they found neither Jesus nor His disciples. “When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus. And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither? Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. Labor not (that is, bestow not your chief labor, make it not a matter of anxiety) for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for Him hath God the Father sealed. Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. They said therefore unto him, What sign showest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work? Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.” [Verses 24-32.]

17LtMs, Lt 9, 1902, par. 6

From Christ’s answer we may draw a lesson that we should learn. He is not unmindful of the physical wants of His followers. He will provide food to satisfy bodily necessities. But He teaches us that the spiritual food which He provides is of far more consequence to us than is temporal food. He teaches us to have far more anxiety to secure the living bread that endureth unto eternal life, than to secure perishable bread for physical sustenance. He teaches us that the bread from heaven can be obtained from no human agent. Through the gift of Christ, God Himself gives to man this living bread. “For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.” [John 6:33, 34.]

17LtMs, Lt 9, 1902, par. 7

To emphasize this lesson, Christ declared: “I am the Bread of Life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” [Verse 35.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 97, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 97, 1902, par. 12

We have a risen Saviour, One who proclaimed over the rent sepulcher of Joseph, “I am the resurrection and the life.” [John 11:25.] He is the Sent of God. In the sixth of John He declares: “I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread that I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. ... Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” [Verses 51, 54.]

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

MR No. 909—Attending and Acting in Theatrical Performances

11MR 340.3

My sister, I have an intense interest that you shall have the rich manna of heaven upon which to feed. Read the sixth chapter of John. You are choosing whom you will serve. If you keep before your eyes and in your ears the transactions of the theater, you will find in your heart no soul hunger for God. It is a question of life or death with you. The Lord has appointed means whereby you may gain spiritual strength and comfort. But if you close the door of your heart to the rays of light from the throne of God and give your mind to the performances of the stage, you can have no peace, no joy, no hope. Gradually you have been losing the spirit of assurance. Your love for Bible religion is dying out. You cannot serve God with a divided heart.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 42, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 42, 1902, par. 8

It has been most distinctly presented to me that as a people we must now walk and work as men and women accountable to God. We must depend on Him, not on human beings. The Word of the living God is to be our guide. Each one is to realize his dependence on Him whose he is by creation and by redemption. Read and study the statements made in the sixth chapter of John. Pray for an understanding of these truths. I am alarmed as I see the spiritual weakness of those who have had such great light. Had they walked in this light, they would have been strong in the Lord. But they have not, and those who come into the truth through their efforts look to human beings for wisdom, instead of looking to Jesus Christ, “the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” [John 1:9.] When those who claim to believe in Christ receive Him by faith, He will be to them their sanctification and their righteousness.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 5, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 5, 1902, par. 4

Let our ministers read and study the sixth chapter of John and bring the lessons of this chapter into the daily life practice. Let them devote themselves to the work to which in a most solemn manner they have been set apart.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 78, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 78, 1902, par. 6

It has been most distinctly presented to me that as a people we must walk and work as men and women accountable to God. We must depend upon Him, not on human beings, for if we depend on human beings we shall be brought into bondage. The Word of the Living God is to be our guide. Each one is to realize his dependence upon Him whose he is by creation and by redemption. Read and study the statements made in the sixth chapter of John. Pray for an understanding of these truths. I am alarmed as I see the spiritual weakness of those who have had such great light. Had they walked in this light, they would have been strong in the Lord. But they have not, and those who come into the truth through their efforts look to human beings for wisdom, instead of looking to Jesus Christ, “the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” [John 1:9.] When those who claim to believe in Christ receive Him by faith, He will be to them their sanctification, their righteousness, and their exceeding great reward.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 59, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 59, 1902, par. 2

“Now ye are clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you.” [Verse 3.] It is through obedience to the Word that Christ’s disciples are made clean. Those who reject the Word, which is represented in the sixth chapter as the bread of life, remain unclean.

17LtMs, Ms 59, 1902, par. 3

“Labor not,” Christ says, “for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for Him hath God the Father sealed. Then said they unto Him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent. ... Verily, verily I say unto you, He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. ... This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever.” [John 6:27-29, 47, 48, 50, 51.] It is God’s work to cleanse hearts through His presented Word. Christ declared, “The bread that I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” [Verse 51.] The Lord gave His life in order that man might have a living connection with God. “The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us His flesh to eat? Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is meat indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. He that eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, dwelleth in Me, and I in him.” [Verses 52-56.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 268, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 268, 1903, par. 21

Faith in God’s Word gives evidence of man’s connection with God. When one makes a statement or a promise, those who hear know whether or not they believe the words spoken. Christ is the Word of God. His life and His works testify that He is the true Life. “I am the Bread of Life,” He said, and we must eat His flesh and drink His blood, if we are to live a Christian life. [John 6:35, 63.]

18LtMs, Lt 268, 1903, par. 22

I present the sixth chapter of John to our medical missionaries for their study. With five loaves of bread, and two small fishes, Jesus had fed a multitude of five thousand men, besides women and children. All ate “as much as they would.” “And when they were filled, He said unto His disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves which remained over and above unto them that had eaten. Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.” [Verses 11-14.]

18LtMs, Lt 268, 1903, par. 23

Jesus then crossed the lake with His disciples. “When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither His disciples, they also took shipping and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus. And when they had found Him on the other side of the sea, they said unto Him, Rabbi, when camest Thou hither? Jesus answered them, and said, Verily, verily I say unto you, Ye seek Me not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.” [Verses 24-26.]

18LtMs, Lt 268, 1903, par. 25

“Labor not for the meat that perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for Him hath the Father sealed.” [Verse 27.]

18LtMs, Lt 268, 1903, par. 26

“Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily I saw unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is meat indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. He that eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, dwelleth in Me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent Me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth Me, even he shall live by Me. This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live forever.” “It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing; the words that I speak unto you, they are Spirit, and they are life.” [Verses 53-58, 63.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 275, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 275, 1903, par. 9

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 sixth chapter of John. It contains 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.]

18LtMs, Lt 275, 1903, par. 14

“After these things, Jesus went over the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. And a great multitude followed Him, because they saw the miracles which He did on them that were diseased. And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there He sat with His disciples.” [John 6:1-3.]

18LtMs, Lt 275, 1903, par. 19

The disciples finally came to Him, urging that for His own sake the people should be sent away. Many had come from far and had eaten nothing since morning. In the surrounding towns and villages they might be able to buy food. But Jesus said, “Give ye them to eat,” and then, turning to Philip, questioned, “Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” [Mark 6:37; John 6:5.] This He said to test the faith of the disciples. Philip looked over the sea of heads and thought how impossible it would be to provide food to satisfy the wants of such a crowd. He answered that two hundred pennyworth of bread would not be nearly enough to divide amongst them so that each might have a little. Jesus inquired how much food could be found among the company. “There is a lad here,” said Andrew, “which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes, but what are they among so many.” [Verses 8, 9.] Jesus directed that these be brought to Him. Then He bade the disciples seat the people on the grass in parties of fifty or a hundred, to preserve order, and that all might witness what He was about to do. When this was accomplished, Jesus took the food, “and looking up to heaven, He blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to His disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.” [Matthew 14:19.] “And they did all eat, and were filled. And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments and of the fishes.” [Mark 6:42, 43.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 161, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 161, 1903, par. 2

Satan has gone forth in these last days to deceive those who have not read God’s Word, nor practiced the truths it contains. Spiritual darkness has taken the place of light. Unless we heed the light, the darkness of spiritual night will settle down upon us. Let faith take hold upon the light that is shining beyond the darkness of satanic deceptions. God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. The Word of God is our stronghold and our defense. God has led His people out of the world, away from its maxims and fashions and principles. He has given them truth to practice. The principles of the Word received into the daily life bring us into connection with Christ, who knew no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth. The way in which we may obtain eternal life is plainly stated by Christ in the sixth chapter of John.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 150, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 150, 1903, par. 22

In the sixth chapter of John, Christ repeats over and over again the lesson in regard to the bread of life. His words are clear, definite, positive. “I am the bread of life,” He declares. [Verse 35.] “The bread of God is He which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.” “Then said they unto Him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.” [Verses 33, 34.]

18LtMs, Lt 150, 1903, par. 23

They were thinking of the miracle that He had wrought in feeding the five thousand with five loaves and two fishes. But Christ was trying to lead their minds to higher truth, trying to show them that He Himself is the bread of life, that if they would have eternal life, they must receive Him, believe in Him, become one with Him, eating His flesh and drinking His blood. “I am the bread of life,” He said; “He that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst.” [Verse 35.]

18LtMs, Lt 150, 1903, par. 24

Then He charged the Jews with their unbelief. “But I said unto you, That ye also have seen Me, and believe not. All that the Father giveth Me shall come unto Me; and him that cometh to Me, I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me. And this is the Father’s will which sent Me, that of all which He hath given Me, I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of Him that sent Me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on Him, may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” [Verses 36-40.]

18LtMs, Lt 150, 1903, par. 25

“The Jews murmured at Him because He said, I am the bread of life which came down from heaven.” [Verse 41.] Satan had gained access to their minds, and with subtle, deceiving power he was striving to prevent them from yielding to evidence. “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know?” they said. “How is it then that He saith, I came down from heaven? Jesus therefore answered and said unto them. Murmur not among yourselves. No man can come to Me, except the Father which hath sent Me draw him; and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto Me. Not that any man hath seen the Father, save He which is of God, He hath seen the Father. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever; and the bread that I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” [Verses 42-51.]

18LtMs, Lt 150, 1903, par. 26

“As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father, so he that eateth Me, even he shall live by Me. This is the bread which came down from heaven; not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead; he that eateth of this bread shall live forever. ... It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing; the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [Verses 57, 58, 63.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 123, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 123, 1903, par. 3

The evangelization of the world is Christ’s work. In the service that we do for Him, we are to follow His example, that we may make no mistakes. A new era is to begin among the people of God. We are now to ask and receive blessing from on high. Christ has declared, “Without Me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] How important, then, that we have His guidance at every step. How important that we move guardedly and that we understand by experience the sixth chapter of John. This chapter contains lessons that every worker in Christ’s service should comprehend.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 263, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 263, 1903, par. 28

The Lord has laid upon me the burden of directing the people to the pure words of life. Christ says, “I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever; and the bread that I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life.” [John 6:51, 63.] Read the sixth chapter of John. Study the lessons that it teaches. Receive His words, obey them, and you will have eternal life. Many of you, by your scientific study, have placed yourselves in the snare of Satan. The truth that he is tempting you to discard for his deceptive theories means eternal life to you if it is accepted. Exercise faith in the Son of God. Avail yourselves of the efficacy of His blood. Thus only can you be kept from Satan’s power.

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

MR No. 704—Right and Wrong Uses of the Testimonies

9MR 113.2

The only safety for any of us is to plant our feet upon the Word of God and study the Scriptures, making God’s Word our constant meditation. Tell the people to take no man’s word regarding the Testimonies, but to read them and study them for themselves, and then they will know that they are in harmony with the truth. The Word of God is the truth. Of a good man the psalmist declares, “His delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law doth he meditate day and night (Psalm 1:2). He who puts mind and heart into this work gains a solid, valuable experience. The Holy Spirit is in the Word of God. Here is the living, undying element so distinctly represented in the sixth chapter of John.—Letter 132, 1900, 10, 11. (To S. N. Haskell and wife, October 10, 1900.)

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 241, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 241, 1903, par. 9

Study the Word, which God in His wisdom and love and goodness has made so plain and simple. The sixth chapter of John tells us what is meant by a study of the Word. The principles revealed in the Scriptures are to be brought home to the soul. We are to eat the Word of God, that is, we are not to depart from its precepts. We are to bring its truths into our daily lives, grasping the mysteries of godliness.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 270, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 270, 1903, par. 28

Christ has stated the truth too plainly for it to be misunderstood. “I am the bread of life,” He declares. “He that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst. ... This is the will of Him that sent Me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on Him, may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” “As the living Father hath sent Me, and I live by the Father; so he that eateth Me, even he shall live by Me. ... 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 6:35, 40, 57, 63.]

18LtMs, Lt 270, 1903, par. 30

Read and study the sixth chapter of John, and let there be an emptying of the heart of all selfishness. Let the messages be proclaimed that will arouse people to stand in the day of God.

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 18 (1903)

Ms 146, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 146, 1903, par. 6

In the sixth chapter of John Christ speaks of the union that His followers are to have with Him. “I am the living Bread which came down from heaven,” He declares; “if any man eat of this Bread, he shall live forever: and the Bread that I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. ... Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” [Verses 51, 53, 54.]

18LtMs, Ms 146, 1903, par. 9

Those who listened to the words recorded in the sixth chapter of John had recently witnessed the miracle that Christ performed to satisfy the hunger of the weary company that had come to hear His words. Yet this did not cause them to believe in Him as the Son of God.

18LtMs, Ms 146, 1903, par. 10

“They said therefore unto Him, What sign showest Thou, then, that we may see, and believe Thee? What dost Thou work? Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but My Father giveth you the true bread from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. Then said they unto Him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. And Jesus said unto them, I am the Bread of life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst. But I said unto you, that ye also have seen Me, and believe not.” [Verses 30-36.] “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is meat indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. He that eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, dwelleth in Me, and I in him.” [Verses 53-56.] Compare this statement with the words, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me.” [John 15:4.]

18LtMs, Ms 146, 1903, par. 11

Christ Himself explains the figure He employs. “It is the Spirit that quickeneth;” He says, “the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life.” [John 6:63.]

18LtMs, Ms 146, 1903, par. 12

He who receives the words of Christ enters into living connection with Him spoken of in the words, he “dwelleth in Me, and I in him.” [Verse 56.] This is a vital, saving union. Only by this union can we gain eternal life, even as the branch can live only as it is connected with the parent stock. Separated from the vine, it withers, and, accounted worthless, is cast into the fire, and burned.

18LtMs, Ms 146, 1903, par. 32

Who can say where Seventh-day Adventists might be standing today, had they fully carried out the instruction given in the sixth chapter of John, had they received the words which, Christ declares, are spirit and life to the receiver? I hope and pray that we may now seek to understand these words; for they mean much to every soul.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 59, 1904

19LtMs, Lt 59, 1904, par. 10

The sixth chapter of John contains truths that we need to understand. We are to receive and assimilate the words of Christ. “It is the Spirit that quickeneth,” He said; “the flesh profiteth nothing; the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life.” [Verse 63.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 253, 1904

19LtMs, Lt 253, 1904, par. 7

The Word of God is to be brought into the very life. “I am the bread of life,” Christ declares. “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink His blood, ye have no life in you. He that eateth My flesh and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” “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 6:35, 53, 54, 63.]

19LtMs, Lt 253, 1904, par. 8

Study the whole of the sixth chapter of John. Strive for your soul’s sake to understand it; and do all in your power to redeem the past. You must have a spiritual experience very different from that which you now have, if you obtain eternal life. As you now are, you could not enjoy the pure atmosphere of heaven.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 106, 1904

19LtMs, Ms 106, 1904, par. 18

This is the only election regarding which the Bible speaks. Fallen in sin, we may become partakers of the divine nature and attain to a knowledge far in advance of any scientific learning. By partaking of the flesh and the blood of our crucified Lord, we shall gain life eternal. In the sixth of John we read: “Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life. ... It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [Verses 54, 63.] None need lose eternal life. Every one who chooses daily to learn of the heavenly Teacher will make his calling and election sure. Let us humble our hearts before God, and follow on to know Him whom to know aright is life eternal.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 99, 1904

19LtMs, Lt 99, 1904, par. 4

Keep repeating the words, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance.” [John 14:26.] We must be more diligent students of the Word of God. We must eat the Word, as represented in the sixth chapter of John, making its divine principles a part of the life.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 16 [Nos. 1186-1235]

MR No. 1224—The Church is the Bride of Christ

16MR 277.1

God calls the church His body. The church is the bride, the Lamb’s wife. God is the Father of the family, the Shepherd of the flock. But a mere outward connection with any church will not save a man. It is personal faith in a personal Saviour which brings the soul into spiritual union with Christ. This truth Christ plainly teaches in the sixth chapter of John.—Manuscript 121, 1899, 17.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 108, 1904

19LtMs, Ms 108, 1904, par. 30

This is the only election regarding which the Bible speaks. Fallen in sin, we may become partakers of the divine nature and attain to a knowledge far in advance of any scientific learning. By partaking of the flesh and the blood of our crucified Lord, we shall gain life eternal. In the sixth of John we read: “I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread that I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. ... Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life: and I will raise him up at the last day. ... It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [Verses 51, 54, 63.]

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.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 43, 1905

20LtMs, Lt 43, 1905, par. 4

Let not those who are ministering in word and doctrine be dull of understanding now. The world is being flooded with books and magazines which contain that which will lead the mind astray. I would say to God’s people, For Christ’s sake do not spend your time in reading that which is a hindrance to spiritual growth. Remember that, spiritually, men and women are built up from the food which they give the mind. The Bible contains the bread sent down from heaven. Read the sixth chapter of John, and ask God to give you clearness of understanding, that you may comprehend the important statements that it contains.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 343, 1905

20LtMs, Lt 343, 1905, par. 9

I hope that these few suggestions may help older persons as well as younger ones to become acquainted with the Word in accordance with the directions that Christ has given in the sixth chapter of John. My brethren and sisters, this chapter contains lessons that all need to learn. Read and study it. Meditate upon the truths that it contains. Eat the bread of life. Commit this chapter to memory, and keep the magazines off your tables. Save for the cause of God the dimes and dollars that are worse than thrown away when spent for unprofitable reading matter. Put this money in the self-denial boxes to help the work in the southern field.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 208, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 208, 1906, par. 17

The sixth chapter of John is full of instruction for us. Study it again. The multitude did not believe my Master; why should I be surprised that men refuse to believe me? If the world’s Redeemer was insulted and even mocked, shall I complain? I am constantly trying to do what I can to lead men to put their whole trust in Jesus Christ, who gave His own life to save souls. For over sixty years I have spoken the word of reproof that have been given me of God. And now I shall not refuse to bear the message God has given me.

21LtMs, Lt 208, 1906, par. 18

In (John 6:35), and onward, we read:

21LtMs, Lt 208, 1906, par. 23

“Then said Jesus unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is meat indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. He that eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, dwelleth in Me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent Me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth Me, even he shall live by Me. This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead; he that eateth of this bread shall live forever.” [Verses 35-58.]

21LtMs, Lt 208, 1906, par. 24

“Many therefore of His disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?” [Verse 60.]

21LtMs, Lt 208, 1906, par. 25

“From that time many of His disciples went back, and walked no more with Him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered Him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that Thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray Him, being one of the twelve.” [Verses 66-71.]

21LtMs, Lt 208, 1906, par. 26

“These things said He in the synagogue, as He taught in Capernaum. Many therefore of His disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples murmured at it, He said unto them, Doth this offend you? What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascending up where He was before? It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are Spirit and they are life.” [Verses 59-63.]

21LtMs, Lt 208, 1906, par. 27

Christ presented to them a parable. He represents Himself under the similitude of heavenly bread. The eating of His flesh and the drinking of His blood He has spoken of in a figure, representing true, earnest belief. “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [Verse 63.] All who are true receivers of His Word never hunger, and all who believe in Him never thirst for higher or more satisfying food.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 138, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, par. 17

Christ is the bread of life, and He declares in John that those that feed upon Him—the sixth chapter of John tells us about it—that if you feed upon Him, ye shall have eternal life, you will be observers of the Word. It is eternal life eternal to us.

21LtMs, Ms 138, 1906, par. 48

You may fill your mind with trash but that does not do it any good. You will have enough of it, because everything is pouring in; but what we want is the precious Word. Christ has said, “If ye eat My flesh and if ye drink My blood, ye shall have eternal life.” He says, again, “The flesh profiteth nothing, the words that I speak unto you are spirit and life.” [John 6:54, 63.] That is the Spirit and life.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 151, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 151, 1906, par. 16

When the lesson in John 6 was given, many of His disciples walked away from Christ, and Christ turned to His remaining disciples and said to them, [“Will ye also go away?” Peter answered,] “Lord, to whom shall we go but unto thee? Thou hast the words of eternal life.” [Verses 67, 68.] Christ’s teachings are precious in their simplicity; [they are] to be repeated and repeated. While Christ is sending His disciples to various places, He is walking and working in the midst of His church today through them. Let every soul seek daily to be a fully consecrated Christian. And as He sends you to fields that are not promising, Christ points to the many in darkness of error and tells you not to be discouraged at the appearance. He bids you to look, and He says, “Ye were once in darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord.” [Ephesians 5:8.] He would have you consider the objectionable features, and He says, “Such were some of you, but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.” [1 Corinthians 6:11.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 133, 1907

22LtMs, Ms 133, 1907, par. 11

In the sixth chapter of John we may find valuable instruction. After Christ had miraculously fed a great multitude, He withdrew Himself. During the night He crossed over to the other side of the sea, but the multitude found Him again the next day. “And when they had found Him on the other side of the sea, they said unto Him, Rabbi, when camest Thou hither? Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye seek Me not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for Him hath God the Father sealed.

22LtMs, Ms 133, 1907, par. 12

“Then said they unto Him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent. They said therefore unto Him, What sign showest Thou then, that we may see, and believe Thee? What dost thou work? Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. Then said Jesus unto them, Verily, verily I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but My Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. Then said they unto Him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. And Jesus said unto them, I am the Bread of life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst. But I said unto you, That ye also have seen Me, and believe not. All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me: and him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” [Verses 25-37.]

22LtMs, Ms 133, 1907, par. 13

Christ is our only hope. He is the Bread of life, and we may feed on Him. We may look to Him as our Saviour. We may take Him at His word and make Him our dependence. Let no man interpose between us and our Saviour, assuming that we may not go forth to perform our duty without first receiving his approval. With our whole hearts let us seek the Lord. He knows just the help we need, and we can safely put our trust in Him. But if we depend on human wisdom to guide us, we will find ourselves on the losing side. We may come direct to the Lord Jesus; for He has not bidden us to make any man our guide and dependence. It is our privilege to be taught of the Lord. “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you.” [Verse 53.]

22LtMs, Ms 133, 1907, par. 23

“No man can come unto Me, except the Father which hath sent Me draw him; and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall all be taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto Me. ... I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread that I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” [John 6:44, 45, 51.]