EGW WritingsJohn 6

That I May Know Him

The Highest Objects of Ambition, March 26

TMK 91.1

Labour 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. John 6:27.

The Upward Look

Christ Is Our Pattern, July 22

UL 217.3

“We are labourers together with God” (1 Corinthians 3:9). Christ engaged in the great work for which He lived and died. We are to be instant in season and out of season. And why? “For ye are bought with a price,” and have enlisted under the banner of Prince Emmanuel. We are enlisted for labor, “not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life” (John 6:27). We are to work out our own salvation with fear and with trembling. We are not our own. We are bought with a price, to glorify God with our bodies and spirits, which are His. A work is to be done. There is a faithful work to do in His vineyard. And to every man is given his work. If we are privileged with the bread of life, we must work in the Lord’s vineyard. A charge comes to us to deny ourselves and take up the cross and follow Christ. We are to run the race set before us with persevering earnestness. This oft requires energetic movements. We cannot be idlers. We are urged, “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life.” ...

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

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

13MR 219.5

Read of the work which the Saviour did when He was upon the earth. He said to His disciples: [John 6:27-30, quoted.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 73, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 73, 1901, par. 18

Read of the work which the Saviour did when He was upon the earth. He said to His disciples: “Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for the 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?” [John 6:27-30.] Were they ignorant of the miracle of the loaves and fishes, which had just been performed? No; those who asked Him the question, “What sign showest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee?” had been among the multitude miraculously fed. [Verse 30.] They came to Christ in the hope that in response to their words, He would again work a similar miracle. They desired to see <just> how He increased the food, <supposing it was some science they could catch and be benefited by>. Christ desired to awaken faith in their hearts, to lead them to accept Him <the Son of God> as the Bread of life; but they despised the lesson He sought to teach. They had witnessed many of His wonderful miracles, but they were not willing to receive Him as the Son of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 18, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 18, 1895, par. 17

“Labor not for the meat which perishest, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you.” [John 6:27.] If there is <an education> which endureth through the eternal ages, do we not want it <now>? Do we not want the knowledge which will teach us what that meat is? We do not leave behind the experience we obtain here in heavenly things; we take it with us. Those who shall partake of the bread of life which the Father gives us shall find joy in Jesus Christ. Precious intelligence, that we can live upon this, even though circumstances change! Let trouble and difficulty come, and we do not sink under them, because we have a living connection with Jesus Christ, and He supplies all our necessities. “Lo I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:20.]

10LtMs, Ms 18, 1895, par. 18

“What shall we do that we might work the works of God?” [John 6:28.] Is the answer in any of your minds? Listen to what Jesus says, “If ye love me keep my commandments.” [John 14:15.] “This is the love of God that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” [John 6:29.] Our faith must take right hold of Jesus Christ, and He will supply all our spiritual necessities, so that we can overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil, and have our souls linked to the heart of infinite love. If the rich stream of His salvation flows to us, it will be in us a well of water, springing up into everlasting life.

10LtMs, Ms 18, 1895, par. 20

“They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou,” and that day he had fed five thousand with only a few loaves and fishes. [John 6:30.] And yet they asked for a sign. We have had evidence upon evidence of what Christ is doing for us and what He has done. Take His life and study it. That is the bread of life. Ponder over His matchless love in laying off His royal robes and kingly crown and coming to this world to work among those who were seared and marred with the curse. For our sakes He became poor, that we through His poverty might be <made> rich. Are you improving your opportunities and laying up in heaven a treasure that faileth not? Are you seeking to perfect a Christian character through the grace of Jesus Christ?

10LtMs, Ms 18, 1895, par. 25

Then said they unto him, “What sign shewest 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.” They had their eyes fixed upon Moses instead of upon Christ. They were sitting in Moses’ seat, and supposed that they were communicating the light and truth that the people should have, but Jesus said, “Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.” Through the wanderings of the children of Israel, Christ was their beneficent friend, and He is yours today. You must regard Him thus. “For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.” [John 6:30-33.] Talk of Jesus every day. He loves us with a love that is beyond knowledge. We cannot explain it, but we can realize its effects. We may talk always of the love of God, and yet we only just make a beginning. It will take all eternity to reveal its fulness.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 23, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 23, 1899, par. 1

Last Friday February 3, W. C. White and Sara McEnterfer accompanied me to Newcastle. The Lord strengthened me to meet with those assembled on the Sabbath under the new tent. There was a good representation present. I spoke from John 6:27-40. The Lord helped me to speak with simplicity and clearness for forty-five minutes. Then we had a testimony meeting, the first of the kind since the camp meeting. No less than twenty bore their testimony for the first time, taking their position to keep the Sabbath. Some of those who bore witness for Jesus arose trembling and in tears, but when they were again seated the gladness of hearts was expressed by the smile on their faces. Their testimonies, I knew, made the heavenly intelligences rejoice, and our own hearts were full of grateful thanksgiving to God as we listened to the words spoken.

Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing

“Give us this day our daily bread.”—Matthew 6:11.

MB 112.2

The prayer for daily bread includes not only food to sustain the body, but that spiritual bread which will nourish the soul unto life everlasting. Jesus bids us, “Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life.” John 6:27. He says, “I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever.” Verse 51. Our Saviour is the bread of life, and it is by beholding His love, by receiving it into the soul, that we feed upon the bread which came down from heaven.

To Be Like Jesus

Pray for Daily Bread, January 4

BLJ 11.4

The prayer for daily bread includes not only food to sustain the body, but that spiritual bread which will nourish the soul unto life everlasting. Jesus bids us, “Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life” (John 6:27). He says, “I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever” (Verse 51). Our Savior is the Bread of Life, and it is by beholding His love, by receiving it into the soul, that we feed upon the bread which came down from heaven.

Lift Him Up

Daily Bread Assured, April 27

LHU 131.5

The prayer for daily bread includes not only food to sustain the body, but that spiritual bread which will nourish the soul unto life everlasting. Jesus bids us, “Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life” (John 6:27). He says, “I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever” (verse 51). Our Saviour is the bread of life, and it is by beholding His love, by receiving it into the soul, that we feed upon the bread which came down from heaven.

Prayer

Chapter 14—Daily Prayer

Pr 159.1

Daily Prayer to Include Both Physical and Spiritual Needs—The prayer for daily bread includes not only food to sustain the body, but that spiritual bread which will nourish the soul unto life everlasting. Jesus bids us, “Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life.” John 6:27. He says, “I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever.” Verse 51. Our Saviour is the bread of life, and it is by beholding His love, by receiving it into the soul, that we feed upon the bread which came down from heaven.

Prayer

“Give us this day our daily bread.” Matthew 6:11.

Pr 297.1

The prayer for daily bread includes not only food to sustain the body, but that spiritual bread which will nourish the soul unto life everlasting. Jesus bids us, “Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life.” John 6:27. He says, “I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever.” Verse 51.

Christian Education

Chapter 9—The Treasure with Which to Store the Mind

CE 80.1

The Bible has been placed in the background, while the sayings of great men, so-called, have been taken in its stead. May the Lord forgive us the slight we have put upon his word. Though inestimable treasures are in the Bible, and it is like a mine full of precious ore, it is not valued, it is not searched, and its riches are not discovered. Mercy and truth and love are valuable beyond our power to calculate; we cannot have too great a supply of these treasures, and it is in the word of God we find out how we may become possessors of these heavenly riches, and yet why is it that the word of God is uninteresting to many professed Christians? Is it because the word of God is not spirit and is not life? Has Jesus put upon us an uninteresting task, when he commands us to “search the Scriptures”? [John 5:39.] Jesus says, “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life.” [John 6:63.] But spiritual things are spiritually discerned, and the reason of your lack of interest is that you lack the Spirit of God. When the heart is brought into harmony with the word, a new life will spring up within you, a new light will shine upon every line of the word, and it will become the voice of God to your soul. In this way you will take celestial observations, and know whither you are going, and be able to make the most of your privileges today.

CE 82.2

If the Bible was studied and obeyed; if we had the spirit of Christ, we should make determined efforts to be laborers together with God. We should better appreciate the worth of the soul; for every soul converted to God means a vessel dedicated to a holy use, a depositary of truth, a bearer of light to others. God expects more of the schools than has yet been brought forth. Christ has said, “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.” [John 6:27.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 128, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 128, 1895, par. 20

“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.” [John 6:27.] The precious Word is that bread that cometh down from heaven. “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.] But what profit are they to us unless they are appropriated? The Lord Jesus at infinite suffering and sacrifice hath provided every essential aid that is required for success. The Holy Spirit, the representative of Himself, communicates the divine attributes, that man may be an overcomer.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 82, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 82, 1895, par. 18

Last Sabbath forenoon I spoke from (John 6:27-65), of Christ, the Bread of life, the food of which we must eat, and the water of life, of which we must drink, or we shall never see the kingdom of God. (Verse 63) gives the explanation of the whole lesson: “It is the Spirit that quickeneth, the flesh profiteth nothing. The words that I speak unto you, they are Spirit and they are life.” In this chapter, what a representation is given of the privilege of all who believe in Jesus. To feed on the flesh and blood of the Son of God is to keep the Word, the truth, ever before us. Looking unto Jesus in our Christian experience, we shall walk—by sight? No, we must walk by faith, strengthening our faith in the Word of God. We are to study the Word, to practice its teachings, to bear in mind constantly that “the just shall live by faith.” [Romans 1:17.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 37, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 37, 1899, par. 1

To the question Christ put to the twelve, “Will ye also go away?” Peter answered, “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.” [John 6:67-69.]

14LtMs, Ms 37, 1899, par. 13

Heavenly messengers are sent to minister unto those who shall be heirs of salvation, and these would converse with the teachers if they were not so well satisfied with old customs and maxims and the well-trodden path of tradition, if they were not so fearful of getting away from a certain line that keeps them under the shadow of the world. Men and women labor to obtain a class of food which is not calculated to strengthen spirituality, to give that wisdom, that knowledge, that higher education which comes from God, and which alone can give spiritual vigor and moral strength. Christ says, “Labor not for that meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of God shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.” [John 6:27.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 69, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 69, 1897, par. 23

Teachers, you occupy a position of marvelous influence. If this influence is misdirected, as it certainly has been in the past, the youth are led to cherish traits of characters that, with many, become ineffaceable deformities. They cultivate predispositions that they will never overcome. Their desire for self-gratification becomes all-absorbing. Teachers, you cannot do this work and be excusable. You may ask, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?” [John 6:28.] Christ tells you that you can do these works only by believing on Him whom God has sent, by eating the flesh, and drinking the blood of the Son of God. Receive the Word of God, for it is spirit and life. Redeem the time. If you depend upon an arm of flesh, your hopes will become an eternal mockery. Avoid those who disdain Christ. Keep everything of this character out of the minds of your students. Look always to Christ, for the enemy is close by, striving to mingle his sentiments with the food given to the youth.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 3, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 3, 1899, par. 33

The Gospel—what a treasure house of knowledge! It is not as a pool that evaporates; not as a broken cistern that loses its treasure, leaving mud and decaying vegetation behind; not as a fountain that once sent forth a living, refreshing, cooling stream, but has ceased to send forth its cooling waters. Your life may be a living spring, that leaps from rock to rock, refreshing the weary, the thirsty, the heavy laden. But guard yourself that you do not take on all you can see to carry. Study carefully, “What shall I do that I may work the works of God?” [John 6:28.]

Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing

“When ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites.”—Matthew 6:16.

MB 87.3

It will avail nothing for us to do penance or to flatter ourselves that by our own works we shall merit or purchase an inheritance among the saints. When the question was asked Christ, “What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?” He answered, “This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent.” John 6:28, 29. Repentance is turning from self to Christ; and when we receive Christ so that through faith He can live His life in us, good works will be manifest.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 148, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 148, 1901, par. 6

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

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 2, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 2, 1905, par. 4

When the Jews asked Jesus, “What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?” He replied, “This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent.” [John 6:28, 29.] His disciples are commissioned to “go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” [Mark 16:15.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 40, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 40, 1890, par. 13

“Then said they unto him, What shall we do that we might work the works of God? Jesus 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 doest thou work?” [John 6:28-30.] The same words merely have been said to me since the Minneapolis meeting. I have as a little child in all simplicity talked freely with any one who wished to ask any question. I have been willing to tell them and show them all things that my Heavenly Father hath revealed to me.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 79, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 79, 1906, par. 6

The world was lost through unbelief; it must be restored through faith in Christ as the world’s Redeemer. Without this faith the world can have no hope. When the Jews said to Jesus, “What must we do that we might work the works of God?” the answer was given, “This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent.” [John 6:28, 29.]

21LtMs, Ms 79, 1906, par. 7

“I am the Bread of life.” [Verse 35.] Christ is the living, everlasting bread that never decays or molds. He gives life, spiritual life, to the world. To all who receive Him, He gives power to become the sons of God. None but Christ could so well reveal to men the Bread of life. “Whoso eateth (spiritually) the bread that I shall give him shall have eternal life.” Those who refuse to receive Christ as the Bread of life will never become the sons and daughters of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 156, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 156, 1901, par. 27

“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.” [John 6:28-35.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 25a, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 25a, 1895, par. 27

We are to be doers of the Word of God, and this is what is represented by eating Christ’s flesh and drinking His blood. The Bible is to stand as the great educating Book above all other books in our schools. The divine Teacher came down from heaven, and clothed His divinity with humanity that He might reveal Himself as the Way, the Truth and the Life. In (John 6:28-71) Christ has, in simple language, given us the great lesson. Thus important instruction was given in answer to the question, “What shall we do that we might work the works of God?” The answer to this question we need to understand, or we shall miss heaven. “This is the work of God.” This is what God requires “that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent.” [Verses 28, 29.] The price of heaven is the only begotten Son of God. The way to heaven is by faith in Jesus. First you require to believe, next to work. “This is the work of God that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent.” Teach the students in our schools to believe in Christ, then they will work the works of God.

The Upward Look

Overcoming Power Promised, October 20

UL 307.3

What does it amount to to live in this world dependent upon the applause and amusements that we can find here? Do these bring us happiness? No; they bring us only unrest and dissatisfaction, and at the same time we are losing the most precious treasure, the richest blessings that God can bestow upon us. We need to understand much more than we do the worth of our souls. We need to know what we shall do that we may work the works of God. “This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent” (John 6:29). He can be to us all that we desire.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 16e, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 16e, 1892, par. 25

What can be done to open the eyes of the sinners in Zion and make hypocrites tremble? The Spirit of truth must become a living principle in the soul. What shall we do that we might work the works of God? is asked by many souls today. The answer comes, “This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” [John 6:29.] When you have true faith, this will be evident, for your works will show and testify of the fact. You will constantly draw to Christ, exercising your minds to plan and devise means to save perishing souls. You should cultivate love; your work will be done in love, and you will deny self because you love Jesus who died for you. You will shine as lights in the world; you have received light; you will diffuse light.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 116, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 116, 1894, par. 10

Every branch that is in vital union with the living vine will bring forth fruit, and it is the Father’s good pleasure that ye bear much fruit. “Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away. ... 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.” [John 15:2, 6.] Does not this statement from the lips of the great Teacher alarm you who have settled down in an easy position? Those who bear no burdens, who gratify none but self, who lift no cross, are not followers of Jesus. Why is it that the church and the world confederate together in confidence? Has the world become converted, or has the church lost her holy and peculiar character, and become assimilated to the world? The reason is that her members have failed to live up to the <divine> instruction, “Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” [2 Corinthians 6:17, 18.] Many of the professed followers of Christ feel no more burden for souls than do the worldings. The lust of the eye, the pride of life, the love of display, the love of ease, has separated the professed Christian from God, and the missionary spirit has been to a great degree extinguished in the church. What can be done to open the eyes of sinners in Zion, and to make hypocrites tremble? The spirit of truth must become a living principle in the soul. To those who ask what they shall do that they may work the works of God, the answer is, “This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” [John 6:29.] Those who have true faith will make it manifest; for their works will testify to the fact. They will be one with Christ as he is one with the Father. They will be continually drawing after Christ, and will ever be seeking to devise means whereby they may save perishing souls. They will cultivate love, they will deny self because they love Jesus who died for them, and who died for their neighbors as well as themselves. They will love the purchase of the blood of Christ, and will shine as lights in the world. Those who have light, will diffuse light.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 24, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 24, 1896, par. 11

To all who humble their hearts before Jesus, putting self out of sight, not in pretension but in genuine humility, the Lord will manifest Himself. There need not be so many failures seen in the expensive efforts put forth in camp meetings and tent meetings; there need not be so few sheaves to bring to the Master. “This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” [John 6:29.]

This Day With God

Christ, the Bread of Life, April 13

TDG 112.1

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 for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. John 6:47-51.

TDG 112.2

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 on him whom he hath sent” (John 6:29).... “For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world” (verse 33). “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).

TDG 112.5

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” (verse 53).

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 68—In the Outer Court

DA 626.3

“But though He had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on Him.” They had once asked the Saviour, “What sign showest Thou then, that we may see, and believe Thee?” John 6:30. Innumerable signs had been given; but they had closed their eyes and hardened their hearts. Now that the Father Himself had spoken, and they could ask for no further sign, they still refused to believe.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 144, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 144, 1893, par. 5

Well, we have worked hard in Auckland, and all this tearing labor was to convince the leaders in the church how they were unfit to be entrusted with the endowment of the grace of Christ. The Lord might open the windows of heaven and let showers of grace be poured out upon them, and they could not distinguish the sacred from the common, and, as in Christ’s day, would cry out as they did after the working of the miracle of feeding five thousand with five loaves and two small fishes, overlook divine power, and call, “Show us a sign that we may believe.” [See John 6:30.]

This Day With God

Follow the Directions, March 9

TDG 77.1

Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. John 6:31.

Lift Him Up

Feed on the Bread of Life, April 5

LHU 109.1

My Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. John 6:32.

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

MR No. 1043—The Bible as Our Study Book

13MR 260.2

We cannot make too much of the Bible as a lesson book in our schools. “Verily, verily,” Christ declared, “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 bread of life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst” [John 6:32, 33, 35].

13MR 261.2

Christ declares, “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” [John 6:44, 45]. Christ is the Center of all true doctrine. All true religion is found in His Word and in nature. He is the One in whom our hopes of eternal life are centered, and the teacher who learns from Him finds a safe anchorage.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 96, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 96, 1899, par. 2

We cannot make too much of the Bible as a lesson book in our schools. “Verily, verily,” Christ declared, “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 bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” [John 6:32, 33, 35.] Can we find any text book for our schools filled with such deep and earnest declarations as the Word of the living God? Then why should this Word be laid aside for the writings of infidel authors? What more precious book could be placed in our schools than that which teaches us how we may inherit eternal life? The lessons of Bible history should be kept before the students, old and young, that those who have no love for God, and no interest in spiritual things, may become interested, and learn to love the Word.

14LtMs, Ms 96, 1899, par. 4

Christ declares, “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.” [John 6:44, 45.] Christ is the Center of all true doctrine. All true religion is found in His Word and in nature. He is the one in whom our hopes of eternal life are centered, and the teacher who learns from Him finds a safe anchorage.

Lift Him Up

The Bread of Life and the Robe of Righteousness, April 3

LHU 107.1

For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. John 6:33, NIV.

Steps to Christ

Chapter 8—Growing Up Into Christ

SC 67.3

As with life, so it is with growth. It is God who brings the bud to bloom and the flower to fruit. It is by His power that the seed develops, “first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.” Mark 4:28. And the prophet Hosea says of Israel, that “he shall grow as the lily.” “They shall revive as the corn, and grow as the vine.” Hosea 14:5, 7. And Jesus bids us “consider the lilies how they grow.” Luke 12:27. The plants and flowers grow not by their own care or anxiety or effort, but by receiving that which God has furnished to minister to their life. The child cannot, by any anxiety or power of its own, add to its stature. No more can you, by anxiety or effort of yourself, secure spiritual growth. The plant, the child, grows by receiving from its surroundings that which ministers to its life—air, sunshine, and food. What these gifts of nature are to animal and plant, such is Christ to those who trust in Him. He is their “everlasting light,” “a sun and shield.” Isaiah 60:19; Psalm 84:11. He shall be as “the dew unto Israel.” “He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass.” Hosea 14:5; Psalm 72:6. He is the living water, “the Bread of God ... which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.” John 6:33.

That I May Know Him

Pledge of Divine Power, December 4

TMK 344.5

The Lord God is bound by an eternal pledge to supply power and grace to every one who is sanctified through obedience to the truth. Jesus Christ, to whom is given all power in heaven and on earth, unites in sympathy with His instrumentalities—the earnest souls who day by day partake of the living bread “which cometh down from heaven” (John 6:33). The church on earth, united with the church in heaven, can accomplish all things.4Manuscript 62, 1902.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 24, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 24, 1890, par. 1

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. ... And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” [John 1:1-3, 14.] “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.” [John 6:33-35.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 22, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 22, 1898, par. 7

Christ is as the tree of life in a starving world that does not realize that it is perishing of hunger. “The bread of life is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world,” Christ declared. “Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.” [John 6:33, 34.] Those who said this had in their minds the thought of temporal food; for they did not understand the line of instruction Christ was giving. “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. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.” [Verses 35-38.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 62, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 62, 1902, par. 8

The Lord God is bound by an eternal pledge to supply power and grace to every one who is sanctified through obedience to the truth. Jesus Christ, to whom is given all power in heaven and on the earth, unites in sympathy with His instrumentalities—the earnest souls who day by day partake of the living bread, “which cometh down from heaven.” [John 6:33, 50.] The church on the earth, united with the church in heaven, can accomplish all things.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 37, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 37, 1899, par. 14

“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.” But those who made this request did not understand what it comprehended. “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.” [John 6:33-35.] We are to come to Christ and feast upon His Word. Then as we read the Scriptures we shall understand them as they read. Christ will commune with the soul. Precious beams of light will shine upon the Word, and by unseen intelligences the mind will be fed and refreshed.

14LtMs, Lt 37, 1899, par. 16

“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 shall 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. 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 47-51, 54-57.]

In Heavenly Places

The Source of Wisdom, May 10

HP 137.3

What can the most learned in book lore know aright without a knowledge of the Word of God? Without the education found in the Bible, how shall we reach the next world, where we shall enter the presence of God and see His face? Nothing of this world’s wisdom, the knowledge gained from books, presents a true and sure foundation upon which we can build for eternity. Nothing but the bread that comes down from heaven satisfies spiritual hunger. “For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.” ... The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:33, 63).... As we eat the words of Christ we are eating the bread of life, which gives spiritual vitality.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 15, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 15, 1898, par. 16

What can the most learned in book lore know aright without a knowledge of the Word of God? Without the education found in the Bible, how shall we reach the next world, where we shall enter the presence of God and see His face? Nothing <of this world’s wisdom,> the knowledge gained from books, presents a true and sure foundation upon which we can build for eternity. Nothing but the bread that comes down from heaven satisfies spiritual hunger. “For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.” “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 6:33, 63.] As a cheering light this promise shines amid the moral darkness. As we eat the words of Christ we are eating the bread of life, which gives spiritual vitality.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 103, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 103, 1902, par. 2

Must we wait until we are translated before we eat of the leaves of the tree of life? He who receives into his heart the words of Christ knows that it means to eat the leaves of the tree of life. Christ declared, “The bread of God is He which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. Then said they unto Him, Lord, ever more 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. ... This is the will of Him that sent Me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on Him, shall have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day. ... 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 him 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. 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.” [John 6:33-35, 40, 51, 54-57, 63.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 112, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 112, 1898, par. 2

The practice of telling our difficulties to others only makes us weak and brings no strength and vitality to them. It lays upon them the burden of our spiritual infirmities which they cannot alleviate. Take the Word of Christ as your assurance. “The bread of God is he that cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.” [John 6:33.] Are there not hungry souls here who are starving for the bread of life?

13LtMs, Ms 112, 1898, par. 3

As Christ gave this assurance, His hearers said, “Lord ever more give us this bread.” But they thought of temporal food, not of the word spoken, which was the bread of life. Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life; he that cometh to me shall never hunger: and he that believeth in me shall never thirst. But I say unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not.” [Verses 34-36.]

13LtMs, Ms 112, 1898, par. 5

My brethren and sisters, you do not believe. You do not have the blessings that God has in store for you. The hidden wisdom of God is for all who believe in His Word. What does He say? “Ye also have seen me, and believe not.” [Verse 36.] You have seen the work of God in Stanmore. You have seen that the Lord through His Word was working upon hearts, and strengthening the will power of men and women to come out from the world and be ye separate, to receive Christ as their personal Saviour. Nearly one hundred souls have accepted the truth. Have you appreciated this work? Have you been as thankful to the Lord as you should have been for this work that has been done? Have you presented to Him your gratitude offerings with praise and thanksgiving for the wonderful work He has done?

13LtMs, Ms 112, 1898, par. 7

“But I have said also unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not.” Did not the Jews see the compassion, the love, the benevolence, of Christ in His work of feeding the five thousand? Said Christ, “All that the Father giveth me, shall come to me, and he that cometh to me, I will in nowise cast out.” [John 6:36, 37.] Who, as they read this, will lift their voice in praise and thanksgiving to God? Who will show that they appreciate this promise, so rich and full. We are to will and to do. “And this is the will of him which sent me,” Christ said, “that of all that he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. And this is the will of him which sent me, that every one that seeth the Son, believeth on him, may have everlasting life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” [Verses 39, 40.]

13LtMs, Ms 112, 1898, par. 8

Everything that concerns our future experience depends upon believing. Then let us cultivate faith in the past working of God in our religious experience, and in the present assurance He has given us. Says Christ, “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.” [Verses 45, 47.] “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1.]

13LtMs, Ms 112, 1898, par. 9

Then come to the Word, have faith in God, and in Jesus Christ whom he has sent. Then there will be an appreciation of the privileges granted us. Believe, believe, with all your soul believe. Enter right into the open door by faith. “Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood,” says Christ, “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.” [John 6:54-57, 63.] This is eating the fruit of the tree of life.

13LtMs, Ms 112, 1898, par. 10

Christ continued, “But there are some of you which believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.” [Verse 64.] Consider this, and when tempted to turn away from truth and righteousness, remember that He knows who will trust in Him, who will rely upon Him, and be encouraged by His promises. We all need a personal Saviour, and the Lord has made provision for every one of us. “In him was life, and the life was the light of men.” [John 1:4.] Will we quench this life by our unbelief? We need far greater faith and Christian simplicity, a deeper humility of mind. We need that faith which works by love and purifies the soul. If we do not cultivate this faith, we will grow away from Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 23, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 23, 1896, par. 1

Your case has been presented before me, and I feel drawn out to write to you. You are a professor of godliness. You have taken upon you the solemn responsibility of a minister of Christ, yet you are satisfied with a low level in the Christian life. In your mind sacred things are mingled with that which is common and carnal. You have not yet endured as seeing Him who is invisible. You have a high opinion of self, and have nurtured self. You do not comprehend the words of Christ, “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] You may be active, you may plan and devise; you study, and you may teach the Scriptures; but unless the transforming grace of Christ shall take possession of your heart; unless the thoughts and the imagination are purified, and brought into captivity to the will of Christ; unless you eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God, you will not, cannot have eternal life. And you will ere long become offended, and turn away from the truth, saying, “These are hard sayings; who can hear them?” [See John 6:60.] Two paths are before you; you must make a decided change in your practical life in almost every respect, and become one with Christ, or you will deny Christ in character, and put Him to open shame.

11LtMs, Lt 23, 1896, par. 2

“The bread of God is he that cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. Then said they unto him, Ever more give us this bread.” But when they had an opportunity to eat of that bread, it was not palatable to them. It was not Christ that they wanted, but self. “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.] Coming to Christ and believing on Him as the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world, places the believer on vantage ground.

11LtMs, Lt 23, 1896, par. 3

The first chapter of John tells you how. “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” [Verse 12.] What name? “And lo, a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” [Matthew 3:17.] “Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of peace.” [Isaiah 9:6.] Does your faith lay hold upon this? Not yet. You do not know Him whom to know aright is life and peace. Before you shall come to Him, self must be expelled from the soul and crucified. This experience of having an abiding Christ, you do not know. “But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believed not.” [John 6:36.] You have a theoretical knowledge of Christ, but not an experimental knowledge through belief in Him as your personal Saviour.

11LtMs, Lt 23, 1896, par. 4

Jesus says, “All that the Father giveth me, shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” [Verse 37.] Connect this with the invitation, “Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” [Matthew 11:28.] Precious promise, of more value than gold and silver and precious stones. But to every promise there are conditions, either expressed or implied. The Saviour continues, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” [Verses 29, 30.] When you, my brother, shall come to Christ just as you are, knowing your weakness, your helplessness, your sinfulness, and cast your soul upon Jesus; when you take His yoke and wear it, when you lift His burdens, and learn His meekness and lowliness, you will see a serious solemn phase in human life for you; you will have altogether different ideas of your responsibilities and accountability.

11LtMs, Lt 23, 1896, par. 22

As one who loves your soul, and who has an interest in your wife and your children, I urge you to begin now, while it is called today, to act the flesh and blood of the Son of God. “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.] Read John 6:54-65. The same lesson is taught in the 15th chapter of John, under the symbol of the vine and its branches.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 95, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 95, 1898, par. 18

While the servant of God remains meek and lowly in heart, he will receive the truths presented by Christ, “the bread of God which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.” [John 6:33.] In the synagogue at Capernaum Christ declared:

13LtMs, Ms 95, 1898, par. 19

“I am the bread of life; he that cometh unto me shall never hunger; and he that believeth in me shall never thirst.” “Verily, verily I say unto thee, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. I am the bread of life.” “This is the bread that 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 which I will give him is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” [Verses 35, 47, 48, 50, 51.]

13LtMs, Ms 95, 1898, par. 20

The Jews were full of unbelief and caviling. They were convicted, but like men in our own day, they were too proud and self-righteous to yield to conviction. With scornful unbelief they strove among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” Jesus read their thoughts and answered their questioning, “Verily, verily I say unto you,” He said, “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father, so he that eateth me, even he shall love 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 52-58.]

13LtMs, Ms 95, 1898, par. 21

“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.” [Verses 60-63.]

13LtMs, Ms 95, 1898, par. 22

Here Christ presented before the disciples, and before the people, truths of the highest importance. He was the tree of life to all who would pluck and eat. His words were truth. But their unbelieving, selfish minds could not grasp His meaning. “From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.” [Verse 66.]

13LtMs, Ms 95, 1898, par. 23

Many today are passing over this very same ground as verily as were the Jews in the days of Christ. They believe not. Just as verily in 1898 Christ is speaking the words which He spoke to the unbelieving disciples: “There are some of you which believe not.” [Verse 64.]

13LtMs, Ms 95, 1898, par. 24

“Jesus knew from the beginning who they 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 him of my Father.” [Verses 64, 65.] Christ knows every heart. He knows who are striving for the immortal crown that will never fade away.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 71, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 71, 1896, par. 19

The Lord Jesus Christ came to our world to vindicate the honor and glory of God. In His life He withstood every temptation that man is called to endure, bearing a living testimony that law of God can be obeyed by humanity through divine power. By His perfect obedience to the law Christ testified that by offering Himself for the sins of world He became our Sin-bearer, the bread of life to all who eat of Him. “For the bread of life is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.” “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.” [John 6:33, 35.] Jesus is to the world as the tree of life to which Adam and Eve had access in the garden of Eden. When by disobedience the fallen pair were deprived of the fruit of this tree, they lost everlasting life. The tree of knowledge became a curse to them, not because of its poisonous qualities, but because of their disobedience. This tree was attractive to them, and in their great desire for it, they partook of it, and let their purity and allegiance to God.

11LtMs, Ms 71, 1896, par. 20

But Christ presents Himself as the Lifegiver, the tree of life to the world. By feeding upon His flesh and drinking His blood, our spiritual life is perfected. “I am the living bread which came down from heaven;” Christ said, “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.” “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.” “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 51-57.] Thus the human family are placed in the same relation to Christ as Christ was to God.

11LtMs, Ms 71, 1896, par. 21

When Jesus taught these things in the synagogue at Capernaum the Jews mocked at the ideas He presented. Even the disciples stumbled over His words in regard to eating His flesh and drinking His blood. They were easily influenced by the words of the Jews, who, before them, pretended to take the words of Christ in the most literal sense. But Christ was presenting before them the benefits all would secure who continued to believe on Him. By accepting the atonement He had made for them, they would gain eternal life. “It is the Spirit that quickeneth,” Christ continued, “the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [Verse 63.]

11LtMs, Ms 71, 1896, par. 23

“There are some of you that believe not.” “For Jesus knew from the beginning who they 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 him of my Father. 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 art sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.” [Verses 64-69.] Simon Peter and the rest of the twelve, save Judas, became more fully established by this experience; but the disciples who went away from Jesus did not, at any time, return to Him. They had taken their side, as many will today; they had chosen the form without the spirit, the husks without the kernel. In every age people have turned away from truth in the same way, placing themselves in the army of the great deceiver by failing to accept truth and make it a part of themselves.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 338, 1905

20LtMs, Lt 338, 1905, par. 18

In our sanitariums we shall meet with antichrist in many forms. We shall meet with those who have never had the light. We are to watch for opportunities to speak a word in season, asking God to help us to present the truth in such an acceptable way that those we are trying to help will not take offense, but will say, “Lord, evermore give us this bread.” [John 6:34.] Hold up Jesus, and be sure that your words and deeds correspond with the principles found in the Word of God. By Christlike beauty of character we are to show to the world the power of the principles of God’s Word.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 8, 1891

7LtMs, Lt 8, 1891, par. 3

While you were in Brooklyn, God revealed Himself to you in His matchless loveliness, that you might know that He loved you, and that your only hope was in abiding in Christ. You tasted of the Bread of Life, of the powers of the world to come. You could say, “Lord, evermore give us this bread” [John 6:34]; but I know from the light which the Lord has given me that you are in danger of feeding on husks and not on bread. Your only hope is in clinging to Jesus.

7LtMs, Lt 8, 1891, par. 8

If Christ is to us the Bread of Life we shall grow up into the full stature of men and women in Christ. “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.” [John 6:53-57.] Then Jesus explained His 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.]

God’s Amazing Grace

Sustaining the Spiritual Life, August 8

AG 228.1

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. John 6:35.

Our Father Cares

Filled With His Righteousness, March 10

OFC 81.4

No human agent can supply that which will satisfy the hunger and thirst of the soul. But Jesus says, ... “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....

Our High Calling

A Higher Standard, January 15

OHC 21.2

What fullness is expressed in the words, “I am the light of the world.” John 8:12. “I am the bread of life.” John 6:35. “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” John 14:6. “I am the good shepherd.” John 10:14. “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10. This life is what we must have, and we must have it more abundantly. God will breathe this life into every soul that dies to self and lives to Christ. But entire self-renunciation is required. Unless this takes place, we carry with us the evil that destroys our happiness. But when self is crucified, Christ lives in us, and the power of the Spirit attends our efforts.

Our High Calling

Leaves From the Tree of Life, July 21

OHC 208.1

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. John 6:35.

Sons and Daughters of God

Christ Is the Heaven-sent Teacher, March 4

SD 70.1

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 . John 6:35.

That I May Know Him

Bread for the Hungry, April 10

TMK 106.1

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. John 6:35.

The Faith I Live By

Filled With His Righteousness, April 13

FLB 109.4

No human agent can supply that which will satisfy the hunger and thirst of the soul. But Jesus says, ... “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....

Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.”—Matthew 5:6.

MB 18.3

No human agent can supply that which will satisfy the hunger and thirst of the soul. But Jesus says, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.” “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst.” Revelation 3:20; John 6:35.

To Be Like Jesus

To Feed the Soul, Commune Constantly With Jesus, November 24

BLJ 345.2

No human agent can supply that which will satisfy the hunger and thirst of the soul. But Jesus says, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20). “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).

From the Heart

The Only Source of Truth, June 17

FH 180.1

I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. John 6:35.

Lift Him Up

The Bread of Life, April 1

LHU 105.1

And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life. John 6:35.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 51, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 51, 1890, par. 20

It is suggested that it will be wise for me to speak in Lynn Monday and Tuesday evenings, and then Wednesday take the cars for Washington, D.C. May the Lord be our counselor, is my most earnest prayer. I do not wish to presume upon my strength. I want to use the strength which the Lord has given me to His own name’s glory. I will pour out my supplications before God with thanksgiving for all His mercies and matchless grace to me, who needs it so much that I can impart it to others and comfort them with the blessed assurances. “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” [Verse 6.] “I am the light of the world.” [John 8:12.] “I am the bread of life.” [John 6:35.] “I am the Good Shepherd.” [John 10:11.] “I lay down my life for the sheep.” [Verse 15.] “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” [Verse 10.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 13, 1892

7LtMs, Ms 13, 1892, par. 37

Will those who profess to believe the truth listen to the words of Jesus? He has said, “I am come that ye might have life, and that ye might have it more abundantly.” [John 10:10.] “I am the bread of life.” [John 6:35.] “I am the good Shepherd, ... and I lay down my life for the sheep.” [John 10:14, 15.] Will those who are called by His name believe that the children of God are very precious in His sight? Let us consider what the Lord has done for us. Shall not the love manifested toward us be appreciated? Shall it not be permitted to melt our hearts, to humble our pride to the dust?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 6, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 6, 1893, par. 3

The living water that fails not was presented to the woman of Samaria who was living contrary to the Word of God. See John 4:9-15. She did not see anything very flattering in Jesus. “Art thou greater than our father Jacob?” [Verse 12.] Now you can see it is the very same Scripture, “Whose waters fail not, springing up into everlasting life.” [Isaiah 58:11; John 4:14.] Nothing less than the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. We should sit at the feet of Jesus. “I am the bread of Life.” [John 6:35.] Learn constantly of Jesus Christ. Springing up in us into everlasting life.

Lift Him Up

The Word Our Spiritual Food, April 2

LHU 106.1

He that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. John 6:35.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 89a, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 89a, 1897, par. 10

When we walk in the freedom of heavenly light, there will be a wide space for all our renewed energies to do service unto God. What sweet relief when tired and weary and heavy laden to hear the melody of the voice of Him who gave His life for us, saying, “Come unto me.” “Come unto me, all ye that labor, and are heavy laden; and I will give you rest.” [Matthew 11:28.] “I am the light of the world. He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” [John 8:12.] “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.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 71, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 71, 1898, par. 10

The words were spoken, The leaves of the tree of life are proffered you. They are sweeter than honey and the honeycomb. Take them, eat them, digest them, and your faint-heartedness will pass away. Are you thirsty? Come. “Whosoever shall drink of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst: but the water that I shall be in him a well of water, springing up into everlasting life.” [John 4:14.] “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger, and he that believeth in me shall never thirst.” [John 6:35.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 9, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 9, 1899, par. 10

What fullness is expressed in the words, “I am the light of the world.” “I am the Bread of Life.” “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” “I am the Good Shepherd.” “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” [John 8:12; 6:35; 14:16; 10:11, 10.] This life is what we must have, and we must have it more abundantly. God will breathe this life into every soul that dies to self and lives to Christ. But entire self-renunciation is required. Unless this takes place, we carry with us the evil that destroys our happiness. But when self is crucified, Christ lives in us, and the power of the Spirit attends our efforts.

True Revival

Danger of Light Becoming Darkness

TR 77.1

Oh, how much this means to every soul—“I am the light of the world”; “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger (for anything more satisfying); and he that believeth on me shall never thirst” (John 8:12; 6:35).To come to this condition means that you have found the Source of light and love, and have learned when and how you may be replenished, and may make use of the promises of God by continually applying them to your souls.

TR 77.2

“But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not” (John 6:36). This has been literally fulfilled in the cases of many; for the Lord gave them a deeper insight into truth, into His character of mercy and compassion and love; and yet after being thus enlightened, they have turned from Him in unbelief. They saw the deep movings of the Spirit of God; but when the insidious temptations of Satan came in, as they always will come after a season of revival, they did not resist unto blood, striving against sin; and those who might have stood on vantage ground, had they made a right use of the precious enlightenment that they had, were overcome by the enemy. They should have reflected the light that God gave to them upon the souls of others; they should have worked and acted in harmony with the sacred revealings of the Holy Spirit; and in not doing so, they suffered loss.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 79, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 79, 1900, par. 14

Christ spoke with the authority of greatness as with a clear, distinct voice He said, “I am the light of the world.” [John 8:12.] “I am the bread of life.” [John 6:35.] “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” [John 14:6.] “I am the good shepherd. ... My sheep hear my voice, and they know me, and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” [John 10:14, 27, 28.] “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” [Matthew 11:28-30.]

15LtMs, Lt 79, 1900, par. 15

We have only to come, complying with the invitation, “If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink.” “Him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out.” [John 7:37; 6:37.] Every human being, as he reads these words, should feel that he is on holy ground. Remember that the life of the only begotten Son of God was offered up for you. As the Holy Spirit impresses Christ’s words on the heart and mind, man must feel that he is in the presence of superior goodness, superseding immeasurably anything that earth can afford. He must feel that he is occupying holy ground, for he is close to the living fountain of mercy and love.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 18, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 18, 1897, par. 14

Events of great importance are coming upon the earth. Men must not depend on men, but on Jesus Christ. He says, “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.” [John 6:35, 36.] O, why do we not show actual, living faith? Why do we not, in this period of the earth’s history, come directly to him who says, “I am the bread of life.” “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” [Verse 37.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 172, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 172, 1897, par. 24

“I am the bread of life,” said Christ. “He that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. ... For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.” John 6:35-38. Who of those who claim to believe the truth are walking in Christ’s footsteps?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 16, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 16, 1902, par. 17

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. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.” [John 6:35-38.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 14, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 14, 1898, par. 12

“Verily, verily, I say unto you,” Christ declared, “he that believeth on me hath everlasting life.” “I am the bread of life; he that cometh to me shall never hunger, and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” [John 6:47, 35.] The bread of life that is to be eaten by every individual is the Word of God. It is represented by the leaven in the meal, and is to be introduced into the inner life. Studied and obeyed, it works in the heart, subduing every unholy attribute. The Holy Spirit comes to convict of sin, and the faith that has sprung up in the heart works by love to Christ, conforming every spiritual sinew and muscle to Him. Then God can use us to do His will. The power given us works from within outwardly, leading us to communicate to others the truth that has been communicated to us.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 11, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 11, 1899, par. 19

The price of heaven is Christ. The way to heaven is obedience to the command, Deny thyself, take up thy cross, and follow me. “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of God, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.” “He that cometh unto me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” [John 6:53, 35.] In Christ there is inexhaustible fulness. As we follow on to know the Lord, we shall lead souls to the Word of God. With us they will know that his going forth is prepared as the morning. As man works on the plan of addition, adding grace to grace, God works on the plan of multiplication. “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue.” [2 Peter 1:2, 3.] The mass of rubbish of vanity and self-love, of evil-thinking and evil-speaking, that we carry with us keeps us powerless and inefficient.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 62, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 62, 1901, par. 26

You have so neglected the Bible that very few of you know its teachings. Let those who have begun a study of the book continue their study. It is the Word of Life. Christ says, “I am the bread of life. ... Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” [John 6:35, 54.] To study the Bible is like eating the leaves of the tree of life. Get the Word of God into your hearts and into the hearts of your children, and you will find that they will not drift away from you, as so many of the children of our people have done.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 42, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 42, 1892, par. 11

We are to feed upon the Word of God, for in this way we are eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of God, that we may become partakers of the divine nature. Jesus says, “He that cometh to me shall never hunger, he that believeth on me shall never thirst. 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.” [John 6:35, 54, 55.] As the struggle grows successful, the battle becomes more and more determined. The standard rises as we attain to higher things.

The Upward Look

Resurrection Power Now, March 5

UL 78.5

This truth is an eternal truth, because Christ Himself taught it. He has engaged to raise the righteous dead, for He gave His life for the life of the world. “As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me” (John 6:57). “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger” (verse 35).—Letter 82, March 5, 1907, to O. A. Olsen, president, Australasian Union Conference.

Heaven

Chapter 6—Our Eternal Inheritance

Hvn 55.1

This truth is an eternal truth, because Christ Himself taught it. He has engaged to raise the righteous dead, for He gave His life for the life of the world. “As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me” (John 6:57). “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger” (verse 35).—Letter 82, 1907 quoted in The Upward Look, 78.

The Upward Look

What Would Jesus Do? September 1

UL 258.4

He who would have spiritual life and vigor must eat the flesh and drink of the blood of the Son of God. Christ declares, “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” “Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me” (John 6:35, 54-57).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 125, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 125, 1901, par. 20

Vague suppositions regarding Christ are not enough. We need an abiding Christ. We need to eat His Word. He is the bread of life. The revealed Word is our photograph of Christ. The world can only be expelled from the soul by filling the soul with Christ. Just as the life of the body is produced by the temporal food eaten, so the life of the soul is produced by the spiritual food eaten. He who would have spiritual life and vigor must eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God. Christ declares, “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. ... Whoso eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood hath eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day; for my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.” [John 6:35, 54-57.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 42, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 42, 1891, par. 10

What lessons are given us in the Word of the living Christ, which Word we are to eat as the bread that came down from heaven and of His blood we are to drink, for it is life as was the tree of life to Adam and Eve in Eden before their fall; but when deprived of the fruit of that tree of life, they began to lose their hold upon health and vitality. Christ Jesus came to our world and announced Himself, “I am the bread of life.” “This is the bread that came 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 shall give is my flesh which I will give for the life of the world.” [John 6:35, 50, 51.] John 6:53-59.

Selected Messages Book 1

Chapter 43—Christ the Life-giver

1SM 300.2

Christ declares: “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). “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” (John 6:40). “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life” (John 6:47). “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 for ever” (John 6:53-58). “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 6:63).

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8

The Glory of the Cross

8T 288.4

Christ declares: “I am the Bread of Life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst.” “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.” “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” John 6:35, 57-63; Revelation 2:7.

The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials

Chapter 112—Diary Entry—Christ Our Righteousness

1888 891.1

In His sacrificial character, Christ reveals Himself as the Bread of Life. “Whoso eateth My flesh,” He declared to His disciples, “and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life” (John 6:54). Why is not He presented to the people as the Living Bread?—Because He is not abiding in the hearts of many of those who think it their duty to preach the law. Christ is left out of their sermonizing, and from east to west, from north to south, the church has been starving for the Bread of Life.

1888 891.2

Of all professed Christians, Seventh-day Adventists should be foremost in uplifting Christ before the world. Our ministers should ever be able to direct men and women to Christ, to the One who Himself declared, “I am the Bread of Life” (John 6:35). Let those who minister to the spiritual necessities of the people read to them the words of Christ: “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 6:51).

1888 892.1

The Jews, unable to understand this declaration, “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” (Verses 52, 53).

1888 892.3

Christ further declares: “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 54-56). These words are very similar to those He used in representing Himself as the Vine, and His followers as the branches: “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. 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” (John 15:4, 5).

1888 892.4

How can our people be better helped than by being given the bread of life? And this bread is God’s Word; for Christ has said: “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 6:63).

Sermons and Talks, vol. 2

Manuscript 28, 1901

2SAT 146.3

Christ says, “I am the bread of life.... Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day” [John 6:35, 54]. It is our privilege to eat the bread of life. Christ says, “The flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” [verse 63]. As we believe and practice the words of Christ, bringing them into the everyday experience, we become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”

The Signs of the Times

February 13, 1912

ST February 13, 1912, par. 14

Christ declares: “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst.” “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.” “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life.” “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.” John 6:35, 40, 47, 53-58, 63.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 21, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 21, 1891, par. 6

In His sacrificial character, Christ reveals Himself as the Bread of Life. “Whoso eateth My flesh,” He declared to His disciples, “and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life.” [John 6:54.] Why is not He presented to the people as the living Bread?—because He is not abiding in the hearts of many of those who think it their duty to preach the law. Christ is left out of their sermonizing, and from east to west, from north to south, the church has been starving for the Bread of Life.

7LtMs, Ms 21, 1891, par. 7

Of all professed Christians, Seventh-day Adventists should be foremost in uplifting Christ before the world. Our ministers should ever be able to direct men and women to Christ, to the One who Himself declared, “I am the Bread of Life.” [Verse 35.] Let those who minister to the spiritual necessities of the people, read to them the words of Christ: “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.” [Verse 51.]

7LtMs, Ms 21, 1891, par. 8

The Jews, unable to understand this declaration, “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.” [Verses 52, 53.]

7LtMs, Ms 21, 1891, par. 10

Christ further declares: “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 54-56.] These words are very similar to those He used in representing Himself as the Vine, and His followers as the branches: “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. 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.” [John 15:4, 5.]

7LtMs, Ms 21, 1891, par. 11

How can our people be better helped than by being given the Bread of life? And this bread is God’s Word; for Christ has said: “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 6:63.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 40, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 40, 1894, par. 1

Lift Him up, the Man of Calvary. Lift Him up and cry, “Behold, the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world.” [John 1:29.] Keep Christ before the people, and this will be giving to every man his portion of meat in due season. Jesus has said, “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. ... 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.” John 6:35, 54-57, 63.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 72, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 72, 1895, par. 13

As His last lesson to them, the Lord Jesus gave the beautiful symbol of the relation He held to believers. Let no one think that the heavenly is patterning after the earthly. The earthly symbol was given to illustrate the heavenly. No man can have the key only [i.e., except] as he shall become one with Christ. Then he is made a partaker of the divine nature by eating the words of Christ. After the fall of man all the instruction which came to man was from Christ. The words He addressed to Moses were to instruct all who should live upon the earth. Therefore, all His words are verity and truth, and in taking His words into our very soul and life we live by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing” (I give My flesh for the life of the world): “the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [John 6:63.] All who eat the words of life are eating Christ’s flesh and drinking His blood, but if they care not enough for His words to obey them, then all their pretension to faith is only pretension, good for nothing.

10LtMs, Ms 72, 1895, par. 14

“I am the bread of life.” [Verse 35.] The doing of the words of Christ will give eternal life to the soul. The constant eating of the Word and practicing the teaching of the Word is eternal life to all who eat His Word. [They] will be eating His flesh and drinking His blood and an important union is formed between every soul and Christ through the perfect unity with His spirit in perfect obedience to His Word. All such will show that the Word of God is obeyed. Pride and selfishness are killed. The soul, body, and spirit are brought into perfect subjection to Jesus Christ. The once-polluted habitations of pride and selfishness are purified, cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ, and the testimony of [Paul and] John is voiced by them: “In him dwelleth the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” [Colossians 2:9.] “And of his fulness have we all received, and grace for grace.” [John 1:16.] As they receive the grace from Christ they impart that grace, and by imparting, increase of grace is the return. If they do not impart that grace the supply is not continued. Branches of the living vine will be distinguished as a healthy branch. “If any man eat me even he shall live by me.” [John 6:57.] The life is hid with Christ in God. “Because I live, ye shall live also.” [John 14:19.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 98, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, par. 31

It is a lamentable truth that there are tares, counterfeit Christians, in the church. But because of this will you look at them, and feed on their defective character? If you do, you too will be ranked among the tares. Christ is the only perfect pattern of Christianity. Let us hear what He 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; 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.” [John 6:35, 51, 53-55.] The same principles are found in John 15. The explanation of this is given, “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 6:63.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 16, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 16, 1896, par. 10

These words are very precious unto me, “He that cometh to me shall never hunger, and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. ... Whoso eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood hath eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” Christ explains His meaning: “The flesh profiteth not: the words that I speak unto thee, they are Spirit, and they are life.” [John 6:35, 54, 63.] Yes, the Word is the living bread. Eat of it daily. It will be a sustaining power to do all that you must do. It will infuse immortal vigor into your soul, perfect your experience, and bring to you those joys which are real, and which abide forever.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 130, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 130, 1897, par. 2

The Word of God is to be our food. “I am the bread of life,” Christ said; “he that cometh to me shall never hunger, and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” [John 6:35.] The world is perishing for want of truth, pure, unadulterated truth. Christ is the truth. His words are truth, and they have a greater value and a deeper significance than appears on the surface. All the sayings of Christ have a value beyond their unpretending appearance. Minds that are quickened by the Holy Spirit will discern the value of these sayings. By being anointed with the sacred salve, the eye of the mind can detect the precious gems of truth, though they may be buried treasure.

12LtMs, Ms 130, 1897, par. 30

Truth is delicate, refined, elevated. When it molds the character, the soul grows under its divine atmosphere. The truth is to be partaken of every day. Thus we eat the words of Christ, which He declares are spirit and life. [John 6:63.] The acceptance of the truth will make every receiver a child of God, an heir of heaven. Truth that is in the heart is not a cold, dead letter. The Spirit of God is truth. The Lord is dishonored when those who profess to serve [Him] reveal a character that is a denial of their faith.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 154, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 154, 1898, par. 20

“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.” [John 6:35, 50, 51, 54-57, 63.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 67, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 67, 1900, par. 7

The Lord gave me strength to speak to the people this afternoon. I felt indeed that physical and spiritual strength was given me. I spoke from John 16:1-6. Christ’s words are plain and definite: “These things have I spoken unto you that ye should not be offended.” Before this, some of the disciples had been offended because Christ had said, “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; and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” [John 6:35, 51.]

15LtMs, Lt 67, 1900, par. 8

“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. ... 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, 53, 56, 57.]

15LtMs, Lt 67, 1900, par. 9

“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 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.” [Verses 60-63.]

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

MR No. 747—Christ Our Righteousness

9MR 294.1

In His sacrificial character, Christ reveals Himself as the Bread of Life. “Whoso eateth My flesh,” He declared to His disciples, “and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life” (John 6:54). Why is not He presented to the people as the Living Bread? Because He is not abiding in the hearts of many of those who think it their duty to preach the law. Christ is left out of their sermonizing, and from east to west, from north to south, the church has been starving for the bread of life.

9MR 294.2

Of all professed Christians, Seventh-day Adventists should be foremost in uplifting Christ before the world. Our ministers should ever be able to direct men and women to Christ, to the One who Himself declared, “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35). Let those who minister to the spiritual necessities of the people read to them the words of Christ: “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 6:51).

9MR 295.1

The Jews, unable to understand this declaration, “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” (Verses 52, 53).

9MR 295.3

Christ further declares: “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 54-56). These words are very similar to those He used in representing Himself as the Vine, and His followers as the branches: “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. 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” (John 15:4, 5).

9MR 295.4

How can our people be better helped than by being given the bread of life? And this bread is God’s Word; for Christ has said: “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 6:63).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 50, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 50, 1901, par. 16

The soul needs food, and in order to get this food, the Word of God must be studied. Missionary work must be done. Christ declares, “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 for ever; 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. 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.” [John 6:35, 51, 54-57, 63.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 11, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 11, 1901, par. 21

Christ says, “I am the bread of life. ... This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. ... 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.” [John 6:35, 50, 54-57, 63.] We have been given the opportunity of eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of Man. Those who do this grow up into the full stature of men and women in Christ Jesus.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 102, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 102, 1901, par. 36

Those who use tobacco, thus benumbing the sensibilities of the brain, are not following Christ. Who told them to form this habit which has no foundation in nature? Such a habit is the most difficult for some to wrestle with and to overcome. We desire something better. “I am the bread of life,” said Christ. “This is the bread which came down from heaven: ... he that eateth of this bread shall live forever. ... He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.” [John 6:35, 58, 47.] How does he have it? “The flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [Verse 63.] In His Word is found eternal life. How many of us study the Scriptures, feeling that opened before us is a living fountain from which we may freely drink? How many of us hunger and thirst for the bread of life and the water of salvation? “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.” [Verses 53-55.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 28, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 28, 1901, par. 7

Christ says, “I am the bread of life. ... Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” It is our privilege to eat the bread of life. Christ says, “The flesh profiteth nothing; the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [John 6:35, 54, 63.] As we believe and practice the words of Christ, bringing them into the every-day experience, we become “partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” [2 Peter 1:4.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 41, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 41, 1902, par. 15

Christ declares, “I am the bread of life; he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst.” “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. ... 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 words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [John 6:35, 54, 55, 57, 63.] “To him that overcometh will I grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” [Revelation 2:7.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 115, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 115, 1906, par. 6

The Saviour knew the men who would not believe in Him, and who would unite in putting Him to death. He comforted His disciples with the promise that He would arise from the dead and appear to them to comfort them and strengthen them. When I go to heaven, He said, I will send you a Comforter to strengthen and encourage you, and guide you to obey My teachings. My words shall be a light to guide you at every step, if you will follow Me, and do the words I have given you. “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth in Me shall never thirst. ... 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, 63.]

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

MR No. 1535—Warning Against J. H. Kellogg and His Book, The Living Temple

21MR 176.6

The Speaker was represented to me as standing on a high platform. To this platform He raised both men, and placed one at His right hand and the other at His left. Then He said: “The sentiments that you have received in harmony with the special theories presented in the book Living Temple, are not pure truth. There is a commingling of truth and error, and it will be difficult for you to single out the true from the false, to distinguish between the threads of truth and the threads of error. My Word is spirit and life. [John 6:35, 47, 51, 53, 54, quoted.]

21MR 177.1

“Separate entirely from the bewitching, misleading sentiments that run through Living Temple. You are to be My witnesses. You are to declare My word. [John 6:57, 63, quoted.] There is a work for you to do, but you must empty your minds of all fanciful presentations, and give the warning message. In the place of froth and nothingness you may have the living water that Christ promises to give to all who come to Him.”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 18, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 18, 1894, par. 12

My sister, you have failed to bring yourself into the channel of light and rich blessings. When you first connected with the school, your habit of constant activity made it next to impossible for you to listen interestedly to the very things you had the privilege of hearing; and that which you did hear, did not profit you, not being mixed with faith which would lead you to appropriate these truths to your own soul as the bread and water of life. Precious instruction was brought within your reach, but you did not prize the opportunity sufficiently to make any sacrifice in order to obtain the light which God desired to shed on your pathway. What excuse will you render to God for these neglected opportunities? You failed to receive the precious blessings you might have grasped. Will you please to consider the words of Christ, for they were presented to [me] as applicable in your case: “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. ... Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life.” [John 6:35, 36, 47, 48.]

9LtMs, Lt 18, 1894, par. 13

O that every soul might be impressed with these words! “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.” [Verses 53, 54.] See John 6:55-57. These words of Christ seem so full, they embrace so much, that I am amazed as I see how little influence they have upon the life and character of those who claim to believe the Word of God. The explanation is given: “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 life of Christ is to become our life; our spirit is to be one with His, as the branch of the vine is one with the parent stock, nourished by the sap which flows from the stock to every branch.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 6, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 6, 1903, par. 16

“The Jews then murmured at Him, because He said, I am the bread which came down from heaven. And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? 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.” [John 6:35-46.]

18LtMs, Lt 6, 1903, par. 17

Christ’s next statement is a wonderful one: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life.” [Verse 47.] Such a belief requires much more faith than that which is shown by many who claim to believe.

18LtMs, Lt 6, 1903, par. 21

“These words 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?” [Verses 48-60.]

18LtMs, Lt 6, 1903, par. 22

“Jesus knew ... that His disciples murmured” at the words He had spoken, and He explained more fully His meaning. “It is the spirit that quickeneth,” He declared; “the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [Verses 61, 63.]

Selected Messages Book 1

Danger of Light Becoming Darkness

1SM 135.2

Oh, how much this means to every soul—“I am the light of the world”; “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger [for anything more satisfying]; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst” (John 8:12; 6:35). To come to this condition means that you have found the Source of light and love, and have learned when and how you may be replenished, and may make use of the promises of God by continually applying them to your souls.

1SM 135.3

“But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not” (John 6:36). This has been literally fulfilled in the cases of many; for the Lord gave them a deeper insight into truth, into His character of mercy and compassion and love; and yet after being thus enlightened, they have turned from Him in unbelief. They saw the deep movings of the Spirit of God; but when the insidious temptations of Satan came in, as they always will come after a season of revival, they did not resist unto blood, striving against sin; and those who might have stood on vantage ground, had they made a right use of the precious enlightenment that they had, were overcome by the enemy. They should have reflected the light that God gave to them upon the souls of others; they should have worked and acted in harmony with the sacred revealings of the Holy Spirit; and in not doing so, they suffered loss.

1SM 136.1

Among the students the spirit of fun and frolic was indulged. They became so interested in playing games that the Lord was crowded out of their minds; and Jesus stood among you in the playground, saying, O that thou hadst known, “even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace!” (Luke 19:42). “Ye also have seen me, and believe not” (John 6:36). Yes; Christ revealed Himself to you, and deep impressions were made as the Holy Spirit moved upon your hearts; but you pursued a course by which you lost these sacred impressions, and failed to maintain the victory. “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37). You began to come to Christ, but you did not abide in Christ. You forsook Him, and the realization you had had of the great favors and blessings He had given you, was lost from your heart. The question of amusement occupied so large a place in your minds, that after the solemn visitation of the Spirit of God, you entered into its discussion with such great zeal that all barriers were broken down; and through your passion for games, you neglected to heed the word of Christ: “Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation” (Mark 14:38). The place that should have been occupied by Jesus was usurped by your passion for games. You chose your amusements instead of the comfort of the Holy Spirit. You did not follow the example of Jesus, who said, “I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me” (John 6:38).

1SM 136.2

The minds of many are so bewildered with their own human desires and inclinations, and they have been so in the habit of indulging them, that they cannot comprehend the true sense of the Scriptures. Many suppose that in following Christ they will be obliged to be gloomy and disconsolate, because they are required to deny themselves the pleasures and follies that the world indulge in. The living Christian will be filled with cheerfulness and peace, because he lives as seeing Him who is invisible; and those who seek Christ in His true character have within them the elements of everlasting life, because they are partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruptions that are in the world through lust. Jesus said, “This is the Father’s will which hath 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” (John 6:39, 40).

1SM 137.1

All spiritual life is derived from Jesus Christ. “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God” (John 1:12). But what is the sure result of becoming a child of God? The result is that we become laborers together with God. There is a great work to be done for your own soul’s salvation, and to qualify you to win others from unbelief to a life sustained by faith in Christ Jesus: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me [with a casual faith?—No, with an abiding faith that works by love and purifies the soul] 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 for ever: 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.... 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 they 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” (John 6:47, 48, 51, 53, 54, 63-65).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 46, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 46, 1898, par. 6

Christ has been given us by God to make a propitiation for our sins, and not for our sins only, but also for the sins of the whole world. We are to educate our minds aright, putting away all vain thoughts. As faithful sentinels we are to guard the heart, not permitting Satan to fashion it in pride. Do not allow the mind to dwell upon common subjects, because the food you give to the soul is what the mind dwells upon. “I am the bread of life,” Christ declared. “I am the living bread, which came down from heaven. If any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread which I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” [John 6:35, 51.]

13LtMs, Ms 46, 1898, par. 7

“The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat? 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. ... 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, 53, 56, 57.]

13LtMs, Ms 46, 1898, par. 8

Those who had never been partakers with Christ, who had listened to Him as many today listen to the Word, but who had not eaten the truth as bread from heaven, 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,” He added. [Verses 60-64.] “For Jesus knew from the beginning who they 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 him of my Father.

13LtMs, Ms 46, 1898, par. 9

“From that time many of His disciples went back, and walked no more with him.” [Verses 64-66.] They criticized and disbelieved. Christ met with the same criticism and murmuring that His servants will meet in their work today. “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 are that Christ, the Son of the living God.” [Verses 67-69.]

13LtMs, Ms 46, 1898, par. 11

The question is before us as those to whom God has entrusted sacred responsibilities. Do we appreciate the situation? Are we seeking to understand the meaning of the lesson given in this chapter? “Verily, verily, I say unto you,” Christ declared, “he that believeth on me hath everlasting life.” Christ is the representation to the world and to the church of the tree of life. “I am that bread of life,” He says. “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 47-51.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 82, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 82, 1907, par. 10

Last Sabbath night, March 2, I heard the voice of One giving instruction. He said, “Whoso eateth My flesh and drinketh My blood hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” [John 6:54.] “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.]

22LtMs, Lt 82, 1907, par. 13

This truth is an eternal truth, because Christ Himself taught it. He has engaged to raise the righteous dead; for He gave His life for the life of the world. “As the living Father hath sent Me, and I live by the Father; so he that eateth Me, even he shall live by Me.” “I am the bread of life; he that cometh unto Me shall never hunger, and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst. ... All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me; and he that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” [John 6:57, 35, 37.]

22LtMs, Lt 82, 1907, par. 16

“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 should 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 said unto him, 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 51-71.]

Ye Shall Receive Power

The Spirit Visits Us, January 22

YRP 30.4

“But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not” (John 6:36). This has been literally fulfilled in the cases of many; for the Lord gave them a deeper insight into truth, into His character of mercy and compassion and love; and yet after being thus enlightened, they have turned from Him in unbelief. They saw the deep movings of the Spirit of God; but when the insidious temptations of Satan came in, as they always will come after a season of revival, they did not resist unto blood, striving against sin; and those who might have stood on vantage ground, had they made a right use of the precious enlightenment that they had, were overcome by the enemy. They should have reflected the light that God gave to them upon the souls of others; they should have worked and acted in harmony with the sacred revealings of the Holy Spirit; and in not doing so, they suffered loss.—The Review and Herald, January 30, 1894.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 66, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 66, 1897, par. 6

If they feel that they are rich in knowledge and are in need of nothing, they will take offense as did the disciples who turned from Christ and walked no more with Him. There are many who need to be awakened by plain, decided testimonies to discern their spiritual deficiencies. Why are they not wise? Christ answers the question. They consider themselves whole, in no need of a physician. I am rich and increased in goods, they say, and in need of nothing. The disciples who turned away from Christ were of this class, and many who are reproved for their wrongs in this time act just as did these men to whom Christ said, “Ye have seen me and believe not.” [John 6:36.]

True Revival

Spiritual Victory Lost to the Passions for Games

TR 77.3

Among the students the spirit of fun and frolic was indulged. They became so interested in playing games that the Lord was crowded out of their minds; and Jesus stood among you in the playground, saying, O that thou hadst known, “even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace!” (Luke 19:42). “Ye also have seen me, and believe not” (John 6:36). Yes; Christ revealed Himself to you, and deep impressions were made as the Holy Spirit moved upon your hearts; but you pursued a course by which you lost these sacred impressions, and failed to maintain the victory. “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37). You began to come to Christ, but you did not abide in Christ. You forsook Him, and the realization you had had of the great favors and blessings He had given you, was lost from your heart. The question of amusement occupied so large a place in your minds, that after the solemn visitation of the Spirit of God, you entered into its discussion with such great zeal that all barriers were broken down; and through your passion for games, you neglected to heed the word of Christ: “Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation” (Mark 14:38). The place that should have been occupied by Jesus was usurped by your passion for games. You chose your amusements instead of the comfort of the Holy Spirit. You did not follow the example of Jesus, who said, “I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me” (John 6:38).

TR 78.1

The minds of many are so bewildered with their own human desires and inclinations, and they have been so in the habit of indulging them, that they cannot comprehend the true sense of the Scriptures. Many suppose that in following Christ they will be obliged to be gloomy and disconsolate, because they are required to deny themselves the pleasures and follies that the world indulge in. The living Christian will be filled with cheerfulness and peace, because he lives as seeing Him who is invisible; and those who seek Christ in His true character have within them the elements of everlasting life, because they are partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruptions that are in the world through lust. Jesus said, “This is the Father’s will which hath 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” (John 6:39, 40).

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 16—“Lost, and Is Found”

COL 205.2

Do not listen to the enemy’s suggestion to stay away from Christ until you have made yourself better; until you are good enough to come to God. If you wait until then, you will never come. When Satan points to your filthy garments, repeat the promise of Jesus, “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37. Tell the enemy that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses from all sin. Make the prayer of David your own, “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:7.

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

MR No. 813—Comfort and Assurance for the Afflicted

10MR 175.1

The message from God to me for you is “Him that cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37). If you have nothing else to plead before God but this one promise from your Lord and Saviour, you have the assurance that you will never, never be turned away. It may seem to you that you are hanging upon a single promise, but appropriate that one promise, and it will open to you the whole treasure house of the riches of the grace of Christ. Cling to that promise and you are safe. “Him that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out.” Present this assurance to Jesus, and you are as safe as though inside the city of God.

Our High Calling

Fullness of Christ’s Ransom, March 13

OHC 78.3

Jesus says, “Him that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37. When the repenting sinner comes to Christ, conscious of his guilt and unworthiness, realizing that he is deserving of punishment, but relying on the mercy and love of Christ, he will not be turned away. The pardoning love of God is appropriated, and joyful gratitude springs up in his heart for the infinite compassion and love of his Saviour. That provision was made for him in the councils of heaven before the foundation of the world, that Christ should take upon Himself the penalty of man’s transgression and impute to him His righteousness, overwhelms him with amazement.15The Signs of the Times, January 2, 1893.

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 38—The Journey Around Edom

PP 431.2

While the sinner cannot save himself, he still has something to do to secure salvation. “Him that cometh to Me,” says Christ, “I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37. But we must come to Him ; and when we repent of our sins, we must believe that He accepts and pardons us. Faith is the gift of God, but the power to exercise it is ours. Faith is the hand by which the soul takes hold upon the divine offers of grace and mercy.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 26—“Behold Your God!”

PK 320.1

Do not listen to the enemy’s suggestion to stay away from Christ until you have made yourself better, until you are good enough to come to God. If you wait until then you will never come. When Satan points to your filthy garments, repeat the promise of the Saviour, “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37. Tell the enemy that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses from all sin. Make the prayer of David your own: “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:7.

Selected Messages Book 1

Chapter 32—The Righteousness of Christ in the Law

1SM 240.4

The law and the gospel are in perfect harmony. Each upholds the other. In all its majesty the law confronts the conscience, causing the sinner to feel his need of Christ as the propitiation for sin. The gospel recognizes the power and immutability of the law. “I had not known sin, but by the law,” Paul declares (Romans 7:7). The sense of sin, urged home by the law, drives the sinner to the Saviour. In his need man may present the mighty arguments furnished by the cross of Calvary. He may claim the righteousness of Christ; for it is imparted to every repentant sinner. God declares, “Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37). “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

Selected Messages Book 1

Chapter 50—Come and Seek and Find

1SM 333.3

Then come, and seek, and find. The reservoir of power is open, is full and free. Come with humble hearts, not thinking that you must do some good work to merit the favor of God, or that you must make yourself better before you can come to Christ. You are powerless to do good, and cannot better your condition. Apart from Christ we have no merit, no righteousness. Our sinfulness, our weakness, our human imperfection make it impossible that we should appear before God unless we are clothed in Christ’s spotless righteousness. We are to be found in Him not having our own righteousness, but the righteousness which is in Christ. Then in the name that is above every name, the only name given among men whereby men can be saved, claim the promise of God, saying, “Lord, forgive my sin; I put my hands into Thy hand for help, and I must have it, or perish. I now believe.” The Saviour says to the repenting sinner, “No man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6), “and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37). “I am thy salvation” (Psalm 35:3).

Selected Messages Book 1

Chapter 60—Relation of Faith and Works

1SM 378.1

Christ offers Himself as willing to save unto the uttermost all who come unto Him. He invites all to come to Him. “Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37). You look in reality upon these subjects as I do, yet you make these subjects, through your expressions, confusing to minds. And after you have expressed your mind radically in regard to works, when questions are asked you upon this very subject, it is not lying out in so very clear lines, in your own mind, and you cannot define the correct principles to other minds, and you are yourself unable to make your statements harmonize with your own principles and faith.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8

Chapter 18—The Review and Herald Fire

8T 101.4

Let the heart-searching God reprove the erring, and let each one bow before Him in humility and contrition, casting aside all self-righteousness and self-importance, confessing and forsaking every sin, and asking God, in the name of the Redeemer, for pardon. God declares, “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37); and those who in sincerity present themselves before Him will be pardoned and justified, and will receive power to become the sons of God.

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 22—Saying and Doing

COL 280.3

There is more hope for publicans and sinners than for those who know the word of God but refuse to obey it. He who sees himself a sinner with no cloak for his sin, who knows that he is corrupting soul, body, and spirit before God, becomes alarmed lest he be eternally separated from the kingdom of heaven. He realizes his diseased condition, and seeks healing from the great Physician who has said, “Him that cometh to Me, I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37. These souls the Lord can use as workers in His vineyard.

Testimonies on Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and Divorce

Chapter 5—The Christian Spouse’s Behavior

TSB 50.2

Jesus says, “Him that cometh to Me, I will in no wise cast out” [John 6:37]. Then, my sister, dismiss the enemy. Tell him that you will not dishonor God by doubting His mercy, His goodness, His love. Never argue with Satan, for he has wonderful powers of deception. If, when he went to Adam and Eve, they had kept repeating the words of God, saying “He hath said, and I believe His word, I will not distrust Him,” they would not have been overcome.

That I May Know Him

Christ’s Precious Jewels, March 19

TMK 84.5

He would inspire the most sinful, the most debased, with hope. He says, “Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37). When a soul finds the Saviour, the Saviour rejoices as a merchantman that has found his goodly pearl. By His grace He will work upon the soul until it will be like a jewel polished for the heavenly kingdom. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” 25The Youth’s Instructor, October 10, 1895.

That I May Know Him

How to Resist Satan, August 27

TMK 245.4

Repeat His promises: “Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37).... “Let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; and he shall make peace with me” (Isaiah 27:5). “Whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive” (Matthew 21:22). Be simplehearted enough to believe these promises of God. When Satan comes to you, and tells you that because you are unhappy, perplexed, and troubled you are not a child of God, do not become discouraged for one moment, but gird up the loins of your mind. Let your heart repose in God. He has promised that if you come to Him, you shall find rest to your soul; and if you have done this, rest assured that He will fulfill His word in you....

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 47—Ministry

DA 429.1

“If Thou canst do anything, have compassion on us, and help us.” How many a sin-burdened soul has echoed that prayer. And to all, the pitying Saviour’s answer is, “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” It is faith that connects us with heaven, and brings us strength for coping with the powers of darkness. In Christ, God has provided means for subduing every sinful trait, and resisting every temptation, however strong. But many feel that they lack faith, and therefore they remain away from Christ. Let these souls, in their helpless unworthiness, cast themselves upon the mercy of their compassionate Saviour. Look not to self, but to Christ. He who healed the sick and cast out demons when He walked among men is the same mighty Redeemer today. Faith comes by the word of God. Then grasp His promise, “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37. Cast yourself at His feet with the cry, “Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief.” You can never perish while you do this—never.

The Faith I Live By

Linked to the Divine, January 17

FLB 23.6

Grasp His promises as leaves from the tree of life: “Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37. As you come to Him, believe that He accepts you, because He has promised. You can never perish while you do this—never.71The Ministry of Healing, 66.

The Ministry of Healing

“According to His Mercy He Saved Us”

MH 65.4

“If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” Mark 9:23. It is faith that connects us with heaven and brings us strength for coping with the powers of darkness. In Christ, God has provided means for subduing every evil trait and resisting every temptation, however strong. But many feel that they lack faith, and therefore they remain away from Christ. Let these souls, in their helpless unworthiness, cast themselves upon the mercy of their compassionate Saviour. Look not to self, but to Christ. He who healed the sick and cast out demons when He walked among men is still the same mighty Redeemer. Then grasp His promises as leaves from the tree of life: “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37. As you come to Him, believe that He accepts you, because He has promised. You can never perish while you do this—never.

The Upward Look

Take Christ at His Word, May 10

UL 144.1

Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. John 6:37.

UL 144.4

We have only to come, complying with the invitation, “If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink” (John 7:37). “Him that cometh to me I will no wise cast out” (chap. 6:37). Every human being, as he reads these words, should feel that he is on holy ground. Remember that the life of the only begotten Son of God was offered up for you. As the Holy Spirit impresses Christ’s words on the heart and mind, man must feel that he is in the presence of superior goodness, superseding immeasurably anything that earth can afford. He must feel that he is occupying holy ground, for he is close to the living fountain of mercy and love.

Ye Shall Receive Power

Nothing More Invincible, December 15

YRP 358.4

As, seeing the sinfulness of sin, we fall helpless before the cross, asking forgiveness and strength, our prayer is heard and answered. Those who present their petitions to God in Christ’s name will never be turned away. The Lord says, “Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37). “He will regard the prayer of the destitute” (Psalm 102:17). Our help comes from Him who holds all things in His hands. The peace that He sends is the assurance of His love to us.

The Publishing Ministry

Introduction

PM 173.4

Let the heart-searching God reprove the erring, and let each one bow before Him in humility and contrition, casting aside all self-righteousness and self-importance, confessing and forsaking every sin, and asking God, in the name of the Redeemer, for pardon. God declares, “Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37); and those who in sincerity present themselves before Him will be pardoned and justified, and will receive power to become the sons of God.

Faith and Works

Chapter 17—Counsel to a Leading Minister on the Presentation of the Relation of Faith and Works

FW 111.2

Christ offers Himself as willing to save unto the uttermost all who come unto Him. He invites all to come to Him. “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37). You look in reality upon these subjects as I do, yet you make these subjects, through your expressions, confusing to minds. And after you have expressed your mind radically in regard to works, when questions are asked you upon this very subject, it is not lying out in so very clear lines in your own mind, and you cannot define the correct principles to other minds, and you are yourself unable to make your statements harmonize with your own principles and faith.

Selections from the Testimonies for the Church For the Study of Those Attending the General Conference in Oakland, Ca., March 27, 1903

Chapter 4—The Review and Herald Fire

PH151 17.1

Let the heart-searching God reprove the erring, and let each one bow before Him in humility and contrition, casting aside all self-righteousness and self-importance, confessing and forsaking every sin, and asking God, in the name of the Redeemer, for pardon. God declares, “Him that cometh to Me I will in nowise cast out” (John 6:37); and those who in sincerity present themselves before Him will be pardoned and justified, and will receive power to become the sons of God.

The General Conference Bulletin

December 1, 1895

GCB December 1, 1895, Art. A, par. 14

Do not listen to the enemy’s suggestion to stay away from Christ until you have made yourself better; until you are good enough to come to God. If you wait until then, you will never come. When Satan points to your filthy garments, repeat the promise of Jesus, “Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37. Tell the enemy that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin. Make the prayer of David your own. “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:7.

The Review and Herald

March 25, 1915

RH March 25, 1915, par. 11

Do not listen to the enemy’s suggestion to stay away from Christ until you have made yourself better, until you are good enough to come to God. If you wait until then, you will never come. When Satan points to your filthy garments, repeat the promise of the Saviour, “Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37. Tell the enemy that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses from all sin. Make the prayer of David your own, “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:7.

From Heaven With Love

Faith Connects Us With Heaven

HLv 290.2

“If Thou canst do anything, have compassion on us, and help us.” How many a sin-burdened soul has echoed that prayer. And to all the answer is, “All things are possible to him that believeth.” In Christ, God has provided means for subduing every sinful trait and resisting every temptation, however strong. But many feel that they lack faith, and therefore they remain away from Christ. Let these souls look not to self, but to Christ. Faith comes by the Word of God. Grasp His promise, “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37. Cast yourself at His feet with the cry, “I believe; help Thou mine unbelief.” You can never perish while you do this—never.

From Eternity Past

The Brazen Serpent a Type of the Saviour

EP 302.5

While the sinner cannot save himself, he still has something to do to secure salvation. “Him that cometh to Me,” says Christ, “I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37. We must come to Him; and when we repent, we must believe that He accepts and pardons us. Faith is the gift of God, but the power to exercise it is ours. Faith is the hand by which the soul takes hold upon the divine offers of grace and mercy.

From Splendor to Shadow

The Lord Will Receive You

SS 168.3

Do not listen to the enemy’s suggestion to stay away from Christ until you have made yourself better, until you are good enough to come. Repeat the promise of the Saviour, “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37. Tell the enemy that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses from all sin. Make the prayer of David your own: “Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:7.