EGW WritingsJohn 6
Ellen G. White · Page 5 of 6
Read John 6 in the BibleJohn 6:53
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 48, 1891
7LtMs, Ms 48, 1891, par. 47
But, thank God, there are many who have been listening to his word and feasting upon it. What does Christ say?—“Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.” [John 6:53.] Then let us feast upon Christ. Let us enjoy his love, and praise God for this great salvation. Then we shall come together, heart to heart. When we shall subdue our pride, when we shall pluck from the garden of the soul every fiber of the root of bitterness, our hearts will flow together as the heart of one. And the Saviour’s promise is, “If any two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 18:19.] Then, I ask, Where is our power?—It is in the sincere prayers going up to heaven continually that Christ will reveal himself to us. And he will do it. The light and glory of God will rest upon his people. And then the world will see, and will say, “Behold, how these brethren love one another.” Then all this heart burning and distrust will cease, and in place of it, there will be love and union, courtesy, kindness, and tenderness. The very countenances will shine with the glory of God. We shall all see eye to eye. We shall speak the same things, and be of the same judgment.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 35, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 35, 1897, par. 31
Christ declared, “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.] We cannot as individuals maintain our bodily life unless we eat and drink for ourselves of temporal food. In order to maintain spiritual life and health, we must feed on Jesus Christ, which is studying His Word, and doing those things He has commanded in that Word. This will constitute a close union with Christ. The branch that bears fruit must be in the vine, a part of it, receiving nourishment from the parent stalk. This is living by faith upon the Son of God.John 6:53-54
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Ms 75, 1895
10LtMs, Ms 75, 1895, par. 2
The excuses which they made for not accepting the gracious invitation makes manifest the reason why they did not feel the necessity for prayer in order that the Holy Spirit might enlighten their reason, and combine with their human endeavor. They did not seek to place themselves in the very best position where they could receive the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness, and become sanctified in the soul and spirit. They did not appreciate the fact that Christ is the bread that cometh down from heaven, that from him flows the streams of salvation. His inexpressible love had furnished the costly banquet, and had provided unsearchable, inexhaustible resources. To be invited to the supper was the greatest honor that could be conferred, and the universe of heaven looked with amazement and astonishment upon those who refused the gospel feast. The angels listened with grief to the excuses that were offered as a reason for not coming to the banquet that had been prepared at an infinite cost. Can we measure the love that has provided for us the plan of salvation? When we can make a chain long enough to reach into the depths of the pit of sin into which man has fallen, then we can know the depth of the love, the cost of the redemption, that has been provided for us through the death of Christ. Nothing but the love of God could provide so expensive a feast as the gospel feast. The provision is nothing less than Christ himself. He says, “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.” [John 6:53, 54.] “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me, and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish; neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand!” [John 10:27, 28.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 120, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 120, 1897, par. 7
Christ’s discourse in the synagogue concerning the bread of life was the turning point in the history of Judas. He heard the words, “Except ye eat my flesh and drink my blood, ye have no life in you.” [John 6:53, 54.] He saw that Christ was offering spiritual rather than worldly good. His own expectations of a worldly kingdom would not be realized. At this time he made shipwreck of faith. After this he permitted doubt, envy, and hatred to be his guests. His jealousy was aroused when he was not included with the three chosen to witness the transfiguration of Christ upon the mount. When the disciples disputed by the way as to whom should be greatest, his voice was often heard.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 332, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 332, 1907, par. 3
I saw that the workers in the cause need now to be wide-awake. Many need to be converted anew and rebaptized. When they learn to drink of the Spiritual Rock which followed the army of Israel in the wilderness, when they partake daily of the heavenly manna, how their experience will change! What the food we eat is to our physical needs, Christ is to our spiritual necessities. He is the Bread of life. “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood,” Christ declared, “ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth His flesh and drinketh His blood, hath eternal life.” [John 6:53, 54.] When Christ is formed within the soul, His presence will be as a well of water, springing up unto everlasting life.John 6:53-55
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 5, 1886
4LtMs, Ms 5, 1886, par. 15
I can trust my Saviour; He saves me today; and while I am struggling to overcome the temptations of the enemy, He will give me grace to conquer. We will have no excuse to offer in the day of God because we did not serve Christ. We are to be partakers of the divine nature; we are to escape the corruption that is in the world through lust; and this is what Christ means when He says, “Ye must eat My flesh and drink My blood, or ye have no life in you,” “for My flesh is meat indeed and My blood is drink indeed.” [John 6:53-55.] And this Christ is the Word of God; and we must take this Word and bring it into our nature, and thus we are receiving nourishment from Jesus Christ as the natural stalk receives nourishment from nature. So we are to connect with Christ if we would have a part with Him. We must live by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.John 6:53-56
The Upward Look
Are You a Fruitful Branch? June 17
UL 182.6
The regenerated man has a vital union with Christ. As the branch derives its sustenance from the parent stock, and because of this bears much fruit, so the true believer is united with Christ, and reveals in his life the fruits of the Spirit. The branch becomes one with the vine. Storm cannot carry it away. Frosts cannot destroy its vital properties. Nothing is able to separate it from the vine. It is a living branch, and it bears the fruit of the vine. So with the believer. By good words and good actions, he reveals the character of Christ. As the branch derives its nourishment from the vine, so all who are truly converted draw spiritual vitality from Christ. “Verily, verily, I say unto you,” He declared, “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” (John 6:53, 56).—Manuscript 78, copied June 17, 1898, “I Am the True Vine.”My Life Today
Christ Dwells in Me, September 28
ML 275.1
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. John 6:53-56.Ye Shall Receive Power
Searching for Truth, April 7
YRP 106.3
“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 [that is, continues to receive the words of Christ and practice them], 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” (John 6:53-56), “and he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us” (1 John 3:24).John 6:53-57
The Desire of Ages
Chapter 72—“In Remembrance of Me”
DA 660.3
Our Lord has said, “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you.... For My flesh is meat indeed, and My blood is drink indeed.” John 6:53-55. This is true of our physical nature. To the death of Christ we owe even this earthly life. The bread we eat is the purchase of His broken body. The water we drink is bought by His spilled blood. Never one, saint or sinner, eats his daily food, but he is nourished by the body and the blood of Christ. The cross of Calvary is stamped on every loaf. It is reflected in every water spring. All this Christ has taught in appointing the emblems of His great sacrifice. The light shining from that Communion service in the upper chamber makes sacred the provisions for our daily life. The family board becomes as the table of the Lord, and every meal a sacrament.DA 660.4
And how much more are Christ’s words true of our spiritual nature. He declares, “Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life.” It is by receiving the life for us poured out on Calvary’s cross, that we can live the life of holiness. And this life we receive by receiving His word, by doing those things which He has commanded. Thus we become one with Him. “He that eateth My flesh,” He says, “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 6:54, 56, 57. To the holy Communion this scripture in a special sense applies. As faith contemplates our Lord’s great sacrifice, the soul assimilates the spiritual life of Christ. That soul will receive spiritual strength from every Communion. The service forms a living connection by which the believer is bound up with Christ, and thus bound up with the Father. In a special sense it forms a connection between dependent human beings and God.Jesus, Name Above All Names
Lamb, February 24
JNN 63.2
Our Lord has said, “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you.... For My flesh is meat indeed, and My blood is drink indeed” (John 6:53-55). This is true of our physical nature. To the death of Christ we owe even this earthly life. The bread we eat is the purchase of His broken body. The water we drink is bought by His spilled blood. Never one, saint or sinner, eats his daily food, but he is nourished by the body and the blood of Christ. The cross of Calvary is stamped on every loaf....JNN 63.3
And how much more are Christ’s words true of our spiritual nature. He declares, “Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life.” It is by receiving the life for us poured out on Calvary’s cross, that we can live the life of holiness. And this life we receive by receiving His word, by doing those things which He has commanded. Thus we become one with Him. “He that eateth My flesh,” He says, “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 6:54, 56, 57). To the holy Communion this scripture in a special sense applies. As faith contemplates our Lord’s great sacrifice, the soul assimilates the spiritual life of Christ. That soul will receive spiritual strength from every Communion. The service forms a living connection by which the believer is bound up with Christ, and thus bound up with the Father....From Heaven With Love
The Reasons for Celebrating the Lord’s Supper
HLv 444.1
Our Lord has said, “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you... . For My flesh is meat indeed, and My blood is drink indeed.” John 6:53-55. To the death of Christ we owe even this earthly life. The bread we eat is the purchase of His broken body; the water we drink, of His spilled blood. Never one, saint or sinner, eats his daily food, but he is nourished by the body and blood of Christ. The cross of Calvary is stamped on every loaf; it is reflected in every water spring. The light shining from that Communion service makes sacred the provisions for our daily life. The family board becomes as the table of the Lord, and every meal a sacrament.HLv 444.2
Of our spiritual nature Jesus declares, “Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life.” By receiving His word, by doing those things which He has commanded, we become one with Him. “He that eateth My flesh,” He says, “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 6:54, 56, 57. As faith contemplates our Lord’s great sacrifice, the soul assimilates the spiritual life of Christ. Every Communion service forms a living connection by which the believer is bound up with Christ, and thus with the Father.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Ms 29, 1896
11LtMs, Ms 29, 1896, par. 9
Christ declared, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, 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, 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.] No one can eat this flesh and drink this blood for another. Each must come to Christ with his own soul hunger, each must have his own convictions, feel his own soul’s need, and learn of Christ for himself.John 6:53-63
Christian Education
Chapter 6—A Knowledge of God
CE 57.1
Fill the whole heart with the words of God. They are the living water, quenching your burning thirst. They are the living bread from heaven. Jesus declares, “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.” [John 6:53.] And he explains himself by saying, “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [John 6:63.] Our bodies are built up from what we eat and drink; and as in the natural economy, so in the spiritual economy, it is what we meditate upon that will give tone and strength to our spiritual nature.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 23a, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 23a, 1893, par. 50
Sabbath, January 14, was a day of great interest to us. In the morning I spoke from Isaiah 58. The Lord gave me strength and grace to deliver His message to the people. As a social meeting had been appointed, I did not intend to speak again in the afternoon; but as the testimonies were borne I felt urged to present the cases of some who seemed altogether too blind to comprehend their true condition. I was constrained to speak in regard to the dangers of those who were so completely absorbed in dwelling upon the mistakes and failings of others that they themselves were falling into far greater evils, and sinning against God. I told Brother P. that he would surely lose the reason that God had given him if he did not cease this work of accusing, and employ his powers to better purpose than feeding on the faults and errors of others. Christ has declared Himself to be the Bread that cometh down from heaven. John 6:61, 53, 57, 63.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 11b, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 11b, 1894, par. 19
“Hide not thyself from thine own flesh.” [Isaiah 58:7.] Go to work right where you are. Among every class of people there is work to do. Lift up your eyes and look; the fields are ready for the harvest. Men are interposing themselves between Christ and the people. They are working in the lines of the enemy instead of in the light and power of truth. God wants to see in the human agent the power that says, Come, for all things are now ready. He wants to see His people giving their fellow men food. They are hungry. They do not want froth and fables; they want the Word of the living God. “Except ye eat my flesh and drink my blood,” Christ said, “ye have no life in you.” [John 6:53.] When His disciples heard these words they were offended, for they did not discern spiritual things. Christ said, “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life.” [Verse 63.] To eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God is to be doers of the Word. We have a work to do in going to the people who have souls to save or lose and teach them the terms of salvation. “Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” [Matthew 4:10.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 54, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 54, 1894, par. 26
What can the world know of Christian experience? Verily nothing. “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you.” The great Teacher explained this instruction, saying, “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 6:53, 63.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 60, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 60, 1894, par. 20
Christ declares, “He that 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.” [John 6:54-56.] These were the words over which the disciples stumbled, but Jesus removed everything that might constitute a stumbling block, and said to 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 61-63.] It is the Word of God abiding in the heart that will quicken the spiritual faculties.9LtMs, Lt 60, 1894, par. 23
Our position is plainly marked out. The endowment which we have of God is plainly described, and our accountability and duty is plainly stated. The declaration of Christ is given in language not to be misunderstood, “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.” [John 6:53.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 11, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 11, 1894, par. 20
Christ says, “Except ye eat my flesh and drink my blood ye have no part with me.” [See John 6:53.] What is it to eat His flesh? When the disciples heard that, they were offended. They did not discern spiritual things. He says, “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life.” [Verse 63.] It is to be doers of the Word. Do you think we are going to let people come in with their maxims and customs and blind our eyes? We have a work to do, to go to the people who have souls to lose or souls to save. What are the terms of salvation? “Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” [Matthew 4:10.] This we will keep ever before us.Steps to Christ
Chapter 10—A Knowledge of God
SC 88.2
Fill the whole heart with the words of God. They are the living water, quenching your burning thirst. They are the living bread from heaven. Jesus declares, “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you.” And He explains Himself by saying, “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” John 6:53, 63. Our bodies are built up from what we eat and drink; and as in the natural economy, so in the spiritual economy: it is what we meditate upon that will give tone and strength to our spiritual nature.Homeward Bound
Hearing Jesus’ Voice, January 8
HB 23.4
Fill the whole heart with the words of God. They are the living water, quenching your burning thirst. They are the living bread from heaven. Jesus declares, “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you.” And He explains Himself by saying, “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” (John 6:53, 63) Our bodies are built up from what we eat and drink; and as in the natural economy, so in the spiritual economy: it is what we meditate upon that will give tone and strength to our spiritual nature.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Ms 4, 1888
5LtMs, Ms 4, 1888, par. 14
Brethren and sisters, what we want is a living Saviour, One that will come into our everyday lives. [Jesus said,] Unless ye eat my flesh and drink my blood ye have no part with Me. Unless we do this, we shall have no part with Him in eternal life. [John 6:53.] Who is bringing Christ into his practical life? Why, He says, The word preached availeth nothing—it profiteth nothing—unless accompanied by faith. [Hebrews 4:2.] It is the word which I give you which [is profitable], and with this is life. [John 6:63.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 31, 1889
6LtMs, Ms 31, 1889, par. 38
“Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you.” [John 6:53.] The Saviour explained this statement, which seemed greatly to offend His disciples, as requiring an impossibility. “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 61-63.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Ms 44, 1904
19LtMs, Ms 44, 1904, par. 17
Let those who want the bread of life go to the Scriptures, not to the teaching of finite, erring man. Give the people the bread of life that Christ came from heaven to bring to us. Do not mix with your teaching human suppositions and conjectures. Would that all knew how much they need to eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God—to make His words a part of their very lives. “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man,” Christ declared, “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. ... 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 6:53, 54, 57, 63.]Patriarchs and Prophets
Chapter 24—The Passover
PP 277.4
The flesh was to be eaten. It is not enough even that we believe on Christ for the forgiveness of sin; we must by faith be constantly receiving spiritual strength and nourishment from Him through His word. Said Christ, “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life.” John 6:53, 54. And to explain His meaning He said, “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” Verse 63. Jesus accepted His Father’s law, wrought out its principles in His life, manifested its spirit, and showed its beneficent power in the heart. Says John, “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 1:14. The followers of Christ must be partakers of His experience. They must receive and assimilate the word of God so that it shall become the motive power of life and action. By the power of Christ they must be changed into His likeness, and reflect the divine attributes. They must eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God, or there is no life in them. The spirit and work of Christ must become the spirit and work of His disciples.Selected Messages Book 2
Chapter 13—Should Christians Be Members of Secret Societies?
2SM 124.4
While there may be in these societies much that appears to be good, there is, mingled with this, very much that makes the good of no effect, and renders these associations detrimental to the interests of the soul. We have another life than that which is sustained by temporal food. “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, ye have no life in you” (John 6:53). Jesus said, “Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life” (John 6:54). Our bodies are built up from what we eat and drink. And as in the natural, so in the spiritual economy; it is that which our minds dwell upon which sustains the spiritual nature. Our Saviour 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). Spiritual life must be sustained by communion with Christ through His Word. The mind must dwell upon it, the heart must be filled with it. The Word of God laid up in the heart and sacredly cherished and obeyed, through the power of the grace of Christ can make man right, and keep him right; but every human influence, every earthly invention, is powerless to give strength and wisdom to man. It cannot restrain passion, or correct deformity of character. Unless the truth of God controls the heart, the conscience will be warped. But in these worldly societies the mind is turned away from the Word of God. Men are not led to make it the study and the guide of life.From Eternity Past
The Passover Points to Christ
EP 191.3
The flesh was to be eaten. It is not enough that we believe on Christ for the forgiveness of sin; we must by faith be constantly receiving spiritual nourishment from Him through His Word. Said Christ, “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life.” “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” John 6:53, 54, 63. The followers of Christ must assimilate the Word of God so that it shall become the motive power of life and action. By the power of Christ they must be changed into His likeness and reflect the divine attributes.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 53, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 53, 1894, par. 12
While there may be in these societies much that appears to be good, there is, mingled with this, very much that makes the good of no effect, and renders these associations detrimental to the interests of the soul. We have another life than that which is sustained by temporal food. “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” [Matthew 4:4.] “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.” Jesus said, “Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life.” [John 6:53, 54.] Our bodies are built up from what we eat and drink. And as in the natural, so in the spiritual economy, it is that which our minds dwell upon which sustains the spiritual nature.9LtMs, Ms 53, 1894, par. 13
Our Saviour 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.” [Verse 63.] Spiritual life must be sustained by communion with Christ through His Word. The mind must dwell upon it, the heart must be filled with it. The Word of God laid up in the heart, and sacredly cherished and obeyed through the power of the grace of Christ, can make man right and keep him right; but every human influence, every earthly invention, is powerless to give strength and wisdom to man. It cannot restrain passion or correct deformity of character. Unless the truth of God controls the heart, the conscience will be warped. But in these worldly societies the mind is turned away from the Word of God. Men are not led to make it the study and the guide of life.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Ms 19, 1888
5LtMs, Ms 19, 1888, par. 17
In the day of God we shall have no excuse to offer for not having served Christ, for abundant knowledge and power and grace have been provided us. We are to be partakers of the divine nature and to escape the corruption that is in the world through lust. Christ says, “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. ... For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.” [John 6:53-55.] In explanation of these words, Christ 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.” [Verse 63.] We must take His Word and bring it into our nature and thus receive nourishment from Christ. As the worthless stalk becomes grafted into the living vine, receiving nourishment from the parent stalk and bearing rich clusters of fruit, so we are to connect with Christ if we would have a part with Him. We must live by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.Ye Shall Receive Power
The Spirit Patiently Waits, January 30
YRP 38.3
Everyone needs to be worked, molded, and fashioned after the divine similitude. Christ tells you, my dear friends, young and old, the everlasting truth, “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. [If you do not take Christ’s word as the man of your counsel, you will not reveal His wisdom or His spiritual life.] Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; ... For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him” (John 6:53-56). Said Christ, “It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” (verse 63).Sermons and Talks, vol. 1
The Minister’s Relationship to God’s Word
1SAT 62.2
It is not enough that we merely give an exposition of the Scriptures, but we must have the Word of God abiding in us; and Christ has said that unless “ye eat of My flesh and drink of My blood, ye shall have no part with Me. None but those who eat of My flesh and drink of my blood shall have eternal life.” [See John 6:53-56.] Then He goes on to explain what it means. Why, he says, “the flesh profiteth nothing; it is the spirit that quickeneth” [see Verse 63], and He says that His flesh is meat indeed and drink indeed. Therefore, we are not to merely open the Bible and read something to the people and then go away out of the desk and carry no burden of souls with us.Manuscript Releases, vol. 14 [Nos. 1081-1135]
MR No. 1110—Study God’s Word: Be Slow To Follow Self-Styled Prophets, Including Anna Phillips
14MR 195.1
Men and women, young and old, I have a message for you: Seek God for yourselves individually. Look to God alone. Search for the truth as for hidden treasure. Let every mind be enlarged and every soul vitalized by the heavenly current. The Word of God is not a dry theory, but light and life to mind and soul. Eating this Word, and drinking it in, practicing it, is eating and drinking the flesh 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. 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]. Jesus explained these sayings, which seemed so hard for the disciples to understand: “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing. The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” [Verse 63].Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 12, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 12, 1897, par. 18
Just as the body needs vitalizing air at all times, so the soul needs a vital connection with God. Christ declared, “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.” “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 6:53-57, 63.] The truth, which the Spirit teaches in the Word of God, should be mingled with all we do; it should control all our actions. The Holy Spirit is a witness of all our transactions; it should be our guide in all business relations.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Lt 130, 1901
16LtMs, Lt 130, 1901, par. 3
“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.” “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 6:53-57, 63.] Pardon and sanctification come as a result of receiving and practicing Christ’s words.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Ms 118, 1904
19LtMs, Ms 118, 1904, par. 12
But often we take ourselves in our own hands, thinking that we can arrange matters in a way that will bring us peace and rest. Do we succeed? No! We get into more trouble than before. When things arise to perplex our minds, we fret and worry and begin to accuse others and to find fault with them. What ought we to do? Christ tells us: “Verily, verily I say unto you,” He declares, “Except ye eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of man, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth My flesh and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is meat indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. He that eateth My flesh and drinketh My blood dwelleth in Me and I in him. As the living Father hath sent Me, and I live by the Father, so he that eateth Me, even he shall live by Me.” [John 6:53-57.] “It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing; the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life.” [Verse 63.] These words are clearly explained in (John 5:24), “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and he shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”Manuscript Releases, vol. 21 [Nos. 1501-1598]
MR No. 1525—Divinely Led to Buy Elmshaven; Warning Against Fanatical Movements; Search the Word, and Believe its Promises
21MR 131.3
The only safety for any of us is to plant our feet upon the Word of God and study the Scriptures, making God’s Word our constant meditation. Tell the people to take no man’s word regarding the Testimonies but to read them and study them for themselves, then they will know that they are in harmony with the truth. The Word of God is the truth. Of a good man the psalmist declares, “His delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law doth he meditate day and night.” He who puts mind and heart into this work gains a solid, valuable experience. The Holy Spirit is in the Word of God. Here is the living, undying element so distinctly represented in the sixth chapter of John. [John 6:53-57, 63, quoted.]Testimony Treasures, vol. 2
Victory over Temptation
2TT 220.2
Christ 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 live by Me.” John 6:53-57. How many of those who are laboring in word and doctrine are eating Christ’s flesh and drinking His blood? How many can comprehend this mystery? The Saviour Himself explains this matter: “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 word of God must be interwoven with the living character of those who believe it. The only vital faith is that faith which receives and assimilates the truth till it is a part of the being and the motive power of the life and action. Jesus is called the Word of God. He accepted His Father’s law, wrought out its principles in His life, manifested its spirit, and showed its beneficent power in the heart. Says John: “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 1:14. The followers of Christ must be partakers of His experience. They must assimilate the word of God. They must be changed into its likeness by the power of Christ and reflect the divine attributes. They must eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God, or there is no life in them. The spirit and work of Christ must become the spirit and work of His disciples.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 4, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 4, 1893, par. 10
I caution all to walk carefully, to take the Word of God individually. We may meet Satan with the weapon, “It is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” [Matthew 4:10.] The Bible is the great mine of truth which we are to work as those seeking for hidden treasure. In no case is the attention to be diverted from that Word. “This is life eternal, that they might know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent.” [John 17:3.] Christ declares His Word to be spirit and life. [John 6:63.]8LtMs, Lt 4, 1893, par. 17
Men and women, young and old, I have a message for you: Seek God for yourselves individually. Look to God alone. Search for the truth as for hidden treasure. Let every mind be enlarged and every soul vitalized by the heavenly current. The Word of God is not a dry theory, but light and life to mind and soul. Eating this Word, and drinking it in, practicing it, is eating and drinking the flesh 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. 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.] Jesus explained these sayings, which seemed so hard for the disciples to understand: “It is the spirit that quickeneth, the flesh profiteth nothing. The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [Verse 63.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 42, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, par. 95
Jesus said, “If a man love me, he will keep my words.” “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. ... 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 14:23; 6:53-63. Here are the conditions of our salvation: to believe the words given us in the living oracles of God, and to bring His words into our practice—to do His words. They are spirit, and they are life.John 6:53-65
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 85, 1890
6LtMs, Lt 85, 1890, par. 3
Bro. Olsen had freedom and I was blessed with a measure of freedom and then we had a long social meeting. If you had heard the testimonies borne of gratitude to God for the truth they had heard, could you have seen the tears shed, you would have concluded that there were those who heartily received the Word with gladness. I spoke from John 16[17?] and John 6:53-45 [65?].John 6:53-66
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 56, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 56, 1897, par. 5
“From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.” John 6:53-66.John 6:53-68
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 78, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 78, 1898, par. 6
As the branch derives its nourishment from the vine, so all who are truly converted draw spiritual vitality from Christ. “Verily, verily, I say unto you,” He declared, “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of God, 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 manna in the wilderness and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live forever.” [John 6:53-58.]13LtMs, Ms 78, 1898, par. 7
“Many therefore of the disciples, when they heard this, said, This is an hard saying, who can hear it? When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus know 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. 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.” [Verses 60-68.]John 6:53-69
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 38, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 38, 1897, par. 15
When many of the disciples left Christ and walked no more with Him because He had claimed to be that bread which came down from heaven He had declared, “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.] And what did His own disciples say to His words? “This is an hard saying, who can hear it.” [Verse 60.] The spiritual perception of His hearers could not grasp Christ’s words, and “from that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.” [Verse 66.]12LtMs, Ms 38, 1897, par. 16
Turning to the twelve, Jesus said, “Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.” [Verses 67-69.]John 6:53-70
The Desire of Ages
Chapter 76—Judas
DA 719.1
Christ’s discourse in the synagogue concerning the bread of life was the turning point in the history of Judas. He heard the words, “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you.” John 6:53. He saw that Christ was offering spiritual rather than worldly good. He regarded himself as farsighted, and thought he could see that Jesus would have no honor, and that He could bestow no high position upon His followers. He determined not to unite himself so closely to Christ but that he could draw away. He would watch. And he did watch.DA 720.1
In all that Christ said to His disciples, there was something with which, in heart, Judas disagreed. Under his influence the leaven of disaffection was fast doing its work. The disciples did not see the real agency in all this; but Jesus saw that Satan was communicating his attributes to Judas, and thus opening up a channel through which to influence the other disciples. This, a year before the betrayal, Christ declared. “Have not I chosen you twelve,” He said, “and one of you is a devil?” John 6:70.John 6:53-71
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 106, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 106, 1903, par. 47
Christ’s discourses in the synagogue concerning the bread of life was the turning point in the history of Judas. He heard the words, “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you.” [John 6:53.] He saw that Christ was offering spiritual rather than worldly good. He regarded himself as far-sighted and thought that he could see that Jesus would have no honor, and that He could bestow no high position upon His followers. He determined not to unite himself so closely to Christ but that he could draw away. He would watch, and he did watch.18LtMs, Ms 106, 1903, par. 48
We read that after hearing this discourse on the bread of life, “many of His disciples went back, and walked no more with Him.” [Verse 66.] Their defection may be traced to the influence of Judas. By his false representations he aroused prejudice against Christ. Judas exalted his own ideas, and when something did not meet his mind, he was not slow to place upon it his own interpretation, to make of no effect the words of Christ. He spoke in a speculative style. When Christ told the people that He was the bread of heaven, Judas put a mystical construction on His words, robbing them of their true significance. He was known as a disciple of Christ, and this gave him influence with those who were lacking in knowledge, and he turned into false paths many who had not received one twentieth of the evidence that he had received.18LtMs, Ms 106, 1903, par. 49
Christ read the heart of Judas as an open book and knew that he was educating himself to be a traitor. “There are some of you that believe not,” He said. “For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray Him.” [Verse 64.]18LtMs, Ms 106, 1903, par. 50
“Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered Him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that Thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus answered them. Have I not chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? He spake of Judas Iscariot; for it was he that should betray Him, being one of the twelve.” [Verses 67-71.]John 6:54
A Call To Stand Apart
Chapter 11—Grand Resurrection
CSA 44.3
To the believer, Christ is the resurrection and the life. In our Saviour the life that was lost through sin is restored; for He has life in Himself to quicken whom He will. He is invested with the right to give immortality. The life that He laid down in humanity, He takes up again, and gives to humanity. “I am come,” He said, “that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”“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 into everlasting life.” “Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” John 10:10; 4:14; 6:54.Manuscript Releases, vol. 20 [Nos. 1420-1500]
MR No. 1498—State of the Work in Ohio; General Conference to Establish and Control Medical Institutions; Physicians to Be Models of Morality
20MR 389.4
A special effort should be made to bring about reforms in regard to Sabbath observance. The workers in the sanitarium do not always do for themselves what is their privilege and duty. They feel so weary they become demoralized. This should not be. No soul can be rich in grace unless it shall abide in the presence of God. Better have poverty in temporal things, and abide in Christ, and be nourished by His Word, which is spirit and life. “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” [Matthew 4:4]. The world may smile as we repeat this to them, but it is the word of the Son of God. He says, “Whoso eateth my flesh (the Word that Christ speaks to us) ... hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day” [John 6:54].The Desire of Ages
Chapter 81—“The Lord Is Risen”
DA 786.4
To the believer, Christ is the resurrection and the life. In our Saviour the life that was lost through sin is restored; for He has life in Himself to quicken whom He will. He is invested with the right to give immortality. The life that He laid down in humanity, He takes up again, and gives to humanity. “I am come,” He said, “that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” “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 into everlasting life.” “Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” John 10:10; 4:14; 6:54.Counsels on Health
Need of Opportunity for Christian Culture
CH 422.2
Those who, from whatever cause, are obliged to work on the Sabbath, are always in peril; they feel the loss, and from doing works of necessity they fall into the habit of doing things on the Sabbath that are not necessary. The sense of its sacredness is lost, and the holy commandment is of no effect. A special effort should be made to bring about a reform in regard to Sabbath observance. The workers in the sanitarium do not always do for themselves what is their privilege and duty. Often they feel so weary that they become demoralized. This should not be. The soul can be rich in grace only as it shall abide in the presence of God. God is the great proprietor of the sanitarium, of the Review and Herald office, of the Pacific Press, of our colleges. In all these institutions the managers must receive their directions from above. And wherever the temptations that come through association with the ungodly are strongest, there the greatest care must be exercised to place the workers in close connection with Christ and the influences proceeding from Him. His word must be our guide in all things; and if poverty comes because we abide by a plain “Thus saith the Lord,” we must abide by it, even at the loss of all things else. Better have poverty in temporal things, and abide in Christ and be nourished by His word, which is spirit and life. “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4. The world may smile as we repeat this to them, but it is the word of the Son of God. He says, “Whoso eateth My flesh [the word that Christ speaks to us] ... hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” John 6:54.From Heaven With Love
Chapter 81—“The Lord Is Risen”
HLv 523.3
In our Saviour, the life that was lost through sin is restored. He is invested with the right to give immortality. “I am come,” He said, “that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10. “Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” John 6:54. To the Christian, death is but a sleep, a moment of silence and darkness. “When Christ, who is our life shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory.” Colossians 3:4.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 22, 1890
6LtMs, Lt 22, 1890, par. 52
A special effort should be made to bring about reforms in regard to Sabbath observance. The workers in the sanitarium do not always do for themselves what is their privilege and duty. They feel so weary they become demoralized. This should not be. No soul can be rich in grace only as it shall abide in the presence of God. Better have poverty in temporal things and abide in Christ, and be nourished by His Word, which is spirit and life. “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” [Matthew 4:4.] The world may smile as we repeat this to them, but it is the Word of the Son of God. He says, “Whoso eateth my flesh (the Word that Christ speaks to us) ... hath eternal life: and I will raise him up at the last day.” [John 6:54.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 12, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 12, 1894, par. 12
Satan will work in a most subtle manner to introduce human inventions clothed with angel garments. But the light from the Word is shining amid the moral darkness; and the Bible will never be superseded by miraculous manifestations. The truth must be studied, it must be searched for as hidden treasure. Wonderful illuminations will not be given aside from the Word, or to take the place of it. Cling to the Word, receive the ingrafted Word, which will make men wise unto salvation. This is the meaning of the words of Christ in regard to eating His flesh and drinking His blood. [John 6:54.] And he says, “This is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” [John 17:3.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 40, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 40, 1896, par. 7
What said Christ to the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well? “If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink, thou wouldst have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.” “Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again, but 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 into everlasting life.” [John 4:10, 13, 14.] The water that Christ referred to was the revelation of His grace in His Word. His Spirit, His teaching, is as a satisfying fountain to every soul. Every other source to which they shall resort will prove unsatisfying. But the Word of truth is as cool streams, represented as the waters of Lebanon, which are always satisfying. In Christ is fullness of joy forevermore. The desires and pleasures and amusements of the world are never satisfying or healing to the soul. But Jesus says, “Whosoever eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood hath eternal life.” [John 6:54.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 28, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 28, 1898, par. 4
Christ says, “He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life.” [John 6:54.] The Word of inspiration declares, “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 1:14.] This was in human flesh. When Christ came as the Word, and the Light of the world, He gave His exposition of the kingdom of heaven, calling upon nature to bear testimony to the workings of God, to bear witness to the truth. The earth has a history that man will never understand until he walks with his Redeemer in the paradise of God. “For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall lead them unto living fountains of waters, and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” [Revelation 7:17.]Heaven
Chapter 5—Christ’s Second Coming
Hvn 37.2
Death is a Small Matter—To the believer, Christ is the resurrection and the life. In our Saviour the life that was lost through sin is restored; for He has life in Himself to quicken whom He will. He is invested with the right to give immortality. The life that He laid down in humanity, He takes up again, and gives to humanity. “I am come,” He said, “that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” “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 into everlasting life.” “Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” John 10:10; 4:14; 6:54.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 150, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 150, 1905, par. 23
God calls for a change in these matters. My mind has been frequently drawn to this subject, but I have disliked to speak of the situation as it is. But I must tell you that there must be a thorough reformation, a readjustment of our health food work. God has not called our people to provide food to feed worldlings who have no disposition to study the truth. He desires us to feed them with the food that is to be found in the Word of God. He will give you words to speak, that souls may be saved unto eternal life. Christ said, “Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life.” [John 6:54.] But unless you lead others to partake of Christ’s flesh and blood, of what benefit, I ask, is your work to the cause of God? You are spending your time for that which profiteth nothing. Every hour that we have in this life should be devoted to the work of enlightening the minds of those who know not the truth.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 339, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 339, 1905, par. 15
Mabel, do not devote the precious talent of sight to reading which you cannot use and which will not benefit you. The life of the soul cannot be sustained unless right food is given it. The mind must be properly fed. Christ 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.] You need to understand the true state of the soul. Your dependence should be wholly upon the Lord. The soul’s highborn faculties are to be controlled by the Spirit of God. Its necessities are not to be trifled with, but sacredly regarded, that it may be worked by the Holy Spirit.Manuscript Releases, vol. 8 [Nos. 526-663]
MR No. 577—Restaurant Work
8MR 177.1
God calls for a change in these matters. My mind has been frequently drawn to this subject, but I have disliked to speak of the situation as it is. But I must tell you that there must be a thorough reformation, a readjustment of our health food work. God has not called our people to provide food to feed worldlings who have no disposition to study the truth. He desires us to feed them with the food that is to be found in the word of God. He will give you words to speak, that souls may be saved unto eternal life. Christ said, “Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life.” (John 6:54.) But unless you lead others to partake of Christ’s flesh and blood, of what benefit, I ask, is your work to the cause of God? You are spending your time for that which profiteth nothing. Every hour that we have in this life should be devoted to the work of enlightening the minds of those who know not the truth.John 6:54-55
Our Father Cares
A Table Set Before Me, March 1
OFC 72.1
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 6:54, 55.The Faith I Live By
A Table Set Before Me, January 16
FLB 22.1
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 6:54, 55.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 43, 1891
7LtMs, Ms 43, 1891, par. 18
A salvation which was purchased for humanity at such an infinite cost should be held in the most precious vessel by every believer. That which is of such value should ever be highly regarded and not cheapened and made common by the coarseness and roughness retained by those who receive the truth. The characters of the receivers of truth will just as surely be leavened with the transforming power of the truth. Neatness and order are harmonious with the truth. The human mind may be limited in its range of knowledge, but it is broadened through diligent study of the Word of God, in order to practice godliness. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” [Psalm 119:105.] By meditating upon the Word of God and practising the truth, we eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God. “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 6:54, 55.John 6:54-56
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 113, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 113, 1902, par. 28
Go forward to perfection; living on the Word of God, the source of spiritual life. This word is to be received into the heart. Christ speaks of it as His flesh and blood. “Whoso eateth My flesh and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life;” He declares, “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.” [John 6:54-56.] It is in obedience to God’s Word that we find eternal life.John 6:54-57
Selected Messages Book 1
Chapter 44—The Risen Saviour
1SM 302.2
Christ was invested with the right to give immortality. The life which He had laid down in humanity, He again took up and gave to humanity. “I am come,” He says, “that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). “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 into everlasting life” (John 4:14).1SM 302.3
All who are one with Christ through faith in Him gain an experience which is life unto eternal life. “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). He “dwelleth in me, and I in him” (John 6:56). “I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:54). “Because I live, ye shall live also” (John 14:19).Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 131, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 131, 1897, par. 5
Christ was invested with the right to give immortality. The life which He had laid down in humanity He now takes up again, and gives to humanity. “I am come,” He said, “that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” [John 10:10.] “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.]12LtMs, Ms 131, 1897, par. 6
All who are one with Christ through faith in Him, by the agency of His Holy Spirit, He carries through the science of that experience, which is life unto eternal life. “As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.” “He dwelleth in me, and I in him.” “I will raise him up at the last day.” [John 6:57, 56, 54.] “Because I live, ye shall live also.” [John 14:19.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 19, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 19, 1897, par. 36
“As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” [John 1:12.] In believing and doing His words, we are eating the bread of life; we are drinking of the blood of the Son of God. All such Christ declares, “hath eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. ... As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father; so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.” [John 6:54, 57.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 363, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 363, 1904, par. 9
“Whosoever 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 that 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.]19LtMs, Lt 363, 1904, par. 12
“As I live, so ye shall live also.” [John 14:19.] They are a part of His own life. “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.]This Day With God
Repentance and Reformation, April 19
TDG 118.6
Oh, how few there are who reveal in their lives the principles of this life! ... “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 6:54-57).John 6:54-63
Our Father Cares
The Heavenly Election, June 3
OFC 166.2
This is the only election regarding which the Bible speaks. Fallen in sin, we may become partakers of the divine nature and attain to a knowledge far in advance of any scientific learning. By partaking of the flesh and the blood of our crucified Lord, we shall gain life eternal. In the sixth of John we read: “Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life” (John 6:54). “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).Sermons and Talks, vol. 2
Manuscript 110, 1901
2SAT 177.4
The members of this church need to study the Bible. Feed on the Word of God, and you will find that it is indeed the bread of life. Christ declared, “Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life” (John 6:54). In explanation He 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” (verse 63).Sermons and Talks, vol. 2
Manuscript 77, 1902
2SAT 195.2
It is to the glory of God for Him to give us of His virtue. He desires to see us rise to the highest standard. When by living faith we lay hold of the power of a living Christ; when we plead His unfailing promises, and claim them as ours; when we seek for the power of the Holy Spirit, we are eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of God. And “whoso ... eateth My flesh,” said Christ, “and drinketh My blood, dwelleth in Me, and I in him.... The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:54, 56, 63).Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 9, 1891
7LtMs, Ms 9, 1891, par. 14
What is our work? We must diffuse light. We have to eat and work. What are we to eat? “Except ye eat my flesh,” said Christ, “and drink my blood, ye cannot enter the kingdom of heaven.” [John 6:54.] But again, He says, The flesh profiteth nothing; but My words, they are spirit, they are life. [Verse 63.] It is not enough to have merely an assenting faith. “Yes, yes, I believe this; I believe the Bible.” But what are you doing with it? Are you practicing it? Unless you practice the sayings of Christ, it will do you no good. You are just like that man who took his talent and buried it in the earth. He did nothing. It is for us to practice the truth God has given us, the rich jewels, the precious ore, and we are not to feel that we have it all, but sink the shaft deeper and deeper, that it may bring up the precious gold; every ray of light that we have, let it be dispensed to others.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 68, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 68, 1894, par. 13
In the days of Christ this statement offended many of His professed disciples, so that they went back and walked no more with Him. The Lord Jesus explained His own words. He 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.] “Whoso eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” [Verse 54.] This living bread of which Jesus spoke is of consequence; it is His Word, which He has given us.9LtMs, Lt 68, 1894, par. 14
Teach these things; educate the people to have a sound, solid experience, and do not create in them an appetite for something new and strange and startling. These are the very things which those who are weak in moral power crave as the liquor drinker craves liquor, and the result is that they are not sound in the understanding of the Word. They have not root in themselves, and when the masterly working of Satan shall be made manifest, and he shall perform miracles to testify that he is Christ, those who have been controlled by feeling, who have fed on the sensational, and have been seeking for strange things, will be carried away, because they are not feeding on Christ. “He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.” [Verse 56.] They receive life from Christ, just as the branch receives its nourishment from the vine.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 15, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 15, 1894, par. 2
Without Christ we can do nothing. There are rich blessings in store for all who eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God. The Lord Jesus positively declares that all such have eternal life. “Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” This means very much to us. “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, 63.]Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)
Bible Study
GW 252.3
“Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood,” Christ said, “hath eternal life.” “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 words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [John 6:54, 57, 63.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 110, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 110, 1901, par. 37
The members of this church need to study the Bible. Feed on the Word of God, and you will find that it is indeed the bread of life. Christ declared, “Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life.” In explanation He 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 6:54, 63.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 32, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 32, 1901, par. 6
Grand and ennobling truths have been given us. By the precious economy of grace, the exhibition of divine love, God strives to produce love in human beings. As we look unto Jesus, beholding the glorious spectacle of the love and tenderness of God, there springs up in our hearts a desire to engage in active service for the Master. The riches of the grace of Christ are without limit. They are sufficient to fill every heart with wisdom and sanctified judgment, creating an atmosphere of grace, real and enjoyable. This experience is gained by eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of God. Christ declares, “Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life.” [John 6:54.]16LtMs, Ms 32, 1901, par. 7
Christ’s work was to take the things of God and show them to men. Heaven is brought into the home by eating the bread of life, receiving and practicing Christ’s Word. “The flesh profiteth nothing;” He said, “the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life.” [Verse 63.] The Word of God is life, eternal life, to the receiver. As the human elements in the soul are softened and subdued by the lessons of Christ, the great love wherewith He has loved us fills the mind with gratitude, which finds expression in thanksgiving and in praise. To the believing soul the Lord will give His peace and His grace, which cannot be measured. His Word is to be an active element in the family circle. It is a real part of Christ. Its influence is to be diffused to the household. Then the light in the candlestick gives light to all. Not only does it reveal Christ in the home. Its bright rays extend beyond the home to the neighborhood. Through practice the truth becomes spirit and life. The heart is imbued with the Holy Spirit, and the gratitude which springs up must find expression. Loving sympathy is manifested in word and action. Christ is revealed in word and spirit. A Christlike influence is exerted by all who love and serve the Lord.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 229, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 10
Now you see we are brought right into the educating school. We are to learn of the greatest Teacher that the world ever knew. We are to take His life and study it. We are to take His words and eat them. We are to eat the words of Christ. “Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life.” [John 6:54.] And when there were some of His disciples in trial about it, He 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.” [Verse 63.] Now you know what it is to eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 208, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 208, 1902, par. 50
How subtly Satan works to create disaffection and strife among brethren! Those who are so ready to criticize and condemn should study their Bibles. Christ says, “Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life. ... It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [John 6:54, 63.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 169, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 169, 1902, par. 37
“Whoso eateth My flesh,” He says, “and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life.” [John 6:54.] How can we eat His flesh and drink His blood? His answer is, “The flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [Verse 63.] The Word of God is to underlie everything.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 100, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 100, 1902, par. 32
We desire to erect a church school building for our children. Because of the many calls made for means, it seems a difficult matter to secure sufficient money or to arouse an interest great enough to build a small, convenient schoolhouse. I have told the school committee that I will lease to them some land for as long a time as they care to use it for school purposes. I hope that interest enough will be aroused to enable us to erect a building where our children can be taught the Word of God, which is the life-blood and the flesh of the Son of God. “Whoso eateth My flesh,” He declares, “and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life. ... It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing; the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [John 6:54, 63.] We are to eat and drink the Word of life, carrying out its instruction much more closely than we have ever done before.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 114, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 114, 1903, par. 22
God’s Word, studied and obeyed, gives eternal life. “Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood,” Christ said, “hath eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. ... It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [John 6:54, 63.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Ms 50, 1904
19LtMs, Ms 50, 1904, par. 24
What a wonderful, wonderful possibility. Let us study the Word of God more closely than ever before and ask the Lord to give us an understanding of the truths that it contains. “He that eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood,” Christ says, “hath eternal life.” “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life.” [John 6:54, 63.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Ms 158, 1904
19LtMs, Ms 158, 1904, par. 13
Jesus said, “Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life.” What is it to eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God? “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, 63.] You see that your souls are firmly established in regard to the truth for this time, as revealed in the Word of God, and you will never be moved by the sophistries that are flooding our world.In Heavenly Places
The Heavenly Election, January 23
HP 29.2
This is the only election regarding which the Bible speaks. Fallen in sin, we may become partakers of the divine nature and attain to a knowledge far in advance of any scientific learning. By partaking of the flesh and the blood of our crucified Lord, we shall gain life eternal. In the sixth of John we read: “Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life” (John 6:54). “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” (verse 63).Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Ms 157, 1904
19LtMs, Ms 157, 1904, par. 13
“If any man lack wisdom”—and that means any man—“let him ask of God, who giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not.” [James 1:5.] He does not find fault with you, and He does not reprove you. Go to Him in your poverty of soul. If any one of you realizes a poverty of soul, you may know just where to go. Go to One who can cure that poverty, One who has the bread of eternal life. And what is that bread that you are to feed upon? “He that eateth the bread of life shall have eternal life.” What is that bread? He says, “It is my body.” It is My blood. That is the food that we are to eat, and if you eat such food as that, let me tell you, it will reveal itself in your disposition. “He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood hath eternal life” [John 6:54], and if we have eternal life, we shall manifest that, not in a wavering sort of a way,—as though we do not know what we believe or what we think. We believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. We take Him at His word.19LtMs, Ms 157, 1904, par. 25
“Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice, and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.” [Verse 17.] We want these Scriptures to be in our hearts. Eat them. Christ says, “The flesh profiteth nothing, the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [John 6:63.] That is eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 192, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 192, 1906, par. 9
“The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us” [John 1:14], that we may understand the character we may possess if we eat His flesh and drink His blood. “Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood,” He declares, “hath eternal life.” And He further says, “The flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [John 6:54, 63.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 53, 1911
25LtMs, Ms 53, 1911, par. 8
“The words that I speak unto you,” Christ said, “they are spirit and they are life.” [John 6:63.] The work of sanctification is carried on through the instrumentality of truth. By the respect we show to His Word, faith sanctifies every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. This is what is meant by eating the living word that comes down from heaven.25LtMs, Ms 53, 1911, par. 10
The Word of God must have a much larger place than it now has in the lives of those who claim to be Christians. The lessons that are contained in this Word are to be eaten as the bread of heaven. “He that eateth My flesh and drinketh My blood hath eternal life,” Christ says. “The flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life.” [Verses 54, 63.]Manuscript Releases, vol. 14 [Nos. 1081-1135]
MR No. 1109—“Preach the Word”; Be on Guard Against Fanaticism; Take No Rash Action Against Anna Phillips’ Writings
14MR 187.3
In the days of Christ this statement offended many of His professed disciples, so that they went back and walked no more with Him. The Lord Jesus explained His own words. He 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]. “Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day” [Verse 54]. This living bread of which Jesus spoke is of consequence; it is His Word, which He has given us.14MR 188.1
Teach these things; educate the people to have a sound, solid experience, and do not create in them an appetite for something new and strange and startling. These are the very things which those who are weak in moral power crave as the liquor drinker craves liquor, and the result is that they are not sound in the understanding of the Word. They have not root in themselves, and when the masterly working of Satan shall be made manifest, and he shall perform miracles to testify that he is Christ, those who have been controlled by feeling, who have fed on the sensational, and have been seeking for strange things, will be carried away, because they are not feeding on Christ. [On the other hand,] “He that eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, dwelleth in Me, and I in him” [Verse 56]. They receive life from Christ, just as the branch receives its nourishment from the vine.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 139, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 139, 1903, par. 3
Christ says, “Whosoever eateth My flesh and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is meat indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. He that eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, dwelleth in Me, and I in him. ... 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 6:54-56, 63.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 9, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 9, 1894, par. 3
“Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood,” said 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.” “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 6:54-56, 63.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 42, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 42, 1896, par. 3
Christ tells us if we eat His flesh and drink His blood, we shall have eternal life, for His flesh is meat indeed, and His blood drink indeed. It is, Eat continually, and drink continually; and He says, “He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.” He explains, “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 6:54-56, 63.] Where shall we find His words? In the Scriptures. Then if you search the Scriptures, you will find just what you need—comfort, hope, encouragement.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 73, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 73, 1899, par. 9
The words of Christ, “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you,” should have weight with each one of us. [John 15:7.] The privilege is granted us of eating Christ’s words, taking them into the very soul. The Saviour declared, “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 6:54-57.]14LtMs, Ms 73, 1899, par. 10
Many of Christ’s disciples could not understand these words, and they murmured at them, saying, “This is an hard saying; who can hear it? When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Does 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.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 5, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 5, 1900, par. 1
I thank you for your letter and the enclosures. You have handled the matter of the man and his wife very nicely. This must take its impression upon them. The articles, I hope, will do much good. This is the way, the only way, in which you can work. Keep the Lord Jesus uplifted as the Pattern. The living oracles of God, it is written, are the leaves of the tree of life, which human beings are to eat in order to gain spiritual life. As we eat the words of the Lord Jesus Christ, they become unto us eternal life. “The words that I speak unto you,” He said, “they are spirit, and they are life.” [John 6:63.] The restoring, vital current from Christ heals the wounds that sin has made.15LtMs, Lt 5, 1900, par. 11
We have nothing to fear if we will only appropriate the words of Christ, which are to us spirit and life. Thus we eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God, who has said, “Whoso eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood hath eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood dwelleth in me and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father, so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. This is the bread which came down from heaven; not as your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead; he that eateth of this bread shall live forever.” [John 6:54-58.]Christ’s Object Lessons
Chapter 11—Things New and Old
COL 130.3
Christ said, “Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life.... 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 words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” John 6:54-63.John 6:54-66
Sermons and Talks, vol. 1
Camp Meeting Message on True Education
1SAT 287.1
The direction has been given to the students in the school of Christ: “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” [1 Peter 2:2]. This is indeed eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of God. [John 6:54-66, quoted.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Ms 41b, 1896
11LtMs, Ms 41b, 1896, par. 29
“Many therefore of his disciples, when they heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing; the words that I speak unto you, they are Spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who 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. From that time many of the disciples went back, and walked no more with him.” [John 6:54-66.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Ms 41a, 1896
11LtMs, Ms 41a, 1896, par. 27
“These things saith he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum. 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, And doth this offend you? What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing; the words that I speak unto you, they are Spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who 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. From that time many of the disciples went back, and walked no more with him.” [John 6:54-66.]John 6:55-63
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Lt 85, 1886
4LtMs, Lt 85, 1886, par. 10
It is my privilege to feel that I am forgiven. It is the privilege of all who comply with the conditions to have an experimental faith, to know for themselves that Jesus does pardon. When we confess our sins, His word is pledged that He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Put away unbelief, put away the suspicion that God does not mean these promises for you. They are for every sinner that repents, and you dishonor God by your unbelief. Let us pick up the precious pearls of promises in God’s Word, and in thus doing eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God. “My flesh is meat indeed, and My blood is drink indeed.” “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [John 6:55, 63.] “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 1:14.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Ms 13, 1888
5LtMs, Ms 13, 1888, par. 6
It is not enough that we merely give an exposition of the Scriptures, but we must have the Word of God abiding in us; and Christ has said that unless ye eat of My flesh and drink of My blood, ye shall have no part with Me. None but those who eat of My flesh and drink of My blood shall have eternal life. Then He goes on to explain what it means. “Why,” He says, “the flesh profiteth nothing, it is the spirit that quickeneth,” and He says that His flesh is meat indeed and drink indeed. [John 6:63, 55.] Therefore, we are not to merely open the Bible and read something to the people and then go away out of the desk and carry no burden of souls with us.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 10, 1891
7LtMs, Ms 10, 1891, par. 23
Do you think that you eat His flesh and drink His blood? He says, My flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. And when the disciples were offended because they could not understand it, He said, It is my word; that is spirit and that is life. [John 6:55, 63.] Then take the Word and eat it, and assimilate it, and digest it; take it, make it your own; it is your meat and your drink.John 6:56
Lift Him Up
The Bread of Life for the Hungry, April 22
LHU 126.1
He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. John 6:56.Sons and Daughters of God
We Dwell in Him and He in Us, October 19
SD 299.1
He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. John 6:56.John 6:56-57
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 63, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 63, 1904, par. 23
Men and women are needed who eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God, receiving and living upon the Word of God. Christ says: “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 6:56, 57.]John 6:56-63
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 102, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 102, 1893, par. 11
Make the instruction plain as to what it means to be a Christian. “If any man will come after me,” said Jesus, “let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” [Luke 9:23.] “He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.” [John 6:56.] Food is the substance of which we partake, that our bodies may be strengthened and built up. In like manner we are to feed upon that which will build up our spiritual nature. Jesus 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.” [Verse 63.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 68, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 68, 1896, par. 2
Jesus bade His disciples eat His flesh and drink His blood, saying, “He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood dwelleth in me and I in him.” “It is the spirit that quickeneth, the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [John 6:56, 63.] God’s servants are to feed constantly upon His Word; its principles are to circulate through the entire life-practice. The Word of God had been taught by the workers in Sydney, but it has been disobeyed in their practice. They have not continuously eaten the flesh or drank the blood of the Son of man.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 77, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 77, 1902, par. 11
It is to the glory of God for Him to give us of His virtue. He desires to see us rise to the highest standard. When by living faith we lay hold of the power of a living Christ; when we plead His unfailing promises, and claim them as ours; when we seek for the power of the Holy Spirit, we are eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of God. And “whoso eateth My flesh,” said Christ, “and drinketh My blood, dwelleth in Me, and I in him. ... The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [John 6:56, 63.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 123, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 123, 1902, par. 15
The ark was to the Jewish people all that the Bible is to be to us. In the Bible are gathered the testimonies of divine truth that we are ever to keep before our minds. We are to study the Word of God in the way pointed out in the sixth chapter of John. “He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood,” Christ said, “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 6:56, 57, 63.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 31, 1891
7LtMs, Lt 31, 1891, par. 31
But in order to reach the highest attainments in the divine life, the mind must be occupied with contemplation of the Word of God, that you may know what is the will of God and become a doer of the words of Christ. This is represented by Christ as eating His flesh and drinking His blood. He says, “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 6:56, 57.] And when the disciples did not discern the spiritual character of His words, Jesus said unto them, “It is the spirit that quickeneth, the flesh profiteth nothing. The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life.” [Verse 63.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 108, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 108, 1898, par. 3
Christ 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.” “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: for he that eateth of this bread shall live forever.” [John 6:63, 56-58.]13LtMs, Ms 108, 1898, par. 7
Those who retain the grosser traits of character, and continue to reveal human defects in their words and disposition, bear the testimony that they are not eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of God. Christ says, “He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.” [John 6:56.]John 6:56-68
Manuscript Releases, vol. 5 [Nos. 260-346]
MR No. 318—The Christian Pathway
5MR 263.1
We want to be loved by Heaven, and we have evidence of that love when we look at Calvary. Now it is our duty to love God in return, and we can manifest that love by keeping His sayings. Jesus says that “He that eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, dwelleth in Me, and I in him.” “Many therefore of His disciples when they had heard this said, This is a hard saying” [John 6:56, 60]. “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.” [Verses 66-68.] “And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this Man letters, having never learned? Jesus answered them and said, My doctrine is not Mine, but His that sent Me. If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of Myself” [John 7:15-17].5MR 263.2
“He that eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood.” How can we explain the meaning of these words? “It is the spirit that quickeneth; ... the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” [John 6:63]. So we see the eating of the flesh and drinking the blood is in obeying His word. “He that hath My commandments, and keepeth them” [John 14:21]. “If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love; even as I have kept My Father’s commandments, and abide in His love” [John 15:10]. Now we want to be in harmony with our Redeemer, and if we are, that is evidence that we keep His sayings. The souls of men are of the highest value, and it is our duty to know that we are in harmony with God. We need to cultivate faith in God and His word.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 47, 1886
4LtMs, Ms 47, 1886, par. 3
We want to be loved by Heaven, and we have evidence of that love when we look to Calvary. Now it is our duty to love God in return, and we can manifest that love by keeping His sayings. Jesus says that “he that eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, dwelleth in Me, and I in him.” “Many therefore of His disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is a hard saying.” John 6:56, 60. “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.” Vss. 66-68. “And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned? Jesus answered them and said, My doctrine is not Mine, but His that sent Me. If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of Myself.” John 7:15-17.4LtMs, Ms 47, 1886, par. 4
“He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh My blood.” [John 6:56.] How can we explain the meaning of these words? “It is the Spirit that quickeneth; ... the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” John 6:63. So we see the eating of the flesh and drinking the blood is in obeying His Word. “He that hath My commandments, and keepeth them.” John 14:21. “If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love; even as I have kept My Father’s commandments, and abide in His love.” John 15:10. Now we want to be in harmony with our Redeemer, and if we are that is evidence that we keep His sayings. The souls of men are of the highest value, and it is our duty to know that we are in harmony with God. We need to cultivate faith in God and His Word.John 6:56-69
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 124, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 124, 1896, par. 6
The sophistries used by selfish, avaricious men, to bring in self-serving, were wrong from the very first. Their wisdom was earth-born, and the Lord declared He would blow upon all that was acquired in this way. All their ability, all their talents, were lent them by God; they did not create them. Had they been eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of God, what would have been their experience? “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, ... even so he shall live by me.” [John 6:56, 57.]11LtMs, Lt 124, 1896, par. 10
In this way men at the heart of the work have been acting. But to whom are they responsible for their reason and ability. “As I live by the Father, so he that eateth me shall live by me.” [John 6:57.] Unless those who are connected with the work of God bring the words of Christ into their every day practice, they will see something at which to be offended, as did the disciples, and will turn away from Christ. “It is the Spirit that quickeneth, the flesh profiteth nothing; the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [Verse 63.]11LtMs, Lt 124, 1896, par. 11
“From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.” They never recovered from the offense they had received because of His words. “Then said Jesus to the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.” [Verses 66-69.]John 6:57
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 183, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 183, 1898, par. 22
Wednesday morning. I am very thankful to my heavenly Father for the health which He has given me to endure the labor in the Week of Prayer. The Lord has blessed me in trying to help others to understand what is faith. Oh, how my soul longs to see the church come up to their high calling in Christ Jesus! We are all ready to eat our food every day. Especially here in the colonies they claim their hour for dinner. Physical strength would fail without suitable food to sustain their bodies. If we are to have healthful spiritual strength, we must live by every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God. We must feed on the Bread from heaven. John 6:57.Lift Him Up
The Truth in Christ Is Measureless, April 9
LHU 113.1
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.Reflecting Christ
Christ—One With the Father, January 1
RC 15.5
We behold God in Jesus. Looking unto Jesus we see that it is the glory of our God to give. “I do nothing of myself,” said Christ; “the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father.” “I seek not mine own glory,” but the glory of Him that sent Me (John 8:28; 6:57; John 8:50; 7:18). In these words is set forth the great principle which is the law of life for the universe. All things Christ received from God, but He took to give. So in the heavenly courts, in His ministry for all created beings: through the beloved Son, the Father’s life flows out to all; through the Son it returns, in praise and joyous service, a tide of love, to the great Source of all. And thus through Christ the circuit of beneficence is complete, representing the character of the great Giver, the law of life.—The Desire of Ages, 19-21.John 6:57-58
With God at Dawn
The Word of God Is Bread from Heaven, June 16
WGD 169.1
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 6:57, 58.John 6:57-63
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 129, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 129, 1901, par. 5
I wish now to urge these important matters of truth upon you, that you may be impressed in a decided manner, for your eternal happiness depends upon your submission and obedience to the words of Jesus Christ, to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. “As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.” Now the explanation: “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [John 6:57, 63.] Connect these words with (John 15), and we can better understand their meaning: “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.” [Verse 3.] Will we understand?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 129b, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 129b, 1901, par. 8
Christ says, “As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father; so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.” Then comes the explanation, “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [John 6:57, 63.] Connecting these words with those found in the fifteenth chapter of John, “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you” [Verse 3], we can better understand their meaning. Shall we understand?Heaven
Chapter 18—Heaven Can Begin Now
Hvn 173.2
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 6:57, 63; Revelation 2:7, last part, quoted].—The Signs of the Times, March 31, 1909 quoted in The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 7:988, 989.Selected Messages Book 1
Chapter 34—The Word Made Flesh
1SM 249.3
“I am the way, the truth, and the life,” Christ declares: “no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). Christ is invested with power to give life to all creatures. “As the living Father hath sent me,” He says, “and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.” “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:57, 63). Christ is not here referring to His doctrine, but to His person, the divinity of His character. “Verily, verily, I say unto you,” He says again, “The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; and hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man” (John 5:25-27).John 6:60
Christ’s Object Lessons
In Stony Places
COL 47.2
The hot summer sun, that strengthens and ripens the hardy grain, destroys that which has no depth of root. So he who “hath not root in himself,” “dureth for a while”; but “when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.” Many receive the gospel as a way of escape from suffering, rather than as a deliverance from sin. They rejoice for a season, for they think that religion will free them from difficulty and trial. While life moves smoothly with them, they may appear to be consistent Christians. But they faint beneath the fiery test of temptation. They cannot bear reproach for Christ’s sake. When the word of God points out some cherished sin, or requires self-denial or sacrifice, they are offended. It would cost them too much effort to make a radical change in their life. They look at the present inconvenience and trial, and forget the eternal realities. Like the disciples who left Jesus, they are ready to say, “This is an hard saying; who can hear it?” John 6:60.From the Heart
Holiness in the Lord, February 1
FH 44.1
This is a hard saying; who can understand it? John 6:60.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 13, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 13, 1898, par. 6
You do not think that you have wandered so far from God, but you have; and a voice is crying unto you, “Return unto me, and I will return unto you.” [Malachi 3:7.] “I will heal all thy backslidings.” [Jeremiah 3:22.] This work is yours to see and understand. You need to heed the voice which says to you, “Return.” You say, “This is a hard saying,” but take heed. [John 6:60.] The working of the Spirit of God upon your heart will make you feel your helplessness to save yourself. When you opened the door of your heart to envy, suspicion, and evil surmisings, Satan took possession of your mind; and if you continue the same work, the words of Christ will be applicable to you:John 6:61-63
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 40, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 40, 1903, par. 15
Before the death of Christ, there were many things connected with His work which His disciples could not understand. On one occasion when they were perplexed by His words, He said, “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.” [John 6:61-63.]John 6:63
A Call To Stand Apart
Chapter 6—The Answer Lies in the Soil
CSA 19.9
The word of God is the seed. Every seed has in itself a germinating principle. In it the life of the plant is enfolded. So there is life in God’s word. Christ says, “The words that I speak unto you, they are Spirit, and they are life.” John 6:63. “He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life.” John 5:24. In every command and in every promise of the word of God is the power, the very life of God, by which the command may be fulfilled and the promise realized. He who by faith receives the word is receiving the very life and character of God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 11, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 11, 1895, par. 9
The words Christ has spoken, the spirit He has revealed in all His lessons to His disciples, are as the bread of life, the flesh and blood of the Son of God. He said, “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [John 6:63.] But all He has said is contested by the confederacy of evil; nevertheless precious truth must be presented in its native force. The deceptive errors that are widespread, and that are to lead the world captive, are to be unveiled. Every effort that is possible is being made to ensnare souls with subtle reasonings, to turn them from the truth to fables, and to prepare them to be deceived by strong delusions.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Ms 8, 1896
11LtMs, Ms 8, 1896, par. 9
Christ taught with authority. The sermon on the mount is a wonderful production, yet so simple that a child can study it without being misled. The mount of beatitudes is an emblem of the high elevation on which Christ ever stood. He spoke with an authority which was exclusively His own. Every sentence He uttered came from God. He was the word and the wisdom of God, and He ever presented truth with the authority of God. “The words that I speak unto you,” He said, “they are spirit, and they are life.” [John 6:63.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 43, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 43, 1897, par. 6
I cannot see how Brother Palmer could write such things to a brother old enough to be his father. Certainly nothing in Elder Haskell’s letter called for such words. The words of inspiration are not like the words of men. They express what man never spoke, and convey that which man never conceived. “The words that I speak unto you,” said Christ, “they are spirit and they are life.” [John 6:63.] “If my words abide in you, then are ye my disciples indeed.” [John 8:31.] If you, if Brother Palmer, if I, make our calling and election sure, we must hide in the cleft of the Rock. Then the mind, the thoughts, the words, will be renewed. The heart will not be puffed up unto vanity, but will be meek, lowly, and contrite. Oh that this self-esteem, these high ideas of our own wisdom, were cut away from us, that errors might not be made because we do not make God and God alone our Guide and Counsellor.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 134a, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 134a, 1897, par. 8
The inspired record opens before the human mind truths which man is incapable of comprehending if he looks no higher than ministers and theologians. Often the impressions left by man on the human mind are misleading. Men and women are taught to depend on the sayings of men, rather than on the Word of God. We are safe only as we drink from the living Fountainhead. The truth as it is in Jesus, in all its simplicity, must be cherished. Upon our obedience or disobedience to this hang eternal results. Wise and happy is he who depends not on man’s influence or assertions, but who eats the flesh and drinks the blood of the Son of God. “The flesh profiteth nothing,” Christ declared, “the words that I speak unto you, they are Spirit, and they are life.” [John 6:63.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 48, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 48, 1897, par. 31
What is Bible religion? Living the law of God as Christ lived it in His humanity. That law is holy, just, and good. “The words that I speak unto you,” said Christ, “they are spirit, and they are life.” [John 6:63.] Whatever be our situation, if we are doers of those words, we have a guide to direct our way; whatever our perplexity, we have a sure counsellor; whatever our sorrow, bereavement, or loneliness, we have a sympathizing friend. If you, in your ignorance, have taken missteps, God does not leave you. His voice, clear and distinct, is heard, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” [John 14:6.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 27, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 27, 1897, par. 15
“For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the spirit by measure unto him. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life; and he that believeth not the Son shall not have life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” [John 3:34-36.] Here is the whole question settled. All who are eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of God, are abiding in Christ, and Christ in them. “The flesh profiteth nothing,” Christ said, “the words that I speak unto you they are spirit and they are life.” [John 6:63.] If there is an appreciation of the Word, then the Word will be obeyed.Lift Him Up
The Soul Re-Created in the Image of God, February 11
LHU 56.1
The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. John 6:63.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 52, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 15
“We are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Let every soul who has a knowledge of the truth bear in mind that man in his finite capabilities can accomplish nothing without God. In His divine plan of salvation, God gave His only begotten Son, that every voice may be silent upon the point that it is not possible for humanity to keep the law of God. In Christ, divinity and humanity bore every test of temptation, and in Him humanity is exalted and honored. In Christ man is privileged to become a partaker of the divine nature. If he will eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God, he will have eternal life. “It is the spirit that quickeneth,” said Christ; “the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life.” [John 6:63.]Lift Him Up
The Heavenly Sower, February 24
LHU 69.5
The word of God is the seed. Every seed has in itself a germinating principle. In it the life of the plant is enfolded. So there is life in God’s word. Christ says, “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63).... In every command and in every promise of the word of God is the power, the very life of God, by which the command may be fulfilled and the promise realized. He who by faith receives the word is receiving the very life and character of God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 75, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 75, 1899, par. 7
My heart aches for the heritage of the Lord. Precious souls in whom I have been interested for years are refusing the light which would place them under the guardianship of the Holy Spirit, to be moulded after the divine similitude. They have taken their stand on the wrong side of the question, and view everything in the light of their previous opinions. How sad I have been made to see them turning from light, and choosing to walk in the sparks of their own kindling. Human wisdom and knowledge has taken the place of the Holy Spirit’s teaching. Men who do not walk in the light will walk in darkness and know not at what they stumble. They choose their own way, and not the way of the Lord. We would echo the words of Christ, “Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they are they which testify of me.” “The words which I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life.” [John 5:39; 6:63.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 162, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 162, 1899, par. 10
Christ showed no respect for human traditions and maxims, and neither should we. We cannot afford to. Bible truth is the only safe platform upon which to stand. “The words that I speak unto you,” Christ said, “they are spirit and they are life.” [John 6:63.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 134, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 134, 1899, par. 29
The words spoken from the pillar of cloud are spoken to every generation, to every church that believes in Christ as a personal Saviour. “The words that I speak unto you,” Christ says, “they are spirit, and they are life.” [John 6:63.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 45, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 45, 1900, par. 17
Those poor souls who are building upon the sand of human ideas and speculations would better learn “what is truth?” [John 18:38.] They would better eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God, which is a figure used by Christ to illustrate that obedience to the Word of God in keeping His commandments is the condition of eternal life, given in the Word by Him who is the Son of God, our Redeemer. He explains by saying that the flesh profiteth nothing; “the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life.” [John 6:63.] The Word of God brought into the soul through the understanding is Spirit and life, and the spiritual experience is demonstrated by the food given the mind and heart.Lift Him Up
Christ Teaches Heavenly Things, June 5
LHU 170.6
Christ’s words contain nothing that is nonessential. The Sermon on the Mount is a wonderful production, yet so simple that a child can study it without misunderstanding. The mount of beatitudes is a symbol of the spiritual elevation on which Christ ever stood. Every word He uttered came from God, and He spoke with the authority of heaven. “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63). His teaching is full of ennobling, saving truth, to which men’s highest ambitions and most profound investigations can bear no comparison. He was alive to the terrible ruin hanging over the race, and He came to save souls by His own righteousness, bringing to the world definite assurance of hope and complete relief (Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 438, 439).Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 6a, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 6a, 1900, par. 5
We have not inherent in us that independent, personal spiritual existence called immortality. “He that hath the Son hath life,” Christ declares. [1 John 5:12.] I greatly fear that you have been coming short in that experience which is eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of God. No man can have eternal life unless he eats the flesh and drinks the blood of the Son of God, for in that very experience is eternal life. “The flesh profiteth nothing,” Christ declared, “the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life.” [John 6:63.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 133, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 133, 1901, par. 7
All these things have been placed before me, and every line of business at the office must be so regulated that the purity of the Christian character shall be preserved. Every temporal, earthly interest must be so subjected to the interest of the higher life that at any sacrifice this Christian integrity shall be untarnished. The question of what shall be published at the office must be viewed in the light of the teachings of the Holy Scriptures. The Lord’s voice must be honored and obeyed. “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [John 6:63.] The truth must not be placed in the background as now it is, for subjects of vast importance to the soul receive only a passing notice, while these objectionable things must have the foreground. The workers overlook the great truths that would make them wise unto salvation.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 39, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 39, 1901, par. 12
What is God’s Word to us? Christ has told us: “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life.” [John 6:63.] We shall be filled with grace if we eat the words of the Saviour. Belief in the Word of God will lead us to realize that we are fearfully and wonderfully made, and that God requires us to give the human machinery intelligent care. A neglect to do this gives Satan an opportunity to enter and defile. This will keep us out of heaven; for nothing that defiles can ever enter there.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 144, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 144, 1901, par. 24
This is the work the Lord wants us to do. Cannot you think of enough to praise the Lord for? Cannot you praise Him because He died for you, because He has spared you for so long, because you have His Word, which is so full of precious promises? He offers you the bread of life. He says, “The words that I speak unto you, they are Spirit and they are life.” [John 6:63.] Eat His Word, search it, dig deep for the hidden treasure. Do not talk, but pray. We have always had so much to say, in faith apply it to yourself. God says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” [Psalm 46:10.] Be still long enough to know that God is God. Remember that you are to help every one around you. Forget yourself, your bruises and wounds and difficulties. Praise God, and He will receive you, because He lives and you may live also.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 35, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 35, 1901, par. 22
“Search the Scriptures,” said the divine Teacher; “for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they are they which testify of 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 5:39; 6:63.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 4, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 4, 1902, par. 6
We need to understand these words of Christ, “The flesh profiteth nothing. The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life”—the Holy Word accepted and brought into the practical life. [John 6:63.] Spiritual life consists in Christ’s being the light and life of the soul temple, as the blood is the life of the body. All who study the Word are represented as eating the Word, feeding on Christ. Even as the bodily necessities must be supplied daily, so the Word of God must be daily studied—eaten and digested and practiced. This sustains the nourishment to keep the soul in health. The neglect of the Word means starvation to the soul. The Word describes the blessed man as one meditating day and night upon the truths of God’s Word. We all are to feast upon the Word of God. The relation of the Word to the believer is a vital matter. Appropriating the Word to our spiritual necessities is the eating of the leaves of the tree of life that are for the healing of the nations. Study the Word, and practice the Word, for it is your life.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 158, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 158, 1902, par. 43
When Christ gives any one a place in His service, He expects him to learn how His work is to be accomplished. The worker is not to bring into the work his ungoverned, unsanctified desires. If he has not learned to be a laborer together with God, let him search His Word diligently. Let him eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God. “The flesh profiteth nothing,” Christ declares. “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life.” [John 6:63.] Christ cannot co-operate with unconsecrated human beings. He cannot use unsanctified human talents. Let all engaged in the work of God search their hearts and examine their motives. Let them find out what they can best do to glorify God. If there is one who has a hard, stubborn disposition, one who has little desire to understand the way of the Lord, the he may learn how to act as God’s helping hand, I beg him not to try to do the Lord’s work till he is converted. If he engages in the work in an unconverted state, self will appear in all that he does, and his efforts will be a hindrance instead of a help.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 68, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 68, 1903, par. 27
Wonderful prayer! It is our privilege to answer this prayer by molding our character in accordance with the principles that this Scripture teaches. Christ Himself defines the use that should be made of His words. “It is the Spirit that quickeneth,” He declares; “the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [John 6:63.] Since this is true, how important it is that we daily partake of the Scriptures as our spiritual food.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 14, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 14, 1903, par. 18
We fall far short of appreciating the value of God’s Word. To be one with the Lord, to eat of His flesh and drink His blood, is life eternal. When the Saviour made this statement, His disciples did not understand His meaning, whereupon He declared, “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 18 (1903)
Ms 58, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 58, 1903, par. 15
“The flesh profiteth nothing,” Christ said; “the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [John 6:63.] With holy confidence we may approach the throne of grace. Through obedience to the Word of the living God, we may obtain eternal life. We may in this world be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 203, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 203, 1905, par. 4
I have been instructed that we are not to delay to do the work that needs to be done in health reform lines. Through this work we are to reach souls in the highways and the byways. I have been given special light that in our sanitariums many souls will receive and obey present truth. In these institutions men and women are to be taught how to care for their own bodies, and at the same time how to become sound in the faith. They are to be taught what is meant by eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of God. Said Christ, “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life.” [John 6:63.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 103, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 103, 1905, par. 13
The way to heaven is narrow, hedged in by the divine law of Jehovah. Those who follow this way must constantly deny self. They must obey the teachings of Christ. “The words that I speak unto you,” He said to His apostles, “They are spirit and they are life.” [John 6:63.] Temptation will sometimes be strong. Let us not trust in man, but in Jesus Christ, who died that He might win us to righteousness. When He commands, do not stand and consult your own convenience. “Enter in at the strait gate.” [Matthew 7:13.] Life and death, good and evil, are set before every soul.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 145, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, par. 21
We have a Friend who knows every heartbeat, who knows every circumstance; and yet we are prone to look to someone else, perhaps thousands of miles away, to pray for us. Why can we not pray for ourselves? We mistake our Lord. We do not fully understand Him. He is just as willing to hear any other poor, trembling soul as He is to hear me. He calls upon all to study His life. This is what He means by the eating of His flesh and the drinking of His blood. He declares, “The flesh profiteth nothing; the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [John 6:63.] We are to stand where we shall manifest this life—where the truth can sanctify soul, body, and spirit.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 126, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 126, 1906, par. 9
We are to be in the world, but not of the world. Our lives are to give evidence that our citizenship is in heaven. We are now to prepare to be advanced to the higher school. If in this life we eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God, making the truths that He taught a part of the daily experience, we shall have eternal life. Christ explains the spiritual meaning of the command to eat His flesh and drink His blood. “It is the Spirit that quickeneth,” He says; “the flesh profiteth nothing; the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life.” [John 6:63.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 144, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 144, 1906, par. 11
And let every one feel an interest in the work that we are trying to do to bring the Bible, the precious Word, before the people. Because Christ says, “It is Spirit, and it is life,” and therefore we want that life. [John 6:63.] If we will be partakers of the divine nature, we shall eat of the bread of life; and Christ says, if we eat of the bread of life, He will raise us up at the last day. He will give us eternal life, life, eternal life, that measures with the life of God. That is the life that every one of us may have if we will. But it rests with us whether we will.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 286, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 286, 1906, par. 8
Our young men need, above all else, to be thoroughly instructed, that they may teach the way of the Lord to perishing souls. “The words that I speak unto you,” says Christ, “they are spirit, and they are life.” [John 6:63.] Study the Word. The strictest fidelity is to be cherished. The love of the truth, and a genuine desire for improvement in the understanding of the Word, will make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the service of God. As you learn, you should seek for opportunities to explain the truth to others.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 120, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 120, 1907, par. 3
You have a noble work to do in praying with the sick and in feeding their souls with the bread of life. You are to be God’s medical missionary, teaching souls what it means to eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God. Christ explains the meaning of these words. “The flesh profiteth nothing,” He said; “the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [John 6:63.] You have the ability to speak in a pleasant, intelligent, interesting way to the sick. It is your privilege to inspire them with hope and courage and lead them to a knowledge of the truth of the Word.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 350, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 350, 1907, par. 19
The workers need to study the life of Christ until they give themselves unreservedly to Him. “It is the Spirit that quickeneth,” He said, “the flesh profiteth nothing; the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life.” [John 6:63.] Those who practice the words of Christ become one with Christ. Their lives represent the pure principles of the Word in simplicity and meekness.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Ms 43, 1907
22LtMs, Ms 43, 1907, par. 21
We need to make every effort to keep the way of the Lord. We must in no case turn from His guidance to put our trust in man. The Lord’s angels are appointed to keep strict watch over those who put their faith in the Lord, and these angels are to be our special help in every time of need. Every day we are to come to the Lord with full assurance of faith and to look to Him for wisdom. The ministers who teach the truth for this time are to strengthen their hearts by studying the Word of God. “It is the spirit that quickeneth,” Christ said, “the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life.” [John 6:63.] Those who are guided by the Word of the Lord will discern with certainty between falsehood and truth, between sin and righteousness.Manuscript Releases, vol. 7 [Nos. 419-525]
MR No. 508—Exhortation to Faithfulness to Church Members and Elders
7MR 359.2
Heresies are now arising among the people of God, and they will continue to arise. As we near the end of time, falsehood will be so mingled with truth, that only those who have the guidance of the Holy Spirit will be able to distinguish truth from error. We need to make every effort to keep the way of the Lord. We must in no case turn from His guidance to put our trust in man. The Lord’s angels are appointed to keep strict watch over those who put their faith in the Lord, and these angels are to be our special help in every time of need. Every day we are to come to the Lord with full assurance of faith, and to look to Him for wisdom. The ministers who teach the truth for this time are to strengthen their hearts by studying the word of God. “It is the spirit that quickeneth,” Christ said, “the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life” (John 6:63). Those who are guided by the word of the Lord will discern with certainty between falsehood and truth, between sin and righteousness.Jesus, Name Above All Names
Source of Unerring Wisdom, December 12
JNN 364.1
“The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.”—John 6:63JNN 364.2
Christ’s words contain nothing that is nonessential. The Sermon on the Mount is a wonderful production, yet so simple that a child can study it without misunderstanding. The mount of beatitudes is a symbol of the spiritual elevation on which Christ ever stood. Every word He uttered came from God, and He spoke with the authority of heaven. “The words that I speak unto you,” He said, “they are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63). His teaching is full of ennobling, saving truth, to which humanity’s highest ambitions and most profound investigations can bear no comparison. He was alive to the terrible ruin hanging over the race, and He came to save souls by His own righteousness, bringing to the world definite assurance of hope and complete relief.Manuscript Releases, vol. 16 [Nos. 1186-1235]
MR No. 1207—Opponents to be Treated Courteously: Gifts From Men in High Places Not to be Refused
16MR 160.1
The words Christ has spoken, the spirit He has revealed in all His lessons to His disciples, are as the bread of life, the flesh and blood of the Son of God. He said, “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” [John 6:63]. But all He has said is contested by the confederacy of evil; nevertheless precious truth must be presented in its native force. The deceptive errors that are widespread and that are leading the world captive, are to be unveiled. Every effort that is possible is being made to ensnare souls with subtle reasonings, to turn them from the truth to fables, and to prepare them to be deceived by strong delusions.Sons and Daughters of God
The Spirit Quickeneth, January 27
SD 33.1
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. 9
Sanitariums as Missionary Agencies
9T 168.2
I have been instructed that we are not to delay to do the work that needs to be done in health reform lines. Through this work we are to reach souls in the highways and byways. I have been given special light that in our sanitariums many souls will receive and obey present truth. In these institutions men and women are to be taught how to care for their own bodies and at the same time how to become sound in the faith. They are to be taught what is meant by eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of God. Said Christ: “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” John 6:63.EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
John 6:51-63
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 155, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 155, 1902, par. 19
Christ had pledged Himself to renew the soul through the truth. His Word, received, eaten, lived, is our salvation. He declares, “I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever; and the bread that I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. ... 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. ... 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 6:51, 53-55, 63.]Manuscript Releases, vol. 12 [Nos. 921-999]
MR No. 922—The Sin of Faultfinding
12MR 7.2
The Lord constrained me to speak in regard to the dangers of those who were so completely absorbed in dwelling upon the failings and mistakes of others that they themselves were falling into far greater evils, and sinning against God. I told Brother A that he would surely lose the reason that God had given him if he did not cease this work of accusing, and employ his powers to a better purpose than feeding on the faults and errors of others. Christ declared Himself to be the bread which cometh down from heaven. He said, [John 6:51, 53-57, 63, quoted].Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 60, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 60, 1901, par. 6
Christ declared, “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. 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. 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. ... 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 6:51-58, 63.] Then how diligently we should search the Scriptures, that we may understand every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.