EGW WritingsJohn 8
Ellen G. White · Page 3 of 3
Read John 8 in the BibleJohn 8:44-56
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 31, 1889
6LtMs, Ms 31, 1889, par. 67
Speaking of Satan, the Lord declares that he abode not in the truth. [John 8:44.] Once he was beautiful, radiant in light. But God’s Word declares of him, “Thou wast lifted up because of thy brightness.” [Ezekiel 28:17.]6LtMs, Ms 31, 1889, par. 80
Christ said to the Pharisees, “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day; and he saw it, and was glad.” [John 8:56.] How did Abraham know of the coming of the Redeemer? God gave him light in regard to the future. He looked forward to the time when the Saviour should come to this earth, His divinity veiled by humanity. By faith he saw the world’s Redeemer coming as God in the flesh. He saw the weight of guilt lifted from the human race and borne by the divine Substitute.John 8:46
That I May Know Him
Author and Teacher of Truth, July 20
TMK 207.4
He invited men to learn of Him, for He was a living representation of the law of God. He was the only one in human garb that could stand among a nation of witnesses, and looking round upon them, say, “Which of you convinceth me of sin?” (John 8:46). He knew that no man could point out any defect in His character or conduct. What power His spotless purity gave to His instructions, what force to His reproofs, what authority to His commands! ... He proved Himself to be the way, the truth, and the life.33Ibid.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 18, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 18, 1898, par. 10
In His life on earth, Christ developed a perfect character; He rendered perfect obedience to His Father’s commandments. But in coming to the world in human form, in becoming subject to the law, in revealing to men that He bore their sickness, their sorrow, their guilt, Christ did not become a sinner. He was pure and uncontaminated by any disease. Not one stain of sin was found upon Him. Before the Pharisees He could say, “Which of you convinceth me of sin?” [John 8:46.] By actual experience He knew nothing of sin, He stood before the world the spotless Lamb of God. When suffering humanity pressed about Him, He who was in the health of perfect manhood was as one afflicted with them. This was essential, that He might express His perfect love in behalf of humanity.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 49, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 49, 1898, par. 47
The holy law itself rejoiced in Christ’s righteousness. The living representation of the law, Christ could look around on a nation of witnesses, and say, “Which of you convinceth me of sin?” [John 8:46.] Truth never languished on His lips, never suffered in His hands for want of perfect obedience to its requirements. “To this end was I born,” Christ declared, “and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth.” [John 18:37.] And the mighty principles of truth fell from His lips with the freshness of a new revelation. The truth was spoken by Him with an earnestness proportionate to its infinite importance and to the momentous results depending on its success.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 77, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 77, 1898, par. 7
Christ came as a man. He was tempted in all points as man is tempted, and yet He could challenge His opponents, the Scribes and Pharisees, to find any sin in Him. They were desirous to find something whereof they might accuse Him, and deprive Him, the Lifegiver, of life. But He said to them, “Which of you convinceth me of sin?” [John 8:46.] Who among you can prove one charge against Me?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 34, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 34, 1899, par. 8
The truth never languished on Christ’s lips. With fearlessness He exposed the hypocrisy of priest and Pharisee, Sadducee and ruler. He entered into conversation with saint and sinner, wise and ignorant, learned and unlearned. He encountered misrepresentation, opposition, malice, and falsehood, yet His whole life was without a flaw. He could say, “Which of you convinceth me of sin?” [John 8:46.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 165, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 165, 1899, par. 9
Christ could not have done this work had He not been personally spotless. Only One who was Himself perfection could be at once the Sin-bearer and the Sin-pardoner. He stands before the congregation of His redeemed as their sin-burdened, sin-stained Surety, but it is their sins He is bearing. All through His life of humiliation and suffering, from the time that He was born an infant in Bethlehem till He hung on the cross of Calvary, and cried in a voice that shook the universe, “It is finished,” the Saviour was pure and spotless. [John 19:30.] At any time in His life He could offer His enemies the challenge, “Which of you convinceth me of sin?” [John 8:46.] He offered Himself without spot to God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 143, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 143, 1901, par. 77
Jesus, who knew no sin, and in whose mouth no guile was found, came to sow the world with truth. When charged with evil by the Pharisees, He stood up boldly before His accusers, and said, “Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?” [John 8:46.] The convicting power of God had deeply stirred the hearts of these teachers, but they turned their faces persistently from the light. They resisted the work of the Holy Spirit of God. Sufficient evidence of the divinity of Christ had been given them. More evidence would not have changed the current of their feelings, but would only have hardened them in unbelief.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 2, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 2, 1903, par. 5
From the beginning to the close of His earthly ministry, Christ went about doing good. In His life no sin appeared. No selfishness marred word or act. “Which of you convinceth Me of sin?” He asked the Pharisees, knowing that they would find nothing of which to accuse Him. [John 8:46.] And at His trial, Pilate declared emphatically, “I find in Him no fault at all.” [John 18:38.]Jesus, Name Above All Names
Innocent Redeemer, November 5
JNN 326.1
“Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me?”—John 8:46The Desire of Ages
Chapter 29—The Sabbath
DA 287.3
Those who hold that Christ abolished the law teach that He broke the Sabbath and justified His disciples in doing the same. Thus they are really taking the same ground as did the caviling Jews. In this they contradict the testimony of Christ Himself, who declared, “I have kept My Father’s commandments, and abide in His love.” John 15:10. Neither the Saviour nor His followers broke the law of the Sabbath. Christ was a living representative of the law. No violation of its holy precepts was found in His life. Looking upon a nation of witnesses who were seeking occasion to condemn Him, He could say unchallenged, “Which of you convicteth Me of sin?” John 8:46, R. V.This Day With God
In His Steps, February 29
TDG 68.2
The Lord does not accept the service of those who live an inefficient, do-nothing life. They exert an influence that leads away from Christ. Self-denial and nobility of purpose marked His life. From the beginning to the close of His earthly ministry He went about doing good. In His life no sin appeared. No selfishness marred word or act. “Which of you convinceth me of sin?” (John 8:46), He asked the Pharisees, knowing that they could find nothing of which to accuse Him. And at His trial, Pilate declared emphatically, “I find in him no fault at all” (John 18:38).To Be Like Jesus
Jesus Kept the Sabbath by Doing Good, May 21
BLJ 152.6
Looking upon a nation of witnesses who were seeking occasion to condemn Him, He could say unchallenged, “Which of you convicteth me of sin?” (John 8:46, RV)....From Heaven With Love
Greater Care Shown Animals
HLv 190.2
Those who hold that Christ abolished the law teach that He broke the Sabbath and justified His disciples in doing the same. Thus they are taking the same ground as did the caviling Jews. In this they contradict Christ Himself, who declared, “I have kept My Father’s commandments, and abide in His love.” John 15:10. Neither the Saviour nor His followers broke the Sabbath. Looking upon a nation of witnesses who were seeking occasion to condemn Him, He could say unchallenged, “Which of you convicts Me of sin?” John 8:46, RSV.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Ms 65, 1895
10LtMs, Ms 65, 1895, par. 8
Christ was a living representation of the law. There was no violation of its holy precepts in His life. Looking around upon a nation of witnesses who were eagerly seeking for something to question, searching for some mistake or error, in order that they might have something whereby to condemn Him, He could ask, “Which of you convinceth me of sin?” [John 8:46.] They had undertaken to catch Him in transgression, but failing in this, all they could do was to charge Him with being born in sin, and yet presuming to teach them. They could not discern the mysteries of His incarnation, for spiritual things are spiritually discerned. They made high professions of godliness, and claimed to be advanced in knowledge, and [because of] the fact that Jesus did not praise and glorify them as a nation superior to others, they were offended, and were determined to counteract His influence and make of no effect His teaching.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 63, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 63, 1897, par. 28
God is calling upon all to behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. Christ lifts the guilt of sin from the sinner, standing himself under the condemnation of the Lawgiver. He came to this world to live the law in humanity, that Satan’s charge that man cannot keep the law of God might be demonstrated as false. He kept the law in humanity, and when He was accused falsely by the Pharisees, He turned to them, asking with a voice of authority and power, “Which of you convinceth me of sin?” [John 8:46.] He came to reveal to the heavenly universe, to the worlds unfallen, and to sinful men, that every provision had been made by God in behalf of humanity, and that through the imputed righteousness of Christ, all who receive Him by faith can show their loyalty by keeping the law. As the repenting sinner lays hold of Christ as his personal Saviour, he is made a partaker of the divine nature.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 84a, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 84a, 1897, par. 4
This Holy Sin-bearer was dying upon the cross as a malefactor. Behold the wondrous sight, the Just dying for the unjust! Hanging upon the tree, He could utter the challenge to the priests, the scribes, the rulers, and the whole host of Satan and his angels, “Which of you convinceth me of sin?” [John 8:46.] Christ offered Himself without spot to God.John 8:46-58
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 140, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 140, 1903, par. 21
We ask Christ Himself, Who art Thou? and the answer comes, “Before Abraham was, I AM.” “I and My Father are one.” “For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom He will. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son.” [John 8:58; 10:30; 5:21, 22.]18LtMs, Ms 140, 1903, par. 51
To those who were trying to find spot or stain in His life, Christ could say, “Which of you convinceth Me of sin?” [John 8:46.] And there was not one who dared accept the challenge. Never did a word of prevarication or untruth pass His lips. Truth was His authority and gave force to His requirements, His commandments, His reproofs. Truth never languished on His lips, never suffered in His hands. He Himself was truth. “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life,” He declared. [John 14:6.] “To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth.” With the freshness of a new revelation, truth fell from His lips. He was the word and wisdom of God. “Every one that is of the truth heareth My words,” He said. [John 18:37.]John 8:47
Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 1
Chapter 35—The Influence of Perception
1MCP 339.4
That Which Quickens the Perceptions—When hearts are purified from selfishness and egotism, they are in harmony with the message God sends them. The perceptions are quickened, the sensibilities refined. Like appreciates like. “He that is of God heareth God’s words” (John 8:47).—Testimonies for the Church 5:696 (1889).Selected Messages Book 1
An Answer to a Challenge
1SM 72.6
It matters not how blameless the character and life of those who speak to the people the words of God; this procures for them no credit. And why? Because they tell the people the truth. This, brethren, is my offense. But if a false report is circulated, if by some inference or conjecture an imputation is cast upon the character of Christ’s ambassador, with what absurd credulity is it received! How many are ready to magnify and spread the slander! Such are revealing their real character. “He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God” (John 8:47).Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 67, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 67, 1898, par. 15
O what can I say in order to awaken the minds of those who profess to believe the truth, that they may adorn the gospel by a faith that works by love and purifies the soul. Christ bids you look to him as the Illuminator of your darkened souls. “He that is of God heareth God’s Word,” Christ said to the Jews, “ye therefore hear them not because ye are not of God.” [John 8:47.] There are men who hear the voice of God through Jesus Christ, because they hearken to the suggestions of the Holy Spirit and break away from the trammels of sin.John 8:47-48
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 4, 1883
4LtMs, Ms 4, 1883, par. 62
How eagerly the Pharisees sought to prove Christ a deceiver! How they watched His every word, seeking to misrepresent and misinterpret all His sayings! Pride and prejudice and passion closed every avenue of the soul against the testimony of the Son of God. When He plainly rebuked their iniquity and declared that their works proved them to be the children of Satan, they angrily flung back the accusation, saying, “Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan and hast a devil”? [John 8:48.]4LtMs, Ms 4, 1883, par. 73
It matters not how blameless the character and life of those who speak to the people the words of God; this procures for them no credit. And why? Because they tell the people the truth. This, brethren, is my offense. But if a false report is circulated, if by some inference or conjecture an imputation is cast upon the character of Christ’s ambassador, with what absurd credulity is it received! How many are ready to magnify and spread the slander! Such are revealing their real character. “He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not because ye are not of God.” John 8:47.John 8:48
Christ’s Object Lessons
Chapter 27—“Who is My Neighbour?”
COL 380.3
The great difference between the Jews and the Samaritans was a difference in religious belief, a question as to what constitutes true worship. The Pharisees would say nothing good of the Samaritans, but poured their bitterest curses upon them. So strong was the antipathy between the Jews and the Samaritans that to the Samaritan woman it seemed a strange thing for Christ to ask her for a drink. “How is it,” she said, “that Thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria?” “For,” adds the evangelist, “the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.” John 4:9. And when the Jews were so filled with murderous hatred against Christ that they rose up in the temple to stone Him, they could find no better words by which to express their hatred than, “Say we not well that Thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?” John 8:48. Yet the priest and Levite neglected the very work the Lord had enjoined on them, leaving a hated and despised Samaritan to minister to one of their own countrymen.Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing
“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”—Matthew 5:8.
MB 25.2
Only like can appreciate like. Unless you accept in your own life the principle of self-sacrificing love, which is the principle of His character, you cannot know God. The heart that is deceived by Satan, looks upon God as a tyrannical, relentless being; the selfish characteristics of humanity, even of Satan himself, are attributed to the loving Creator. “Thou thoughtest,” He says, “that I was altogether such an one as thyself.” Psalm 50:21. His providences are interpreted as the expression of an arbitrary, vindictive nature. So with the Bible, the treasure house of the riches of His grace. The glory of its truths, that are as high as heaven and compass eternity, is undiscerned. To the great mass of mankind, Christ Himself is “as a root out of a dry ground,” and they see in Him “no beauty that” they “should desire Him.” Isaiah 53:2. When Jesus was among men, the revelation of God in humanity, the scribes and Pharisees declared to Him, “Thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil.” John 8:48. Even His disciples were so blinded by the selfishness of their hearts that they were slow to understand Him who had come to manifest to them the Father’s love. This was why Jesus walked in solitude in the midst of men. He was understood fully in heaven alone.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 167, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 167, 1898, par. 25
This parable of the good Samaritan was placed on record as an example for future generations. So strong was the antipathy of the Jews to the Samaritans that it seemed a strange thing for the Samaritan woman that Christ should ask her for a drink. “How is it,” she said, “that thou, being a Jew, asketh drink of me, which as a woman of Samaria?” “For,” adds the evangelist, “the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.” [John 4:9.] And when the Jews were so filled with murderous hatred against Christ that they rose up in the temple to stone him, they could find no better words to express their hatred than by saying, “Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?” [John 8:48.] Yet they neglected the very work the Lord had enjoined on them, leaving a hated Samaritan to minister to one of their countrymen who had been robbed and wounded.John 8:50
From Heaven With Love
Chapter 1—Christ Before Coming to Earth
HLv 12.1
But turning from all lesser representations, we behold God in Jesus. We see that it is the glory of God to give. “I seek not Mine own glory,” said Christ, but the glory of Him that sent Me. John 8:50; 7:18. Christ received from God, but He took to give. Through the Son, the Father’s life flows out to all; through the Son it returns in joyous service, a tide of love, to the great Source of all. Thus through Christ the circuit of beneficence is complete.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 125, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 125, 1905, par. 19
Said Christ, “My meat is to do the will of Him that sent Me, and to finish His work.” [John 4:34.] “I seek not Mine own glory, but the glory of Him that sent Me.” [See John 8:50.] The people of God are to be aroused to a sense of their deficiencies and of the work that they must do. They are to break every yoke and make their prayers practical. “Lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.” [Isaiah 58:1.] For the eternal interest of the people of God, their sins and their defects of character must be plainly pointed out. So long have they exalted themselves as supreme in wisdom that they are self-deceived. They have not on the robe of Christ’s righteousness; but it is not yet too late for them to repent and confess their sins and be converted and bring mercy, justice, and judgment into their lives. If they would receive the message and do the merciful acts of Christ, they would live a new life in Him, putting away all boasting, all falsifying, all evil speaking, and humbling their hearts before God, according to the instruction given by Christ in the Old and the New Testaments, remembering that in life and character they must be representatives of Christ. They would honor their Redeemer by daily living the new life—a life hid with Christ in God.John 8:51
That I May Know Him
Resurrection to New Life, March 6
TMK 71.5
Christ became one with humanity that humanity might become one in spirit and life with Him. By virtue of this union in obedience to the Word of God, His life becomes their life. He says to the penitent, “I am the resurrection, and the life” (John 11:25). Death is looked upon by Christ as sleep—silence, darkness, sleep. He speaks of it as if it were of little moment. “Whosoever liveth and believeth in me,” He says, “shall never die” (verse 26).... “He shall never see death” (John 8:51). And to the believing one, death is but a small matter. With him to die is but to sleep. “Them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him” (1 Thessalonians 4:14).8Selected Messages, 1:301-303.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 363, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 363, 1904, par. 8
“Whosoever ... believeth in Me shall never die.” “If a man keep My sayings, he shall never see death.” [John 11:26; 8:51.] God’s chosen ones may fall at their post of duty, but they have only fallen asleep, to rest till Jesus awakes them to share with Him an eternal weight of glory.John 8:51-52
A Call To Stand Apart
Chapter 11—Grand Resurrection
CSA 44.4
To the believer, death is but a small matter. Christ speaks of it as if it were of little moment. “If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death,” “he shall never taste of death.” To the Christian, death is but a sleep, a moment of silence and darkness. The life is hid with Christ in God, and “when Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory.” John 8:51, 52; Colossians 3:4. 68The Desire of Ages, 782-787.Heaven
Chapter 5—Christ’s Second Coming
Hvn 37.3
To the believer, death is but a small matter. Christ speaks of it as if it were of little moment. “If a man keep My saying, he shall never see death,” “he shall never taste of death.” To the Christian, death is but a sleep, a moment of silence and darkness. The life is hid with Christ in God, and “when Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory.” John 8:51, 52; Colossians 3:4.Selected Messages Book 1
Chapter 44—The Risen Saviour
1SM 302.4
Christ became one with humanity, that humanity might become one in spirit and life with Him. By virtue of this union in obedience to the Word of God, His life becomes their life. He says to the penitent, “I am the resurrection, and the life” (John 11:25). Death is looked upon by Christ as sleep—silence, darkness, sleep. He speaks of it as if it were of little moment. “Whosoever liveth and believeth in me,” He says, “shall never die” (John 11:26). “If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death” (John 8:52). “He shall never see death” (John 8:51). And to the believing one, death is but a small matter. With him to die is but to sleep. “Them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him” (1 Thessalonians 4:14).The Desire of Ages
Chapter 81—“The Lord Is Risen”
DA 787.1
To the believer, death is but a small matter. Christ speaks of it as if it were of little moment. “If a man keep My saying, he shall never see death,” “he shall never taste of death.” To the Christian, death is but a sleep, a moment of silence and darkness. The life is hid with Christ in God, and “when Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory.” John 8:51, 52; Colossians 3:4.The Faith I Live By
When Eternal Life Begins, June 30
FLB 187.3
To the believer, death is but a small matter. Christ speaks of it as if it were of little moment. “If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death,” “he shall never taste of death.” John 8:51, 52. To the Christian, death is but a sleep, a moment of silence and darkness. The life is hid with Christ in God, and “when Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” Colossians 3:4.87The Desire of Ages, 787.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 131, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 131, 1897, par. 8
Death is a small matter to the believer in God. Christ speaks of it as though it were of little moment. “Whosoever believeth in me,” He says, “shall never die.” [Verse 26.] “If a man keep my sayings, he shall never taste of death. Neither shall he see death.” [John 8:51, 52.] Death is looked upon by Christ as sleep—silence, darkness, sleep. To the believing one, to die is to sleep. “All that sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.” [1 Thessalonians 4:14.] Who can take hold of this great truth? Our life is hid with Christ in God.John 8:56
Lift Him Up
To Be a Prophet, January 15
LHU 29.2
The hope of Israel was embodied in the promise made at the time of the call of Abraham, and afterward repeated again and again to his posterity, “In thee shall all families of the earth be blessed” (Genesis 12:3). As the purpose of God for the redemption of the race was unfolded to Abraham, the Sun of Righteousness shone upon his heart, and his darkness was scattered. And when, at last, the Saviour Himself walked and talked among the sons of men, He bore witness to the Jews of the patriarch’s bright hope of deliverance through the coming of a Redeemer. “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day,” Christ declared; “and he saw it, and was glad” (John 8:56).Prophets and Kings
Chapter 58—The Coming of a Deliverer
PK 683.1
The hope of Israel was embodied in the promise made at the time of the call of Abraham, and afterward repeated again and again to his posterity, “In thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” Genesis 12:3. As the purpose of God for the redemption of the race was unfolded to Abraham, the Sun of Righteousness shone upon his heart, and his darkness was scattered. And when, at last, the Saviour Himself walked and talked among the sons of men, He bore witness to the Jews of the patriarch’s bright hope of deliverance through the coming of a Redeemer. “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day,” Christ declared; “and he saw it, and was glad.” John 8:56.From Eternity Past
The Promise to Abraham Repeated
EP 95.4
God “preached before the gospel unto Abraham.” Galatians 3:8. And the patriarch’s faith was fixed upon the Redeemer to come. Said Christ, “Your father Abraham rejoiced that he should see My day; and he saw it, and was glad.” John 8:56. The ram offered in place of Isaac represented the Son of God, who was to be sacrificed in our stead. The Father, looking upon His Son, said to the sinner, “Live: I have found a ransom.”From Splendor to Shadow
Chapter 58—Darkness Precedes the Dawn
SS 354.1
The promise was made at the call of Abraham, and afterward repeated: “In thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” Genesis 12:3. The Sun of Righteousness shone upon Abraham’s heart, and his darkness was scattered. When the Saviour Himself walked among the sons of men, He bore witness of the patriarch’s hope: “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day: and he saw it, and was glad.” John 8:56.Radiant Religion
Abraham Rejoiced Because He Saw Christ, October 1
RRe 276.1
Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day: and he saw it, and was glad. John 8:56.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 50, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 50, 1893, par. 28
This history is written for our learning, that we may not do as did this idolatrous king. Abraham’s character was in every way the opposite of that of Belshazzar. Abraham’s practical obedience to the Lord’s commands revealed a sure growth in spiritual knowledge, and every additional test was a renewal of the trust reposed by God in him. In mind and purpose he was one with God, and to him God revealed future events. “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day,” Christ declared. “He saw it, and was glad.” [John 8:56.] “If any man will to do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God.” [John 7:17.]John 8:56-58
That I May Know Him
The Great I Am, January 6
TMK 12.1
Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. John 8:58.TMK 12.2
I AM means an eternal presence; the past, present, and future are alike with God. He sees the most remote events of past history and the far distant future with as clear a vision as we do those things which are transpiring daily. We know not what is before us, and if we did, it would not contribute to our eternal welfare. God gives us an opportunity to exercise faith and trust in the great I AM.... Our Saviour says, “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad” (John 8:56). Fifteen hundred years before Christ laid off His royal robe, His kingly crown, and left His position of honor in the heavenly courts, assumed humanity, and walked a man among the children of men, Abraham saw His day, and was glad. “Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am” (verses 57, 58)....John 8:56-59
Manuscript Releases, vol. 14 [Nos. 1081-1135]
MR No. 1084—Individual Responsibility to Accept Truth; Christ, the Great “I AM”; The Holy Spirit and His Work
14MR 22.1
The Lord must keep the city except the watchman labor in vain. This wonderful truth was revealed by Christ during His mission on earth. Our Saviour says, “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day; and he saw it, and was glad” [John 8:56]. Fifteen hundred years [On page 204 of Patriarchs and Prophets Ellen White refers to this period as being eighteen centuries.] before Christ laid off His royal robes, His kingly crown, and left His position of honor in the heavenly courts, assumed humanity, and walked a man among the children of men, Abraham saw His day and was glad.14MR 22.2
“Then said the Jews unto Him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast Thou seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I AM. Then took they up stones to cast at Him” because of that saying [Verses 57-59]. Christ was using the great name of God that was given to Moses to express the idea of the eternal presence.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 119, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 119, 1895, par. 12
I AM means an eternal presence; the past, present, and future are alike with God. He sees the most remote events of past history, and the far distant future with as clear a vision as we do those things which are transpiring daily. We know not what is before us, and if we did, it would not contribute to our eternal welfare. God gives us an opportunity to exercise faith and trust in the great I AM. The Lord must keep the city, except the watchman labor in vain. This wonderful truth was revealed by Christ during His mission on earth. Our Saviour says, “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.” Fifteen hundred years before Christ laid off His royal robe, His kingly crown, and left His position of honor in the heavenly courts, assumed humanity, and walked a man among the children of men, Abraham saw His day, and was glad. “Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. Then took they up stones to cast at him” because of that saying. [John 8:56-59.]10LtMs, Lt 119, 1895, par. 15
The Pharisees were horrified at this declaration of Christ’s, “Before Abraham was, I am.” [John 8:58.] They were beside themselves with rage that He should express such awful blasphemy, claiming to be the I AM. They would have stoned Him then and there, but the I AM blinded their eyes that they should not see Him, although He went out of the temple, passing through the very midst of them. As Jesus passed through the multitude He saw a man who had been blind from his birth, and healed him.John 8:58
Lift Him Up
The Self-Existent Son of God, January 3
LHU 17.1
Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. John 8:58.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 104, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 104, 1900, par. 10
When Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to the temple, he was only an infant of a few weeks. But he was also the Ancient of days, whose goings forth have been from of old, even from everlasting. He was indeed the long-expected Messiah, of whom the Jews had read, “The Lord, whom you seek, shall suddenly come to his temple.” [Malachi 3:1.] To the Pharisees Christ afterward declared, “Before Abraham was, I am.” [John 8:58.] He is the head of an unchangeable priesthood, the only true high priest over the house of God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 104, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 104, 1902, par. 13
We ask Christ Himself who He is, and He replies: “Before Abraham was, I am.” “The Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son; that all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father.” [John 8:58; 5:22, 23.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 276, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 276, 1904, par. 23
Christ Himself answers: “Before Abraham was, I AM.” “I and My Father are one.” “For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom He will. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son; that all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father.” [John 8:58; 10:30; 5:21-23.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 216, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 216, 1906, par. 19
Christ Himself answers: “Before Abraham was, I AM.” “I and My Father are one.” “For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom He will. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son; that all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father.” [John 8:58; 10:30; 5:21-23.]Jesus, Name Above All Names
Self-Existent One, January 16
JNN 23.1
Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”—John 8:58Manuscript Releases, vol. 12 [Nos. 921-999]
MR No. 944—Luther Warren and Work in New York City
12MR 100.1
We turn to Peter, and he declares of his Master: “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). We ask Christ Himself who He is, and He replies: [John 8:58; 5:22 quoted.] We ask Paul. With strength and assurance comes the answer: [1 Timothy 3:16; Philippians 2:6-11; Colossians 1:14-17 quoted.]The Upward Look
Take Christ at His Word, May 10
UL 144.5
To Moses, Jehovah declared, “I am that I am” (Exodus 3:14). Christ declared, “Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58). By this declaration He laid open the resources of His infinite nature, imparting in His words assurance of pardon for the guilty race. He is the Word, conscious of power that He can take up and lay down His life as He chooses [in order] to secure the salvation of those who have fallen under Satan’s falsehoods and intrigues....Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 107, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 107, 1897, par. 16
Of Himself Christ declares, “Before Abraham was, I am.” “I and my Father are one.” “For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son.” [John 8:58; 10:30; 5:21, 22.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 37, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 37, 1898, par. 2
What is Christ’s testimony regarding Himself? “Before Abraham was, I am.” “I and my Father are one.” “For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth whom he will, even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son, that all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father.” [John 8:58; 10:30; 5:21-23.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 65, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 65, 1898, par. 11
To Christ Himself we address the inquiry, “Who art thou?” Listen! “Before Abraham was, I am.” “I and my Father are one.” “As the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom He will. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: That all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He that honoreth not the Son, honoreth not the Father which hath sent him.” [John 8:58; 10:30; 5:21-23.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 114, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 114, 1899, par. 2
He who worked this miracle in behalf of one hundred men in Old Testament times wrought a similar wonder for five thousand when as a man He preached the gospel to men. In the wilderness Christ supplied His people not only with bread but with clear flowing streams. The Coming One cast His glory upon the people He was guiding as upon those He educated in His humanity, and to whom He declared, “Before Abraham was, I AM.” [John 8:58.] Christ walked this earth in lowliness and poverty, but He was greater than Moses.John 8:59
The Review and Herald
May 4, 1911
RH May 4, 1911, par. 11
It is worthy of note that Jesus had given as the reason for his withdrawal from Judea the fact that his hour had not yet come; and yet, when he returned and taught openly, the record is that though “they sought to take him,” yet “no man laid hands on him, because His Hour Was Not Yet Come.”John 7:30. It would seem that although when he could carry on his work elsewhere, he himself took wise precautions to shield himself from the wrath of his enemies, yet when duty called him to the place of danger, his father restrained wicked men from laying hands on him. Yet this divine protection did not lead him to act presumptuously; for when, as a result of his plain teaching, his enemies were angered, and took up “stones to cast at him,” he “hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.” John 8:59. And when they again sought to take him, “he escaped out of their hand, and went away again beyond Jordan into the place where john at first baptized; and there he abode.” There he could work quietly with the many who “resorted unto him.” John 10:39-41.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 143, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 143, 1897, par. 15
“While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.” [John 12:36.] Again we read, “Then took they up stones to cast at him, but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.” [John 8:59.] “Though he had done so many miracles before them, yet believed they not on him: that the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report, and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias saith again, He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.” [John 12:37-40.]EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
John 8:44
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 136a, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 136a, 1898, par. 20
Obedience to the whole will of God places us by faith under the protection of Jehovah. Trust ye in the Lord forever, for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength. There must be an entire surrender of the whole will to God, saying, O Lord, I am thine; I am not my own. I am bought with a price. All our possessions, though they be as dear to us as was Isaac to the heart of Abraham, are to be laid upon the altar. This may test that man sorely, but there must be no Isaacs too precious to sacrifice for God. We would not hear the words, “Ye are of your father, the Devil.” [John 8:44.] No; we want to hear the voice of sweetest music saying, “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” [Matthew 25:34.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 120, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 120, 1899, par. 21
Christ calls upon every one to do His work. “Go work today in my vineyard,” He says. [Matthew 21:28.] “Ye are not your own; for ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body and your spirit, which are God’s.” [1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.] Satan must be cast out and overcome. Speaking of Satan, Christ declared, “He abode not in the truth.” [John 8:44.] He was an exalted angel, possessed of a heavenly home where all was holiness and joy. But he swerved from his allegiance. He fell from his high estate, and with a large army of associate rebels was cast out of heaven. From his position as covering cherub, he became the avowed antagonist of God. He planted his standard on the earth and established a rival empire, where all the powers of evil combined in opposing the influence of God. The prince of darkness, actuated by the principle which works in all the children of disobedience, left no means untried to attract the attention of men to himself and conform them to his nature, stimulated by his intense hatred of the God whom he had dishonored, he tried to eclipse every ray of light from the world, and to efface the likeness of God from men by making them recipients of his own apostate character and stamping his image on their souls.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 99, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 99, 1902, par. 10
“He abode not in the truth.” [John 8:44.] He was an exalted angel, living in a heavenly home where all was holiness and joy. But he swerved from his allegiance, and, with the angels who sympathized with him, was cast out of heaven. From being a covering cherub, he became the avowed antagonist of God. He planted his standard on the earth and established a rival empire in which all the powers of evil combined in opposing the influence of God. Actuated by intense hatred for the God he had dishonored, he left no means untried to attract men to himself and conform them to his nature. He has tried to eclipse every ray of light from the world and to efface the likeness of God from men. He has planted his throne between the human worshiper and God. The talents that God entrusted to men to be used in serving Him, Satan has led them to invest in building up his kingdom. Satan, and not God, is worshiped.Patriarchs and Prophets
Chapter 29—Satan’s Enmity Against the Law
PP 337.2
Satan was “a murderer from the beginning” (John 8:44); and as soon as he had obtained power over the human race, he not only prompted them to hate and slay one another, but, the more boldly to defy the authority of God, he made the violation of the sixth commandment a part of their religion.The Faith I Live By
Physical Attacks of Satan, November 18
FLB 328.2
Satan was “a murderer from the beginning.” John 8:44.55Patriarchs and Prophets, 337.This Day With God
Unseen Forces in Conflict, September 4
TDG 256.1
He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him.... He is a liar, and the father of it. John 8:44.From Eternity Past
The True Sign of Loyalty to God—The Sabbath
EP 235.3
Satan was “a murderer from the beginning” (John 8:44); and as soon as he obtained power over the human race, he not only prompted them to hate and slay one another, but made the violation of the sixth commandment a part of their religion.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 55, 1886
4LtMs, Ms 55, 1886, par. 11
When some things which had been spoken against me were repeated to me, and the remark was made, “Both cannot be right. The one who reports these sayings or the one of whom these things are said must be wicked,” I answered, “Elder Grant has never come to me like an honest man who loved his neighbor as himself and asked me if these things were so.” While he claims to be sanctified, he is dealing in slander and falsehoods. That which he dares not utter in public he will talk in private families. But if they falsified the purest Model that the world ever had, what may I expect? I could go around from place to place and call the people together and testify to the falsity of these statements, but did Jesus do this? He told the men who accused Him, “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do” (John 8:44); and those who do just as the accusers of Christ did have the denunciation of Jesus Christ.4LtMs, Ms 55, 1886, par. 15
It is not the work of the messengers of God to make men believe. This is left to the will of the individual. And the positions men take in receiving or rejecting the message God sends them determines their case. Their names will be registered in the book of life if they are loyal to God. If they choose to war against the law of Jehovah, then they take sides with the first great rebel, the prince of darkness and all evil. There can be none of this special enmity between fallen angels and fallen men who are engaged in the same work of making void the law of God. Both are evil, both have forsaken God. While the Jews claimed to believe in God and worship Him, Christ calls them children of their father the devil, doing his work, possessing his spirit. [John 8:44.] So not all who claim to have the knowledge of the Scriptures and to be teachers of the people are safe guides. Some have rejected light given them of God because it did not come in the manner and suggest the things agreeable to their ideas.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 60, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 60, 1893, par. 10
Every soul who will now evade, through sophistry, the plain “Thus saith the Lord,” and misinterpret and evade the plainest conclusions of the written inspired Word, will become instruments to tempt and coerce, and stirred with a satanic spirit purpose to afflict and oppress and compel the human agents to dishonor God’s law and accept and advocate Satan’s legislation and revere his enactments with a zeal proportionate to their blinding delusions. Our Lord declares, that Satan “abode not in the truth.” [John 8:44.] Once he did bear rule under God and Jesus Christ, and all was radiant and lovely.