EGW WritingsLuke 10

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 167, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 167, 1898, par. 1

“In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes; even so, Father, for it seemed good in thy sight. All things are delivered unto me of my Father, and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father, and he to whom the Son will reveal him. And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see; for I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things that ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.” [Luke 10:21-24.]

13LtMs, Ms 167, 1898, par. 2

“And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life.” [Verse 25.] The Pharisees had suggested this question to the lawyer, in the hope that they might entrap Christ in His words, and the lawyer repeated the question as though it were one of serious import to him. Priests and rulers listened with bated breath for Christ’s answer. Christ read the heart of the lawyer, and He turned the question over to him for answer.

13LtMs, Ms 167, 1898, par. 3

“What is written in the law?” He asked. “How readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind, and thy neighbor as thyself.” Said Christ, “Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.” [Verses 26-28.]

13LtMs, Ms 167, 1898, par. 4

Christ knew that no one present could do this in his own strength. He desired to lead the lawyer to clearer and more critical research, that he might find the truth. Only by accepting the virtue and grace of Christ can the law be kept. Belief in the propitiation for sin enables fallen man to love God with his whole heart and his neighbor as himself. The lawyer knew that he had kept neither the first four commandments, nor the last six. Especially had he failed to love his neighbor as himself. But in the hope of justifying himself, he asked, “And who is my neighbor?” [Verse 29.]

13LtMs, Ms 167, 1898, par. 5

Christ then, in the form of a parable, narrated an incident that had lately taken place, which was fresh in the minds of all. “A certain man,” He said, “went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way.” [Verses 30, 31.] He saw the man lying wounded and bruised, weltering in his own blood, but he left him without rendering any assistance. He passed by on the other side.

13LtMs, Ms 167, 1898, par. 6

“Likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him.” He saw his great need, but he too “passed by on the other side.” [Verse 32.]

13LtMs, Ms 167, 1898, par. 7

“But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him, and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.” [Verses 33-35.]

13LtMs, Ms 167, 1898, par. 8

The lawyer had asked, “Who is my neighbor?” [Verse 29.] In answer Christ presented a circumstance which had really taken place, of which His hearers knew. The Pharisees would say nothing good of the Samaritans, but poured their bitterest curses upon them. But in this case a Samaritan had showed himself to be far more righteous than those by whom he was denounced. He had fulfilled the command, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

13LtMs, Ms 167, 1898, par. 9

The man who had been robbed was a Jew, one who in every sense should have awakened the sympathy and regard of those of his own nation. The priest and the Levite, professedly acknowledging the law of God as their guide, should have been the first to minister with tender compassion to their suffering brother. But they “passed by on the other side.” [Verses 31, 32.]

13LtMs, Ms 167, 1898, par. 10

In giving this lesson Christ showed great tact and far-seeing judgment. He presented the principles of the law of God in a direct, forcible way, showing His hearers that they had neglected to carry out these principles. His words were so definite and pointed that the listeners found no chance to cavil or raise objections. The lawyer found nothing in the lesson that he could criticize. His prejudice in regard to Christ was removed. But he had not overcome his dislike sufficiently to give credit to the Samaritan by name. When Christ asked, “Which then of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among thieves?” He answered, “He that showed mercy on him.” “Then said Jesus unto him, Go thou and do likewise.” [Verses 36, 37.] Show the same tender kindness to those in need. Thus you will give evidence that you keep the whole law.

13LtMs, Ms 167, 1898, par. 17

The precious Word of God obeyed is the beauty of holiness. That Word, whether in the New Testament or in the Old, cannot be changed to meet man in his fallen condition. It maintains its high and holy standard, “This do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:28.] All human beings need the law of God as the standard. And this standard is plainly revealed in God’s Word. This Word is the expression of the will of God, revealing to man his defects of character and the hopelessness of his condition unless he returns to his loyalty. But through faith in Christ all excellency may be reached. The Word enforces the law by presenting the character in contrast with the character of man.

The Upward Look

Leaders in the Invisible Conflict, November 16

UL 334.1

All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him. Luke 10:22.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 43b, 1891

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

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

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 281, 1904

19LtMs, Lt 281, 1904, par. 9

This work Christ did to show men that He was the tabernacle of witness, that the Word had been made flesh. In the human encampment, amongst the erring and sinful, Christ pitched His tent. He lived close to the poor and lowly, yet He was the King of glory. He would make all familiar with His character, that we might be partakers of the divine nature and thus become one with Him in faith and practice. He declares, “All things are delivered to Me of My Father.” “All things that the Father hath are Mine.” “All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth.” [Luke 10:22; John 16:15; Matthew 28:18.] Why was this wonderful transfer made but that Christ might be the world’s Redeemer, the incarnate Saviour!

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 174, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 174, 1906, par. 12

After Christ had warned His disciples against the adversary’s manner of attack, He charged them to be ever on the watch. Turning to them, He said privately, “Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see: for I tell you that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.” [Luke 10:23, 24.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 257, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 257, 1899, par. 16

“And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes that see the things that ye see: For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear and have not heard them.” [Luke 10:23, 24.] The Lord God of Israel would have His light and glory advanced in other parts of the world. “And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Here a most decided question is presented—“What shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Verses 25-27.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 71, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 71, 1897, par. 28

As Jesus looked upon His frowning enemies, who were so filled with wrath that if they dared they would have killed Him then and there, He turned to His disciples, and said to them privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see the things which ye see. For I tell you, That many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.” [Luke 10:23, 24.]

12LtMs, Ms 71, 1897, par. 30

“And behold a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? How readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy soul, and with all thine heart, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. And he answered and said, Thou hast answered right; this do and thou shalt live.” [Verses 25-28.]

12LtMs, Ms 71, 1897, par. 32

“But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow, when he departed he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him, and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come, I will repay thee. Which now of these three thinkest thou was neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that showed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go and do thou likewise.” [Verses 29-37.]

Manuscript Release No 1033

Washington, D. C., Thursday, December 25, 1890

MR1033 52.4

Thursday, December 25. Spoke in a hall to an intelligent congregation from Luke 10:25.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 63, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 63, 1893, par. 37

I devoted the time to writing out testimonies for Brother and Sister Hare. In the evening spoke in the town hall to a well filled hall. The Lord strengthened me. I bore a very decided testimony and all listened with deep interest. Oh, how I long for strength, physical strength! I feel exhausted much of the time; but my prayers are ascending to God that for Christ’s sake I may be restored to health. My subject was (Luke 10:25), the question asked by the lawyer of Christ, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 28, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 28, 1895, par. 8

On Sunday June 23 I spoke under the tent at Canterbury. A general meeting had been appointed, and many of our people were present from Ashfield, Sydney, and Petersham. Several souls were convinced of the truth who had not fully decided to obey. As I entered the desk I could not seem to fasten my mind upon any subject upon which to speak, but as soon as I rose to my feet, everything was clear, and the text given me was the question of the lawyer to Christ, “What shall I do that I may have eternal life?” [Luke 10:25.] The power of God came upon me, and the truth of God was presented by His human agent in a most clear and powerful [way].

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 227, 1905

20LtMs, Lt 227, 1905, par. 5

If you had placed your influence under the direction of the Holy Spirit, and used it as a consecrated talent, it would have won souls to Christ. A presentation has been given me of what you could have accomplished if with humble trust in Jesus of Nazareth you had sought to do the work committed to you. If you had kept your heart in the love of the truth, the saving, sanctifying truth of God’s Word; if you had loved God with heart and mind and soul and strength; if you had co-operated with Him in a way that would have made you one with Him, you would have been greatly blessed. You would not have spent time in discussing questions over which the world was contending, but would have kept continually before you this one question, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” [Luke 10:25.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Lt 51, 1884

4LtMs, Lt 51, 1884, par. 8

As soon as we had taken breakfast and had attended prayers, we, Edson and I, went into the minister’s meeting. I talked with them most earnestly and pointedly for about thirty minutes. There were several who wept freely. At half past two p.m., spoke to a full tent with great freedom [on] the subject [of] the lawyer who asked Jesus what he should do to have eternal life. [Luke 10:25.] Many outsiders were present. There would have been a large crowd today, but it has rained all night and much of the time today. They are now having a Bible reading. Edson is having a meeting with the children and youth. I never saw Edson in the place he is now; evidently the Spirit of the Lord is working with him. He is doing all he can as he is now situated and means to do all he can. He has excellent ideas of work and his labors are appreciated. He worked earnestly in the Sabbath school. He has a canvassing class for which he is working. He has a love for the work. I hope he will erelong be able to give himself wholly to the work. He seems to have precious ideas and he labors well upon temperance.

Homeward Bound

The Scriptures Our Safeguard, January 30

HB 45.5

God has given us His word that we may become acquainted with its teachings and know for ourselves what He requires of us. When the lawyer came to Jesus with the inquiry, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” the Saviour referred him to the Scriptures, saying: “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” (Luke 10:25, 26.)—The Great Controversy, 593, 594, 597, 598.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 26, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 26, 1901, par. 20

My brethren and sisters, appreciate and study the truths God has given for you and your children. Spend not your time in seeking to know that which will be no spiritual help. “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” This is the all-important question, and it has been clearly answered. “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” [Luke 10:25, 26.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 280a, 1904

19LtMs, Lt 280a, 1904, par. 14

Let those who are presenting theories as to whether the earth is round or flat leave this question—for God has not given it to them to solve—and earnestly inquire: “What shall I do that I may have everlasting life?” Let them heed the answer: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:25, 27.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 149, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 149, 1901, par. 17

God wants us to look to Jesus. But we are not Bible-keepers. We do not obey the commandments of God. A lawyer came to Christ with the question, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Knowing what was in the mind of the lawyer, Christ placed upon him the burden of the answer. “What is written in the law?” He asked, “how readest thou?” [Luke 10:25, 26.] I wonder whether you do not need your attention called to this. “How readest thou?”

16LtMs, Ms 149, 1901, par. 18

The question asked by the lawyer is a decided one and, with the answer, comes sounding down along the line to our time. The lawyer answered, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Verse 27.] This includes the whole man. The powers of the body as well as of the mind are to be used in the work of God. The whole being is to be consecrated to the service of the Master.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 6 [Nos. 347-418]

MR No. 379—Enlisting the Laymen in Seeking Lost Sheep

6MR 196.5

There are many who speak of coming to Christ who will leave the matter indistinct and indefinite. The question is asked “What shall I do to be saved?” And Christ answers the question positively. He asks, “What is written in the Law?” And the answer comes to this, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul and with all thy strength and with all thy mind and thy neighbor as thyself.” Luke 10:25-27. Now we can see that the conditions are not made on emotions but it is by taking a distinct course that is laid out for us. It is a very important question with every one of us what we shall do in order to be saved.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 180, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 180, 1903, par. 29

To the anxious inquiry “What must I do to be saved?” the answer comes, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind.” Thus answered the lawyer when, in reply to his inquiry, Christ said, “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” [Acts 16:30; Luke 10:25-27.]

18LtMs, Lt 180, 1903, par. 31

“What is written in the law?” [Verse 26.] Do we read the Word of God with a firm determination to obey its precepts? Eternal life is the reward of obedience. “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Christ came to this world and lived for us a life of obedience to God’s law, that we might obey and be saved.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 152, 1904

19LtMs, Ms 152, 1904, par. 9

We will have to learn, every one of us, in whatever place we are, the question Christ was asked, “What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” In the place of Christ’s answering it, He put it right onto the lawyer, and He laid that burden right on him. There were the Pharisees, and all, watching to see if they could not get something out of His lips. He said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, with all thy strength, and with all thy mind, and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:25-27.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 156, 1904

19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 38

What we want is to know, What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? Well, that question was asked the lawyer, and the lawyer asked that question of Christ, and there were the Pharisees all around, waiting to catch a word out of His lips, that they might turn it to His condemnation. Christ kindly laid the burden right upon the lawyer. He knew that lawyer was convicted, and He said to him, “What saith the law? How readest thou?” And the answer came from the lawyer, “Thou shalt love the Lord ... as thyself.” [Luke 10:25-27.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 10, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 10, 1905, par. 5

Again and again these nonessential subjects have been agitated, but their discussion has never done a particle of good. We are not to allow our attention to be diverted from the proclamation of the message given us. For years I have been instructed that we are not to give our attention to nonessential questions. There are questions of the highest importance to be considered. “What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” the lawyer asked Christ. The Saviour answered, “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:25-27.] The questions that Christ considered essential are the questions that we are to urge home today. We are not bidden to enter into discussion regarding unimportant subjects. Our work is to lead minds to the great principles of the law of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 86, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 86, 1905, par. 8

We are to be on guard against Satan’s deceptive arts. He will take possession of human bodies and make men and women sick. Then he will suddenly cease to exercise his evil power, and it will be proclaimed that a miracle has been wrought. We need now to have a true understanding of the power of Jesus Christ to save to the uttermost all who come unto Him. How did Christ answer the lawyer’s question, “What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:25-27.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 140, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, par. 9

The lawyer asked, “What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” Christ lays the burden right on that lawyer, who had been studying that point for some time. But there were enemies, waiting, hoping to grasp some word so that they could condemn the Lord, and He laid it right on them: “Thou shalt love the Lord ... with all thy mind.” [Luke 10:25-27.] That takes the whole man. Then what? What kind of a world would we have if we keep the commandments of God? It would be next to heaven. We are preparing to enter the gates that shall be thrown open to the saints, who are welcomed into the city of God, to enjoy what? Eternal life—a life that measures with the life of God. Therefore it is of the highest consequence to us that we understand the science of salvation in this world, that we take right hold upon the powers that God has given. “For in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” [Colossians 2:9.]

21LtMs, Ms 140, 1906, par. 10

Now here that lawyer said they were to do certain things, and then what? “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:27.] Well, if “thy neighbor” commits an error or a fault, don’t spread it all around through the church or wherever you can. But Christ has told us what to do—to go right to him and tell him his fault between him and you alone. And then He tells them there is a chance of saving that soul if they will do it. “If you bring your gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee, go first and be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer this gift.” [Matthew 5:23, 24.] What kind of a world would we have if we should follow and obey the commandments of God?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 17, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 17, 1906, par. 41

“Behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tempted Him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:25-27.]

Sermons and Talks, vol. 1

Seeking Heavenly Treasures

1SAT 254.2

The question is asked by the lawyer that came to Christ, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?”—this very inheritance that He had been presenting to him. Well now, there stood the frowning Pharisees; there stood the rabbis; there stood the priests and the rulers of the synagogue, and they hoped to catch something from the answer that they could use, that they might condemn Christ, the world’s Redeemer, the mighty Healer, the greatest Teacher that the world ever knew. Christ read their heart and their purposes, and what did He do? He turned back upon the lawyer himself the labor of answering that question. He said, “What is written in the law? How readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with”-nine tenths of your heart? two-thirds? one-half? one quarter?—“thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind” [Luke 10:25-27]. This takes intellect; this takes reason; this takes education, ability; and it takes all there is of man.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Ms 17, 1887

5LtMs, Ms 17, 1887, par. 3

There are many who speak of coming to Christ who will leave the matter indistinct and indefinite. The question is asked, “What shall I do to be saved?” And Christ answers the question positively. He asks, “What is written in the law?” And the answer comes to this, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength and with all thy mind, and thy neighbor as thyself.” Luke 10:25-27.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 2, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 2, 1893, par. 1

Luke 10:25. This is a wonderful and an important question. There is nothing of any more value to any one of us than this question. If we lose heaven we lose everything; it is a terrible thing to lose eternal life. It is too expensive a business to sin. This was a straightforward question, to the Master who knew how to deal with human minds. The Pharisees were listening to condemn Him. The Saviour turns the question back to the lawyer, verses 26, 27.

8LtMs, Ms 2, 1893, par. 5

To the question, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” we answer, serve God with all the powers of your mind. [Luke 10:25-27.] Jesus Christ paid the price for the redemption of man, paid the price for the sins of the whole world. Why do we not come? John 3:16. God’s love for man led Him to save man from perdition, to establish his feet on the Rock of ages. Christ made the infinite sacrifice, that we might have the life that measures with the life of God, an eternity of glory and bliss.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 10, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 10, 1894, par. 11

The lawyer asked, “What may I do that I may inherit eternal life?” What does Christ tell him? He said, “What of the law? How readest thou?” and put the burden right upon the law. The Jews had sent him to Christ hoping that they could find something whereby they could catch Christ in His words. The question was put on the lawyer’s lips by the scribes and the Pharisees, but, said Christ, “What saith the law and the prophets? How readest thou?” Thou shalt love the Lord with one-quarter of your heart? No. One-half of your soul? That is all we can expect from those who are serving Christ and mammon. Two-thirds? No. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength, and with all thy soul.” How much does that take in? All that there is of us. “And thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:25-27.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 43a, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 43a, 1894, par. 11

The question is asked by the lawyer that came to Christ, “What shall I do that I may have eternal life?”—this very inheritance that He had been presenting to him. Well now, there stood the frowning Pharisees, there stood the rabbis, there stood the priests, and the rulers of the synagogue, and they hoped to catch something from the answer that they could use, that they might condemn Christ, the world’s Redeemer, the mighty Healer, the greatest Teacher that the world ever knew. Christ read their heart and their purposes, and what did He do? He turned back the labor of answering that question upon the lawyer himself. He said, “What saith the law? How readest thou? And he answered, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with”—nine tenths of your heart? two thirds? one-half? one quarter?—“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy mind, with all thy soul, with all thy strength.” [Luke 10:25-27.] This takes intellect; this takes reason; this takes education, ability; and it takes all there is of man.

9LtMs, Ms 43a, 1894, par. 24

When the lawyer asked a decided question, Christ let him answer that; and what does Christ say after he had declared, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength”? He added, “And thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:27.] Here are the first four commandments which reveal the duty of man to his God. Here he must give supreme worship to God; and the next is to love his neighbor as himself. Who keeps the commandments? Who keeps them? Oh that God would help us to see how many of us are commandment breakers and are robbing God of the gifts, the precious gifts, He has given us! He came to bring moral power to man that he might overcome every sin, that he might become conqueror through Christ. Man cannot do it of himself, but he brings moral power to combine with man’s human effort, that man may stand victor on vantage ground with God. May the Lord help us that we may possess that grace and divine power, be partakers of the divine nature, that we may overcome the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 16, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 16, 1903, par. 11

God calls upon us to seek Him with the whole heart, and He declares that when we do this, He will be found of us. Shall we do it? In order to find Him, we must seek Him with every power of the being. A lawyer came to Christ with the question, “Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Knowing that he had been sent by the Pharisees, Christ laid upon him the burden of answering his own question. “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” He asked. And the lawyer answered, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:25-27.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 162, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 162, 1899, par. 1

“And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” [Luke 10:25.]

14LtMs, Ms 162, 1899, par. 2

This is a question of the greatest importance to us all. It concerns our eternal interests. We cannot afford to remain in ignorance on this subject, for it relates to the salvation of the soul. To every heart is this question to come home, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” [Verse 25.] Not, What shall my neighbor do? or, What shall the community round me do? but, What shall I do? Your eternal welfare depends on the answer; therefore be sure to heed it and carry it in your heart.

14LtMs, Ms 162, 1899, par. 3

The Pharisees had prompted the lawyer to ask this question. With murder in their hearts they followed Christ where He went, hoping to hear Him say something by which they might accuse Him. Jesus understood their purpose. He knew that whatever answer He might make to the lawyer would be misconstrued and presented to the people as meaning something else. He let the lawyer answer his own question, disappointing the priests, who were listening for some word whereby they might accuse Him. Turning to the lawyer, Christ asked, “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” [Verse 26.]

14LtMs, Ms 162, 1899, par. 4

The lawyer answered, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Verse 27.] This includes the whole man. Obedience to God means entire self-surrender, entire devotion to God’s service. To love God supremely and his neighbor as himself comprises the whole duty of man. Those who in their lives carry out these two great principles will not reveal the attributes of Satan, and God will judge them worthy to inherit eternal life.

14LtMs, Ms 162, 1899, par. 5

To the lawyer’s reply Christ said, “Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.” [Verse 28.] In these words there are no ifs or ands, no twisting or turning of the Scriptures. We may ask the question, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life,” to our profit, if we will heed the answer. The terms laid down cannot be evaded. If we desire to win heaven, to gain a life that measures with the life of God, we must obey the conditions. “Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. ... This do, and thou shalt live.” [Verses 25, 27, 28.]

14LtMs, Ms 162, 1899, par. 11

“What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” [Luke 10:25.] No man with his suppositions and assertions is able to answer this question for you or for me. Eternal life means everything to us. Shall we by believing human theories lose the life which Jesus died to purchase for us? Can we afford to run so great a risk? God’s Word is true. In Him is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. He commands, and His children must obey His voice. Only thus can they escape the moral pollution that is in our world.

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

MR No. 806—Stephen Belden and Norfolk Island

10MR 130.2

Pray much; walk humbly with God; make personal efforts. If self is hidden with Christ in God, you will have scriptural, religious life and energy. We must keep asking earnestly. Make short prayers in meetings, and lengthy prayers when you talk and commune with God in your closet. We daily need to be imbued and sustained by His life-giving power. The requirement is “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself” (Luke 10:27). Zeal, earnestness, and fervor belong to true worship, for God is a Spirit, and He seeketh such to worship Him who worship Him in Spirit and in truth.

10MR 138.3

A lawyer came to Christ with the question, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 10:25). Christ answered, “What is written in the law? How readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. And He said unto him, Thou has answered right: this do, and thou shalt live” (verses 27, 28).

10MR 148.2

The first great commandment of the law is, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind” (Luke 10:27). Who among us obey this commandment? God asks for the heart’s best and holiest service, but careless hearts turn away from Him to taste of the cup of folly and sin, and thus God is mocked. How many living on Norfolk Island have heard the instruction of the Word of God, but have turned away with decided refusal to obey its instruction! The Searcher of hearts knows who are they who turn from His law, saying, “I want not Thy will and Thy way, Oh, God.”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 76, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 76, 1900, par. 22

“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.” [Psalm 19:7.] A lawyer asked Christ, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” [Luke 10:25.] Jesus saw fit to let him answer his own question.

15LtMs, Lt 76, 1900, par. 23

He said, “What is written in the law? How readest thou?” And the lawyer answered, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” “Thou hast answered right,” Christ said; “this do, and thou shalt live.” [Verses 26-28.] The question was a direct and important one; for the lawyer’s eternal life was involved. The answer was just as direct and positive.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 37, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 37, 1900, par. 1

To what end has man been endowed by God with superior gifts? That he may magnify the Lord God of Israel. A lawyer came to Christ with the question, “Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? ... And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25, 27, 28.] In his teaching Christ presented to man a noble and vastly important work.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 34, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 34, 1903, par. 1

A certain lawyer once came to Jesus with the question, “Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” [Luke 10:25.] This is a very important question, one in which every soul should be deeply interested.

18LtMs, Ms 34, 1903, par. 3

But Jesus replied to the question by asking the lawyer, “What is written in the law? How readest thou?” Being well acquainted with the Scriptures, he replied, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength; and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Verses 26, 27.]

18LtMs, Ms 34, 1903, par. 6

Christ replied to the lawyer, “Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:28.] By the very words of Scripture which he had quoted, the man stood condemned. His profession made it necessary for him to have a knowledge of the Scriptures. That knowledge if put into practice would be to him a pledge that he would not come short of eternal life. This is God’s covenant with man. Eternal life in the kingdom of God is only granted to those who observe the precepts of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 30, 1904

19LtMs, Ms 30, 1904, par. 6

But we have been standing still, hindering the work of God by our unbelief. Many have become careless and self-confident. Many have turned unto fables and are working in opposition to the truth. We need now to seek earnestly the answer to the question, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” We may find the answer in the words: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. ... This do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25, 27, 28.]

Selected Messages Book 1

Chapter 21—Fanciful or Speculative Teachings

1SM 171.3

Do not allow anything to draw your attention from the question, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 10:25). This is a life and death question, which we must each settle for eternity. Let the mind be weighted with the importance of the solemn truth which we possess. Those who allow the mind to wander in search of cheap, unimportant theories need to be converted....

1SM 174.1

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.... This do, and thou shalt live” (Luke 10:27, 28). All who will conform their lives to the plain requirements of God’s Word will inherit eternal life.—Manuscript 28, 1904.

1SM 174.4

My brethren and sisters, appreciate and study the truths God has given for you and your children. Spend not your time in seeking to know that which will be no spiritual help. “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 10:25). This is the all-important question, and it has been clearly answered. “What is written in the law? how readest thou?”—Manuscript 26, 1901.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 97, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, par. 19

Christ spoke of our duty to love God and man in His interview with a certain lawyer. This lawyer hoped that Christ might be condemned by something that would proceed from His lips. He “stood up, and tempted Him saying, Master, What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” [Luke 10:25.] To his surprise, the question was thrown back upon him:

21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, par. 20

“What is written in the law? How readest thou?” [Verse 26.]

21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, par. 21

The lawyer answered, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Verse 27.]

21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, par. 22

“Thou hast answered right,” said Jesus, “this do, and thou shalt live.” [Verse 28.]

21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, par. 23

To every soul in this congregation is given a promise of a life that measures with the life of God. “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” [Verse 25.]—The answer to this question was not given alone to the lawyer: it is for every one of us.

21LtMs, Ms 97, 1906, par. 24

“And thy neighbor as thyself.” [Verse 27.] Let no one do injustice to his neighbor, especially to the children of God, who are working with all the strength of their being to do His will. Do not, I beg of you, do or say anything that may bring sadness and sorrow and grief to their hearts; for Christ will regard it as though it were done to Himself.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 39, 1874

2LtMs, Lt 39, 1874, par. 5

He has instituted a system and plainly stated that one-tenth was His while He allows man the nine-tenths. God knew what was best for man and He was particular to impress His duty upon him to reserve a portion for God. In the more full unfolding of the mercy of God in the gospel dispensation a more noble and extended beneficence is still enjoined upon the people of God. The Saviour of the world in His answer to the question asked, What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? refers the question back to the lawyer, “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” [Luke 10:25, 26.]

2LtMs, Lt 39, 1874, par. 6

The lawyer answered, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind: and thy neighbor as thyself.” Said Christ, “Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.” [Verses 27, 28.] Here there is no separation allowed in their affection from God. It takes the devotion and surrender of all the heart and life to His service and a mutual love for our neighbor as we have for ourselves. These are the conditions of salvation given by the Redeemer Himself.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 38a, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 38a, 1905, par. 8

The most important question before us is, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” This question was asked by a lawyer at the instigation of the Pharisees, who hoped that they might entangle the Saviour in His words. But Jesus referred the question back to the lawyer. “What is written in the law? How readest thou?” [Luke 10:25, 26.]

20LtMs, Ms 38a, 1905, par. 9

The lawyer was well acquainted with the requirements of the Scriptures, and he replied, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind, and thy neighbor as thyself.” To these words Jesus answered, “Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.” [Verses 27, 28.]

Faith and Works

A Successful Deception

FW 42.3

The lawyer who came to Christ with the question, “Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” thought to catch Christ, but Jesus laid the burden back upon the lawyer. “What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.” Then said Christ, “Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live” (Luke 10:25-28). These words meet the individual cases of all. Are we willing to comply with the conditions? Will we obey God and keep His commandments? Will we be doers of the Word and not hearers only? God’s law is as immutable and unchangeable as His character. Whatever men may say or do to make it void does not change its claims or release them from their obligation to obey.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 192, 1907

22LtMs, Ms 192, 1907, par. 9

The question was asked the lawyer by Christ in regard to what he should do to obtain eternal life. Well, the lawyer tells Him, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God.” Christ said, “Thou hast answered right, this do, and thou shalt live.” And then the work was laid open before him of what he should do, “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:25-28.] Now, that is a very big requirement. How many of us love our neighbor as we love ourselves? How many of us are in that position where we regard our neighbor as blood-bought by the sacrifice of the life of Jesus Christ, that we shall take the burden, if we have light in regard to the Word, of opening that Word to those that are in darkness?

Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists

Address to the Missionary Workers

HS 149.1

“And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.” Luke 10:25-28.

Sermons and Talks, vol. 1

Preparation for the Judgment (Sermon by Mrs. E. G. White June 27, 1886, Orebro, Sweden.)

1SAT 29.2

The lawyer came to Christ and asked Him, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” [Luke 10:25]. This was a positive question, and was just as decidedly answered. “What is written in the law? How readest Thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God, with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind, and thy neighbor as thyself. And He said unto him, Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live” [Verses 26-28]. This means to keep the first four commandments, which show the duty of man to his God, and the last six which show the duty of man to his fellowmen.

The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials

The Visit to Washington, D C. Diary, December 19 to [30], 1890

1888 772.3

Christmas Eve I spoke in a good-sized hall to an intelligent congregation from Luke 10:25-28. I had freedom in speaking. There were a goodly number present and all listened with much attention.

1888 773.2

Thursday, December 25. Spoke in a hall to an intelligent congregation from Luke 10:25.

The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials

Chapter 178—To Sr. Lindsay

1888 1516.1

Please read Christ’s instruction to the lawyer, recorded in Luke 10:25-28. “A certain lawyer stood up and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.” This lesson outlines the duty of all.

The Review and Herald

October 19, 1886

RH October 19, 1886, par. 6

In the afternoon I addressed a good congregation from Luke 10:25-28: “A certain lawyer stood up, tempting him, and saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? How readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.” I showed from the words of Christ what constitutes true holiness, that faith and obedience go hand in hand.

The Review and Herald

July 21, 1891

RH July 21, 1891, par. 5

On Sunday, at 10 A.M., the house was filled to its utmost capacity, and all listened with the deepest interest to the dedicatory address given by Elder Van Horn. At 3 P.M. I spoke with much freedom upon the perfect harmony of the law and the gospel. My text was Luke 10:25-28. Elder Van Horn spoke again in the evening to a full house.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 66, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 66, 1886, par. 6

I spoke in the afternoon at five o’clock from Luke 10:25-28. The hall was not crowded. I was led to a train of thought which exalted the law of God, showing that obedience was required of Adam and no less so of every one of the human family—obedience to all of God’s requirements. I presented before them what constituted true holiness. It was obedience to God, not transgression. Those who love God will cheerfully yield obedience to all His commandments, because it is the law created when the Lord made heaven and the earth. “Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had made; and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had made. And God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it: because that in it He had rested from all the work which God created and made.” Genesis 2:1-3. This is the Lord’s own work, requiring perfect obedience.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 84, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 84, 1886, par. 24

When the lawyer came to Christ and asked, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” the answer was, “Keep the commandments.” [Luke 10:25-28; Matthew 19:16, 17.] Here a positive question is asked by the lawyer, and he receives just as positive an answer. You must give your powers to God. “Well,” said a doctor who was trying to bring my mind down to earth, “you will be unfitted for this earth if you try to put all your strength into the service of God.” “Is that so, Doctor? Since I was sixteen I have been traveling east and west and north and south and have seen hundreds converted, and does this unfit me for a connection with the earth? When we have a right hold upon heaven we shall represent the love of Christ to the perishing sinner.” The doctor said, “It is those who are in the dance hall that have called for Mrs. White to come and pray for them.” They don’t call for those who are pleasure lovers, but for those who know what it is to offer up their prayers in faith to God; and when we have an intelligent knowledge of Jesus Christ and His religion, then it is that we can be a blessing to those around us.

Fundamentals of Christian Education

Chapter 52—Manual Training

FE 419.2

The Christian religion is practical. It does not incapacitate one for the faithful discharge of any of life’s essential duties. When the lawyer asked Jesus, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus turned the question back upon himself, saying, “What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” Jesus said to him, “Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.” Luke 10:25-28. It is not a religion of inaction that is here sketched, but one that requires the energetic use of all the mental and physical powers.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 2, 1885

4LtMs, Ms 2, 1885, par. 17

There’s a time coming when names are to be blotted out of the book of life, names once written there; but He says unto them also, if you overcome, I will not blot out your names out of the book of life. [Revelation 3:5.] Here men and women play the game of life. Satan is wrestling for the soul, and the temptations are to assimilate to the world, to be like it, to be just as near like it as possible. Christ says, Come out from among them and be ye separate. [2 Corinthians 6:17.] It is the passions of the world that lead the world to think: “I have just as good a character as they have, and just as good a religion as they have. I don’t see that the religion that they profess does any more for them than mine does for me, and I think I stand just as good a chance as they do.” But suppose you place yourself on the elevated platform of eternal truth. The lawyer came to Christ and said, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” The Master says to him, “What says the law?” “Well,” says [one,] “thou shalt love the Lord thy God with just one quarter of your heart, and the rest you may give to your own inclinations. Just one quarter, one half, two thirds”—did He say that? Why, “thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind and with all thy strength, and thy neighbor as thyself. ... This do and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 64, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 64, 1886, par. 8

In the evening I spoke to the Germans, Brother Conradi interpreting. I believe the Lord set home the words spoken to the hearts of many. My text was Luke 10:25-28.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 6a, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 6a, 1886, par. 15

The lawyer came to Christ and asked Him, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” [Luke 10:25.] This was a positive question and was just as decidedly answered. “What is written in the law? How readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God, with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind, and thy neighbor as thyself. And He said unto him, Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.” [Verses 26-28.] This means to keep the first four commandments, which show the duty of man to his God, and the last six, which show the duty of man to his fellow men.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Ms 16, 1887

5LtMs, Ms 16, 1887, par. 12

When the lawyer asked of Christ what he should do in order that he might have eternal life, our Saviour did not tell him that he must depend upon a good state of feeling, but He answered, “What is written in the law?” The lawyer answered, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” Christ said, “Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Ms 35, 1887

5LtMs, Ms 35, 1887, par. 13

I filled my appointment at five. The tent was crowded within and without. All the standing room under the tent was occupied. The platform was covered with people, and it was difficult to obtain air. The Lord sustained me in speaking to the crowd. All listened with manifest attention and interest. Many were in tears. There was no running out and in the tent. The crowd was great, and yet all listened to the close of the discourse, which was one hour long. How I longed to come direct to the people without an interpreter. May the Lord bless the words spoken, even if it comes through an interpreter. The text was in Luke 10:25-28. In the evening the crowd was not lessened. They listened to Elder Matteson’s discourse with apparent interest.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 22c, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 22c, 1890, par. 1

For some reasons I have had a great burden for you, as well as for other physicians at the sanitarium. A decided change should take place in you all. You need to be converted men, and become one with Christ; your will must become God’s will, that you may keep the way of the Lord. The lawyer who came to Christ with the inquiry “Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” asked an all-important question. You may, with anxious, intense interest, ask the same question. Jesus said unto the young man, “What is written in the law? How readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.] “Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt not in any wise rebuke thy neighbor, and not suffer sin upon him; thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself: I am the Lord.” [Leviticus 19:17, 18.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 53, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, par. 22

Christmas eve I spoke in a good-sized hall to an intelligent congregation from Luke 10:25-28. I had freedom in speaking. There were a goodly number present and all listened with much attention.

6LtMs, Ms 53, 1890, par. 25

Spoke in a hall to an intelligent congregation from Luke 10:25.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 56, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 56, 1893, par. 8

The conditions upon which a man may become a member of the kingdom of God are, “Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” [Ecclesiastes 12:13.] When the lawyer came to Christ, asking, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? How readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou has answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 13, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 13, 1893, par. 54

We feel to rejoice that souls may turn to God, that they may turn their faces Zionward. Have you abandoned the service of Satan? Have you ceased to sin? Have you come out from among your wicked associates? Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour? Have you entered the service of Jesus, saying to Him, “Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” When the lawyer came to Jesus asking this question, Jesus said, “What is written in the law? How readest thou? And he answered, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength ... and thy neighbor as thyself. And he said to him, Thou hast answered right. This do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 2, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 2, 1893, par. 13

The lawyer asked the question of Christ, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Mighty question! The Lord lays the burden of the answer upon himself. “What is written in the law? How readest thou? The lawyer answered, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, with all thy strength, and with all thy might; and thy neighbor as thyself. And he said unto him, thou hast answered right: this do and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.]

Manuscript Release No 1033

Washington, D. C., Wednesday, December 24, 1890

MR1033 52.1

Christmas Eve I spoke in a good-sized hall to an intelligent congregation from Luke 10:25-28. I had freedom in speaking. There were a goodly number present and all listened with much attention.—Manuscript 53, 1890, 6-7 (Diary 16, pp. 420, 423).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 101, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 101, 1893, par. 11

We rejoice that any souls have turned their face Zionward. Have you abandoned the service of Satan? Have you ceased to sin? Have you come out from your wicked associates? Have you received Jesus Christ with soul, body and spirit? The lawyer came to Christ and asked, “Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? How readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and thy neighbor as thyself; and he said unto him, Thou hast answered right. This do and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 84, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 84, 1893, par. 27

Have written many pages today. My whole day has been occupied in writing out testimonies to those who need to be reformed in many things. I am very tired this evening. My heart was drawn out in earnest prayer to God for wisdom to know just what course to pursue to reach souls ready to perish. I would bear in mind the words of Christ to John which he was to write to the church in Sardis: “I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die; for I have not found thy works perfect before God.” Revelation 3:1, 2. Neglecting to watch our opportunities and discern the necessities of our fellow beings is in the sight of God a sin. Christ identifies His interest with suffering humanity and in (Luke 10:25-28) we have the principles clearly defined—what it means to keep the commandments of God. It is to love God supremely and our neighbor as ourselves. The question was asked, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” The above is the answer. Said Christ, “This do and thou shalt live.” We are to act as the good Samaritan acted; we are to be wide awake to see how we can bless humanity and work in Christ’s lines. Oh, I long to be constantly improving in efficiency. We do not want the queen of the south or the men of Nineveh to rise up in the judgment and condemn us because we have had great light, great opportunities, and did not improve them.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 78, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 78, 1894, par. 4

A certain man asked of Christ, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.] This is the great test for every soul, for every character. It points directly to the inner sanctuary of the soul’s affections, and claims for God the first place, the first thoughts, the first action. The claims of God are to take no second place.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 19, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 19, 1894, par. 5

“And behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Christ in His wisdom returned the question to the questioner for an answer, saying to him, “What is written in the law? How readest thou?” Every scribe claimed to be wise in expounding the law, “and he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind: and thy neighbor as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: This do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.] Here are presented before us the conditions upon which salvation will be given.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 105, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 105, 1894, par. 11

We belong to Christ, for he has bought both us and our children. But we may be unfaithful to our trust and educate our children to think more highly of earthly treasure than of heavenly things. If we give the world the advantage and permit it to hold the attention and to absorb the service, then we need not wonder that worldliness fills every space and there is no room left for the admittance of the light proceeding from Christ. Those who make up with the world, will be swayed by the principles of the world. The Spirit that works in the heart of the disobedient will work in the hearts of ourselves and our children. The Lord will have the whole heart or nothing. A certain lawyer came to Christ and said, “Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said, “What is written in the law? How readest thou?” And he answering said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” And he said unto him, “Thou hast answered right; this do and thou shalt life.” [Luke 10:25-28.] God has plainly revealed the way of salvation, and shall you or I venture to seek to find some other way whereby we may obtain the precious boon of eternal life? God has given to us the opportunity of obtaining light and knowledge, and shall we refuse the message sent from heaven? Shall we refuse the truth because we see that its acceptance would cause us to be separated from those who will not hear the truth or believe in the message of heaven? Shall we make a concession to the world and bind ourselves up with its bundles for the fires of the last days? They have pulled away the shoulder because they would not take the yoke of Christ and refused to lift his burden. They would not follow in his footsteps. Christ says, “I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.” [John 15:10.] Those who turn away from the truth, stop their ears lest they shall hear, and turn into fables. They act like disobedient, stubborn children, and then they lay the blame and accusations upon those who are truth-loving and obedient, declaring that they create disunion among neighbors and bring about dissension among families. Christ was accused of creating division in families; he himself said, “Think not that I am come to send peace on the earth; I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law, and a man’s foes shall be those of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.” [Matthew 10:34-38.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 4, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 4, 1895, par. 17

Compare this with the words of Christ in the New Testament: “A certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law, how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and will all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.] “A father of the fatherless and a judge of the widow, is God in his holy habitation.” [Psalm 68:5.] “The Lord preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and the widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down.” [Psalm 146:9.] “If thy brother be waxen poor, and falleth into decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: yea, though he be a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 122, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 122, 1896, par. 9

The living principles of salvation are clearly stated in Luke 10:25-28. “And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.” The natural condition of man is sinfulness, but a great sacrifice has been offered in his behalf, making it possible for him to keep the first four commandments, which define his duty to his God, and the last six, which define his duty to his fellow men. Obedience to these commandments is required from all who would enter into life.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 64, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 64, 1896, par. 1

Please read Christ’s instruction to the lawyer, recorded in Luke 10:25-28. “A certain lawyer stood up and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. And he said unto him Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.” This lesson outlines the duty of all.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 18 [Nos. 1301-1359]

MR No. 1301—The Two Great Principles of the Law

18MR 1.7

“And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted Him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind, and thy neighbor as thyself. And He said unto him, Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live” [Luke 10:25-28].

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 69a, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 69a, 1896, par. 20

The Lord will have the whole heart or nothing. The lawyer asked of Jesus, “What shall I do that I may have eternal life?” The Lord Jesus answered, “What saith the Scriptures? how readest thou?” The lawyer answered, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy mind, with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and thy neighbor as thyself.” Christ responded, “Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.] How are we treating this question? The law of God is plainly revealed. Will you or I venture to find some other way whereby we shall obtain the precious boon of eternal life? Will we, to whom God has given the opportunity to obtain light and knowledge, refuse to receive the message sent from heaven? Shall we refuse the light because in accepting the truth we see it will cause a separation from those who will not hear, who will not believe? Shall there be concession made with you or me to bind up in bundles with the world? They have “pulled away the shoulder” [Zechariah 7:11], because the yoke of Christ they would not take, and refused to lift His burden. Christ says, “I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.” [John 15:10.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 8, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 8, 1897, par. 1

“And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind: and thy neighbor as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.] Thus the voice of God is heard in His first four and last six commandments, telling us precisely what He requires us to do; “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind, and thy neighbor as thyself.”

12LtMs, Ms 8, 1897, par. 6

The lawyer’s knowledge of the Old Testament Scriptures led him to answer correctly the most solemn and important question that man can ask: “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” [Luke 10:25.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 70a, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 70a, 1897, par. 5

“And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it.” This promise is given on a condition: “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” [Verses 13-15.] The ten commandments, Thou shalt, and Thou shalt not, are ten promises, secured to us if we render obedience to the law governing the universe. A certain lawyer came to Christ, saying, “Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering, said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.] This is the sum and substance of the law of God. The terms of salvation for every son and daughter of Adam are here outlined. It is plainly stated that the condition of gaining eternal life is obedience to the commandments of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 89, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 89, 1897, par. 32

Those who thus recognize their duty will employ every God-given talent to the glory of God. Read Luke 10:25-27. Notice especially verse 27. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” To this the Master said, “Thou has answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.” [Verse 28.] This takes in the whole man. The physical strength is to be brought under contribution to God. Mind, heart, soul, and strength are to be employed in God’s service. He who does this has a complete, all-round, symmetrical character.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 41, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 41, 1897, par. 27

“And behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted Him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto Him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering, said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.] Here it is plainly stated that the condition of gaining eternal life is obedience to the commandments of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 163a, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 163a, 1898, par. 1

“And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Christ knew the heart and the designs of His questioner, and He threw upon Him the burden of the answer. “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” He asked. “And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” “Thou hast answered right,” Christ said, “this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.]

13LtMs, Ms 163a, 1898, par. 2

Let those who profess to be Christians remember that profession will not save them. The life which Christ alone can give is given only upon condition of obedience. This obedience takes in the whole man—mind, heart, soul, and strength. God calls for a full and entire surrender of the whole being. This is true sanctification. “This do, and thou shalt live,” is the only genuine definition of sanctification. [Verse 28.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 60, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 60, 1898, par. 59

I was referred by my Guide to John 6:63, 64, 65. “The words that I speak unto you,” Christ declared, “they are spirit and they are life.” [Verse 63.] The true children of God will not manufacture plans that are directly contrary to the principles Christ has enjoined upon all. “This do,” He said, “and ye shall live.” What was this matter of such great importance? “A certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, What shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering, said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 116, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 116, 1898, par. 3

“And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind, and thy neighbor as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 186, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 186, 1898, par. 2

I spoke in the chapel to a large number. Quite a number of unbelievers were present. My text was Luke 10:25-28.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 22, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 22, 1899, par. 4

The lawyer came to Christ with the question, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Christ answered, “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” “He answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind: and thy neighbor as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.] These are the two great principles of the law. Upon these two principles “hang all the law and the prophets.” [Matthew 22:40.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 169a, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 169a, 1899, par. 8

We are not to misrepresent what we profess to believe in order to gain favor. God despises misrepresentation and prevarication. He will not tolerate the man who says, and does not. The best and noblest work is done by fair, honest dealing. A lawyer came to Christ with the question, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” Christ asked. The lawyer answered, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” “Thou hast answered right,” Christ said; “this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.] Upon these two great arms hang all the law and the prophets.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 121, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 121, 1899, par. 6

Christ gave His commandments, and then declared that those who did them would live in them. This statement He repeated when here upon earth. A lawyer came to [Him] with the question, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Christ asked him, “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” The lawyer answered, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” “Thou hast answered right,” Christ said; “this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 27, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 27, 1899, par. 22

A life of conformity to the Christ-life cannot be a life of disobedience to God’s commands. In answering his own question, the lawyer said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul; and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” “Thou hast answered right,” Christ said, “this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.] Sin cannot reign in the life of the one who loves God supremely. Love to God is the fruit borne by obedience. Christ is not at war with Christ, and love to our neighbor prevents us from working ill to him. “The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” [James 3:18.] The law of God lays its claims upon the whole man. There is no period of time when the law does not make this demand upon every son and daughter of Adam.

14LtMs, Ms 27, 1899, par. 23

Complete obedience is the only condition that meets the requirement of the law. The question is asked, “Is God a man, that he should lie?” [See Numbers 23:19.] God has given the definition of sin. His law is the rule of government. God says, “Do this, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:28.] But to the disobedient He says, “Cursed is every one that continueth not in the things written in the book of the law to do them.” [Galatians 3:10.] “The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” [Ezekiel 18:4.] God has given the promise that those who do this law will be rewarded, not only in the present life, but in the life to come. He declares just as decidedly that those who do not obey His requirements shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on them. By lips that never lie the obedient are blessed, and the disobedient are pronounced guilty.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 79, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 79, 1899, par. 2

The lawyer asked Christ, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” And the Saviour answered, “What is written in the law? how readest thou? And He answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy strength and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right. This do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.] Every soul has robbed God in not improving the advantages God has given him at such infinite cost. Because of a refusal to do the will of God, great mistakes have come into the churches everywhere, and now, when the question arises in regard to royalty, and every man and woman is left to set their own value upon their productions, the sin of selfishness will be revealed, and this, unrestrained, will bring in a worse condition of things than has yet existed.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 77, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 77, 1899, par. 6

In His answer to the lawyer Christ revealed the spiritual condition of the Jews. “Behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy strength, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right; this do: and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.] While the Jews claimed to be so exact in keeping the law, they ignored its principles. The question asked by the lawyer received the answer, You must obey the law of God, which requires that you love God supremely, and your neighbor as yourself. Your only hope as a transgressor is to believe in Christ as your Redeemer.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 59, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 59, 1899, par. 9

There is another class whose religion consists in feeling. To them a happy emotion is godliness. They say, to sinners, Come to Jesus and believe in Him. It makes no difference what you believe, so long as you are honest in your belief. They do not make the sinner understand what sin is. He is not urged to search the Scriptures on bended knees to know what is truth, to pray that his eyes be anointed with eyesalve, that he may see the grace of Christ. When the lawyer came to Christ saying, “Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” he did not say, Believe, only believe, and you will be saved. He said, “What is written in the law? how readest thou? He answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy mind and with all thy soul and with all thy strength; and thy neighbor as thyself.” Christ answered, “Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.] Here the false doctrine that man has nothing to do but believe is swept away. Eternal life is given to us on condition that we obey the commandments of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 1, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 1, 1899, par. 4

When the lawyer asked, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Christ said, “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” The lawyer answered, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy soul, and with all mind, and with all thy strength; and thy neighbor as thyself.” Said Christ, “Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.] The lawyer saw himself condemned by the law, while he admitted the righteousness of the law. He at once began his self-justification, self-vindication.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 66, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 66, 1899, par. 14

We are to strive most earnestly to place mind, soul, and body in the best condition for God’s service. When the lawyer asked Christ what he should do to inherit eternal life, Christ said, “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” The lawyer said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy strength and with all thy mind, and thy neighbor as thyself.” “Thou hast answered right,” said the great Teacher, “this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 232, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 232, 1899, par. 28

We are not to misrepresent what we profess to believe in order to gain favor. God despises misrepresentation and prevarication. He will not tolerate the man who says and does not. The best and noblest work is done by fair, honest dealing. A lawyer came to Christ with the question, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” “What is written in the law? How readest thou?” Christ asked. The lawyer answered, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy strength and with all thy mind and thy neighbor as thyself.” “Thou hast answered right,” Christ said; “this do and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.] Upon these two great arms hang all the law and the prophets.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 130, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 130, 1899, par. 60

A lawyer came to Christ with the question, “Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Christ placed the burden of the answer upon the questioner by asking him, “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” Before the whole multitude the lawyer replied, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” And Christ said, “Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.] The whole being—the heart, the soul, the mind, and the strength—is to be used in God’s service. What is there left that is not devoted to God?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 74, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 74, 1900, par. 39

Let us present the lesson given to the lawyer when he asked, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” Christ asked. “And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” “Thou hast answered right,” Christ said: “this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.] Those who reject the law reject the conditions of their salvation.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 72, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 72, 1900, par. 5

Christ has told us what true religion is. When asked by the lawyer, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Christ said, “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” The lawyer answered, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” “Thou hast answered right,” Christ responded, “this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 80, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 80, 1900, par. 5

We may well ask the question asked by the lawyer, “What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” Christ said to him, “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” The answer came, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” And Christ said, “Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 33, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 33, 1900, par. 31

Instigated by the priests, a lawyer came to Christ with the question, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” This was a direct and positive question. Christ knew that the object of the priests was to find something whereby they could condemn him, and he said to the lawyer, “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” And the lawyer answered, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy strength and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” “Thou hast answered right,” Christ said; “this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.] Thus the Saviour met and defeated his adversaries.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 55, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 55, 1900, par. 16

In this new field many church members have been convicted and led to inquire, “What shall I do to be saved?” The lawyer came to Christ with the question, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” Christ said. The lawyer answered, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” “Thou hast answered right,” Christ said, “this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.]

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

MR No. 1538—An Appeal for Sacrificial Giving

21MR 189.3

I know if I should visit America I would lift my voice and exert a far greater influence in behalf of foreign missionary fields than I have done with my pen. I know from the light the Lord has given me that means could be made to flow in many cases in different channels from those in which they are now running—selfish indulgence. I know that thousands of dollars are used for things that are supposed to be a necessity, but which are not necessities. If they loved the Lord God supremely and their neighbor as themselves, would they not see the necessities of their neighbor, to help him save his soul? Would they not consider the extra indulgences they allow themselves? Luke 10:27.

21MR 189.5

“Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. And He said unto him, ... this do, and thou shalt live.”[Luke 10:25-28.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 56, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 56, 1900, par. 5

“And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: This do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.] Christ will not accept a divided heart. The life of the receiver of truth should witness to the change wrought by the transformation of character. “Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord.” [Isaiah 43:10.] Why? Because they have an indwelling Saviour, who works the mind and heart to reveal that love for Christ which leads them to do His will, not their own. They have that faith which works by love and purifies the soul.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 79, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 79, 1900, par. 5

“And behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. He said unto him, Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 156, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 156, 1901, par. 52

To the lawyer who asked what he should do to inherit eternal life, Christ said, “What is written in the law? How readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 166, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 166, 1901, par. 5

(Luke 10:25): “And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” Said Christ, “this do, and thou shalt live.” [Verses 25-28.] The churches in every conference are to understand what this means by bringing the vital principles of love into action. Let every member carry this principle, divested of every thread of selfishness, into their daily lives.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 120, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 120, 1901, par. 2

Men who occupy high places in courts of justice may ignore the law of God, but that does not detract one jot or tittle from its claims. During Christ’s ministry on earth, a lawyer came to Him with the question, “Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” This is a positive question, and it received just as positive an answer. And the question and answer mean much to us, for they tell us how to secure our present and eternal welfare. Jesus said to the lawyer, “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” He replied, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” “Thou hast answered right,” Christ said, “this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.] Then a clear sense of conviction came to the lawyer. He realized that he had not obeyed the Lord in the light of the law, the claims of which are binding on all. He had known the theory of life, but had not brought it into the practical life.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 103, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 103, 1901, par. 3

A lawyer came to Christ with the question, “What shall I do, that I may inherit eternal life?” Christ answered, “What is written in the law? How readest thou?” And he answering said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” And He said unto him, “Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 41, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 41, 1901, par. 1

I can only write you a few lines. Meetings have been held all through the day today, Sabbath. It is now evening. This morning I spoke to about seven hundred people in the church. A number of outsiders were present. I spoke upon the lawyer’s question to Christ, “What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” The Saviour answered, “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” And the lawyer answered, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” “Thou hast answered right,” Christ said. “This do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 8, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 8, 1901, par. 19

When the lawyer came to Christ with the question, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life,” the Saviour laid the burden of the answer on the questioner. “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” He asked. The lawyer answered, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” “Thou hast answered right,” Christ said; “this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 93, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 93, 1901, par. 8

“And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.]

Special Testimonies On Education

Chapter 5—Manual Training

SpTEd 40.3

The Christian religion is practical. It does not incapacitate one for the faithful discharge of any of life’s essential duties. When the lawyer asked Jesus, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus turned the question back upon himself, saying, “What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” Jesus said to him, “Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.” Luke 10:25-28. It is not a religion of inaction that is here sketched, but one that requires the energetic use of all the mental and physical powers.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 16, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 16, 1901, par. 49

“Behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. And he said, Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 24, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 24, 1901, par. 6

“What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” a lawyer asked Christ. There were a large number of Pharisees present waiting to hear how Christ would answer this important question. They hoped to hear Him say something which they might construe to hurt His influence or destroy His life. Christ understood the situation, and He put the burden of the answer upon the one who asked the question. “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” He asked. The lawyer answered, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” “Thou hast answered right,” Christ said. “This do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 21, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 21, 1901, par. 36

The instructions contained in the prayer offered by Christ just before His crucifixion are to be followed by all Christians. The greatest of all gifts, all talents, is true Christlike love. The Lord calls upon all our churches, all our institutions, to manifest this love. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy strength and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” Thus was the answer the lawyer gave when Christ asked, “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” And before priests and Pharisees Christ replied, “Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.” Thus the great question, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” has been forever settled. [Luke 10:25-28.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 13, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 13, 1902, par. 38

“And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? How readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength. And with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.] This is the standard you may reach if you will give yourself to Christ. Will you not strive to reach it?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 4a, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 4a, 1902, par. 1

God calls for the service of the whole being. He will not accept a divided heart, a service given partly to Him and partly to self. When the lawyer came to Christ with the question, “Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life,” Christ answered, “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” “And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” And Christ said, “Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 179, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 179, 1902, par. 17

How keenly Satan is watching to see how he can gain access to the human soul! We need to inspire, as a certain lawyer inquired of Jesus while He was surrounded by a great multitude, “Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Christ required the answer from the questioner himself. “What is written in the law?” He said; “how readest thou?” This was an unexpected turn to the lawyer, yet he knew very well what answer to give. He said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” Jesus said, “Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 155, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 155, 1902, par. 7

“And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tempted Him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. And He said unto him, Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 4, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 4, 1903, par. 1

God calls for the service of the whole being. He will not accept a divided heart, a service given partly to Him and partly to self. When the lawyer came to Christ with the question, “Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Christ answered, “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” And he answering said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thy self.” And Christ said, “Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.]

That I May Know Him

God’s Law in the Heart, October 20

TMK 299.3

Has God, in showing mercy to the sinner, ceased to be just? Has He dishonored His holy law, and will He henceforth pass over the violation of it? God is true. He changes not. The conditions of salvation are ever the same. Life, eternal life, is for all who will obey God’s law. Perfect obedience, revealed in thought, word, and deed, is as essential now as when the lawyer asked Christ, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “What is written in the law? how readest thou? ... this do, and thou shalt live” (Luke 10:25-28).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 276, 1904

19LtMs, Lt 276, 1904, par. 7

Christ is our Saviour, His gospel is salvation, and by His grace the exceeding riches of pardoning mercy are bestowed on the repentant sinner. The Holy Ghost by the mouth of Zacharias describes the gospel as salvation by pardon through the tender mercies of our God. The blessings of the new covenant are grounded purely on mercy in forgiving unrighteousness <and sins>. The Lord specifies, I will do thus and thus unto all who turn to Me, forsaking the evil and choosing the good. “I will be merciful unto their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.” [Hebrews 8:12.] All who humble their hearts, confessing their sins, will find mercy and grace and assurance. Has God, in showing mercy to the sinner, ceased to be just? Has He dishonored His holy law, and will He henceforth pass over the violation of it? God is true. He changes not. The conditions of salvation are ever the same. Life, eternal life, is for all who will obey God’s law. Perfect obedience, revealed in thought, word, and deed, is as essential now as when the lawyer asked Christ, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “What is written in the law? how readest thou? ... And he answering, said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” Christ said to him, “Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 319, 1905

20LtMs, Lt 319, 1905, par. 15

“What shall I do,” asked the lawyer, “that I may have eternal life?” Said Christ, “What saith the Scripture? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy strength and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” Christ said to him, “Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 27, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 27, 1906, par. 10

“What shall I do, that I may inherit eternal life?” asked the lawyer of Christ. “What is written in the law? How readest thou?” the Saviour said. The lawyer answered, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself;” and Christ replied, “Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.] Those who will obey these two great principles will have the constant blessing of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 216, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 216, 1906, par. 4

Has God, in showing mercy to the sinner, ceased to be just? Has He dishonored His holy law, and will He henceforth pass over the violation of it?—Nay, verily. God is true. He changes not. The conditions of salvation are ever the same. Life, eternal life, is for all who will obey God’s law. Perfect obedience, revealed in thought, word, and deed, is as essential for us now as when the lawyer asked Christ, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” Christ said to him, “Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 57, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 57, 1906, par. 9

The lawyer said to Christ, “What shall I do that I may have eternal life?” The Lord Jesus turned to him, and said, “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” And the lawyer answered, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all mind, and with all thy strength; and thy neighbor as thyself.” Said Christ, “Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.]

21LtMs, Ms 57, 1906, par. 15

The Lord wants every man of you to come to his senses. We have come to the point where we must know that we have the right hold upon God. Christ has stated the same thought, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Verse 27.] Now, when we come into this position, there will be a different mold on the church from that which is now seen.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 32, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 32, 1906, par. 8

The Lord has prescribed a remedy. The Pharisees brought forward to Christ a lawyer, with the question, “Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” The Saviour entered into no controversy. He required the answer from the questioner himself. “What is written in the law?” He said; “how readest thou?” The lawyer said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” With convincing power Jesus declared, “Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)

Ms 12, 1868

1LtMs, Ms 12, 1868, par. 5

In the forenoon Brother Andrews preached an excellent discourse from Hebrews 10:35-39. Had ten minutes intermission and I spoke to the people one hour and twenty minutes from (Luke 10:27-29); and from these words, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice,” etc. [Romans 12:1.] I was blest with special freedom.

1LtMs, Ms 12, 1868, par. 8

I returned home before the close of the discourse. Took footbath, and rested thirty minutes. I spoke about one hour from Luke 10:25-28. I had special liberty in speaking to the people of the necessity of an unreserved surrender to God, entire consecration. The words of this text allow no separation of the affections from God. I endeavored to present clearly the positive duty of all to render to God that service. He requires the entire being—the whole wealth of affection, talents, possessions and all, laid at His feet. I sought to impress upon the people the necessity of their appreciating the atonement and turning away from the glitter of the world to the attractions of heaven.

1LtMs, Ms 12, 1868, par. 15

Attended meeting. My husband spoke in the morning, giving account of our journey east. I spoke in afternoon. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart,” etc. Luke 10:27. I was very weary, yet God gave me strength to speak. No meeting in evening. Moved to Brother Amadon’s. Our meetings were good through the day, and had an excellent influence. I felt called upon to address several by name.

Faith and Works

What God Requires

FW 52.3

It is unsafe to trust to feelings or impressions; these are unreliable guides. God’s law is the only correct standard of holiness. It is by this law that character is to be judged. If an inquirer after salvation were to ask, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” the modern teachers of sanctification would answer, “Only believe that Jesus saves you.” But when Christ was asked this question He said, “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” And when the questioner replied, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, ...and thy neighbour as thyself,” Jesus said, “Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live” (Luke 10:25-29).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 88, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 88, 1900, par. 12

In answer to the lawyer’s question, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Christ said, “What saith the law? How readest thou?” The lawyer felt that he could not evade this direct question of Christ, and answered, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” And Christ answered, “This do and thou shalt live. But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbor?” [Luke 10:25-29.] Just such questions will be asked now, when the truth is brought home to the naked soul. There are those who will evade it if they can.

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

Ellen White Depicts Educational Goals

8MR 160.3

In answer to the lawyer’s question, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life,” Christ said, “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” (Luke 10:25, 26.) The lawyer felt that he could not evade this direct question of Christ, and answered, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.” (Verse 27.) And Christ said, “Thou hast answered right: this do and thou shalt live. But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?” (Verses 28, 29). Just such questions will be asked now, when the truth is brought home to the naked soul. There are those who will evade it if they can.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 2 [Nos. 97-161]

Excerpts from the E. G. White Diary

2MR 117.2

November 4, 1885—We left Drammen at eight o’clock for Christiania. It was raining, but the fog had cleared away so that we could see the country through which the cars were passing. The scenery is very fine. The country is broken. There are high bluffs and rocky mountains, lakes and islands. In summer this would be a very pleasant place to live in. Spoke Wednesday night in the hall, which was well filled. I spoke from Luke 10:25-29.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Ms 2, 1874

2LtMs, Ms 2, 1874, par. 8

I spoke to the people from Luke 10:25-29. I had freedom in speaking. Our congregation was not large, but there were more than I expected. There was considerable interest manifest in the word spoken.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 27, 1885

4LtMs, Ms 27, 1885, par. 5

We left Drammen at eight o’clock for Christiania. It was raining, but the fog had cleared away so that we could see the country through which the cars were passing. The scenery is very fine. The country is broken. There are high bluffs and rocky mountains, lakes and islands. In summer this would be a very pleasant place to live in. Spoke Wednesday night in the hall, which was well filled. I spoke from Luke 10:25-29.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 75, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 75, 1895, par. 5

But to abide in Christ means to forsake all and follow in his footsteps. The lawyer came to Christ and asked, “Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” This was a pointed, definite question, and Jesus answered him by referring him to the law of God. He said, “What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind, and thy neighbor as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou has answered right: this do and thou shalt live. But he willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbor?” [Luke 10:25-29.] Then Jesus gave him a lesson that revealed to him the fact that every needy soul is our neighbor. To accept the gospel message means to love God with all the heart and our neighbors as ourselves. Jesus cannot accept a divided heart. The heart that is absolved in and controlled by earthly affections, cannot be given up to God. No adequate excuse can be framed for refusing to love God supremely, and our neighbors as ourselves. This comprehends the whole duty of man. The Lord Jesus who has paid the ransom price for humanity, demands a willing service from his purchased possession. “Ye are not your own,” “ye are bought with a price,” even with the precious blood of the Son of God. [1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.] The new life that comes to the soul through conversion, comes through communion with God, and produces God-likeness in the character. Love, peace, joy, faith, gratitude and hope spring up in the renewed soul. “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, (to the love of the world, and to self-serving,) and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth, fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry, for which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience.” [Colossians 3:1-6.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 98, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 98, 1899, par. 12

Who are keeping the commandments of God? There are those who know the truth, but who walk not in its light. A lawyer came to Christ with the question, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Christ left him to answer his own question. “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” He asked. The lawyer answered, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind, and thy neighbor as thyself.” “Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.” Willing to justify himself, the lawyer asked, “Who then is my neighbor?” [Luke 10:25-29.] And by the parable of the good Samaritan, Christ showed who he was to regard as his neighbor.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 82a, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 82a, 1897, par. 7

I know if I should visit America I should lift my voice and exert a far greater influence in behalf of foreign missionary fields than I have done with my pen. I know from the light the Lord has given me that means could be made to flow in many cases in different channels from those in which they are now running—selfish indulgence. I know that thousands of dollars are used for things that are supposed to be a necessity, but which are not necessities. If they loved the Lord God supremely and their neighbor as themselves, would they not see the necessities of their neighbor, to help him save his soul? Would they not consider the extra indulgences they allow themselves? Luke 10:27.

12LtMs, Lt 82a, 1897, par. 8

The Lord Jesus was reading the heart of the lawyer as an open book, reading the hearts also of the Pharisees who suggested that he should ask that question, for they wished to tempt Him, lay a snare for Him, that His speech should condemn Him. Our Lord did not reply to the question, but He gave the lawyer the benefit of answering his own question. “Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. And he said unto him, This do, and thou shalt live.” [Verses 25-28.]

12LtMs, Lt 82a, 1897, par. 9

My brother, my sister, what can we do, what can we say to those whom we know do not obey the first four precepts of the decalogue, neither the last six, when we consider that this plain answer is truth, and that those who are not obeying the law of God in precept and example are, notwithstanding they make the highest profession, living in disobedience to the whole principles of the moral law? That law of God will teach the whole duty of man. He turned the confusion upon themselves: “Thou has answered right: this do, and thou shalt live, for on these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” [Luke 10:28; Matthew 22:40.]

12LtMs, Lt 82a, 1897, par. 10

Then the Lord, in answer to the question of the lawyer, “And who is my neighbor?” shows them what is true love, and the relation in which all mankind stand toward their fellow men, each interested for one another. [Luke 10:29-35.] The scene was presented in parable form, but had been a true transaction to the letter, and quite a number knew this to be fact. One of those Samaritans they so much despised was the only one who helped the wounded, bruised, and half-killed man and neighbor.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 87, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 87, 1894, par. 4

In keeping the first four commandments, which reveal the duty of man to his God, the worshiper of God will find that he cannot cherish one fiber of the root of selfishness. He cannot do his duty to his God and practice oppression toward his fellow men. The second principle of the law is like unto the first, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” “This do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:27, 28.] These are the words of Jesus Christ, from which there can be no departure on the part of any man, woman, or youth who would be a true Christian. It is obedience to the principles of the commandments of God that molds the character after the divine similitude. Those who render this obedience through the grace of Christ possess the attributes of the Saviour’s character, and are partakers of the divine nature having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. [2 Peter 1:4.] The word “lust” here includes not only licentiousness, but covetousness, desire for position, love of money, and that which leads to false dealings and unjust practices.

9LtMs, Ms 87, 1894, par. 28

“And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” [Luke 10:25.] Here is a plain, decided question, asked before a large company, among whom were those who were watching to catch any word from the lips of Christ that they might turn against Him. Jesus understood just how to adapt Himself to the situation, and He asked a question of the lawyer, that will place upon him the responsibility of answering his own inquiry.

9LtMs, Ms 87, 1894, par. 30

“And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was; when he saw him, he had compassion on him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will pay you. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that showed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.” [Verses 26-37.]

9LtMs, Ms 87, 1894, par. 31

Christ gave this lesson to those who claim to be expositors of the law of God. From His explanation it was evident that conformity to their rigorous ceremonies, the outward show of religion, would not make them fit subjects for the kingdom of heaven. The principles which must be wrought out in the life [are] supreme love to God and impartial love to men. The lawyer answered his own question by declaring that the law must be practiced. But did Christ say to him, “This preach, and thou shalt live”? no; “This do and thou shalt live.” [Verse 28.] The lawyer found himself a law-breaker, and was convicted under the searching lesson that Christ gave them; for while he understood the righteousness of the law he failed to show the mercy that the law enjoined. While he understood the letter of the law, he had not been of doer of its precepts. Convicted of his sin, repentance was demanded; but instead of repenting he sought to justify his course by asking Christ, “Who is my neighbor?” [Verse 29.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 45, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 45, 1900, par. 2

The question which the lawyer put to Christ, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” was one of vital consequence. [Luke 10:25.] The Pharisees who had prompted the lawyer to ask this question were expecting the Lord Jesus to answer it in such a way that they could find something against Him whereby they might accuse and condemn Him before the people. The self-possession of Christ, the wisdom and authority by which He spake, was something they could not interpret.

15LtMs, Ms 45, 1900, par. 3

When this question was asked by the lawyer, Christ knew that the suggestion came from His bitterest enemies, who were setting a trap to catch Him in His words. The Lord Jesus responded to the question by placing the burden upon the lawyer to answer his own question before that crowd. Addressing the lawyer, He said, “What is written in the law? How readest thou?” “And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. And he said unto the lawyer, Thou hast answered right: this do and thou shalt live.” [Verses 26-28.] Eternal life is the price [reward] of obedience to the commandments of God.

15LtMs, Ms 45, 1900, par. 6

Thus, before the multitude, he himself had given in concise words the gospel conditions of eternal life for every member of the human family, who are standing before God today in the year 1900. The conditions are unchangeable, eternal. The lawyer was self-condemned, but to ease his conscience of the sting of neglect, to turn away the shaft which had wounded his self sufficiency and his self-righteousness he, though a lawyer, asked as though ignorant of the principles of law, “Who is my neighbor?” [Verse 29.]

15LtMs, Ms 45, 1900, par. 8

But a Samaritan, one of the class whom they as a people had looked upon to be despised and rejected, came that way, and taking in the situation, he did not pass by on the other side, but dismounted and going to the poor sufferer, he looked upon him, and in pity, gave him all the attentions he could to relieve him. Then, in a voice so clear, so impressive and authoritative that it struck to their hearts, Christ asked the question, “Which now of these three thinkest thou was neighbor to him that fell among the thieves?” The lawyer and others who stood listening answered, “He that showed mercy on him.” This was a good testimony, and the enemies of Christ were disappointed. Then said Jesus, “Go, and do thou likewise.” [Verses 36, 37.] This is gospel ministry practically acted.

15LtMs, Ms 45, 1900, par. 9

These words are just as much for the benefit of church members and all who are not church member in 1900 as they were for those who listened to the words of Christ, and were self-convicted. There is a necessity for sowing the seeds of the gospel, and upon the practical doing of the truth depends the salvation of the human soul. “This do, and thou shalt live,”—shalt have eternal life. [Verse 28.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 31, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 31, 1902, par. 13

On one occasion Christ was surrounded by a large number of people. In the crowd were Pharisees and Sadducees, priests and lawyers, there in the hope of asking some question which Jesus would answer in a way that would enable them to report Him to the Jewish authorities. At their suggestion, a lawyer asked Christ the question, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” [Luke 10:25.]

17LtMs, Ms 31, 1902, par. 14

As an open book Christ read the hearts of the plotters, and looking at the lawyer, he asked, “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” And the lawyer answered, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” “Thou hast answered right,” Christ said; “this do, and thou shalt live.” The lawyer knew that he had not obeyed these precepts, and desiring to justify himself, he asked, “And who is my neighbor?” [Verses 26-29.]

17LtMs, Ms 31, 1902, par. 15

In reply Christ related an incident with which many of those present were familiar. “A certain man,” He said, “went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.” [Verses 30-35.]

17LtMs, Ms 31, 1902, par. 16

The people had become intensely interested in the narrative, and when at its close Christ asked, “Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among thieves,” many joined with the lawyer in answering, “He that showed mercy on him.” Then said Jesus, “Go, and do thou likewise.” [Verses 36, 37.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 141, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, par. 43

Now I read you again. Luke 10:25 quoted. Now that is a big question.

21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, par. 44

Verse 27 quoted. “with all thy heart.” Not with two-thirds of it, and give one-third to the devil.

21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, par. 45

Verses 27-31 quoted. How much of that is seen at the present time!

21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, par. 46

Verses 32-37 quoted.

21LtMs, Ms 141, 1906, par. 54

O, when we can think of the compassion that is represented by that Samaritan, what he did! “Go thou, and do likewise,” Jesus says. [Luke 10:37.] There is a work for us to do. They had no sanitariums then. They had to take the sick right where they were, and Christ was with them, the great Healer, and His healing power was felt everywhere. And He would take them, and He would heal them, and they would testify of Christ. There He healed them on the Sabbath day. Yes, you can have your sanitariums on the Sabbath day, but not go into all the work that is unnecessary to be done, but do those kinds of work which would relieve the sufferings of humanity.

From the Heart

The Good Samaritan, Part I, April 27

FH 129.1

A certain lawyer stood up and tested him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Luke 10:25. (Read Luke 10:30-37.)

Homeward Bound

Self-Sacrifice in the Church, August 12

HB 249.2

The lawyer’s question to Jesus had been, “What shall I do?” And Jesus, recognizing love to God and mankind as the sum of righteousness, had said, “This do, and thou shalt live.” The Samaritan had obeyed the dictates of a kind and loving heart, and in this had proved himself a doer of the law. Christ bade the lawyer, “Go, and do thou likewise.” (Luke 10:25, 28, 37.) Doing, and not saying merely, is expected of the children of God. “He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.” (1 John 2:6.)

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 100, 1904

19LtMs, Ms 100, 1904, par. 5

As the Saviour was teaching during His earthly ministry, “a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted Him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” The Saviour entered into no controversy. He required the answer from the questioner himself. “What is written in the law?” He asked, “how readest thou?” [Luke 10:25, 26.]

19LtMs, Ms 100, 1904, par. 6

The lawyer said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” “Thou hast answered right,” Christ said; “this do, and thou shalt live.” [Verses 27, 28.]

19LtMs, Ms 100, 1904, par. 7

Unwilling to acknowledge the truth, the lawyer put another question, saying, “Who is my neighbor?” [Verse 29.]

19LtMs, Ms 100, 1904, par. 8

Instead of entering into controversy, Christ answered this question by relating the parable of the good Samaritan. “A certain man,” He said, “went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.” [Verse 30.]

19LtMs, Ms 100, 1904, par. 9

A priest and a Levite, coming that way at intervals, “passed by on the other side.” But a Samaritan, traveling the same road, came to the wounded man, and “when he saw him, he had compassion on him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.” [Verses 31-35.]

19LtMs, Ms 100, 1904, par. 10

The lawyer was convinced. When Christ asked him, “Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves?” he answered, “He that showed mercy on him.” [Verses 36, 37.]

19LtMs, Ms 100, 1904, par. 11

“Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.” [Verse 37.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 116, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 116, 1905, par. 3

Christ calls for the greatest of all gifts—the gift of the heart, the mind, the soul, the strength. A lawyer came to Jesus with the question, “What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” He had been studying the question and was perplexed over the matter. The scribes and Pharisees had urged him to present the question to Christ, as something He would not care to explain. They hoped to find in His answer something by which they might condemn Him. Christ read their purpose like an open book and laid upon the lawyer the burden of answering his own question, saying, “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” [Luke 10:25, 26.]

20LtMs, Ms 116, 1905, par. 4

“And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” And Christ said to him, “Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.” [Verses 27, 28.]

20LtMs, Ms 116, 1905, par. 5

But he, willing to justify himself, said to Christ, “And who is my neighbor?” [Verse 29.]

20LtMs, Ms 116, 1905, par. 6

“And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.” [Verses 30-35.]

20LtMs, Ms 116, 1905, par. 7

After relating this incident, the circumstances of which were familiar to many present, Christ asked, “Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that showed mercy on him.” [Verses 36, 37.] Other voices united with the lawyer’s in this acclamation.

20LtMs, Ms 116, 1905, par. 8

“Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.” [Verse 37.]

20LtMs, Ms 116, 1905, par. 11

The question asked by the lawyer is just as vital today as it was then. “This do, and thou shalt live.” [Verse 28.] What are we to do? “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” This love is to be brought into the daily practice. [Verse 27.] We are to do our duty to every man, as we would like to have others do to us under like circumstances. Only those who have brought into their lives the strictest integrity can enter through the gates into the holy city of God. Those who at the day of judgment are found to be standing under the rebuke of God, for unfair dealing, for covetous practices, for their multitude of deceptions and lies, will never pass the portals of the holy city.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 217, 1905

20LtMs, Lt 217, 1905, par. 3

It is a long time since the character you have manifested has been acceptable to God. The words were spoken, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of heaven.” [John 3:3.] Your only hope is to humble your heart and be renewed in the spirit of your mind. You may have all knowledge, and you may understand all mysteries; but if you have not a change of heart, you will never be an overcomer. Evidence of ability is one thing; strict justice in action is another. The requirement of the commandment is plain: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy strength and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:27.] But when you established a medical institution so close to one already built up at great cost to our people, you showed that you neither love God with all your heart, nor your neighbor as yourself.

20LtMs, Lt 217, 1905, par. 6

“And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted Him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? How readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:25-27.]

20LtMs, Lt 217, 1905, par. 7

“Thou hast answered right,” Jesus said; “this do, and thou shalt live.” [Verse 28.]

20LtMs, Lt 217, 1905, par. 8

Willing to justify himself, the lawyer asked, “And who is my neighbor?” [Verse 29.]

20LtMs, Lt 217, 1905, par. 9

In answer Christ related an incident, the memory of which was fresh in the minds of His hearers. “A certain man,” He said, “went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.” As he lay thus, a priest came that way; he saw the man lying wounded and bruised, and weltering in his own blood; but he left him without rendering any assistance. He “passed by on the other side.” Then a Levite appeared. Curious to know what had happened, he stopped and looked at the sufferer. He was convicted of what he ought to do, but it was not an agreeable duty. He wished that he had not come that way, so that he would not have seen the wounded man. He persuaded himself that the case was no concern of his, and he too “passed by on the other side.” [Verses 30-32.]

20LtMs, Lt 217, 1905, par. 10

But a Samaritan, traveling the same road, saw the sufferer, and he did the work that the others had refused to do. With gentleness and kindness he ministered to the wounded man, and setting him on his own beast, “brought him to the inn and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host; and said unto him, Take care of him, and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.” [Verses 33-35.]

20LtMs, Lt 217, 1905, par. 11

“Which now of these three,” said Christ, “thinkest thou was neighbor unto him that fell among thieves?” More than one voice united with the lawyer’s in responding, “He that showed mercy on him.” “Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.” [Verses 36, 37.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 109, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 109, 1906, par. 2

“Behold, a certain lawyer stood up,” and tempted Christ, “saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? How readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:25-27.]

21LtMs, Ms 109, 1906, par. 3

“Thou hast answered right,” Christ declared; “this do, and thou shalt live.” [Verse 28.]

21LtMs, Ms 109, 1906, par. 4

In the question, “What is written in the law?” [verse 26] the Saviour referred to the ten commandments communicated to the Israelites from Sinai’s height. Those to whom had been entrusted the sacred oracles had well nigh lost sight of these precepts. There came a time when Christ saw that Satan was gathering the whole world, as it were, in his grasp. The enemy was working with the intensity with which he had worked in the heavenly courts, when first he refused to yield to the mighty Monarch of the universe. Satan was rapidly leading the world to act counter to God’s law, counter to the principles of righteousness that should have been made their rule of action.

21LtMs, Ms 109, 1906, par. 8

It was to vindicate the just claims of the law of God, and to establish the supreme authority of its divine Author, that Christ came to this earth. The lawyer, while trying to prove that Christ lightly regarded the law given from Sinai, found himself a lawbreaker. Rather than to repent, he sought to justify himself by putting another question, “Who is my neighbor?” [Luke 10:29.]

21LtMs, Ms 109, 1906, par. 9

By a short story Jesus brought to view the whole duty of man toward his fellow man and toward God. “A certain man,” He said, “went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.” [Verses 30-32.]

21LtMs, Ms 109, 1906, par. 11

“But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn; and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.” [Verses 33-35.]

21LtMs, Ms 109, 1906, par. 12

Fixing His eyes upon the lawyer, in a glance that seemed to read his soul, the Saviour inquired, “Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves?” [Verse 36.]

21LtMs, Ms 109, 1906, par. 13

The lawyer answered, “He that showed mercy on him.” Jesus said, “Go, and do thou likewise.” [Verse 37.] Show the same tender kindness to those in need. Thus you will give evidence that you keep the whole law.

21LtMs, Ms 109, 1906, par. 16

The lawyer asked, “Who is my neighbor?” [Luke 10:29.] The despised Samaritan, of whom Jesus told, acted as Jesus would have acted toward the suffering Jew robbed by the wayside and left to perish. He fulfilled the command, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself,” thus showing that he was more righteous than those by whom he was despised. [Verse 27.] This Samaritan represents Christ. He stooped from the position of commander in the heavenly courts to become a servant. He clothed His divinity with humanity, that humanity might touch humanity. He was the Majesty of heaven, the King of glory, yet He humbled Himself. His whole life was one of poverty and self-denial. For our sake He became poor, that we through His poverty might be made rich. He did not live to please Himself. His life is the mystery of godliness.

21LtMs, Ms 109, 1906, par. 28

These words He repeated, with solemn earnestness; and then He turned and grasped a standard and held it aloft. From this standard, in burning letters, clear and distinct, gleamed God’s law. The Speaker declared: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:27.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 164, 1907

22LtMs, Ms 164, 1907, par. 7

The lawyer came to Christ and asked Him: “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” What did Christ say? He turned right to the lawyer and He said, “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” (Luke 10:25, 26). Well, He went on to tell him, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, with all thy strength, and with all thy mind, and thy neighbour as thyself” (verse 27). Now there is something for everyone of us to test ourselves by, to see whether we are carrying out the principles of the precious Word, because it means everything to us.

22LtMs, Ms 164, 1907, par. 8

You want to know that you are working on the right plan. Well—“and thy neighbour as thyself.” And that lawyer asks, “And who is my neighbour?” (verse 29). Then Jesus goes on to tell him of an incident of one who had been beset by robbers, and there he was, robbed and wounded and left half dead. When a priest came that way and looked at him—now that priest was the one that ought to have attended to that duty, but he did not do it. He looked at him, “Well, that is a very objectionable case, that man is wounded and apparently dying”—and he passed on the other side and did not take any notice of him to help him. There was another one of the dignitaries that passed by. The priest passed by on the other side and took no notice of him. Then one who was a Samaritan, that they looked upon as being very objectionable in their eyes, having some points of faith that they could not consent to, came by. He looked at the wounded man, and he went right to him and began to work with him as soon as he came to him. He took the groaning man, and he helped him upon his own beast and went by the side and held him there until he got him to a house where he would be taken care of. Then he said to the host, “I give you this money; and when that is used up, when I come this way again, I will repay you for what you have done” (see verse 35). Then Christ asks, “Who is his neighbour?” [Verse 36.] Well, the people forgot, they had been listening and listening so intensely. “Why he that had mercy on him” (see verse 37).

22LtMs, Ms 164, 1907, par. 9

And that is exactly it. It is he that could do something; he that would do something; he that was trying to live upon the plan of mercy and the love of God; he took up the man and cared for him. Well, now, that sentiment was expressed right by the very ones that would have done just the same as those who had passed the man by, but it was presented in such a way that they cried right out, “Why it is he that had mercy on him.” [Verse 37.] They were the ones who were friends to this suffering man.