EGW WritingsLuke 17

Maranatha

Watch Out for the Dividers! May 29

Mar 157.1

It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! Luke 17:1.

The Review and Herald

December 16, 1909

RH December 16, 1909, par. 19

Several Bible studies were conducted by Elder Farnsworth. Other services were devoted to a study of methods of work for church-members. Mrs. White spoke in the forenoon of both Sabbath and Sunday. In her discourse on Sabbath, she read portions of the Luke 17:1 and 18, and said:

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 258, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 258, 1899, par. 26

“It is impossible but that offenses will come; but woe unto him, through whom they come.” [Luke 17:1.] How cruelly they treated our precious Saviour, and shall we not expect the very same kind of treatment? Shall we be surprised and astonished that we are called to be partakers with Christ of His sufferings? We will pray constantly that we may have the mind that was in Christ Jesus.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Lt 21, 1886

4LtMs, Lt 21, 1886, par. 22

The college will always have to struggle against difficulties. Satan will not cease his efforts to tear it in pieces, for he sees that youth may be benefited, and he will press in uncontrollable elements into the church and those who have selfish influence who will seek to weaken the influence of the college rather than build up, support, and strengthen it. We are sorry that these elements are in Healdsburg. We should advise and pray that they will seek some other location whereby they can exercise their ability. But when Satan uses these elements in such a responsible place as Healdsburg, the power of influence to injure the college will be of far greater force than any influence outside of our faith. Christ says it is impossible but that offenses will come, but woe to that man by whom they come; for it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck and he be cast into the sea. [Luke 17:1, 2.] It is a sad thing to work contrary to God’s mind and will.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 40, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 40, 1897, par. 15

The four apostles Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, all bear record that Jew and Gentile, rulers, kings, and governors, priests and people, all classes and tongues, were represented in rejecting and crucifying Christ, the Son of God, a man who was innocent, and against whom they could find no proof. The synagogue of Satan, the prince of darkness and his evil agents, united in a desperate companionship with disloyal, evil men. They resolved to put the whole power of their corrupt energies to work to put out of the world the light of truth.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 53, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 53, 1900, par. 4

In our Bible, we might ask, Why need Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the Gospels, why need the Acts of the Apostles, and the variety of writers in the Epistles, go over the same thing?

15LtMs, Lt 53, 1900, par. 6

We are not to feel that we must speak the very same things, giving the same representation in the same words, and yet there is to be unity in the diversity. All the different testimonies unite to form one whole, as the books of the Bible are brought together, and bound under one cover. But should Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John go off on some tangent, contradicting each other’s testimony, then there would be confusion. In the presentation of truth by different minds, there is to be unity in diversity.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 40, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 40, 1903, par. 2

At that time it was customary for a writer to send his manuscript to some one for examination and criticism. Luke chose Theophilus, as a man in whom he had confidence, to perform this important work. He first directs the attention of Theophilus to the record of Christ’s life as given in the book of Luke which had also been addressed by the same writer to Theophilus. He says:

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 91, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 91, 1903, par. 15

Why do we need a Matthew, a Mark, a Luke, a John, a Paul, and all these other writers who have borne their testimony in regard to the life of the Saviour during His earthly ministry? Why could not one of the disciples have written a complete record, and thus have given us a connected account of Christ’s life and work? The Gospels differ. One writer brings in points that another does not bring in. If these points are essential, why did not all these writers mention them? It is because the minds of men differ and do not comprehend all things in exactly the same way. Some Scripture truths appeal much more strongly to the minds of certain persons than to others; some points appear to be much more important to some than to others. The same principle applies to speakers. Some speakers dwell at considerable length on points that others would pass by quickly or not mention at all. Thus the whole truth is presented more clearly by several than by one. In the Gospels the records blend in one harmonious whole.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Ms 123, 1909

Buffalo, New York

July 17, 1909

Previously unpublished.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 1

Luke 17:19—“... faith hath made thee whole.” We need to encourage faith. We need the simplicity that Christ has encouraged us to have all the representations that He has given us, to have a large increase of faith, and that faith growing continually. We are not safe Christians unless we exercise that faith in Jesus Christ that we may exercise when we can read His words in the Scriptures.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 2

“They are not found that returned to give glory to God ... faith hath made thee whole.” Luke 17:18, 19. How many of us have been learning since we believed that Christ had forgiven our sins? How many, I ask you, have been in a position to be impressed by what they see, to be impressed by what they hear? God wants us to have impressive hearts. He wants us to be in a position that He can make an impression on the human heart.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 3

“He said unto him, Arise, go thy way, thy faith hath made thee whole.” [Verse 19.] Will we not encourage that faith that takes hold of the promise of God, and then the reality will come to us?

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 4

Verses 20-27. “When He was demanded of the Pharisees ... the flood came.” Now there had been warnings given there for many years, yet they had not turned to the Lord. Some few did take hold at first, but others mocked them out of it.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 5

Verses 27-37. “Until the day that Noah entered into the ark ... Lot ... shall it be in the days ... eagles be gathered.”

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 6

Luke 18:1. Now we see that representations are given by our Lord. “And he spake a parable unto them to this end ... faint.” I am astonished when I find men and women, but especially men in responsible positions, and yet they do not offer a vocal prayer with the care and burdens that come upon them, they do not offer a vocal prayer, and my heart aches.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 7

Last night I felt such a burden to think of souls that ought to stand under the responsibilities that they bear, seeking their counsel from God every day, morning, noon, and night,—they won’t get any too much.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 8

“And he spake a parable unto them to this end ... not to faint.” Luke 18:1. Don’t you think we ought to see the many souls converted that we do not see today? If we could only see the interest with which heaven is looking upon the whole scene, we would see that those that are seeking to be righteous have special help. They will ask, and God says He will hear them and answer them. Now, just as many as will humble their hearts before God, and commit the keeping of their souls to God, may not realize at the moment all they would like to, but when they are in peril, Jesus delivers them, and He finds a way out for them. It is the praying souls that are under the special care of God.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 9

Verses 2-5. “Saying, There was in a city a judge, ... she weary me.” Now he would be advantaged in that respect.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 10

Verses 6-8. What a question. The faith will be so filled with objectionable traits that the Lord cannot do anything with them. But there is no need of it. We have a “Thus saith the Lord,” and we can take right hold of this “Thus saith the Lord.”

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 11

Verses 9-14. “Abased.” Will we take that to heart? “And he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” Then let us humble ourselves so much that we learn our lessons of the great Teacher, and be so glad of the privilege of learning right out of this very book that I am speaking from.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 12

Verse 15. The mothers had been gathering these children and preparing them for quite a little journey to go and find Christ, that they might receive the blessing that would help them to teach them that Christ had laid His hands upon them and blessed them, and it would be such a help. Therefore she wanted to go and her neighbors united with her, and they accompanied her, and they came with their children. “But when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.” verse 16.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 13

I have known little children that have come and asked that I would pray for them. Certainly I will, said I. Well, they never forgot it all their lives.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 14

Verses 17-24. You see, there was a large crowd around Him, and He must give these lessons. They might assent to things that are good and righteous, but when it comes to the battle to deny self, it is a very hard thing for some.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 15

Verses 25-27. He sees the intention. He sees the heart surrender, and as soon as He sees the heart surrender, then He gives the help; He gives the power of the overcomer, so that he shall not miss of heaven.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 16

Verses 26-27. It is God that makes the impression. It is the Lord that impresses. Therefore, when the preaching is going on, we do not know how many hearts are being affected so that sermon will do them good afterward, but we must do our best to present before all the dangers, and the invitations, and the helpfulness that is offered to every one that enters into the strife to become an overcomer. Verses 26-27. He sees the earnestness, He knows the sincerity of every soul, and He places advantages in their way, that they can take hold of these advantages at a time when they need that help.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 17

Verses 28-33. He held out hope that they might entertain, and it seems that they had almost all of them forgotten that.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 18

Luke 18:34—19:5. Now here was one that could read and understand the great desires of the people, that they might know Him. Verses 6-9. O, what words of comfort and encouragement this was to those who heard it.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 19

Verse 10. Will you remember the mission? That is His pass into our world. He left the royal courts, and by the will of His Father He came in our world as a little child. But did He leave His divinity behind Him? No, indeed. He took His divinity with Him. Humanity and divinity combined, to give the lesson to every human being upon the face of the earth that if they would in their humanity have faith in the divinity of Jesus Christ that humanity may overcome all the besetments of the evil that there is in the world, through grasping a living faith in the divinity of Jesus Christ. Thus they could be overcomers by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. That is a great victory.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 20

Verses 10-16. Thank the Lord for that testimony, because it is possible. It is possible for humanity to grasp divinity, and when humanity lays holds upon divinity, then the power that comes with that divinity will help every living soul out of their tempers, out of their disposition, out of their unbelief. God wants us to understand that it is a battle that we are in.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 21

Verses 16-23, 24-37. They were repeating the good works of healing, they were repeating the raising of the dead, and they were repeating all the works that they could remind themselves of, and here a great blessing was coming from their lips. Verses 38, 39. Now the lesson: verse 40. Why? Prophecy must be fulfilled.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 22

Verses 41-44. Their only hope was in Christ, but they would not receive Him.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 23

Verses 45, 46. Robbery in all the offerings that were being presented, it was robbery that they were carrying out.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 24

Verses 47, 48. Now we can understand that there is always a party that is continually working against the sacred truth that should be maintained. And unless we are wide awake, and see what a work is being done in our world, we shall find that we are overtaken, and that we have lost our chance of eternal life. Now you cannot afford it, not one of you. Self-denial is to be practiced by everyone that shall accept of Jesus Christ. Who was he? The Son of the living God. He laid aside His royal robe. He laid aside His royal crown, and He clothed His divinity with humanity, that humanity may grasp humanity, and that divinity might be grasped by humanity in the living faith of Jesus Christ, that He is their Saviour. We want every one of us to be in a position that we shall understand that we must work out our faith with fear and trembling.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 25

There is a work to be done in our world. When I saw this city—I have seen it before, but a long time ago—but I felt just as I felt when I have seen the cities. When after my husband had finished his course, and through excessive labor he was borne to the grave, the last words that I caught from him—he could not articulate—Husband, shall I take a work in connection with our sons, shall I carry it on just as you and I have done, for the foreign countries, shall I do it? He nodded. Again I asked him, and he gave me the same motion.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 26

Now I have taken that right up. I have taken it right up. When I could have my children with me to help me carry the work I was very glad. If not, then I would take it with an attendant that I have had that is with me now, and has been with me for the last thirty years to look after me, which she has done faithfully. Then I would enter the places, and I would speak to the people in Europe; I would speak to them in France; I would speak to them then when I went to Australia. There were battles to fight, I can assure you, and it is impossible to describe anything about it. But I want to say when the Lord sees that we are willing to work, He will give us the power to work. The Lord God of heaven is not unreasonable.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 27

I thought I could not come on this journey. I thought it was an impossibility for me to leave St. Helena, and all my writings that I had to manage there. But when I came to the General Conference, there was a power from on high that came upon me, and I no more held my peace. There it was, before that immense crowd, coming from all parts of the world, and all nationalities, and God gave His message to me to bear to that large crowd of people. Ever since that time I have been at work. And before that my son said, You need go now only to just one place, and I went to fourteen before I got to the meeting.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 28

Now, I want to say there are some that I was talking to, but not today. I want to tell you. I want to see the converting power, that every one that reads their Bibles may understand what day God has sanctified. When you read your Bibles on your bended knees, you will see that God has sanctified the seventh day, the Sabbath day, and He wants every one of us to be obedient. Now I tell you to search the Scriptures lest you be left out with those that have darkened their minds, and you cannot afford it. We want life, an eternal life that measures with the life of God. O I know that He will give to every one of you that seek it that blessed assurance that it shall be yours. If you will follow on to know the Lord, you shall know that His going forth is prepared as the morning.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 29

Well, you know how the preparation of the morning is. We need not describe it. But I want to tell you there is a heaven to win and I want to know how many of you will make a decided movement for eternal life. I want to know how many will consider that our God calls upon them to make a decided movement, else He cannot help you. Who, I ask you, will be determined that you will give yourselves to Him?

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 30

At every step I have felt that I had to exercise faith and go in feebleness, but when I stood before the people, I could talk to the people and my voice could reach any number. I want to tell you that there is a living God. He wants every soul to have a crown of immortality placed upon his brow. He wants to see His image in you. He wants to see you about His throne. He wants to place a crown of glory upon your brow. He wants to place a harp in your hand, and He wants to throw open the golden gates of the city of God, and welcome every one in that will show that they will keep His commandments here, that they will do His will here in this life.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 31

It means something to us whether we are obedient or disobedient. I have more to say on this subject, but I want right here to ask you, Who of you will make a decided movement right here? Who will give themselves to the Bible? I do not ask you to believe anything that is not in that. I ask you to believe the Word of Jesus Christ who laid off His royal robe, who laid off His kingly crown, who clothed His divinity with humanity, and walked on foot to give His lessons to the people that would accumulate and accumulate. There they were, and He teaching them. They were hungry, and He knew it.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 32

Now He says, This people are hungry, and they must have something to eat. Well, we have got nothing but a few loaves and fishes. How can they feed such a multitude? Well, here is a grassy spot, bid them sit down. And there they were seated on that beautiful grass ground, and then He broke up the food in small pieces, and passed them, through His disciples, to the multitude. Now they had enough, and He said, Gather up the fragments, that nothing be lost. How much did they gather? Why, on one occasion it was seven baskets full, and on another occasion it was twelve. Here you can see what Christ can do for us. Why don’t we have more faith in Him? That is the question?

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 33

There will be every sort of error started that will want to break up into parties, and all this, but we have to look to the Ruler. We have to look to Jesus Christ the mighty One. There is life, everlasting life in the kingdom of glory for the overcomer. What more could God offer to you? He will help you in all your wrestling, in all your trials; you can lay it right before Him. I have had to do so in my case on this journey, when it seemed to me I could not stand before the public. But as soon as I was upon my feet, there seemed to be a power upon me, that I could not keep my voice, it had to go to the people. And thus I worked all through that conference. The Lord was with me in that immense conference.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 34

I have faith in God. I have faith in His Word, and I want every one that wants to have eternal life, I want you to believe in Jesus Christ, the One that can do all things for you. He can minister. He can teach. He can guide them into truth, and let us work for the Master.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 35

Who is it will take up the work? I have it. I cannot let go of it. I shall work perhaps till I am taken right in the desk. I shall be 82 years old next November, and I want to say, I love Jesus. There is nothing too hard for me to do for the Master. I love Him, and I want to bring souls to Him, remembering that there was a time then that cup of agony was trembling in His hands just before His crucifixion. The idea of sin being upon Him, and separating Him from His Father, it was such that He felt He could not endure it, and the bloody sweat came from His brows, and moistened the sod of Gethsemane. And this is what my Saviour suffered, that humanity might grasp divinity, and that we through the power of divinity might be overcomers by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 36

Who of you will accept of Christ, and give your life to Him as you never have done before? Who will search the Scriptures to see what is truth? Who will seek all the comfort and encouragement that Christ has given, and I have mentioned only a few items. Who will do so? Let them rise right up. (Congregation rises.) Thank God.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 37

(Praying:) Heavenly Father, we come to Thee at this time, and present to Thee the covenant that has been made by this people, that they will seek the Lord with all their hearts, that they may find Him. Let Thy blessing come to this people, I pray Thee. Let Thy great grace be upon them. Sweep back every mist and every cloud of darkness, and let the sunlight of Thy glory into their souls, that they may keep this pledge that they have made to thee in standing upon their feet today.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 38

Thou knowest the hearts of every one. Thou art acquainted with every sorrow. Thou knowest how to heal the broken-hearted. Thou knowest how to set the captives free from the power of Satan. Thou knowest just what to do to break every yoke, that they may seek the Lord, that the angels of God may go with those and accompany them when they shall leave this house. And Thou, heavenly Father, Thou canst give them force and power and healing of soul. Thou canst disappoint the enemy. Thou canst let Thy light shine into the chambers of the mind and into the soul temple. Thou canst take the afflicted ones. Thou canst heal them, and thou canst give peace and quietude to the disturbed minds.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 39

I come to Thee, my Saviour, and I ask Thee that Thou wouldest give that help that humanity may recognize divinity through Jesus Christ and grasp that divinity, that they may work the good warfare, that they may press the battle to the gates, and the city of God, the gates be thrown back upon their glittering hinges, and the nations that have kept the truth shall enter in.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 40

We want heaven. We want life, eternal life in the kingdom of glory. Let Thy blessing rest upon this people. Give comfort to the desponding. Lift up the hearts of the despairing, and may they see the Saviour in Jesus Christ, that humanity may grasp divinity, and that the glory of God may be revealed. A little nearer, Lord. A little nearer to this people. Comfort their hearts. Let them see where their hope is. It is to believe every word that has proceeded from the lips of Jesus Christ, and then be obedient to all His requirements.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 41

O my Saviour, I praise Thee with heart and soul and voice. I thank Thee, my Saviour that thou canst impress these minds. Let them leave this meeting with the deep impression of the Holy Spirit of God. May they see such light in Thy light that they will not trample Thy commandments any more.

24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 42

Jesus, we love Thee. We see in Thee matchless charms, and we want this people to come to a knowledge of the truth. We see the unconverted in the cities. We see that help must be given. We see that souls must take up the work, and O, glorify them, my blessed Jesus. Give them truth, the power of the truth in the heart, and may they seek to enlighten the minds that are in darkness, that they may be brought to rejoice in the triumphs of Thy cross, and Thy name shall have all the glory.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 89, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 89, 1898, par. 24

The Lord God of heaven sees not as man seeth. The spirit of forgiveness is to be cherished. “If thy brother trespass against thee,” He says, “rebuke him.” [Luke 17:3.] The trespass may be against you or some other soul whom Christ has purchased with His own blood. These wrongs are not to be passed by as righteousness. It is only right that indignation be felt against wrongdoing, because Christ is dishonored thereby. We are not permitted to let sin pass as righteousness. Sin is to be called by its right name, and is to be plainly laid out before the wrongdoer. The Lord has commanded us not to suffer wrong upon our brother. Let no man charge him with being a faultfinder or an accuser. In the church, order must be maintained. God needs faithful sentinels.

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 19—The Measure of Forgiveness

COL 248.2

But sin is not to be lightly regarded. The Lord has commanded us not to suffer wrong upon our brother. He says, “If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him.” Luke 17:3. Sin is to be called by its right name, and is to be plainly laid out before the wrongdoer.

COL 249.1

Too often when wrongs are committed again and again, and the wrongdoer confesses his fault, the injured one becomes weary, and thinks he has forgiven quite enough. But the Saviour has plainly told us how to deal with the erring: “If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.” Luke 17:3. Do not hold him off as unworthy of your confidence. Consider “thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” Galatians 6:1.

COL 249.2

If your brethren err, you are to forgive them. When they come to you with confession, you should not say, I do not think they are humble enough. I do not think they feel their confession. What right have you to judge them, as if you could read the heart? The word of God says, “If he repent, forgive him. And if he trespasses against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.” Luke 17:3, 4. And not only seven times, but seventy times seven—just as often as God forgives you.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Ms 11, 1888

5LtMs, Ms 11, 1888, par. 34

If your brethren have erred, you must forgive them. You should not say, as some have said who ought to know better, “I do not think they feel humble enough. I do not think they feel their confession.” What right have you to judge them, as if you could read the hearts? The Word of God says, “If he repent forgive him, and if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.” [Luke 17:3, 4.] And not only seven times, but seventy times seven, should you forgive him, just as often as Christ forgives you.

5LtMs, Ms 11, 1888, par. 46

Pride of heart, if cherished, creates envy, evil surmising, and even revenge. There is danger, then, that words or actions may be exaggerated into grievous, intentional offenses and that the one who you think has done you an injustice will be treated with coldness, indifference, or contempt. Yet these very persons the Lord has charge of; angels of God minister unto them. He who reads the heart may see more genuine goodness in them than in him who harbors ill feelings against them for supposed wrong. “If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; if he repent, forgive him.” [Luke 17:3.] Treat him and his errors as you wish God to treat you when you offend Him. Charity does not rejoice in evil; revenge does.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 23, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 23, 1901, par. 7

Then the weight of his sin will not in any degree be upon you. “Consider thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” [Galatians 6:1.] When he reaches out his hand and says, “Forgive me,” it is not for you to turn away and refuse to forgive, because you may think he does not feel humble enough and does not mean what he says. You have no right to judge him because you cannot read the heart. The Word of God says, If he repent, forgive him. “If he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.” [Luke 17:4.] And we are not only to forgive seven times, but seventy times seven. Just as often as God forgives us, we are to forgive one another. Thus we encourage repentance and confession.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 115, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 115, 1902, par. 27

We ought not, in our human frailty, to presume to judge those who are in error, or to refuse to forgive them. There is never a time when it is right for you or for me to say, I will not forgive my brother. If your brother errs, forgive him, “considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” [Galatians 6:1.] When he reaches out his hand, and says, Forgive me, it is not for you to turn way and refuse to forgive him because you think that he does not mean what he says. You have no right to judge him, for you cannot read the heart. God says, “If he trespass against thee seven times, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.” [Luke 17:4.] Just as often as God forgives us, we are to forgive one another.

That I May Know Him

Cultivating the Plant of Faith, August 12

TMK 230.1

And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. Luke 17:5.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 145, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 145, 1897, par. 27

The flood of corruption that is sweeping over our world is the result of the misuse and abuse of the human machinery. Men, women, and children should be educated to labor with their hands. Then the brain will not be overtaxed, to the detriment of the whole organism. Time is a talent, to be wisely employed. The voice is a talent, to be used in communicating knowledge that will make men pure, holy, and refined. The tongue should be educated to speak in such a manner that God will be magnified. “Lord, increase my faith,” will be the prayer of the true child of God. [Luke 17:5.] “Deliver me from evil thoughts and perverse actions.” Thus he is enabled to say with boldness, “Behold, God is my salvation: I will trust and not be afraid. For the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.” [Isaiah 12:2.] Completeness of Christian character is possible. How? “Ye are complete in him.” [Colossians 2:10.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 90, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 90, 1900, par. 43

As the light comes to me I must discern the light, appreciate the light, and walk in the light as Christ has invited us. Oh, my prayer is, “Increase my faith.” [Luke 17:5.] There must be more living and walking in the light. Christ is the light and we must take hold of the light. “Believe that ye receive” the things ye ask for “and ye shall have them.” [Mark 11:24.] “According to your faith be it unto you.” [Matthew 9:29.] He that so loved the world has evidenced the same by giving His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have life everlasting.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 87, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 87, 1899, par. 6

On another occasion Christ said, “Which of you, having a servant ploughing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants we have done that which it was our duty to do.” [Luke 17:7-10.]

God’s Amazing Grace

In Life’s Necessary Duties, October 28

AG 309.3

Our good works alone will not save any of us, but we cannot be saved without good works. And after we have done all that we can do, in the name and strength of Jesus we are to say: “We are unprofitable servants” (Luke 17:10).67Testimonies for the Church 4:228.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Ms 25, 1888

5LtMs, Ms 25, 1888, par. 5

Wednesday evening spoke to full house from Luke 17:11-20.

Counsels on Health

Healing the Lepers

CH 348.1

“And as He entered into a certain village, there met Him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: and they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when He saw them, He said unto them, Go show yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And He said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.” Luke 17:12-19.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 63, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 63, 1896, par. 28

“And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: And they lifted up their voices and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them he said unto them, Go show yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God save this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole.” Luke 17:12-19.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 145, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 145, 1899, par. 3

On one occasion Christ cleansed ten lepers. He said to them, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” “And it came to pass as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks; and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give God thanks save this stranger.” [Luke 17:14-18.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 99, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 99, 1894, par. 8

Besides this, the disciples were so narrow and exclusive in their ideas that it would be inadvisable for them to come into connection with the Samaritans. They were leavened with the spirit of the Pharisees to a greater degree than they thought possible. The theories and maxims of the rabbis still exerted considerable influence over them, but Christ had given them many lessons to counteract these teachings. He had cleansed the ten lepers and one had returned to give Him thanks and to glorify God, and this one was not a Jew, but a Samaritan. The Lord called attention to this fact, saying to His disciples, “Were there not ten cleansed, but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.” He “fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.” [Luke 17:16-18.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 96, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 96, 1898, par. 6

In all the beautiful city of Sodom ten righteous persons could not be found. The blessing of God had been upon the land, and yet none had responded to those mercies and blessings. Their land was rich, resembling the land of Eden. But the goodness of God did not bring them to repentance. “Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom, it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the days when the Son of man is revealed.” [Luke 17:28-30.]

13LtMs, Lt 96, 1898, par. 8

I would that I could trace with pen and ink all that the Holy Spirit has presented before me. The ten lepers were brought before me. All were cleansed, but only one appreciated the work wrought for him, only one returned to give God the glory. The representation is true of those who claim to be converted. Apparently the lepers in their loathsome condition were not worth caring for, but Christ knew that among them was one who would appreciate the work done for him, and would honor the Lord. Christ looked with tenderest love upon the one who appreciated the great gift of cleansing. He asks, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? There are not found to give God glory save this stranger. Arise, he said, go thy way, thy faith hath made thee whole.” [Verses 17-19.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Ms 1b, 1874

2LtMs, Ms 1b, 1874, par. 10

Read and carefully consider 2 Kings, third chapter. You will be tested and tempted in a similar manner as is represented in this chapter. All who will believe and put their trust not in what they can do but [in] what God can do for them cannot lay out in clear lines how God will work, but He will work in ways least expected. It is not your strength. None of you [are] to limit the Holy One whose power is of old, whose ways are past finding out. If you mark out ways whereby God will work you will be disappointed. “The kingdom of heaven cometh not with observation.” [Luke 17:20.]

God’s Amazing Grace

God’s Kingdom in the Heart, January 8

AG 16.1

Behold, the kingdom of God is within you. Luke 17:21.

AG 16.3

Some of the Pharisees had come to Jesus demanding “when the kingdom of God should come” (Luke 17:20). More than three years had passed since John the Baptist gave the message that like a trumpet call had sounded through the land, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2). And as yet these Pharisees saw no indication of the establishment of the kingdom....

Our Father Cares

God’s Kingdom in the Heart, August 1

OFC 225.1

Behold, the kingdom of God is within you. Luke 17:21.

OFC 225.3

Some of the Pharisees had come to Jesus demanding “when the kingdom of God should come” (Luke 17:20). More than three years had passed since John the Baptist gave the message that like a trumpet call had sounded through the land, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2). And as yet these Pharisees saw no indication of the establishment of the kingdom....

This Day With God

Working of the Spirit, June 26

TDG 186.1

The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo, there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. Luke 17:20, 21.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 55—Not With Outward Show

DA 506.1

Some of the Pharisees had come to Jesus demanding “when the kingdom of God should come.” More than three years had passed since John the Baptist gave the message that like a trumpet call had sounded through the land, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 3:2. And as yet these Pharisees saw no indication of the establishment of the kingdom. Many of those who rejected John, and at every step had opposed Jesus, were insinuating that His mission had failed.

DA 506.2

Jesus answered, “The kingdom of God cometh not with outward show; [margin]: neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” The kingdom of God begins in the heart. Look not here or there for manifestations of earthly power to mark its coming.

DA 506.3

“The days will come,” He said, turning to His disciples, “when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it.” Because it is not attended by worldly pomp, you are in danger of failing to discern the glory of My mission. You do not realize how great is your present privilege in having among you, though veiled in humanity, Him who is the life and the light of men. The days will come when you will look back with longing upon the opportunities you now enjoy to walk and talk with the Son of God.

DA 506.4

Because of their selfishness and earthliness, even the disciples of Jesus could not comprehend the spiritual glory which He sought to reveal unto them. It was not until after Christ’s ascension to His Father, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the believers, that the disciples fully appreciated the Saviour’s character and mission. After they had received the baptism of the Spirit, they began to realize that they had been in the very presence of the Lord of glory. As the sayings of Christ were brought to their remembrance, their minds were opened to comprehend the prophecies, and to understand the miracles which He had wrought. The wonders of His life passed before them, and they were as men awakened from a dream. They realized that “the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the Only-begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:14. Christ had actually come from God to a sinful world to save the fallen sons and daughters of Adam. The disciples now seemed, to themselves, of much less importance than before they realized this. They never wearied of rehearsing His words and works. His lessons, which they had but dimly understood, now came to them as a fresh revelation. The Scriptures became to them a new book.

DA 507.1

As the disciples searched the prophecies that testified of Christ, they were brought into fellowship with the Deity, and learned of Him who had ascended to heaven to complete the work He had begun on earth. They recognized the fact that in Him dwelt knowledge which no human being, unaided by divine agency, could comprehend. They needed the help of Him whom kings, prophets, and righteous men had foretold. With amazement they read and reread the prophetic delineations of His character and work. How dimly had they comprehended the prophetic scriptures! how slow they had been in taking in the great truths which testified of Christ! Looking upon Him in His humiliation, as He walked a man among men, they had not understood the mystery of His incarnation, the dual character of His nature. Their eyes were holden, so that they did not fully recognize divinity in humanity. But after they were illuminated by the Holy Spirit, how they longed to see Him again, and to place themselves at His feet! How they wished that they might come to Him, and have Him explain the scriptures which they could not comprehend! How attentively would they listen to His words! What had Christ meant when He said, “I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now”? John 16:12. How eager they were to know it all! They grieved that their faith had been so feeble, that their ideas had been so wide of the mark, that they had so failed of comprehending the reality.

DA 508.1

A herald had been sent from God to proclaim the coming of Christ, and to call the attention of the Jewish nation and of the world to His mission, that men might prepare for His reception. The wonderful personage whom John had announced had been among them for more than thirty years, and they had not really known Him as the One sent from God. Remorse took hold of the disciples because they had allowed the prevailing unbelief to leaven their opinions and becloud their understanding. The Light of this dark world had been shining amid its gloom, and they had failed to comprehend whence were its beams. They asked themselves why they had pursued a course that made it necessary for Christ to reprove them. They often repeated His conversations, and said, Why did we allow earthly considerations and the opposition of priests and rabbis to confuse our senses, so that we did not comprehend that a greater than Moses was among us, that One wiser than Solomon was instructing us? How dull were our ears! how feeble was our understanding!

DA 508.2

Thomas would not believe until he had thrust his finger into the wound made by the Roman soldiers. Peter had denied Him in His humiliation and rejection. These painful remembrances came before them in distinct lines. They had been with Him, but they had not known or appreciated Him. But how these things now stirred their hearts as they recognized their unbelief!

DA 508.3

As priests and rulers combined against them, and they were brought before councils and thrust into prison, the followers of Christ rejoiced “that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.” Acts 5:41. They rejoiced to prove, before men and angels, that they recognized the glory of Christ, and chose to follow Him at the loss of all things.

DA 508.4

It is as true now as in apostolic days, that without the illumination of the divine Spirit, humanity cannot discern the glory of Christ. The truth and the work of God are unappreciated by a world-loving and compromising Christianity. Not in the ways of ease, of earthly honor or worldly conformity, are the followers of the Master found. They are far in advance, in the paths of toil, and humiliation, and reproach, in the front of the battle “against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12, R. V. And now, as in Christ’s day, they are misunderstood and reproached and oppressed by the priests and Pharisees of their time.

DA 509.1

The kingdom of God comes not with outward show. The gospel of the grace of God, with its spirit of self-abnegation, can never be in harmony with the spirit of the world. The two principles are antagonistic. “The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:14.

DA 509.2

But today in the religious world there are multitudes who, as they believe, are working for the establishment of the kingdom of Christ as an earthly and temporal dominion. They desire to make our Lord the ruler of the kingdoms of this world, the ruler in its courts and camps, its legislative halls, its palaces and market places. They expect Him to rule through legal enactments, enforced by human authority. Since Christ is not now here in person, they themselves will undertake to act in His stead, to execute the laws of His kingdom. The establishment of such a kingdom is what the Jews desired in the days of Christ. They would have received Jesus, had He been willing to establish a temporal dominion, to enforce what they regarded as the laws of God, and to make them the expositors of His will and the agents of His authority. But He said, “My kingdom is not of this world.” John 18:36. He would not accept the earthly throne.

DA 509.3

The government under which Jesus lived was corrupt and oppressive; on every hand were crying abuses,—extortion, intolerance, and grinding cruelty. Yet the Saviour attempted no civil reforms. He attacked no national abuses, nor condemned the national enemies. He did not interfere with the authority or administration of those in power. He who was our example kept aloof from earthly governments. Not because He was indifferent to the woes of men, but because the remedy did not lie in merely human and external measures. To be efficient, the cure must reach men individually, and must regenerate the heart.

DA 509.4

Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ’s nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit. “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:12, 13. Here is the only power that can work the uplifting of mankind. And the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the word of God.

DA 510.1

When the apostle Paul began his ministry in Corinth, that populous, wealthy, and wicked city, polluted by the nameless vices of heathenism, he said, “I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” 1 Corinthians 2:2. Writing afterward to some of those who had been corrupted by the foulest sins, he could say, “But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” “I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 6:11; 1:4.

DA 510.2

Now, as in Christ’s day, the work of God’s kingdom lies not with those who are clamoring for recognition and support by earthly rulers and human laws, but with those who are declaring to the people in His name those spiritual truths that will work in the receivers the experience of Paul: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.” Galatians 2:20. Then they will labor as did Paul for the benefit of men. He said, “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20.

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 55—Not With Outward Show

HLv 339.1

More than three years had passed since John the Baptist gave the message, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 3:2. Many of those who rejected John and at every step had opposed Jesus were insinuating that His mission had failed.

HLv 339.2

Jesus answered, “The kingdom of God cometh not with outward show [‘signs to be observed,’ RSV]: neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” The kingdom of God begins in the heart. Look not for earthly power to mark its coming.

HLv 339.3

“The days will come,” Jesus said, turning to His disciples, “when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it.” You do not realize how great is your present privilege in having among you Him who is the life and light of men. You will look back with longing on the opportunities you now enjoy to walk and talk with the Son of God.

HLv 339.4

Not until after Christ’s ascension and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, did the disciples fully appreciate the Saviour’s character and mission. They began to realize they had been in the very presence of the Lord of glory. See John 1:14. Their minds were opened to comprehend the prophecies and to understand the miracles He had wrought. They were as men awakened from a dream. The disciples never wearied of rehearsing Christ’s words and works. His lessons now came as a fresh revelation. The Scriptures became to them a new book.

HLv 340.1

As the disciples searched the prophecies that testified of Christ, they were brought into fellowship with the Deity, and learned of Him who had ascended to heaven to complete the work He had begun on earth. With amazement they reread the prophetic delineations of His character and work. How dimly had they comprehended the prophetic scriptures! Looking upon Him as He walked a man among men, they had not understood the mystery of His incarnation. They did not fully recognize divinity in humanity. But after they were illuminated by the Holy Spirit, how they longed to see Him again, and wished they might have Him explain the scriptures which they could not comprehend! What had Christ meant when He said, “I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now”? John 16:12. They grieved that their faith had been so feeble, that they had so failed of comprehending the reality.

HLv 340.2

The wonderful personage whom John had announced had been among them for more than thirty years, and they had not really known Him as the One sent from God. The disciples had allowed the prevailing unbelief to becloud their understanding. They often repeated His conversations and said, Why did we allow the opposition of the priests and rabbis to confuse our senses, so that we did not comprehend that a greater than Moses was among us, that One wiser than Solomon was instructing us? How dull were our ears!

HLv 340.3

As they were brought before councils and thrust into prison, the followers of Christ rejoiced “that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.” Acts 5:41. They recognized the glory of Christ, and chose to follow Him at the loss of all things.

HLv 340.4

The kingdom of God comes not with outward show. The gospel, with its spirit of self-abnegation, can never be in harmony with the spirit of the world. But today multitudes desire to make our Lord the ruler of the kingdoms of this world, the ruler in its courts, legislative halls, palaces, and marketplaces. They expect Him to rule through legal enactments, enforced by human authority. Since Christ is not now here in person, they themselves will act in His stead. Such a kingdom is what the Jews desired in the days of Christ. But He said, “My kingdom is not of this world.” John 18:36.

HLv 341.1

The government under which Jesus lived was corrupt and oppressive. On every hand were crying abuses—extortion, intolerance, and grinding cruelty. Yet the Saviour attempted no civil reforms, attacked no national abuses, nor condemned the national enemies. He did not interfere with the authority of those in power. He who was our example kept aloof from earthly governments; not because He was indifferent to the woes of men, but because the remedy did not lie in merely human and external measures. The cure must regenerate the heart.

HLv 341.2

Not by courts, councils, or legislative assemblies is the kingdom of Christ established, but by implanting Christ’s nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit. Here is the only power that can uplift mankind. And the human agency for the accomplishment of this work is the teaching and practicing of the Word of God.

HLv 341.3

Now, as in Christ’s day, the work of God’s kingdom lies not with those who clamor for recognition and support by earthly rulers and human laws, but with those who declare to the people in His name those spiritual truths that work in the receivers the experience of Paul: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.” Galatians 2:20.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 293, 1904

19LtMs, Lt 293, 1904, par. 10

“And as it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom, it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.” [Luke 17:20-30.]

19LtMs, Lt 293, 1904, par. 11

We are now to be constantly in readiness for the coming of Christ. We are to prepare our souls for the great day of the Lord. But there are few who realize the importance of this preparation—the preparation to which Christ referred in the words, “The kingdom of God is within you.” [Verse 21.] He of whom these words can be spoken is in harmony with all the principles and laws of the kingdom of God.

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

Elmshaven, St. Helena Sanitarium, California, September 21, 1907

16MR 133.3

This is Sabbath morning, and I thank the Lord that I have slept more than usual. I generally have many wakeful hours. I feel great sorrow at times. My heart aches as I consider [that] the day of the Lord is coming as a thief in the night to all who are not watching and praying and working also. Luke 17:20-37. I read this. I can take it in a little, and my heart is pained to see the great necessity that those who have the light shall walk in the footsteps of Jesus, and work out their own salvation with fear and trembling. I am so sorrowful that men placed in positions of responsibility do not understand their own defects of character, yet carry with them an officiousness that blinds their own judgment as to the work to be done for this time of peril.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 156, 1907

22LtMs, Ms 156, 1907, par. 24

This is Sabbath morning, and I thank the Lord that I have slept more than usual. I generally have many wakeful hours. I feel great sorrow at times. My heart aches as I consider the day of the Lord is coming as a thief in the night to all who are not watching and praying and working also. Luke 17:20-37. I read this. I can take it in a little, and my heart is pained to see the great necessity that those who have the light shall walk in the footsteps of Jesus and work out their own salvation with fear and trembling. I am so sorrowful that men placed in positions of responsibility do not understand their own defects of character, yet carry with them an officiousness that blinds their own judgment as to the work to be done for this time of peril.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 19a, 1875

2LtMs, Lt 19a, 1875, par. 19

Multitudes of varied faith will arise in these last days and will be crying, “Lo here!” “Lo there!” [Luke 17:21.] Such have found some way for the sinner rather than the Bible way, which teaches that repentance toward God for the transgression of His law and faith in Jesus Christ the world’s Redeemer, is the only door through which the sinner may enter. Let the mind and heart be imbued with the principles of God’s law. Then they will yield obedience to its sacred claims, and gamblers will decrease and the wine cup be abandoned.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 27, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 27, 1894, par. 16

The Lord has chosen men to bear light and messages of great importance to the people in these last days. After years of perseverance under difficulties, the Lord has given marked success to His truth, and the “lo, here! and lo, there!” [Luke 17:21] have arisen on every side, and yet the message has sounded on. Every inch of the ground had to be fought in presenting the present message, and some have not been reconciled with the providence of God in selecting the very men whom He did select to bear this special message. They ask, Why is it that He has not chosen the <men> who have been long in the work? The reason is that He knew that these men who had had long experience would not do the work in God’s way and after God’s order.

Lift Him Up

The Freedom of Choice, January 7

LHU 21.7

Rebellion and apostasy are in the very air we breathe. We shall be affected by them unless we by faith hang our helpless souls upon Christ. If men are so easily misled now, how will they stand when Satan shall personate Christ, and work miracles? Who will be unmoved by his misrepresentations then—professing to be Christ when it is only Satan assuming the person of Christ, and apparently working the works of Christ? What will hold God’s people from giving their allegiance to false christs? “Go not after them” (Luke 17:23) (Selected Messages 2:394, 395).

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

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

19MR 358.5

History will be repeated. The time will come, Christ tells us, when many deceivers will go forth declaring themselves to be the Christ. The Saviour says, “Go ye not after them” [Luke 17:23]. We need not be deceived.

Selected Messages Book 2

Apostasies

2SM 394.4

Rebellion and apostasy are in the very air we breathe. We shall be affected by them unless we by faith hang our helpless souls upon Christ. If men are so easily misled now, how will they stand when Satan shall personate Christ, and work miracles? Who will be unmoved by his misrepresentations then—professing to be Christ when it is only Satan assuming the person of Christ, and apparently working the works of Christ? What will hold God’s people from giving their allegiance to false christs? “Go not after them” (Luke 17:23).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 112, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 112, 1890, par. 14

Deceptions, delusions, impostures will increase. The cries will come in from every quarter, “Lo, here is Christ! Lo, there is Christ!” “But,” said Christ, “Go ye not after them.” [Mark 13:21; Luke 17:23.] There will be one fierce struggle before the man of sin shall be disclosed to this world: who he is and what has been his work. While the Protestant world is becoming very tender and affectionate toward the man of sin, shall God’s people take their place as bold and valiant soldiers of Jesus Christ to meet the issue which must come, their lives hid with Christ in God? Mystic Babylon has not been sparing in the blood of the saints, and shall we be wide awake to catch the beams of light which have been shining from the light of the angel who is to brighten the earth with his glory? Wake up the mighty men. Let the messages of the past fifty years that have been sounding now be seen in their true force and bearing by repetition. Let the same spirit which attended these messages come into our hearts in these last days. These things are not [to] be mentioned with gloom and sadness.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 32, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 32, 1896, par. 30

My brother, I have had many testimonies to correct those who have started out in the same way you are now travelling. These persons seemed sure that they were led by God, and they have come with their different theories to ministers who were preaching the truth. I said to these ministers, “The Lord is not in this; be not deceived, neither take the responsibility of deceiving others.” At camp meetings I have had to speak plainly in regard to those who were thus leading away from right paths. With pen and voice I have borne the message, “Go not after them.” [Luke 17:23.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 185, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 185, 1897, par. 9

Rebellion and apostasy are in the very air we breathe. We shall be affected by them unless we by faith hang our helpless souls upon Christ. If men are so easily misled now, how will they stand when Satan shall personate Christ and work miracles? Who will be unmoved by his misrepresentations then—professing to be Christ when it is only Satan assuming the person of Christ, and apparently working the works of Christ? What will hold God’s people from giving their allegiance to false Christs? “Go not after them.” [Luke 17:23.]

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Despised Nazarene, March 2

JNN 70.1

“But first He must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.”—Luke 17:25

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

MR No. 1511—The Judgments of God

21MR 66.3

Said Christ, “As it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man” [Luke 17:26]. Let all read and understand the warnings given by the Saviour.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 12, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 12, 1890, par. 20

Such hellish, Satanic delusions, advocated by Jones and seconded by Frank Allen, are the same that prevailed among the inhabitants of the Noatic world. “As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of Man.” [Luke 17:26.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 84, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 84, 1893, par. 38

I spoke at half past ten o’clock to a well filled house. Many not of our faith were present. My subject was, “As it was in the days of Noah,” etc. [Luke 17:26.] The Lord gave me much freedom of spirit. Although all my under teeth have been extracted, yet I can speak quite distinctly. This was a surprise to me, for I did not expect to be able to speak at all before the public. The congregation was in tears during the discourse, and I sincerely hope a good impression was made. The presence of the Lord was in the meeting.

8LtMs, Ms 84, 1893, par. 40

We have no knowledge of the day or the hour of Christ’s coming, but “as it was in the days of Noah,” Christ declares, “so shall it be” prior to His second appearing. [Verse 26.] Wickedness in Noah’s time had reached such proportions that God sent them a message of warning that in one hundred and twenty years He would punish the inhabitants of the world by a flood and destroy them all. Noah preached, but he was laughed to scorn. Directed of God to build the ark, he was mocked. They saw that immense boat built on dry land for the safety of all who would believe and enter the ark, but they dwelt upon the fact that they had had no rain, and it was a fanatical proposition that there would be rain. But their unbelief did not prevent the fulfillment of the message. The rain came and the wicked inhabitants perished in the waters of the flood.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 16, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 16, 1895, par. 9

All heaven is watching the iniquity, the lawlessness, the embezzlements, the murders, and the forgeries that are now going on in the world. And Christ, before He left this earth, warned His disciples on this point. “For as it was in the days of Noe shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.” [Luke 17:26.] What were they doing then? They were eating, and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage. All of these things in themselves are lawful. It is necessary for us to eat and to drink that we may have physical strength to serve the Lord, but when we carry our eating to gluttony, without a thought of pleasing our heavenly Father, eating just that which is pleasing to our taste, we are doing just as did in the days of Noah.

10LtMs, Ms 16, 1895, par. 16

Parents should arouse to understand that there is a heaven to win and a hell to shun. We must teach temperance in all things. “As it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be in the days of the Son of man.” [Luke 17:26.] Shall we show to the world around us what God is to us—what love He has shown to us in giving His well-beloved Son to die in our behalf? Christ came in the garb of humanity that He might help humanity. If He had come as an angel, we could not have endured the sight. We would have fainted beneath it. I want that life that He can give us. You want it.

Maranatha

“As It Was in the Days of Noe,” May 9

Mar 137.1

As it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. Luke 17:26.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 111, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 111, 1897, par. 41

The scenes of persecution enacted during Christ’s life will be enacted by false religionists till the close of time. Men think that they have a right to take into their charge the consciences of men, and work out their theories of apostasy and transgression. History will be repeated. Christ declared that prior to His second coming the world would be as it was in the days of Noah, when men reached such a pass in following their own sinful imagination that God destroyed them by a flood. [Luke 17:26.] Every power that has been exercised since the betrayal of Christ to force the consciences of men, every court that has taken upon itself to decide man’s destiny by its measurement of what constitutes religion, has revealed satanic attributes. Men have betrayed and persecuted God’s chosen ones. They have taken the life that God alone can give. They have done that which they will wish they had never done when they are asked, Who gave you this authority? Who required this at your hands? Who authorized you to put God’s children to death?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 132, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 132, 1897, par. 22

“As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be in the days of the coming of the Son of man.” [Luke 17:26.] There will be feasting and merriment, sorrow, and want, and anguish, until the end comes. Then the wicked will reap that which they have sown—corruption.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 31, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 31, 1898, par. 16

What a terrible deception is upon the minds of those who think that the world is growing better. Christ declares, “As it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.” [Luke 17:26.] “For as in the days that were before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark; and knew not until the flood came and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” [Matthew 24:38, 39.] To just such a pass will the world come in rejecting the law of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 110, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 110, 1901, par. 11

Be assured the plagues are already beginning to be poured out. But notwithstanding Christ’s warning, notwithstanding what is taking place in the world, even those who claim to be expositors of Bible truth do not take in the situation. Well indeed is it that sanitariums are established among us to be as lights shining in a dark place. The calamities that come as the result of wrong eating and drinking have little effect upon the people. We are to mark the fulfilment of the words of Christ, “As it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the day of the Son of man.” [Luke 17:26.] By searching the Scriptures we shall form the habit of drawing spiritual instruction from the common occurrences of life. The signs of the times give evidence that the threatened judgments of God are being permitted to do their work. Indulgence of pride, selfishness and covetousness, thefts and bold robberies, are common; but the world is not being warned as it should be. Thousands are perishing in their sins, and the last message of mercy to a fallen world is to be proclaimed. But how little is being done! Genuine benevolence will lead those who have been entrusted with the Lord’s money to place this money where it will advance His work. Souls are perishing, and hundreds of workers are now needed. Men will be moved by the Holy Spirit to leave their ordinary employment and enter the barren fields that have never heard the last message of mercy. Many will be endowed with power from on high. They will work wisely, not expending means lavishly, but studying how souls can be brought to the knowledge of the truth by the opening of the Scriptures in house-to-house labor. This work men and women will take hold of for the love of Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 72, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 72, 1902, par. 1

“As it was in the days of Noah.” [Luke 17:26.]

17LtMs, Ms 72, 1902, par. 5

Christ declared that as it was in the days of Noah, so it would be in the day of His coming. [Luke 17:26.] And the war, the bloodshed, the wicked deeds of the old world, fill the world today.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 154, 1904

19LtMs, Ms 154, 1904, par. 33

Tell the people that the Lord is coming soon, and you want them to be prepared for His coming. We can see the signs of His advent everywhere. “As it was in the days of Noah, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” [Matthew 24:37; Luke 17:26.] As we see the record of the unholy marriages and the divorces, can we not see that society is rapidly becoming as it was in the days before the flood? Then let us urge the people to seek the Lord while He may be found, that He may not come and find them unprepared.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 35, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 35, 1906, par. 12

Said Christ, “As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of Man.” [Luke 17:26.] Let all read and understand the warnings given by the Saviour.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 71, 1907

22LtMs, Ms 71, 1907, par. 23

Wake up, brethren, wake up, for Christ’s sake. “Seek the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near.” [Isaiah 55:6.] He will hear your prayers; He will answer your petitions. But do not grieve the heart of my Saviour any longer by standing where you are at this time, when His judgments are being poured right upon the world for their wickedness. We are living in the days of which it is said that “as it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.” [Luke 17:26.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Ms 93, 1908

23LtMs, Ms 93, 1908, par. 58

I wish the meeting might be extended, and I could present before you the wickedness that is in the world. “As it was in the days of Noah,” the Saviour declared, “so shall it also be in the days of the coming of the Son of man.” [Luke 17:26.] At that day the people were doing everything they should not do, until the day that the flood came and took them all away. Christ is calling His people at this time to come out of the world and obey His requirements in regard to the day that He has made holy.

The Faith I Live By

As It Was in Noah’s Day, December 1

FLB 341.1

And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. Luke 17:26.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 1

The State of the World

1TT 397.3

“As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.” Luke 17:26. God will have a people zealous of good works, standing firm amid the pollutions of this degenerate age. There will be a people who hold so fast to the divine strength that they will be proof against every temptation. Evil communications in flaming handbills may seek to speak to their senses and corrupt their minds; yet they will be so united to God and angels that they will be as those who see not and hear not. They have a work to do which no one can do for them, which is to fight the good fight of faith, and lay hold on eternal life. They will not be self-confident and self-sufficient. Knowing their weakness, they will unite their ignorance to Christ’s wisdom, their weakness to His strength.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 1

Influence of Time Setting

1TT 505.2

In Noah’s day the inhabitants of the old world laughed to scorn what they termed the superstitious fears and forebodings of the preacher of righteousness. He was denounced as a visionary character, a fanatic, an alarmist. “As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.” Luke 17:26. Men will reject the solemn message of warning in our day, as they did in Noah’s time. They will refer to those false teachers who have predicted the event and set the definite time, and will say that they have no more faith in our warning than in theirs. This is the attitude of the world today. Unbelief is widespread, and the preaching of Christ’s coming is mocked at and derided. This makes it all the more essential that those who believe present truth should show their faith by their works. They should be sanctified through the truth which they profess to believe; for they are a savor of life unto life or of death unto death.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 3, 1875

2LtMs, Lt 3, 1875, par. 10

Last evening we had a tent full of interested listeners. I spoke from this text, “As it was in the days of Noah,” etc. [Luke 17:26.] An interest is increasing in the city. Sunday afternoon a gentleman bound for South America was in the tent and heard me speak. He came in[to] the tent Monday to converse with Elder Loughborough. He said he went to his boarding place and told his friends that that lady believed what she said, for she was terribly in earnest. He bought books on present truth, and left on a vessel yesterday for South America. The truth is being scattered through all parts of the world. Ex-governor Holden attended nearly all the meetings. I do not expect he will accept the truth. He became very much disgusted with Brother Cornell, and will never hear him speak again. At first he was very much interested, but Elder Cornell’s harsh, uncourteous manner displeased him.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 2a, 1874

2LtMs, Lt 2a, 1874, par. 5

In the evening I had a crowded house and took a solemn subject, “As it was in the days of Noah,” etc. [Luke 17:26.] A great change came over the people in the evening. A solemn power rested upon me as I brought home to them the heart-searching truth of their present state and the preparation that they must have in order to be saved. No laughing or sport was seen in the congregation. In this place, in the Methodist meetings, the young would talk and laugh aloud during services. Brother Van Horn said they were getting very bold in his meetings. But in the morning I addressed myself to them with great plainness and they felt the rebuke.

Conflict and Courage

As It Was in the Days of Noah, February 4

CC 41.1

And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. Luke 17:26, 27.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 72, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 72, 1896, par. 1

“As it was in the days of Noe, so also shall it be in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all.” [Luke 17:26, 27.]

11LtMs, Ms 72, 1896, par. 12

Everything Satan could do, he has done to defile the imagination and corrupt the morals, that the image of God might be obliterated in man. Thus it was in the days of Noah. The warning was given to the inhabitants of the Noachic world, but they laughed it to scorn, and scoffed at the preacher of righteousness, calling him a crazy fanatic for building an ark on dry land. But when their probation was fully expired, the rain descended in torrents, and they reaped the fruits of their disobedience. “As it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.” [Luke 17:26.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 21, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 21, 1897, par. 5

When Christ gave the solemn warning in regard to His coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory, He said, “As it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, when the flood came, and destroyed them all.” [Luke 17:26, 27.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 161, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 161, 1897, par. 6

Christ said, “As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, when the flood came, and destroyed them all.” Luke 17:26, 27.

In Heavenly Places

Warning Messages, December 2

HP 343.1

And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. Luke 17:26, 27.

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

Love of the Things That Are in the World

19MR 246.4

As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days when the Son of man shall be revealed [see Luke 17:26, 27]. One of the most marked features of the earth’s inhabitants in the days of Noah was their intense worldliness. They made eating and drinking, buying and selling, marrying and giving in marriage, the supreme objects of life. It is not sinful, but the fulfillment of a duty, to eat and drink, if that which is lawful is not carried to excess. And in the days of Noah it was lawful to marry. God Himself instituted marriage when He gave Eve to Adam.

Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 1

Chapter 32—Infatuation and Blind Love

1MCP 297.3

Passion Destroys Everything—The words of Christ should ever be borne in mind: “As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank” (Luke 17:26, 27). Appetite bears sway over mind and conscience in this age. Gluttony, winebibbing, liquor drinking, tobacco using prevail, but Christ’s followers will be temperate in eating and drinking. They will not indulge appetite at the expense of health and spiritual growth.

1MCP 297.4

“They married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all” (verse 27). We see the same manifestation now in regard to marriage. Youth, and even men and women who ought to be wise and discerning, act as if bewitched upon this question. A satanic power seems to take possession of them. The most indiscreet marriages are formed. God is not consulted. Human feelings, desires, and passions bear down everything before them, until the die is cast. Untold misery is the result of this state of things, and God is dishonored. The marriage vow covers every kind of lustful abomination. Shall there not be a decided change in reference to this matter?— Letter 74, 1896. (Special Testimony to the Managers and Workers in our Institutions 1898, 22.)

Reflecting Christ

A Preacher of Righteousness, November 3

RC 321.1

As it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of man. They ate, they drank, they married, they were given in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. Luke 17:26, 27, R.S.V.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 2

As the Days of Noah

2TT 122.4

The spirit of intense worldliness that now exists, the disposition to acknowledge no higher claim than that of self-gratification, constitutes one of the signs of the last days. “As it was in the days of Noah,” said Christ, “so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the Flood came, and destroyed them all.” Luke 17:26, 27. The people of this generation are marrying and giving in marriage with the same reckless disregard of God’s requirements as was manifested in the days of Noah.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 42, 1878

3LtMs, Lt 42, 1878, par. 9

It was to me a most solemn scene because one of significance, showing the fulfilment of one of the specifications of the signs of the last days, [said,] “As it was in the day of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man, They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.” Luke 17:26, 27.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 86, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 86, 1886, par. 15

Thus the inhabitants of that long-lived race perished in the flood, and even the beasts perished, except those that were in the ark. Christ said, “As it was in the days of Noah, so shall also the coming of the son of man be. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all.” [Luke 17:26, 27.] Well, thus shall it be when Christ shall be revealed at His second coming.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 6a, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 6a, 1890, par. 89

The words of Christ should ever be borne in mind, “As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of Man. They did eat and they drank.” [Luke 17:26, 27.] Appetite bears sway over mind and conscience in this age. Gluttony, wine bibbing, liquor-drinking, prevail; but Christ’s followers will be temperate in eating and drinking. They will not indulge appetite at the expense of health and spiritual growth.

6LtMs, Lt 6a, 1890, par. 90

“They married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all.” [Verse 27.] We see the same infatuation now in regard to marriage. Youth, and even men and women who ought to be wise and discerning, act as if bewitched upon this question. Satanic power seems to take possession of them. Courtship and marriage are the all-absorbing themes. The most indiscreet marriages are formed. God is not consulted. Human feelings, desires, and passions, bear down everything before them, until the die is cast. Untold misery is the result of this state of things and God is dishonored. The marriage vow covers every kind of lustful abomination. The marriage bed is not sanctified or holy. Shall there not be a decided change in reference to this important matter?

6LtMs, Lt 6a, 1890, par. 91

“Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot: they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; but the same day that Lot went away out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.” [Verses 28, 29.] There is need that we should eat and drink, but when men allow the gratification of appetite to occupy their thoughts and time at the neglect of their eternal interests, it is a sin for which God will punish them, for they abuse their bodies, destroy health, unbalance the mind, and strengthen the animal propensities. Then they are led by Satan to do the very things that awaken the sword of justice against them.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 74, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, par. 51

The words of Christ should ever be borne in mind: “As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of Man. They did eat, they drank.” [Luke 17:26, 27.] Appetite bears away over mind and conscience in this age. Gluttony, winebibbing, liquor-drinking, tobacco using prevail, but Christ’s followers will be temperate in eating and drinking. They will not indulge appetite at the expense of health and spiritual growth.

11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, par. 52

“They married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.” [Verse 27.] We see the same manifestation now in regard to marriage. Youth, and even men and women who ought to be wise and discerning, act as if bewitched upon this question. A satanic power seems to take possession of them. The most indiscreet marriages are formed. God is not consulted. Human feelings, desires, and passions, bear down everything before them, until the die is cast. Untold misery is the result of this state of things, and God is dishonored. The marriage vow covers every kind of lustful abomination. Shall there not be a decided change in reference to this matter?

11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, par. 53

“Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded. But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.” [Verses 28, 29.] There is need that we eat and drink; but when men allow the gratification of appetite to occupy their thoughts and time to the neglect of their eternal interests, it is a sin for which God will punish them; for they abuse their bodies, destroy health, unbalance the mind, and strengthen the animal propensities. Then they are led by Satan to do the very things that awaken the sword of justice against them.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 35, 1885

4LtMs, Ms 35, 1885, par. 4

Then we read, “As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be when the Son of man shall be revealed.” [Luke 17:26, 30.] The wicked will be destroyed, not by water, but by fire. But before the Son of God shall come, He sends the warning that He is soon to come to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity; the earth also shall disclose her blood and shall no more cover her slain. Now Christ says that just before His coming such a state of things will exist as existed in the old world. They did not repent before God, but went right on eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not till the flood came and took them all away. Well, is it a sin to eat or drink? When we carry it to excess it is a sin. When we carry the marrying and giving in marriage to excess this is also a sin.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 26, 1885

4LtMs, Ms 26, 1885, par. 22

Sent letter, four pages, to Brother Lockwood. We rested well last night and feel very thankful to God for His mercy and kindness to us. We praise the Lord that we have been able to speak to the people in such freedom and power. The Lord has helped me, for I have suffered much pain and feebleness. I praise the Lord for His goodness. I will not fail or be discouraged. We attended evening meeting. I spoke to the congregation upon the coming of the Lord. “As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be when the Son of Man shall be revealed.” [Luke 17:26, 30.] I think it will prove a benefit to me to have to speak through an interpreter. I rest my lungs, but my mind has to keep a close connection with my subject.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 69, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 69, 1893, par. 4

I had an appointment at Petone, seven miles from Wellington, and I feared very much to undertake the journey. We went in an easy hack, and I endured the ride well. I rose to speak but could not speak on the subject I had purposed to, for another subject was given me. I took for my subject, “As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be when the Son of man shall be revealed.” [Luke 17:26, 30.] The discourse was a warning in regard to the closing scenes of this earth’s history. The power of God came upon me; I felt it thrilling through every nerve of my body, and the people knew that the words came in the demonstration of the Spirit and power of God. Since that time I have been very much improved in health. The Lord honored my faith, and He has had compassion upon me.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 51, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 51, 1893, par. 7

I was speaking to the teachers in messages of reproof. All the teachers need exercise, a change of employment. God has pointed out what this should be—useful, practical work <for both students and teachers>—but you have turned away from God’s plan to follow human inventions, and that to the detriment of the spiritual. Not a jot or tittle of the after-influence of an education in that line will fit you to meet the severe conflicts in these last days. What kind of education are our teachers and students receiving? Has God designed and planned this kind of exercise for you, or is it brought in by human inventions and human imaginations? How is the mind prepared for contemplation and meditation and serious thoughts, and the earnest, contrite prayer, coming from hearts subdued by the Holy Spirit of God? “As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be when the Son of Man is revealed.” [Luke 17:26, 30.] “And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” [Genesis 6:5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 73a, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 73a, 1896, par. 33

“As the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came and took them all away, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” [Matthew 24:37-39.] “Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot: they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.” [Luke 17:28-30.]

11LtMs, Lt 73a, 1896, par. 41

I feel deeply over the existing state of things. It is today “as it was in the days of Noe.” [Luke 17:26.] Then they ate and drink, and planted and builded, stirred with an enthusiasm from beneath. This made them intensely active to follow the evil imagination of their own hearts, and that continually. There was violence in the land. What do we see now, in 1896? Men working in the same manner as in Noah’s day, forgetful of God, education themselves in habit and practice to corrupt soul and body. We see terrible calamities coming upon this world because of iniquity. Thousands are being killed by floods, by terrible tornadoes, by earthquakes. Ships that are upon the great deep perish in the angry billows. Yet in spite of this, men continue to act in opposition to God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 109, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 109, 1898, par. 2

There are plenty of people who do not care for anything that is serious. The world is now as it was in the days of Noah. They are eating and drinking, marrying, and giving in marriage; they are planting and building, expending money for liquor and tobacco; for things which destroy the physical, mental, and moral power of those for whom the Lord Jesus has given His life to make it possible that they might have another probation. They put into their stomachs things which benumb the mind, confuse the senses, and make them incapable of acting as sensible men. Amusements for self gratification, horse races, cricket and baseball matches, theater entertainments and gambling, are all in full force, testifying that we are living in the time when the end of all things is at hand. Of the people in Noah’s day the statement is made that they “knew not until the flood came and took them all away.” [Matthew 24:39.] And “as it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be when the Son of man is revealed.” [Luke 17:26, 30.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 10a, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 10a, 1898, par. 21

The world is to be again destroyed as before the flood, not by water, but by fire. We read the Scripture, “As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be when the Son of man is revealed.” [Luke 17:26, 30.] Fathers and mothers must awake to their responsibilities, lest by their own course of action they encourage rebellion in their children. We feel to the depths of our being the peril that meets us in these last days. But the Lord sees, He understands all our necessities.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 131, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 131, 1902, par. 15

We know, by the fulfilling of the signs that Christ predicted, that the end of all things is at hand. “As it was in the days of Noah,” He declared, “so shall it be also in the day when the Son of man is revealed.” [Luke 17:26, 30.] This is a time of marked depravity and sinfulness, when men have no regard for God or eternal realities. It is now that we need the faith that overcomes the world. We cannot afford to be careless upon the very borders of the eternal world. How fearful is the wickedness portrayed in the daily papers! If the judgments of God that are falling on the earth do not arouse the souls perishing out of Christ, what will? Think of the strikes, the confusion in the business world, the thefts, the dishonest practices, the wars and bloodshed, the suicides and murders. Notwithstanding this dark picture, the people are becoming more and more interested in amusements—in ball-playing and other games, in racing, theaters, and many, many other worldly pleasures. Can we not understand that the end of the world has come, as Christ predicted?

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 7—The Flood

PP 103.3

When great and wise men had proved to their satisfaction that it was impossible for the world to be destroyed by water, when the fears of the people were quieted, when all regarded Noah’s prophecy as a delusion, and looked upon him as a fanatic—then it was that God’s time had come. “The fountains of the great deep” were “broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened,” and the scoffers were overwhelmed in the waters of the Flood. With all their boasted philosophy, men found too late that their wisdom was foolishness, that the Lawgiver is greater than the laws of nature, and that Omnipotence is at no loss for means to accomplish His purposes. “As it was in the days of Noah,” “even thus shall it be in the days when the Son of man is revealed.” Luke 17:26, 30. “The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” 2 Peter 3:10. When the reasoning of philosophy has banished the fear of God’s judgments; when religious teachers are pointing forward to long ages of peace and prosperity, and the world are absorbed in their rounds of business and pleasure, planting and building, feasting and merrymaking, rejecting God’s warnings and mocking His messengers—then it is that sudden destruction cometh upon them, and they shall not escape. 1 Thessalonians 5:3.

From Eternity Past

When Probation Closes

EP 59.4

In Noah’s day philosophers declared it was impossible for the world to be destroyed by water. So now men of science endeavor to show that the world cannot be destroyed by fire. But when all regarded Noah’s prophecy as a delusion, then it was that God’s time had come. The Lawgiver is greater than the laws of nature. “As it was in the days of Noah,” “even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.” Luke 17:26, 30. “The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, ... and the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” 2 Peter 3:10.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 64, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 64, 1898, par. 8

What is the condition of the world at the present time? Christ has described it. “As it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. ... Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.” [Luke 17:26, 27, 30.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 20 [Nos. 1420-1500]

MR No. 1486—The Danger of Rejecting Light

20MR 316.4

What is the condition of the world at the present time? Christ has described it: “As it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.... Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed” [Luke 17:26, 27, 30].

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

MR No. 851—Ellen White in New Zealand

11MR 1.2

I had an appointment at Petone and the subject I thought to speak upon was the necessity of growth in grace, but it was taken from me. In its place a most solemn warning was given me for the congregation in regard to the withdrawal of the Spirit of God from the world, and the judgments of God which were plagues of sickness, disasters by sea and by land, destruction everywhere in our world by fire and floods, and earthquakes in “divers places.” In the words of Christ: [Luke 17:26-30 quoted].

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 87, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 87, 1898, par. 32

The cities and villages of today are leavened with the principles that prevailed in the time of Christ. “As it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, when the flood came, and destroyed them all. Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot, they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.” [Luke 17:26-30.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 105, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 105, 1898, par. 19

This Christ declared would be. “As it was in the days of Noah,” He said, “so shall it be when the Son of man shall be revealed. They were eating and drinking, planting and building, marrying and giving in marriage, until the flood came and took them all away.” [Matthew 24:37-39; Luke 17:26-30.] This is to be when the Son of man shall be revealed. But God designed that in all this outlay of means the brotherhood of the human family should be considered. It was His purpose that those who had large talents of means should trade upon their entrusted capital, to increase the talents lent them, and invest them in turning men from sin to righteousness. In seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, men could be men in the sight of God—fallen through sin and transgression, but purchased with a price, ransomed from Satan’s power. Christ gave His own life for the life of the world, that men might, through the facilities and opportunities and privileges given him of God, recognize his own value.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 147, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 147, 1899, par. 8

Speaking concerning this time, Christ said, “As it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. Likewise also, as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom, it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man shall be revealed.” [Luke 17:26-30.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 155, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 155, 1899, par. 20

In spite of all that has been done for them, the people of the world today stand before God as did the inhabitants of the Noachic world. “As it was in the days of Noah,” Christ declared, “so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom, it rained fire and brimstone, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.” [Luke 17:26-30.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 27, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 27, 1900, par. 18

Christ says, “As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, when the flood came and destroyed them all. Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot: they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom, it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.” [Luke 17:26-30.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 233, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 233, 1902, par. 2

Just before the flood took place, God directed [that] an ark be built. This building called the people from every direction to see that immense boat being built on dry land. And the wickedness notwithstanding, the warnings went steadily forward. Genesis 6:5-7; Luke 17:26-30.

17LtMs, Ms 233, 1902, par. 11

The murders without one sign of provocation, and the divorces and the miserable marriages—we can understand what Christ meant when He said, “Married and given in marriage,” which He specified as signs of the last days. [Luke 17:27.] The sacred marriage relation is a farce with those who disregard laws human and divine. Mark said about it: “For what shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul, or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” [Mark 8:36, 37.] The life that is to be given to the just is an eternal life of bliss in the heavenly courts.

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

MR No. 815—Evangelizing Big Cities From Outposts

10MR 226.2

Christ, the world’s Redeemer, saw this conflict approaching, and sends us the warning to “watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.” [Luke 17:26-30 quoted.]

Temperance

3. At Sydney, Australia—1893

Te 283.2

“And as it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the Flood came, and destroyed them all. Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.” Luke 17:26-30. Now, we know that intemperance is in our world everywhere. There is no sin in eating and drinking to sustain us physically, and in doing that which is for our spiritual good. But when we lose eternity out of our reckoning, and carry these necessary things to excess, that is when the sin comes in. We see on every side such crime, such iniquity. Is it not time that we shall begin to study for ourselves? We have souls to save or souls to lose. God created our first parents and placed them in Paradise. God made only one restriction. “The fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.” They would forfeit their life, if they did not obey the restriction.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)

Lt 21, 1867

1LtMs, Lt 21, 1867, par. 18

What shall worldly pleasures avail you when all the world shall be overwhelmed as was Sodom and destroyed like Gomorrah? These cities are set forth as examples to other sinners that they know that their day is coming. For “as it was in the days of Lot, they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom, it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.” Luke 17:26-30.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 37, 1889

6LtMs, Ms 37, 1889, par. 3

Jesus describes the unbelief then prevailing. He says, “As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be when the Son of man shall be revealed. They were eating and drinking, planting and building, marrying and giving in marriage, until the flood came and swept them all away. So shall it be when the Son of man shall be revealed” [See Luke 17:26-30].

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 9a, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 9a, 1893, par. 2

I had an appointment to Petone and the subject I thought to speak upon was the necessity of growth in grace, but it was taken from me. In its place a most solemn warning was given me for the congregation in regard to the withdrawal of the Spirit of God from the world and the judgments of God, which were plagues of sickness, disasters by sea and by land, destruction everywhere in our world by fire and flood, earthquakes in “divers places,” and the words of Christ, “And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the days when the Son of man is revealed.” [Luke 21:11; 17:26-30.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 27, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 27, 1893, par. 1

[Read] Luke 17:26-30. Now, we know that intemperance is in our world everywhere. There is no sin in eating and drinking to sustain us physically, and in doing that which is for our spiritual good. But when we lose eternity out of our reckoning, and carry these necessary things to excess, that is when the sin comes in. We see on every side such crime, such iniquity. Is it not time that we shall begin to study for ourselves? We have souls to save or souls to lose. God created our first parents and placed them in Paradise. God made only one restriction. “The fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.” [Genesis 3:3.] They would forfeit their life if they did not obey the restriction.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 13, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 13, 1895, par. 3

Christ, the world’s Redeemer, saw this conflict approaching, and sends us the warning to “watch and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.” [Mark 14:38.] For “As it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.” [Luke 17:26-30.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 28, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 28, 1897, par. 34

“As it was in the days of Noe, so shall it also be in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded. But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom, it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man shall be revealed.” [Luke 17:26-30.]

Sermons and Talks, vol. 1

Diet and Health Notes on Sermon Preached by Mrs. E. G. White at Los Angeles, California, May 16, 1884

1SAT 10.1

We are required, whether we eat or drink, to do all to the glory of God. One of the signs that we are in the last days is that this is not done. “As it was in the days of Lot.” Luke 17:28. Minds are too largely occupied with thoughts of what to eat or drink or wear. Men have no time to think of what will fit them for eternal life. Shall we not act like rational beings? The greatest question that ever occupied the human mind is, What shall I do to be saved? If the thoughts take a low plane, the character will be correspondingly low. But if the thoughts are led to grapple with the difficult problems in the Bible, the mind and character will be strengthened. In the world much time is given to matters of eating and drinking and dressing. Shall we be like the world, or shall we show that we cannot spend our time as they do? Be careful not to go to extremes.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 5, 1884

4LtMs, Ms 5, 1884, par. 1

We are required, whether we eat or drink, to do all to the glory of God. One of the signs that we are in the last days is that this is not done. “As it was in the days of Lot.” Luke 17:28. Minds are too largely occupied with thoughts of what to eat or drink or wear. Men have no time to think of what will fit them for eternal life. Shall we not act like rational beings? The greatest question that ever occupied the human mind is, What shall I do to be saved? If the thoughts take a low plane, the character will be correspondingly low. But if the thoughts are led to grapple with the difficult problems in the Bible, the mind and character will be strengthened. In the world much time is given to matters of eating and drinking and dressing. Shall we be like the world, or shall we show that we cannot spend our time as they do? Be careful not to go to extremes.

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 14—Destruction of Sodom

PP 166.1

There is cause for alarm in the condition of the religious world today. God’s mercy has been trifled with. The multitudes make void the law of Jehovah, “teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” Matthew 15:9. Infidelity prevails in many of the churches in our land; not infidelity in its broadest sense—an open denial of the Bible—but an infidelity that is robed in the garb of Christianity, while it is undermining faith in the Bible as a revelation from God. Fervent devotion and vital piety have given place to hollow formalism. As the result, apostasy and sensualism prevail. Christ declared, “As it was in the days of Lot, ... even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.” Luke 17:28, 30. The daily record of passing events testifies to the fulfillment of His words. The world is fast becoming ripe for destruction. Soon the judgments of God are to be poured out, and sin and sinners are to be consumed.

From Eternity Past

Another Sodom

EP 104.1

In the religious world today God’s mercy has been trifled with. Multitudes make void the law, “teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” Matthew 15:9. Infidelity prevails in many churches, not infidelity in its broadest sense—an open denial of the Bible—but an infidelity undermining faith in the Bible as a revelation from God. Vital piety has given place to hollow formalism. As the result, apostasy and sensualism prevail. Christ declared, “As it was in the days of Lot... . Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.” Luke 17:28, 30. The world is fast becoming ripe for destruction.

Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene

Chapter 1—Christian Temperance General Principles

CTBH 11.1

Jesus, seated on the Mount of Olives, gave instruction to his disciples concerning the signs which should precede his coming: “As the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” [Matthew 24:37-39.] The same sins that brought judgments upon the world in the days of Noah, exist in our day. Men and women now carry their eating and drinking so far that it ends in gluttony and drunkenness. This prevailing sin, the indulgence of perverted appetite, inflamed the passions of men in the days of Noah, and led to wide-spread corruption. Violence and sin reached to heaven. This moral pollution was finally swept from the earth by means of the flood. The same sins of gluttony and drunkenness benumbed the moral sensibilities of the inhabitants of Sodom, so that crime seemed to be the delight of the men and women of that wicked city. Christ thus warns the world: “Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.” [Luke 17:28-30.]

Counsels on Health

As in the Days of Noah

CH 23.2

The same sins of gluttony and drunkenness benumbed the moral sensibilities of the inhabitants of Sodom, so that crime seemed to be the delight of the men and women of that wicked city. Christ thus warns the world: “Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.” Luke 17:28-30.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 69, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 69, 1897, par. 34

In every phase society is corrupt. The world has reached the time to which Christ’s testimony applies: “As the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came and took them all away, so shall the coming of the Son of man be.” [Matthew 24:37-39.] “Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded. But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom, it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.” [Luke 17:28-30.] “As I live, saith the Lord God, Sodom thy sister hath not done, she nor her daughters, as thou hast done, thou and thy daughters. Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, Pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.” [Ezekiel 16:48, 49.]

Last Day Events

Chapter 17—The Seven Last Plagues and the Wicked (The Great Time of Trouble, Part 1)

LDE 249.3

The world will have forgotten the admonition and warnings of God as did the inhabitants of the Noatic world, as did also the dwellers in Sodom. They awoke with all their plans and inventions of iniquity, but suddenly the shower of fire came from heaven and consumed the godless inhabitants. “Thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed” [Luke 17:30].—Manuscript Releases 14:96, 97 (1896).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 37, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 37, 1894, par. 16

As Christ talked with the scribes and Pharisees, His prophetic eye was taking in the future. He heard the tramp of the Roman army and saw Jerusalem given up to their avarice. He looked forward to the time when the protecting care of God was no longer exercised for the rebellious city. He saw that the angel of mercy would fold her wings and take her departure. Christ looked even beyond this; he saw the inhabitants of the world just previous to His second coming, and declared that the condition of society would be similar to that of the world at the time of the flood. He said, “As the days of Noah were, so shall the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” [Matthew 24:37-39.] What was it that caused the destruction of the people in the world before the flood? It was their own sin; for the thoughts and imaginations of their hearts were only evil, and evil continually. They trampled upon the commands of God, as did the Jews, and suffered God’s retributive judgment. “Even so shall it be when the Son of man is revealed.” [Luke 17:30.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 7a, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 7a, 1896, par. 24

After John’s description in (Revelation 16), of that miracle working power which was to gather the world to the last great conflict, the symbols were dropped, and the trumpet voice once more gives a certain sound. “Behold I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.” [Verse 15.] After the transgression of Adam and Eve, they were naked, for the garment of light and security had departed from them. The world will have forgotten the admonition and warnings of God, as did the inhabitants of the Noatic world; as did also, the dwellers in Sodom. They awoke with all their plans and inventions of iniquity, but suddenly the shower of fire came from heaven and consumed the godless inhabitants. “Thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.” [Luke 17:30.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 198, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 198, 1899, par. 27

“He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” John 1:10-12. [Read also] verse 14. This grace and this truth it is our duty to make known to the world, because we have a living experience. We are living epistles in the latter days, the very time when Christ predicted the inhabitants would be as were the inhabitants in the days of Noah. The message God had given Noah in warnings, he gave to the world before the flood, but they would not believe. They were eating and drinking and planting and building, and marrying and giving in marriage, until the flood came upon the unrepenting inhabitants and took them all away. Hear the words of Christ: “So shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.” [Luke 17:30.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 14 [Nos. 1081-1135]

MR No. 1097—The True Sabbath versus the False Sabbath; an Appeal for Total Commitment”

14MR 96.2

After John’s description in Revelation 16 of that miracle-working power which was to gather the world to the last great conflict, the symbols are dropped, and the trumpet voice once more gives a certain sound. “Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame” [Revelation 16:15]. After the transgression of Adam and Eve, they were naked, for the garment of light and security had departed from them. The world will have forgotten the admonition and warnings of God, as did the inhabitants of the Noatic world; as did also the dwellers in Sodom. They awoke with all their plans and inventions of iniquity; but suddenly the shower of fire came from heaven and consumed the godless inhabitants. “Thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed” [Luke 17:30].

A Word to the Little Flock

Dear Brother Bates

WLF 19.2

In the time of trouble, we all fled from the cities and villages, [Ezekiel 7:15, 16. Luke 17:30-36. See Campbell’s translation.] but were pursued by the wicked, who entered the houses of the saints with the sword. They raised the sword to kill us, but it broke, and fell, as powerless as a straw. Then we all cried day and night for deliverance, and the cry came up before God. [Luke 18:7, 8.] The sun came up, and the moon stood still. [Habakkuk 3:11.] The streams ceased to flow. [2 Esdras 6:24.] Dark heavy clouds came up, and clashed against each other. [2 Esdras 15:34,35.] But there was one clear place of settled glory, from whence came the voice of God like many waters, which shook the heavens, and the earth. [Joel 3:16. Hebrews 12:25-27.] The sky opened and shut, and was in commotion. [Revelation 6:14. Matthew 24:29.] The mountains shook like a reed in the wind, and cast out ragged rocks all around. The sea boiled like a pot, and cast out stones upon the land. [Habakkuk 3:8-10. Isaiah 2:19-21.] And as God spoke the day and hour of Jesus’ coming, [Ezekiel 12:25. Mark 13:32.] and delivered the everlasting covenant to His people, [Ezekiel 20:37. Hebrews 12:22-25.] He spoke one sentence, and then paused, while the words were rolling through the earth! [Jeremiah 25:30, 31.] The Israel of God stood with their eyes fixed upwards, listening to the words as they came from the mouth of Jehovah, and rolled through the earth like peals of loudest thunder! It was awfully solemn. At the end of every sentence, the saints shouted, Glory! Hallelujah! Their countenances were lighted up with the glory of God; and they shone with the glory as Moses’ face did when he came down from Sinai. The wicked could not look on them, for the glory. [Wisdom of Solomon 5:1-5.] And when the never ending blessing was pronounced on those who had honored God, in keeping His Sabbath holy, there was a mighty shout of victory over the Beast, and over his Image.

Conflict and Courage

Don’t Forget, February 17

CC 54.1

Remember Lot’s wife. Luke 17:32.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 2a, 1872

2LtMs, Lt 2a, 1872, par. 22

My fears are that you will fail to discern your defects and the mistakes of your life, fail to repent with all your heart [so] that your misspent life may not arise before you in the judgment to fasten guilt upon you when it is too late for wrongs to be righted. You, my son, must fall upon the Rock and be broken or the Rock will fall upon you and prove your hopeless ruin, for it will grind you to powder. He that seeketh to save his life shall lose it; but he that loseth his life for Christ’s sake shall preserve it unto life eternal. See John 12:25; Luke 17:33.

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

MR No. 713—Meaning of Those Who are “Left”

9MR 137.1

“Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.” “Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left.” (Luke 17:36, 35.) The righteous and the wicked are to be associated together in the work of life. But the Lord reads the character, He discerns who are obedient children, who respect and love His commandments.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 64a, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 64a, 1895, par. 12

The Lord is coming in power and great glory. It will then be His work to make a complete separation between the righteous and the wicked. But the oil cannot then be transferred to the vessels of those who have it not. Then shall be fulfilled the words of Christ, “Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left.” [Luke 17:35, 36.] The righteous and the wicked are to associate together in the work of life. But the Lord reads the character, He discerns who are obedient children, who respect and love His commandments.