EGW WritingsMatthew 21

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 64—A Doomed People

DA 580.1

The triumphal ride of Christ into Jerusalem was the dim foreshadowing of His coming in the clouds of heaven with power and glory, amid the triumph of angels and the rejoicing of the saints. Then will be fulfilled the words of Christ to the priests and Pharisees: “Ye shall not see Me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord.” Matthew 23:39. In prophetic vision Zechariah was shown that day of final triumph; and he beheld also the doom of those who at the first advent had rejected Christ: “They shall look upon Me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for Him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for Him, as one that is in bitterness for his first-born.” Zechariah 12:10. This scene Christ foresaw when He beheld the city and wept over it. In the temporal ruin of Jerusalem He saw the final destruction of that people who were guilty of the blood of the Son of God.

DA 580.2

The disciples saw the hatred of the Jews to Christ, but they did not yet see to what it would lead. They did not yet understand the true condition of Israel, nor comprehend the retribution that was to fall upon Jerusalem. This Christ opened to them by a significant object lesson.

DA 580.3

The last appeal to Jerusalem had been in vain. The priests and rulers had heard the prophetic voice of the past echoed by the multitude, in answer to the question, “Who is this?” but they did not accept it as the voice of Inspiration. In anger and amazement they tried to silence the people. There were Roman officers in the throng, and to them His enemies denounced Jesus as the leader of a rebellion. They represented that He was about to take possession of the temple, and reign as king in Jerusalem.

DA 581.1

But the calm voice of Jesus hushed for a moment the clamorous throng as He again declared that He had not come to establish a temporal rule; He should soon ascend to His Father, and His accusers would see Him no more until He should come again in glory. Then, too late for their salvation, they would acknowledge Him. These words Jesus spoke with sadness and with singular power. The Roman officers were silenced and subdued. Their hearts, though strangers to divine influence, were moved as they had never been moved before. In the calm, solemn face of Jesus they read love, benevolence, and quiet dignity. They were stirred by a sympathy they could not understand. Instead of arresting Jesus, they were more inclined to pay Him homage. Turning upon the priests and rulers, they charged them with creating the disturbance. These leaders, chagrined and defeated, turned to the people with their complaints, and disputed angrily among themselves.

DA 581.2

Meanwhile Jesus passed unnoticed to the temple. All was quiet there, for the scene upon Olivet had called away the people. For a short time Jesus remained at the temple, looking upon it with sorrowful eyes. Then He withdrew with His disciples, and returned to Bethany. When the people sought for Him to place Him on the throne, He was not to be found.

DA 581.3

The entire night Jesus spent in prayer, and in the morning He came again to the temple. On the way He passed a fig orchard. He was hungry, “and seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, He came, if haply He might find anything thereon: and when He came to it, He found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.”

DA 581.4

It was not the season for ripe figs, except in certain localities; and on the highlands about Jerusalem it might truly be said, “The time of figs was not yet.” But in the orchard to which Jesus came, one tree appeared to be in advance of all the others. It was already covered with leaves. It is the nature of the fig tree that before the leaves open, the growing fruit appears. Therefore this tree in full leaf gave promise of well-developed fruit. But its appearance was deceptive. Upon searching its branches, from the lowest bough to the topmost twig, Jesus found “nothing but leaves.” It was a mass of pretentious foliage, nothing more.

DA 582.1

Christ uttered against it a withering curse. “No man eat fruit of thee hereafter forever,” He said. The next morning, as the Saviour and His disciples were again on their way to the city, the blasted branches and drooping leaves attracted their attention. “Master,” said Peter, “behold, the fig tree which Thou cursedst is withered away.”

DA 582.2

Christ’s act in cursing the fig tree had astonished the disciples. It seemed to them unlike His ways and works. Often they had heard Him declare that He came not to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. They remembered His words, “The Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” Luke 9:56. His wonderful works had been done to restore, never to destroy. The disciples had known Him only as the Restorer, the Healer. This act stood alone. What was its purpose? they questioned.

DA 582.3

God “delighteth in mercy.” “As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked.” Micah 7:18; Ezekiel 33:11. To Him the work of destruction and the denunciation of judgment is a “strange work.” Isaiah 28:21. But it is in mercy and love that He lifts the veil from the future, and reveals to men the results of a course of sin.

DA 582.4

The cursing of the fig tree was an acted parable. That barren tree, flaunting its pretentious foliage in the very face of Christ, was a symbol of the Jewish nation. The Saviour desired to make plain to His disciples the cause and the certainty of Israel’s doom. For this purpose He invested the tree with moral qualities, and made it the expositor of divine truth. The Jews stood forth distinct from all other nations, professing allegiance to God. They had been specially favored by Him, and they laid claim to righteousness above every other people. But they were corrupted by the love of the world and the greed of gain. They boasted of their knowledge, but they were ignorant of the requirements of God, and were full of hypocrisy. Like the barren tree, they spread their pretentious branches aloft, luxuriant in appearance, and beautiful to the eye, but they yielded “nothing but leaves.” The Jewish religion, with its magnificent temple, its sacred altars, its mitered priests and impressive ceremonies, was indeed fair in outward appearance, but humility, love, and benevolence were lacking.

DA 583.1

All the trees in the fig orchard were destitute of fruit; but the leafless trees raised no expectation, and caused no disappointment. By these trees the Gentiles were represented. They were as destitute as were the Jews of godliness; but they had not professed to serve God. They made no boastful pretensions to goodness. They were blind to the works and ways of God. With them the time of figs was not yet. They were still waiting for a day which would bring them light and hope. The Jews, who had received greater blessings from God, were held accountable for their abuse of these gifts. The privileges of which they boasted only increased their guilt.

DA 583.2

Jesus had come to the fig tree hungry, to find food. So He had come to Israel, hungering to find in them the fruits of righteousness. He had lavished on them His gifts, that they might bear fruit for the blessing of the world. Every opportunity and privilege had been granted them, and in return He sought their sympathy and co-operation in His work of grace. He longed to see in them self-sacrifice and compassion, zeal for God, and a deep yearning of soul for the salvation of their fellow men. Had they kept the law of God, they would have done the same unselfish work that Christ did. But love to God and man was eclipsed by pride and self-sufficiency. They brought ruin upon themselves by refusing to minister to others. The treasures of truth which God had committed to them, they did not give to the world. In the barren tree they might read both their sin and its punishment. Withered beneath the Saviour’s curse, standing forth sere and blasted, dried up by the roots, the fig tree showed what the Jewish people would be when the grace of God was removed from them. Refusing to impart blessing, they would no longer receive it. “O Israel,” the Lord says, “thou hast destroyed thyself.” Hosea 13:9.

DA 584.1

The warning is for all time. Christ’s act in cursing the tree which His own power had created stands as a warning to all churches and to all Christians. No one can live the law of God without ministering to others. But there are many who do not live out Christ’s merciful, unselfish life. Some who think themselves excellent Christians do not understand what constitutes service for God. They plan and study to please themselves. They act only in reference to self. Time is of value to them only as they can gather for themselves. In all the affairs of life this is their object. Not for others but for themselves do they minister. God created them to live in a world where unselfish service must be performed. He designed them to help their fellow men in every possible way. But self is so large that they cannot see anything else. They are not in touch with humanity. Those who thus live for self are like the fig tree, which made every pretension but was fruitless. They observe the forms of worship, but without repentance or faith. In profession they honor the law of God, but obedience is lacking. They say, but do not. In the sentence pronounced on the fig tree Christ demonstrates how hateful in His eyes is this vain pretense. He declares that the open sinner is less guilty than is he who professes to serve God, but who bears no fruit to His glory.

DA 584.2

The parable of the fig tree, spoken before Christ’s visit to Jerusalem, had a direct connection with the lesson He taught in cursing the fruitless tree. For the barren tree of the parable the gardener pleaded, Let it alone this year, until I shall dig about it and dress it; and if it bear fruit, well; but if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down. Increased care was to be given the unfruitful tree. It was to have every advantage. But if it remained fruitless, nothing could save it from destruction. In the parable the result of the gardener’s work was not foretold. It depended upon that people to whom Christ’s words were spoken. They were represented by the fruitless tree, and it rested with them to decide their own destiny. Every advantage that Heaven could bestow was given them, but they did not profit by their increased blessings. By Christ’s act in cursing the barren fig tree, the result was shown. They had determined their own destruction.

DA 584.3

For more than a thousand years the Jewish nation had abused God’s mercy and invited His judgments. They had rejected His warnings and slain His prophets. For these sins the people of Christ’s day made themselves responsible by following the same course. In the rejection of their present mercies and warnings lay the guilt of that generation. The fetters which the nation had for centuries been forging, the people of Christ’s day were fastening upon themselves.

DA 587.1

In every age there is given to men their day of light and privilege, a probationary time in which they may become reconciled to God. But there is a limit to this grace. Mercy may plead for years and be slighted and rejected; but there comes a time when mercy makes her last plea. The heart becomes so hardened that it ceases to respond to the Spirit of God. Then the sweet, winning voice entreats the sinner no longer, and reproofs and warnings cease.

DA 587.2

That day had come to Jerusalem. Jesus wept in anguish over the doomed city, but He could not deliver her. He had exhausted every resource. In rejecting the warnings of God’s Spirit, Israel had rejected the only means of help. There was no other power by which they could be delivered.

DA 587.3

The Jewish nation was a symbol of the people of all ages who scorn the pleadings of Infinite Love. The tears of Christ when He wept over Jerusalem were for the sins of all time. In the judgments pronounced upon Israel, those who reject the reproofs and warnings of God’s Holy Spirit, may read their own condemnation.

DA 587.4

In this generation there are many who are treading on the same ground as were the unbelieving Jews. They have witnessed the manifestation of the power of God; the Holy Spirit has spoken to their hearts; but they cling to their unbelief and resistance. God sends them warnings and reproof, but they are not willing to confess their errors, and they reject His message and His messenger. The very means He uses for their recovery becomes to them a stone of stumbling.

DA 587.5

The prophets of God were hated by apostate Israel because through them their hidden sins were brought to light. Ahab regarded Elijah as his enemy because the prophet was faithful to rebuke the king’s secret iniquities. So today the servant of Christ, the reprover of sin, meets with scorn and rebuffs. Bible truth, the religion of Christ, struggles against a strong current of moral impurity. Prejudice is even stronger in the hearts of men now than in Christ’s day. Christ did not fulfill men’s expectations; His life was a rebuke to their sins, and they rejected Him. So now the truth of God’s word does not harmonize with men’s practices and their natural inclination, and thousands reject its light. Men prompted by Satan cast doubt upon God’s word, and choose to exercise their independent judgment. They choose darkness rather than light, but they do it at the peril of their souls. Those who caviled at the words of Christ, found ever-increased cause for cavil, until they turned from the Truth and the Life. So it is now. God does not propose to remove every objection which the carnal heart may bring against His truth. To those who refuse the precious rays of light which would illuminate the darkness, the mysteries of God’s word remain such forever. From them the truth is hidden. They walk blindly, and know not the ruin before them.

DA 588.1

Christ overlooked the world and all ages from the height of Olivet; and His words are applicable to every soul who slights the pleadings of divine mercy. Scorner of His love, He addresses you today. It is “thou, even thou,” who shouldest know the things that belong to thy peace. Christ is shedding bitter tears for you, who have no tears to shed for yourself. Already that fatal hardness of heart which destroyed the Pharisees is manifest in you. And every evidence of the grace of God, every ray of divine light, is either melting and subduing the soul, or confirming it in hopeless impenitence.

DA 588.2

Christ foresaw that Jerusalem would remain obdurate and impenitent; yet all the guilt, all the consequences of rejected mercy, lay at her own door. Thus it will be with every soul who is following the same course. The Lord declares, “O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself.” “Hear, O earth: behold, I will bring evil upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not hearkened unto My words, nor to My law, but rejected it.” Hosea 13:9; Jeremiah 6:19.

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 64—A Doomed People

HLv 387.1

The last appeal to Jerusalem had been in vain. The priests and rulers had heard the prophetic voice echoed by the multitude in answer to the question, “Who is this?” but they did not accept it as the voice of Inspiration. In anger they tried to silence the people. To Roman officers in the throng, His enemies denounced Jesus as the leader of a rebellion. They represented that He was about to take possession of the temple, and reign as king in Jerusalem.

HLv 387.2

But in a calm voice Jesus again declared that He had not come to establish a temporal rule; He would soon ascend to His Father, and His accusers would see Him no more until He should come again in glory. Then, too late, they would acknowledge Him.

HLv 387.3

These words Jesus spoke with sadness and with singular power. The Roman officers were silenced and subdued. Their hearts were moved as they had never been moved before. In the solemn face of Jesus they read love and quiet dignity. Stirred by a sympathy they could not understand, they were inclined to pay Him homage. Turning on the priests and rulers, they charged them with creating the disturbance.

HLv 387.4

Meanwhile Jesus passed unnoticed to the temple. All was quiet there, for the scene on Olivet had called away the people. For a short time Jesus remained, looking on the temple with sorrow. Then He returned to Bethany. When the people sought Him to place Him on the throne, He was not to be found.

HLv 387.5

The entire night Jesus spent in prayer, and in the morning came again to the temple. On the way He was hungry, “and seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, He came, if haply He might find anything thereon; and when He came to it, He found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.”

HLv 388.1

On the highlands about Jerusalem it might truly be said, “The time of figs was not yet.” But in the orchard to which Jesus came, one tree appeared to be in advance of all the others. It was already covered with leaves, giving promise of well-developed fruit. But its appearance was deceptive. Jesus found “nothing but leaves.” It was a mass of pretentious foliage, nothing more.

HLv 388.2

Christ uttered against it a withering curse. “‘May no one ever eat fruit from you again,’” He said. RSV. Next morning, as the Saviour and His disciples were again on their way to the city, the blasted branches and drooping leaves attracted their attention. “Master,” said Peter, “behold, the fig tree which Thou cursedst is withered away.”

HLv 388.3

Christ’s act in cursing the fig tree seemed to the disciples unlike His ways. They remembered His words, “The Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” Luke 9:56. His works had been done to restore, never to destroy. This act stood alone. What was its purpose? they questioned.

HLv 388.4

“As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked.” Ezekiel 33:11. To Him the work of destruction and the denunciation of judgment is a “strange work.” Isaiah 28:21. But in mercy and love He lifts the veil from the future and reveals the results of a course of sin.

HLv 388.5

The barren fig tree, flaunting its pretentious foliage in the face of Christ, was a symbol of the Jewish nation. The Saviour desired to make plain the cause and the certainty of Israel’s doom. For this purpose He made the tree the expositor of divine truth. The Jews laid claim to righteousness above every other people. But they were corrupted by the love of the world and the greed of gain. They spread their pretentious branches aloft, luxuriant in appearance and beautiful to the eye, but they yielded “nothing but leaves.” The Jewish religion, with its magnificent temple and impressive ceremonies, was indeed fair in outward appearance, but humility, love, and benevolence were lacking.

HLv 389.1

The leafless trees raised no expectation and caused no disappointment. These represented the Gentiles, who were as destitute as the Jews of godliness; but they made no boastful pretentions to goodness. With them “the time of figs” was not yet. They were still waiting for light and hope. The Jews, who had received greater blessings from God, were held accountable for their abuse of these gifts. The privileges of which they boasted only increased their guilt.

HLv 389.3

Christ’s act in cursing the tree which His own power had created stands as a warning to all churches and all Christians. There are many who do not live out Christ’s merciful, unselfish life. Time is of value to them only as they can gather for themselves. In all the affairs of life this is their object. God designed them to help their fellowmen in every possible way. But self is so large that they cannot see anything else. Those who thus live for self are like the fig tree. They observe the forms of worship without repentance or faith. In profession they honor the law of God, but obedience is lacking. In the sentence pronounced on the fig tree Christ declares that the open sinner is less guilty than he who professes to serve God but bears no fruit to His glory.

HLv 390.2

For more than a thousand years the Jewish nation had rejected God’s warnings and slain His prophets. For these sins the people of Christ’s day made themselves responsible by following the same course. The fetters which the nations had for centuries been forging, the people of Christ’s day were fastening on themselves.

HLv 390.3

There comes a time when mercy makes her last plea. Then the sweet, winning voice of the Spirit entreats the sinner no longer.

HLv 390.4

That day had come to Jerusalem. Jesus wept in anguish over the doomed city, but could not deliver her. He had exhausted every resource. In rejecting the warnings of God’s Spirit, Israel had rejected the only means of help.

HLv 390.5

The Jewish nation was a symbol of the people of all ages who scorn the pleadings of Infinite Love. The tears of Christ when He wept over Jerusalem were for the sins of all time.

HLv 391.1

In this generation many are treading the same ground as the unbelieving Jews. The Holy Spirit has spoken to their hearts, but they are not willing to confess their errors. They reject God’s message and His messenger.

HLv 391.2

Today Bible truth, the religion of Christ, struggles against a strong current of moral impurity. Prejudice is stronger now than in Christ’s day. The truth of God’s Word does not harmonize with men’s natural inclination, and thousands reject its light and choose their independent judgment. But they do it at the peril of their souls.

HLv 391.3

Those who caviled at the words of Christ found ever-increasing cause for cavil, until they turned from the Truth and the Life. God does not propose to remove every objection which the carnal heart may bring against His truth. To those who refuse light which would illuminate the darkness, the mysteries of God’s Word remain such forever. From them the truth is hidden.

HLv 391.4

Christ’s words are applicable to every soul who slights the pleadings of divine mercy. Christ is shedding bitter tears for you, who have no tears to shed for yourself. And every evidence of the grace of God, every ray of divine light, is either melting and subduing the soul, or confirming it in hopeless impenitence.

From Heaven With Love

Why This One Tree Was Cursed

HLv 389.2

Jesus had come to Israel, hungering to find in them the fruits of righteousness. Every privilege had been granted them, and in return He longed to see in them self-sacrifice, compassion, and a deep yearning for the salvation of their fellowmen. But love to God and man was eclipsed by pride and self-sufficiency. The treasures of truth which God had committed to them, they did not give to the world. In the barren tree they might read both their sin and its punishment. Withered, dried up by the roots, the fig tree showed what the Jewish people would be when the grace of God was removed from them. Refusing to impart blessing, they would no longer receive it. “O Israel,” the Lord says, “thou hast destroyed thyself.” Hosea 13:9.

HLv 390.1

The parable of the fig tree, spoken before Christ’s visit to Jerusalem, had a direct connection with the lesson He taught in cursing the fruitless tree. For the barren tree of the parable the gardener pleaded, “Let it alone, sir, this year also, till I dig about it and put on manure. And if it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.” Luke 13:8, 9, RSV. It was to have every advantage. In the parable, the result of the gardener’s work was not foretold: it depended on that people to whom Christ’s words were spoken, represented by the fruitless tree. It rested with them to decide their own destiny. Every advantage was given them, but they did not profit by their increased blessings. By Christ’s act in cursing the barren fig tree, the result was shown. They had determined their own destruction.

HLv 391.5

Christ foresaw that Jerusalem would remain impenitent, yet all the guilt lay at her own door. Thus it will be with every soul who follows the same course. The Lord declares: “O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself.” “Hear, O earth: behold, I will bring evil upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not hearkened unto My words, nor to My law, but rejected it.” Hosea 13:9; Jeremiah 6:19.

Christ Triumphant

God’s People Not to Make a Pretentious Show, September 6

CTr 256.1

And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away. Matthew 21:19.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 43, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 43, 1897, par. 21

Those who thus live for self are like the fig tree, which made every pretension, but was fruitless. When Christ came to it, seeking fruit because He was hungry, no fruit rewarded His search. A withering curse was pronounced on this tree. “Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward forever,” Christ said, and presently the fig tree withered away. [Matthew 21:19.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 17, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 17, 1897, par. 10

The church without living godliness is like the fig tree, to which Christ, hungering for food, came and searched for fruit, and found nothing but leaves. This is as it is with many who profess religion; and our position, having as we have, great light, great opportunities, great privileges, will bring the curse that came upon the fig tree, upon all who have a name to live, and are fruitless. When Christ uttered the words, “Let no fruit grow on thee henceforth forever,” presently “the fig tree withered away.” [Matthew 21:19.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 10, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 10, 1899, par. 15

Men who are determined to do as they please will despise and reject the counsels of God against their own souls. God will give them up to their own lusts and idols. He will receive none of their service, but will pronounce sentence against them as against the barren fig tree, saying, “Let no fruit grow on thee henceforth and forever.” [Matthew 21:19.] Their condemnation will be irrevocable, although they may bear the name of Christian and go through a form of service. None but God may know their true state, but he searcheth all things.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 80, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 80, 1901, par. 1

This morning I have a message for the church in Los Angeles. The past camp-meeting will prove to you a savor of life unto life or of death unto death. Let it not be said of any one of you, “Ephraim is joined to his idols; let him alone.” [Hosea 4:17.] To the unfruitful fig tree Christ said, “Let no fruit grow on you henceforth forever.” [Matthew 21:19.] God forbid that these words should be spoken of you.

From the Heart

The Barren Fig Tree, April 3

FH 105.1

Having a form of godliness but denying its power. 2 Timothy 3:5. (Read Matthew 21:19-21.)

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 123, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 123, 1899, par. 1

“Hear another parable,” Christ said. “There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country: and when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it. And the husbandmen took his servants, and [beat] one, and [killed] another, and [stoned] another. Again he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise. But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son. But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir, come, let us kill him: and the inheritance will be ours.” [Matthew 21:33-38; Mark 12:7.]

14LtMs, Ms 123, 1899, par. 5

The lessons of Christ in the parables preceding the parable of the vineyard present the Jewish nation as unfaithful in their stewardship. Men of God’s appointment had come to the vineyard for fruit, and had found none. Christ compared them to the barren fig tree, which while laden with luxuriant foliage, and apparently flourishing, was destitute of fruit. Christ searched from the topmost branch to the lowest bough, but He found nothing but leaves, and He cursed the unfruitful tree. “Let no fruit grow on thee henceforth and forever,” He said. [Matthew 21:19.]

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 14—“Shall Not God Avenge His Own?”

COL 173.2

The Lord declares that He will be honored by those who draw nigh to Him, who faithfully do His service. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee.” Isaiah 26:3. The arm of Omnipotence is outstretched to lead us onward and still onward. Go forward, the Lord says; I will send you help. It is for My name’s glory that you ask, and you shall receive. I will be honored before those who are watching for your failure. They shall see My word triumph gloriously. “All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” Matthew 21:22.

Prayer

Chapter 19—Attitudes in Prayer

Pr 216.4

Pray in Faith—Pray in faith. And be sure to bring your lives into harmony with your petitions, that you may receive the blessings for which you pray. Let not your faith weaken, for the blessings received are proportionate to the faith exercised. “According to your faith be it unto you.” “All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” Matthew 9:29; Matthew 21:22. Pray, believe, rejoice. Sing praises to God because He has answered your prayers. Take Him at His word. “He is faithful that promised.” Hebrews 10:23. Not one sincere supplication is lost. The channel is open; the stream is flowing. It carries with it healing properties, pouring forth a restoring current of life and health and salvation.—(Testimonies for the Church 7:274.)

Selected Messages Book 2

Messages of Comfort to a Daughter-in-Law Suffering Affliction

2SM 246.1

We do not cease to pray for you, my dear child, and the goodness and mercy of God is so clear and distinct to me that every time I pray it seems as though the Saviour had you in His own arms and that you were reposing there. I have faith in your case. I do believe that the Lord has heard prayer in your behalf, and that He will work for your good and His own name’s glory. He has said, “Ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you” (John 15:7). “Whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive” (Matthew 21:22).

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7

Power from on High

7T 274.1

Pray in faith. And be sure to bring your lives into harmony with your petitions, that you may receive the blessings for which you pray. Let not your faith weaken, for the blessings received are proportionate to the faith exercised. “According to your faith be it unto you.” “All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” Matthew 9:29; 21:22. Pray, believe, rejoice. Sing praises to God because He has answered your prayers. Take Him at His word. “He is faithful that promised.” Hebrews 10:23. Not one sincere supplication is lost. The channel is open; the stream is flowing. It carries with it healing properties, pouring forth a restoring current of life and health and salvation.

That I May Know Him

How to Resist Satan, August 27

TMK 245.4

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

Homeward Bound

The Key in the Hand of Faith, May 2

HB 143.1

And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.—Matthew 21:22.

Homeward Bound

No Prayer Lost, May 14

HB 155.2

The Lord declares that He will be honored by those who draw nigh to Him, who faithfully do His service. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee.” (Isaiah 26:3.) The arm of Omnipotence is outstretched to lead us onward and still onward. Go forward, the Lord says; I will send you help. It is for My name’s glory that you ask, and you shall receive. I will be honored before those who are watching for your failure. They shall see My word triumph gloriously. “All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” (Matthew 21:22.)

With God at Dawn

We Must Believe, March 28

WGD 89.1

And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. Matthew 21:22.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 71, 1889

6LtMs, Lt 71, 1889, par. 4

We do not cease to pray for you, my dear child. And the goodness and mercy of God is so clear and distinct to me, [that] every time I pray it seems as though the Saviour had you in His own arms and that you were reposing there. I have faith in your case. I do believe that the Lord has heard prayer in your behalf and that He will work for your good and His own name’s glory. He has said, “Ask what ye will and it shall be done unto you.” [John 15:7.] “Whatsoever ye ask in [prayer] believing, ye shall receive.” [Matthew 21:22.] I know that stormy times are before us, and we must know how to trust, how to lay hold on the source of our strength. The Lord is good to those that trust in Him, and they shall not be overcome.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 143, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 143, 1894, par. 5

The interest is steadily increasing in Williamstown and calls are coming in from other towns for meetings. Our prayer is that the Lord Himself shall work and shall get honor to His own name. We would pray earnestly for the Lord to breathe upon us the spirit of supplication, for the promise is, if we ask we shall receive. [Matthew 21:22.] I will write you after the meeting. At three o’clock I speak in the Town Hall in Brighton.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 19, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 19, 1894, par. 3

The inexperienced need to be guided by wise counsel when in trial and assailed with temptation; they must be taught that attainments in spiritual things will cost them steadfast, well directed effort. We must repeat it often to those newly come to the faith, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” [James 1:5.] These words are to be presented in the Spirit of the Master who gave them, for they are of more value than gold or silver or precious stones. Teach the young disciples to put their hands in the hand of Christ, saying, “Lead me, guide me.” What comfort and hope and blessing will the needy, perplexed souls receive if they will humbly seek God. The condition is that they come in faith, nothing wavering, asking for guidance in the day of perplexity. This pledge is given to every sincere seeker, “You shall have gracious answers.” “Ye shall receive.” [Matthew 21:22.] The instruction is to be often given that what God has said will never fail. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes. We must teach every soul to lay his requests by prayers on the mercy seat. Strength and grace will surely come to the one who does this, for the Lord has promised. And yet so many go in weakness because they do not believe that God will do just as He has said.

Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)

Unbelief and Doubt

GW 263.2

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee.” [Isaiah 26:3.] The arm of Omnipotence is outstretched to lead us onward and still onward. Go forward, the Lord says; I will send you help. It is for My name’s glory that you ask; and you shall receive. Those who are watching for your failure shall yet see My word triumph gloriously. “All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” [Matthew 21:22.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 130, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 130, 1897, par. 2

“Come unto me,” Christ says, “all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” [Matthew 11:28-30.] All who depend upon the Lord Jesus Christ, who seek Him with their whole heart, will find in Him a very present help in time of trouble, and will be shown their duty. The Lord is much nearer to those who desire to know His will than are those in Battle Creek, or in the next neighborhood. He Himself declares, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” [Matthew 7:7.] “All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” [Matthew 21:22.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 82, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 82, 1898, par. 2

The leaven of truth, hidden in the heart, will not produce the spirit of rivalry, the love of ambition, the desire to be first. Thousands upon thousands of those to whom God has entrusted talents to be improved and increased, that they may bring all their consecrated ability into the kingdom of God, become slaves to gold and silver and earthly possessions. They abuse their entrusted capabilities, and scheme and plan to obtain those things which have no value with God. They buy and sell and get gain, but they neglect to secure those precious things which are placed within their reach—the bread of life, the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. “Whatever ye ask the Father in my name believing,” Christ says, “ye shall receive.” [See John 16:23; Matthew 21:22.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 189, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 189, 1899, par. 20

We are trying to build a meetinghouse at Hamilton. The tent will now be taken down, for a hall is hired. The tent must get dry before it is taken down. It has been the meetinghouse in Newcastle since the camp meeting there was closed. We need means, in this locality as well as in Hamilton, for the building of this house. I am seeking the Lord in prayer and I think many are praying. The Lord has said, “Ask, and ye shall receive,” (John 16:24), and “whatsoever ye ask in prayer, believing ye shall receive.” Matthew 21:22. I shall hold fast the promise.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 49, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 49, 1903, par. 19

Christ declares, “All things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” [Matthew 21:22.] Paul’s language is explicit and encouraging: “Be careful for nothing”—that is, Do not worry or fret—“but in everything by prayer and supplication let your requests be made known unto God.” [Philippians 4:6.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 123, 1904

19LtMs, Lt 123, 1904, par. 10

I greatly fear that we are in danger, by worrying, of manufacturing yokes for our necks. Let us not worry; for thus we make the yoke severe and the burden heavy. Let us do all we can without worrying, trusting in Christ. Study His words, “All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” [Matthew 21:22.] These words are the pledge that all that an omnipotent Saviour can bestow will be given to those who trust in Him. As stewards of the grace of heaven, we are to ask in faith, and then wait trustingly for the salvation of God. We are not to step in before Him, trying in our own strength to bring about that which we desire. In His name we are to ask, and then we are to act as if we believed in His efficiency.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 312, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 312, 1907, par. 8

Faith in the Word of God will bring to us the fulfilment of His promises. “Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do,” the Saviour declares. “If ye shall ask anything in My name, I will do it.” [John 14:13, 14.] “And all things whatsoever ye shall ask in faith believing, ye shall receive.” [Matthew 21:22.] When we learn to place our reliance not on the word of man, but in God, He will make that word Yea and Amen to us in Christ Jesus.

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

MR No. 581—Relationship of Prayer to Soulwinning

8MR 196.1

Christ declares, “All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” (Matthew 21:22.) Paul’s language is explicit and encouraging: “Be careful for nothing;”—that is, Do not worry or fret—“but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” (Philippians 4:6.)

Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 2

Chapter 50—Worry and Anxiety

2MCP 466.3

Worry Makes the Burden Heavy—I greatly fear that we are in danger, by worrying, of manufacturing yokes for our necks. Let us not worry; for thus we make the yoke severe and the burden heavy. Let us do all we can without worrying, trusting in Christ. Study His words, “All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive” (Matthew 21:22). These words are the pledge that all that an omnipotent Saviour can bestow will be given to those who trust in Him. As stewards of the grace of heaven, we are to ask in faith and then wait trustingly for the salvation of God. We are not to step in before Him, trying in our own strength to bring about that which we desire. In His name we are to ask, and then we are to act as if we believed in His efficiency.—Letter 123, 1904.

Our High Calling

Prayer, the Channel of All Blessings, May 1

OHC 127.1

And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. Matthew 21:22.

Prayer

Chapter 5—God’s Promises Concerning Prayer

Pr 51.2

Blessings Will Be Proportionate to Our Faith—Pray in faith. And be sure to bring your lives into harmony with your petitions, that you may receive the blessings for which you pray. Let not your faith weaken, for the blessings received are proportionate to the faith exercised. “According to your faith be it unto you.”“All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” Matthew 9:29; Matthew 21:22. Pray, believe, rejoice. Sing praises to God because He has answered your prayers. Take Him at His word. “He is faithful that promised.” Hebrews 10:23. Not one sincere supplication is lost. The channel is open; the stream is flowing. It carries with it healing properties, pouring forth a restoring current of life and health and salvation.—(Testimonies for the Church 7:274.)

Prayer

Chapter 6—The Prayer Of Faith

Pr 55.1

Our Lives Are to Be in Harmony With Our Petitions—Pray in faith. And be sure to bring your lives into harmony with your petitions, that you may receive the blessings for which you pray. Let not your faith weaken, for the blessings received are proportionate to the faith exercised. “According to your faith be it unto you.”“All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” Matthew 9:29; Matthew 21:22. Pray, believe, rejoice. Sing praises to God because He has answered your prayers. Take Him at His word. “He is faithful that promised.” Hebrews 10:23. Not one sincere supplication is lost. The channel is open; the stream is flowing. It carries with it healing properties, pouring forth a restoring current of life and health and salvation.—(Testimonies for the Church 7:274.)

Prayer

Chapter 11—Answered Prayer

Pr 97.2

“All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” [Matthew 21:22.]—(Gospel Workers, 263.)

Pr 100.3

Rejoice That God Has Answered Your Prayers—Pray in faith. And be sure to bring your lives into harmony with your petitions, that you may receive the blessings for which you pray. Let not your faith weaken, for the blessings received are proportionate to the faith exercised. “According to your faith be it unto you.”“All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” Matthew 9:29; Matthew 21:22. Pray, believe, rejoice. Sing praises to God because He has answered your prayers. Take Him at His word. “He is faithful that promised.” Hebrews 10:23. Not one sincere supplication is lost. The channel is open; the stream is flowing. It carries with it healing properties, pouring forth a restoring current of life and health and salvation.—(Testimonies for the Church 7:274.)

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 22—Saying and Doing

COL 272.1

“A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work today in my vineyard. He answered and said, I will not; but afterward he repented, and went. And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir; and went not. Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first.”

COL 272.2

In the sermon on the mount Christ said, “Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 7:21. The test of sincerity is not in words, but in deeds. Christ does not say to any man, What say ye more than others? but, “What do ye more than others?” Matthew 5:47. Full of meaning are His words, “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” John 13:17. Words are of no value unless they are accompanied with appropriate deeds. This is the lesson taught in the parable of the two sons.

COL 272.3

This parable was spoken at Christ’s last visit to Jerusalem before His death. He had driven out the buyers and sellers from the temple. His voice had spoken to their hearts with the power of God. Amazed and terrified, they had obeyed His command without excuse or resistance.

COL 273.1

When their terror was abated, the priests and elders, returning to the temple, had found Christ healing the sick and the dying. They had heard the voice of rejoicing and the song of praise. In the temple itself the children who had been restored to health were waving palm branches and singing hosannas to the Son of David. Baby voices were lisping the praises of the mighty Healer. Yet with the priests and elders all this did not suffice to overcome their prejudice and jealousy.

COL 273.2

The next day, as Christ was teaching in the temple, the chief priests and elders of the people came to Him and said, “By what authority doest Thou these things? and who gave Thee this authority?”

COL 273.3

The priests and elders had had unmistakable evidence of Christ’s power. In His cleansing of the temple they had seen Heaven’s authority flashing from His face. They could not resist the power by which He spoke. Again in His wonderful deeds of healing He had answered their question. He had given evidence of His authority which could not be controverted. But it was not evidence that was wanted. The priests and elders were anxious for Jesus to proclaim Himself the Messiah that they might misapply His words and stir up the people against Him. They wished to destroy His influence and to put Him to death.

COL 273.4

Jesus knew that if they could not recognize God in Him or see in His works the evidence of His divine character, they would not believe His own testimony that He was the Christ. In His answer He evades the issue they hope to bring about and turns the condemnation upon themselves. “I also will ask you one thing,” He said, “which if ye tell Me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men?”

COL 274.1

The priests and rulers were perplexed. “They reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven, He will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him? But if we shall say, Of men, we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet. And they answered Jesus, and said, We can not tell. And He said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.”

COL 274.2

“We can not tell.” This answer was a falsehood. But the priests saw the position they were in, and falsified in order to screen themselves. John the Baptist had come bearing witness of the One whose authority they were now questioning. He had pointed Him out, saying, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29. He had baptized Him, and after the baptism, as Christ was praying, the heavens were opened, and the Spirit of God like a dove rested upon Him, while a voice from heaven was heard saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17.

COL 274.3

Remembering how John had repeated the prophecies concerning the Messiah, remembering the scene at the baptism of Jesus, the priests and rulers dared not say that John’s baptism was from heaven. If they acknowledged John to be a prophet, as they believed him to be, how could they deny his testimony that Jesus of Nazareth was the Son of God? And they could not say that John’s baptism was of men, because of the people, who believed John to be a prophet. So they said, “We can not tell.”

COL 274.4

Then Christ gave the parable of the father and the two sons. When the father went to the first son, saying, “Go work today in my vineyard,” the son promptly answered, “I will not.” He refused to obey, and gave himself up to wicked ways and associations. But afterward he repented, and obeyed the call.

COL 275.1

The father went to the second son with the same command, “Go work today in my vineyard.” This son made reply, “I go, sir,” but he went not.

COL 275.2

In this parable the father represents God, the vineyard the church. By the two sons are represented two classes of people. The son who refused to obey the command, saying, “I will not,” represented those who were living in open transgression, who made no profession of piety, who openly refused to come under the yoke of restraint and obedience which the law of God imposes. But many of these afterward repented and obeyed the call of God. When the gospel came to them in the message of John the Baptist, “Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” they repented, and confessed their sins. (Matthew 3:2.)

COL 276.1

In the son who said, “I go, sir,” and went not, the character of the Pharisees was revealed. Like this son, the Jewish leaders were impenitent and self-sufficient. The religious life of the Jewish nation had become a pretense. When the law was proclaimed on Mount Sinai by the voice of God, all the people pledged themselves to obey. They said, “I go, sir,” but they went not. When Christ came in person to set before them the principles of the law, they rejected Him. Christ had given the Jewish leaders of His day abundant evidence of His authority and divine power, but although they were convinced, they would not accept the evidence. Christ had shown them that they continued to disbelieve because they had not the spirit which leads to obedience. He had declared to them, “Ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.... In vain they do worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” Matthew 15:6, 9.

COL 276.2

In the company before Christ there were scribes and Pharisees, priests and rulers, and after giving the parable of the two sons, Christ addressed to His hearers the question, “Whether of them twain did the will of his father?” Forgetting themselves, the Pharisees answered, “The first.” This they said without realizing that they were pronouncing sentence against themselves. Then there fell from Christ’s lips the denunciation, “Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not; but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.”

COL 277.1

John the Baptist came preaching truth, and by his preaching sinners were convicted and converted. These would go into the kingdom of heaven before the ones who in self-righteousness resisted the solemn warning. The publicans and harlots were ignorant, but these learned men knew the way of truth. Yet they refused to walk in the path which leads to the Paradise of God. The truth that should have been to them a savor of life unto life became a savor of death unto death. Open sinners who loathed themselves had received baptism at the hands of John; but these teachers were hypocrites. Their own stubborn hearts were the obstacle to their receiving the truth. They resisted the conviction of the Spirit of God. They refused obedience to God’s commandments.

COL 277.2

Christ did not say to them, Ye cannot enter the kingdom of heaven; but He showed that the obstacle which prevented them from entering was of their own creating. The door was still open to these Jewish leaders; the invitation was still held out. Christ longed to see them convicted and converted.

COL 278.1

The priests and elders of Israel spent their lives in religious ceremonies, which they regarded as too sacred to be connected with secular business. Therefore their lives were supposed to be wholly religious. But they performed their ceremonies to be seen by men that they might be thought by the world to be pious and devoted. While professing to obey they refused to render obedience to God. They were not doers of the truth which they professed to teach.

COL 278.2

Christ declared John the Baptist to be one of the greatest of the prophets, and He showed His hearers that they had had sufficient evidence that John was a messenger from God. The words of the preacher in the wilderness were with power. He bore his message unflinchingly, rebuking the sins of priests and rulers, and enjoining upon them the works of the kingdom of heaven. He pointed out to them their sinful disregard of their Father’s authority in refusing to do the work appointed them. He made no compromise with sin, and many were turned from their unrighteousness.

COL 278.3

Had the profession of the Jewish leaders been genuine, they would have received John’s testimony and accepted Jesus as the Messiah. But they did not show the fruits of repentance and righteousness. The very ones whom they despised were pressing into the kingdom of God before them.

COL 278.4

In the parable the son who said, “I go, sir,” represented himself as faithful and obedient; but time proved that his profession was not real. He had no true love for his father. So the Pharisees prided themselves on their holiness, but when tested, it was found wanting. When it was for their interest to do so, they made the requirements of the law very exacting; but when obedience was required from themselves, by cunning sophistries they reasoned away the force of God’s precepts. Of them Christ declared, “Do not ye after their works; for they say, and do not.” Matthew 23:3. They had no true love for God or man. God called them to be co-workers with Him in blessing the world; but while in profession they accepted the call, in action they refused obedience. They trusted to self, and prided themselves on their goodness; but they set the commands of God at defiance. They refused to do the work which God had appointed them, and because of their transgression the Lord was about to divorce Himself from the disobedient nation.

COL 279.1

Self-righteousness is not true righteousness, and those who cling to it will be left to take the consequences of holding a fatal deception. Many today claim to obey the commandments of God, but they have not the love of God in their hearts to flow forth to others. Christ calls them to unite with Him in His work for the saving of the world, but they content themselves with saying, “I go, sir.” They do not go. They do not co-operate with those who are doing God’s service. They are idlers. Like the unfaithful son, they make false promises to God. In taking upon themselves the solemn covenant of the church they have pledged themselves to receive and obey the word of God, to give themselves to God’s service, but they do not do this. In profession they claim to be sons of God, but in life and character they deny the relationship. They do not surrender the will to God. They are living a lie.

COL 279.2

The promise of obedience they appear to fulfill when this involves no sacrifice; but when self-denial and self-sacrifice are required, when they see the cross to be lifted, they draw back. Thus the conviction of duty wears away, and known transgression of God’s commandments becomes habit. The ear may hear God’s word, but the spiritual perceptive powers have departed. The heart is hardened, the conscience seared.

COL 279.3

Do not think that because you do not manifest decided hostility to Christ you are doing Him service. We thus deceive our own souls. By withholding that which God has given us to use in His service, be it time or means or any other of His entrusted gifts, we work against Him.

COL 280.1

Satan uses the listless, sleepy indolence of professed Christians to strengthen his forces and win souls to his side. Many, who think that though they are doing no actual work for Christ, they are yet on His side, are enabling the enemy to pre-occupy ground and gain advantages. By their failure to be diligent workers for the Master, by leaving duties undone and words unspoken, they have allowed Satan to gain control of souls who might have been won for Christ.

COL 280.2

We can never be saved in indolence and inactivity. There is no such thing as a truly converted person living a helpless, useless life. It is not possible for us to drift into heaven. No sluggard can enter there. If we do not strive to gain an entrance into the kingdom, if we do not seek earnestly to learn what constitutes its laws, we are not fitted for a part in it. Those who refuse to co-operate with God on earth would not co-operate with Him in heaven. It would not be safe to take them to heaven.

COL 280.3

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

COL 280.4

The son who for a time refused obedience to his father’s command was not condemned by Christ; and neither was he commended. The class who act the part of the first son in refusing obedience deserve no credit for holding this position. Their frankness is not to be regarded as a virtue. Sanctified by truth and holiness, it would make men bold witnesses for Christ; but used as it is by the sinner, it is insulting and defiant, and approaches to blasphemy. The fact that a man is not a hypocrite does not make him any the less really a sinner. When the appeals of the Holy Spirit come to the heart, our only safety lies in responding to them without delay. When the call comes, “Go work today in My vineyard,” do not refuse the invitation. “Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts.” Hebrews 4:7. It is unsafe to delay obedience. You may never hear the invitation again.

COL 281.1

And let none flatter themselves that sins cherished for a time can easily be given up by and by. This is not so. Every sin cherished weakens the character and strengthens habit; and physical, mental, and moral depravity is the result. You may repent of the wrong you have done, and set your feet in right paths; but the mold of your mind and your familiarity with evil will make it difficult for you to distinguish between right and wrong. Through the wrong habits formed, Satan will assail you again and again.

COL 281.2

In the command, “Go work today in My vineyard,” the test of sincerity is brought to every soul. Will there be deeds as well as words? Will the one called put to use all the knowledge he has, working faithfully, disinterestedly, for the Owner of the vineyard?

COL 281.3

The apostle Peter instructs us as to the plan on which we must work. “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you,” he says, “through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

COL 282.1

“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.” 2 Peter 1:2-7.

COL 282.2

If you cultivate faithfully the vineyard of your soul, God is making you a laborer together with Himself. And you will have a work to do not only for yourself, but for others. In representing the church as the vineyard, Christ does not teach that we are to restrict our sympathies and labors to our own numbers. The Lord’s vineyard is to be enlarged. In all parts of the earth He desires it to be extended. As we receive the instruction and grace of God, we should impart to others a knowledge of how to care for the precious plants. Thus we may extend the vineyard of the Lord. God is watching for evidence of our faith, love, and patience. He looks to see if we are using every spiritual advantage to become skillful workers in His vineyard on earth, that we may enter the Paradise of God, that Eden home from which Adam and Eve were excluded by transgression.

COL 282.3

God stands toward His people in the relation of a father, and He has a father’s claim to our faithful service. Consider the life of Christ. Standing at the head of humanity, serving His Father, He is an example of what every son should and may be. The obedience that Christ rendered God requires from human beings today. He served His Father with love, in willingness and freedom. “I delight to do Thy will, O My God,” He declared; “yea, Thy law is within My heart.” Psalm 40:8. Christ counted no sacrifice too great, no toil too hard, in order to accomplish the work which He came to do. At the age of twelve He said, “Wist ye not that I must be about My Father’s business?” Luke 2:49. He had heard the call, and had taken up the work. “My meat,” He said, “is to do the will of Him that sent Me, and to finish His work.” John 4:34.

COL 283.1

Thus we are to serve God. He only serves who acts up to the highest standard of obedience. All who would be sons and daughters of God must prove themselves co-workers with God and Christ and the heavenly angels. This is the test for every soul. Of those who faithfully serve Him the Lord says, “They shall be Mine... in that day when I make up My jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.” Malachi 3:17.

COL 283.2

God’s great object in the working out of His providences is to try men, to give them opportunity to develop character. Thus He proves whether they are obedient or disobedient to His commands. Good works do not purchase the love of God, but they reveal that we possess that love. If we surrender the will to God, we shall not work in order to earn God’s love. His love as a free gift will be received into the soul, and from love to Him we shall delight to obey His commandments.

COL 283.3

There are only two classes in the world today, and only two classes will be recognized in the judgment—those who violate God’s law and those who obey it. Christ gives the test by which to prove our loyalty or disloyalty. “If ye love Me,” He says, “keep My commandments.... He that hath My commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me. And he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him.... He that loveth Me not keepeth not My sayings; and the word which ye hear is not Mine, but the Father’s which sent Me.” “If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love; even as I have kept My Father’s commandments, and abide in His love.” John 14:15-24; 15:10.

Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students

In View of Christ’s Near Return

CT 415.2

The question was asked, “Do you believe the truth? do you believe the third angel’s message? If you do believe, then act your faith.” ... Probationary time will not permit of long-protracted years of drill. God calls; hear His voice as He says, “Go work today in My vineyard.” Matthew 21:28. Now, just now, is the time to work....

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 26, 1879

3LtMs, Lt 26, 1879, par. 7

You are responsible for the obligations resting upon you to have the whole weight of your influence be of that character to be a blessing to others. You belong to God. Your Redeemer has just claims upon you to your supreme affections and the persevering, faithful service of your lifetime. God has a right to use you in your physical, mental, and moral powers, to the extent of your ability, for His own honor and for His own glory. You should not question what labor or crosses may be imposed upon you. You are His, bought with a price, and you receive from His hands all the bounties and blessings you enjoy. Having been objects of God’s especial love, evidenced by the sacrifice Jesus has made for you in redeeming you by human agony and blood, He says to you, the subjects of His grace, “Go, labor today in My vineyard.” [Matthew 21:28.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Lt 65, 1884

4LtMs, Lt 65, 1884, par. 14

I have been shown that large cities must be entered. The warning message of the soon coming Saviour must go forth to all the dark places of the earth. Missionaries are to be sent to Europe, Australia, and other foreign countries. A large work is to be done. The Saviour of the world is now saying to many, “Why sit ye here all the day idle? Go work today in my vineyard.” [Matthew 20:6; 21:28.] The Lord is inviting you to act a part in this closing-up work. Christ invites you to act as colaborer with Him. Will you do it?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 12, 1889

6LtMs, Ms 12, 1889, par. 4

It is not the Lord’s plan, but human devising, for our people to crowd into Battle Creek. God says, “Go work today in My vineyard.” [Matthew 21:28.] Get away from the place where you are not needed. Plant the standard of truth in towns and cities that have not heard the message. Prepare the way for My coming. Those in the highways and hedges are to hear the call.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 113, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 113, 1890, par. 17

Jesus calls upon us individually, Go work today in My vineyard. [Matthew 21:28.] Will we seek the Lord while He is to be found? Will we call upon Him while He is nigh? Will we devote the last remaining hours of 1890 in humbling ourselves before God, casting ourselves at the feet of Jesus, confessing our sins that they may go beforehand to judgment, removing every stumbling block out of the way of sinners? Let us not close our eyes to our guilt and our deficiencies, but confess our sins while it is called today, seek forgiveness of those we have hurt by our unconsecrated influence, and improve now in character. Christ is waiting to be gracious. “He that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” [Luke 18:14.] God will work with those who prepare the way by tearing away the rubbish from the door of the heart, by confession, and by opening the door so that Jesus shall come into their hearts. The measure of our success in spiritual things is according to our present humility. Unless this humbling of self shall take place under the mighty hand of God, the most painful discipline will come to us, in the providence of God, that will humble us.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 75, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 75, 1890, par. 10

All are to hear the voice of the Master saying, “Go ye into My vineyard.” [Matthew 21:28.] Yes, work for each, work for all. Let each church member feel himself responsible for the health and spiritual strength and growth of the church. It is religion pure and unadulterated religion we all need. The prayer should go forth from burdened hearts for the Spirit and grace of Christ to be imparted to them.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 21, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 21, 1890, par. 16

The Lord’s Spirit is grieved when any of His servants, be they ministers or laymen, withhold their tribute of service. When this is done, additional burdens fall on those who are willing to labor. To all who are converted to God, who through faith become partakers of the divine nature, are entrusted talents to be employed in the salvation of souls. Each is commanded, “Go work today in my vineyard.” [Matthew 21:28.] And in working as a co-laborer with Christ, man is educated for the work. As a faithful servant looks to his master, and a handmaid to her mistress, so the servant of God will look in earnest prayer to Christ. He will be a doer of the Word. He will obey orders. If the Christian is to be the light of the world, he must shine; he must be a faithful worker for Christ, holding forth the Word of Life, lifting Jesus up before the people and repeating His lessons.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 41, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 41, 1890, par. 46

Christ’s soldiers will keep on the armor. We fight not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers and spiritual wickedness in high places. Jesus Christ is the Captain of our salvation. We are His soldiers. We wear His armor and are marshalled under the blood-stained banner of Prince Immanuel. We are laborers together with God. He said, “Go work in my vineyard.” [Matthew 21:28.] He requires that we sow beside all waters and that we shall garner the harvest we have sown.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 27, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 27, 1890, par. 3

They are to strive earnestly for the gift of eternal life, a gift that includes everything good and ennobling—honor, love, eternal riches. In order to gain this heavenly treasure, there is something for every one to do. The Lord says to those who are seeking for eternal life, “Go, work today in my vineyard.” [Matthew 21:28.] Christ was a worker. It was His work to help and bless others. “We are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] A tree is known by its fruit. Men do not gather grapes of thorns or figs of thistles. Christ says, “I am the vine, ye are the branches.” [John 15:5.] The branches of the vine bear fruit of the same kind as the fruit borne by the parent stock.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 42, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, par. 41

Every man and woman has had the ransom money paid by Jesus Christ. “Ye are not your own. For ye are bought with a price”—even the precious blood of the Son of God. [1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.] Your time is not your own to employ as you choose; it is God’s time, and you are required to do His will. You must see that every moment of life is invested with importance and should be used and not abused and wasted. There are to be no idlers in the Lord’s vineyard. To everyone He says, “Why stand ye here all the day idle? Go labor today in My vineyard. Work while it is day, for the night cometh in which no man can work.” [Matthew 20:6; 21:28; John 9:4.]

6LtMs, Ms 42, 1890, par. 60

In the morning, October 24th, Elder Goodrich called to see me and we had a lengthy conversation in reference to the necessity of help in the State of Maine. There is need of reliable men there now, beside Elder Goodrich. Oh, that the Lord would pour upon His faithful ones a spirit of earnest intercession for Him to raise up men to be laborers in His vineyard. The cause of God needs not only money but men of piety and faith, self-sacrifice and love, to engage in the work. Oh that men who are giving their talent to their business concerns, serving themselves, may hear the inquiry from the Lord as was given to Elijah, “What doest thou here?” [1 Kings 19:9, 13.] “Why standest thou all the day idle? Go labor in My vineyard.” [Matthew 20:6; 21:28.] Oh, for faithful men whose hearts are not calloused by the great light and great privileges which they have not appreciated nor improved! The Lord will hear our prayers. We will not, through weakness of faith, misunderstand His providences and His dealings with us, and distrust His love and His sure, faithful dealings with His people. We will put away our murmurings. We will not so much as think or speak unbelief. We will not talk of the hardships and trials.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8

Chapter 5—The Work at Home and Abroad

8T 35.3

There are thousands in America perishing in ignorance and sin. And looking afar off to some distant field, those who know the truth are indifferently passing by the needy fields close to them. Christ says: “Go work today in My vineyard.” “Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” Matthew 21:28; 4:35.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 24, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 24, 1892, par. 3

Through all ages Christ has come to His people, as He represents Himself in the market place at all hours of the day employing laborers for His vineyard, and He says to them, “Why stand ye here all the day idle? Go labor today in my vineyard.” [Matthew 20:6; 21:28.] But how forcible is this parable in these days, when we are near the close of earth’s history. Well may we pray as never before both in our closets and in the church, that One mightier than the potentates of earth may stand at the helm.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 7, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 7, 1891, par. 41

As agents for Jesus Christ, men are to be laborers together with God. Why then are so many acting as did Meroz—doing nothing—while those sitting in darkness receive no light, no help from those who claim to be children of God? How much do such idlers resemble the angel who is represented as flying in the midst of heaven, proclaiming the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. Christ is saying to these idlers in the market place, “Go work today in my vineyard.” [Matthew 21:28.] Angels who minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation are saying to every true saint, There is work for you to do. “Go, stand and speak ... to the people the words of this life.” [Acts 5:20.] If those addressed would obey this injunction, the Lord would prepare the way before them, putting them in possession of means whereby they could go. If they did no more, they could diffuse the knowledge which they already have, and present Jesus as the only mediator.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 126, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 126, 1893, par. 4

Break the bonds of spiritual indolence that bind your soul and body. God would have you sowing the seeds of truth in someone’s mind. You will not understand by experience the necessities of souls ready to die. You are to be helpers together with God. God calls, “Go, work today in My vineyard.” [Matthew 21:28.] There is hard work to be done. Be faithful workers.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 51, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 51, 1894, par. 1

There is a great work to be done in this country (Australia). I have spoken to the people upon the campground, and told them that the work cannot be done by the ordained minister alone. God will accept of any of those who love and serve Him in their efforts to educate those who are in the darkness of error, and thus win souls to Christ. Hundreds and thousands who profess the truth, who are now idlers in the market places, might be engaged in the work of the Lord. The voice of Christ speaks to them asking, “Why stand ye here all the day idle?” and adds, “Go work today in my vineyard.” [Matthew 20:6; 21:28.] Why is it that many more do not respond to this call? Is it because they think themselves excused because they do not stand in the pulpit? Let them understand that there is a large work to be done outside of the pulpit.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 84, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 84, 1894, par. 5

There is a great work to be done in this country. I have spoken to the people upon the campground and have told them that the work cannot be done by the ordained minister alone. God will accept any of those who love and serve Him in their efforts to educate those who are in the error of darkness, and thus win souls to Jesus. Hundreds and thousands who profess the truth, who are now idlers in the market places might be engaged in the work of the Lord. The voice of Christ speaks to them, asking, “Why stand ye here all the day idle?” And adds, “Go work today in my vineyard.” [Matthew 20:6; 21:28.] Why is it that many more do not respond to the call? Is it because they think themselves excused in that they do not stand in the pulpit? Let them understand that there is a large work to be done outside of the pulpit.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 26, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 26, 1894, par. 20

Every line of influence given to man is to be employed to the uttermost. “Why,” is the Master’s question, “stand ye here all the day idle?” “Go work in my vineyard.” [Matthew 20:6; 21:28.] Work while the day lasts, for the night cometh in which no man can work. Our life has been purchased at infinite cost, not to be used selfishly for our own benefit, but it is to become a lamp which is to be constantly supplied with the oil of grace, and to be kept bright and burning.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 24b, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 24b, 1894, par. 4

The command to you is, “Go work today in my vineyard.” [Matthew 21:28.] We are all God’s workmen, and not one is to be idle, but the only member of your body that you put into actual active use is your tongue and that often does not glorify God. For years you have been an unprofitable servant, and you have left others to do the very work that the Lord has laid upon you. Your example to your children has robbed them of valuable experience. God is displeased with you. He has given to every man his work. What work have you accepted that will be a blessing to humanity, and to your own household? Things are left to drift in the family, and if the members of your household manifest cleverness, you consider that a virtue above everything.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 49a, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 49a, 1894, par. 4

The command to you is, “Go work today in my vineyard.” [Matthew 21:28.] We are all God’s workmen, and not one is to be idle; but the only member of your body that you put into active use is your tongue, and that often does not glorify God. For years you have been an unprofitable servant, and you have left others to do the very work that the Lord had laid upon you. Your example to your children has robbed them of valuable experience. God is displeased with you. He has given to every man his work. What work have you accepted that will be a blessing to humanity, and to your own household? Things are left to drift in the family, and if the members of your household manifest cleverness, you consider that a virtue above everything.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 80, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 80, 1894, par. 30

If the church members, in the place of standing in the marketplace idle, would listen to the voice of Jesus and take heed to His command as He says, “Go work today in my vineyard” [Matthew 21:28], there would soon be less ignorance of how to do work for the Master. Those who believe the truth must soon be arrayed before the judgment seat of Christ to give an account of the way in which they have traded upon their Lord’s entrusted talents. The Lord has given talents to men and women, and they have misappropriated them <selfishly.>

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 46, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 46, 1895, par. 3

Mistaken ideas have prevailed and men and women are kept from the work, supposing more time must be occupied, when it is not best or essential. These souls, whom the Lord would use in His cause, can be taken right from their trades when God calls: “Go work today in my vineyard.” [Matthew 21:28.] And the Lord will quicken their understanding. As they follow Jesus the travail of soul is upon them. Men have been recommended to look to Battle Creek in order to become educated. They have not been taught to look to the Lord, and that a knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ whom He has sent is the greatest science man has ever comprehended.

This Day With God

The Test of Sincerity, August 23

TDG 244.2

Of every soul the Lord demands service. Those to whom the living oracles have been opened, who see the truth, and yield themselves body, soul, and spirit to God will understand the words of the Saviour, “Go work to day in my vineyard” (Matthew 21:28), to be a requirement, but not a compulsory one. God’s will is made known in His Word, and those who believe in Christ will act out their belief. They will be doers of the Word.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 47, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 47, 1895, par. 2

Dr. Kellogg and the teachers in our schools at Battle Creek must be one the guard constantly, lest their plans and management shall depress and quench the faith of students who have had their hearts deeply impressed by the Holy Spirit. They have heard the voice of Jesus saying, Son, “Go work today in my vineyard.” [Matthew 21:28.] They feel the need of a proper course of study, that they may be prepared to labor for he Master, and every effort should be made to hasten their advancement; but the object of their education should be kept constantly in view. Unnecessary delay should not be advised or allowed.

10LtMs, Lt 47, 1895, par. 64

Brother Pomare should have been in his field of labor long ago. He should have been working for his own people long before this, and he would have been better fitted to do the work some time ago than he is new, since being carried forward, and freighted with educational advantages of which he can make no use. Precious, probationary time will not permit of your long, protracted years of drill. God calls, will you hear His voice as He says, “Go work today in my vineyard”? [Matthew 21:28.] Now, just now, is the time to work. Do you believe that the Lord is coming, and that the last great crisis is about to break upon the world?

10LtMs, Lt 47, 1895, par. 79

The Lord is not pleased with encouraging these workers to spend years in accumulating knowledge which they will have no opportunity to impart. Precious youth, who ought to have been laboring for God, have come to Battle Creek to receive an education, and to gain a better knowledge as to how to work. They ought to have been taught that which is essential in a very short period. They ought not to require years for their education before they can respond to the call, “Go work today in my vineyard.” [Matthew 21:28.] Instead of sending them forth as laborers after they have put in months and years at the college they are advised to take other studies, and to make progress along additional lines. They are counselled to spend months and years in institutions where the truth is denied and controverted, and where error is insidiously introduced. of a most specious, unscriptural character. These doctrines become mingled with their studies.

10LtMs, Lt 47, 1895, par. 80

They become engrossed in advancing in educational lines, and they lose their love for Jesus; and before they know what is the matter with them, they are far from God, and are all unprepared to respond to the command, “Go work today in my vineyard.” [Verse 28.] The desire for missionary effort is gone. They pursue their studies with an infatuation that closes the door to the entrance of Christ. When they graduate, and have full commission to go out as properly educated students, some have lost all burden for the work, and are far less prepared to engage in the service of God than when they became to Battle Creek at first.

10LtMs, Lt 47, 1895, par. 94

God will give you wisdom in reforming at once, for the call is still made, “Son, go work today in my vineyard.” [Matthew 21:28.] Some may still be undecided, yet the call is heard, “Go work today in my vineyard.” “Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” [Hebrews 4:7.] The Lord prefaces the requirement by the use of the word, “son.” How tender, how compassionate, yet withal, how urgent! His invitation to work in His vineyard is also a command. “What? know ye not that your bodies are the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have in God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” [1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 10a, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 10a, 1895, par. 2

The teachers in our schools at the Sanitarium and college at Battle Creek must be on guard constantly, lest their plans and management shall depress and quench the faith of students who have had their hearts deeply impressed by the Holy Spirit. They have heard the voice of Jesus saying, “Son, go work today in My vineyard.” [Matthew 21:28.] They feel the need of a proper course of study, that they may be prepared to labor for the Master, and every effort should be made to hasten their advancement; but the object of their education should be kept constantly in view. Unnecessary delay should not be advised or allowed.

10LtMs, Ms 10a, 1895, par. 71

The question was asked those assembled: “Do you believe the truth? do you believe the third angel’s message? If you do believe, then act your faith, and do not encourage men to continue in Battle Creek when they should be away from that place doing their Master’s business.” The Lord is not glorified in this procrastination. Men go to Battle Creek, and receive a far higher idea of their capabilities than they should. They are encouraged to take a long, protracted course of study; but God’s way is not in it. It does not have a heavenly endorsement. Previous probationary time will not permit of long protracted years of drill. God calls: hear His voice as He says, “Go work today in My vineyard.” [Matthew 21:28.] Now, just now, is the time to work. Do you believe that the Lord is coming, and that the last great crisis is about to break upon the world?

10LtMs, Ms 10a, 1895, par. 88

The Lord is not pleased with encouraging these workers to spend years in accumulating knowledge which they will have no opportunity to impart. Precious youth, who ought to be laboring for God, have come to Battle Creek to receive an education, and to gain a better knowledge as to how to work. They ought to have been taught that which is essential in a very short time. They ought not to require years for their education before they can respond to the call, “Go work today in My vineyard.” [Matthew 21:28.]

10LtMs, Ms 10a, 1895, par. 89

Instead of sending them forth as laborers after they have put in months and years at the college, they are advised to take other studies, and to make progress along additional lines. They are counseled to spend months and years in institutions where the truth is denied and controverted, and where error of a most specious, unscriptural character is insidiously introduced. These doctrines become mingled with their studies. They become engrossed in advancing in educational lines, and they lose their love for Jesus; and before they know what is the matter with them, they are far from God, and are all unprepared to respond to the command, “Go work today in My vineyard.” [Verse 28.]

10LtMs, Ms 10a, 1895, par. 105

God will give you wisdom in reforming at once, for the call is still made, “Son, go work today in My vineyard.” [Matthew 21:28.] Some may still be undecided, yet the call is still heard, “Go work today in My vineyard.” “Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts.” [Hebrews 3:15.] The Lord prefaces the requirement by the use of the word “son.” How tender, how compassionate, yet withal, how urgent! His invitation to work in His vineyard is also a command. “What! know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” [1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.]

Testimonies for the Church Regarding the Spirit of Unity

“Arise, Shine”

SpTB04 17.1

There are thousands in America perishing in ignorance and sin. And looking afar off to some distant field, those who know the truth are indifferently passing by the needy fields close to them. Christ says, “Go work today in My vineyard.” “Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” Matthew 21:28; John 4:35.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 32, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 32, 1896, par. 3

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” [2 Corinthians 5:17.] Brother Hughes, the converting power of God must come into your home. Rise in the name of God, for He calls upon you, “Go, work today in my vineyard.” [Matthew 21:28.] Often you have tried, but your efforts have only been halfway. You know the truth, but you do not practice it. As you now stand, you are unconverted and unsanctified. The ploughshare of truth must go deeper into your mind and heart than it has yet done. You have assented to the truth, Brother Hughes, but do you love it well enough to make self-sacrifice for it? Do you love Jesus well enough to deny yourself for Him? The use of tobacco is your cherished idol, and it is a barrier to you in your Christian life. Will you cling to this idol till the case of every soul is decided, and you are left shipwrecked, as it were, without God and without hope in this world?

11LtMs, Lt 32, 1896, par. 14

What will the books of God reveal, children, in regard to the treatment you have given your mother? What words have you spoken to her that you will not be pleased to meet when the judgment shall sit, and every one shall be judged according to the deeds done in this life? In treating your parents disrespectfully, remember that you are dishonoring your Maker. He has borne long with your perversity, but He now requires that your life shall be very different from what it has been. The message, “Go, labor today in my vineyard” [Matthew 21:28], has been given you again and again, but by precept and example, you refuse to go. An atmosphere surrounds you that diverts the minds of those with whom you associate from God and heaven.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 166, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 166, 1896, par. 5

We see by faith the stamp of divinity upon the human children of God. We see those who have noble intellectual and moral powers. The Lord has need of them. “Go work today in my vineyard.” [Matthew 21:28.] The Lord wants them to know themselves and to know God and Jesus Christ whom He hath sent, and to find out the character of their fellow men, that they may do them good. The most are poor in this world’s goods, and some are having a struggle with poverty. We think of Jesus, the Creator of all the worlds, and how He came into the world as a poor man. He had not where to lay His head. So poverty is no disgrace. Sin is a disgrace.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 147, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 147, 1897, par. 17

The commission Christ gave to His disciples was the gospel. And to those today who have the light of truth is the commission given, “Go, work today in my vineyard.” [Matthew 21:28.] At all times and in all places service for God is to be done. The call is to be given in the highways and in the hedges, Come; for all things are now ready. All who go forth as Christ has told them to, with a sense of responsibility for the souls to be saved, nigh and afar off, will have an increasing solicitude to win souls to Christ; and they will be blessed in their work. There are many who desire the truth. After hearing the truth from the Lord’s messengers, they receive the Word. Through diligent searching, they understand their Bibles as never before, for the gospel has been preached to them in its simplicity and fulness. All heaven is full of joy when souls hunger and thirst after righteousness, confessing their sins, and through faith receiving remission of sins from Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 2, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 2, 1897, par. 3

God measures His people by His own unerring precepts. Will a man rob God of the time and the activity that He claims for His service? Time is very precious. Much can be accomplished in a day. But the Lord has never stipulated the eight-hour day system. He has said, “Work ... while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” [John 9:4.] Again he says, “Why stand ye here all the day idle? Go work in my vineyard.” [Matthew 20:6; 21:28.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 152, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 152, 1897, par. 11

As agents for Jesus Christ, men are to be laborers together with God. Why then are so many acting as did Meroz, doing nothing, while those sitting in darkness receive no light, no help, from those who claim to be the children of God? How much do such idlers resemble the angel who is represented as flying in the midst of heaven, proclaiming the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus? Christ is saying to these idlers in the market place, “Go work today in my vineyard.” [Matthew 21:28.] Angels who minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation are saying to every true saint, There is work for you to do. “Go, stand and speak ... to the people the words of this life.” [Acts 5:20.] If those addressed would obey this injunction, the Lord would prepare the way before them, putting them in possession of means whereby they could go.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 41, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 41, 1898, par. 37

To men God has committed high and holy trusts, and He says to them, Go labor in My vineyard. [Matthew 21:28.] I would write more definitely, but if matters have been presented to you as they should have been, you have a knowledge of the tenor of the testimonies concerning the wrong principles which have entered into the management of the publishing house at Battle Creek and all our institutions.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 165, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 165, 1898, par. 26

“Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones.” [Matthew 18:10.] They may be ignorant. They may not have had the opportunities that you have had. They have a fierce enemy to content against, and in their feeble strength they may err. They need your tender sympathy and compassion. Even though they make mistakes in the work given them, they may be doing their best. As a servant of Christ, you are to watch for souls as one that must given an account. Are you yoked up with the Redeemer? Are you cooperating with Him? Are you obeying the words, “Go work today in my vineyard?” [Matthew 21:28.] Are you doing the best to represent the Lord by manifesting tender sympathy and love for those Jesus has bought with his own blood? Or is your conscience so blinded that it does not lead you to work as Christ worked.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 134, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 134, 1898, par. 21

Where are the men who will go forth to the work, fully trusting in God, ready to do and dare? God calls, “Son, go work today in my vineyard.” [Matthew 21:28.] God will make the young men of today heaven’s chosen repositaries, to present before the people truth in contrast with error and superstition, if they will give themselves to Him. May God roll the burden on strong young men, who have His word abiding in them, and who will give the truth to others.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 156, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 156, 1899, par. 6

I have been instructed that these places must be worked. Those who understand the reasons for our faith are not to excuse themselves from earnest, interested labor. “Go work today in my vineyard,” the Master says. [Matthew 21:28.] None will be excused from doing their utmost to extend the knowledge of the truth. The word has come to me, “God’s people are not to be <only> consumers, but producers <as well.>” We have a great and grand truth to proclaim. We are not to lose our spirituality in doing nothing; we are to labor to save perishing souls from ruin. All heaven is at work to save the souls ready to die. Will we co-operate with the great Master Worker and heavenly beings? Will we go out into the wilderness of sin and draw souls to Christ? The great Shepherd of the sheep will teach us how to work, how to hunt for souls, and the Holy Spirit will be our efficiency.

The Paulson Collection of Ellen G. White Letters

May 6, 1907

PC 119.1

Every church member is to be engaged in active service for the Master. “Why stand ye here all the day idle?” asks the Master. “Go work today in My vineyard. Work while it is day; for the night cometh in which no man can work.” “Ye are My witnesses, saith the Lord.” Can we comprehend it? We are Christ’s property, bought with a price even the precious blood of Christ. (Matthew 21:28; John 9:4; Isaiah 43:10)

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 139, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 139, 1899, par. 10

The Lord is soon to come and take this matter in hand, and He will give to every man according as his works have been. What a scene that will be when the wrath of God shall come upon the guilty world! Then the words will stand before the eyes of men as if written in letters of fire: “Justified by faith, Justified by works.” Their day of trust, with its burden of record is now ended in the day of reckoning. Every man has had the call, “Go, work today in my vineyard” [Matthew 21:28], and every man will receive according to the opportunities and privileges he has had.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 151, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 151, 1899, par. 1

I shall not be unfaithful in warning you. The spiritual life of the Wessels family is of more consequence than food or raiment or display. The Lord calls for men and women who are cherishing a Christlike love for the world, saying, “Go work today in my vineyard.” [Matthew 21:28.] Will you respond to the call. The Lord wants all there is of every soul He has purchased. He calls you to come under His banner, and serve in His army. He asks you to shine as lights in the world. There is no place for pleasure lovers or spendthrifts in His work. He calls saying, “Follow me.” It will require integrity of soul and high moral resolve to practice self-denial in all things; but this will bring men and women to the place where they will heed the voice which says, “Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly of heart.” [Matthew 11:29.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 14, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 14, 1899, par. 27

We have the highest, grandest work upon the earth. We need to understand that we shall meet with circumstances that require keen discernment and first-class judgment. In whatever work we are engaged, we are to reprove, rebuke, exhort, weeping with those that weep, seeing the peril of souls, striving earnestly to snatch souls from Satan’s grasp. Thus we become laborers together with God. God calls for personal, consecrated activity. We want every member of the Wessels family to hear the call, and obey the bidding of the Master, “Go work today in my vineyard.” [Matthew 21:28.] I feel the deepest interest for every member of the Wessels family. Satan is playing a game adapted to the temperament of every member of the family. But the love of God in the soul is a wonderful regulator of character. God is seeking to form characters aright. Every one who would be saved must be willing to be molded in accordance with the principles of the divine law.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 138a, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 138a, 1899, par. 10

Those who will obey the words of inspiration, “Go work today in my vineyard” [Matthew 21:28], who will study how they can co-operate with Christ in causing the light of truth to shine to those near and afar off who are in the darkness of error, will receive special aid from God. But this work cannot be done without self-denial and self-sacrifice. Seek to promote the happiness of all with whom you come in contact. Take the truth to the neglected, educating the ignorant, encouraging the despondent, comforting the bereaved, and relieving the needy. Through you God will help the afflicted. This is the fruit God calls upon His people to bear. The members of His church are to be laborers together with Him, and as they work for others, God will impress minds and hearts. Let both men and women engage with their whole hearts in this missionary work, and holiness to God will be the result. All who will train themselves for the Master’s service may obtain a rich, golden experience.

The Review and Herald

October 29, 1914

RH October 29, 1914, Art. A, par. 11

“There are thousands in America perishing in ignorance and sin. And looking afar off to some distant field, those who know the truth are indifferently passing by the needy fields close to them. Christ says, ‘Go work today in my vineyard.’ ‘Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.’ Matthew 21:28; John 4:35.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 166, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 166, 1899, par. 6

Trials will come, but these are to educate the worker to look to Jesus. Trusting in his heavenly Father, he is to go forward, working out his own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God that worketh in him, both to will and to do of His own good pleasure. Christ said of some, “Ye will not come unto me that ye might have life.” [John 5:40.] Let us all who have a knowledge of the truth obey the words, “Go work today in my vineyard;” and thus obtain greater knowledge. [Matthew 21:28.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 120, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 120, 1899, par. 21

Christ calls upon every one to do His work. “Go work today in my vineyard,” He says. [Matthew 21:28.] “Ye are not your own; for ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body and your spirit, which are God’s.” [1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.] Satan must be cast out and overcome. Speaking of Satan, Christ declared, “He abode not in the truth.” [John 8:44.] He was an exalted angel, possessed of a heavenly home where all was holiness and joy. But he swerved from his allegiance. He fell from his high estate, and with a large army of associate rebels was cast out of heaven. From his position as covering cherub, he became the avowed antagonist of God. He planted his standard on the earth and established a rival empire, where all the powers of evil combined in opposing the influence of God. The prince of darkness, actuated by the principle which works in all the children of disobedience, left no means untried to attract the attention of men to himself and conform them to his nature, stimulated by his intense hatred of the God whom he had dishonored, he tried to eclipse every ray of light from the world, and to efface the likeness of God from men by making them recipients of his own apostate character and stamping his image on their souls.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 130, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 130, 1899, par. 36

If those who claim to believe the truth today could see the way in which the Lord estimates earthly treasure in comparison with the human soul, they would realize the work to be done. They would see fields ripe for the harvest. They would hear a voice saying, “Follow me. Go, work in my vineyard.” [Matthew 21:28.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 65, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 65, 1900, par. 19

I wish to arouse in the souls of the workers in Australia and New Zealand a sense of individual responsibility. The Lord says to every believer, “Go work today in my vineyard.” [Matthew 21:28.] New Zealand is a promising portion of the Lord’s vineyard, but by a train of circumstances it has been made hard to work. The Lord would have this order of things changed. He asks those in that country who claim to be in His service to use every jot and tittle of their ability in the work, studying earnestly how to advance and build up His cause.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 57, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 57, 1900, par. 9

He who studies and obeys the Word of God is like a man following a light which goes before him amid the moral darkness of this world. Christ’s righteousness goeth before him. Therefore the Lord says to every soul, “My son, give me thine heart.” [Proverbs 23:26.] “You have a work presented to you. Go labor in My vineyard. Occupy till I come.” [Matthew 21:28; Luke 19:13.] Here is presented our stewardship. We are to work for the Master.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 70, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 70, 1900, par. 2

I hoped when I first called at your home that you would not hesitate on the threshold of service, but would enter in as a man with whom the Lord has been working. God desires you to let His light shine forth clear and decided in behalf of truth. How long halt ye between two opinions. If the Lord be God, serve Him; if Baal, serve him. Obedience is certainly due to your Redeemer, who gave His life for you, and who has been calling you, “Go, work today in my vineyard.” [Matthew 21:28.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 98, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 98, 1900, par. 30

I present these things before you that ye may know and understand. Our present course of action is deciding our destiny for eternity. This is indeed a solemn thought. Those who know the truth are to practice the truth, realizing that the fear of the Lord is of more value than gold or silver. The world is the Lord’s vineyard. He says, “Go work today in my vineyard.” [Matthew 21:28.] As I have cared for you and blessed you, so you are to care for My honor and My name’s glory.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 40, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 40, 1900, par. 8

The Christian is to be quick to hear and obey the call, “Go work today in my vineyard.” [Matthew 21:28.] He is to show by his daily life that he loves God supremely and his neighbor as himself. Love for God is the first arm of the divine requirements; love for one another is the second. On these two great principles hang all the law and the prophets.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 42, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 42, 1901, par. 4

The uncultivated, non-producing wastes in the Lord’s vineyard are a sad testimony to unfaithful service. The Lord’s voice is heard, calling, “Go, work today in my vineyard.” [Matthew 21:28.] Self-denial and self-sacrifice are to be brought into the daily experience of those who work for the Master. Then the parts of the Lord’s vineyard which are now so barren and unproductive will be sown with the seeds of truth. Souls will be won to Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 209, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 209, 1902, par. 12

There are thousands in America perishing in their sins. There are many, many cities unwarned. And looking afar off to some distant field, men are indifferently passing by most needy fields close to them. Christ says, “Go work today in My vineyard.” [Matthew 21:28.] “Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages; and gathereth fruit unto life eternal; that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labor; other men labored, and ye are entered into their labors.” [John 4:35-38.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)

Ms 7, 1868

1LtMs, Ms 7, 1868, par. 24

You, Brother Howard, have not realized the exalted character of the work and the necessity of the faithful performance of your duty. You have sought for as easy a time as possible. Has God called you? If He has, it was to make you a workman. He has said: “Go labor in my vineyard.” [Matthew 21:28.] You cannot build up the church without an entire transformation. There are serious lacks in your education, your experience, and training. You leave things unfinished and lack thoroughness. You cannot obtain this leaning upon others. God has not set you to help the church. They are in advance of you. You are required to go forth into new fields. Lay hold of the truth. Rest not until you are imbued with the spirit and power of truth.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 242, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 242, 1903, par. 21

God is calling upon His people to work. He comes to them as they idle away the precious, golden moments, and says, “Go work today in My vineyard.” [Matthew 21:28.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 117a, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 117a, 1903, par. 22

God is calling upon His people to work. As they idle away the precious, golden moments of opportunity, He comes to them, saying, “Go work today in My vineyard.” [Matthew 21:28.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 185, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 185, 1903, par. 8

The commission, “Go ye,” is given to the apostles, the chief ministers whom He had educated in their work, the architects who were to lay the foundation of the church. It is not only a word of command, as to the servants, “Go, work today in My vineyard.” [Matthew 21:28.] The “day” means a life period. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you,” and the encouragement is given, “lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:19, 20.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 230, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 230, 1906, par. 7

The call is to go forth, “Son, go labor today in My vineyard.” [Matthew 21:28.] As this call is obeyed, the message that means so much to the dwellers on the earth will be heard and understood. Men will know what is truth. Onward, and still onward, will the work advance. And marked events of Providence will be seen and recognized in judgments and in blessings. The truth will bear away the victory.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 314, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 314, 1907, par. 20

There are among our church members faithful souls who feel a burden for those who know not the truth for this time. But one will say to such, The conference will not support you if you go here or there. To such souls I would say, Pray to God for guidance as to where you shall go; follow the directions of the Holy Spirit, and go, whether the conference will pay your expenses or not. “Go work today in My vineyard,” Christ commands. [Matthew 21:28.] When you have done your work in one place, go to another. Angels of God will go with you if you follow the leadings of the Spirit.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 190, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 190, 1907, par. 10

Every church member is to engage in active service for the Master. “Why stand ye here all the day idle?” He asks. “Go work today in My vineyard. Work while it is day; for the night cometh, when no man can work.” [Matthew 20:6; 21:28; John 9:4.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 170, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 170, 1907, par. 15

Every church member is to be engaged in active service for the Master. “Why stand ye here all the day idle?” asks the Master. “Go work today in My vineyard. Work while it is day; for the night cometh in which no man can work.” [Matthew 20:6; 21:28; John 9:4.] “Ye are My witnesses, saith the Lord.” [Isaiah 43:10.] Can we comprehend it? We are Christ’s property, bought with a price, even the precious blood of Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 99, 1907

22LtMs, Ms 99, 1907, par. 10

“Go work today in My vineyard,” the Saviour commands. [Matthew 21:28.] “Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” [1 Corinthians 10:31.] Let everyone who claims to be a child of the Heavenly King seek constantly to represent the principles of the kingdom of God. Let each remember that in spirit, in words, and in works he is to be loyal and true to all the precepts and commandments of the Lord. We are to be faithful, trustworthy subjects of the kingdom of Christ, that those who are worldly-wise may have a true representation of the riches, the goodness, the mercy, the tenderness, and the courtesy of the citizens of the kingdom of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 41, 1875

2LtMs, Lt 41, 1875, par. 2

My husband and myself are usually well. We go forth next week to our season’s labor. The Master has said unto us, “Go, labor in my vineyard.” [Matthew 21:28.] We go cheerfully, gladly. As long as there are souls out of Christ there is work for us everywhere. Our pleasure or ease is not to be consulted in this matter. “Christ pleased not himself.” Romans 15:3. “My meat is to do the will of him that sent me.” John 4:34. May we follow His example and be ready to deny self at all times.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 19b, 1874

2LtMs, Lt 19b, 1874, par. 3

We cannot endure the thought of another year passing and we see no special work done. I set before our people the work they might do. I appealed to them that every soul professing to believe the truth should arise and begin to build. I told them, Would that the words of the heavenly Teacher would arouse them to action! “Why stand ye here all the day idle?” “Go work today in my vineyard.” [Matthew 20:6; 21:28.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 141, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 141, 1899, par. 1

The parable of the two sons reveals that there is a work to be done by every soul in cooperating with God. To every man is given a work, some part in the Lord’s vineyard. The words addressed to the sons were, “Go, work today in my vineyard.” [Matthew 21:28.] This embraced two commands. First he was to show his obedience by going. Then he was to work, to exercise mind and heart continually in doing the work which needed to be done. This test of sincerity is brought to every soul. Will there be deeds as well as words? Will the one called put to use all the knowledge he has, working faithfully, disinterestedly, for the Owner of the vineyard?

14LtMs, Ms 141, 1899, par. 3

Again, there is a class of men who place a high estimate upon themselves and their work. The parable presents the case of the man who places his own estimate on his works. But the same value was not placed upon them by the One who reads the motives, who calculates the true worth of every work. The Lord placed no high value on those who said, “I go, sir,” but went not. [Verse 30.]

14LtMs, Ms 141, 1899, par. 5

Adam, because he believed Satan’s misrepresentations of God and disobeyed his Creator, was not permitted to work in the garden of Eden. But through the mercy of Christ the call is made to men, “Go work today in my vineyard.” [Matthew 21:28.] You are My purchased heritage. You are called away from the disloyalty of the world to build up a character in obedience to My word. You are accepted as laborers together with God. “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] “You hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience. ... But God, who is rich in mercy, for the great love wherewith he hath loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace are ye saved,) and hath raised us up together, and hath made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.

14LtMs, Ms 141, 1899, par. 15

Many who now help to compose the church stand in the position of the second son. They say, “I go, sir,” but they bear no burdens in the vineyard. [Matthew 21:30.] They do not cooperate with those who are doing God service. They are idlers, driftwood. They have not an increasing love for God and the truth, and there is more hope for the publican and the sinner than for them. Those who profess to be Christians, but who refuse to wear the yoke of Christ and learn His meekness and lowliness of heart are stumbling blocks in the way of sinners. They have a form of godliness, but they are not fruit-bearing branches of the vine. Their ears may hear the truth, but their perceptive powers have departed. The heart is hardened, the moral perception dimmed, the conscience seared.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 120, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 120, 1899, par. 1

Of every soul the Lord demands service. Those to whom the living oracles have been opened, who see the truth, and yield themselves body, soul, and spirit to God, will understand the words of the Saviour, “Go, work today in my vineyard,” to be a requirement, but not a compulsory one. [Matthew 21:28.] God’s will is made known in His Word, and those who believe in Christ will act out their belief. They will be doers of the Word.

14LtMs, Ms 120, 1899, par. 6

We have evidence that there are many deceivers in the world, men who say, “I go, sir,” but go not. [Matthew 21:30.] They may speak smooth words, and make fair speeches; but they deceive; they reveal in their lives that their works are not wrought in God. The practical life is a genuine index of the character. By our words and works we reveal to the world, to angels, and to men whether we believe in Christ as a personal Saviour.

14LtMs, Ms 120, 1899, par. 14

It is ours to have that beautiful garden to cultivate under the supervision of God. Eden restored, how grand, how beautiful it will be! Let us prove our industry in His service by doing faithful work. Do not say as the faithless sinner, “I will not,” or like the untrue son, “I go sir,” and go not. [Matthew 21:29, 30.] But at the call of Christ let us engage ourselves in sincere service.

14LtMs, Ms 120, 1899, par. 17

Christ declared to the leaders and teachers of the Jewish nation, “The publicans and harlots go into the kingdom of heaven before you.” [Matthew 21:31.] Why? Because their religious life was not sincere. Christ did not say, You cannot enter the kingdom of heaven, but He showed them that the obstacles which hindered them from entering were of their own manufacturing.

The Review and Herald

April 9, 1889

RH April 9, 1889, par. 1

Text: “But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first and said, Son, go work today in my vineyard. He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir; and went not. Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first.” Matthew 21:28-31.

From the Heart

Two Sons, April 2

FH 104.1

A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, “Son, go, work today in my vineyard.” He answered and said, “I will not,” but afterward he regretted it and went. Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, “I go, sir,” but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father? Matthew 21:28-31.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Lt 56, 1884

4LtMs, Lt 56, 1884, par. 4

I told them their ideas were all perverted. The things which should be the highest, the first, and that demanded the strength of thought, tact, wisdom, perseverance, diligence, earnest, and untiring effort, were almost wholly neglected for self-serving, self-pleasing. If they devoted a small remnant of their time to forethought, to study, to advance the cause of their Master, they thought the Lord was under obligation to them. Everything they had regarded in a perverted light, and when they came to their senses, they would see that they were symbolized [in a parable]. The man that Jesus addressed, “Son, go labor today in My vineyard,” said, “Yea, Lord,” but did not go. While the one who refused, repented, and went afterward. Which did the will of the Master, he who assented to the call but would not work, or he who refused and then afterward did repent and did work in the vineyard? [Matthew 21:28-31.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 78, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 78, 1893, par. 53

I arise at five o’clock and seek the Lord, for I want His strength every hour. I contemplate the life of Christ and write down some things in regard to the two sons. Matthew 21:28-32. “But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work today in my vineyard. And he answered and said, I will not; but afterward he repented, and went. And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir; and went not. Whither of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first.”

8LtMs, Ms 78, 1893, par. 54

They did not discern where this acknowledgment placed them. “Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not; but the publicans and harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen and heard repented not afterwards that ye might believe him.” [Verses 31, 32.] How essential that we walk in the light while we have the light, lest darkness come upon us. We cannot afford to lose one ray of heavenly light.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 138, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 138, 1899, par. 1

“What think ye? A certain man had two sons, and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work today in my vineyard. And he answered and said, I will not; but afterward he repented and went. And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go sir; but went not.” [Matthew 21:28-30.]

14LtMs, Ms 138, 1899, par. 2

Christ left His hearers no chance to doubt who He meant by the two sons. He asked them, “Whether of them twain did the will of his Father? They answered, The first.” Then he said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not; but the publicans and the harlots believed him; and ye when ye had seen it, repented not afterward that ye might believe him.” [Verses 31, 32.]

14LtMs, Ms 138, 1899, par. 8

The Jewish nation was dependent on God for all the blessings and favors they enjoyed. Light and knowledge from heaven was given them. To them had been committed the oracles of God. For them the Lord had wrought marvelously. In return for their exalted privileges and blessings, they were required to bear fruit to God’s glory, showing by their willing service that they realized their dependence and accountability to Him who had granted them such rich opportunities and privileges. They knew the will of their Father, and proudly boasted of their spiritual advantages. In response to the Lord’s invitation, they said, “I go, sir.” [Matthew 21:30.] But they did not intend to go. When they saw the publicans and harlots, who at first had refused, obeying the call, some repented and entered God’s service, but others became as ravening wolves.

14LtMs, Ms 138, 1899, par. 35

When the time of the fruit drew near, God sent his servants, that they might receive the fruit of his vineyard. [See Matthew 21:34.] God’s delegated servants, the prophets, were sent for this fruit. At different periods in the history of Israel, these were sent to the people in the name of Jehovah. Messenger after messenger was sent to them with words of warning, reproof, and entreaty. How were they treated?—“The husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another. Again he sent other servants more than the first; and they did unto them likewise.” [Verses 35, 36.]

14LtMs, Ms 138, 1899, par. 36

“Last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son. But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance. And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him.” [Verses 37-39.] Christ came to His own vineyard seeking fruit. He came to tell the people of the love of God, but they rejected His message, and crucified Him.

14LtMs, Ms 138, 1899, par. 40

“When therefore the Lord of the vineyard cometh,” Christ asked, “What will he do unto those husbandmen?” [Matthew 21:40.] So carried away by the narrative were Christ’s hearers that they gave a decided testimony against themselves. “He will utterly destroy those wicked men,” they said, “and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their season.” [Verse 41.] “Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scripture, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner; this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes? Therefore I say unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.” [Verses 42, 43.]

14LtMs, Ms 138, 1899, par. 42

In giving the parable of the two sons and the unfaithful husbandmen, Christ had in mind the whole world. He saw that there would be two parties, one of which would take hold of the truth, and work together with God, while the other would stand in stubborn resistance, reaching at last the place occupied in the parable by the unfaithful husbandmen. “Have ye never read in the scriptures,” Christ said, “The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner? ... Whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken, but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.” [Verses 42, 44.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 38, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 38, 1893, par. 23

Christ has a claim upon every soul, but many choose a life of sin. Some will not come unto Jesus that He may give them life. Some say, “I go, sir,” to His invitation; but they do not go. [Matthew 21:30.] They do not make an entire surrender to abide in Jesus alone, which is life and peace and joy unspeakable, and full of glory. The Lord will spue the lukewarm, slothful, and halfhearted out of His mouth, for He is disgusted with their works. Will you not rise to be wise and to make diligent work for eternity? Seek the grace of Christ with the whole heart, might, mind, and strength. All who do this will be instruments to win other souls to Jesus, and they will be branches of the True Vine, bearing much fruit to the glory of God.

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 9—The Pearl

COL 117.1

The gospel of Christ is a blessing that all may possess. The poorest are as well able as the richest to purchase salvation; for no amount of worldly wealth can secure it. It is obtained by willing obedience, by giving ourselves to Christ as His own purchased possession. Education, even of the highest class, cannot of itself bring a man nearer to God. The Pharisees were favored with every temporal and every spiritual advantage, and they said with boastful pride, We are “rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing”; yet they were “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” Revelation 3:17. Christ offered them the pearl of great price; but they disdained to accept it, and He said to them, “The publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.” Matthew 21:31.

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 18—“Go Into the Highways and Hedges”

COL 225.3

The host turned from those who despised his bounty, and invited a class who were not full, who were not in possession of houses and lands. He invited those who were poor and hungry, and who would appreciate the bounties provided. “The publicans and the harlots,” Christ said, “go into the kingdom of God before you.” Matthew 21:31. However wretched may be the specimens of humanity that men spurn and turn aside from, they are not too low, too wretched, for the notice and love of God. Christ longs to have care-worn, weary, oppressed human beings come to Him. He longs to give them the light and joy and peace that are to be found nowhere else. The veriest sinners are the objects of His deep, earnest pity and love. He sends His Holy Spirit to yearn over them with tenderness, seeking to draw them to Himself.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 20, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 20, 1893, par. 10

The invitation to the marriage supper of the Lamb has been refused, excuses made: one must go to prove his oxen, another to see his land, and another has married him a wife and declares he cannot come. But the commission is given, Go ye into the highways and hedges, into all the lanes of the city and compel them to come in that my house may be filled. The Saviour said to the Jews that they had resisted the invitations of mercy, and publicans and harlots would go into the kingdom of heaven before them, while they who boasted so much piety would be cast out. [Matthew 21:31.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 51, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 51, 1898, par. 10

Please read the invitation to the supper, and the last call made. Study to see what is being done to meet the command of Jesus. I cannot understand why this indifference is manifested, why you should stand off and criticize and draw away. The gospel net is to be cast into the sea, and it draws both good and bad. But because this is so, shall men and women ignore the efforts made to save those who will believe, and who will unite in the work of reaching that class of which Christ spoke in His rebuke to the Pharisees? “Sinners and harlots,” He said, “go into the kingdom before you?” [Matthew 21:31.] Will you not see that in every church there are those who have no connection with God? But Christ says, “Let the tares and the wheat grow together until the harvest, then I will send my angel to gather out the tares and burn them, but the wheat will I gather into my barn.” [See Matthew 13:30, 39.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 44, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 44, 1898, par. 33

No amount of worldly treasure can purchase salvation. It is by willing obedience that it is purchased, by giving ourselves to God as his own purchased possession. When we render back to God His own, when we wash our robes of character and make them white in the blood of the Lamb, then we shall be entitled to a celestial crown. Earthly wealth is of no value to purchase salvation for it is a lent treasure. Thus the poorest has just as good a chance as the richest. Education of the highest class, or itself, will not bring any man into favor with God. The Pharisees had been favored with every temporal and spiritual advantage, and with boastful pride they said, I am rich, and increased in goods, and have need of nothing. Yet they were wretched and poor and miserable. Christ offered them the pearl of great price, but they disdained to accept it, and He said to them, “Verily I say unto you, That publicans and harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.” [Matthew 21:31.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 51b, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 51b, 1898, par. 14

The gospel net is to be cast into the sea, and it draws both good and bad. But because this is so, shall men and women ignore the efforts made to save those who will believe, and who will unite in the work of reaching that class of which Christ spoke in His rebuke to the Pharisees? “Sinners and harlots,” He said, “go into the kingdom before you.” [See Matthew 21:31.] Will you not see that even in the church there are those who have no connection with God? But Christ says, Let the tares and the wheat grow together until the harvest; then I will send my angel to gather out the tares and burn them, but the wheat will I gather into my barn.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 79, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 79, 1893, par. 20

The words of Christ to the self-righteous Pharisees were these: “Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.” [Matthew 21:31, 32.] They did not repent, even when they had seen the great reformations wrought in healing the sick, in [the] transforming power of truth on human characters. The difficulties mentioned are the ones to be met in almost every place; but not in so manifest a form as in Palmerston. We think Satan has made his seat in that place to work out his deeds, that the laborers shall be discouraged and give it up.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 54a, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 54a, 1898, par. 8

“Verily I say unto you,” Christ said to the Pharisees, “That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterwards, that ye might believe him.” [Matthew 21:31, 32.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 54, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 54, 1898, par. 12

“Verily I say unto you,” Christ said to the Pharisees, “that the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him, and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.” [Matthew 21:31, 32.]

The Upward Look

Written for Our Admonition, August 6

UL 232.1

Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country. Matthew 21:33.

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

MR No. 1231—The Vineyard

16MR 328.1

“Hear another parable,” Christ said, “There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country: And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it. And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another. Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise. But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son. But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance” [Matthew 21:33-38].

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 134, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 134, 1899, par. 1

The parable of the vineyard clearly sets forth the spiritual condition of the Jewish nation. “There was a certain householder,” Christ said, “which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country: and when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it. And the husbandmen took his servants, and killed one, and beat another, and stoned another. Again he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise. But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, they will reverence my son. But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir: come, let us kill him, and let us seize on the inheritance.” [Matthew 21:33-38.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 129, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 129, 1899, par. 1

“Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country. And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it. And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another. Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise. But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son. But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir, come, let us kill him: and the inheritance will be ours. And they caught him and cast him out of the vineyard and slew him.” [Matthew 21:33-39.]

From the Heart

The Lord’s Vineyard, April 22

FH 124.1

There was a certain landowner who planted a vineyard and set a hedge around it. Matthew 21:33. (Read Matthew 21:33-41.)

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 59—“The House of Israel”

PK 711.1

“There was a certain householder,” Christ said, “which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a wine press in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country.” Matthew 21:33.

PK 712.2

Solemnly and regretfully Christ asked: “Did ye never read in the Scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes? Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.” Matthew 21:34-44.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 166, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 166, 1898, par. 1

“Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a wine-press in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country.” [Matthew 21:33.] What was the hedge? The law of Ten Commandments. This was what distinguished the Israel of God from all other nations upon the face of the earth.

13LtMs, Ms 166, 1898, par. 23

“When the time of the fruit drew near,” Christ said in the parable, “he sent his servants to the husbandman, that they might receive the fruits of it. And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another. Again, he sent other servants more than the first; and they did unto them likewise.” [Matthew 21:34-36.]

13LtMs, Ms 166, 1898, par. 30

Jesus points us to the key of all this suffering and humiliation—the love of God. We read in the parable, “last of all he sent unto them his Son, saying, They will reverence my Son.” [Matthew 21:37.] Again and again the Jewish nation had apostatized. Christ came to see what more could be done for his vineyard that he had not done. With His divinity clothed with humanity, He stood before the people, presenting before them their true condition.

13LtMs, Ms 166, 1898, par. 31

How was the Son received? When the husbandmen saw Him, they said among themselves, “This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and seize on his inheritance. And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him.” [Verses 38, 39.] Christ came to His own, but His own received Him not. They rewarded Him evil for good, and hatred for love. His soul was filled with grief as He saw the backsliding of Israel. As He looked at the devoted city, and thought of the punishment to come upon it, He exclaimed with weeping and agony, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto them, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.” [Matthew 23:37, 38.]

13LtMs, Ms 166, 1898, par. 34

“When therefore the lord of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto the wicked husbandmen?” Christ asked. [Matthew 21:40.] Among Christ’s hearers were the very men who were then plotting to take His life. But so engrossed had they become in the narrative, that they answered, “He will utterly destroy those wicked men, and let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their season.” [Verse 41.] They did not realize that by their denunciation of the husbandmen that they had pronounced their own sentence. But Jesus now fastened the guilt where it belonged.

13LtMs, Ms 166, 1898, par. 35

“Did ye never read in the Scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner?” He asked. “Therefore I say unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.” [Verses 42, 43.]

13LtMs, Ms 166, 1898, par. 37

“And whosoever shall fall on this stone,” Christ continued, “shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.” [Matthew 21:44.] Those who remain impenitent will understand the meaning of the wrath of the Lamb. The punishment that was to fall upon the Jewish people would be all the more terrible because of the return they had made for God’s great mercy and love. Not long after this parable was given, the Son of God stood in Pilate’s judgment hall, before a human tribunal, and there He was condemned by false witnesses. Though declared innocent by a heathen judge, yet He was delivered into the hands of the cruelest power that earth can produce—a mob inspired by Satan.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 23, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 23, 1900, par. 4

In the parable of the vineyard Christ represented the past and future history of His church. “There was a certain nobleman,” He said, “which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and let it out to husbandmen.” [Matthew 21:33.]

15LtMs, Ms 23, 1900, par. 6

As a last resource, God sent His Son, saying, They will reverence My Son. But their resistance had made them vindictive, and they said among themselves, “This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on the inheritance. We shall then be left to enjoy the vineyard, and to do as we please with the fruit.” [Verse 38.]

15LtMs, Ms 23, 1900, par. 11

After Christ had portrayed before the priests their crowning act of wickedness, He asked, “When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen?” The priests had been following the narrative with deep interest, and without considering the relation of the subject to themselves, they answered, “He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render to him the fruits in their season.” Unwittingly they had pronounced their own doom. Solemnly and regretfully Christ asked, “Did ye never read in the Scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner; this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes. Therefore I say unto you, The kingdom shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. Whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken, but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.” [Matthew 21:40-44.]