EGW WritingsMatthew 24

Ellen G. White · Page 3 of 3

Matthew 24:36-48

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 151, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 151, 1898, par. 16

“When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory. And before him shall be gathered all nations.” [Matthew 25:31, 32.] “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying, and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark: and knew not until the flood came and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” [Matthew 24:36-39.]

13LtMs, Ms 151, 1898, par. 17

As in the days that were before the flood, the impenitent see no cause for alarm. They eat, they drink, they marry and are given in marriage. The event has been long foretold, but time has passed on, and many distinctly say, “My lord delayeth his coming.” [Verse 48.] It is because the work has not been done for the wicked that time delays. God’s long forbearance is wonderful. The Master is treated with disrespect, He receives but little thanksgiving for His bestowment of blessings. The world is mad, they do not consider that His long forbearance toward the wicked is a part of His great plan, that judgments will surely come. But the long suffering God will do His work. He will discriminate with justice and accuracy.

Matthew 24:37

Country Living

The Refuge of Country Places

CL 14.2

We should carry a continual burden as we see the fulfillment of the words of Christ, “As the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Matthew 24:37. In the days before the Flood, every kind of amusement was invented to lead men and women to forgetfulness and sin. Today, in 1908, Satan is working with intensity, that the same conditions of evil shall prevail. And the earth is becoming corrupt. Religious liberty will be little respected by professing Christians, for many of them have no understanding of spiritual things.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Ms 85, 1908

23LtMs, Ms 85, 1908, par. 11

We should carry a continual burden as we see the fulfilment of the words of Christ, “As the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” [Matthew 24:37.] In the days before the flood, every kind of amusement was invented to lead men and women to forgetfulness and sin. Today, in 1908, Satan is working with intensity, that the same conditions of evil shall prevail. And the earth is becoming corrupt. Religious liberty will be little respected by professing Christians, for many of them have no understanding of spiritual things.

Lift Him Up

Preparation for Christ’s Coming, December 17

LHU 365.1

As the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Matthew 24:37.

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

MR No. 815—Evangelizing Big Cities From Outposts

10MR 261.3

We should carry a continual burden as we see the fulfillment of the words of Christ. “As the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be” (Matthew 24:37). In the days before the Flood, every kind of amusement was invented to lead men and women to forgetfulness and sin. Today, in 1908, Satan is working with intensity, that the same conditions of evil shall prevail. And the earth is becoming corrupt. Religious liberty will be little respected by professing Christians, for many of them have no understanding of spiritual things.

Ministry to the Cities

Chapter 8—Working Inside and Outside Cities

MTC 112.2

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 110, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 110, 1901, par. 45

We are living in the last days. The closing scenes of this world’s history, which our Saviour foretold would take place just prior to His coming, are now being enacted before us. Concerning this time, He said, “As the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be.” [Matthew 24:37.] The inhabitants of the antediluvian world were utterly unconcerned, and at the appointed time the flood came, and took them all away. Had they believed the warning given by Noah, they would not have risked everything by going on in wickedness. Notwithstanding their unbelief, destruction came. Unbelief will not change the certainty of Christ’s second coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 154, 1904

19LtMs, Ms 154, 1904, par. 33

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

Matthew 24:37-38

Sermons and Talks, vol. 1

Lessons From the Experiences of Pentecost

1SAT 393.3

This exhortation has a special application to us. We are living in the generation concerning which it is said, “As the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage” [Matthew 24:37, 38]. If any of us are to be among the overcomers, we must be diligent to keep ourselves free from the corruptions of the age.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 9, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 9, 1893, par. 19

Today you may well say, What shall we do? We say lead your children to God. Look to God and learn lessons of Jesus Christ. What hope have we for the race in its present condition? “But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking.” [Matthew 24:37, 38.] What doing? Eating and drinking, and marrying and giving in marriage.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Ms 49, 1908

23LtMs, Ms 49, 1908, par. 19

This exhortation has a special application to us. We are living in the generation, concerning which it is said, “As the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood, they are eating and drinking, marrying, and giving in marriage.” [Matthew 24:37, 38.] If any of us are to be among the overcomers, we must be diligent to keep ourselves free from the corruptions of the age.

Matthew 24:37-39

Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene

Chapter 1—Christian Temperance General Principles

CTBH 11.1

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

The Upward Look

Christ’s Death Brings Life, July 28

UL 223.6

Christ declares, “As the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be” (Matthew 24:37-39).

Counsels on Diet and Foods

Part 1—Instruction to be Given on Health Topics

CD 446.2

The Publishing Ministry

Chapter 25—Recruiting Literature Evangelists

PM 280.4

Canvassers to Warn the Cities While It Is Possible—Who can question that we are living in perilous times? When Christ portrayed the destruction of Jerusalem, He looked down the ages and included in His description the still more awful destruction of the world. And He declares, “As the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be” (Matthew 24:37-39).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 41, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 41, 1886, par. 15

The message now due to this world will continue till the close of time, and it will shine to all parts of the earth. Moral darkness has covered the earth like a pall of death, and it will continue to darken as the light is rejected. “As the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Matthew 24:37-39.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 4a, 1885

4LtMs, Ms 4a, 1885, par. 63

Many seem to think these precautions are not essential, and their deportment pleads for greater liberty than the laws of God allows them. It is an imperative duty to preserve the soul from impure thoughts and unholy actions. Iniquity abounds, and our Saviour lifted His voice in warning. “As the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days that were before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came and took them all away.” [Matthew 24:37-39.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Ms 1, 1888

5LtMs, Ms 1, 1888, par. 15

Our health institutions are established to present the living principles of a clean, pure, healthful diet. Knowledge must be imparted in regard to self-denial, self-control. Jesus, who made man and redeemed man, is to be held up before all who shall come to our institutions. The knowledge of the way to life, peace, health, must be given line upon line, precept upon precept, that men and women may see the need of reform. They must be led to renounce the debasing customs and practices which existed in Sodom and in the antediluvian world, which God destroyed because of their iniquity. Said Christ, “But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” [Matthew 24:37-39.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 87, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 87, 1894, par. 11

Can we wonder that the curse of God is upon the earth, upon man and beast, when His law is set aside as a thing of naught, and men are following the imagination of their own hearts as did the inhabitants of the world before the flood? All this foretells the coming of Christ and the end of all things. “But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” [Matthew 24:37-39.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 37, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 37, 1894, par. 16

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

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 73a, 1896

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

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

11LtMs, Lt 73a, 1896, par. 39

But, oh, how fast the world is rushing on in its madness, hastening to the day of retribution. “As the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” [Matthew 24:37.] Each day man is forming his own destiny. Each day his account is recorded by the heavenly Watcher in the books of heaven. The time will come when each one will meet the history of his life. But how much of the money which God has given man, the money which should be used to restore the obliterated image of Jesus, is used to gratify appetite and ambition, to prepare extravagant festivals, and to build and furnish grand houses.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 19a, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 19a, 1897, par. 17

In His teaching Christ referred to this careless disregard of principle. “But as the days of Noah were,” He said, “so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” [Matthew 24:37-39.]

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 18—“Go Into the Highways and Hedges”

COL 228.1

The Bible declares that in the last days men will be absorbed in worldly pursuits, in pleasure and money-getting. They will be blind to eternal realities. Christ says, “As the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Matthew 24:37-39.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 69, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 69, 1897, par. 34

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

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 79, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 79, 1898, par. 3

In his description of the earth in the last days, He said, “As the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came and took them all away, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” [Matthew 24:37-39.] We see these things existing in this period of the earth’s history. Prophets have declared that which would take place in the latter days, and we see the fulfillment of prophesy.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 105, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 105, 1898, par. 19

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

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 121c, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 121c, 1898, par. 16

In His teachings, Christ referred to this. “But as the days of Noah were,” He said, “so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying, and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” [Matthew 24:37-39.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 82, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 82, 1899, par. 31

Why do not those who make laws abolish this debasing traffic? Because they do not bear God’s sign. They do not keep His commandments. Therefore they tolerate that which is making the world a second Sodom. As it was in the days of Noah, when the wickedness of men was so great that God swept from the face of the earth every living thing save those which found refuge in the ark, so also shall it be when the Son of man is revealed. “They were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, and knew not until the flood came and took them all away. Thus shall it be when the Son of man shall be revealed.” [Matthew 24:37-39.]

Counsels on Health

As in the Days of Noah

CH 23.1

Jesus, seated on the Mount of Olives, gave instruction to His disciples concerning the signs which should precede His coming: “As the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the Flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the Flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Matthew 24:37-39. The same sins that brought judgments upon the world in the days of Noah exist in our day. Men and women now carry their eating and drinking so far that it ends in gluttony and drunkenness. This prevailing sin, the indulgence of perverted appetite inflamed the passions of men in the days of Noah, and led to widespread corruption. Violence and sin reached to heaven. This moral pollution was finally swept from the earth by means of the Flood.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 78, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 78, 1900, par. 26

Christ declared, “As the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” [Matthew 24:37-39.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 42, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 42, 1900, par. 6

What does God see as He looked upon the earth and its inhabitants today? The same condition of things that He saw in Noah’s day. Christ declared, “As the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” [Matthew 24:37-39.] The twenty-first chapter of Luke should be studied by those who have respect for their own souls and for the souls of their fellow men. In this article I can merely call your attention to these things; it is essential that you study them for yourselves. We are living in the last days of this earth’s history.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 66, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 66, 1901, par. 19

Christ declares, “As the days of Noah were, so shall also the days of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark; and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” [Matthew 24:37-39.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 59, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 59, 1901, par. 27

“As the days of Noah were, so shall also the days of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the food, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” [Matthew 24:37-39.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 116, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 116, 1901, par. 6

Christ has told us how it will be at the close of this earth’s history. “As the days of Noah were,” He says, “so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” [Matthew 24:37-39.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 102, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 102, 1901, par. 29

Before us is presented the hope that during this life Christ will prepare us for heaven, so that should we die we shall rise from the grave to enjoy a life of glorious immortality. How I value this blessed hope! I want to live in a better place than this sin-cursed earth. It would be a pleasant place in which to live if all sin and violence and crime were removed from it; but we have no hope that they will be before Christ comes; for we read, “As the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, ... so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” [Matthew 24:37-39.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 153, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 153, 1901, par. 4

The signs of the times—the wars and rumors of wars, the strikes, murders, robberies and accidents—tell us that the end of all things is at hand. God’s Word declares, “As the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” [Matthew 24:37-39.] How true a description this is of the condition of the world today. The daily papers are full of notices of divorce and marriage after divorce—the marriage condemned in the words of the Saviour—full of accounts of amusements and games, of pugilistic contests in which human beings maim and disfigure one another to exhibit their brutal strength.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 100, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 100, 1901, par. 32

We are approaching the day of final reckoning. Christ told His disciples that prior to the coming of the Son of Man, the world would be as it was in the days of Noah, when “they were eating, and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, ... and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away.” [Matthew 24:37-39.] They chose to drink the waters of the flood. During one hundred and twenty years they were on probation, free to choose whether they would obey the voice of God and find refuge in the ark, or refuse to hear His voice, and be destroyed. They chose to disbelieve. Those who did believe when Noah began to build the ark lost their faith through association with unbelievers who aroused all the old passions for amusement and display. In those days “the earth was filled with violence.” [Genesis 6:11.] Is not violence now in the land? How much is human life worth, if somebody’s way is crossed, if somebody’s passion is excited?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 47, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 47, 1901, par. 4

The forms of wickedness existing in Noah’s day are current in the world today. There are no new evils. God’s Word declares, “As the days of Noah were, so also shall the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” [Matthew 24:37-39.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 1 [Nos. 19-96]

Why We Establish Health Institutions

1MR 280.1

Our health institutions are established to present the living principles of a clean, pure, healthful diet. The knowledge must be imparted in regard to self-denial, self-control. Jesus who made man and redeemed man, is to be held up before all who shall come to our institutions. The knowledge of the way to life, peace, health, must be given line upon line, precept upon precept, that men and women may see the need of reform. They must be led to renounce the debasing customs and practices which existed in Sodom and in the antediluvian world, whom God destroyed because of their iniquity. Said Christ, “But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be” (Matthew 24:37-39).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 201, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 201, 1902, par. 6

In His warning message our Saviour has told us how it will be in the end of the world. “As the days of Noah were,” He says, “so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” [Matthew 24:37-39.]

17LtMs, Lt 201, 1902, par. 7

Very plainly Christ saw what the condition of society would be in the future. He saw that self-indulgence would control men and women. What of the marriage relation today? Is it not perverted and defiled, made even as it was in Noah’s day? Divorce after divorce is recorded in the daily papers. This is the marriage of which Christ speaks when He says that before the flood they were “marrying and giving in marriage.” [Verse 38.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 34, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 34, 1902, par. 9

For one hundred and twenty years Noah gave God’s message of warning to the inhabitants of the antediluvian world. But they would not heed the message. Christ has given to us the warning: “As the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” [Matthew 24:37-39.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 176, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 176, 1903, par. 15

Who can question that we are living in perilous times? When Christ portrayed the destruction of Jerusalem, He looked down the ages and included in His description the still more awful destruction of the world. And He declares, “As the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” [Matthew 24:37-39.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 13 [Nos. 1000-1080]

MR No. 1063—Eat and Drink to the Glory of God

13MR 339.1

Christ declared, “As the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be” [Matthew 24:37-39].

Manuscript Releases, vol. 3 [Nos. 162-209]

Walk in the Light

3MR 79.2

The message now due to this world will continue till the close of time, and it will shine to all parts of the earth. Moral darkness has covered the earth like a pall of death, and it will continue to darken as the light is rejected. “As the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Matthew 24:37-39.

Testimony Studies on Diet and Foods

Chapter 8—Diet and Morals

TSDF 26.5

Testimony Studies on Diet and Foods

Chapter 26—Instruction to be Given on Health Topics

TSDF 112.8

The Story of Jesus

Chapter 31—A Day of Judgment

SJ 180.6

“But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Matthew 24:37-39.

Matthew 24:37-42

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 110, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 110, 1901, par. 10

Matthew 24:37-51

The Kress Collection

A Physician’s Opportunities

KC 47.2

Read carefully Genesis 6:5-14. Matthew 24:37, 51; 2 Corinthians 10:4, 5. 2 Peter 1:1-6.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 49, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 49, 1897, par. 14

And Christ has declared of these last days, “As the days of Noah were, so also shall the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away, so shall the coming of the Son of man be.” [Matthew 24:37-39.]

12LtMs, Ms 49, 1897, par. 15

And He exhorts His people, “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would have come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready; for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his lord, when he cometh, shall find so doing. Verily, I say unto you, that he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and he shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken, the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of. And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” [Verses 42-51.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 36, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 36, 1897, par. 17

This whole chapter is applicable to those who are living in this period of the earth’s history. Consider this chapter attentively, for it will be fulfilled. At this time the message is to come to the people to warn them against being one of the number represented by Jesus Christ as fulfilling the prophecy: “As the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” [Matthew 24:37-39.]

12LtMs, Ms 36, 1897, par. 18

“Watch therefore; for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour a ye think not, the Son of man cometh. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them their meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his Lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” [Verses 42-51.]

12LtMs, Ms 36, 1897, par. 19

The life of Christ in its self-denial and self-sacrifice is to be made manifest at this time. This is the time when there should be decided testimonies borne by all of God’s commandment-keeping people. “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometh.” [Verse 44.] This is our message to every family who claims to know the truth. “Be ye also ready.” Self must die. The appetites and passions must be brought into strict conformity to the Word of God. Selfish indulgence is weakening physical, mental, and moral power, so that there is no distinction between the sacred and the common.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 150, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 42

“As the days of Noah were,” Christ declares, “so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” [Matthew 24:37-39.]

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 44

“Blessed is that servant whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken, the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” [Verses 42-51.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 14, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 14, 1905, par. 1

“As the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” [Matthew 24:37-39.]

20LtMs, Ms 14, 1905, par. 3

“Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming, and shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” [Verses 42-51.]

20LtMs, Ms 14, 1905, par. 4

In view of these warnings, can anyone seek to quiet the mind with false science regarding what it means to be a follower of Christ? Now is the time to form characters after the divine similitude. If all Seventh-day Adventists were doing this, there would be a decided reformation in our churches. We must arouse and make ready to meet our Lord. But God has instructed me that many professing Christians are cherishing the thought, “My Lord delayeth His coming.” [Verse 48.] They are becoming careless and are eating and drinking with the drunken. They are following worldly policy. Eagerness to buy and sell and get gain is beclouding the spiritual vision of men who know the truth, but are not sanctified through the truth. This is bringing into our churches a spirit which, put into words, would say, “My Lord delayeth His coming.”

Matthew 24:38

Conflict and Courage

Marrying and Giving in Marriage, January 30

CC 36.1

In the days that were before the flood they were ... marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark. Matthew 24:38.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 190, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 190, 1899, par. 11

A few hours since I heard that W. C. White had a letter from John Wessels. W. C. White and May are attending the wedding of Mr. Hughes’ daughter and the brother of Minnie Hawkins, one of my editors. Yesterday Brother Thomson’s daughter was married to a young man whose name I do not remember. “Marrying and giving in marriage,” as Christ said it was before the flood. [Matthew 24:38.]

Matthew 24:38-39

Conflict and Courage

An Affluent Society, January 29

CC 35.1

In the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking ... and knew not until the flood came and took them all away. Matthew 24:38, 39.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 7 [Nos. 419-525]

MR No. 515—Counsels Regarding Medical Work

7MR 368.4

I then saw the corruptions of these last days. Even some of those who profess the truth are corrupt and the same sins exist now that existed before the destruction of the old world by a flood. The world is almost ripe now for destruction, as it was then. I saw that when they were eating and drinking, marrying and being given in marriage, the flood came and took them all away. (See Matthew 24:38, 39). I saw that the hearts of the young are now filled with the thought of getting married. Some of them become disobedient to their parents, become wanton, and marry without the counsel of their parents or the church of God. Not having God in all their thoughts, not inquiring whether it is according to His will or pleasure or not, they do not marry to glorify God but to gratify their loose passions and their depraved lusts. Such sins as these brought the flood upon the old world, and destroyed those sinners who would not bear God in their thoughts. Awful sins of these last days are to bring the unmingled fury of God upon the world.

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 7—The Flood

PP 101.2

The sins that called for vengeance upon the antediluvian world exist today. The fear of God is banished from the hearts of men, and His law is treated with indifference and contempt. The intense worldliness of that generation is equaled by that of the generation now living. Said Christ, “As in the days that were before the Flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the Flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Matthew 24:38, 39. God did not condemn the antediluvians for eating and drinking; He had given them the fruits of the earth in great abundance to supply their physical wants. Their sin consisted in taking these gifts without gratitude to the Giver, and debasing themselves by indulging appetite without restraint. It was lawful for them to marry. Marriage was in God’s order; it was one of the first institutions which He established. He gave special directions concerning this ordinance, clothing it with sanctity and beauty; but these directions were forgotten, and marriage was perverted and made to minister to passion.

From Eternity Past

Conditions Before the Flood

EP 57.5

The sins that called for vengeance upon the antediluvian world exist today. The fear of God is banished from the hearts of men. His law is treated with indifference and contempt. “As in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Matthew 24:38, 39. God did not condemn the antediluvians for eating and drinking. He had given the fruits of the earth to supply their physical wants. Their sin consisted in taking these gifts without gratitude to the Giver, indulging appetite without restraint. It was lawful to marry. He gave special directions concerning this ordinance, clothing it with sanctity and beauty. But marriage was perverted and made to minister to passion.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 31, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 31, 1898, par. 16

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

Matthew 24:38-51

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 258, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 258, 1907, par. 7

I have been shown that the Spirit of the Lord is being withdrawn from the earth. God’s keeping power will soon be refused to all who continue to disregard His commandments. The reports of fraudulent transactions, murders, and crimes of every kind are coming to us daily. Iniquity is becoming so common a thing that it no longer shocks the senses as it once did. I have been shown that the whole world is fast becoming as it was in the days of Noah. “For as in the days that were before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying, and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark; and the flood came and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. ... Watch therefore; for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. ... Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” [Matthew 24:38, 39, 42, 44.]

22LtMs, Lt 258, 1907, par. 9

There is a work to be done at this time by those who believe that we are living in the closing days of this earth’s history. Light must be imparted to those who are in darkness. The truths of the Word of God must be brought in straight, clear lines to the people, whether they will receive them, or whether they will reject them. “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily, I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.” [Matthew 24:45-47.] Here is represented a class of workers who will not fail nor become discouraged in their work.

22LtMs, Lt 258, 1907, par. 10

“But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My Lord delayeth His coming; and shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards; the lord of that servant shall come in a day that he looketh not for him; and in an hour that he is not aware of; and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” [Verses 48-51.]

Matthew 24:39

Counsels for the Church

Chapter 2—The Time of The End

CCh 38.5

But who reads the warnings given by the fast-fulfilling signs of the times? What impression is made upon worldlings? What change is seen in their attitude? No more than was seen in the attitude of the inhabitants of the Noachian world. Absorbed in worldly business and pleasure, the antediluvians “knew not until the Flood came, and took them all away.” Matthew 24:39. They had heaven-sent warnings, but they refused to listen. And today the world, utterly regardless of the warning voice of God, is hurrying on to eternal ruin.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 28—The Investigative Judgment

GC88 491.2

The righteous and the wicked will still be living upon the earth in their mortal state—men will be planting and building, eating and drinking, all unconscious that the final, irrevocable decision has been pronounced in the sanctuary above. Before the flood, after Noah entered the ark, God shut him in, and shut the ungodly out; but for seven days the people, knowing not that their doom was fixed, continued their careless, pleasure-loving life, and mocked the warnings of impending judgment. “So,” says the Saviour, “shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” [Matthew 24:39.] Silently, unnoticed as the midnight thief, will come the decisive hour which marks the fixing of every man’s destiny, the final withdrawal of mercy’s offer to guilty men.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 3

True Causes Not Understood

3TT 283.1

From Here to Forever

The Destiny of All Decided

HF 302.4

Men will be planting and building, eating and drinking, all unconscious that the final decision has been pronounced in the sanctuary above. Before the Flood, after Noah entered the ark, God shut him in and shut the ungodly out; but for seven days the people continued their pleasure-loving life and mocked the warnings of judgment. “So,” says the Saviour, “shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Silently, unnoticed as the midnight thief, will come the hour which marks the fixing of every man’s destiny. “Watch ye therefore: ... lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.” Matthew 24:39; Mark 13:35, 36.

Christ in His Sanctuary

Now in the Day of Atonement

CIHS 189.2

The righteous and the wicked will still be living upon the earth in their mortal state—men will be planting and building, eating and drinking, all unconscious that the final, irrevocable decision has been pronounced in the sanctuary above. Before the Flood, after Noah entered the ark, God shut him in and shut the ungodly out; but for seven days the people, knowing not that their doom was fixed, continued their careless, pleasure-loving life and mocked the warnings of impending judgment. “So,” says the Saviour, “shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Matthew 24:39. Silently, unnoticed as the midnight thief, will come the decisive hour which marks the fixing of every man’s destiny, the final withdrawal of mercy’s offer to guilty men.

Homeward Bound

The Close of Probation, October 24

HB 325.5

The righteous and the wicked will still be living upon the earth in their mortal state—they will be planting and building, eating and drinking, all unconscious that the final, irrevocable decision has been pronounced in the sanctuary above. Before the Flood, after Noah entered the ark, God shut him in and shut the ungodly out; but for seven days the people, knowing not that their doom was fixed, continued their careless, pleasure-loving life and mocked the warnings of impending judgment. “So,” says the Saviour, “shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” (Matthew 24:39.)—The Great Controversy, 490, 491.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 109, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 109, 1898, par. 2

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

Last Day Events

Chapter 16—The Close of Probation

LDE 230.3

Before the Flood, after Noah entered the ark, God shut him in, and shut the ungodly out; but for seven days the people, knowing not that their doom was fixed, continued their careless, pleasure-loving life, and mocked the warnings of impending judgment. “So,” says the Saviour, “shall also the coming of the Son of man be” (Matthew 24:39). Silently, unnoticed as the midnight thief, will come the decisive hour which marks the fixing of every man’s destiny, the final withdrawal of mercy’s offer to guilty men....

Maranatha

Human Probation Closes, September 12

Mar 263.4

Christ declares that there will exist similar unbelief concerning His second coming. As the people of Noah’s day “knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so,” in the words of our Saviour, “shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Matthew 24:39. When the professed people of God are uniting with the world, living as they live, and joining with them in forbidden pleasures; when the luxury of the world becomes the luxury of the church; when the marriage bells are chiming, and all are looking forward to many years of worldly prosperity—then, suddenly as the lightning flashes from the heavens, will come the end of their bright visions and delusive hopes.36The Great Controversy, 338, 339.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9

Chapter 1—The Last Crisis

9T 14.1

The Faith I Live By

As It Was in Noah’s Day, December 1

FLB 341.4

The Great Controversy

Chapter 28—Facing Life’s Record

GC 491.1

The righteous and the wicked will still be living upon the earth in their mortal state—men will be planting and building, eating and drinking, all unconscious that the final, irrevocable decision has been pronounced in the sanctuary above. Before the Flood, after Noah entered the ark, God shut him in and shut the ungodly out; but for seven days the people, knowing not that their doom was fixed, continued their careless, pleasure-loving life and mocked the warnings of impending judgment. “So,” says the Saviour, “shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Matthew 24:39. Silently, unnoticed as the midnight thief, will come the decisive hour which marks the fixing of every man’s destiny, the final withdrawal of mercy’s offer to guilty men.

Matthew 24:39-48

The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4

Chapter 13—William Miller

4SP 209.2

Christ declares that there will exist similar unbelief concerning his second coming. As the people of Noah’s day “knew not until the flood came and took them all away, so,” in the words of our Saviour, “shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” [Matthew 24:39.] When the professed people of God are uniting with the world, living as they live, and joining with them in forbidden pleasure; when the luxury of the world becomes the luxury of the church; when the marriage bells are chiming, and all are looking forward to many years of worldly prosperity,—then, suddenly as the lightning flashes from the heavens, will come the end of their bright visions and delusive hopes.

4SP 216.2

It is those who do not love the Saviour that desire him to remain away, and such eagerly receive the testimony borne by unfaithful servants, “My Lord delayeth his coming.” [Matthew 24:48.] While they refuse to search the Scriptures to learn if these things are so, they grasp every fable which will put off the coming of Christ into the distant future, or make it spiritual, fulfilled at the destruction of Jerusalem, or taking place at death.

Matthew 24:39-51

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 32a, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 32a, 1896, par. 2

Everything has been moving on just as the Lord has revealed in prophecy that it would. Something great and decisive is soon to take place, else no flesh would be saved. The character of God will not be compromised. Under the wrath of God, universal desolation will soon reach all parts of the known world. There have been lightnings and earthquakes, fires and floods, calamities by sea and by land; but who reads these warnings? What impression is made upon the world? What change in their attitude is seen? No more than was seen in the inhabitants of the Noachic world. The people are just as ardent today in their games, in the horse racing, in their love of amusement, as were the antediluvians, who “knew not until the flood came, and took them all away.” [Matthew 24:39.] They had heaven-sent warnings, but refused to listen. By their attitude they declared, We want not thy way, O God; we want our own way, our own will.

11LtMs, Ms 32a, 1896, par. 4

God gives no man a message that it will be five or ten or twenty years before this earth’s history shall close. If it were forty or one hundred years, the Lord would not authorize men to proclaim it. He would not give any living being an excuse for delaying the preparation for His appearing. He would have no one say, as did the unfaithful servant, “My Lord delayeth his coming” [Matthew 24:48] for this leads to reckless neglect of opportunities and privileges to prepare for that great day. Every soul who claims to be a servant of God is called to do His service as if every day might be the last.

11LtMs, Ms 32a, 1896, par. 7

The words of Christ have a direct application to this time, “Watch therefore; for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready; for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Who then is that faithful and wise servant, ... whom his Lord when he cometh shall find so doing? Verily I say unto you, that he shall make him ruler over all his goods.” [Matthew 24:42-47.]

11LtMs, Ms 32a, 1896, par. 9

“Lift up your voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.” [Isaiah 58:1.] Talk of the speedy appearing of the Son of man in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. Put not off that day. God has given no man light to say, “My Lord delayeth his coming.” [Matthew 24:48.] Let the inquiry be made, Shall I stand at the right hand or at the left hand of the Judge at that day? “Seeing all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness.” [2 Peter 3:11.]

11LtMs, Ms 32a, 1896, par. 10

“But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My Lord delayeth his coming, and shall begin to smite his fellow servants”—how? by his words, by expressing suspicion, by his evil thinking and evil speaking. It is thus that confidence is changed to doubt and unbelief—“and to eat and drink with the drunken; the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of. And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” [Matthew 24:48-51.]

Matthew 24:42

From the Heart

Be on Guard, October 27

FH 312.1

Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. Matthew 24:42.

Matthew 24:42-43

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

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

14MR 97.1

The world full of rioting, full of godless pleasure, is asleep, asleep in carnal security, putting afar off the coming of the Lord, laughing at warnings, calling those who try to arouse their attention, almost fanatics, enthusiasts, not levelheaded. The lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God are taken unawares. This is the proud boast that is made, “All things remain as they were from the beginning. Tomorrow shall be as this day, only much more abundant.” We will go deeper into pleasure loving. But, said Christ, “Behold I come as a thief.” When the scorner, the rejecter of truth has become presumptuous, when the routine of work in the various money-making lines is being carried on without regard to principle, when the student is fully engaged in ambitious aims to obtain knowledge of everything but the Bible, Christ comes as a thief. The warning has been given, “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up” [Matthew 24:42, 43]. Every hour that passes is one hour less for you to make preparation of character for this great event.—Manuscript 7a, 1896.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 7a, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 7a, 1896, par. 26

When the scorner, the rejector of truth, has become presumptuous, then the routine of work in the various money making lines is being carried on without regard to principle, when the student is fully engaged in ambitious aims to obtain knowledge of everything but the Bible. Christ comes as thief. The warning has been given, “Watch therefore; for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broke up.” [Matthew 24:42, 43.] Every hour that passes is one hour less for you to make preparation of character for this great event.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 268, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 268, 1903, par. 12

We are living in a very solemn period of this earth’s history. We know not the exact time of our Lord’s coming. But whether it be this year, or next year, or in several years, Christ has told us that He will come as a thief in the night. He says unto all, “Watch.” [1 Thessalonians 5:2; Matthew 24:42, 43.] To very, very many, He will come in such an hour as they think not. At the time of His coming, men will be asking, “Where is the promise of His coming?” [2 Peter 3:4.] The signs of the last days are thickening around us. The wickedness of the wicked is increasing.

Matthew 24:42-44

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 27, 1892

7LtMs, Ms 27, 1892, par. 8

This blessed hope of the second appearing of Christ needs to be presented often to the people, with its solemn realities; looking for the soon appearing of our Lord Jesus to come in His glory, will lead to the regarding of earthly things as emptiness and nothingness. All worldly honor or distinction is of no value, for the true believer lives above the world; his steps are advancing heavenward. He is a pilgrim and stranger. His citizenship is above. He is gathering the sunbeams of the righteousness of Christ into his soul, that he may be a burning and shining light to the moral darkness that has enshrouded the world. What vigorous faith, what lively hope, what fervent love, what holy, consecrated zeal for God is seen in him, and what a decided distinction between him and the world! “Watch ye therefore, and pray alway, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” [Luke 21:36.] “Watch ye therefore, for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.” “Therefore be ye ready also; for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” [Matthew 24:42, 44.] “Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments.” [Revelation 16:15.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 56, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 56, 1896, par. 10

I cannot write more; I must close. I will have some things sent by next mail. Study Revelation in connection with Daniel, for history will be repeated. We must be true and faithful amid the iniquity that abounds. At no period of time are we in so much danger as when prosperity seems to crown our efforts. Self must be hidden in God. We are living amid the perils of the last days, and many of us are insensible to the perils that threaten our world. We, with all our religious advantages, ought to know far more today than we do know. “Watch therefore,” said Jesus, “for ye know not when the time is. Be ye also ready; for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometh.” [Mark 13:33; Matthew 24:42, 44.] “Except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish.” [Luke 13:3.] The right hand is to be cut off; the right eye is to be plucked out. There is hidden depravity that needs to be carefully considered and uprooted. God help us individually to purify our souls by obeying the truth.

Christ Triumphant

Live Every Day as Though It Might Be the Last, December 5

CTr 346.1

Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.... Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Matthew 24:42-44.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 89, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 89, 1897, par. 5

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 114, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 114, 1906, par. 8

I wish you fully to appreciate the words that Christ spoke to help the indifferent and the deceived. Do not too readily give up your brethren or friends. “Watch therefore; for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready; for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” [Matthew 24:42-44.]

Matthew 24:42-47

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

MR No. 1308—Christ is Coming Soon; Proclaim the Three Angels’ Messages Do Not Sow Seeds of Discord

18MR 59.2

The words of Christ have a direct application to this time. “Watch therefore; for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you. That he shall make him ruler over all his goods” [Matthew 24:42-47].

Matthew 24:42-50

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 104, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 104, 1905, par. 22

To him whose ambitions have reached to the end of the earth, whose activities have followed these ambitions, whose commercial enterprises have been so numerous, I must speak. To those who have for years sustained a course of action that God forbids, I would say, It is time for you to repent before God. Unless you do repent, whatever may be your calling, you will never see the kingdom of heaven. “Watch therefore; for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.” [Matthew 24:42.]

20LtMs, Ms 104, 1905, par. 23

“Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of.” [Verses 45-50.]

Matthew 24:42-51

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Ms 37a, 1909

24LtMs, Ms 37a, 1909, par. 19

(Matthew 24:42-51), quoted.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9

A Warning

9T 269.2

“Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the good man of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his Lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his Lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My Lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; the Lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 24:42-51.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 3

A Warning

3TT 416.3

“Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the good man of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 24:42-51.

Matthew 24:43-48

Sermons and Talks, vol. 2

Manuscript 10, 1886

2SAT 26.3

The question is, What is the work that devolves upon us as individuals who are looking and watching for the Lord to come? Please read Matthew 24:43-48. Here is a special work, to understand what kind of food is to be given to the flock of God. And while he that is made overseer of the flock of God shall open the Scriptures and give them the truth, then it is their duty to open the Scriptures to others.

2SAT 27.1

Here is the work of our Intercessor, [on] the great antitypical day of atonement, where [the] work of judgment is going on with the dead. How soon will it begin with the living, when every one of our cases will pass in review before God? And let it be understood by you that if you do not [do] the work that God has given you, you will be weighed in the balances of the sanctuary and found wanting. To us who have this hope and faith it is a dangerous thing to be putting off the day of God. Matthew 24:48.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 10, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 10, 1886, par. 3

The question is, What is the work that devolves upon us as individuals who are looking and watching for the Lord to come? Please read Matthew 24:43-48. Here is a special work to understand what kind of food is to be given to the flock of God. And while he that is made overseer of the flock of God shall open the Scriptures and give them the truth, then it is their duty to open the Scriptures to others.

4LtMs, Ms 10, 1886, par. 7

We should be astonished at our own indifference when we should be all life and vivacity, could we see the work that is going on in heaven. Here is the work of our Intercessor; the great antitypical day of atonement and the work of judgment are going on with the dead, and how soon will they begin with the living, when every one of our cases will pass in review before God? And let it be understood by you that if you do not the work that God has given you, you will be weighed in the balances of the sanctuary and found wanting. To us who have this hope and faith, it is a dangerous thing to be putting off the day of God. Matthew 24:48.

Matthew 24:43-51

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Ms 51, 1908

23LtMs, Ms 51, 1908, par. 3

“But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up; therefore be ye also ready; for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometh. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his Lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.” [Matthew 24:43-46.]

23LtMs, Ms 51, 1908, par. 4

“Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?” [Verse 45.] I repeat this. Many among professedly Christian teachers and pious men are not such at heart. They have not been purifying their souls by obeying the truth. And because the religious experience of many has been only a profession, meat has not been given in due season, and God has been greatly displeased. Blessed is that servant, the Lord declares, whom the Lord when He cometh shall find faithful. “Verily I say unto you, He shall make him ruler over all his goods.” [Verse 47.]

23LtMs, Ms 51, 1908, par. 5

“But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming, and shall begin to smite his fellowservant, and to eat and drink with the drunken, the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of; and shall cut him asunder and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” [Verses 48-51.]

23LtMs, Ms 51, 1908, par. 6

This lesson is being fulfilled all around us and right in our midst. In the indifference and boasting of men and women today, the words of the evil servant are being repeated, “My Lord delayeth His coming.” [Verse 48.] In our large cities every kind of wickedness imaginable is being revealed, and yet among the masses, yes, even among the scoffers, there are some who are listening for the trumpet to give the signal of alarm. But they listen in vain. The appropriate warnings have not been given. Is it not high time that the messengers should awake and give the warning message that is to prepare the world for the judgments that are right upon us?

23LtMs, Ms 51, 1908, par. 11

By words and works some have declared, “My Lord delayeth His coming” [Matthew 24:48], and the thief is preparing to steal in and destroy their goods. O that our brethren would awake to the situation! Every presentation possible may be made to them; but unless the plowshare of truth shall plow up the fallow ground of the heart, there will be no thorough work done. Hearts that are hard will not be broken until there is deep and sincere repentance. Unless there is a thorough reconversion, some will fall back into the same ways that have been followed for the past eight years.

Matthew 24:44

Christian Education

Chapter 14—The Book of Books

CE 114.2

Will the students of our schools study, and endeavor to copy the life and character of Him who came down from heaven to show them what they must be, if they would enter the kingdom of God? I have borne you a message of the near coming of the Son of God in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. I have not presented before you any definite time, but have repeated to you the injunction of Christ himself, to watch unto prayer, “For in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometh.” [Matthew 24:44.] The warning has come echoing down the ages to our time, “Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” [Revelation 22:12-14.]—The Review and Herald, August 21, 1888.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 22—“Nineveh, That Great City”

PK 278.1

God’s message for the inhabitants of earth today is, “Be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” Matthew 24:44. The conditions prevailing in society, and especially in the great cities of the nations, proclaim in thunder tones that the hour of God’s judgment is come and that the end of all things earthly is at hand. We are standing on the threshold of the crisis of the ages. In quick succession the judgments of God will follow one another—fire, and flood, and earthquake, with war and bloodshed. We are not to be surprised at this time by events both great and decisive; for the angel of mercy cannot remain much longer to shelter the impenitent.

Selected Messages Book 2

The Three Angels’ Messages in their Larger Setting

2SM 113.3

No one has a true message fixing the time when Christ is to come or not to come. Be assured that God gives no one authority to say that Christ delays His coming five years, ten years, or twenty years. “Be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh” (Matthew 24:44). This is our message, the very message that the three angels flying in the midst of heaven are proclaiming. The work to be done now is that of sounding this last message of mercy to a fallen world. A new life is coming from heaven and taking possession of all God’s people. But divisions will come in the church. Two parties will be developed. The wheat and tares grow up together for the harvest.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8

Chapter 41—Homeward Bound

8T 252.2

The coming of Christ is nearer than when we first believed. The great controversy is nearing its end. The judgments of God are in the land. They speak in solemn warning, saying: “Be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” Matthew 24:44.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9

A Lack of Sympathy

9T 48.3

“Be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” Matthew 24:44. Go to your rest at night with every sin confessed. Thus we did when in 1844 we expected to meet our Lord. And now this great event is nearer than when we first believed. Be ye always ready, in the evening, in the morning, and at noon, that when the cry is heard, “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him,” you may, even though awakened out of sleep, go forth to meet Him with your lamps trimmed and burning.

That I May Know Him

A Constant Readiness, December 18

TMK 358.1

Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Matthew 24:44.

This Day With God

Constant Communion With God, April 18

TDG 117.1

Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Matthew 24:44.

Ye Shall Receive Power

A Thorough Reformation, October 3

YRP 285.4

Ye Shall Receive Power

No Specific Time, November 6

YRP 319.3

I have no specific time of which to speak when the outpouring of the Holy Spirit will take place—when the mighty angel will come down from heaven, and unite with the third angel in closing up the work for this world; my message is that our only safety is in being ready for the heavenly refreshing, having our lamps trimmed and burning. Christ has told us to watch; “for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh” (Matthew 24:44). “Watch and pray” is the charge that is given us by our Redeemer. Day by day we are to seek the enlightenment of the Spirit of God, that it may do its office work upon the soul and character. Oh, how much time has been wasted through giving attention to trifling things. Repent and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 3

Homeward Bound

3TT 256.2

Testimony Treasures, vol. 3

A Lack of Sympathy

3TT 310.2

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 24—Without a Wedding Garment

COL 319.3

“In such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” “Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.” Matthew 24:44; Revelation 16:15.

From Splendor to Shadow

Jonah’s Day, and Ours

SS 150.3

God’s message for the inhabitants of earth today is, “Be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” Matthew 24:44. The conditions in the great cities proclaim in thunder tones that the hour of God’s judgment is come and that the end of all things earthly is at hand. In quick succession the judgments of God will follow one another—fire, and flood, and earthquake, with war and bloodshed. The angel of mercy cannot much longer shelter the impenitent. The storm is gathering; and those only will stand who respond to the invitations of mercy, as did the inhabitants of Nineveh under the preaching of Jonah, and become sanctified through obedience to the laws of the divine Ruler.

From the Heart

Final Preparation, October 28

FH 313.1

Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. Matthew 24:44.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)

Ms 6, 1859

1LtMs, Ms 6, 1859, par. 52

Not able to go to meeting in the forenoon. Unable to sit up. Felt unable to attend in the afternoon, but resolved to go. Suffered much pain in my side while sitting. Brother Frisbie preached: “In such an hour as ye think not, the Son of Man cometh.” [Matthew 24:44.] After he sat down, Brother Bates talked well. Then I said a little about living up to our profession, having our dress correspond to our profession. I felt a solemn sense of what we should be who profess to be waiting for translation. The meeting was profitable.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 22, 1870

2LtMs, Lt 22, 1870, par. 5

Dear children, I hope you will not think you can get along and prosper without the blessing of God. Watchfulness, untiring watchfulness and earnest prayer, is our only safety. “For in such an hour as you think not, the Son of man cometh.” [Matthew 24:44.] There is no safety only in seeking a moral fitness for the kingdom of heaven.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 14, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 14, 1895, par. 6

“But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.” [1 Thessalonians 5:4.] The day of Christ’s coming was kept before the disciples for their encouragement and warning. “Be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometh.” [Matthew 24:44.] All heaven is engaged in preparing a place for the true believers in Christ. There are many who claim to believe, but who do not give evidence of their faith by a pure and upright life and holy character. They have not accepted Christ as their personal Saviour. They have not that faith that is demonstrated by works, a faith that is sure and abiding, a faith that works by love, and purifies the soul. Genuine faith comprehends much; it transforms the soul and purifies the whole man.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 32, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 32, 1896, par. 34

No one has a true message fixing the time when Christ is to come or not to come. Be assured that God gives no one authority to say that Christ delays His coming five years, ten years, or twenty years. “Be ye also ready; for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” [Matthew 24:44.] This is our message, the very message that the three angels flying in the midst of heaven are proclaiming. The work to be done now is that of sounding this last message of mercy to a fallen world. A new life is coming from heaven and taking possession of all God’s people. But divisions will come in the church. Two parties will be developed. The wheat and tares grow up together for the harvest.

Conflict and Courage

There Is a Limit, August 13

CC 231.4

God’s messengers in the great cities are not to become discouraged over the wickedness, the injustice, the depravity, which they are called upon to face while endeavoring to proclaim the glad tidings of salvation.... In every city, filled though it may be with violence and crime, there are many who with proper teaching may learn to become followers of Jesus.... God’s message for the inhabitants of earth today is, “Be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh” (Matthew 24:44).... We are standing on the threshold of the crisis of the ages....

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 33, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 33, 1899, par. 21

Eternal justice examines the balances. What is the decision of the Judge? Is it, Thou art found wanting? Or is it, The righteousness of Christ is imputed to you because you have let Him take away your sins? How is it with your soul? You know not how soon you may be called upon to render your account to God. The word comes to each one, “Be ye also ready; for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometh.” [Matthew 24:44.] “Behold, the judge standeth at the door.” [James 5:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 152, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 152, 1901, par. 39

It requires constant, persevering effort to keep exalted the standard of righteousness; but none who are lax in principle are approved of God. Our religious experience is spoiled by allowing our principles to become perverted. Now, more than in any other period of the world’s history, should we heed the admonition, “Be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” [Matthew 24:44.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 240, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 240, 1902, par. 4

The hearts of the leading men are not right with God. Elder Daniells and Brother E. R. Palmer are walking like blind men. [They] have been having strong feelings in a wrong direction. They were not moved by the Holy Spirit. They do not understand the condition of the men in the Office. If they understood the undercurrent of influence, if they saw all things clearly, they would not be engaged in doing the work they have been doing. If every soul at work in the Office had turned their eyes to Jesus Christ and brought their mind and their will into harmony with Christ, then all things would be different, but they would not accept the Testimonies. They would not become contrite and humble their hearts to give up their own ways for God’s ways. The most important period of this earth’s history is now, just now, upon us. We may be assured that these words of Christ are a sure word of prophecy: “When they shall say peace and safety, sudden destruction cometh upon them”—and they shall not escape. “For in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh”—and they shall not escape. [1 Thessalonians 5:3; Matthew 24:44.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 110, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 110, 1903, par. 3

I am thankful to the Lord, my brother, that He put it into your heart to give this money to His cause. The Lord will move upon the hearts of His people who have means, and they will give of their means to prepare the way for the publications containing the light of present truth to be carried to the world. God will open ways whereby the gospel messages shall be given to every nation and kindred and tongue and people. In this great work we have a part to act. We must be wide-awake. We have no time to loiter. The terrible disasters that have recently taken place in different parts of America speak in solemn warning, saying, “Be ye also ready; for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” [Matthew 24:44.] Time is golden. The hours of probation are fast passing. We can not afford to be found sleeping on guard.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 109, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 109, 1903, par. 6

The terrible disasters that have recently taken place in different parts of America speak in solemn warning, saying, “Be ye also ready; for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” [Matthew 24:44.] Time is golden. The hours of probation are fast passing. We cannot afford to be found sleeping on guard.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 154, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 154, 1906, par. 18

Oh, how soon the scenes of destruction and desolation will come and be universal, we cannot tell. “Be ye also ready,” saith the Lord; “for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” [Matthew 24:44.]

Counsels for the Church

Your Redemption Draweth Nigh

CCh 356.1

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 170, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 170, 1906, par. 18

I am instructed to say to you, We are now living amid the perils of the last days. I am commissioned to bear my testimony, “Be ye also ready, for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of Man cometh.” [Matthew 24:44.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 115, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 115, 1906, par. 11

God is now forbearing further vengeance, that a work may be done by the ministers of the gospel that are faithful to their charge. Let them give the messages God has given in His Word to “Watch; for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometh.” [Matthew 24:44.] The voice of the faithful sentinel is to be heard in every place. God is calling for the talents of men who are now tied up in mercantile business. He calls for men who are entering into that which might in a moderate degree be used, but is far from being a necessity to life. Do not let men tie you up in handling expensive foods, while souls are perishing for the bread of eternal life. We must be wide-awake to work for souls who are perishing in their sins. Bind not yourself up in food factories, that your talents and influence be confined to the work of providing food for the sustenance of the bodies. Count the cost. Souls are perishing in sin.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 196, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 196, 1906, par. 8

We are servants, entrusted with the bodies and souls of those who patronize our institutions. We are to educate ourselves to do our very best in strength of influence in speech, actions, and association with unbelievers. All who are faithful watchmen are to exert every influence to win souls to Christ. “Be ye also ready, for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometh.” [Matthew 24:44.] Let every worker, as he faithfully performs his work for time and for eternity, be always ready to speak a word in season, lest coming suddenly, He find you sleeping.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 164, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 164, 1906, par. 14

“Be ye also ready, for in such a day as ye think not, the Son of man cometh.” [Matthew 24:44.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 27, 1907

22LtMs, Ms 27, 1907, par. 62

“Be ye also ready; for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometh.” [Matthew 24:44.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 104, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 104, 1907, par. 7

Why is it that so very few in our churches have a genuine desire to practice the self-denial that Christ practiced? Study the sixth chapter of Matthew. I am bidden to give this warning, “In such an hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometh.” [Matthew 24:44.] “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” [Matthew 6:19-21.]

The Three Angels’ Messages

“Here is the patience of the saints”

3AM 107.1

“Be ye also ready” is our message—No one has a true message fixing the time when Christ is to come or not to come. Be assured that God gives no one authority to say that Christ delays His coming five years, ten years, or twenty years. “Be ye also ready; for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” [Matthew 24:44.] This is our message, the very message that the three angels flying in the midst of heaven are proclaiming. The work to be done now is that of sounding this last message of mercy to a fallen world. A new life is coming from heaven and taking possession of all God’s people. But divisions will come in the church. Two parties will be developed. The wheat and tares grow up together for the harvest.—Manuscript 32, 1896 (December 6) (Selected Messages 2:113, 114)

In Heavenly Places

Would You Be Ready? December 15

HP 356.1

Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Matthew 24:44.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 17 [Nos. 1236-1300]

MR No. 1237—Testimony Concerning the Views of Prophecy Held by John Bell—Part II

17MR 17.2

No one has a true message fixing the time when Christ is to come or not to come. Be assured that God gives no one authority to say that Christ delays His coming five years, ten years, or twenty years. “Be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh” [Matthew 24:44]. This is our message, the very message that the three angels flying in the midst of heaven are proclaiming. The work to be done now is that of sounding this last message of mercy to a fallen world. A new life is coming from heaven and taking possession of all God’s people. But divisions will come in the church. Two parties will be developed. The wheat and tares grow up together for the harvest.

Maranatha

Be Ye Also Ready, October 17

Mar 298.1

Be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Matthew 24:44.

Maranatha

Our Redemption Draweth Nigh, October 30

Mar 311.2

Matthew 24:44-48

God’s Amazing Grace

“Homeward Bound!” December 12

AG 354.2

AG 354.3

We are living in the closing scenes of this earth’s history. Prophecy is fast fulfilling. The hours of probation are fast passing. We have no time—not a moment—to lose. Let us not be found sleeping on guard. Let no one say in his heart or by his works: “My Lord delayeth his coming” (Matthew 24:48). Let the message of Christ’s soon return sound forth in earnest words of warning....

Matthew 24:44-51

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 52, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 59

“In such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Who then is a faithful and wise servant whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily, I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” [Matthew 24:44-51.]

Matthew 24:45

Gospel Workers (1892/1893 ed.)

Ambassadors for Christ

GW92 15.2

An infinite sacrifice has been made for man, and made in vain for every soul who will not accept of salvation. How important, then, that the one who presents the truth shall do so under a full sense of the responsibility resting upon him! How tender, pitiful, and courteous should be all his conduct in dealing with the souls of men, when the Redeemer of the world has shown that he values them so highly! The question is asked by Christ, “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household?” [Matthew 24:45.] Jesus asks, “Who?” and every minister of the gospel should repeat the question to his own heart. As he views the solemn truths, and his mind beholds the picture drawn of the faithful and wise steward, his soul should be stirred to the very depths.

The Signs of the Times

August 22, 1878

ST August 22, 1878, par. 1

“Who then, is a faithful and wise servant, whom the Lord has made ruler over his household.” Matthew 24:45. The Redeemer of the world asks who? and the question should come home to every heart, Lord, is it I? Christ is represented in the text as a man who took a far journey, left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work. Thus it appears that a work is given to every person, there is no exception, and the faithful performance of this work will bring to its doer the commendation of the Master. To ignore responsibilities makes men slothful servants, and the do-nothing in religious service will receive the condemnation of the Master.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 1

Present Fervent Appeals

1TT 527.1

An infinite sacrifice has been made for man, and made in vain for every soul who will not accept of salvation. How important, then, that the one who presents the truth shall do so under a full sense of the responsibility resting upon him. How tender, pitiful, and courteous should be all his conduct in dealing with the souls of men, when the Redeemer of the world has shown that He values them so highly. The question is asked by Christ: “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household?” Matthew 24:45. Jesus asks, Who? and every minister of the gospel should repeat the question to his own heart. As he views the solemn truths, and his mind beholds the picture drawn of the faithful and wise steward, his soul should be stirred to the very depths.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 93, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 93, 1892, par. 30

The Lord Jesus has moved upon human minds, that they may become his living agents to do a special work in recovering the old truths from their old forms, that they may rid them of the traditions and maxims of men and give them to the world in their native purity, in their original splendor, freshness and force. This is our work, brethren and sisters, in this waiting, watching time. Look at the picture that is drawn of the faithful and wise steward. The Lord says, “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom the Lord hath made ruler over his household?” [Matthew 24:45.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 80, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 80, 1901, par. 11

“Who then is that faithful and wise servant whom the lord hath made ruler over his household?” [Matthew 24:45.] Fathers and mothers, ask yourselves this question. Take your children and teach them how to live the life of a Christian. This is your day of responsibility and opportunity. Redeem the time by working faithfully for the Master.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 132, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 132, 1907, par. 6

Brethren Ballenger, you have tried to bind up your lives with Christ in God. The Lord has wrought with you both, and you are obtaining an experience in the things of God. You have been made stewards of means, and you have tried to be faithful with the Lord’s entrusted capital. “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom the Lord shall make ruler over His household, to give them meat in due season?” [Matthew 24:45.] Blessed is that servant whom his Lord when He cometh shall find faithful in the discharge of his duty.

Matthew 24:45-51

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

MR No. 1327—The Formation of Character

18MR 162.2

The Lord is giving me the most precious presentations of what He desires to do for those who will to do the will of God. “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his Lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” [Matthew 24:45-51]. We have a most sacred commission.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 42, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 42, 1898, par. 5

Pastors of churches are remiss in ministering, in educating faithfully the members of the church. If they are not acquainted with their duty in this respect, they need a teacher to instruct them. “Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mystery of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” [1 Corinthians 4:1, 2.] “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh will find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” [Matthew 24:45-51.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 65a, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 65a, 1898, par. 7

“Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, that he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming, and shall begin to smite his fellow-servants, and eat and drink with the drunken, the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, and shall cut him asunder; and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” [Matthew 24:45-51.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 138, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 138, 1902, par. 2

The Lord is giving me precious presentations of what He desires to do for those who will to do the will of God. “Who then is a faithful and wise steward, whom his Lord hath made ruler over His household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his Lord when He cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, that He shall make him ruler over all His goods. But and if that servant shall say in his heart, My Lord delayeth His coming; and shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; the Lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for Him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” [Matthew 24:45-51.]

Matthew 24:46-48

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 51a, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 51a, 1895, par. 20

God has given you the privilege of receiving Him, the Light of the world; but for years you have resisted the Holy Spirit of God, and the truth leaked out of your heart as water out of a leaky vessel. You have turned your back upon Jesus, saying, not only in your thoughts, but in your words and works, “My Lord delayeth His coming.” [Matthew 24:48.] Yes, your seeds of unbelief have been dropping here and there, and sad is the thought, you cannot gather them up again; you cannot counteract your influence.

10LtMs, Lt 51a, 1895, par. 30

God is long-suffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but the day of His judgment will come at last. “Blessed is that servant whom his Lord when He cometh shall find watching.” [See Matthew 24:46.] O that you may awake before it shall be everlastingly too late, and prepare to meet your God. Often the Spirit of God has taken of the things of God, and shown them to you, but you have refused to accept them, and by your refusal you have despised the truth, and have placed yourself in the path of the unrepentant Jews. Have you forgotten that God who is strong to save is also strong to smite the rejecters of His law? This may be the last appeal the Lord will make to you, for there is a line beyond which the forbearance of God does not pass.

Matthew 24:48

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Lt 70, 1886

4LtMs, Lt 70, 1886, par. 11

God calls upon you who have the precious light of truth no longer to devote your time and talents to selfish purposes, but to accept your God-given responsibilities, and take up your cross, denying yourselves, that you may be disciples of Christ. God did not design that you should devote brain, bone, and muscle to earthly employments; He intended that you should improve your talents, that you might fill some grand and noble place in His plans and in doing His work. Selfish thoughts and feelings have withered up the nobler aspirations of your souls. You are as destitute of the Spirit of God as were the hills of Gilboa of dew or rain. Grand opportunities are being lost, and you are shriveled and dying, because you make no use of your talents. You cannot fulfil your solemn responsibilities toward God unless you are transformed in character. Through your lack of spirituality, your unconscious influence is saying to those around you, “My Lord delayeth His coming.” [Matthew 24:48.] You are planting and building, and your works testify that you are not looking and watching and waiting for your Lord’s appearing. You will reveal to the world all the faith you have.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 5b, 1891

7LtMs, Lt 5b, 1891, par. 11

You are in a position where it is not only your privilege but your duty to minister to the diseased soul as well as to the diseased body. The sayings of the world steal in upon your senses with some effect. “All things continue as they were from the beginning,” “My Lord delayeth His coming;” but when one who has had the light says this, even in his heart, he shows that he is an unfaithful servant. [2 Peter 3:4; Matthew 24:48.] His influence tends to quiet the conscience, to lull to spiritual slumber. These things affect us unless we are daily learning in the school of Christ His meekness and lowliness of heart.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 13, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 13, 1895, par. 14

Harmon Lindsay will either be converted to the truth or be disconnected from the work. A. R. Henry and Harmon Lindsay believe not the third angel’s message. They are not only saying in their hearts, “My Lord delayeth his coming” [Matthew 24:48], but in spirit, in words and actions, wherever they go. It pains me to see these two bodies of death sent from place to place upon important business in connection with the cause of God, when they are imbued with the spirit of Satan working in secret. They have not the Spirit of God. They are separated from God, and have been ever since the Minneapolis meeting, walking in the imaginations of their own hearts. Isaiah 50:10, 11.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 84, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 84, 1895, par. 19

It is not to be looked upon as a trifling matter to have the light of present truth, and yet to be noncommital. It is no trifling thing to say by attitude and sentiment, even though that sentiment is not expressed in words, “My Lord delayeth his coming.” [Matthew 24:48.] The spirit and influence of the peace and safety sentiment is in our very midst, and the very atmosphere that surrounds the soul of many who profess to be believers in the soon coming of Christ, is of a malarious character, calculated to soothe the very ones who would be stirred if we showed zeal and determination and stood at our post of duty to warn men of the speedy advent of our Lord.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 47a, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 47a, 1898, par. 6

So will it be in the end of the world. The period in which we are now living is one of peculiar and momentous importance. The students of God’s Word, in these last days, will work away from the customs and appointments of the world’s great counsellors. They will not say, “My Lord delayeth his coming,” but like the wise virgins will be prepared, with oil in their vessels with their lamps, to go forth to meet the Bridegroom. [Matthew 24:48; 25:6-10.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 109a, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 109a, 1898, par. 9

So will it be in the end of the world. The period in which we are now living is one of peculiar and momentous importance. The students of God’s Word will, in these last days, work away from the customs and appointments of the world’s great counsellors. They will not take the position, “My lord delayeth his coming; for since the fathers fell asleep, all things remain as they were from the beginning of creation.” [Matthew 24:48; 2 Peter 3:4.] Only the wise virgins will be prepared, with oil in their vessels with their lamps, to go forth to meet the bridegroom.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 4, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 4, 1898, par. 4

All who have the mind of Christ will live the law of God. They will feed upon Christ, and become partakers of the divine nature. They will stand as God’s living sentinels for the truth. It is not a trifling matter for those who have the light of truth to be noncommittal, for the sentiments of their heart to be expressed in the words, “My lord delayeth his coming.” [Matthew 24:48.] The influence of the “peace and safety” sentiment is in our very midst. [1 Thessalonians 5:3.] An atmosphere surrounds us that will lead us off our guard. A worldly, malarious influence prevails to soothe those who would be stirred by the message of truth to stand as faithful sentinels at the post of duty. Truth must be expressed in our lives. The light must shine brightly or we will cause others to stumble and fall.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 120, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 120, 1899, par. 7

The workers must arouse themselves to see afar off. With many, self-denial and self-sacrifice are dead, and these elements must be raised to life again. Men must understand that the large wages which they demand are sapping the Lord’s treasury. They are binding up God’s money in private interests, and by their actions are saying to the world, “My Lord delayeth his coming.” [Matthew 24:48.] Shall not this thing be changed? Who will come up to the great example of the Master-worker? If you have money, my brethren, use it in doing missionary work. For Christ’s sake heed the Word of the Lord. Christ declared that in these last days men would act as they did in the days before the flood. Do not, I beseech you, act the part of the antediluvians.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 63, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 63, 1900, par. 1

The Lord is soon to come in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. We are to keep before us the shortness of time. We are never to say, even in our hearts, “My Lord delayeth his coming.” [Matthew 24:48.] We are to cultivate our talents by using them to the glory of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 131, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 131, 1900, par. 6

There are those who say, not only in their hearts but in all their works, “My Lord delayeth his coming.” [Matthew 24:48.] They show the effect of error upon them by smiting their fellow servants and eating and drinking with the drunken. As in the days of Noah, those who have had great light will show their inconsistency. Because Christ’s coming has been long foretold, they conclude that there is a mistake in regard to this doctrine. But the Lord says, “If the vision tarry, wait for it; for it will surely come. It will not tarry past the time that the message is borne to all nations, tongues, and peoples.” Shall we who claim to be students of prophecy forget that God’s forbearance to the wicked is a part of His vast and merciful plan, by which He is seeking to compass the salvation of souls? Shall we be found among the number who cease to co-operate with the Lord, and who are found saying, My Lord delayeth His coming?

15LtMs, Lt 131, 1900, par. 8

Christ is soon to come, and no soul should stand in a position where he will say in word or action, “My Lord delayeth his coming.” [Matthew 24:48.] Christ’s true followers will represent Him in character. They turn aside from worldly policy and are being trained for everyday service in the cause of God. In active service they find peace and hope, efficiency and power. They are conscious that they are breathing the breath of heaven, the only atmosphere in which the soul can live. By obedience they are made partakers of the divine nature. The doing of the living principles of the law of God makes them one with Christ. And He has pledged Himself to raise them up at the last day. Because He lives they will live also. He will raise them up as a part of Himself.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 72, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 72, 1902, par. 4

Words have come to me from the One highest in authority. My Instructor asked, “In establishing the work in the Southern field, will you do less than you have done in more favorable places—less than you have done in Michigan and on the Pacific Coast?” I responded, “No, Lord.” Then the word came: “You have no time to lose in establishing the work in the Southern field. Many are saying in their hearts, ‘My Lord delayeth His coming.’ [Matthew 24:48.] But the Word of the Lord declares: ‘There shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth; for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. And he spake unto them a parable: Behold the fig tree, and all the trees, when they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.’” [Luke 21:25-31.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 105, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 105, 1903, par. 11

Seventh-day Adventists need to search the Scriptures, that they may know the reasons of their faith. Christ says, “Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of me.” [John 5:39.] We are living in the close of this earth’s history. Let no one say in his heart, “My Lord delayeth His coming.” [Matthew 24:48.] Prophecy is fulfilling. Soon Christ will come with power and great glory. We have no time to lose. Let the message sound forth in earnest words of warning.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 113, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 113, 1903, par. 2

We are living in the close of this earth’s history. Prophecy is fast fulfilling. Soon Christ will come in power and great glory. We have no time to lose. Let no one say in his heart or by his works, “My Lord delayeth His coming.” [Matthew 24:48.] Let the message of His soon return sound forth in earnest words of warning. Let us persuade men everywhere to repent and flee from the wrath to come. They have souls to save or to lose. The Lord calls for workers who are filled with an earnest, decided purpose.

Life Sketches of Ellen G. White

A Severe Trial

LS 89.1

Different times were set for the Lord to come, and were urged upon the brethren. But the Lord showed me that they would pass by, for the time of trouble must take place before the coming of Christ; and that every time a date was set, and passed, it would weaken the faith of God’s people. For this I was charged with being the evil servant that said, “My Lord delayeth His coming.” Matthew 24:48.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 161, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 161, 1903, par. 6

The people of God need to study what characters they must form in order to pass through the test and proving of the last days. Many are living in spiritual weakness and backsliding. They know not what they believe. Let us read and study the twelfth chapter of Daniel. It is a warning that we shall all need to understand before the time of the end. There are ministers claiming to believe the truth who are not sanctified through the truth. Unless a change comes in their lives, they will say, “My Lord delayeth His coming.” [Matthew 24:48.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 82, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 82, 1903, par. 8

Those who are not established in the truth will make this manifest by binding up with the world, for the glorification of self. Men and women will receive a defective gospel, which will develop in them a defective Christian life. They are in danger of perishing in their self-deception. They are not preparing for the Lord’s soon coming. In word and deed they say, “My Lord delayeth His coming.” [Matthew 24:48.] What is the matter?—They are destitute of the Holy Spirit.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 62, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 62, 1905, par. 19

“Walk in Christ’s footsteps, and hold fast that which you have received and heard, and put away any exposition of Scripture which means, ‘My Lord delayeth His coming.’ [Matthew 24:48.] In such a day as ye think not the Son of man cometh, and then how will it be with you and those whose minds you have confused? Stop right where you are; for God has not given you this message to bear to the people. Those who receive your interpretation of Scripture regarding the sanctuary service are receiving error and following in false paths. The enemy will work the minds of those who are eager for something new, preparing them to receive false theories and false expositions of the Scripture.”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 130, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, par. 38

God has left His truth and its history in publications which are truth today. He has made known that we must revive the history of the past as given to God’s people. Satan will work upon human minds to bring in specious theories that will dishonor God by trying to tear away the pillars of our faith. They cannot do this, but they suppose they can. Take these testimonies and let the dead speak. Let the voice be heard from the old messengers whom God has sent and who stood firmly for the truth. They fought the battles under the Prince of heaven; and now when voices arise with some wonderful new theories, and men will so misinterpret Scripture as to unsettle the faith of the people and create the message “My Lord delayeth His coming” [Matthew 24:48]; when all kinds of science will be introduced as new light, Christ calls for true men to rally around the standard of that which God has, by the Holy Spirit’s power, signified as truth and endorsed and immortalized as the truth. The truth stands in publications written by men who have taken precious care of the truth.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Lt 94, 1910

25LtMs, Lt 94, 1910, par. 11

Seventh-day Adventists need to search the Scriptures, that they may know the reasons of their faith. Christ says, “Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of Me.” [John 5:39.] We are living in the close of this earth’s history. Let no one say in his heart, “My Lord delayeth His coming.” [Matthew 24:48.] Prophecy is fulfilling. Soon Christ will come with power and great glory. We have no time to lose. Let the message sound forth in earnest words of warning.

Selected Messages Book 2

Avoid Cultivating Expensive Tastes

2SM 188.2

The workers must arouse themselves to see afar off. With many self-denial and self-sacrifice are dead, and these elements must be raised to life again. Men must understand that the large wages which they demand are sapping the Lord’s treasury. They are binding up God’s money in private interests, and by their actions are saying to the world, “My Lord delayeth his coming” (Matthew 24:48). Shall not this thing be changed? Who will come up to the great example of the Master Worker?—Letter 120, 1899.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 2

A False Security

2TT 14.2

That evil servant who said in his heart, “My Lord delayeth His coming” (Matthew 24:48), professed to be waiting for Christ. He was a “servant,” outwardly devoted to the service of God while at heart he had yielded to Satan. He does not, like the scoffer, openly deny the truth, but reveals in his life the sentiment of the heart—that the Lord’s coming is delayed. Presumption renders him careless of eternal interests. He accepts the world’s maxims and conforms to its customs and practices. Selfishness, worldly pride and ambitions predominate. Fearing that his brethren may stand higher than himself, he begins to disparage their efforts and impugn their motives. Thus he smites his fellow servants. As he alienates himself from the people of God he unites more and more with the ungodly. He is found eating and drinking “with the drunken”—joining with worldlings and partaking of their spirit. Thus he is lulled into a carnal security and overcome by forgetfulness, indifference, and sloth.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 2, 1874

2LtMs, Lt 2, 1874, par. 3

It was on my first journey east to relate my visions that the precious light in regard to the heavenly sanctuary was opened before me and I was shown the open and shut door. We believed that the Lord was soon to come in the clouds of heaven. I was shown that there was a great work to be done in the world for those who had not had the light and rejected it. Our brethren could not understand this with our faith in the immediate appearing of Christ. Some accused me of saying, “My Lord delayeth His coming” [Matthew 24:48], especially the fanatical ones. I saw that in 1844 God had opened a door and no man could shut it, and shut a door and no man could open it. Those who rejected the light which was brought to the world by the message of the second angel went into darkness and how great was that darkness.

Matthew 24:48-49

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 123, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 123, 1897, par. 23

O that all might consider before it is everlastingly too late that there are limits to the mercy and forbearance of God! There are those, who by their impenitence under the beams of light that have shone upon them, are very near the line where the forbearance of God is exhausted. In mind and heart they are saying, “My Lord delayeth his coming,” and they eat and drink with the drunken. [Matthew 24:48, 49.] But God declares of such that “sudden destruction cometh upon them,” “and they shall not escape.” [1 Thessalonians 5:3.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 183, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 183, 1897, par. 2

O that all might consider before it is everlastingly too late that there are limits to the mercy and forbearance of God! There are those who, by their impenitence under the beams of light that have shone upon them, are very near the line where the forbearance of God is exhausted. In mind and heart they are saying, “The Lord delayeth his coming,” and they are eating and drinking with the drunken. [Matthew 24:48, 49.] But God declares of such that “swift destruction cometh upon them,” “and they shall not escape.” [1 Thessalonians 5:3.]

Matthew 24:48-51

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

MR No. 1100—Warnings Against Worldliness, Rejecting Light, and Unconverted Leaders; An Appeal to Exalt Christ and Proclaim the Message of Righteousness by Faith

14MR 115.1

These men are saying in their hearts, “My Lord delayeth His coming,” and the thought is expressed not only in action but in words. “Be not deceived in regard to Christ’s speedy appearing,” these false guides are saying. “Peace and safety. The time is not yet. All things continue as they were from the beginning.” They are denying the truth in their spirit, in their works, and in their words. They come under the denunciation of Christ: “But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” [Matthew 24:48-51]. See also Luke 8:12, 13; Matthew 11:20-23.

The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4

Chapter 17—The Midnight Cry

4SP 254.2

The parable of the wicked servant was regarded as applying to those who desired to put off the coming of the Lord: “If that evil servant shall say in his heart, My Lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to smite his fellow-servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; the Lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites.” [Matthew 24:48-51.]

Special Testimony to the Brethren in Battle Creek

PH156 7.2

Brethren, be careful, very careful. There is a work being done to the medical missionaries which answers to the description given in Matthew 24:48-51. The Lord is working to reach the most depraved. Many will know what it means to be drawn to Jesus Christ, but will not have moral courage to war against appetite and passion. But the workers must not be discouraged at this; for it is written, “In the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.” Is it only those rescued from the lowest depths that backslide? There are those in the ministry who have had light and a knowledge of the truth, who will not be overcomers. They will not restrict their appetite and passions, or deny themselves for Christ’s sake; and many of the poor outcasts, even publicans and sinners, will grasp the hope set before them in the gospel, and will go into the kingdom of heaven before the ones who have had great opportunities and great light, but who have walked in darkness. In the last great day, many will say, Lord, Lord, open unto us. But the door will be shut, and their knock will be in vain.

Special Testimonies for Ministers and Workers—No. 11

Special Testimony to Brethren in Battle Creek

SpTA11 27.1

The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials

Warnings Against Worldliness, Rejecting Light, and Unconverted Leaders; An Appeal to Exalt Christ and Proclaim the Message of Righteousness by Faith

1888 1323.1

These men are saying in their hearts, “My Lord delayeth His coming,” and the thought is expressed not only in action but in words. “Be not deceived in regard to Christ’s speedy appearing,” these false guides are saying. “Peace and safety. The time is not yet. All things continue as they were from the beginning.” They are denying the truth in their spirit, in their works, and in their words. They come under the denunciation of Christ: “But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My Lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; the Lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” [Matthew 24:48-51]. See also Luke 8:12, 13; Matthew 11:20-23.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 57, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 57, 1895, par. 4

These men are saying in their hearts, “My Lord delayeth his coming;” and the thought is not only expressed in action but in words. “Be not deceived in regard to Christ’s speedy appearing,” these false guides are saying. “Peace and safety. The time is not yet. All things continue as they were from the beginning.” [1 Thessalonians 5:3; 2 Peter 3:4.] They are denying the truth in their spirit, in their works, and in their words. They come under the denunciation of Christ: “But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth His coming; and shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” [Matthew 24:48-51.] See also Luke 8:12, 13; Matthew 11:23-25.

10LtMs, Lt 57, 1895, par. 5

Because iniquity abounds, the love of many waxes cold. There are many who have outgrown their advent faith. They are living for the world, and while saying in their hearts, as they desire it shall be, “My Lord delayeth His coming,” they have beaten their fellow servants. [Matthew 24:48, 49.] They do this for the same reason that Cain killed Abel. Abel was determined to worship God according to the direction God had given. This displeased Cain. He thought that his own plans were best, and that the Lord would come to his terms.