EGW WritingsMatthew 28

Ye Shall Receive Power

Not an Emotion or Rapture, November 14

YRP 327.2

My brother, there is danger of those in our ranks making a mistake in regard to receiving the Holy Ghost. Many suppose an emotion or a rapture of feeling to be an evidence of the presence of the Holy Spirit. There is danger that right sentiments will not be understood, and that Christ’s words “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20) will lose their significance. There is danger that original devisings and superstitious imaginings will take the place of the Scriptures. Tell our people, Be not anxious to bring in something not revealed in the Word. Keep close to Christ. Remember His words: “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” (verse 20).

The Nashville Sanitarium

Sanitariums as Evangelizing Agencies in the Cities of the South

SpTB18 19.1

Christ, the great Medical Missionary, is no longer in our world in person. But he has not left the world in darkness. To his subjects he has given the commission, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature,” “teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:20.

Record of Progress and An Appeal In Behalf of the Boulder-Colorado Sanitarium

Chapter 3—Appeal to the Colorado Conference

SpTB05 29.2

Christ, the great Medical Missionary, is no longer in our world in person. But He has not left the world in darkness. To His subjects He has given the commission, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature,” “teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you, and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:20.

The Publishing Ministry

Chapter 24—Teaching Literature Evangelism

PM 270.2

The same Spirit that in His stead was sent to be the instructor of His first co-workers, Christ has commissioned to be the instructor of His co-workers today. “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:20), is His promise.—Education, 95, 96.

Selections from the Testimonies for the Church For the Study of Those Attending the General Conference in Oakland, Ca., March 27, 1903

A Lesson From Christ’s Attitude Toward Judas

PH151 88.1

The death of Judas and the resurrection and ascension of Christ placed the disciples on vantage ground, and gave them courage. But if Christ had not borne with Judas until the end, the results of the betrayer’s course would not have been sufficiently impressive to stay the hands of the persecutors, and after Christ’s ascension the most terrible scenes would have been witnessed. But God worked by His Spirit, and five thousand were converted in a day. Let God be true, and every man a liar. Christ Jesus is at the helm. “Lo,” He declares, “I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28:20.

Sermons and Talks, vol. 1

The Student’s Privilege

1SAT 330.1

I am glad to see so many here this morning. Students, I desire to say to you that the prosperity of the school depends largely upon your endeavors. Your teachers will do all that they can to help you. They will try to show you what you must do to inherit eternal life. They will try to show you how to become conversant with the living principles of truth, that you may stand before God and men on vantage ground. Will you cooperate with your teachers? Will you strive earnestly to become useful men and women? Christ is waiting to help you, and He is an all-powerful Helper. When God gave Him to our world, He gave all heaven. He placed in His hands every power, every facility of heaven, to give to those who receive Him. Christ came to our world to give us an example of what we may become, to show us that we may live a perfect life. He says to us, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” [Matthew 28:20].

Sermons and Talks, vol. 1

Words to Students

1SAT 336.2

Your teachers will do all that they can to help you. They will try to show you what you must do to inherit eternal life. They will try to show you how to become conversant with the living principles of truth, that you may stand before God and men on vantage ground. Will you cooperate with your teachers? Will you strive earnestly to become useful men and women? Christ is waiting to help you, and He is an all-powerful Helper. When God gave Him to our world, He gave all heaven. He placed in His hands every power, every facility of heaven, to give to those who receive Him. Christ came to our world to give us an example of what we may become, to show us that we may live a perfect life. He says to us, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” [Matthew 28:20].

Education

A Lesson in Love

Ed 94.4

The disciples had seen Christ ascend from among them on the Mount of Olives. And as the heavens received Him, there had come back to them His parting promise, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28:20.

Ed 96.1

The same Spirit that in His stead was sent to be the instructor of His first co-workers, Christ has commissioned to be the instructor of His co-workers today. “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:20), is His promise.

Sermons and Talks, vol. 2

Manuscript 144, 1901

2SAT 164.4

I cannot tell you how many letters came to me across the broad Pacific, when I was in Australia, asking for counsel. What did Christ promise His disciples if they would believe in Him as their personal Saviour? “Lo, I am with you alway,” He said, “even unto the end of the world” [Matthew 28:20]. Again He says, “I am at thy right hand to help thee” [see Psalm 16:8]. Think of how many promises He has given us, which we may grasp by the hand of faith. When we go to the Source of power, we know that we shall receive that intelligence and wisdom which comes from the pure source, which is not mixed with anything of humanity. As we pray, it is our privilege to know that God wants us to pray, to ask Him for help. “Ask, and ye shall receive” [John 16:24]. It is for you to believe that you will receive. He wants us to become acquainted with Him, to speak to Him, to tell Him of our difficulties, and obtain an experience in asking of One who never misjudges and never makes a mistake.

Sermons and Talks, vol. 2

Manuscript 77, 1902

2SAT 197.2

We are to realize that the divine Presence is constantly by our side. Christ has said, “Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:20). Remember that He hears every unkind word, every harsh, cutting expression. Could you see Jesus standing by your side, would you speak such words? Then guard carefully every word and action. Walk in all lowliness of mind, cherishing a spirit of meekness and kindness. Live so that others may see that there is a difference between the disposition of a Christian and the disposition of those who make no claim to be Christ’s followers.

The Colporteur Evangelist

A Precious Experience

CEv 85.1

Those who work for God will meet with discouragement, but the promise is always theirs: “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28:20. God will give a most wonderful experience to those who will say: “I believe Thy promise; I will not fail nor become discouraged.”

The Review and Herald

January 13, 1903

RH January 13, 1903, par. 10

Shall we be less earnest than were the apostles? Shall we not by living faith claim the promises that moved them to the depths of their being to call upon the Lord Jesus for the fulfillment of his word, “Ask, and ye shall receive”? John 16:24. Is not the Spirit of God to come today in answer to earnest, persevering prayer, and fill men with power? Is not God saying today to his praying, trusting, believing workers, who are opening the Scriptures to those ignorant of the precious truth they contain, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world”? Matthew 28:20. Why, then, is the church so weak and spiritless?

Testimony Treasures, vol. 2

Persecution Makes Truth Prominent

2TT 154.3

We must sleep no longer on Satan’s enchanted ground, but call into requisition all our resources and avail ourselves of every facility with which Providence has furnished us. The last warning is to be proclaimed “before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings;” and the promise is given, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Revelation 10:11; Matthew 28:20.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 2

A Soul-saving Agency

2TT 485.3

Our sanitariums are to show forth to the world the benevolence of heaven; and though Christ’s visible presence is not discerned in the building, yet the workers may claim the promise: “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28:20.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 2

A Precious Experience

2TT 551.2

Those who work for God will meet with discouragement, but the promise is always theirs: “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28:20. God will give a most wonderful experience to those who will say: “I believe Thy promise; I will not fail nor become discouraged.”

Testimony Treasures, vol. 1

The Blessing of Benevolence

1TT 386.1

In the teachings of Christ He said: “If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?” Luke 16:11. The spiritual health and prosperity of the church is dependent in a great degree upon her systematic benevolence. It is like the lifeblood which must flow through the whole being, vitalizing every member of the body. It increases love for the souls of our fellow men; for by self-denial and self-sacrifice we are brought into a closer relation to Christ, who for our sakes became poor. The more we invest in the cause of God to aid in the salvation of souls, the closer to our hearts will they be brought. Were our numbers half as large, and all of these devoted workers, we should have a power that would make the world tremble. To the active workers Christ has addressed these words: “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28:20.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 1

Christ’s Ambassadors

1TT 523.1

Ambassadors for Christ have a solemn and important work, which rests upon some altogether too lightly. While Christ is the minister in the sanctuary above, He is also, through His delegates, the minister of His church on earth. He speaks to the people through chosen men, and carries forward His work through them, as when in the days of His humiliation He moved visibly upon the earth. Although centuries have passed, the lapse of time has not changed His parting promise to His disciples: “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28:20. From Christ’s ascension to the present day, men ordained of God, deriving their authority from Him, have become teachers of the faith. Christ, the True Shepherd, superintends His work through the instrumentality of these undershepherds. Thus the position of those who labor in word and doctrine becomes very important. In Christ’s stead they beseech the people to be reconciled to God.

From Heaven With Love

The Beginning of the Final Rejection of Christ

HLv 104.3

“Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25. Though the heavenly sanctuary and our great High Priest would be invisible to human sight, yet the disciples would realize no break in their communion and no diminution of power because of the Saviour’s absence. While Jesus ministers in the sanctuary above, He is still by His Spirit the minister of the church on earth. His parting promise is fulfilled, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28:20. His energizing presence is still with His church.

From Heaven With Love

The Reason Christ Did Not Deliver John

HLv 144.4

John was not forsaken. He had the companionship of heavenly angels, who opened to him the prophecies concerning Christ and the precious promises of Scripture. To John, as to those that came after him, was given the assurance, “Lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.” Matthew 28:20, RSV.

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 87—Christ’s Triumphal Entry Into Heaven

HLv 553.1

In the world for thirty-three years, Christ had endured scorn, insult, and mockery. He had been rejected and crucified. Now as He reviewed the ingratitude of the people He came to save, would He withdraw from them His sympathy and love? No; His promise is, “I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28:20.

From Here to Forever

Lifting the Veil on the Future

HF 10.3

Jesus promised His disciples, “The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” “When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: ... and he will show you things to come.” John 14:26; 16:13. Scripture plainly teaches that these promises, so far from being limited to apostolic days, extend to the church of Christ in all ages. The Saviour assures His followers, “I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28:20. And Paul declares that the gifts and manifestations of the Spirit were set in the church “for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:12, 13.

From Here to Forever

Despair to Assurance

HF 217.4

Saith the Lord: “My people shall never be ashamed.” “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Joel 2:26; Psalm 30:5. On His resurrection day these disciples met the Saviour, and their hearts burned within them as they listened to His words. Before His ascension, Jesus bade them, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel,” adding, “Lo, I am with you alway.” Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:20. On the Day of Pentecost the promised Comforter descended, and the souls of the believers thrilled with the conscious presence of their ascended Lord.

From the Heart

Choose You This Day, March 13

FH 84.1

Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20.

Testimony for the Church — No. 25

Leadership.

T25 182.1

And at no time during his public ministry does Christ intimate that any one of his disciples should be designated as their leader. He does say, however, “that he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” Matthew 23:11. And on the occasion of submitting the great commission to his first ministers, to be perpetuated in the Christian ministry to the close of the age, Christ gives the pledge that ever has been and ever will be the supporting staff of every true minister, “Lo, I am with you alway, even to the end of the world.” Matthew 28:20.

Homeward Bound

From the Earthly to the Heavenly Temple, October 27

HB 328.4

“Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7:25.) Though the ministration was to be removed from the earthly to the heavenly temple; though the sanctuary and our great high priest would be invisible to human sight, yet the disciples were to suffer no loss thereby. They would realize no break in their communion, and no diminution of power because of the Saviour’s absence. While Jesus ministers in the sanctuary above, He is still by His Spirit the minister of the church on earth. He is withdrawn from the eye of sense, but His parting promise is fulfilled, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:20.) While He delegates His power to inferior ministers, His energizing presence is still with His church.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)

Ms 4, 1868

1LtMs, Ms 4, 1868, par. 11

The course of God’s people should be upward and onward to victory. A greater than Joshua is leading on the armies of Israel. One is in our midst, even the Captain of our salvation, who has said for our encouragement, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:20.]

Education

Chapter 32—Preparation

Ed 282.4

“Even unto the end of the world” “I am with you.” Matthew 28:20.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)

Lt 27, 1861

1LtMs, Lt 27, 1861, par. 5

A greater than Joshua is in the midst of God’s people to lead them on to victory, if they will submit to be led. All power in heaven and earth is committed to the Captain of our salvation. He has said for our encouragement, “Lo I am with you alway,” and, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” [Matthew 28:20; John 16:33.] Dear friends, the warfare is before us. The work which God gives us to do He is able to accomplish by us. If we fail of obeying God, the promise of God cannot be fulfilled to us. Oh, let us unitedly seek God and follow in a course of strict obedience.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Ms 4, 1875

2LtMs, Ms 4, 1875, par. 16

The clouds and darkness that sometimes enshrouded the pathway of my husband were not to evidence the displeasure of God. He must look up through the dark shadow that Satan casts before his pathway to eclipse the view of Jesus, that he shall not look upon His precious, gracious, forgiving image and see His glory. The words of Jesus to him are: “Look and live.” [Numbers 21:8.] “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:20.] “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Hebrews 13:5. I heard His voice, saying, “Fear not, neither be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8. “I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee (by My free Spirit); yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness.” Isaiah 41:10. “I pledge My word, I will be to thee a present help in every time of need, if My servant will only trust in Me and cleave to Me and resign himself into My hands. Let him leave in My hands his brethren who have not clear discernment, who had not the tenderness and love of Jesus, for I judge righteously. Be strong in the strength of the Mighty One. The eye of faith must be uplifted from the annoying, aggravating things which Satan instigates unconsecrated men to do. Trust ye in My love. Look, ever look, and the bright beams of the Sun of righteousness will shine upon you.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 38, 1874

2LtMs, Lt 38, 1874, par. 3

Our field is the world. God has honored you with the precious and important work of starting the publication of truth upon the Atlantic Coast. Twenty-six years later He has honored you again with the trust of the publication of the truth upon the Pacific Coast. Your way may not always seem clear to you, but God will lead you if you take on no extra anxiety. “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world,” were the words of our Saviour just before He left the world for heaven, to plead in our behalf before His heavenly Father. [Matthew 28:20.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 29, 1876

3LtMs, Lt 29, 1876, par. 2

We hope you are all cheerful and happy. Let not care corrode you, son. Be determined to be happy as you pass along. Don’t grow old too fast. Keep young in spirit, keep hopeful if the heavens fall. Don’t let your spirit be fretted, for it will never pay. Ever be calm, composed and have self-control. Carry the happy with you, sing in the Spirit, pray in the Spirit, talk in the Spirit. “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28:20. Children, Jesus lives. He will be your Saviour and your present helper in every time of need.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 53, 1876

3LtMs, Lt 53, 1876, par. 60

There are many dangers to encounter, many difficulties to overcome. But One mighty to save and strong to deliver has pledged His word that He will never forsake us. “Lo, I am with you alway;” “Fear thou not,” says Christ, “for I am with thee: be not dismayed, for I am thy God.” [Matthew 28:20; Isaiah 41:10.] Take hold of these promises, rise up in the strength of God, and He will help you.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 16, 1885

4LtMs, Ms 16, 1885, par. 7

We left Healdsburg July 6. I had been suffering with great feebleness. The proposed journey across the plains and the voyage upon the broad waters to the old country were, to me, a matter of dread, but it was the will of the General Conference for me to visit Europe. I was suffering mental weariness and physical debility. I so longed for some one upon whom I could rely in my want of strength—one whom I knew had a firm hold from above, whose firm courage and faith would stimulate me; for it seemed that my courage was gone, and I longed for human help whose faith grasped firmly the arm of Omnipotent power, for I was too weak to even exercise faith. In this condition I left Healdsburg for Oakland. I was requested to speak to the people upon the Sabbath, but it seemed impossible. But these words came to me with power, “My grace is sufficient for you.” [Verse 9.] “Lo, I am with you always.” [Matthew 28:20.] “Go forward in My strength.” I answered, “Yes, I will speak to the people, for God will help me.” I then saw how useless it was for me to lean upon human support in my weakness; for unless they had a firm hold of God by living faith, unless they had a daily experience in confidence and faith in God, when I would need help, they would prove a hindrance. I felt then it was my privilege in my great weakness to lean heavily on the arm of Infinite power. Whatever my perplexity, here was a counsellor; whatever my loneliness, here was a friend that had promised, “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.” [Hebrews 13:5.] In the comfort and strength of this assurance, I was enabled to speak to the people with clearness. My own soul was greatly strengthened. I was happy. I learned my lesson in humble faith, in simple trust, that I can never find in human help so wise, so tender, so faithful a guide as Jesus. I then said, “I will trust the Holy One of Israel in the darkest hours and place myself under His guidance in thought, in word, and in deed.”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Lt 24, 1883

4LtMs, Lt 24, 1883, par. 15

I do hope your camp meeting will prove a success. Oh, the great work before us! Let us individually pray that God will work. We trust too much in our own doings. We must do all we can in humble faith, and then calmly, expectantly trust in One who has said, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:20.] Jesus is our refuge, our present helper. Faith in Him daily, hourly, is needed. I have had sweet communion with God on all this journey. I do not trust in what I can do, but in what God can do for us and what He will do. His promises are unfailing and we will not doubt for one moment. May the Lord bless you all is my prayer.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 5, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 5, 1886, par. 5

For a few weeks past I have had a deep sense of the promises of God and the hope of the Christian. The Bible never seemed to me so full of rich gems of promises as within the last few weeks. It seems that the dews of heaven are ready to fall upon us and refresh us, if we will only take the promises to ourselves. We can never overcome our own natural tendencies without the help of Heaven, and the precious Jesus places Himself right by our side to help us in this work. He says, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:20.] Well now, we want to believe just what Christ has said. We want that our faith shall compass the promises. We want to throw it wide open, the door of our hearts, that Jesus can come in and dwell with us. He says, “If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” [John 15:7.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Lt 7a, 1886

4LtMs, Lt 7a, 1886, par. 9

We are to be constantly reaching upward to God. Think <much,> and talk little of ourselves, but talk of Jesus, dwell upon His matchless charms. Talk not of our trials, brood not over our privations, but remember Jesus the Son of God. Study His life of self-denial, self-sacrifice, His life of privation, and how much abuse He endured for our sakes <on the cruel cross,> and then let us never exalt ourselves or think we have a trying time, but let us be thankful. God does not want us to be in gloom, <but walk in the light as He is in the light.> Jesus lives; He is not in Joseph’s new tomb, but lives to make intercession for us. He does not forget us for one brief moment. <He encouraged His disciples to [obey] that which He commanded them, [then promised], “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:20.]> Then let peace come into the soul, joyfulness into the heart, and speak forth <the words Christ has given us,> and show forth by our piety “the praises of Him who hath called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.” [1 Peter 2:9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 11, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 11, 1886, par. 1

Luke 24:49-53, Acts 1:9-11. Here is the promise that the very same Jesus that ascended up into heaven should so come in like manner as He went into heaven. And we read that they returned to Jerusalem with great joy. Now this joy was not because they were parted from their Redeemer and they were to no more have His company upon the earth, but the joy was that that Saviour that went up into heaven would come again <in like manner as He ascended,> and they should see Him. As He ascended, His hands were stretched out in blessing <upon> His disciples, as they stood gazing at Him <in the heavens to catch the last sight of their ascending Lord.> Floating down from the clouds come these words, “Lo I am with you even unto the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:20.]