EGW WritingsMatthew 5
Ellen G. White · Page 4 of 6
Read Matthew 5 in the BibleMatthew 5:14-18
Sermons and Talks, vol. 1
Eternal Life
1SAT 244.1
Do not be afraid to be found on your knees acknowledging God as your Father. Acknowledge your dependence upon God. Acknowledge that you are acquainted with His power, that you want a vital connection with the God of heaven. “Well,” you say, “they misinterpret me, and if I am in the world I must be of the world.” No, that does not necessarily follow. Christ says, “Ye are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). “Let your light so shine that they may see your good works” (see Matthew 5:16), and let them see that you are turning your eyes upon heaven. But it is not the fashion, and I am so sorry that it is not the fashion.1SAT 246.1
We want Christ and His obedience and we want to drink in of the Spirit of God. I want to be like Him. I want to practice His virtues and be a doer of the Word. And what did He say on the Mount? “Think not”—on their startled ears fell the words, their very thoughts unrolled before them—“think not that I am come to destroy the law of the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill” (Matthew 5:17). He came to fulfill every specification of the law. “Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled” (V. 18). I want you to take this. It is the word of God. You will hear from the word of men that the law is abolished and that it is not binding upon men. And they act just so. But you cannot afford to work against God. “Ye are laborers together with God” (1 Corinthians 3:9). I would rather be a laborer with God than to be laboring counter to Him. I see in Him matchless charms.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 12, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 12, 1894, par. 14
Do not be afraid to be found on your knees acknowledging God as your Father. Acknowledge your dependence upon God. Acknowledge that you are acquainted with His power, that you want a vital connection with the God of Heaven. “Well,” you say, “they misinterpret me, and if I am in the world I must be of the world.” No, that does not necessarily follow. Christ says, “Ye are the light of the world.” “Let your light so shine that they may see your good works,” and let them see that you are turning your eyes upon heaven. [Matthew 5:14, 16.] But it is not the fashion, and I am so sorry that it is not the fashion.9LtMs, Ms 12, 1894, par. 18
We want Christ and His obedience and we want to drink in of the Spirit of God. I want to be like Him. I want to practice His virtues and be a doer of the Word. And what did He say on the Mount? “Think not”—on their startled ears fell the words, their very thoughts unrolled before them—“think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets. I have not come to destroy but to fulfill.” He came to fulfill every specification of the law. “Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” [Matthew 5:17, 18.] I want you to take this. It is the Word of God. You will hear from the word of men that the law is abolished and that it is not binding upon men. And they act just so. But you cannot afford to work against God. “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] I would rather be a laborer with God than to be laboring counter to Him. I see in Him matchless charms.Patriarchs and Prophets
Chapter 32—The Law and the Covenants
PP 365.1
There are many who try to blend these two systems, using the texts that speak of the ceremonial law to prove that the moral law has been abolished; but this is a perversion of the Scriptures. The distinction between the two systems is broad and clear. The ceremonial system was made up of symbols pointing to Christ, to His sacrifice and His priesthood. This ritual law, with its sacrifices and ordinances, was to be performed by the Hebrews until type met antitype in the death of Christ, the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. Then all the sacrificial offerings were to cease. It is this law that Christ “took ... out of the way, nailing it to His cross.” Colossians 2:14. But concerning the law of Ten Commandments the psalmist declares, “Forever, O Lord, Thy word is settled in heaven.” Psalm 119:89. And Christ Himself says, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law.... Verily I say unto you”—making the assertion as emphatic as possible—“Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” Matthew 5:17, 18. Here He teaches, not merely what the claims of God’s law had been, and were then, but that these claims should hold as long as the heavens and the earth remain. The law of God is as immutable as His throne. It will maintain its claims upon mankind in all ages.PP 369.4
Like their Master, the followers of Christ in every age were to be the light of the world. The Saviour said, “A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house”—that is, in the world. And He adds, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16. This is just what Enoch, and Noah, Abraham, Joseph, and Moses did. It is just what God designed that His people Israel should do.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 91, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 91, 1900, par. 24
The same time and means, used where it was very much needed, would have done much to proclaim the truth which must be given to our world. Men and women would have been called out from the world to witness to Christ’s words, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick, and it giveth light to all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your father which is in heaven. Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” [Matthew 5:14-18.]Matthew 5:14-19
Manuscript Releases, vol. 21 [Nos. 1501-1598]
MR No. 1539—Christ’s Sacrifice Testifies to Permanence of God’s Law
21MR 195.3
Christ presented to His disciples their exalted position in the world. “Ye are the light of the world,” He said, “a city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” [Matthew 5:14-16].21MR 195.4
Christ read the hearts of the Pharisees, who were bracing themselves to resist the light. Their prejudice against Him was strengthening; they were saying in their hearts, He is doing away [with] the law; we will have no such teaching. But while they were bottling up their wrath, there fell on their startled ears the answer to their unspoken thought: Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill (every specification of the law). For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle will in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven” [Matthew 5:17-19].Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Ms 75, 1908
23LtMs, Ms 75, 1908, par. 4
Christ declared to His disciples, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light to all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14-16.]23LtMs, Ms 75, 1908, par. 5
“Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” [Verses 17-19.]23LtMs, Ms 75, 1908, par. 6
“He shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven.” [Verse 19.] Some may argue from these words that the transgressors of the law will be in the kingdom of heaven. But this is not so. Those who transgress the commands of God will have no part there. They will be accounted the least in the estimation of those who inherit the kingdom.Matthew 5:14-20
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 153, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 153, 1901, par. 3
The church of God on earth is to be the representative of the church above. “Ye are the light of the world,” Christ says. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14, 16.]16LtMs, Ms 153, 1901, par. 4
Following this comes the statement, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” [Verses 17-19.]16LtMs, Ms 153, 1901, par. 6
“I say unto you,” Christ continued, “that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” [Verse 20.] Why this statement? Because in practice and in teaching, the scribes and Pharisees disregarded the principles of God’s law. They put human maxims and traditions in the place of God’s Word, “teaching for doctrine the commandments of men.” [Matthew 15:9.] They set aside God’s holy precepts for fables of their own creating.Manuscript Releases, vol. 12 [Nos. 921-999]
MR No. 954—Study of Growth of Ellen White’s Theological Understanding
12MR 140.2
Sin is death; righteousness is life. Sin cannot be changed into righteousness, but it can be taken away and the righteousness of Christ put in its place. The Saviour was manifested to take away our sin. “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life” (Romans 6:23). The Pharisees trusted in their own righteousness, of which Christ said, “Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:20). Of the Jewish leaders, He said, “Ye will not come to Me, that ye might have life” (John 5:40). The righteousness of Christ brings life and healing. “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him” (Colossians 2:6). In Him all fullness dwells.12MR 147.1
Step by step let us follow on to know the Lord, treading in His footprints, striving to live His life. He says to His followers, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. ... Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14, 16). From the lives of God’s children, the bright light of purity, of honesty, of unselfishness, is to shine forth.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Ms 141, 1907
22LtMs, Ms 141, 1907, par. 16
I am made sad when I see how much of the Lord’s money is spent for dress and selfish indulgence—money that God designed should be spent in saving souls who are perishing in ignorance of the truth and of God. Those who are thus tempted to extravagance and selfish indulgence should consider the words of Christ, “Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” [Matthew 5:20.] “Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.22LtMs, Ms 141, 1907, par. 27
The subject of missions is to be under divine supervision. God’s church on earth is to be the bearer of light to the world. “Ye are the light of the world,” He says. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14, 16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 18, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 18, 1899, par. 12
Christ says, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick, and it giveth light to all that are in the house.” [Matthew 5:14, 15.] How are God’s children to stand in the world? Are they to reveal a character that is just like the world? Are they to live for show and parade, display and self-indulgence? If all who claim to believe in Christ as their personal Saviour would be doers of His Word, they would be elevated above the customs, practices, and policies of the world. They would exert an influence in the home that would reach to every member of the family.14LtMs, Lt 18, 1899, par. 13
The words of Christ to every true follower are, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Verse 16.] Then comes the lesson which sounds down along the line to our time, when the great crisis question in regard to the Sabbath of the fourth commandment is agitating the world. “Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill (every specification of that law, and verify before the world its immutability). For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven. But whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” [Verses 17-20.]The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials
Christ and the Law
[Matthew 5:14-16 quoted.]
1888 337.1
We read in the following verse, verse 17, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” What made them think that? It was because, notwithstanding they had had Christ represented in the typical offerings and sacrifices, they could not get it out of their minds that it was the law, the law, the law that they must dwell upon as their entrance into heaven. And here Christ comes in with His lesson, not to detract from the law, but to reveal to them the old light in new settings. He comes to reveal that light in the framework of the gospel, that they might understand in regard to this light that it was essential for them to have.1888 337.3
Christ reads their thoughts, and their thoughts were that he did not make the law as prominent as they had done. He takes up their thoughts and says, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.... Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven” [verses 17, 19]. And He makes it still more plain: “For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven” [verse 20]. Now, they had built over that law, and around it, exactions, and they had burdened it with their own laws and ideas emanating from human, finite beings, until there could no one observe that law, even the letter of it, as they interpreted it; it was impossible.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 5, 1889
6LtMs, Ms 5, 1889, par. 1
(Matthew 5:14-16): “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”6LtMs, Ms 5, 1889, par. 2
We read in the following verse, (verse 17), “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” What made them think that? It was because, notwithstanding they had had Christ represented in the typical offerings and sacrifices, yet they could not get it out of their minds that it was the law, the law, the law, that they must dwell upon as their entrance into heaven. And here Christ comes in with His lesson, not to detract from the law, but to reveal to them the old light in new settings. He comes to reveal that light in the framework of the gospel, that they might understand in regard to this light that it was essential for them to have.6LtMs, Ms 5, 1889, par. 4
Christ reads their thoughts, and their thoughts were that He did not make the law as prominent as they had done. He takes up their thoughts and says, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. ... Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven” vs. 17, 19. And He makes it still more plain: “For I say unto you that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven” v. 20. Now they had built over that law and around it exactions, and they had burdened it with their own laws and ideas emanating from human, finite beings, until there could no one observe that law, even the letter of it, as they interpreted it; it was impossible.6LtMs, Ms 5, 1889, par. 14
What is God going to do for His people—leave them with no new light? “Ye are,” says He, “the light of the world.” [Matthew 5:14.] Then we are to get more light from the throne of God, and have an increase of light. Now we do not tell you in the message that has been given to you here and in other places that it is a grand new light, but it is the old light brought up and placed in new settings. Jesus gave light, the most wonderful light, as He spoke from that cloudy pillar. And just prior to the time when the children of Israel left Egypt, one plague after another was brought upon the Egyptians, because Pharaoh refused to let the Israelites go to worship God. Finally, the God of heaven suffered the firstborn of both man and beast to be slain, and when Pharaoh looked upon their dying forms, he began to understand who the great I AM was, that there was a power above whom Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, could not compete with or overcome with all his experience and resistance. Therefore he said to the children of Israel, “Go.” [Exodus 12:31.]6LtMs, Ms 5, 1889, par. 17
He did not come to destroy the law, for He says, “One jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law till all be fulfilled.” [Matthew 5:18.] Then they remain today. Yes, there is not a jot or tittle dropped out, and everyone is under law. This is the position that we stand in today; and if any oppose the law they are the ones that God condemns, because we are not left in uncertainty.6LtMs, Ms 5, 1889, par. 43
Now, you have had light here, and what are you going to do about it? Are you going home to sit down, or are you going to work to build one another up in the most holy faith? God grant that you may work to the point. O how I long to see the work as we may see it! How I long to see the tidal wave pouring over the people! And I know it can be, for God gave us all heaven in one gift, and every one of us can accept the light, every ray of it, and then we can be the light of the world. “A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.” [Matthew 5:14.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 145, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 145, 1897, par. 13
Christ presented to His disciples their exalted position in the world. “Ye are the light of the world,” He said; “a city set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light to all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14-16.]12LtMs, Ms 145, 1897, par. 14
Christ read the hearts of the Pharisees, who were bracing themselves to resist the light. Their prejudice against him was strengthening; they were saying in their hearts, He is doing away [with] the law. We will have no such teaching. But while they were bottling up their wrath, there fell on their startled ears the answer to their unspoken thought: “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill (every specification of the law). For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle will in no wise pass from the law till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven; but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” [Verses 17-19.]12LtMs, Ms 145, 1897, par. 15
This is the judgment pronounced in the councils of heaven. Some have thought that the commandment breaker will be there, but will occupy the very lowest place. He will not be there. Sinners will never enter the abodes of bliss. The commandment breaker, and all who unite with him in teaching others that it makes no difference whether they break or observe the divine law, will by the judgment of the universe of heaven, be called least among the human agencies. For not only have they been disloyal themselves, but they have taught others to break the law of God with impunity. Christ pronounces judgment upon those who claim to have a knowledge of the law of God, but who lead souls into confusion and darkness, both by precept and example. They are teaching for doctrine the commandments of men, and making void the law of God through their traditions. “For I say unto you, (my disciples) that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” [Verse 20.]12LtMs, Ms 145, 1897, par. 16
“Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one title shall in no wise pass from the law till all be fulfilled.” [Verse 18.] As long as heaven and earth remain, not one jot or tittle will pass from the law. As long as there is a canopy of heaven above our heads, and the earth beneath our feet, there should be no argument or controversy over this question. Until this evidence is fulfilled before your eyes, you may be sure that the law of Jehovah will hold its exalted place.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 44, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 44, 1898, par. 37
Christians are to be careful to maintain good works. Christ says to His followers, “Ye are the light of the world. A city set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick, and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14-16.]13LtMs, Ms 44, 1898, par. 38
“Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” [Verses 17-20.]Sermons and Talks, vol. 1
Christ and the Law (Sermon given at Rome, New York, June 19, 1889)
1SAT 105.1
We read in the following verse, Verse 17, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” What made them think that? It was because, notwithstanding they had had Christ represented in the typical offerings and sacrifices, they could not get it out of their minds that it was the law, the law, the law that they must dwell upon as their entrance into heaven. And here Christ comes in with His lesson, not to detract from the law, but to reveal to them the old light in new settings. He comes to reveal that light in the framework of the gospel, that they might understand in regard to this light that it was essential for them to have.1SAT 105.2
Here He shows the exceeding breadth of the law of Jehovah—its extended character—and He presents it before them in a light they had not comprehended before. And the moment He does that, there arises a resistance against that light. Why should they accept it? It was not as they had taught it; it was in a different setting; and they could not harmonize this with their misconceived ideas.1SAT 105.3
Christ reads their thoughts, and their thoughts were that he did not make the law as prominent as they had done. He takes up their thoughts and says, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.... Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven” [Verses 17, 19]. And He makes it still more plain: “For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven” [Verse 20]. Now, they had built over that law, and around it, exactions, and they had burdened it with their own laws and ideas emanating from human, finite beings, until there could no one observe that law, even the letter of it, as they interpreted it; it was impossible.1SAT 106.1
Now Christ goes on and tells what the principles of the law are, and shows them that it reaches into the inmost parts of the mind. Thus He brings out the purposes of God’s law.1SAT 106.2
When Christ came into the world, He was the origin of truth. The lessons He had given to the prophets had been placed in false settings, and it was His work to place them in the true. He was the foundation and the originator of all truth, and His work was to strip off all traditions of men, for they taught the commandments of men instead of the commandments of God. Those who had been in the school of the prophets, and had been obtaining their education, were considered to know more than all the nations and all other people upon the face of the earth. He turns to them and says, “Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God” [Matthew 22:29]. They saw trees as men walking. And why was not the truth distinct in their minds? The reason was, they were not connected with the God of all truth.1SAT 107.1
One part of Christ’s great work to the world was, He came to it as a representative of the Father. But the world did not know God, and it is very much the same at the present time, even among those who claim to be following the truth. I don’t know but you have heard me say it in years past, “I long to introduce you to Jesus Christ, to behold Him as a Christ of love, mercy, sympathy, and tender compassion.”1SAT 107.2
There was one who came to me and said, “Sister White, can you tell me how I am to know that Jesus forgives me my sins as I repent of them?” “Yes, I can. I point you to Calvary, to the dying Saviour upon the cross.” There is the evidence that we present to the mind. It is the evidence that you see, that Christ forgives sins. The light reflected from the cross of Calvary speaks to us of the blood of Jesus Christ which was shed for the remission of sins, and it tells us that we may be cleansed and sanctified.1SAT 107.3
I remember one woman who said, O, if the Lord would only show her in a dream that He would have mercy upon her and save her! Well, He did teach her, and she was taught in a dream, and then the first impression was, “Is that dream any stronger than a ‘Thus saith the Lord!?” I want every one of you to take that, because I have found out that whenever I have been pleading for some special light, some strong evidence, I have found I had to wait a long time before I got it. I have found out that I had to take what the Lord said, and believe it as spoken to me. I am one of the daughters of Adam, one for whom Christ died, and have a right to lay hold upon the merits of the blood of a crucified and risen Saviour, because I am a sinner.1SAT 108.1
And when the devil comes and points to your sins and hateful crimes, tell him, “Yes, I am a sinner, but Christ is a Saviour, and He says, ‘I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance’” [Matthew 9:13]. Thus you arm yourself with the whole armor of Christ’s righteousness. How is it you have not on the armor of Christ’s righteousness? What did He come to this world for? Why, if it had been a possible thing for us to have been brought back to keeping God’s commandments, He never would have come to this world; but He came here because it was impossible for man to redeem himself and bring himself into a position where Adam stood before the fall. Then what was he to do? Christ came, our substitute and surety.1SAT 108.2
Before He came they were under a yoke; but Christ was above law, He was the originator of the law, so there was no yoke upon Him; and the angels were in obedience to Christ, who was not under the yoke. He could come as one equal with the Father, and He could open His breast to the whole woe, grief, sin, and misery, and by an offering of Himself He could bring life and immortality to light through the gospel. This is the only hope of life, and when Christ cried out, “It is finished,” He carried out the devised plan. He had died in behalf of the race, as a freewill offering to God. He was not urged to do it, but He took it upon Himself that He might save the fallen race. He goes down into the grave and comes up out of the grave.1SAT 108.3
As Satan was triumphing in His death, it was not long before he found out he had overstepped the boundary. In seeking to cause the death and crucifixion of the Son of God, what did he do? He claimed in heaven, and he claims today among the Christian world, that in taking away the law of God they could establish one of their own that would be better. All the universe of heaven were looking to see what would come out of it.1SAT 109.1
Why did not God blot Satan out of existence? Why did He not blot sin out? Satan was permitted to develop his character, and unless he had had this opportunity, he would have laid the whole cause of his disaffection upon Christ and the Father. But he had an opportunity here in this world to develop his new principles, and he did it when he crucified the Lord of glory. He acted out his principles, and showed what they would lead to, and we see the same acted out in our world today—what these lawless principles will lead to.1SAT 109.2
The enemy has worked, and he is working still. He is come down in great power, and the Spirit of God is being withdrawn from the earth. God has withdrawn His hand. We have only to look at Johnstown [Pennsylvania]. He did not prevent the devil from wiping that whole city out of existence. And these very things will increase until the close of this earth’s history, because he has come down in great power, and he works with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish. What is he doing? Going about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. And when he sees those who are resisting the light, and that God does not shelter them, he will exercise his cruel power upon them. This is what we may expect.1SAT 109.3
What is God going to do for His people—leave them with no new light? “Ye are,” says He, “the light of the world.” Then we are to get more light from the throne of God, and have an increase of light. Now, we do not tell you in the message that has been given to you here and in other places that it is a grand new light, but it is the old light brought up and placed in new settings. Jesus gave light, the most wonderful light, as He spoke from that cloudy pillar. And just prior to the time when the children of Israel left Egypt, one plague after another was brought upon the Egyptians, because Pharaoh refused to let the Israelites go to worship God. Finally, the God of heaven suffered the firstborn of both man and beast to be slain, and when Pharaoh looked upon their dying forms he began to understand who the great I AM was—that there was a power above, whom Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, could not compete with or overcome with all his experience and resistance. Therefore he said to the children of Israel, “Go.”1SAT 110.1
But what was there to do the last night? They were to kill a lamb and take the blood and mark the lintels and the doorposts. What for? To evidence to the whole of Israel, as they shall see these things, that there was something that connected them with God. And as the angel would pass over the land to slay the firstborn, and would see the blood that marked the lintels and the doorposts, he was to pass over those who had the blood upon the doorposts.1SAT 110.2
Just prior to the coming of the Son of man, there is and has been for years a determination on the part of the enemy to cast his hellish shadow right between man and his Saviour. And why? So that he shall not distinguish that it is a whole Saviour, a complete sacrifice that has been made for him. Then he tells them that they are not to keep the law, for in keeping that law man would be united with the divine power, and Satan would be defeated. But in keeping that law man would be united with the divine power. Notwithstanding man was encompassed with the infirmities of humanity he might become a partaker of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. Now here is the redemption.1SAT 111.1
He did not come to destroy the law, for He says, “One jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law till all be fulfilled.” Then they remain today. Yes, there is not a jot or tittle dropped out, and everyone is under law. This is the position that we stand in today; and if any oppose the law, they are the ones that God condemns, because we are not left in uncertainty.1SAT 111.2
I want to keep God’s law and live. But that man of sin has taken it upon himself to change the fourth commandment, and shove in a spurious Sabbath, to show his greatness and power to exalt himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped.1SAT 111.3
Now the test is coming between the Sabbath that the man of sin has introduced and the Sabbath of the Lord God Jehovah, the seventh day.1SAT 111.4
There are to be trying times before us, and what does God mean? He means that we seek to understand what He wants to say to us. We have not understood it; we have been going on here, groaning and groaning. When I tried to do good, evil was present with me and sin is constantly at work to have the supremacy. If you could see what Christ is, one that can save to the uttermost all that come unto God by Him, then you would have that faith that works.1SAT 112.1
But must works come first? No, it is faith first. And how? The cross of Christ is lifted up between heaven and earth. Here comes the Father and the whole train of holy angels; and as they approach that cross, the Father bows to the cross and the sacrifice is accepted. Then comes sinful man, with his burden of sin, to the cross, and he there looks up to Christ on the cross of Calvary, and he rolls his sins at the foot of the cross. Here mercy and truth have met together and righteousness and peace have kissed each other. And Christ says, “I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto Me.”1SAT 112.2
“Then,” says one, “you cannot be accepted unless you repent.” Well, who leads us to repentance? Who is drawing us? Here the law of God condemns the sinner. It points out the defects of his character. But you can stand before that law all your lifetime and say, “Cleanse me. Fit me for heaven,” but can it do it? No; there is no power in law to save the transgressor of law in sin. Then what? Christ must appear in that law as our righteousness, and then Christ is lifted up. “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me” [John 12:32].1SAT 112.3
Here we look at the cross of Calvary. What has made us look at it? Christ is drawing us. Angels of God are in this world, at work upon human minds, and the man is drawn to the One who uplifts him, and the One who uplifts him draws him to repentance. It is no work of his own; there is nothing that he can do that is of any value at all except to believe.1SAT 112.4
As he sees Christ hanging upon the cross of Calvary he sees that He loves sinners, those who were at enmity with God. He begins to marvel, and is abased. What is the reason for this? Why, he sees that there is a transgressed law, and that man cannot keep it, but he sees Christ, and with hope and faith he grasps the arm of infinite power and repents at every step. Of what? That he has violated every principle of the law of Jehovah.1SAT 113.1
Paul says he taught from house to house repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. What did Christ come to our world for? To attract the mind and bring it to repentance. Here we have the love of the Father in giving His Son to die for fallen man, that he might keep the law of Jehovah.1SAT 113.2
Now Jesus stands in our world, His divinity clothed with humanity, and man must be clothed with Christ’s righteousness. Then he can, through the righteousness of Christ, stand acquitted before God.1SAT 113.3
O, I am glad I have a Saviour! We must have the Holy Spirit to combine with man’s human effort. We can do nothing without Christ. “Without Me, ye can do nothing.” “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me” [Revelation 3:20]. I am so glad that we can be partakers of the divine nature, and that through Jesus Christ we can be conquerors. This is the victory—even your faith, feelings, and good works? Is that it? No; “This is the victory ..., even your faith” [1 John 5:4].1SAT 113.4
What is faith? It “is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Then what? “Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone” [James 2:17]. Therefore we lay hold upon the merits of the blood of a crucified and risen Saviour. Our lives are hid with Christ in God. There we have the whole of it. We can do nothing of ourselves, but the fire of God’s love is burning on the altar of our hearts. We are not following cunningly devised fables, no indeed; but we have been revealing Christ our righteousness. If you boast in your own good works, you cannot boast in Christ.1SAT 114.1
Now, there has been coming in among us a self-sufficiency, and the message to the Laodicean church is applicable to us. I will read it: [Revelation 3:14-16 quoted.]1SAT 114.2
What is the matter? They have left their first love. “So then because thou art lukewarm ... I will spue thee out of My mouth.” What does He mean by that? Why, if the people have great light and knowledge and yet they are not striving to give that light and evidence to the world in their works, which are living principles that they shall present to the world, Christ is dishonored, and He becomes so disgusted with them that he will not take their names into His mouth to present them to the Father.1SAT 114.3
“I know thy works.” “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked” [Verse 17].1SAT 114.4
Now what is the difficulty? “Tried in the fire.” Christ had such love for us that He could go through all that trying of the crucifixion, and come off conqueror. And the white raiment, what is that? Christ’s righteousness. “Anoint thine eyes with eyesalve”—spiritual discernment, that you may discern between true righteousness and self righteousness. Now here is the work. The heavenly merchantman is passing up and down before you saying: “Buy of Me. Here are heavenly goods; buy of Me.” “Will you do it? It is “Me” you are to buy of. There is no other source in heaven from which we may receive liberty and life but through Jesus Christ our righteousness.1SAT 115.1
Then He says, “Be zealous therefore, and repent.” That message is to us. We want the brethren and sisters in this conference to take hold of this message, and see the light that has been brought to us in new settings.1SAT 115.2
God has opened to us our strength, and we need to know something about it and be prepared for the time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation. But here is our strength, Christ our righteousness. Let us ask Isaiah who is to be our strength. Well, he answers, and it comes echoing down along the lines to our time: “For unto us a child is born, and unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” [Isaiah 9:6]. Is not that enough for us? Cannot we cover ourselves all over with it? Do we need any of our own self esteem? No, we cannot have that. We must hide in Christ, and we can hide in the mighty strength of Israel’s God. Thus we work to meet the powers of darkness. We fight not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, and spiritual wickedness in high places. And it is only in Christ that we can meet them.1SAT 116.1
Brethren, do not let any of you be thrown off the track. “Well,” you say, “What does Brother Smith’s piece in the Review mean?” He doesn’t know what he is talking about; he sees trees as men walking. Everything depends upon our being obedient to God’s commandments. Therefore he takes those that have been placed in false settings and he binds them in a bundle as though we were discarding the claims of God’s law, when it is no such thing. It is impossible for us to exalt the law of Jehovah unless we take hold of the righteousness of Jesus Christ.1SAT 116.2
My husband understood this matter of the law, and we have talked night after night until neither of us would sleep. And it is the very principles the people are striving for. They want to know that Christ accepts them as soon as they come to Him. I want to tell you, brethren, that light is sown for the righteous, and truth for the upright in heart.1SAT 116.3
Now, we want to be a people who carry with us joy and gladness and we never can do it unless we carry with us Jesus Christ. If we sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, even Jesus Christ the righteous. Then I do not need to be mourning all the days of my life, for Christ has risen. He is not in Joseph’s new tomb, He is with the Father. And how is He there? As a Lamb slain, and He bears in His hands the marks of the crucifixion. “I bear them on the palms of my hands.” O, if this does not fill us with hope and gratitude, what will?1SAT 116.4
I have had the question asked, “What do you think of this light that these men are presenting?” Why, I have been presenting it to you for the last 45 years—the matchless charms of Christ. This is what I have been trying to present before your minds. When Brother Waggoner brought out these ideas in Minneapolis, it was the first clear teaching on this subject from any human lips I had heard, excepting the conversations between myself and my husband. I have said to myself, It is because God has presented it to me in vision that I see it so clearly, and they cannot see it because they have never had it presented to them as I have. And when another presented it, every fiber of my heart said, Amen.1SAT 117.1
Brethren in New York, we want you to go forward. Advance from light to clearer light. Here are the mines of truth. Work them; dig for the truth as for hid treasures. As you go to the Scriptures and ask God to help you, He will illuminate your minds, and the Holy Spirit will bring all things to your remembrance and the light of heaven will shine upon you.1SAT 117.2
I ask you in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth to arise and shine, for thy light has come. We do not want the work bound about. As you see men and women who have some ability, encourage them. God doesn’t want novices to do His work. He doesn’t want His work crippled. He wants you to place yourself where you may have a knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus.1SAT 117.3
He wants you to attend the school where Biblical lectures are being given. “Well,” says one, “I will go to the school in Battle Creek.” But they are about full there, and are going to start a school in Kansas. But here is South Lancaster; now why not, you who are so near, patronize South Lancaster? There will be those there who will be able to teach and stand at the head in giving Biblical lectures.1SAT 118.1
No man should go out to teach the truth unless he has had training and knows how to use the ability and capabilities God has given him. Now, you would not think of such a thing as going to a man who never worked at the carpenter trade and asking him to put you up a fine building; and so it is in God’s work. God wants you to learn, and the angels will be right by [you] to impress your mind, and if you will go to the Scriptures as Daniel did, you will understand all God would have you understand. As you learn to practice, and learn to teach, [teach others] as God commanded Timothy to take the things He had given him and commit them to faithful men who would be able to teach others also. Now this is the very work to be done in New York. Let the mind be elevated, ennobled, sanctified, and then the minister will not be worked to death and you can take them and drill them in the truth, and their hearts be burning with it and they want to tell it to others.1SAT 118.2
Now, you have had light here, and what are you going to do about it? Are you going home and sit down, or are you going to work to build one another up in the most holy faith? God grant that you may work to the point. Oh, how I long to see the work as we may see it! How I long to see the tidal wave pouring over the people! And I know it can be, for God gave us all heaven in one gift, and every one of us can accept the light, every ray of it, and then we can be the light of the world. “A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.”1SAT 118.3
Now, brethren, go to work. Parents, send your children to these schools. Those near to South Lancaster can go there, and those near the college, go there. God is at work to drill laborers to go forth from there. Now let every one of us arm ourselves and work intelligently, just as the carpenter works intelligently at his trade. He cannot work intelligently unless he learns his trade; no more can you. We want to be growing in every sense of the word. O, I love the truth, and I mean to triumph with it. Not only the ministers but everyone can do something. Taste and see that the Lord is good. May God bless you as you go to your homes.—Ms 5, 1889. (MR 900.12)Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 163, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 163, 1897, par. 27
Those who teach for doctrines the commandments of men make void the law of God through their tradition. Said Christ, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put in under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Think not that I am come to destroy the law and the prophets; I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, until all be fulfilled.” [Matthew 5:14-18.]12LtMs, Ms 163, 1897, par. 28
Just as long as the heavens remain above us, and the earth is beneath our feet, there can be no semblance of excuse for any power in heaven or earth to change the law of God. “Whosoever therefore,” continued Christ, “shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, the same shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” [Verses 19, 20.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 38, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 38, 1906, par. 13
“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets; I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” [Matthew 5:14-18.] There is then to be no change in the enforcement of the law concerning the observance of the seventh-day Sabbath.21LtMs, Lt 38, 1906, par. 18
“Think not,” Christ said, “that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets; I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, the same shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” [Matthew 5:17-19.]21LtMs, Lt 38, 1906, par. 19
“For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” [Verse 20.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 68, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 68, 1903, par. 34
“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” [Matthew 5:14-20.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Lt 170, 1908
23LtMs, Lt 170, 1908, par. 5
“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law until all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” [Matthew 5:14-20.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Ms 38, 1909
24LtMs, Ms 38, 1909, par. 7
Christ says to His people: “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick: and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” Now the explanation: “For I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:14-20.Matthew 5:14-24
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 281, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 281, 1905, par. 10
Said Christ to His disciples: “Ye are the light of the world. ... Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father, which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14, 16.]20LtMs, Lt 281, 1905, par. 22
“If thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.” [Matthew 5:23, 24.]Matthew 5:14-48
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 116, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 116, 1894, par. 9
There are not a sufficient number of ordained ministers to do all the work that is necessary to be done. This fact makes it essential that every member of our church should deny self, lift the cross, and carry the burdens of Christ. Have you tasted of the powers of the world to come? Have you been eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of God? If you have, then although ministerial hands have not been laid upon you, yet Christ has laid his hands upon you, and has said, “Ye are my witnesses, go trade on the talents I have given you. Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid; let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Isaiah 43:10; Matthew 5:14, 16.] The church and the world will be antagonistic in spirit, precept, and practice, but the church is to let her light shine, to become a living channel of blessing to the world.9LtMs, Ms 116, 1894, par. 16
The spirit of truth is to sanctify the soul, and it must be permitted to inspire and to govern the life. God alone must have power over the clay, lest the vessel be marred with unskillful human hands, and become good for nothing. God is perfect, and the command to us is, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” [Matthew 5:48.] God has made every provision that we shall be made like unto him, and he will accomplish this for those who do not interpose a perverse will, an earthly, selfish spirit, and thus frustrate the grace of God. When the grace of God accomplishes its work, it will bring the thoughts into captivity to Christ. This work is beyond our finite comprehension, yet though we do not comprehend it we must let God accomplish it for us. The excellence that appears in our character or conduct does not originate in our finite, human nature; it is all from God, who has the power of the potter over the clay.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 16e, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 16e, 1892, par. 21
Have you tasted of the powers of the world to come? Have you been eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of God? Then if ministerial hands have not been laid upon you in this world, Christ has laid His hand upon you and said, “Ye are my witnesses.” [Isaiah 43:10.] “Go trade on the talents I have given you.” [Matthew 25:16.] “Ye are the light of the world, a city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. ... Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14, 16.]7LtMs, Lt 16e, 1892, par. 43
The Spirit of Truth must sanctify the soul; it will inspire and it will govern all the life and character. No outward worker may have power over the clay; otherwise, the vessel is marred in unskilled hands and is good for nothing. God is perfect, and said Christ, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” [Matthew 5:48.] He designs, and has made every provision, to make every creature like Himself, unless man, by his perverse will and earthly, selfish spirit, will not accept the grace so richly provided, and resists His will.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 110, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 110, 1893, par. 13
I would in this letter to you, my brother, communicate to our brethren and sisters in Africa words from the Lord to you. “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:48. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.8LtMs, Lt 110, 1893, par. 15
You have no time to pore over your bruises and scars and discomfitures. “Ye are the light of the world.” [Matthew 5:14.] This is God’s will made known to you, to shine as lights to the world. Let not your words be full of despondency and complaints. Show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light. Gather light from the Light of the world and then shine, every moment. Let not the hellish shadow of Satan enshroud your soul, in dissatisfaction and complaining, for it is dangerous business. Just as sure as you do this you lose the love of Christ out of your soul and become like a funeral pall to other souls.Matthew 5:16
Christ Triumphant
Channels of God’s Grace, February 8
CTr 45.1
Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16, NRSV.Gospel Workers (1892/1893 ed.)
Ambassadors for Christ
GW92 18.3
Christ said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.] Let your light so shine that the glory will redound to God instead of to yourselves. If the praise comes to you, well may you tremble and be ashamed, for the great object is defeated; it is not God, but the servant, that is magnified. Let your light so shine; be careful, minister of Christ, in what manner your light shines. If it flashes heavenward, revealing the excellence of Christ, it shines aright. If it is turned upon yourself, if you exhibit yourself, and attract the people to admire you, it would be better for you to hold your peace altogether; for your light shines in the wrong way.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 66, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 66, 1897, par. 3
“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.] The indwelling of the words of Christ makes all men one with Him. He has the mind of Christ, the attributes of Christ, and there is perfect harmony between his will and that of the Father. Each will evidence his discipleship by his obedience to that Word. “Herein is my Father glorified,” says Christ, “that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” [Verse 8.] And again, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.] “That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ; being filled with the fruit of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.” [Philippians 1:10, 11.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 90, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 90, 1897, par. 1
“Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 84, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 84, 1898, par. 7
In this work they will receive special help from divine agencies. As they impart grace, they will receive grace for grace, for they are doing their appointed work. “Let your light so shine before men,” Christ said, “that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.] Heavenly angels are commissioned to co-operate with those who seek to obey this instruction. It is the divine intelligences that make an impression on human hearts. “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.” [John 14:26.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 42, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 42, 1898, par. 24
We are not to exalt the work of any man, magnifying him and praising his judgment. The first rising of self is the beginning of your fall, your separation from Christ. We cannot in any degree exalt self without being humbled. As Christians, we are to make the light of Christ’s truth shine. Self is to be kept out of sight. Christ is the Truth and the Light. He is the mirror from which to reflect truly every work done to His name’s glory. The world needs light. “Let your light so shine before me that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 94, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 94, 1898, par. 5
“Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.] There is great need of good works, and those who are truly united with Christ will reveal His likeness, and do as He did. But those who think that they should be given some office of distinction, who feel hurt because they are not called upon to carry responsibilities because others do not recognize their superior talents, need to become learners in the school of Christ before they can exert an influence that will be a savor of life unto life. Be assured that wise, true, wholehearted men are always recognized.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 49, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 49, 1898, par. 16
There is a religion that is worthless to the possessor. Those who possess it come to the house of God with those that claim to believe the truth. They hear, and return to their homes to drink their tea and stimulate themselves by this beverage. Then they think that they can talk. But as they are not spiritually minded, as the love of Christ is not in their hearts, they have nothing profitable to bring from the treasure house. Evil thinking and evil speaking is a part of their religion. They let their light “so shine” that they criticize the speaker and the words spoken by the servant of God. [See Matthew 5:16.] They sow seeds of evil in the minds of those who hear them, and their sentiments are reproduced by other minds.Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)
“Be Ye Separate”
GW 394.2
Christ has given us an example of this. When invited to eat with publicans and sinners, He did not refuse; for in no other way than by mingling with them could He reach this class. But on every occasion ...He opened up themes of conversation which brought things of eternal interest to their minds. And He enjoins us, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 65a, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 65a, 1898, par. 36
We are not to exalt the work of any man, magnifying him and praising his judgment. The first rising of self is the beginning of a fall, a separation from Christ. We cannot exalt self without being humbled. As Christians we are to let the light of Christ’s truth shine. Self is to be kept out of sight. Christ is the Truth and the Light. He is the mirror from which is to be reflected every work done to His name’s glory. The world needs light, and Christ says to us, “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 53, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 53, 1899, par. 35
God calls upon those working in the sanitarium to reveal the Spirit of Christ. Let the golden beams of the Sun of Righteousness shine through you to those who need them. Let your characters be as fragrant incense ascending to God. The love of Jesus, like a sweet savor, will give sacredness and power to all in authority, for a divine presence will control the conscience. The influence of the spirit breathed forth will be inhaled by many more than you suppose. Jesus will make you workers together with God if you will do His will. He has bought you with His own blood. He has made you the depositaries of sacred trust, and though you are in a position of peculiar temptation, you may be individual Christians. “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 212, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 212, 1899, par. 11
When the few believers in Toowoomba shall see the need of practicing the truth in word and in deed, they will be witnesses for the truth, and the truth will make them free. The Lord is soon coming, and who shall stand when He appeareth? All those who have been born again have a sacred, holy ministry to perform. If the believers in Toowoomba have not received the new birth, let them open the door of the heart to the Holy Spirit, and be converted. Every soul is to be wide-awake now. Every soul is to be daily converted anew to God, cleansed from every habit, every practice, that is a hindrance to his influence. “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 48, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 48, 1899, par. 11
There is a solemn obligation resting upon all. God’s admonition reaches to every one: “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.] The wrong act oft-repeated becomes habit, to act and re-act upon mind and heart, and unless divine power shall interpose, and the human agent become a partaker of the divine nature, the sure result will follow. Strengthen not the evil will by training it in wrong lines. Your life hid with Christ in God will be divested of all selfishness. Causes and effects are linked together. We shall not always be able to see the way before us. Circumstances will develop in a way we do not expect. But God sees not as man sees. His thoughts are not our thoughts, neither are His ways our ways. His hand is above all, and He will cause all things to work together for good to them that love God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 95, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 95, 1899, par. 25
And this Teacher enjoins us, “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.] On the temperance question take your position without wavering. Be as firm as a rock. Be not partakers of other men’s sins. Acts of dishonesty in business deal, with believers or unbelievers, should be reproved; and if they give no evidence of reformation, come out from among them and be separate.In Heavenly Places
“Without Offence,” February 24
HP 61.5
Moral and spiritual perfection, through the grace and power of Christ, is promised to all who believe. At every step we are to ask for the help of Christ. He is the model we are to follow in character building. He calls for deeds, not words, saying, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16)....Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 41, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 41, 1900, par. 41
Pray, watch unto prayer, buckle on the armor, and having done all (that is in your human efforts through Christ) stand. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 102, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 102, 1900, par. 20
Dr. Caro needs to reveal in his life the evidences of a daily conversion. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your goods works, and glorify (not the human agent, but) your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 24, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 24, 1900, par. 28
“This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” [1 John 5:4.] The world has become a lazar house of sin, a mass of corruption. It knows not the children of God because it knows Him not. We are not to practice its ways or follow its customs. Continually we must resist its lax principles. Christ said to His followers, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.] It is the duty of physicians and nurses to shine as lights amid the corrupting influences of the world. They are to cherish principles which the world cannot tarnish.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 51, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 51, 1900, par. 24
Darkness has covered the earth, and gross darkness the people. Christ says to His followers, “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.] The Holy Spirit must control in the sanitarium. By their words and their works, those connected with the institution are to give to those in darkness the light of the knowledge of the glory of God. Treasures of influence and treasures of means are to be invested where they will yield thirty, sixty, and even a hundredfold. The standard on which is inscribed, “The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus,” is to be uplifted. [Revelation 14:12.] Under all circumstances, in all ages of the world, this is the only correct standard of duty.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 14, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 14, 1900, par. 14
The people of God need to be aroused to let their light shine forth. Christ said, “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.] God’s people should be an animated people, because they behold Him who is invisible to the eyes of the world.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 134, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 134, 1900, par. 17
Upon all church members rests the solemn obligation to let their light so shine forth to the world. Said Christ, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.] There is a world which needs all your light. Let it shine in a sanctified influence in the home and in the church. Christ’s light, shining in the sanctified characters of believers, will multiply the agencies of Christian usefulness, and will do more than all arguments to impress the minds and hearts of unbelievers. It will be seen that believers practice the gospel of Jesus Christ as well as teach it, and this living example will counteract the spirit of worldliness in the church, bringing in the excellencies of Christ’s character, and elevating the standard of testing truth which we believe.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Lt 22, 1901
16LtMs, Lt 22, 1901, par. 1
There is a work to be done in this part of the Lord’s vineyard that should have been done long ago. According to the light God has given me, if this work had been done, there would now be a much larger number of believers, and a spiritual church which would indeed be the light of the world, fulfilling Christ’s words, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.]In Heavenly Places
Light Revealed in the Life, November 4
HP 315.1
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 17, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 17, 1901, par. 4
Do not allow your zeal for Christ to decrease. Now that you have become the helping hand of Christ, you are to work earnestly for those who before your conversion you looked upon with indifference. Remember that they are in as favorable a condition as you were to be brought to repentance, and that their salvation may be of higher value to the church than yours was. Grudge not earnest, tender words and kindly deeds. Draw those around you to the cross of Calvary. Be so greatly in love with the truth that you will daily receive fresh grace to impart. Open the windows of the soul heavenward, that the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness may shine into your hearts. “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 97, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 97, 1901, par. 23
When God’s people are obedient to all His commandments, the love will be cherished which brings peace and joy into the family circle. Then will the Redeemer be honored. Then will be obeyed the injunction, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 105, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 105, 1901, par. 24
I exhort all those who are connected with the St. Helena Sanitarium to present Christ in all His loveliness to the patients in this institution as the Great Physician, the Mighty Healer, the One who can heal both soul and body, taking away both sin and disease. In His work of healing, Christ desires the co-operation of every helper in the Sanitarium. He has a right to expect help from you. You are His purchased possession. You are bought with a price—and what a price! For your salvation He sacrificed His own life. You are to be bearers of the precious light which heaven has given to mankind. Christ says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Lt 21, 1901
16LtMs, Lt 21, 1901, par. 1
Teachers, ministers, leaders, all who are in responsible places in God’s work are to be His light-bearers <to the world>. They are to receive and impart light. Christ says, “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.] Christians have been redeemed from Satan’s bondage, and they are to stand under the blood-stained banner of Prince Emmanuel, working with unselfishness and fidelity for the One who owns them. Ever they are to remember the words, “Ye are not your own; for ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” [1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.] They are under obligation to devote the powers of body, soul, and spirit to His service. By doing this they show to angels and to men that they are worthy of the sacred trust conferred upon them, that they have been born again, not of the flesh, but of the Spirit, that they no more live to self, but to God, whose they are and whom they serve.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Lt 56, 1901
16LtMs, Lt 56, 1901, par. 14
“Ye are not your own; for ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” [1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.] “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.] Christ gave His life for a fallen, degenerate race, leaving us an example, that we should follow in His steps. To him who does this will be spoken the words of approval, “Well done, good and faithful servant; ... enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” [Matthew 25:23.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 11, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 11, 1902, par. 22
Shall we, by our perversity, force God to leave this prayer unanswered? Shall those for whom this prayer was offered be careless and indifferent? The angels in heaven have their appointed part to act in answering this prayer. We, too, have a part to act. We are to be faithful and true, showing Christlikeness in all we do and say. The world needs light. Darkness has covered the earth, and gross darkness the people. We are to be light-bearers, carrying the light of heaven to those in darkness. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.] We are to reflect light from the Source of light. We are to be witnesses for God, revealing in the daily life the pure principles of His Word. Thus we become the Lord’s medical missionaries.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 117, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 117, 1902, par. 23
Ministers and teachers, before you engage in your work, be sure that you are walking in the light as Christ is in the light. Obey the words, “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.] Prayerfully study the work to be done, and then enter upon it with full assurance of faith, but with no boasting, no self-sufficiency; for this is destructive to all effort. Go to work in quietness and humility, in the meekness and lowliness of Christ, knowing that a trying time is before you, realizing that you will always need the grace of Christ in order to understand how to deal with minds. Watch unto prayer. Guard yourselves. Christ desires you to be no longer children, tossed to and fro by human impulse, but men and women strong in His strength.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 6, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 6, 1902, par. 41
We are to despair at nothing in the line of progression. Moral and spiritual perfection, through the grace and power of Christ, is promised to all who believe. At every step we are to call for the help of Christ. He is the model we are to follow in character-building. He calls for deeds, not words, saying, “Let your light light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.] “Do unto others as ye would they should do unto you”—this is to be our rule of conduct. [See Matthew 7:12.] Christ is the source of light, the fountain of life. He brings us to His Word, and from the tree of life presents to us leaves for the healing of the nations. It is His purpose that human beings, purified and sanctified, shall be His helping hand. He leads us to the throne of God, and gives us a prayer to offer to Him. When we live this prayer, we are brought into close contact with Christ; at every step we touch His living power. In our behalf He sets in operation the all-powerful agencies of heaven.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 99, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 99, 1902, par. 70
Not to ministers only, but to every believer, Christ says, “The world is enshrouded in darkness. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [See Matthew 5:16.] Every one who truly believes God will be a light in the world.Manuscript Releases, vol. 8 [Nos. 526-663]
MR No. 582—A Rural College
8MR 207.1
To our brethren and sisters in America, the call must go to awake. There is missionary work to be done in this country, as verily as in any heathen land. When you have made your donation for the work in foreign fields, do not stop, thinking you have done all your duty. You are to be a light in the world. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16.)Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 122, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 122, 1902, par. 10
God has been pleased with the work that Brother Shireman has done in arousing an interest in educational work and in erecting church and school buildings in Hildebran. The Lord has accepted his efforts to trade upon his talents. As he has built his plain, unpretentious buildings, heavenly angels have been his helpers. It is this kind of work that makes a good impression on the minds of unbelievers in regard to our brother’s abilities. “Let your light so shine before men,” the Saviour says, “that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 100, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 100, 1902, par. 25
Some may inquire, “If we are to remain a distinct people, why do we have sanitariums to which we invite every one?” I answer, In bringing men and women of other denominations into our institutions, do we tell them that we are undenominational? If we do, we deny God’s law. We are denominational; but we open the doors wide and seek to have all come in who possibly can come. “Let your light so shine before men,” the Saviour said, “that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.] We are to seek to restore to physical health the diseased and the suffering. Many men and women have been improperly educated in habits of living. Many children are sick because they have never been taught the laws of the human mechanism—the mechanism that led David to exclaim, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made!” [Psalm 139:14.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 242, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 242, 1902, par. 13
Brethren and sisters, “let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.] Prayerfully study the work to be done, and then enter upon it with full assurance of faith, but with no boasting, no self-sufficiency, for this is destructive to all effort. Labor in quietness and humility, realizing that trial and difficulty are before you, and that you will always need much of the grace of Christ. Watch unto prayer. No longer be children, tossed to and fro by human impulse, but men and women strong in His strength.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 93, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 93, 1903, par. 2
I am greatly comforted as I contemplate the strong pillars of our faith. Those who possess true godliness will reveal it in their daily lives. In business transactions, the Christian will honor his Master. In his social relations, he will manifest love, mercy, compassion, and strict integrity. In our lives we must ever reveal clearly the high and holy principles of heaven. To His followers, living amidst the wickedness of this world, Christ says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father, which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.] True Christians will let their light shine and will be loyal to Christ. Christ demands constant loyalty. Let nothing interpose between your soul and Jesus Christ. Cast your helpless soul upon Him, and then the enemy cannot separate you from the love of Christ.Manuscript Releases, vol. 11 [Nos. 851-920]
MR No. 919—Themes for Meditation
11MR 363.1
Let Jesus Be Lifted Up—The truly converted soul is illuminated by the light shining from the Sun of Righteousness. That light tells upon hearts, lightens the pathway, dispels the darkness, because it comes from Him who says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Let everyone, to a man, now rise, and let his light so shine before men that they may see his good works, and glorify our Father which is in heaven. (See Matthew 5:16.) Do what you can, and do it at once, cheerfully, heartily, prayerfully, joyfully, not as unto men, but unto God. Settle it in your hearts, that you are not on the earth to exalt self, to make a great name, but to sink self wholly out of sight in Jesus Christ. Let Jesus be lifted up. Let the great truths connected with the salvation of man be the theme of your meditation day and night. Your work, both by precept and example, is to hold forth the word of life, to seek with all your power to bring souls to the knowledge of the truth.—Letter 38, 1890, p. 8. (To “Brethren Church and Bell, and All the Church in Fresno,” February 21, 1890.)Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 149, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 149, 1903, par. 12
I write you thus plainly because you are being deceived. You do not understand the Word. Come to the Lord as little children, and learn His ways; then you will be a people in whom the Lord can delight. “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 197, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 197, 1904, par. 9
To know God in His works is true science, but to know God as He is in Christ is life eternal. Providence is still working amongst us. But many who profess to believe God’s Word do not recognize His wonderful working power. Many professing Christians have not an experimental knowledge of God as He is revealed in His Word; therefore they fail to shine as lights in the world. All the disciples of Christ are bound to stand as light-bearers to the world. To them the words are spoken, “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 310, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 310, 1904, par. 18
God will help us, if we commit our ways to Him, if we submit ourselves to Him, to be guided by His wisdom. The evil comes when man follows his own principles, regardless of a plain “Thus saith the Lord.” This results in inconsistencies of spirit, of speech, of action, and these dishonor Him who gave us light and knowledge. Those who profess godliness should not be inconsistent. If they close their minds to knowledge, they deprive the world of the light that should shine forth from them in good works. Let those who live in these last days open the windows of the soul heavenward and let the sunshine of heaven in. Do not talk of clouds and darkness. God calls upon us “to let our light so shine before men,” that they beholding our good works shall glorify Him. [Matthew 5:16.] He calls upon His ministers to arise and shine. The religion of Christ will bless wherever it is received into the life. By it the life will be softened and subdued and sweetened. Every detail of the character is to reveal the sanctification that comes from a daily practice of the principles of heaven. Position or profession is nothing in the sight of God. He calls for lives that reveal the fruits of the Spirit.Manuscript Releases, vol. 4 [Nos. 210-259]
MR No. 224—Ellen G. White Letters to Young Christians
4MR 210.2
Christians are the light of the world. They should let their light shine in their own homes, and “let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Ms 160, 1904
19LtMs, Ms 160, 1904, par. 40
Verses 14, 15. Why shouldn’t you? “Let your light so shine ... in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.] There is something that they see.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 19, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 19, 1905, par. 12
It is not the house, the land that you possess, but the condition of your heart at which God looks. Firm and unshaken, hold fast to the truth. With heart and mind and soul and strength love the Lord your God. Let the prayer go forth from unfeigned lips, Give me Thy love in my heart, that I may impart it to others. There is only one power—the power of Christ—that can energize the soul. All pride, all self-indulgence is to be overcome, or we can never enter the abodes of bliss. The science that all should learn is the science contained in the words, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 190, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 190, 1905, par. 4
We have a great and wonderful work to do. The will of God must become the will of the human agent. I speak to the members of our churches. Are you converted? Do you profess to be children of God? If so, have you turned from all your idols? “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God, because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God; Every spirit that confesseth that Christ is come in the flesh is of God.” [1 John 4:1, 2.] The confession is revealed in the character. Words merely are not sufficient. Nothing but the light of the Word of God, shining forth from the converted soul in good works, constitutes men Christ’s disciples. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.] Nothing but the light of heaven, reflected from the lives of Christ’s followers, can save souls.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 7, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 7, 1905, par. 5
It is not the house, the land that you possess, but the condition of your heart at which God looks. Firm and unshaken, hold fast to the truth. With heart and mind and soul and strength, love the Lord your God. Let the prayer go forth from unfeigned lips, Give me Thy love in my heart, that I may impart it to others. There is only one power—the power of the grace of Christ,—that can energize the soul. All pride, all self-indulgence is to be overcome, or we can never enter the abodes of bliss. The science that all should learn is the science contained in the words, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 71, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 71, 1906, par. 25
Let us take a straightforward course. Let us talk of the love of Christ and sing praises to Him. He desires us to be cheerful, dwelling in the light of His presence. Bring all the light you can into the world. Let it shine; let it be revealed in your words and actions. “Let your light so shine before men,” said Jesus, “that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 286, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 286, 1906, par. 10
Place yourself under those who teach and obey the truth, and learn all you can from them. When you place yourself under the influence of the Holy Spirit, then you can see light in God’s light, and you will rejoice in His truth. Keep yourself in the circle of His light, where His light is cherished, and then “let your light so shine before men that they, by seeing your good works, may glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 314, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 314, 1907, par. 21
To our brethren and sisters in America, the call must go to awake. There is missionary work to be done in this country, as verily as in any heathen land. When you have made your donation for the work in foreign fields, do not stop, thinking you have done all your duty. You are to be a light in the world. “Let your light so shine, that men may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Ms 197, 1907
22LtMs, Ms 197, 1907, par. 6
Now the people were so surprised to hear the disciples, those that were visited, the Jewish people were so wonderfully surprised at the readiness of the light that they embraced, and could go forth, “Let your light so shine before men that they by seeing your good works may glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.] Now there is our work.22LtMs, Ms 197, 1907, par. 14
Well, all these sanitariums that are established, we do not need to feel they are too many. We have got to build up something to accommodate the sick, and let the miracle-working power of Christ be seen in the truth that we shall advocate, and in the light that shall shine forth from us in a dark place. “Let your light ... in heaven.” [Verse 16.] They can see something of these sanitariums. And the greatest burden, Brother Burden, is to so manage that Loma Linda Sanitarium, you have it fixed convenient and nicely, but the great burden is to let the lamp of light from the Word of God shine forth unmistakably. The school is there, and there is a sanitarium. Both can let the light shine forth, and if it is not done in a few months, or as soon as you may desire to do it, let patience have her perfect work. Go right on, and do not be disturbed. That is the way we had to work in Australia.22LtMs, Ms 197, 1907, par. 17
Now every soul that is attached to the work here, they must stand in that position to “let your light ... heaven.” [Verse 16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Ms 189, 1907
22LtMs, Ms 189, 1907, par. 43
I would not have tarried on the way, nothing could have tempted me to, only just that I might say a word that would be a help and blessing to those that are here. And I want to tell you, We are not ready for Christ’s coming. There is to be a humility of mind, there is to be an order of spirit in the truth, that we will “let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.] O, there is a discipline we must have to open ourselves to Him, there is a wrestling with God until we know the voice of praise shall ascend to Him right from this campground. It may be so.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 330, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 330, 1907, par. 8
No man should be placed in official position who has not learned to exercise the tenderness of Christ in dealing with his brethren. Whatever our business in this world, our first business is to be lights in the world. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.] Light is to shine from Christ to His followers, and from them to the world in good works. Those who appreciate true goodness will be conscious of its power.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Ms 65, 1908
23LtMs, Ms 65, 1908, par. 10
The Lord has given to the Marthas and the Marys their individual work. We all need to bear in mind that if we would do a good work for Christ, we must first learn the precious and all-important lesson of meekness. We must not only bear the name of Christ, but day by day we are to watch unto prayer. We are to walk even as Christ walked, and possess His spirit, purifying our lives daily from those things that would cause spiritual weakness to ourselves and that would bring dishonor to God. The life of every believer of truth is to bring honor to the cause of truth by a well-ordered life and a godly conversation. Then the power and grace of Christ will be revealed through His people. In our labors at the camp-meetings, more attention should be given to the work of teaching the principles of health and temperance reform; these questions are to take an important place in our efforts at this time. My message is: Educate, educate on the question of temperance. In our schools let only those teachers be employed who will exert a reformatory influence in matters of eating and drinking and dressing. Encourage the spirit of self-denial and self-sacrifice. In all our sanitarium and school work, let matters pertaining to health reform take a leading part. The Lord desires to make our sanitariums an educating force in every place. Whether they are large or small institutions, their responsibility remains the same. The Saviour’s commission to us is, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Ms 43, 1908
23LtMs, Ms 43, 1908, par. 17
As Satan seeks to break down the barriers of the soul, by tempting us to indulge in sin, we must by living faith retain our connection with God and have confidence in His strength to enable us to overcome every besetment. We are to flee from evil and seek righteousness, meekness, and holiness. Rightdoing develops strength of character and begets confidence in our Christian integrity on the part of those who are watching us to see whether the Christian religion is really a molding power in our lives. We are to obey the injunction, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Ms 55, 1908
23LtMs, Ms 55, 1908, par. 10
My brethren, be workers together with Christ. Make every possible effort, in season and out of season, to spread the light of present truth. The Lord has taught us how safe is the cable that anchors us to the living Rock. Here is an opportunity to labor for those who have truth on some points, but who on other points are not safely anchored. Keep in touch with the people wherever you can. “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Lt 348, 1908
23LtMs, Lt 348, 1908, par. 5
Take heed, my brother, to the words of the One who is the light of the world: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.] The world is full of hurry and disappointment. The words are addressed to you, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” The words in favor of truth, spoken with the assurance that comes from the possession of a right purpose, and in cheerful hope, from a pure heart, will make the angels rejoice. When in the day of final awards the reward is given to each as his works have been, it is your privilege to have redeemed souls, whom you have been the means of helping, come to you, and say, “You lifted me out of discouragement.” And the Master will say to you, “Well done, good and faithful servant, ... enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” [Matthew 25:23.]Manuscript Releases, vol. 10 [Nos. 771-850]
MR No. 797—Letters to the Beldens on Norfolk Island
10MR 85.1
I write you thus plainly because you are being deceived. You do not understand the Word. Come to the Lord as little children, and learn His ways: then you will be a people in whom the Lord can delight. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Lt 346, 1908
23LtMs, Lt 346, 1908, par. 5
The Lord claims the service of all who claim to believe the truth for this time. They must be laborers together with Christ in carrying out the principles of the gospel. The light of every believer must be taken from under the bushel and given to the world. “Let your light so shine before men,” the Saviour declares, “that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.] There is to be no limit to the places where the light shall shine. It is to reach to the regions beyond. Tell it, urge it upon all with earnest force, that all are to give their service for those who are in the darkness of error. To teach the Word of God to unbelievers, to unite our prayers for them, are duties that we owe our Redeemer.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Ms 116, 1909
24LtMs, Ms 116, 1909, par. 14
It is Christ who says, “Let your light so shine before men that they, by seeing your good works, shall glorify your Father, which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.] Now, I ask you, will you take hold of His divine nature? God help us that we may give our hearts to Him this very day. It is hard work, when we have been brought up unconverted, surrounded by temptations upon every side, to yield ourselves to God. But we cannot afford to give up the conflict, for we have a heaven to win, and a hell to shun.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Ms 15, 1909
24LtMs, Ms 15, 1909, par. 30
“Let your light so shine before men,” said Christ, “that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.] We should seek to co-operate with God. We should desire to have the truth as it is in Jesus, and to present it in its simplicity.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Ms 127, 1909
24LtMs, Ms 127, 1909, par. 2
Now, we want that all should understand that we have a message to bear. It does not merely rest upon the ministers. We have a work to do, every one of us. It is not merely to feel that after you have been at the meeting that then that your work is done. There is a world to be saved, and we want every soul to understand that those that have the light are to communicate the light. They are not to hide it under a bushel, but they are to communicate it. “Let your light so shine before men ... good works.” [Matthew 5:16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Ms 3, 1909
24LtMs, Ms 3, 1909, par. 5
Angels of God will co-operate with the efforts put forth and will make the right impression upon minds. The Saviour in His teachings ever showed the relation between cause and effect. To His followers today as then, He says, commands, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.]24LtMs, Ms 3, 1909, par. 11
“Let your light so shine before men,” the Saviour says, “that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.] The man or the woman who has a theoretical knowledge of the truth, but whose life does not express the principles of truth, is not letting his light shine forth. It is possible for the most sublime truths of the Word of God to be expressed in life and character of the one who receives and practices the Word of God. In speech and in action he may reveal that he is born again. My brethren, let the light be brought from under the bushel of human conjectures to make known the truths of the gospel of life. Invisible agencies will work through the invisible; the supernatural will co-operate with the natural, the heavenly with the earthly; unknown things will be revealed through the known. Let the grace of Christ be revealed, teaching that man was made in the likeness of God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 7, 1912
25LtMs, Ms 7, 1912, par. 11
Your influence for good is to be far-reaching. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.] We may live lives that will be ever sending forth the fragrance of goodness and righteousness. We may speak words that strengthen and bless, or words that will stir up strife and arouse dissension and hatred.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Lt 14, 1912
25LtMs, Lt 14, 1912, par. 5
My children, let us make every effort possible to perfect our obedience in this life. Every effort you make in willing service will be rewarded by Him who judges the purposes of the heart. Every duty performed in His name will receive its recompense. God gave His Well-beloved for you. Ask yourselves the question, What am I giving Him in return? “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.]Jesus, Name Above All Names
Great Pattern, July 25
JNN 219.1
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”—Matthew 5:16Manuscript Releases, vol. 21 [Nos. 1501-1598]
MR No. 1590—Ministers to Stand Firm for Principles
21MR 427.1
To know God in His works is true science, but to know God as He is in Christ is life eternal. Providence is still working amongst us. But many who profess to believe God’s Word do not recognize His wonderful working power. Many professing Christians have not an experimental knowledge of God as He is revealed in His Word, therefore they fail to shine as lights in the world. All the disciples of Christ are bound to stand as light-bearers to the world. To them the words are spoken, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” [Matthew 5:16]Our Father Cares
Let Your Light Shine, April 25
OFC 127.1
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16.Our High Calling
Let Your Light Shine, October 18
OHC 297.1
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16.Reflecting Christ
God’s Children to Be Light Bearers, November 1
RC 319.1
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16.Counsels for the Church
Chapter 56—Relations With Those Not of Our Persuasion
CCh 312.2
Christ has given us an example of this. When invited to eat with publicans and sinners, He did not refuse; for in no other way than by mingling with them could He reach this class. But on every occasion He opened up themes of conversation which brought things of eternal interest to their minds. And He enjoins us, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16.557Gospel Workers, 394Selected Messages Book 1
Chapter 37—“Even So Send I You”
1SM 266.1
Christ has given “to every man his work” (Mark 13:34). He expects every man to do his work with fidelity. High and low, rich and poor, all have a work to do for the Master. Every one is called to action. But if you do not obey the voice of the Lord, if you do not do His appointed work in firm reliance upon Christ as your sufficiency, if you do not follow His example, “unfaithful, slothful servant” will be registered against your name. Unless the light which has been given you is communicated to others, unless you let your light shine, it will go out in darkness, and your soul will be left in awful peril. God speaks to every one who knows the truth, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Communicate the knowledge of the truth to others. This is God’s plan to enlighten the world. If you do not stand in your allotted place, if you do not let your light shine, you will become enshrouded in darkness. God calls upon all the sons and daughters of the heavenly family to be fully equipped, so that at any period they can step into the ranks ready for action. The heart made tender and sympathetic by the love of Jesus will find the precious pearls designed for the casket of the Lord Jesus.Selected Messages Book 2
Cold Formalism or Fanaticism
2SM 20.4
The labor of love springs from the work of faith. Bible religion means constant work. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God that worketh in you, both to will and to do of His good pleasure. We are to be zealous of good works, be careful to maintain good works. And the true Witness says: “I know thy works” (Revelation 2:2).Selected Messages Book 2
Chapter 13—Should Christians Be Members of Secret Societies?
2SM 128.1
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).That I May Know Him
Passing on the Light, July 29
TMK 216.1
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16.The Upward Look
Put on the Armor of Christ, February 26
UL 71.1
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16.UL 71.5
Do not allow your zeal for Christ to decrease. Now that you have become the helping hand of Christ, you are to work earnestly for those whom, before your conversion, you looked upon with indifference. Remember that they are in as favorable a condition as you were ... [when you were] brought to repentance, and that their salvation may be of higher value to the church than yours was. Grudge not earnest, tender words and kindly deeds. Draw those around you to the cross of Calvary. Be so greatly in love with the truth that you will daily receive fresh grace to impart. Open the windows of the soul heavenward, that the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness may shine into your hearts. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
Matthew 5:14-16
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Ms 103, 1907
22LtMs, Ms 103, 1907, par. 15
The Huntsville school is in need of help. Let our people take hold earnestly of the circulation of Object Lessons in its behalf. If you will act your part faithfully, the school can have the equipment that it so much needs. Christ says to His disciples, “Ye are the light of the world.” “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14, 16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Ms 67, 1908
23LtMs, Ms 67, 1908, par. 5
The duty to reflect light rests upon every church member. “Ye are the light of the world,” Christ declared to His followers. “A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. ... Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14, 16.] If the believer fails of drawing light from the Sun of righteousness, he cannot reflect light.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Ms 51, 1908
23LtMs, Ms 51, 1908, par. 9
At our meetings held in the cities, and at our camp-meetings, we do not ask for great demonstrations, but we ask that the men who come before the people to present the truth shall be in earnest and reveal that God is with them. There must be a special seeking after God, that the work of the meeting may be carried on under the deep movings of the Holy Spirit. There must be no mingling of the wrong with right. In the past we have had abundant evidence that God will work through those who place themselves wholly on His side; and this evidence will again be given. We must have at our camp-meeting Christians of the class of whom it was said, “Ye are the light of the world.” “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14, 16.] Those who seek the Lord in humility of heart will be uplifted and refreshed.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Ms 21, 1908
23LtMs, Ms 21, 1908, par. 41
The Huntsville school is in need of help. Let our people take hold earnestly of the circulation of Object Lessons in its behalf. If you will act your part faithfully, the school can have the equipment that it so much needs. Christ says to His disciples, “Ye are the light of the world.” “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14, 16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Ms 47, 1908
23LtMs, Ms 47, 1908, par. 4
We are laborers together with God. Jesus says of His disciples, “Ye are the light of the world.” “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14, 16.] Those who have a knowledge of the Scriptures are not to hide their light under a bushel.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Ms 39, 1908
23LtMs, Ms 39, 1908, par. 23
Christ said to His disciples, “Ye are the light of the world. ... Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14, 16.] To exert a converting influence is our mission in the world. We should feel a solemn obligation to fulfil our part of the terms of salvation and redemption, to reach such a condition of unity with God and with one another that the world may realize that we are in the love of the Father. We want to convince men that the Father loves them, even as He loves His own Son.Prophets and Kings
Chapter 59—“The House of Israel”
PK 718.1
“Behold,” says the Scripture, “the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee.” Verse 2. Christ, the outshining of the Father’s glory, came to the world as its light. He came to represent God to men, and of Him it is written that He was anointed “with the Holy Ghost and with power,” and “went about doing good.” Acts 10:38. In the synagogue at Nazareth He said, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” Luke 4:18, 19. This was the work He commissioned His disciples to do. “Ye are the light of the world,” He said. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14, 16.Reflecting Christ
True Character Radiates From Within, October 1
RC 288.1
Ye are the light of the world. Matthew 5:14.RC 288.5
In the brilliant light of the morning, the towns and villages upon the surrounding hills stood forth clearly, making an attractive feature of the scene. Pointing to them, Jesus said, “A city set on a hill cannot be hid.” And He added, “Neither do men light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shineth unto all that are in the house” (Matthew 5:14, 15, R.V.).RC 288.6
Most of those who listened to the words of Jesus were peasants and fishermen whose lowly dwellings contained but one room, in which the single lamp on its stand shone to all in the house. Even so, said Jesus, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (verse 16).This Day With God
Shining Christians, November 3
TDG 316.5
Jesus says, “Ye are the light of the world.... Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14, 16). There are some who will observe the example and feel the influence of a consistent Christian life. Jesus does not bid the Christian to strive to shine, but just to let his light shine in clear and distinct rays to the world. Do not blanket your light. Do not sinfully withhold your light. Do not let the mist and fog and malaria of the world put out your light. Do not hide it under a bed or under a bushel, but set in on a candlestick, that it may give light to all that are in the house. Neither take pains to exalt yourself to shine nor go into the cave as did Elijah in his discouragement, but come out, stand with God and shine. God bids you shine, penetrating the moral darkness of the world. Be the salt, the savor of men.—Manuscript 40, November 3, 1890, “The Vision at Salamanca.”Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
A Missionary Education
CT 531.3
“Ye are the light of the world,” Christ declares. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14, 16. God’s work in the earth in these last days is to reflect the light that Christ brought into the world. This light is to dissipate the gross darkness of ages. Men and women in heathen darkness are to be reached by those who at one time were in a similar condition of ignorance, but who have received the knowledge of the truth of God’s word. These heathen nations will accept eagerly the instruction given them in a knowledge of God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)
Ms 6, 1878
3LtMs, Ms 6, 1878, par. 14
The Saviour of the world said, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.” “Let your light so shine before men (not hidden away in some corner as though afraid men would see it), that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14, 16. The light is to shine before men, to be brought to their notice, and to attract them that they may see it.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 2, 1885
4LtMs, Ms 2, 1885, par. 19
Every one of us is responsible before God—those of us in institutions, and every member of us. It is not the ministers alone who carry the weight of responsibility; but every church member must bow before God, or they will never see those things which are above, where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God. If such a life is led, they will have little influence and desire for distinction. If that prevails with them, then they have been exerting an influence for God; but if not, they have exerted an influence which shall perish with them. Every church member is a minister in one sense. Said Christ, “Ye are the light of the world, a city which is set on an hill cannot be hid. ... Let your light so shine before men, that they” by seeing—what? Your name on the church book? Your works? Your good works shall “glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14, 16.] These good works lift the mind up to Jesus, chief among ten thousand. It is to carry the mind up to the mighty hold of power and fasten it there to worship God, and how by the grace of God which is manifested in your character, which is expressed by your works. All these things reveal Jesus. These things are expressed in our talk, in our devotion, in our zeal, in our intensity to magnify His name. This work rests on the churches. The working church will be the live church.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 6a, 1886
4LtMs, Ms 6a, 1886, par. 17
Christ said to His disciples, “Ye are the light of the world ... Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14, 16.] It may seem to you that you have shown great self-denial and self-sacrifice in obeying God’s law. Does He require more self-denial on your part than He has shown for you, that you should not perish, but have eternal life? He has led the way; will you follow? He says, “I have kept My Father’s commandments.” [John 15:10.] Will you keep the commandments of God? He left the royal throne of heaven and changed the crown of glory for one of thorns. He placed His feet in the blood-stained path which led the way to Calvary. He has told us that those who will be partakers with Him in His sufferings will be made partakers with Him in His glory also.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Ms 16, 1887
5LtMs, Ms 16, 1887, par. 15
We want to bring all the heaven that it is possible for us to bring into this life, and by doing this we shall fulfil the injunction of our Saviour. He says to His disciples, “Ye are the light of the world.” [Matthew 5:14.] And he enjoins upon them, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Verse 16.] It would be sad if those who profess to love our heavenly Father should misrepresent Him. If we live in the light of His countenance, we shall reflect His glory to all around us. If we bring the light and glory of heaven into our religious service, we place the religion of Jesus Christ upon that high and elevated plane where the Bible places it.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 40, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, par. 43
Jesus says, “Ye are the light of the world. ... Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14, 16.] There are some who will observe the example and feel the influence of a consistent Christian life. Jesus does not bid the Christian to strive to shine, but just to let his light shine in clear and distinct rays to the world. Do not blanket your light. Do not sinfully withhold your light. Do not let the mist and fog and malaria of the world put out your light. Do not hide it under a bed or under a bushel, but set it on a candlestick, that it may give light to all that are in the house. Neither take pains to exalt yourself to shine nor go into the cave as did Elijah in his discouragement, but come out, stand with God and shine. God bids you shine, penetrating the moral darkness of the world. Be the salt, the savor of men.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 16, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, par. 17
The labor of love springs from the work of faith. Bible religion means constant work. “Let your light so shine before men,that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.] “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God that worketh in you, both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” [Philippians 2:12, 13.] We are to be zealous of good works, be careful to maintain good works. And the true Witness says, I know thy works.6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, par. 53
It is the work of heavenly angels to unite with human agencies in shedding light amid the moral darkness that rests upon the earth. Christ says to His disciples, Ye are the light of the world. [Matthew 5:14.] Shall we envelop our light in a thick covering of worldly policy? Shall we seek for a scientific measurement of how much light shall emanate from us to the world? God help us to live under the direct rays of the Sun of Righteousness that we may be channels of light to the world. There are many false beacons established to lead unwary souls to make shipwreck of faith; but the true light of the world must shine, not be smothered, not be put under a bushel, nor under a bed, but set on a candlestick that it may enlighten all that are in the house, the world. The true light is to stand in distinction from all other lights. The system of truth must stand distinct from all other systems, whether of religion or of morals; it is the light emanating from Christ. Our great work is to reveal Christ to the world and thus reveal the Father.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 40a, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, par. 50
Jesus says to His followers, “Ye are the light of the world.” “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14, 16.] There are some in the world who will observe the example and feel the influence of a consistent Christian life, for some will discern the good work of God’s children and be led to glorify God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 38, 1890
6LtMs, Lt 38, 1890, par. 10
What I wished to say to the church in Fresno is, every one is accountable to God for his own course of action. If one has light, it is not to be placed under a bushel or a bed, but it is to shine forth through their good works. “Ye are the light of the world.” [Matthew 5:14.] They are not to be living epistles of E. P. Daniels, but of Jesus Christ. He will give them His light, which they are to give to the world in clear, sharp rays. Every true Christian is Christlike; he is a doer of the Word of God. Fathers, mothers, children, neighbors, superior or inferior, must walk as Christ walked, in all humility, all purity, all meekness and forbearance and Christian fidelity, or else they are not Christians.6LtMs, Lt 38, 1890, par. 17
The truly converted soul is illuminated by the light shining from the Sun of Righteousness. That light tells upon hearts, lightens the pathway, dispels the darkness, because it comes from Him who says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” [John 14:6.] Let every one, to a man, now rise and let his “light so shine before men that they may see his good works, and glorify our Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.] Do what you can, and do it at once, cheerfully, heartily, prayerfully, joyfully, not as unto men, but unto God. Settle it in your hearts that you are not on the earth to exalt self, to make a great name, but to sink self wholly out of sight in Jesus Christ. Let Jesus be lifted up. Let the great truths connected with the salvation of man be the theme of your meditation day and night. Your work, both by precept and example, is to hold forth the Word of life, to seek with all your power to bring souls in the knowledge of the truth.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 1, 1892
7LtMs, Ms 1, 1892, par. 26
“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 3:18. The glory he [Paul] mentioned is character, therefore by thinking and talking of Jesus we become charmed with His character, and by faith we become changed from character to character. “And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” [Ephesians 4:23, 24.] “Ye are the light of the world ... Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14, 16.] We must practice the example of Christ, bearing in mind His Sonship and His humanity. It was not God that was tempted in the wilderness, nor a god that was to endure the contradiction of sinners against himself. It was the Majesty of heaven who became a man—humbled Himself to our human nature.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 11b, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 11b, 1892, par. 16
Christ has said, “Ye are the light of the world.” [Matthew 5:14.] Then let us individually send forth clear, steady rays of light to the world. Our light is never to grow dim, never to burn low. The Lord is at the door. Who will prove to be the wise, and who the foolish, virgins? Who will be revealed at last as those who have the lamp, but no oil of grace in their vessels with their lamps? The church has been the depository of truth. Light has been imparted to its members, and they are to have works corresponding to their privileges and opportunities. They cannot correctly represent the truth in a single instance, unless they are sanctified through the truth. To sanctify is to set apart for a special service.7LtMs, Lt 11b, 1892, par. 17
Those who are controlled by worldly ambition will never shine as lights. “Ye cannot serve God and Mammon.” [Matthew 6:24.] Those who see the preciousness of truth should conform their lives to its principles and not walk in darkness. They should shine and irradiate the world with their beams of heavenly light. Christ says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16. Many in the church neither burn nor shine.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 23b, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 23b, 1894, par. 12
The question will arise, What burden do these persons carry for the advancement of the work of God? Wherein do they realize the importance of the work for this time? Christ said to His disciples, “Ye are the light of the world. ... Let your light so shine before men that they by seeing your good works may glorify your father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14, 16.] Is this investment of money, and this spinning of bicycles through the streets of Battle Creek, giving evidence of the genuineness of your faith in the proclamation of the last most solemn warning to be given to human beings on the very verge of the eternal world?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Ms 165, 1904
19LtMs, Ms 165, 1904, par. 19
We need to do something more than we do to let the light shine. Christ says, “Ye are the light of the world.” A city set on a hill cannot be hid. And He tells you not to put your light under a bushel nor under a bed. [Matthew 5:14, 15; Mark 4:21.] Do not think that your home-life is all that you have to live for. One soul saved is worth more than the world; therefore we want the burning life of Christ in our souls, that when we shall pray we shall get right to the point as though we could not lose one of the sacred moments.19LtMs, Ms 165, 1904, par. 32
Ye are the light of the world. Christ said that Himself. Let your light so shine before men that they by seeing your good works shall glorify your Father which is in heaven. [Matthew 5:14, 16.] There is something to be seen and realized. Ye are the salt of the earth. We must keep the savor in the salt, else all our work is good for nothing, unless it has the precious savor in it, unless living, guiding principles are there, unless Christ is in the soul. That is what we want, and we shall be so happy, we shall feel so delighted with the idea that there is somebody interested to hear that the truth will go forth as a lamp that burneth.Gospel Workers (1892/1893 ed.)
Christ’s Followers the Light of the World
GW92 433.1
“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14-16.]Camp-Meetings Their Object, and How to Conduct Them
To Reach the Masses
PH130 3.1
In the sermon on the mount, Christ said to His disciples, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16. If our camp-meetings’ are conducted as they should be, they will indeed be a light in the world. They should be held in the large cities and towns where the message of truth has not been proclaimed, and they should continue for two or three weeks. It may sometimes be advisable to hold a camp-meeting for several successive seasons in the same place; but, as a rule, the place of meeting should be changed from year to year. Instead of having mammoth camp-meetings in a few localities, more good would be done by having smaller meetings in many places. Thus the work will be constantly extending into new fields. Just as soon as the standard of truth is lifted in one locality; and it is safe to leave the converts to the faith, we must plan to enter other new fields. Our camp-meetings are a power, and when held in a place where the community can be stirred, they will have far greater power than when, for the convenience of our own people, they are located where, because of previous meetings and the rejection of truth, the public interest is deadened.The Publishing Ministry
Chapter 16—Relocating and Rebuilding
PM 183.3
A solemn responsibility rests upon everyone to maintain a living connection with the God of truth. “Ye are,” Christ says, “the light of the world.... Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).—Manuscript 73, 1906.Sermons and Talks, vol. 1
Preparation for the Judgment (Sermon by Mrs. E. G. White June 27, 1886, Orebro, Sweden.)
1SAT 30.2
Christ said to His disciples, “Ye are the light of the world.... Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” [Matthew 5:14-16]. It may seem to you that you have shown great self-denial and self-sacrifice in obeying God’s law. Does He require more self-denial on your part than He has shown for you, that you should not perish but have eternal life? He has led the way, will you follow? He says, “I have kept my Father’s commandments” [John 15:10]. Will you keep the commandments of God? He left the royal throne in heaven, and changed the crown of glory for one of thorns. He placed His feet in the blood-stained path which led the way to Calvary. He has told us that those who will be partakers with Him in His sufferings, will be made partakers with Him in His glory also.Manuscript Releases, vol. 10 [Nos. 771-850]
MR No. 806—Stephen Belden and Norfolk Island
10MR 147.3
“A city that is set on a hill,” Christ said, “cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light to all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16). The disciples are bound by solemn obligations to show to the world that they love God and keep His commandments. By obedience to the Word of God, light must shine in clear, distinct rays from every soul who has received the truth. And believers will be happy in reflecting the light of the love of God upon others.My Life Today
Let Your Light Shine, August 4
ML 220.1
Ye are the light of the world.... Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16.Bible Echo and Signs of the Times
July 15, 1892
BEcho July 15, 1892, par. 1
“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16.The Review and Herald
May 13, 1884
RH May 13, 1884, par. 1
Text: “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16.Reflecting Christ
Wait and Watch and Pray, April 15
RC 119.3
Let the bright beams from the face of Jesus shine into your hearts, to shine upon others through you. “Ye are the light of the world.... Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16). We must lift up Jesus before the people....Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 96, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 96, 1898, par. 7
Christ declares: “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and giveth light to all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14-16.] In this age of the world God sees in men great possibilities. If they will come to him for light, they will receive spiritual life, for the right hand of God will be with them.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 163, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 163, 1899, par. 13
Brother Magan, do not let fiction come into the school to be regarded as truth. The gloomy region of doubt can only be expelled by the clear, bright rays of the Sun of Righteousness. Watch, saith the Master, Watch unto prayer. If you would make truth a reality, search the Scriptures with much humiliation and with earnest, fervent prayer. Then you will be able to understand practically the meaning of the words, “Ye are the light of the world. A city set on an hill cannot be hid.” [Matthew 5:14.] Why? Because it is above the mist and fog. So God’s people shine because they above the mist and fog of unbelief and spiritual malaria. “Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Verses 15, 16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 13, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 13, 1902, par. 2
Christ declared Himself to be the light of the world. To His disciples He gave a part in the work of shedding light on a sin-darkened world. “Ye are the light of the world,” He declared. “A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick, and it giveth light to all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14-16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 113, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 113, 1903, par. 15
To those who receive light He says, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light to all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14-16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 86, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 86, 1903, par. 4
“In the sermon on the mount, Christ said to His disciples, ‘Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.’ [Matthew 5:14-16.] If our camp-meetings are conducted as they should be, they will indeed be a light in the world. They should be held in the large cities and towns where the message of truth has not been proclaimed. And they should continue for two or three weeks. It may sometimes be advisable to hold a camp-meeting for several successive seasons in the same place; but as a rule the place of meeting should be changed from year to year.”Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8
A Failure to Honor God
8T 52.2
The question arises: What burden do these persons carry for the advancement of the work of God? Wherein do they realize the importance of the work for this time? Christ said to His disciples: “Ye are the light of the world.... Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16. Is this investment of means and this spinning of bicycles through the streets of Battle Creek giving evidence of the genuineness of your faith in the last solemn warning to be given to human beings standing on the very verge of the eternal world?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 348, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 348, 1906, par. 20
“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14-16.]21LtMs, Lt 348, 1906, par. 22
“Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.] All who would be disciples of Christ are bound to make God and heaven manifest by good works. All who will walk humbly before God will surely recognize the workings of His providence.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 117, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 117, 1906, par. 1
When the light that God gives is appreciated by His people, the church will no longer walk in darkness. Christ the true light now shines, and of His people He says, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14-16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Ms 121, 1907
22LtMs, Ms 121, 1907, par. 12
“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14-16.]22LtMs, Ms 121, 1907, par. 14
“Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.] All who would be disciples of Christ are bound to make God and heaven manifest by good works. All who will walk humbly before God will surely recognize the workings of His providence.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Ms 180, 1907
22LtMs, Ms 180, 1907, par. 14
Christ said to His disciples, “Ye are the light—in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14-16.] Well, here is the good works, and I want to tell you that there will be an awakening in every Christian, and unless there is, there will be the blood of souls upon the garments of those who do so little. If Christ traveled from place to place on foot, and if He was hungry, if He was weary, if He was the mighty Healer to relieve from sickness, now what is our position? To be just as earnest, just as particular to fill our place, so that we shall be ministers of God unto righteousness.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 200, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 200, 1907, par. 8
“A city that is set on a hill,” Christ said, “cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick, and it giveth light to all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14-16.] The disciples are bound by solemn obligations to show to the world that they love God and keep His commandments. By obedience to the Word of God, light must shine in clear, distinct rays from every soul who has received the truth. And believers will be happy in reflecting the light of the love of God upon others.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Ms 91, 1908
23LtMs, Ms 91, 1908, par. 12
We are far behind in doing for our cities the work that God has given us to do. Souls who should now have the light of truth are still in ignorance of it. The Word of God is represented as a light. His servants are declared to be light-bearers. “A city that is set on a hill,” the Saviour said, “cannot be hid. ... Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” The light is to be set on high, not hidden under a bushel. It is to be placed where it can give light to all who are in the house. [Matthew 5:14-16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Lt 336, 1908
23LtMs, Lt 336, 1908, par. 5
“Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick: and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14-16.]Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6
Reaching the Masses
6T 33.1
In the Sermon on the Mount Christ said to His disciples: “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16. If our camp meetings are conducted as they should be, they will indeed be a light in the world. They should be held in the large cities and towns where the message of truth has not been proclaimed. And they should continue for two or three weeks. It may sometimes be advisable to hold a camp meeting for several successive seasons in the same place; but as a rule the place of meeting should be changed from year to year. Instead of having mammoth camp meetings in a few localities, more good would be done by having smaller meetings in many places. Thus the work will be constantly extending into new fields. Just as soon as the standard of truth is lifted in one locality, and it is safe to leave the new converts, we must plan to enter other new fields. Our camp meetings are a power, and when held in a place where the community can be stirred, they will have far greater power than when for the convenience of our own people they are located where, because of previous meetings and the rejection of truth, the public interest is deadened.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 6, 1913
25LtMs, Ms 6, 1913, par. 15
“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14-16.]25LtMs, Ms 6, 1913, par. 17
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.] All who would be disciples of Christ are bound to make God and heaven manifest by good works. All who walk humbly before God will surely recognize the workings of His providence.That I May Know Him
The Lord Is My Helper, October 5
TMK 284.4
Jesus lives to make intercession for us. While the blackness and darkness are closing about the world, our lives are only secure as they are hid with Christ in God. Precious Saviour! In Him alone are our hopes of eternal life to be centered. We will then talk faith, talk hope, talk courage, and diffuse light on every side. “Ye are,” saith Christ, “the light of the world. A city ... set on an hill.... Let your light so shine before men, that they may ... glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16). Faith must pierce the darkest cloud. Simple, earnest trust in God will glorify His name, and in that trust you may be all light in the Lord. Praise the Lord. Praise Him, and glorify God for His matchless love.7Letter 133, 1894.