EGW WritingsPsalms 51

The Faith I Live By

A Personal Pardon, May 8

FLB 134.1

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Psalm 51:1.

Ye Shall Receive Power

Repentance, the First Fruit, March 2

YRP 70.1

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. Psalm 51:1, 2.

Education

Chapter 17—Poetry and Song

Ed 165.5

“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Thy loving-
kindness:
According unto the multitude of Thy tender mercies
blot out my transgressions....
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean:
Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:1-7.

Steps to Christ

Chapter 3—Repentance

SC 25.2

“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to
Thy loving-kindness:
According unto the multitude of Thy tender
mercies blot out my transgressions....
For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my
sin is ever before me....
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean:
wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow....
Create in me a clean heart, O God;
And renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from Thy presence;
And take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation;
And uphold me with Thy free spirit....
Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, Thou
God of my salvation:
And my tongue shall sing aloud of Thy
righteousness.” Psalm 51:1-14.

SC 35.1

Many accept an intellectual religion, a form of godliness, when the heart is not cleansed. Let it be your prayer, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10. Deal truly with your own soul. Be as earnest, as persistent, as you would be if your mortal life were at stake. This is a matter to be settled between God and your own soul, settled for eternity. A supposed hope, and nothing more, will prove your ruin.

Testimonies on Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and Divorce

Chapter 11—The Sin of Licentiousness

TSB 96.2

The songs which David composed were sung by all Israel, especially in the presence of the assembled court, and before priests, elders, and lords. He knew that the confession of his guilt would bring his sins to the notice of other generations. He presents his case, showing in whom was his trust and hope for pardon. “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Thy loving kindness; according unto the multitude of Thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.” “Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, Thou God of my salvation” [Psalm 51:1, 2, 14].

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 71—David’s Sin and Repentance

PP 724.5

“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Thy loving-kindness:
According unto the multitude of Thy tender mercies blot out
my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from
my sin.
For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before
me....
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I
shall be whiter than snow.
Make me to hear joy and gladness;
That the bones which Thou hast broken may rejoice.
Hide Thy face from my sins,
And blot out all mine iniquities.
Create in me a clean heart, O God;
And renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from Thy presence;
And take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation;
And uphold me with Thy free Spirit.
Then will I teach transgressors Thy ways;
And sinners shall be converted unto Thee.
Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, Thou God of my
salvation:
And my tongue shall sing aloud of Thy righteousness.” Psalm 51:1-14.

PP 725.3

“For Thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it:
Thou delightest not in burnt offering.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit:
A broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise.” Psalm 51:16, 17.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 15 [Nos. 1136-1185]

MR No. 1154—Value of the Soul; Importance of the Will; Christ’s Intercession in the Heavenly Sanctuary

15MR 102.1

Let the prayer in faith go up to God, “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Thy loving kindness: according unto the multitude of Thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.... Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence; and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation; and uphold me with Thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors Thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto Thee.... O Lord, open Thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth Thy praise. For Thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: Thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise” [Psalm 51:1, 2, 10-13, 15-17].

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 73, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 73, 1893, par. 15

Let the prayer in faith go up to God, “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving kindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin ... Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation, and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. ... O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise. For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” [Psalm 51:1, 2, 10-13, 15-17.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 9a, 1891

7LtMs, Lt 9a, 1891, par. 5

“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land.” [Isaiah 1:18, 19.] “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness, that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation, and uphold with thy free Spirit. Then shall I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.” [Psalm 51:7-13.]

7LtMs, Lt 9a, 1891, par. 6

Now, my sister, let your prayers ascend to your heavenly Father, and let this fifty-first Psalm be assurance and comfort to you. Do not keep yourself away from Jesus, for He loves you. You may say, He will not hear my prayers; I am a sinner. But Christ says, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] Then you are not to wait, but come now, and believe that He will receive you. “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.] You cannot enjoy His blessing without any action on your part. Salvation is a gift offered to you free; on no other condition can you obtain it; only as a free gift. But co-operation on your part is essential to salvation. “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God that worketh in you, to will and to do of His good pleasure.” [Philippians 2:12, 13.] You are to come humbly, saying,

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 45, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 45, 1894, par. 10

The fifty-first Psalm is of great importance; its lessons should be studied and practiced. We should say with the psalmist, “O Lord, open thou my lips, and I shall show forth thy praise.” [Verse 15.] If the heart is in harmony with the truth, the lips will speak words to help, to bless, to strengthen, and not take all the life, courage, and confidence out of a man, and exasperate him by the manifestation of a spirit which reveals that Satan is working through the human agent who claims to be a Christian.

9LtMs, Ms 45, 1894, par. 11

The following words were written not to meet the case of a few who are great sinners, but to meet the case of men who have been entrusted with special responsibilities—men who are not to be lords over God’s heritage, but to be ensamples to the flock. “For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” [Verses 16, 17.] “For thus saith the High and lofty one that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” [Isaiah 57:15.] “Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my first born for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” Micah 6:7, 8.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 33, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 33, 1895, par. 6

Supposing you do make mistakes. “Come now and let us reason together, saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land.” [Isaiah 1:18, 19.] “Purge me with hyssop and I shall be clean: Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness, that the bones that thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold with thy free Spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.” [Psalm 51:7-13.]

10LtMs, Lt 33, 1895, par. 7

Let your prayers ascend to our heavenly Father, and let this fifty-first Psalm be assurance and comfort to you. Do not keep yourself away from Jesus, for He loves you. You may say, “He will not hear my prayers; I am a sinner; I neglected my duty.” God has not given any message of reproof because you neglected your duty, but Christ says, “I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Matthew 9:13.] We are all sinners liable to err, and Christ is our only hope. Then you are not to wait, but to come now and believe that He will receive you just now.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 76, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 76, 1900, par. 21

David was truly penitent. In the fifty-first psalm he has given an expression of the true feelings of his heart: “Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence, and take not thy holy spirit from me.” [Verses 9-11.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 79, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 79, 1901, par. 13

Read the fifty-first Psalm. Let its lessons be practiced. Not a tithe of what we should be are we in word, in spirit, in purity, in Christlikeness. This is the reason we have not more power with God. We profess to believe the most sacred truth, which God declares will refine and sanctify those who truly believe, leading them to live lives in marked contrast to the lives of worldlings. But if we have merely a nominal profession, as many church members have today, we may be sure that our influence is not good, but unpalatable, unsavory. We are as salt without savor, fit only to be cast out as worthless.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 147, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 147, 1903, par. 10

I present before you the fifty-first Psalm, a psalm filled with precious lessons. From it we may learn what course to follow if we have departed from the Lord. To the king of Israel, exalted and honored, the Lord sent a message of reproof by His prophet. David confessed his sin and humbled his heart, declaring God to be just in all His dealings.

18LtMs, Ms 147, 1903, par. 13

“Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, Thou God of my salvation. O Lord, open Thou my lips; and my mouth shall show forth Thy praise. For Thou desiredst not sacrifice; else would I give it; Thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise.” [Verses 1-4, 6-17.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 356, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 356, 1906, par. 8

We are living in the time of the judgment. Every case is passing in review before God, and it is time for all to repent and be converted, that their sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord and the Father shall send Jesus. Read the fiftieth and fifty-first Psalms.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 52, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 52, 1899, par. 7

I have had presented to me the solemn scenes of the judgment, and I now ask you to stop and consider, How is it with my soul? Shall not the prayer go forth from your lips, “Wash me thoroughly from my sin, and cleanse me from mine iniquity”? [Psalm 51:2.] The Lord will hear the prayer that is offered to Him in sincerity. Believe in Christ as your personal Saviour. Grasp the promises before it is everlastingly too late.

Our High Calling

In Self-distrust We Cry to God, March 17

OHC 82.2

David often triumphed in God, and yet he dwelt much upon his own unworthiness and sinfulness. His conscience was not asleep or dead. “My sin,” he cried, “is ever before me.” Psalm 51:3. He did not flatter himself that sin was a matter with which he had nothing to do, and that should not concern him. As he saw the depths of deceit in his heart, he ... prayed that God would ... cleanse him from secret faults.

That I May Know Him

Under the Discipline of God, August 24

TMK 242.3

It is never safe for us to feel that we are possessed of virtues, and that we may congratulate ourselves on our excellences of character and our present state of purity and piety. David often triumphed in God, and yet he dwelt much upon his own unworthiness and sinfulness. His conscience was not asleep or dead. “My sin,” he cries, “is ever before me” (Psalm 51:3).... As he saw the depths of deceit in his heart he was deeply disgusted with himself, and prayed that God would keep him back by His power from the presumptuous sins, and cleanse him from secret faults.

With God at Dawn

I Acknowledge My Transgression, August 10

WGD 224.1

For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Psalm 51:3.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 71, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 71, 1893, par. 6

We need to study the character of the motives that prompt to action in the light of the law of God, in order that we may be made aware of our deficiencies. But while the human agent may see his sins, he is not to become discouraged, although he finds himself condemned by the law of God. He is to see and realize the sinfulness of sin, to repent, and to have faith in Christ as his personal Saviour. It is never safe for us to feel that we are possessed of virtues, and that we may congratulate ourselves on our excellencies of character and our present state of piety. David often triumphed in God, and yet he dwelt much upon his own unworthiness and sinfulness. His conscience was not asleep or dead. “My sin,” he cries, “is ever before me.” [Psalm 51:3.] He did not flatter himself that sin was a matter with which he had nothing to do, and that should not concern him. As he saw the depths of deceit in his heart, he was deeply disgusted with himself and prayed that God would keep him back by His power from presumptuous sins, and cleanse him from secret faults.

In Heavenly Places

Heart Work, May 13

HP 140.1

Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Psalm 51:6.

Christian Education

Chapter 25—Fragments

CE 230.3

Those who have neglected this important work in the home, and have failed to command their children and their households after them to keep the way of the Lord, should now seek to redeem the time. Let parents take their Bibles, and search that they may understand what are the requirements of God in regard to their children. Let them seek to understand what is included in parental duty. The word of God must be our rule in conducting our family affairs; and neither the waywardness of children nor the press of business, should be looked upon as an excuse for neglect in following the counsel of God. Let parents set before their children a worthy example in personal piety, honoring the house of God and respecting his service. The want of home religion is felt in every branch of God’s work, and the necessity of cultivating personal piety in the home should be continually kept before the people. They should have instruction, line upon line and precept upon precept, that all those whose names are upon the church records may hear and obey the word of the Lord. Parents cannot rightly train their children unless they learn how to cooperate with the Lord in his work upon the heart. The first essential in educating your households in the fear of God, is consecration of yourself and your all to God. Let parents begin with heart work; for out of the heart are the issues of life. Let the prayer ascend from contrite hearts, “Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.” [Psalm 51:6-13.]

CE 231.1

What a prayer is this! How evident it is that sinners in the household are not to be treated with indifference, but that the Lord looks upon them as the purchase of his blood. In every household where the unconverted are, it should be the work of those who know the Lord to work in wisdom for their conversion. The Lord will surely bless the efforts of parents, as in his fear and love they seek to save the souls of their household. The Lord Jesus is waiting to be gracious. O that the work might begin at the heart! “For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it; thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” [Psalm 51:16, 17.] Then let it be understood by all the members of the household that the work must begin at the heart. The heart must be subdued and made contrite through the creating, regenerating power of the Holy Spirit. Realizing the aid of this mighty agency, cannot parents work for the conversion of their children with more zeal and love than ever before?—Extract from an article in The Review and Herald, March 14, 1893.

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 16—“Lost, and Is Found”

COL 205.2

Do not listen to the enemy’s suggestion to stay away from Christ until you have made yourself better; until you are good enough to come to God. If you wait until then, you will never come. When Satan points to your filthy garments, repeat the promise of Jesus, “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37. Tell the enemy that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses from all sin. Make the prayer of David your own, “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:7.

From Eternity Past

The Passover Points to Christ

EP 191.1

The hyssop was the symbol of purification. “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:7.

From Splendor to Shadow

The Lord Will Receive You

SS 168.3

Do not listen to the enemy’s suggestion to stay away from Christ until you have made yourself better, until you are good enough to come. Repeat the promise of the Saviour, “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37. Tell the enemy that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses from all sin. Make the prayer of David your own: “Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:7.

Jesus, Name Above All Names

One Altogether Lovely, June 4

JNN 167.3

Do not listen to the enemy’s suggestion to stay away from Christ until you have made yourself better, until you are good enough to come to God. If you wait until then you will never come. When Satan points to your filthy garments, repeat the promise of the Saviour, “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37). Tell the enemy that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses from all sin. Make the prayer of David your own: “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow” (Psalm 51:7).

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 24—The Passover

PP 277.2

The hyssop used in sprinkling the blood was the symbol of purification, being thus employed in the cleansing of the leper and of those defiled by contact with the dead. In the psalmist’s prayer also its significance is seen: “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:7.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 26—“Behold Your God!”

PK 320.1

Do not listen to the enemy’s suggestion to stay away from Christ until you have made yourself better, until you are good enough to come to God. If you wait until then you will never come. When Satan points to your filthy garments, repeat the promise of the Saviour, “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37. Tell the enemy that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses from all sin. Make the prayer of David your own: “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:7.

Ye Shall Receive Power

The Greatest Need, October 1

YRP 283.1

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Psalm 51:7.

The General Conference Bulletin

December 1, 1895

GCB December 1, 1895, Art. A, par. 14

Do not listen to the enemy’s suggestion to stay away from Christ until you have made yourself better; until you are good enough to come to God. If you wait until then, you will never come. When Satan points to your filthy garments, repeat the promise of Jesus, “Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37. Tell the enemy that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin. Make the prayer of David your own. “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:7.

The Review and Herald

March 25, 1915

RH March 25, 1915, par. 11

Do not listen to the enemy’s suggestion to stay away from Christ until you have made yourself better, until you are good enough to come to God. If you wait until then, you will never come. When Satan points to your filthy garments, repeat the promise of the Saviour, “Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37. Tell the enemy that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses from all sin. Make the prayer of David your own, “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:7.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 14a, 1891

7LtMs, Lt 14a, 1891, par. 11

Now, make a desperate effort, take your mind off from yourself, off from your securing a divorce, off from Walter, off from everything mortal, and commence with your own soul. Cry out in earnest, “Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I. Save, Lord, or I perish. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean. Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.” [Psalm 61:2; Matthew 8:25; 14:30; Psalm 51:10, 7.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 8, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 8, 1901, par. 18

If there were more prayers ascending to God that our physicians and ministers might understand spiritual things, it would be wholly appropriate. Before the heart can be accepted by God, it must be cleansed from all impurity. In order to understand the mercy and love of God, the heart must be enlightened by divine grace. Every motive and every word must be examined in the light of the Word. We must be cleansed in the fountain opened for all uncleanness. Let us pray with unfeigned lips, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. ... Purge me with hyssop and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” [Psalm 51:10, 7.]

Testimonies on Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and Divorce

Chapter 6—Counsels to Walter and Laura

TSB 66.2

The Sinner’s Cry—Now make a desperate effort. Take your mind off from yourself, off from your securing a divorce, off from Walter, off from everything mortal; and commence with your own soul. Cry out in earnest, Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I; save, Lord, or I perish. “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.... Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow” (Psalm 51:10, 7).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 71, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 71, 1901, par. 7

It is not sufficient for any soul to have a nominal faith, to merely admit that Christ is the Redeemer of the world. Is He your personal Redeemer? Have you a personal interest in Him? Is your soul hungering and thirsting for salvation? Do you long for a better knowledge of Jesus Christ? Is your soul earnestly and sincerely crying, “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. ... Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free Spirit.” [Psalm 51:7, 10-12.]

Testimony Treasures, vol. 1

The Efficacy of Christ’s Blood

1TT 483.2

After the tent had been sprinkled with hyssop, over the door of those cleansed was written: I am not my own; Lord, I am Thine. Thus should it be with those who profess to be cleansed by the blood of Christ. God is no less exacting now than He was in olden times. The psalmist, in his prayer, refers to this symbolic ceremony when he says: “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” “Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation; and uphold me with Thy free spirit.” Psalm 51:7, 10, 12.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 57, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 57, 1895, par. 51

Looking upon the great antitype, we can say, “It is Christ that died; yea rather, that is risen again; who is even at the right hand of God; who also maketh intercession for us.” [Romans 8:34.] The Sun of Righteousness shines into our hearts to give the knowledge of the glory of Jesus Christ. Of the Holy Spirit’s office He says, “He shall glorify Me; for He shall receive of Mine, and shall show it unto you.” [John 16:14.] The Psalmist prays, “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. ... Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation; and uphold me by Thy free Spirit. Then will I teach transgressors Thy way, and sinners will be converted unto Thee.” [Psalm 51:7, 10-13.]

Selected Messages Book 1

Chapter 49—Surrender and Confession

1SM 326.1

But in repenting of sin we need not go into a cell, as did Luther, imposing penances upon ourselves to expiate our iniquity, thinking by so doing to gain the favor of God. The question is asked: “Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:7, 8). The psalmist says, “A broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise” (Psalm 51:17). John writes, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins” (1 John 1:9). The only reason that we have not remission of sin is that we have not acknowledged to Him whom we have wounded by our transgressions, whom we have pierced by our sins, that we are at fault, and in need of mercy. The confession that is the outpouring of the inmost soul will find its way to the heart of infinite pity; for the Lord is nigh unto him that is of a broken heart, and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

1SM 329.2

With the confession of the repenting, believing sinner, Christ mingles His own righteousness, that the prayer of fallen man may go up as fragrant incense before the Father, and the grace of God be imparted to the believing soul. Jesus says to the trembling, repenting soul: “Let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; and he shall make peace with me” (Isaiah 27:5). “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (Isaiah 1:18). Will you let Him reason with you? Will you commit to Him the keeping of your soul as unto a faithful Creator? Come then, and let us live in the light of His countenance, and pray, as did David, “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow” (Psalm 51:7). By faith apply the blood of Christ to your heart, for that alone can make you whiter than snow. But you say, “This surrender of all my idols will break my heart.” This giving up of all for God is represented by your falling upon the Rock and being broken. Then give up all for Him; for unless you are broken, you are worthless.

Radiant Religion

For My Profit, April 14

RRe 106.1

Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which Thou hast broken may rejoice. Psalm 51:8.

Child Guidance

Chapter 65—The Blessings of Proper Dress

CG 417.5

The Only Dress Admitted Into Heaven—There is a dress which every child and youth may innocently seek to obtain. It is the righteousness of the saints. If they will only be as willing and persevering in obtaining this as they are in fashioning their garments after the standard of worldly society, they will very soon be clothed with the righteousness of Christ, and their names will not be blotted out of the book of life. Mothers, as well as youth and children, need to pray, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” [Psalm 51:10.] This purity of heart and loveliness of spirit are more precious than gold, both for time and for eternity. Only the pure in heart shall see God.

Our Father Cares

A Change of Heart Needed, March 13

OFC 84.4

The change of heart represented by the new birth can be brought about only by the effectual working of the Holy Spirit.... Pride and self-love resist the Spirit of God; every natural inclination of the soul opposes the change from self-importance and pride to the meekness and lowliness of Christ. But if we would travel in the pathway to eternal life, we must not listen to the whispering of self. In humility and contrition we must beseech our heavenly Father, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10. As we receive divine light, and cooperate with the heavenly intelligences, we are “born again,” freed from the defilement of sin by the power of Christ.

Our Father Cares

Purifying, Vitalizing Power, August 17

OFC 241.1

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10.

Our High Calling

The Sign of the New Heart, June 2

OHC 159.2

One of the most earnest prayers recorded in the Word of God is that of David when he pleaded, “Create in me a clean heart, O God.” Psalm 51:10. God’s response to such a prayer is, A new heart will I give you. This is a work that no finite man can do. Men and women are to begin at the beginning, seeking God most earnestly for a true Christian experience. They are to feel the creative power of the Holy Spirit. They are to receive the new heart, that is kept soft and tender by the grace of heaven. The selfish spirit is to be cleansed from the soul. They are to labor earnestly and with humility of heart, each one looking to Jesus for guidance and encouragement. Then the building, fitly framed together, will grow into a holy temple in the Lord.3SDA Bible Commentary 4:1165.

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 41—Apostasy at the Jordan

PP 460.1

“Keep thy heart with all diligence,” is the counsel of the wise man; “for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23. As man “thinketh in his heart, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7. The heart must be renewed by divine grace, or it will be in vain to seek for purity of life. He who attempts to build up a noble, virtuous character independent of the grace of Christ is building his house upon the shifting sand. In the fierce storms of temptation it will surely be overthrown. David’s prayer should be the petition of every soul: “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10. And having become partakers of the heavenly gift, we are to go on unto perfection, being “kept by the power of God through faith.” 1 Peter 1:5.

Prayer

“Forgive us our sins; for we also forgive everyone that is indebted to us.” Luke 11:4.

Pr 298.1

But forgiveness has a broader meaning than many suppose. When God gives the promise that He “will abundantly pardon,” He adds, as if the meaning of that promise exceeded all that we could comprehend: “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:7-9. God’s forgiveness is not merely a judicial act by which He sets us free from condemnation. It is not only forgiveness for sin, but reclaiming from sin. It is the outflow of redeeming love that transforms the heart. David had the true conception of forgiveness when he prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10. And again he says, “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:12.

That I May Know Him

An Individual Work, May 3

TMK 129.6

One of the most earnest prayers in the Inspired Word is, “Create in me a clean heart, O God” (Psalm 51:10); and from One who loved us and gave His life for us comes the great and important assurance, “A new heart also will I give you” (Ezekiel 36:26).3Letter 178, 1899.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 17—Nicodemus

DA 174.1

There was no excuse for the blindness of Israel in regard to the work of regeneration. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Isaiah had written, “We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.” David had prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” And through Ezekiel the promise had been given, “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes.” Isaiah 64:6; Psalm 51:10; Ezekiel 36:26, 27.

The Faith I Live By

The Meaning of Forgiveness, May 3

FLB 129.2

God’s forgiveness is not merely a judicial act by which He sets us free from condemnation. It is not only forgiveness for sin but reclaiming from sin. It is the outflow of redeeming love that transforms the heart. David had the true conception of forgiveness when he prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10.9Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 114.

Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene

Chapter 10—Dress

CTBH 95.1

There is a dress which every child and youth may innocently seek to obtain. It is the righteousness of the saints. If they will only be as willing and persevering in obtaining this as they are in fashioning their garments after the standard of worldly society, they will very soon be clothed with the righteousness of Christ, and their names will not be blotted out of the book of life. Mothers, as well as youth and children, need to pray, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” [Psalm 51:10.] This purity of heart and loveliness of spirit are more precious than gold, both for time and for eternity. Only the pure in heart shall see God.

The Faith I Live By

A Change of Heart Needed, May 11

FLB 137.4

The change of heart represented by the new birth can be brought about only by the effectual working of the Holy Spirit.... Pride and self-love resist the Spirit of God; every natural inclination of the soul opposes the change from self-importance and pride to the meekness and lowliness of Christ. But if we would travel in the pathway to eternal life, we must not listen to the whispering of self. In humility and contrition we must beseech our heavenly Father, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10. As we receive divine light, and cooperate with the heavenly intelligences, we are “born again,” freed from the defilement of sin by the power of Christ.37The Youth’s Instructor, September 9, 1897.

The Story of Jesus

Chapter 10—Teachings of Christ

SJ 62.1

King David prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God.” “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my Redeemer.” Psalm 51:10; 19:14. This should be our prayer.

Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing

“Forgive us our sins; for we also forgive everyone that is indebted to us.”—Luke 11:4.

MB 114.1

But forgiveness has a broader meaning than many suppose. When God gives the promise that He “will abundantly pardon,” He adds, as if the meaning of that promise exceeded all that we could comprehend: “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:7-9. God’s forgiveness is not merely a judicial act by which He sets us free from condemnation. It is not only forgiveness for sin, but reclaiming from sin. It is the outflow of redeeming love that transforms the heart. David had the true conception of forgiveness when he prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10. And again he says, “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:12.

Ye Shall Receive Power

Giver of a New Life, January 16

YRP 24.3

The change of heart represented by the new birth can be brought about only by the effectual working of the Holy Spirit. It alone can cleanse us from all impurity. If it is allowed to mold and fashion our hearts, we shall be able to discern the character of the kingdom of God, and realize the necessity of the change which must be made before we can obtain entrance to this kingdom. Pride and self-love resist the Spirit of God; every natural inclination of the soul opposes the change from self-importance and pride to the meekness and lowliness of Christ. But if we would travel in the pathway to eternal life, we must not listen to the whispering of self. In humility and contrition we must beseech our heavenly Father, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10). As we receive divine light, and cooperate with the heavenly intelligences, we are “born again,” freed from the defilement of sin by the power of Christ.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 1

Genuine Conversion Needed

1TT 51.2

I saw how this grace could be obtained. Go to your closet, and there alone plead with God: “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10. Be in earnest, be sincere. Fervent prayer availeth much. Jacoblike, wrestle in prayer. Agonize. Jesus, in the garden, sweat great drops of blood; you must make an effort. Do not leave your closet until you feel strong in God; then watch, and just as long as you watch and pray you can keep these evil besetments under, and the grace of God can and will appear in you.

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 17—Nicodemus Comes to Jesus at Night

HLv 109.4

There was no excuse for the blindness of Israel in regard to the work of regeneration. David had prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Through Ezekiel the promise had been given, “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes.” Psalm 51:10; Ezekiel 36:26, 27.

From Eternity Past

How to Overcome Temptation

EP 325.3

The heart must be renewed by divine grace. He who attempts to build up a virtuous character independent of the grace of Christ is building his house upon shifting sand. In the fierce storms of temptation it will surely be overthrown. David’s prayer should be the petition of every soul: “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10.

Counsels for the Church

The Influence of the Mode of Dress

CCh 183.5

There is a dress which every child and youth may innocently seek to obtain. It is the righteousness of the saints. If they will only be as willing and persevering in obtaining this as they are in fashioning their garments after the standard of worldly society, they will very soon be clothed with the righteousness of Christ, and their names will not be blotted out of the book of life. Mothers, as well as youth and children, need to pray, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10. This purity of heart and loveliness of spirit are more precious than gold, both for time and for eternity. Only the pure in heart shall see God.271Child Guidance, 417, 418

From the Heart

Evidence of the Spirit’s Work, October 18

FH 303.1

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10.

Homeward Bound

An Example of Repentance, March 21

HB 98.1

Create in me a clean heart, O God.—Psalm 51:10.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 24a, 1882

3LtMs, Lt 24a, 1882, par. 20

These unhappy feelings arrest or enfeeble digestion. The nervous system is partaking of the disorders and outbreaks of a self-willed, stubborn heart, and in many cases with which we are familiar, all the untrained undisciplined disposition is excused on the ground of nervousness. The true spirit of evil is in the long habits of indulgence, in selfishness which has never been seen as such, in pride and large self-valuation, which makes them think they do not occupy positions which they are fitted to fill. The whole soul is diseased; the whole heart is sick. The prayer should go forth from unfeigned lips, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10. The truly converted soul can testify that “Old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17. “Whereas I was blind, now I see.” [John 9:25.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Lt 10, 1886

4LtMs, Lt 10, 1886, par. 33

In regard to our work and duty in this life, we should be sincere, true, unselfish; for God looketh upon the heart. The prayer may well go up to God, “Create in me a clean heart.” [Psalm 51:10.] It is for our eternal interest that this should be, that the heart is clean, pure, and holy.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Lt 43, 1886

4LtMs, Lt 43, 1886, par. 13

You have so little self-control that when you read these words I greatly fear you will act like a child that when reproved or corrected will throw itself down. “A new heart will I give you, a new spirit will I put within you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] While you are desirous to appear right with your brethren, do for Christ’s sake surrender your soul to God. The truth is kept far away from the center of your being; [part of line illegible]. This is an individual work. I was shown while in America the condition of the churches in the kingdoms that had your labor. Many precious souls had been raised up, but they were receiving a mold that would not tend to make them perfect and entire, wanting nothing. One of the most earnest prayers in the Bible is, “Create in me a clean heart.” [Psalm 51:10.] Oh, will men in any position, as superiors, inferiors, or equals, learn the simple lessons to begin at the beginning and have the heart right with God through the new creating power of His Holy Spirit? Then what pure streams would flow forth from a pure fountain. How precious the experience; how precious the lessons that they have learned and can in their turn teach others. But if they have not reached the standard themselves, how can they teach others to reach it? The church must be refined, purified. Better if they had never connected themselves with the truth than to claim to believe it, take the name of Seventh-day Adventists, and yet not stand as high in the scale of morality and practical godliness as do many who have never seen the truth. Thus Christ and the truth are misrepresented; the world is encouraged in their unbelief; other churches do not care to examine the evidences of doctrine and faith that bear such fruit. The example of men and women professing the truth is of such a character that it works against the truth.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 105, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 105, 1893, par. 16

Again in the night season the Lord has presented your case before me, and I cannot withhold the truth from you. The Lord calls upon you to serve Him with an undivided heart. He desires to bless and sanctify and cleanse you, to make you white in the blood of the Lamb. The inward fountain of your life must be cleansed. Your will, your way, must be surrendered to God. You are His property by creation and redemption. Then offer to Him the supplication, “Create in me a clean heart, O God.” [Psalm 51:10.] The response will come, “A new heart also will I give thee.” [Ezekiel 36:26.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 12a, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 12a, 1893, par. 12

God has stated upon what conditions salvation is to be granted, and unless we learn and live up to these conditions, we shall be lost. There must be a cooperation of human effort with divine power. Christ says, “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] Those who build superficially do not build upon the sure foundation. They have omitted, as has the young man I now address, the first steps to be taken in the work. They have never prayed until they have known that their prayers were heard and answered, “Create in me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me.” [Psalm 51:10.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 54, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 54, 1894, par. 13

The very work that Christ declared necessary in the case of Nicodemus is the very work that needs to be done for those men who think that everything pertaining to religion must be done in a precise, methodical way. They need to be born again, and how the new birth is accomplished matters not, so long as the heart is renewed. When the prayer is sincerely offered, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me,” the voice of the Lord answers, “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you, and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.” [Psalm 51:10;] Ezekiel 36:26, 27.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 31a, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 31a, 1894, par. 37

Let the prayer go up to God, “Create in me a clean heart” [Psalm 51:10]; for a pure, cleansed soul has Christ abiding with them, therein, and out of the abundance of the heart are the issues of life. The human will is to be yielded to Christ. Instead of passing on, closing the heart in selfishness, there is need of opening the heart to the sweet influences of the Spirit of God. Practical religion breathes its fragrance everywhere. It is a savour of life unto life.

God’s Amazing Grace

Press Your Case, March 20

AG 87.6

I saw how this grace could be obtained. Go to your closet and there alone plead with God. “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10). Be in earnest, be sincere. Fervent prayer availeth much. Jacob-like, wrestle in prayer. Agonize. Jesus in the garden sweat great drops of blood; you must make an effort. Do not leave your closet until you feel strong in God; then watch, and just as long as you watch and pray, you can keep these evil besetments under, and the grace of God can, and will, appear in you.43Spiritual Gifts 2:257.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 30, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 30, 1895, par. 29

Brethren, your lives are sadly defective, and you need to be converted in order to be vessels fit for the Masters use. You have lost much time. You have failed to obtain a correct experience. You have not been agents through whom the Holy Spirit could communicate. It is the Spirit’s work to convince you, not of other people’s sins, but of your own sins. If you had obtained a knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ whom he hath sent, if you had represented Christ in character, you would not have been a scourge to the church, but a savor of life unto life. Will you see yourselves as you really are, humble your hearts before God and pray as you have never before prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, Oh God, and renew a right spirit within me”? [Psalm 51:10.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 15, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 15, 1895, par. 27

The last six precepts of the law are comprehended in this: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. The very ones who are in need of your love and sympathy are to be helped. We are to cry to God daily, “Create in me a clean heart, O God.” [Psalm 51:10.] And what will be the answer? “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.” [Ezekiel 36:26, 27.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 17, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 17, 1896, par. 21

He who is placed as a president of [a] conference must learn that the human heart is wayward, and that it needs to be strictly sentineled by watchfulness and prayer. As he seeks the Lord conscientiously and constantly, he is taught of God to grow into a representative man, and can be trusted as God trusted Abraham. He needs the whole armor of God, for he has to fight the good fight of faith, and having done all that the Spirit of God has taught him to do, to stand. His enemies may be those of his own household, his wife and children, or they may be his own hereditary and cultivated tendencies, which continually seek for the mastery. Man is human and defective in character, and must battle for the victory. Everyone who begins aright must begin at his own heart. Let the fervent prayer go forth from unfeigned lips, “Create in me a clean heart, O God,” and it will bring the response, “A new heart will I give thee.” [Psalm 51:10; Ezekiel 36:26.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 180, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 180, 1897, par. 9

Satan will not submit to be cast out without tremendous opposition. If truth and righteousness conquer, the hearts that love the truth of God must absolutely and zealously rebuke and expel wrong. In this conflict, when truth takes possession of the heart, nothing but conflict and disturbance may be expected, for God calls upon every man to do his duty. And the full Spirit of the living God which has been finding no place shall have room to work out the victory. There can be no right longing only as the Holy Spirit shall begin at the heart, out of which flow the issues of life. And poor souls who have been deceived and deluded shall send up the earnest prayer, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10. And the response from One who is merciful, full of goodness and truth, will be, “A new heart will I give you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 60, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 60, 1898, par. 52

Those most closely connected with vital interests in the cause and work of God will not study self or seek good positions, high places, ease, [or] honor. They will begin aright, knowing that they must have not theory alone, but heart work. They will pray, Create in me a clean heart, O God. The Lord answers all such prayers, saying, A new heart will I give you. [Psalm 51:10; Ezekiel 36:26.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 64, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 64, 1898, par. 31

There is hope for all who will hear the truth, and repent of their evil works. When from unfeigned lips the earnest prayer goes up, “Create in me a clean heart, O God,” the answer comes in the promise, “Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness and from all your idols will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.” [Psalm 51:10; Ezekiel 36:25-27.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 178, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 178, 1899, par. 13

If we are verily and truly united to Christ, it is because truth has taken possession of the soul temple. We see so many who, while they claim to be Christians, show by their lives that they know not God and Jesus Christ by an experimental knowledge. The heart that has opened its doors to Jesus will love pure, cleansing, transforming truth, and will zealously contend for the faith once delivered to the saints. Let no man stop short of entire, unreserved surrender to God. Begin the work in the heart. Look away from the course of action pursued by others to Christ. You have a soul to save or a soul to lose, and this is too important a question to be regarded indifferently. One of the most earnest prayers in the inspired Word is, “Create in me a clean heart, O God;” and from One who loved us and gave His life for us comes the great and important assurance, “A new heart also will I give you.” [Psalm 51:10; Ezekiel 36:26.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 51, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 51, 1899, par. 4

The eye of God is in every place; He knows all our temptations, and He expects us to resist them as He resisted the devil. We must have sound principles, pure, elevated, ennobling; these we can take with us into the eternal world. As a divine Saviour, Jesus died for us that we might live His life of purity, truth and righteousness. He teaches us how to live. Our prayers should be, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” [Psalm 51:10.] Out of the heart are the issues of life. The inward fountain of life must be cleansed, purified. The will must yield its helm to the command of Christ. Paul, the great apostle, describes this as “putting on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” [Ephesians 4:24.] The evidence we bear of this new creation in Christ Jesus is to love righteousness and to hate iniquity.

God’s Amazing Grace

Purifying, Vitalizing Power, July 17

AG 206.1

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 39, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 39, 1900, par. 13

You must not overlook the plainness and force and power of the truth. It is to be presented line upon line. Begin with your own hearts, for out of the heart are the issues of life. Let the prayer ascend from unfeigned lips, “Create in me a clean heart, O God.” [Psalm 51:10.] The promise is most emphatic, “A new heart will I give you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] Would that every worker might learn how to reach souls through God! In your several places and your relations to one another, there is to be a solid oneness. Draw together, stand shoulder to shoulder. Let no one weaken his or her individual influence by imaginings. Pull on the right side for all that you are worth. Christ as an abiding power in the heart continually will give you mind, tongue, and utterance. The new creating, converting power of God must come to your own souls, and flow out from your own hearts in fitting words. Then you can entreat, appeal, pray, hope, and hold on to souls, drawing with Christ Jesus. Let there be no divided interest.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 24, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 24, 1901, par. 49

Remember that by your course of action many souls will be blessed or injured. In the judgment those who are now fretful and accusing, who strive for preference and supremacy, will appear just as they are. Let all remember that they are working for eternity. Let the prayer daily ascend, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” [Psalm 51:10.] Seek earnestly for that repentance that needeth not to be repented of. The only safe way is to keep all crookedness out of every business transaction. Let not Satan make his marks upon your character. Learn the lesson, “All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them; for this is the law and the prophets.” [Matthew 7:12.] Christ’s disciples must be honest men, men who are determined to make the most of themselves for Christ’s sake. Their business transactions must show that they are in harmony with the principles of that law which is a transcript of the law of Jehovah.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 142, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 142, 1903, par. 70

Let the prayer go up to God, “Create in me a clean heart;” for a pure, cleansed soul has Christ abiding therein, and out of the heart are the issues of life. [Psalm 51:10.] The human will is to be yielded to Christ. Instead of passing on, closing the heart in selfishness, there is need of opening the heart to the sweet influences of the Spirit of God. Practical religion breathes its fragrance everywhere. It is a savor of life unto life.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 43, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 43, 1903, par. 17

O that the Holy Spirit would take hold upon the hearts of the men in responsible positions in the work of God—those who for so long have been under the deception of the enemy. O that they could see themselves as God sees them. Then there would go forth from unfeigned lips the entreaty, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” [Psalm 51:10.] And quickly would come the response, “A new heart will I give you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 196, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 196, 1907, par. 2

One of the most earnest prayers recorded in the Word of God is that of David, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” [Psalm 51:10.] The promise of God to those who cry thus to Him is, “A new heart will I give you; and a new spirit will I put within you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] A heart right with God, given to you through the power of the Holy Spirit, will make you a new life. The truth of God controlling it in righteousness will be to you the power of God unto salvation. You will have a sense of divine power and grace within you, and this will cause you to reveal the fruits of righteousness. The Holy Scriptures will then be to you a treasure house of knowledge. Through obedience to the Word of God, mother and daughter will become heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. You will sit down with Him to the marriage supper of the Lamb.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 224, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 224, 1907, par. 6

One of the most earnest prayers recorded in the Word of God is that of David when he plead, “Create in me a clean heart, O God.” [Psalm 51:10.] God’s response to such a prayer is, “A new heart will I give you.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] This is a work that no finite man can do. Men and women are to begin at the beginning, seeking God most earnestly for a true Christian experience. They are to feel the creative power of the Holy Spirit. They are to receive the new heart that is kept soft and tender by the grace of heaven. The selfish spirit is to be cleansed from the soul. They are to labor earnestly and with humility of heart, each one looking to Jesus for guidance and encouragement. Then the building, fitly framed together, will grow into a holy temple in the Lord.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 63, 1910

25LtMs, Ms 63, 1910, par. 12

Think before you speak and practice. Have no foolish conversation. “By thy words thou shalt be justified or by thy unsanctified words thou shalt be condemned.” [Matthew 12:37.] Let all consider that this world is to be the fitting-up place for our future condemnation or our eternal reward. Never dismiss the fear of God. Your life is to be goodness revealed, manifested. Decidedly hold fast your integrity. The Word of God directs your safe course of action. The fitting-up process means much to every soul. But a small number are educated from childhood to study the Word of God and practice the same as their standard of duty. Precious lessons are given, which should be a savor of life unto life. I am instructed to keep before the many, that the Word of God is their standard of duty, to cultivate the graces of the Holy Spirit, that they may have the meekness they must have daily. Then they will be “Fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” [Romans 12:11.] “One is your master, even Christ.” [Matthew 23:8.] The Lord gave Christ to our world to be our true pattern. To Him we are responsible. I urge upon fathers and mothers to oft say, “Get thee behind me, Satan.” [Luke 4:8.] The great and essential matter with every soul is to be converted daily by communing with God in earnest prayer. Encourage the heart to pant after God. One of the most earnest prayers in the Bible is “Create in me a clean heart, O God: and renew a right spirit within me.” [Psalm 51:10.] “Out of the heart are the issues of life.” [Proverbs 4:23.]

God’s Amazing Grace

Keeping the Heart, October 14

AG 295.5

Let the prayer go up to God, “Create in me a clean heart” (Psalm 51:10); for a pure, cleansed soul has Christ abiding therein, and out of the abundance of the heart are the issues of life. The human will is to be yielded to Christ. Instead of passing on, closing the heart in selfishness, there is need of opening the heart to the sweet influences of the Spirit of God. Practical religion breathes its fragrance everywhere. It is a savor of life unto life.33SDA Bible Commentary 3:1157.

God’s Amazing Grace

With All Your Heart, November 6

AG 318.3

I saw how this grace could be obtained. Go to your closet, and there alone plead with God: “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10). Be in earnest, be sincere. Fervent prayer availeth much. Jacoblike, wrestle in prayer. Agonize. Jesus, in the garden, sweat great drops of blood; you must make an effort. Do not leave your closet until you feel strong in God; then watch, and just as long as you watch and pray you can keep these evil besetments under, and the grace of God can and will appear in you.

In Heavenly Places

A New Creation, January 18

HP 24.1

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10.

Ye Shall Receive Power

The House Cleansed, February 17

YRP 56.1

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10.

YRP 56.4

“Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me” (Psalm 51:11). Repentance as well as forgiveness is the gift of God through Christ. It is through the influence of the Holy Spirit that we are convinced of sin, and feel our need of pardon. None but the contrite are forgiven; but it is the grace of the Lord that makes the heart penitent. He is acquainted with all our weaknesses and infirmities, and He will help us. He will hear the prayer of faith; but the sincerity of prayer can be proved only by our efforts to bring ourselves into harmony with the great moral standard which will test every man’s character.

Living by Principle

The Power of Influence

PH048 10.4

Psalm 51:10, 13: Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.... Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 20, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 20, 1897, par. 11

Those whose characters are marred by a passionate disposition should be in haste to seek the Lord. From their hearts the prayer should arise, “Create in me, a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Give me a correct estimate of Jesus Christ, and his merits. Lead me by His Spirit. &ldaquo;Then shall I teach transgressors thy way, and sinners shall be converted unto Thee.” [Psalm 51:10, 13.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 12 [Nos. 921-999]

MR No. 970—Jesus—Our Righteousness, Example, and Partner

12MR 234.3

Those whose characters are marred by a passionate disposition, should be in haste to seek the Lord. From their hearts the prayer should arise, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me” [Psalm 51:10]. Give me a correct estimate of Jesus Christ and His merits. Lead me by His Spirit. “Then will I teach transgressors Thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto Thee” [verse 13].

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 169, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 169, 1903, par. 29

True reformation must begin in the heart, out of which flow the issues of life. One of the most earnest prayers in the Bible is: “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. ... Then will I teach transgressors Thy ways, and sinners shall be converted unto Thee.” [Psalm 51:10, 11, 13.]

Gospel Workers (1892/1893 ed.)

Diligence and Consecration Needed

GW92 451.3

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free Spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.” [Psalm 51:10-13.]

To Be Like Jesus

Repentance to Be Followed by Change of Character, December 19

BLJ 371.2

The learned Nicodemus had read these pointed prophecies [e.g., Psalm 51:10-13; Ezekiel 36:26, 27] with a clouded mind, but now he began to comprehend their true meaning, and to understand that even a man as just and honorable as himself must experience a new birth through Jesus Christ, as the only condition upon which he could be saved and secure an entrance into the kingdom of God. Jesus spoke positively that unless a person is born again he or she cannot discern the kingdom which Christ came upon earth to set up. Rigid precision in obeying the law would entitle no one to enter the kingdom of heaven.

The Review and Herald

June 24, 1884

RH June 24, 1884, par. 1

Text: “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence, and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation, and uphold me with thy free Spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways, and sinners shall be converted unto thee.” Psalm 51:10-13.

From Eternity Past

David Punished for His Sin

EP 526.2

Create in me a clean heart, O God;
And renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from Thy presence;
And take not Thy Holy Spirit from me... .
Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God,
Thou God of my salvation;
And my tongue shall sing aloud of Thy
righteousness.
Psalm 51:10, 11, 14

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 9, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 9, 1896, par. 9

I have a message from the Lord to the human agencies who are associated together in the Review and Herald Office. If you would have the approval of God, you must begin right. The work must begin at the heart, for from it flow the issues of life. Earnest prayer, coming from a sincere contrite heart, will be heard and answered of God. Let the believer pray, “Create within me a clean heart O God, and renew a right spirit within me,” and the promise is sure and unfailing through every phase of experience. “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you.” [Psalm 51:10; Ezekiel 36:26.] Let the prayer go forth from unfeigned lips, “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways, and sinners shall be converted unto thee. ... For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” [Psalm 51:12, 13, 16, 17.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 145, 1907

22LtMs, Ms 145, 1907, par. 3

The prayer that David offered for a preparation of heart in order to do acceptable service for God should be the prayer of every believer today. He said: “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence; and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation; and uphold me with Thy free Spirit. Then will I teach transgressors Thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, Thou God, of my salvation; and my tongue shall sing aloud of Thy righteousness. O Lord, open Thou my lips; and my mouth shall show forth Thy praise. For Thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: Thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise. ... Then shalt Thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering, and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.” [Psalm 51:10-17, 19.]

Our High Calling

Strong in the Lord, January 16

OHC 22.3

If we cling to Him by living faith, saying with Jacob, “I will not let thee go” (Genesis 32:26); if we entreat, “Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me,” (Psalm 51:11), the promise is to us, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” ...

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 8, 1873

2LtMs, Lt 8, 1873, par. 26

We may indeed say, “Thy presence is our security, our treasure, our glory, our joy. How can the duties of life be discharged without Thee? How can its trials be endured without Thy presence?” Do we pray that Christ will go where we go, and dwell where we dwell? If we can live without Christ in this world, He will live without us in the better world. But if we cling to Him by living faith, saying with Jacob, “I will not let thee go” (Genesis 32:26); if we entreat, “Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me,” (Psalm 51:11), the promise is to us, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Hebrews 3:5. We cannot afford to live in neglect of the great salvation offered to us upon such liberal terms. The knowledge of the claims of God as our Father will keep us from offending Him. This will make us anxious to please Him. As His children we must walk in the light, walk worthy of God, who hath called us unto glory and His immortal kingdom.

Ye Shall Receive Power

With Concerned Parents, May 7

YRP 136.1

Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. Psalm 51:11-13.

YRP 136.3

Oh, that the work might begin at the heart! “For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise” (Psalm 51:16, 17). Then let it be understood by all the members of the household that the work must begin at the heart. The heart must be subdued and made contrite through the creating, regenerating power of the Holy Spirit. Realizing the aid of this mighty agency, cannot parents work for the conversion of their children with more zeal and love than ever before?

Maranatha

The Testimony the World Needs, April 16

Mar 114.3

But in order for us to fulfill God’s purpose, there is a preparatory work to be done. The Lord bids us empty our hearts of the selfishness which is the root of alienation. He longs to pour upon us His Holy Spirit in rich measure, and He bids us clear the way by self-renunciation. When self is surrendered to God, our eyes will be opened to see the stumbling stones which our un-Christlikeness has placed in the way of others. All these God bids us remove. He says: “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.” James 5:16. Then we may have the assurance that David had when, after confession of his sin, he prayed: “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.” Psalm 51:12, 13.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6

Preparation of Heart

6T 43.2

But in order for us to fulfill God’s purpose, there is a preparatory work to be done. The Lord bids us empty our hearts of the selfishness which is the root of alienation. He longs to pour upon us His Holy Spirit in rich measure, and He bids us clear the way by self-renunciation. When self is surrendered to God, our eyes will be opened to see the stumbling stones which our un-Christlikeness has placed in the way of others. All these God bids us remove. He says: “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.” James 5:16. Then we may have the assurance that David had when, after confession of his sin, he prayed: “Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation; and uphold me with Thy free Spirit. Then will I teach transgressors Thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto Thee.” Psalm 51:12, 13.

Ye Shall Receive Power

Emptying the Vessel, October 10

YRP 292.3

But in order for us to fulfill God’s purpose, there is a preparatory work to be done. The Lord bids us empty our hearts of the selfishness which is the root of alienation. He longs to pour upon us His Holy Spirit in rich measure, and He bids us clear the way by self-renunciation. When self is surrendered to God, our eyes will be opened to see the stumbling stones which our un-Christlikeness has placed in the way of others. All these God bids us remove. He says: “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed” (James 5:16). Then we may have the assurance that David had when, after confession of his sin, he prayed: “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee” (Psalm 51:12, 13).

Camp-Meetings Their Object, and How to Conduct Them

Preparation of Heart Needed

PH130 13.3

But in order for us to fulfill God’s purpose, there is a preparatory work to be done. The Lord bids us empty our hearts of the selfishness which is the root of alienation. He longs to pour upon us his Holy Spirit in rich measure, and he bids us clear the way by self-renunciation. When self is surrendered to God, our eyes will be opened to see the stumbling stones which our unchristlikeness has placed in the way of others. All these God bids us remove. He says, “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another that ye may be healed.” James 5:16. Then we may have the assurance that David had when, after confession of his sin, he prayed, “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free Spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways, and sinners shall be converted unto thee.” Psalm 51:12, 13.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 2

Preparation of Heart

2TT 382.1

But in order for us to fulfill God’s purpose, there is a preparatory work to be done. The Lord bids us empty our hearts of the selfishness which is the root of alienation. He longs to pour upon us His Holy Spirit in rich measure, and He bids us clear the way by self-renunciation. When self is surrendered to God, our eyes will be opened to see the stumbling stones which our un-Christlikeness has placed in the way of others. All these God bids us remove. He says: “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.” James 5:16. Then we may have the assurance that David had when, after confession of his sin, he prayed: “Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation; and uphold me with Thy free Spirit. Then will I teach transgressors Thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto Thee.” Psalm 51:12, 13.

Reflecting Christ

The Ministry of Music, August 29

RC 255.1

My tongue will sing of your righteousness. Psalm 51:14, N.I.V.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 14a, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 14a, 1893, par. 25

We must as Christians draw nigh to God under all circumstances. Cry unto God, my brethren and sisters, as David did. “O, Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall show forth thy praises.” [Psalm 51:15.] Lips opened to the praise and glory of God in the family circle, in the society of those with whom they associate, are closed to the service of Satan. When the lips and voice are engaged in prayer and praise and thanksgiving, they have no appetite or desire left to cast, in an insidious manner, artful suspicions upon those upon whom the Lord has laid the burden of His work.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 14, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 14, 1893, par. 4

As Christians we should under all circumstances draw nigh to God. We should pray as did David, “Open thou my lips, and my mouth shall show forth thy praise.” [Psalm 51:15.] Those whose lips are opened to the praises of God in the family circle, in the society of others, will be closed to the service of Satan. Those whose lips are employed in prayer and praise and thanksgiving do not desire to cast insidious reflections and suspicions upon those who are carrying the burden of work that God has laid upon them. Those who are feeding on the Bread of life, the Word of the living God, and delighting themselves in the marrow and fatness of the promises of God, will not be living on slander, which is in truth spiritual cannibalism. He, who is in communion with Jesus Christ and with holy angels, can have no appetite for frivolous chitchat, and will not desire to sit at the table with slanderers—cannibals.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 97, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 97, 1895, par. 36

This is the kind of experience that we should have. We must not think when we are afflicted that the anger of the Lord is upon us. God brings us into trials in order that we may be drawn near to Him. The Psalmist says, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivereth them out of them all.” [Verse 19.] He does not desire us to be under a cloud. We should pray as did the Psalmist, “Open thou my lips; and my mouth shall show forth Thy praise.” [Psalm 51:15.] The Lord would have us lay hold of these promises for ourselves.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 25a, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 25a, 1891, par. 41

The poor, the unfortunate, the sick and the suffering are in the world to test the character of human beings. If the love of Christ is in the heart, His followers will be loved, in whatever position in life they may be. Living in daily communion with God, we shall learn to place God’s estimate upon men; we shall learn to respect and honor those whom God respects and honors. Isaiah 57:15; Psalm 51:16, 17; 138:6; Isaiah 66:2. “But unto this man will I seek, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 87, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 87, 1896, par. 30

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O Lord, thou wilt not despise.” “Thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it; thou delightest not in burnt offering.” [Psalm 51:17, 16.] “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” [Isaiah 57:15.] “To this man will I look,” declares the Lord, “even to him that is poor, and of a contrite spirit, and that trembleth at my word.” [Isaiah 66:2.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 74, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 74, 1897, par. 36

“Thou desiredst not sacrifices, else would I give it. Thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” [Psalm 51:16, 17.] Please read the sixty-sixth and sixty-seventh Psalms. “Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul. I cried unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue. If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me. But verily, God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.” [Psalm 66:16-20.] This is the way in which our tongues should be employed. If we enjoy the love of God in our hearts, we will have something to say. From the treasure of our heart we will bring forth good things. We will render to God the fruit of our lips. Our words will be words of praise and thanksgiving.

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

MR No. 763—Ellen White and the Church in Adelaide, South Australia

9MR 356.3

“Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart” (Psalm 97:11). “Thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones” (Isaiah 57:15). “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou will not despise” (Psalm 51:17). I shall look anxiously for a letter from you. You may read this to Brother McCullagh and Brother Hawkins. Do all in your power to save them, but if they will not hear, if they refuse to consider, then you must write out a careful statement of the facts, just as they are. There must be no exaltation of the men who will not be open and frank, and who will not consider all sides of the question. You will have to make clear statements, but we hope and pray that you will not be compelled to do this.

From Eternity Past

More Than Pardon

EP 526.4

David’s repentance was sincere. There was no effort to palliate his crime, no desire to escape the judgments threatened. He saw the defilement of his soul. He loathed his sin. It was not for pardon only that he prayed, but for purity of heart. In the promise of God to repentant sinners, he saw the evidence of his pardon and acceptance: “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise.” Psalm 51:17.

From Here to Forever

The Standard of Judgment

HF 299.1

Jesus does not excuse their sins, but shows their penitence and faith. Claiming for them forgiveness, He lifts His wounded hands before the Father, saying: I have graven them on the palms of My hands. “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” Psalm 51:17.

Christ in His Sanctuary

The Courtroom Scene

CIHS 179.2

Jesus does not excuse their sins, but shows their penitence and faith, and, claiming for them forgiveness, He lifts His wounded hands before the Father and the holy angels, saying: I know them by name. I have graven them on the palms of My hands. “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise.” Psalm 51:17. And to the accuser of His people He declares: “The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?” Zechariah 3:2. Christ will clothe His faithful ones with His own righteousness, that He may present them to His Father “a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing.” Ephesians 5:27. Their names stand enrolled in the book of life, and concerning them it is written: “They shall walk with Me in white: for they are worthy.” Revelation 3:4.

With God at Dawn

God Desires a Contrite Heart, September 7

WGD 252.1

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Psalm 51:17.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 22c, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 22c, 1890, par. 4

I beseech you, my brother, who have shown so much weakness, “seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near: let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God for He will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are my ways your ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” [Isaiah 55:6-9.] “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” [Psalm 51:17.] “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” “For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him: I hid me, and was wroth, and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart.” [Isaiah 57:15, 17.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 60, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 60, 1895, par. 8

We should cherish gratitude of heart all the days of our life because the Lord has put on record these words: “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” [Isaiah 57:15.] The reconciliation of God to man, and man to God, is sure when certain conditions are met. The Lord says, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” [Psalm 51:17.] Again He says, “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart, and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” [Psalm 34:18.] “Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.” [Psalm 138:6.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 4, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 4, 1897, par. 12

“Light is sown for the righteous, and truth for the upright in heart.” [See Psalm 97:11.] “Thus saith the high and lofty one, that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” [Isaiah 57:15.] “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” [Psalm 51:17.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 20, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 20, 1898, par. 3

What a comfort it is to know that the Lord wants us in His family above. “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.] We need to cherish and exercise faith. Our faith must work. We must have that faith that works by love and purifies the soul. The leaven has a vital energy, penetrating and absorbing all the elements into which it is introduced. So likewise, the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul. The Word of the Lord is quick and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword. The Word is a power as we practice it. The great change that the truth makes is inward. It begins in the heart, and works outwardly. With the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. “Burnt offerings and sacrifices thou wouldest not.” [Hebrews 10:5, 6.] “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit.” [Psalm 51:17.] God is not pleased with Pharisaical pretense.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 6, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 6, 1903, par. 35

“We have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities.” [Hebrews 4:15.] Christ offers every encouragement to those who are determined to be faithful in His service; but He shows no favor toward those who misrepresent Him in their daily life. What a wonderful High Priest we have! My brother, in order to perfect a Christian character, you must, as it were, lay your hand upon the bleeding sacrifice, and confess your every sin; you must lay your bosom bare, disclosing your heartfelt sorrow. The psalmist says, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise.” [Psalm 51:17.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 406, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 406, 1906, par. 4

We cannot commit our way to God if we are working out deeds of injustice. “If I regard iniquity in my heart,” the Psalmist declares, “the Lord will not hear me.” [Psalm 66:18.] When we commit our way to the Lord, we are to search the heart through and through, casting out all evil, that Christ may fill it with His righteousness. We are to seek the Lord in prayer, putting at the beginning of our petitions repentance for sin. God declares, “A broken and a contrite spirit I will not despise.” [See Psalm 51:17.]

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Judge of All the Earth, June 24

JNN 187.4

Jesus does not excuse their sins, but shows their penitence and faith, and, claiming for them forgiveness, He lifts His wounded hands before the Father and the holy angels, saying: I know them by name. I have graven them on the palms of My hands. “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise” (Psalm 51:17). And to the accuser of His people He declares: “The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?” (Zechariah 3:2). Christ will clothe His faithful ones with His own righteousness, that He may present them to His Father “a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing” (Ephesians 5:27).—The Great Controversy, 483, 484.

That I May Know Him

A Heavenly Partnership, April 27

TMK 123.3

“Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.” “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise” (Psalm 138:6; 51:17). Those who reveal the meek and lowly spirit of Christ are tenderly regarded by God. Nothing is unnoticed by Him. He marks their self-denial, their effort to uplift Christ before the world. Though these humble workers may be looked upon with scorn by the world, they are of great value in the sight of God. Not only the wise, the great, the beneficent, will gain a passport into the heavenly courts—not only the busy worker, full of zeal and restless activity. No; the pure in heart, in whose lips there is found no guile; the poor in spirit, who are actuated by the Spirit of an abiding Christ; the peacemaker, whose highest ambition is to do God’s will—these will gain an abundant entrance. They are God’s jewels, and will be among that number of whom John writes, “I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, ... saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth” (Revelation 19:6). They have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. “Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them” (Revelation 7:15).40Ibid.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 28—Levi-Matthew

DA 280.4

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise.” Psalm 51:17. Man must be emptied of self before he can be, in the fullest sense, a believer in Jesus. When self is renounced, then the Lord can make man a new creature. New bottles can contain the new wine. The love of Christ will animate the believer with new life. In him who looks unto the Author and Finisher of our faith the character of Christ will be manifest.

The Faith I Live By

Help for the Poor in Spirit, May 10

FLB 136.3

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” Psalm 51:17. Man must be emptied of self before he can be, in the fullest sense, a believer in Jesus. When self is renounced, then the Lord can make man a new creature.30The Desire of Ages, 280.

The Great Controversy

Chapter 28—Facing Life’s Record

GC 484.2

Jesus does not excuse their sins, but shows their penitence and faith, and, claiming for them forgiveness, He lifts His wounded hands before the Father and the holy angels, saying: I know them by name. I have graven them on the palms of My hands. “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise.” Psalm 51:17. And to the accuser of His people He declares: “The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?” Zechariah 3:2. Christ will clothe His faithful ones with His own righteousness, that He may present them to His Father “a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing.” Ephesians 5:27. Their names stand enrolled in the book of life, and concerning them it is written: “They shall walk with Me in white: for they are worthy.” Revelation 3:4.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 28—The Investigative Judgment

GC88 484.2

Jesus does not excuse their sins, but shows their penitence and faith, and, claiming for them forgiveness, he lifts his wounded hands before the Father and the holy angels, saying, “I know them by name. I have graven them on the palms of my hands. ‘The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” [Psalm 51:17.] And to the accuser of his people he declares, “The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee. Is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?’ [Zechariah 3:2.] Christ will clothe his faithful ones with his own righteousness, that he may present them to his Father “a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing.” [Ephesians 5:27.] Their names stand enrolled in the book of life, and concerning them it is written, “They shall walk with me in white; for they are worthy.” [Revelation 3:4.]

The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4

Chapter 23—The Investigative Judgment

4SP 310.1

Jesus does not excuse their sins, but shows their penitence and faith, and, claiming for them forgiveness, he lifts his wounded hands before the Father and the holy angels, saying, “I know them by name. I have graven them on the palms of my hands. ‘The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.’” [Psalm 51:17.] And to the accuser of his people he declares, “The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee. Is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?” [Zechariah 3:2.] Christ will place his own signet upon his faithful ones, that he may present them to his Father “a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing.” Their names stand enrolled in the book of life, and concerning them it is written, “They shall walk with me in white; for they are worthy.”

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 28—Matthew: From Tax Collector to Apostle

HLv 184.1

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” Psalm 51:17. When self is renounced, then the Lord can make man a new creature. New bottles can contain new wine. The love of Christ will animate the believer with new life. In him the character of Christ will be manifest.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 47, 1907

22LtMs, Ms 47, 1907, par. 1

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise. Do good in Thy good pleasure unto Zion: build Thou the walls of Jerusalem. Then shalt Thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.” [Psalm 51:17-19.]

Radiant Religion

God’s Pleasure unto Zion, February 22

RRe 55.1

Do good in Thy good pleasure unto Zion; build Thou the walls of Jerusalem. Psalm 51:18.