EGW WritingsPsalms 89

The Minnesota Worker

March 14, 1900

MinnWorker March 14, 1900, par. 5

The Spirit of God says in Psalm 27, 28, 29, 81, 89, 90, 91, 92 and 93: “These were written for those upon whom the ends of the world are come.” This being so, we should make them our every day study. Why not preserve this number of the worker, and read the above over and over again, and study the heavens?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 96, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 96, 1899, par. 22

The eighty-first psalm explains why Israel was scattered. They forgot God, as the churches in our land are forgetting Him today. Read the eighty-ninth, ninetieth, ninety-first, ninety-second, and ninety-third psalms. My attention has been called to these matters. Shall we not consider the word of the Lord? These things were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come, and should they not be the objects of study in our schools? The Word of God contains instructive lessons, given in reproof, in warning, in encouragement, and in rich promises. Would not such food as this be meat in due season to the youth?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 20, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 20, 1903, par. 18

“I have made a covenant with My chosen, I have sworn unto David My servant, Thy seed will I establish forever and build up Thy throne to all generations.” [Psalm 89:3, 4.] God entered into a covenant to deliver the beings He had created. In this covenant both heaven and earth are concerned.

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 73—The Last Years of David

PP 755.1

“I have sworn unto David My servant ... with whom My hand shall be established: Mine arm also shall strengthen him.... My faithfulness and My mercy shall be with him: and in My name shall his horn be exalted. I will set his hand also in the sea, and his right hand in the rivers. He shall cry unto Me, Thou art my Father, my God, and the Rock of my salvation. Also I will make him My first-born, higher than the kings of the earth. My mercy will I keep for him forevermore, and My covenant shall stand fast with him.” Psalm 89:3-28.

PP 755.2

“His seed also will I make to endure forever,
And his throne as the days of heaven.” Psalm 89:29.

The Sanctified Life

The Majesty of God

SL 76.2

As John meditated upon the glory of God displayed in His works, he was overwhelmed with the greatness and majesty of the Creator. Should all the inhabitants of this little world refuse obedience to God, He would not be left without glory. He could sweep every mortal from the face of the earth in a moment, and create a new race to people it and glorify His name. God is not dependent on man for honor. He could marshal the starry hosts of heaven, the millions of worlds above, to raise a song of honor and praise and glory to their Creator. “The heavens shall praise thy wonders, O Lord: thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints. For who in the heaven can be compared unto the Lord? who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the Lord? God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him” (Psalm 89:5-7).

Child Guidance

Chapter 80—Reverence for That Which Is Holy

CG 538.4

“God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.” Psalm 89:7.

God’s Amazing Grace

Come in Humility and Holy Fear, March 25

AG 92.1

God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him. Psalm 89:7.

My Life Today

Reverence for God, October 4

ML 281.1

God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him. Psalm 89:7.

Radiant Religion

He Who Fears God, January 6

RRe 8.3

“God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about Him.” Psalm 89:7.

This Day With God

The Majesty of God, April 11

TDG 110.1

O Lord God of hosts, who is a strong Lord like unto thee? ... Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them. Psalm 89:8, 9.

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

MR No. 645—God Rules in Spite of Evil

8MR 411.3

Think of the love of God manifested to man. Think what Jesus the Prince of Life suffered in this world, the just for the unjust, that He might save men from death and misery. God governs the world. He is Omnipotent. Be sure then, whatever His wisdom desires, or His love inspires, His power will execute. “O Lord God of hosts, who is a strong Lord like unto Thee? or to Thy faithfulness round about Thee? Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, Thou stillest them. Justice and judgment are the habitation of Thy throne; mercy and truth shall go before Thy face” (Psalm 89:8, 9, 14).—Letter 49, 1886, pp. 1, 2. (To L. R. Conradi, August 30, 1886.)

Manuscript Releases, vol. 21 [Nos. 1501-1598]

MR No. 1545—God Uses Imprisonment for His Own Purposes

21MR 219.5

Think of the love of God manifested to man. Think what Jesus, the Prince of Life, suffered in this world—the Just for the unjust, that He might save men from death and misery. God governs the world. He is Omnipotent. Be sure then, whatever His wisdom desires or His love inspires, His power will execute. [Psalm 89:8, 9, 14, quoted.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Lt 49, 1886

4LtMs, Lt 49, 1886, par. 5

Think of the love of God manifested to man. Think what Jesus the Prince of Life suffered in this world, the just for the unjust, that He might save men from death and misery. God governs the world. He is Omnipotent. Be sure then whatever His wisdom desires, or His love inspires, His power will execute. “O Lord God of Hosts, who is a strong Lord like unto Thee? or to Thy faithfulness round about Thee? Thou rulest the raging of the sea; when the waves thereof arise, Thou stillest them. ... Justice and judgment are the habitation of Thy throne; mercy and truth shall go before Thy face.” [Psalm 89:8, 9, 14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Lt 136, 1908

23LtMs, Lt 136, 1908, par. 9

Read carefully the following words of David, recorded in (Psalm 89:8-19): “O Lord God of hosts, who is a strong Lord like unto Thee? or to Thy faithfulness round about Thee? Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, Thou stillest them. Thou hast broken Rahab in pieces, as one that is slain; Thou hast scattered Thine enemies with Thy strong arm. The heavens are Thine; the earth also is Thine; as for the world and the fulness thereof, Thou hast founded them. The north and the south Thou hast created them: Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in Thy name.

The Upward Look

Bring a Return to God, December 12

UL 360.1

The heavens are thine, the earth also is thine: as for the world and the fulness thereof, thou hast founded them. Psalm 89:11.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 24, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 24, 1902, par. 15

In order to be purified and to remain pure, Seventh-day Adventists must have the Holy Spirit in their hearts and in their homes. The Lord has given me light that when the Israel of today humble themselves before Him and cleanse the soul-temple from all defilement, He will hear their prayers in behalf of the sick and will bless in the use of His remedies for disease. When in faith the human agent does all that he can to combat disease, using the simple methods of treatment that God has provided, his efforts will be effectual. “The heavens are Thine, the earth also is Thine,” “and they that dwell therein.” [Psalm 89:11; 24:1.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 19e, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 19e, 1892, par. 4

“Thou hast a mighty arm: strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand.” [Psalm 89:13.] He is the mighty God who is “able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.” [Ephesians 3:20.]

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 1—Why was Sin Permitted?

PP 33.3

“Strong is Thy hand, and high is Thy right hand.
Righteousness and judgment are the foundation of Thy throne:
Mercy and truth go before Thy face.
Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound:
They walk, O Lord, in the light of Thy countenance.
In Thy name do they rejoice all the day:
And in Thy righteousness are they exalted.
For Thou art the glory of their strength: ...
For our shield belongeth unto Jehovah,
And our king to the Holy One.” Psalm 89:13-18, R.V. [Note: In this text and in some other Bible quotations used in this book the word “Jehovah” is employed instead of “Lord,” as rendered in the American Supplement to the Revised Version.]

PP 34.2

The Father wrought by His Son in the creation of all heavenly beings. “By Him were all things created, ... whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him.” Colossians 1:16. Angels are God’s ministers, radiant with the light ever flowing from His presence and speeding on rapid wing to execute His will. But the Son, the anointed of God, the “express image of His person,” “the brightness of His glory,” “upholding all things by the word of His power,” holds supremacy over them all. Hebrews 1:3. “A glorious high throne from the beginning,” was the place of His sanctuary (Jeremiah 17:12); “a scepter of righteousness,” the scepter of His kingdom. Hebrews 1:8. “Honor and majesty are before Him: strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.” Psalm 96:6. Mercy and truth go before His face. Psalm 89:14.

Sons and Daughters of God

He Manifests His Love Toward Us, January 12

SD 18.3

“Strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand.
Righteousness and judgment are the foundation of thy throne:
Mercy and truth go before thy face.
Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound;
They walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance.
In thy name do they rejoice all the day;
And in thy righteousness are they exalted.
For thou art the glory of their strength....” Psalm 89:13-18, R.V.

A Solemn Appeal

Chapter 3—Obedience to the Law of God

SA 140.1

Mercy and truth are promised to the humble and penitent, and judgments are prepared for the sinful and rebellious. “Justice and judgment are the habitation of Thy throne.” Psalm 89:14. A wicked and adulterous people will not escape the wrath of God, the punishment they have justly earned. Man has fallen, and his is a work of a lifetime, be it longer or shorter, to recover from his fall, and regain, through Christ, the image of the divine, which he has lost by sin and continued transgression. God requires a thorough transformation of soul, body, and spirit, in order to regain the estate lost through Adam. The Lord mercifully sends rays of light to show man his true condition. If he will not walk in the light, he manifests a pleasure in darkness. He will not come to the light lest his deeds should be reproved.

God’s Amazing Grace

Established in Justice and Judgment, March 7

AG 74.1

Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face. Psalm 89:14.

This Day With God

God’s Law Is Immutable, August 25

TDG 246.1

Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face. Psalm 89:14.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 44, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 44, 1900, par. 19

Heaven is a world of order. “Justice and judgment are the habitation of his throne. Mercy and truth go before his face.” [Psalm 89:14.] We are apt to think that we are carrying great loads when we have the satisfaction of knowing that Jesus carries them all for us. “The Lord reigneth, let the people tremble. He sitteth between the cherubims: let the earth be moved. The Lord is great in Zion: and he is high above all the people: let them praise thy great and terrible name for it is holy.” [Psalm 99:1.]

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

MR No. 815—Evangelizing Big Cities From Outposts

10MR 244.1

When as God’s peculiar people we take heed to His words, then will every one of us be able to say, “Our soul waiteth for the Lord: He is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name” (Psalm 33:20, 21). “I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked unto Him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed” (Psalm 34:1-5). “Blessed are the people who hear the joyful sound” (see Psalm 89:15). I will “create Jerusalem a rejoicing and her people a joy” (Isaiah 65:18).

The Faith I Live By

Singing on Life’s Way, September 24

FLB 273.1

Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance. Psalm 89:15.

Radiant Religion

Praise Promotes Health of Body and Soul, September 6

RRe 251.1

Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of Thy countenance. Psalm 89:15.

Radiant Religion

For It Brings Joy and Cheer, September 11

RRe 256.7

“Happy the people who know Thy festal songs, who live within the sunshine of Thy favour!” Psalm 89:15, Moffatt.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 85, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 85, 1899, par. 31

When as God’s peculiar people we take heed to His words, then will every one of us be able to say, “Our soul waiteth for the Lord. He is our help and our shield; our heart shall rejoice in him. Because we have trusted in his holy name.” “I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord, the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked unto him, and were lightened, and their faces were not ashamed.” “Blessed are the people who hear the joyful sound.” [Psalm 33:20, 21; 34:1-5; 89:15.] I will “create Jerusalem a rejoicing and her people a joy.” [Isaiah 65:18.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 107, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 107, 1902, par. 3

“The path of the just is as the shining light, which shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” [Proverbs 4:18.] “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.” “They shall walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance.” [Psalm 32:1, 2; 89:15.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 83, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 83, 1902, par. 17

When as God’s peculiar people we take heed to His words, then will every one of us be able to say: “Our soul waiteth for the Lord. He is our help and shield; our heart shall rejoice in Him because we have trusted in His holy name.” “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. ... I sought the Lord and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked upon Him and were lightened, and their faces were not ashamed.” “Blessed are the people who hear the joyful sound; I will create Jerusalem a rejoicing and her people a joy.” [Psalm 33:20, 21; 34:1, 4, 5; 89:15.]

Radiant Religion

Delight in Christ’s Name, January 12

RRe 14.1

In Thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in Thy righteousness shall they be exalted. Psalm 89:16.

RRe 14.4

“They shall walk, O Lord, in the light of Thy countenance. In Thy name shall they rejoice.” Psalm 89:15, 16.

Our Father Cares

Take Hold of Divine Strength, September 20

OFC 275.1

Then thou spakest in vision to thy holy one, and saidst, I have laid help upon one that is mighty. Psalm 89:19.

This Day With God

Take Hold of Divine Strength, August 24

TDG 245.1

Then thou spakest in vision to thy holy one, and saidst, I have laid help upon one that is mighty. Psalm 89:19.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 59, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 59, 1899, par. 11

Again Satan claimed that he [man] need not follow expressly the command of God in presenting the slain lamb as an offering. Cain obeyed the voice of the deceiver, and because God did not accept his offering, while He showed His approval of the sacrifice of Abel, he rose up in anger and slew his brother. Let us each know for ourselves what voice we are heeding, whether it is the voice of the true and living God, or the voice of the great apostate. Eternal life is of value to each of us, and we must take heed how we hear. We want to know what to believe. We want sound doctrine, pure faith. We cannot afford to receive the sayings of men for the commandments of God, for if we do this, we shall make void God’s law. The Lord has said, “If his children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments; if they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments, then will I visit their transgression with a rod, and their iniquity with stripes.” [Psalm 89:30-32.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Lt 146, 1909

24LtMs, Lt 146, 1909, par. 16

Of those who are formed in His image, Christ requires conformity to His character. Mothers, fathers, ministers, physicians, hear the word of the Lord: “If his children forsake My law, and walk not in My judgments; if they break My statutes, and keep not My commandments; then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes.” [Psalm 89:30-32.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 160, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 160, 1898, par. 3

“If his children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments; if they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments; then will I visit their transgressions with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes. Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail.” [Psalm 89:30-33.] What are the two great principles of God’s law? “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy mind, and with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength; and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:27.] Upon these two great principles hang all the law and the prophets. It is not the knowledge that we have that there is a living God, but that His moral government extends throughout the universe, reaching even to the fallen world, that should call us to fear and obedience.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 160a, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 160a, 1898, par. 3

“If his children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments; if they break my statutes and keep not my commandments; then will I visit their transgressions with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes. Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail.” [Psalm 89:30-33.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 110, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 110, 1899, par. 11

He does not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men, but He knows that in the furnace of trial His people must be cleansed from selfishness and covetousness. He declares, “If they break my statutes and keep not my commandments, then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquities with stripes.” [Psalm 89:31, 32.] He will not vindicate those who have had great light, many opportunities, and abundant evidence of His mercy, goodness, and love, yet who yield to temptation, listen to the specious reasoning of the enemy, and do as those who do not claim to know God. For their good, to lead them to humble their hearts and seek His face, He permits disappointment, trial, and affliction to come to them.

14LtMs, Ms 110, 1899, par. 13

“Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail.” [Psalm 89:33.] The Lord is gracious to His people, imparting to them when they are most needy His grace and consolation, although they are undeserving. In their conflicts with satanic agencies they are to turn to the Stronghold for strength. If they seek Him with all the heart, He will be found of them. They will understand the Lord better than ever before. They will realize that He sent them trial because He loved them. Christ causes His people to sing of His mercy even in the midst of disappointment and failure because He would not gratify their desires. If they will take His yoke upon them, and learn of Him His meekness and lowliness, strength will come in the hour of weakness, and succor in the hour of danger.

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 72—The Rebellion of Absalom

PP 738.2

Had God permitted David to go on unrebuked in sin, and while transgressing the divine precepts, to remain in peace and prosperity upon his throne, the skeptic and infidel might have had some excuse for citing the history of David as a reproach to the religion of the Bible. But in the experience through which He caused David to pass, the Lord shows that He cannot tolerate or excuse sin. And David’s history enables us to see also the great ends which God has in view in His dealings with sin; it enables us to trace, even through darkest judgments, the working out of His purposes of mercy and beneficence. He caused David to pass under the rod, but He did not destroy him; the furnace is to purify, but not to consume. The Lord says, “If they break My statutes, and keep not My commandments; then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes. Nevertheless My loving-kindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer My faithfulness to fail.” Psalm 89:31-33.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8

His Long-Suffering Mercy

8T 276.4

Though He “delivered His strength into captivity, and His glory into the enemy’s hand,” yet He said, “My lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer My faithfulness to fail.” Psalm 78:61; 89:33.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 17, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 17, 1893, par. 16

It is impossible for man to change the institution of the Sabbath. It may be looked upon as trifling to keep the [Sabbath, but] when God laid the foundations of the earth He laid the foundations of the Sabbath. He rested on the Sabbath and sanctified it and pronounced it holy, to be kept through a thousand generations. They were to keep it for a sign to a thousand generations, and by that time we shall be in the city of God. This is worth your thinking about. We cannot be sanctified through error. We have an open Bible. Where is your foundation for Sunday? God says, “I change not” “nor alter the thing that has gone out of my lips.” [Malachi 3:6; Psalm 89:34.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 229, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 229, 1903, par. 5

The Word of God can always be relied upon. “My covenant will I not break,” He says, “nor alter the thing that is gone out of My lips.” [Psalm 89:34.] “A soft answer turneth away wrath.” [Proverbs 15:1.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 11, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 11, 1893, par. 15

But I tell you to build your holy faith on it, because it is the everlasting Word of Jehovah. As John has a view of the people of God, he says, “Here are they that keep the commandments of God.” “And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament.” [Revelation 14:12; 11:19.] Every one has his eye directed to the sanctuary where the commandments of God are. Right over the ark of His testament is the mercy seat. Written over the throne of God is His bow of promise. Why, the commandment-keeping people, they shall not perish, but have everlasting life. Here is the bow of promise. God has covenanted, and He will be with His people. How dare any give the trumpet an uncertain sound, as they do when they say Sunday is the Sabbath, when God has not given them one syllable to say so? But He says, “I will not alter nor change the thing that has gone out of my mouth.” [See Psalm 89:34.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 115, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 115, 1894, par. 4

The Lord says, “I will not change nor alter the thing that has gone out of my lips.” [Psalm 89:34.] Christ who came to represent the Father declared to an immense congregation in his sermon on the mount, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of the least of these commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” [Matthew 5:17-19.] But the Roman power has taken a course exactly opposite to the teachings of Christ, and has spoken great words against the most High, worn out the saints of the Most High, and thought to change the times and laws of the Most High.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 22, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 22, 1895, par. 24

Great light was given to the Reformers, but many of them received the sophistry of error through misinterpretation of the Scriptures. These errors have come down through the centuries, but although they be hoary with age, yet they have not behind them a “Thus saith the Lord.” For the Lord has said, I will not “alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.” [Psalm 89:34.] In His great mercy the Lord has permitted still greater light to shine in these last days. To us He has sent His message, revealing His law and showing us what is truth.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 24b, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 24b, 1896, par. 3

Well-nigh universal contempt is shown to the law of God, and all who are loyal to Him have a sacred and solemn work to do in magnifying the law, and making it honorable. God placed His sanctity upon the seventh day, and gave it to man to keep holy; and He said, “My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my mouth.” [Psalm 89:34.] By rendering obedience to His commandments, we uphold the honor of God in the earth.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 24, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 24, 1896, par. 26

Well-nigh universal contempt is shown to the law of God, and all who are loyal to Him have a sacred and solemn work to do in magnifying the law, and making it honorable. God placed His sanctity upon the seventh day, and gave it to man to keep holy; and He said, “My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my mouth.” [Psalm 89:34.] By rendering obedience to His commandments, we uphold the honor of God in the earth.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 69, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 69, 1896, par. 2

Well-nigh universal contempt is shown to the law of God, and all who are loyal to Him have a sacred and solemn work to do in magnifying the law, and making it honorable. God placed His sanctity upon the seventh day, and gave it to men to keep holy; and He says, “My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my mouth.” [Psalm 89:34.] By rendering obedience to His commandments, we uphold the honor of God in the earth.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 79, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 79, 1896, par. 5

The law of God is the expression of his character, and in his holy word it is pronounced holy, just, and good. David says, “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.” [Psalm 19:7.] With all the exalted influence and glory he possessed before his fall, Satan could not change the smallest letter of the law; and as an apostate and a traitor, he has still been unable to alter it. If he has succeeded in his purpose of gaining the professed Christian world to his side, and if the world and the church have formed a bond of fellowship to make void the law of God, that does not prove that it has been changed. To admit that God instituted a law so imperfect in character that it needed to be changed, would be to stamp God as changeable and imperfect. But God has spoken on this point; let us heed what he says. “My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that this is gone out of my lips.” [Psalm 89:34.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 88, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 88, 1897, par. 12

From beginning to end, God’s requirements set forth His eternal truth. His law is the test of character. His covenant with man declares the immutability of His counsel. God is truth. He declares that He will not alter the thing that has gone out of His mouth. [Psalm 89:34.]

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

General Notes

GC88 691.3

The Sabbath is the sign of God; it is the seal of His law. Isaiah 8:16. It is the token of His authority and power. It is a sign whereby we may know that He is God, and therefore it is appropriately said to be placed in the forehead. The worshipers of the beast (Revelation 13) are said to receive his mark in their foreheads or in their hands. As the forehead represents the intellect, the hand represents power, as Psalm 89:48, “Shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave?” Compulsory worship is not acceptable to God; His servants are sealed only in their foreheads. But it is acceptable to wicked powers; it has always been craved by the Romish hierarchy. See chapter 25 for proof on the nature of this mark. The sign or seal of God is his Sabbath, and the seal or mark of the beast is in direct opposition to it; it is a counterfeit Sabbath on the “day of the sun.” According to Revelation 14:9-12, they who do not receive the mark of the beast keep the commandments of God; and the Sabbath is in the fourth precept; they keep the Sabbath of the Lord; they have his sign or seal. The importance of this sign is shown in this, that the fourth commandment is the only one in the law which distinguishes the Creator from false gods. Compare Jeremiah 10:10-12; Acts 17:23, 24; Revelation 14:6, 7, etc. and it is that part of his law for keeping which his people will suffer persecution. But when the wrath of God comes upon the persecutors who are found enforcing the sign or mark of the beast, then they will realize the importance of the Sabbath,—the seal of the living God. They who turn away from that which the Lord spoke when his voice shook the earth, will confess their fatal error when his voice shall shake the heavens and the earth. Hebrews 12:25, 26; Joel 3:9-16, and others. See also pages 639, 640 of this book.

The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4

Appendix

4SP 505.3

The Sabbath is the sign of God; it is the seal of his law. Isaiah 8:16. It is the token of his authority and power. It is a sign whereby we may know that he is God, and therefore it is appropriately said to be placed in the forehead. The worshipers of the beast (Revelation 13) are said to receive his mark in their foreheads or in their hands. As the forehead represents the intellect, the hand represents power, as Psalm 89:48, “Shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave?” Compulsory worship is not acceptable to God; his servants are sealed only in their foreheads. But it is acceptable to wicked powers; it has always been craved by the Romish hierarchy. See Note 8 for proof on the nature of this mark. The sign or seal of God is his Sabbath, and the seal or mark of the beast is in direct opposition to it; it is a counterfeit Sabbath on the “day of the sun.” In the message of the third angel (Revelation 14:9-12) they who do not receive the mark of the beast keep the commandments of God, and the Sabbath is in the fourth precept; they keep the Sabbath of the Lord; they have his sign or seal. The importance of this sign is shown in this, that the fourth commandment is the only one in the law which distinguishes the Creator from false gods. Compare Jeremiah 10:10-12; Acts 17:23, 24; Revelation 14:6, 7; etc. and it is that part of his law for keeping which his people will suffer persecution. But when the wrath of God comes upon the persecutors who arefound enforcing the sign or mark of the beast, then they will realize the importance of the Sabbath,—the seal of the living God. They who turn away from that which the Lord spoke when his voice shook the earth, will confess their fatal error when his voice shall shake the heavens and the earth. Hebrews 12:25, 26: Joel 3:9-16, and others. See also page 457 of this book.