EGW WritingsRevelation 21
Ellen G. White · Page 1 of 3
Read Revelation 21 in the BibleRevelation 21:1-2
The Faith I Live By
Living the Life of Eden, December 20
FLB 360.1
And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. Revelation 21:1.FLB 360.4
“I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away.... And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” Revelation 21:1, 2....Revelation 21:1-4
Manuscript Releases, vol. 3 [Nos. 162-209]
The Ladder to Heaven
3MR 86.1
The Lord of heaven has an eternity of happiness for His children in the earth made new. John says, “I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Revelation 21:1-4.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 42, 1886
4LtMs, Ms 42, 1886, par. 14
The Lord of heaven has an eternity of happiness for His children in the earth made new. John says, “I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven, saying, Behold the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Revelation 21:1-4.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 143, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 143, 1901, par. 26
John says, “I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven, saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.” [Revelation 21:1-3.] This is glad news to all who love God; but is it a matter of rejoicing to those who delight in feeding the mind on commonplace and trivial things? Those who take no pleasure in thinking and talking of God in this life will not enjoy the life that is to come, where God is ever present, dwelling among His people. But those who love to think of God will be in their element, breathing in the atmosphere of heaven. Those who on earth love the thought of heaven will be happy in its holy associations and pleasures. The prophet says, “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away.” [Verse 4.] “And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him; and they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.” [Revelation 22:3, 4.]Revelation 21:1-5
Manuscript Releases, vol. 10 [Nos. 771-850]
MR No. 807—The Vision of Moses
10MR 159.1
Moses saw the land of Canaan as it will appear when it becomes the home of the saints. John the Revelator was given a view of this same land, of which he writes: [Revelation 21:1-5 quoted].The Review and Herald
June 9, 1896
RH June 9, 1896, par. 4
You need never feel that you are alone. Angels are your companions. The Comforter that Jesus Christ promised to send in his name, abides with you. Christ said of his followers, “Ye are the light of the world.” It is your part to let the light shine forth in clear, steady rays. Let your good works represent Christ. How many there are who feel that it would be a good thing to tread the soil of old Jerusalem, and that their faith would be greatly strengthened by visiting the scenes of the Saviour’s life and death! But old Jerusalem will never be a sacred place until it is cleansed by the refining fire from heaven. The darkest blot of guilt rests upon the city that refused the light of Christ. Do we want to walk in the footsteps of Jesus? We need not seek out the paths in Nazareth, Bethany, and Jerusalem. We shall find the footprints of Jesus by the sick-bed, by the side of suffering humanity, in the hovels of the poverty-stricken and distressed. We may walk in these footsteps, comforting the suffering, speaking words of hope and comfort to the despondent. Doing as Jesus did when he was upon earth, we shall walk in his blessed steps. Jesus said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” When the sin-cursed earth is purified from every stain of sin; when the Mount of Olives is rent asunder, and becomes an immense plain; when the holy city of God descends upon it,—the land that is now called the Holy Land will indeed become holy. But God’s cause and work will not be advanced by making pilgrimages to Jerusalem. The curse of God is upon Jerusalem for the rejection and crucifixion of his only begotten Son. But God will cleanse away the vile blot. The prophet says, “I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth are passed away; and the sea is no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of the throne saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he shall dwell with them, and they shall be his peoples, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God: and he shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more; neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more: the first things are passed away. And he that sitteth on the throne said, Behold, I make all things new.” Revelation 21:1-5, R. V.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 26, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 26, 1895, par. 12
The prophet says, “I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth are passed away: and the sea is no more. And I saw the Holy City, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of the throne, saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he shall dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God: and he shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more; neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more: the first things are passed away. And he that sitteth on the throne said, Behold, I make all things new.” [Revelation 21:1-5.] [R.V.]Revelation 21:1-7
Life Sketches of Ellen G. White
Scripture Reading
LS 464.4
“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth,” read Elder F. M. Wilcox, of Washington, D.C. “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” The passages read from the visions of John on the isle of Patmos were Revelation 21:1-7; 22:1-5; and with these were linked the precious promises recorded in the thirty-fifth chapter of Isaiah’s prophecy. “The ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 100, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 100, 1895, par. 22
The disciple John writes, “I saw a new heaven and a new earth for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away, and there was no more sea. And I John saw the Holy City, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people; and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God and he shall be my son.” [Revelation 21:1-7.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 137, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 137, 1903, par. 17
John the Revelator writes, “I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away, and there was no more sea. And I ... saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven, saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away. And He that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And He said unto me, Write; for these words are true and faithful. And He said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be My son.” [Revelation 21:1-7.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Ms 89, 1909
24LtMs, Ms 89, 1909, par. 3
“And He that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And He said unto me, Write, for these words are true and faithful. And He said unto me, It is done, I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be My son.” [Revelation 21:1-7.]Revelation 21:1-8
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Ms 184, 1907
22LtMs, Ms 184, 1907, par. 25
Revelation 21:1, 2. Now, that is a representation of what was to be.22LtMs, Ms 184, 1907, par. 26
Verse 3. Now they have done their best in the work of overcoming. They lived on the plan of addition, as I have repeated.22LtMs, Ms 184, 1907, par. 27
Verse 5. Now we have it. He told him to write it, and here it is written for us.22LtMs, Ms 184, 1907, par. 28
Verses 6, 7. We want to remember this is why Christ has given His life to humiliation, to sacrifice, to suffering, to a cruel death by torture, hanging on the cross in order to bring this to pass.22LtMs, Ms 184, 1907, par. 29
Verse 8. That is a terrible thing, for the world now is full of corruption. I have seen it, I have been in San Francisco. I have spoken there several times in the meetinghouse that my husband and I and a few other united in building. The flames came to just a little ways from it, all but to it, and then they stopped, and there is their meetinghouse. I thank God. But wickedness still prevails there—saloons, liquor saloons, liquor drinking—and the liquor is poisoned; it makes man mad that take it, so that they know nothing of what they do.22LtMs, Ms 184, 1907, par. 36
And I want to tell you, it becomes us to appreciate anything of the order that we have here to educate students, and to have a place for the sick to be cured. I say, dear friends, I am so thankful that there is a place where we shall learn more than we have learned now. “He that overcometh shall inherit all things.” Revelation 21:7. You just think of that. We are so glorified, imitating His life and character, that we are enabled to see His face, and His name shall be in our foreheads. Thank God.22LtMs, Ms 184, 1907, par. 37
Verse 5. Now, if everlasting life not worth a trial, then tell me so. It is worth a trial of every nerve, of every sinew, of every muscle, of every brain power. It is for us to try to reach the highest standard possible, and the Lord of heaven will perform the rest. And He will lead us to the tree of life, all the time talking with us, as we go along, of this Word that we do not understand. God bless you, every one of you, that you may see His face.Revelation 21:1-11
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 389, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 389, 1904, par. 4
Quite a large congregation was before me, and I had much freedom in speaking of the responsibilities resting upon each and every one to do his best to reach the perfection of character it was the privilege of each one to reach, and now was our opportunity to receive the things we ask for from Christ Jesus, and receiving to impart. All seemed deeply interested. I read to them at the commencement of my remarks (Revelation 21:1-11), and my remarks were upon the great science of the plan of salvation. If all would study the plan of God for the saving of the world through Jesus Christ, who gave His whole being to achieve this; if we study that which Christ has made it possible for every soul, from the highest nobleman to the poorest servant, to obtain the eternal riches, such as cannot be obtained in the earthly region, all would be intensely interested in this heavenly science of making their investments in that blessed world where nothing is at discount. All, all is the highest science for any mortal to obtain—the far more, the exceeding and eternal weight of glory.Revelation 21:1-16
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Ms 87, 1909
24LtMs, Ms 87, 1909, par. 1
“I saw a new heaven, and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven, saying, Behold the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things have passed away.” [Revelation 21:1-4.]24LtMs, Ms 87, 1909, par. 4
“On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof. And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with a reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.” [Verses 5-16.]Revelation 21:1-22
The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4
Chapter 37—The Controversy Ended
4SP 489.2
“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away.” [Revelation 21:1.] The fire that consumes the wicked purifies the earth. Every trace of the curse is swept away. No eternally burning hell will keep before the ransomed the fearful consequences of sin. One reminder alone remains: our Redeemer will ever bear the marks of his crucifixion. Upon his wounded head, his hands and feet, are the only traces of the cruel work that sin has wrought.4SP 490.2
There is the New Jerusalem, “having the glory of God,” her light “like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.” [Revelation 21:11.] Saith the Lord, “I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people.” [Isaiah 65:19.] “The tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God, And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away.” [Revelation 21:3, 4.]4SP 491.2
“I saw no temple therein; for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.” [Revelation 21:22.] The people of God are privileged to hold open communion with the Father and the Son. Now we “see through a glass, darkly.” [1 Corinthians 13:12.] We behold the image of God reflected, as in a mirror, in the works of nature and in his dealings with men; but then we shall see him face to face, without a dimming vail between. We shall stand in his presence, and gaze upon the glory of his countenance.Heaven
Chapter 15—The Earth Made New
Hvn 134.3
Garden of Eden Restored—The Garden of Eden remained upon the earth long after man had become an outcast from its pleasant paths. The fallen race were long permitted to gaze upon the home of innocence, their entrance barred only by the watching angels. At the cherubim-guarded gate of Paradise the divine glory was revealed. Hither came Adam and his sons to worship God. Here they renewed their vows of obedience to that law the transgression of which had banished them from Eden. When the tide of iniquity overspread the world, and the wickedness of men determined their destruction by a flood of waters, the hand that had planted Eden withdrew it from the earth. But in the final restitution, when there shall be “a new heaven and a new earth” (Revelation 21:1), it is to be restored more gloriously adorned than at the beginning.Hvn 141.1
No Temple, But Face-To-Face Communion—“I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.” Revelation 21:22. The people of God are privileged to hold open communion with the Father and the Son. “Now we see through a glass, darkly.” 1 Corinthians 13:12. We behold the image of God reflected, as in a mirror, in the works of nature and in His dealings with men; but then we shall see Him face to face, without a dimming veil between. We shall stand in His presence and behold the glory of His countenance.—The Great Controversy, 676, 677.Revelation 21:1-23
Education
Chapter 35—The School of the Hereafter
Ed 301.4
“I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away.... And I John saw the Holy City, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” Revelation 21:1, 2.Ed 301.5
“The city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.” Revelation 21:23.Ed 302.2
The prophet beholds the “river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.” “And on this side of the river and on that was the tree of life.” “And there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Revelation 22:1; 22:2, R.V.; 21:4.Ed 302.5
“The tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God.” Revelation 21:3.Heaven
Chapter 16—Heaven Is a School
Hvn 146.4
“I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away.... And I John saw the Holy City, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” Revelation 21:1, 2.Hvn 147.1
“The city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.” Revelation 21:23.Hvn 147.4
The prophet beholds the “river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.” “And on this side of the river and on that was the tree of life.” “And there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Revelation 22:1; 22:2, R.V.; 21:4.Hvn 148.2
“The tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God.” Revelation 21:3.Revelation 21:1-24
The Great Controversy
Chapter 42—The Controversy Ended
GC 674.1
“I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away.” Revelation 21:1. The fire that consumes the wicked purifies the earth. Every trace of the curse is swept away. No eternally burning hell will keep before the ransomed the fearful consequences of sin.GC 676.1
Pain cannot exist in the atmosphere of heaven. There will be no more tears, no funeral trains, no badges of mourning. “There shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying: ... for the former things are passed away.” “The inhabitant shall not say, I am sick: the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity.” Revelation 21:4; Isaiah 33:24.GC 676.2
There is the New Jerusalem, the metropolis of the glorified new earth, “a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God.” “Her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.” “The nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honor into it.” Saith the Lord: “I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in My people.” “The tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God.” Isaiah 62:3; Revelation 21:11, 24; Isaiah 65:19; Revelation 21:3.GC 676.4
“I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.” Revelation 21:22. The people of God are privileged to hold open communion with the Father and the Son. “Now we see through a glass, darkly.” 1 Corinthians 13:12. We behold the image of God reflected, as in a mirror, in the works of nature and in His dealings with men; but then we shall see Him face to face, without a dimming veil between. We shall stand in His presence and behold the glory of His countenance.The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)
Chapter 42—The Controversy Ended
GC88 673.4
“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away.” [Revelation 21:1.] The fire that consumes the wicked purifies the earth. Every trace of the curse is swept away. No eternally burning hell will keep before the ransomed the fearful consequences of sin.GC88 676.1
Pain cannot exist in the atmosphere of Heaven. There will be no more tears, no funeral trains, no badges of mourning. “There shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, ... for the former things are passed away.” [Revelation 21:4, 11, 24, 3.] “The inhabitant shall not say, I am sick; the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity.” [Isaiah 11:6, 9; 33:24; 62:3; 65:19.]GC88 676.2
There is the New Jerusalem, the metropolis of the glorified new earth, “a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God.” [Isaiah 11:6, 9; 33:24; 62:3; 65:19.] “Her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.” “The nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it; and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honor into it.” [Revelation 21:4, 11, 24, 3.] Saith the Lord, “I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people.” [Isaiah 11:6, 9; 33:24; 62:3; 65:19.] “The tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.” [Revelation 21:4, 11, 24, 3.]GC88 676.3
In the city of God “there shall be no night.” None will need or desire repose. There will be no weariness in doing the will of God and offering praise to his name. We shall ever feel the freshness of the morning, and shall ever be far from its close. “And they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light.” [Revelation 22:5; 21:22.] The light of the sun will be superseded by a radiance which is not painfully dazzling, yet which immeasurably surpasses the brightness of our noontide. The glory of God and the Lamb floods the holy city with unfading light. The redeemed walk in the sunless glory of perpetual day.GC88 676.4
“I saw no temple therein; for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.” [Revelation 22:5; 21:22.] The people of God are privileged to hold open communion with the Father and the Son. Now we “see through a glass, darkly.” [1 Corinthians 13:12.] We behold the image of God reflected, as in a mirror, in the works of nature and in his dealings with men; but then we shall see him face to face, without a dimming veil between. We shall stand in his presence, and behold the glory of his countenance.The Great Hope (Condensed)
Our Final Home
GrH_c 53.7
“I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away.” Revelation 21:1. The fire that consumes the wicked purifies the earth. Every trace of the curse is swept away. No eternally burning hell will keep before the ransomed the fearful consequences of sin.GrH_c 54.2
Pain cannot exist in heaven. There will be no more tears, no funeral trains. “There shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying:... for the former things are passed away.” “The inhabitant shall not say, I am sick: the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity.” Revelation 21:4; Isaiah 33:24.GrH_c 54.3
There is the New Jerusalem, the metropolis of the glorified new earth. “Her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.” “The nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honor into it.” “The tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.” Revelation 21:11, 24, 3.GrH_c 54.5
“I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.” Revelation 21:22. The people of God are privileged to hold open communion with the Father and the Son. Now we behold the image of God as in a mirror, but then we shall see Him face to face, without a dimming veil between.Revelation 21:1-27
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 236, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 236, 1903, par. 18
“And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife. And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the Holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; and had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel.” [Revelation 21:1-12.]18LtMs, Lt 236, 1903, par. 20
John continues his description of the holy city: “And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honor into it. And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. And they shall bring the glory and honor of the nations into it. And there shall in no wise enter into it anything that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” [Verses 22-27.]Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1
Chapter 9—Vision of the New Earth
1T 67.2
With Jesus at our head, we all descended from the city down to this earth, on a great and mighty mountain, which could not bear Jesus up, and it parted asunder, and there was a mighty plain. Then we looked up and saw the great city, with twelve foundations, and twelve gates, three on each side, and an angel at each gate. We all cried out: “The city, the great city, it’s coming, it’s coming down from God out of heaven,” and it came and settled on the place where we stood. Then we began to look at the glorious things outside of the city. There I saw most beautiful houses, that had the appearance of silver, supported by four pillars set with pearls, most glorious to behold, which were to be inhabited by the saints, and in which was a golden shelf. I saw many of the saints go into the houses, take off their glittering crowns and lay them on the shelf, then go out into the field by the houses to do something with the earth; not as we have to do with the earth here; no, no. A glorious light shone all about their heads, and they were continually offering praise to God.1T 68.1
And I saw another field full of all kinds of flowers, and as I plucked them, I cried out: “They will never fade.” Next I saw a field of tall grass, most glorious to behold; it was living green, and had a reflection of silver and gold, as it waved proudly to the glory of King Jesus. Then we entered a field full of all kinds of beasts—the lion, the lamb, the leopard, and the wolf, all together in perfect union. We passed through the midst of them, and they followed on peaceably after. Then we entered a wood, not like the dark woods we have here; no, no; but light, and all over glorious; the branches of the trees waved to and fro, and we all cried out: “We will dwell safely in the wilderness and sleep in the woods.” We passed through the woods, for we were on our way to Mount Zion.1T 68.2
As we were traveling along, we met a company who were also gazing at the glories of the place. I noticed red as a border on their garments; their crowns were brilliant; their robes were pure white. As we greeted them, I asked Jesus who they were. He said they were martyrs that had been slain for Him. With them was an innumerable company of little ones; they had a hem of red on their garments also. Mount Zion was just before us, and on the mount was a glorious temple, and about it were seven other mountains, on which grew roses and lilies. And I saw the little ones climb, or, if they chose, use their little wings and fly to the top of the mountains, and pluck the never-fading flowers. There were all kinds of trees around the temple to beautify the place—the box, the pine, the fir, the oil, the myrtle, the pomegranate, and the fig tree bowed down with the weight of its timely figs; these made the place all over glorious. And as we were about to enter the temple, Jesus raised His lovely voice and said, “Only the 144,000 enter this place,” and we shouted, “Alleluia!”1T 69.1
This temple was supported by seven pillars, all of transparent gold, set with pearls most glorious. The wonderful things I there saw, I cannot describe. Oh, that I could talk in the language of Canaan, then could I tell a little of the glory of the better world. I saw there tables of stone in which the names of the 144,000 were engraved in letters of gold.1T 69.2
After beholding the glory of the temple, we went out, and Jesus left us and went to the city. Soon we heard His lovely voice again, saying: “Come, My people, you have come out of great tribulation, and done My will, suffered for Me, come in to supper; for I will gird Myself and serve you.” We shouted, “Alleluia, glory,” and entered the city. Here I saw a table of pure silver; it was many miles in length, yet our eyes could extend over it. I saw the fruit of the tree of life, the manna, almonds, figs, pomegranates, grapes, and many other kinds of fruit. I asked Jesus to let me eat of the fruit. He said: “Not now. Those who eat of the fruit of this land, go back to earth no more. But in a little while, if faithful, you shall both eat of the fruit of the tree of life and drink of the water of the fountain. And,” said He, “you must go back to the earth again, and relate to others what I have revealed to you.” Then an angel bore me gently down to this dark world. Sometimes I think I can stay here no longer, all things of earth look so dreary. I feel very lonely here, for I have seen a better land. Oh that I had wings like a dove, then would I fly away and be at rest.1T 70.1
Brother Hyde, who was present during this vision, composed the following verses, which have gone the rounds of the religious papers, and have found a place in several hymn-books. Those who have published, read, and sung them have little thought that they originated from a vision of a girl persecuted for her humble testimony.1T 70.2
We have heard from the bright, the holy land;We have heard, and our hearts are glad;
For we were a lonely pilgrim band,
And weary, and worn, and sad.
They tell us the saints have a dwelling there—
No longer are homeless ones;
And we know that the goodly land is fair,
Where life’s pure river runs.
1T 70.3
They say green fields are waving there,That never a blight shall know;
And the deserts wild are blooming fair,
And the roses of Sharon grow.
There are lovely birds in the bowers green,
Their songs are blithe and sweet;
And their warblings, gushing ever new,
The angels’ harpings greet.
1T 70.4
We have heard of the palms, the robes, the crowns,And the silvery band in white;
Of the city fair, with pearly gates,
All radiant with light.
We have heard of the angels there, and saints,
With their harps of gold, how they sing;
Of the mount, with the fruitful tree of life,
Of the leaves that healing bring.
1T 70.5
The King of that country, He is fair,He’s the joy and light of the place;
In His beauty we shall behold Him there,
And bask in His smiling face. We’ll be there, we’ll be there in a little while,
We’ll join the pure and the blest;
We’ll have the palm, the robe, the crown,
And forever be at rest.
*****
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 243, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 243, 1899, par. 9
I would be greatly pleased could you unite with us in Australia in our work. You would understand [the work] better that anyone we could get to help me in getting out my testimonies which the people need so much. If I had more help, I would now begin to write, and finish up the New Testament history and then take up the Old Testament history. Which do you think would be the best—the revision of the Life of Paul and the Apostles from Acts through to Revelation, or the Old Testament from Solomon down to Malachi? I would be so pleased if I could have your help. Willie is called off on so many business matters that I cannot hope to have much of his time and careful planning.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 150, 1899
NP
October 26, 1899 [typed]
Portions of this manuscript are published in CG 310; 7BC 954; 4MR 416; CTr 312.
14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 1
“The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John; who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep the those things which are written therein; for the time is at hand.” [Revelation 1:1-3.]14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 2
“John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before the throne; and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father, to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 3
“I John,” the apostle writes, “who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” [Verses 4-9.] The same spirit which worked in the children of disobedience in Christ’s day was working against His followers. Notwithstanding the evidence given them, the Jewish people had not repented of their treatment of the Son of God, and now John, the oldest of Christ’s first disciples, was exiled for the faith.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 4
The ruling powers at Jerusalem were amazed at John’s testimony concerning the One whom they had condemned to death. The life and character of Christ had stood out before the world in sharp contrast with the life and character of the professedly religious rulers of the nation. His life of purity condemned their lives of selfishness and iniquity. And their jealousy and hatred of Him was intense. “The world is gone after him,” they declared, and they determined to rid themselves of Him. [John 12:19.] At His condemnation they hired false witnesses to witness against Him, and the representations of these men stirred the lawless mob to a pitch of frenzy.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 5
When Barabbas was placed by the side of Christ, and Pilate asked, “Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?” they cried, “Barabbas, release unto us Barabbas.” [Matthew 27:17; Luke 23:18.] “What shall I do then with Jesus,” Pilate asked. And they answered, “Let him be crucified.” [Matthew 27:22.] The thief and murdered was released, while the Son of God, who was free from every taint of evil, was condemned to die. Evil angels, under their leader Satan were the unseen agencies in this work. It was they who inspired the priests and rulers with the spirit of rebellion that originated with Satan.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 6
Christ was crucified, but He arose from the dead, appeared to His disciples, and ascended to heaven, escorted by myriads of heavenly beings. At the Father’s throne He received the assurance that His sacrifice was accepted, and that the world, divorced from God by sin, was drawn across the gulf and given another trial. Receiving Christ as a sin-pardoning Saviour, man might become an heir of God and a joint-heir with Christ; “for God so love the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him might not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.]14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 7
John had been closely associated with the Saviour during His life of ministry. He had heard His wonderful words and had seen His wonderful deeds, and his testimony was given in clear lines. Out of the abundance of a heart overflowing with love for Christ he spoke, and no power could stay his words. If we will study the epistles of John, we will understand why it was that this disciple could not be left in his old age to live in peace among his brethren. “That which was from the beginning,” he writes, “which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.” [1 John 1:1-3.]14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 8
“I sent unto you all my servants the prophets, rising early and sending them, saying, O, do not this abominable thing that I hate. But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear to turn from their wickedness. ... Wherefore my fury and mine anger was poured forth, and was kindled in the streets of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem; and they are wasted and desolate as at this day.” [Jeremiah 44:4-6.] A wicked ruler thought to silence John’s testimony, and John was cast into a cauldron of boiling oil. But his testimony was not silenced. The servant of God was preserved as were the three worthies in the fiery furnace. The Son of God was with him, abiding in his heart by faith.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 9
Like his Master, John patiently submitted to every attempt to put him to death. When his enemies cast him into the cauldron of boiling oil, they thought to hear no more from him. But as the words of satanic origin were spoken, “Thus perish all who believe in that deceiver, Jesus Christ of Nazareth,” John declared, “My Master patiently submitted to all that Satan and his angels could devise to humiliate and torture Him. He gave His life to save the world. He died that we might live. I am honored in being permitted to suffer for His sake. I am only a weak, sinful man, but Christ was holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sin and sinners. He did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth.” John’s words, while suffering at the hands of his enemies, had an influence, and he was removed from the cauldron by the very ones who had cast him in.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 10
It was after this that John was sent to the isle of Patmos, where, separated from his companions in the faith, his enemies supposed he would die from hardship and neglect. But John made friends and converts even there. They thought that they had at last placed the faithful witness where he could no longer trouble Israel or the wicked rulers of the world. But all the heavenly universe saw the result of the conflict with the aged disciple and his separation from his companions in the faith.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 11
God and Christ and the heavenly host were John’s companions on the isle of Patmos. From them he received instruction which he imparted to those separated with him from the world. There he wrote out the visions and revelations he received from God, telling of the things which would take place in the closing period of this earth’s history. When his voice would no longer witness for the truth, when he could no longer testify of the One he loved and served, the messages given to him on that rocky, barren coast were to go forth as a lamp that burneth. Every nation, kindred, tongue, and people would learn the sure purpose of the Lord, not concerning the Jewish nation merely, but every nation upon the earth.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 12
“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. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater; so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the Lord for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.” [Isaiah 55:8-13.]14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 13
The Sabbath that God instituted in Eden was as precious to John on Patmos as when he was with his companions in the cities and towns. The precious promises God had given regarding this day he repeated and claimed as his own. It was the sign to him that God was his, for had not God declared, “Verily, my Sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you. ... Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever.” [Exodus 31:13, 16, 17.]14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 14
“I was in the spirit on the Lord’s day,” John writes, “and heard behind me a great voice, saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches. ... And I turned to see the voice that spake with me, and being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; and in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothes with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with [a] golden girdle. His head and his hair were white like wool, as white as show, and his eyes were as a flame of fire; and his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 15
“And he had in his right hand seven stars, and out of his mouth went a sharp, two-edged sword; and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and behold, I am alive forever more, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are and the things which shall be hereafter.” [Revelation 1:10-19.]14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 16
The book of Revelation is to be understood because it is a revelation of the things which shall be in the last days. The future is large with importance to all who act a part in the closing scenes of this earth’s history, when only two parties will be recognized, the lowly who keep the commandments of God, and the disloyal, who refuse allegiance, and trample on the fourth commandment and every other law that stands in the way of their interests.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 17
True religion is human nature brought to the perfection of the character of Christ. “I have kept my Father’s commandments,” Christ declared. [John 15:10.] Outward show, expensive churches, a multiplicity of ceremonies and traditions, is not religion. Purity of heart and lowliness of life alone bear the signature of heaven. A certain lawyer came to Christ with the question, “Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Christ placed the answering of the question upon the lawyer himself. “What is written in the law?” He asked. “How readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God will all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” Christ said, “Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.” But the lawyer, willing to justify himself, said, “And who is my neighbor?” Then by the parable of the good Samaritan Christ showed who is our neighbor. [Luke 10:25-37.]14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 18
The gospel comprehends all that the family of God on earth should believe and practice. The law of God is far-reaching in its demands, and impresses the mind [of the believer] with a continual sense of his obligation to God and his dependence upon Him. Love to God and love to our neighbor are the two great principles underlying it, and these principles are binding upon every member of the human family. Those who refuse to obey God’s law place themselves in the ranks of the enemy, as did the angels in the heavenly courts, when they united with the great apostate.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 19
True religion consists of repentance toward God because of transgression, and faith in Christ to save from sin. There is no power in the law to save the transgressor. The law convicts the sinner of sin, but it cannot save. Christ, the Lawgiver, must receive the convicted, repentant sinner, and pardon him. The Son of God gave His life that man might have a second probation. Every advantage which God gave His Son He would give to the members of the human family, that none should perish, but all become law-abiding citizens of His kingdom.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 20
John declares sin to be the transgression of the law, and faith in Christ as the sin-pardoning Saviour is the only way of escape from its penalty. In God’s redemptive plan for the restoration of fallen man to himself, Christ was the sacrifice. He bore in His own body the sin of the world, that whosoever would might come and have everlasting life. The prayer of Christ to his father was in behalf of His disciples, and those who through their labors would become His followers.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 21
Jesus “lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: as thou has given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou has sent.” [John 17:1-3.] Satan is working with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish. Those who choose Christ will believe in Him as a personal Saviour, and these will have a personal experience in the knowledge of the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent.*****
14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 22
In the nineteenth chapter of Matthew is recorded the case of the rich young ruler. This man’s desires and tastes were not offensive, but favorable to the growth of spirituality. As he saw Christ blessing the little children, he was convinced that He must be a very good man. He was sure he could live in perfect harmony with Him. Hastening to the Saviour, he knelt before Him, and said, “Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?” “Why callest thou me good?” Christ asked. “There is none good but one; that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He said unto him, Which?” Jesus answered, “Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honor thy father and thy mother, and, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” [Verses 16-19.]14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 23
“And the young man said unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?” [Verse 20.] He had been flattered for his amiable traits of character. He was willing to do good things, and he flattered himself that by his strict integrity in dealing with his fellow men he was fulfilling the law. The perfection of character which he thought he possessed ranked him in the same state spiritually as was Paul, when, touching the letter of the law, he thought he was blameless. But no human standard can save a soul from death. God’s standard must be seen, acknowledged, and followed.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 24
“If thou wilt be perfect,” Christ said, “go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shall have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.” [Verse 21.] Jesus needed the co-operation of just such men, whom God has entrusted with His goods. It is God’s plan that those to whom He has given money or houses or lands shall act as His faithful almoners, relieving the suffering of their fellow beings, and in this way winning them to the Saviour.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 25
By helping the Saviour to help the needy, suffering ones around him, the young ruler would indeed have been laying up treasure in heaven. The test had come to him. What would the result be? When he heard Christ’s words, “he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions.” [Verse 22.]14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 26
Jesus tested the young ruler by a true standard—the law of righteousness, which requires man to love his neighbor as himself; and the ruler proved himself to be destitute of love either for God or man. He thought himself perfect, but he was weighed in the balances of the sanctuary and found wanting. He was alienated from God, for he counted that which God had given him in trust as of far more value than heavenly treasure. He went away sorrowful, because he could not selfishly retain his possessions and at the same time have the pleasure of following Christ.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 27
“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. And when his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?” [Verses 23-25.] They had expected the young ruler to do as Matthew had done, and because of his refusal they were sorrowful and dejected. Jesus said, “With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” [Verse 26.]14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 28
Today the Holy Spirit works upon some who are not as self-confident as this young ruler. There are men and women who are truly converted, as was Paul. He says, “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence; for without the law sin was dead. For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. And the commandment, which was ordained into life, I found to be unto death. For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good.” [Romans 7:7-12.]14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 29
If the rich young ruler had seen by the light of the commandment that he was sinful, if like Paul he had honored God by obeying the commandments in spirit and in truth, his sinful nature would have been slain by the law, and he would have laid hold of eternal life.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 30
James has a message for the church. He says, “Hearken, my beloved brethren; hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seat?” [James 2:5, 6.] Can we say that there is none of this attribute in us? Alas, we cannot. May God call to repentance the men who have imperilled His cause, before it is everlastingly too late. “If ye fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well; but if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.” [Verses 8, 9.]14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 31
The rich young ruler represents many in our world today. God has entrusted His goods to them that they may advance His kingdom by planting the standard of truth in places where the message has never been heard. But they do not carry out God’s purpose. The words, “Deny thyself, take up thy cross, and follow me,” cut directly across their cherished plans, and they refuse to obey. [Matthew 16:24.]14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 32
If rich men keep the commandments of God, they will do the work that needs to be done for those whom Christ has purchased with His blood. In this way only can they follow Christ. In order to save suffering humanity from perishing in sin, He left the royal courts to come to this earth. Laying aside His kingly crown and royal robe, He resigned His high command in the heavenly courts, and for our sakes became poor, that we through His poverty might be made rich. When God entrusts man with riches, it is that he may adorn the doctrine of Christ our Saviour by using his earthly treasure to advance the kingdom of God in our world. He is to represent Christ, and therefore is not to live to please and glorify himself, to receive honor because he is rich.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 33
The world values men according to their possessions, but the Owner of the whole world does not so value men.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 34
God’s messages come to His people, but they have not been, and are not yet, willing to receive them. He is testing them as surely as He was testing the young ruler when He said to [him], “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven, and come and follow me.” [Matthew 19:21.] God calls upon His people to turn from the earthly to the heavenly, to yield up to Him His own. Nothing that they have is theirs; they themselves are not their own, for God’s Word declares, “Ye are not your own; for ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” [1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.]14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 35
“Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” [James 2:10.] A great work needs to be done in our churches. The members are not prepared for the coming of the Lord. God’s law needs to be written in heart and mind. Many, like the rich young ruler, when tested and tried, will refuse to deny self, take up the cross, and follow Christ. When the test comes to a man, and he refuses to obey, he shows that he is unregenerate in heart, whatever may be the outward propriety of his conduct, or whatever belief he may claim to have in the truth. He needs to have the law brought home to his conscience, that he may see the exceeding sinfulness of sin. He must die to self. Until self is crucified, he cannot know what spiritual holiness is.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 36
When the heart is cleansed from sin, Christ is placed on the throne which self-indulgence and love of earthly treasure once occupied. The image of Christ is seen in the expression of the countenance. Sanctification through the Spirit is carried forward in the soul. Self-righteousness is banished. There is seen the putting on of the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God.” [Colossians 3:1.]14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 37
The note of warning has been given, “Set your affection on things above, and not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life shall appear, then shall we also appear with him in glory.” [Verses 2-4.] God accepts no divided service. Not one jot of the claims of the law can be abated to meet man in his fallen condition. Man must reach the highest standard. He must show a desire for perfection of character proportionate to the value of the object of which he is in pursuit.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 38
“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever, the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are thy than gold, yea, than much fine gold, sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned, and in keeping of them there is great reward. Who can understand his errors? Cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me. Then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. 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 19:7-14.]14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 39
The religion of Christ never makes the receiver coarse, rough, or uncourteous. God’s law is the transcript of His character, and every jot and tittle of that law was given to men and women for their good, to keep them from moral corruption. It was nonconformity to the law of God that so degraded the inhabitants of the old world that the imaginations of their hearts was evil, and that continually. God’s Spirit strove with the men of that time, seeking to bring them back to purity and loyalty.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 40
“God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth. Make thee an ark of gopher wood, rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and thou shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. ... And behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shalt die.” [Genesis 6:12-14, 17.]14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 41
God said to Noah, “My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh; yet his days his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.” [Verse 3.] For one hundred and twenty years the people were to hear the warning. Noah was a faithful preacher of righteousness, and day after day his warning voice was heard. Day after day the people saw his faith demonstrated in the building of the ark. And at first some received the message, but the restraint of righteousness was obnoxious to them, and they threw off everything that disturbed their carnal indulgence.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 42
“As the days of Noah were,” Christ declares, “so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” [Matthew 24:37-39.]14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 43
We have reached the time when we are to take heed to the warning given, “Watch therefore, for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, That if the good man of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 44
“Blessed is that servant whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken, the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” [Verses 42-51.]14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 45
The very same state of things that existed in Noah’s time exists today in our world. From pulpit and from press, by voice and pen, the proclamation goes forth that the law of God is done away. God calls upon those who know the truth to impart the light they have received. Like Noah they are to lift their voice in warning, saying, The end of all things is at hand.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 46
Voice the warning of Christ. Let it be given with intense fervor. Let not any one who believes the truth invest their means in worldly enterprises. Wherever a company of people is raised up, a humble house of worship should be built. We should not seek to make a grand display any where, for this would not advance the work. In all our buildings, churches, sanitariums, and schools, our economy should testify to our principles.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 47
Years ago school building should have been erected in other places besides Battle Creek, not large buildings, but buildings suitable for church schools, in which the children and youth could receive a true education. The lesson books used should be of a character to bring the law of God to the attention. The Bible should be made the foundation of education. In this work the light and strength and power of the truth will be magnified. Youth from the world, whose minds have not been depraved by habits of sensuality, will connect with these schools, and will there be converted. There mouths may indeed be stopped for a while by the false theories entertained by the parents, but in the end truth will triumph. This kind of missionary work, I am instructed, will have a most telling influence in extending the light and knowledge of truth.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 48
Crowding so many interests into Battle Creek has closed doors to cities and towns in which interested efforts should have been made to advance the truth we claim to believe. The number of our churches would be greatly multiplied if the light which had been selfishly hoarded in a few places had been imparted.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 49
In all our work the law of God must be presented, with its far-reaching requirements, to lead men and women and youth to see the need of loyalty to God. The efforts put forth to rescue degraded outcasts will not be of any avail unless the claims of the law of Jehovah are imprinted on mind and heart. God has enjoined nothing that is not necessary to bind up humanity with God. The law calls upon all who claim to believe in Christ to love God supremely and their neighbor as themselves. When love for God is cherished in the heart, love for those Christ has purchased with His own blood will be seen.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 50
“Verily, my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you.” [Exodus 31:13.] This is the true sanctification [that] it is essential for all to have. There is no genuine sanctification apart from the sign of loyalty to God, for God says so. “Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever.” [Verses 16, 17.]14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 51
God has given man the Sabbath which He instituted in Eden as a memorial of the work of creation, that as man shall look at the heavens, at the sun, moon, and stars, and at the earth, he may remember that in six days God formed the world, and on the seventh He rested and was refreshed.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 52
“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets;” Christ said, “I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven.” [Matthew 5:17-19.] Not that they will in their transgression ever have a place in the family of God, but whatever their position on this earth may have been, the books of heaven declare them to be wanting. “But whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” [Verse 19.]14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 53
The law of God is the principle of true holiness. Abolish one precept of that law, and you are breaking all the commandments. The gospel requires perfect obedience. The law of God is to be written on the heart; then it will be revealed in the character.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 54
Paul declares that the law of God is holy, just, and good. From the least to the greatest command God has given, not one is to be treated indifferently. Not one can be spared. God’s commands are true and righteous altogether. Not one command can we safely ignore, even though [it] may cut across what we suppose to be a chance of making a success in lines of worldly commerce. Christ says, “He that will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” [Mark 8:34.] Better to suffer the loss of earthly advantages, to endure poverty, reproach, imprisonment, and even death itself, for the sake of the cause of truth, than to make shipwreck of the faith by complying with evil practices.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 55
The divine grace which enters a renewed mind is a pervading, active, intense principle, which works like leaven till it has assimilated all to itself. It does not cease its absorbing operations till it has assimilated to itself all with which it comes in contact. It does not correct some evils and leave others untouched. The gospel will not tolerate vice or corruption of any kind. “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.” [Psalm 19:7.]14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 56
Whatever in thought, word, or deed; in temper, affection, habit, or disposition is not in perfect harmony with the law of God, the Holy Spirit instantly detects. It then presents the gospel looking glass, that the sinner may see himself in his sinfulness. Sin and the Holy Spirit cannot dwell in the same heart. As the Spirit works upon the heart, the divine virtues of truth are implanted. There is seen that faith that works by love and purifies the soul. Man accepts the invitation, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest;” and he finds rest because there is perfect conformity between his will and the will of God. [Matthew 11:28, 29.] He is made a partaker of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 57
We are not to look upon God as did the man who made a wrong use of his talent, as a harsh judge, and exacting creditor. The Lord is a rich giver, and by His gifts He places men in positions where they can trade upon His goods, and in this life lay up in store for themselves a good foundation for the time to come.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 58
God’s gifts are bestowed in accordance with the ability of the human agent to use the entrusted gifts. The world is a vineyard, let out to husbandmen, who are to return to the Lord the fruit thereof in its season. But God receives very little fruit. Many are like the man with the one talent. This man failed to make any use of his gift. He might have been a provider had he put his gift out to the exchanger, but he was only a consumer. Anxious to benefit himself, he hid his lord’s talent in the earth, thinking that if he improved it, he would be called upon to give it all back to the owner.14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 59
God is a rich provider. He is a fountain of inexpressible love, and He desires all to remember that as His faithful servants they are to use His bountiful provisions to relieve the necessities of suffering human beings whom He has bought with the blood of His only begotten Son. This He did that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.The Great Controversy
Chapter 20—A Great Religious Awakening
GC 363.3
It was while preparing a sermon from Revelation 21 for advent Sunday that the light of Christ’s second coming broke in upon Bengel’s mind. The prophecies of the Revelation unfolded to his understanding as never before. Overwhelmed with a sense of the stupendous importance and surpassing glory of the scenes presented by the prophet, he was forced to turn for a time from the contemplation of the subject. In the pulpit it again presented itself to him with all its vividness and power. From that time he devoted himself to the study of the prophecies, especially those of the Apocalypse, and soon arrived at the belief that they pointed to the coming of Christ as near. The date which he fixed upon as the time of the second advent was within a very few years of that afterward held by Miller.The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)
Chapter 20—A Great Religious Awakening
GC88 363.2
It was while preparing a sermon from Revelation 21 for “Advent Sunday” that the light of Christ’s second coming broke in upon Bengel’s mind. The prophecies of the Revelation unfolded to his understanding as never before. Overwhelmed with a sense of the stupendous importance and surpassing glory of the scenes presented by the prophet, he was forced to turn for a time from the contemplation of the subject. In the pulpit it again presented itself to him with all its vividness and power. From that time he devoted himself to the study of the prophecies, especially those of the Apocalypse, and soon arrived at the belief that they pointed to the coming of Christ as near. The date which he fixed upon as the time of the second advent was within a very few years of that afterward held by Miller.Life Sketches Manuscript
Vision of the New Earth
Vision of the New Earth *This vision describes events to take place at the close of the one thousand years after Christ’s second advent. Revelation 20; 21; 22; Zechariah 14:4, 3
From Here to Forever
Revelation Unfolds to Bengel
HF 226.2
In Germany the doctrine had been taught by Bengel, a Lutheran minister and a biblical scholar. While preparing a sermon from Revelation 21, the light of Christ’s second coming broke in upon his mind. The prophecies of the Revelation unfolded to his understanding. Overwhelmed with the importance and glory of the scenes presented by the prophet, he was forced to turn for a time from the subject. In the pulpit it again presented itself to him with vividness. From that time he devoted himself to the study of the prophecies and soon arrived at the belief that the coming of Christ was near. The date which he fixed as the time of the second advent was within a few years of that afterward held by Miller.The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1
Ms 2, 1849
Then my attending angel11
As with the interpreting angels who appeared in the visions of Ezekiel (Eze. 40-48), Daniel (Dan. 8-10), Zechariah (Zech. 1; 2; 4), and John (Rev. 17; 21; 22), an angel sometimes explained various features of a scene shown Ellen White while in vision. Mention of an interpreting angel is found already in the account of her first vision. Various designations are employed in her writings, such as “attending angel” (first found in this document), “accompanying angel,” and “guide.” In an article from 1875 Ellen White related that the “same person has appeared before me in important dreams to instruct me from time to time during the past twenty-six years.”
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 174, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 174, 1899, par. 8
God desires the light found in the books of Daniel and Revelation to be presented in clear lines. It is painful to think of the many cheap theories picked up and presented to the people by ignorant, unprepared teachers. Those who present their human tests, and the nonsensical ideas they have concocted in their own minds, show the character of the goods in their treasure house. They have laid in store shoddy material. Their great desire is to make a sensation.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 12, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 12, 1899, par. 2
The Word of God is to be the great lesson book in all our schools. From Genesis to Revelation it is full of instruction in practical godliness.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 209, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 209, 1899, par. 7
Dwell more on the Revelation. Read, explain, and enforce its teachings.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 232, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 232, 1899, par. 18
We are to give to the people the warnings contained in Revelation. But many workers are engaged in a line of work that is disqualifying them to preach the Word <and do the very work God has appointed them to do.>Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 18, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 18, 1900, par. 7
Those who profess to believe the truth are not to separate themselves from the commandment-keeping people of God, as altogether more righteous than those God has appointed to preach His Word, to explain the prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation, to give the warnings regarding the law of God and the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, the seal of the living God. The Lord declares that the Sabbath is the sign between Him and His people.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 5, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 5, 1900, par. 5
At our camp meetings, when you have a congregation before you for only two weeks, do not defer the presentation of the Sabbath question until everything else is presented, supposing you are paving the way for it. Lift up the standard—the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Make this the important theme. Then by your strong arguments wall it in, and make it of still greater force. Dwell more on the Revelation. Read, explain, and enforce its teachings.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Lt 47, 1886
4LtMs, Lt 47, 1886, par. 13
The counsels are of God, and His Word was not given in a few days on a high-pressure plan. It took a long space of time to bring out the Bible history. Under the inspiration of the Spirit of God, a chapter was written, a psalm was composed, a proverb penned, a vision from God recorded, and so down through the ages the will and purposes of God were brought out. About fifteen hundred years were occupied from the time Moses began to write the book of Genesis down to the completion of the Revelation by the beloved John. God would not have us so excitable, in such a hurry; and yet there are some who need to be taught diligence.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 16, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 16, 1900, par. 2
In the past, teachers have declared Daniel and the Revelation to be sealed books, and the people have turned from them. The veil whose apparent mystery has kept many from lifting it, God’s own hand has withdrawn from these portions of His Word. The very name, “Revelation,” contradicts the statement that it is a sealed book. Revelation means that something of importance is revealed. The truths of this book are addressed to those living in these last days. We are standing with the veil removed in the holy place of sacred things. We are not to stand without. We are to enter, not with careless, irreverent thoughts, not with impetuous footsteps, but with reverence and godly fear. We are nearing the time when the prophecies of the book of revelation are to be fulfilled.15LtMs, Lt 16, 1900, par. 9
When the books of Daniel and Revelation are better understood, believers will have an entirely different religious experience. They will be given such glimpses of the open gates of heaven, that heart and mind will be impressed in regard to the character all must develop in order to realize the blessedness which is to be the reward of the pure in heart. The Lord will bless all who will seek humbly and meekly to understand that which is revealed in the Revelation. This book contains so much that is large with immortality and full of glory that all who read and search it earnestly receive the blessing to those “that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein.” [Revelation 1:3.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 59, 1900
Daniel and Revelation
15LtMs, Ms 59, 1900, par. 23
The books of Daniel and the Revelation are one. One is a prophecy, the other a revelation; one a book sealed, the other a book opened. John heard the mysteries which the thunders uttered, but he was commanded not to write them. The special light given to John which was expressed in the seven thunders was a delineation of events which would transpire under the first and second angels’ messages. It was not best for the people to know these things, for their faith must necessarily be tested. In the order of God, most wonderful and advanced truths would be proclaimed. The first and second angels’ messages were to be proclaimed, but no further light was to be revealed before these messages had done their specific work. This is represented by the Angel standing with one foot on the sea, proclaiming with a most solemn oath that time should be no longer.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 68, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 68, 1900, par. 15
The whole gospel from Genesis to Revelation is the means appointed and specified of God through which to reveal His will to the people, and it is to be appreciated, respected, and heeded.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 142, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 142, 1901, par. 2
Will our brethren bear in mind that we are living amid the perils of the last days? Read Revelation in connection with Daniel. Teach these things.—Special Testimonies to Ministers and Workers, No. 8, p. 24.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Lt 101, 1901
16LtMs, Lt 101, 1901, par. 7
We are approaching the end of this earth’s history. It is for our present and eternal good to make thorough work for eternity. Read the twenty-first chapter of Revelation, and take a solemn, retrospective view of your life. Should death have come to you ere this, on which side would you have been in that great day—with the righteous, or with the wicked? on the right hand, or on the left? Do not deceive yourself. Only the pure in heart shall see God. Should those who in their selfishness have paid no heed to the messages of warning God has sent, and who have refused to follow the Lord Jesus in the path of self-denial and self-sacrifice, be cut down under the hand of God while following their own ways and dishonoring their God, would they enter the courts of bliss? Would they enjoy heaven?—No, no. They could not endure the purity and glory of God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 70, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 70, 1901, par. 9
The sacrifice of Christ as an atonement for sin is the great truth around which all other truths cluster. In order to be rightly understood and appreciated, every truth in the Word of God, from Genesis to Revelation, must be studied in the light which streams from the cross of Calvary, and in connection with the wondrous, central truth of the Saviour’s atonement. Those who study the Redeemer’s wonderful sacrifice grow in grace and knowledge.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 232, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 232, 1902, par. 33
Let us give more time to the study of the Bible. We do not understand the Word. In the first few verses of Revelation we are told that we must understand what the revelation of Jesus Christ means; and when we as a people understand what the book of Revelation means to us, there will be seen among us a great revival. We do not now understand fully the lessons taught in this book, notwithstanding the injunction in the first few verses to search and to study it.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 224, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 224, 1902, par. 11
I ask men here in this congregation, What are you worshiping? Are you converted? Do you profess to believe the truth of Daniel and Revelation? Have you become nearly insane over your own specious theories? Has the living God taken possession of heart, mind, and soul? Have you been critically examining your own life by the Word of God, and has it had its influence to break you from the idolatry and imagery you have framed to make of none effect the Word of the living God?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Lt 47a, 1886
4LtMs, Lt 47a, 1886, par. 14
The Lord would not have us be so excitable, in such a hurry. The counsels of God in His Word were not given in a few days, on the high-pressure plan. It took a long period of time to bring out the Bible history. Under the inspiration of the Spirit of God, a chapter was written, a psalm composed, a proverb penned, a vision recorded, and so down through the ages the will and purposes of God were brought out. About fifteen hundred years passed from the time Moses began to write the book of Genesis, down to the completion of the Revelation by the beloved John.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 223, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 223, 1902, par. 11
I have been deeply impressed by the Spirit of God that we are to pass through severe trials. Everyone’s faith will be tested. We must study carefully the old waymarks. These experiences in the past are to be revived. Daniel is to stand out conspicuously with the Revelation given to John on the Isle of Patmos.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 170, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 170, 1902, par. 16
We need to study Revelation in connection with Daniel. Both of these books are to be carefully and prayerfully studied, and as we study them, we are to pray that their importance may be impressed on our hearts by the Holy Spirit.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 231, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 231, 1902, par. 41
Publications; I have seen that one should be on Daniel and Revelation, published right together, making scarcely any remarks or explanations, or but very few. That has been shown me for years. And they should be sold to those whom you can sell them to, and give them away to those whom you cannot sell them to.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 165, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 165, 1902, par. 20
We do not dwell sufficiently upon the Revelation and the book of Daniel. These books should be published together in pamphlet form, with a few explanations added, and they should be circulated everywhere. The words of inspiration will do their appointed work; for the Holy Spirit will impress hearts in regard to the prophecies given. In this pamphlet it should be made plain that a revelation is not a mystery which cannot be understood, but rather a mystery revealed. These two books may be prepared for publication in a pamphlet bound inexpensively, costing but a trifle, and small enough to be carried in the pocket. Printed together, the books of Daniel and the Revelation will speak to the people and tell their own story.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 154, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 154, 1903, par. 6
The Lord Jesus regarded it as important to call special attention to the value of a study of the last book in the Bible. The Revelation is not something so mystical that we cannot understand it and impart to students a knowledge of its teachings.18LtMs, Ms 154, 1903, par. 29
In the future we must meet stern realities—trials that will test our loyalty to God and His truth. The beautiful theories that are being presented by some will not help us in the hour of trial and difficulty. We are to study the truths of the three angels’ messages and to believe in and worship a God who is able to carry us through the time of trouble. God desires [us] to act like men and women who have the truth. The first, second, and third angels’ messages are presented in the last book of the Bible—in Revelation. This book is not a mystery; it is a message to the churches, easily understood by those who have willing ears to hear the instruction that Christ came to deliver to us through His servant John.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 1, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 1, 1903, par. 4
The books of Daniel and the Revelation should be bound together and published. A few explanations of certain portions might be added, but I am not sure that these would be needed.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 210, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 210, 1903, par. 1
The closing scenes of this earth’s history are near at hand. The unfulfilled predictions of the book of Revelation are soon to be fulfilled. This prophecy is now to be studied with diligence by the people of God and should be clearly understood. It does not conceal the truth; it clearly forewarns, telling us what will be in the future.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 263, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 263, 1903, par. 27
A sad and alarming chapter in our experience has for years been opening before us, and much of its record needs to be blotted out with the blood of redeeming love. There are some who are betraying the truth and betraying their Saviour. Let them dismiss from their minds the theories of the great deceiver. Let them humble their hearts before God. Let them fix their minds on the science of truth contained in His Word. In the books of Daniel and the Revelation they will find truths to understand which will tax the mind to the utmost.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 141, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 141, 1903, par. 1
We are nearing the closing scenes of this earth’s history, when the predictions of Revelation, yet unfilled, are to be fulfilled. The book of Revelation is now to be studied and understood by the people of God. It does not conceal, but forewarns, telling us what will be in the future.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 40, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 40, 1894, par. 17
From Genesis to Revelation the conditions upon which eternal life is promised are made plain. God requires that those who shall enter heaven shall be without spot or wrinkle or any such thing. “Keep My commandments and live” is the requirement of God. [Proverbs 4:4.] But one says, “My conscience does not condemn me in not keeping the commandments of God.” But in the Word of God we read that there are good and bad consciences, and the fact that your conscience does not condemn you in not keeping the law of God does not prove that you are uncondemned in His sight. Take your conscience to the Word of God, and see if your life and character are in accordance with the standard of righteousness which God has revealed in His Word. You can then determine whether or not you have an intelligent faith, and what manner of conscience is yours.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 170, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 170, 1903, par. 3
As we came into Los Angeles, I remembered One speaking words that were in Revelation. A great solemnity was upon that night, yet I had peace of mind, that now the warning was to come to the people.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 131, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 131, 1903, par. 11
As I read the book of Revelation, I wonder that many more do not study the wonderful instruction given to John on the Isle of Patmos. Notice the description given of Christ in the first chapter. The apostle says:Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 26, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 26, 1905, par. 14
We are to heed the messages that God has given in the Revelation. This book is the revelation of Jesus Christ given to John and written out by him. It behooves every one to become familiar with the Word of the Spirit given to John and penned by him in the Isle of Patmos.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 22, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 22, 1905, par. 1
The message given to John on the Isle of Patmos is to come to the people as it is. The whole of the instruction found in the book of Revelation is to be dwelt upon with an intense earnestness that has not yet been seen. There are many who treat this book with as little concern as if it were a sealed book, which contains no light for the present time. But it is not sealed. It was given to John to give to the churches.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 14, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 14, 1905, par. 5
We need now to be diligently searching the book of Revelation—the history that Christ revealed to John on the Isle of Patmos, bidding him write it in a book, that the churches might know what was to take place on this earth just before the coming of the Son of man in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 351, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 351, 1905, par. 10
He believes straight present truth. There is not one thread of spiritualistic science which would take the world in its deceivings. It is solemn, serious truth which is before the people, the truth of the first, second, and third angels’ messages, linking Daniel and Revelation together. And the grasp he has of the people is marvelous. The Lord has put His Spirit into the mind, heart, and soul of Brother Simpson. He is firm upon the testimonies. This work should be taken up in every city now without delay.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 188, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 188, 1905, par. 21
I want to speak to you in Revelation. Now we know that the Revelation came to John, and John was one that was always speaking the truth. His faith did not change at all. There are men who come up and tell you some great fallacy. You just set them aside.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 34, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 34, 1905, par. 1
I feel intensely anxious that as a people we may stand without fault before the throne of God. God is not pleased with our present condition. It is of the utmost importance that every one of us stand on higher and holier ground. In Revelation we have a message to those who have gone out of the way.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 234, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 234, 1906, par. 20
“This I can say, that never, since I became fully acquainted with that system which we denominate ‘the present truth’ [2 Peter 1:12], so as to comprehend it in its sublime proportions, its divine harmony, and its inseparable connections, have I had the least shadow of misgiving as to its truthfulness in its fundamental principles, and its stability and final triumph, as the work of God. It is evident, also, that this work before its close must present the fulfilment of the prophecy of Joel and some prophecies of the book of Revelation. And to whatever degree I may have persuaded myself that this cause might have been so far developed without this feature which we call the gift of prophecy, it was only to look for something of the kind to appear in the future; for without this, it would lack one of the tests of being the work of the last generation.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 352, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 352, 1906, par. 9
Elder Simpson is arousing a good interest by his meetings. People of all classes come out to hear and to see the life-size images that he has of the beasts of Revelation. A great many Catholics come to hear him. Much of his preaching is in words of the Bible. He uses as few of his own words as possible. So if his hearers war against what he says, they war against the Word of God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 67, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 67, 1895, par. 14
Christ came in the form of humanity to live the law of God. He was the Word of life. He came to be the gospel of salvation to the world, and to fulfill every specification of the law. Jesus is the Word, the guidebook, which must be received and obeyed in every particular. How necessary that this mine of truth be explored, and the precious treasures of truth be discovered and secured as rich jewels. The incarnation of Christ, His divinity, His atonement, His wonderful life in heaven as our Advocate, the office of the Holy Spirit—all those living, vital themes of Christianity are revealed from Genesis to Revelation. The golden links of truth form a chain of evangelical truth, and the first and staple link is found in the great teachings of Christ Jesus. Why, then, should not the Scriptures be ennobled and exalted in every school in our land? How little children are educated to study the Bible as the Word of God, and feed upon its truths, which are the flesh and blood of the Son of God! “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood” (that is, continue to receive the words of Christ, and practice them) “hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.” [John 6:53-56.] “And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.” [1 John 3:24.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 372, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 372, 1906, par. 6
For several weeks, meetings have been held in Oakland in a large tent pitched close by the post office. Elder Simpson has had wonderful success in this series of meetings. His method has been to make Scripture explain Scripture; and the Holy Spirit has convinced many hearts of the truth. The people cannot but accept a plain “Thus saith the Lord.” The beasts used as symbols in the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation he has presented before the people in life-size images, and this has impressed the people strongly. He has lectured only in the evening, when men are released from their work and can come out to hear. After a few weeks of labor he presented the Sabbath, again making the Bible prove every statement.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 144, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 144, 1906, par. 6
I was charged to direct your attention to the last four chapters of the book of Revelation. Read these chapters carefully. The work that should have been done long ago now needs to be done. Let there be a thorough humbling of the soul before God, on the part of those who are in positions of responsibility. If earnest work were done in seeking the Lord with heart and mind and soul, the present condition of things would soon be entirely changed.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 350, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 350, 1906, par. 6
He has large life-like representations of the beasts and symbols in Daniel and the Revelation, and these are brought forward at the proper time to illustrate his remarks. Not one careless or unnecessary word escapes his lips. He speaks forcibly and solemnly. Many of his hearers have never before heard discourses of so solemn a nature. They manifest no spirit of levity, but a solemn awe seems to rest upon them. He takes up a collection only once a week, but he receives sufficient to defray his expenses without being obliged to call upon the conference.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 224a, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 224a, 1906, par. 8
I have much to speak of now in 1 and 2 Peter. These two epistles represent the two parties. Read and understand Revelation 3. Especially see the force of the first three verses in (Revelation 3), then trace down the whole chapter, a most tremendous testimony. Revelation 16:13-21; 18; 21; 22. These are things which will call our minds in these last days. Thus hath it been given from God in solemn warning. The lesson is before us, reminding us of the things which will be. These things Christ Himself made known to John while he was on the Isle of Patmos. They are the last events of this earth’s history, and if Satan can keep minds confused now, he gains a great victory.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 126, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 126, 1906, par. 14
In the night season I had a presentation. I did not seem to be in my own home in St. Helena. I was, I thought, awakened in the night with a great noise of cries of distress, and I saw the whole heavens lighted up. There were balls that looked like fire falling, and these balls looked as if full of arrows, and wherever they struck there were great calamities. Houses were set on fire, and no human effort could extinguish the flame. The earth quaked, and homes were falling with a crash. I heard the distressing screeching and praying. There was confusion everywhere. I said to someone, Do look. That is the most striking representation of what will be in the last day. Revelation 18. Voices were proclaiming the events taking place. Read and understand, for it will surely be. Chapter 19 of Revelation will ere long be fulfilled. Revelation 21. There were voices proclaiming the words of these chapters. With great power was the message given.21LtMs, Ms 126, 1906, par. 15
Let every soul now put away their magazines and other fictitious reading. The Word of God believed and practiced is the only hope of the world. This chapter was presented to John as a living reality. Read and understand verses 1-4, verses 5-7. Where are we in this earth’s history? Will we be deceived by Satan’s sophistry? Or will we believe the Word of God?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 349, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 349, 1906, par. 10
The Lord has been working with Elder Simpson, teaching him how to give to the people this last warning message. His method of making the words of the Bible prove the truth for this time, and his use of the symbols presented in Revelation and Daniel, are effective. Let the young men learn as for their lives what is truth and how it should be presented. We are living in the last days of the great conflict; the truth alone will hold us securely in this time of trouble. The way should be prepared for Elder Simpson to give the message, and our young men should attend his evening meetings.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 326, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 326, 1906, par. 8
Brother Simpson dwells especially upon the prophecies in the books of Daniel and the Revelation. He has large representations of the beasts spoken of in these books. These beasts are made of papier-mâché, and by an ingenious invention, they may be brought at the proper time before the congregation. Thus he holds the attention of the people, while he preaches the truth to them. Through this effort hundreds will be led to a better understanding of the Bible than they ever had before, and we trust that there will be many conversions. Those who attend his lectures and are not converted must practically reject the Word of God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 11, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 11, 1906, par. 8
The Saviour foretold that in the latter days false prophets would appear and draw away disciples after them; and also that those who in this time of peril should stand faithful to the truth that is specified in the book of Revelation would have to meet doctrinal errors so specious that, if it were possible, the very elect would be deceived.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 368, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 368, 1906, par. 3
In presenting before the people the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation, Brother Simpson illustrates them by large images of the beasts of these prophecies; and this is creating a wonderful interest. He uses the Bible to prove every statement he makes and tells the people if they have any controversy with the truth he is teaching, their controversy must be with the Bible itself. This method of making the Bible prove the Bible makes a deep impression on the minds of those assembled. The Lord is impressing many minds.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 376, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 376, 1906, par. 24
The Lord Jesus sent a mighty angel to make plain to John by the use of symbols the things that were to transpire until the coming of Christ. He was bidden to write the instruction in a book for the benefit of the seven churches. This writing we now have preserved in the book of Revelation, but this book is understood by only a very few. It contains the message for the last days, and we are to dwell much upon these prophecies.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 139, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 139, 1896, par. 3
I am very anxious to get out Testimony No. 34 now. I have secured Eliza’s help. I will undertake that work which ought to have been done years ago. I have things that should come to the people. Time is short. The end of all things is at hand. We are to give more diligent searching to Revelation. Here is a book opened for those who shall live in these last days of time. Daniel and Revelation are the books applicable to us and should be carefully studied and with much prayer. Read the first three verses:11LtMs, Lt 139, 1896, par. 5
There is not that attention given to Revelation there should be. Much more should be said in regard to the coming of our Lord. There should be most earnest attention given to the Word.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 400, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 400, 1906, par. 9
Brother Simpson’s meetings were largely attended, and the people listened to his words with spellbound interest; the interest continued from first to last. With his Bible in his hand, and basing all his arguments on the Word of God. Brother Simpson traced out before the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation. His own words were few; he made the Scriptures themselves explain the truth to the people. After giving them the truth, Elder Simpson would draw an expression of opinion from his congregation. “Now,” he would say, “those who see the truth of what I am saying, raise your hands;” and in response many hands would be raised. I can only poorly represent to you the interest his work has created.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 105, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 105, 1906, par. 5
The manner of Elder Simpson’s work reminds me of the efforts that were put forth in 1843 and 1844. He does not make prominent his own words, but reads the Bible, explaining one scripture by another. He dwells largely on the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation and uses many illustrations and suitable figures to impress the truth. To represent the beasts of Daniel and Revelation, he has prepared lifelike images of papier-mâché.21LtMs, Ms 105, 1906, par. 27
The Lord Jesus sent a mighty angel to make plain to John, by the use of symbols, the things that were to come to pass until the coming of Christ. He was bidden to write the instruction in a book for the benefit of the seven churches. This writing we now have preserved in the book of Revelation, but this book is understood by only a very few. It contains the message for the last days, and we are to dwell much upon these prophecies.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 388, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 388, 1906, par. 3
The manner of Elder Simpson’s work reminds me of the efforts that were put forth in 1843 and 1844. He does not make prominent his own words, but reads the Bible, explaining one Scripture by another. He dwells largely on the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation and uses many illustrations and suitable figures to impress the truth. To represent the beasts of Daniel and Revelation, he has prepared life-like images of papier-mâché.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Ms 67, 1907
22LtMs, Ms 67, 1907, par. 17
The message of the gospel, from Genesis to Revelation, is God’s appointed means through which to reveal His will to men. It is to be appreciated, respected, and carefully studied. In a humble, prayerful spirit, Scripture is to be compared with Scripture. In the fourth chapter of Ephesians, the plan of God is so plainly and simply revealed, that all His children may lay hold upon the truth. Here the means which He has appointed to keep unity in His church, that its members may reveal to the world a healthy religious experience, is plainly declared. Those who conform their lives to obedience to the commandments of God, and are united in the faith of the Scriptures; those who are bound together as one in Christ Jesus, their lives hid with Christ in God, will practice the golden rule, doing to others as they would have others do to them. They will bear a living, abiding testimony that the Father loves them even as He loves His Son, and their testimony will have a powerful influence with the unbelieving world. These souls appreciate the great gift of God to our world; their course in life testifies that Christ has not died for them in vain. They make use of the provision made by heaven at infinite cost to draw souls to obedience to the law of God. Co-operating with the great Master Worker, they become laborers together with God. They become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. Their consistent Christian lives magnify the law of God and make it honorable before the gainsaying world. Their deportment in courtesy and unwavering fidelity, their justice and mercy demonstrate to the world that the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 408, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 408, 1907, par. 9
The twenty-first and twenty-second chapters of Revelation should be presented more frequently before the people. The words of the Lord through His exiled servant are written especially for the people living amid the perils of these last days. This book is declared to be, “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Him, to show unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass; and He sent and signified it by His angel unto His servant John: who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things which he saw. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the word of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” [Revelation 1:1-3.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Lt 252, 1908
23LtMs, Lt 252, 1908, par. 8
Read carefully Revelation, chapters twenty-one and twenty-two. “I Jesus have sent Mine angel,” Christ declares through His servant, “to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And whosoever will, let him take of the water of life freely.” [Revelation 22:16, 17.] This is the message to be borne to our churches. God help us to read and to hear and to understand.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Lt 76, 1908
23LtMs, Lt 76, 1908, par. 19
I ask you to read the twenty-first chapter of Revelation. This representation of the glories that await the saved should lead every believing soul to seek earnestly for eternal life. I pray that all my relatives may be found among God’s commandment-keeping people and be numbered with the redeemed.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Ms 95, 1909
24LtMs, Ms 95, 1909, par. 16
If we will study the book of Revelation and seek to understand its full significance, we shall see the necessity of putting away from our lives all the frivolity that so often marks our experience. We will have little desire for the foolish novel and the amusements of the world. Satan is determined to have the victory, and we are half asleep. What we need is workers, men and women who will do their duty in the fear of God. Many will say, We cannot all be ministers. Yes; you can; there is some work of ministry for each to do for perishing souls. There are many lines of work which as Christians we should become interested in. Christ wants every soul to copy His example of self-denial and self-sacrifice. He desires that all men shall have eternal life in the kingdom of God. But we cannot indulge coarseness or discourtesy or self-indulgence there. Therefore we must be daily overcomers here—overcomers by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 5, 1910
25LtMs, Ms 5, 1910, par. 1
Scripture Reading, Revelation 21.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 69, 1912
25LtMs, Ms 69, 1912, par. 42
The Old Testament, containing the prophecies of the coming of Christ, is now made of small account. The cry now is, “The Christ, the Christ! The gospel, the gospel!” But the gospel is taught all the way through the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. The gospel is revealed in all the prophecies of the first advent of Christ as the Saviour of men. Every act of the old dispensation to turn men away from sin or to bring them forgiveness was done with reference to the Saviour who was to come. He was the steppingstone by which man was to be exalted.25LtMs, Ms 69, 1912, par. 56
“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And He that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new.” Revelation 21:1-5.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 82, 1910
San Fernando, California
April 10, 1910
Previously unpublished.
25LtMs, Ms 82, 1910, par. 1
Revelation 21:1-6. What are they athirst for? It is a thirst for the heavenly, not the earthly. It is the things which shall be given to us when we shall come into possession of our inheritance, because we have made Christ our friend, and we have given our life to Him, to follow Him. Thank God. “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” [Verse 7.] Now I wanted to read that to every one of you, because we want it. That is just what we are after. That is why we are having these meetings.25LtMs, Ms 82, 1910, par. 2
That is why we have this building, and I think none of you regret that we have this building. Just such places in different parts are being provided, that we may present the truth as it is in Jesus. We are preparing and we want to understand it, for just this thing. We are getting ready for it. We are to be fitted up for it. We are to be sanctified through a belief of the truth; therefore we are very anxious not be found in heresy, but in the truth.25LtMs, Ms 82, 1910, par. 3
“I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.” [Verse 6.] What a blessed promise! Now let every one of us take it. Do not keep in a state of hesitancy, not knowing whether you are the Lord’s child or not.25LtMs, Ms 82, 1910, par. 4
Verses 7 to 11. I am glad that these children can hear this. That is worth striving for, children, that you may have a place in that city. Every one of you can have a place there, and I want to meet every one of you children that are here, and my brethren and sisters.25LtMs, Ms 82, 1910, par. 5
I will not read all of this chapter because I want to say a few words, and yet it is very beautiful. You can read it when you get home. It describes the city and the gates, and I want to meet every one of you in the city of God. I mean to be there. I do not mean to fail, because God wants me to be there, and if He did not want me to be there, He would not have given us Jesus. He knew that they would not bear Him on the earth. Who would not bear Him? The very ones that were turned out of heaven because they would not accept Jesus as their Head, and God as their Father.25LtMs, Ms 82, 1910, par. 6
Now we want to be in that position that every day we shall feel a gladness of heart. Why should we not? It is Christ that has given His life for us. Why should we not feel a gladness? Should not we be in hope and courage and faith? Why should not we be praising God a great deal more than we do? Why should we not show our gratitude to God for all this?25LtMs, Ms 82, 1910, par. 7
Verses 22-27. And it goes on showing what beauties there are.25LtMs, Ms 82, 1910, par. 8
“And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” [Revelation 22:1, 2.] Now mark this, for it is something which has been presented to me, that I have marked decidedly and never can forget.25LtMs, Ms 82, 1910, par. 9
“And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: and they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.” [Verses 3, 4.]25LtMs, Ms 82, 1910, par. 10
Well now, let every one that understands this work honor the Lord and glorify Him. While we are not trying to make everything around us expensive, remember that the truth is to be carried into all parts of our world, and every one of you from the oldest to the youngest is to seek to honor the Lord and glorify Him here. And seek with your means and with your sanctified influence daily to exert such an influence through the atmosphere about you that the Lord Jesus will be glorified through you. We want every soul to feel that they can have the sanctifying influence of the Holy Spirit (for heaven is full of it) imparting all the time, and yet there is a heaven full of it still, never to fail. We want all of you to consider that we have a heaven to gain and a hell to shun.25LtMs, Ms 82, 1910, par. 11
I want to say to this company that I look upon, I want to meet every one of you in heaven. I mean to be there myself. Although I am in my eighty-third year, if God spares my life, I mean to go east and west, north and south, to give the message, to tell the people that they have a heaven to win. Every one of you today are under obligations to win it. And then what? Why you will help all that are around you. Keep that hasty word to yourself. Do not let it come forth from your lips, but seek earnestly for the Holy Spirit every day.25LtMs, Ms 82, 1910, par. 12
I touched upon the subject of the fallen angels, those that wanted to be first in the place of Christ. God did not mean that they should be first, and they showed by their very actions that they were not the ones that should be first. They are at work and they are going to work in every way possible, and I will tell you what they will do. They will present the knowledge that they had in heaven; they will speak in beautiful language that knowledge that they had there, and they will through their influence make merchandise of many to the loss of their souls. The beautiful language they will present in heresies in books. That is where it will come, and we want that every one that is here, and in every place where we shall go to warn them that these beautiful things that seem to be so expressive and wonderful, shall not be deceived and allured as some have been, and a good many that I could mention. We cannot afford it. They have had their warning, but they chose to follow their own way and judgment, and it will lead them so that they will have no part in this inheritance, and it makes my heart ache.25LtMs, Ms 82, 1910, par. 13
Now I would say, Let every one help the next one. Refrain from that word that would cause a disturbance in the heart. Think that good angels and evil angels are right around you. Say, Whom shall I please, the good angels or the evil angels? And I want the children to consider that Christ Jesus was always helping children and He delighted in speaking words of encouragement to children. There are many youth in this congregation, and I want to urge upon you that you should sanctify the words that shall come from your lips; and these words God will sanctify if you will speak them properly.25LtMs, Ms 82, 1910, par. 14
Be kind, tender, courteous. We would have almost a heaven upon earth if we would do this, and every man and woman will have to do it, and the children will have to do it, if they enter through the pearly gates into the city of our God. It is best to begin as early as possible and see what a heavenly atmosphere you can create around you. See what a blessing you can have in speaking kindness, and helping this one that needs help and that one that needs help. We can have a little heaven here below, preparing for that grand entrance: the gates of the city are to be swung back upon their glittering hinges and the nations that have kept the truth enter in. Fathers and mothers that have taken such care with their children, and the children that have accepted that care and kindness and have tried to respond and help the parents in their training, why, we can have a heaven right here below. Is it not worth while to stop that hasty temper, to ask God as you go out and as you come in, to give you words to speak in your family that shall not discourage and lead to despondency and gloom. Because it is just the influence that you reflect upon your children that is reflected back to you. Now we are asking these youth to be washing their hands in innocency. We asked these children to pray as they have never prayed before. Why, all heaven is looking upon this company to see what kind of characters you are forming, whether you are fitting for the courts above.25LtMs, Ms 82, 1910, par. 15
When I saw this place in the vision of the night, before it was purchased, it was as this place, only some more should have been added to it. But make the most of what you have. We are almost home. The end is very near, and He that is to come will come and will not tarry. I ask you every one to be fitting up for the higher courts. Let not your lips speak guile. Let your characters be kept without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, because you can not enter heaven above unless you are purified and refined.25LtMs, Ms 82, 1910, par. 16
Revelation 22:17. How long will we reign? Forever and ever. Is there any end to that? Just enter the gates of the city of God and have the name transcribed upon you. There shall be no night there. Oh, let every one of us seek to glorify God! You are deciding what position you will occupy in the heavenly courts. The reward to every man is to be according to his works. Read this whole chapter.25LtMs, Ms 82, 1910, par. 17
Now I would say that I have a deep interest in you all here. I shall never forget the beginning of the work at this place. There was but a handful gathered together in this building, and I spoke to them then. Now here is this company I am speaking to. Let us thank God, and let every one of us purify his soul by obeying the truth. I will say, God bless you all. Pray for me, and pray for my laborers. I have a company of laborers to do all the time as the Lord told me, and that is to keep a record of the light as it came day after day, and I am doing it all the time. The Lord bless you, is my prayer. I shall remember this place, and now I will say, Good day.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Ms 32, 1896
11LtMs, Ms 32, 1896, par. 3
The book that was sealed was not the book of Revelation, but that portion of the prophecy of Daniel which related to the last days. The Scripture says, “But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” [Daniel 12:4.] When the book was opened, the proclamation was made, “Time shall be no longer.” [Revelation 10:6.] The book of Daniel is now unsealed, and the revelation made by Christ to John is to come to all the inhabitants of the earth. By the increase of knowledge a people is to be prepared to stand in the latter days.11LtMs, Ms 32, 1896, par. 14
All that God has in prophetic history specified to be fulfilled in the past has been, and all that is yet to come in its order will be. Daniel, God’s prophet, stands in his place. John stands in his place. In the Revelation the Lion of the tribe of Judah has opened to the students of prophecy the book of Daniel, and thus is Daniel standing in his place. He bears his testimony, that which the Lord revealed to him in vision of the great and solemn events which we must know as we stand on the very threshold of their fulfillment.11LtMs, Ms 32, 1896, par. 25
The very same Satan is at work to undermine the faith of the people of God at this time. There are persons ready to catch up every new idea. The prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation are misinterpreted. These persons do not consider that the truth has been set forth at the appointed time by the very men whom God was leading <to do this special work.> These men followed on step by step in the <very fulfillment> of prophecy, and those who have not had a personal experience in this work are to take the Word of God and believe on “their word” [John 17:20] who have been led by the Lord in the proclamation of the first, second, and third angels’ messages. These messages, received and acted upon, are doing their work to prepare a people to stand in the great day of God. If we search the Scriptures to confirm the truth God has given His servants for the world, we shall be found proclaiming the first, second, and third angels’ messages.11LtMs, Ms 32, 1896, par. 38
Prophecy has been fulfilling, line upon line. The more firmly we stand under the banner of the third angel’s message, the more clearly shall we understand the prophecy of Daniel, for the Revelation is the supplement of Daniel. The more fully we accept the light presented by the Holy Spirit through the consecrated servants of God, the deeper and surer, even as the eternal throne, will appear the truths of ancient prophecy; we shall be assured that men of God spake as they were moved upon by the Holy Ghost. Men must themselves be under the influence of the Holy Spirit in order to understand the Spirit’s utterances through the prophets. These messages were given, not for those that uttered the prophecies, but for us who are living amid the scenes of their fulfillment.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 78, 1910
25LtMs, Ms 78, 1910, par. 17
In the twenty-first chapter of Revelation, we read of the beautiful new earth. Let us work for one another. Let us work determinedly to bring up the youth in a right manner. We want them to have the crown of life. We want the youth to be overcomers. Angels of God are assisting us in our schools as we seek to educate the girls and boys. They do not leave us to our own notions. The Holy spirit of God is to work with all our efforts. We want to see souls saved. Fathers and mothers, let us take hold of the work.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 176, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 176, 1896, par. 2
I have had to meet many things that required pen labor and voice labor to repress and counteract. Brother John Bell is having a large burden to get out that which he considers very precious matter upon Daniel and Revelation. It is a mixture of truth and error, supposition, and a mass of Scripture misapplied and misinterpreted. And yet he has the greatest assurance that he has great light. But as he had no knowledge of the experience through which we passed in the proclamation of the first and second angels’ messages, he cannot understand that his theories uproot the past leadings of God. This I am now seeking to present to him. For two nights in succession I was awake—one night at half past two o’clock a.m.; the next night at half past one o’clock a.m.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 57, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 57, 1896, par. 4
There is need of a much closer study of the Word of God; especially should Daniel and the Revelation have attention as never before in the history of our work. We may have less to say in some lines, in regard to the Roman power and the papacy, but we should call attention to what the prophets and apostles have written under the inspiration of the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit has so shaped matters, both in the giving of the prophecy and in the events portrayed, as to teach that the human agent is to be kept out of sight, hid in Christ, and the Lord God of heaven and His law are to be exalted.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 87, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 87, 1896, par. 2
All who are preparing to meet the Lord at His coming should make the book of Revelation the subject of their earnest study and prayer. This book is just what its name signifies—a revelation of the important events that are to take place in the last days of this earth’s history. John because of his faithful trust in the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ, was banished to the isle of Patmos. But his banishment did not separate him from Jesus Christ. The Lord knows all about His faithful servants, who for His sake are lying in prisons and dungeons, or who are banished to lonely islands; and He comforts them in their affliction. Christ visited John in his exile and opened to him the closing scenes of this world’s history.11LtMs, Lt 87, 1896, par. 8
The book of Revelation must be opened to the people. Many have been taught that it is a sealed book; but it is sealed only to those who reject light and truth. The truth it contains must be proclaimed, that people may have an opportunity to prepare for the events which are so soon to transpire. The third angel’s message must be presented as the only hope for the salvation of a perishing world.11LtMs, Lt 87, 1896, par. 13
The perils of the last days are upon us, and in our work we are to warn people of the danger they are in. Let not the solemn scenes which prophecy has revealed, be left untouched. If our people were half awake, if they realized the nearness of the events portrayed by John, such a reformation would be made in our churches, that many more would believe our message. We are God’s messengers, and we have not time to lose, for He calls upon us to watch for souls as they that must give account. Advance new principles, and crowd in the clear-cut truth. It will be as a sword working both ways. But do not be too ready to take a controversial attitude. There will be times when we must stand still and see the salvation of the Lord. Present the truth as it is in Jesus. Let Daniel speak, let Revelation speak, and tell what is truth. But whatever phase of the subject is presented, uplift Jesus as the center of all hope, “the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.” [Revelation 22:16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 29, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 29, 1896, par. 17
Will our brethren bear in mind that we are living amid the perils of the last days? Read Revelation in connection with Daniel. Teach these things. Let discourses be short, spiritual, elevated. Let the preacher be full of the Word of the Lord. Let every man who enters the pulpit know that he has angels from heaven in his audience. And when these angels empty from themselves the golden oil of truth into the heart of him who is teaching the Word, then the application of the truth will be a solemn, serious matter. The angel messengers will expel sin from the heart, unless the door of the heart is padlocked and Christ is refused admission. Christ will withdraw Himself from those who persist in refusing the heavenly blessings that are so freely offered them.EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
Revelation 21:1
Darkness Before Dawn
Creation Delivered from Sin
DD 60.3
“I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away.” Revelation 21:1. The fire that consumes the wicked purifies the earth. Every trace of the curse is swept away. No eternally burning hell will keep before the ransomed the fearful consequences of sin.Patriarchs and Prophets
Chapter 3—The Temptation and Fall
PP 62.2
The Garden of Eden remained upon the earth long after man had become an outcast from its pleasant paths. The fallen race were long permitted to gaze upon the home of innocence, their entrance barred only by the watching angels. At the cherubim-guarded gate of Paradise the divine glory was revealed. Hither came Adam and his sons to worship God. Here they renewed their vows of obedience to that law the transgression of which had banished them from Eden. When the tide of iniquity overspread the world, and the wickedness of men determined their destruction by a flood of waters, the hand that had planted Eden withdrew it from the earth. But in the final restitution, when there shall be “a new heaven and a new earth” (Revelation 21:1), it is to be restored more gloriously adorned than at the beginning.The Faith I Live By
Bright Beams of Glory, December 21
FLB 361.5
“I saw a new heaven and a new earth....” Revelation 21:1.... Every trace of the curse is swept away....The Story of Redemption
Chapter 67—The New Earth
SR 430.1
“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away.” Revelation 21:1. The fire that consumes the wicked purifies the earth. Every trace of the curse is swept away. No eternally burning hell will keep before the ransomed the fearful consequences of sin. One reminder alone remains: our Redeemer will ever bear the marks of His crucifixion. Upon His wounded head, His hands and feet, are the only traces of the cruel work that sin has wrought.A Word to the Little Flock
To Bro. Eli Curtis
WLF 11.4
I also agree with you, that the new heavens, and the new earth, (Revelation 21:1. Isaiah 65:17. 2 Peter 3:13.) will not appear, till after the wicked dead are raised, and destroyed, at the end of the 1000 years. I saw that Satan was “loosed out of his prison,” at the end of the 1000 years, just at the time the wicked dead were raised; and that Satan deceived them by making them believe that they could take the holy city from the saints. The wicked all marched up around the “camp of the saints,” with Satan at their head; and when they were ready to make an effort to take the city, the Almighty breathed from his high throne, on the city, a breath of devouring fire, which came down on them, and burnt them up, “root and branch.”From Eternity Past
Is God Too Severe?
EP 30.3
The Garden of Eden remained upon the earth long after man had become an outcast from its pleasant paths. But when the wickedness of men determined their destruction by a flood of waters, the hand that had planted Eden withdrew it from the earth. In the final restitution, when there shall be “a new heaven and a new earth” it is to be restored more gloriously adorned than at the beginning. Revelation 21:1.From Here to Forever
Violent End of the Wicked
HF 408.3
“I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away.” Revelation 21:1. The fire that consumes the wicked purifies the earth. Every trace of the curse is swept away. No eternally burning hell will keep before the ransomed the fearful consequences of sin.God’s Amazing Grace
Eden Restored, December 18
AG 360.2
The garden of Eden remained upon the earth long after man had become an outcast from its pleasant paths. The fallen race were long permitted to gaze upon the home of innocence, their entrance barred only by the watching angels. At the cherubim-guarded gate of Paradise the divine glory was revealed. Hither came Adam and his sons to worship God. Here they renewed their vows of obedience to that law the transgression of which had banished them from Eden. When the tide of iniquity overspread the world, and the wickedness of men determined their destruction by a flood of waters, the hand that had planted Eden withdrew it from the earth. But in the final restitution, when there shall be “a new heaven and a new earth” (Revelation 21:1), it is to be restored more gloriously adorned than at the beginning.The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1
Lt 2, 1847
I also agree with you, that the new heavens, and the new earth, (Rev. 21:1. Isa. 65:17. 2 Pet. 3:13.) will not appear, till after the wicked dead are raised, and destroyed, at the end of the 1000 years.4
According to mainstream Millerite thinking, events at the beginning of the millennium included the second coming of Christ, the resurrection of the righteous dead, the destruction of the wicked, and the purification of the earth by fire, resulting in “a new heaven and a new earth” (Rev. 21:1). Events at the close of the millennium included the resurrection of the wicked dead, the loosing of Satan, the attempted attack on the Holy City, and the final punitive fires. Gradually, over a period of about five years, Sabbatarian Adventists developed a view of the millennium that differed from the above schema on several key points. The earliest break with the Millerite view is found in Ellen Harmon’s first vision of December 1844, in which the saints ascend with Christ to heaven at the Second Coming (see Lt 1, 1845 [Dec. 20], note 16). The next major break appears in this 1847 letter with the assertion that the new heavens and new earth would not emerge at the beginning of the millennium as the Millerites had taught, but at the end, thus anticipating the subsequent teaching that the final fires that destroy Satan and the wicked will also purify the earth, making it “new.” James White claimed, some years later, that his wife’s “view of this subject [the millennium] was not till 1850,” his main point being to prove that on this subject, as well as on other unique Sabbatarian teachings, “it should be understood that all these views … were brought out from the Scriptures before Mrs. W. had any view in regard to them.” However, as can be seen from the visions of 1844 and 1847, Ellen White received instruction on important aspects of the emerging new concept of the millennium well before 1850.
Homeward Bound
Eden Restored, December 20
HB 385.1
Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.—Revelation 21:1.HB 385.2
The garden of Eden remained upon the earth long after man had become an outcast from its pleasant paths. The fallen race were long permitted to gaze upon the home of innocence, their entrance barred only by the watching angels. At the cherubim-guarded gate of Paradise the divine glory was revealed. Hither came Adam and his sons to worship God. Here they renewed their vows of obedience to that law the transgression of which had banished them from Eden. When the tide of iniquity overspread the world, and the wickedness of men and women determined their destruction by a flood of waters, the hand that had planted Eden withdrew it from the earth. But in the final restitution, when there shall be “a new heaven and a new earth” (Revelation 21:1), it is to be restored more gloriously adorned than at the beginning.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 31, 1889
“And There Shall Be No More Sea.” [Revelation 21:1.]
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 101, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 101, 1897, par. 2
I hope you do not really mean that you are friendless. I felt very sad when I read your note. Jennie is at rest. Thank the Lord that there is no more sorrow and pain and suffering for the poor, afflicted body. “Write, Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord.” “For they rest from their labors, and their works do follow them.” [Revelation 14:13.] Were we near you, or you near us, we would do all we possibly could to care for you; but eight thousand miles of the broad Pacific separates us. I will be glad when the time comes when “there shall be no more sea.” [Revelation 21:1.]Heaven
Chapter 9—Eden Restored
Hvn 77.1
Restored More Gloriously—The Garden of Eden remained upon the earth long after man had become an outcast from its pleasant paths. The fallen race were long permitted to gaze upon the home of innocence, their entrance barred only by the watching angels. At the cherubim-guarded gate of Paradise the divine glory was revealed. Hither came Adam and his sons to worship God. Here they renewed their vows of obedience to that law the transgression of which had banished them from Eden. When the tide of iniquity overspread the world, and the wickedness of men determined their destruction by a flood of waters, the hand that had planted Eden withdrew it from the earth. But in the final restitution, when there shall be “a new heaven and a new earth” (Revelation 21:1), it is to be restored more gloriously adorned than at the beginning.Heaven
Chapter 14—The End of Evil
Hvn 131.2
“I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away.” Revelation 21:1. The fire that consumes the wicked purifies the earth. Every trace of the curse is swept away. No eternally burning hell will keep before the ransomed the fearful consequences of sin.—The Great Controversy, 673, 674.Maranatha
The New Heavens and the New Earth, December 9
Mar 351.4
“I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away.” Revelation 21:1. The fire that consumes the wicked purifies the earth. Every trace of the curse is swept away. No eternally burning hell will keep before the ransomed the fearful consequences of sin.21The Great Controversy, 674.Maranatha
Garden of Eden Restored, December 12
Mar 354.2
The Garden of Eden remained upon the earth long after man had become an outcast from its pleasant paths. The fallen race were long permitted to gaze upon the home of innocence, their entrance barred only by the watching angels. At the cherubim-guarded gate of Paradise the divine glory was revealed. Hither came Adam and his sons to worship God. Here they renewed their vows of obedience to that law the transgression of which had banished them from Eden. When the tide of iniquity overspread the world, and the wickedness of men determined their destruction by a flood of waters, the hand that had planted Eden withdrew it from the earth. But in the final restitution, when there shall be “a new heaven and a new earth” (Revelation 21:1), it is to be restored more gloriously adorned than at the beginning.Maranatha
Our Saviour’s Highest Honor, December 20
Mar 362.2
“I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away.” Revelation 21:1. The fire that consumes the wicked purifies the earth. Every trace of the curse is swept away....Our Father Cares
Our Saviour’s Highest Honor, December 31
OFC 377.2
“I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away.” Revelation 21:1. The fire that consumes the wicked purifies the earth. Every trace of the curse is swept away....