EGW WritingsRevelation 2

Selected Messages Book 1

Chapter 58—“Thou Hast Left Thy First Love”

1SM 369.1

I spoke to the people of Otsego from the fourth and fifth verses of the second chapter of Revelation: “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent”(Revelation 2:4, 5). The people to whom these words are addressed have many excellent qualities, which are recognized by the True Witness; “Nevertheless,” He says, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” Here is a want that will have to be supplied. All the other graces fail to make up the deficiency. The church is counseled to “remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.... He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God” (Revelation 2:4-7).

1SM 370.2

When this church is weighed in the balance of the sanctuary, it is found wanting, having left its first love. The True Witness declares, “I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: and hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted” (Revelation 2:2, 3). Notwithstanding all this, the church is found wanting. What is the fatal deficiency?—“Thou hast left thy first love.” Is not this our case? Our doctrines may be correct; we may hate false doctrine, and may not receive those who are not true to principle; we may labor with untiring energy; but even this is not sufficient. What is our motive? Why are we called upon to repent?—“Thou hast left thy first love.”

1SM 370.3

Let each member of the church study this important warning and reproof. Let each one see if in contending for the truth, if in debating on the theory, he has not lost the tender love of Christ. Has not Christ been left out of the sermons, and out of the heart? Is there not danger that many are going forward with a profession of the truth, doing missionary work, while the love of Christ has not been woven into the labor? This solemn warning from the True Witness means much; it demands that you shall remember from whence you are fallen, and repent, and do the first works; “or else,” says the True Witness, “I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent” (Revelation 2:5). O that the church might realize its need of its first ardor of love! When this is wanting, all other excellences are insufficient. The call to repentance is one that cannot be disregarded without peril. A belief in the theory of the truth is not enough. To present this theory to unbelievers does not constitute you a witness for Christ. The light that gladdened your heart when you first understood the message for this time, is an essential element in your experience and labors, and this has been lost out of your heart and life. Christ beholds your lack of zeal, and declares that you have fallen, and are in a perilous position.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 81, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 81, 1900, par. 42

God is sending to His church today the message that He sent to the church at Ephesus: “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Revelation 2:4, 5.]

15LtMs, Ms 81, 1900, par. 67

Let us forget not the message to the church at Ephesus. God specified their virtues. “I know thy works,” He declared, “and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: and hast borne, and hast patience, and for My name’s sake hast labored, and hast not fainted.” [Revelation 2:2, 3.]

15LtMs, Ms 81, 1900, par. 70

“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” [Verses 4, 5, 7.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 52, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 31

The angel that talked with John on the isle of Patmos presented before him the condition of the church: “I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil, ... nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works: or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove the candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Revelation 2:2, 4, 5.] God says, “I am he that searcheth the reins and the hearts, and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. ... And he that overcometh and keepeth my works unto the end, to him shall be given power over the nations.” “and I will give him the morning star.” [Verses 23, 26, 28.]

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

The Proper Way to Deal With Students in Our Schools

9MR 55.2

Christ presents many phases of character to God’s people, and yet He says, “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love” (Revelation 2:4). What is the matter?—the gold the truth bids to seek, the gold of love and faith, is dropped out of the character and now you must come back.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 21, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 21, 1890, par. 11

Says the true Witness, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” [Revelation 2:4.] In the ardor of the first love, what testimonies were poured forth for Christ, what entreaties were made from souls overflowing with love. What joyous gratitude filled the heart and flowed forth from the soul when the believer first became conscious of the love of Jesus. With tears and prayers he offered his petitions to God, he entreated his friends to accept of Jesus; his yearning sympathy was revealed in the love he manifested for the souls for whom Christ had died. But he met with coldness; minds seemed unimpressed.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 8a, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 8a, 1891, par. 3

Christ presents many phases of character to God’s people, and yet He says, “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” [Revelation 2:4.] What is the matter? The gold the truth bids [you] seek, the gold of love and faith, is dropped out of the character, and now you must come back.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 70, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 70, 1895, par. 6

God will be honored in all who come near to Him. Cold hearted worldliness is excluding from the heart the love of Jesus. Says the Alpha and Omega, “I have somewhat against thee because thou hast left thy first love.” [Revelation 2:4.] Words as written in characters of fire were presented before me as inscribed on the very walls of the printing office, on the walls of the council rooms, “I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.” [Revelation 3:1-3.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 134, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 134, 1899, par. 10

Ministers and men in responsible places are altogether too officious. Move from between God and the people, and let them view God as the all-sufficient One, and the minister as the delegated servant. Your work is to preach the Word, “to be instant in season, out of season, to reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and doctrine.” [2 Timothy 4:2.] When the church shall come in close relationship with Christ, then they will find that which they have lost—“their first love.” [Revelation 2:4.] They will not be causing trials in the church by their wrong course of action. They will not draw upon the minister’s strength and vitality to keep them converted. If they are not bound by strong cords of love to Christ, all the ministry in the world will not help them. They will not feel that the minister of God must be continually preaching to them lest they be lost, but they will themselves work to help others, and every church member will become a living stone to emit light.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 144, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 144, 1901, par. 21

The knowledge Christ had of the churches, shown by His messages to them, is an illustration of the knowledge He has of each student. Remember His message to the church at Ephesus: “Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” [Revelation 2:4.] Teachers and students, do not forget that these words may be applicable to you. You may be cherishing ambitions which need close investigation. Apparently you may have excellent qualifications for God’s work, but you may be suffering from a spiritual disease that, if not checked, will prove fatal.

16LtMs, Lt 144, 1901, par. 22

“I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” [Verse 4.] God regards the loss of the first love as a great loss. It is a fall from a high standard of spiritual life to a low standard. If this first love is lacking, all other qualifications for service are lacking. No outward efforts can take the place of the love which abides in the heart of every true Christian. You may think to supply the place of true devotion by feverish activity, but the salt has lost its savor, the perfume of Christlike love is lacking.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 43a, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 43a, 1901, par. 18

Well, now that is what burdens me; that is what burdens me. It burdens me because that I see unless there is more tenderness, more compassion, more of the love of God—the Lord knew what He was talking about when He gave the message to Daniel—“You have lost your first love,” you have lost it. [Revelation 2:4.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 134, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 134, 1901, par. 31

The knowledge Christ has of His churches, shown by His messages to them, is an illustration of the knowledge He has of each student. Remember His message to the church at Ephesus: “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” [Revelation 2:4.] Teachers and students, do not forget that these words may be applicable to you. You may be cherishing ambitions which need close investigation. Apparently you may have excellent qualifications for God’s work, but you may be suffering from a spiritual disease which, if not checked, will prove fatal.

16LtMs, Lt 134, 1901, par. 32

“I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” [Verse 4.] God regards the loss of the first love as a great loss. It is a fall from a high standard of spiritual life to a low standard. Unless the first love is most carefully cherished, all other qualifications for service are worthless. No outward efforts can take the place of the love which abides in the heart of every true Christian. You may think to supply the place of true devotion by feverish activity, but the salt has lost its savor, the perfume of true, Christlike love is lacking.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 43d, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 43d, 1901, par. 16

Well, now that is what burdens me; that is what burdens me. It burdens me because that I see unless there is more tenderness, more compassion, more of the love of God—the Lord knew what He was talking about when He gave the message to Daniel—“You have lost your first love, you have lost it.” [Revelation 2:4.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 13 [Nos. 1000-1080]

MR No. 1060—Solemn Times Demand Unity and Consecration

13MR 332.3

I have been instructed in regard to the danger of drawing apart. Let us leave to Satan and his agents the cruel work of accusing and fault-finding. Our work is to repent before God because of our unbelief and want of love for Him who died for us and for one another. The gold of love and faith is wanting in our ranks. Christ declares, “Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love” [Revelation 2:4].

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 180, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 180, 1903, par. 9

The words “Thou hast left thy first love” describe your condition. [Revelation 2:4.] God calls upon you to repent, else He will come to you quickly and will remove the candlestick out of its place. You need the ministry of the great Physician to cure you of the disease <skepticism> which, unless cured, will result in spiritual blindness. Let the Spirit of God come in and take possession of your heart, purifying the soul temple. God wants you to let your heart break before Him. He wants you to confess and forsake your besetting sins.

Jesus, Name Above All Names

True Counselor, June 3

JNN 166.1

“Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.”—Revelation 2:4

This Day With God

Remedy for Ruin, March 20

TDG 88.2

Look at the cross of Calvary. It is a standing pledge of the boundless love, the measureless mercy, of the heavenly Father. O that all might repent and do their first works. When the churches do this, they will love God supremely and their neighbors as themselves. Ephraim will not envy Judah, and Judah will not vex Ephraim. Divisions will then be healed, the harsh sounds of strife will no more be heard in the borders of Israel. Through the grace freely given them of God, all will seek to answer the prayer of Christ, that His disciples should be one, even as He and the Father are one. Peace, love, mercy, and benevolence will be the abiding principles of the soul. The love of Christ will be the theme of every tongue, and it will no more be said by the true Witness, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love” (Revelation 2:4). The people of God will be abiding in Christ, the love of Jesus will be revealed, and one Spirit will animate all hearts, regenerating and renewing all in the image of Christ, fashioning all hearts alike. As living branches of the true Vine, all will be united to Christ, the living head. Christ will abide in every heart, guiding, comforting, sanctifying, and presenting to the world the unity of the followers of Jesus, thus bearing testimony that the heavenly credentials are supplied to the remnant church. In the oneness of Christ’s church it will be proved that God sent His only begotten Son into the world....

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Lt 5, 1883

4LtMs, Lt 5, 1883, par. 10

I have been instructed in regard to the danger of drawing apart. Let us leave to Satan and his agents the cruel world of accusing and faultfinding. Our work is to repent before God because of our unbelief and want of love for Him who died for us and for one another. The gold of love and faith is wanting in our ranks. Christ declares, “Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left they first love.” [Revelation 2:4.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 48, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 48, 1890, par. 4

Another feature of the meeting was the bright, happy, cheerful faces that were pleasant to look upon and then the testimonies that were so cheerfully and gladly given, almost universally of a hopeful character. The hearts of many were brimming full and running over with gratitude that they had been blessed with the privilege of hearing the truth and with hearts ready to respond to the drawing influences of the Spirit of God. This is that which the true witness describes as “the first love.” [Revelation 2:4.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 16, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, par. 1

The true Witness speaks through John to the churches, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” [Revelation 2:4.] And again they are reproved because they have not strengthened the things that remain, that are ready to die.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 48, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 48, 1891, par. 12

“Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” [Matthew 24:12.] The true witness says of the church, after enumerating many virtues, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” [Revelation 2:4.] The prevailing idolatry and iniquity have had a paralyzing, deadening influence upon piety and godliness. There is distrust, selfishness, and suspicion. A few hold fast their profession of faith. Others are treading on the border land of skepticism, because they have been leaving the simplicity of the faith. They are spiritually beclouded; and as a result, many are holding serious errors.

7LtMs, Ms 48, 1891, par. 48

Suppose we labor to this end the coming year. Suppose we try daily to have our hearts united in the bonds of Christian love. “I have somewhat against thee,” says the True Witness, “because thou hast left thy first love.” And he says, “Except thou repent,” “I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place.” [Revelation 2:4, 5.] Why?—Because in our separation from one another we are separated from Christ. We want to press together. O, how many times, when I have seemed to be in the presence of God and holy angels, I have heard the angel voice saying, “Press together, press together, press together. Do not let Satan cast his hellish shadow between brethren. Press together; in unity there is strength.”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 168, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 168, 1902, par. 4

O, how much time is worse than wasted by evil speaking. Because of this sin, not half is accomplished that might be accomplished. Men and women become mischief makers for Satan, and going to this one and that one, place in their minds the leaven of evil, prejudicing them against a brother or a sister who, they say, has done wrong. The thoughts of those thus influenced are disturbed, their peace is destroyed, and their confidence in their brethren is weakened. Those who do this evil work are departing from Christ to follow one who is teaching them to love and make a lie. Whatever this position in the service of God, they are dishonoring Him, and Christ says to them, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” [Revelation 2:4.] All their qualifications and capabilities, however commendable they may apparently be, will not supply the deficiency resulting from the lack of Christlike love.

17LtMs, Ms 168, 1902, par. 5

I feel so saddened, so discouraged, by the thought that my brethren are willing to listen and <circulate> hearsay. I know that the Spirit of God will not co-operate with those who, by their criticisms, their evil surmising, and their hardheartedness, are helping Satan. God says to them, “Thou hast left thy first love. ... Repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly,” that is, “I will not bear long with your perverse spirit, which leads you to cherish envy and evil surmising.” [Verses 4, 5.]

17LtMs, Ms 168, 1902, par. 6

“I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Verses 4, 5.] Do not these words, so plain and decided, call for serious thought and earnest study on the part of every one who claims to believe the Word of God? “Thou hast left they first love.” And the dryness and coldness of the heart are revealed by a lack of that Christian courtesy, that fragrance of kindness and tenderness that is seen in the life of the true Christian.

17LtMs, Ms 168, 1902, par. 29

To all who have been harsh and discourteous, as hard as flint in their <speech and> dealings with their brethren, who are not touched by the strivings of God’s Spirit, who desire to be first, to grasp supreme authority, God says, “Thou has left thy first love.” [Revelation 2:4.] He will give them another trial, but if they refuse to repent, He will come unto them quickly, and will remove their candlestick out of his place.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 10, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 10, 1903, par. 10

To us comes the message that was given to the church at Ephesus: “Thou hast left thy first love.” This message comes at a time when, in our supreme self-importance, we suppose that we are advancing heavenward. Gradually we have been losing sight of the fact that we are only God’s little children, and that daily we must receive strength and help from Him, if we remain Christlike in behaviour, and act as those that have been born again. And because we have lost sight of this, God’s message to all our churches, which have received great light, is, “Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, because thou has left thy first love.” [Revelation 2:4.]

18LtMs, Lt 10, 1903, par. 12

Thus it is with God’s church today. We have left our first love. And to us, as to the church at Ephesus, is spoken the warning message: “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Revelation 2:5.]

Counsels for the Church

The Love of and Knowledge of the Word—Our Surety

CCh 327.1

Into the hearts of many who have been long in the truth there has entered a hard, judicial spirit. They are sharp, critical, faultfinding. They have climbed upon the judgment seat to pronounce sentence upon those who do not conform to their ideas. God calls upon them to come down and bow before Him in repentance, confessing their sins. He says to them: “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” Revelation 2:4, 5. They are striving for the first place, and by their words and acts they make many hearts sore.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6

A Warning from the Church of Ephesus

6T 421.1

The True Witness addresses the church of Ephesus, saying: “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” Revelation 2:4, 5.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 28—Levi-Matthew

DA 280.3

As it was in the days of Christ, so it is now; the Pharisees do not know their spiritual destitution. To them comes the message, “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear.” Revelation 3:17, 18. Faith and love are the gold tried in the fire. But with many the gold has become dim, and the rich treasure has been lost. The righteousness of Christ is to them as a robe unworn, a fountain untouched. To them it is said, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” Revelation 2:4, 5.

To Be Like Jesus

Jesus Lovingly Calls, but Many Wait Too Long to Respond, December 6

BLJ 358.1

Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. Revelation 2:4, 5, NKJV.

The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials

Chapter 115—The Vision at Salamanca

1888 947.3

The tenderness, the kindness, the true courtesy, and the refinement of feelings which evidence that men are learning in Christ’s school, have been dropped out of the hearts and characters of many who think God is using them. The True Witness says, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.... I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” Revelation 2:4, 5. If there were far more repenting, and less self-sufficiency and self-boasting, we should see spiritual things much more clearly. God wants you to come into vital connection with Himself. Then there will be a purer flame kindled in every soul, and the love of Christ will abide in the heart.

The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials

A Call to Reconsecrate, Reorganize, and Advance

1888 1731.2

God is in earnest with us. He has seen the close dealing, and it is contemptible in His sight. It leaves men where, if they do not change, they will never see the kingdom of God. They are as destitute of the nobility, the generosity, the tenderness, the compassion, the love of Christ, as the hills of Gilboa were destitute of dew and rain. They cannot be aroused to see their condition. Enough has been said, but it does not lead them to reform. The message from heaven is professedly accepted, but no change is made. This is what alarms me. I see that unless there is more tenderness, more compassion, more of the love of God, the blessing of heaven will be withdrawn. John knew what he was talking about when he said, “Thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent” [Revelation 2:4, 5].

The Review and Herald

January 21, 1904

RH January 21, 1904, par. 17

Into the hearts of many who have been long in the truth there has entered a hard, judicial spirit. They are sharp, critical, fault-finding. They have climbed into the judgment seat to pronounce sentence on those who do not meet their ideas. God calls upon them to come down, and bow before him in repentance, confessing their sins. He says to them, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” Revelation 2:4, 5. They are striving for the first place, and by their words and acts they make many hearts sore.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 3

The Home Missionary Work

3TT 55.1

The True Witness addresses the church of Ephesus, saying: “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” Revelation 2:4, 5.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 3

Seek the First Love

3TT 275.4

Into the hearts of many who have been long in the truth there has entered a hard, judicial spirit. They are sharp, critical, faultfinding. They have climbed upon the judgment seat, to pronounce sentence upon those who do not conform to their ideas. God calls upon them to come down and bow before Him in repentance, confessing their sins. He says to them: “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” Revelation 2:4, 5. They are striving for the first place, and by their words and acts they make many hearts sore.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 61, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 61, 1890, par. 5

The eyes of the Lord were bent upon the people in sorrow mingled with displeasure, and the words were spoken, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence that art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Revelation 2:4, 5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 40, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, par. 2

I had been, and still was, bowed down with distress of body and of mind. It seemed to me that I must bear a message to our people at Battle Creek. The words were to be in earnest. “Speak the words that I shall give thee, to prevent their doing things which would separate God from the publishing house and sacrifice pure and holy principles which must be maintained.” The eyes of God were bent upon them in sorrow mingled with severe displeasure, and the words were spoken, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works, or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” Revelation 2:4, 5. There is no time to lose. God speaks. Men are serving the enemy and betraying sacred principles.

6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, par. 105

The tenderness, the kindness, the true courtesy, and the refinement of feelings which evidence that men are learning in Christ’s school have been dropped out of the hearts and characters of many who think God is using them. The True Witness says, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. ... I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” Revelation 2:4, 5. If there were far more repenting, and less self-sufficiency and self-boasting, we should see spiritual things much more clearly. God wants you to come into vital connection with Himself. Then there will be a purer flame kindled in every soul, and the love of Christ will abide in the heart.

Life Sketches of Ellen G. White

Chapter 48—Danger in Adopting Worldly Policy in the Work of God

LS 320.2

“The eyes of the Lord were bent upon the people in sorrow mingled with displeasure, and the words were spoken: ‘I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.’ Revelation 2:4, 5.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 41, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 41, 1890, par. 44

Many have deceived the world, betrayed the cause of Christ, and put the Lord of glory to an open shame by misrepresenting His character. These lie against the truth. They countenance and practice principles that in no way correspond with the truth of God. Many are willing to benefit themselves at another’s disadvantage, and this proves that the truth has not been brought into the sanctuary of the soul, and that God’s law is a dead letter to them. The commandment is, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart ... and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:27.] They have failed to learn the lesson of the pure Son of God. The True Witness says, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Revelation 2:4, 5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 40a, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, par. 15

The eyes of the Lord were bent upon the people in sorrow mingled with displeasure, and the words were spoken, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Revelation 2:4, 5.] He who wept over impenitent Israel, noting their ignorance of God and of Christ, their Redeemer, looked upon the heart of the work at Battle Creek. Great peril was about the people, but they knew it not, for they were walking in the sparks of their own kindling. Unbelief and impenitence had blinded their eyes, and they trusted to human wisdom in the guidance of the most important interests of the publishing work.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 92, 1891

7LtMs, Lt 92, 1891, par. 7

The Lord looks with disfavor upon those who would please the men of the world, while at the same time they accuse those whom God is using and manifest a satanic disrespect toward those whom they should highly regard. The tenderness of spirit, the kindness, the courtesy, the refinement of feeling, that characterizes those who are learning in the school of Christ has passed doubt of the heart and life of many who think that God is using them. The True Witness says, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Revelation 2:4, 5.] If there were far more repenting and confessing and forsaking of sin, and less self-sufficiency and less self-boasting, we should see spiritual things more clearly. God desires that you come into vital connection with Himself, and then Christ will abide in the heart, and a pure flame of devotion will be kindled in the soul.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 42, 1891

7LtMs, Lt 42, 1891, par. 13

God has answered the prayers that have been offered, not in the way you suppose, but He has revealed the rest of the difficulties. “I have somewhat against thee because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou hast fallen, and repent and do thy first works, or else I will come unto thee quickly and remove thy candlestick out of thy place unless thou repent.” [Revelation 2:4, 5.] Let the words of the True Witness be heeded, be watchful and strengthen the things that remain that are ready to die, for I have not found thy works perfect before God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 16d, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 16d, 1892, par. 8

The words of Christ are applicable to every church who claims to believe the truth. “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen;” the losing of love out of the heart is pronounced by Christ as a fall, a moral degeneracy. “And repent and do the first works, or else I will come and remove the candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Revelation 2:4, 5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 39, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 39, 1891, par. 24

Here is our work, brethren; will we take it up? So little of this is done that the word of the True Witness comes home to the church, “Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of its place, except thou repent.” [Revelation 2:4, 5.] “And he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him, and the Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan: even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem: is not it a brand plucked out of the fire? Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments and stood before the angel.” [Zechariah 3:1-3.] This was the appearance of Satan. He had deceived these souls by his delusions and devices.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 6, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 6, 1892, par. 4

The words of Christ are applicable to every church who claims to believe the truth. “I have somewhat against thee because thou hast left thy first love, remember therefore from whence thou art fallen.” The losing the love out of their hearts is pronounced by Christ as a fall, a moral degeneracy. “And repent and do the first works: else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place except thou repent.” [Revelation 2:4, 5.] “And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write: these things saith he that hath the seven spirits of God, and the seven stars: I know thy name that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful and strengthen the things that remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.” [Revelation 3:1-3.]

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

MR No. 581—Relationship of Prayer to Soulwinning

8MR 197.2

There is abundant reason why we have not more of the power of God’s grace, why our light does not shine more brightly. Christ says, “You have left your first love. Except you repent, I will come unto you quickly, and will remove your candlestick out of his place.” (See Revelation 2:4, 5.)

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 11, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 11, 1892, par. 14

Believers in the truth need the converting power of God, as verily as unbelievers. “Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember, therefore, from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works, else I will come unto thee quickly, and remove thy candlestick out of its place, except thou repent.” [Revelation 2:4, 5.] Be free yourself, in the Lord. Do not allow your mind to become saddened by dwelling upon disagreeable supposition, but put confidence in your brethren, and do not misinterpret them. Think they mean you well unless you have certain knowledge to the contrary.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 13, 1892

7LtMs, Ms 13, 1892, par. 1

Christ, the True Witness, addresses the church at Ephesus saying, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” Revelation 2:4, 5. What effect have these words had upon the church? Have the professed people of God understood the import of the words, “Except thou repent,” “I will come unto thee quickly”—when you are at ease, careless, filled with spiritual negligence—“and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” When warnings come no more to the people of God, when tender admonitions from the Spirit of God are silent, when the candle of heavenly illumination shines no longer upon their pathway, they will be left to kindle their own fire, and to walk in the sparks of their own kindling.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 61, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 61, 1893, par. 13

Is the work that has been going on since the Minneapolis meeting of God? If not, it is of another spirit. “By their fruits ye shall know them.” [Matthew 7:20.] I know that the Lord is in this work, and no one can silence the messenger whom God sends, or repress the message. The Lord will be heard through His human agencies. And if any man refuses to accept the light and walk in it, that light will not continue to shine upon him. “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works: or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Revelation 2:4, 5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 48, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 48, 1893, par. 38

Jesus, looking upon Jerusalem, wept because the grace of God was resisted, privileges were abused, mercy slighted. Is there not cause for you to weep because of your own pride and hardness of heart? The True Witness says to the Ephesus church, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou has left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou hast fallen and repent, and do the first works, or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Revelation 2:4, 5.] This is your work, my brother.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 42, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 42, 1893, par. 10

Those who hold so firmly to their own opinions, and would treat others ungenerously, would not wish to be treated in the same manner themselves. They must have a different kind of education, and no longer fail to manifest the mercy and the love of God, for then they might do much good. Had they a character after Christ’s likeness of character, their influence would be far-reaching, and they would do great good. How long shall defects of character triumph against truth, righteousness, and the love of God? How long shall the spirit of Satan hold sway? Listen to the voice of the True Witness, “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” [Revelation 2:4.] The love of Christ, shed abroad in the heart, always leads to the expression of love, tenderness, and compassion toward others. All hardness of heart is gone from a soul where the love of Jesus is cherished. Shall the human agent forget how much he has received of the compassionate Redeemer? Notwithstanding the many errors and mistakes he has made, God has not left him. He has had tender pity over him in his waywardness, and, O, what forbearance and long-suffering has been exercised toward him! How much generous sympathy has been shown him notwithstanding his perversity! If it had not been for the loving kindness of God, he would never have been chosen as a son of God. “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent.” [Verse 5.]

8LtMs, Lt 42, 1893, par. 11

He who has lost his first love, reveals the loss in the manner in which he deals with humanity. The loss of the first love is represented as a fall, calling for repentance, and for the doing of the first works. If the erring one does not repent, the True Witness says, “I will come unto thee quickly and remove thy candlestick out of its place, except thou repent.” [Verse 5.] I tell you in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, this hard, sunless, loveless religion, so largely cherished by some of our brethren, never draws souls to Christ; but drives them away from Christ and the truth, into the net Satan has prepared to entangle the feet of the straying.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 42, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 42, 1894, par. 6

The practice of sincere love to one another has been lost, and not withstanding the decided testimonies in (Revelation 2:4, 5), ministers and people have not been afraid to cherish <and reveal in their conversation> disrespect one for the other. I am afraid that many souls will be lost to Christ because of the neglect to manifest that love which Christ has enjoined. Even among ministers there is <a decided wrong revealed in them [and]> great indifference toward their fellow laborers whom God uses as His instrumentalities. There is a sad dearth of real courtesy, sympathy, and tender regard <and confidence.> I presented these things, and the Lord helped me. There was a falling on the Rock; the tender Spirit of God came into the meeting, and earnest confessions were made, with many tears, brother clasping the hand of brother, and asking forgiveness.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 109, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 109, 1895, par. 8

The Lord has a work for J. E. White to do. God has wrought for my son. God would have used human agencies if they had possessed hearts—tender hearts of flesh, in the place of hearts of steel. “I have somewhat against thee,” saith the True Witness, “because thou hast left thy first love. ... Repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick.” [Revelation 2:4, 5.] I entreated Edson to open his heart fully to his mother when he was in trouble, but to no others. I shall seek to encourage Edson and his companions. If others feel a zeal to hedge up the way, God will open it if he puts his trust in Him. But oh, I have felt so fearful at times that the un-Christlike spirit, the lack of true discernment, would place Edson again in doubt, and he would let go the hand of infinite power. My prayers have been to God that He would uphold him.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 1 [Nos. 19-96]

MR No. 55—The Spirit that Should Characterize the Work of Seventh-day Adventist Physicians

1MR 215.2

Many have deceived the world, betrayed the cause of Christ, and put the Lord of glory to an open shame by misrepresenting His character. These lie against the truth. They countenance and practice principles that in no way correspond with the truth of God. Many are willing to benefit themselves at another’s disadvantage, and this proves that the truth has not been brought into the sanctuary of the soul, and that God’s law is a dead letter to them. The commandment is, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God will all thy heart, and ... thy neighbor as thyself” (Matthew 22:37-39). They have failed to learn the lesson of the pure Son of God. The True Witness says, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent” (Revelation 2:4, 5).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 92, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 92, 1895, par. 13

Those who believe the truth must put on the armor of Christ’s righteousness. Where Christ abides, there is meekness and gentleness. The unchristian temper that is roused up to meet the unchristian temper never creates peace, but needlessly irritates. The Lord has a controversy with those who are ever ready to reprove and to irritate others. We are not to imitate them. Many have excellent qualifications as had the class to whom the True Witness says, “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of its place, except thou repent.” Who is it that speaks to the churches? “These things saith He that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars.” [Revelation 2:4, 5; 3:1.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 7, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 7, 1895, par. 15

As this picture is opened before you, the inquiry may be made, Are there no Christians to whom such a one can go for relief? This question God answers, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou hast fallen, and repent and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Revelation 2:4, 5.] A cold, hardhearted Phariseeism has taken possession of many of the professed followers of Christ, and the love to Jesus is dead.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 36, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 36, 1895, par. 24

Is it not a good and gracious work to restore and heal those who are broken in heart? Let us not bring ourselves under the rebuke of God. “Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works: or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” “I know thy works that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent, If therefore thou shalt not watch I will come upon thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.” [Revelation 2:4, 5; 3:1-3.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 151, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 1

Christ, the True Witness, addresses the church at Ephesus, saying, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, add do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Revelation 2:4, 5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 11, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 11, 1899, par. 5

We need to beware lest we bring upon ourselves the rebuke of God as found in Revelation 2:4, 5 and 3:1-3. Would it not be well for us to be jealous of ourselves and be doers of the Word of God? “If there be therefore any consolation of Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfill ye my joy that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” [Philippians 2:1-5.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 13 [Nos. 1000-1080]

MR No. 1028—A Call to Reconsecrate, Reorganize, and Advance

13MR 196.2

God is in earnest with us. He has seen the close dealing, and it is contemptible in His sight. It leaves men where, if they do not change, they will never see the kingdom of God. They are as destitute of the nobility, the generosity, the tenderness, the compassion, the love of Christ, as the hills of Gilboa were destitute of dew and rain. They cannot be aroused to see their condition. Enough has been said, but it does not lead them to reform. The message from heaven is professedly accepted, but no change is made. This is what alarms me. I see that unless there is more tenderness, more compassion, more of the love of God, the blessing of heaven will be withdrawn. John knew what he was talking about when he said, “Thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, expect thou repent” [Revelation 2:4, 5].

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 43c, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 43c, 1901, par. 5

Now God is in earnest with us, and He says He calls—Oh, I cannot tell how it is. It is contemptible in the sight of God—contemptible. They pause for fear they are not going to get all that they ought to have, and it leaves a man where he cannot—if he considers that as the principles of Heaven, why it leaves the man where he will never get into Heaven. He cannot get in there. The nobility, the generosity, the tenderness, the compassion, the love of Christ—why they are as destitute of it as the Hills of Gilboa, that had not dew nor rain—just as destitute of it, and we cannot rouse them from it. Enough has been said, over and over and over again, but it did not make any difference. The light shone upon them, just the same, professedly accepting it, but they did not make any change. That is what frightens me. It frightens me because that I saw unless there was more tenderness, more compassion, more of the love of God—the Lord knew what He was talking about when He was talking to the church at Ephesus, “Ye have lost your first love,” and tells them to repent speedily or He will remove the candlestick out of its place. [Revelation 2:4, 5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 202, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 202, 1901, par. 21

Through John the Revelator, Christ has said, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Revelation 2:4, 5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 43, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 43, 1901, par. 16

God is in earnest with us. He has seen the close dealing, and it is contemptible in His sight. It leaves men where, if they do not change, they will never see the kingdom of God. They are as destitute of the nobility, the generosity, the tenderness, the compassion, the love of Christ, as the hills of Gilboa were destitute of dew and rain. They cannot be aroused to see their condition. Enough has been said, but it does not lead them to reform. The message from heaven is professedly accepted, but no change is made. This is what alarms me. I see that unless there is more tenderness, more compassion, more of the love of God, the blessing of heaven will be withdrawn. John knew what he was talking about when he said, “Thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Revelation 2:4, 5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 43b, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 43b, 1901, par. 15

God is in earnest with us. He has seen the close dealing, and it is contemptible in his sight. It leaves men where, if they do not change, they will never see the kingdom of God. They are as destitute of the nobility, the generosity, the tenderness, the compassion, the love of Christ as the hills of Gilboa were destitute of dew and rain. They cannot be aroused to see their condition. Enough has been said, but it does not lead them to reform. The message from heaven is professedly accepted, but no change is made. This is what frightens me. I see that unless these is more tenderness, more compassion, more of the love of God, the blessing of heaven will be withdrawn. John knew what he was talking about when he said, “Thou hast left thy first love.” “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Revelation 2:4, 5.] We need to study what John has written about the love of God. This love has not been cultivated, and when it is not cultivated, the opposite attribute is developed. The love of God has not been manifested in our publishing houses. Those who have practiced sharp dealings, thinking thus to gain something, will lose tenfold, and unless they change, their light will be removed. They fail to realize that it is for the interests of the institution with which they are connected to act nobly every tie, to come up to the help of the Lord. God will never acquit us till His principles are followed in our institutions.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 18, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 18, 1901, par. 22

There is a most solemn, decisive work yet to be done in our world. As the men in responsible positions in God’s cause have been in disagreement, Satan has held a jubilee over his success in captivating mind, soul, and body. God says, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works, or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place.” [Revelation 2:4, 5.] Even while uttering a rebuke, God encourages us to repent. I hold fast to you, my brother. I greatly desire that you shall not perish. Stirring times are before us, and we cannot afford to give ourselves and the cause of God up to reproach.

Pacific Union Recorder

December 31, 1903

PUR December 31, 1903, par. 17

Into the hearts of many who have been long in the truth there has entered a hard, judicial spirit. They are sharp, critical, fault-finding. They have climbed into the judgment-seat to pronounce sentence on those who do not meet their ideas. God calls upon them to come down, and bow before Him in repentance, confessing their sins. He says to them, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” Revelation 2:4, 5. They are striving for the first place, and by their words and acts they make many hearts sore.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 184, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 184, 1902, par. 6

Lately my mind has been drawn to the work that needs to be done for our people. Things have been revealed to me that make me afraid. In the night season I was in a meeting where One of authority gave much instruction. Among other things, he said, “Seventh-day Adventists are on losing ground in every place where they have established institutions; and the reason for this is that they have lost their first love. Let them remember from whence they are fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else God will come to them quickly, and will remove their candlestick out of his place, except they repent.” [See Revelation 2:4, 5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 235, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 235, 1903, par. 6

How tenderly God deals with His little children! The Spirit of God will impress the hearts of those who are susceptible to its softening, subduing influences. To those who have wandered from Him, the Lord sends the message in His Word, “Return to thy first love.” [Revelation 2:4, 5.] Will you not now return to Him, and give Him your heart?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 117, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 117, 1903, par. 29

There is abundant reason why we have not more of the power of God’s grace, why our light does not shine more brightly. Christ says, “You have left your first love.” “Except you repent, I will come unto you quickly, and will remove your candlestick out of his place.” [Revelation 2:4, 5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 160, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 160, 1903, par. 8

Brother Hart, the Lord has instructed me to present before you a world that needs to be warned and saved. He says to you, “When thou art converted, thou canst be a laborer together with God.” But your present spiritual condition is portrayed in the words of Christ, spoken through John the Revelator, to the church at Ephesus: “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Revelation 2:4, 5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 148, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 148, 1903, par. 9

“God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” [2 Corinthians 4:6.] Without the helping power of God we cannot glorify His name. He would have us claim the saving knowledge that He has for us. He desires us to have a true, substantial faith in Christ. This is His commandment, that we should have faith in His Son Jesus Christ. God will be to us a present help in every time of need. There is a rich experience for us to gain. I am bearing testimonies to our churches calling upon the people of God to draw near to God. As they do this, He will draw near to them. We cannot afford to stop with a half-and-half experience now. The end of all things is at hand. We cannot afford to delay. God forbid that we should fail to heed the warning, “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Revelation 2:4, 5.]

18LtMs, Lt 148, 1903, par. 10

Let us not murmur because of this reproof. Let us thank God for the gracious words, “Except thou repent.” [Verse 5.] How glad we should be that we still have opportunity to repent!

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 132, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 132, 1903, par. 46

Wake up, for Christ’s sake, wake up. May God give success to those who are trying to arouse the sleepy watchmen. Of many of those who profess to be shepherds of the flock, God says, “They are unfaithful. They have left their first love. Unless they repent, I will come suddenly, and will remove their candlestick out of his place.” [See Revelation 2:4, 5.]

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 14—Destruction of Sodom

PP 165.2

Said the True Witness to the church at Ephesus: “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” Revelation 2:4, 5. The Saviour watches for a response to His offers of love and forgiveness, with a more tender compassion than that which moves the heart of an earthly parent to forgive a wayward, suffering son. He cries after the wanderer, “Return unto Me, and I will return unto you.” Malachi 3:7. But if the erring one persistently refuses to heed the voice that calls him with pitying, tender love, he will at last be left in darkness. The heart that has long slighted God’s mercy, becomes hardened in sin, and is no longer susceptible to the influence of the grace of God. Fearful will be the doom of that soul of whom the pleading Saviour shall finally declare, he “is joined to idols: let him alone.” Hosea 4:17. It will be more tolerable in the day of judgment for the cities of the plain than for those who have known the love of Christ, and yet have turned away to choose the pleasures of a world of sin.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 152, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 152, 1903, par. 23

Into the hearts of many who have been long in the truth there has entered a hard, judicial spirit. They are sharp, critical, faultfinding. They have climbed into the judgment seat, to pronounce sentence on those who do not meet their ideas. God calls upon them to come down, and bow before Him in repentance, confessing their sins. He says to them, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works, or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Revelation 2:4, 5.] They are striving for the first place, and by their words and acts they make many hearts sore.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 63, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 63, 1903, par. 13

A fragrant atmosphere will surround every true Christian. If men wish to become Christ’s disciples, He will receive them gladly, but they must daily take up their cross and follow Him. They cannot carry with them their pride of heart, their envy, and their hatred. Those who engage in dissension, tearing down one another’s work, thereby give evidence that they are not eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of God. To every man God gives a work, and to those who would hinder him in that work, God says, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Revelation 2:4, 5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 145, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 145, 1903, par. 16

Into the hearts of many who have been long in the truth there has entered a hard, judicial spirit. They are sharp, critical, fault-finding. They have climbed into the judgment seat to pronounce sentence on those who do not meet their ideas. God calls upon them to come down and bow before Him in repentance, confessing their sins. He says to them, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works, or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Revelation 2:4, 5.] They are striving for the first place, and by their words and acts they make many hearts sore.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 94, 1904

19LtMs, Ms 94, 1904, par. 17

Be assured that I am not telling idle tales. There are those who have done and are still doing this very work. To them comes the message, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” [Revelation 2:4.] What are the first works?—“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:27.] “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Revelation 2:5.]

Selected Messages Book 2

Chapter 47—Preparing for the Final Crisis

2SM 374.2

Suppose we try daily to have our hearts united in the bonds of Christian love. “I have somewhat against thee,” says the True Witness, “because thou hast left thy first love” (Revelation 2:4). And He says, “Except thou repent,” “I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place” (Revelation 2:5). Why?—Because in our separation from one another we are separated from Christ. We want to press together. Oh, how many times, when I have seemed to be in the presence of God and holy angels, I have heard the angel voice saying, “Press together, press together, press together. Do not let Satan cast his hellish shadow between brethren. Press together; in unity there is strength.”

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8

Seek the First Love

8T 298.3

Into the hearts of many who have been long in the truth there has entered a hard, judicial spirit. They are sharp, critical, faultfinding. They have climbed upon the judgment seat to pronounce sentence upon those who do not conform to their ideas. God calls upon them to come down and bow before Him in repentance, confessing their sins. He says to them: “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” Revelation 2:4, 5. They are striving for the first place, and by their words and acts they make many hearts sore.

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

MR No. 747—Christ Our Righteousness

9MR 298.3

So long had the Jews refused to walk in the light of truth, that they rejected their Saviour. Jesus said of the Jews: “Ye will not come to Me, that ye might have life” (John 5:40). He, the Light of life, came to enlighten every man that comes into the world, so that no man need walk in darkness. The light of truth is constantly shining, but many men and women comprehend it not. And why?—Because selfishness, egotism, pride, blinds their spiritual eyesight. Standing between them and the true light, is the idol of their own opinion. They can see very readily that which they wish to see. Saith the True Witness: “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God” (Revelation 2:7). “The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him” (Psalm 25:14).

9MR 299.1

My brethren in the ministry, we need Jesus every moment. To lose His love from our hearts means much. Yet He Himself says: “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love” (Revelation 2:4). There is danger of presenting the truth in such a way that the intellect is exalted, leaving the souls of the hearers unsatisfied. A correct theory of the truth may be presented, and yet there may not be manifested the warmth of affection that the God of truth requires every one of His messengers to cherish and manifest.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 24, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 24, 1905, par. 2

God sends to His people the message, “Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” [Revelation 2:4.] The love of God has gone out of human hearts. Where His love should reign, tender and warm and true, there is accusing and coldness and distrust.

20LtMs, Ms 24, 1905, par. 3

“Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. ... He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches: To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the mist of the paradise of God.” [Verses 5, 7.]

20LtMs, Ms 24, 1905, par. 5

These words describe the condition of the church at the present time. “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” [Revelation 2:4.] This is a spiritual fall. Religiously, those addressed are in a strange position. They have forgotten the words of warning sent them. I beg those who profess to believe present truth to read and understand these words and to search their own hearts.

The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials

Chapter 112—Diary Entry—Christ Our Righteousness

1888 895.3

So long had the Jews refused to walk in the light of truth, that they rejected their Saviour. Jesus said of the Jews: “Ye will not come to Me, that ye might have life” (John 5:40). He, the Light of life, came to enlighten every man that comes into the world, so that no man need walk in darkness. The light of truth is constantly shining, but many men and women comprehend it not. And why?—Because selfishness, egotism, pride, blinds their spiritual eyesight. Standing between them and the true light, is the idol of their own opinion. They can see very readily that which they wish to see. Saith the True Witness: “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God” (Revelation 2:7). “The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him” (Psalm 25:14).

1888 896.1

My brethren in the ministry, we need Jesus every moment. To lose His love from our hearts means much. Yet He Himself says: “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love” (Revelation 2:4). There is danger of presenting the truth in such a way that the intellect is exalted, leaving the souls of the hearers unsatisfied. A correct theory of the truth may be presented, and yet there may not be manifested the warmth of affection that the God of truth requires every one of His messengers to cherish and manifest.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 21, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 21, 1891, par. 20

The spiritual condition of the church, generally, is represented by the words of the True Witness: “Nevertheless,” said the One who loves the souls for whom He has died, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” [Revelation 2:4.] The position taken by many during the Minneapolis General Conference testifies to their Christless condition. The admonition to every such an one is: “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Verse 5.]

7LtMs, Ms 21, 1891, par. 24

So long had the Jews refused to walk in the light of truth that they rejected their Saviour. Jesus said of the Jews: “Ye will not come to Me, that ye might have life.” [John 5:40.] He, the Light of life, came to enlighten every man that comes into the world, so that no man need walk in darkness. The light of truth is constantly shining, but many men and women comprehend it not. And why?—because selfishness, egotism, pride blinds their spiritual eyesight. Standing between them and the true light, is the idol of their own opinion. They can see very readily that which they wish to see. Saith the True Witness: “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” [Revelation 2:7.] “The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him.” [Psalm 25:14.]

7LtMs, Ms 21, 1891, par. 25

My brethren in the ministry, we need Jesus every moment. To lose His love from our hearts means much. Yet He Himself says: “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” [Revelation 2:4.] There is danger of presenting the truth in such a way that the intellect is exalted, leaving the souls of the hearers unsatisfied. A correct theory of the truth may be presented, and yet there may not be manifested the warmth of affection that the God of truth requires every one of His messengers to cherish and manifest.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 1, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 1, 1906, par. 7

“I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. ... He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches: To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” [Revelation 2:4, 5, 7.]

The Review and Herald

June 7, 1887

RH June 7, 1887, par. 1

“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” Revelation 2:4-7.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 33, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 33, 1894, par. 5

The Lord says, “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. ... Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.” [Revelation 2:4, 5, 16.] It is time that Satan be cast out. It is time to call things by the right name. “Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die; for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. ... He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.” [Revelation 3:2, 3, 5.]

Last Day Events

Chapter 4—God’s Last Day Church

LDE 60.1

Solemn admonitions of warning, manifest in the destruction of dearly cherished facilities [The Battle Creek Sanitarium, the largest and best-known Adventist institution in the world, burned to the ground February 18, 1902. this was followed by the destruction of the Review and Herald Publishing Association, also by fire, on December 30, 1902.] for service, say to us: “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works” (Revelation 2:5)....

Testimony Treasures, vol. 3

The Result of Inaction

3TT 59.3

“Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” Revelation 2:5.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 3

“Repent, and Do the First Works”

3TT 252.1

Solemn admonitions of warning, manifest in the destruction of dearly cherished facilities*Reference is here made to the destruction by fire, in 1902, of the principal buildings of the Battle Creek Sanitarium and the Review and Herald Publishing Association, both located in Battle Creek, Michigan.
[White Trustees.] for service, say to us: “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works.” Revelation 2:5. Why is there so dim a perception of the true spiritual condition of the church? Has not blindness fallen upon the watchmen standing on the walls of Zion? Are not many of God’s servants unconcerned and well satisfied, as if the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night rested upon the sanctuary? Are there not those in positions of responsibility, professing to know God, who in life and character deny Him? Are not many of those who count themselves as His chosen, peculiar people satisfied to live without the evidence that of a truth God is among them to save them from Satan’s snares and attacks?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 55, 1876

3LtMs, Lt 55, 1876, par. 5

You have lightly passed over the most revolting, disgusting acts, and then have looked round with an injured, innocent air saying, “What have I done that I should not have the confidence of my brethren?” Your conscience is seared, your imagination grossly corrupt. Did you imagine that your going into a new field would cleanse you from the stains of sin which have slimed your path in another state? Did you think that God could accept your labors any sooner in Texas than Colorado or Michigan? Does distance cover or blot out sin? God does not connect with you, although some may receive the theory of the truth by your repeating it. I entreat you to make thorough work before it shall be forever too late. “Repent and do your first works.” [Revelation 2:5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Lt 21, 1886

4LtMs, Lt 21, 1886, par. 26

I have been shown several times that the Lord has rich blessings for the church in Healdsburg, if they will only come into a position where God can safely bless them, and where they are so humble, meek, and lowly, that they will not turn the rich grace of God to exalt and ruin themselves. The work of humility is greatly needed in this church. Many are devoid of vital faith and moral strength. They talk boastfully and independently as being rich in spiritual blessings when the facts in the case are they are “wretched and miserable, and poor and blind, and naked.” [Revelation 3:17.] Words of solemn warning are addressed to the church by the True Witness, against the sins of pride, worldliness, formalism, and self-sufficiency. “Be zealous, therefore, and repent” lest “I come unto thee quickly and remove thy candle-stick out of his place.” [Revelation 3:19; 2:5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Lt 14, 1885

4LtMs, Lt 14, 1885, par. 8

The faithful and beloved disciple had occasion to write, as the defection of the church was presented before him, “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen and repent, and do thy first works.” [Revelation 2:5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Lt 125, 1886

4LtMs, Lt 125, 1886, par. 2

“Be zealous therefore, and repent,” (Revelation 3:19) is the Word of God to His professed people. “I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” Revelation 2:5. Many of our people are backsliding from God. We need to arouse. Let every soul that has named the name of Christ depart from iniquity. We want a pure Christianity. Great dangers are lurking for us on every side. When they need most the presence of God, many have the least of His presence. Many are in danger of becoming like the Jewish nation, who knew not the Scriptures nor the power of God. Like the teachers of Israel, you may explain Bible truth to others, and yet not practice it in your daily life. If the Jews had possessed an experimental knowledge of the Scriptures, they would not have been ignorant of the power of God. Like them we have great light and privileges, but many do not respond to these; and here is their peril.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 14, 1889

6LtMs, Lt 14, 1889, par. 57

Repent before the Lord. If you do not repent, “I will come unto you and remove the candlestick out of its place.” [Revelation 2:5.] Then the result will be moral darkness. I attend the afternoon meeting, and after Brother Jones had spoken upon faith, there were many free testimonies borne. As many as six and eight were on their feet at a time, and they seemed like starved sheep who were feeding upon meat in due season.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 62, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 62, 1890, par. 34

The True Witness says, “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candle stick out of thy place, except thou repent.” [Revelation 2:5.] If there was far more repentance, and less self-sufficiency, less self-boasting, we should see spiritual things more clearly. God desires that you come into vital connection with Himself, and then Christ will abide in the heart, and a flame of pure devotion will be kindled in the soul.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 12, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 12, 1890, par. 10

Bro. Garmire, there is a work for you to do for yourself which no one can do for you, <which is [to] humble your heart before God, confess your sins, and be converted.> The Lord has a people, and He is leading them. Though there certainly are things existing in the church which are not right, Jesus has not placed you at the helm, to guide the church. Unless you change your attitude, you cannot be saved. “Repent, and do the first works,” is the only condition upon which God can restore you to favor. [Revelation 2:5.] Those whom the Lord pardons, He first makes penitent. The genuine work of the Spirit of God in the heart is necessary in your case, if you are ever recovered from the snare of the enemy. I have but little hope in your case, <for your principles are tainted.> You are a man of defective character; yet you claim great things for yourself.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 10a, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 10a, 1892, par. 20

What more can I say? My heart is filled to overflowing with the longing I have for souls and that all shall enter the work to take hold of it aright. Only those are fit for this work who are imbued with the Holy Spirit. The light has come; the light which will enlighten the earth with its bright rays has been shining from the throne of God. Shall we fail to appreciate the most precious privileges that are brought within our reach? Shall we go on in our own spirit and weakness? Shall we walk in the sparks of our own kindling? The Lord means that these privileges and opportunities shall do a special work for us, and [that] receiving light [we should] diffuse light. Will we walk in the light? Will we let this light flash upon the pathway of others? How long shall we disappoint Jesus by a cold, half-hearted life destitute of love? Must the candlestick be removed out of its place? Christ declares it will be unless we “repent and do our first works.” [Revelation 2:5.] Who is making the efforts demanded to meet this want? What are we doing for a world lying in wickedness? What excuse can we offer to God for this gross negligence?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 10, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 10, 1892, par. 22

What more can I say? My heart is filled to overflowing. Only those are fit for this work who are imbued with the Holy Spirit. The light has come; the light which will lighten the earth with its bright rays has been shining from the throne of God. Shall we fail to appreciate the most precious privileges that are brought within our reach? Shall we go on in our own weakness? Will we walk in the sparks of our own kindling? The Lord means that these privileges and opportunities shall do a special work for us. Will we walk in the light? Will we flash this light upon the pathway of others? How long shall we disappoint Jesus by a cold, half-hearted life destitute of love? Must the candlestick be removed out of its place? Christ declares it will be, unless we “repent and do our first works.” [Revelation 2:5.] Who is making the efforts demanded to meet this warning? What are we doing for a world lying in wickedness? What excuse can we offer to God for this gross negligence?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 77, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 77, 1893, par. 47

Some have been preaching the Word whose labors are tainted with impurity and licentiousness. They have done far more harm than good. Unless they shall turn from their evil ways, they will perish with the wicked. Others have carried the truth in a very indifferent manner; they have had no real burden of the work; they have gone backward rather than forward. It is high time for those to retrace their steps, for they have lost their first love. The Lord’s injunction to them is, “Remember therefore from whence thou are fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of thy place, except thou repent.” [Revelation 2:5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 19, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 19, 1894, par. 17

Here idolatry is plainly revealed, as existing in those who claim to worship God. The pure, refined, ennobling love is buried up by the love of eternal things. This, the True Witness represents as a fearful loss in experience and character building, the loss of the first love. “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works: or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Revelation 2:5.] The True Witness sends forth this warning. Mercy and the love of God are the attributes of His throne. While claiming to be the subjects of the kingdom of God, and yet refusing to be converted from their selfish love, their stern, iron will, their own perverse ways, many are constantly bearing a false testimony of Jesus Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 105, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 105, 1894, par. 7

An adulterated Christianity surrounds us on every side. It is the time when we are to heed the third angel’s message and to take to ourselves the instruction of the true witness. “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and remove thy candlestick out of its place except thou repent.” [Revelation 2:5.] You should turn unto the Lord by obedience to his commandments, turn unto him in prayer, and by watching unto prayer, or else you will be found walking in darkness. You are not keeping the commandments of God, for you walk in the way of your neighbors. You are so blinded by the sophistries of Satan. Let this question come home to your soul, “What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul, or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” [Mark 8:36, 37.] Is eternal life of no value to you? Is this world of more value to you than heaven? Will you permit it to absorb your mind, and engross your attention? Will you permit your neighbors to choose for you and fail [to] follow that which your conscience convinces you is true? Will it pay to sacrifice heaven? God calls upon you to change your course of action, both for your own soul’s sake and for the sake of your children. Let your lives bear a living testimony for God. The Lord says, “Ye are my witnesses.” [Isaiah 43:10.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 69a, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 69a, 1896, par. 13

Study to show yourselves approved unto God, workmen that needeth not to be ashamed; then you can truthfully say, “The Lord of Hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our refuge.” [Psalm 46:7.] Will you consider that an adulterated Christianity is surrounding us? It is now that we are to heed the third angel’s message, and the message is to the churches: “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Revelation 2:5.] There must be a turning unto God in obeying His commandments. There must be much more praying done, and watching unto prayer, else you will be walking in darkness.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 7, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 7, 1897, par. 13

God calls for decided changes in His work proportionate to the elevated character of the truth of these last days. Unless those repent who have been handling sacred things in the spirit manifested by the great apostate, their candlestick will be removed out of his place. The message of God is, “Remember then from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works: or else I will come unto thee quickly and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Revelation 2:5.]

Selected Messages Book 2

A Wrong and Right Use of Inspired Counsel

2SM 83.3

The Lord has a people, and He is leading them. Though there certainly are things existing in the church which are not right, Jesus has not placed you at the helm, to guide the church. Unless you change your attitude, you cannot be saved. “Repent, and do the first works” (Revelation 2:5), is the only condition upon which God can restore you to favor. Those whom the Lord pardons, He first makes penitent. The genuine work of the Spirit of God in the heart is necessary in your case, if you are ever recovered from the snare of the enemy. I have but little hope in your case, for your principles are tainted. You are a man of deceptive character; yet you claim great things for yourself.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 208, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 208, 1902, par. 35

My brethren, many of you have left your first love. “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works.” To those who do not repent, Christ declares, “I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Revelation 2:5.] Put away the devisings and theories of men. No longer follow in the light of the sparks of your own kindling. Remember the words, “Except thou repent,” “I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place.”

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8

“Repent, and Do the First Works”

8T 248.1

Solemn admonitions of warning, manifest in the destruction of dearly cherished facilities for service, say to us: “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works.” Revelation 2:5. Why is there so dim a perception of the true spiritual condition of the church? Has not blindness fallen upon the watchmen standing on the walls of Zion? Are not many of God’s servants unconcerned and well satisfied, as if the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night rested upon the sanctuary? Are there not those in positions of responsibility, professing to know God, who in life and character deny Him? Are not many of those who count themselves as His chosen, peculiar people satisfied to live without the evidence that of a truth God is among them to save them from Satan’s snares and attacks?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 3, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 3, 1902, par. 22

All church members are on trial. All who dishonor the name of God will have no place in His kingdom. Let all, for their own soul’s sake, obtain guiding light from the experience of the past. The great Head who moves in the midst of the candlesticks will never be without a church. Faithful and true witnesses to His name and His glory will stand unflinchingly when the test comes. If some fail to testify to the Word, their candle will be put out. It will be demonstrated who are the faithless ones, and those who are faithful will take the places of those who refuse to shine. Some will refuse to shine for Christ and His glory, but others will shine. “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works.” [Revelation 2:5.] Revelation 3.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 32, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 32, 1903, par. 5

Solemn admonitions of warning, manifest in the destruction of dearly cherished facilities for service, say to us, “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works”—be converted and reformed, even as new converts are. [Revelation 2:5.] Why is there so dim a perception of the true spiritual condition of the church? Are there not standing on the walls of Zion blind watchmen who do not perceive? Are not many unconcerned and well satisfied, as if the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night rested upon the sanctuary? Are there not those in positions of leadership, claiming to know God, who in life and character deny Him? Are there not many who count themselves as His chosen, peculiar people, yet are satisfied to live without the evidence that of a truth God is among them, to save them from Satan’s snares and attacks? Would we not now have much greater light if in the past we had received His admonitions, walked in the light as Christ is in the light, acknowledged His presence, and turned away from all dishonest practices? Then the light of heaven would have shone into the soul-temple, enabling us to comprehend the truth and to love God supremely and our neighbor as ourselves. O how Christ is dishonored by those who, professing to be Christians, disgrace the name they bear by failing to make their lives correspond with their profession, by failing to treat one another with the love and respect that God expects them to reveal in kind words and courteous actions.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6

The Result of Inaction

6T 426.1

“Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” Revelation 2:5.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 18, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 18, 1903, par. 7

At the last General Conference the Lord called upon His people for decided humiliation of soul. But the work that should have been done was not done. The Lord says: “Repent, and do the first works, or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove the candlestick out of his place.” [Revelation 2:5.] If God’s people will repent, wholly and entirely, He will save them from so humiliating a rebuke. Those who repent from the heart will have confessions to make before God. He will accept their brokenness of heart, even though they have so long trifled with His grace. Those who stand in positions of trust in the Battle Creek Sanitarium and the Review and Herald Publishing House have dishonored God; yes, they have mocked Him by walking stubbornly in their own way, in unholy independence. His wrath will be exercised toward them unless they fall upon the Rock and are broken. Sin and selfishness have entered into the institutions of which God is the foundation. Let men remember that the God who laid the foundation of these institutions can destroy as well as build up.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 62, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 62, 1903, par. 15

The church that will take heed to these signs will not be among those that have left their first love. To those who in their self-importance have separated themselves from Christ, who have left their first love, the Lord sends the warning, “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Revelation 2:5.] The candlestick of many is now being removed, because they have failed to take heed to this warning.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 269, 1904

19LtMs, Lt 269, 1904, par. 10

I am moved by the Spirit of God to tell you to break with the powers of darkness. Come to Jesus. Make wrongs right, even though this takes an effort that would seem to dissolve human nature. Take yourself in hand, and go straight to Jesus, your invisible Mediator. Go in spite of the opposition of the flesh. Resist every inclination to draw back. Make the break. Die to self. Then you will be able to say, “I thought on my ways, and turned my feet to Thy testimonies.” [Psalm 119:59.] I know your piety and early devotion. I know that you have backslidden, and I urge you to repent. Unless you do this, the message is, “I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of its place, except thou repent.” [Revelation 2:5.] Thou hast lost thy first love, lost thy love for Christ, and hast become lukewarm. There has not been a proper acknowledgement of this on your part, because a man that is spiritually blind cannot see.

Ye Shall Receive Power

Self Subdued, October 17

YRP 299.3

Talent, long experience, will not make men channels of light, unless they place themselves under the bright beams of the Sun of righteousness, and are called, and chosen, and prepared by the endowment of the Holy Spirit. When men who handle sacred things will humble themselves under the mighty hand of God, the Lord will lift them up. He will make them men of understanding—men rich in the grace of His Spirit. Their strong, selfish traits of character, their stubbornness, will be seen in the light shining from the Light of the world. “I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent” (Revelation 2:5). If you seek the Lord with all your heart, He will be found of you.

Ye Shall Receive Power

More Commitment, October 27

YRP 309.4

But, oh, sad picture! Those who do not submit to the influence of the Holy Spirit soon lose the blessings received when they acknowledged the truth as from heaven. They fall into a cold, spiritless formality; they lose their interest in perishing souls: they have “left their first love.” And Christ says unto them, “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent” (Revelation 2:5). He will take His Holy Spirit from the church, and give [the Spirit] to others who will appreciate Him.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 2

Church Members Co-workers with God

2TT 255.1

Brethren, your own lamps will surely flicker and grow dim until they go out in darkness unless you make decided efforts to reform. “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works.” The opportunity now presented may be short. If this season of grace and repentance passes unimproved, the warning is given: “I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place.” Revelation 2:5. These words are uttered by the lips of the long-suffering, forbearing One. They are a solemn warning to churches and individuals that the Watcher who never slumbers is measuring their course of action. It is only by reason of His marvelous patience that they are not cut down as cumberers of the ground. But His Spirit will not always strive. His patience will wait but little longer.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 143, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 143, 1901, par. 6

“To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” [Revelation 2:7.] “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” [Revelation 22:14.] The solemn question should come home to every member of our churches, How are we standing before God as the professed followers of Jesus Christ? Is our light shining forth to the world in clear, steady rays? Have we, as a people solemnly dedicated to God, preserved our union with the Source of all light? Are not the symptoms of decay and declension painfully visible in the midst of the Christian churches of today? Spiritual death has come upon the people that should be manifesting life and zeal, purity and consecration, by the most earnest devotion to the cause of truth. The facts concerning the real condition of the professed people of God speak more loudly than their profession, and make it evident that some power has cut the cable that anchored them to the Eternal Rock, and that they are drifting away to sea without chart or compass.

16LtMs, Ms 143, 1901, par. 7

What is to be done? The True Witness points out the only remedy: “Repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Revelation 2:5.] Christ will cease to take your name upon His lips in His intercession with the Father, unless there is a decided change in the life and character of those who have wandered from the living God and forsaken His service. Jesus declares, “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” And yet the case is not altogether beyond remedy. The Mediator has not left them hopeless. He says, “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed.” [Revelation 3:15-18.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Ms 120, 1906

21LtMs, Ms 120, 1906, par. 16

“Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” “Repent, or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.” [Revelation 2:5, 16.]

Christ Triumphant

At Last We Shall See the King in His Beauty, July 26

CTr 214.1

To everyone who conquers, I will give permission to eat from the tree of life that is in the paradise of God. Revelation 2:7, NRSV.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8

The Glory of the Cross

8T 288.4

Christ declares: “I am the Bread of Life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst.” “As the living Father hath sent Me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth Me, even he shall live by Me.... It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” John 6:35, 57-63; Revelation 2:7.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6

In the Highways and Hedges

6T 76.4

The call to the gospel feast is first to be given in the highways. It must be given to those who claim to be in the highways of Christian experience—to the members of the different churches. “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” Revelation 2:7. In these churches there are true worshipers and there are false worshipers. A work must be done for those who have fallen from their first love, who have lost their first zeal and interest in spiritual things. We must bring the warning before professed Christians who are transgressors of the law of God. To them the message must be given.

Ye Shall Receive Power

Eating of the Tree of Life, December 18

YRP 361.1

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. Revelation 2:7.

Homeward Bound

Beyond the Power of Evil, December 24

HB 389.4

“To him that overcometh,” Christ says, “will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” (Revelation 2:7.) The giving of the tree of life in Eden was conditional, and it was finally withdrawn. But the gifts of the future life are absolute and eternal. . . .

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 6, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 6, 1890, par. 2

Matters of deep importance were opened before John which were to be given to the world to be read, understood, and appreciated, in the ages to come. Again and again the true witness says, “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” [Revelation 2:7.] But it is evident from what is written that some who have ears to hear will not hear, will not receive the message, and will not become wise in the Scriptures.

Education

Chapter 35—The School of the Hereafter

Ed 302.1

“To him that overcometh,” Christ says, “will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” Revelation 2:7. The giving of the tree of life in Eden was conditional, and it was finally withdrawn. But the gifts of the future life are absolute and eternal.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 6, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 6, 1891, par. 13

If a red man, a Chinese, or an African gives his heart to God in obedience and faith, Jesus loves him none the less for his color. He calls him His well-beloved brother. The day is coming when the kings and the lordly men of the earth would be glad to exchange places with the humble African who has laid hold on the hope of the gospel. To all who are overcomers through the blood of the Lamb, the invitation will be given, “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” [Matthew 25:34.] Arranged on the right and left of the throne of God are the long columns of the heavenly host, who touch the golden harps, and songs of welcome and praise to God and the Lamb ring through the heavenly courts. “He that hath an ear to hear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” [Revelation 2:7.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 47, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 47, 1896, par. 27

But it is not an easy matter to overcome hereditary and cultivated tendencies to wrong. Self is masterful, and strives for the victory. But to “him that overcometh” the promises are given. [Revelation 2:7.] The Lord presents the right way, but He compels no one to obey. He leaves those to whom He has given the light to receive or despise it, but their course of action is followed by sure results. Cause must produce effect. Thus the Lord dealt with the children of Israel. See Patriarchs and Prophets, 365-368.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 103, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 103, 1896, par. 29

But it is not an easy matter to overcome hereditary and cultivated tendencies to wrong. Self is masterful, and strives for the victory. But to “him that overcometh” the promises are given. [Revelation 2:7.] The Lord presents the right way, but further than this He compels no one to obey. He forces His way upon no man. He leaves those to whom He has given the light to receive or despise it, but their course of action is followed by sure results. Cause must produce effect. Thus the Lord dealt with the children of Israel.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 45, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 45, 1900, par. 23

The camp meetings are to be conducted as the gospel ministry of the Word of the living God to the people. They are beguiled by heresies and false doctrines. Men are glorified and humanity exalted as though erring man was God. Preach the truth. The end of all things is at hand! “He that hath an ear let him hear,” not the voice of the human agent, but “what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” [Revelation 2:7.] We can force no one to believe, but we can present the light of truth in clear, straight lines, and then live the truth in clear, straight practice.

God’s Amazing Grace

Eden Restored, December 18

AG 360.1

To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. Revelation 2:7.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 113, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 113, 1901, par. 24

Let us bring all the pleasantness possible into the sacred work of God. This will make our words precious. Christ said, “Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” [Mark 8:34.] We need more faith, more hope, more courage, more thanksgiving. We may hold genuine communion with Christ. This blessedness expands, becoming the joy of a glorified experience, helping all to better understand the words, “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” [Revelation 2:7.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 103, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 103, 1902, par. 1

“To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” [Revelation 2:7.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 41, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 41, 1902, par. 15

Christ declares, “I am the bread of life; he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst.” “Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, 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. ... As the living Father hath sent Me, and I live by the Father; so he that eateth Me, even he shall live by Me. ... The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [John 6:35, 54, 55, 57, 63.] “To him that overcometh will I grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” [Revelation 2:7.]

Heaven

Chapter 16—Heaven Is a School

Hvn 147.3

“To him that overcometh,” Christ says, “will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” Revelation 2:7. The giving of the tree of life in Eden was conditional, and it was finally withdrawn. But the gifts of the future life are absolute and eternal.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 133, 1905

20LtMs, Lt 133, 1905, par. 10

“If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?” [Verse 7.] “He that findeth his life shall lose it; and he that loseth his life for My sake shall find it.” [Matthew 10:39.] “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed with white raiment, and I will not blot out his name from the book of life, but I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels.” [Revelation 2:7; 3:5.] “He whom I love will I rebuke and chasten, and in him will I delight, even as a father in his son; yea, they shall go forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father, and shall inherit all things.”

Heaven

Chapter 18—Heaven Can Begin Now

Hvn 173.2

Christ declares: “I am the bread of life; he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst” [John 6:57, 63; Revelation 2:7, last part, quoted].—The Signs of the Times, March 31, 1909 quoted in The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 7:988, 989.

Maranatha

Garden of Eden Restored, December 12

Mar 354.1

To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. Revelation 2:7.

Sons and Daughters of God

We Eat of the Tree of Life, December 24

SD 365.1

To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. Revelation 2:7.

From Trials to Triumph

Christ Preserves His Church Today

TT 307.4

Looking down through long centuries of darkness, the aged exile saw multitudes suffering martyrdom. But he saw also that He who sustained His early witnesses would not forsake His faithful followers during the centuries that must pass before the close of time. “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer,” the Lord declared; “behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation: ... be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” Revelation 2:10.

TT 308.1

John heard the promises: “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life.” “I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels.” I will “grant [him] to sit with Me in My throne.” Revelation 2:7; 3:5, 21. John saw sinners finding a Father in Him of whom their sins had made them afraid.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 44, 1875

2LtMs, Lt 44, 1875, par. 1

I have just spoken one hour to the patients at the Health Institute. They were very attentive and many of the patients were affected to tears. I took this text: “To him that overcometh” [Revelation 2:7, 17; 3:21], and I had perfect freedom. I spoke at the commencement of the Sabbath in the college building and not a few tears were shed. I prayed with them and the Lord indited prayer. I seemed to fasten upon the promises of God with faith. I never pitied the youth as I do now. There seems to be so little moral power in our world to withstand and resist temptation. My heart is drawn out in yearning tenderness for youth and children. I long to see them fastening their hopes upon Jesus and possessing that joy and grace which will enable them to be ever cheerful, ever hopeful, full of joy because they may come to such a precious Redeemer. He will be their strength and righteousness, and clothe them with His salvation.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 29a, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 29a, 1890, par. 31

Again and again the True Witness says, “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” [Revelation 2:7, 17.] But it is evident that some who have ears will not hear, will not receive, and will not become wise in regard to sacred truth. Some, who have been making crooked paths for their feet, will depart from the faith. The Lord Jesus, the Alpha and Omega, gave the message to John in regard to the church. He understood the danger of their neglecting their God-given work. “The Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come, And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17. When God’s people hear to a purpose the things that are revealed to the churches, when they get the burden of the message and say to others, “Come,” they are laborers together with God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 29, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 29, 1890, par. 31

Again and again the true Witness says, “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” [Revelation 2:7, 17.] But it is evident that some who have ears will not hear, will not receive, and will not become wise in regard to sacred truth. The Lord Jesus, the Alpha and Omega, gave the message to John in regard to the church. He understood the danger of their neglecting their God-given work. “The Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come, and whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” [Revelation 22:17.] When God’s people hear to a purpose the things that are revealed to the churches, when they get the burden of the message, and say to others, “Come,” they are laborers together with God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 113, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 113, 1893, par. 3

(Revelation 2:7): “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” (Verse 11): “He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.” (Verse 17): “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.” (Revelation 3:5): “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.” (Verse 12): “Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.” (Verse 21): “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.”

Manuscript Releases, vol. 20 [Nos. 1420-1500]

MR No. 1482—Appeal for Complete Consecration, Including Breaking With Secret Societies

20MR 282.2

I have determined that I will not confess the sins of those who profess to believe the truth, but leave these things for them to confess. This I sincerely hope that you will do. You know the things which are keeping you from making progress. Will you, in the name of Jesus, be determined that you will be an overcomer? You will not grow spiritually until you do this. Jesus came to our world and fought the battles with Satan in our behalf. He overcame the wily foe, making it possible for every soul to overcome in the name and strength of Jesus on his own account and in his own behalf. [Revelation 2:7, 11, 17; 3:5, 12, 21, quoted.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 6, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 6, 1903, par. 38

“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” [Revelation 2:7.] Is not this an inspiring promise? And of the overcomer He further declares, “I will give him the morning star.” [Verse 28.]

18LtMs, Lt 6, 1903, par. 39

The message to the church in Smyrna is also for our encouragement: “These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.” [Verses 8-11.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 55, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 55, 1895, par. 14

I spoke again to those assembled Thursday night. Quite a large number of those not of our faith were present. I had a very solemn testimony to bear them in regard to the third angel’s message—the proclamation we are now to make to the world. This message combines the first and second and binds it up with the third. This brings us into a large field where we are brought down to the closing scenes of this earth’s history. The great and last warfare is between the two classes—those who keep the commandments of God and those who make void the law of God. Revelation 2:8; 3:1-5, 9-12; 22:10-21.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 2d, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 2d, 1892, par. 11

Satan has a large confederacy, his church. Christ calls them the synagogue of Satan because the members are the children of sin. [Revelation 2:9.] The members of Satan’s church have been constantly working to cast off the divine law and confuse the distinction between good and evil. Satan is working with great power in and through the children of disobedience, to exalt treason and apostasy as truth and loyalty. And at this time the power of his satanic inspiration is moving the living agencies to carry out the great rebellion against God that commenced in heaven.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 38, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 38, 1896, par. 42

Christ speaks of the church over which Satan presides, as the synagogue of Satan. [Revelation 2:9.] Its members are the children of disobedience. They are those who love to sin, and choose to sin, always laboring to make void the law of God, which is holy, just, and good. It is Satan’s work to mingle evil with good, and to confuse the distinction between good and evil. Christ would have a church that labors to separate the evil from the good, whose members will not knowingly tolerate wrong doing, but will expel it from their own hearts and lives. How careful should we be in passing judgment on the work of others, how careful lest we become guilty of ascribing to evil agencies the manifestation of the Holy Spirit.

Christ Triumphant

God’s Message for His People, November 1

CTr 312.1

The devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. Revelation 2:10.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 2—Persecution in the First Centuries

GC88 41.2

Like God’s servants of old, many were “tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection.” [Hebrews 11:35.] These called to mind the words of their Master, that when persecuted for Christ’s sake they were to be exceeding glad; for great would be their reward in Heaven; for so the prophets had been persecuted before them. They rejoiced that they were accounted worthy to suffer for the truth, and songs of triumph ascended from the midst of crackling flames. Looking upward by faith, they saw Christ and angels leaning over the battlements of Heaven, gazing upon them with the deepest interest, and regarding their steadfastness with approval. A voice came down to them from the throne of God, “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” [Revelation 2:10.]

The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4

Chapter 2—Persecution in the First Centuries

4SP 41.1

They called to mind the words of their Master, that when persecuted for Christ’s sake they were to be exceeding glad; for great would be their reward in Heaven; for so had the prophets been persecuted before them. Like God’s servants of old, they were “tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection.” [Hebrews 11:35.] They rejoiced that they were accounted worthy to suffer for the truth, and songs of triumph ascended in the midst of crackling flames. Looking upward by faith, they saw Christ and angels leaning over the battlements of Heaven, gazing upon them with the deepest interest, and regarding their steadfastness with approval. A voice came down to them from the throne of God, “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” [Revelation 2:10.]

The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4

Chapter 10—Later Reformers

4SP 182.2

She refused to purchase liberty by renouncing the truth. The promises of God sustained her faith: “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer. Behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison that ye may be tried.” “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” [Revelation 2:10.] For nearly sixteen years this feeble woman remained a prisoner, in privation and great suffering. The book of God alone can testify what she endured during those weary years. Faithfully she witnessed for the truth; her patience and fortitude failed not until she was released by death.

This Day With God

Fidelity to the Father’s Family, May 18

TDG 147.6

“Be thou faithful unto death,” Christ says, “and I will give thee a crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). Then how carefully should the members of the Lord’s family guard their brethren and sisters! Make yourself their friend. If they are poor, and in need of food and clothing, minister to their temporal as well as their spiritual wants. Thus you will be a double blessing to them....

From Here to Forever

Chapter 2—The First Christians—Loyal and True

HF 28.1

Songs of triumph ascended from the midst of crackling flames. By faith they saw Christ and angels gazing upon them with the deepest interest and regarding their steadfastness with approval. A voice came from the throne of God: “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” Revelation 2:10.

Homeward Bound

The Crown of Life, December 25

HB 390.1

Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.—Revelation 2:10.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Ms 38, 1887

5LtMs, Ms 38, 1887, par. 3

Here in the experience of Huss was a witness, a monument erected, calling the attention of the world to the promise: “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” Revelation 2:10. Registered in the history of nations, John Huss lives. His godly works and steadfast faith, his pure life and conscientious following of the truth that was unfolded to him, these he would not yield even to be saved a cruel death. That triumphant death was witnessed by all heaven, by the whole universe. Satan bruised the heel of the seed of the woman, but in the act of Huss his head was bruised. In contrast to deeds of that council, uprooting truth and righteousness; in contrast to their cruelty to Huss, the martyr’s constancy, his faith, his example, has been reflecting its light down along the times for centuries. His example has been encouraging others to submit their souls and bodies to God alone, to exalt God alone and take the Scriptures as their guide. This will make them the light of the world. This will make them examples of faith and courage and steadfastness in truth. This will nerve them to suffer and to endure, gaining victories even in sorrow and in death. Those who follow John Huss’ example may expect the same mercies from the same God who braced and fortified him. Huss’ Christlike bearing under trials of suffering, contempt, abuse, and perjury caused joy among the angels and the friends of truth and righteousness.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 4, 1891

7LtMs, Lt 4, 1891, par. 2

I know that the Lord will comfort and strengthen you in your affliction. I have not been well and have been much exhausted since I left Battle Creek. Since last September my labor has been continuous. Some matters have been very taxing. But I have found no time to rest. The promise to us is, “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” [Revelation 2:10.] The light of truth that has been graciously given us is now to go forth from us to others. “Ye are the light of the world,” said Christ. [Matthew 5:14.] He has made us stewards of His grace, stewards of sacred responsibilities. All the goods He has entrusted to us are to be faithfully used to His glory.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 63, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 63, 1898, par. 5

This is home missionary work, and it is as helpful to those who do it as it is to those for whom it is done. The kindly interest we manifest in the home circle, the words of sympathy we speak to our brothers and sisters, fit us to work for the members of the Lord’s household, with whom, if we remain loyal to Christ, we shall live through eternal ages. “Be thou faithful unto death,” Christ says, “and I will give thee a crown of life.” [Revelation 2:10.] Then how careful should the members of the Lord’s family guard their brethren and sisters! Make yourself their friend. If they are poor, and in need of food and clothing, minister to their temporal as well as their spiritual wants. Thus you will be a double blessing to them.

Christ Triumphant

Be Faithful Unto Death, November 14

CTr 325.5

In the experience of Huss was a witness, a monument erected, calling the attention of the world to the promise: “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). Registered in the history of nations, John Huss lives. His godly works and steadfast faith, his pure life and conscientious following of the truth that was unfolded to him, these he would not yield even to be saved a cruel death. That triumphant death was witnessed by all heaven, by the whole universe. Satan bruised the heel of the seed of the woman, but in the act of Huss his head was bruised....

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 13, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 13, 1900, par. 10

When the tempter comes to the child of God with flattering presentations of great gain, to seduce him from his allegiance, let him find no weakening of principle, no lust for gain. Let the snare be spread in vain. Run no risk of dishonoring your Redeemer by yielding to the tempter. To those who overcome, the richest promises are given. But remember that there is no second probation for any soul. Opportunity to gain eternal life is given to every soul. Those who do not improve it are not given another trial. Fight manfully, for He who died that you might have eternal life is your Judge. He says, “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” [Revelation 2:10.]

Conflict and Courage

Shut Away With God, December 22

CC 362.1

Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; ... be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. Revelation 2:10.

Lift Him Up

The True, the Frank, the Honest, September 30

LHU 287.1

Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. Revelation 2:10.

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

MR No. 741—The Witness of John Huss

9MR 276.1

Here in the experience of Huss was a witness, a monument erected, calling the attention of the world to the promise: “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). Registered in the history of nations, John Huss lives. His godly works and steadfast faith, his pure life, and conscientious following of the truth that was unfolded to him, these he would not yield even to be saved a cruel death. That triumphant death was witnessed by all heaven, by the whole universe. Satan bruised the heel of the seed of the woman, but in the act of Huss his head was bruised. In contrast to deeds of that council, uprooting truth and righteousness, in contrast to their cruelty to Huss, the martyr’s constancy, his faith, his example, has been reflecting its light down along the times for centuries. His example has been encouraging others to submit their souls and bodies to God alone, to exalt God alone and take the Scriptures as their guide. This will make them the light of the world. This will make them examples of faith and courage and steadfastness in truth. This will nerve them to suffer and to endure, gaining victories even in sorrow and in death. Those who follow John Huss’ example may expect the same mercies from the same God who braced and fortified him. Huss’ Christlike bearing under trials of suffering, contempt, abuse, and perjury caused joy among the angels and the friends of truth and righteousness.

Prayer

Chapter 28—Prayer in the Last Days

Pr 276.3

All who enter the City of God will enter through the strait gate—by agonizing effort; for “there shall in no wise enter into it anything that defileth.” Revelation 21:27. But none who have fallen need give up to despair. Aged men, once honored of God, may have defiled their souls, sacrificing virtue on the altar of lust; but if they repent, forsake sin, and turn to God, there is still hope for them. He who declares, “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life,” also gives the invitation, “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.” Revelation 2:10; Isaiah 55:7. God hates sin, but He loves the sinner. “I will heal their backsliding,” He declares; “I will love them freely.” Hosea 14:4.—(Prophets and Kings, 83, 84.)

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 5—Solomon’s Repentance

PK 84.1

All who enter the City of God will enter through the strait gate—by agonizing effort; for “there shall in no wise enter into it anything that defileth.” Revelation 21:27. But none who have fallen need give up to despair. Aged men, once honored of God, may have defiled their souls, sacrificing virtue on the altar of lust; but if they repent, forsake sin, and turn to God, there is still hope for them. He who declares, “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life,” also gives the invitation, “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.” Revelation 2:10; Isaiah 55:7. God hates sin, but He loves the sinner. “I will heal their backsliding,” He declares; “I will love them freely.” Hosea 14:4.

The Great Controversy

Chapter 2—Persecution in the First Centuries

GC 41.2

Like God’s servants of old, many were “tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection.” Verse 35. These called to mind the words of their Master, that when persecuted for Christ’s sake, they were to be exceeding glad, for great would be their reward in heaven; for so the prophets had been persecuted before them. They rejoiced that they were accounted worthy to suffer for the truth, and songs of triumph ascended from the midst of crackling flames. Looking upward by faith, they saw Christ and angels leaning over the battlements of heaven, gazing upon them with the deepest interest and regarding their steadfastness with approval. A voice came down to them from the throne of God: “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” Revelation 2:10.

Sons and Daughters of God

We Are Given Life Without End, December 26

SD 367.1

He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. Revelation 2:11.

Ye Shall Receive Power

Wearing the Victor’s Crown, December 19

YRP 362.1

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. Revelation 2:11.

Homeward Bound

Red Borders, December 26

HB 391.1

He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.—Revelation 2:11.

Darkness Before Dawn

The Glad Reunion of Families

DD 51.3

Before entering the City of God, the Saviour bestows upon His followers the emblems of victory and invests them with the insignia of their royal state. The glittering ranks are drawn up in the form of a hollow square about their King, whose form rises in majesty high above saint and angel, whose countenance beams upon them full of benignant love. Throughout the unnumbered host of the redeemed every glance is fixed upon Him, every eye beholds His glory whose “visage was so marred more than any man, and His form more than the sons of men.” Upon the heads of the overcomers, Jesus with His own right hand places the crown of glory. For each there is a crown, bearing his own “new name” (Revelation 2:17), and the inscription, “Holiness to the Lord.” In every hand are placed the victor’s palm and the shining harp. Then, as the commanding angels strike the note, every hand sweeps the harp strings with skillful touch, awaking sweet music in rich, melodious strains. Rapture unutterable thrills every heart, and each voice is raised in grateful praise: “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.” Revelation 1:5, 6.

From Here to Forever

Into the Holy City

HF 390.3

Throughout the unnumbered host of the redeemed every glance is fixed upon Jesus. Every eye beholds His glory whose “visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men.” Isaiah 52:14. Upon the heads of the overcomers Jesus places the crown of glory. For each there is a crown bearing his own “new name” (Revelation 2:17) and the inscription, “Holiness to the Lord.” In every hand are placed the victor’s palm and the shining harp. Then, as the commanding angels strike the note, every hand sweeps the strings with skillful touch in rich, melodious strains. Each voice is raised in grateful praise: “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.” Revelation 1:5, 6.

The Great Hope (Condensed)

Into the Holy City

GrH_c 47.2

Throughout the unnumbered host of the redeemed every glance is fixed upon Jesus. Every eye beholds His glory whose “visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men.” Isaiah 52:14. Upon the heads of the overcomers Jesus places the crown of glory. For each there is a crown bearing his own “new name” (Revelation 2:17) and the inscription, “Holiness to the Lord.” In every hand are placed the victor’s palm and the shining harp. Then, as the commanding angels strike the note, every hand sweeps the strings with skillful touch in rich, melodious strains. Each voice is raised in grateful praise: “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.” Revelation 1:5, 6.

Homeward Bound

The Translation of the Righteous Living, December 10

HB 375.4

Before entering the City of God, the Saviour bestows upon His followers the emblems of victory and invests them with the insignia of their royal state. The glittering ranks are drawn up in the form of a hollow square about their King, whose form rises in majesty high above saint and angel, whose countenance beams upon them full of benignant love. Throughout the unnumbered host of the redeemed every glance is fixed upon Him, every eye beholds His glory whose “visage was so marred more than any man, and His form more than the sons of men.” Upon the heads of the overcomers, Jesus with His own right hand places the crown of glory. For each there is a crown, bearing his own “new name” (Revelation 2:17), and the inscription, “Holiness to the Lord.” In every hand are placed the victor’s palm and the shining harp. Then, as the commanding angels strike the note, every hand sweeps the harp strings with skillful touch, awaking sweet music in rich, melodious strains. Rapture unutterable thrills every heart, and each voice is raised in grateful praise: “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.” (Revelation 1:5, 6.)—The Great Controversy, 645, 646.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 72, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 72, 1902, par. 11

Christ, the Master of the household, has gone to prepare for us mansions in the heavenly city. We are waiting for His return. Let us honor Him in His absence by doing with faithfulness the work He has placed in our hands. Waiting, watching, working, we are to prepare for His return. If we are faithful, if we serve Him with full purpose of heart, He will receive us with the gracious words, “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” [Matthew 25:34.] He will receive us with honor. To us will be given a crown of glory that fadeth not away; and a new name, “which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.” Those who follow Christ here will one day “follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth.” [Revelation 2:17; 14:4.]