EGW WritingsRevelation 3
Ellen G. White · Page 1 of 8
Read Revelation 3 in the BibleRevelation 3:1-2
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 7, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 7, 1890, par. 8
We are constantly flashing new rays of light amid the churches. While the churches have been presented before me, they are so destitute of faith that they are ready to die. God says, I have something against thee, because that we have not strengthened those that were ready to die. [Revelation 3:1, 2.] And when you shall go from this place, and when you shall go to your churches, know that your taper is kindled, not from the brains of any man living, but from the divine altar, and that you can flash the light of heaven upon the pathway of those that have been working with knees trembling, with feeble grasp, that could hardly hold the prophecies; but strengthen the things that are ready to die. Let the testimony ring forth in every church in our land; say what the Lord has done for me. If there are any here who were at South Lancaster last year, you know that it swept in the whole of the school and the church, and such living testimonies were not exceeded by those that were given in 1844 before our disappointment. Yes, they were testimonies that were meat and drink, because they strengthened those that were ready to die. They had been, as they claimed, converted for years; but the testimony was: I never knew Jesus; I never knew the Father; I never knew what it was to walk with God until the experience that I have obtained at this meeting. Now, we heard that everywhere we went.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 69, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 69, 1893, par. 11
Who are the straying ones who have backslidden, who have strayed away from the fold into Satan’s snare? Does not this parable rebuke the cold-hearted, indifferent neglect shown to those who are ready to die? Here comes the warning down along the line to our time. “And unto the angel in the church of Sardis write; these things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars, I know thy works, 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.” [Revelation 3:1, 2.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 84, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 84, 1893, par. 27
Have written many pages today. My whole day has been occupied in writing out testimonies to those who need to be reformed in many things. I am very tired this evening. My heart was drawn out in earnest prayer to God for wisdom to know just what course to pursue to reach souls ready to perish. I would bear in mind the words of Christ to John which he was to write to the church in Sardis: “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.” Revelation 3:1, 2. Neglecting to watch our opportunities and discern the necessities of our fellow beings is in the sight of God a sin. Christ identifies His interest with suffering humanity and in (Luke 10:25-28) we have the principles clearly defined—what it means to keep the commandments of God. It is to love God supremely and our neighbor as ourselves. The question was asked, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” The above is the answer. Said Christ, “This do and thou shalt live.” We are to act as the good Samaritan acted; we are to be wide awake to see how we can bless humanity and work in Christ’s lines. Oh, I long to be constantly improving in efficiency. We do not want the queen of the south or the men of Nineveh to rise up in the judgment and condemn us because we have had great light, great opportunities, and did not improve them.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 23, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 23, 1904, par. 7
“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 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.” [Revelation 3:1, 2.]Revelation 3:1-3
The Great Controversy
Chapter 17—Heralds of the Morning
GC 309.3
The condition of the church at this time is pointed out in the Saviour’s words in the Revelation: “Thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.” And to those who refuse to arouse from their careless security, the solemn warning is addressed: “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.The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)
Chapter 17—Heralds of the Morning
GC88 309.2
The condition of the church at this time is pointed out in the Saviour’s words in the Revelation: “Thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.” [Revelation 3:1, 3.] And to those who refuse to arouse from their careless security, the solemn warning is addressed: “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.]The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4
Chapter 12—God Honors the Humble
4SP 195.2
And while wholly unconscious of their condition and their peril, the church and the world were rapidly approaching the most solemn and momentous period of earth’s history,—the period of the revelation of the Son of man. Already had the signs which Christ himself had promised,—the sun clothed in darkness by day and the moon by night,—declared his coming near. When Jesus pointed his followers to these signs, he foretold also the existing state of worldliness and backsliding, and gave warning of the result to those who refused to arouse from their careless security: “Thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.” “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 10 (1895)
Ms 7, 1895
10LtMs, Ms 7, 1895, par. 16
“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 works, that thou hast a name that thou liveth, 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.” [Revelation 3:1, 2.] Here the problem is solved. The persons here described have [had] light that would have prompted them to altogether different works, if they had followed the light and had strengthened the things that remained that were ready to die. The light which was glowing in their own hearts when Jesus spoke to their souls, “Thy sins be forgiven thee” [Matthew 9:2], they might have kept alive by helping those who needed help.10LtMs, Ms 7, 1895, par. 17
The work to be done is plainly specified: “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 3:2, 3.] Many have heard and received the Word of life, and have been strongly moved by the truth, but have allowed their souls to become cold, their faith dim, through self-righteousness, self-importance, and pride in the possession of a knowledge of truth which they fail to practice. The truth which is not put in practice loses its power. The heart is closed to its divine influence, and those who should be workers for Christ are idle, and souls whom they might help are left in discouragement and darkness and despair.10LtMs, Ms 7, 1895, par. 28
I have a message from God to the sinners in Zion, the ones whom Christ addressed: “Be watchful and strengthen the things that remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.” [Revelation 3:2.] You need to offer always the sacred fire, for then Christ’s works, His love, His mercy, His righteousness, will ascend before God as a cloud of holy, fragrant incense, wholly acceptable. But strange fire has been offered in the use of harsh words, in self-importance, in self-exaltation, in self-righteousness, in arbitrary authority, in domineering, in oppression, in restricting the liberty of God’s people, binding them about by your plans and rules, which God has not framed, neither have they come into His mind. All these things are strange fire, unacknowledged by God, and a continual misrepresentation of His character.Manuscript Release No. 760
Introductory Note :
MR760 9.4
[Revelation 3:1-3 quoted.]MR760 15.5
[Revelation 3:1-3 quoted.]MR760 16.1
It is too late in this earth’s history to get up something new. The erroneous theories that we had to meet in our early experiences in this work drove us to the Lord in prayer. And the Lord gave me, His messenger, a decided message that men were placing a false application on the Word of God. Christ referred to this danger in the words, “Be watchful and strengthen the things that remain, that are ready to die” (Revelation 3:2). Woe, woe to the man who teaches false theories.MR760 16.3
The warning comes down along the line, “Remember therefore how thou hast received, and heard, and hold fast, and repent” (Revelation 3:3). Repent of the inclination to distinguish yourself as a man who has great light. Your supposed light is shown to me to be darkness which will lead into strange paths.MR760 16.5
The warning is, “Remember therefore how thou hast received, and heard, and hold fast, and repent” (Revelation 3:3). This is the message that I bear to Elder Ballenger. The Lord says to him, I have spared your life that you may remember how you have received and heard.MR760 17.2
Let all heed the warning, “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 3:3). Satan is using all his science in playing the game of life for human souls. His angels are mingling with men and instructing them in the mysteries of evil. These fallen angels will draw away disciples after them, will talk with men, and will set forth principles that are as false as can be, leading souls into paths of deception. These angels are to be found all over the world, presenting the wonderful things that will soon appear in a more decided light. God calls upon His people to gain an understanding of the mystery of godliness. Jesus Christ is our dependence, and the Lord calls upon His people to beware of following a course that would rob them of their usefulness.MR760 20.5
We must keep constantly before our people the instruction contained in the first three chapters of Revelation. God says, “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 3:2, 3).Selections from the Testimonies for the Church For the Study of Those Attending the General Conference in Oakland, Ca., March 27, 1903
Chapter 4—The Review and Herald Fire
PH151 13.3
“And unto the angel of the church of Sardis write: These things saith He that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; 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.Testimony Treasures, vol. 2
Put Away Evilspeaking
2TT 253.1
The admonition of the True Witness to the Sardis church is: “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.” Revelation 3:1-3. The sin especially charged against this church is that they have not strengthened the things that remain, that are ready to die. Does this warning apply to us? Let us individually examine our hearts in the light of God’s word, and let our first work be to set our hearts in order by the help of Christ.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 2, 1883
4LtMs, Ms 2, 1883, par. 1
“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 works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to perish; 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 3:1-3.]4LtMs, Ms 2, 1883, par. 2
The ministers of the gospel of Christ are to watch for souls as they that must give an account. They are to search the Scriptures earnestly, to be often on their knees in prayer, asking for heavenly wisdom that they may strengthen “the things which remain, that are ready to perish.” [Verse 2.] They are to place themselves under the power of the Scriptures by living in accordance with the will of God. The Word of God is to be their guide. This Word searches the secret working of the human heart. In it there are promises, directions, counsel, and reproof, which are to be used as the case may require. With a humble heart and a willing mind, God’s messenger is to search this Word, that he may understand for himself and draw from the storehouse for the benefit of others, things new and old. Ever he is to seek to lead minds to gain a personal, experimental knowledge of the truth. Many are sorely tempted and ready to die because they have not a knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 16d, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 16d, 1892, par. 9
“And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write: these things saith He that hath the seven spirits of God, and seven stars, 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 heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come in as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.” [Revelation 3:1-3.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 3, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 3, 1892, par. 6
“Unto the angel of the church of Sardis write; these things saith he that hath the seven spirits of God, and the seven stars. I know thy works, 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 shall come upon thee.” [Revelation 3:1-3.]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.]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.]10LtMs, Lt 70, 1895, par. 14
Who among you is consciously following the example of Christ? Who is growing into Christlikeness? The Lord says, “I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and (not weaken and overthrow) 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.] It was the Lord who permitted Captain Eldridge and Frank Belden by their own action to separate from the Office, not because they were more blameworthy than their associates, but because their eternal interest was in peril, and the separation from the Office would change their spirit. Scenes of trial would show them how little dependence can be placed on men who will flatter with their lips; let adversity come, and then when true friendship is of highest value, it is not.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 11 (1896)
Ms 39, 1896
11LtMs, Ms 39, 1896, par. 29
“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 works, 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.] Here is the work which every son and daughter of God must do. To adorn the doctrine of Christ our Saviour, we must have the same mind which was in Christ. Our likes and dislikes, our desire to favor self to the disadvantage of others must be overcome. Let the peace of God rule in your hearts. Christ must be in us a living, working power.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 43a, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 43a, 1898, par. 32
There are men who are teaching the theory of truth, to whom Christ’s words apply, “I know thy works, 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.]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.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 5, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 5, 1903, par. 6
“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 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 18 (1903)
Lt 220, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 220, 1903, par. 47
“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 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 18 (1903)
Ms 148, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 148, 1903, par. 17
“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 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 19 (1904)
Ms 162, 1904
19LtMs, Ms 162, 1904, par. 12
The warning message given to the church in Sardis comes to us today: “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 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 20 (1905)
Ms 124, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 124, 1905, par. 11
“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 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.” [Revelation 3:1-3.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 104, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 104, 1905, par. 15
We need to study the message given to the church at Sardis. “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.] Dead, and having the name of being alive. What a terrible condition!20LtMs, Ms 104, 1905, par. 16
God cannot put His stamp upon the work that for years Dr. Kellogg has been carrying on. Of the one who has been working with intensity of effort to keep up a name, God says, “I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.” [Verse 1.] He has been so occupied with keeping up a name that he has neglected responsibilities of a most solemn character. God looks upon the name as dead so far as correct influence is concerned. Those who follow in his tread will be dead, destroyed by false representations. There is nothing more dangerous to a professing Christian than to have merely “a name.”20LtMs, Ms 104, 1905, par. 21
It is a miserable delusion to have a name and yet be without a connection with God, without spiritual life, without Christ, without a sense of God’s presence in the soul. “Thou has a name that thou livest, and art dead.” [Verse 1.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 62, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 62, 1905, par. 13
“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 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 20 (1905)
Lt 11, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 11, 1905, par. 22
For many nights I have not been able to sleep for more than a short time. My soul bears a heavy burden as the situation of our people is presented before me. I am saying in my sleep, You are unready to do the work that should be done. There are grave dangers before you. O that my soul might be relieved of this burden! It is represented to me that all through our ranks there are those to whom the messages of the third chapter of Revelation are applicable. “I know thy works,” God says, “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 21 (1906)
Lt 40, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 40, 1906, par. 5
We must keep constantly before our people the instruction contained in the first three chapters of Revelation. God says, “Be watchful, and strengthen the things that remain; 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.” [Verses 2, 3.]21LtMs, Lt 40, 1906, par. 6
Satan will use his best plans to lead souls to bring in some new theories, some strange, fanciful ideas. These souls will try to substantiate false doctrines, and they will take texts of Scripture and misapply them in order to make their doctrines appear as truth. The theories that Elder Ballenger advocated, which remove the sanctuary truth, are just such as the enemy would bring in as matters of the utmost importance, to shake us from our foundation of faith. But we must heed the Word, “Remember therefore how thou hast received, and heard, and hold fast.” [Verse 3.] When efforts are made to unsettle our faith in our past experience, and to send us adrift, let us hold fast to the truth that we have received.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 130, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 130, 1906, par. 41
We have a most solemn work before us. Read Revelation 3:1-3. “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.” Because they were giving up the light of truth which God had permitted to shine upon their pathway to establish them in the faith: “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.”Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8
Chapter 18—The Review and Herald Fire
8T 98.2
“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 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.Ye Shall Receive Power
To Build Upon the Foundation, August 14
YRP 235.3
“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 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).Revelation 3:1-4
The Paulson Collection of Ellen G. White Letters
B.230 ’06
PC 74.7
There are many who are in a perilous position spiritually, many who are “ready to die.” The Revelator was bidden to write to the church in Sardis: “These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, 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.” (Revelation 3:1-3)PC 75.1
There is a censure resting upon those who have heard the truth, received the truth, and who afterward have acted like men spiritually dead. “Remember therefore.” In our work we are not to be drawn into any plausible theories that would lead to a denial of our past faith in the truth we have heard and advocated. “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 3:3)PC 75.2
“Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white: for they are worthy.” (Revelation 3:4)Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 81, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 81, 1900, par. 54
“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 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.]15LtMs, Ms 81, 1900, par. 59
The church of Sardis is represented as having in it a few faithful ones among the many who had become, as it were, careless and insensible of their obligations to God. “Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.” [Verse 4.] Who is so favored as to be numbered among these few in Sardis? Are you? Am I? Who are among this number? Is it not best for us to inquire into this matter, in order that we may learn to whom the Lord refers when He says that a few have not stained their white robes of character?Manuscript Releases, vol. 20 [Nos. 1420-1500]
MR No. 1444—Rebuke for Self-seeking and Self-exaltation; Warning Against Criticizing Church Leaders
20MR 95.5
The True Witness declares: [Revelation 3:1-4, quoted].Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 50a, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 50a, 1897, par. 17
“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 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. Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.” [Revelation 3:1-4.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 50, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 50, 1897, par. 16
“And unto the angel of the church of Sardis write: These things saith he that hath the seven spirits of God, and the seven stars; 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. Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white, for they are worthy.” [Revelation 3:1-4.]Revelation 3:1-5
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Lt 51, 1886
4LtMs, Lt 51, 1886, par. 24
The work of overcoming must be done here in this life. By sincere repentance and forsaking of every sin, pardon will be written against your names. The thoughts will be pure if the heart is pure. If the fountain is corrupt, the stream will be corrupt. Shall men who are conversant with the Scriptures, and who are standing in vindication of the fourth commandment, be charged in the books of heaven with transgressing the seventh? Shall Satan be given occasion to taunt the angels of God with the filthy characters of those who claim to be Christians? Will they make Jesus ashamed to call them brethren? I address you who shall have this epistle brought before you, who are leaders, who may be termed princes, among the people, “Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord.” [Isaiah 52:11.] Humble your souls before God. Jesus is in the sanctuary. We are in the great day of atonement; and if the investigative judgment has not already commenced for the living, it will soon begin; and to how many are the words of the True Witness applicable: “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 shall come upon thee.” [Revelation 3:1-3.]4LtMs, Lt 51, 1886, par. 25
The cases of all will be brought up in the judgment; and if their sins are not confessed, their names will then be blotted from the book of life, and their lot will be with the adulterers and the fornicators, and deceivers, and those who love and make a lie. “Thou hast a few names yet in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white for they are worthy. 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.” [Verses 4, 5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 22, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 22, 1894, par. 12
“Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. 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 3:4, 5.] “Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments,” is a correct description of the moral atmosphere of the publishing house.9LtMs, Lt 22, 1894, par. 13
“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 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.” [Verses 1-3.] These statements of the True Witness have for years been applicable to the Review and Herald office.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 149, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 149, 1903, par. 10
Christ is looking upon you, and He says, “I know thy works, ... 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.]18LtMs, Lt 149, 1903, par. 11
There is no excuse for you to be so unlike Christ. God would have you pure and holy, and He has made it possible for you thus to be. “Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white; for they are worthy. 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.” [Verses 4, 5.]Manuscript Releases, vol. 10 [Nos. 771-850]
MR No. 797—Letters to the Beldens on Norfolk Island
10MR 84.3
Christ is looking upon you, and He says, “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).10MR 84.4
There is no excuse for you to be so unlike Christ. God would have you pure and holy, and He has made it possible for you thus to be. “Thou hast a few names in Sardis which have not defiled their garments: and they shall walk with Me in white: for they are worthy. 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 3:4, 5).Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 37, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 37, 1905, par. 5
Read the three first verses of the third chapter of Revelation. See what Christ opens before John. The trial spoken of in these verses has come to many. “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 works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.” [Verse 1.] There are many to whom these words apply. But Christ does not leave them in hopeless despair. He is so tender, so pitiful! Although some of them are in partnership with satanic agencies, He does not cast them off. “Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die,” He says; “for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received, and heard, and hold fast, and repent.” [Verses 2, 3.] Do not yield one iota of your faith for spiritualistic ideas which will set you adrift in the mazes of uncertainty. Hold fast your past experience in the things that you have received and heard, and repent.20LtMs, Lt 37, 1905, par. 8
“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. Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white; for they are worthy.” [Verses 3, 4.] Study these statements. Teach the church that the enemy will bring before them every phase of deception. Those who have not held fast with the grip of faith to the experience given them by God in the past will fail to watch now. They are in danger of listening to and heeding the sophistries of Satan. Those who have admitted the enemy to their companionship need to be watchful and repent, lest in the day of God they be found with the workers of evil, who call falsehood truth.20LtMs, Lt 37, 1905, par. 10
Jesus bids us to be watchful and strengthen the things that remain, which are ready to die. There is a laxity that should not be. Corrupt influences and seducing spirits have come in and are working in many ways that people do not realize. “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.” [Verse 3.] At the present time the insidious working of Satan is going on. The warning given by Christ is to be faithfully heeded.20LtMs, Lt 37, 1905, par. 14
“Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white; for they are worthy.” [Verse 4.] He who overcomes will not be led one step in the path of spiritualistic, mesmeric influence. He will be guarded. He will watch and pray and strengthen the things that remain. Saith the Heart-searcher, “I have not found thy works perfect before God.” [Verse 2.] These words I am to repeat and repeat. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard. Cling to your faith with all the power of your being. Let no false messages hypnotize you and lead you to act out the sentiments of satanic agencies.20LtMs, Lt 37, 1905, par. 15
“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 5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 82, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 82, 1905, par. 8
“To 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 works, 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.” Hold fast the knowledge that you have received from God, and repent because you have departed from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits. “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.]20LtMs, Ms 82, 1905, par. 9
“I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.” [Verse 1.] There are many today to whom this word applies. They have grown cold and indifferent in their religious life and do not seem to realize that God is calling upon them to arouse from their insensibility and hold fast the things that they have heard. A message is sent to arouse them. “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.” [Verse 3.]20LtMs, Ms 82, 1905, par. 10
“Thou hast a few names even in Sardis, which have not defiled their garments, and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.” “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiments, 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.” [Verses 4, 5.]20LtMs, Ms 82, 1905, par. 11
I address those who occupy important positions in the cause of God. Do not look to any human being for light. “Remember therefore how thou hast received, and heard, and hold fast, and repent.” [Verse 3.] Go back to your first experience, and bow before God in repentance for departing from Him. Will those to whom these words apply put off the humbling of the soul before, God till mercy’s sweet voice no longer invites them to receive the truth? Will they wait until it is too late before they confess and forsake their sins? There are those who are not willing to confess a wrong, to repent of an unchristlike action. They evade the admission of their sins, which are not a few. The blood of souls is on their garments. Through their deceptive words, they have led men astray to perish, and guilt is upon them. God calls upon them to cease this work, to add no more guilt to their souls.Manuscript Releases, vol. 21 [Nos. 1501-1598]
MR No. 1580—Admonitions for a Wayward Minister
21MR 386.2
I address you who shall have this epistle brought before you, who are leaders, who may be termed princes among the people, “Be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord” [Isaiah 52:11]. Humble your souls before God. Jesus is in the sanctuary. We are in the great day of atonement, and if the investigative judgment has not already commenced for the living, it will soon begin, and to how many are the words of the true witness applicable: “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 shall come upon thee” [Revelation 3:1-3.]21MR 386.3
The cases of all will be brought up in the judgment, and if their sins are not confessed their names will then be blotted from the book of life, and their lot will be with the adulterers and the fornicators, and deceivers, and those who love and make a lie. “Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white: for they are worthy. 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 3:4, 5].Manuscript Releases, vol. 17 [Nos. 1236-1300]
MR No. 1274—God Calls Upon Workers To Be Producers, Not Consumers; Medical Missionary Work To Be Pursued; Study the Word
17MR 248.4
God desires His ministers to deal wisely with all who are connected with His work. He abhors careless dealing, giving faithful workers little reward, while those who produce nothing receive much. [Revelation 3:1-5, quoted.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 63, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 63, 1903, par. 20
“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 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. Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white: for they are worthy. 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 3:1-5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 308, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 308, 1903, par. 10
I was instructed that there were those who made no profession of truth who would do more righteously and justly than the men who claimed to be empowered to act. I did not at that time understand as I now do that had I moved then just as it was presented to me, there would have been a crisis that would have changed all the features of the work, but we kept hoping against hope. The last General Conference in Battle Creek, the Lord presented to me, would be to many an opportunity to discern the movings of the Spirit of God. The Lord’s hand should hold me up, the Lord’s words would be put in the lips of His servant, and decisions would then be made for eternity. Rev. 2:1-5; Rev. 3:1-5, verse 14. Never would there be any greater evidence given than on that occasion. All who did not improve that opportunity would be more and more blinded by the enemy to do strange things. And there will be a new order of things.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 242, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 242, 1907, par. 2
My sister, you and your husband need at this time the words spoken to the church in Sardis: “These things saith He that hath the seven spirits of God, and the seven stars, I know thy works. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die; for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember how thou hast received and heard; and hold fast, and repent. Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments. And they shall walk with Me in white; for they are worthy. 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 3:1-5.] It means very much to every soul, at this time, what stand they shall take toward the work of God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 17, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 17, 1894, par. 18
Be not deceived in fancying it a blessing to have a bosom friend. In the name of Jesus I testify it is a snare. Turn your attention to Him who is first and last and best in everything. It is not safe to depart from the Word of God in anything. Search the Scriptures; we have there a standard by which to estimate character, even the divine similitude. By this perfect model let conversation and character be fashioned. I urge upon you as missionaries who have come to this far off land, practice the truth, carry out its lofty principles in your life. Ever remember, “Ye are laborers together with God,” moral representatives of Christ. [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Let your life be hid with Christ in God. 1 Peter 1:1-3; 1 John 1:4-10; Revelation 3:1-5.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 52, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 32
“Those things saith he that hath the seven spirits of God, and the seven stars, I know thy works, 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 unto thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. Thou hast a few names even in Sardis, which have not defiled their garments: and they shall walk with me in white, for they are worthy. He that overcometh 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 3:1-5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 140, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 140, 1901, par. 50
Men have made the cause of God an excuse for allowing oppression and suffering to come to souls. The cause of God must be represented by men whose hearts are as tender, pure, true, and compassionate as is the heart of Christ. Those who handle the sacred work in Christ’s stead must have a pure heart and clean hands. They must adopt Christ’s maxims; for if they fail to do so, they will be deceived, betray Christ, and dishonor the truth of God. Men have cherished an ambition to be considered keen and sharp in working for the financial interest of the Review and Herald office. They have not considered that they must love God supremely and their neighbors as themselves, but have permitted business to crowd out love. “Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white; for they are worthy. 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 3:4, 5.] “Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments,” is a correct description of the moral atmosphere of the publishing house. “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 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.” [Verses 1-3.] These statements of the True Witness have for years been applicable to the Review and Herald office.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 35, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 35, 1901, par. 19
“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 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. Thou hast a few names even in Sardis, which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white, for they are worthy. 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 3:1-5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 153, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 153, 1902, par. 19
“These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars: 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. Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white; for they are worthy. He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed with 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 3:1-5.]Revelation 3:1-6
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 44, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 44, 1898, par. 8
“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 2:5.] “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 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 shall not know what hour I will come upon thee.” [Revelation 3:1-3.]13LtMs, Lt 44, 1898, par. 10
“If therefore thou shalt not watch,” said God, “I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.” [Verse 3.]13LtMs, Lt 44, 1898, par. 11
There is a work to be done, not only for the churches who know the reasons of our faith, but the souls that are ready to die outside the church. The light which God had given to His church is not to be hidden under a bed or a bushel; it is to be put on a candlestick, that it may shine to all that are in the house. The house represents the world. While some are looking with suspicion upon the work of Dr. Kellogg, what work are they themselves doing? Says the True Witness, “Remember therefore how thou hast heard and received, and hold fast, and repent.” [Verse 3.] There is to be a watching done, that we may do the work appointed to each individual soul. To every man is given his work, and if this work is neglected, then what? I leave you to answer this question before God. Is it not time that every member of our churches shall exercise his God-given talents, and diffuse light and knowledge? Let not any one of our ministers or presidents of our conferences seek to stay the work that is given to all to do for those who are ready to die.13LtMs, Lt 44, 1898, par. 12
“Thou hast a few names even in Sardis, which have not defiled their garments (by contamination with the world, in dressing, in conversation, in selfishness, pride, and idolatry.) And they shall walk with me in white, for they are worthy. 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. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” [Verses 4-6.]Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8
To the Church in Sardis
8T 303.1
“Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white: for they are worthy. 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. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” Revelation 3:1-6.Revelation 3:1-11
Manuscript Releases, vol. 10 [Nos. 771-850]
MR No. 816—Nearness and Delay of the Second Advent
10MR 266.3
Investigative Judgment for the Living Soon to Begin—I address you who shall have this epistle brought before you, who are leaders, who may be termed princes among the people: “Be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord” (Isaiah 52:11). Humble your souls before God. Jesus is in the sanctuary. We are in the great day of atonement, and if the investigative judgment has not already commenced for the living, it will soon begin and to how many are the words of the true witness applicable: “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 shall come upon thee” (Revelation 3:1-3).10MR 267.1
The cases of all will be brought up in the judgment and if their sins are not confessed their names will then be blotted from the book of life, and their lot will be with the adulterers and the fornicators, and deceivers, and those who love and make a lie. “Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. 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” (verses 4, 5).—Letter 51, 1886, p. 11. (To G. I. Butler, September 6, 1886.)10MR 270.3
I have also been pronounced a deceiver because I have said, “The Lord will soon come; get ready, get ready that ye may be found waiting, watching and loving His appearing.” But in the Revelation I read this statement, “Behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be” (Revelation 22:12). “Behold, I come quickly blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book” (Revelation 22:7). “Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown” (Revelation 3:11). Was the One who bore this testimony a deceiver, because the “quickly” has been protracted longer than our finite minds could anticipate? It is the faithful and true witness that speaks. His words are verity and truth.Revelation 3:1-12
Sermons and Talks, vol. 2
Manuscript 155, 1902
2SAT 217.1
In the third chapter we read: [Revelation 3:1-4, quoted].2SAT 223.2
[Revelation 3:7, 8, quoted.]2SAT 223.4
[Revelation 3:10-12, quoted.]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 16 (1901)
Ms 156, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 156, 1901, par. 32
“Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments, and they shall walk with me in white; for they are worthy. 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. He that hath an ear to hear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. And unto the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth, and shutteth, and no man openeth; I know thy works; behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it; for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.” [Revelation 3:1-8.]16LtMs, Ms 156, 1901, par. 34
“Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly; hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. 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.” [Verses 10-12.]16LtMs, Ms 156, 1901, par. 39
The word is spoken to me to speak to you, “I have not found thy works perfect before God.” [Revelation 3:2.] I therefore give these words to you. The Lord will not accept the most splendid service that means the putting of the least yoke upon His people. We are to frame no yokes for our fellow men. God’s word to us is that we are to break every yoke.Revelation 3:1-13
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 92, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 92, 1901, par. 2
“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 works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful (this is highly important), and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die (we cannot do this, unless we first obtain the strength): for I have not found thy works perfect before God.” [Revelation 3:1, 2.]16LtMs, Ms 92, 1901, par. 3
“Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent.” [Verse 3.] Those who have been born again remember with what joy and gladness they received the light of heaven, and how eager they were to tell everybody of their happiness. When I received Christ in my heart, I thought no one could help believing what I told them. My soul was aglow with the love of God, and everything that I saw and heard seemed to be praising the Lord. Never before had nature appeared so beautiful. It seemed as though the very trees, the birds, the flowers, were expressing the love of God.16LtMs, Ms 92, 1901, par. 4
“Hold fast.” [Verse 3.] This does not mean, Hold fast to your sins; but, Hold fast to the comfort, the faith, the hope, that God has given you in His Word. Never be discouraged. A discouraged man can do nothing. Satan is seeking to discourage you, telling you it is of no use to serve God, that it does not pay, and that it is just as well to have pleasure and enjoyment in this world. But “what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” [Mark 8:36.] You may have worldly pleasure at the expense of the future world, but can you afford to pay such a price?16LtMs, Ms 92, 1901, par. 6
“And repent.” [Revelation 3:3.] The life we live is to be one of continual repentance and humility. We need to repent constantly, that we may be constantly victorious. When we have true humility, we have victory. The enemy never can take out of the hand of Christ the one who is simply trusting in His promises. If the soul is trusting and working obediently, the mind is susceptible to divine impressions, and the light of God shines in, enlightening the understanding. What privileges we have in Christ Jesus!16LtMs, Ms 92, 1901, par. 9
“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. Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.” [Revelation 3:3, 4.]16LtMs, Ms 92, 1901, par. 11
All the powers of darkness are arrayed against us, but the promise is, “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. He that hath an ear to hear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” [Revelation 3:5, 6.]16LtMs, Ms 92, 1901, par. 16
“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth.” [Revelation 3:7.]16LtMs, Ms 92, 1901, par. 20
“I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.” [Revelation 3:8, 9.]16LtMs, Ms 92, 1901, par. 22
The following verse tells us why God desires us to keep His commandments, and live; and His law as the apple of our eye: “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.” [Verses 10, 11.] We need to heed this admonition. Our greatest desire should be to follow submissively our precious Saviour; for a crown of glory that fadeth not away is laid up for the faithful overcomer.16LtMs, Ms 92, 1901, par. 23
“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 12.] Precious, precious promises are these!16LtMs, Ms 92, 1901, par. 24
“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” [Verse 13.] If you “hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches,” and meditate upon the instruction given to them, your ears will be closed to the folly and nonsense which surround you. You will neither hear and repeat these things, nor will you ever hanker after them. When Christ satisfies the soul-hunger, these trivialities are to you distasteful and disgusting. You have no desire to feast upon them, but choose instead the bread of heaven.Revelation 3:1-15
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 8a, 1890
6LtMs, Lt 8a, 1890, par. 37
The True Witness declares, “I know thy works.” [Revelation 3:15.] “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 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. Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.” Revelation 3:1-4.Revelation 3:1-17
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 64, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 64, 1903, par. 5
“These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God, 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 spew 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.” [Revelation 3:14-17.]18LtMs, Lt 64, 1903, par. 7
God sent to the church at Sardis the message: “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 3:2, 3.] Wherein was their deficiency? It is shown in the words, “I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.” [Verse 1.] They had a name to live, but as far as exerting a saving influence is concerned, they were dead. They had a form of godliness without the power.18LtMs, Lt 64, 1903, par. 8
There are today in the flock of God shepherds who do not discern their spiritual need, who do not keep the pure principles of truth uncontaminated by worldly influences. They are careless in regard to their own spiritual standing. To them comes the urgent message, “Be watchful, and strengthen the things that remain, that are ready to die; for I have not found thy works perfect before God.” [Verse 2.] Remember how you have received and heard the truth. Receive the messages of warning brought by the Lord’s ambassadors. Let not these warnings become dim in your memory. “Hold fast and repent.” [Verse 3.]18LtMs, Lt 64, 1903, par. 12
The Lord is greatly dishonored when wrong practices are carried on by the ministers or the lay members of His church. These wrong practices arouse a spirit of alienation and strife and faultfinding. God sees beneath the surface. He reads the heart of every one who is following evil ways. He says to all, “I know thy works.” [Revelation 3:1.] How many times those misusing the precious gifts of heaven read these words and yet make no change in the life. We must arouse from our spiritual slumber. We must be born again. There is a lamentable decay in religious experience. A truly godly life is rarely seen. The sins of the church are charged upon the church by One who never makes a mistake. The sins of a wrongdoer will remain upon him until he clears his soul from the impurity and falsehood and makes straight paths for his feet.18LtMs, Lt 64, 1903, par. 13
“Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white; for they are worthy.” [Verse 4.] What higher honor could be bestowed on human beings? “They shall walk with Me in white; for they are worthy.” Because of their faith this honor is bestowed on them. In this life they did not boast or lift up their soul unto vanity. With intensity of desire, with a pure and holy faith, they grasped the promise of eternal riches. Their one desire was to be like Christ. Their earnestness was proportionate to their intensity. Ever they kept the standard of righteousness uplifted. To them is given an eternal weight of glory, because on the earth they walked with God, keeping themselves unspotted from the world, revealing to sinful human beings the righteousness of Christ. Of them the Saviour declares, They shall walk with Me in white, in robes of honor and glory, in the world that I have prepared for them. “He that overcometh the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels.” [Verse 5.]Revelation 3:1-18
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 19, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 19, 1890, par. 8
Faith and love—how destitute are the churches of these! The heavenly Merchantman counsels you, “Buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.” [Revelation 3:18.] God forbid that those who are preaching in our conferences should be like the foolish virgins, having lamps, but destitute of the oil of grace which makes the lamp burn and give forth light.6LtMs, Ms 19, 1890, par. 27
There is a sad neglect of reading the Bible and searching it with humble hearts for yourselves. Take no man’s explanation of Scripture, whatever his position, but go to the Bible and search for <the truth> yourselves. [After hearing Jesus, the Samaritans said,] <“Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard Him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.” [John 4:42.]> There is the mine of truth. Sink the shaft deep, and you will possess that knowledge which is of highest value to you. Many have become lazy <and criminally neglectful in regard to> the searching of the Scriptures, and they are as destitute of the Spirit of God as of the knowledge of His Word. We read in the Revelation made to John of some who had a name to live while they were dead. [Revelation 3:1.] Yes, there are many such among us as a people, many who claim to be alive, while they are dead.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 24, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 24, 1897, par. 4
“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 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.” “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: 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; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.” [Revelation 3:1-3, 15-18.]Manuscript Release No. 926
The Fannie Bolton Story: A Collection Of Source Documents
MR926 76.3
That history will certainly be placed in the hands of the McKenzie family. What kind of an influence will it have upon them to see that you have represented family secrets in the very worst light? [Revelation 3:1-3, 15-18 quoted.]Revelation 3:1-19
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 70, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 70, 1894, par. 17
When a crisis comes in the life of any soul, and another attempts to give advice, that advice and counsel will have only the weight of influence for good that the example and spirit of the adviser has accumulated for him. It is the consistent life, the revelation of a sincere, Christlike interest for the soul in peril, that will make counsel effectual to persuade and win into safe paths. Those who are quick to <censure> others, who speak words that cut and bruise the already wounded soul, are doing Satan’s work, and are laborers with the prince of darkness. But the True Witness says, “I know thy works,” “every work shall be brought into judgment with every secret thing, whether it be good or whether it be evil.” [Revelation 3:14, 15; Ecclesiastes 12:14.] They will have to give an account for their neglect of those whom they might have blessed, strengthened, upheld, and healed.9LtMs, Lt 70, 1894, par. 18
“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 works 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 unto thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I shall come unto thee.” [Revelation 3:1-3.] How many times the human agent fails and, when the urgency rises, is all unprepared to do service for Christ. Had he watched, he would have proved himself a friend indeed, and an ambassador of Jesus. But the Spirit of Christ is not in him, it is another spirit.9LtMs, Lt 70, 1894, par. 19
Let the tempted and tried souls remember that when chastisement comes upon them, it is the Lord who would save them from death. Let the souls to whom reproof comes, remember that “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.” [Verse 19.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 24, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 24, 1905, par. 4
“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 works, 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.]20LtMs, Ms 24, 1905, par. 6
“Unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write: These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: 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 spew 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; 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, and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; be zealous therefore, and repent.” [Revelation 3:14-19.]Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6
In the Highways and Hedges
6T 77.1
The Lord says: “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 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 3:1-3.6T 77.2
The warning for the last church also must be proclaimed to all who claim to be Christians. The Laodicean message, like a sharp, two-edged sword, must go to all the churches: “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 spew 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: 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; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” Verses 15-19. It is our work to proclaim this message. Are we putting forth every effort that the churches may be warned?Revelation 3:1-21
Manuscript Releases, vol. 10 [Nos. 771-850]
MR No. 784—The Waymark Doctrines are to be Preserved
10MR 46.3
“And unto the angel of the church is Sardis write: These things saith He that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; 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” (Revelation 3:1, 2).10MR 46.4
With some there is an outward show, a form of godliness, but there is no real power; and against them is pronounced the sentence “Thou art weighed in the balances, and found wanting.” They are deficient, yet, in false confidence; they are deceiving themselves and misleading others. Yielding to Satan’s sophistry, they stand on a false track, and by their representations endeavor to tear down truths that God has made fast, never to be moved. By their course, the inexperienced are led to wonder whether these special truths are not, after all, errors that ought to be shunned. When brought into strait places, they will give up the Sabbath and its powerful endorsement, and the more they are opposed in their apostasy, the more self-sufficient and self-deceived they become. They have lifted up their souls unto vanity, and God says: [Revelation 3:3-5 quoted].10MR 48.2
Have I not a knowledge of how to present these things without spoiling the faith of our people? I shall write just as God bids me write. What I have written, I have written. Every word is truth. I am to give to the people of God the warnings given me. But I am not to send these warnings in private letters to those who claim to be vindicating the truth, while in reality they are leading in a false track. [Revelation 3:14-21, quoted.]—Letter 95, 1905. (To Dr. and Mrs. Daniel Kress, March 14, 1905.)Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 226, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 226, 1907, par. 3
God’s treasure house is filled with blessings for His believing children. Its door is open, and God waits to dispense His joy and peace and love, that He may hear their songs of praise and thanksgiving coming from hearts warm with the love of God. Many of God’s people are standing in the position described in the messages to the churches in Sardis and Laodicea: “I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.” God calls upon these souls to awake and to put not their trust in a profession that means so little. “Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.” [Revelation 3:1, 2.]22LtMs, Lt 226, 1907, par. 5
“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him and he with Me. 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.” [Verses 13, 15-21.]22LtMs, Lt 226, 1907, par. 6
I feel an intense burden of soul for those who stand in this lukewarm condition, and I pray earnestly for courage of heart, or I cannot do for them the work that it is essential should be done. Last night in my sleeping hours I seemed to be repeating the words of this message: “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; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love I rebuke and chasten, Be zealous therefore, and repent.” “Behold I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.” [Verses 18-20.]22LtMs, Lt 226, 1907, par. 7
I have carried a heavy burden for the churches of Oakland and Berkeley, for the members have not all opened the door of the heart to let the Saviour in. If the church members realized their position before God, they would seek Him earnestly in prayer: for I have been shown that many stand in the position described as “neither cold nor hot.” [Verse 15.] They stand under the rebuke of God, for they have placed themselves where, unless they repent, the Spirit of God cannot work for them. They are unable to receive the precious gifts of the Holy Spirit; for they do not humble themselves before God; they do not open the door of the heart to receive His blessing.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 95, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 95, 1905, par. 9
“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 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.” [Revelation 3:1, 2.]20LtMs, Lt 95, 1905, par. 10
With some there is an outward show, a form of godliness, but there is no real power; and against them is pronounced the sentence, “Thou art weighed in the balances, and found wanting.” [Daniel 5:27.] They are deficient, yet, in false confidence, they are deceiving themselves and misleading others. Yielding to Satan’s sophistry, they stand on a false track, and by their representations endeavor to tear down truths that God has made fast, never to be moved. By their course, the inexperienced are led to wonder whether these special truths are not, after all, errors that ought to be shunned. When brought into strait places, they will give up the Sabbath and its powerful endorsement, and the more they are opposed in their apostasy, the more self-sufficient and self-deceived they become. They have lifted up their souls unto vanity, and God says, “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 3:3.]20LtMs, Lt 95, 1905, par. 11
“Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments, and they shall walk with Me in white; for they are worthy. 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.” [Verses 4, 5.]20LtMs, Lt 95, 1905, par. 17
“Unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write: These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: 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 spew 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; 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; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me. 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.” [Verses 14-21.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 160, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 160, 1903, par. 9
The message sent to the church at Sardis is applicable alike to you and to all others who are developing similar characters: “These things saith He that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; 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.]18LtMs, Lt 160, 1903, par. 10
My brother, Jesus says to you: “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. ... As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me. 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.” [Verses 5, 19-21.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 71, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 71, 1903, par. 49
You will receive God’s blessing when you feel your need of it, and will come to Jesus to buy of Him “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; and anoint thine eyes with eye-salve, that thou mayest see.” [Revelation 3:18.]18LtMs, Ms 71, 1903, par. 50
“As many as I love I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man will open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am sat down with My Father in His throne.” [Verses 19-21.]18LtMs, Ms 71, 1903, par. 51
Read the message to the church at Sardis: “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 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.” [Verses 1-3.]18LtMs, Ms 71, 1903, par. 52
Sardis was a very wicked city, yet to its inhabitants the light had been given. Paul had preached there, and some had believed. But many of these departed from the faith. So it is today. Yet God said, “Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white: for they are worthy.” [Verse 4.] Today, there are some who will keep their garments from the pollution of the wickedness that fills the world.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Ms 43, 1909
24LtMs, Ms 43, 1909, par. 1
“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 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.]24LtMs, Ms 43, 1909, par. 2
What a word of caution is this! How many of us can comprehend what it means? All through the Word of God, cautions are given and instruction is imparted that point out to us the Way, the Truth, and the Life. “Thou hast a few names even in Sardis,” the Word continues, “which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white: for they are worthy.” [Verse 4.] Who of this company gathered here today will be among those “few names”? Here is brought to view a little company that is confessed before the throne of God as “worthy.” They have not had a hit-and-miss religion, but an experience that has proved them as true to principle as the compass to the pole. Of such the Lord declares, “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 5.]24LtMs, Ms 43, 1909, par. 3
“Unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write: These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.” [Verses 14, 15.]24LtMs, Ms 43, 1909, par. 4
In the words spoken to the Laodicean church we can see the sure result of half-hearted service. There are many who claim to believe the truth who do not obey the truth in a way that the world can take knowledge of them that they have been with Jesus and learned of Him. This condition of lukewarmness is a pitiable condition in which to be. “I would thou wert cold or hot,” the Lord declares; “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: 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; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.” [Verses 15-18.]24LtMs, Ms 43, 1909, par. 7
The next words present something to be done. There are confessions to be made to one another and to God; and unless these confessions are made, we reveal that the door of the heart is closed. “As many as I love I rebuke and chasten; be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me on My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father on His throne.” [Revelation 3:19-21.] My brethren and sisters, I ask you, who among us is humbling the heart before God? Who is purifying the soul by obedience to the truth? Let us study this chapter on our bended knees, asking God to reveal to us our true character and to impress our mind with what we should be and what we should do lest we stand in the way of sinners and exert an influence that will be a hindrance to the work.The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1
Ms 11, 1850
Then I saw Laodiceans.10
Prior to 1856 Sabbatarian Adventists identified their movement with the Philadelphia church of Revelation 3:1-6. The mainstream Adventists who rejected the validity of the seventh-month movement and the Sabbath were seen as symbolized by the lukewarm Laodicean church of Revelation 3:14-21.
Revelation 3:1-22
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Ms 151, 1904
Revelation 3:1.
19LtMs, Ms 151, 1904, par. 11
That is a terrible position for a church to be in. They have a name to live, but they don’t earn it. They don’t do the works of the living church, and therefore He says, 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. Verse 1, 2.19LtMs, Ms 151, 1904, par. 18
Revelation 3:3. But now the subject changes. Verses 4, 5. Now that is a precious, glorious promise, and every soul of us ought to appreciate it. “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.” There is what we want. That is why He came to our world—to give His life, a life of suffering, a life of constant labor, a life that was always touched with human woe, a heart full of human sympathy and tenderness, even for a little child, and for suffering humanity on every side. He had a work to do, and His disciples were learning His methods, and how to follow in the very line of work that He was doing. He came for only just a few years; just a few years was He with them. A little more than three years He was their educator, He was their teacher, and He took these right from the poor fishermen. Why? Why, because they would hear Him; they would be taught of Him.19LtMs, Ms 151, 1904, par. 45
Well, I want to say that souls are worth everything to us. I read, “Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments, and they shall walk with me in white, for they are worthy; 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; I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.” [Revelation 3:4, 5.] Oh, if I can gather in the souls, that their names will be confessed, that they will not be blotted out, but they will be confessed, how happy shall I be. I have no desire to live in this life one moment longer than I can be a laborer together with God.19LtMs, Ms 151, 1904, par. 46
Verses 6, 7.19LtMs, Ms 151, 1904, par. 48
[Revelation 3] Verse 8. Oh, that any one of us poor mortals can earn that commendation; it is worth more than gold and silver and precious stones.19LtMs, Ms 151, 1904, par. 49
Verse 9. “Because (note the reason) thou hast kept,” etc.19LtMs, Ms 151, 1904, par. 50
Verse 10.19LtMs, Ms 151, 1904, par. 54
Verse 11. Every one that is true to Christ, I tell you, when the death scene comes, you will not be worrying what you will do with your property. Have I a crown of life? Will He give me that crown? When the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall come forth to immortality, will I be of the number? Will the crown of victory be placed upon my brow? Will the harp of gold be placed in my hand? That is the question with us, and God helping us, may He give us that strength that we need every day.19LtMs, Ms 151, 1904, par. 55
Verse 12. “Him that overcometh.” Now I want you to see what He is going to give the overcomer.19LtMs, Ms 151, 1904, par. 56
Verse 12. Now here God distinguishes the righteous; God distinguishes the wrestlers, those who have wrestled for the crown of life.19LtMs, Ms 151, 1904, par. 57
Verses 13, 14, 15.19LtMs, Ms 151, 1904, par. 59
Verses 14, 15, 16. Out of my mouth as a disgusting morsel. Why, we cannot afford that. Christ has made the way for us to be Christians. Now we have to take the work right in our own hands, and weave ourselves right in with Christ, and never rest until we know that we have a living Jesus that is ours. By living faith we will trust Him, that He will put upon us the robe of His righteousness. But how many are neither cold nor hot! How many are disgusting by their course of carelessness and indifference; there is no difference to signify their zeal between the world and Christ. No difference. Now, Christ should have the whole soul, the whole being, and we serve Him with the whole heart. He wants that, and He will take it, if we will have it. But we have to work out that character, how? Watch. How? Pray.19LtMs, Ms 151, 1904, par. 69
But I want to say to every one that is here, You have a soul to save, or a soul to lose. But I want to read a verse more, because it is not finished as it ought to be: verses 16, 17. “I counsel thee (it is not too late yet, you see) to buy of me—.”19LtMs, Ms 151, 1904, par. 70
Verses 18-22.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Ms 50, 1904
19LtMs, Ms 50, 1904, par. 1
“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 works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.” [Revelation 3:1.]19LtMs, Ms 50, 1904, par. 4
“Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die.” [Revelation 3:2.] Here is a duty that we are to perform. When we see one doing wrong, we are to go to him and tell him of the mistakes that he is making. We are not to go to some one else with the report of his wrongdoing. “If thou bring thy gift to the altar,” said Christ, “and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.” [Matthew 5:23, 24.] Shall we not heed these words? Shall we not make earnest efforts to help one another by making straight paths for our feet?19LtMs, Ms 50, 1904, par. 6
“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. Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white; for they are worthy.” [Revelation 3:3, 4.]19LtMs, Ms 50, 1904, par. 8
“He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed with 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 5.]19LtMs, Ms 50, 1904, par. 9
“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These things saith He that is holy, He that is true, He that hath the key of David, He that openeth, and no man shutteth, and shutteth, and no man openeth. I know thy works; behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it; for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept My word, and hast not denied My name.” [Verses 7, 8.]19LtMs, Ms 50, 1904, par. 19
“Because thou hast kept the word of My patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.” [Verse 10.]19LtMs, Ms 50, 1904, par. 21
“Behold, I come quickly; hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.” [Revelation 3:11.]19LtMs, Ms 50, 1904, par. 23
“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 12.]19LtMs, Ms 50, 1904, par. 25
“And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write: These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God: 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.” [Revelation 3:14-16.]19LtMs, Ms 50, 1904, par. 28
“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.” [Revelation 3:17.] Are there any here to whom these words apply? If there are, will you not resolve that from this time you will live wholly for God? Will you not change your life of lukewarmness for a life of intense earnestness in the service of God? Will you not separate entirely from the world, and consecrate yourselves to the Lord’s work?19LtMs, Ms 50, 1904, par. 30
“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; be zealous therefore and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me. 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. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” [Verses 19-22.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 116, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 116, 1905, par. 1
We have come to a time when church members grieve the Lord by searching into scientific problems that make void the past experience of the people of God. And because they cannot have the influence they desire to have over minds, to sway them in the same channel, which they suppose is an evidence of higher education, they become dissatisfied. They suppose that with their superficial minds they can comprehend God and His working, when they cannot comprehend the past facts of faith. It is to such that the instruction is given that is contained in the first three chapters of Revelation. Let our churches read and study this instruction, lest they follow a course that God condemns.20LtMs, Lt 116, 1905, par. 14
And your associates, bewildered by your scientific problems and your presentation of good works, mingled with false statements, need to study the message given to John as recorded in the third chapter of Revelation.20LtMs, Lt 116, 1905, par. 17
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me. 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 upon His throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” [Verses 11-22.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 64, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 64, 1906, par. 2
Never, never has the cause of God been more in need of staunch men, who will officiate under the most skilful Medical Missionary that ever came to our world. I have come to be very much afraid of movements which, when carried out, result in men having the experience recorded of the church in Sardis: “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 works, that thou hast a name, that thou livest, and art dead.” [Revelation 3:1.] There are those who in their efforts to improve their fellow men are not guided by right motives. They think to convert the world with an understanding of science. But with all their ideas of higher education, they have not, with a few exceptions, an intelligent understanding of the very first and simplest sum in the plan of addition for the attainment of Christian perfection.21LtMs, Lt 64, 1906, par. 11
I wish to repeat some things found in the message recorded in the first part of the third chapter of Revelation. The instruction contained in this chapter is to be understood and perpetuated. “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 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.” [Verses 1, 2.]21LtMs, Lt 64, 1906, par. 12
Then comes the message in decided language: “Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard.” [Verse 3.] Here is rebuked inattention to a message given by Christ. Those addressed have let the truth fade out of their minds. “Be watchful and strengthen the things that remain, that are ready to die; for I have not found thy works perfect before God.” [Verse 2.]21LtMs, Lt 64, 1906, par. 14
“Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast and repent.” [Verse 3.] Repent of your careless indifference, and arise and seek the Lord. It is too late to be indifferent now. Satan has poisoned lotions to present to every one who is at fault.21LtMs, Lt 64, 1906, par. 16
“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.” [Verse 3.] Hold fast to the truth you have received.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 72, 1910
25LtMs, Ms 72, 1910, par. 1
I want to read a few verses of Scripture. (Revelation 3:1): “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 works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.”25LtMs, Ms 72, 1910, par. 3
“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.” [Verses 2, 3.]25LtMs, Ms 72, 1910, par. 5
“Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. 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 will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.” [Verses 4, 5.] Now, this work must be taken up with every one that shall accept the truth, and that is the reason why we have felt we must have a school, and this school will swell in proportions. You have a number here, but you will have many more. There will be many more here, and there is a work to be done here in this very place. There are to be, as you see the necessities, provisions made so that you can come right up to the work, and not say, Now the time is so short that it will not pay to make such great preparations. Why, the great preparations must be made to make a place for the people, that they can hear, that they can understand, that they can see that there is something in this matter that stirs their souls.25LtMs, Ms 72, 1910, par. 6
And every one in our institutions should feel that they are carrying on a work of the highest importance, and every soul in connection with them should be just as clean and pure in the sight of God, that they may understand what their movements make. Here is a party spoken of right here in the third chapter of Revelation: “Thou hast a few names ... for they are worthy.” Now there are some that will keep the high standard before them. There are others that will allow their minds to be confused so that it seems as though it never could be possible that the things which we have apprehended are coming upon the world. But what has come since the burning of San Francisco? Why, as it is presented to me, the wickedness of the wicked is almost beyond comprehension. What is the matter? They are hardened. They seem to be where the truth could not reach them, and we have no time to delay.25LtMs, Ms 72, 1910, par. 8
Well now, there are quite a number of young people here. What are they here for? What is this place prepared for? It is that these young people may become acquainted with the Scriptures and that they may understand that the end of all things is at hand, and that whatever they shall do now, they must bring their souls into right relation to God. The end is near, and everything that is a pretense we want to drop and get in its place the reality, and it is our privilege to do this. That is why I speak to you today. “Remember how thou hast received.” [Verse 3.] They have had the truth in its purity. They have had a knowledge of the truth, but it has become a tame thing. “Remember how thou hast received.”25LtMs, Ms 72, 1910, par. 12
That which we might have done twenty or thirty years ago will have to be done and carried forward in a very different manner than it could have been then. But do your best now. Do not delay. I lie awake hours and hours in the night season. I am wakened and I cannot sleep another wink. I lie there and cry, Lord, what can I do? I have given the message in print; I have given it before congregations of our people, and what more can I do? Well, I cannot see how, unless you take it up and work upon it. “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 5.]25LtMs, Ms 72, 1910, par. 14
“I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.” [Verse 5.] I know what that means. When I was in despair, utter despair, I understood, when it was opened before me, what that meant. I thought I never, never could get in harmony with the laws of heaven. I knew that I had to do it if I would be saved. I was brought in the visions of the night, by one of the angels, before Jesus, and I fell like one dead. There was the representation. I had then been in utter despair for some time, but as Christ looked upon me, He laid His hand upon mine; He clasped my hand and said, Be not afraid, I will be with you. I will give you light; I will give you courage; I will give you strength. I was only a child then, and I have had the fulfillment of this promise; I have had it ever since. When we came to a strait place, I knew what to expect—that He would help me.25LtMs, Ms 72, 1910, par. 15
“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.” [Verses 7, 8.] He recognizes the “little strength.”25LtMs, Ms 72, 1910, par. 16
“Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold fast that which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.” [Verses 10, 11.]25LtMs, Ms 72, 1910, par. 18
“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. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; 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.” [Verses 12-17.]25LtMs, Ms 72, 1910, par. 20
Verse 16. It is because you feel no earnestness, no intensity. You do not realize that it is a case of life and death, and you know not how matters are breaking up in the cities. Why, there is the most awful condition in the cities! We hear the reports from one city and then from another. What are we to do? We have neglected the cities so long that it will be harder for us to work them now; nevertheless, if those that are placed in positions of responsibility will even now wake up and repent and seek the Lord with all their hearts, the Lord will renew unto them His Spirit if they are whole-hearted in the matter, and He will give them the message just as He gave to us in the first messages that came. And I know how we worked all around us. Darkness was everywhere, but we had to urge our way.25LtMs, Ms 72, 1910, par. 21
Here are the workers, and here we are to lay right hold and to do the very best we can. “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot.” [Verse 15.] We do not want to be in that position any longer. We want every one to stir up another, to help another, every one to feel that we are right on the verge of the eternal world. We are right in the time when the Spirit of God is striving with these youth. Get a solid experience. The Lord will teach you. The Lord will guide you. I know He will, for He took me when a child, and when I was suffering so much from the severe accident I suffered.Manuscript Releases, vol. 5 [Nos. 260-346]
MR No. 333—Our Health Message
5MR 408.1
I was instructed that the use of flesh meat has a tendency to animalize the nature, and to rob men and women of the love and sympathy which they should feel for everyone. We are built up from that which we eat, and those whose diet is largely composed of animal food are brought into a condition where they allow the lower passions to assume control of the higher powers of the being. I accepted the light on health reform as it came to me. I took my position knowing that the Lord would strengthen me, and He has strengthened me. I have better health today, notwithstanding I am seventy-six years old, than I had in my younger days. I thank God for the principles of health reform, and if there are any here today who have backslidden in this respect, I say to them that God calls upon them to be converted, and to take their position in accordance with the light He has given. In denying perverted appetite, you will place yourself where God can cooperate with you. We do not mark out any precise line to be followed in diet. There are many kinds of wholesome food. But we do say that flesh meat is not the right food for God’s people. It animalizes human beings. In a country such as this, where there are fruits, grains, and nuts in abundance, how can one think that he must eat the flesh of dead animals?—Manuscript 50, 1904. (“Lessons From Revelation 3,” May 21, 1904.)Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Lt 47a, 1886
4LtMs, Lt 47a, 1886, par. 14
The Lord would not have us be so excitable, in such a hurry. The counsels of God in His Word were not given in a few days, on the high-pressure plan. It took a long period of time to bring out the Bible history. Under the inspiration of the Spirit of God, a chapter was written, a psalm composed, a proverb penned, a vision recorded, and so down through the ages the will and purposes of God were brought out. About fifteen hundred years passed from the time Moses began to write the book of Genesis, down to the completion of the Revelation by the beloved John.EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
Revelation 3:1
Manuscript Releases, vol. 19 [Nos. 1360-1419]
MR No. 1394—Be Meek and Kind to Critics, Not Avenging Oneself; Trust in God and Seek His Guidance, Intercession, and Approval
19MR 205.3
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 his 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 3:1].Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 48, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 48, 1903, par. 15
“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 works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.” [Revelation 3:1.] God called upon this church to make a change. They had a name to live, but their works were destitute of the love of Jesus. O how many have fallen because they trusted in their profession for salvation! How many are lost by their effort to keep up a name! If one has the reputation of being a successful evangelist, a gifted preacher, a man of prayer, a man of faith, a man of special devotion, there is positive danger that he will make shipwreck of faith when tried by the little tests that God suffers to come. Often his great effort will be to maintain his reputation.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 363, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 363, 1904, par. 2
On Sunday I spoke from the first three chapters of Revelation. The words given to the disciple John by the great Teacher to send to the churches are of the most importance. Why, then, do not our people show a more decided interest in the instruction contained in the book of Revelation. In the day of final judgment, a heavy charge will be brought against those who have not appreciated the messages of warning and hope given in this book.Ye Shall Receive Power
Dry Bones Vivified, February 6
YRP 45.4
The Spirit of God, with its vivifying power, must be in every human agent, that every spiritual muscle and sinew may be in exercise. Without the Holy Spirit, without the breath of God, there is torpidity of conscience, loss of spiritual life. Many who are without spiritual life have their names on the church records, but they are not written in the Lamb’s book of life. They may be joined to the church, but they are not united to the Lord. They may be diligent in the performance of a certain set of duties, and may be regarded as living men; but many are among those who have “a name that thou livest, and art dead” (Revelation 3:1).—The SDA Bible Commentary, Ellen G. White Comments, vol. 4, 1165, 1166.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 18 (1903)
Ms 83, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 83, 1903, par. 37
Shall it be said of us, “I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead”? [Revelation 3:1.] Christ has assured us that our Father is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him, than parents are to give good gifts to their children. This means that we may enjoy a living connection with Christ.