EGW WritingsRevelation 3
Ellen G. White · Page 6 of 8
Read Revelation 3 in the BibleRevelation 3:15-16
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)
Lt 34, 1868
1LtMs, Lt 34, 1868, par. 2
I was shown that you have fretted, scolded, and acted so mean a part in your family that it is impossible for your wife to have any affection for you. She is united with you only in form but her heart despises you. She has listened so long to fretting and to your falsehoods, and been so long under your satanic influence, that she has imbibed your spirit and is fast imitating your peevish, fretful, mean course. God pities her. Jarvis, you irritate and provoke her and taunt her with not being a Christian. Says the True Witness, “I know thy works.” [Revelation 3:15.]1LtMs, Lt 34, 1868, par. 9
Your children, I saw, could not be brought under a worse influence than they are now. They are forming characters to be cut down with the seven last plagues and their father will bear this burden, this fearful burden. Oh, what lessons for your children! What a shameful example! And the neighborhood are not in ignorance of your shameful course. You publish your own disgrace and yet you pretend to be Sabbathkeepers. Says the True Witness, “I know thy works.” God will spue you out of His mouth. [Verses 15, 16.]Our High Calling
Am I a Laodicean? December 8
OHC 348.1
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 3:15, 16.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Lt 36, 1888
5LtMs, Lt 36, 1888, par. 5
“Without me,” says Christ, “you can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] The testimony you bear to those with whom you associate, the living connection you have with God would accomplish a good work for the Master in missionary work. Churchgoing and church worship severed from holiness of heart and purity of words and righteous works will prove a curse to others, for it will confirm and strengthen them in their unconsecrated lives. There is much foolish, low, earthly conversation indulged in by those who profess to be Christians, and their irreligious life is a stumbling block to sinners. Says the true witness, “I would that thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth.” [Revelation 3:15, 16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 40, 1890
6LtMs, Lt 40, 1890, par. 10
Every soul that fully takes your words and believes them is correctly represented by the words of Christ, “I would that thou were either cold or hot, so then because that thou art lukewarm, I will spew thee out of my mouth.” [Revelation 3:15, 16.] Decided opposition would have done me less harm. A <lack of> faith in the messages God has given me to bear of the order represented is decided unbelief to all intents and purposes. There is not one bit of savor in such a faith, and the faith of Elder Butler is of the same order, valueless, having no savor. I count nothing upon you or him to harmonize with me in my work given me of God. Your very position is a decided negative to the efforts I may make as God shall move upon me by His Holy Spirit. I have not felt grieved as far as my personal self is concerned, but [I am grieved] when the work that the Lord has given me is of such a character that faith needs to be constantly cherished because of the warnings, reproofs and searchings of the hearts.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 54, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 54, 1894, par. 2
But of how much value is salt when that has lost its savor? When those who claim to be Christians do not in their words and actions reveal the attributes of Christ, they are represented as salt that has lost its savor. Whatever may be their profession, they are looked upon by men and angels as insipid and disagreeable. Of such Christ says, “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 3:15, 16.] They have a form of godliness, a profession of religion, but it is contradicted by their lives. Any attempt on their part to advocate truth has no weight, for they have lost their connection with God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 55, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 55, 1896, par. 28
The Lord wants each to stand in his allotted place. For our own eternal good, the Lord Jesus depends on us to do our duty. We are to shine in Christian example. It would be far better for sinners never to come into association with professed Christians who have no vital connection with God. They are powerless for good. There are many, many, who are neither cold nor hot. Christ says, “I would that thou wert cold or hot; but because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” [Revelation 3:15, 16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 66, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 66, 1897, par. 19
Says the true Witness, “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 3:15, 16.] But the Lord still gives expression to His love. He does not want us to make a failure of spiritual life. He would have all who claim to believe the truth, intelligent whole-souled Christians.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 163a, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 163a, 1898, par. 9
To those who do not practice it, the Word of God is a dead letter. Christ says of such, “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 3:15, 16.] He cannot present their case to the Father. If they realized that they were sinners, He could plead in their behalf, and the Lord would arouse them by His Holy Spirit. But they are worse than dead in trespasses and sins. They hear the Word, but make no application of it to themselves; instead, they apply the Word spoken to their neighbors.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 178, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 178, 1898, par. 23
These lax, irreligious members of the church do not properly sense their own peril nor the peril of souls ready to die. When the old members of the church shall mingle with these newly come to the faith they serve as stumblingblocks. When the people have been long in the knowledge of the truth and yet are not converted to the truth, God says of them, “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 3:15, 16.The Upward Look
Bring God’s Word Unto the Very Life, July 18
UL 213.5
The day will come when you will see that it does not pay to trifle with the interests of your soul, allowing it to become diseased, so inefficient that Christ declares, “Thou art neither cold nor hot.... So then because thou art lukewarm and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:15, 16). What does this mean? That He will no longer present the name of such a one to His Father.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 7, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 7, 1898, par. 32
The Lord Jesus demands that every soul make a reality of truth. Show that you believe that you are not half with Christ and half with the world. Of all such Christ says, “I would that thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou are lukewarm, and neither could nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth.” [Revelation 3:15, 16.] He who appreciates the love of Christ, will be an earnest worker with Christ to bring other souls as sheaves to the Master. Thorough work is always done by all who are connected with Christ. They bear fruit to His glory. But indolence and carelessness and frivolity separates the soul from Christ, and Satan comes in to work his will with the poor worldly subject. We have a great truth, but through careless indifference the truth has lost its force upon us. Satan has come in with his specious temptations, and has led the professed followers of Christ away from their Leader, classing them with the foolish virgins.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 129, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 129, 1901, par. 1
The Lord calls upon men who claim to believe the truth to show a zeal proportionate to the great truth they profess. Bible truth is the test and proving of souls for this time. Those in the South who know the truth are in great need of a thorough conversion. I am instructed to say that the religious sentiments must be adjusted to work in different lines. The work neglected brings the denunciation of God upon a large number who are not doing the work God has given them to do. The Laodicean message is appropriate for a very large portion of those who claim to believe present truth. There are many receivers of light who do not accumulate by trading upon their talents. They are neither cold nor hot. “I would,” said Christ our Saviour, “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 3:15, 16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 129b, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 129b, 1901, par. 1
The believers in the South are in need of a thorough conversion. The Lord calls upon them to show a zeal proportionate to the great truth they have accepted. The message to the Laodicean church is applicable to many of those who claim to believe present truth. They are neither cold nor hot. They have not been doing the work God has given them to do. Christ says to them, “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 3:15, 16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 75, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 75, 1903, par. 6
God cannot prepare for the day of trial before us those who are cold and indifferent. With those who are neither cold nor hot He has nothing to do. “I would thou wert cold or hot,” He says. “So then, because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of My mouth.” [Revelation 3:15, 16.] The half-hearted Christian exerts an influence more harmful than the influence of the avowed infidel.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 299, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 299, 1903, par. 6
We need men now who are truly converted, then all the wonderful secret working will end; conniving and double-dealing will come to an end. There are those who act very much as Lucifer acted in the heavenly courts, who boast of being rich and increased with goods and having need of nothing. I do not wonder that Christ pronounces them poor, wretched, blind, and miserable and knowing it not. They are full of knowledge and satanic craft and art; they are neither cold nor hot. Christ says, “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 3:15, 16.] He will not [take] such names on His lips.18LtMs, Lt 299, 1903, par. 8
“I would,” Jesus says, “thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and nether cold nor hot I will spue thee out of My mouth.” [Revelation 3:15, 16.] This condition represents the Laodicean Church. And the representation is correct, for Christ Himself hath given the description. Will a man leave the snow of Lebanon to drink of the murky, befouled waters of the valley? Will human beings care so little about their behaviour as to threaten taking them before Caesar’s judgment seat? And if their case is not so disgusting to the heavenly [Father] that He takes life away, he will in that great day never know how he cast himself wholly on Satan’s side. But they who will do the opposite of this man will have the overcomer’s reward. A soul converted, unless he stay converted, will be left outside of heaven. The Lord says He would be mind and judgment, for even the mind of God and the Lord has no place for him. He would, if in heaven, educate himself to be an accuser of his brethren, and this class will never, never enter heaven to spoil the happiness of the whole heavenly host.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 44, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 44, 1903, par. 30
There are those who, though professedly serving God, are witnessing against Him. To them the message to the Laodicean church is given. Christ says to them, “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot.” [Revelation 3:15.] When the avenging angel shall pass through the land, Christ cannot say of them, “Touch them not. I have graven them upon the palms of My hands.” [See Isaiah 49:16.] No; of these halfhearted ones He says, “I will spew them out of my mouth. They are offensive to me.” [See Revelation 3:16.]This Day With God
Trust and Obey, February 25
TDG 64.4
O how much we need a more intimate acquaintance with the Lord Jesus. We need to enter into His will and carry out His purposes, saying with the whole heart, “Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?” O how I long to see our churches in a condition different from the condition in which they now are—grieving the Holy Spirit day by day with their lukewarm religious life, a life neither cold nor hot. Christ says, “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 3:15, 16).Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 135, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 135, 1903, par. 14
God cannot prepare for the day of trial before us those who are careless and indifferent. With those who are neither cold nor hot He has nothing to do. “I would thou wert cold or hot,” He says. “So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth.” [Revelation 3:15, 16.] The half-hearted Christian exerts an influence more harmful than the influence of the avowed infidel.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 253, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 253, 1904, par. 5
The day will come when you will see that it does not pay to trifle with the interests of your soul, allowing it to become diseased, so inefficient that Christ declares, “Ye are neither cold nor hot. So then, because ye are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of My mouth.” [See Revelation 3:15, 16.] What does this mean? That He will no longer present the name of such a one to His Father.Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing
“Ye are the salt of the earth.”—Matthew 5:13.
MB 36.4
As they listened to the words of Christ, the people could see the white salt glistening in the pathways where it had been cast out because it had lost its savor and was therefore useless. It well represented the condition of the Pharisees and the effect of their religion upon society. It represents the life of every soul from whom the power of the grace of God has departed and who has become cold and Christless. Whatever may be his profession, such a one is looked upon by men and angels as insipid and disagreeable. It is to such that Christ says: “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 3:15, 16.Testimony Treasures, vol. 1
Our Only Pattern
1TT 26.1
I saw that many measure themselves among themselves, and compare their lives with the lives of others. This should not be. No one but Christ is given us as an example. He is our true Pattern, and each should strive to excel in imitating Him. We are co-workers with Christ, or co-workers with the enemy. We either gather with Christ or scatter abroad. We are decided, wholehearted Christians, or none at all. Says Christ: “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.” Revelation 3:15, 16.Testimony Treasures, vol. 1
Jesus Demands All
1TT 54.3
Says the True Witness: “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.” Revelation 3:15, 16. Satan is willing that you should be Christians in name, for you can suit his purpose better. If you have a form and not true godliness, he can use you to decoy others into the same self-deceived way. Some poor souls will look to you, instead of looking to the Bible standard, and will come up no higher. They are as good as you, and are satisfied.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)
Lt 11, 1871
2LtMs, Lt 11, 1871, par. 11
The Master will say to every soul saved, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant; ... enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” Matthew 25:21. It is not enough even to be good yourselves; faithfulness to others as manifested in the life of Christ must characterize your life and deportment. Let your light shine to others. You must be light in the Lord yourself, and then reflect the light to others. You will both be without excuse. If you neglect the great salvation freely offered, and choose your own pleasure and follow the bent of your own mind, you will not only be weighed in the balance yourselves and found wanting, but your course will be a stumbling block to others. While you are serving yourselves, nor rendering God the heart’s best and holiest affections, your influence is aiding others to do the same. Not only do you by unfaithfulness shut the gate of heaven against yourselves, but you stand in the way of sinners and the blood of souls will be upon your garments. Children, it pays to serve God with the whole heart. A half a Christian is no Christian at all. He makes a profession; he takes the Christian name, but is deficient in the Christian graces; therefore [he] is a false representative of the Christian religion. The true witness address such, “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 3:15, 16.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)
Ms 6, 1878
3LtMs, Ms 6, 1878, par. 27
Persons of this class are of no benefit to the office. God cannot connect with them; angels cannot cooperate with them. Their mind is vain and foolish, and as they have not the spirit of Christ, and have no disposition to become acquainted with Him, they will show very plainly that they feel under no moral obligation to make any sacrifice for the truth’s sake. Worldlings could be found who have a higher standard of moral integrity, according to the light they have, than some of these professed Christians. “I would,” says the True Witness, “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 3:15, 16. Those who see nothing interesting in the Word of God are yet in their sins, connected with Satan, who controls their minds and thoughts.Revelation 3:15-17
Testimony Treasures, vol. 1
The Laodicean Message
1TT 476.2
The only hope for the Laodiceans is a clear view of their standing before God, a knowledge of the nature of their disease. They are neither cold nor hot; they occupy a neutral position, and at the same time flatter themselves that they are in need of nothing. The True Witness hates this lukewarmness. He loathes the indifference of this class of persons. Said He: “I would thou wert cold or hot.” Revelation 3:15. Like lukewarm water, they are nauseous to His taste. They are neither unconcerned nor selfishly stubborn. They do not engage thoroughly and heartily in the work of God, identifying themselves with its interests; but they hold aloof and are ready to leave their posts when their worldly personal interests demand it. The internal work of grace is wanting in their hearts; of such it is said: “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.” Verse 17.Counsels for the Church
Victory for Those Who Seek Deliverance
CCh 339.2
The numbers of this company had lessened. Some had been shaken out, and left by the way. [See Revelation 3:15-17.] The careless and indifferent, who did not join with those who prized victory and salvation enough to perseveringly plead and agonize for it, did not obtain it, and they were left behind in darkness, but their numbers were immediately made up by others taking hold of the truth and coming into the ranks. Still the evil angels pressed around them, but they could have no power over them. [See Ephesians 6:12-18.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 96, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 96, 1898, par. 28
As professed Christians we are making a great mistake in being so well pleased with self. It would be far better if our liberal distrust and our free criticism were given to self instead of to others. If our eyes were anointed with the heavenly eyesalve, we would not make the great blunder many are now making of believing themselves to be rich in the knowledge of the truth. Their riches are riches that spoil the individual life. Self-satisfaction is a terrible element to cherish. Christ looks upon us, and His estimate of us is in marked contrast to our own. “I know thy works,” He says, “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 3:15-17.]Manuscript Releases, vol. 16 [Nos. 1186-1235]
MR No. 1216—Experience Following the 1888 Minneapolis Conference; The Danger of Legalism; Emphasizing Religious Liberty
16MR 226.3
If my brethren had sensed their own weakness, their own inability, and had never lost sight of this, they would have humbled their hearts before God, confessed their errors, and come into light and freedom. Are we ready to boast in pride that we are rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing? This has been done and is being done still. The voice of the True Witness is heard: “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” (Revelation 3:15-17). All this boasting is vain. Christ sees to the very center of the soul and tells us just what we are and what we must be in order to be saved.Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1
Chapter 32—The Shaking
1T 182.1
The numbers of this company had lessened. Some had been shaken out, and left by the way. [“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 3:15-17.] The careless and indifferent, who did not join with those who prized victory and salvation enough to perseveringly plead and agonize for it, did not obtain it, and they were left behind in darkness, but their numbers were immediately made up by others taking hold of the truth and coming into the ranks. Still the evil angels pressed around them, but they could have no power over them. [“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. [Or, “Wicked spirits in heavenly places,” as in the margin.] Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.” Ephesians 6:12-18.]The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials
Experience Following the 1888 Minneapolis Conference; The Danger of Legalism; Emphasizing Religious Liberty
1888 366.3
If my brethren had sensed their own weakness, their own inability, and had never lost sight of this, they would have humbled their hearts before God, confessed their errors, and come into light and freedom. Are we ready to boast in pride that we are rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing? This has been done and is being done still. The voice of the True Witness is heard: “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” (Revelation 3:15-17). All this boasting is vain. Christ sees to the very center of the soul and tells us just what we are and what we must be in order to be saved.Testimony Treasures, vol. 1
The Shaking
1TT 61.1
The numbers of this company had lessened. Some had been shaken out, and left by the way.*“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 3:15-17. The careless and indifferent, who did not join with those who prized victory and salvation enough to perseveringly plead and agonize for it, did not obtain it, and they were left behind in darkness, but their numbers were immediately made up by others taking hold of the truth and coming into the ranks. Still the evil angels pressed around them, but they could have no power over them.**“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. [Or, “wicked spirits in heavenly places,” as in the margin.] Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.” Ephesians 6:12-18.Testimony for the Church — No. 4
Vision of the Future
T04 36.1
The numbers of this company had lessened. Some had been shaken out, and left by the way. *“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.” Revelation 3:15-17. The careless and indifferent who did not join with those who prized victory and salvation enough to agonize, persevere, and plead for it, did not obtain it, and they were left behind in darkness, and their numbers were immediately made up by others taking hold of the truth, and coming into the ranks. Still the evil angels pressed around them, but they could have no power over them. †“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. [Or, wicked spirits in heavenly places, as it reads in the margin.]“Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breast-plate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.” Ephesians 6:12-18.
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Lt 15, 1888
5LtMs, Lt 15, 1888, par. 5
The Laodicean message is applicable to the people of God at this time. They are saying, “I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing,” [but] they know not that they are “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” [Revelation 3:17.] Christ, the True Witness, declares, “I know thy works, that thou are 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.” [Verses 15, 16.] How is it, brethren? Have you not been giving up to self-indulgence, rather than growing into greater self-denial? Have you not back-slidden upon health-reform? Has the light which God has been pleased to give His people been cherished? Has not life and health been sacrificed through the indulgence of appetite and carnal lusts? Will my brethren consider this matter carefully and see if they have closely followed the self-denying Saviour?Revelation 3:15-18
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 157, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 157, 1898, par. 15
Each one may be so inspired by the life-work of Christ, that he will become full of an earnest desire to be a whole-souled Christian. Those who think, “It will be just as well to be half for Christ, and half for the world,” are under a great deception. They are neither cold nor hot. They are not successful worldlings, neither are they successful followers of Christ, and He says of them, “I would that thou wert cold or not. So then, because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. ... 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 3:15, 16, 18.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 59, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 59, 1899, par. 7
There are many who teach the people the theory of the truth, but they do not impress upon them the necessity of godliness, of bringing the truth into the daily life. Those who are resting in the fact that they have the truth, while personal piety is not revealed in their lives, are misrepresenting Christ. They do not practice His virtues. They do not manifest His humility and forbearance and love. Christ says of them, “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.” [Revelation 3:15, 16.]14LtMs, Ms 59, 1899, par. 8
Christ presented before John a class of people who in their self-satisfaction say, “I am rich, and increased with goods, and in need of nothing.” These know not that they are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. Christ counsels all such, “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 17, 18.] This state of things must be watched and guarded against. We are to be clothed with the garment of Christ’s righteousness. Faith and love are the precious treasures presented as gold, and these graces, which characterized the life of Christ, should dwell in our hearts.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 63, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 63, 1903, par. 5
The Christian must realize the need of the working of the Holy Spirit upon mind and heart, to prepare him for the immortal life. Unless he lives by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God, the heart becomes diseased, and his service will not be acceptable to God. The Lord will say of him, “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot. ... So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of My mouth.” [Revelation 3:15, 16.]18LtMs, Ms 63, 1903, par. 19
Let us take heed to the counsel of God to the Laodicean church: “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 3:18.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 30, 1889
6LtMs, Ms 30, 1889, par. 43
If my brethren had sensed their own weakness, their own inability, and had never lost sight of this, they would have humbled their hearts before God, confessed their errors, and come into light and freedom. Are we ready to boast in pride that we are rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing? This has been done and is being done still. The voice of the True Witness is heard: “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou are 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...” Revelation 3:15-17. All this boasting is vain. Christ sees to the very center of the soul and tells us just what we are and what we must be in order to be saved.6LtMs, Ms 30, 1889, par. 56
We attended meetings in South Lancaster, and the fruits were good. We had the same spirit and power that attended the first and second angels’ messages. I have given you an account of these meetings. The Lord wrought upon all hearts, and many were able to say, “The Lord hath put a new song in my mouth, the matchless love of Jesus.” His excellencies were kept before the mind’s eye, and souls began to see the delights in Jesus. They could speak of His love and tell of His power. The Sun of righteousness was rising in the hearts of nearly all present. Many were zealous and were repenting of their lukewarmness and complying with the invitation of the Merchantman, “Buy of me gold tried in the fire,” “and white raiment,” “and eyesalve.” [Revelation 3:18.] Their testimony was, “I have found the pearl of great price.” [Matthew 13:45, 46.] Hearts were impressed, confessions were made of wrongs to unbelievers and believers, and restitutions were made.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 105, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 105, 1893, par. 14
My brother, the Lord would have you obtain from Him a living, healthy, all-round experience. The faithful and true Witness sees the great want of your soul, and His voice is raised in warning, “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 are 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 3:15-18.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Ms 42, 1895
10LtMs, Ms 42, 1895, par. 13
Another man arose who had been a constant hindrance to the church. God cannot bless His people in this church while men refuse to gather with Christ, when they scatter abroad. I said, “Brother _____, You deny some things; but I cannot receive your testimony. Christ said of you, as He said of the Laodicean church, ‘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 3:15-18.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 43, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 43, 1898, par. 15
“So that 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 3:15-18.] This seventeenth verse gives an accurate description of your condition. Will you heed the counsel given to the Laodicean church?13LtMs, Lt 43, 1898, par. 17
“So then, because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” [Verse 16.] Your labors in connection with the work and cause of God in any line are described in the words of Christ as nauseating to Him. The figure of spewing out of His mouth means that He cannot offer up your prayers or your expressions of love to God. He cannot endorse your teaching of His Word or your spiritual work in any wise. He cannot present your religious exercises with the request that grace be given you, because there is a dead fly in the ointment of your religious services. “And knowest not that thou art wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.” [Verse 17.] O that there might be a turning away from the idols that you love and worship to the living God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 60, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 60, 1898, par. 23
I am commissioned now to say to our brethren, Humble yourselves, and confess your sins, else God will humble you. The message to the Laodicean church comes home to those who do not apply it to themselves. They are neither cold nor hot, but lukewarm. Saith the Lord, “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 3:15-18.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 38, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 38, 1899, par. 1
Through the apostle John God sends the message to his people in these last days, “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 same of thy nakedness do not appear, and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.” [Revelation 3:15-18.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 211, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 211, 1902, par. 28
The sermons preached by some of our ministers will have to be much more appropriate, and much more to the point, than they are now, else many backsliders will carry a tame, pointless message, that lulls people to sleep. Every discourse given should be given under a sense of the awful judgment soon to fall on our world. The message of truth is to be proclaimed by lips touched with a live coal from the divine altar. Christ refers to the lifeless, purposeless messages given in our churches, when He says, “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor 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 3:15-18.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 176, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 176, 1903, par. 5
I thank my heavenly Father this morning I have slept until half-past two o’clock. Tuesday my heart was greatly oppressed. It was a new chapter in my experience to have no inclination to write. The outlook to me is not favorable. I scarcely dare to entertain thoughts of the situation in Battle Creek. I inquire, What can I do? The situation is presented to me in a light that makes me tremble for souls that have walked and worked so many years away from truth and holiness, away from Christ and God. Of these Christ says, “I know thy works.” Revelation 3:15-18 quoted.Manuscript Releases, vol. 10 [Nos. 771-850]
MR No. 815—Evangelizing Big Cities From Outposts
10MR 221.2
The sermons preached by some of our ministers will have to be much more appropriate, and much more to the point than they are now, else many backsliders will carry a tame, pointless message that lulls people to sleep. Every discourse given should be given under a sense of the awful judgment soon to fall on our world. The message of truth is to be proclaimed by lips touched with a live coal from the divine altar. Christ refers to the lifeless, purposeless messages given in our churches, when He says, “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: [Revelation 3:15-18 quoted].Selected Messages Book 1
Reformation Accompanies Revival
1SM 127.3
God brings against ministers and people the heavy charge of spiritual feebleness, saying, “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 3:15-18). God calls for a spiritual revival and a spiritual reformation. Unless this takes place, those who are lukewarm will continue to grow more abhorrent to the Lord, until He will refuse to acknowledge them as His children.Sermons and Talks, vol. 1
The Will of God Concerning You
1SAT 300.1
Through the apostle John God sends the message to His people in these last days: [Revelation 3:15-18, quoted].Notebook Leaflets from the Elmshaven Library, vol. 1
Counsel Regarding Prayer
1NL 132.4
Learn to seek the Lord most earnestly for power to reach sinners. Heed the message God has sent to His church of today. [Read Revelation 3:15-18.]True Revival
Reformation Accompanies Revival
TR 15.2
God brings against ministers and people the heavy charge of spiritual feebleness, saying, “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 3:15-18). God calls for a spiritual revival and a spiritual reformation. Unless this takes place, those who are lukewarm will continue to grow more abhorrent to the Lord, until He will refuse to acknowledge them as His children.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 9, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 59
You have enclosed yourselves in the walls of your self-righteousness, and thus you have shut yourselves away from your brethren. Read the message to the Laodicean church. The True Witness declares, “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will 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.” [Revelation 3:15-18.]Revelation 3:15-19
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 139, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 139, 1903, par. 45
Death, eternal death, will soon be the portion of all who reject Christ. All heaven is looking on to see what is being done by those who know the truth. Many are in the condition that Christ speaks of as “neither cold nor hot.” [Revelation 3:15.] The works of such testify against them that they are not walking, and working, and praying, and teaching the Word of life.18LtMs, Ms 139, 1903, par. 47
Will the message to the Laodicean church now be heeded? Christ represents Himself as being disgusted with the churches of today. He cannot endure their taste; but yet He offers for them a word of hope. “As many as I love I rebuke and chasten. Be zealous therefore, and repent.” [Verse 19.] Let every one heed the words that come to the people of God today, “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” [Isaiah 60:1.] Shall we by confessing our sins seek the Lord before the terrible spirit from beneath becomes the sole ruling power in our lives?Lift Him Up
The Grand, Central Truth, August 3
LHU 229.7
God forbid that of you should be spoken the words, “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. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent” (Revelation 3:15-19).Manuscript Releases, vol. 21 [Nos. 1501-1598]
MR No. 1531—Christ’s Method of Imparting Truth
21MR 151.4
Those who are but babes in Christ will exert a far stronger influence for good than those who, filled with self-sufficiency, refuse to receive the light and knowledge that God offers them, saying, “I am rich and increased with goods, and have need of nothing.” But the words and works of these self-exalted ones are disgusting to the self-denying Redeemer. The One who knows all things says to them, “I will not hear thy prayers, neither will I commend thy service.” [Revelation 3:15-19, quoted].The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1
Ms 1, 1856
I saw that God now calls them to be zealous and repent; He kindly and faithfully admonishes them to buy gold, white raiment, and eyesalve that they may be rich. They can choose either to partake largely of salvation, be zealous, or be spued out of the mouth of God as disgusting, be rejected, and be thrust from Him.8
The extracts here from Revelation 3:15-19, the message to the Laodiceans, are significant. Just two months earlier an article entitled “The Seven Churches” by James White in the Review had signaled a major shift in the self-understanding of the emerging Sabbatarian Adventist movement. Prior to that the lukewarm Laodicean church was seen as applying to those Adventists coming out of the 1844 experience who had rejected the third angel’s message, often called “nominal Adventists.” In his article of October 16, James White had now boldly identified Sabbatarian Adventists with Laodicea and called them to repentance for their lukewarmness. It was a message that seemed particularly apt in describing the situation of many Adventist settlers in the West.
The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1
Lt 12, 1857
The message to the Laodicean church affects every way, in every sense and every where.10
A radically new understanding of the message to the Laodicean church of Revelation 3:15-19 had been signaled just three months earlier, in October 1856, in an article by James White. Prior to then the lukewarm Laodicean church had been seen as applying to those Adventists who rejected the Sabbath, often called “nominal Adventists.” In his article of October 16, 1856, James White had instead boldly identified Sabbatarian Adventists with Laodicea and called them to repentance for their lukewarmness. This new message had led to repentance and revival.
The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1
Ms 1, 1857
The church must arise. They do not half heed the message to the Laodicean church.5
A radically new understanding of the message to the Laodicean church of Revelation 3:15-19 had been signaled just nine months earlier, in October 1856, in an article by James White. Prior to that the lukewarm Laodicean church had been seen as applying to those Adventists who rejected the Sabbath, often called “nominal Adventists.” In his article of October 16, 1856, James White had instead boldly identified Sabbatarian Adventists with Laodicea and called them to repentance for their lukewarmness. At first this new message had led to repentance and revival but Ellen White later noted that after some months many members had “lost the effect of the message,” hence the reproof and appeal found in this June 1857 manuscript.
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Lt 122, 1901
16LtMs, Lt 122, 1901, par. 25
God forbid that of you should be spoken the words, “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. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; be zealous therefore, and repent.” [Revelation 3:15-19.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 118, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 118, 1902, par. 9
God declares that He will spue out of His mouth those who exalt themselves, extolling their own wisdom. They have not in their characters the fragrance of Christ’s character. So well satisfied are they that they would bind men up with agreements as a remedy for all the evils that exist. Those who are but babes in Christ will exert a far stronger influence for good than those who, filled with self-sufficiency, refuse to receive the light and knowledge that God offers them, saying, “I am rich and increased with goods, and have need of nothing.” But the words and works of these self-exalted ones are disgusting to the self-denying Redeemer. The One who knows all things says to them, “I will not hear thy prayers, neither will I commend thy service. I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot; I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou are lukewarm, and neither cold not 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 thy eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love I rebuke and chasten; be zealous therefore, and repent.” [Revelation 3:15-19.]Revelation 3:15-20
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 40, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, par. 6
In everyone connected with the actual management of the office there is altogether too little fear and love and reverence for the God of heaven; and too little faith, genuine faith, in God and His providential workings. But there is One whose eye is upon all the lines of work, all the plans, all the imaginings of every mind. That Eye sees beneath the surface of things; that Eye is a discerner of the very thoughts and intents and purposes of the heart. Not a deed of darkness, not a plan, not an imagination of the heart, but He reads it like an open book. Every act, every purpose, is noted. Every word, every action, every plan is faithfully chronicled in the books of the great Heartsearcher who says, “I know thy works.” [Revelation 3:15.]6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, par. 70
Oh, that the leading men in the Office would practice the teachings of Christ Jesus! (Colossians 4): “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.” “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” Colossians 4:2, 6. “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you?” James 3:13-18. The Lord Jesus Christ says, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man will hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and sup with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 40a, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, par. 20
There is altogether too little fear, love, and reverence for the God of heaven. There is far too little faith in the workings of His providence, in matters concerning His cause, with those who are connected with the active management of the office. His eye is upon all the work, all the plans, all the imaginings of every mind. He sees beneath the surface of things, discerning the thoughts and intents of the heart. There is not a deed, not a plan, not an imagination of the heart, but that He reads it as in an open book. Every act, every word, every motive, is faithfully chronicled in the records by the great Heart-searcher, who said, “I know thy works.” [Revelation 3:15.]6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, par. 76
In order to carry out the instruction we find in the Word of God, we need an indwelling Saviour. The Lord Jesus says, “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.” [Revelation 3:20.] The cold, critical, sarcastic spirit which has found place in your hearts has driven out the love of Jesus. Expel this spirit, which is so unlike Christ, and let Jesus supply the vacuum with His own spirit of tenderness and compassion. Then you will be vessels unto honor, workmen for God, who need not to be ashamed.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 164, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 164, 1898, par. 8
Wonderful is the provision that has been made! And I bear testimony to the truth that if those who claim to know the truth do not reveal an altogether different character, an altogether different temper, if the old disposition is not changed, if it remains as it was before they knew the truth, they are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot. Christ says of them, “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 3:15, 16.] I cannot plead is your behalf, for you have no desire for My glory.13LtMs, Ms 164, 1898, par. 12
Without Christ, the heart of man is cold, but when the human agent feels his need of the Sun of Righteousness, when he comes to Jesus, saying, “Lord, I am sinful, unworthy, hopeless; save me, or I perish,” he is accepted in the Beloved, and his heart is warmed by the rays of divine love. In this sincere coming to Christ he opens the door to Him who has long been saying, “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.” [Revelation 3:20.] He is accepted by faith, and he knows what it means to sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.Faith and Works
The Laodicean Message
FW 83.1
The True Witness says of a cold, lifeless, Christless church, “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 3:15, 16). Mark the following words: “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.” Here is represented a people who pride themselves in their possession of spiritual knowledge and advantages. But they have not responded to the unmerited blessings that God has bestowed upon them. They have been full of rebellion, ingratitude, and forgetfulness of God; and still He has dealt with them as a loving, forgiving father deals with an ungrateful, wayward son. They have resisted His grace, abused His privileges, slighted His opportunities, and have been satisfied to sink down in contentment, in lamentable ingratitude, hollow formalism, and hypocritical insincerity. With pharisaic pride they have vaunted themselves till it has been said of them, “Thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing” (Verse 17).FW 84.1
The great Redeemer represents Himself as a heavenly merchantman, laden with riches, calling from house to house, presenting His priceless goods, and saying, “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” (Revelation 3:18-20).Selected Messages Book 1
Chapter 55—Presented as Old Truth in New Framework
1SM 357.2
The True Witness says of a cold, lifeless, Christless church, “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 3:15, 16). Mark the following words: “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). Here is represented a people who pride themselves in their possession of spiritual knowledge and advantages. But they have not responded to the unmerited blessings that God has bestowed upon them. They have been full of rebellion, ingratitude, and forgetfulness of God; and still He has dealt with them as a loving, forgiving father deals with an ungrateful, wayward son. They have resisted His grace, abused His privileges, slighted His opportunities, and have been satisfied to sink down in contentment, in lamentable ingratitude, hollow formalism, and hypocritical insincerity. With Pharisaic pride they have vaunted themselves till it has been said of them, “Thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing.”1SM 358.1
The great Redeemer represents Himself as a heavenly merchantman, laden with riches, calling from house to house, presenting His priceless goods, and saying, “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” (Revelation 3:18-20).Revelation 3:15-21
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 101, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 101, 1904, par. 20
There are many who make their boast that they are “rich and increased with goods, and have need of nothing.” But Christ testifies of them, “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.” “Thou knowest not that thou art wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.” The church is in dire spiritual poverty and know not their true condition. Will they not heed the admonition of Christ: “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 3:15, 17, 18.]19LtMs, Lt 101, 1904, par. 21
“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 hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and 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 on His throne.” [Verses 19-21.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)
Lt 3, 1882
3LtMs, Lt 3, 1882, par. 4
“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 3:15, 16.3LtMs, Lt 3, 1882, par. 6
I turned to make my way out of the door, saying, “God’s counsels and warnings and reproof have been despised. ‘Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knoweth not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.’ ‘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.’” Revelation 3:17, 21.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 35, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 35, 1903, par. 11
O how much we need a more intimate acquaintance with the Lord Jesus. We need to enter into His will and carry out His purposes, saying with the whole heart, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” [Acts 9:6.] O how I long to see our churches in a condition different from the condition in which they now are—grieving the Holy Spirit day by day with their lukewarm religious life, a life neither cold nor hot. Christ says, “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 3:15, 16.] O how greatly Christ would be honored and glorified before irreligious, worldly men and women if His followers were what they claim to be—true Christians, the love of Christ constraining them to make Him known before an idolatrous world, showing the marked contrast between those who serve God and those who serve Him not.18LtMs, Lt 35, 1903, par. 14
O how I long to speak these words to those who are not so lofty in their own ideas that they have lost their appetite for the precious grace of Christ’s love. This is the instruction that we so much need, that we may impart it to worn, weary souls. You and I must be where we can feed the souls who are longing to hear words of light and life. We shall feel heart-sore and sad as we see so many who might be earnest, successful workers in taking the light to others, unwilling to do what it is their privilege to do. Nevertheless, we are to tell others of the love of Christ, and in order to do this, we must know by experience what it means to have this love in the heart. All will find abundant opportunities to work if they will improve the opportunities that come to them. Eternity, eternity is before us. There is eternal life for us to gain. In no case must we lose an opportunity to speak a word in season to one that is weary, an opportunity to sow the seeds of truth. Christ, the Majesty of heaven, clothed His divinity with humanity and came to this world to stand at the head of the human race, that He might make men and women partakers of the divine nature, giving them grace to overcome as He overcame. The promise is made, “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.” [Verse 21.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 190, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 190, 1905, par. 10
But we must be where we have got a right hold upon God ourselves. The Laodicean message to the church belongs the church at this time, at this period of our history, and He tells us that we are distasteful, that we are neither cold not hot. “I would then that thou wert either cold or hot. So then ... my mouth.” [Revelation 3:15, 16.]20LtMs, Ms 190, 1905, par. 11
But He does not leave us there. You see His mercy, don’t you? He does not leave us there; He does not drop us right into the pit. “I counsel thee to buy of me ....” [Verse 18.]20LtMs, Ms 190, 1905, par. 17
You will not set yourself up as a criterion, but you will point them to the Man of Calvary who has given His own life, and can wash our garments and make them white in the blood of the Lamb. Now here is the exhortation. It is to “buy of Me gold tried in the fire, and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed.” [Revelation 3:18.]20LtMs, Ms 190, 1905, par. 18
We are to see clearly and distinctly what the will of the Lord is, and then He tells them, Behold, I stand at the door, and knock. If you will open the door, I will come in and I will sup with you, and you with Me. What a wonderful thing that is from the pronouncement of their being so worthless. I will sup with you and you with Me. And then the exhortation is given. He is trying every soul; He is trying them to see if they will be true and faithful, and then He says that every man that “overcometh shall sit down with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame and am sat down with My Father on His throne.” [Verse 21.] Now the work of overcoming is thrown upon us. The work of diligently guarding our individual selves is thrown upon us, and God help us that we may obtain a right hold of Jesus Christ, that we shall shine as lights in the world.Manuscript Releases, vol. 19 [Nos. 1360-1419]
MR No. 1388—Increase Your Talents; Render Service to God by Witnessing; Laodicean Condition of Church
19MR 175.3
Please read carefully Revelation 3:15-18. The voice of Jesus Christ is heard. “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore [not half-hearted], and repent. Behold, I [your Saviour] 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 overcome, and am set down with My Father in His throne” [Revelation 3:19-21].Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 135, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 135, 1895, par. 6
“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. 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.” Revelation 3:15-21.10LtMs, Lt 135, 1895, par. 7
Bear in mind this portion, “and knowest not.” [Verse 17.] These men who have stood directly in the way of the work of the Lord in this church for years cannot have clear spiritual eyesight, for if they had, they would despise themselves and would not remain where they are. I spoke plainly and we were until past six o’clock in the meeting. I called for those who would be no longer under Satan’s leadership, but on the Lord’s side, to respond to the message God had sent them, and there were many who spoke decidedly. They chose to be on the Lord’s side. Hardy spoke and said, “I receive the message for me, all of it.” He was weeping. Brother Humphrey spoke well, but he is only beginning to get a little glimmering of light.10LtMs, Lt 135, 1895, par. 14
Some may say, He has made mistakes. Who have not? Those who would say he has made mistakes, will they please to consider the words of the True Witness, “I know thy works.” [Revelation 3:15.] Much graver blunders have been made by those who are recognized as efficient workers, and let not these persons consider because others have made mistakes, they should be counted out and encouraged, for the very same rule carried out in their own individual cases would lay them aside. There is no respect of persons with God. I cannot feel that all the wisdom is exercised that there should be to encourage workers to labor in the destitute fields. I cannot consent to Brother Collins being set aside, for God works with him, and we will appreciate the man that God appreciates.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 35, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 35, 1898, par. 16
Please read carefully Revelation 3:15-18. The voice of Jesus Christ is heard. “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore (not half-hearted) and repent. Behold, I (your Saviour) 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.” [Verses 19-21.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 25, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 25, 1899, par. 3
Every child of God is to be watched over and disciplined as a faithful mother watches over and disciplines her child. The Holy Spirit is not to be worked by the human agent; the human agent is to be worked and fashioned and molded by the Holy Spirit. Discipline means repression, submission, the bending of the will in a certain direction after the will and way of God. It is just as distasteful to the child of God to be disciplined as it is to the child of earthly parents, but God must discipline every man and woman to act a part in His service (Revelation 3:15-21), for not one can retain his own perverse character in a single line and yet be led and taught by God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 94, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 94, 1899, par. 11
“Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing,”—they may be honest in these suppositions, but they are woefully deceived—“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 overcome and am set down with my Father in his throne.” [Revelation 3:15-21.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 130, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 130, 1902, par. 30
The church must and will shine forth “clear as the sun, fair as the moon, and terrible as an army with banners.” [Song of Solomon 6:10.] God’s servants must, by laboring together with Christ, roll away the curse that has made the church so lukewarm. “I know thy works,” God declares, “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. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.” The chastening reveals a hope of reform. “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.” [Revelation 3:15-21.]Revelation 3:15-22
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 106, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 106, 1898, par. 3
The Lord says, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” [Revelation 3:19.] He would have every soul heed His counsel, which is given for their present and eternal good. Again he says, “I know thy works.” [Verse 15.] When those works are not in harmony with the truth, they are against the truth. “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 sat down with my Father in his throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” [Verses 20-22.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Ms 62, 1904
19LtMs, Ms 62, 1904, par. 20
Those who have spoken despiteful words against the messages of the Lord will have opportunity to see the sinfulness of their course. The unbelief of the professed people of God and their resistance against the truth has brought them into the Laodicean state. Christ declares that pretentious piety is nauseating to Him. To the ones so full of self-sufficiency He says, “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot.” Their works are opposed to the holy principles of His Word. “So then, because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of My mouth.” [Revelation 3:15, 16.] They may long have professed to believe the truth, but they have so unchristlike a spirit that God cannot tolerate them. His word to them is:19LtMs, Ms 62, 1904, par. 22
“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 17-22.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 138, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 138, 1902, par. 11
There are a large number of professing Christians who do not really follow Jesus. They do not bear the cross by proper self-denial and self-sacrifice. Although making a great profession of being earnest Christians, they weave into the fabric of their characters so many of the threads of their own imperfections that the beautiful pattern is spoiled. Of them Christ says: “You boast of being rich and increased with supposed spiritual attainments. In reality you are neither cold nor hot, but are filled with vain conceit. Unless converted, you cannot be saved; for you would mar heaven with your unsanctified wisdom. I cannot endorse your spirit and your work. You do not act according to the divine example. You are following a pattern merely of your own invention. Because you are lukewarm, I must spue you out of My mouth.” [See Revelation 3:15-17.]17LtMs, Ms 138, 1902, par. 12
Let us thank the Lord that while this class is so numerous, there is still time for repentance. Jesus says, “I, your Redeemer, know your works. I am familiar with the motives that prompt you to declare boastingly in regard to your spiritual condition, ‘I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing.’ Thou ‘knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.’” [Verse 17.]17LtMs, Ms 138, 1902, par. 14
But notwithstanding their wilful ignorance, they are not left by the Lord without added warning and counsel. “I counsel thee,” He pleads, “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. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” [Verses 18-22.]Manuscript Releases, vol. 16 [Nos. 1186-1235]
MR No. 1186—Wrongdoing to be Condemned; Righteousness to be Exalted
16MR 12.1
A Message of Warning and Mercy—Those who have sinned against great light are not left without a message of warning and mercy. God says to them: [Revelation 3:15-22, quoted].Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 128, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 128, 1903, par. 39
“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.” [Revelation 3:15-22.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 128a, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 128a, 1903, par. 28
Those who have sinned against great light are not left without a message of warning and mercy. God says to them: “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. 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.” [Revelation 3:15-22.]18LtMs, Ms 128a, 1903, par. 35
If every man who has influence could ascend some mount of vision from which he could behold all his works as Christ beholds them when He declares, “I know thy works” [Revelation 3:15]; if the laborer could trace from cause to effect every objectionable word and act, the sight would be more than he could bear.Revelation 3:16
Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6
Chapter 51—Preparation for the Final Crisis
6T 408.2
To those who are indifferent at this time Christ’s warning is: “Because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of My mouth.” Revelation 3:16. The figure of spewing out of His mouth means that He cannot offer up your prayers or your expressions of love to God. He cannot endorse your teaching of His word or your spiritual work in anywise. He cannot present your religious exercises with the request that grace be given you.Testimony Treasures, vol. 3
Preparation for the Final Crisis
3TT 15.1
To those who are indifferent at this time Christ’s warning is: “Because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of My mouth.” Revelation 3:16. The figure of spewing out of His mouth means that He cannot offer up your prayers or your expressions of love to God. He cannot endorse your teaching of His word or your spiritual work in anywise. He cannot present your religious exercises with the request that grace be given you.The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1
Lt 7, 1859
I was carried through some of your meetings. Some were burdened, crying out in distress. I heard shrieks, and I saw a pressing of individuals to confess. I saw that a fear came over the church, fearing to speak to this one or the other who had been reproved or held in doubt by these exercises and burdens. It was a cruel work. God’s frown3
On God’s displeasure and “frown,” see Ms 2, 1853 (Mar. 1), note 3.
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 1f, 1890
6LtMs, Lt 1f, 1890, par. 7
The increase of our numbers and the enlarging of our facilities means work; it calls for entire consecration and thorough devotedness. God has no place in His work for half-hearted men and women, those who are neither cold nor hot. Christ says, “I will spew thee out of my mouth.” [Revelation 3:16.] God calls for men who are whole hearted.Revelation 3:16-18
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)
Lt 51, 1876
3LtMs, Lt 51, 1876, par. 10
Says the True Witness, “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. ... 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 anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.” Revelation 3:16-18.Revelation 3:16-19
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)
Lt 6, 1861
1LtMs, Lt 6, 1861, par. 4
Mary, we have mighty truths and are not afraid that they can be gainsaid, and we are, I fear, lifted up, rich and increased in goods and have need of nothing. I feel fearful for the church of God. They are fast losing their peculiarity and their simplicity, and are imitating the fashions of the world. Mary, you can see this. It is too plain to be hid. My mind is seriously affected in regard to these things. “Be zealous and repent,” is addressed to us, and unless we do this and heed the call of the True Witness, we shall be spued out of the mouth of the Lord. [Revelation 3:19, 16.] I feel solemn and much like mourning.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 159, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 159, 1903, par. 5
The Lord Jesus was displeased with Dr. Kellogg’s course of action at the Oakland General Conference. On this occasion the heavenly messengers were viewing all that took place. The doctor’s words and deportment were of a character to bring no glory to God. Our brother is not led by the Spirit of God. His threats that he would bring the law to bear upon those who crossed his track—that he would do this, or that—revealed that he was in the same spiritual condition as are those to whom the message to the Laodicean church is addressed—“neither cold nor hot.” And to all such the Lord gives the warning, “So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of My mouth. ... Be zealous therefore, and repent.” [Revelation 3:16, 19.]Revelation 3:16-20
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 61, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 61, 1898, par. 11
The Saviour’s spirit governs His church by the principles of love and truth. Love for one another reveals that the love of God is abiding in the heart. Love of self excludes the love of Christ. Those who live for self are ranged under the head of the Laodicean church who are lukewarm, neither cold nor hot. The ardor of the first love has lapsed into a selfish egotism. The love of Christ in the heart is expressed in the actions. If love for Christ is dull, the love for those for whom Christ has died will degenerate. There may be a wonderful appearance for zeal and ceremonies, but this is the substance of their self-inflated religion. Christ represents them as nauseating to His taste. “Because thou art neither cold nor hot,” He says, “I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and in 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.” [Revelation 3:16-18.]13LtMs, Ms 61, 1898, par. 13
To these Christ says, “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich: and white raiment that thou mayest be clothed, 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.]Revelation 3:16-21
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 30a, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 30a, 1892, par. 24
Jesus says, “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.” [Revelation 3:20.] Standing in front of each dwelling, He proclaims to the unwilling hearers, “Thou sayest I am rich and increased in goods and have need of nothing.” The result of this spiritual pride is ignorance of their great need. “And knowest not that thou art wretched and miserable and blind and naked.” [Verse 17.] Then He calls upon all who cooperate with Him to come near and present before these needy ones the precious goods of heaven. “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire (which is love and faith) 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 18, 19.]7LtMs, Lt 30a, 1892, par. 28
Were you unbelievers in name as well as in practice, your position would not be so dangerous as it is now. “Because thou art lukewarm and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth.” [Verse 16.] You seek to serve God and your own selfish interests. Christ can accept no such polluted sacrifice.7LtMs, Lt 30a, 1892, par. 29
Jesus knocks; will you open the door unto Him? Shall He be compelled to write upon the lintel of the doorway, in the place of His blood that cleanseth from all sin, the sentence that leaves you to the power of the destroying angels? “He is joined to his idols.” Guardian angels, “let him alone.” [Hosea 4:17.] “How often I would have gathered thy children together even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings and ye would not.” [Matthew 23:37.] To all who will open the door, Jesus comes in and takes possession. Will you not say, “Come in, thou blessed of the Lord; come in; wherefore standest thou without?” [Genesis 24:31.] Will you accept the gold—the riches of His love, His grace, His salvation, the robe of Christ’s righteousness? Of such He says, “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.” [Revelation 3:21.]Revelation 3:17
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing
“He opened His mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”—Matthew 5:2, 3.
MB 6.2
In the days of Christ the religious leaders of the people felt that they were rich in spiritual treasure. The prayer of the Pharisee, “God, I thank Thee, that I am not as the rest of men” (Luke 18:11 , R.V.), expressed the feeling of his class and, to a great degree, of the whole nation. But in the throng that surrounded Jesus there were some who had a sense of their spiritual poverty. When in the miraculous draft of fishes the divine power of Christ was revealed, Peter fell at the Saviour’s feet, exclaiming, “Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord” (Luke 5:8); so in the multitude gathered upon the mount there were souls who, in the presence of His purity, felt that they were “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked” (Revelation 3:17); and they longed for “the grace of God that bringeth salvation” (Titus 2:11). In these souls, Christ’s words of greeting awakened hope; they saw that their lives were under the benediction of God.MB 7.1
Jesus had presented the cup of blessing to those who felt that they were “rich, and increased with goods” (Revelation 3:17), and had need of nothing, and they had turned with scorn from the gracious gift. He who feels whole, who thinks that he is reasonably good, and is contented with his condition, does not seek to become a partaker of the grace and righteousness of Christ. Pride feels no need, and so it closes the heart against Christ and the infinite blessings He came to give. There is no room for Jesus in the heart of such a person. Those who are rich and honorable in their own eyes do not ask in faith, and receive the blessing of God. They feel that they are full, therefore they go away empty. Those who know that they cannot possibly save themselves, or of themselves do any righteous action, are the ones who appreciate the help that Christ can bestow. They are the poor in spirit, whom He declares to be blessed.Testimony Treasures, vol. 2
A False Security
2TT 13.5
“The great day of the Lord is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly” (Zephaniah 1:14); but where do we behold the true advent spirit? Who are preparing to stand in that time of temptation which is just before us? The people to whom God has entrusted the sacred, solemn, testing truths for this time are sleeping at their post. They say by their actions: We have the truth; we are “rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing;” while the True Witness declares: Thou “knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” Revelation 3:17.Testimony Treasures, vol. 1
The Cause of Spiritual Blindness
1TT 330.2
Faith and love are golden treasures, elements that are greatly wanting among God’s people. I have been shown that unbelief in the testimonies of warning, encouragement, and reproof is shutting away the light from God’s people. Unbelief is closing their eyes so that they are ignorant of their true condition. The True Witness thus describes their blindness: “And knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” Revelation 3:17.From the Heart
Counterfeit Sanctification, February 4
FH 47.1
Because you say, “I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing”—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. Revelation 3:17.Testimony for the Church — No. 8
Northern Wisconsin
T08 36.1
Revelation 3:17. “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 eye-salve, that thou mayest see.”Homeward Bound
How Do We See Ourselves? April 17
HB 126.2
In the days of Christ the religious leaders of the people felt that they were rich in spiritual treasure. The prayer of the Pharisee, “God, I thank Thee, that I am not as the rest of men” (Luke 18:11, R.V.), expressed the feeling of his class and, to a great degree, of the whole nation. But in the throng that surrounded Jesus there were some who had a sense of their spiritual poverty. When in the miraculous draft of fishes the divine power of Christ was revealed, Peter fell at the Saviour’s feet, exclaiming, “Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord” (Luke 5:8); so in the multitude gathered upon the mount there were souls who, in the presence of His purity, felt that they were “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked” (Revelation 3:17); and they longed for “the grace of God that bringeth salvation.” (Titus 2:11.) In these souls, Christ’s words of greeting awakened hope; they saw that their lives were under the benediction of God.HB 126.3
Jesus had presented the cup of blessing to those who felt that they were “rich, and increased with goods” (Revelation 3:17), and had need of nothing, and they had turned with scorn from the gracious gift. Those who feel whole, who think that they are reasonably good, and are contented with their condition, do not seek to become partakers of the grace and righteousness of Christ. Pride feels no need, and so it closes the heart against Christ and the infinite blessings He came to give. There is no room for Jesus in the heart of such a person. Those who are rich and honorable in their own eyes do not ask in faith, and receive the blessing of God. They feel that they are full, therefore they go away empty. Those who know that they cannot possibly save themselves, or of themselves do any righteous action, are the ones who appreciate the help that Christ can bestow. They are the poor in spirit, whom He declares to be blessed.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)
Lt 29, 1882
3LtMs, Lt 29, 1882, par. 14
Every one who is asleep is subject to strange illusions. Judgment is not preserved; fancy holds control of the brain. Sleepy Christians are subject to just such strange imaginings. They have not clear ideas; they have not clear judgment. Strange thoughts come which they never had before. Strange doubts crowd into the mind. The old landmarks seem indistinct and strange. Once they held by the pillars of the faith with a firm hand, but now their hands are slipping off. Pride and love of ambition possess the mind. There is a flattering of self that they are “rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing,” while exactly the opposite is the condition of the church. [Revelation 3:17.]God’s Amazing Grace
Good News of the Kingdom, January 1
AG 9.3
In the throng that surrounded Jesus there were some who had a sense of their spiritual poverty.... There were souls who, in the presence of His purity, felt that they were “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked” (Revelation 3:17); and they longed for “the grace of God that bringeth salvation” (Titus 2:11)....Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 20, 1890
6LtMs, Lt 20, 1890, par. 6
The work is onward; truth will triumph; but if these men do not receive the reproofs given them of God, and take their stand firmly on the right side after having so great light, they will be left in darkness corresponding with the light that God would have them receive and walk in, which they refused to accept because it did not meet their ideas. Human feelings, human prejudices, false ideas, have been corrupting the gold of character; the most fine gold has become dim. The part that they might act in the work and cause of God to its very close, they do not act, because they will not be set right by the light God has flashed upon their pathway. They have caused the lame in faith to wander and to stumble on the dark mountains of unbelief, and they themselves are so blinded that the angel of the Lord says of them, “and knowest not.” [Revelation 3:17.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 19d, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 19d, 1892, par. 27
I wish to plead with our brethren who shall assemble at the General Conference to heed the message given to the Laodiceans. What a condition of blindness is theirs! This subject has been brought to your notice again and again; but your dissatisfaction with your spiritual condition has not been deep and painful enough to work reform. “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.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 89, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 89, 1894, par. 16
The church is not to fold her hands in security, and say, “I am rich, and increased with goods, and in need of nothing.” [Revelation 3:17.] The followers of Christ are not to trust to past experience and fail to go on to perfection. In so doing the church will meet with defeat and ruin. Upon what shall she depend? Wholly and entirely upon God. We are to look upward, the eye of faith is to penetrate the hellish shadow that Satan casts athwart our pathway and reach into the sanctuary above, within the holy of holies, where Christ our advocate is pleading in our behalf. Look unto Jesus. By faith grasp the spirit of His intercessions. He says, “I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands.” [Isaiah 49:16.] Ask in faith, and He will pour down upon the thirsty soul the Holy Spirit in its plentitude, in its all reviving power, to teach and to sanctify the receiver. Believe, children, only believe.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 112, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 112, 1895, par. 4
The Laodicean message must be proclaimed with power in your midst, for it is now especially applicable. Pride, ambition, self-exaltation, double-dealing, hypocrisy, deception, destitution of spiritual power are manifested in a more decided manner than ever before. Yet you are speaking great swelling words of vanity, saying, “I am rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing.” [Revelation 3:17.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 51, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 51, 1901, par. 12
The Laodicean message is applicable to the church at this time. Do you believe this message? Have you hearts that feel? Or are you constantly saying, We are “rich and increased with goods, and have need of nothing”? [Revelation 3:17.] Is it in vain that the declaration of eternal truth has been given to this nation to be carried to all the nations of the world? God has chosen a people and made them the repositories of truth weighty with eternal results. To them has been given the light that must illuminate the world. Has God made a mistake? Are we indeed His chosen instrumentalities? Are we the men and women who are to bear to the world the messages of Revelation fourteen, to proclaim the message of salvation to those who are standing on the brink of ruin? Do we act as if we were?Gospel Workers (1892/1893 ed.)
Qualifications for the Work
GW92 390.1
We must not for a moment think that there is no more light, no more truth to be given us. We are in danger of becoming careless, by our indifference losing the sanctifying power of truth, and composing ourselves with the thought, “I am rich and increased with goods, and have need of nothing.” [Revelation 3:17.] While we must hold fast to the truths which we have already received, we must not look with suspicion upon any new light that God may send.Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)
The Word of God Our Safeguard
GW 310.4
We must not for a moment think that there is no more light, no more truth, to be given us. We are in danger of becoming careless, by our indifference losing the sanctifying power of truth, and composing ourselves with the thought, “I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing.” [Revelation 3:17.] While we must hold fast to the truths which we have already received, we must not look with suspicion upon any new light that God may send.Our High Calling
The Rags of Self-righteousness, December 9
OHC 349.1
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.This Day With God
Discernment of Duty, August 7
TDG 228.1
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.Revelation 3:17-18
Ye Shall Receive Power
Self Subdued, October 17
YRP 299.1
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 3:18.YRP 299.2
There is to be in the churches a wonderful manifestation of the power of God, but it will not move upon those who have not humbled themselves before the Lord, and opened the door of the heart by confession and repentance. In the manifestation of that power which lightens the earth with the glory of God, they will see only something which in their blindness they think dangerous, something which will arouse their fears, and they will brace themselves to resist it. Because the Lord does not work according to their ideas and expectations, they will oppose the work. “Why,” they say, “should not we know the Spirit of God, when we have been in the work so many years?” Because they did not respond to the warnings, the entreaties of the messages of God, but persistently said, “I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing” (Revelation 3:17).Christian Experience and Teachings of Ellen G. White
Chapter 32—Preparing for the Judgment
CET 189.3
We are too easily satisfied with our attainments. We feel rich and increased with goods, and know not that we are “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” Revelation 3:17. Now is the time to heed the admonition of the True Witness: “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.” Verse 18.From Heaven With Love
Chapter 28—Matthew: From Tax Collector to Apostle
HLv 183.4
A legal religion is a loveless, Christless religion. Fasting or prayer actuated by a self-justifying spirit is an abomination in the sight of God. Our own works can never purchase salvation. To those who do not know their spiritual destitution comes the message, “For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing; not knowing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. Therefore I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire, that you may be rich, and white garments to clothe you and to keep the shame of your nakedness from being seen.” Revelation 3:17, 18, RSV. Faith and love are the gold. But with many, the gold has become dim, the rich treasure lost. The righteousness of Christ is a robe unworn, a fountain untouched.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)
Ms 1, 1880
3LtMs, Ms 1, 1880, par. 29
Instead of cherishing the spirit of the truth, they were glorifying themselves [by saying], “We are rich and increased with goods, and have need of nothing,” while they are “miserable, poor, naked, and blind.” The gold which is love, they do not possess. Says the true Witness, “I counsel thee to buy of me gold, that ye may be rich; white raiment, that ye may be clothed, and that your nakedness may not appear; and eyesalve, that ye may see.” [Revelation 3:17, 18.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 33, 1890
6LtMs, Lt 33, 1890, par. 17
Self-esteem and self-love are eating out the vitals of true godliness in the church. There are some whose names are on the church books, who are not truly converted. They do not feel the necessity of having a living, personal connection with Jesus Christ. To such the preaching of the cross of Christ is foolishness. The heart that has not fallen upon the Rock, Christ Jesus, is proud of its wholeness. Men want a dignified religion, that they can walk in a path wide enough to take in their own attributes. Their self-love, their love of property, their love of praise, has excluded the precious Saviour from the heart; for He cannot accept any heart that is not wholly His. Minds are ignorant of what it means to be a child of God, an heir of heaven. Some have a sneer on their countenances and in their hearts for the simplicity of true godliness. <They suppose they have advanced beyond such weakness.> To these the preaching of the cross is foolishness. They have no experience in it. It is unintelligible to them. They are wise in their own conceits, and know not that they are “wretched and miserable, and blind and naked.” The True Witness says, “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed; and eyesalve, that thou mayest see:” “For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise.” [Revelation 3:17, 18; 1 Corinthians 1:19.] To those who think they have so great knowledge that [they] have no need to learn anything, God says, “I will bring to naught the understanding of the prudent.” Those who are full of self-conceit, and think themselves to be very wise, should read 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; Jeremiah 9:23, 24.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 12, 1891
7LtMs, Ms 12, 1891, par. 28
Some have felt that they are “rich and increased in goods, and in need of nothing,” when could they see as God sees they would acknowledge themselves poor, and blind, and miserable, and wretched. [Revelation 3:17.] To these the true Witness says, “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire (which is faith and love), that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment (which is the righteousness of Christ), that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve (which is spiritual discernment) that thou mayest see.” [Verse 18.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 168, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 168, 1902, par. 10
Christ is as hungry for fruit from ministers and people as when, on His way from Bethany to Jerusalem, He came to a fig tree covered with foliage and presenting an appearance of fruitfulness. But upon searching its branches, from the lowest bough to the topmost twig, Jesus found “nothing but leaves.” [Mark 11:13.] It was a mass of pretentious foliage, nothing more. Today Christ comes to His people, hungering to find in them the fruits of righteousness. But many, many have nothing but leaves to offer Him. They have left their first love, and upon them has fallen spiritual blindness, hardness of heart, stubbornness of mind. They pray to God and present Bible truth to the people, for they are in the habit of doing so; but they have lost that which would make their service acceptable. How blind they are! how deficient their service! Boastingly they say, “I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing.” But God says to them, “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 3:17, 18.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 139, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 139, 1903, par. 5
The Lord has told us to establish the publishing work in some place where there are not so many people who have hardened their hearts against His Word. There are many in Battle Creek with whom God’s Spirit cannot strive. The Lord abhors their indifference. They say of themselves, “I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing;” but God says, “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 3:17, 18.]Christ’s Object Lessons
Chapter 13—Two Worshipers
COL 158.3
The Lord says, “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 3:17, 18. The gold tried in the fire is faith that works by love. Only this can bring us into harmony with God. We may be active, we may do much work; but without love, such love as dwelt in the heart of Christ, we can never be numbered with the family of heaven.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 207, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 207, 1904, par. 13
We hear of young people in Battle Creek being converted, and for this we praise the Lord. But how my soul has yearned to receive word that those who have left their first love had realized their condition and had turned to God in repentance. The message comes to them, “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 3:17, 18.]Jesus, Name Above All Names
Author and Finisher of Our Faith, August 26
JNN 252.1
“I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed.”—Revelation 3:18JNN 252.4
As it was in the days of Christ, so it is now; the Pharisees do not know their spiritual destitution. To them comes the message, “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear” (Revelation 3:17, 18). Faith and love are the gold tried in the fire. But with many the gold has become dim, and the rich treasure has been lost. The righteousness of Christ is to them as a robe unworn, a fountain untouched....Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 1
Chapter 30—Selfishness and Self-centeredness
1MCP 273.4
This explains it all. They feel that they are “rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing,” while Heaven pronounces them poor, miserable, blind, and naked. To these the True Witness says, “I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see” (Revelation 3:17, 18). Your very self-complacency shows you to be in need of everything. You are spiritually sick and need Jesus as your physician.—Testimonies for the Church 5:265 (1882).Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1
Chapter 65—Northern Wisconsin
1T 331.1
Revelation 3:17, 18: “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.”The Desire of Ages
Chapter 28—Levi-Matthew
DA 280.3
As it was in the days of Christ, so it is now; the Pharisees do not know their spiritual destitution. To them comes the message, “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear.” Revelation 3:17, 18. Faith and love are the gold tried in the fire. But with many the gold has become dim, and the rich treasure has been lost. The righteousness of Christ is to them as a robe unworn, a fountain untouched. To them it is said, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” Revelation 2:4, 5.Testimony Treasures, vol. 2
Upon Whom the Seal Is Placed
2TT 69.2
We are too easily satisfied with our attainments. We feel rich and increased with goods and know not that we are “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” Revelation 3:17. Now is the time to heed the admonition of the True Witness: “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 3:18.Testimony Treasures, vol. 2
No Limit to Improvement
2TT 98.2
Some are not willing to do self-denying work. They show real impatience when urged to take some responsibility. “What need is there,” say they, “of an increase of knowledge and experience?” This explains it all. They feel that they are “rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing,” while heaven pronounces them poor, miserable, blind, and naked. To these the True Witness says: “I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.” Revelation 3:17, 18. Your very self-complacency shows you to be in need of everything. You are spiritually sick and need Jesus as your physician.Revelation 3:17-19
Counsels for the Church
How to Receive Reproof
CCh 96.2
Those who are reproved by the Spirit of God should not rise up against the humble instrument. It is God, and not an erring mortal, who has spoken to save them from ruin. It is not pleasing to human nature to receive reproof, nor is it possible for the heart of man, unenlightened by the Spirit of God, to realize the necessity of reproof or the blessing it is designed to bring. As man yields to temptation, and indulges in sin, his mind becomes darkened. The moral sense is perverted. The warnings of conscience are disregarded, and its voice is less clearly heard. He gradually loses the power to distinguish between right and wrong, until he has no true sense or his standing before God. He may observe the forms of religion and zealously maintain its doctrines, while destitute of its spirit. His condition is that described by the True Witness: “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. When the Spirit of God, by message of reproof, declares this to be his condition, he cannot see that the message is true. Is he therefore to reject the warning? No.CCh 97.2
“If ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye ... not sons.” Hebrews 12:8. Our Lord has said: “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.” Revelation 3:19. “No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.” Hebrews 12:11. Though bitter the discipline, it is appointed by a Father’s tender love, “that we might be partakers of His holiness.”126Testimonies for the Church 5:682, 683Selected Messages Book 1
Chapter 65—How to Meet a Controverted Point of Doctrine
1SM 413.1
My brother said at one time that he would not hear anything concerning the doctrine we hold, for fear he should be convinced. He would not come to the meetings, or listen to the discourses; but he afterward declared that he saw he was as guilty as if he had heard them. God had given him an opportunity to know the truth, and He would hold him responsible for this opportunity. There are many among us who are prejudiced against the doctrines that are now being discussed. They will not come to hear, they will not calmly investigate, but they put forth their objections in the dark. They are perfectly satisfied with their position. “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 3:17-19).Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 66, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 66, 1894, par. 14
But many are Laodiceans, living in a spiritual self-deception. They clothe themselves in the garments of their own righteousness, imagining themselves to be rich and increased with goods and in the need of nothing, when they need daily to learn of Jesus His meekness and lowliness, else they find themselves bankrupt, their whole life being a lie. Shall not we who bear the last message of mercy to a guilty world represent Jesus in purity, in self-denial, that the word may be sounded from human lips inspired by the Holy Spirit of God, “Open the door of your heart, and let Jesus in”? The great Vendor of spiritual riches is inviting your recognition. He says, “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear: and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.” [Revelation 3:18.]9LtMs, Lt 66, 1894, par. 16
The Saviour comes with jewels of truth of the richest value in distinction from all counterfeits, all that is spurious. He comes to every house, to every door. He is knocking, presenting His priceless treasure, urging, “Buy of me.” He proclaims in the hearing of the inmates of every dwelling, “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.” [Verse 17.] He offers the gold of faith and love, which is become almost extinct in our world, and which is without alloy, more precious than the gold of Ophir. He says, “Buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment,” the righteousness of Christ, the garment woven in the loom of heaven to cover the naked soul; and eyesalve “that thou mayest see.” [Verse 18.] Correct discernment is of the highest value now. “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.” [Verse 19.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 39, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 39, 1895, par. 7
“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 may 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 3:17-19.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 163, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 163, 1903, par. 3
“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 3:17-19.]Revelation 3:17-20
The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials
Chapter 106—Peril of Trusting in the Wisdom of Men
1888 842.4
With reference to names, forms, or ideas, the tampering with revelation has aroused my fears for our people. The words of Christ are sounding in our ears: “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 3:17.1888 843.1
God sent these self-sufficient ones messages of warning, but they would not heed them. He has been appealing to them by His Holy Spirit and by the testimonies, and yet they will not hear. He says to them, “I counsel thee to buy of me gold, ...white raiment, ...and eyesalve.” Verse 18. This is a purchase that will be of the highest advantage. He explains why He has sent earnest appeals, reproofs, warnings. “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 19, 20.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 4, 1889
6LtMs, Lt 4, 1889, par. 41
The sheep that need to be fed are scattered upon the mountains of Israel; they are starving to death on dry theories. My brethren, you do not feed the flock; you do not have faith, humility, and love. The most sacred responsibility rests upon those who have accepted the position of shepherds to the flock of God. But if the professed ministers of Christ are not endowed with the power from on high, they are not fit for the work of this time. The work calls for men who have spiritual energy and farseeing discernment. God sends light to His people that they may live in His light according to their privileges. There are many who feel satisfied with their meager attainments, and they refuse the light that God sends them, <saying by their attitude, “I am rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing.”> [Revelation 3:17.] In so doing, they not only rob their own souls of spiritual knowledge, but they rob the souls of others. Those <whom they> endeavor to help have to suffer loss because the teachers fail to employ their talents in the way that God would have them and choose to place their own limited, narrow experience before the people instead of the glorious gospel of Christ. They are like guideposts pointing in the wrong direction. They will forfeit the favor of God and come under His displeasure unless they change their course <decidedly and humble their hearts before God.>6LtMs, Lt 4, 1889, par. 52
The language of your soul has been, “I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing.” [Revelation 3:17.] You have not known that you were poor and wretched and miserable and blind and naked. You need to hear the words of Him who is the first and the last: “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: anoint thine eyes with eyesalve that thou mayest see.” [Verse 18.]6LtMs, Lt 4, 1889, par. 58
Brother Howard Miller, you have heard the testimony which God has given me to bear, but while you have professed to believe, you have in spirit rejected the message. It is my duty to say to you that you have had all the evidence that the Lord will give you in regard to the special work He is doing at this time to arouse a lukewarm, slumbering church. Those who accept the message given will heed the counsel of the True Witness to the Laodiceans and will buy the gold, which is faith and love; the white raiment, which is the righteousness of Christ; and the eyesalve, which is spiritual discernment. Says Christ, “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.” [Revelation 3:19, 20.]6LtMs, Lt 4, 1889, par. 59
If the church refuses to hear the voice of the Heavenly Merchantman, refuses to open the door, then Christ will pass on, and it will be left destitute of His presence, destitute of true riches, but saying in self-righteousness, “I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing.” [Verse 17.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 55, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 55, 1890, par. 12
With reference to names, forms, or ideas, the tampering with revelation has aroused my fears for our people. The words of Christ are sounding in our ears: “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 3:17.6LtMs, Ms 55, 1890, par. 13
God sent these self-sufficient ones messages of warning, but they would not heed them. He has been appealing to them by His Holy Spirit and by the testimonies, and yet they will not hear. He says to them, “I counsel thee to buy of me gold, ... white raiment, ... and eyesalve.” Verse 18. This is a purchase that will be of the highest advantage. He explains why He has sent earnest appeals, reproofs, warnings. “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 19, 20.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 7, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 7, 1903, par. 4
We were assembled in the auditorium of the Battle Creek Tabernacle. Prayer was offered, a hymn was sung, and prayer was again offered. Most earnest supplication was made to God. The meeting was marked by the presence of the Holy Spirit. The work went deep, and some present were weeping aloud. One rose from his bowed position, and said that in the past he had not been in union with certain ones, and had felt no love for them, but that now he saw himself as he was. With great solemnity he repeated the message to the Laodicean church, “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing.” In my self-sufficiency this is just the way I have felt, he said. “And knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” [Revelation 3:17.]18LtMs, Lt 7, 1903, par. 5
I now see that this is my condition. My eyes are opened. My spirit has been hard and unjust, and I have thought myself righteous. But my heart is broken, and I see my need of the precious counsel from the One who has searched me through and through. O how gracious and compassionate and loving are His words! “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.” [Verse 18.]18LtMs, Lt 7, 1903, par. 7
The following words were often repeated, with clear distinctness: “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 19, 20.]EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
Revelation 3:15
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 22c, 1890
6LtMs, Lt 22c, 1890, par. 2
Brother Place, you were presented to me as a transgressor of God’s holy law. You have humiliated your soul and your body. You have indulged an unwarrantable liberty and commonness, and have been guilty of lustful practices. You have dishonored God, blunted your conscience, sanctioned evil in others, and have even tempted them to be transgressors with you. You have dishonored your profession as a Christian physician, a saviour of the souls and bodies of men and women. My brother, did you forget that there was One who was a witness to all your secret works, even the One who says, “I know thy works”? [Revelation 3:15.] The same witness that traced the characters on the palace wall of Belshazzar at his sacrilegious feast, when he mocked and blasphemed the God of heaven. This witness was present when you desecrated the law of Jehovah, and all your dishonorable deeds are registered in the books of heaven to confront you in the day of judgment, except you repent, and the Lord heal you of your transgression.6LtMs, Lt 22c, 1890, par. 6
You have been seeking a freer range, a wider sphere, a broader road. Will the path you have chosen take you beyond the dominion of God? Are you enjoying freedom and peace in your self-chosen way? Are you sure to win the liberty you crave? And what will this liberty bring you? Will you be assured freedom from disappointment and disaster? “God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” [Galatians 6:7, 8.] All that you gain by walking in the sparks of your own kindling is to lie down in sorrow. Any kind of work that is revolt against God is a venture to work out a destiny which has no promise of guidance or grace or reward of the Lord. All are under the all-seeing eye of God, who says, “I know thy works.” [Revelation 3:15.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 23, 1890
6LtMs, Lt 23, 1890, par. 28
Remember that all your words, all your ways, all your deeds, are open to the true witness. He says, “I know thy works.” [Revelation 3:15.] The deeds of each day have been passing, one after another into the book of records. What will you read there? Your words, your works, your character, are being weighed in the balances of the sanctuary. Angels of God are watching for the development of character and weighing moral worth. Profession and pretense count nothing with God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 36, 1890
6LtMs, Lt 36, 1890, par. 17
In all your connection with businessmen, in all your words and all your works, never lose sight of the fact that you have a witness. God is present in all your transactions, and He testifies, “I know thy works.” [Revelation 3:15.] The record will be made in the books exactly as it is; there will be no mistake made; and if there is the least injustice to your fellowmen, to saint or sinner, the Lord traces the fact just as it is. He is the Watcher that takes notice of all the transactions of men. He was the Watcher after the warning and reproof given Nebuchadnezzar, and when he ventured to pass over the ground where God had forbidden him to go, when he showed disregard of the warnings given him, the Watcher pronounced judgment against him. He who abhors everything false, He who detects fraud and any species of deceit wherever it may appear, says, “I know thy works.” I wish I could speak in so impressive a manner that every one who may read these lines will have a solemn sense of their responsibility.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 41, 1890
6LtMs, Lt 41, 1890, par. 4
But there are many who are practicing physicians who do not work with an eye single to the glory of God, but for the sake of gain to themselves. They exact exorbitant prices from those who require their services. They feel that they are not amenable to any one, and are not to be advised or counseled but will follow their own impulses. In a large degree they work from selfish motives. In their medical practice they are not missionaries. Their unreasonable charges are recorded in the books by the true Witness, who says, “I know thy works.” [Revelation 3:15.] The money physicians generally take from rich and poor is in many cases too large for the services rendered, and is reckoned no more or less than dishonest gain by the God of Heaven; yet they demand these exorbitant prices for their professional aid simply because they can do it, for when suffering, people must have help. The principles of truth are not brought into the soul to have a sanctifying influence upon their life and character unless men are doers of the words of Christ.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 6b, 1890
6LtMs, Lt 6b, 1890, par. 26
If we are engaged in contentions and fault-finding, when we ought to be doing our best for the Master, how can we expect God to bring souls into the truth, and trust them to our unfaithful, unchristlike guidance? Seek the Lord with all your heart; die to self. God’s people must be a unit, and the work must begin in our hearts. The work must begin in our own families. The true witness says, “I know thy works.” [Revelation 3:15.] You may be constantly imbibing the Spirit of Christ.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 8, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 8, 1892, par. 13
I am thoroughly in earnest and terribly disgusted with the exhibitions of self-confidence and self-sufficiency which are cropping out everywhere. Character is being weighed in the golden balances of the sanctuary. Saith the Lord, “I know thy works.” [Revelation 3:15.] We may know that God is acquainted with every thought, every action; and we shall be judged according to God’s ideas, and not according to our estimate of ourselves.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 18b, 1891
7LtMs, Lt 18b, 1891, par. 26
Fathers and mothers, husbands and wives, I beseech you, do not indulge in low thought and vulgar speaking. Coarse sayings, low jests, want of courtesy in the home life will leave an impression upon you, and if frequently repeated will become second nature. The home is too sacred a place to be polluted with vulgarity, sensuality, and recrimination. There is a Witness who declares, “I know thy works.” [Revelation 3:15.] Let love, truth, kindness, and forbearance be the plants cultivated in the garden of the heart.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 52, 1891
7LtMs, Lt 52, 1891, par. 36
All who are brought as co-laborers in order and harmony with the work going forward in heaven, will be divested of selfishness. They would live not to please, to benefit or glorify themselves, but their whole life is one of self-sacrifice that they may add others to their numbers as agents for Christ. They are manifesting devotedness to His service. Every being from the loftiest angels in heaven to the lowliest soul on earth has his place appointed, his work assigned him, and it is to be all done under the supervision of One who says, “I know thy works.” [Revelation 3:15.] You have come to an innumerable company of angels. They will plan for you if you will take hold of the work devotedly in love for souls as the work of God with self hid in Christ Jesus, with solemnity, with fear and trembling as you view its sacredness and its importance, saying, Who is sufficient for all these things? Seeking God for a deep spirituality, fervent piety, thus you may be lively stones in the spiritual building of God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 35, 1891
7LtMs, Lt 35, 1891, par. 46
I shall feel sorry for those who take part with you in this work. I shall pity them, for they will need pity, they will need prayer, that the Lord may forgive them for their deeds of wickedness. The Lord is coming with power and great glory. The judgment will sit and the books will be opened, and every man will be judged according to the deeds done in the body by Him who says, “I know thy works.” [Revelation 3:15.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 24, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 24, 1893, par. 8
Fly from the delusive snares of Satan as from a poisonous serpent. Give no place to them. Grant no indulgence to your passions. Your soul is in peril. Better surrender your life than the favor of God. Cultivate true, pure, holy affections. Your only safety is to ever bear in mind that you are standing in full view of the universe of heaven. One is looking upon you from heaven who says, “I know thy works.” [Revelation 3:15.] You cannot close any door or curtain to evade that Omniscient eye. Your most secret thoughts are known to Him. The character, the desire of every purpose, is known to Him. Clear as the light is every action before His searching glance.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)
Ms 1, 1857
1LtMs, Ms 1, 1857, par. 7
But I saw that God was not asleep. Said the angel, Jesus says, I know thy works; yes, selfish, professed Sabbath-keepers. God knows thy works. Ye covetous, world-loving Sabbath-keepers, said the angel, God knows thy works. I saw that every privation the servants of God have endured are all written in the book, every tear is bottled up. Every pang of agony they have endured is recorded in the book. I know thy works, says the True Witness. [Revelation 3:15.] All that has been done to help the servants of God is all recorded; all of it is written in the book. All the selfish withholding from God’s servants are all written in the book. All thy deeds, said the angel, are passing in review before God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 17, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 17, 1893, par. 15
God calls for every man to stand to their colors. Stand firmly with a whole armor of righteousness, showing yourselves true Christians. Satan and his angels are present on every occasion in your play ground, watching the spirit that characterizes your amusements, that he can inspire the unwary with his attributes. There are also other witnesses. The heavenly angels are there, writing in the book of record all that is transacted. “I know,” says the true witness, “thy works.” [Revelation 3:15.] Far less amusement upon the school ground and more hours devoted to seeking wisdom from heaven would place souls in a far more favorable condition.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 1a, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 1a, 1896, par. 5
Do not hold the people in your discourses more than thirty minutes. “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” [Romans 12:11.] We may be instant in prayer. Bear in mind that it is the fervent prayer of the righteous that availeth much. Above all things, try to have a genuine interest in each other. Do not selfishly hold yourselves aloof from one another. Let not the message of the Laodiceans, “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot,” be applicable to you. [Revelation 3:15.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 93, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 93, 1898, par. 16
There is another subject that is of consequence to every soul who would seek the Lord in prayer. Have you been honest with your God? Search carefully; for the Lord said to His church and to every individual, “I know thy works.” [Revelation 3:15.] Everything is known to God. All is open to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do. The Lord says: “Even from the days of your fathers ye have gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?” [Malachi 3:7.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 78, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 78, 1900, par. 44
There is no excuse for the faith of our churches to be so faint and feeble. “Turn you to the Stronghold, ye prisoners of hope.” [Zechariah 9:12.] There is strength for us in Christ. Then let us worship God in the beauty of holiness. Let us enter His sanctuary with praise and thanksgiving. Christ speaks to us, saying, “I know thy works.” “I am he that liveth and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore.” [Revelation 3:15; 1:18.] Our Saviour is not lying in Joseph’s new tomb. He has proclaimed over the sepulcher, “I am the resurrection and the life.” [John 11:25.] Then do not take your sorrows and difficulties to man. Present yourself to Him whose you are by creation and by redemption. Ask, and ye shall receive.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)
Lt 18, 1861
1LtMs, Lt 18, 1861, par. 5
Says the True Witness, “I know thy works.” [Revelation 3:15.] Angels of God are weighing moral worth. The Lord is reviving the living, pointed testimony which will help develop character and purify the church. If you had suffered the truth to purify you, your labors would have been blessed to the church, but you chose your own course, to follow your own way, and you have not been baptized with the spirit of the third angel’s message, and your labors cannot benefit the cause of God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 18, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 18, 1905, par. 16
All who engage in the work of God should choose as associates those who will help them to keep the way of the Lord and to do justice and judgment. They should ever cherish a spirit of consecration and obedience. Let all, whether teachers, directors, superintendents, apprentices, or helpers in other lines, remember that they are working under the eye of God. Let them labor with fidelity, for God says, “I know thy works.” [Revelation 3:15.] Let them keep in mind this thought: The Lord sees and knows all my works and ways. I will show forth the lovingkindness of my God. Our work is to be an example of purity and justice.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)
Lt 9, 1861
1LtMs, Lt 9, 1861, par. 12
Lee and Cynthia have been faithfully warned, yet they have not made that change which God requires them to make. They lack spirituality. The truth has not had that sanctifying influence upon them that it must have. They do not live their faith. When the enemies of our faith are within their influence, instead of bearing fruit and exerting a holy influence, they condescend to the worldling, do as they do, talk as they talk, laugh and jest with them. Says the True Witness, “I know thy works.” [Revelation 3:15.] Just exactly the influence you exert, Lee and Cynthia, before unbelievers, you will meet again. It is all recorded. It is written in the book. If you have not faithfully warned those with whom you have associated, and then in addition lived your faith before them as faithful believers of the truth, you have not borne fruit to God’s glory and it is noted against you. You are classed as stumbling blocks and unfaithful professors.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)
Ms 4, 1860
1LtMs, Ms 4, 1860, par. 8
Who has been benefited by his life? He has been ready to shrink from every opportunity or opening to benefit others or do them good. There have not been in his experience living spots of self-denial to make others happy. Selfishness, self-interest, has reigned supreme in his heart. It is interwoven with his very life, and he has everything to learn if his life be filled with good works. He has so long indulged in this selfish course, so long been unwilling to deny himself to make others happy, that his case looked very dark to me and entirely hopeless unless he takes hold of the work in earnest and denies himself, denies his appetite, and does his part to defray the expenses of the church. He eats of the loaf, professes to believe the truth, and it costs him nothing, while he feasts his appetite and cannot endure that anyone should be favored or benefited by him. God despises such a spirit, and all his prayers and exhortations are a stink in His nostrils while he possesses this spirit. Says the True Witness, “I know thy works.” [Revelation 3:15.] A faithful record is kept of it all.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)
Ms 1, 1861
1LtMs, Ms 1, 1861, par. 7
Sorrow, deep sorrow, has his wife suffered, and if she cautioned her husband or warned him, it has fallen very lightly upon him. Sneeringly has he accused her of jealousy and of being faultfinding, when her heart was sore and aching as though it must burst. Hiram, guilt is upon your soul and a blot upon your life. Says the True Witness, “I know thy works.” [Revelation 3:15.] All, all is noticed of God, passing in review before Him. He will judge for these things. I saw that he should no longer be fellowshiped by the church. And his wife must not cover over his sin or break the force of the pointed testimony given, but must sympathize with the right, with the holy, love those whom God loves. I saw that the Lord pitied her and would sustain her if she would lean upon His all-powerful arm for strength.