EGW WritingsRevelation 3
Ellen G. White · Page 7 of 8
Read Revelation 3 in the BibleRevelation 3:17-21
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 66, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 66, 1897, par. 4
The heavenly treasury is supplied with the goods of heaven. Would that every church member could discern their great spiritual necessity. But many are deceived. There are those who say, “I am rich, and increased in goods, and have need of nothing.” [Revelation 3:17.] They know not that they are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind and naked. This is the sure consequence of neglecting to abide in the vine, of neglecting to avail themselves of a personal relation to Christ. But unless men secure this connection, as the vine branch to the parent stock, after test and trial they will be cut away from Christ. God here declares that He will spue them out of His mouth, because lukewarm, distasteful, and sickening.12LtMs, Ms 66, 1897, par. 7
But the One who is mighty in counsel says, “Because thou sayest I am rich and increased in 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.] Then they shall not reveal that they are worthless branches, separate from the true Vine, to be cast into the fire, and burned.12LtMs, Ms 66, 1897, par. 8
“And anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.” [Verse 18.] This is the soul’s need. The eye is the sensitive conscience, the inner light of the mind, according with a correct view of things. Upon this the spiritual healthfulness of the whole soul and being depends. The eyesalve, the Word of God, makes the conscience smart under its application, for it convicts of sin. The smarting of the spiritual discernment is necessary that the healing may follow, and the eye be single to the glory of God. The sinner, beholding himself in God’s great moral looking-glass, sees himself as God views him, and exercises repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.12LtMs, Ms 66, 1897, par. 10
Self-sufficiency is the fatal danger of a lukewarm state. The Laodiceans boasted of a deep knowledge of Bible truth, a deep insight and understanding of the Scriptures. They were not entirely blind, else the eyesalve would have done nothing to restore their sight to discern the true attributes of Christ. Says Christ, By renouncing your own self-sufficiency, giving up all things, however dear to you, you may buy the gold, the raiment, and the eyesalve that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Then, to rebuke a state of things that should not have existed in the church, because of the injury done to themselves and the injury done to the church, He sends them the message of reproof, “Be zealous therefore, and repent.” [Revelation 3:19.]12LtMs, Ms 66, 1897, par. 12
The Lord sees the necessities and the peril of the soul. He came to our world in the garb of humanity, that His humanity might meet our humanity. While we were in sin, He pledged His life for us. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend.” [John 15:13.] There is love for the sinner, but God hates the sin. Therefore He does not leave His tempted ones with eyes that are nearly blind to their own imperfections. “As many as I love,” He says, “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 3:19-21.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 120, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 120, 1906, par. 8
There is a class who need to look well to the course of action they are pursuing and to do the diligent work that is essential. “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 3:17-21.]Revelation 3:17-22
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 48, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 48, 1890, par. 26
Those who are resisting the Spirit of God in testimonies of reproof and warnings will be left with their own crooked ways and blind to the necessities, boasting of their riches and increase of goods, “And knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” Revelation 3:17.6LtMs, Ms 48, 1890, par. 27
Here the true and faithful witness makes His declaration of their true condition of those who stood in attitude, saying, “I am rich and increased with goods, and have need of nothing.” Then the counsel in (verse 18) is the pleading of the Spirit of God. “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 3:18.6LtMs, Ms 48, 1890, par. 28
To reveal to you your true spiritual destitution, I set your true condition before you in warnings and reproof. “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 3:19-22.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 223, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 223, 1903, par. 11
O that those laboring to exalt themselves would be converted! They are in the spiritual condition portrayed in the message to the Laodicean church—neither cold nor hot. They boast of their riches and feel that they are increased with goods and have need of nothing. They know not that they are “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” [Revelation 3:17.]18LtMs, Lt 223, 1903, par. 13
“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.” [Verses 18-22.]Revelation 3:18
The Faith I Live By
Riches for the Laodiceans, October 27
FLB 306.1
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.Sermons and Talks, vol. 1
Keep the Commandments
1SAT 237.1
We want parents to awake from their lethargic sleep. Awake and see that at this time you must put on the beautiful robe of Christ’s righteousness. “Buy of me,” He says, “gold tried in the fire that thou mayest be rich, and white raiment that thou mayest be clothed.” (See Revelation 3:18.) What was the matter with Adam and Eve? They saw that they were naked. The covering of God was not enveloping them. God says, “Buy of me.” Well, what? Buy of Me My righteousness. “Buy of me gold tried in the fire, and white raiment that thou mayest be clothed.” Are you clothed with it, or are you transgressing the commandments of God by your traditions and by the maxims of men?Testimony Treasures, vol. 1
Some Shaken Out
1TT 478.1
Some may say it is exalting our own merits to expect favor from God through our good works. True, we cannot buy one victory with our good works; yet we cannot be victors without them. The purchase which Christ recommends to us is only complying with the conditions He has given us. True grace, which is of inestimable value, and which will endure the test of trial and adversity, is only obtained through faith and humble, prayerful obedience. Graces that endure the proofs of affliction and persecution, and evidence their soundness and sincerity, are the gold which is tried in the fire and found genuine. Christ offers to sell this precious treasure to man: “Buy of Me gold tried in the fire.” Verse 18. The dead, heartless performance of duty does not make us Christians. We must get out of a lukewarm condition and experience a true conversion, or we shall fail of heaven.From the Heart
Change in Raiment, December 27
FH 373.1
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. Revelation 3:18.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)
Ms 1, 1878
3LtMs, Ms 1, 1878, par. 24
This has been the great sin in the church at Ligonier. Talebearing, gossiping ones have sought to find a stain upon the character of others, while they have neglected to purify their own souls from the defilement of sin. Thus have they opened the door of their hearts to Satan’s temptations, and shut out the compassion, pity, and love of Christ. Instead of cherishing the spirit of the truth, they have been glorifying themselves. The language of their hearts is, We are rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing, while they are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. The gold, which is love, they do not possess. Says 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.] This is what the church in Ligonier wants, and what they must have, or it would have been better had they never been organized; for as they now stand, they are a curse to the truth they profess. They need to seek the white raiment, which is a pure and spotless character. Eyesalve they need, to see clearly their own defects, their lack of the grace and Spirit of God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)
Lt 33, 1879
3LtMs, Lt 33, 1879, par. 1
Brother Johnson, you were shown me as no strength or benefit to the church. You are most thoroughly deceived in yourself. You have a stubborn, rebellious spirit. You have been no strength to the church, but only a clog. You have a disposition to dictate and control matters, and if you cannot do this you are almost sure to be sullen and uncongenial. This is a sad thing. God is not pleased with such soldiers: they would be discharged from an earthly army in disgrace. Jesus is ashamed of you. You are whole. You feel rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing, when you are miserable, poor, blind, and naked. “I counsel thee,” says the True Witness, “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 3:18.Christ’s Object Lessons
Chapter 24—Without a Wedding Garment
COL 311.3
Only the covering which Christ Himself has provided can make us meet to appear in God’s presence. This covering, the robe of His own righteousness, Christ will put upon every repenting, believing soul. “I counsel thee,” He says, “to buy of Me ... white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear.” Revelation 3:18.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 34, 1891
7LtMs, Lt 34, 1891, par. 20
The Lord would have the workers in the Health Retreat obtain an experience which will be of more value to them than gold. When you see your need, if you will, in all humility, heed the counsel of the True Witness, “Buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed; ... and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see” [Revelation 3:18], then you will not be walking in sparks of another’s kindling, nor even of your own kindling; but you will see the light of the Sun of Righteousness and will walk in its beams. God will inspire you to do work for Him.Lift Him Up
The Robe of Christ’s Own Righteousness, May 29
LHU 163.1
I counsel thee to buy of me ... white raiment, that you mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear. Revelation 3:18.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Ms 61b, 1895
10LtMs, Ms 61b, 1895, par. 50
[Jesus says,] “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire.” This is love and faith, which lives under the test and increases in purity by the test—“Buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed (with the righteousness of Christ), that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.” [Revelation 3:18.] In the place of entertaining one doubt as to the loving purpose of God toward you, heed this counsel of Jesus Christ without delay. [The reason] why we do not have greater ecstasy of joy is [because] we will make emotion the standard of our religion. We lose sight of faith and practice. The instruction is “Abide ye in My love.” [John 15:10.] Transitory feelings are not to become the test of our piety or of the love abiding in the soul.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 151, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 151, 1897, par. 4
Though the heavenly merchantman displays before them the richest jewels of faith and love, though His voice invites them to buy of Him “gold tried in the fire,” and “white raiment” that they might be clothed,” and “eyesalve” that they may see [Revelation 3:18], they steel their hearts against Him, and fail to exchange their lukewarmness for love and zeal; but fold their hands in complacency, make a profession, but deny the power of true godliness. If they continue in this state, God will reject them with abhorrence. To praise the world and God at the same time is in no way acceptable to God. Awake, awake, before it is everlastingly too late.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 5, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 5, 1897, par. 22
I tell you, in the name of the Lord, that those who have had great light are today in the state described by Christ in His message to the Laodicean church. They think that they are rich, and increased in goods, and feel that they have need of nothing. Christ speaks to you. Hear, O hear, if you have any regard for your souls, the words of the great Counsellor, and act upon them. “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be clean; 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 14 (1899)
Lt 66, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 66, 1899, par. 7
You and your wife both need every word I have written. Confess to God that you have wasted your opportunities and have used His money to gratify pride, to indulge appetite and the desire for pleasure. Cut away from your life the love of the world, Henry, cut it away quick! Remember that your willpower, the power of deciding, must be cultivated. If you would be what you might be but what you are not, you must bind up your will with the will of God. In short, you must yoke up with Christ. You must join yourself to the Lord. You then join your weak indecision to His firm strength of purpose, your ignorance to His wisdom, your unworthiness to His worthiness, your frailty to His enduring might. Then your words, your habits, your moral power, will be wholly on the Lord’s side. Spiritual poverty has passed away, because you have heeded the invitation, “Buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich.” [Revelation 3:18.] In the place of using so much money to keep up an appearance, you will be careful, because you realize the money is the Lord’s, to be placed in His treasury. You will see the necessities of the cause, and will realize that self-denial and self-sacrifice must be practiced, in order that there may be meat in the Lord’s house, that those whom the Lord sends with His message to relieve suffering bodies and needy souls, will have something with which to work.Manuscript Releases, vol. 19 [Nos. 1360-1419]
MR No. 1367—Counsel Against Faultfinding, Ridiculing, Sneering at Women; Examine Yourself First
19MR 55.2
Jesus is ashamed of you. You [think you] are whole. You feel rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing, when you are miserable, poor, blind, and naked. “I counsel thee,” says the True Witness, “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 3:18).Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 16, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 16, 1903, par. 4
Let us not allow the enemy to gain the victory. We are sorry that we are not standing on vantage ground, that we have not been standing there ever since the last General Conference. We are sorry that we did not make diligent work unto repentance; sorry that we did not cease our complaining and faultfinding, and that we did not overcome the inclination to press others to the wall. My brethren, crowd yourselves into as small a compass as you please, but let your brethren alone. Do not try to pres them into hard places. Place yourselves where God can give you the presence of His Spirit in your work. If your brethren see from your life that this Spirit is abiding in your heart, they will be led to go for help to the same source that you did. They will be led to obey the Word, “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 18 (1903)
Ms 32, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 32, 1903, par. 10
Who can truthfully say, “Our gold is tried in the fire; our garments are unspotted from the world”? [See Revelation 3:18; James 1:27.] I saw our great Instructor pointing to the garments of so-called righteousness. Stripping them off, He laid bare the spotted, defiled garments beneath. The corruption was unbearable. Then He said to me, “Can you not see how they have pretentiously covered up their defilement and rottenness of character?” “How is the faithful city become an harlot!” [Isaiah 1:21.] “My Father’s house” made “an house of merchandise,” a place whence the divine Presence and glory have departed! [John 2:16.] For this cause there is weakness, and strength is lacking.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 252, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 252, 1903, par. 7
Many obstacles will be placed in our pathway as we journey heavenward. Satan will place things before us in a false, disagreeable light, if we give him the least encouragement. Then, looking upon these things in his light, we shall reflect the unpleasantness to others. God says to us, “I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire.” [Revelation 3:18.] He desires us to gain a precious, valuable experience. The way in which He asks us to gain this experience may not be the way that we would choose, but it is the way of God’s choosing. Thus He is proving and trying us.Manuscript Releases, vol. 17 [Nos. 1236-1300]
MR No. 1237—Testimony Concerning the Views of Prophecy Held by John Bell—Part II
17MR 18.3
From those who have rejected truth, the light of God has departed. They did not heed the message 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]. But that message will do its work, and a people will be prepared to stand without fault before God.Jesus, Name Above All Names
Great Vendor of Spiritual Riches, July 21
JNN 215.4
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).—Letter 66, 1894.Jesus, Name Above All Names
Great Mediator, September 27
JNN 285.1
“I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire.”—Revelation 3:18Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 1
Chapter 31—Problems of Youth
1MCP 284.2
Hard for Youth to Bear Burdens—The young can exert a powerful influence if they will give up their pride and selfishness and devote themselves to God; but as a general thing they will not bear burdens for others. They have to be carried themselves. The time has come when God requires a change in this respect. He calls upon young and old to be zealous and repent. If they continue in their state of lukewarmness, He will spew them out of His mouth. Says the True Witness, “I know thy works.” Young man, young woman, your works are known, whether they be good or whether they be evil. Are you rich in good works? Jesus comes to you as a counselor: “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).—Testimonies for the Church 1:485 (1867).Our High Calling
The Spotless Robe of Christ’s Righteousness, December 10
OHC 350.1
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.The Faith I Live By
Clothed in His Righteousness, April 17
FLB 113.2
Only the covering which Christ Himself has provided can make us meet to appear in God’s presence. This covering, the robe of His own righteousness, Christ will put upon every repenting, believing soul. “I counsel thee,” He says, “to buy of me ... white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed....” Revelation 3:18.Revelation 3:18-19
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 72, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 72, 1894, par. 2
There were two reasons why I objected to your teaching dressmaking to the students in our school. One was that your health would not admit of your doing this. You need to preserve every spark of physical vitality, that you may be strengthened and established in the present truth, that you may be calm, collected, and reasonable in your consideration of what the truth demands of you in these last days. You need to heed the message to the Laodicean church, to heed the counsel of the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end: “Buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich.” [Revelation 3:18.] The gold is faith and love. Oh, you need both so much, so very much.9LtMs, Lt 72, 1894, par. 3
You need to cultivate love that is of a different order and quality from that which you now possess. This matter has been, and is, urged upon me in so distinct a manner that I cannot rest until I shall tell you [that] you need the love of Jesus to take the place of the love which you now cherish. Your love is mingled with selfishness and dross, and if you do not exchange it for that which emanates from Jesus, you will feel the furnace fire upon soul and body until you are refined as silver and gold. “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore and repent.” [Verse 19.] You want an unselfish love. You place your affections upon objects that give you no spiritual strength, and withdraw them from objects that would be a benefit and a blessing to you.9LtMs, Lt 72, 1894, par. 4
Jesus counsels you to buy of Him white raiment, “that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness to not appear.” [Verse 18.] Oh, that the Lord would present before you the necessity of all this before it shall be forever too late. You have had and are having great light, precious opportunities and privileges of knowing God and Jesus Christ whom He hath sent. If you open your heart to the light now shining upon you, and close it to Satan’s suggestions, you will then see your need of being clothed, not with your own righteousness, but with the righteousness of Christ. Oh you do need so much the divine eyesalve to anoint your poor diseased eyes, that you may see.Our Father Cares
Our Christian Experience Must Be Animated, October 8
OFC 293.1
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. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Revelation 3:18, 19.The Upward Look
Our Christian Experience Must Be Animated, March 26
UL 99.1
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. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Revelation 3:18, 19.Revelation 3:18-20
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Ms 56, 1904
19LtMs, Ms 56, 1904, par. 23
Our eyes need to be anointed with the heavenly eyesalve, which Christ bids us buy of Him. We need the riches that He offers us. “I counsel thee,” He says, “to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich, and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed.” [Revelation 3:18.] Our inherited and cultivated tendencies to evil are to be taken away. Our characters are to be molded and fashioned anew. We are to be clothed with the robe of Christ’s righteousness. We are to put on the whole armor of God and wrestle with the powers of darkness. We are to stand with our loins girded about and our lamps burning, ready at any time to meet the enemy.19LtMs, Ms 56, 1904, par. 30
Shall we be converted while at this meeting, or shall we go away just as we came? This is a question that each one must answer for himself. I have told you that the Lord is waiting to reveal Himself. I told you this at the General Conference of 1901. Had the right course been followed at that meeting, the power and glory of God would have been revealed in a remarkable manner, and thousands of souls would have been converted. But there has been criticism, faultfinding, and a drawing apart from one another. Brethren, you must unify. You must come together. There must be among us unity in diversity. God is ready to help us, if we will only clear the King’s highway. Clear the rubbish out of your hearts, and open the door to the heavenly guest. Christ says, “If any man will open the door, I will come in, and will sup with him, and he with Me.” [Revelation 3:20.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 80, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 80, 1894, par. 15
But ever bear in mind you must be in harmony with God. You must hear His knock at the door of your heart. Jesus 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.” [Revelation 3:18-20.] The Lord says, “If any man thirst let him come unto me and drink.” [John 7:37.] No human agent can supply that which will satisfy the hunger and thirst of the soul.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 219, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 219, 1905, par. 10
“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 3:18-21
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 106, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 106, 1896, par. 5
When human agents yield to temptation, and give themselves up to obey the will of Satan, they are indeed naked. Deprived of the divine covering of light and innocence, they are afraid to meet their God. God speaks to us in His Word, 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.” [Revelation 3:18.]11LtMs, Lt 106, 1896, par. 6
My brother, you need to put on the white robe of Christ’s righteousness. May God help you to obtain it by repentance toward Him and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. May He anoint your eyes with the heavenly eyesalve, that you may see your sinful propensities, and realize your need of God’s mercy and grace. “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; be zealous therefore and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” [Verses 19-21.]Manuscript Releases, vol. 1 [Nos. 19-96]
MR No. 65—Materials for General Use
1MR 300.4
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. 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 3:18-21).Manuscript Releases, vol. 1 [Nos. 19-96]
MR No. 81—God’s Rebuke to Laodicea
1MR 349.3
Christ Speaks to Laodicea—I understood that both these men were at the General Conference [held in Battle Creek, February 17—March 6, 1893], that is, S and C. Could they not discern there the revealings of the Spirit of God? Could they not see that God was opening the windows of heaven and pouring out a blessing? Why was this? Testimonies had been given correcting and counseling the church and many had made a practical application of the message to the Laodicean Church, and were confessing their sins and repenting in contrition of soul. They were hearing the voice of Jesus, the heavenly Merchantman, “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).1MR 361.1
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. 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 3:18-21).1MR 361.2
“I Rebuke and Chasten”—Jesus is coming in to give the individual members of the church the richest blessings, if they will open the door to Him. He does not once call them Babylon, nor ask them to come out. But He says, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten” (Revelation 3:19), (with messages of reproof and warning). These reproofs I am not ignorant of. I have given warnings because the Spirit of the Lord has constrained me to do so, and have uttered reproofs because the Lord has given me words of reproof. I have not shunned to declare the whole counsel of God, which has been given me for the church.Selected Messages Book 2
Chapter 7—The Divine Credentials
2SM 66.3
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. 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 3:18-21).2SM 67.1
Jesus is coming in to give the individual members of the church the richest blessings, if they will open the door to Him. He does not once call them Babylon, nor ask them to come out. But He says, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten” (with messages of reproof and warning) (Revelation 3:19). These reproofs I am not ignorant of. I have given warnings because the Spirit of the Lord has constrained me to do so, and have uttered reproofs because the Lord has given me words of reproof. I have not shunned to declare the whole counsel of God, which has been given me for the church.The Remnant Church; Its Organization, Authority, Unity, and Triumph
The Church The Beloved Of God
MR311 5.2
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. 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 3:18-21).Ellen G. White: The Early Years: 1827-1862 (vol. 1)
The Laodicean Message
11. If this be our condition as a people, have we any real grounds to hope for the favor of God unless we heed the “counsel” of the True Witness? [Revelation 3:18-21 is quoted.]—Ibid.
Testimony Treasures, vol. 1
Pointed Testimonies in the Church
1TT 331.3
Very many feel impatient and jealous because they are frequently disturbed with warnings and reproofs which keep their sins before them. Says the True Witness: “I know thy works.” The motives, the purposes, the unbelief, the suspicions and jealousies may be hid from men, but not from Christ. The True Witness comes as a counselor: “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 3:18-21.1TT 332.3
The True Witness declares that when you suppose you are really in a good condition of prosperity you are in need of everything. It is not enough for ministers to present theoretical subjects; they should also present those subjects which are practical. They need to study the practical lessons that Christ gave His disciples and make a close application of the same to their own souls and to the people. Because Christ bears this rebuking testimony, shall we suppose that He is destitute of tender love to His people? Oh, no! He who died to redeem man from death, loves with a divine love, and those whom He loves He rebukes. “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.” Revelation 3:19. But many will not receive the message that Heaven in mercy sends them. They cannot endure to be told of their neglect of duty and of their wrongs, their selfishness, their pride and love of the world.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 16, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 16, 1893, par. 13
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. 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 3:18-21.]8LtMs, Lt 16, 1893, par. 14
Jesus is coming in to give the individual members of the church the richest blessings if they will open the door to Him. He does not once call them Babylon, nor ask them to come out. But He says, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten” (with messages of reproof and warning). [Verse 19.] These reproofs I am not ignorant of. I have given warnings because the Spirit of the Lord has constrained me to do so, and have uttered reproofs because the Lord has given me words of reproof. I have not shunned to declare the whole counsel of God which has been given me for the church.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 30, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 30, 1895, par. 16
Read the whole chapter, for it will be applied to your case by the Holy Spirit of God. Read also Ezekiel 33:1-16. Let the Holy Spirit come into your heart and abide there, and let Satan be expelled from the soul temple. If you will open the door of your heart to Jesus, you may enjoy the richest blessing. 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. 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 3:18-21.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 173, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 173, 1905, par. 9
What a rich promise is this presented to us! Let us then show that we appreciate these promises and work to the point to be fully in earnest and to be thankful for such assurance. It is for our good and the good of all with whom we shall associate in all our public labors that we shall reveal that we are seeking those things that are above; that we answer to the figure, “for ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” [Verse 3.] Oh, let this be our purpose, to be wide-awake to heed the counsel Christ has given to the Laodicean church! [Revelation 3:18-21 quoted.]Revelation 3:18-22
Manuscript Releases, vol. 18 [Nos. 1301-1359]
MR No. 1327—The Formation of Character
18MR 166.1
But notwithstanding their willful 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 overcome, 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 3:18-22].Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)
Lt 19, 1859
1LtMs, Lt 19, 1859, par. 3
I saw that Brother Barr had done this, and when the message to the Laodiceans was given, a hurried fanatical spirit came in and burdens and exercises were had that the Lord was not in. No time was granted individuals to develop character. Angels of God were patiently waiting to weigh moral worth, and to mark the development of character. But some went ahead of the angels and were burdened and exercised because the work was not closed up at once. They did not wait patiently for the Lord to test character and to spue out the lukewarm, but took that work into their own hands; and unless they could see individuals coming up to the point they thought they should reach, they pushed them off. A fear came over them—fear to associate with the ones they thought spued out of the mouth of the Lord. Why did they not read the connection—Revelation 3:18-22? A strange, fearful, excitable, fanatical spirit came in and bore rule.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 65, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 65, 1903, par. 1
I have earnestly prayed that the Holy Spirit may open the minds of those who, though claiming to believe the truth, have lost their first love, that they may realize their condition. Their first work is to repent and to clear away the fog of dissension and misunderstanding. They think that they are rich and increased with goods and know not that they are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. They are not convinced that they are in the condition in which Christ declares them to be. Jesus does not leave them to perish in their sins. He says to them, “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 sat down with My Father on His throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” [Revelation 3:18-22.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 32, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 32, 1903, par. 25
This is the message God has given me for the churches: “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 3:18-22.]Revelation 3:19
Counsels for the Church
Messages that Changed Lives
CCh 24.3
The Lord loved his people in Bushnell, as he does all those who look to him. “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent,” Revelation 3:19, must have come to the minds of some present. When the people saw their own hearts as the Lord saw them, they understood their true condition and longed for a change in their lives. This is the true purpose of the many visions given to Mrs. White.Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers
Appendix Notes
TM 521.1
Page 23. Pamphlets denouncing the S.D.A. Church as Babylon: Reference is made to a pamphlet entitled, “The Loud Cry of the Third Angel’s Message,” published by a Seventh-day Adventist lay member, Mr. Stanton, in the year 1893. This man, in his study of the Bible and the testimonies, focused his attention primarily on the messages of reproof and rebuke, forgetting that God had said that “as many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.” Revelation 3:19. He concluded that the testimonies of reproof constituted a message of rejection, and that those who would join in sounding the loud cry must withdraw from the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The church, he asserted, had become Babylon, and those who would finish God’s work in the earth and meet their Lord in peace must separate from the body.That I May Know Him
The Glorious Fruits of Trial, September 28
TMK 277.3
The Lord Jesus gave Himself a sacrifice for us. He knows us and He knows just what we need. Trial lasts only for a season. Encourage your heart in faith. We must not look on trial as punishment. Christ is the sin bearer. He is our Redeemer, and He desires to purify us from all dross. He means to make us partakers of the divine nature, developing in us the peaceable fruits of righteousness. The very fact that we are called upon to endure trials proves that the Lord Jesus sees in us something very precious that He would have developed. If He saw nothing in us whereby we might glorify His name He would not spend time refining us. We do not take special pains to prune brambles. Christ does not cast valueless stones into His furnace. It is precious ore that He tests. He sees that the refining process will bring out the reflection of His own image. Be trustful, be hopeful, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. He loves you. Hear His words: “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten” (Revelation 3:19). He has not passed you by as unworthy of a trial.The Remnant Church; Its Organization, Authority, Unity, and Triumph
I Rebuke and Chasten
MR311 6.1
Jesus is coming in to give the individual members of the church the richest blessings, if they will open the door to Him. He does not once call them Babylon, nor ask them to come out. But He says, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten” (with messages of reproof and warning) (Revelation 3:19). These reproofs I am not ignorant of. I have given warnings because the Spirit of the Lord has constrained me to do so, and have uttered reproofs because the Lord has given me words of reproof. I have not shunned to declare the whole counsel of God, which has been given me for the church.This Day With God
Agents for Heaven, January 13
TDG 21.4
Let the tempted and tried souls remember that when chastisement comes upon them, it is the Lord who would save them from death. Let the souls to whom reproof comes, remember that “as many as I love, I rebuke and chasten” (Revelation 3:19).Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing
“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.”—Matthew 5:4.
MB 11.2
Our heavenly Father is never unmindful of those whom sorrow has touched. When David went up the Mount Olivet, “and wept as he went up, and had his head covered, and he went barefoot” (2 Samuel 15:30), the Lord was looking pityingly upon him. David was clothed in sackcloth, and his conscience was scourging him. The outward signs of humiliation testified of his contrition. In tearful, heartbroken utterances he presented his case to God, and the Lord did not forsake His servant. Never was David dearer to the heart of Infinite Love than when, conscience-smitten, he fled for his life from his enemies, who had been stirred to rebellion by his own son. The Lord says, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” Revelation 3:19. Christ lifts up the contrite heart and refines the mourning soul until it becomes His abode.Ellen G. White: The Australian Years: 1891-1900 (vol. 4)
Meeting Offshoot Teachings
4BIO 80.9
Mr. Stanton had published a pamphlet titled “The Loud Cry of the Third Angel’s Message.” In this he quoted freely from the Spirit of Prophecy messages of reproof and rebuke, forgetting that God had said, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten” (Revelation 3:19). He concluded that the testimonies of reproof constituted a message of rejection, and that those who would join in sounding the loud cry must withdraw from the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The church, he asserted, had become Babylon, and those who would finish God’s work in the earth and meet their Lord in peace must separate from the body. His pamphlet of more than fifty pages was made up largely of misapplied E. G. White messages pieced together with the compiler’s comments. It also contained a personal testimony from her that somehow had come into Stanton’s hands. This he had employed in a less-than-honorable fashion.Ellen G. White: The Lonely Years: 1876-1891 (vol. 3)
Chapter 11—(1880) Difficult Times
3BIO 130.1
The two-hundred-page Testimony No. 29 came from the press in early January, 1880. It contained articles on “The Relation of Church Membership,” “Dishonesty in the Church,” “Unscriptural Marriages,” “The Cause at Battle Creek,” et cetera. These were important messages of reproof and correction. Some Adventists in Battle Creek, forgetting that the Lord had declared, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten” (Revelation 3:19), and overlooking the appeal “Be zealous therefore, and repent,” reacted negatively and turned to the public press in Battle Creek to express their bitter feelings. The matter was quickly picked up in Lansing, Detroit, and Chicago. The Lansing Republican of January 17 reported:Testimony Treasures, vol. 2
How to Receive Reproof
2TT 293.2
“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.”From the Heart
The Laodicean Church, May 6
FH 138.1
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Revelation 3:19.The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1
Ms 2, 1857
I saw that many in New York have had so much care for their brethren, to keep them straight, that they have neglected their own hearts. They are so fearful that their brethren will not be zealous and repent [that] they forget that they have wrongs that must be righted,5
The expression “be zealous and repent” is taken from the message to the Laodiceans in Revelation 3:19: “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” The implication here is that some members were misusing the Laodicean message to focus on the shortcomings of other members rather than letting it speak to their own faults. Ellen White, writing elsewhere of the situation during this period, says of “the message to the Laodiceans” that “some thought others were not as zealous in repenting as they should be, and instead of taking care of their own souls’ interest, they began … to reprove and bear down upon their brethren.” Since Sabbatarian Adventists had only begun to apply the Laodicean message to their own movement less than a year earlier, it is quite possible that the rash of church trials plaguing the movement as described in Ms 2, 1857 (July 24), was at least partly a result of those who were misusing it.
The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1
Lt 2, 1858
I saw that Brother Chapel and wife, Brother Treadwell and others with them, have not seen themselves. They must see their wrong course in being so exacting and watching their brethren to magnify their wrongs. Their own hearts must have a work; self must die with them, and they must possess more of a spirit to live and let live. I saw while at Green Springs, Ohio,8
The only known visit by Ellen White to Green Springs, Ohio, during the 1850s or 1860s, took place February 26-March 3, 1858. While there she received a vision on March 1. No earlier copy is extant for the portion copied in the remainder of this letter.
The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1
Lt 17, 1859
After the message to the Laodiceans was given, some thought others were not as zealous in repenting as they should be, and instead of taking care of their own souls’ interest, they began to be burdened and to reprove and bear down upon their brethren.4
The situation described in this section had arisen about three years earlier when the call to the Laodicean church to be “zealous … and repent” (Rev. 3:19) had first begun to be applied by Sabbatarian Adventists to themselves. Revival had followed, as evidenced by many letters and articles on the Laodicean message in the Review during 1857. In some churches, however, the call to repent had led to an unhealthy concern over the shortcomings of fellow church members and to a rash of church disciplinary proceedings. Ellen White had addressed the churches of central New York in July 1857 (Ms 2, 1857) on this particular issue.
The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1
CHAPEL, Levi R. (1816-1901) and Jane Eliza (1818-1903)
1EGWLM 807.3
Ellen White mentioned the Chapels in connection with a crisis that their home church in Palermo underwent during the late 1850s. After the “Laodicean” call to the churches to “be zealous … and repent” (Rev. 3:19) had taken hold among Sabbatarian Adventists in 1856/1857, some members had interpreted this as a call to watch for faults among fellow members rather than to repent of their own shortcomings. This had led to internal dissension in the Palermo church. Levi and Eliza Chapel were admonished for the prominent part they had played in the troubles.With God at Dawn
He Rebukes, November 8
WGD 314.1
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Revelation 3:19.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)
Ms 6, 1859
1LtMs, Ms 6, 1859, par. 57
Attended meeting all day. Felt pressed in spirit to bear a straight testimony upon pride, love of fashion. God is separating His people from the world. He is purifying them unto Himself, and those who will not heed reproof, who choose to possess their own way, to manifest the evil passions of the heart, will be left behind. God will have a pure and a holy, self-denying, cross-bearing people. The message to the Laodiceans looks clearer to me. I see God will not do His work of spewing out until character is developed, His professed people proved, tested, and tried. Now God is proving His people to see if they will obey Him. “Be zealous ... and repent.” [Revelation 3:19.] If they will not, He will spew them out of His mouth. There are some among us of whom God will soon say, “Their sins shall not be cleansed with sacrifice or offering forever.” Like the house of Eli, a heavy curse will rest upon them. [1 Samuel 3:14.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)
Lt 1, 1857
1LtMs, Lt 1, 1857, par. 1
In the vision given at this place I was shown something concerning you. I saw that it was easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. God has been merciful to you. He has in mercy spared you one child; and if you both pursue a right course, there is some prospect of her being influenced by the truth and being saved in the kingdom. But I saw that unless you were willing to make a sacrifice for this and prize her salvation and your own enough to act out your faith, cut loose from the world, and act like men waiting for their Lord, there is no prospect, none at all. Your course will influence her. Show her by acting out your faith that you really believe the message, “Be zealous ... and repent.” [Revelation 3:19.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)
Lt 17, 1859
1LtMs, Lt 17, 1859, par. 4
After the message to the Laodiceans was given, some thought others were not as zealous in repenting as they should be, and instead of taking care of their own souls’ interest, they began to be burdened and to reprove and bear down upon their brethren. This was not their work; and while they were thus engaged they got into a worse condition than those whom they were reproving. I saw it was an individual work. “Be zealous and repent.” [Revelation 3:19.] One is not to repent for his brother or sister, but for his own wrongs. Some have looked at and watched others and thought they were not moving fast enough—they did not move just to suit their idea of right—and impressions and burdens followed that God did not dictate. There was a bearing down upon others, binding burdens upon others that they should not bear.Gospel Workers (1892/1893 ed.)
Faithfulness in Reproving Sin
GW92 87.4
The True Witness declares that when you suppose you are really in a good condition of prosperity, you are in need of everything.... Because Christ bears this rebuking testimony, shall we suppose that he is destitute of tender love to his people?—O, no! He who died to redeem man from death, loves with a divine love, and those whom he loves he rebukes. “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.” [Revelation 3:19.]—Testimonies for the Church 3:257.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 11, 1890
6LtMs, Lt 11, 1890, par. 14
You seem to have special bitterness against Eld. [Uriah] Smith and some others of our brethren, and you have talked out these feelings in your family, thus leavening them. The Lord has seen fit to counsel Eld. Smith, to give him words of reproof because he had erred. But is this an evidence that God has forsaken him? No. <He has taken his position clearly and [is] on solid rock.> “As many as I love I rebuke and chasten. Be zealous therefore, and repent.” [Revelation 3:19.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 41, 1891
7LtMs, Lt 41, 1891, par. 10
The pitying love of Jesus is still toward you, notwithstanding you have rejected the words of caution He has given you. The Lord is not dependent upon Dr. Burke to do His work, but Dr. Burke is dependent upon the Lord for His mercy, His favor, His pardoning grace, and His final salvation. I have no hardness of heart toward you, nothing in my heart but the tenderest feeling of pity and longing of soul that Jesus shall by His grace save you from yourself. You can do, under the divine guidance, a work worthy of your calling; you can come off conqueror and receive the crown of life; you can despise the mercy and goodness of God, follow your own imaginations, be a disappointed man every way, and lose heaven at last. “Those whom I love I rebuke and chasten, be zealous therefore, and repent.” [Revelation 3:19.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 40, 1891
7LtMs, Lt 40, 1891, par. 8
Brother Baker belongs to a class of men who are capable of extolling and praising themselves, while they can bring out another’s demerits, all his imperfections. Such men are to be feared rather than courted. Your confidence should be given to men who love and fear God. You should seek to discover their merits and feel frankly with them, and you will find that they will do you good. Your best friends are not those who flatter and praise you. Jesus says, Whom I love I rebuke and chasten. [Revelation 3:19.] The voice of the Holy Spirit will come to you as a reprover. Flatterers are the agents of the enemy whom he uses to lay a snare for your soul, and God would have you to be on your guard with those who have not chosen Christ as their leader. No undue confidence should be given those who are the enemies of our faith.Manuscript Releases, vol. 15 [Nos. 1136-1185]
MR No. 1140—Image to the Beast Formed Before Close of Probation
15MR 16.1
You seem to have special bitterness against Elder [Uriah] Smith, and some others of our brethren, and you have talked out these feelings in your family, thus leavening them. The Lord has seen fit to counsel Elder Smith, to give him words of reproof because he had erred; but is this an evidence that God has forsaken him? No. “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent” [Revelation 3:19]. The Lord reproves wrongs in His people, but is this an evidence that He has rejected them? No. There are errors in the church, and the Lord points them out by His own ordained agencies, not always through the testimonies. Now, shall we seize these reproofs and make capital of them, and say that God is not imparting to them His light and love? No. The very work that God is trying to do for them shows that He loves them and wants to draw them away from paths of danger.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 113, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 113, 1898, par. 5
Be trustful, be hopeful, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. He loves you. Hear His words, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.” [Revelation 3:19.] He has not passed you by as unworthy of a trial. What is the result of this refining process? “That ye may be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.” [1 Peter 1:7.] O how precious to the soul is one word of commendation that comes from the Redeemer’s lips. We may not understand all now, but the day is coming when we shall be more than satisfied, when we shall see as we are seen, and realize that trial has wrought out for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 293, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 293, 1905, par. 7
The disasters that have come to you are not to be understood as meaning that the Lord has forsaken you. He is working in your behalf, that He may save you. “As many as I love,” He says, “I rebuke and chasten.” [Revelation 3:19.] Corrections must not be to us a reason for discouragement.Our Father Cares
Agents for Heaven, September 2
OFC 257.4
Let the tempted and tried souls remember that when chastisement comes upon them, it is the Lord who would save them from death. Let the souls to whom reproof comes, remember that “as many as I love, I rebuke and chasten” (Revelation 3:19).Our High Calling
A Message Full of Encouragement, December 11
OHC 351.1
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Revelation 3:19.Selected Messages Book 2
Further Communications to Mr. Garmire
2SM 81.3
You seem to have special bitterness against Elder [Uriah] Smith, and some others of our brethren, and you have talked out these feelings in your family, thus leavening them. The Lord has seen fit to counsel Elder Smith, to give him words of reproof because he had erred; but is this an evidence that God has forsaken him?—No. “As many as I love I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent” (Revelation 3:19). The Lord reproves wrongs in His people, but is this an evidence that He has rejected them?—No. There are errors in the church, and the Lord points them out by His own ordained agencies, not always through the testimonies. Now shall we seize these reproofs and make capital of them, and say that God is not imparting to them His light and love?—No. The very work that God is trying to do for them shows that He loves them, and wants to draw them away from paths of danger.Revelation 3:19-20
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Lt 125, 1886
4LtMs, Lt 125, 1886, par. 2
“Be zealous therefore, and repent,” (Revelation 3:19) is the Word of God to His professed people. “I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” Revelation 2:5. Many of our people are backsliding from God. We need to arouse. Let every soul that has named the name of Christ depart from iniquity. We want a pure Christianity. Great dangers are lurking for us on every side. When they need most the presence of God, many have the least of His presence. Many are in danger of becoming like the Jewish nation, who knew not the Scriptures nor the power of God. Like the teachers of Israel, you may explain Bible truth to others, and yet not practice it in your daily life. If the Jews had possessed an experimental knowledge of the Scriptures, they would not have been ignorant of the power of God. Like them we have great light and privileges, but many do not respond to these; and here is their peril.4LtMs, Lt 125, 1886, par. 6
The Saviour is speaking to His people, “Be zealous therefore, and repent.” Revelation 3:19. It is not ministers whom you have slighted; it is not the warnings of men that you have rejected; it is not My delegated prophets that you have refused to hear; but your Redeemer, your only hope. If ye are destroyed, it [is] yourselves alone that are responsible. Ye will not come to Me that ye might have life. “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, ... how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings,” Luke 13:34. But ye could not? No; “and ye would not!” Luke 13:34. I desired to save you, but ye would not be doers of My Word. The arm strong to save, is also strong to punish.4LtMs, Lt 125, 1886, par. 9
“See that ye refuse not Him that speaketh,” (Hebrews 12:25) says the true Witness. “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” Revelation 3:20. Every warning, reproof, and entreaty in the Word of God, or through His delegated messengers, is a knock at the door of the heart; it is the voice of Jesus, asking for entrance. With every knock unheeded, your determination to open becomes less and less. If the voice of Jesus is not listened to at once, it becomes confused in the mind with a multitude of other voices. The world’s cares and business engross the attention. Conviction dies away. The heart becomes less impressible and lapses in a perilous unconsciousness of the shortness of time and of the great eternity beyond. The heavenly Guest is standing at your door, while you are piling up obstructions to bar His entrance. Jesus is knocking through the prosperity He gives you. He loads you with blessings to test your fidelity, that they may flow out from you to others. Will you permit selfishness to triumph, will you squander God’s talents and lose the soul through idolatrous love of the blessings He has given?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 48, 1891
7LtMs, Ms 48, 1891, par. 51
May God help us to awake to our duty! If you have hold of the work of God, I beseech you, for Christ’s sake, do not let go. If God sees that your souls are in danger, he will send reproof to you. Do not rise up against it. Say, “I will seek God, I will find him, and will be converted.” The True Witness says, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” [Revelation 3:19.] Yes, repent. It is not for you to be jealous of the reprover. It is not for you to dissect or discount the message that God may send you. It is for you to receive it, and reform, and be thankful that the Lord has not left you to blindness of mind and hardness of heart. May God help you to be converted.7LtMs, Ms 48, 1891, par. 52
I beseech you to take Christ with you as you go to your churches. “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears.” [2 Timothy 4:2, 3.] Many are unwilling to have their way crossed. Now, it is not by following your own way that you will enter heaven; it is by choosing God’s way. Will you take it? It is not your spirit that is going into heaven; it is Christ’s spirit. Will you have it? 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.] Then I ask, How is it that so many of you are saying you do not know whether you are accepted of God or not; that you want to find Jesus? Don’t you know whether you have opened the door? Don’t you know whether you have invited him in? If you have not, invite him now. Don’t wait a moment. Open the door, and let Jesus in.The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials
Chapter 4—Engaging in Worldly Speculation
1888 52.2
<How I longed to see them come to their senses and> see themselves as sinners, guilty before God and in need of a Saviour, and repent and be converted, or they would in their blindness, turn away from the light sent to them from God, and become completely enveloped in the mazes of unbelief and darkness. Day and night my burden was that the Saviour, rich in mercy and love, would reveal himself to these souls who were in such great danger, although professedly keeping and teaching the law of God, they were guilty before God as a transgressor of that law. The least guilt left upon the conscience, would be to their utter condemnation. By the law is the knowledge of sin, but the law cannot pardon the transgressor; repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ, would write pardon against their names in the books of heaven. I longed for many to have the blessing, the precious blessing, <gold tried in the fire that they might be rich, and> that they might cease to walk in the sparks of their own kindling; but their <ideas> were not in harmony with the spirit of God. <Revelation 3:19, 20.>Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Ms 2, 1888
5LtMs, Ms 2, 1888, par. 15
<How I longed to see them come to their senses and> see themselves as sinners, guilty before God and in need of a Saviour, and repent and be converted, or they would, in their blindness, turn away from the light sent to them from God and become completely enveloped in the mazes of unbelief and darkness. Day and night my burden was that the Saviour, rich in mercy and love, would reveal Himself to these souls who were in such great danger, for although professedly keeping and teaching the law of God, they were guilty before God as transgressors of that law. The least guilt left upon the conscience would be to their utter condemnation. By the law is the knowledge of sin, but the law cannot pardon the transgressor; repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ, would write pardon against their names in the books of heaven. I longed for many to have the blessing, the precious blessing, <gold tried in the fire that they might be rich, and> that they might cease to walk in the sparks of their own kindling; but their <ideas> were not in harmony with the Spirit of God. <Revelation 3:19, 20.>Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 60, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 60, 1890, par. 14
The agencies, divine and human, are placed at the disposal of many of those who claim to be children of God who have the Word of God, who have the testimony of His Spirit. He saith, “I have stretched out my hand all the day long to a gainsaying, disobedient people.” [Romans 10:21.] God is working, all heaven is working, to prepare a people for the day of God’s preparation. The churches are far from Christ, lukewarm, destitute of every grace. And to these who are such, Jesus says, “Knowest not they are full of Pharisaism and spiritual pride, saying I am rich and increased with goods.” And Brother Church, the message to the Laodicean church means you apply it to yourself and work diligently. “As many as I love I rebuke and chasten. Be zealous therefore and repent. Beloved, I stand at the door and knock. If any man hear My voice and open the door I will come in to him and sup with him and he with Me.” [Revelation 3:19, 20.] Write it on your soul. Engrave it on your doorposts. No more flattery. He must increase, I must decrease.Revelation 3:19-21
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 173, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 173, 1905, 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 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 3:19-21.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 323, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 323, 1905, par. 2
I am burdened in regard to the situation of J. E. White. I know that in some things he has made mistakes. The Lord has taken his case in hand, and He says, “I will have compassion for the tempted, for them that are out of the way. 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 sat down with My Father in His throne.” [Revelation 3:19-21.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 14a, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 14a, 1898, par. 14
The Lord saw fit to reprove Brother Herbert Lacey, but your treatment of his case did not please the Lord. Brother Lacey was not a stubborn, wilful sinner. His error was small in comparison with the error which both of you have committed. Did you think of it in this light? You have had a large experience, and he was a mere youth when he left Australia for America. He supposed that he was doing right in receiving counsel from those in America to whom he had been recommended. But if you saw in him one jot or tittle that was not of the right order, you became impatient. You did not carry out the light given, to take him into all your counsels, and to instruct and help him. When the Lord reproves anyone, it is not because He hates him, but because He loves him, and desires to save him. He says, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; be zealous therefore, and repent.” See Revelation 3:19-21; Hebrews 12:3-7.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Lt 102, 1901
16LtMs, Lt 102, 1901, par. 17
We are not required to observe the ceremonies observed by Israel in regard to the sacrificial offerings, because type has met antitype in the great, grand offering of the Son of God who was sacrificed for us once for all. We look by faith to a Saviour who has been lifted upon the cross of Calvary, who in all His virtue and all His righteousness gave Himself for us. The Just died for the unjust. Through that death we have been given an eternal life-insurance policy. Christ came to this earth to suffer the death penalty in our behalf. He broke the fetters of the tomb and rose from the dead, proclaiming in the hearing of the heavenly universe, the fallen angels, and the human race, “I am the resurrection, and the life.” [John 11:25.] He has forever answered the question, “If a man die, shall he live again?” [Job 14:14.] He declares, “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,”—taking possession of the heart and mind,—“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 3:19-21.]Revelation 3:19-22
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 97, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 97, 1892, par. 9
Our work is a necessary one. Your work is appointed you of heaven. “I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify of these things in the church.” [Revelation 22:16.] Then if heavenly messengers have a testimony to bear to the churches, well may every minister voice the words of Christ, “He that hath ears to hear let them hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” [Revelation 3:22.] Some will not listen to the message, and some who do hear, pay no heed. When the voice from heaven is heard, it becomes every human agent to place himself in the attitude of a solemn listener.7LtMs, Lt 97, 1892, par. 20
Repentance and confession is the Spirit’s work upon the human heart. The Laodicean message has been ignored, and in the place of heeding the voice of Jesus, the true Witness, “Those that I love I rebuke and chasten; be zealous therefore and repent.” [Revelation 3:19.] In that moment when self is humbled Satan loses his hold on the human agent that has been led captive by him at his will. Jesus says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door I will come to him and sup with him, and he with me.” [Verse 20.]Revelation 3:20
Christ’s Object Lessons
Chapter 18—“Go Into the Highways and Hedges”
COL 235.2
The Saviour 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. He is not repulsed by scorn or turned aside by threatening, but continually seeks the lost ones, saying, “How shall I give thee up?” Hosea 11:8. Although His love is driven back by the stubborn heart, He returns to plead with greater force, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock.” The winning power of His love compels souls to come in. And to Christ they say, “Thy gentleness hath made me great.” Psalm 18:35.Manuscript Releases, vol. 2 [Nos. 97-161]
MR No. 122—Christ To Be Supreme; Counsel on Camp Meetings
2MR 161.3
We need the Holy Spirit of God, and we may have it if we will not exalt our poor finite selves. Our work is to open the door of the heart and let Jesus come in. He is knocking for entrance, and there are some poor souls who are inquiring how they shall find Jesus. Why, dear souls, Jesus has been hunting for you, and He stands at your door knocking. He 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]. Doubting souls, unbelieving souls, will you open the door? Jesus is standing at the door of your heart. Let Him in, the Heavenly Guest.Jesus, Name Above All Names
Heavenly Gift, March 4
JNN 72.5
The True Witness says, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock” (Revelation 3:20). Every warning, reproof, and entreaty in the word of God or through His messengers is a knock at the door of the heart. It is the voice of Jesus asking for entrance.... The impressions of the Holy Spirit if disregarded today, will not be as strong tomorrow.—The Desire of Ages, 489, 490.Jesus, Name Above All Names
Guest, December 15
JNN 367.1
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”—Revelation 3:20Manuscript Releases, vol. 2 [Nos. 97-161]
MR No. 150—A Visit to Tasmania
2MR 274.3
There has been a spirit in the church at Hobart that is not in harmony with the Spirit of Christ, and those who cherish harshness, who have been free to condemn others, need to hear the voice of the Saviour, as He 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]. Will you open the door of your hearts, and let Jesus take possession? Will you suffer Jesus to cleanse the soul-temple of its rubbish? Will you permit the Holy Spirit to take possession of the human habitation? If you will do this, you will have humble thoughts of yourself. You will not exalt your ideas and opinions as supreme.Our High Calling
Jesus Our Best Friend, February 18
OHC 55.4
I know that in many hearts the inquiry arises, “Where shall I find Jesus?” There are many who want His presence, want His love and His light; but they know not where to look for Him for whom their hearts yearn. And yet Jesus does not hide Himself away; no one need search for Him in vain. “Behold,” He says, “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. Jesus invites us to accept His presence; we are to open the door of the heart, and let Him in. But He will not share a divided heart. If it be given to the service of mammon, if selfishness and pride fill its chambers, there will be no room for the heavenly Guest; He will not take up His abode with us until the soul-temple has been emptied and cleansed. Yet there is no need of making a failure in the Christian life. Jesus is waiting to do a great work for us, and all heaven is interested in our salvation.40The Review and Herald, November 24, 1885.Our High Calling
Will You Open the Door? December 12
OHC 352.1
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.Selected Messages Book 1
Chapter 48—The Divine Standard
1SM 325.3
Then as a little child, come to God, presenting yourself as suppliant at His feet; for we need not ascend into the heavens to bring Jesus down; nor into the earth to bring Him up; for He is ever near us. He 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). How willing is Christ to take possession of the soul temple if we will let Him! He is represented as waiting and knocking at the door of the heart. Then why does He not enter? It is because the love of sin has closed the door of the heart. As soon as we consent to give sin up, to acknowledge our guilt, the barrier is removed between the soul and the Saviour.Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6
Chapter 31—The Church’s Need
6T 262.2
Our Redeemer sends His messengers to bear a testimony to His people. He 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. But many refuse to receive Him. The Holy Spirit waits to soften and subdue hearts; but they are not willing to open the door and let the Saviour in, for fear that He will require something of them. And so Jesus of Nazareth passes by. He longs to bestow on them the rich blessings of His grace, but they refuse to accept them. What a terrible thing it is to exclude Christ from His own temple! What a loss to the church!That I May Know Him
When Man Cooperates, February 18
TMK 55.2
“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). Thus the world’s Redeemer illustrates the work of the Holy Spirit upon the human heart. The living agent, by an act of faith of his own, places himself in the hands of the Lord for Him to work in him His good pleasure in His time. There must be a continual exercise of faith to be in Christ and keep in Christ, abiding by faith in Him.The Desire of Ages
Chapter 16—In His Temple
DA 161.2
“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” 1 Corinthians 3:16, 17. No man can of himself cast out the evil throng that have taken possession of the heart. Only Christ can cleanse the soul temple. But He will not force an entrance. He comes not into the heart as to the temple of old; but He 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.” Revelation 3:20. He will come, not for one day merely; for He says, “I will dwell in them, and walk in them; ... and they shall be My people.” “He will subdue our iniquities; and Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” 2 Corinthians 6:16; Micah 7:19. His presence will cleanse and sanctify the soul, so that it may be a holy temple unto the Lord, and “an habitation of God through the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:21, 22.The Desire of Ages
Chapter 53—The Last Journey From Galilee
DA 489.5
The True Witness says, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock.” Revelation 3:20. Every warning, reproof, and entreaty in the word of God or through His messengers is a knock at the door of the heart. It is the voice of Jesus asking for entrance. With every knock unheeded, the disposition to open becomes weaker. The impressions of the Holy Spirit if disregarded today, will not be as strong tomorrow. The heart becomes less impressible, and lapses into a perilous unconsciousness of the shortness of life, and of the great eternity beyond. Our condemnation in the judgment will not result from the fact that we have been in error, but from the fact that we have neglected heaven-sent opportunities for learning what is truth.The Desire of Ages
Chapter 84—“Peace Be Unto You”
DA 803.3
At the birth of Jesus the angel announced, Peace on earth, and good will to men. And now at His first appearance to the disciples after His resurrection, the Saviour addressed them with the blessed words, “Peace be unto you.” Jesus is ever ready to speak peace to souls that are burdened with doubts and fears. He waits for us to open the door of the heart to Him, and say, Abide with us. He 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 Faith I Live By
The Spirit in the Soul Temple, July 4
FLB 191.4
No man can of himself cast out the evil throng that have taken possession of the heart. Only Christ can cleanse the soul temple. But He will not force an entrance. He comes not into the heart as to the temple of old; but He 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.” Revelation 3:20. He will come, not for one day merely; for He says, “I will dwell in them, and walk in them; ... and they shall be my people.” 2 Corinthians 6:16.... His presence will cleanse and sanctify the soul, so that it may be a holy temple unto the Lord, and “an habitation of God through the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:22.8The Desire of Ages, 161, 162.This Day With God
Open the Door, March 6
TDG 74.1
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.Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing
“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.”—Matthew 5:6.
MB 18.3
No human agent can supply that which will satisfy the hunger and thirst of the soul. But 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.” “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst.” Revelation 3:20; John 6:35.Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing
“It fell not; for it was founded upon the rock.”—Matthew 7:25, R. V.
MB 151.2
But today mercy pleads with the sinner. “As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die?” Ezekiel 33:11. The voice that speaks to the impenitent today is the voice of Him who in heart anguish exclaimed as He beheld the city of His love: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killeth the prophets, and stoneth them that are sent unto her! how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her own brood under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.” Luke 13:34, 35 , R.V. In Jerusalem, Jesus beheld a symbol of the world that had rejected and despised His grace. He was weeping, O stubborn heart, for you! Even when Jesus’ tears were shed upon the mount, Jerusalem might yet have repented, and escaped her doom. For a little space the Gift of heaven still waited her acceptance. So, O heart, to you Christ is still speaking in accents of love: “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.” “Now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” Revelation 3:20; 2 Corinthians 6:2.To Be Like Jesus
To Feed the Soul, Commune Constantly With Jesus, November 24
BLJ 345.2
No human agent can supply that which will satisfy the hunger and thirst of the soul. But 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). “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst” (John 6:35).Ye Shall Receive Power
The Spirit Patiently Waits, January 30
YRP 38.1
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.Ye Shall Receive Power
Moving Among the Students, May 16
YRP 145.3
The Lord knocked at the door of hearts, and I saw that angels of God were present. There seemed to be no special effort on the part of the teachers to influence the students to give their attention to the things of God, but God had a Watcher in the school, and though His presence was unseen, yet His influence was discernible. Again and again there have been manifest tokens of the presence of the holy Watchman in the school. Again and again the voice of Jesus has spoken to the students, 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).In Heavenly Places
An Honored Guest, February 9
HP 46.1
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.Sermons and Talks, vol. 1
Fruits of Conversion
1SAT 209.1
“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]. Let us answer the knock. Let us open the door. That is our part of the business, and then the glory of God shall pervade our souls. What then? We shall be one in Christ Jesus. “I have given them Thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” Well, shall we be engaged in hating one another? The world, He says, hated them. But shall we be working to annoy and make unhappy and hate one another? Is that our business? God forbid. “I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.”Sermons and Talks, vol. 1
Lessons from the Fifteenth of Romans
1SAT 376.4
There is a great work to be done, and many are unready to engage in sacred service. The judgments of God are soon coming upon all our cities, and I desire that we shall all be prepared. I greatly desire that we shall confess our sins, and be converted. If any of you desire to have your hearts softened and broken before God, it is best for you to clear the King’s highway this afternoon, without delay. It is best to prepare the heart for the reception of the Holy Spirit, that it may have free course in the entire being. It is best that you should open the door of the soul-temple, and let the Saviour come in. “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock,” the Saviour says; “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].Sermons and Talks, vol. 2
Manuscript 5, 1883
2SAT 16.1
If you open the door, Jesus will come in. Remove the rubbish Satan has piled up before the door of the heart, that Jesus may enter in. He says, “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).Sermons and Talks, vol. 2
Manuscript 16, 1886
2SAT 36.2
I love Jesus. I see in Him matchless charms. I hold up before you the Man of Calvary. I want you to become acquainted with Him. And if you bring Him into your daily life, let me tell you, you will lose sight of the little perplexities here. Jesus says, “Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” There is rest in Jesus. And if you see poor souls fretting and worrying, it is because they have not the yoke of Jesus on. Perhaps in that extra ruffle and that extra trimming they have neglected to let Jesus in. Says He, “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 Review and Herald
November 24, 1885
RH November 24, 1885, par. 1
Text: “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.Testimony Treasures, vol. 2
The Church’s Need
2TT 500.2
Our Redeemer sends His messengers to bear a testimony to His people. He 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. But many refuse to receive Him. The Holy Spirit waits to soften and subdue hearts; but they are not willing to open the door and let the Saviour in, for fear that He will require something of them. And so Jesus of Nazareth passes by. He longs to bestow on them the rich blessings of His grace, but they refuse to accept them. What a terrible thing it is to exclude Christ from His own temple! What a loss to the church!Testimony Treasures, vol. 1
Come Out and be Separate
1TT 85.3
Your worldliness does not incline you to throw wide open the door of your hard hearts at the knock of Jesus, who is seeking an entrance there. The Lord of glory, who has redeemed you by His own blood, waited at your doors for admittance; but you did not throw them open wide and welcome Him in. Some opened the door slightly and permitted a little light from His presence to enter, but did not welcome the heavenly Visitor. There was not room for Jesus. The place which should have been reserved for Him was occupied with other things. Jesus entreated you: “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. There was a work for you to do to open the door. For a time you felt inclined to hear and open the door; but even this inclination departed, and you failed to secure the communion with the heavenly Guest which it was your privilege to have. Some, however, opened the door and heartily welcomed their Saviour.—1869, Testimonies for the Church 2:216, 217.From Heaven With Love
The Temple Cleansed by the Presence of the Lord
HLv 100.2
No man can of himself cast out the evil throng that have taken possession of the heart. Only Christ can cleanse the soul temple. But He will not force an entrance. He 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.” Revelation 3:20. His presence will cleanse and sanctify the soul, so that it may be a holy temple unto the Lord, “a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:22, RSV.From Heaven With Love
Religious Leaders Turned Many Against Christ
HLv 331.3
The True Witness says, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock.” Revelation 3:20. Every entreaty in the Word or through God’s messengers is a knock at the door of the heart. It is the voice of Jesus asking entrance. With every knock unheeded, the disposition to open becomes weaker. The impressions of the Holy Spirit, if disregarded today, will not be as strong tomorrow. The heart becomes less impressible, and lapses into a perilous unconsciousness of the shortness of life and of eternity beyond. Condemnation in the judgment will not result from the fact that we have been in error, but from the fact that we have neglected heaven-sent opportunities for learning what is truth.From the Heart
Someone Is at the Door, November 9
FH 325.1
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. Revelation 3:20.Homeward Bound
Cleansing the Temple, March 14
HB 91.3
We cannot by ourselves cast out the evil throng that have taken possession of the heart. Only Christ can cleanse the soul temple. But He will not force an entrance. He comes not into the heart as to the temple of old; but He 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.” (Revelation 3:20.) . . . His presence will cleanse and sanctify the soul, so that it may be a holy temple unto the Lord, and “an habitation of God through the Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:21, 22.)—The Desire of Ages, 161, 162.Homeward Bound
Righteousness Is ...! March 16
HB 93.4
No human agent can supply that which will satisfy the hunger and thirst of the soul. But 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.) . . .Homeward Bound
Satan Fell Like Lightning, October 25
HB 326.3
The True Witness says, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock.” (Revelation 3:20.) Every warning, reproof, and entreaty in the word of God or through His messengers is a knock at the door of the heart. It is the voice of Jesus asking for entrance. With every knock unheeded, the disposition to open becomes weaker. The impressions of the Holy Spirit if disregarded today, will not be as strong tomorrow. The heart becomes less impressible, and lapses into a perilous unconsciousness of the shortness of life, and of the great eternity beyond. Our condemnation in the judgment will not result from the fact that we have been in error, but from the fact that we have neglected heaven-sent opportunities for learning what is truth.With God at Dawn
God Fulfills His Promises if We Cooperate, March 30
WGD 91.1
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.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 43, 1886
4LtMs, Ms 43, 1886, par. 14
We must learn to stand upon the principles of God’s Word: “To the law and to the testimony.” [Isaiah 8:20.] We need the Spirit of God to enlighten us. “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. We want to let the Saviour into our hearts, give Him our best affections, and let the work go on of sanctifying and purifying the heart, and then we shall see the King in His beauty. Let us rely upon God and realize the great sacrifice that has been made for us, and we shall wear the crown throughout an endless eternity.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 24, 1885
4LtMs, Ms 24, 1885, par. 25
The Lord calls upon every one of us to set our mark higher; to reach no low and common standard, but to reach the Bible standard. The Lord would have us to exercise living faith. He would have Sister Martha Bourdeau to walk out of the darkness into the light and not to think so much of her imperfections that have enshrouded her soul. It is her privilege—and Sister Oyen’s—to be free in Jesus, to make His promises her own. These souls have been doubting, distrusting, disbelieving. Jesus has not left them. Jesus has not dropped them. His mercies are free and full to them, but they do not accept Jesus as their own Saviour. He says, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man ... open the door I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.” [Revelation 3:20.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 80, 1886
4LtMs, Ms 80, 1886, par. 24
The fact is that Satan has been playing the game of life for the soul, but pride has come in and the grace of Christ is not abiding there. We want now to listen to the knocking and let Him in. He will come into congregations like this, but He wants to be invited into the soul. He 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. Remove the rubbish, take away your love of self, and Jesus will surely come in if you open the door. Will you let Him in? There are some who never will; they keep piling up the rubbish. But who will open the door and let Jesus in?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 83, 1886
4LtMs, Ms 83, 1886, par. 26
Brethren and sisters, there are souls to save. And, oh, when I think of those words in Daniel, I find myself waking up in the night and repeating them over and over, “And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars forever and ever.” [Daniel 12:3.] Look at the sun and the stars marshalled in the heavens and known by their names. The Lord says, They that turn many to righteousness shall shine as the stars forever and ever. Well, now I want to know if you will fold your hands and take things easy? Will you sit down in the devil’s easy chair, deceived, and say, “I have always had an easy time and will take things easy now”? We have a great deal more to do to care for the inward training that we may have the spirit of Christ. We do not want to find any with the spirit of murmuring and complaining. If you have Christ’s spirit you will find that when you are wounded you will not rise up in rebellion. What we want is the inward training. I want the Spirit of Christ abiding in me, and Christ says, If any man will hear My voice and open the door, I will come in and sup with him, and he with Me. We have been piling up the rubbish before the door of our hearts, and this must all be cleared away. Christ cannot enter there until we do. “Behold, I stand at the door and knock,” He says. [Revelation 3:20.] Clear away the barriers that have been piled up around the door of the heart. He wants you to clear them away, and He will come in.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 5, 1883
4LtMs, Ms 5, 1883, par. 29
If you open the door, Jesus will come in. Remove the rubbish Satan has piled up before the door of the heart, that Jesus may enter in. He says, “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.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 79, 1886
4LtMs, Ms 79, 1886, par. 22
You can represent Christ as did Joseph and Daniel. They did an excellent work in character building, and now the work is before you to form a character for eternal life. Put away sin and iniquity, and let the love of Jesus into your souls. 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.] You hear His tread before the door, waiting for you to respond to His knock. He has invited His entrance into your heart. Will you let Him in? He is the heavenly Guest, and you cannot close the door against Him without ruin to yourself. May your hearts go out in earnest prayer that Christ will take possession of your souls, and He will do it.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 4, 1885
4LtMs, Ms 4, 1885, par. 11
If we are to do as the apostle recommends us to do—give to every man a reason of the hope that is within us with meekness and fear—then we want the truth stamped upon our hearts. Here is where the great lack has been with many, very many. They have a nominal faith. There has been too much time devoted to small things unworthy of the least thought, and the mind is dwarfed and bound about with the things it dwelt upon. Shall we have the converting power of God in our midst? Christ 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.] Clear away the rubbish you have piled before the door of your heart, and let Jesus come in.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 16, 1886
4LtMs, Ms 16, 1886, par. 16
I love Jesus. I see in Him matchless charms. I hold up before you the Man of Calvary. I want you to become acquainted with Him; and if you bring Him into your daily life, let me tell you, you will lose sight of the little perplexities here. Jesus says, “Come unto Me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” [Matthew 11:28.] There is rest in Jesus. And if you see poor souls fretting and worrying, it is because they have not the yoke of Jesus on. Perhaps in that extra ruffle and that extra trimming they have neglected to let Jesus in. Says He, “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.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 7a, 1886
4LtMs, Ms 7a, 1886, par. 19
We may make great pretensions to spirituality and godliness as did the Jewish nation, but it is fruit that Christ is seeking; and will He find in you nothing but leaves? We want the truth, and we want to practice it. We want to be on the Lord’s side, and not on the side of His persecutors. We are to reveal Christ in His humiliation. We are to reveal Him in meekness and lowliness of heart. And when we realize that every blessing that we enjoy comes through Jesus Christ, why do we not seek to honor Him? Why are we not opening our hearts that the Son of God can take possession of them? “Behold,” says He, “I stand at the door, and knock: if any man ... open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him.” Revelation 3:20.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 20, 1885
4LtMs, Ms 20, 1885, par. 25
Christ says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man ... open the door, I will come in to him, and sup with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:20. Do not keep the door of the heart closed and then mourn because Jesus is not your guest. He is knocking at the door of your heart. Let Him in. He will give you peace and happiness and joy, and His power. Will you accept the precious boon? Or will you turn your face from Him and say, He loves me not; I cannot see Him.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Ms 4, 1888
5LtMs, Ms 4, 1888, par. 21
Not one of us should be discouraged. We should desire to know Jesus. He stands at the door of your hearts. “Behold I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear my voice, and will open the door, I will come in and sup with him, and he with me.” [Revelation 3:20.] Well, what is the matter? There is something that you must do. You must clear the way and open the doors of your hearts. Perhaps you have a sin of self indulgence to remove; perhaps some member should be removed. It is better to enter into life maimed than to perish with all your members. The grand judgment is taking place and has been going on for some time. Now the Lord says, Measure the temple and the worshippers thereof. [Revelation 11:1.] Remember when you are walking the streets about your business, God is measuring you; when you are attending your household duties, when you engage in conversation, God is measuring you. Remember that your words and actions are being daguerreotyped [photographed] in the books of heaven, as the face is reproduced by the artist on the polished plate.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 62, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 62, 1890, par. 16
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 that has found place in the hearts of the workers 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 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 24, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 24, 1890, par. 6
“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.] Thus the world’s Redeemer illustrates the work of the Holy Spirit upon the human heart. The living agent, by an act of faith of his own, places himself in the hands of the Lord for Him to work in him His good pleasure in His time.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 87, 1890
6LtMs, Lt 87, 1890, par. 5
This morning we had another meeting where I read some things pointedly for Brother Church in regard to his chart and his philosophy which I stated was not true, that they confused judgment and were ideas that himself had originated that could not in any way bring light and peace and assurance to the heart of believers, that God could not impress the heart unless these strange fancies were given up. These things which he brought into the church were a mixture of ideas and fragments of things pieced together—a little truth and a mixture of error. All his teaching [of] these things brought no light, but confusion and darkness. He arose and said, “If this had come to me five years ago I could not have received it.” Said he received the testimony. He was not right. He must have a new heart and he was going to agonize for it day and night. I said, “Brother Church, the Lord has said, ‘a new heart will I give you.’ [Ezekiel 36:26.] You may labor, you may work with all your powers for a new heart and you will be just as far from your object as you are at the present time. You cannot prepare the garment of righteousness for yourself. You must put on the garment of righteousness of Christ which has been woven in Christ’s loom. All your struggles and wrestlings are unnecessary. All you have to do is to believe the naked promise of God; cast yourself helpless and dependent on the merits of the blood of a crucified, risen Saviour. Christ 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.] All you have to do is to open the door for Jesus. Rest with unwavering faith in the promises of God.”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 36, 1891
7LtMs, Ms 36, 1891, par. 41
“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.] Let us answer the knock. Let us open the door. That is our part of the business, and then the glory of God shall pervade our souls. What then? We shall be one in Christ Jesus. “I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” [John 17:14.] Well, shall we be engaged in hating one another? The world, He says, hated them. But shall we be working to annoy and make unhappy and hate one another? Is that our business? God forbid. “I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.” [Verse 15.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 35, 1891
7LtMs, Ms 35, 1891, par. 38
He says, “I stand at the door and knock.” [Revelation 3:20.] What is the matter? Oh, you did not hear Him? Many don’t hear when the Lord says, This is My portion; give Me My portion. You may have the rest, but give Me My portion in tithes and offerings. So He knocks; He knocks, but you do not hear Him. What is the matter? Because the din of the world is sounding in your ears and you do not hear. You cannot stop long enough to seek God earnestly and listen to hear what the Spirit hath to say unto you.7LtMs, Ms 35, 1891, par. 62
There is a world to be warned; there is a world to be saved; there is a sinner to be converted. While you are asleep the sinners are perishing; Satan is sowing his tares. You want to be wide awake in your churches. All heaven is interested for you; why not be interested for yourselves? “Open the door, and I will come in,” said Christ. [Revelation 3:20.] Will you open it? Will you let Him in? Will you be zealous and repent of your backsliding, your lack of love, your coldness, your indifference?Manuscript Releases, vol. 6 [Nos. 347-418]
Cooperation Between Man and God in Salvation
6MR 8.4
Oh, I am glad I have a Saviour! We must have the Holy Spirit to combine with man’s human effort. We can do nothing without Christ. “Without Me, ye can do nothing.” “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.) I am so glad that we can be partakers of the divine nature, and that through Jesus Christ we can be conquerors. This is the victory,—even your faith, feelings and good works?—Is that it? No; “This is the victory..., even [your] faith.” (1 John 5:4.)Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 29a, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 29a, 1892, par. 8
There needs to be a complete waking up, represented in the message to the Laodicean church. “Behold, I (your Redeemer, who gave My life for you) 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.] Now there are many who have ears, but will not hear the voice of Jesus inviting us to accept His presence. It is faith in, and love for, a personal Saviour that is so much needed. It is one thing to profess to believe, and another thing to practice the faith, so that we represent Christ in our spirit, in our words, in all our character. Christ is to be our chief Cornerstone.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 110, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 110, 1893, par. 3
We need the Holy Spirit of God, and we may have it if we will not exalt our poor finite selves. Our work is to open the door of the heart, and let Jesus come in. He is knocking for entrance, and there are some poor souls who are inquiring how they shall find Jesus. Why, dear souls, Jesus has been hunting for you, and He stands at your door knocking. He 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. Doubting souls, unbelieving souls, will you open the door? Jesus is standing at the door of your heart. Let Him in, the heavenly Guest.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 11, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 11, 1893, par. 7
Through His holy Word, by His providence, and through the messages given you by His servants, Jesus is daily 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.] Ere this year closes, give yourself to Jesus as a New Year’s offering, a pledge of your grateful love. But for the love freely given of Christ, we should now be in spiritual hopelessness, in the midnight of despair. Thank the Lord every day that He gave us Jesus. Will you not accept the gift? Will you not be His witness?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 16, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 16, 1893, par. 17
Satan fights against the army of Jesus Christ. Jesus stands at the head of the army. None of us are left without special help from God. There is a world to save, and we should be laborers together with God. You must come out from the world and be separate. Draw the line of distinction plainly between you and the world. Educate your children for God. Teach them of His love and tell of His power. Christ said, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” [Revelation 3:20.] Gracious invitation! Let him in. Emptied of envy, let the vacuum be supplied by grace of Jesus Christ. Be one of the families where the angels of God can minister. Be parents of prayer. Divine power will come to you as it came to Jesus Christ. Work with earnestness and zeal for the unconverted.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 6, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 6, 1893, par. 4
“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.] Oh, if the Lord had not made the infinite gift of His only begotten Son, we would have been left in our hopeless, wretched condition without God, and without hope in the world in the midnight of bitter despair. But let us every one appreciate the grand inestimable gift. I am more thankful than I can express that you have accepted Christ by faith. This means that you have decided to be obedient to the will and purposes of God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 29, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 29, 1893, par. 8
Having Christ, you have everything. Serving in Christ’s army, you have good pay and assurance of an immortal inheritance and enduring substance, even an eternal weight of glory. In accepting Christ as your Saviour, you have the richest blessing God can give to man. I can sincerely hope you will now make thorough work. “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any 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.] Open the door and let Jesus in.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 21, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 21, 1893, par. 6
I understood that both these men were at the General Conference, that is, Stanton and Caldwell. Could they not discern there the revealings of the Spirit of God? Could they not see that God was opening the windows of heaven and pouring them out a blessing? Why was this? Testimonies had been given correcting and counseling the church and many had made a practical application of the message to the Laodicean Church and were confessing their sins and repenting in contrition of soul. They were hearing the voice of Jesus, the heavenly Merchantman, “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.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 116, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 116, 1894, par. 4
Which service will you choose? Jesus calls for you to take His yoke and tells you in His invitation that it is easy and His burdens are light. The waves of Jesus’ love and His mercy have been beaten back from your heart again and again but to return afresh in a tide of untiring, persevering, inflowing love. His invitation comes, “Open unto Me. 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.” “My head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night.” [Song of Solomon 5:2; Revelation 3:20.]Manuscript Releases, vol. 3 [Nos. 162-209]
Search the Scriptures
3MR 93.1
We must learn to stand upon the principles of God’s Word. “To the law and to the testimony.” We need the Spirit of God to enlighten us. “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. We want to let the Saviour into our hearts, give Him our best affections, and let the work go on of sanctifying and purifying the heart, and then we shall see the King in His beauty. Let us rely upon God and realize the great sacrifice that has been made for us, and we shall wear the crown throughout an endless eternity.—Manuscript 43, 1886, 1-5. (“Search the Scriptures,” sermon at Nimes, France, October 21, 1886.)Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Ms 38, 1895
10LtMs, Ms 38, 1895, par. 29
There has been a spirit in the church at Hobart that is not in harmony with the spirit of Christ, and those who cherish harshness, who have been free to condemn others, need to hear the voice of the Saviour as He 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.] Will you open the door of your hearts and let Jesus take possession? Will you suffer Jesus to cleanse the soul-temple of its rubbish? Will you permit the Holy Spirit to take possession of the human habitation? If you will do this, you will have humble thoughts of yourself. You will not exalt your ideas and opinions as supreme.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 97, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 97, 1895, par. 50
I wish that the beams of light which emit from God’s Word could find ready entrance into our hearts, for then we should receive comfort. 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.] Christ is inviting us to open the door of our heart, to clear the rubbish away, and let the Saviour in. Shall we not remove the burden that is piled at the door and make Christ first, last, and best in everything?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Ms 73, 1896
11LtMs, Ms 73, 1896, par. 2
At times the manifestation of the Holy Spirit has been so decided that studies were forgotten, and the greatest Teacher the world ever knew made His voice heard, saying, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls: for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” [Matthew 11:28-30.] The Lord knocked at the door of hearts, and I saw that angels of God were present. There seemed to be no special effort on the part of the teachers to influence these students to give their attention to the things of God; but God had a Watcher in the school, and though His presence was unseen, yet His influence was discernable. Again and again there has been manifest tokens of the presence of the holy Watchman in the school. Again and again the voice of Jesus has spoken to the students 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.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 33, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 33, 1896, par. 9
The Lord treats you with respect. He does not drive you. He 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 religious work which God gives to young men, and to men of all ages, shows His respect for them as His children. He gives them the work of self-government in His service. He calls upon them to be sharers with Him in the great work of redemption and uplifting. As a father takes his son into partnership in his business, so the Lord takes His servants into partnership with Him. We are laborers together with God. Jesus says, “As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.” [John 17:18.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Ms 35, 1896
11LtMs, Ms 35, 1896, par. 21
There are deep, earnest lessons for us to learn, else self will be our center, the controlling power of our lives. The duty is of the present is vigilant working, and earnest, solemn waiting in view of the solemn event of our Lord’s second appearing, working, watching, praying—these constitute the ideal of Christian duty and responsibility, making the perfect man in Christ Jesus. Our life is not to be all waiting, not all bustle and activity and excitement, to the neglect of personal piety. The door of the heart must be always open to Jesus, that we may always hear His voice of invitation, “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.] We are to be “not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” [Romans 12:11.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 124, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 124, 1897, par. 4
Keep cheerful. Do not forget that you have a Comforter, the Holy Spirit, which Christ has appointed. You are never alone. If you will listen to the voice that now speaks to you, if you will respond without delay to the knocking at the door of your heart, “Come in, Lord Jesus, that I may sup with thee and thee with me,” the heavenly Guest will enter. [See Revelation 3:20.] When this element, which is all divine, abides with you, there is peace and rest. It is the kingdom of heaven come nigh unto you.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 104, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 104, 1898, par. 16
The Lord God Omnipotent reigneth. Christ speaks to us gently, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any man will open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” [Revelation 3:20.] “Let there be light.” [Genesis 1:3.] Yes, when Christ is abiding in the soul, there is light. He reveals Himself in our hearts by the Holy Spirit as the Sun of righteousness, who rises with healing in His wings. We need faith. We must lay ourselves on the altar of God, a living, consuming sacrifice. We have the privilege of rejoicing in a living, risen Saviour. As God’s workers, we must receive that which the Lord wants us to have, the Holy Spirit.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 156, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 156, 1898, par. 17
Our Redeemer sends His messengers to bear a testimony to His people. He 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.] But many refuse to receive Him, because they fear that He will be an expensive guest. The Holy Spirit waits to soften and subdue hearts, but they are not willing to open the door and let the Saviour in, for they fear that He will require something from them. And so Jesus of Nazareth passes by. He longs to bestow on them His rich blessings and gifts of grace, but they refuse to accept them.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 88, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 88, 1898, par. 22
The faith professed must be the faith acted. Those who have received the light of truth are in the possession of knowledge which they must impart to others. Those who would teach God’s Word must themselves receive the divine treasures. They must not be satisfied with repeating set discourses, depending on notes. They are to add to their treasure, constantly improving in their manner of presenting the truth. They are not to be dwarfs in religious knowledge, but are to open their hearts at the first knock of Christ. “If any man hear my voice,” He says, “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 15 (1900)
Ms 55, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 55, 1900, par. 4
“Behold,” Christ says, “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.] Thus the world’s Redeemer illustrates the work of the Holy Spirit upon the heart. The human agent by an act of faith places himself in the hands of the Lord, that in His own time the Saviour may work out His good pleasure in him. In order to abide in Christ we must constantly exercise faith. This requires constant discipline of the mind and heart, that Christ may do His great work in us. Self dies, and Christ’s will becomes our will; His way becomes our way. We become instruments in God’s hands to reveal the righteousness of Christ. We cooperate with God. With our consent, the grace of God works constantly to perfect a Christlike character. In the divine arrangement, God does nothing without the cooperation of man. He compels no man’s will. The will must be surrendered to the Lord, else He cannot accomplish the work that He desires to do through us.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Ms 72, 1904
19LtMs, Ms 72, 1904, par. 15
The Lord calls upon the one who has been working unrighteousness to put away his sins and be converted. Unless the transforming grace of Christ is poured into his soul, he will refuse to oppose the works of Satan. The human agent who is worked by the power of Satan will close the door of his heart to every appeal made by the Saviour. He will refuse to hear the words, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock. If any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in and sup with him, and he with Me.” [Revelation 3:20.] And the God of heaven will not exercise His power to force man to practice righteousness with the heart in determined resistance. “There shall be enmity between thee and the woman, between thy seed and her seed.” [Genesis 3:15.] We pray that this enmity may be more decidedly seen, that righteousness may be exalted and sin called by its right name.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 329, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 329, 1905, par. 5
The Speaker said, You can all be a blessing to one another, if you open your hearts to receive the precious love of Christ. Let all keep diligent guard over their own disposition, and then pleasant words will be spoken. Let not those who are connected with the sanitarium as helpers think that they have liberty to exercise authority over others. God will help the ones who are chosen to act a part in the duties connected with the sanitarium, to labor as workers together with God. Let them be sure to take charge of their own individual selves. Those who come to the sanitarium as patients are to see that Christian love and kindness are shown to all who are connected with the institution. Let every one stand in his lot and place, refusing to go out of his way to assume authority as a dictator. The Lord calls upon every man to be courteous and to discipline himself. He is not to exercise authority that is not given him. Let every one learn daily his lesson of preparing his own heart for the heavenly inspection, for the record is written in the books of heaven. Let souls be emptied of self. Then invite Christ to come in, and open the door of the heart to His knock. He says, “If any man hear My voice, ... I will come in and will sup with him, and he with Me.” [Revelation 3:20.] This divine companionship is what is needed in every home, in every church, in every sanitarium. There is need of strong, spirited men, men who will be sure to do special honor to the Lord Jesus Christ. We must be preparing to become members of the royal family in the heavenly mansions Christ is preparing for every one who through the grace received will wear His yoke.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 117, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 117, 1906, par. 14
Many have professed to be converted, but they do not in their lives reveal the fruit of conversion. O that a wave of reformation would sweep over Battle Creek, and that every soul would become united in Christ Jesus. Every one has a case now pending in the courts of heaven. Christ is knocking at the heart for entrance. “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock,” He says. “If any man hear My voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and sup with him, and he with Me.” [Revelation 3:20.] But many refuse to open to the gentle pleadings of the Saviour.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 95, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, par. 59
There is a great work to be done, and many are unready to engage in sacred service. The judgments of God are soon coming upon all our cities, and I desire that we shall all be prepared. I greatly desire that we shall confess our sins and be converted. If any of you desire to have your hearts softened and broken before God, it is best for you to clear the King’s highway this afternoon, without delay. It is best to prepare the heart for the reception of the Holy Spirit, that it may have free course in the entire being. It is best that you should open the door of the soul-temple and let the Saviour come in. “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock,” the Saviour says. “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.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 72, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 72, 1906, par. 29
May the Lord help you to understand the science of truth. God has told us in His Word that perilous times are before us, and we must not allow ourselves to be led into any uncertain paths. Open the heart to the knock of Christ. He 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.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Ms 141, 1907
22LtMs, Ms 141, 1907, par. 20
Some who profess to be converted have never yet felt the converting power of the Spirit of God. Oh, that a reformation might be worked in heart and mind and life, and that every church member might become one with Christ as He is one with the Father. Christ is knocking at the doors of your hearts for entrance. He 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.] Yet many who hear Him knock shut closer the door of the heart, and the voice of Christ pleads in vain.Revelation 3:20-21
Testimony Treasures, vol. 1
The Love of the World
1TT 42.2
“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. I saw that many have so much rubbish piled up at the door of their heart that they cannot get the door open. Some have difficulties between themselves and their brethren to remove. Others have evil tempers, selfish covetousness, to remove before they can open the door. Others have rolled the world before the door of their heart, which bars the door. All this rubbish must be taken away, and then they can open the door and welcome the Saviour in.1TT 43.1
“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 3:21. We can overcome. Yes; fully, entirely. Jesus died to make a way of escape for us, that we might overcome every evil temper, every sin, every temptation, and sit down at last with Him.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Ms 156, 1904
19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 58
Now let us be converted. Let the power of God take hold of our souls, and see if we cannot open the door of the heart. “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock,” said Christ. “If any man will open the door ... he with me.” [Revelation 3:20.]19LtMs, Ms 156, 1904, par. 59
And then again He says, “To him that overcometh will I grant ... upon his throne.” [Verse 21.]Selected Messages Book 1
Chapter 12—Angels Are Amazed
1SM 107.4
“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 3:20, 21).Revelation 3:21
Christ Triumphant
Victory Obtained in the Name of Jesus, July 16
CTr 204.1
To the one who conquers I will give a place with me on my throne, just as I myself conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. Revelation 3:21, NRSV.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 145, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, par. 53
Jesus loves us with a love that is infinite. He desires that we shall all be happy in this life, and that we shall receive, finally, the life that measures with the life of God, eternal life in the kingdom of glory. This is what our Saviour desires us to have. Let us all stand on the side of the One who enables us to overcome. “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 3:21.] Will we do this? The battle, the striving, is left with us. It is not necessary for you to try to do something wonderful of yourself. You need only to believe in Christ. Believe that He will take you just as you are. Believe that His power will rest upon you. Believe that He gives you just what you ask for. In believing thus, you will find that the grace of Jesus Christ will be upon you, and you will praise Him because of your infinite privileges.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Ms 178, 1907
22LtMs, Ms 178, 1907, par. 12
It means something to us whether we are in pursuit of the heavenly or the earthly. The earthly passes away. The earthquakes are everywhere now, nearly, and difficulties and troubles, but we are preparing to become members of the royal family above, the children of the heavenly King, to sit with Christ upon His throne. “For to him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even ... his throne.” [Revelation 3:21.] Now overcome an impetuous temper. Overcome these hasty words which mar the soul of somebody else. Be kind. Let us be patient, let us be accommodating, let every one of us be pleasant, and think evil of no one. Let every one of us resist the devil, that he may flee from us. He will flee from you if you resist him. Why? Because there is a whole legion of angels right around the souls that Satan is tempting, and these angels of God will just as surely raise up a standard for you against the enemy, if you will raise it. You make the attempt to resist the devil, and that standard flies right up and Satan cannot in any way approach you.EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
Revelation 3:17-20
Manuscript Releases, vol. 11 [Nos. 851-920]
MR No. 906—An Appeal for Acceptance of the Message of Christ’s Righteousness
11MR 290.3
Brother B, 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).11MR 291.1
Results of Refusing to Heed the Warning—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” (Revelation 3:17).Manuscript Releases, vol. 9 [Nos. 664-770]
Mr No. 716—The Law in Galatians and the 1888 General Conference
9MR 185.2
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).9MR 185.3
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).Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8
Chapter 19—What Might Have Been
8T 104.4
One arose 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 felt,” he said. “‘And knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.’ I now see that this is my condition. My eyes are opened. My spirit has been hard and unjust. I thought myself righteous, but my heart is broken, and I see my need of the precious counsel of the One who has searched me through and through. Oh, how gracious and compassionate and loving are the 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.’” Revelation 3:17, 18.8T 105.2
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.Selections from the Testimonies for the Church For the Study of Those Attending the General Conference in Oakland, Ca., March 27, 1903
Chapter 3—St. Helena, Cal., January 5, 1903
PH151 9.4
One arose 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 felt,” he said. “‘And knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.’ I now see that this is my condition. My eyes are opened. My spirit has been hard and unjust. I thought myself righteous, by my heart is broken, and I see my need of the precious counsel of the One who has searched me through and through. Oh, how gracious and compassionate and loving are the 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.’” Revelation 3:17, 18.PH151 10.2
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.” Revelation 3:19, 20.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 117, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 117, 1903, par. 31
If we believe the Word of God, we must know that we are in a perilous condition. To those who feel that they are rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing, 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. 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 3:17-20.]