EGW WritingsRomans 10

Living by Principle

Feelings

PH048 37.6

Romans 10:1, 2: Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.

The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 35—Salvation to the Jews

AA 372.1

After many unavoidable delays, Paul at last reached Corinth, the scene of so much anxious labor in the past, and for a time the object of deep solicitude. He found that many of the early believers still regarded him with affection as the one who had first borne to them the light of the gospel. As he greeted these disciples and saw the evidences of their fidelity and zeal he rejoiced that his work in Corinth had not been in vain.

AA 372.2

The Corinthian believers, once so prone to lose sight of their high calling in Christ, had developed strength of Christian character. Their words and acts revealed the transforming power of the grace of God, and they were now a strong force for good in that center of heathenism and superstition. In the society of his beloved companions and these faithful converts the apostle’s worn and troubled spirit found rest.

AA 373.1

During his sojourn at Corinth, Paul found time to look forward to new and wider fields of service. His contemplated journey to Rome especially occupied his thoughts. To see the Christian faith firmly established at the great center of the known world was one of his dearest hopes and most cherished plans. A church had already been established in Rome, and the apostle desired to secure the co-operation of the believers there in the work to be accomplished in Italy and in other countries. To prepare the way for his labors among these brethren, many of whom were as yet strangers to him, he sent them a letter announcing his purpose of visiting Rome and his hope of planting the standard of the cross in Spain.

AA 373.2

In his epistle to the Romans, Paul set forth the great principles of the gospel. He stated his position on the questions which were agitating the Jewish and the Gentile churches, and showed that the hopes and promises which had once belonged especially to the Jews were now offered to the Gentiles also.

AA 373.3

With great clearness and power the apostle presented the doctrine of justification by faith in Christ. He hoped that other churches also might be helped by the instruction sent to the Christians at Rome; but how dimly could he foresee the far-reaching influence of his words! Through all the ages the great truth of justification by faith has stood as a mighty beacon to guide repentant sinners into the way of life. It was this light that scattered the darkness which enveloped Luther’s mind and revealed to him the power of the blood of Christ to cleanse from sin. The same light has guided thousands of sin-burdened souls to the true Source of pardon and peace. For the epistle to the church at Rome, every Christian has reason to thank God.

AA 374.1

In this letter Paul gave free expression to his burden in behalf of the Jews. Ever since his conversion, he had longed to help his Jewish brethren to gain a clear understanding of the gospel message. “My heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is,” he declared, “that they might be saved.”

AA 374.2

It was no ordinary desire that the apostle felt. Constantly he was petitioning God to work in behalf of the Israelites who had failed to recognize Jesus of Nazareth as the promised Messiah. “I say the truth in Christ,” he assured the believers at Rome, “my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, that I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: who are Israelites, to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed forever.”

AA 374.3

The Jews were God’s chosen people, through whom He had purposed to bless the entire race. From among them God had raised up many prophets. These had foretold the advent of a Redeemer who was to be rejected and slain by those who should have been the first to recognize Him as the Promised One.

AA 375.1

The prophet Isaiah, looking down through the centuries and witnessing the rejection of prophet after prophet and finally of the Son of God, was inspired to write concerning the acceptance of the Redeemer by those who had never before been numbered among the children of Israel. Referring to this prophecy, Paul declares: “Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought Me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after Me. But to Israel He saith, All day long I have stretched forth My hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.”

AA 375.2

Even though Israel rejected His Son, God did not reject them. Listen to Paul as he continues the argument: “I say then, Hath God cast away His people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God hath not cast away His people which He foreknew. Wot ye not what the Scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, Lord, they have killed Thy prophets, and digged down Thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to Myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.”

AA 375.3

Israel had stumbled and fallen, but this did not make it impossible for them to rise again. In answer to the question, “Have they stumbled that they should fall?” the apostle replies: “God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fullness? For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: if by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them. For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?”

AA 376.1

It was God’s purpose that His grace should be revealed among the Gentiles as well as among the Israelites. This had been plainly outlined in Old Testament prophecies. The apostle uses some of these prophecies in his argument. “Hath not the potter power over the clay,” he inquires, “of the same lump to make one vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor? What if God, willing to show His wrath, and to make His power known, endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: and that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had afore prepared unto glory, even us, whom He hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? As He saith also in Osee, I will call them My people, which were not My people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not My people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.” See Hosea 1:10.

AA 376.2

Notwithstanding Israel’s failure as a nation, there remained among them a goodly remnant of such as should be saved. At the time of the Saviour’s advent there were faithful men and women who had received with gladness the message of John the Baptist, and had thus been led to study anew the prophecies concerning the Messiah. When the early Christian church was founded, it was composed of these faithful Jews who recognized Jesus of Nazareth as the one for whose advent they had been longing. It is to this remnant that Paul refers when he writes, “If the first fruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.”

AA 377.1

Paul likens the remnant in Israel to a noble olive tree, some of whose branches have been broken off. He compares the Gentiles to branches from a wild olive tree, grafted into the parent stock. “If some of the branches be broken off,” he writes to the Gentile believers, “and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in. Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not high-minded, but fear: for if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest He also spare not thee. Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in His goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.”

AA 377.2

Through unbelief and the rejection of Heaven’s purpose for her, Israel as a nation had lost her connection with God. But the branches that had been separated from the parent stock God was able to reunite with the true stock of Israel—the remnant who had remained true to the God of their fathers. “They also,” the apostle declares of these broken branches, “if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again.” “If thou,” he writes to the Gentiles, “wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree? For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in.

AA 378.1

“And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: for this is My covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the father’s sakes. For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. For God had concluded them all in unbelief, that He might have mercy upon all.

AA 378.2

“O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been His counselor? or who hath first given to Him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be glory forever.”

AA 379.1

Thus Paul shows that God is abundantly able to transform the hearts of Jew and Gentile alike, and to grant to every believer in Christ the blessings promised to Israel. He repeats Isaiah’s declaration concerning God’s people: “Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved: for He will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth. And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma and been made like unto Gomorrah.”

AA 379.2

At the time when Jerusalem was destroyed and the temple laid in ruins, many thousands of the Jews were sold to serve as bondmen in heathen lands. Like wrecks on a desert shore they were scattered among the nations. For eighteen hundred years the Jews have wandered from land to land throughout the world, and in no place have they been given the privilege of regaining their ancient prestige as a nation. Maligned, hated, persecuted, from century to century theirs has been a heritage of suffering.

AA 379.3

Notwithstanding the awful doom pronounced upon the Jews as a nation at the time of their rejection of Jesus of Nazareth, there have lived from age to age many noble, God-fearing Jewish men and women who have suffered in silence. God has comforted their hearts in affliction and has beheld with pity their terrible situation. He has heard the agonizing prayers of those who have sought Him with all the heart for a right understanding of His word. Some have learned to see in the lowly Nazarene whom their forefathers rejected and crucified, the true Messiah of Israel. As their minds have grasped the significance of the familiar prophecies so long obscured by tradition and misinterpretation, their hearts have been filled with gratitude to God for the unspeakable gift He bestows upon every human being who chooses to accept Christ as a personal Saviour.

AA 380.1

It is to this class that Isaiah referred in his prophecy, “A remnant shall be saved.” From Paul’s day to the present time, God by His Holy Spirit has been calling after the Jew as well as the Gentile. “There is no respect of persons with God,” declared Paul. The apostle regarded himself as “debtor both to the Greeks, and to the barbarians,” as well as to the Jews; but he never lost sight of the decided advantages possessed by the Jews over others, “chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.” “The gospel,” he declared, “is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” It is of this gospel of Christ, equally efficacious for Jew and Gentile, that Paul in his epistle to the Romans declared he was not ashamed.

AA 380.2

When this gospel shall be presented in its fullness to the Jews, many will accept Christ as the Messiah. Among Christian ministers there are only a few who feel called upon to labor for the Jewish people; but to those who have been often passed by, as well as to all others, the message of mercy and hope in Christ is to come.

AA 381.1

In the closing proclamation of the gospel, when special work is to be done for classes of people hitherto neglected, God expects His messengers to take particular interest in the Jewish people whom they find in all parts of the earth. As the Old Testament Scriptures are blended with the New in an explanation of Jehovah’s eternal purpose, this will be to many of the Jews as the dawn of a new creation, the resurrection of the soul. As they see the Christ of the gospel dispensation portrayed in the pages of the Old Testament Scriptures, and perceive how clearly the New Testament explains the Old, their slumbering faculties will be aroused, and they will recognize Christ as the Saviour of the world. Many will by faith receive Christ as their Redeemer. To them will be fulfilled the words, “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” John 1:12.

AA 381.2

Among the Jews are some who, like Saul of Tarsus, are mighty in the Scriptures, and these will proclaim with wonderful power the immutability of the law of God. The God of Israel will bring this to pass in our day. His arm is not shortened that it cannot save. As His servants labor in faith for those who have long been neglected and despised, His salvation will be revealed.

AA 382.1

“Thus saith the Lord, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob, Jacob shall not now be ashamed, neither shall his face now wax pale. But when he seeth his children, the work of Mine hands, in the midst of him, they shall sanctify My name, and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God of Israel. They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine.” Isaiah 29:22-24.

From Trials to Triumph

Chapter 35—God’s Special Plan for the Jews

TT 195.1

After many delays, Paul reached Corinth, the scene of much labor in the past. Many of the early believers still regarded with affection the one who had first borne to them the gospel. As he saw the evidences of their fidelity, he rejoiced that his work in Corinth had not been in vain. The Corinthian believers had developed strength of Christian character and were now a strong force for good in that center of heathenism and superstition. In the society of these faithful converts, the apostle’s worn and troubled spirit found rest.

TT 195.2

At Corinth Paul’s contemplated journey to Rome especially occupied his thoughts. To see the Christian faith firmly established at the great center of the known world was one of his dearest hopes. The apostle desired the cooperation of the church already established in Rome in the work to be accomplished in Italy and other countries. To prepare the way he sent these brethren a letter announcing his purpose of visiting Rome and his hope of planting the standard of the cross in Spain.

TT 195.3

In his letter, with clearness and power Paul presented the doctrine of justification by faith in Christ. He hoped that other churches also might be helped by the instruction, but how dimly could he foresee the far-reaching influence of his words! Through all the ages, the great truth of justification by faith has stood as a mighty beacon to guide sinners into the way of life. This light scattered the darkness which enveloped Luther’s mind and revealed to him the power of the blood of Christ to cleanse from sin. The same light has guided thousands to the true Source of pardon and peace.

TT 196.1

Ever since his conversion, Paul had longed to help his Jewish brethren gain a clear understanding of the gospel. “My heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is,” he declared, “that they might be saved.” The Israelites had failed to recognize Jesus of Nazareth as the promised Messiah. Paul assured the believers at Rome, “I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh.” Through the Jews God had purposed to bless the entire human race. Among them many prophets had foretold the advent of a Redeemer who was to be rejected and slain by those who should have recognized Him as the Promised One.

TT 196.2

But even though Israel rejected His Son, God did not reject them. Paul continues: “I say then, Hath God cast away His people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God hath not cast away His people which He foreknew... . At this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.”

TT 196.3

Israel had stumbled and fallen, but this did not make it impossible for them to rise again. In answer to the question, “Have they stumbled that they should fall?” the apostle replies: “God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy... . For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?”

TT 196.4

It was God’s purpose that His grace should be revealed among the Gentiles as well as among the Israelites. “Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor?” he inquired. “What if God, willing to show His wrath, and to make His power known, endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: and that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had afore prepared unto glory, even us, whom He hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?”

TT 197.2

Paul compares the Gentiles to branches from a wild olive tree, grafted into the parent stock. “If some of the branches be broken off,” he writes, “and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; boast not against the branches... . Because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not high-minded, but fear: for if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest He also spare not thee.”

TT 197.3

Through the rejection of Heaven’s purpose for her, Israel as a nation had lost her connection with God. But God was able to reunite with the true stock of Israel the branches that had been separated from the parent stock. “If you have been cut from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these natural branches be grafted back into their own olive tree... . A hardening has come upon part of Israel, until the full number of Gentiles come in.”

TT 198.1

“And so all Israel will be saved... . For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable. Just as you were once disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, so they have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may receive mercy” ... .

TT 198.3

God is abundantly able to transform the hearts of Jew and Gentile alike. “For the Lord will execute His sentence upon the earth with rigor and dispatch.” RSV.

TT 198.4

When Jerusalem was destroyed and the temple laid in ruins, many Jews were sold as bondmen in heathen lands, scattered among the nations like wrecks on a desert shore. Maligned, persecuted, from century to century theirs has been a heritage of suffering.

TT 198.5

Notwithstanding the doom pronounced upon the nation, there have lived from age to age many noble, God-fearing Jewish men and women. God has comforted their hearts in affliction and has beheld with pity their terrible situation. Some who have sought Him for a right understanding of His Word have learned to see in the lowly Nazarene the true Messiah. As their minds have grasped the significance of prophecies long obscured by tradition and misinterpretation, their hearts have been filled with gratitude to God for the unspeakable gift of Christ as a personal Saviour.

TT 198.6

Isaiah said in his prophecy, “A remnant shall be saved.” From Paul’s day to the present time, the Holy Spirit has been calling after the Jew as well as the Gentile. “God shows no partiality” (Galatians 2:6, RSV), declares Paul, “The gospel ... is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” This gospel is equally efficacious for Jew and Gentile.

TT 199.1

When this gospel shall be presented in its fullness to the Jews, many will accept Christ. Only a few Christian ministers feel called to labor for the Jewish people; but to those who have been often passed by, the message of Christ is to come.

TT 199.2

In the closing proclamation of the gospel, God expects His messengers to take particular interest in the Jewish people. As many of the Jews see the Christ of the gospel in the pages of the Old Testament and perceive how the New Testament explains the Old, they will recognize Christ as the Saviour of the world. To them will be fulfilled the words, “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” John 1:12.

TT 199.3

Some Jews, like Saul of Tarsus, are mighty in the Scriptures, and these will proclaim with wonderful power the immutability of the law of God. The God of Israel will bring this to pass in our day. As His servants labor in faith for those who have long been neglected, His salvation will be revealed.

From Trials to Triumph

Those Who Fall Can Rise Again

TT 197.1

Notwithstanding Israel’s failure as a nation, there were faithful men and women who had received with gladness the message of John the Baptist and had thus been led to study anew the prophecies concerning the Messiah. The early Christian church was composed of these faithful Jews. To this “remnant” Paul refers: “If the dough offered as first fruits is holy, so is the whole lump; and if the root is holy, so are the branches.” Romans 11:16, RSV.

From Trials to Triumph

All Who Believe Are the True Israel

TT 198.2

“O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and how inscrutable His ways!” Romans 11:24-33, RSV.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 108, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 108, 1899, par. 26

The atoning sacrifice is full and sufficient. It is the new covenant, sealed with His blood, which was shed for many for the remission of sins. This Christ declared at the last supper. In this cup there is to those who drink in faith, peace-making, soul-cleansing efficacy. It is the balm of Gilead, which God has provided to restore health and soundness to the sin-stricken soul. The Holy Spirit takes the truth concerning Jesus, and applies it to the understanding. Come to Jesus, you who are only half converted. Read carefully the eighth and tenth chapters of Romans with an earnest longing of soul, and see if you do not enter into the light there revealed.

Maranatha

Mistaken Zeal, April 28

Mar 126.1

For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. Romans 10:2.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 59—“The House of Israel”

PK 708.2

At the same time the Jews were, by their sins, separating themselves from God. They were unable to discern the deep spiritual significance of their symbolic service. In their self-righteousness they trusted to their own works, to the sacrifices and ordinances themselves, instead of relying upon the merits of Him to whom all these things pointed. Thus “going about to establish their own righteousness” (Romans 10:3), they built themselves up in a self-sufficient formalism. Wanting the Spirit and grace of God, they tried to make up for the lack by a rigorous observance of religious ceremonies and rites. Not content with the ordinances which God Himself had appointed, they encumbered the divine commands with countless exactions of their own devising. The greater their distance from God, the more rigorous they were in the observance of these forms.

Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing

“Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.”—Matthew 5:20.

MB 54.2

While the law is holy, the Jews could not attain righteousness by their own efforts to keep the law. The disciples of Christ must obtain righteousness of a different character from that of the Pharisees, if they would enter the kingdom of heaven. God offered them, in His Son, the perfect righteousness of the law. If they would open their hearts fully to receive Christ, then the very life of God, His love, would dwell in them, transforming them into His own likeness; and thus through God’s free gift they would possess the righteousness which the law requires. But the Pharisees rejected Christ; “being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness” (Romans 10:3), they would not submit themselves unto the righteousness of God.

From Splendor to Shadow

How the Sanctuary Services Were Perverted

SS 365.4

At the same time the Jews were, by their sins, separating from God. They were unable to discern the spiritual significance of their symbolic service. In self-righteousness they trusted their own works—the sacrifices themselves—instead of relying on the merits of Him to whom these things pointed. “Seeking to establish their own ... righteousness” (Romans 10:3, RSV), they built up a self-sufficient formalism. Not content with the ordinances God Himself had appointed, they devised countless exactions of their own. The greater their distance from God, the more rigorous their observance of these forms.

Homeward Bound

What Does It Mean to Keep God’s Commandments? June 11

HB 184.4

While the law is holy, the Jews could not attain righteousness by their own efforts to keep the law. The disciples of Christ must obtain righteousness of a different character from that of the Pharisees, if they would enter the kingdom of heaven. God offered them, in His Son, the perfect righteousness of the law. If they would open their hearts fully to receive Christ, then the very life of God, His love, would dwell in them, transforming them into His own likeness; and thus through God’s free gift they would possess the righteousness which the law requires. But the Pharisees rejected Christ; “being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness” (Romans 10:3), they would not submit themselves unto the righteousness of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 121, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 121, 1899, par. 7

Spiritual and temporal prosperity was to be granted to the Israelites on condition of obedience. “Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live in them.” [Romans 10:5.] And he declared to the people, “See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil; in that I command thee this day to love the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments, and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply; and the Lord thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 19—At Jacob’s Well

DA 184.3

The woman had not comprehended the words of Christ, but she felt their solemn import. Her light, bantering manner began to change. Supposing that Jesus spoke of the well before them, she said, “Sir, Thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast Thou that living water? Art Thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself?” She saw before her only a thirsty traveler, wayworn and dusty. In her mind she compared Him with the honored patriarch Jacob. She cherished the feeling, which is so natural, that no other well could be equal to that provided by the fathers. She was looking backward to the fathers, forward to the Messiah’s coming, while the Hope of the fathers, the Messiah Himself, was beside her, and she knew Him not. How many thirsting souls are today close by the living fountain, yet looking far away for the wellsprings of life! “Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead).... The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: ... if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Romans 10:6-9.

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

MR No. 1017—Treasure Hid in a Field

13MR 130.3

Many poor souls torture themselves, many go on long pilgrimages, thinking to find Christ. If this were the way to secure the treasure, the poor would be in a hopeless condition. The afflicted, the lame, and the blind would fail to find the treasure. But salvation is given without money and without price. All we are asked to do is to believe in Christ as our personal Saviour, and be doers of His Word. [Romans 10:6-10, quoted.]

Selected Messages Book 1

Chapter 62—Justified by Faith

1SM 391.2

Paul writes: “But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:6-10).

1SM 396.2

Many think that they must wait for a special impulse in order that they may come to Christ; but it is necessary only to come in sincerity of purpose, deciding to accept the offers of mercy and grace that have been extended to us. We are to say: “Christ died to save me. The Lord’s desire is that I should be saved, and I will come to Jesus just as I am without delay. I will venture upon the promise. As Christ draws me, I will respond.” The apostle says, “With the heart man believeth unto righteousness” (Romans 10:10). No one can believe with the heart unto righteousness, and obtain justification by faith, while continuing the practice of those things which the Word of God forbids, or while neglecting any known duty.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 48, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 48, 1898, par. 8

“The righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach: that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” [Romans 10:6-10.]

Ye Shall Receive Power

Heavenly Agencies Waiting for Us, June 28

YRP 188.1

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:9, 10.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 77, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 77, 1899, par. 9

A belief in Christ is the only hope of the world. Paul declares: “If thou shalt confess with the mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. ... The same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call upon him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? ... So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” [Romans 10:9-14, 17.]

Christian Education

Chapter 16—The Necessity of Doing Our Best

CE 128.1

We come unto God in the name of Jesus by special invitation, and he welcomes us to his audience chamber, and imparts to the humble and contrite heart that faith in Christ by which he is justified, and Jesus blots out as a thick cloud his transgressions by the bright sunshine of his love, and the comforted heart exclaims, “O Lord, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me.” [Isaiah 12:1.] He will understand in experience the words of Paul, “With the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” [Romans 10:10.] He then becomes a sanctified agent that God can employ to work out his noble purposes. He then represents Christ, holding forth to the world his mercy and love. He has a testimony that he is desirous that others should hear, and in the language of the psalmist, he says, “Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercy.” [Psalm 103:1-4.]

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

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

1MR 205.1

We know that the mind and will of God has no control over the world at large. God’s countless mercies are enjoyed, His benefits appropriated, and there is on the part of the worldling no recognition of the Giver, no expression of gratitude for the manifold goodness of God. The reason for this is that the principle of truth is absent from the heart; it is not interwoven into the character, for its pure principles are not understood. The apostle says, “With the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:10). What then is the difference between a Christian and a man whose heart is not brought under the controlling influence of the spirit of God? One is fallen upon the Rock and is broken; self is dead, and Jesus lives in him and molds and fashions him according to His own divine image. His connection with God is made manifest in his business transactions and in all the affairs of life, whether great or small; for he keeps the way of the Lord. His affections and hopes are not centered upon the things of this life, but they are set upon things above. The selfish one lives for self, and he seeks worldly honor, worldly gain; he will make it manifest that his hopes are centered upon the things of earth. He will selfishly grasp all that he possibly can to administer to himself, as Satan has done. There are many who have not a good conscience.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 10 [Nos. 771-850]

MR No. 806—Stephen Belden and Norfolk Island

10MR 148.1

The mind of God can be learned only from His Word. The Lord has sent His angels to guard those who are willing to be led in the ways of truth. He bids you take heed to your ways. There are souls living on the island who are daily receiving blessings from God, yet who do not as much as look heavenward and say, “I thank Thee, Lord, for all the mercies I receive.” All the love that God expresses for them, in sparing their lives, and in providing them with food and clothing, does not waken in them one grateful response. The precious word of truth is not stamped upon the soul. “With the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:10).

Manuscript Releases, vol. 10 [Nos. 771-850]

MR No. 817—What Being Saved Means

10MR 282.3

God’s Truth May Be No Truth to One Who Claims to Believe It—“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23, 24). We can see how necessary it is that there should be a union of the human and the divine. All the heart is to be enlisted in the conflict. The law of God is to be written in the heart, or the soul will never obey the truth: for the truth of God may be no truth to one who even may claim to believe it. Persons may profess to love the Saviour, and yet make it manifest that love does not actuate them in His service. Why is it that the love of Christ does not wield a constraining power over the life? It is because it has never been brought into the sanctuary of the soul; it has never been made the principle of action. “With the heart man believeth unto righteousness: and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:10).

Manuscript Releases, vol. 12 [Nos. 921-999]

MR No. 938—Ellen White’s Missionary Visits

12MR 75.3

A bare assent to the truth is not of saving value to any soul. The submission that arises from conviction will be revealed by the self-surrender of the will. “With the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:10). While the understanding consents to the truth, the receiver trembles at the word of the Lord. Preparation may be made only at the throne of grace. Our tapers can be kindled alone at the altar of God by the holy fire. As we approach His altar He puts us under the guardianship of the Holy Spirit, who leads us in paths of holiness and peace, who takes the things of Christ, the precious words falling from His lips, and conveys them in living power into the obedient heart. The molding process of the Word of God places upon us the perfect image of its Author.

Reflecting Christ

Christ’s Blood Was Shed to Remit Our Sins, March 4

RC 77.5

The life of a Christian is a life regulated by the Word of God just as it reads. All the truths of the Old and the New Testaments form a complete whole. These truths we are to cherish, believe, and obey. To the true disciple, faith in God’s Word is a living, active principle; for “with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:10). By faith man believes that he receives the righteousness of Christ.

The Voice in Speech and Song

Chapter 53—The Real Proof of Preaching

VSS 302.1

Need of Personal Experience—A clear, faithful testimony must be borne by every shepherd of the flock of God. The state of the heart is to be our first earnest concern. “With the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” [Romans 10:10]. But mere speech is nothing. Preaching the Word, and then working contrary to the Word, makes that Word of none effect. Lip knowledge, forms and ceremonies, are of little value while Christ is not abiding in the soul.

This Day With God

Let Your Light Shine, July 21

TDG 211.2

My heart was rejoiced to see among the converts [at Willis, Michigan] so many young men and women, with hearts softened and subdued by the love of Jesus, acknowledging the good work wrought by God for their souls. It was indeed a precious season. “With the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:10)....

A New Life (Revival and Beyond)

Is There Anything Between Me and God?

NL 27.3

Many think that they must wait for a special impulse in order that they may come to Christ; but it is necessary only to come in sincerity of purpose, deciding to accept the offers of mercy and grace that have been extended to us. We are to say: “Christ died to save me. The Lord’s desire is that I should be saved, and I will come to Jesus just as I am without delay. I will venture upon the promise. As Christ draws me, I will respond.” The apostle says, “With the heart man believeth unto righteousness” (Romans 10:10). No one can believe with the heart unto righteousness, and obtain justification by faith, while continuing the practice of those things which the Word of God forbids, or while neglecting any known duty.

Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists

The Christian’s Strength

HS 129.4

“With the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:10.

Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students

In Prayer

CT 242.3

We come to God in the name of Jesus by special invitation, and He welcomes us to His audience chamber. He imparts to the humble, contrite soul that faith in Christ by which he is justified. Jesus blots out as a thick cloud his transgression, and the comforted heart exclaims, “O Lord, I will praise Thee: though Thou wast angry with me, Thine anger is turned away, and Thou comfortedst me.” Isaiah 12:1. Such a one will understand by his own experience the words of Paul, “With the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:10.

The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials

Chapter 33—To My Dear Brethren

1888 283.1

We have been earnestly and steadily at work to encourage faith in our brethren. This seemed to be as difficult as to teach a child to take its first steps alone. But thank the Lord, all this labor has not been thrown away. The gracious Spirit of God has witnessed to the words spoken, and those who have heard could only understand as they moved in faith. “With the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:10. Souls are depending on the promises of the gracious power of Jesus Christ to combine with human effort. They move by faith, not by feeling. Such efforts God owns. The Holy Spirit has been convicting the hearts of men and women, convincing them that “Without me, ye can do nothing.”

The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials

Chapter 112—Diary Entry—Christ Our Righteousness

1888 897.2

The life of a Christian is a life regulated by the Word of God just as it reads. All the truths of the Old and the New Testaments form a complete whole. These truths we are to cherish, believe, and obey. To the true disciple, faith in God’s Word is a living, active principle; for “with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:10). By faith man believes that he receives the righteousness of Christ.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 2

God Looks upon the Character

2TT 207.3

Ten thousand times ten thousand may profess to obey the law and the gospel, and yet be living in transgression. Men may present in a clear manner the claims of truth upon others and yet their own hearts be carnal. Sin may be loved and practiced in secret. The truth of God may be no truth to them, because their hearts have not been sanctified by it. The love of the Saviour may exercise no constraining power over their base passions. We know by the history of the past that men may stand in sacred positions and yet handle the truth of God deceitfully. They cannot lift up holy hands to God, “without wrath and doubting.” This is because God has no control over their minds. The truth was never stamped upon their hearts. “With the heart man believeth unto righteousness.” Romans 10:10. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength.” Mark 12:30. Are you doing this? Many are not, and never have done it. Their conversion has been only superficial.

True Revival

Is There Anything Between Me and God?

TR 35.3

Many think that they must wait for a special impulse in order that they may come to Christ; but it is necessary only to come in sincerity of purpose, deciding to accept the offers of mercy and grace that have been extended to us. We are to say: “Christ died to save me. The Lord’s desire is that I should be saved, and I will come to Jesus just as I am without delay. I will venture upon the promise. As Christ draws me, I will respond.” The apostle says, “With the heart man believeth unto righteousness” (Romans 10:10). No one can believe with the heart unto righteousness, and obtain justification by faith, while continuing the practice of those things which the Word of God forbids, or while neglecting any known duty.

With God at Dawn

Confession Leads to Salvation, August 16

WGD 230.1

For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:10.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Lt 53, 1887

5LtMs, Lt 53, 1887, par. 8

Ten thousand times ten thousand may profess to obey the law and the gospel. Men may in a clear manner present the claims of truth upon others, and yet their own hearts be carnal. Sin may be loved and practiced in secret, the truth of God may be no truth to them. The love of the Saviour may exercise no constraining power over base passions. We know by the history of the past that men may stand in sacred positions and handle the truth of God deceitfully. They cannot lift up holy hands to God without wrath and doubting. This is because the mind of God has no control over their minds. The truth was never stamped upon the heart. “It is with the heart that man believeth unto righteousness.” [Romans 10:10.] Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all [thy] heart, and with all thy soul, and all thy mind and all thy strength. Are you doing this? Many are not. They never have done it. Their conversion was superficial. They drink up impurity with the Word of God. Satan stands by the side of souls when that Word is in their hands, and they clothe its utterances with their own evil, debasing imaginings. I have been shown this.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 1, 1889

6LtMs, Ms 1, 1889, par. 59

Then talk of His love, talk of His power, praise Him. If you have a voice to say anything, talk of God, talk of heaven, talk of eternal life. I have heard persons who in their homes would speak so loud that their neighbors could hear them, but they would get up in meeting and mumble over a few words that could not be heard. You want to show that you have been learning in the school of Christ and that you have been making progress. “With the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:10. How many believe the truths you have heard today? Do you want to go a few months before you will acknowledge there is light in it? Do you want to stop to reason it all out? You will die before that time.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 85, 1889

6LtMs, Lt 85, 1889, par. 19

We have been earnestly and steadily at work to encourage faith in our brethren. This seemed to be as difficult as to teach a child to take its first steps alone. But thank the Lord, all this labor has not been thrown away. The gracious Spirit of God has witnessed to the words spoken, and those who have heard could only understand as they moved in faith. “With the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:10. Souls are depending on the promises of the gracious power of Jesus Christ to combine with human effort. They move by faith, not by feeling. Such efforts God owns. The Holy Spirit has been convicting the hearts of men and women, convincing them that “Without me, ye can do nothing.”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 41, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 41, 1890, par. 21

We know that the mind and will of God has no control over the world at large. God’s countless mercies are enjoyed, His benefits appropriated, and there is on the part of the worldling no recognition of the Giver, no expression of gratitude for the manifold goodness of God. The reason for this is that the principle of truth is absent from the heart; it is not interwoven into the character, for its pure principles are not understood. The apostle says, “With the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” [Romans 10:10.] What then is the difference between a Christian and a man whose heart is not brought under the controlling influence of the spirit of God? One is fallen upon the Rock and is broken; self is dead, and Jesus lives in him and molds and fashions him according to His own divine image. His connection with God is made manifest in his business transactions and in all the affairs of life, whether great or small; for he keeps the way of the Lord. His affections and hope are not centered upon the things of this life, but they are set upon things above. The selfish one lives for self, and he seeks worldly honor, worldly gain; he will make it manifest that his hopes are centered upon the things of earth. He will selfishly grasp all that he possibly can to administer to himself, as Satan has done. There are many who have not a good conscience.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 21, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 21, 1891, par. 29

The life of a Christian is a life regulated by the Word of God just as it reads. All the truths of the Old and the New Testaments form a complete whole. These truths we are to cherish, believe, and obey. To the true disciple, faith in God’s Word is a living, active principle, for “with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” [Romans 10:10.] By faith man believes that he receives the righteousness of Christ.

Faith and Works

The Overcomer’s Portion

FW 76.2

Then talk of His love, talk of His power, praise Him. If you have a voice to say anything, talk of God, talk of heaven, talk of eternal life. I have heard persons who in their homes would speak so loud that their neighbors could hear them, but they would get up in meeting and mumble over a few words that could not be heard. You want to show that you have been learning in the school of Christ and that you have been making progress. “With the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:10). How many believe the truths you have heard today? Do you want to go a few months before you will acknowledge there is light in it? Do you want to stop to reason it all out? You will die before that time.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 38, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 38, 1892, par. 13

Everyone is needed to engage with the heavenly intelligences in the work, that the will of God may be done in the earth. Many tell doleful stories of their inefficiency. O, that they would place themselves in vital connection with the God of wisdom and power, that they may become better qualified to do His sacred work. What an influence would go forth from them to the world! No one will be saved standing on neutral ground. Said Christ, “He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad” [Matthew 12:30], but those who confess Christ before men, Christ will confess before His Father and before His angels. “With the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” [Romans 10:10.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 8b, 1891

7LtMs, Lt 8b, 1891, par. 18

The truth of God cannot benefit the soul while it is received by the understanding only. The fact is, the truth is assented to by scores who have not its firm principles in the soul. “With the heart men believe unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” [Romans 10:10.] How few obey the first four commandments of the law, which require us to love God with the whole soul, the whole heart, mind, and strength. This, and nothing less than this, is the religion of the Bible.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 13, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 13, 1893, par. 47

“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” [Psalm 139:23, 24.] We can see how necessary it is that there should be a union of the human and the divine. All the heart is to be enlisted in the conflict. The law of God is to be written in the heart, or the soul will never obey the truth, for the truth of God may be no truth to one who even may claim to believe it. Persons may profess to love the Saviour and yet make it manifest that love does not actuate them in His service. Why is it that the love of Christ does not wield a constraining power over the life? It is because it has never been brought into the sanctuary of the soul, it has never been made the principle of action. “With the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” [Romans 10:10.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 2, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 2, 1893, par. 9

Will you give heart and soul to Jesus and love and serve Him? Will you cut loose from Satan and bind your interest up with Jesus Christ, without one moment’s further delay? Will you come unto Him that you might have life? You know that He loves you, and if you will believe on Him as your personal Saviour, then you will be saved in His appointed way. “With the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” [Romans 10:10.] It is an individual work.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 59, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 59, 1893, par. 6

Next was Alex, the only boy at home, and who was obliged to bear many heavy responsibilities for a boy of sixteen. He was of quick understanding. I addressed myself to Alex. I said, “Will you decide this morning to confess Jesus Christ? ‘With the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.’ [Romans 10:10.] All heaven is interested in this family. Will you this very morning choose to be a child of God and engage to serve the Lord Jesus to the best of your ability?” He responded, “I will.”

8LtMs, Ms 59, 1893, par. 14

A bare assent to the truth is not of saving value to any soul. The submission that arises from conviction will be revealed by the self-surrender of the will. “With the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:10. While the understanding consents to the truth, the receiver trembles at the Word of the Lord. Preparation may be made only at the throne of grace. Our tapers can be kindled alone at the altar of God by the holy fire. As we approach His altar He puts us under the guardianship of the Holy Spirit, who leads us in the paths of holiness and peace, who takes the things of Christ, the precious words falling from His lips, and conveys them in living power into the obedient heart. The molding process of the Word of God places upon us the perfect image of its Author.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 130, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 130, 1897, par. 10

Make a practical application of the truth. Urge the truth home with directness, and present the high standard that God sets before His people. Truth must become truth to the receiver to all intents and purposes. It must be stamped on the heart. “With the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” [Romans 10:10.] “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind and with all thy strength.” [Mark 12:30.] This is the service God receives. Nothing short of this is pure and undefiled religion. The heart is the citadel of the being, and until that is wholly on the Lord’s side, the enemy will gain constant victories over us through his subtle temptations.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 3, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 3, 1897, par. 26

Study the 10th chapter of Daniel, and mark particularly the fourteenth verse. “Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days.” When our brethren and ministers shall feel the burden that should rest upon them, they will not be content with a few surface truths. They will sink the shaft deep, and will have the spirit that Daniel possessed. There will be no frivolous spirit, no cheap, superficial sanctification, prated from unsanctified lips, and coming from hearts that are destitute of purity, of consecration and wholehearted surrender to God. There will be earnest prayer that the truth may be so indelibly stamped upon the heart that the entire man may be brought, with all his ways, into conformity to the truth. “With the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” [Romans 10:10.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 14, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 14, 1898, par. 6

“With the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” [Romans 10:10.] Have those who claim to believe the truth ever been convicted of the sin of criticizing, the sin of evil-speaking, evil-thinking? If they refuse to be convicted of these things, tares that will never be killed by the truth will spring up. They will become worse than before they heard the truth. They may have had great light, as had the Jews in the days of Christ, and yet be nothing bettered by it. The sin of covetousness will bear its fruit.

In Heavenly Places

Heart Work, May 13

HP 140.2

Truth must become truth to the receiver, to all intents and purposes. It must be stamped on the heart. “With the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:10). “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength” (Mark 12:30). This is the service that God accepts.... The heart is the citadel of the being, and until that is wholly on the Lord’s side the enemy will gain constant victories over us through his subtle temptations....

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 11, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 11, 1899, par. 17

A clear, faithful testimony must be borne by every shepherd of the flock of God. The state of the heart is to be our first earnest concern. “With the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” [Romans 10:10.] But mere speech is nothing. Preaching the Word, and then working contrary to the Word, makes that Word of none effect. Lip knowledge, forms and ceremonies, are of little value while Christ is not abiding in the soul. We are to watch for souls as they that must give an account. We must sanctify the Lord God in our hearts. Then we shall be men and women of faith, prayer, and power. There is a great work to be done. The heart must be faithfully sentineled, else pride and rebellion will bear rule within. Evils without will awaken evils within, and the soul will wander in its own homemade fog, all the time charging upon some one else the result of its own unchristian course of action.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 163, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 163, 1902, par. 6

Keep looking to Jesus. He desires to reflect His image through you. The whole heart’s purpose must be constantly refined, elevated, ennobled, sanctified, else you will mar the work of God and ruin your own soul. The truth, my brother, must be more clearly stamped upon your heart. “With the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” [Romans 10:10.] “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength.” [Mark 12:30.] This takes all there is of the man.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 120, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 120, 1902, par. 26

God desires His servants to stand with the whole armor on, in His might overcoming the powers of darkness, to His honor and glory. Let us begin this work today. “With the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” [Romans 10:10.] Let us bring into our daily life, into all our words and works, belief unto righteousness, and confession unto salvation, in order that we may glorify the God of heaven.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 169, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 169, 1903, par. 24

The law of God is to be written on the heart, else, profess what we may, in reality we never obey it. We might as well suppose that the ten commandments could guide the Hebrew host while these precepts were merely written on tables of stone in the midst of the clouds of Sinai, as that the truth of God could profit or illuminate the soul while it only floats in the understanding or memory without being inscribed on the fleshly tablets of the heart. Truth was never stamped upon the soul. “With the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” [Romans 10:10.] Only those upon whose hearts are written the divine precepts can, as the salt of the earth, exercise a preservative influence.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 320, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 320, 1906, par. 11

The education that Christ gave to His disciples qualified them to write out the story of His life. When our will is brought into harmony with the divine will, faith in Christ will impart strength for obedience. “With the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” [Romans 10:10.] The whole mind, the whole soul, is brought under the cleansing virtue of the blood of Jesus Christ.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 242, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 242, 1906, par. 34

“God desires His servants to stand with the whole armor on, in His might overcoming the powers of darkness, to His honor and glory. Let us begin this work today. ‘With the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto Salvation.’ [Romans 10:10.] Let us bring into our daily life, into all our words and works, belief unto righteousness, and confession unto salvation, in order that we may glorify the God of heaven.”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 200, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 200, 1907, par. 10

The mind of God can be learned only from His Word. The Lord has sent His angels to guard those who are willing to be led in the ways of truth. He bids you take heed to your ways. There are souls living on the island who are daily receiving blessings from God, yet who do not as much as look heavenward and say, “I thank Thee, Lord, for all the mercies I receive.” All the love that God expresses for them, in sparing their lives, and in providing them with food and clothing, does not waken in them one grateful response. The precious Word of truth is not stamped upon the soul. “With the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the lips confession is made unto salvation.” [Romans 10:10.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Lt 41, 1911

25LtMs, Lt 41, 1911, par. 9

The truth believed will manifest itself in action. “With the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” [Romans 10:10.] Truth, sacred truth must be stamped upon the heart. A deeper experience is needed by many, else their profession of godliness will avail them nothing. The Saviour said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy mind, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength.” [Mark 12:30.] The mind must be pure and undefiled.

Lift Him Up

Minds Filled With God’s Promises, September 16

LHU 273.1

With the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:10.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 14 [Nos. 1081-1135]

MR No. 1114—The Influence of Evil Business Associates; Practice the Principles of the Word; God is Gracious and Forgiving

14MR 211.2

Keep looking to Jesus. He desires to reflect His image through you. The whole heart’s purpose must be constantly refined, elevated, ennobled, sanctified, else you will mar the work of God, and ruin your own soul. The truth, my brother, must be more clearly stamped upon your heart. “With the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” [Romans 10:10]. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength” [Mark 12:30]. This takes all there is of the man.

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

MR No. 747—Christ Our Righteousness

9MR 300.2

The life of a Christian is a life regulated by the Word of God just as it reads. All the truths of the Old and the New Testaments form a complete whole. These truths we are to cherish, believe, and obey. To the true disciple, faith in God’s Word is a living, active principle; for “with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:10). By faith man believes that he receives the righteousness of Christ.

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

MR No. 763—Ellen White and the Church in Adelaide, South Australia

9MR 365.2

Study the tenth chapter of Daniel, and mark particularly the fourteenth verse. “Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days” (Daniel 10:14). When our brethren and ministers shall feel the burden that should rest upon them, they will not be content with a few surface truths. They will sink the shaft deep, and will have the spirit that Daniel possessed. There will be no frivolous spirit: no cheap, superficial sanctification, prated from unsanctified lips, and coming from hearts that are destitute of purity, of consecration and wholehearted surrender to God. There will be earnest prayer that the truth may be so indelibly stamped upon the heart, that the entire man may be brought, with all his ways, into conformity to the truth. “With the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:10).

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

MR No. 764—Restoration of the Image of God

9MR 373.2

The whole heart’s purpose must be constantly refined, elevated, ennobled, sanctified, else you will mar the work of God and ruin your own soul. The truth, my brother, must be more clearly stamped upon your heart. “With the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:10). “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength” (Mark 12:30).—Letter 163, 1902, p. 3. (To W. O. Palmer, June 26, 1902.)

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 30, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 30, 1895, par. 21

“For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation ... For whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? and how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel, for Isaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” [Romans 10:10, 13-17.]

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 43—Barriers Broken Down

DA 403.3

Caste is hateful to God. He ignores everything of this character. In His sight the souls of all men are of equal value. He “hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; that they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after Him, and find Him, though He be not far from every one of us.” Without distinction of age, or rank, or nationality, or religious privilege, all are invited to come unto Him and live. “Whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference.” “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free.” “The rich and poor meet together: the Lord is the Maker of them all.” “The same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Acts 17:26, 27; Galatians 3:28; Proverbs 22:2; Romans 10:11-13.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 35, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 35, 1893, par. 14

There are those who if they will deny self and lift the cross will find that God will communicate with them as verily as He did with Paul and Barnabas. These were representatives of what very many should be. “The Scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed, for there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek; for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in Him in whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? and how shall they preach except they be sent? As it is written, how beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace and bring good tidings of good things!” [Romans 10:11-15.]

God’s Amazing Grace

The Reaping, November 25

AG 337.6

He who is “rich unto all that call upon him,” has said, “Give, and it shall be given unto you” ... (Romans 10:12; Luke 6:38).... Every sacrifice that is made in His ministry will be recompensed according to “the exceeding riches of his grace.” 51The Desire of Ages, 249.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 25—The Call by the Sea

DA 249.1

Before asking them to leave their nets and fishing boats, Jesus had given them the assurance that God would supply their needs. The use of Peter’s boat for the work of the gospel had been richly repaid. He who is “rich unto all that call upon Him,” has said, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over.” Romans 10:12; Luke 6:38. In this measure He had rewarded the disciple’s service. And every sacrifice that is made in His ministry will be recompensed according to “the exceeding riches of His grace.” Ephesians 3:20; 2:7.

From Heaven With Love

Sacrifice Rewarded

HLv 158.4

Before asking them to leave their fishing boats, Jesus had given them the assurance that God would supply their needs. The use of Peter’s boat had been richly repaid. He who is “rich unto all that call upon Him,” has said, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over.” Romans 10:12; Luke 6:38. In this measure He had rewarded Peter’s service. And every sacrifice made in His ministry will be recompensed. See Ephesians 3:20; 2:7.

Conflict and Courage

God Abhors Caste, October 18

CC 297.1

For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:12, 13.

From Heaven With Love

Faith in Christ Gives Her a Tremendous Argument

HLv 270.4

Caste is hateful to God. In His sight the souls of all men are of equal value. He “hath made of one blood all nations of men, ... that they should seek the Lord, if haply they might ... find Him, though He be not far from every one of us.” All are invited to come to Him and live. “The same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Acts 17:26, 27; Romans 10:12, 13.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 15 [Nos. 1136-1185]

MR No. 1180—Put Away Differences; Love One Another; Proclaim the Truth

15MR 311.2

“There is no difference between the Jew and the Greek; for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? and how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” [Romans 10:12-15]. “For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.” [Acts 13:47].

The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials

Put Away Differences; Love One Another; Proclaim the Truth

1888 1135.2

“There is no difference between the Jew and the Greek; for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? and how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” [Romans 10:12-15]. “For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth” [Acts 13:47].

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 77, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 77, 1893, par. 65

“There is no difference between the Jew and the Greek; for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call unto Him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? and how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things.” [Romans 10:12-15.] “For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.” [Acts 13:47.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 50, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 50, 1901, par. 12

We have spoken about the obligation resting upon those who have not accepted Christ as a personal Saviour. But how are they to be convinced of the importance of present truth? Is it not by the work of unselfish, self-sacrificing Christian men and women? “There is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? and how shall they preach except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and that bring glad tidings of good things.” [Romans 10:12-15.]

The Upward Look

Faith and Action, February 15

UL 60.4

All classes are to be reached. As we labor, we shall meet with various nationalities. None are to be passed by, unwarned. The Lord Jesus was the gift of God to the entire world—not to the higher classes alone, and not to any one nationality, to the exclusion of others. His saving grace encircles the whole world. Whosoever will may drink of the water of life freely. “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13). But there is earnest work to be done. The gospel invitation is to be given in every place, for “how ... shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” (verse 14).

Ye Shall Receive Power

Human Cooperation Essential, June 8

YRP 168.1

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? Romans 10:13, 14.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 63, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 63, 1898, par. 22

“Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? and how shall they preach without they be sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things.” [Romans 10:13-15.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 301, 1904

19LtMs, Lt 301, 1904, par. 12

“How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe on Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? and how shall they preach except they be sent?” [Romans 10:13-15.] Those who know the truth must give of their means to send it to those who know it not. They must not be so engrossed in worldly business that they have little time to keep their souls refreshed and strengthened with the heavenly bread, of which they must eat daily if they would prepare for the future immortal life.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 31, 1907

22LtMs, Ms 31, 1907, par. 19

Those who have had advantages for knowing the Word are to communicate the truth to others. God has placed upon us the solemn obligation of bearing fruit unto righteousness. In harmony with Christ we are to work for the salvation of souls. “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call upon Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach except they be sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them which preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things.” [Romans 10:13-15.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 44, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 44, 1899, par. 7

“Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” “How then shall they call upon him whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” [Romans 10:17, 13, 14.] This is the provision God has made for the saving of souls. The truth must be made known. Christ prayed the Father in behalf of His disciples, saying, “Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth.” [John 17:17.] The work had already begun in their hearts, and the Holy Spirit, operating on heart and will, showed that the truth was the instrument in their conversion.

Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)

Examples of Human Steadfastness

GW 18.3

The greatest work, the noblest effort, in which men can engage, is to point sinners to the Lamb of God. True ministers are co-laborers with the Lord in the accomplishment of His purposes. God says to them, Go, teach and preach Christ. Instruct and educate all who know not of His grace, His goodness, and His mercy. Teach the people. “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” [Romans 10:14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 27, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 27, 1893, par. 4

Without faith it is impossible to please God. “Without me,” says Christ, “ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] “Neither is he that planteth anything, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.” [1 Corinthians 3:7.] Here is the comparative estimate placed on the human and the divine agency. It is God’s plan that the human should co-operate with the divine. The frail human instrumentality, in and of itself, is nothing; but through connection with the Source of all power, by living faith, the human agent becomes a laborer together with God. All the eloquence and power of the human, alone, can accomplish nothing in the conversion of a soul; but the Holy Spirit of God acts through and uses the inferior instrument for the accomplishment of the work. The divine agency alone can give efficiency. The human worker must place himself in the divine channel. The ministry fills an important place in the divine plan. For “how can they believe in him whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without a preacher?” [Romans 10:14.] We are dependent upon the Spirit of God. Faith in Christ is essential in every plan, in every movement, even in temporal business.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 8, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 8, 1896, par. 20

Do you realize that every year thousands and thousands and ten times ten thousand souls are perishing, dying in their sins? The plagues and judgment of God are already doing their work, and souls are going to ruin because the light of truth has not been flashed upon their pathway. Do we fully believe that we are to carry the Word of God to all the world? Who believes this? “How then can they call on Him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” [Romans 10:14.] Who has faith, faith that will enable him to practice this word? Who believes it in the light which God has given?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Lt 4, 1911

25LtMs, Lt 4, 1911, par. 9

The unwarned multitudes are fast becoming the sport of the evil one. Satan is leading them into many forms of folly and self-pleasing. Many are seeking for that which is novel and startling; their minds are far from God and the truths of His Word. At this time, when the enemy is working as never before to engross the minds of men and women, and turn them from the truth, we should be laboring with increasing activity in the highways and also in the byways. Diligently, interestedly, we are to proclaim the last message of mercy in the cities—the highways; and the work is not to end there, but is to extend into the surrounding settlements and in the country districts—into the byways and the hedges. All classes are to be reached. As we labor, we shall meet with various nationalities. None are to be passed by, unwarned. The Lord Jesus was the gift of God to the entire world—not to the higher classes alone, and not to any one nationality, to the exclusion of others. His saving grace encircles the whole world. Whosoever will may drink of the water of life freely. “Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” [Acts 2:21.] But there is earnest work to be done. The gospel invitation is to be given in every place; for “how ... shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” [Romans 10:14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 138, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 138, 1897, par. 48

Go; teach and preach Christ. Instruct and educate all who know not of His grace, His goodness, and His mercy. Teach the people. “How shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? and how shall they preach except they be sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things.” [Romans 10:14, 15.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 52, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 52, 1899, par. 3

I address my self to you, my Brother H. Have you not professedly received light from the Bible and from the ministry of the Word? What have you been doing for years? What are you doing now? Are you opening your heart to receive Christ? Are you striving to be like him in character. A great responsibility rests upon each one who has the privilege of knowing the Word of God. Said the apostle, “How can they hear without a preacher? And how can he preach unless he be sent?” [Romans 10:14, 15.] “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things have passed away, and, behold, all things have become new.” [2 Corinthians 5:17.]

Radiant Religion

A Joyous Work to Bring Glad Tidings to Others, November 5

RRe 311.1

How shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! Romans 10:15.

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 7—Like Unto Leaven

COL 100.1

“Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17. The Scriptures are the great agency in the transformation of character. Christ prayed, “Sanctify them through Thy truth; Thy word is truth.” John 17:17. If studied and obeyed, the word of God works in the heart, subduing every unholy attribute. The Holy Spirit comes to convict of sin, and the faith that springs up in the heart works by love to Christ, conforming us in body, soul, and spirit to His own image. Then God can use us to do His will. The power given us works from within outwardly, leading us to communicate to others the truth that has been communicated to us.

In Heavenly Places

Take God’s Word on Trust, April 19

HP 116.3

The moment you grasp God’s promises by faith and say, I am the lost sheep that Jesus came to save, a new life will take possession of you, and you will receive strength to resist the tempter. But faith to grasp the promises does not come by feeling. “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). You must not look for some great change to take place; you must not expect to feel some wonderful emotion....

Our High Calling

Faith Must Pierce the Gloom, November 14

OHC 324.4

The most trying experiences in the Christian’s life may be the most blessed. The special providences of the dark hours may encourage the soul in future attacks of Satan, and equip the servant of God to stand in fiery trials. The trial of your faith is more precious than gold. You must have that abiding confidence in God that is not disturbed by the temptations and arguments of the deceiver. Take the Lord at His word. You must study the promises, and appropriate them as you have need. “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17....

The Faith I Live By

Faith Comes Through the Promises, April 27

FLB 123.1

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 98b, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 98b, 1896, par. 14

The moment you grasp God’s promises by faith, and say, I am the lost sheep that Jesus came to save, a new life will take possession of you, and you will receive strength to resist the tempter. But faith to grasp the promises does not come by feeling. “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” [Romans 10:17.] You must not look for some great change to take place; you must not expect to feel some wonderful emotion. The Spirit of God must make an impression on your mind.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 68, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 68, 1898, par. 7

Those who open their hearts to receive the truth will realize that the Word of God is the great instrument in the transformation of character. “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” [Romans 10:17.] Christ prayed for His disciples, “Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth.” [John 17:17.] “For the word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” [Hebrews 4:12.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 82, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 82, 1898, par. 9

Here is brought to view the change that must take place in the heart. And “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” [Romans 10:17.] The Scriptures are the great agency in this transformation. Christ prayed, “Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth.” [John 17:17.] In this great work we are laborers together with God. With the divine agency there is to be the co-operation of the human instrument. To each of His followers Christ says, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:18-20.]

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 31—Hope for the Heathen

PK 367.2

The apostle to the Gentiles, in his letter to the believers in Rome, calls attention to this characteristic of Isaiah’s teaching. “Isaiah is very bold,” Paul declares, “and saith, I was found of them that sought Me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after Me.” Romans 10:20.

The Review and Herald

June 17, 1915

RH June 17, 1915, Art. A, par. 2

The apostle to the Gentiles, in his letter to the believers in Rome, calls the attention of Christendom to this characteristic of Isaiah’s teaching. “Esaias is very bold,” Paul declares, “and saith, I was found of them that sought Me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me.” Romans 10:20.

From Splendor to Shadow

Chapter 31—Isaiah’s “Good News” for All the Nations

SS 194.2

Isaiah “is very bold,” Paul declares, “and saith, I was found of them that sought Me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after Me.” Romans 10:20. Often the Israelites seemed unable or unwilling to understand God’s purpose for the heathen. Yet it was this very purpose that had established them as an independent nation. Abraham, their father, had been called to go forth to the regions beyond, that he might be a light bearer to the heathen. The promise to him included a posterity as numerous as the sand by the sea, yet it was for no selfish purpose that he was to become the founder of a great nation in Canaan. God’s covenant with him embraced all the nations of earth: “I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.” Genesis 12:2, RSV.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 46, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 46, 1899, par. 6

Seeking pardon for sin, Saul found the sin-pardoning Saviour, who takes away the guilt of the world. He found the One who said to him, “A new heart also will I give thee.” [Ezekiel 36:26.] “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” “Whosoever believeth in me, shall not perish, but shall have the light of life.” [John 14:6; 3:16; 8:12.] In reference to Paul Christ could indeed say, “I was found of him who sought me not.” [See Romans 10:20.] Paul was not searching for the pearl of great price. But it flashed its invaluable loveliness before him, that his attention might be attracted. Christ and his righteousness became to Paul more than the whole world. “I count all things but loss ... that I may win Christ,” he declared. [Philippians 3:8.]

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 50—Among Snares

DA 458.1

Sneeringly the rabbis said, “Whither will He go, that we shall not find Him? will He go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles?” Little did these cavilers dream that in their mocking words they were picturing the mission of the Christ! All day long He had stretched forth His hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people; yet He would be found of them that sought Him not; among a people that had not called upon His name He would be manifest. Romans 10:20, 21.

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.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 29, 1911

25LtMs, Ms 29, 1911, par. 53

Thus saith the Lord, “All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.” Romans 10:21.