EGW WritingsTitus 3

The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials

Chapter 93—To Brethren in Responsible Positions

1888 721.1

The original apostasy began in a disbelief and denial of the truth. We are to fix the eye of faith steadfastly upon Jesus. When the days come, as they surely will, in which the law of God is made void, the zeal of the true and loyal should rise with the emergency and should be the more warm and decided, and their testimony should be the more positive and unflinching. But we are to do nothing in a defiant spirit, and we shall not if our hearts are fully surrendered to God. (Romans 13:1-7; Titus 3:1, quoted.)

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 1f, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 1f, 1890, par. 4

The original apostasy began in a disbelief and denial of the truth. We are to fix the eye of faith steadfastly upon Jesus. When the days come, as they surely will, in which the law of God is made void, the zeal of the true and loyal should rise with the emergency and should be the more warm and decided. Their testimony should be the more positive and unflinching. But we are to do nothing in a defiant spirit, and we shall not if our hearts are fully surrendered to God. (Romans 13:1-7; Titus 3:1, quoted.)

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Ms 11, 1888

5LtMs, Ms 11, 1888, par. 33

Let no partiality be shown to one or more who are your favorites, to the neglect of others of your brethren whom you do not love. Beware least you deal harshly with those who, you think, have made mistakes, while others, more guilty and deserving of reproof and who should be even severely rebuked for the unchristlike conduct, are sustained and treated as special friends. Paul, in his epistle to Titus, bids him exhort the brethren to be “ready to every good work,” “to speak evil of no man, to be not brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men. For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which is shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour.” [Titus 3:1-6.] The mercy and favor of God toward us is an example of how we should treat the erring. When those who claim to believe the truth will humble their hearts before God and obey His Word, then the Lord will listen to their prayers.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 18, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 18, 1899, par. 7

And Paul writes to Titus, “Put them in mind ... to speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men. For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward men appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs [according to the hope] of eternal life.” [Titus 3:1-7.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 17, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 17, 1899, par. 17

And Paul declares, “Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men. ... But after that the kindness of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.” [Titus 3:1, 2, 4-8.]

The Sanctified Life

The Will of God

SL 87.1

He bids Titus instruct the church that while they should trust to the merits of Christ for salvation, divine grace, dwelling in their hearts, will lead to the faithful performance of all the duties of life. “Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, to speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.... This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men” (Titus 3:1-8).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 207, 1905

20LtMs, Lt 207, 1905, par. 18

“This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men, but avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.” [Titus 3:1-9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 53, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 53, 1898, par. 4

Frequently, there should be an hour set apart at a most favorable time for all the teachers to meet together for the purpose of studying the Word of God freely, and comparing ideas, to know how and what to teach the students. Seek to lay aside preconceived opinions, and come to the Word of God as your lesson book. Search the Word as did the noble Bereans to see if these things are so. Read the third chapter of Titus.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 95, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 95, 1902, par. 21

Christ said, “Now ye are clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you.” [John 15:3.] The third chapter of Titus is full of instructive lessons to those who desire to reach the highest Christian experience through obedience to this Word. The apostle says: “Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, to speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men. For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;, that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” [Verses 1-7.]

My Life Today

True Refinement, July 6

ML 191.1

To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. Titus 3:2.

Our Father Cares

Encourage a Spirit of Kindliness, November 21

OFC 337.1

To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all men. Titus 3:2, R.S.V.

Reflecting Christ

Encourage a Spirit of Kindliness, September 19

RC 276.1

To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all men. Titus 3:2, R.S.V.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 142, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 142, 1898, par. 16

“Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation.” [Mark 14:38.] By this is meant that we are not to entertain the thoughts that Satan presents to the mind. We are to resist the sophistry of Satan. It is of these things that Christ has warned us, “Believe them not.” [Jeremiah 12:6.] “Think evil of no man.” [See Titus 3:2; 1 Corinthians 13:5.] Think your very best of men. You can resist the devil, and he will flee from you. We are not [to] accept evil, and call it good. We are not to make the worst appear in any of those with whom we are associated. We are not to believe the “they say” of others. Our words are to be as salt, to preserve the good qualities and to destroy the evil.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)

Lt 21, 1862

1LtMs, Lt 21, 1862, par. 6

I was shown in regard to her son. She has excused his wrongs and equivocated in regard to his faults and acted deception for him until he is aware of it and has grown hard and bold in sin. He is a reproach to Sabbathkeepers. The exceeding sinfulness of sin has not been impressed upon his mind as it should have been. Brother Booth’s wife has felt earnest to reach out, to go in company, and has talked, laughed, and acted like the careless world. I was referred to Titus 3:2, 3.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 40, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 40, 1890, par. 2

Your course was not at all after Christ’s directions; you were led by another spirit; you walked in the light of the sparks of your own kindling and weakened your own souls. You will have to do your work thoroughly, else you will have to meet the same to answer for at the bar of God. Just as you have dealt with Prof. Bell, will the Lord deal with you, unless you repent and confess your errors and enlist your Advocate in heaven to plead your case. The spirit of the meekness and gentleness of Christ would have led you in an entirely different course had you followed the directions that Christ has given you in His Word; you would have stood in an entirely different position today. “So speak evil of no man to be no brawlers, but be gentle, showing all meekness unto all men.” “For we ourselves were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived.” [Titus 3:2, 3.] But “if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” [Galatians 6:1.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 48, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 48, 1893, par. 54

“To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men. For we ourselves also were sometime foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, that being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the Hope of eternal life.” [Titus 3:2-7.] These are great and noble things for us to consider.

Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing

“Love your enemies.”—Matthew 5:44.

MB 75.1

While we were yet unloving and unlovely in character, “hateful, and hating one another,” our heavenly Father had mercy on us. “After that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.” Titus 3:3-5. His love received, will make us, in like manner, kind and tender, not merely toward those who please us, but to the most faulty and erring and sinful.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 12, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 12, 1893, par. 35

“For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, ... whose mouths must be stopped.” “This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith.” “Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” (Margin reading: void of judgment) Titus 1:10, 11, [13], 15, 16. [Read the] second chapter, verses 11-15; chapter 3:3-8.

The Faith I Live By

Our Lord’s Example, May 17

FLB 143.3

Christ as the head of humanity was to take the same steps that we are required to take. Although sinless, He was our example in fulfilling all the requirements for the redemption of the sinful race. He bore the sins of the whole world. His baptism was to embrace the whole sinful world who by repentance and faith would be pardoned. “After that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.” Titus 3:4-8. Man was brought again into favor with God by the washing of regeneration. The washing was the burial with Christ in the water in the likeness of His death, representing that all who repent of the transgression of the law of God receive purification, cleansing, through the work of the Holy Spirit. Baptism represents true conversion by the renewing of the Holy Spirit.57Manuscript 57, 1900.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 21, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 21, 1898, par. 38

“After that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which believe in God might be careful to maintain good works.” [Titus 3:4-8.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 57, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 57, 1900, par. 23

“After that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.” [Titus 3:4-8.]

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 28—The Reward of Grace

COL 397.2

So God desires us to trust in Him who justifieth the ungodly. His reward is given not according to our merit but according to His own purpose, “which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Ephesians 3:11. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.” Titus 3:5. And for those who trust in Him He will do “exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.” Ephesians 3:20.

Conflict and Courage

Secret Interview, October 12

CC 291.1

He saved us, not because of deeds done by us in righteousness, but in virtue of his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:5, R.S.V.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 32—The Centurion

DA 317.1

It is thus that every sinner may come to Christ. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.” Titus 3:5. When Satan tells you that you are a sinner, and cannot hope to receive blessing from God, tell him that Christ came into the world to save sinners. We have nothing to recommend us to God; but the plea that we may urge now and ever is our utterly helpless condition that makes His redeeming power a necessity. Renouncing all self-dependence, we may look to the cross of Calvary and say,—

The Ministry of Healing

“According to His Mercy He Saved Us”

MH 65.2

In the same way every human being can come to Christ. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.” Titus 3:5. Do you feel that because you are a sinner you cannot hope to receive blessing from God? Remember that Christ came into the world to save sinners. We have nothing to recommend us to God; the plea that we may urge now and ever is our utterly helpless condition, which makes His redeeming power a necessity. Renouncing all self-dependence, we may look to the cross of Calvary and say:

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 98b, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 98b, 1896, par. 10

“Not by works of righteousness, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost, which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour.” [Titus 3:5, 6.] Christ was stricken of God and afflicted on our behalf. “In all things it behoved Him to be made like unto His brethren that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of His people.” “For in that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succor them that are tempted.” [Hebrews 2:17, 18.] Poor, tried, suffering soul, Jesus loves you. “A bruised reed shall He not break, and smoking flax shall He not quench.” [Matthew 12:20.] He died on Calvary’s cross for you. His sacrifice is all-sufficient and you may be complete in Him.

Faith and Works

Faith the Condition of Promise

FW 101.1

“Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness” (Romans 4:3-5). Righteousness is obedience to the law. The law demands righteousness, and this the sinner owes to the law; but he is incapable of rendering it. The only way in which he can attain to righteousness is through faith. By faith he can bring to God the merits of Christ, and the Lord places the obedience of His Son to the sinner’s account. Christ’s righteousness is accepted in place of man’s failure, and God receives, pardons, justifies, the repentant, believing soul, treats him as though he were righteous, and loves him as He loves His Son. This is how faith is accounted righteousness; and the pardoned soul goes on from grace to grace, from light to a greater light. He can say with rejoicing, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life” (Titus 3:5-7).

Selected Messages Book 1

Chapter 57—Christ the Way of Life

1SM 367.1

“Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness” (Romans 4:3-5). Righteousness is obedience to the law. The law demands righteousness, and this the sinner owes to the law; but he is incapable of rendering it. The only way in which he can attain to righteousness is through faith. By faith he can bring to God the merits of Christ, and the Lord places the obedience of His Son to the sinner’s account. Christ’s righteousness is accepted in place of man’s failure, and God receives, pardons, justifies, the repentant, believing soul, treats him as though he were righteous, and loves him as He loves His Son. This is how faith is accounted righteousness; and the pardoned soul goes on from grace to grace, from light to a greater light. He can say with rejoicing, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life” (Titus 3:5-7).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 177, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 177, 1897, par. 100

There is not any excuse for our unbelief, not any excuse for a feeble, dwarfed spirituality. We must grow in grace, grow in spiritual knowledge, grow in greater intelligence. Our resources are simply without limit, for when God gave Christ, the great gift of heaven, He gave all the treasures of heaven. Then let us honor God who hath made every provision for us that we shall not falter, that we shall not fail or be discouraged. Let us press forward. The mark of the prize of the high calling is before us. “Being justified freely”—not stintedly—“by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:24. Ephesians 2:4-8. Titus 3:5-8.

God’s Amazing Grace

Heirs of Immortality, September 27

AG 278.1

Being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:7.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 2, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 2, 1895, par. 34

The Lord is to be honored and glorified by His people in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom they are to shine as lights in the world. “This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.” [Titus 3:8.] The manner in which we use the gift of speech will tell on the side of good or evil. We are to manifest Christian tact and sanctified judgment.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 11a, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 11a, 1895, par. 19

The Lord is to be honored and glorified by His people in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom they are to shine as lights in the world. “This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.” [Titus 3:8.] The manner in which we use the gift of speech will tell on the side of good or evil. We are to manifest Christian tact and sanctified judgment.

The Upward Look

Avoid Debates and Sharp Thrusts, September 13

UL 270.1

Avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. Titus 3:9.