… And I saw those who rose up with Jesus send up their faith to Jesus in the Holiest, and praying, Father give us thy spirit. Then Jesus would breathe on them the Holy Ghost. In the breath was light, power and much love, joy and peace. … (The Day Star, March 14, 1846, Par.1)
“And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.” “And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them.” “And Jesus increased his wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” Let the brightest example the world has yet seen be your example, rather than the greatest and most learned men of the age, who know not God, nor Jesus Christ whom he has sent. THE FATHER AND THE SON ALONE ARE TO BE EXALTED. {YI, July 7, 1898 par. 2}
“Get ready,” is the word sounded in my ears. “Get ready, get ready. He that is to come, will come and will not tarry. Tell my people that unless they improve the sacred opportunities given them, unless they do the work I have given them, Satan will come upon them with the stealthy tread of a thief, to deceive and allure them.” God wants us to be wide awake, that when he shall come, we shall be ready to say, “Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us.” He is coming to us by HIS Holy Spirit today. Let us recognize HIM now; then we shall recognize him when he comes in the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. God calls upon you to get ready to meet him in peace. {GCB, April 23, 1901 par. 8} Also {E. G. White, Review and Herald, April 30, 1901 par. 8}
“His name shall be called Immanuel, . . . God with us.” “The light of the knowledge of the glory of God” is seen “in the face of Jesus Christ.” FROM the days of eternity the Lord Jesus Christ was one with the Father; He was “the image of God,” the image of His greatness and majesty, “the outshining of His glory.” It was to manifest this glory that He came to our world. To this sin-darkened earth He came to reveal the light of God’s love,–to be “God with us.” Therefore it was prophesied of Him, “His name shall be called Immanuel.” {DA 19.1}
“I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you.” THE DIVINE SPIRIT that the world’s Redeemer promised to send, IS THE PRESENCE AND POWER OF GOD. He will not leave his people in the world destitute of his grace, to be buffeted by the enemy of God, and harassed by the oppression of the world; but he will come to them. The world cannot see the truth; they know not the Father or the Son, but it is only because they do not desire to know God, they do not wish to look upon Jesus, to see his goodness, his love, his heavenly attractions. Jesus is inviting all men to accept him; and wherever the heart is open to receive him, he will come in, gladdening the soul with the light and joy of his presence. {ST, November 23, 1891 par. 1} Also {2 Special Testimonies p-451}
“These things I have spoken unto you,” He said, “that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Christ did not fail, neither was He discouraged, and His followers are to manifest a faith of the same enduring nature. They are to live as He lived, and work as He worked, because they depend on Him as the great Master Worker. Courage, energy, and perseverance they must possess. Though apparent impossibilities obstruct their way, by His grace they are to go forward. Instead of deploring difficulties, they are called upon to surmount them. They are to despair of nothing, and to hope for everything. With the golden chain of His matchless love Christ has bound them to the throne of God. It is His purpose that the HIGHEST INFLUENCE IN THE UNIVERSE, emanating from the source of all power, shall be theirs. They are to have POWER to resist evil, power that neither earth, nor death, nor hell can master, POWER that will enable them to overcome as Christ overcame. {DA 679.3}
“Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25. Though the ministration was to be removed from the earthly to the heavenly temple; though the sanctuary and our great high priest would be invisible to human sight, yet the disciples were to suffer no loss thereby. They would realize no break in their communion, and no diminution of power because of the Saviour’s absence. While JESUS ministers in the sanctuary above, HE is still by HIS SPIRIT the minister of the church on earth. HE is withdrawn from the eye of sense, but HIS parting promise is fulfilled, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28:20. While HE delegates HIS power to inferior ministers, HIS energizing presence is still with HIS church. — (EGW, DA, p. 166)
“YE SHALL RECEIVE POWER,” Christ had said, “after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” BY THE DESCENT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, the apostles were qualified for the very work Christ had given them to do,–the work of gathering in the harvest. THE GREAT TEACHER CAME to sow the world with truth; and after His ascension, the harvest revealed the power of His teaching. {ST, May 17, 1899 par. 10}
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.” “And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him because we keep his commandments and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.” “And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. Little children keep yourselves from idols.” The Lord is soon to come. We want that complete and perfect understanding which the Lord alone can give. It is not safe to catch the spirit from another. WE WANT THE HOLY SPIRIT, WHICH IS JESUS CHRIST. If we commune with God, we shall have strength and grace and efficiency. {Lt66-1894}
All who consecrate soul, body, and spirit to God WILL BE CONSTANTLY RECEIVING A NEW ENDOWMENT OF PHYSICAL AND MENTAL POWER. The inexhaustible supplies of heaven are at their command. Christ gives them the breath of HIS OWN SPIRIT, THE LIFE OF HIS OWN LIFE. The Holy Spirit puts forth its highest energies to work in heart and mind. The grace of God enlarges and multiplies their faculties, and every perfection of the divine nature comes to their assistance in the work of saving souls. Through co-operation with CHRIST they are complete IN HIM, and in their human weakness they are enabled to do the deeds of Omnipotence. {DA 827.3} Also The Ministry of Healing, p. 159 1905},{RH, November 19, 1908 par. 15}
At times Christ reproached the disciples with the slowness of their comprehension. He placed in their possession truths of which they little suspected the value. He had been with them a long time, giving them lessons in clear lines, but their previous religious education, the erroneous interpretation which they had heard the Jewish teachers place on the Scriptures, kept their minds clouded. Christ promised them that He would send HIS Spirit, who would recall His words to their minds as forgotten truths. “He shall teach you all things,” Christ said, “and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” {Lt204-1899}
But it was difficult even for the disciples to understand the words of Christ. That Christ should MANIFEST HIMSELF to them, and yet be invisible to the world, was a mystery to the disciples. They could not understand the words of Christ in their spiritual sense. They were thinking of the outward, visible manifestation. They could not take in the fact that they could have the PRESENCE OF CHRIST with them, AND YET HE BE UNSEEN by the world. They did not understand the meaning of a SPIRITUAL MANIFESTATION. — {E.G. White, The Southern Work, September 13, 1898}
Christ declared that after his ascension, he would send to his church, as his crowning gift, the Comforter, who was to take his place. This Comforter is the Holy Spirit,–the soul of his life, the efficacy of his church, the light and life of the world. With HIS Spirit, CHRIST sends a reconciling influence and a power that TAKES away SIN. (Ellen G. White, Review and Herald, May 19, 1904)
Christ determined that when He ascended from this earth, He would bestow a gift on those who had believed on Him, and those who should believe on Him. What gift could He bestow rich enough to signalize and grace His ascension to the mediatorial throne? It must be worthy of His greatness and His royalty. HE DETERMINED TO GIVE HIS REPRESENTATIVE, THE THIRD PERSON OF THE GODHEAD. THIS GIFT COULD NOT BE EXCELLED. He would give all gifts in one, and therefore the divine Spirit, that converting, enlightening, and sanctifying POWER, would be His donation—{S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 6, p. 1052}
CHRIST has promised the GIFT of the Holy Spirit to HIS CHURCH, and the promise belongs to us as much as to the first disciples. But like every other promise, it is given on conditions. There are many who believe and profess to claim the Lord’s promise; they talk about Christ and about the Holy Spirit, yet receive no benefit. They do not surrender the soul to be guided and controlled by the DIVINE AGENCIES. We cannot use the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is to use us. Through the Spirit God works in His people “to will and to do of His good pleasure.” But many will not submit to this. They want to manage themselves. This is why they do not receive the heavenly gift. Only to those who wait humbly upon God, who watch for His guidance and grace, is the Spirit given. The power of God awaits their demand and reception. This promised blessing, claimed by faith, brings all other blessings in its train. It is given according to the riches of the grace of Christ, and He is ready to supply every soul according to the capacity to receive.–The Desire of Ages, p. 672. {ChS 253.1}
It is as hard today to break away from the regular lines as it was in Christ’s day. We have had great light. Let us not become narrow. Let us break the bonds which bind us. Christ is the source of all true growth, the maintainer of all life.By HIS HOLY SPIRIT He communicates heavenly principles and furnishes spiritual life. {E. G. White, Manuscript Releases Volume 20, p. 143} 1901
Christ said of the Spirit, “He shall glorify me.” As Christ glorified the Father by the demonstration of his love, so the SPIRIT was TO GLORIFY CHRIST by revealing to the world the riches of his grace. The very image of God is to be reproduced in humanity. The honor of God, the honor of Christ, is involved in the perfection of the character of his people. {RH, May 19, 1904 par. 4}
Christ took human nature that men might be one with Him as He is one with the Father, that God may love man as He loves His only-begotten Son, that men may be partakers of the divine nature, and be complete in Him. The Holy Spirit, which proceeds FROM the only-begotten Son of God, binds the human agent, body, soul, and spirit, to the perfect, divine-human nature of Christ. This union is represented by the union of the vine and the branches. Finite man is united to the manhood of Christ. Through faith human nature is assimilated with Christ’s nature. We are made one with God in Christ. (E.G.White, Selected Messages 1, p.250)
Cumbered with humanity, Christ could not be in every place personally; therefore it was altogether for their advantage that He should leave them, go to His father, and send the Holy Spirit to be His successor on earth. The Holy Spirit is Himself DIVESTED of the personality of humanity and independent thereof. HE WOULD REPRESENT HIMSELF AS PRESENT IN ALL PLACES BY HIS HOLY SPIRIT, AS THE OMNIPRESENT. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall (although unseen by you), [THIS PHRASE WAS ADDED BY ELLEN WHITE.] teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you [John 14:26]. Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will come not unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you [John 16:7]. {14MR 23.3} (Ellen White, Manuscript Releases, vol. 14, pages 23, 24; written February 18 and 19, 1895)
HE IS COMING TO US BY HIS HOLY SPIRIT TODAY. Let us recognize Him now; then we shall recognize Him when He comes in the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. {E. G. White, Review and Herald, April 30, 1901 par. 8}
Here are revealed the heights of attainment that we may reach through faith in the promises of our Heavenly Father, when we fulfil his requirements. Through the merits of Christ, we have access to the throne of infinite power. “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” The Father gave HIS SPIRIT without measure to HIS Son, and we also may partake of its fulness. Jesus says: “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” — (E.G. White, RH, Nov 5, 1908)
Here are the very words that we want to bring into our life practice. The men that have long stood in positions of trust while disregarding the light that God has given, are not to be depended upon. God wants them to be removed. He wants a new life element brought into the publishing institutions. There are those who have stood as managers and yet have not managed after God’s order. Some have served on committees here and committees there, and have felt free to dictate just what the committee should say and do, claiming that those who did not carry out these ideas were sinning against Christ. When the power of God is manifest in the church and in the management of the various departments of his work, when it is evident that the managers are themselves controlled by the HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD, then it is time to consider that you are safe in accepting what they may say, under God. But you must know that you are guided by the principles of the Word of the living God. The Great General of armies, the Captain of the Lord’s host, is our leader. {GCB, April 3, 1901 par. 32}
I feel my spirit stirred within me. I feel to the depth of my being that the truth must be borne to other countries and nations, and to all classes. Let the missionaries of the cross proclaim that there is ONE GOD, AND ONE MEDIATOR BETWEEN GOD AND MAN, WHO IS JESUS CHRIST THE SON OF THE INFINITE GOD. This needs to be proclaimed throughout every church in our land. Christians need to know this, and not put man where God should be, THAT THEY MAY no longer BE WORSHIPERS of idols, but OF THE LIVING GOD. Idolatry exists in our churches. [Means had] better be employed to save souls from death, which would be placing jewels in the crown of Jesus Christ and stars in our own crowns in the kingdom of heaven. {1888 886.3 1987} Also {Ms40-1891} [re: Battle Creek, January 21, 1891] [This is a powerful non-trinitarian quote by EGW herself.]
I saw a company who stood well guarded and firm, giving no countenance to those who would unsettle the established faith of the body. God looked upon them with approbation. I was shown three steps–the first, second, and third angels’ messages. Said my accompanying angel, ‘Woe to him who shall move a block or stir a pin of these messages. THE TRUE UNDERSTANDING OF THESE MESSAGES IS OF VITAL IMPORTANCE. THE DESTINY OF SOULS HANGS UPON THE MANNER IN WHICH THEY ARE RECEIVED.’ I was again brought down through these messages, and saw how dearly the people of God had purchased their experience. It had been obtained through much suffering and severe conflict. God had led them along step by step, until He had placed them upon a solid, immovable platform. {Early Writings, pp. 258,259 1882}
I saw the Father rise from the throne, [SEE PAGE 92.] and in a flaming chariot go into the holy of holies within the veil, and sit down. Then Jesus rose up from the throne, and the most of those who were bowed down arose with Him. I did not see one ray of light pass from Jesus to the careless multitude after He arose, and they were left in perfect darkness. Those who arose when Jesus did, kept their eyes fixed on Him as He left the throne and led them out a little way. Then He raised His right arm, and we heard His lovely voice saying, “Wait here; I am going to My Father to receive the kingdom; keep your garments spotless, and in a little while I will return from the wedding and receive you to Myself.” Then a cloudy chariot, with wheels like flaming fire, surrounded by angels, came to where Jesus was. He stepped into the chariot and was borne to the holiest, where the Father sat. There I beheld Jesus, a great High Priest, standing before the Father. On the hem of His garment was a bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate. Those who rose up with Jesus would send up their faith to Him in the holiest, and pray, “My Father, give us Thy Spirit.” Then JESUS WOULD BREATHE UPON THEM THE HOLY GHOST. In that breath was light, power, and much love, joy, and peace. {EW 55.1} Also {AG 71.3}
In giving us HIS Spirit, God gives us HIMSELF, making Himself a fountain of divine influences, to give health and life to the world. {E. G. White, Testimonies Volume 7, p. 273} 1902
IN THE FIRST ANGEL’S MESSAGE MEN ARE CALLED UPON TO WORSHIP GOD, OUR CREATOR, who made the world and all things that are therein. THEY HAVE PAID HOMAGE TO AN INSTITUTION OF THE PAPACY, MAKING OF NO EFFECT THE LAW OF JEHOVAH, BUT THERE IS TO BE AN INCREASE OF KNOWLEDGE ON THIS SUBJECT. {11LtMs, Ms 32, 1896, par. 6{ Also {1MR 44.1 1981}
It is as hard today to break away from the regular lines as it was in Christ’s day. We have had great light. Let us not become narrow. Let us break the bonds which bind us. Christ is the source of all true growth, the maintainer of all life. By HIS Holy Spirit He communicates heavenly principles and furnishes spiritual life. {20MR 143.5} Also {E. G. White, Manuscript Releases Volume 20, p. 143 1901}
It is not essential for you to know and be able to define just what the Holy Spirit is. Christ tells us that the Holy Spirit is the Comforter, and the Comforter is the Holy Ghost, “the Spirit of truth, which the Father shall send in my name.” “I will pray the Father, and he shall send you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him; but ye know him, for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” THIS REFERS TO THE OMNIPRESENCE OF THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST, CALLED THE COMFORTER. Again Jesus says, “I have many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit, when he, the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth.” {Lt7-1891} {Also 14MR 179.2} John 16:12-13.
Now, we want to be kept from the evil. “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth…. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so” I also send them into the world. [It is] just as much your work to act out right in the world as it was the work of Christ to redeem. He sent you into the world. You are to be the light of the world. You are to show the distinction between the spirit of Christianity and the spirit of the worldling. You are to show the controlling influence of the power of God upon the human heart. God help us that we may be sanctified through the truth and that sanctification shall have its influence to leaven those that are around us—not the leaven of malice, not the leaven of jealousy, not the leaven of evil surmisings, but it is the LEAVEN OF THE SPIRIT OF JESUS CHRIST, which is sent down from heaven, CALLED THE HOLY GHOST, and that Spirit affects the heart and the character. {Ms36-1891}
OF THE SPIRIT JESUS SAID, “HE SHALL GLORIFY ME.” The Saviour came to glorify the Father by the demonstration of His love; so the Spirit was to glorify Christ by revealing His grace to the world. The very image of God is to be reproduced in humanity. The honor of God, the honor of Christ, is involved in the perfection of the character of His people. {DA 671.3}
Our German and Danish and Swedish brethren have no good reason for not being able to act in harmony in the publishing work. Those who believe the truth should remember that they are God’s little children, that they are under His training. Let them be thankful to God for His manifold mercies and be kind to one another. They have ONE God and ONE Saviour; and ONE Spirit–the Spirit of Christ–is to bring unity into their ranks. — (EGW, 9T 189.3, 1909)
Our sanctification is the work of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is the fulfilment of the covenant that God has made with those who bind themselves up with Him, TO STAND WITH HIM, WITH HIS SON, AND WITH HIS SPIRIT in holy fellowship. Have you been born again? Have you become a new being in Christ Jesus? Then co-operate with the three great POWERS of heaven who are working in your behalf. Doing this you will reveal to the world the principles of righteousness.–The Signs of the Times, June 19, 1901. {7ABC 442.3}
Pointing to the Bible he said: “The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are to be combined in the work of fitting a people to stand in the day of the Lord. Earnestly improve your present opportunities. Make the word of the living God your lessonbook. If this had always been done, students lost to the cause of God would now be missionaries. JEHOVAH IS THE ONLY TRUE GOD, AND HE IS TO BE REVERENCED AND WORSHIPED. Those who respect the words of infidel authors and lead students to look upon these books as essential in their education lessen their faith in God. The tone, the spirit, the influence of these books is deleterious to those who depend on them for knowledge. Influences have been brought to bear upon the students that have led them to look away from Christ, the Light of the world, and evil angels rejoice that those who profess to know God deny Him as He has been thus denied in our schools. The Sun of Righteousness has been shining upon the church to dispel the darkness and to call the attention of God’s people to the preparation essential for those who would shine as lights in the world. Those who receive this light will comprehend it; those who do not receive it will walk in darkness, knowing not at what they stumble. The soul is never safe unless it is under the divine guidance. Then it will be led into all truth. The word of Christ will fall with living power upon obedient hearts; and through the application of divine truth the perfect image of God will be reproduced, and in heaven it will be said: ‘Ye are complete in Him.'” Colossians 2:10. {E. G. White, Testimonies Volume 6, p. 166 1901}
The disciples were to carry their work forward in Christ’s name. Their every word and act was to fasten attention on His name, as possessing that vital power by which sinners may be saved. Their faith was to center in Him who is the source of mercy and power. In His name they were to present their petitions to the Father, and they would receive answer. They were to baptize in the NAME of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. CHRIST’S NAME was to be their watchword, their badge of distinction, their bond of union, the authority for their course of action, and the source of their success. Nothing was to be recognized in HIS KINGDOM that did not bear HIS NAME AND SUPERSCRIPTION. {AA 28.2}
The Father can not be described by the things of earth. THE FATHER IS ALL THE FULLNESS OF THE GODHEAD BODILY, and is invisible to mortal sight. THE SON IS ALL THE FULLNESS OF THE GODHEAD MANIFESTED. The word of God declares Him to be the express image of His person. God so loved the world that He GAVE His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Here is shown the personality of the Father. {BTS, March 1, 1906 par. 1}
The greatness of God is to us incomprehensible. The Lord’s throne is in heaven (Psalm 11:4); yet by HIS Spirit He is everywhere present. He has an intimate knowledge of, and a personal interest in, all the works of His hand. {E. G. White, Education, p. 132} 1903
The HOLY SPIRIT IS CHRIST’S REPRESENTATIVE, but divested of the personality of humanity, and independent thereof. Cumbered with humanity, Christ could not be in every place personally. Therefore it was for their interest that He should go to the Father, and send the Spirit to be His successor on earth. No one could then have any advantage because of his location or his personal contact with Christ. By the Spirit THE SAVIOR would be accessible to all. In this sense He would be nearer to them than if He had not ascended on high. {Desire of Ages p 699}. Also {Ms. 5a, 1895. Lt.W-119-1895}
The Holy Spirit is the breath of spiritual life in the soul. The impartation of THE SPIRIT IS the impartation of THE LIFE OF CHRIST. It imbues the receiver with the attributes of Christ. Only those who are thus taught of God, those who possess the inward working of the Spirit, and in whose life the Christ-life is manifested, are to stand as representative men, to minister in behalf of the church. {DA 805.3}
The line of demarcation between those who serve God and those who serve him not, is ever to remain distinct. The difference between believers and unbelievers should be as great as the difference between light and darkness. WHEN GOD’S PEOPLE TAKE THE POSITION THAT THEY ARE THE TEMPLE OF THE HOLY GHOST, CHRIST HIMSELF ABIDING WITHIN, they will so clearly reveal Him in spirit, words, and actions, that there will be an unmistakable distinction between them and Satan’s followers. {SpM 243.4 1985}
The living fountain is to be kept before the souls who are perishing in their sins. They must arouse. They must come to the fountain opened in the house of David. They need the balm of the Saviour’s love applied to their bruised and wounded souls. We must have the mighty energy of the Holy Spirit, with all its quickening, transforming, life-giving power, in order to penetrate the palsied soul. Work we must in spiritual lines. Lift up CHRIST in HIS power in the PERSON of the HOLY SPIRIT. He is waiting for them to open the door and admit Him. His presence will thrill every nerve and muscle. Every organ will begin to perform its functions, and the whole man will be restored to spiritual soundness as he sees Christ by faith. {Lt59-1899} {The Holy Spirit IS called a PERSON – Inspired Writings.}
The Lord encourages all who seek Him with the whole heart. He gives them His Holy Spirit, the manifestation of His presence and favor. But those who forsake God in order to save their lives will be forsaken by Him. In seeking to save their lives by yielding the truth, they will lose eternal life. {9T 230.3 1909}
The reason why the churches are weak and sickly and ready to die, is that the enemy has brought influences of a discouraging nature to bear upon trembling souls. He has sought to shut Jesus from their view as the Comforter, as one who reproves, who warns, who admonishes them, saying, “This is the way, walk ye in it.” Christ has ALL POWER in heaven and in earth, and he can strengthen the wavering, and set right the erring. He can inspire with confidence, with hope in God; and confidence in God always results in creating confidence in one another. {RH, August 26, 1890 par. 10}
The Spirit was given as a REGENERATING AGENCY, and without this the sacrifice of Christ would have been of no avail. The power of evil had been strengthening for centuries, and the submission of man to this satanic captivity was amazing. Sin could be resisted and overcome only through THE MIGHTY AGENCY OF THE THIRD PERSON OF THE GODHEAD, who would come with no modified energy, but in the fulness of divine power. It is the Spirit that makes effectual what has been wrought out by the world’s Redeemer. It is by the Spirit that the heart is made pure. Through the Spirit the believer becomes a partaker of the divine nature. CHRIST HAS GIVEN HIS SPIRIT as a divine power to overcome all hereditary and cultivated tendencies to evil, and to impress his own character upon the church. {E. G. White, Review and Herald, May 19, 1904 par. 3}
The very last deception of Satan will be TO MAKE OF NONE EFFECT THE TESTIMONY OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD. Where there is no vision, the people perish (Proverbs 29:18). Satan will work ingeniously, in different ways and through different agencies, TO UNSETTLE THE CONFIDENCE OF GOD’S REMNANT PEOPLE IN THE TRUE TESTIMONY. He will bring in spurious visions to mislead, and will mingle the false with the true, and so disgust people that they will regard everything that bears the name of visions as a species of fanaticism; but honest souls, by contrasting false and true, will be enabled to distinguish between them… {2SM 78.2 1958}
There is in every one who truly loves God the SPIRIT OF CHRIST, which always leads to peace and love and never to dissension. The more the heart is under the influence of the Spirit of God, and its affections centered in Christ, the less will it be disturbed with the roughness and hardships that will be met in this life. True Christians will talk of Christ; they will work for Christ; and as they are imbued with His Spirit, they will work with unselfish interest to bless humanity around them. They are growing, ever growing to the full stature of men and women in Christ Jesus. They become more and more like Christ in disposition. Discontent, restlessness, and murmuring come from a heart that is not renewed by grace. The heart that is at peace with God is constantly rising above the low earthly elements and is partaker of the divine nature. {Lt21-1886}
There is nothing that Satan fears so much as that the people of God shall clear the way by removing every hindrance, so that the Lord can pour out HIS Spirit upon a languishing church and an impenitent congregation. If Satan had his way, there would never be another awakening, great or small, to the end of time. But we are not ignorant of his devices. It is possible to resist his power. When the way is prepared for the SPIRIT OF GOD, the blessing will come. Satan can no more hinder a shower of blessing from descending upon God’s people than he can close the windows of heaven that rain cannot come upon the earth. Wicked men and devils cannot hinder the work of God, or shut out his presence from the assemblies of his people, if they will, with subdued, contrite hearts, confess and put away their sins, and in faith claim his promises. Every temptation, every opposing influence, whether open or secret, may be successfully resisted, not by might, nor by power, but by MY SPIRIT, saith the Lord of hosts. {RH, March 22, 1887 par. 7}
This is our work for this time, to open the door to Jesus, and HE will so fill the soul that there will be no room for self and selfishness … We want that complete and perfect understanding which the Lord alone can give. It is not safe to catch the spirit from another. WE WANT THE HOLY SPIRIT, WHICH IS JESUS CHRIST. (E.White, Letter 66, April 10, 1894, par.17-18)
Those who are waiting for the appearing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ cannot mingle with those who are lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God, who are seeking amusement in games and pleasure parties. As faithful watchmen they must proclaim the warning, “The morning cometh, and also the night.” Christ has left HIS Holy Spirit to be HIS REPRESENTATIVE in the world, to give celestial aid to every hungering, thirsting soul. Heavenly inspiration is still imparted to men, and it is the work of those who have had light, to let light shine forth to those who are in darkness. Let no one feel inclined to hide his light. Those who hide their light so that the world may not distinguish between them and those who walk in darkness will soon lose all power to diffuse light. They are the ones who are represented by the five foolish virgins, and when the crisis comes, when the call is heard, “Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him,” they will arouse at last to find that their lamps have gone out, that they have mixed with the elements of the world and have not provided themselves with the oil of grace. They were lulled to sleep by the cry of peace and safety, and did not keep lamps trimmed and burning. Aroused to their darkness they plead for oil, but it is impossible for one Christian to impart character to another soul. {Lt84-1895}
True faith and repose in God are always accompanied by the illuminations of the Holy Spirit, whose temple we are. THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST, it is His representative. Here is the divine agency that carries conviction to hearts. When the power of His spirit is revealed through the servants of God, we behold divinity flashing through humanity. When accompanied by the Holy Spirit, the presentation of truth as it is in Jesus will be of more value than all the honor or glory of the world. {Lt18-1895}
We are to commune with God through the AGENCY of the Holy Spirit; and when we pray, the Spirit helpeth our infirmities. The plow-share of truth must go deep. We are full of self, satisfied with our condition. Jesus says,”Thou sayest I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked; I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.” We must fall on the Rock and be broken, and then the Spirit of God will take possession of us, and mould us after the divine Pattern. {ST, January 16, 1893 par. 7}
We believed that Jesus redeems us and sanctifies us by the indwelling of HIS Holy Spirit. This is a second personality of Christ as the Spirit of Christ. It originates from the Father as the Spirit of God. He would have come to us in the flesh, in person, and now he comes to us in the Spirit.
We have a most important work to do—the work of obeying Christ and bearing witness of Him. He said to His disciples, “And ye also shall bear witness of me, because ye have been with me from the beginning.” The disciples were to be honored by bearing witness concerning Christ’s mission. They had been with Him constantly and had gained a most valuable knowledge to impart to others. We cannot be with CHRIST in person, as were His first disciples, but HE has sent HIS Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth, and through this power we too can bear witness for the Saviour. [John 16:13 quoted] — (E.G. White, Ms30, June 18, 1900)
We talk of the Holy Ghost; we preach of the Holy Ghost; but WE NEED TO UNDERSTAND BETTER WHAT THE OFFICE OF THE HOLY GHOST IS. We need to understand that we must co-operate with God in every sense or God can not co-operate with us. We are laborers together with God. {GCB, April 3, 1901 par. 30}
Were men free to depart from the Lord’s requirements and could set up standards of duty for themselves, there would be a variety of standards set up, to suit different minds. Men would feel competent to take the government out of the Lord’s hands, and act as gods themselves. The law of self would be exalted. The will of men would be made supreme, and the high and holy will of God, His purpose of love toward His heritage would be dishonored and disrespected. When men feel free to choose their own way, they are in controversy with God. There is no place for gods in the heaven above. GOD IS THE ONLY TRUE GOD. HE FILLS ALL HEAVEN. Those who now submit to His will shall see His face; His name will be in the foreheads of all who are pure and holy. – Ellen G. White, Letter 5-1896.14 – December 18, 1896
What saith our Saviour? “I will not leave thee comfortless; I will come unto you.” “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me; and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father; and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” When trials overshadow the soul, remember the words of CHRIST, remember that He is an unseen presence in the PERSON of the HOLY SPIRIT, and He will be the peace and comfort given you, manifesting to you that He is with you, the Sun of Righteousness, chasing away your darkness. “If a man loves me,” Christ said, “he will keep my words, and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” Be of good cheer; light will come, and your soul will rejoice greatly in the Lord. {Lt124-1897} Also {DG 185.2 1998} {The Holy Spirit IS called a PERSON – Inspired Writings.}
Spirit of Prophecy bosom text
However much a shepherd may love his sheep, he loves his sons and daughters more. Jesus is not only our shepherd; He is our “everlasting Father.” And He says, “I know Mine own, and Mine own know Me, even as the Father knoweth Me, and I know the Father.” John 10:14, 15, R. V. What a statement is this!–the only-begotten Son, He who is in the BOSOM of the Father, He whom God has declared to be “the Man that is My fellow” (Zechariah 13:7),–the communion between Him and the eternal God is taken to represent the communion between Christ and His children on the earth! {DA 483.2 1898}
Jesus . . . became a “Man of sorrows,” that we might be made partakers of everlasting joy. God permitted His beloved Son, full of grace and truth, to come from a world of indescribable glory, to a world marred and blighted with sin, darkened with the shadow of death and the curse. He permitted Him to leave the BOSOM of His Love, the adoration of the angels, to suffer shame . . . and death. {FLB 97.4 1958} Also {RH, February 28, 1888 par. 2} {AG 188.2 1973}
None but the Son of God could accomplish our redemption; for only He who was in the BOSOM of the Father could declare Him. Only He who knew the height and depth of the love of God could make it manifest. Nothing less than the infinite sacrifice made by Christ in behalf of fallen man could express the Father’s love to lost humanity. {SC 14.2 1892-1893}
The Eternal Father, the unchangeable one, GAVE his only begotten Son, TORE FROM HIS BOSOM Him who was made in the express image of his person, and sent him down to earth to reveal how greatly he loved mankind. He is willing to do more, “more than we can ask or think.” An inspired writer asks a question which should sink deep into every heart: “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” Shall not every believer in the Lord Jesus Christ say, “Since God has done so much for us, how shall we not, for Christ’s sake, show our love to him by obedience to his commandments, by being doers of his word, by unreservedly consecrating ourselves to his service?” {RH, July 9, 1895 par. 13 ‘The Duty of the Minister and the People’}
The Lord God of heaven collected all the riches of the universe, and laid them down in order to purchase the pearl of lost humanity. The Father gave all His divine resources into the hands of Christ in order that the richest blessings of heaven might be poured out upon a fallen race. God could not express greater love than He has expressed in giving the SON OF HIS BOSOM to this world. This gift was given to man to convince him that God had left nothing undone that He could do, that there is nothing held in reserve, but that all heaven has been poured out in one vast gift. The present and eternal happiness of man consists in receiving God’s love, and in keeping God’s commandments. {OHC 13.3 1961}
When in the fulness of time the Son of the infinite God CAME FORTH from the BOSOM of the Father to this world, He came in the garb of humanity, clothing His divinity with humanity. The Father and the Son in consultation decided that Christ must come to the world as a babe, and live the life that human beings must live from childhood to manhood, bearing the trials that they must bear, and at the same time living a sinless life, that men might see in Him an example of what they can become, and that He might know by experience how to help them in their struggles with sin. He was tried as man is tried, tempted as man is tempted. The life that He lived in this world, men can live, through His power and under His instruction. {ST, May 17, 1905 par. 5}
In the very BOSOM of the decalogue is the fourth commandment, as it was first proclaimed: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day; wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.” [Exodus 20:8-11.] {GC88 434.2 1888}
Other Spirit of Prophecy trinity text
A COMPLETE OFFERING HAS BEEN MADE; FOR GOD so loved the world, that he GAVE his only-begotten Son,– not a son by creation, as were the angels, nor a son by adoption, as is the forgiven sinner, but A SON BEGOTTEN in the express image of the Father’s person, and in all the brightness of his majesty and glory, one equal with God in authority, dignity, and divine perfection. In him dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. – {Ellen G. White, Signs of the Times, 30th May 1895, ‘Christ our complete salvation’ par. 3}
A REVIVAL OF TRUE GODLINESS AMONG US IS THE GREATEST AND MOST URGENT OF ALL OUR NEEDS. TO SEEK THIS SHOULD BE OUR FIRST WORK. There must be earnest effort to obtain the blessing of the Lord, not because God is not willing to bestow His blessing upon us, but because we are unprepared to receive it. Our heavenly Father is more willing to give His Holy Spirit to them that ask Him, than are earthly parents to give good gifts to their children. But it is our work, by confession, humiliation, repentance, and earnest prayer, to fulfill the conditions upon which God has promised to grant us His blessing. A revival need be expected only in answer to prayer. While the people are so DESTITUTE OF GOD’S HOLY SPIRIT, they cannot appreciate the preaching of the Word; but when the Spirit’s power touches their hearts, then the discourses given will not be without effect. Guided by the teachings of GOD’S WORD, with the manifestation of HIS Spirit, in the exercise of sound discretion, those who attend our meetings will gain a precious experience, and returning home, will be prepared to exert a healthful influence. {RH, March 22, 1887 par. 1}
After his transgression God would communicate to man through Christ and ANGELS. {SR 50.3}
And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them. And Jesus increased his wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. Let the brightest example the world has yet seen be your example, rather than the greatest and most learned men of the age, who know not God, nor Jesus Christ whom he has sent. The FATHER AND THE SON ALONE are to be exalted. {YI, July 7, 1898 par. 2}
As the divine endowment–the POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT–was given to the disciples, so it will today be given to all who seek aright. This POWER alone is able to make us wise unto salvation and to fit us for the courts above. Christ wants to give us a blessing that will make us holy. “These things have I spoken unto you,” He says, “that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” John 15:11. Joy in the Holy Spirit is health-giving, life-giving joy. IN GIVING US HIS SPIRIT, GOD GIVES US HIMSELF, making Himself a fountain of divine influences, to give health and life to the world. {7T 273.1}
He who denies the personality of God and of his Son Jesus Christ, is denying God and Christ. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. If you continue to believe and obey the truths you first embraced regarding the personality of the Father and the Son, you will be joined together with him in love. {E.G. White, Review and Herald, March 8, 1906 par. 19}
I make an appeal to the youthful disciples of Christ to arouse, no longer to indulge in pleasure-seeking, in self-love and ease; no longer be controlled by inclination, and by the lusts of the carnal heart. Do not settle down in Satan’s easy-chair, and say that there is no use, you cannot cease to sin, that there is no power in you to overcome. There is no POWER in you apart from CHRIST, but it is your privilege to have Christ abiding in your heart by faith, and HE can OVERCOME SIN in you, when you cooperate with his efforts, putting your will on the side of God’s will. He says, “I have overcome the world.” In him you lift up the banner as one who conquers. “We are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” You may have a constant testimony in your life to the power of the grace of Christ, and may understand what are the operations of the Spirit of God. You may be living epistles, known and read of all men. You are not to be a dead letter, but a living one, testifying to the world that Jesus is able to save. {YI, June 29, 1893 par. 8} Also (EGW, OHC, 76.5)
I urge our people to cease their criticism and evil speaking, and go to God in earnest prayer, asking him to help them to help the erring. Let them link up with one another and with Christ. Let them study the seventeenth of John, and learn how to pray and how to live the prayer of CHRIST. HE is THE Comforter. He will abide in their hearts, making their joy full. His words will be to them as the bread of life, and in the strength thus gained they will be enabled to develop characters that will be an honor to God. Perfect Christian fellowship will exist among them. There will be seen in their lives the fruit that always appears as the result of obedience to the truth. — (EGW, RH, Jan 27, 1903)
In February, 1845, I had a vision of events commencing with the Midnight Cry. I SAW A THRONE AND ON IT SAT THE FATHER AND THE SON. I gazed on Jesus’ countenance and admired his lovely person. The Father’s person I could not behold, for a cloud of glorious light covered him. I asked Jesus if his Father had a form like himself. He said he had, but I could not behold it, for said he if you should once behold the glory of his person you would cease to exist. … {E. G. Harmon, Broadside1, April 6, 1846 par. 7}
JESUS comes to you as the SPIRIT of TRUTH; study the mind of the Spirit, consult your Lord, follow His way. If you yield to the dictates of the mind and flesh, your spirit will lose its proper character and balance, and you fail to discern and cannot appreciate moral power. Then you will seek to carry out the maxims of worldlings. Their voices are heard on every side, Here is the path of success. Your mind will, if you follow their suggestions, be deceived, carnalized, and you will esteem the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit as less than human invention. God calls upon you to close the door to human inventions and to open the door to divine illumination. Be careful that you do not resist the Spirit of God in its office work upon the temple of the soul. Be determined to please God, to magnify His name, to enjoy the sweet influence of His grace. — (EGW, 2MR 337.1)
Science is too limited to comprehend the atonement; the mysterious and wonderful plan of redemption is so far-reaching that philosophy cannot explain it; it will ever remain a mystery that the most profound reason cannot fathom. If it could be explained by finite wisdom, it would lose its sacredness and dignity. It is a mystery that One equal with the eternal Father should so abase himself as to suffer the cruel death of the cross to ransom man; and it is a mystery that God so loved the world as to permit his Son to make this great sacrifice. The Holy Spirit exalts and glorifies the Saviour. It is his office to present Christ, the great salvation that we have through him, and the sacred, elevated purity of his righteousness. Says Christ, “He shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you.” The SPIRIT of TRUTH is the only effectual teacher of divine truth; those who are taught of Him have entered the school of CHRIST. How must God esteem the race, that He gave His Son to die for them, and appoints HIS SPIRIT to be man’s teacher and continual guide. Satan understands this, and he lays his plans to mar and wound man, the workmanship of God, and to prevent him from enjoying the happiness that this great rebel lost through his disobedience and malice. — (EGW, ST, Oct 24, 1906)
The angels joyfully acknowledged the supremacy of Christ, and prostrating themselves before Him, poured out their love and adoration. LUCIFER bowed with them, but in his heart there was a strange, fierce conflict. Truth, justice, and loyalty were struggling against envy and jealousy. The influence of the holy angels seemed for a time to carry him with them. As songs of praise ascended in melodious strains, swelled by thousands of glad voices, the spirit of evil seemed vanquished; unutterable love thrilled his entire being; his soul went out, in harmony with the sinless worshippers, in love to the FATHER and the SON. But again he was filled with pride in his own glory. His desire for supremacy returned, and envy of Christ was once more indulged. The high honors conferred upon Lucifer were not appreciated as God’s special gift, and therefore, called forth no gratitude to his Creator. He gloried in his brightness and exaltation and aspired to be equal with God. He was beloved and reverenced by the heavenly host, angels delighted to execute his commands, and he was clothed with wisdom and glory above them all. Yet the Son of God was exalted above him, as one in power and authority with the Father. He shared the Father’s counsels, while Lucifer did not thus enter into the purposes of God. “Why,” questioned this mighty angel, “should Christ have the supremacy? Why is He honored above Lucifer?” {PP 36.3 1890}
THE DISCIPLES did not ask for a blessing for themselves. They were weighted with the burden of souls. The gospel was to be carried to the ends of the earth, and they CLAIMED THE ENDOWMENT OF POWER THAT CHRIST HAD PROMISED. THEN IT WAS THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT WAS POURED OUT, AND THOUSANDS WERE CONVERTED IN A DAY.–Southern Watchman, Aug. 1, 1905. {ChS 252.9}
The Father and the Son alone are to be exalted. – (E.G. White, The Youth’s Instructor, July 7, 1898)
The greatness of God is to us incomprehensible. “The Lord’s throne is in heaven” (Psalm 11:4); yet by HIS Spirit He is everywhere present. He has an intimate knowledge of, and a personal interest in, all the works of His hand. {E. G. White, Education, p. 132} 1903
The HOLY SPIRIT is the SPIRIT of CHRIST, which is sent to all men to give them sufficiency, that through His grace we might be complete in Him. The Lord has provided that we should always be under the teaching and influence of the Holy Spirit. We shall then discover that the law of God is holy, just, and good, and we would learn to delight in the law of God. We love the requirements of the law, and from our hearts render obedience to its requirements. — (E.G. White, 14MR 84.3)
The Holy Spirit, which proceeds from the only begotten Son of God, binds the human agent, body, soul, and spirit, to the perfect, divine-human nature of Christ. This union is represented by the union of the vine and the branches. Finite man is united to the manhood of Christ. Through faith human nature is assimilated with Christ’s nature. We are made one with God in Christ. {RH, April 5, 1906 par. 16}
The King of the universe summoned the heavenly hosts before Him, that in their presence He might set forth the true position of His Son and show the relation He sustained to all created beings. The Son of God SHARED the Father’s throne, and the glory of the eternal, self-existent One encircled BOTH. About the throne gathered the holy angels, a vast, unnumbered throng–“ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands” (Revelation 5:11.), the most exalted angels, as ministers and subjects, rejoicing in the light that fell upon them from the presence of the Deity. Before the assembled inhabitants of heaven the King declared that none but Christ, the Only Begotten of God, could fully enter into His purposes, and to Him it was committed to execute the mighty counsels of His will. The Son of God had wrought the Father’s will in the creation of all the hosts of heaven; and to Him, as well as to God, their homage and allegiance were due. Christ was still to exercise divine power, in the creation of the earth and its inhabitants. But in all this He would not seek power or exaltation for Himself contrary to God’s plan, but would exalt the Father’s glory and execute His purposes of beneficence and love. {E. G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 36 1890}
The Lord Jesus Christ, the divine Son of God, existed FROM eternity, a distinct person, yet one with the Father. He was the surpassing glory of heaven. He was the commander of the heavenly intelligences, and the adoring homage of the angels was received by him as his right. This was no robbery of God. “The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way,” he declares, “before his works of old. I was set up from everlasting, FROM the beginning, or ever the earth was. When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water. Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth; while as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world. When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth.” {RH, April 5, 1906 par. 7}
The sanctuary question is a clear and definite doctrine as we have held it as a people. YOU ARE NOT DEFINITELY CLEAR ON THE PERSONALITY OF GOD, WHICH IS EVERYTHING TO US AS A PEOPLE. YOU HAVE VIRTUALLY DESTROYED THE LORD GOD HIMSELF. {Lt300-1903} [Within a letter to J H Kellogg dated March 16, 1903.]
The Sovereign of the universe was not alone in His work of beneficence. He had an associate–a co-worker who could appreciate His purposes, and could share His joy in giving happiness to created beings. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. John 1:1, 2. Christ, the Word, the only begotten of God, was one with the eternal Father–one in nature, in character, in purpose–the only being that could enter into all the counsels and purposes of God. His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6. His goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. Micah 5:2. And the Son of God declares concerning Himself: The Lord possessed Me in the beginning of His way, before His works of old. I was set up FROM everlasting. . . . When He appointed the foundations of the earth: then I was by Him, as one brought up with Him: and I was daily His delight, rejoicing always before Him. Proverbs 8:22-30. The Father wrought by His Son in the creation of all heavenly beings. {E. G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 34} 1890
The words that I speak unto you, they are SPIRIT, and they are life (John 6:57, 63). Christ is not here referring to His doctrine, but to HIS person, the divinity of His character. (E.G.White, 1 Selected Messages, p.249)
Pioneer Spirit of Prophecy trinity text
“Finally, we know the Divine unity of the Father and the Son from the fact that both have the same Spirit. Paul, after saying that they that are in the flesh cannot please God, continues: “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” Rom. 8:9. Here we find that the Holy Spirit is both the Spirit of God and the Spirit of Christ.” — (E.J. Waggoner, CAHR, p. 23, 1890)
“The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God; it is also the Spirit of Christ. It is that divine, mysterious emanation through which they carry forward their great and infinite work.” — (Uriah Smith, GC Bulletin, March 18, 1891, pp. 146, 147) {emanation – something which originates or issues from a source.}
“The terms “Holy Ghost”, are a harsh and repulsive translation. It should be “Holy Spirit” (hagion pneuma) in every instance. This Spirit is the Spirit of God, and the Spirit of Christ; the Spirit being the same whether it is spoken of as PERTAINING TO GOD OR CHRIST. But respecting this Spirit, the Bible uses expressions which cannot be harmonized with the idea that it is a person like the Father and the Son. Rather it is shown to be a divine influence from them both, the medium which represents their presence and by which they have knowledge and power through all the universe, when not personally present.” — (Uriah Smith, RH, October 28, 1890)
An early pioneer quote concerning God and the divinity of Christ: In 1878, a reader of the Review and Herald asked if Seventh-day Adventists were unitarians or trinitarians: Neither. We do not believe in the three-one God of the Trinitarians nor in the low views of Jesus Christ held by unitarians. We believe that Christ was a divine being, not merely in his mission, but in his person also. . . {R&H June 27, 1878 To correspondents}
Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for THE faith which was once delivered unto the saints… (Jude 3, 4) …The exhortation to contend for the faith delivered to the saints, is to us alone. And it is very important for us to know what for and how to contend. In the 4th verse he gives us the reason why we should contend for THE faith, a particular faith; for there are certain men, or a certain class who deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.… The way spiritualizers have disposed of or denied the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ is first using THE OLD UNSCRIPTURAL TRINITARIAN CREED, VIZ., THAT JESUS CHRIST IS THE ETERNAL GOD, though they have not one passage to support it, while we have plain scripture testimony in abundance that he is the Son of the eternal God. (James White, January 24, 1846, The Day Star)
Here we might mention the Trinity, which does away [with] the personality of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ. (James White, Review and Herald, December 11, 1855)
J.N. Andrews said, “And as to the Son of God…He had God for His Father, and did, at some point in the eternity of the past, have beginning of days.” J N Andrews. The Review and Herald, Sept. 7, 1869.
James White stated, “The Father is greatest in that He is first.” Review & Herald. James White. Jan 4. 1881.
James White wrote: As fundamental errors, we might class with this counterfeit Sabbath other errors which Protestants have brought away from the Catholic church, such as sprinkling for baptism, THE TRINITY, the consciousness of the dead and eternal life in misery. The mass who have held these fundamental errors, have doubtless done it ignorantly, but can it be supposed that the church of Christ will carry along with her these errors till the judgment scenes burst upon the world? WE think not. {Review & Herald, September 12, 1854}
Jesus prayed that his disciples might be one as he was one with his Father. This prayer did not contemplate one disciple with twelve heads, but twelve disciples, made one in object and effort in the cause of their master. Neither are the Father and the Son parts of the three-one God. They are two distinct beings, yet one in the design and accomplishment of redemption. The redeemed, from the first who shares in the great redemption, to the last, all ascribe the honor, and glory, and praise, of their salvation, to both God and the Lamb. (James White, 1868, Life Incidents, page 343)
Joseph Bates wrote: Respecting the trinity, I concluded that it was an impossibility for me to believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, was also the Almighty God, the Father, one and the same being. I said to my father, ‘If you can convince me that we are one in this sense, that you are my father, and I your son; and also that I am your father, and you my son, then I can believe in the trinity.’ (Joseph Bates, 1868, The Autobiography Of Elder Joseph Bates, p.204.)
Most of the founders of Seventh-day Adventism would not be able to join the church today if they had to subscribe to the denomination’s Fundamental Beliefs. More specifically, most would not be able to agree to belief number 2, which deals with the doctrine of the trinity. (George R. Knight–professor of church history at the Theological Seminary, Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan; Ministry, October, 1993, p. 10)
R.J. Cotrell wrote: To hold the doctrine of the Trinity is not so much an evidence of evil intention as of intoxication from that wine of which all the nations have drunk. The fact that this was one of the leading doctrines, if not the very chief, upon which the bishop of Rome was exalted to popedom, does not say much in its favor. Review & Herald, July 6, 1869.
The doctrine of the Trinity which was established in the church by the council of Nice, A.D. 325. This doctrine destroys the personality of God, and his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. (J.N. Andrews, Review and Herald, March 6, 1855, p. 185)
The inexplicable Trinity that makes the Godhead three in one and one in three, is bad enough; but that ultra Unitarianism that makes Christ inferior to the Father is worse. Did God say to an inferior, Let us make man in our image? (James White, November 29, 1877, Review & Herald)
The mystery of iniquity began to work in the church in Paul’s day. It finally crowded out the simplicity of the gospel, and corrupted the doctrine of Christ, and the church went into the wilderness. Martin Luther, and other reformers, arose in the strength of God, and with the Word and Spirit, made mighty strides in the Reformation. The greatest fault we can find in the Reformation is, the Reformers stopped reforming. Had they gone on, and onward, till they had left the last vestige of Papacy behind, such as natural immortality, sprinkling, THE TRINITY, and Sunday- keeping, the church would now be free from her UNSCRIPTURAL ERRORS. (James White, February 7, 1856, Adventist Review & Sabbath Herald, vol. 7, no. 19, page 148, par. 26)
Waggoner said: “While both (the Father and the Son) are the same nature, the Father is first in point of time. He is also greater in that He had no beginning, while Christ’s personality had a beginning.” E.J. Waggoner. Signs of the Times. April 8. 1889.
We invite all to compare the testimonies of the Holy Spirit through Mrs. W., with the word of God. And in this we do not invite you to compare them with your creed. That is quite another thing. The trinitarian may compare them with his creed, and because they do not agree with it, condemn them. The observer of Sunday, or the man who holds eternal torment an important truth, and the minister that sprinkles infants, may each condemn the testimonies’ of Mrs. W. because they do not agree with their peculiar views. And a hundred more, each holding different views, may come to the same conclusion. But their genuineness can never be tested in this way. { James White RH June 13, 1871}
We receive the promise of the Spirit through faith; but what brings it? The Spirit of God; and when we have that, Christ dwells in the heart. Then it is the Holy Spirit that brings the PERSONAL PRESENCE OF JESUS CHRIST, and in bringing HIS personal presence to us, HE BRINGS HIMSELF. (A.T. Jones, `General Conference Bulletin #11?, 1893, p. 31.)
