He was a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. He bore the slight and indignity of man and opened not his mouth. He was hung on CALVARY’S CROSS to make a way of escape for lost man; and shall we sinners for whom CHRIST died and made such a SACRIFICE complain or think anything that we may suffer hard? To look at the matter in its true light, shall we think that we SACRIFICE anything? O, what is our SACRIFICE? We change bad for GOOD, evil and sin for RIGHTEOUSNESS, death for LIFE. Says JESUS, My yoke is easy and My burden is light. We believe it, Lord, therefore will we bear it without a murmur or complaint. GOD will accept no half-hearted work in this matter. We must make a WHOLE SACRIFICE, die to self, have our wills and desires SANCTIFIED. {Ms3-1858}
There must be greater devotion to the work, and an unselfish interest in it, if the Office be kept in a prospering condition, so that the BLESSING of GOD may attend the labor of each. The Lord needs not the services of those who have not the missionary spirit, a devotion to, and a special interest in, the work. This he has shown frequently, and again it was presented in a more clear and positive manner. GOD designs that all the workers in that Office shall be instruments of RIGHTEOUSNESS, workmen, living stones, that emit light, that they may encourage the presence of HEAVENLY ANGELS. They are required, as it were, to be channels through which the SPIRIT of TRUTH and RIGHTEOUSNESS shall flow. There should not be a spirit of messing together to the exclusion of some; a few attached to each other, conversing with one another, walking and associating together, and neglecting and slighting others. We are all ONE in CHRIST JESUS. Yet some who have labored in that Office have partaken so largely of the spirit and influence of the world, that they act like the world. They have their likes and dislikes, and discern not EXCELLENCE of CHARACTER. Their conduct is not governed by the PURE PRINCIPLES of CHRISTIANITY, therefore they think only of themselves, their pleasure, and enjoyment, to the disregard of others. They are not SANCTIFIED through the TRUTH, therefore realize not the ONENESS of CHRIST’S FOLLOWERS the world over. Those who are most loved of GOD are those who possess the least self-confidence, and are adorned with a MEEK and QUIET SPIRIT; whose lives are PURE and UNSELFISH, and whose hearts are inclined, through the abundant measure of the SPIRIT of CHRIST, to OBEDIENCE, JUSTICE, PURITY and TRUE HOLINESS. {PH097 14.3 1868}
These persons had not experienced the work of reformation, or SANCTIFICATION through the TRUTH. They were coarse and uncultivated. They had never tasted of the sweet, pure refinement of the world to come. They had never experienced, neither had their hearts been awed by, the MYSTERY of GODLINESS. They placed DIVINE and ETERNAL THINGS upon a level with common things, and would talk of heaven and the COMING of JESUS as they would of a horse. They had a superficial knowledge or theory of the TRUTH, but further than this they were ignorant. Its principles had not taken hold of their lives and led them to an abhorrence of self. They had never viewed themselves in the light in which Paul viewed himself, which led him to see the moral defects in his character. They had never been slain by the LAW of GOD, and had not separated themselves from their impurities and defilement. It is the favorite occupation of some of this class to engage in trifling conversation and levity. This habit they contracted, and indulged upon occasions which should have been characterized by solemn meditation and devotion. In doing this, they manifested a lack of true dignity and refinement, and forfeited the esteem of sensible persons who had no KNOWLEDGE of the TRUTH. This class threw themselves into a current of temptation and kept where the enemy led them successfully, and he has so easily controlled their minds and corrupted their entire experience that in all probability they will be unable to recover themselves out of his snare and obtain a healthful experience. {2T 554.1 1868-1871}
GOD’S MINISTERS must have the TRUTH in their hearts in order to successfully present it to others. They must be SANCTIFIED by the TRUTHS they preach or they will be only stumbling blocks to sinners. Those who are called of GOD to minister in HOLY THINGS are called to be PURE in heart and HOLY in life. “Be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord.” If GOD pronounces a woe upon those who are called to preach the TRUTH and refuse to obey, a heavier woe rests upon those who take upon them this SACRED WORK without clean hands and pure hearts. As there are woes for those who preach the TRUTH while they are unsanctified in heart and life, so there are woes for those who receive and maintain the unsanctified in the position which they cannot fill. If the SPIRIT of GOD has not SANCTIFIED and made PURE and CLEAN the hands and heart of those who minister in SACRED THINGS, they will speak according to their own imperfect, deficient experience, and their counsels will lead astray from GOD those who look to them and trust in their JUDGMENT and experience. May GOD help ministers to heed the exhortation of Paul to the Corinthians: “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that JESUS CHRIST is in you, except ye be reprobates?” There is a work for you to do, my brother, if you gain ETERNAL LIFE. May GOD help you to do this work thoroughly, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. July 6, 1870. {2T 552.1}
It is a fearful thing to minister in SACRED THINGS when the heart and hands are not holy. To be a co-worker with JESUS CHRIST, involves fearful responsibilities. To stand as a REPRESENTATIVE of CHRIST is no small matter. The fearful realities of the JUDGMENT will test every man’s work. The apostles said, “We preach not ourselves, but CHRIST JESUS the Lord;” “for GOD who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the GLORY of GOD in the face of JESUS CHRIST.” The sufficiency of the apostle was not in himself, but in the gracious influence of the SPIRIT of CHRIST which filled his SOUL, and brought every thought into subjection to the OBEDIENCE of CHRIST. The POWER of TRUTH attending the WORD preached, will be a savor of life unto life, or of death unto death. Ministers are required to be living examples of the MIND and SPIRIT of CHRIST, living epistles, known and read of all men. I tremble when I consider that there are some ministers, even among Seventh-day Adventists, who are not SANCTIFIED by the TRUTHS which they preach. Nothing less than the QUICK and POWERFUL SPIRIT of GOD working in the hearts of HIS MESSENGERS to give the knowledge of the GLORY of GOD, can gain for them the victory. {PH159 39.1 1872} {3T 31.2 1872-1875}
We may crowd all the good deeds we can into this life. Every man shall be rewarded as his works have been. Satan will try and test you. He will throw every obstacle possible in your way, but you must press on in FAITH and HOPE and COURAGE, LOOKING unto JESUS, the AUTHOR and FINISHER of our FAITH. Never, never lose heart. As more difficulties arise, brace up and urge your way through them, that you may be SANCTIFIED through the TRUTH. {Lt19d-1874}
The Lord loves and pities you more than we can. JESUS sees and knows your temptations. He knows how hard you have to battle against tendencies which are constantly striving for the mastery. In the NAME of JESUS you may subdue these. Come into harmony with the SPIRIT of GOD, be subdued, humbled, and SANCTIFIED by the GRACE of GOD, and let not Satan triumph over you now in this late hour. You have gained many a victory over the carnal heart, and you may gain many more victories in the name of the MIGHTY CONQUEROR. JESUS lives and pleads in your behalf. Let Him not plead in vain. The CAUSE of GOD is rising and triumphing. {Lt39-1875}
You have been ready to give of your means, but withheld yourself. You have not felt called upon to make sacrifices which would involve care and a willingness to do any WORK for CHRIST, be it ever so humble. GOD will bring you over the ground again and again until you with humble heart and subdued mind bear the test that he inflicts, and are SANCTIFIED wholly to the SERVICE and the WORK of GOD. Then you may win IMMORTAL LIFE. Which will you choose? GOD will not be trifled with. You may be a fully developed man in CHRIST JESUS; or you may be a spiritual dwarf, gaining no victories. You may live for yourself and lose Heaven. Will you, my brother, choose a life of SELF-DENIAL and SELF-SACRIFICE, doing your work with CHEERFULNESS and JOY, PERFECTING CHRISTIAN CHARACTER, and pressing on for the immortal reward? CHRIST accepts no divided service. He asks for ALL. It will not do to withhold anything. He has purchased you with an INFINITE PRICE, and he requires that all you have shall be yielded to him a WILLING OFFERING. If you are FULLY CONSECRATED to him in heart and life, FAITH will take the place of doubts, and CONFIDENCE the place of distrust and unbelief. {PH104 22.2 1875} {4T 214.1 1876-1881}
You must not yield to temptations, but when tried, reveal the GRACE of GOD reigning in your heart, that you are being SANCTIFIED by the REFINING INFLUENCE of the TRUTH. You want the SAVING POWER of GOD daily. You need to cultivate a love for religious exercises. Let not your talents be buried in the world. WORK for JESUS; become efficient laborers for GOD. Put on the armor, my very dear children, and seek opportunity of being a blessing to others. JESUS lives to be your burden-bearer—your support. Look to Him and live. {Lt41-1876}
I say it over and over, as selfish desires arise, Working not only for time, but for eternity. But, my dear, dear children, do not settle down with any commonplace experience. Nothing short of WALKING with GOD should be your ambition. Let the DIVINE LIGHT shine in your countenance, because [if] shed abroad in your heart, you will have POWER with GOD and with man. I tell you, Willie, why the TRUTH is not more powerful in the conversion of SOULS. It is because the bearers of it are not SANCTIFIED by the TRUTH they profess. JESUS is a POWER enshrined in the heart. He will be revealed in the life. Rest not unless you have the ABIDING WITNESS that CHRIST is in you and you in CHRIST. May you say, “I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved” Psalm 16:8. Dear children, my heart goes out for you daily in EARNEST PRAYER. I believe GOD will strengthen and bless you and make you instruments of much [good]. {Lt36-1878}
JESUS is our EXAMPLE in ALL THINGS, and nothing should divert the mind from the main aim and object in life, which is to have CHRIST in the SOUL, melting and subduing the heart, making every member of the church, every individual professor of the TRUTH, CHRISTLIKE in CHARACTER, in WORDS, in ACTIONS. Some have denied the PRECIOUS TRUTH in their assimilating to the world the very ones who have been channels of light, whose hearts have been made glad by the precious LIGHT of TRUTH, but have lost their POWER and SELF-DENIAL and SELF-SACRIFICE for the TRUTH’S SAKE, and have been depending upon broken cisterns for happiness. These are in great peril, because the LIGHT of TRUTH has once shown upon them, and they rejoiced in its beams, they walked in its light. And unless they speedily gather up the rays of light and return to the Lord with REPENTANCE and CONFESSION, they will be left in darkness. The Lord will move the candlestick out of its place. We are in a day of peril, when error, deception, and delusion are captivating the world. Who are to warn them, who are to show them the better way, unless those who have had the LIGHT of TRUTH shall keep their SOULS SANCTIFIED through the TRUTH and shall let their light so shine before the world that in seeing their good works they will GLORIFY GOD. {Lt51a-1878}
We should not only take hold of the TRUTH, but let it take hold of us; and thus have the TRUTH in us and we in the TRUTH. And if this is the case, our LIVES and CHARACTERS will reveal the fact that the TRUTH is accomplishing something for us; that it is SANCTIFYING us, and is giving us a moral fitness for the society of HEAVENLY ANGELS in the KINGDOM of GLORY. The TRUTH we hold is from heaven; and when that religion finds a lodgement in the heart, it commences its work of REFINING and PURIFYING; for the RELIGION of JESUS CHRIST never makes a man rough or rude; it never makes him careless, or hard-hearted; but the TRUTH of HEAVENLY origin, that which comes from GOD, ELEVATES and SANCTIFIES a man; it makes COURTEOUS, KIND, AFFECTIONATE, and PURE; it takes away his hard heart, his selfishness and love of the world, and it PURIFIES him from pride and ungodly ambition. {ST, May 9, 1878 par. 2}
The REFINING INFLUENCE of the GRACE of GOD changes the natural disposition of man. HEAVEN would not be desirable to the carnal-minded; their natural, unsanctified hearts would feel no attraction toward that PURE and HOLY PLACE; and if it were possible for them to enter, they would find nothing there congenial to them, in their sinful condition. The carnal propensities which reign in the natural heart must be SUBDUED by the GRACE of CHRIST, before fallen man can be elevated to HARMONIZE with HEAVEN, and enjoy the society of the PURE and HOLY ANGELS. When man dies to sin, and is quickened to NEW LIFE in CHRIST JESUS, DIVINE LOVE fills his heart; his UNDERSTANDING is SANCTIFIED; he drinks from an INEXHAUSTIBLE FOUNTAIN of JOY and KNOWLEDGE; and the LIGHT of an ETERNAL DAY shines upon his path, for he has the LIGHT of LIFE with him continually. {8Red 73.1 1878} {LP 125.2 1883}
Have any of us an opportunity of doing something for CHRIST, how eagerly should we seize it and with the greatest earnestness do all we can to be co-workers with Him. The very trials that test our FAITH most severely, and make it seem that GOD has forsaken us, are designed to LEAD US MORE CLOSELY to CHRIST, that we may lay all our burdens at His feet and experience the peace He will give us in exchange. You need a NEW CONVERSION; you need to be SANCTIFIED through the TRUTH and to become in spirit like a little child, MEEK and HUMBLE, relying wholly upon CHRIST as your REDEEMER. Your pride and independence are closing your heart to the blessed influences of the SPIRIT of GOD and rendering it as unimpressible as the hard-beaten highway. You have yet to learn the GREAT LESSON of FAITH. When you SURRENDER YOURSELF ENTIRELY to GOD, when you fall all broken upon JESUS, you will be rewarded by a victory the joy of which you have never yet experienced. As you review the past with a clear vision, you will see that at the very time when life seemed to you only a perplexity and a burden, JESUS HIMSELF was near you, seeking to lead you into the light. Your FATHER was by your side, bending over you with unutterable love, afflicting you for your good, as the refiner purifies the precious ore. When you have thought yourself forsaken, He has been near you to comfort and sustain. We seldom view JESUS as He is, and are never so ready to receive His help as He is to help us. {4T 220.1 1876-1881}
You need to have much done for you, my brother, before your labors can be what they might and should be. Your understanding has been darkened. Sympathy and union with those whose characters have been cast in an inferior mold will not elevate and ennoble you, but will rust and corrode your spirit, and will mar your usefulness and disconnect you from GOD. You are of an impulsive nature. Burdens of domestic life and of the cause do not rest very heavily upon you, and unless you are constantly under the REFINING INFLUENCE of the SPIRIT of GOD you will be in danger of becoming coarse in your manners. In order to rightly represent the CHARACTER of CHRIST, you need to be spiritualized and brought into a closer connection with GOD in the great work in which you are engaged. Your own thoughts must be elevated, your own heart SANCTIFIED, in order for you to be a co-worker with JESUS CHRIST. “Be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord.” {4T 322.2 1876-1881}
The meetings were to close Wednesday, but on Tuesday the brethren entreated us to remain over another Sabbath and Sunday. Some plead with tears that we should not leave them, for the work was only just begun, and much would be gained if the meetings could continue. We decided to comply with the request, and in OBEDIENCE to our convictions of duty to continue our work. We felt deeply anxious for this dear people. Some have had but a short experience; they need to know more of the way of life. Many have confessed to fretfulness, quick temper, impatience, and fault-finding. Oh! how our hearts are drawn out for this class, knowing that many will not realize how offensive these sins are in the SIGHT of GOD until it is too late for them to form NEW CHARACTERS and be CLEANSED by the BLOOD of CHRIST. We feel like entreating all who are indulging in these sins to put them away and build up a character upon the true foundation, JESUS CHRIST. A new and symmetrical character may be formed by laying up one grace and good deed upon another, thus climbing Peter’s ladder of eight rounds in SANCTIFICATION. A character thus built will be harmonious in all its paths. FAITH will sustain works, for FAITH works by LOVE and PURIFIES the SOUL. {ST, May 6, 1880 par. 10}
John does not once claim to be sinless. But his life was one of earnest effort to conform to the WILL of GOD. It was a LIVING REPRESENTATION of CHRISTIAN SANCTIFICATION. He followed his SAVIOUR closely, and had such a sense of the PURITY and EXALTED HOLINESS of CHRIST, that his own character appeared, in contrast, exceedingly defective. And when JESUS in HIS GLORIFIED BODY appeared to John, one glimpse was enough to cause him to fall down as one dead. Such will ever be the feelings of those who know best their LORD and MASTER. The more closely they contemplate the life and CHARACTER of JESUS, the less will they be disposed to claim HOLINESS of heart, or to boast of their SANCTIFICATION. {RH, March 1, 1881 par. 22}
What do these poor SOULS need? The SPIRIT of CHRIST, which would eradicate the evil disposition, for they are possessed of the devil. Physical applications for disease will not cure the SOUL. It is the heart that needs to be SANCTIFIED. No person living who is self-centered can pass pleasantly through life. Unless he learns of JESUS to be MEEK and LOWLY of HEART; unless he is SUBDUED by HIS SPIRIT and SUBMITS HIS WILL and HIS WAY to the will and ways of GOD; [unless he] yokes up with CHRIST and is willing to take a humble place, he will not have the CHARACTER of CHRIST and will not have any place in HIS KINGDOM. {Lt24a-1882}
The SANCTIFICATION set forth in the SCRIPTURES embraces the entire being,–SPIRIT, SOUL, and BODY. Paul prayed for the Thessalonians, that their “whole spirit and SOUL and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our LORD JESUS CHRIST.” Again he writes to believers, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the MERCIES of GOD, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto GOD.” [Romans 12:1.] The Jews were commanded to offer in SACRIFICE to GOD only such animals as were free from disease or blemish. So Christians are required to preserve all their powers in the best possible condition for the Lord’s service. Says Peter, “Abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the SOUL.” [1 Peter 2:11.] The WORD of GOD will make but a feeble impression upon those whose faculties are benumbed by any sinful gratification. The heart cannot preserve CONSECRATION to GOD while the animal appetites and passions are indulged at the expense of health and life. Paul writes to the Corinthians, “Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, PERFECTING HOLINESS in the FEAR of GOD.” [2 Corinthians 7:1.] And with the fruits of the Spirit–“LOVE, JOY, PEACE, LONG-SUFFERING, GENTLENESS, GOODNESS, FAITH, MEEKNESS,”–he classes TEMPERANCE. [Galatians 5:22, 23.] {4SP 302.2 1884} {GC88 473.2 1888}
None of us liveth to himself,” is the testimony of Paul. The LOVE of JESUS in the heart will be expressed in the life. BIBLE TRUTH is of HEAVENLY origin, and SANCTIFIES the RECEIVER. It refines the TASTE, improves the JUDGMENT, and ennobles the CHARACTER. Says John: “Beloved, now are we the SONS of GOD, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be; but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” SONS of GOD, members of the royal family, children of the HEAVENLY King! Can there be any other honor equal to this bestowed on finite man? Yet the world does not discern our relationship to the DIVINE, nor know the source of our strength. They know not that we are HEIRS of GOD, and JOINT HEIRS with CHRIST to an immortal inheritance. We may inherit all things. We may have a home where there will be no more death, neither sorrow nor sighing. {RH, October 7, 1884 par. 13}
GOD uses simple instruments. With JESUS abiding in the SOUL by FAITH, we can do all things. If the SOUL is SANCTIFIED through the TRUTH, it will be revealed in the life. If you labor unselfishly, dear brethren, however imperfect your work may appear, it is accepted in the sight of your MASTER, and it will accomplish his purpose. But if your work has been done in human WISDOM, or has been marred by selfish motives, the DIVINE signet will not be placed upon it, and you will be made ashamed. Your preaching in the desk is only the beginning of your WORK for JESUS. Your discourses must be followed by holy living, by bearing burdens in the CAUSE of GOD, by coming close to hearts, by teaching every one how to make the best use of the talents intrusted to him of GOD. {RH, November 18, 1884 par. 8}
The love, the pity, the compassion of GOD may be revealed; entreaties the most touching, invitations most earnest, may be mingled with promises the most free, cheering, and ample, and the heart be proof against them all. The TRUTH does not SANCTIFY the SOUL. The professed love for JESUS exercises not a CONTROLLING POWER upon the WILL, the inclination, because the TRUTH has not subdued and SANCTIFIED the heart. Unless your affections flow in a different channel and are withdrawn [from] mere human objects and earthly things, and set on things above, then you cannot be on the Lord’s side. The enemy finds a stronghold in the hearts of these, although their outward appearance may be very much like the life of a devoted Christian. The Heartsearcher knows that heart, that the love of the SAVIOUR is not there. The foundation of spiritual upbuilding of character has not been laid. CHRIST is not in the SOUL, the HOPE of GLORY. There is no room in the heart either for the SPIRIT of GOD or the TRUTH. Some idol has erected his TEMPLE there which is worshiped with the devotedness due to GOD alone. Hence the heart is closed against the TRUTH. The affections are engrossed. The whole secret is the heart is not impressed and delights not in Him who is love. {Lt16-1885}
We stand on the threshold of great and solemn events. PROPHECY is FAST FULFILLING. A new life is descending from on high and taking possession of GOD’S PEOPLE. Some SOULS will have to advance fast or they will have to be left far behind in darkness. The JUDGMENT is HASTENING. The WORD of GOD is rebuking, warning, and entreating men to REACH the BIBLE STANDARD, but Satan has brought about such a condition of things in our churches that it will be most difficult to bring them to their senses and arouse them to see their GOD-GIVEN RESPONSIBILITIES. If they will with real contrition of heart confess their sins, they may, through watchfulness and PRAYER, come off conquerors. But they must look beyond earthly gain, away from worldly advantages, to the great beyond. They must hesitate at no SACRIFICE for CHRIST’S sake, who has paid for them the penalty of the law transgressed. We are now living in the solemn period of the antitypical day of atonement. In the type, the sins of the people were, on the ATONEMENT DAY, to be called to mind and repented of. It was a time of HUMILIATION and AFFLICTION of SOUL. The greatest care was enjoined, that every part of the service be attended to with becoming reverence, lest the anger of the Lord be displayed. The high priest was required to make the most careful and solemn preparation, and he must guard himself with the utmost diligence from all contamination. How much more, while the antitypical atonement is going on in heaven, should those who minister in SACRED THINGS be holy. “Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord.” Said CHRIST, “I SANCTIFY Myself that they also may be SANCTIFIED.” Those who are sent to the people in CHRIST’S stead should be men of GOD, pure in life, pure in conversation, ensamples to the flock. They have a solemn work before them, “warning every man and teaching every man, in all WISDOM, that we may present every man perfect in CHRIST JESUS.” “Whereunto I also labor, striving according to His working, which worketh in me mightily.” {Ms3-1885}
Never was there a time in earth’s history when this warning was more appropriate than at the present time. Far too large a number of professed Christians are such only in name. They have no root in themselves. Their heart is filled with pride, impurity, unholy ambition, self-importance, and love of supremacy. These SOULS have an intelligent knowledge of the theory of the TRUTH. They can prove their doctrines to be sound and scriptural, but they hold the TRUTH in unrighteousness. By their course of action they deny the faith. Their hearts are not SANCTIFIED through the TRUTH. They are unholy in heart and unCHRISTlike in deportment. By word and action they testify that they do not possess the TRUTH as it is in JESUS. Unless the SPIRIT and principles which characterize the LIFE of CHRIST are planted in the heart, they cannot control the life. Unless the SOUL TEMPLE is CLEANSED from its DEFILEMENT, unless there is PURITY of heart and earnest efforts made to meet the standard of GOD’S WORD, these persons will never be PURIFIED, they will never be fitted to be the companions of the PURE and the HOLY. They will never wear the WHITE LINEN which is the RIGHTEOUSNESS of the SAINTS. The LAW of GOD must be written in the heart. The TRUTH of GOD must illuminate the SOUL. HOLINESS, MERCY, TRUTH, LOVE must be brought into the life. {Ms7-1885}
Let us remember that others’ faults and defects are very poor food. CHRIST said, “If ye shall eat my flesh and drink my blood,” ye shall have ETERNAL LIFE. We must GROW UP into CHRIST, we must be PARTAKERS of HIS DIVINE NATURE. Just as the branch is joined to the vine, and partakes of the nature of the vine, so we must be daily receiving nourishment from the True Vine, our LORD JESUS CHRIST. We must be in CHRIST and he in us; then the DEFECTS will DISAPPEAR from our CHARACTERS. The closer we LIVE to JESUS, the more we shall REFLECT in WORDS and CHARACTER HIS IMAGE. And the farther we separate from GOD, the farther we live away from the light of life, and, as the sure result, become perverse, dictatorial, hard-hearted. We should make it a life work to gather up the DIVINE RAYS of LIGHT that come from the THRONE of GOD, and scatter them upon the pathway of others. Many choose the darkness, and walk in it. If you separate from JESUS and walk in the darkness, where he cannot impart his strength to you, you are alone to blame; and then you complain of your cold and fruitless lives. JESUS does not want you to be unhappy. I beseech you, come close to him, and freely receive from him his grace and peace and love, that you may be filled with light, and go forth shedding that light upon all around. When you have SANCTIFIED your own life, your every act will be to attract others, not to yourself, but to JESUS. {RH, August 18, 1885 par. 8}
One of Satan’s most successful deceptions is to lead men to claim to be SANCTIFIED, while at the same time they are living in disobedience to GOD’S COMMANDMENTS. These are described by JESUS as those who will say, “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works”? Yes, those who claim to be SANCTIFIED have a great deal to say about being saved by the BLOOD of JESUS; but their SANCTIFICATION is not through the TRUTH as it is in JESUS. While claiming to believe in him, and apparently doing wonderful works in his name, they ignore HIS FATHER’S LAW, and serve as agents of the great adversary of SOULS to carry forward the work which he begun in Eden, that of making plausible excuses for not OBEYING GOD IMPLICITLY. Their work of leading men to dishonor GOD by ignoring HIS LAW, will one day be unfolded before them with its true results. The conditions of ETERNAL LIFE are made so plain in GOD’S WORD that none need err, unless they choose error rather than TRUTH because their unsanctified SOULS love the darkness rather than the light. The lawyer who came to CHRIST with the question, “MASTER, what shall I do that I may inherit ETERNAL LIFE?” thought to catch CHRIST; but JESUS laid the burden back upon the lawyer. “What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy GOD with all thy heart, and with all thy SOUL, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” Then said CHRIST, “Thou has answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.” These words meet the individual cases of all. Are we willing to comply with the conditions? Will we OBEY GOD and KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS? Will we be doers of the WORD and not hearers only? GOD’S LAW is as IMMUTABLE and UNCHANGEABLE as HIS CHARACTER. Whatever men may say or do to make it void, does not change its claims, or release them from their OBLIGATION to OBEY. {RH, August 25, 1885 par. 3}
Brethren, we must be beware of the pretended HOLINESS that permits transgression of the LAW of GOD. Those cannot be SANCTIFIED who trample that law under their feet, and judge themselves by a standard of their own devising. A certain lawyer asked JESUS a decisive question, “MASTER, what shall I do to inherit ETERNAL LIFE?” JESUS answered him, “What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy GOD with all thy heart, and with all thy SOUL, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.” Here, then, it is distinctly stated that ETERNAL LIFE depends on OBEDIENCE to all the PRECEPTS of the LAW of GOD. {RH, November 17, 1885 par. 12}
HOLINESS of HEART will never lead to impure actions. When one who claims to be teaching the TRUTH is inclined to be much in the company of young women or even of married women; when he familiarly lays his hand upon their shoulders, or is often found conversing with them in a familiar manner, be afraid of him. The PURE PRINCIPLES of TRUTH are not in wrought in the SOUL. Such are not workers with JESUS; they are not in CHRIST, and CHRIST is not abiding in them. They need a thorough conversion before GOD can accept their labors. The TRUTH of HEAVENLY ORIGIN never degrades the receiver, never leads him to the least approach to undue familiarity. On the contrary, it SANCTIFIES the receiver, REFINES the TASTE, ELEVATES and ENNOBLES him, and brings him in CLOSE CONNECTION with JESUS. It does not lead him to disregard the Apostle Paul’s injunction, to abstain from even the appearance of evil, lest his good should be evil spoken of. We have a great work to do to elevate man and to win him to CHRIST, to lead him to choose and to seek earnestly to be a PARTAKER of the DIVINE NATURE, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. EVERY THOUGHT, EVERY WORD, and EVERY ACTION of the workers should be of that ELEVATED CHARACTER that is in harmony with the SACRED TRUTH they advocate. We are living in an age where iniquity abounds, and an unguarded word or an improper action may greatly injure the usefulness of the one showed this weakness. Keep up the barriers of reserve. Let not one instance occur in your relation to others that the enemy may make capital of. If you begin to place your affections upon one another, giving special attention to favorites, using flattering words, GOD will withdraw HIS SPIRIT. If married men leave their wives to care for their children at home, the wife and mother is doing fully as great and important a work as the husband and father. Although one is in the missionary field, the other is a home missionary, whose cares and anxieties and burdens frequently far exceed those of the husband and father. Her work is a solemn and important one. It is to mould the minds and fashion the characters of her children, and train them for usefulness here, and fit them for the future, IMMORTAL LIFE. The husband in the open missionary field may receive the honors of men, while the home toiler may receiver no credit for her labor. But if she works for the best interest of her family, to fashion their characters after the DIVINE model, the recording ANGEL writes her name as one of the greatest missionaries in the world. GOD does not see things as man’s finite vision views them. {ST, October 15, 1885 par. 3}
There are a large number who have a theory of the TRUTH, and can prove their doctrines to be scriptural and sound, who hold the TRUTH in unrighteousness. Their course of action denies their FAITH. Their hearts are not SANCTIFIED through the TRUTH. They have not the SPIRIT and POWER of the TRUTH. They are unholy in heart, and are not CHRIST-like in deportment. Their works testify of them that they have not the TRUTH as it is in JESUS. To be content to do as others do, and to be satisfied with a half Christian life, is to fail of the standard altogether. Unless the evil of the heart, the deformity of character, be strenuously corrected day by day according to the copy given us, there will be an entire failure. One darling sin cherished will defile the SOUL as one drop of ink will color a basin of water. {PH167 2.2 1885}
We are in a day when iniquity abounds. There are those who have but little moral sense; self-pollution has been practiced, and the moral powers are benumbed. Such have no just sense of HOLINESS or PURITY. They are corrupt, and will corrupt others. Miserable wrecks of humanity are everywhere. Some put on a religious garb; but the SOUL is defiled, and they corrupt other minds. They call evil good, and good evil. They are Satan’s most efficient agents, and individuals of this stamp will connect with our institutions and with GOD’S INSTRUMENTALITIES, masking their evil ways under a pretention of godliness. Can we then be too particular, too circumspect? Safety lies in close adherence to rules and regulations in harmony with GOD’S GREAT MORAL STANDARD of RIGHTEOUSNESS. And then there are those who, if so disposed, will find ways to secretly carry out their own inclinations, and pursue a course of deception to avoid the censure of those they deem so particular. Some who have influence, who are apparently working for the interest of the Sanitarium, encourage by their own course of action a disregard of rules and of order; and the influence of such persons goes a long way toward encouraging insubordination, especially in the direction of courtship and marriage. The parties are unfitted for their duties; they live an unreal life, indulge in too high and romantic visions of bliss, and in their desire to please each other, they become unfaithful. The ideas of courtship have their foundation in erroneous ideas concerning marriage. They follow impulse and blind passion. The courtship is carried on in a spirit of flirtation. The parties frequently violate the rules of modesty and reserve, and are guilty of indiscretion, if they do not break the LAW of GOD. The high, noble, lofty design of GOD in the institution of marriage is not discerned; therefore the purest affections of the heart, the noblest traits of character, are not developed. Not one word should be spoken, not one action performed, that you would not be willing the HOLY ANGELS should look upon, and register in the books above. You should have an eye single to the GLORY of GOD. The heart should have ONLY PURE, SANCTIFIED AFFECTION, worthy of the FOLLOWERS of JESUS CHRIST, exalted in its nature, and more HEAVENLY than earthly. Anything different from this is debasing, degrading in courtship; and marriage cannot be holy and honorable in the sight of a pure and holy GOD, unless it is after the exalted scriptural principle. {PH167 38.4 1885}
Dear Brethren and Sisters in —–: My mind has been exceedingly troubled in regard to your condition. I have not been able to sleep, and I arise at twelve o’clock to write to J, and to you as a church. I do not know what might have been the condition of J at the present time had you pursued a righteous, Christian course toward him–such a course as every CHILD of GOD should pursue in such a case. Some of you will not be able to comprehend my words, for your own course has placed you where you have not SANCTIFIED DISCERNMENT. You have allowed strong, hard feelings against him to come into your hearts, and have justified yourselves in treating him with indifference and even contempt. You have reasoned that by his unbelief and his wrong course he was certainly injuring the church and endangering SOULS, and you must have no fellowship with him. But will you, in the LIGHT of GOD’S GREAT STANDARD of RIGHTEOUSNESS, critically examine every word and act of your own that you can call to mind and compare these with the LIFE of CHRIST? If you have been doing the WILL of GOD, then His light and His approval will second your efforts, and prosperity will attend you. I wish the members of this once prosperous church would each begin to build over against his own house. When they see their course in its true light they will know that they have made a very great mistake in allowing their own critical, pharisaical spirit to control their tongues and develop itself in their treatment of their brethren. This unChristian harshness has excluded JESUS from the church and has brought in a spirit of dissension. It has fostered a disposition to judge and condemn, a hatred of those who do not see things as you see them. Even if your brethren say and do many things that really injure you, will you push them to one side, and say: “I am holier than thou”? {5T 341.3 1882-1889}
I urge upon you who minister in SACRED THINGS to dwell more upon practical religion. How rarely are seen the tender conscience, and true, heartfelt sorrow of SOUL and conviction of sin! It is because there are no deep movings of the SPIRIT of GOD among us. Our SAVIOUR is the ladder which Jacob saw, whose base rested on the earth and whose topmost rounds reached the highest heavens. This shows the appointed method of SALVATION. If any of us are finally saved, it will be by clinging to JESUS as to the rounds of a ladder. To the believer, CHRIST is made WISDOM and RIGHTEOUSNESS, SANCTIFICATION and REDEMPTION. Let no one imagine that it is an easy thing to overcome the enemy and that he can be borne aloft to an incorruptible inheritance without effort on his part. To look back is to grow dizzy; to let go the hold is to perish. Few appreciate the importance of striving constantly to overcome. They relax their diligence and, as a result, become selfish and self-indulgent. Spiritual vigilance is not thought to be essential. Earnestness in human effort is not brought into the Christian life. {5T 539.2 1882-1889}
I dreamed I saw JESUS, and He conversed with me and told me that I had the privilege of asking the things I needed to encourage me in my work. He assured me He was ever as near me as I then saw Him and He would be a helper to me always if I followed Him in humility. I turned to JESUS and said, “Precious SAVIOUR, give me WISDOM that I may ever act wisely and be a blessing to others. I need Thy light and Thy presence to go with me, then I will never feel sad in any trials. I want to be the means of saving SOULS.” I awakened greatly comforted. The peace of JESUS was in my heart, and the softening, subduing influence of His SPIRIT has been with me through this first day of the New Year. The old year is in the past, and a new year is before us. Day by day the record will go up to GOD. What history shall I make? Oh, that it may be such a record as I shall not be ashamed to meet in the JUDGMENT. I want to have JESUS with me every hour. My dear child, I hope you will be careful to have a daily experience in the DIVINE LIFE and grow in grace and the KNOWLEDGE of the TRUTH. Do not neglect to pray. JESUS will be very near you and loves to help you. I do not forget to pray for you. I greatly desire that you shall become more and more as JESUS will have you to be, PERFECTING a CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. It is not that we should be anxious that others should think well of us, but our great anxiety should be to be right in the SIGHT of GOD, to have HEART HOLINESS, to be SANCTIFIED through the TRUTH, to reflect the IMAGE of JESUS, to do all in our power to LIVE the TRUTH, to be constantly learning in the SCHOOL of CHRIST, to be MEEK and LOWLY of HEART. {Lt91-1886}
It is unsafe to trust to feelings or impressions; these are unreliable guides. GOD’S LAW is the only CORRECT STANDARD of HOLINESS. It is by this law that character is to be judged. If an inquirer after SALVATION were to ask, “What must I do to inherit ETERNAL LIFE?” the modern teachers of SANCTIFICATION would answer, “Only believe that JESUS saves you.” But when CHRIST was asked this question he said, “What is written in the law? How readest thou?” And when the questioner replied, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy GOD with all thy heart, . . . and thy neighbor as thyself,” JESUS said, “Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.” TRUE SANCTIFICATION will be evidenced by a conscientious regard for all the COMMANDMENTS of GOD, by a careful improvement of every talent, by a circumspect conversation, by revealing in every act the meekness of CHRIST. {RH, October 5, 1886 par. 21}
JESUS bids HIS PEOPLE, “Go forward.” The minister may labor for the people, but he cannot take the responsibility that GOD has placed upon them. There are higher attainments for us, there is a purer love, a deeper experience, if we will consecrate ourselves to GOD, and humbly take him at his word. The reason why we have no greater confidence and joy, is that we are not SANCTIFIED through OBEDIENCE to the TRUTH. There is in us an evil heart of unbelief. Our HEAVENLY FATHER is more willing to give the HOLY SPIRIT to those who ask him than are earthly parents to give good gifts to their children. Then let us shake off the spiritual sloth that dishonors him and imperils our own SOULS. If we draw near to GOD, he will draw near to us. We must not wait for better opportunities, for strong persuasions, or for holier tempers. We can do nothing for ourselves. We must trust to the power of JESUS to save us. He is holding out to us the crown of life, and shall we not accept it? Let us come to him just as we are, and we shall find him a present help in our time of need. {ST, January 28, 1886 par. 9}
Now in these hours of probation I hope that our youth will receive the TRUTH in the heart, that they may be SANCTIFIED through it. The more you know of the life, teachings, and CHARACTER of JESUS, the more you will love him. The better you understand the self-denial and self-SACRIFICE of CHRIST in behalf of fallen man, the more in earnest you will be to identify yourself and all your interests with JESUS CHRIST. Every excuse to do otherwise than this is a device of the enemy. Do not rest satisfied unless your heart is drawn out after CHRIST more and more. If you will read the SCRIPTURES, and try to understand the utterances of GOD, that you may obey his will, you will have DIVINE enlightenment. Then you will want to tell others of this love that animates your SOUL; and the more your conversation is upon CHRIST and his life of self-denial and self-sacrifice, the more you will have of the light and LOVE of JESUS to talk about. You will have a fresh and living experience daily, which you cannot keep shut up to yourself. You will feel the deepest grief to see others neglect this great SALVATION. {YI, August 18, 1886 par. 5}
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior JESUS CHRIST.” It is the privilege of the young, as they grow in JESUS, to grow in spiritual grace and knowledge. We may know more and more of JESUS through an interested SEARCHING of the SCRIPTURES and then following the ways of TRUTH and RIGHTEOUSNESS therein revealed. Those who are ever growing in grace will be steadfast in the faith, and moving forward. There should be an earnest desire in the heart of every youth who has purposed to be a DISCIPLE of JESUS CHRIST to reach the highest Christian standard, to be a worker with CHRIST. If he makes it his aim to be of that number who shall be presented faultless before the THRONE of GOD, he will be continually advancing. The only way to remain steadfast is to PROGRESS DAILY in DIVINE LIFE. FAITH will increase if, when brought in conflict with doubts and obstacles, it overcomes them. SANCTIFICATION is progressive. If you are growing in grace and the knowledge of JESUS CHRIST, you will improve EVERY PRIVILEGE and OPPORTUNITY to gain more KNOWLEDGE of the LIFE and CHARACTER of CHRIST. {YI, September 1, 1886 par. 1}
BAPTIZED with the SPIRIT of JESUS, there will be a love, a harmony, a meekness, a hiding of the self in JESUS that the WISDOM of CHRIST will be given, the understanding enlightened; that which seems dark will be made clear. The FACULTIES will be ENLARGED and SANCTIFIED. He can lead those He is FITTING for TRANSLATION to HEAVEN to loftier heights of knowledge and broader views of TRUTH. The reason that the Lord can do so little for those who are handling weighty truths is that so many hold these truths apart from their life. They hold them in unrighteousness. Their hands are not clean, their hearts are defiled with sin; and should the Lord work for them in the POWER of HIS SPIRIT, corresponding with the MAGNITUDE of the TRUTH which He has opened to the understanding, it would be as though the Lord sanctioned sin. {Lt37-1887}
It will not be wise to be constantly expending means to open untried fields while there is so little being done in plans and enterprises to prepare workers to enter these fields and supply the great necessity. GOD’S WORK must be done, but it is hindered, bound about for the want of agents to execute the work. GOD calls for men—pure-minded men, large-hearted, large-minded, devoted, humble men—to send into these new fields. There has not been all done that should have been done to have men fitted to do missionary work. GOD’S WORK for this time calls for cultivated men who are BIBLE students, who love the TRUTH that they open to others, [and who bring it] into their own lives and characters. CHRIST calls for workers, cultivated, SANCTIFIED, self-sacrificing, brave men; and when those do to the utmost of their capabilities, then the Lord will work with their efforts. We want men who cling to JESUS, who love JESUS, who will appreciate the infinite SACRIFICE made in behalf of fallen humanity. We want lips touched with holy fire, hearts pure from the defilement of sin. {Lt44-1887}
I must say to you that GOD has shown that the TRUTH as it is in JESUS has never been brought into the lives of many in California. They do not have the RELIGION of the BIBLE. They have never been converted, and, unless their hearts are SANCTIFIED through the TRUTH which they have accepted, they will be bound up with the tares, for they bear no precious clusters of fruit to show that they are branches of the living Vine. {Lt53-1887}
There is to be a PEOPLE FITTED UP for TRANSLATION to HEAVEN, whom Enoch represents. They are looking and waiting for the coming of the Lord. The work will go on with all those who will co-operate with JESUS in the work of REDEMPTION. He gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. GOD has made every provision that they should be intelligent Christians, filled with a knowledge of his will in all WISDOM and spiritual understanding. A theoretical KNOWLEDGE of the TRUTH is essential. But the knowledge of the GREATEST TRUTH will not save us; own knowledge must be PRACTICAL. GOD’S PEOPLE must not only KNOW HIS WILL, but they must PRACTICE it. Many will be purged out from the numbers of those who know the TRUTH, because they are not SANCTIFIED by it. The TRUTH must be brought into their hearts, SANCTIFYING and CLEANSING them from all earthliness and sensuality in the most private life. The SOUL TEMPLE must be CLEANSED. Every secret act is as if we were in the PRESENCE of GOD and HOLY ANGELS, as all things are open before GOD, and from him nothing can be hid. {RH, May 24, 1887 par. 1} {BEcho, October 1, 1889 par. 9}
There is great need for close watchfulness and MOST EARNEST PRAYER, lest we make a mistake and GRIEVE the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD by questioning and criticism, and so lose the force of the precious message. It is the TRUTH we need in the heart to SANCTIFY the SOUL. Satan plants his seeds of unbelief, of picking flaws, and of finding fault, when you should be diligently listening to the message which GOD is addressing to every one of you. He wants you to hear and obey, and so escape the snares which Satan has set for your feet. By cherishing doubts in thoughts, and expressing criticism, you can start a train of thought which will make the TRUTH of GOD of none effect in the minds of those who have a constant struggle to cherish humility and faith, and they will give your words place in their heart, and thus lose the benefit of the message GOD has sent them. Anything like pride and WISDOM of learning or science that you place between your SOUL and the WORDS of TRUTH spoken to you, will effectually close the door to the humble religion of JESUS CHRIST. The TRUTH is a SANCTIFIER of the LIFE and CHARACTER. {RH, July 19, 1887 par. 12}
How shall we make this preparation? It is by bringing our appetites and passions into subjection to the WILL of GOD, and showing in our lives the fruits of HOLINESS. We must DEAL JUSTLY, LOVE MERCY, and WALK HUMBLY before GOD. We must let CHRIST into our hearts and homes. We must CULTIVATE LOVE, SYMPATHY, and TRUE COURTESY one to another. Our HAPPINESS depends upon our taking this course. The reason that there are so many hard-hearted men and women in the world is that generous affection has been regarded as weakness, and has been discouraged and repressed. If we would have tender hearts, such as JESUS had when he was upon the earth, and SANCTIFIED SYMPATHY, such as the ANGELS have for erring mortals, we must cultivate the simple, unaffected affections of childhood. Then we shall be directed by HEAVENLY principles, which are refining and elevating in their tendency. {ST, November 10, 1887 par. 3}
We need not assume an appearance of melancholy, and sigh and groan and mourn to give evidence that we are Christians, especially DEVOTED and SANCTIFIED. And it is no test of VITAL GODLINESS to be talkative, parading our piety and our KNOWLEDGE of the TRUTH before others. But the real manifestation of CHRIST dwelling in your heart will be recognized by a WELL-ORDERED LIFE and CONVERSATION. Your life will shine with the GRACES of the SPIRIT; MEEKNESS, KINDNESS, TENDER COMPASSION, the LOVE of JESUS, and genuine LOWLINESS of HEART, will characterize your daily walk. {ST, December 15, 1887 par. 11}
You want to buy of CHRIST gold, white raiment, and eyesalve. STUDY this MESSAGE to the Laodicean church, for it applies to many in New York. You need to be zealous and repent. Please consider, zealous does not mean a few feeble PRAYERS and half-hearted confessions, it means, a zealous, earnest, determined effort to conquer your worldly, selfish love, and to be consecrated, devoted Christians, shedding a tender warmth and love wherever you are. You must have a waking up, and heart culture, or you will fail of heaven. CHRIST is COMING. Are you ready? Are you waiting? Are you loving his appearing? What a wondrous love CHRIST has evidenced for us! He has said, “Love one another as I have loved you.” We need purity, TRUTH, helpfulness and the LOVE of CHRIST that SANCTIFIES our influence. We must be FULL of CHRIST and then we shall estimate worldly things in the LIGHT of GOD, and when at work upon your farms, when engaged in your business vocations, you are not separating your SOULS from GOD, because you labor with the true purpose and object, recognizing GOD as the owner of all that you possess and you seeking WISDOM to use his goods to advance HIS GLORY. You then are ministering, not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. Then human lives will be blessed through your influence. The mind will be on HEAVENLY THINGS, you will be as in the PRESENCE of JESUS, and diffuse light to all around you. A truly Christian life will cost us thoughtfulness, SEARCHING of the SCRIPTURES, and most EARNEST, PERSEVERING PRAYER. It will not be PRAYER without point and purpose, but it will be the intercession of a heart burdened for poor sinners out of CHRIST. It will be a heart longing to do service for JESUS in personal effort for the saving of SOULS of men. JESUS made great sacrifices for these SOULS. “Ye are laborers together with GOD.” Many of you who have been years in the TRUTH have not advanced in the SPIRITUAL and DIVINE LIFE, because worldly business has been exalted above the HEAVENLY. The WORK of GOD ever calls for self-sacrificing men, and every SOUL who has the KNOWLEDGE of the TRUTH is bound to communicate the light to others, cultivating all the graces of the SPIRIT to do this precious work to GOD’S acceptance. {PH039 9.1 1887} {NYI, February 28, 1900 par. 1}
GOD has shown me that the TRUTH as it is in JESUS has never been brought into the lives of some in California. They do not have the RELIGION of the BIBLE. They have never been converted; and unless their HEARTS are SANCTIFIED through the TRUTH which they have accepted, they will be bound up with the tares; for they bear no clusters of precious fruit to show that they are branches of the Living Vine. {PH157 29.2 1897} {5T 540.3 1882-1889}
Stop and think what spirit controlled you when you wrote that letter. I cannot for a moment admit that it was the SPIRIT of CHRIST, that you had meekness and lowliness of heart. If you READ the BIBLE CAREFULLY, you will see that reformation is needed in yourself in order for your to be a FAITHFUL SHEPHERD of the FLOCK of CHRIST. Compare SCRIPTURE with SCRIPTURE, and then open your own heart. Gain light yourself, and then from an experimental knowledge, you can set before the PEOPLE of GOD what constitutes CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. The POWER of the HOLY SPIRIT will accompany your words if your own life is a representation of the TRUTH which SANCTIFIES the CHARACTER, for you will then be a living epistle, known and read of all men. You will not appeal to your own sympathies and seek to excuse yourself for using strong, hard, unbecoming, unchristian language towards your brethren. You have done this many times, and your brethren in the FAITH commit sin against GOD when they listen to you and do not reprove you. Your language reveals the fact that the fountain is not cleansed. When you are under the CONTROLLING INFLUENCES of the SPIRIT of GOD, you will be a NEW MAN in CHRIST JESUS. Hereditary and cultivated tendencies will be overcome, and JESUS will be FORMED WITHIN, the HOPE of GLORY. Oh, that you would FALL UPON the ROCK and be broken! {Lt13-1888} {PH096 40.1 1890}
For it became him (was expedient for Him) for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons into GLORY, to make the CAPTAIN of their SALVATION PERFECT through SUFFERINGS. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are SANCTIFIED are all one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren.” The humble self-denial of the life of JESUS must characterize the life of HIS FOLLOWERS. The only way to counteract the work of the enemy upon the hearts of men which leads them to praise and flatter and glorify themselves and others, is to lead a life of humility after the example of our SAVIOUR. {Lt28-1888}
JESUS would have HIS FOLLOWERS become one with Him. Their life is not to be bound up and controlled by worldly influences until they receive the mold of the world. The fruits borne upon the Christian tree are not the fruits of vain and selfish ambitions. There is less and less spiritual power among those who claim to be the COMMANDMENT-KEEPING PEOPLE of GOD, because of strife for supremacy. When a man LOVES GOD SUPREMELY and his neighbor as himself he will have a KINDLY, SANCTIFIED AFFECTION toward all others, and heart will respond to heart where the SPIRIT of the LORD reigns. All envy, all heart burnings, all strife, all hatred will be expelled from the SOUL, and PERFECT LOVE will take possession of the breast. No thought of evil will be encouraged toward any of GOD’S CREATURES when the SOUL is the TEMPLE of the HOLY GHOST. The SPIRIT of GOD will rule the man, and he will drink of the BLOOD of the SON of GOD and become a partaker of the DIVINE NATURE. {Lt28-1888}
I was brought by the ANGEL of GOD where I could look upon your association with some of your brethren and also with those not of our FAITH and your course was an offense to GOD. There was a scheming disposition and a close, selfish spirit manifested, and it was growing into a close, selfish spirit to advantage yourself to another’s disadvantage. A spirit of avarice is being strengthened and cultivated by many in Fresno, and a spirit of coarseness, of lightness, and of trifling. There is much talk that is of an earthly element and the inwardness of the heart is tainted and corrupted. How then can the TRUTH you claim to believe SANCTIFY your SOUL and refine your character? It is simply impossible, and you will make shipwreck of your FAITH by being overcome by some masterly temptation of Satan unless you are SANCTIFIED through the TRUTH, for your life and your influence is an offense to GOD. You have a work to do to confess your sins and your neglect to your wife and with true contrition of SOUL come to GOD. Fall upon the ROCK and be broken. It is not yet too late for wrongs to be righted. Mercy’s sweet voice is still to be heard. Will you heed it? Will you make diligent work now for REPENTANCE? Will you be diligent to make your calling and your election sure? I cannot bear the thought of your going on just as carelessly as you have been, for your life as a professed Christian is really perverting the faith. The TRUTH is dishonored by your profession of FAITH and your unchristlike character. What will you now do, my brother? Will you wear CHRIST’S YOKE? Will you lift CHRIST’S BURDEN? Will you be a Christian? Please, ever bear in mind that the RELIGION of JESUS CHRIST never degrades the receiver. PURE and UNDEFILED RELIGION before GOD and the FATHER is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction and to keep yourself unspotted from the world. {Lt36-1888}
If your HEARTS are SANCTIFIED, if JESUS is in all your thoughts, there is then no danger to be apprehended. The result of PURE and UNDEFILED RELIGION in the heart will be to change the whole character. If any man is in CHRIST, he is a NEW CREATURE. We will not, must not, be double-minded, unstable. The RENEWING GRACE of CHRIST renounces everything bad in action, in emotion, in thought. That which was good is PURIFIED from its selfishness and every taint of impurity. There is a decided change in the whole life. {Lt85-1888}
Men must get hold CONSCIENTIOUSLY of GOD. They must have the TRUTH in the HEART to correct all the sophistries and delusions of Satan that would throw them off the right track, so that they should not choose the way of the Lord, but follow the impulses of their own undisciplined characters. If the HEART is SANCTIFIED and GUIDED BY the HOLY SPIRIT, they will run no risks, they will be firm in all they undertake to do good WORK for JESUS; and, in doing their work righteously, they are standing securely in this life with a fast hold from above and will be GUIDED into EVERY GOOD and HOLY WAY. They will be consistent to principles. They will do their work, not to secure a great name, not for the purpose of weaving self into all their works and be ambitious to appear to be somebody in the world, but to be right in everything in the SIGHT of GOD; not half as anxious to do a big work as to do whatever they have to do with an eye single to the GLORY of GOD. Such men are great in the SIGHT of GOD. Such names are REGISTERED in the LAMB’S BOOK of LIFE as the FAITHFUL SERVANTS of the MOST HIGH GOD. These are the men who are more precious in the SIGHT of GOD than fine gold, even the golden wedge of Ophir. {Ms14-1888} {PH066 33.1 1896}
It is the WORK of CONVERSION and SANCTIFICATION to RECONCILE men to GOD, by bringing them into accord with the PRINCIPLES of HIS LAW. In the beginning, man was created in the IMAGE of GOD. He was in PERFECT HARMONY with the NATURE and the LAW of GOD; the PRINCIPLES of RIGHTEOUSNESS were written upon his heart. But sin alienated him from his Maker. He no longer reflected the DIVINE IMAGE. His heart was at war with the PRINCIPLES of GOD’S LAW. “The carnal mind is enmity against GOD; for it is not subject to the LAW of GOD, neither indeed can be.” [Romans 8:7.] But “GOD so loved the world, that HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON,” that man might be RECONCILED to GOD. Through the MERITS of CHRIST he can be restored to harmony with his Maker. His heart must be renewed by DIVINE GRACE, he must have a NEW LIFE from above. This change is the NEW BIRTH, without which, says JESUS, “he cannot see the KINGDOM of GOD.” {GC88 467.1 1888}
Day by day, and hour by hour, there must be a VIGOROUS PROCESS of SELF-DENIAL and of SANCTIFICATION going on within; and then the OUTWARD WORKS will TESTIFY that JESUS is ABIDING in the HEART by FAITH. SANCTIFICATION does not close the avenues of the SOUL to knowledge, but it comes to EXPAND the MIND, and to inspire it to SEARCH for TRUTH, as for hidden treasure; and the KNOWLEDGE of GOD’S WILL advances the WORK of SANCTIFICATION. There is a heaven, and O, how earnestly we should strive to reach it. I appeal to the students of our schools and college, to believe in JESUS as your SAVIOUR. Believe that he is ready to help you by his grace, when you come to him in sincerity. You must fight the good fight of faith. You must be wrestlers for the crown of life. Strive, for the grasp of Satan is upon you; and if you do not wrench yourselves from him, you will be palsied and ruined. The foe is on the right hand, and on the left, before you, and behind you; and you must trample him under your feet. Strive, for there is a CROWN to be WON. Strive, for if you win not the crown, you lose everything in this life and in the future life. Strive, but let it be in the STRENGTH of YOUR RISEN SAVIOUR. {RH, August 21, 1888 par. 17} {CE 114.1 1893, 1894}
We are living in the most solemn period of the world’s history. The coming of the Lord is at the doors, and the perils of the last days are all around us. Said JESUS, speaking of this very time, “There shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” And if we are wise we shall give earnest heed to this warning, and try every man’s words by the great standard of TRUTH. Our lives must be brought into harmony with the LAW of GOD, if we would be TRULY SANCTIFIED. This law is to govern all intelligences in Heaven and upon earth. And when we can say from the heart, as did our DIVINE Lord, “I delight to do thy will, O my GOD; yea, thy law is within my heart,” then we are SANCTIFIED through the TRUTH. We have the MIND that was in CHRIST, and by FAITH we have DRAWN VITAL FORCE from the SOURCE of INFINITE POWER and PURITY. {ST, April 13, 1888 par. 13}
The WORD of GOD must be interwoven with the living character of those who believe it. The only vital FAITH is that FAITH which receives and assimilates the TRUTH till it is a part of the being, and the motive power of the life and action. JESUS is called the WORD of GOD. He accepted HIS FATHER’S LAW, wrought out its principles in his life, manifested its spirit, and showed its beneficent power in the heart. Says John, “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us (and we beheld HIS GLORY, the GLORY as of the ONLY BEGOTTEN OF THE FATHER), full of grace and TRUTH.” The fOLLOWERS of CHRIST must be partakers of his experience. They must assimilate the WORD of GOD. They must be changed into its likeness by the power of CHRIST, and reflect the DIVINE attributes. They must eat the flesh and drink the blood of the SON of GOD, or there is no life in them. The spirit and work of CHRIST must become the spirit and work of his disciples. This is genuine SANCTIFICATION. {ST, April 13, 1888 par. 14}
Men hear the WORDS of CHRIST, but they are not doers of his words. The progressive character of the life of godliness is not agreeable to their ease-loving, selfish habits and desires. They do not partake of the broken body and shed blood of the SAVIOUR of men. They are not willing to “crucify the flesh with the affections and lusts,” that they may be renewed in true HOLINESS, after the image of the SON of GOD. The WORD of GOD that tries the hearts of men, proves them wanting. They have no part in the SAVIOUR’S grace, no foundation for hope in his SALVATION. Says JESUS, “He that is of GOD heareth GOD’S WORDS.” Those who receive the law and the testimony, and assimilate the TRUTH of GOD, are partaking of the DIVINE NATURE, growing up unto the full stature of men and women in CHRIST JESUS, and the word of TRUTH is working their SANCTIFICATION. Though they make no boasting profession of HOLINESS, but manifest a meek and quiet spirit, working the works of CHRIST, they will stand before the THRONE of GOD, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing. They will be SANCTIFIED and GLORIFIED through OBEDIENCE to the COMMANDMENTS of GOD, wrought by DIVINE POWER, through the FAITH of the SON of GOD. {ST, April 13, 1888 par. 15}
CHRIST’S FOLLOWERS should be SANCTIFIED, SOUL, BODY, AND SPIRIT, through the GRACE of JESUS CHRIST. We are not only to claim to believe the WORDS of TRUTH, but we are to reveal to the world the works of RIGHTEOUSNESS as the fruits of that faith. Every SOUL claiming to be a follower of CHRIST is to bear fruit which testifies to the virtue of his FAITH in BIBLE TRUTH which purifies the SOUL. This is living the higher life which CHRIST came to our world to demonstrate. He came to reveal, in His character, the TRUTH which refines heart, mind, and body, even the whole man. Who, I ask, are walking and working out before the world CHRIST’S life, in TRUTH and HOLINESS? {Ms23-1889}
The life of John was one of earnest effort to conform to the WILL of GOD. The apostle followed his SAVIOUR so closely, and had such a sense of the purity and exalted HOLINESS of CHRIST, that his own character appeared, in contrast, exceedingly defective. And when JESUS in His GLORIFIED body appeared to John, one glimpse was enough to cause him to fall down as one dead. Such will ever be the feelings of those who know best their Lord and MASTER. The more closely they contemplate the life and CHARACTER of JESUS, the more deeply will they feel their own sinfulness, and the less will they be disposed to claim HOLINESS of heart or to boast of their SANCTIFICATION. {SL 79.2 1889}
There is too much Phariseeism among us. Too many are satisfied with themselves, with their forms and ceremonies; but those who are content with their human attainments, are not pleasing in the SIGHT of GOD; for JESUS is ashamed to call them brethren. They are always purposing to do something great, but they never do it; for they depend upon their own strength, which is only as a broken reed. They have an indistinct view of a higher Christian life, but as time passes, they grow more and more indifferent, and are farther and farther away from its attainment. If these persons would put heart and SOUL and strength into the work of SEARCHING the SCRIPTURES daily, JESUS would become to them SANCTIFICATION and RIGHTEOUSNESS. A NEW POWER will come to every man who will HUMBLY SEEK GOD by LIVING FAITH. A DIVINE element combines with the human when the SOUL reaches out after GOD, and the yearning heart may say, “My SOUL, wait thou only upon GOD; for my expectation is from him.” {RH, December 3, 1889 par. 11}
I entreat of you, Brother Cody, to make straight paths for your feet lest the lame be turned out of the way. Let not your heart brace up against that which I now send you. Be in earnest, or you will fail of the crown of life. When you have the TRUTH an abiding principle in your SOUL, then you will not only, yourself, be SANCTIFIED by the TRUTH, but you can teach the TRUTH to others in a simple, heartfelt way that will win SOULS to JESUS CHRIST. But as you are, JESUS hides His face from you. The Sun of RIGHTEOUSNESS cannot send His bright beams into your heart. Oh, I beg of you to search your own heart, and make thorough work for eternity. Watch unto PRAYER. Do not become careless and reckless in your deal and then engage in missionary work. Set your own heart in order and be true to principle, true to your brother. Be kindhearted, pitiful, courteous. {Lt7-1890}
A man whose heart is touched with great love to SOULS for whom CHRIST died, will not make himself a center. He will not seek to absorb everything and impart nothing, but his work will be actuated by FAITH and love. He will realize that he is dealing with SOULS purchased with the BLOOD of CHRIST, and he will not allow anything to make him lose sight of eternal realities. He will keep in mind the fact that everything in connection with his life and character is charged with SACRED responsibilities, and through a living connection with GOD, his influence may have a leavening power upon those with whom he is associated. We cannot know the beauty and riches of the GRACE of CHRIST until we have made a practical application of the TRUTH to our own hearts. Medical men, in addition to your medical education and training, you need the mind that was in CHRIST JESUS. This will be to you RIGHTEOUSNESS and SANCTIFICATION. No fiber of the root of selfishness can exist in the heart of the physician who entertains CHRIST as an honored guest. When you are emptied of self, CHRIST will supply the vacuum, and you will be actuated by the same spirit, moved by the same unselfish interest, that was manifested in the work of CHRIST for the perishing SOULS of men. {Lt41-1890}
Show that you trust in GOD to work with HIS MIGHTY AGENCIES for the upbuilding of His cause, the spread of the TRUTH. Let every ear be SANCTIFIED to hear aright, let the tongue be SANCTIFIED to speak aright, and the heart have the treasure of goodness and love; for out of the heart are the issues of life. Look up, and if one tells you that things are all wrong, tell him the LORD JESUS knows all about it, and just close the heart against doubt and unbelief. Look up and say, My treasure is laid up on high. {Ms3-1890}
We are not at liberty to teach that which will reach the world’s standard of the church because it is the custom to do so! We are safe only when following the lessons of JESUS CHRIST. That which was safe for Him to teach, is safe for our children to STUDY. ETERNAL LIFE is before us, and do we not want our children to win the precious boon? But all who win ETERNAL LIFE, old or young, must put aside their likes and dislikes, and with simplicity of heart and profound humility, they must search GOD’S WORD. Those who are bold and domineering, and full of self-sufficiency will not search the SCRIPTURES with an eye single to the GLORY of GOD; for they will seek to find something with which to vindicate their own ideas and sustain their own theories. There is a great deal of insubordination in the heart that is not fully SANCTIFIED. {Ms5-1890}
At every point [and] decision inquire, Is this the way of the Lord? With your BIBLES open before you consult SANCTIFIED reason and a good conscience. Your heart must be moved, you SOUL touched, your reason and intellect awakened, by the SPIRIT of GOD. The HOLY PRINCIPLES laid down in HIS WORD will give LIGHT to the SOUL. I tell you, my brethren, our TRUE SOURCE of WISDOM and VIRTUE and POWER is in the CROSS of CALVARY. CHRIST is the author and finisher of our faith. He says, Without Me ye can do nothing.” JESUS is the only sure guarantee for intellectual success and advancement. We need to practice temperance in all things that the taste may be elevated, the appetite controlled, the passions subdued. The LORD JESUS can supply EVERY GRACE. LOVE, JOY, PEACE, LONG-SUFFERING, GENTLENESS, GOODNESS, FAITH, MEEKNESS, TEMPERANCE—these are the FRUITS borne by the Christian tree. The LORD JESUS requires of every believer an UNRESERVED SURRENDER of SOUL, BODY, AND SPIRIT. All the energies, all the capabilities, throughout your lifetime belong to Him. Let no man seek to go about GOD’S WORK in any of its branches, in his own strength, for if he does this the fruit will not be such as will abide unto ETERNAL LIFE. {Ms16-1890}
Said the apostle Paul, “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the KINGDOM of GOD? And such were some of you, but ye are SANCTIFIED, and ye are justified in the name of our LORD JESUS, and by the SPIRIT of our GOD.” DEVOTION, PIETY, and SANCTIFICATION of the entire man come through JESUS CHRIST our RIGHTEOUSNESS. The LOVE of GOD needs to be constantly cultivated. Oh, how my heart cries out to the LIVING GOD for the MIND of JESUS CHRIST! I want to lose sight of self. I want to work with all the powers I am capable of exercising to save SOULS for whom CHRIST has made the INFINITE SACRIFICE of HIS OWN PRECIOUS LIFE. I must SEEK WISDOM DAILY to know how to deal with SOULS that are entrapped in Satan’s snares. {Ms24-1890}
In consequence of light shining to every SOUL who ministers in SACRED THINGS, SOUL, BODY, AND SPIRIT will be SANCTIFIED through the molding influence of the HOLY SPIRIT. They will improve in moral power. They will, if they receive and walk in the light, grow in grace and in the knowledge of our SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST, and their imperfections of character will be revealed just as they are—grievous in the sight of a HOLY GOD—and in answer to the PRAYER of CHRIST they will be DAILY ADVANCING, SANCTIFIED through the TRUTH. As we near the close of time, there will be needed a deeper and clearer discernment, a more firm knowledge of the WORD of GOD, a living experience, and the HOLINESS of heart and life which we must have to serve Him. {Ms37-1890}
Many, instead of TRUSTING in GOD, and resting in Him, are trusting in themselves. They make feeling their criterion. If their emotions are stirred they feel pleased, and build up their hopes upon their impulses. But when their feelings change, they become sad. Feeling is their GOD, but it will never work their SANCTIFICATION; for they give evidence through this fact that they are trusting to their works for acceptance and SALVATION. When those who are walking in darkness take CHRIST as their SAVIOUR, they will find peace and rest in a new life. CHRIST takes the place of self, and he who trusts in the SAVIOUR, finds no longer a support in self. JESUS is his whole dependence. He can say with heart and SOUL, “I live; yet not I, but CHRIST liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the FAITH of the SON of GOD, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” {PrT, January 30, 1890 par. 10}
We should seek most earnestly to have CHRIST abiding in our hearts by faith, that we may be kept through temptation without sin. We should be constantly looking to the Author and Finisher of our faith, so that we can attain unto RIGHTEOUSNESS. The closer we draw to JESUS, and the more clearly we see his life and character, the less we shall think of ourselves. There are a class that say that they are SANCTIFIED, they are holy, and yet they are living in transgression of GOD’S LAW. Shall we take their word as TRUTH, or shall we compare their characters and doctrines with the WORD of GOD? “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” But the apostle says, “Hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his COMMANDMENTS. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his COMMANDMENTS, is a liar, and the TRUTH is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the LOVE of GOD perfected; hereby know we that we are in him.” Every SOUL must be brought to the test of GOD’S great standard of RIGHTEOUSNESS; and if the character is not in accordance with GOD’S LAW, it is not in a right condition before GOD. {RH, July 15, 1890 par. 1}
GOD wants the youth and those of mature age to look to him, to believe in JESUS CHRIST whom he has sent, and to have him abiding in the heart; then a new life will quicken every faculty of the being. The DIVINE COMFORTER will be with them, to strengthen them in their weakness, and guide them in their perplexity. It will make the mind clearer, the heart purer; it SANCTIFIES the will, and makes it strong for the service of GOD. It will make plain to them the path of life. {RH, December 9, 1890 par. 10}
CHRIST prayed that his disciples might be SANCTIFIED through the TRUTH. It is not error but the TRUTH of GOD that SANCTIFIES the SOUL. When we follow in the HUMBLE PATH of OBEDIENCE, we leave a bright track heavenward for others to walk in. It is our privilege to have a DEEPER EXPERIENCE in the THINGS of GOD. Will you review your past life, will you see where your defects and mistakes have been, and when you see that they are many, will you remember that JESUS lives to make intercession for you, and not sink down in discouragement? JESUS pleads his blood before the Father, and says, “I am he that blotteth out thy transgressions as a thick cloud.” Let this be the language of your heart: “Hope thou in GOD; for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my GOD.” Do not even for a moment distrust your SAVIOUR’S POWER to save you. Fall in your helplessness at the foot of the cross; today believe the PROMISE of GOD. JESUS loves us with a love that is infinite. Oh, what love, what matchless love, he has shown for the children of men! JESUS does not desire you to wait to make yourself better; he desires you to take him today as your SAVIOUR. This very day say: “He is mine, and I am his. I will give my SOUL into his keeping, and he will keep that which I have committed to his trust against that day. Through FAITH he will give me victory over the temptations of the enemy. I shall see of his SALVATION. I shall TRIUMPH in GOD.” Do you not think that such language as this will drive back the enemy from the tempted SOUL? Satan tries to interpose himself between us and CHRIST, but we must drive him back by talking faith, and by exalting the power of JESUS to save us. Shall we not take steps in advance without delay? Shall we not show that we are not afraid to TRUST our SAVIOUR in the darkness as well as in the light? I have been tested on this point. One loved one after another has been torn from me by death, and it has seemed as though it would crush me; but in these hours JESUS has seemed to say to me: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” {ST, March 17, 1890 par. 4}
Self-righteousness is the danger of this age; it separates the SOUL from CHRIST. Those who trust to their own RIGHTEOUSNESS cannot understand how SALVATION comes through CHRIST. They call sin RIGHTEOUSNESS, and RIGHTEOUSNESS sin. They have no appreciation of the evil of transgression, no understanding of the terror of the law; for they do not respect GOD’S moral standard. The reason there are so many spurious conversions in these days, is that there is so low an appreciation of the LAW of GOD. Instead of GOD’S standard of RIGHTEOUSNESS, men have erected a standard of their own by which to measure character. They see through a glass darkly, and present false ideas of SANCTIFICATION to the people, thus encouraging egotism, pride, and self-righteousness. The doctrine of SANCTIFICATION advocated by many is full of deception, because it is flattering to the natural heart; but the kindest thing that can be preached to the sinner is the TRUTH of the binding claims of the LAW of GOD. FAITH and works must go hand in hand; for FAITH without works is dead, being alone. The prophet declares a TRUTH by which we may test all doctrine. He says, “To the law and to the testimony, if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Although error abounds in the world, there is no reason why men need remain in deception. The TRUTH is plain, and when it is contrasted with error, its character may be discerned. All the subjects of GOD’S grace may understand what is required of them. by FAITH we may conform our lives to the standard of RIGHTEOUSNESS, because we can appropriate to ourselves the RIGHTEOUSNESS of CHRIST. In the WORD of GOD the honest seeker for TRUTH will find the rule for genuine SANCTIFICATION. The apostle says: “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in CHRIST JESUS, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. . . . For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, GOD sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh; that the RIGHTEOUSNESS of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the SPIRIT the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally-minded is death; but to be spiritually-minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against GOD; for it is not subject to the LAW of GOD, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please GOD. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the SPIRIT of GOD dwell in you.” {ST, July 21, 1890 par. 9}
The part man has to act in the SALVATION of the SOUL, is to believe on JESUS CHRIST as a PERFECT REDEEMER, not for some other man, but for his own self. He is to TRUST, to LOVE, to FEAR the GOD of HEAVEN. There is a certain work to be accomplished. Man must be delivered from the power of sin. He must be MADE PERFECT in every good work. In doing the WORDS of CHRIST is his only assurance that his house is built upon the solid foundation. To hear, to say, to preach, and not to do the WORDS of CHRIST, is building upon the sand. Those who do the WORDS of CHRIST will perfect a Christian character, because CHRIST’S WILL is their will. Thus is CHRIST formed within, the HOPE of GLORY. They are beholding, as in a glass, the GLORY of GOD. By making CHRIST the subject of MEDITATION, he will become the subject of CONVERSATION; and by beholding, we will actually be changed into the same image, from GLORY to GLORY, even by the SPIRIT of the LORD. Man, fallen man, may be transformed by the renewing of the mind, so that he can “prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect WILL of GOD.” How does he prove this?–By the HOLY SPIRIT taking possession of his mind, spirit, heart, and character. Where does the proving come in?–“We are a spectacle to the world, to ANGELS, and to men.” A real work is wrought by the HOLY SPIRIT upon the human character, and its fruits are seen; just as a good tree will bear good fruit, so will the tree that is actually planted in the Lord’s garden produce good fruit unto ETERNAL LIFE. Besetting sins are overcome; evil thoughts are not allowed in the mind; evil habits are purged from the SOUL TEMPLE. The tendencies, which have been biased in a wrong direction, are turned in a right direction. Wrong dispositions and feelings are rooted out. Holy tempers and sanctified emotions are now the fruit borne upon the Christian tree. An entire transformation has taken place. This is the work to be wrought. We see by experience that in our own human strength, resolutions and purposes are of no avail. Must we, then, give up?–No; although our experience testifies that we cannot possibly do this work ourselves, help has been laid upon One who is mighty to do it for us. But the only way that we can secure the HELP of GOD is to put ourselves wholly in his hands, and trust him to work for us. As we lay hold of him by faith, he does the work. The believer can only trust. As GOD works, we can work, trusting in him and doing his will. {PH028 8.2 1890}
We are found behind, loitering when we ought to be pressing forward to the mark of the prize of the high calling which is in CHRIST JESUS. Running the race with patience, for what? An immortal crown, an inheritance that is imperishable. We want human passions to work with human passions. But these passions must be SANCTIFIED, then they are mighty agencies because the sympathetic sympathies of CHRIST are interwoven with the life experience and wins its way to open hard hearts. {Lt3-1891}
Our Lord especially prayed that His disciples might be united in the closest bonds of Christian fellowship and love, as one body, under one supreme head. This only will exist in proportion to the degree of their illumination and SANCTIFICATION. The more fully they received the enlightenment of the DIVINE SPIRIT, the more nearly will they harmonize in their understanding of what is TRUTH. The more closely they are united in JUDGMENT, the more confidence they have in one another. They are blessed with peace and harmony, believing and speaking the same things, “with one heart and one mouth GLORIFYING GOD.” Their love, their Christian unity, is an evidence to the world that GOD has sent JESUS to save sinners, and with CONVICTING POWER it testifies that the WORD of GOD is the safe rule of life. {Lt7-1891}
The complaint is made that the world forms its estimate of Christianity by the imperfect lives of its professors. This is true, but unjust. Men have the SURE WORD of GOD, the BIBLE STANDARD. There is revealed the unpolluted fountain of the Water of Life, clear as crystal, the HOLY TRUTH of HEAVENLY ORIGIN. This received into the heart, works wonderful changes in the character. If men and women profess the TRUTH, and are not made pure, not transformed; if they do not become upright, and in their words and actions show that there is a change in their character, then they are not what they claim to be. The TRUTH brought into the heart is a SANCTIFIER of the LIFE. It helps man up from his depravity and profligacy; it is the POWER of GOD unto SALVATION. By its work in the SOUL every faculty is brought into subjection and laid unto contribution to CHRIST. Though professed Christians may set their standard very low and reach no higher, that should not lead us to doubt the TRUTH as it is in JESUS. CHRIST is the PATTERN for EVERY BELIEVER. {Lt9a-1891}
Let each one closely examine himself to see whether he is in the faith, to see whether the TRUTH he professes to believe has been kept in the OUTER COURT, or brought into the INNER SANCTUARY of the SOUL, that he may be SANCTIFIED thereby. The whole heart must be entered and PURIFIED by the SEARCHING SPIRIT of GOD. JESUS will not abide in the SOUL where pride exists. And if we desire His presence, the SOUL TEMPLE must be CLEANSED of all evil occupants. If the door of the heart is open to JESUS, He will come in; His presence will expel every unholy thought, and by FAITH we may hold SWEET COMMUNION with GOD. If JESUS abides in the heart, we shall GLORIFY HIM in our lives, for the Christian is to let His light shine forth to the world in good works. {Lt31-1891}
We have a MOST SOLEMN MESSAGE to bear to the world, and how circumspect should be our conduct, how unblamable our example. If through our influence SOULS are led astray, the loss will be placed to our account. We shall not only suffer because of our own rejection of CHRIST, but because our impenitence encouraged others to continue in transgression. The Lord will help all who feel their need of help, who seek him earnestly for strength and DIVINE guidance. Those who will purify their hearts by obeying the TRUTH, will be used of GOD in accomplishing great good. Those who have the LOVE of GOD in the heart will show it by corresponding works; for they will let their light shine forth in deeds of TRUTH and goodness. “A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.” I appeal to you, my brethren and sisters, have root in yourselves. Let your SOULS be riveted to the eternal ROCK. GOD is not mocked; he knows those that are his. Our profession of TRUTH will not save us; we must be SANCTIFIED through the TRUTH. CHRIST said, “Thy word is TRUTH.” We must STUDY the BIBLE, comparing SCRIPTURE with SCRIPTURE. A mere reading through of the BIBLE will not be sufficient. The heart must be opened to understand what saith the SCRIPTURES in regard to duty. We must have a calm, steady faith, and that moral courage which JESUS alone can impart to us, that we may be strengthened for trial, and prepared for duty. We need living faith, that we may be closely united with GOD; for only in this way shall we be able to make a success of the Christian life and be a blessing to others. {RH, June 16, 1891 par. 11} {RH, April 10, 1913 par. 6}
JESUS came to bring MORAL POWER to combine with human effort, and in no case are HIS FOLLOWERS to allow themselves to lose sight of CHRIST, who is their example in all things. He said, “For their sakes I SANCTIFY myself, that they also may be SANCTIFIED through the TRUTH.” JESUS presents the TRUTH before his children that they may look upon it, and by beholding it, may become changed, being TRANSFORMED by HIS GRACE from TRANSGRESSION to OBEDIENCE, from impurity to PURITY, from sin to HEART-HOLINESS and RIGHTEOUSNESS of LIFE. {RH, December 22, 1891 par. 13}
There are many who declare that it does not matter what a man believes, if he is sincere in his faith; but the WORDS of CHRIST have a different import; the TRUTH is the medium through which the SOUL is to be SANCTIFIED; therefore we should search the SCRIPTURES diligently, that we may know what is TRUTH. The TRUTH received into the heart and practiced in the life will elevate, ennoble, and purify the SOUL. The espousal of error does not lead to this result; its influence is of a widely different character. TRUTH is from above, error is from beneath, and those who will not give close attention to the STUDY of GOD’S WORD will not understand the principles that should control the life, and will be inclined to accept error, because it is easier for them to do this than to search for TRUTH. In order to know the TRUTH as it is in JESUS, we must give ourselves to thoughtful, PRAYERful STUDY of the SCRIPTURES. We must know what the WORD of GOD is to us, what the TRUTH is to us, and what it means to be doers of the WORD of GOD, and not followers of cunningly-devised fables. The greatest blessing bestowed upon the world is the privilege of understanding the oracles of GOD. The WORD of GOD should not be a dead letter to us, but spirit and life; for through the TRUTH we are to be SANCTIFIED. {ST, April 6, 1891 par. 2}
JESUS saw there was constant danger that his disciples would lose the DIVINE image, through Satan’s suggestions of using policy toward one another, and he gave many lessons upon that SANCTIFIED, unselfish love that should be cherished by believers one for another. Love is the fruit of genuine SANCTIFICATION. A true estimate of man is the thing that is lacking in the hearts of many professed fOLLOWERS of CHRIST. A CONFESSION of love, a profession of friendship, is not enough to meet the DIVINE requirement; there must be deeds of KINDNESS, feelings of TENDERNESS, sincere sympathy and love toward our fellowmen. The fruits we bear will reveal the condition of our hearts, and give evidence of our SANCTIFICATION through the TRUTH. This SANCTIFICATION takes in not only our greatest, but our smallest actions. The little things done for CHRIST’S sake, humble acts of KINDNESS, a cheerful disposition to do others good,–this is CONFESSION of CHRIST. There must be patient continuance in well doing, a wise improvement of talents. JESUS must be formed within, the HOPE of GLORY, before you can rightly represent him to the world in words and works. In every little matter of life, in your deportment, in your forbearance, patience, long-suffering, you make known to others whether or not you are abiding in the living Vine. JESUS must be revealed in our every-day life, by the practice of the virtues that he revealed in his life. {ST, April 13, 1891 par. 2}
The work in this missionary field is yet in its infancy. The believers have made only a beginning in the Christian life; and the reason why we have felt so great a burden for this people is that henceforth they may learn greater things. It doth not yet appear what we shall be through a practical belief in the TRUTH and the SANCTIFICATION of the entire being by the TRUTH. The words and example of our REDEEMER, in His life of humility and self-denial, will be the light and strength of HIS PEOPLE if they follow JESUS fully, trusting in Him at every step. Let it be the language of our hearts, “Be Thou my pattern.” “He that willeth to do His will shall know of the doctrine.” Nothing is so desirable as to live as CHRIST lived, to deny self as CHRIST denied Himself, and to labor with Him in seeking to save that which was lost. {Lt2b-1892} {SpTA03 4.2 1895}
I fear I am making my letter too long, but today my mind seemed to be impressed by the SPIRIT of GOD to address you. My last letter may have seemed to you unnecessary. I cannot tell how you may receive my words, but I feel deeply that the time has come for you to make decided efforts, in and through the GRACE of CHRIST, to reach a higher standard. The church may individually be all that they profess to be; if they will seek the Lord with all the heart, they will be filled with the Spirit. JESUS CHRIST is the PATTERN, and every one who COPIES the PATTERN, will estimate the value of his own SOUL as CHRIST’S purchased possession. He will see that the Lord requires all the members of His church, as living human agencies, to exert a SANCTIFIED influence in unity to build up the REDEEMER’S KINGDOM in the earth. The careless inaction, the indolence, the neglect to improve a single faculty and entrusted capability which might have been employed for blessing humanity, is to rob the world of the promised influence of the HOLY SPIRIT which might have accompanied with its presence the LIVING WITNESS for GOD. A MESSAGE from HEAVEN is sent to the world by chosen ones to proclaim the POWER of GRACE and SALVATION in a CONSECRATED LIFE; if one is not SANCTIFIED, this POWER is lost. {Lt27-1892}
The religion of CHRIST uplifts the receiver to a higher plane of thought and action, while at the same time it presents the whole human race as alike the objects of the LOVE of GOD, being purchased by the SACRIFICE of his Son. At the feet of JESUS, the rich and the poor, the learned and the ignorant, meet together, with no thought of cast or worldly pre-eminence. All earthly distinctions are forgotten as we look upon Him whom our sins have pierced. The self-denial, the condescension, the infinite compassion of him who was highly exalted in heaven, put to shame human pride, self-esteem, and social caste. Pure and undefiled religion manifests its heaven-born principles in bringing into oneness all who are SANCTIFIED through the TRUTH. {GW92 313.1 1892}
All meet as blood-bought SOULS, alike dependent upon One who hath redeemed them to GOD. The Lord has lent them talents to improve. Those whom he has intrusted with money, bring their talent of means to the MASTER. The men and women of influence use that which GOD has given them. The ones whom he has endowed with WISDOM, bring to the cross of CHRIST this GIFT to be used to HIS GLORY. And the poor have their talent, which perhaps may be larger than any other mentioned. It may be simplicity of character, humility, tried virtue, and confidence in GOD. Through patient toil, through their entire dependence upon GOD, they are pointing those with whom they associate to JESUS, their REDEEMER. They have a heart full of sympathy for the poor, a home for the needy and oppressed, and their testimony is clear and decided as to what JESUS is to them. They seek for GLORY, honor, and immortality, and their reward will be ETERNAL LIFE. In the human brotherhood it takes all classes of talents to make a perfect whole; and the church of CHRIST is composed of all ranks, all classes, and varied talents. GOD never designed that the pride of men should dissolve that which his own WISDOM had ordained,—the combination of all classes of minds, of all the varied talents that make a complete whole. There should be no depreciating of any part of GOD’S great work, whether the agencies are higher or lowlier. All have their part to act in diffusing light in different degrees. There should be no monopolizing of what belongs, in a measure, to all, high and low, rich and poor, learned and unlearned. Not a ray of light must be undervalued, not a ray shut out, not a gleam unrecognized or acknowledged reluctantly. Let all act their part for TRUTH and RIGHTEOUSNESS. The interests of the varied classes of society are indissolubly united. We are all woven together in the great web of humanity, and we cannot without loss withdraw our sympathies from one another. It is impossible for a healthful influence to be maintained in the church when this common interest and sympathy does not exist. {GW92 314.1 1892}
Since GOD has given us this assurance, why is it that we see so many clouded, mixed experiences? It is because many of the professed fOLLOWERS of CHRIST have given heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. It is because they have not responded to the DRAWING of CHRIST. When you do this, you draw others to him by your consistent life and Christian example: for by FAITH you become rooted and grounded in the TRUTH. You must search the precious WORD of GOD, that you may know what is TRUTH. JESUS prayed that his disciples might be SANCTIFIED through the TRUTH. And no one can be safe in thinking that he can permit himself to indulge in any sin, however secret it may be; for GOD requires TRUTH in the inward parts, and in the hidden parts WISDOM. You need not feel complacency because you are sure that your brethren do not know of your misdeeds. Does not One who is acquainted with your brethren know all about your life? Does not he read your heart as an open book? You cannot indulge in any sin, and still be a witness for the Lord, for in works you deny him. Where is the HOLY BOLDNESS that should CHARACTERIZE your FAITH and PRAYERS, because you are not condemned before man and GOD, but can lift up holy hands without wrath or doubting? Where is your ringing testimony on the side of truth? If you are indulging in known sin, you cannot utter words to the GLORY of GOD, because there is something in your heart that condemns you. The SPIRIT of GOD is not in your SOUL. But let the heart with all its affections be just where it belongs, surrendered to GOD, and you will have joy and peace in the HOLY GHOST. Your intellect, your ability, your POWERS of SOUL, BODY, AND SPIRIT, have been purchased at an INFINITE PRICE by the SON of GOD, and they all belong to him. And yet though CHRIST has redeemed men, how few render to him that which is his own. How many rob him in thought and in service. O, shall we not gird up the loins of our minds, and bring into captivity every thought to the OBEDIENCE of CHRIST, and hope unto the end for the grace that shall be given unto us at the revelation of JESUS CHRIST? {BEcho, February 1, 1892 par. 3}
JESUS is our SAVIOUR, our REDEEMER, our WISDOM, our SANCTIFICATION, our RIGHTEOUSNESS. Let mothers make it their first interest to teach their children of the great love wherewith GOD has loved us, that led Him to give HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have EVERLASTING LIFE. It is the first duty of parents to make the precious truths of SALVATION very plain and simple and attractive to their children. They should ever seek for the best way in which to lead their children to trust in JESUS as their personal SAVIOUR, to love Him, to deny self for his sake, and to do good to those around them in his name. The first precept from their earliest years should be, Give your heart to JESUS; live to please Him. Do not live simply to amuse and gratify yourself; but live to honor JESUS, who has loved you, and given Himself for you. Were parents in earnest in thus educating their little ones, there would be a great company of children in the army of the Lord. They would then make sacrifices for JESUS’ sake, and desire to give, not only their little gifts of love, but their whole hearts to JESUS. {BEcho, December 15, 1892 par. 8}
JESUS prayed for His disciples, “SANCTIFY them through Thy truth; Thy word is TRUTH.” “I have given them Thy word.” It is through the TRUTH that the SOUL’S SANCTIFICATION is accomplished. In the fear and love of CHRIST, I would inquire, Do we hear, and do we receive into a good and honest heart these important words? and are we individually determined to know for ourselves what is truth? Do we know by experience what it is to abide in CHRIST as the branch abides in the parent stock? “As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in Me.” Have these words any weight in determining our course of action? Has not self been strANGELy mingled with all our service? Is not the chief reason why growth in religious experience is so dwarfed and sickly, to be found in the fact that our works are so largely of self, and so little of JESUS? CHRIST must be our guide, our counselor, our Alpha and Omega. He is all and in all to us, or He is nothing to us. Self must die if CHRIST abides with us; our very life is to be hid with CHRIST in GOD. We are to contemplate the great and important truths of His word, to feed upon them. {Prt, December 29, 1892 par. 3}
To be converted daily is to renew the SOUL’S life by receiving vital power from CHRIST, as the branch receives nourishment from the vine. The growth of every Christian is from within, not from without. It is only as the SPIRIT of CHRIST dwells in the heart by FAITH that we can grow in grace and the knowledge of CHRIST. Only through the grace daily drawn from JESUS can the heart be kept. There can be no safety in extolling self; we must hide self in JESUS. CHRIST abiding within, is the life of the SOUL. And we are to receive CHRIST through his word. It is the TRUTH that SANCTIFIES the SOUL. We should STUDY the SCRIPTURES, even upon our knees, with earnestness and sincerity. The LOVE of JESUS in the heart will create a love for the searching of his word. {RH, February 16, 1892 par. 18}
The True Witness speaks to us today, and says, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” The Lord wants you to set things in order in your families, and to come back to your first love. He says, “Except thou repent, I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place.” The candlestick was removed out of its place when Solomon forgot GOD. He lost the LIGHT of GOD, he lost the WISDOM of GOD, he confounded idolatry with religion. The SAVIOUR declares, “Ye cannot serve GOD and mammon,” and every one of you who persists in sinning against GOD when you have had such great light, will be lost, “except thou repent.” Do you imagine that you can give the THIRD ANGEL’S MESSAGE to the world while you are still carnal and corrupt, while your characters are still sinful? “No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment; for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse.” Unless your hearts are emptied of sin every day, unless you are SANCTIFIED through the TRUTH, you would better not touch the MESSAGE of GOD. You cannot cleanse yourselves, but by coming to JESUS in humility, in contrition, surrendering yourselves to GOD, through the merits of CHRIST’S RIGHTEOUSNESS you may have an experience in the things of GOD, and taste of the powers of the world to come. You then will have fruit unto life eternal. {RH, March 29, 1892 par. 10}
Ministers are wanted who feel the necessity of being laborers together with GOD, who will go forth to bring the people up in spiritual knowledge to the full measure of CHRIST. Ministers are wanted who will educate themselves by solemn, reverential communion with GOD in the closet, so that they shall be men of power in PRAYER. Piety is degeneration into a dead form, and it is necessary to strengthen the things that remain that are ready to die. The work of the ministry has been neglected, and the work is raveling out because it has not been wisely bound off. How are you to know that the word spoken in the desk has proved of benefit to the hearers, unless you visit in families, praying with them, and drawing out the true state of their minds, and the real condition of their experience, that you may point them to the LAMB of GOD which taketh away the sin of the world? There is need that the breath of GOD should blow upon them, and give them spiritual life. The churches need to be enlightened in regard to practical religion in the home life. Again and again the necessity of living a virtuous life, of having a SANCTIFIED heart, of revealing a growing conformity to the image of CHRIST, must be presented to the people. Do they realize that the work of SANCTIFICATION is to be the work of a lifetime? JESUS prayed that his disciples might be SANCTIFIED through the TRUTH, and declared, “Thy word is TRUTH.” He said: “I SANCTIFY myself, that they also may be SANCTIFIED.” Are the undershepherds following the example of the great Shepherd of the sheep? Are they representing CHRIST, as he represented the Father. Practical religion as it was manifested in the life and CHARACTER of CHRIST is a rare thing. Many in our churches are strangers to the experience that it is the privilege of those who believe in CHRIST to have in the things of GOD. {RH, May 24, 1892 par. 3} {PH118 16.1 1892}
Doctrinal discourses have been preached to the people, and many have listened and have accepted the doctrines, who have had little knowledge of the WORD of GOD; for they have not been students of the BIBLE, and have never felt it their duty to dig deep in the mines of TRUTH. They catch at the surface truths. A much more thorough work should be done. Some system must be adopted, that those who really want to know the TRUTH as it is in JESUS, may have an opportunity of becoming students, and that they may seek earnestly for spiritual knowledge and understanding, and partake of the rich provision of the MASTER’s table. They have labored diligently for the bread that perisheth; let them now put forth an effort for the HEAVENLY bread, and work with an earnestness befitting the treasure for which they seek. We plead not that the feelings may be stirred, the emotions awakened, but that the PEOPLE of GOD may be fed with their portion of meat in due season. The work of our ministers must be of a different order. They must develop in patience and CHRISTlikeness, that they may teach the way of life by precept and example. The TRUTH is of no value to any SOUL unless it is brought into the inner sanctuary, and SANCTIFIES the SOUL. Piety will degenerate, and religion become a shallow sentimentalism, unless the plowshare of TRUTH is made to go deep into the fallow ground of the heart. When the TRUTH is received, it will work radical changes in life and character; for religion means the abiding of CHRIST in the heart, and where he is, the SOUL goes on in spiritual activity, ever growing in grace, ever going on to perfection. All through our churches there are those who are spiritually paralyzed. They do not manifest spiritual life. {RH, May 24, 1892 par. 4} {PH118 17.1 1892}
The work we have to do calls for consecrated energy. It demands the whole heart, the faculties of the mind, and the physical powers. The TRUTH of GOD must be presented with SOUL fervor. Not much can be accomplished without it. Let enthusiasm be kindled in the church, and let her God-given powers be roused to activity. But a small proportion of her intellect or wealth is enlisted in active effort for the GLORY of GOD. There is enough to do in places where the TRUTH has not been preached. As you look at the cross of CALVARY, work, O, work with burning enthusiasm. This enthusiasm means the fullness of DIVINE inspiration, a consecration of the whole SOUL to the work. Beholding the life of JESUS, his self-denial and sacrifice, his matchless love, man becomes transfigured, uplifted, filled with the fullness of GOD. To be an enthusiast in CHRIST’S work is to be a partaker of the DIVINE NATURE. The HOLY SPIRIT has taken possession of the SOUL; the Sun of RIGHTEOUSNESS has shone into the chambers of the mind and heart, and all-absorbing truths have SANCTIFIED the mind. Let none fear this, but pray for it most earnestly, and live for it perseveringly. It will make you strong as workers together with GOD. With such laborers, the church will arise and shine, for her light is come, and the GLORY of the Lord is risen upon her. I call upon you, my brethren, to practice self-denial, to lift the cross, and plant the standard of TRUTH in places far and near. {RH, June 14, 1892 par. 9}
We need to know and may know that CHRIST is abiding in our hearts by faith, and that we are abiding in JESUS by faith. JESUS says, “I am the Vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit.” Now listen to the conclusion of the verse: “For without me ye can do nothing.” From this you can see how our LORD JESUS CHRIST regards unsanctified, human ability. We may have an education in the sciences, we may have all the knowledge in the world, and yet if it is not SANCTIFIED, if it is not brought under contribution to GOD, if we are not depending upon his merits every moment, if we are not continually drawing from CHRIST, we cannot live the LIFE of CHRIST; we can do nothing worthy of his name. We want to hear the voice of JESUS and invite his presence. We should open the door of the heart to CHRIST, and invite him to come in. He says, “Without me ye can do nothing.” Is it because men work without CHRIST that we see so many efforts made without accomplishing any good? Is it because man depends upon his own efforts, and his own power, and thinks that he can do great things of himself? I know that this is why the Lord can do so little for man. He uses the gifts of GOD as weapons to destroy himself. We want JESUS simply, JESUS who offers himself to us as a free gift; and if we accept the offering with the whole heart and SOUL, we shall praise GOD at every step, we cannot help it, because he has given us this manifestation of his love and condescension. What we want is JESUS, and the power of his grace; and may GOD baptize us with his HOLY SPIRIT. “If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” {RH, September 27, 1892 par. 3}
JESUS prayed that his disciples might be SANCTIFIED through the TRUTH. Let no one think that he can permit himself to indulge in any sin, however secret it may be, for GOD requires TRUTH in the inward parts, and in the hidden part WISDOM. You need not feel complacency because you are sure that your brethren do not know of your misdeeds. Does not One who is acquainted with your brethren know all about your life? Does not he read your heart as an open book? You cannot indulge in sin and still be a witness for the Lord, for in works you deny him. Where is the holy boldness that should characterize your FAITH and PRAYERS because you are not under condemnation before man or God? Where is your ringing testimony on the side of truth? {ST, February 15, 1892 par. 3}
The youth are called upon to copy the pattern given them. They cannot do this in their own strength; for human nature is erring. Through STUDYing the life and CHARACTER of JESUS, desire is awakened in the heart to have the mind of CHRIST, to learn of him meekness and lowliness of spirit. JESUS said, “I SANCTIFY myself, that they also might be SANCTIFIED.” It is his desire that HIS FOLLOWERS shall reflect his image. One unsanctified act on the part of our SAVIOUR, would have marred the pattern, and he could not have been a perfect example for us; but although he was tempted in all points like as we are, he was yet without one taint of sin. He proclaims his character by the mouth of the prophet, saying, “I am the Lord which exercise loving-kindness, JUDGMENT, and RIGHTEOUSNESS in the earth: for in these things I delight.” All who profess the name of CHRIST should delight in these things, by conversation and conduct making manifest to the world that they are copying the PATTERN. {YI, October 13, 1892 par. 2}
CHRIST came to our world to reveal the FATHER amid the gross darkness of error and superstition which then prevailed. The disciples of CHRIST are to represent him in their every-day life, and thus the true light from heaven will shine forth in clear, steady rays to the world; thus a character is revealed entirely different from that which is seen in those who do not make the WORD of GOD their guide and standard. A knowledge of GOD must be preserved amid the darkness that covers the world and the gross darkness that envelops the people. Age after age the pure CHARACTER of CHRIST has been misrepresented by those who claimed to be believers in him and in the WORD of GOD. Hardness of heart has been cultivated. Love and KINDNESS and true courtesy have been fast disappearing from ministers and churches. What can the universe of GOD think of this? Those who claim to be representatives of CHRIST show rather the hardness of heart which is characteristic of Satan, which made him unfit for heaven, unsafe to be there. And just so it will be with those who know the TRUTH, and yet close the door of the heart against its SANCTIFYING power. “It pleased GOD by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.” The servants of CHRIST are not only to be instruments through the preaching of JESUS, to lead men to REPENTANCE, but they are to continue their watchcare and interest by keeping before the people, by precept and example, the Lord and SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST. They are to SANCTIFY themselves, that their hearers also may be SANCTIFIED. Thus all will grow in godliness, going on from grace to grace, until the ambassador for GOD can present every man perfect in CHRIST JESUS. Then the ministerial office will be seen in its true, SACRED character. {SpTA01a 10.1 1892}
GOD’S PEOPLE are tempted and tried because they cannot see the SPIRIT of CONSECRATION and SELF-SACRIFICE to GOD in all who manage important interests, and many act as though JESUS were buried in Joseph’s new tomb, and a great stone rolled before the door. I wish to proclaim with voice and pen, JESUS has risen! he has risen! He is a LIVING SAVIOUR, the HEAD of the CHURCH. He is the GOOD SHEPHERD. “The sheep follow him; for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow.” When things become entangled, and cannot be easily adjusted, we are not to lose heart and courage and faith, and talk doubts and unbelief. Discouragement will spread, and become as a deadly malady. Again and again during the last forty years of our experience we have been brought into strait places, but the Lord’s own power, not human philosophy or WISDOM, set things straight. The Lord made his voice to be heard, guarding against rebellion, the seeds of which are sown in the hearts that are not right with GOD. It is the Lord that has saved us from rebellion and apostasy. We cannot fall as long as we hope and trust in GOD. Let every SOUL of us, ministers and people, say, as did Paul, “I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air,” but with a HOLY FAITH and HOPE, in EXPECTATION of WINNING the PRIZE. Say to your SOUL, “Hope thou in GOD; for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance and my GOD.” By PRECEPT and EXAMPLE ENCOURAGE FAITH, CONFIDENCE, ASSURANCE. This is the work of the COMFORTER, and it is your work to co-operate with GOD’S AGENCIES. A discouraged man can do nothing to uplift others. A discouraged church can only sow doubts, complaints, and disaffection. Let all this be cleansed from us. Cease looking to the darkness; look to the light, rejoice in the hope of the GLORY of GOD. Show that you TRUST in GOD to work with HIS MIGHTY AGENCIES for the upbuilding of his cause, the spread of his TRUTH. Let every ear be SANCTIFIED to hear aright; let every eye be SANCTIFIED to see aright, let the TONGUE be SANCTIFIED to speak aright, and the HEART have the TREASURES of GOODNESS and LOVE; for out of it are the ISSUES of LIFE. {SpTA01b 29.1 1892}
The SAVIOUR prayed for his disciples, “SANCTIFY them through thy truth; thy word is TRUTH.” But if the receiver of BIBLE knowledge makes no change in his habits or practices to correspond to the LIGHT of TRUTH, what then? The spirit is warring against the flesh, and the flesh against the spirit; and one of these must conquer. If the TRUTH SANCTIFIES the SOUL, sin is hated and shunned, because CHRIST is accepted as an honored guest. But CHRIST cannot share a divided heart; sin and JESUS are never in co-partnership. He who accepts the TRUTH in sincerity, who eats the flesh and drinks the blood of the SON of GOD, has ETERNAL LIFE. “The words that I speak unto you,” said JESUS, “they are spirit and they are life.” When the receiver of TRUTH co-operates with the HOLY SPIRIT, he will go weighted with the burden of the MESSAGE to SOULS; he will never be merely a sermonizer. He will enter heart and SOUL into the great work of seeking and saving that which is lost. Practicing the religion of CHRIST, he will accomplish a good work in winning SOULS. {SpTA02a 9.2 1892}
May the Lord work upon the hearts of those who have received great light, that they may depart from all iniquity. Behold the cross of CALVARY. There is JESUS, who gave his life, not that men might continue in sin, not that they may have license to break the LAW of GOD, but that through this infinite SACRIFICE they may be saved from all sin. Said CHRIST, “I SANCTIFY myself, that they also might be SANCTIFIED,” by the perfection of His example. {Lt19b-1892} Will those who preach the TRUTH to others be SANCTIFIED by the TRUTH themselves? Will they love the Lord with heart and mind and SOUL, and their neighbor as themselves? Will they meet the highest standard of Christian character? Are their tastes elevated, their appetites controlled? Are they cherishing only noble sentiments, strong, deep sympathy, and pure purposes, that they may indeed be laborers together with God? We must have the HOLY SPIRIT to sustain us in the conflict; for “we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Melbourne, Australia, July 3, 1892. {SpTA02a 11.2}
The Lord has fullness of grace to bestow on every one that will receive of the HEAVENLY gift. The HOLY SPIRIT will bring the God-entrusted capabilities into CHRIST’S service, and will mold and fashion the human agent according to the DIVINE pattern according as the human agent shall earnestly desire the transformation. CHRIST our Mediator is the one who gives the HOLY SPIRIT. The atonement made on CALVARY is brought in contact with the SOUL of man to transform his character and change his nature until it can be said in heaven, “Ye are laborers together with GOD, wearing CHRIST’S yoke, bearing His burden.” Man thus becomes, through the agency of the HOLY SPIRIT, the agent by which SOULS are brought into the KINGDOM of heaven. Through SANCTIFICATION of the SPIRIT he is a light to direct SOULS in the path of right and draw SOULS to JESUS CHRIST. His hitherto paralyzed moral agency is quickened with the spiritual life and re-invigorated. Through the imputed RIGHTEOUSNESS of CHRIST the Christian is placed on vantage ground and becomes a channel through which the HOLY SPIRIT can work, and the work done through the human agent does not disappoint our REDEEMER, for in such instruments He does not plead in vain with the SOULS of men. They are not human agents who having eyes see not, having ears hear not, and having hearts will not understand. {Lt71-1893}
Is that genuine FAITH that says, “I know that I am commiting sins, but JESUS CHRIST hath pardoned my sins,” and when they are tempted they do not resist the temptation, but sin just the same as before? Is there any virtue in that man’s religion? “He that hath this hope in him”—abiding principle in the SOUL—“purifieth himself even as He is pure…. Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not.” Here is the power of GOD to keep the SOUL in CHRIST under temptation, “Whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither know him.” That is, every human agent that claims to believe the TRUTH, if the TRUTH is in his heart, it SANCTIFIES the life and character. {Lt101-1893}
Said CHRIST, “I SANCTIFY myself that they also may be SANCTIFIED.” This you need candidly to consider. What influence are you exerting in your home, and in the business transactions in connection with His work and cause? I must tell you, your heart is not in the work. Your Christian life should SANCTIFY the whole. It should pervade every branch of human action from the first to the last, from the highest to the lowest. “Whether … ye eat, or drink” (1 Corinthians 10:31), or “whatsoever ye do in word, or deed, do all in the name of the LORD JESUS” Colossians 3:17. {Lt113-1893}
The door of the heart must be opened to the HOLY SPIRIT, for this is the SANCTIFIER, and the TRUTH is the medium. There must be an acceptance of the TRUTH as it is in JESUS. This is the only genuine SANCTIFICATION: “Thy word is TRUTH.” O read the PRAYER of CHRIST for unity, “Keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.” The PRAYER of CHRIST is not only for those who are now His disciples, but for all those who shall believe on CHRIST through the words of His disciples, even to the end of the world. JESUS was just about to yield up his life to bring life and immortality to light. CHRIST, amid his sufferings, and being daily rejected of men, looks down the lines two thousand years to his church which would be in existence in the last days, before the close of this earth’s history. {Ms21-1893}
The office was to be an educating, training school for the youth. Those connected with the office should have a deep, abiding love for JESUS CHRIST, and they will have a care for all the SOULS for whom He has given His precious life. There will be the tenderest sympathy exercised toward the motherless and the fatherless, and these are to be especially the subjects for determined effort, the subjects of wise, well-directed labor, approaching them with the TENDERNESS of CHRIST JESUS. Personal religion will reveal itself in bearing good fruit; SANCTIFICATION is not the work of a day but a lifetime. The human heart becomes a medley of passions, vanities, love of self, love of money, and love of the world. There should be in the heart of everyone grace which can bloom in the garden of GOD. Selfishness will cut out every precious likeness of CHRIST, will expel humility and self-denial and devotion. Abide in CHRIST and then, you will have the mind of CHRIST appear, and will work the works of CHRIST. The Lord requires of HIS PEOPLE more than they give Him. We are to work in our family, in the church, and in our business, with an eye single to the GLORY of GOD; then our work will not be swept away as so much hay, wood and stubble by the fires of the last day. {Ms32-1893}
Many deceiving their own SOULS because, while they assent to the TRUTH, they fail to become SANCTIFIED through the TRUTH. To have a right religious experience it is essential not only to have an intelligent idea as to what is the theory of TRUTH, but the heart and mind must be trained, and the habits must be in harmony with the expressed WILL of GOD. The Word, the requirements of GOD, must be studied, for if we weave into our experience incorrect principles, we shall cherish false ideas as to what constitutes a Christian, and shall not be found obeying the voice of GOD. We cannot spiritually discern the character of GOD, or accept of JESUS CHRIST by faith, unless our life and character are marked by purity, by the casting down of imaginations, and of every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of GOD, and [by] bringing into captivity every thought to the OBEDIENCE of CHRIST. {Ms102-1893}
JESUS knows our weakness. He is acquainted with our besetments and infirmities, and it is his delight to give us aid; for He “is touched with the feeling of our infirmities.” When He was upon earth, wherever the opportunity offered, wherever He found a hungry SOUL, He presented the bread which came down from heaven. Worldly position, worldly honour, had no attraction for Him; but that which appealed to his heart was a SOUL perishing for the water of life. He had come to be the SAVIOUR of all–Jew and Gentile, rich and poor, free and bond; and He identified his interests with those of suffering humanity. CHRIST and the child of humanity were to become one. He clothed his divinity with humanity, that He might impart to man the DIVINE NATURE. The spirit and CHARACTER of CHRIST are to be represented in HIS FOLLOWERS. by FAITH CHRIST is to become to the believer, RIGHTEOUSNESS, SANCTIFICATION, and REDEMPTION. He has said, “I will make a man more precious than fine gold, even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir.” One SOUL is of more worth to JESUS than the whole world. Let the SOUL look to JESUS, let him “behold the LAMB of GOD, which taketh away the sin of the world.” No one will be compelled to look to CHRIST; but the voice of invitation is sounding in yearning entreaty, “Look and live.” {BEcho, March 1, 1893 par. 2}
The words of JESUS tried his heart; for he had an idol there,–the world was his GOD. He professed to have kept the COMMANDMENTS, but he revealed the fact that he did not love GOD supremely, or his neighbor as himself. This want meant the want of everything that would qualify him to enter the KINGDOM of heaven. Love of self and worldly gain controlled his modes of thought and modes of life. And he was registered in the books of heaven as wanting, although CHRIST saw in him lovable traits of character. But genuine CHRISTlikeness cannot be manifested in the character until CHRIST is received by faith, and formed within, the HOPE of GLORY. JESUS looked upon the young man, and longed after his SOUL, desiring that every intrusted talent might be recognized as the GIFT of GOD, might be SANCTIFIED to his use, and employed to HIS GLORY. JESUS desired to see the young man seeking first the KINGDOM of GOD and his RIGHTEOUSNESS, that he might be a light to the world, imparting to others the knowledge of CHRIST, by precept and example. {RH, January 10, 1893 par. 12}
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain-glory, provoking one another, envying one another.” Many are deceiving their own SOULS, because, while they assent to the TRUTH, they fail to become SANCTIFIED through the TRUTH. To have a right religious experience it is essential not only to have an intelligent idea as to what is the theory of TRUTH, but the heart and mind must be trained, and the habits must be in harmony with the expressed WILL of GOD. The word, the requirements of GOD, must be studied; for if we weave into our experience incorrect principles, we shall cherish false ideas as to what constitutes a Christian, and shall not be found obeying the voice of GOD. We cannot spiritually discern the character of GOD, or accept of JESUS CHRIST by faith, unless our life and character are marked by purity, by the casting down of imaginations, and of every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of GOD, and by bringing into captivity every thought to the OBEDIENCE of CHRIST. {ST, December 25, 1893 par. 1}
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the HOLY GHOST hath made you overseers, to feed the church of GOD, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” Those who are called to be shepherds of the flock of GOD are called to be laborers together with GOD. The LORD JESUS is the great Worker, and he prayed to HIS FATHER that HIS FOLLOWERS might be SANCTIFIED through the TRUTH. If we are doers of the WORD of GOD, we shall understand that we cannot retain any sinful habit, or indulge in any crooked or guileful way. His TRUTH, his word, must be brought with DIVINE POWER into our human hearts, and we must purify our hearts by obeying the TRUTH. We must renounce all the hidden things of dishonesty, all craftiness and Satanic wiles. We must be where we shall be enabled to discern the snares of him who lieth in wait to deceive. Sin must be sensed in its true, hateful character, and expelled from the SOUL. All who preach the word in verity and TRUTH can afford to be fair in its presentation. We are not to be deceitful in any way. Not handling the WORD of GOD deceitfully, we are to let the cross of CHRIST stand in prominence in all our teaching. We are not to hide the gospel, or cover the cross of CHRIST with ornamental roses, and thus make the preaching of it of no effect. Let no one shun the cross of self-denial. Make the instruction plain as to what it means to be a Christian. “If any man will come after me,” said JESUS, “let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me”. “He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.” Food is the substance of which we partake, that our bodies may be strengthened and built up. In like manner we are to feed upon that which will build up our spiritual nature. JESUS said, “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing; the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” Our bodies are composed of that upon which we feed; so our spiritual life will be composed of that upon which we feed. If we feed on CHRIST, by thinking of him, by obeying his words, we are built up in him, and grow in grace and in the KNOWLEDGE of the TRUTH unto the full stature of men and women in CHRIST JESUS. “Receiving a KINGDOM which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve GOD acceptably with reverence and godly fear.” {ST, December 25, 1893 par. 6}
I urge you, youthful Christians, to think of these things most seriously; examine yourselves whether indeed you are a student in the school of CHRIST. JESUS says, “Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your SOULS. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Let all who associate with you see that you love JESUS and love the SOULS for whom he has died. Let it be made manifest that the precious TRUTH SANCTIFIES your life and character, and is to you a source of constant, unfailing joy. Let others see that the LOVE of JESUS reaches from your heart through your whole life. {YI, March 9, 1893 par. 8}
GOD is the owner of the body; and when the body, purchased at infinite cost, is made to serve the customs and practices of this world, by following the fashions of this degenerate age, the testimony is borne to the world that pride and sin reign in the heart, that CHRIST does not abide in the SOUL-TEMPLE. The LORD JESUS will not be made to serve with your sins. He claims the undivided THRONE of the heart, and would banish from the life every worldly, unsanctified action, whose influence would tell against the fact that you are his sons and daughters. We must remember that we are the purchase of CHRIST’S blood. Body, SOUL, and spirit are his, and we are to be his agents, and not serve sin and the world, but yield to him, that we may be wholly SANCTIFIED. “Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very GOD of peace SANCTIFY you wholly; and I pray GOD your whole spirit and SOUL and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our LORD JESUS CHRIST.” {YI, September 14, 1893 par. 7}
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.] {CE 128.1 1893, 1894}
JESUS says, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you.” The TRUTH received into the heart SANCTIFIES the SOUL. We have a FAITH which enables us to rest, SOUL, BODY, AND SPIRIT, in JESUS our Substitute and Surety. Good is the Lord, and greatly to be praised. We shall be tried sorely, for Satan will come in every conceivable form to distress, annoy, and delude every follower of JESUS. We must live by faith, not by feeling. We must advance step by step into a more experimental knowledge of GOD and of JESUS CHRIST whom He hath sent. There is need of daily, hourly communion with GOD. Our life, our SOUL, hid with CHRIST in GOD, is safe. JESUS, precious JESUS, is stronger than the strong man armed. {Lt12-1894}
The Lord GOD came down to our world clothed with the habiliments of humanity, that He might work out in His own life the mysterious controversy between CHRIST and Satan. He discomfited the powers of darkness. All this history is saying to man, “I, your substitute and surety, have taken your nature upon Me, showing you that every son and daughter is privileged to become a partaker of the DIVINE NATURE, and through CHRIST JESUS lay hold upon immortality.” Those who are candidates for this great blessing should in everything act in a manner to represent the advantages of their association with the Lord through His revealed TRUTH and through the SANCTIFICATION of His HOLY SPIRIT. This will enlarge the mind of the human agent, fasten it upon SACRED THINGS, set it to receive TRUTH, to comprehend TRUTH, which will lead to the working out of TRUTH through the SANCTIFICATION of heart, SOUL, and character. {Lt67-1894} {SpTEd 220.1 1897}
Kind words, looks of sympathy, expressions of appreciation, would be to many a struggling and lonely one as the cup of cold water to a thirsty SOUL. A word of sympathy, an act of KINDNESS, would lift burdens that are resting heavily upon some shoulders. And words of counsel, admonitions, warnings from a heart SANCTIFIED by love, are just as essential as an effusion of loving sentiments and expressions of appreciation. Every word or deed of unselfish KINDNESS to SOULS with whom we are brought in connection is an expression of the love that JESUS has manifested for the whole human family. That love is beautifully presented to us by CHRIST Himself: “If thou knewest the GIFT of GOD, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water… Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into EVERLASTING LIFE.” {Lt76-1894}
The religion of JESUS can bless only where it influences; if we exclude its influence, we fail of the blessing. In little things as well as great, we must shave the accommodating SPIRIT of JESUS. Do you know, my sister, that you have something to do to cultivate tender compassion in word and in action? The expression of a healthful TENDERNESS will have a controlling power. A negative position will never melt and subdue hearts. A gracious influence on your part would have changed the whole last year’s history of several. The little things of life possess an importance beyond our conceptions. It is the little things that are training the SOUL, disciplining for progress and SANCTIFICATION. Selfishness must die. Every species of selfishness must be rooted out of the heart. {Lt78-1894}
Do you expect that the world will love you when you go contrary to the customs and traditions of the world? Do you expect to be treated better than was the MASTER of the house? “SANCTIFY them through thy truth: thy word is TRUTH.” You have received the TRUTH. Now do not feel that you must hide it under a bushel. Let it be known to others, let it shine forth, that others may be saved, may be SANCTIFIED through it. Be a living example, be under the control of the SPIRIT of CHRIST. JESUS says, “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word.” This tells you your duty. The word of those who believe is to be as seed sown in the hearts of others that will spring forth and bear fruit unto life eternal. {Ms37-1894}
SANCTIFY them through Thy truth; Thy word is TRUTH.” You have received the truth; now do not feel that you must hide it under a bushel. Let it be known to others; let it shine forth, that others may be saved, may be SANCTIFIED through it. Be a living example, be under the control of the SPIRIT of CHRIST. JESUS says, “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word.” This tells you your duty. The word of those who believe is to be as seed sown in the hearts of others, that will spring forth and bear fruit unto life eternal. {BEcho, October 8, 1894 par. 8}
Let the PEOPLE of GOD have root in themselves because they are planted in JESUS CHRIST. There must be no strife for supremacy. Let every one seek GOD for himself, and know for himself that the TRUTH of GOD is the SANCTIFIER of SOUL, life, and character. Let all feel that it is their duty and privilege to speak those things in the church which will edify. No one should try to sermonize, but with hearts filled with the LOVE of GOD, let each one have something to say that will not savor in the least of self-exaltation, of questions that will cause dissension; but let each one present lessons from the life of CHRIST, and represent none of self, but all of JESUS. {HM, December 1, 1894 par. 16} {Ms21a-1894}
A legal religion has been thought quite the correct religion for this time. But it is a mistake. The rebuke of CHRIST to the Pharisees is applicable to those who have lost from the heart their first love. A cold, legal religion can never lead SOULS to CHRIST; for it is a loveless, CHRISTless religion. When fastings and PRAYERS are practiced in a self-justifying spirit, they are abominable to GOD. The solemn assembly for worship, the round of religious ceremonies, the external humiliation, the imposed sacrifice,–all proclaim to the world the testimony that the doer of these things considers himself righteous. These things call attention to the observer of rigorous duties, saying, This man is entitled to heaven. But it is all a deception. Works will not buy for us an entrance into heaven. The one great Offering that has been made is ample for all who will believe. The LOVE of CHRIST will animate the believer with new life. He who drinks from the water of the fountain of life, will be filled with the new wine of the KINGDOM. FAITH in CHRIST will be the means whereby the right spirit and motive will actuate the believer, and all goodness and HEAVENLY-mindedness will proceed from him who looks unto JESUS, the author and finisher of his faith. Look up to GOD, look not to men. GOD is your HEAVENLY FATHER who is willing patiently to bear with your infirmities, and to forgive and heal them. “This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true GOD, and JESUS CHRIST, whom thou hast sent.” By beholding CHRIST, you will become changed, until you will hate your former pride, your former vanity and self-esteem, your self-righteousness and unbelief. You will cast these sins aside as a worthless burden, and walk humbly, meekly, trustfully, before GOD. You will practice love, patience, gentleness, goodness, mercy, and every grace that dwells in the child of GOD, and will at last find a place among the SANCTIFIED and holy. {RH, March 20, 1894 par. 9}
The solemn warning that was given to the foolish rich man, should be a sufficient warning for all men to the close of time. Lesson upon lesson was given by our Lord to take every one away from selfishness, and to establish close bonds of fellowship and brotherhood between man and man. He desired that the hearts of believers should be closely knit together in strong bonds of sympathy, so that there might be unity in himself. They are together to rejoice in hope of the GLORY of GOD, looking for ETERNAL LIFE through the virtue of JESUS CHRIST. If CHRIST is abiding in the heart, his love will diffuse itself to others through its possessor, and will bind heart to heart. The GRACE of CHRIST must be the sole dependence of the Christian, and when it is, he will love his brethren as CHRIST has loved him. Then he can say, “Come,” and beseech and woo SOULS, entreating them to be reconciled to GOD. His influence will be more and more decided, and he will devote his life to CHRIST, who was crucified for him. Where love is perfected, the law is kept, and self finds no place. Those who love GOD supremely, work, suffer, and live for him who gave his life for them. We can keep the law only through making the RIGHTEOUSNESS of CHRIST our own. CHRIST says, “Without me ye can do nothing.” When we receive the HEAVENLY gift, the RIGHTEOUSNESS of CHRIST, we shall find that DIVINE grace has been provided for us, and that human resources are powerless. JESUS gives the HOLY SPIRIT in large measure for great emergencies, to help our infirmities, to give us strong consolation, to illuminate our minds, and purify and ennoble our hearts. CHRIST becomes unto us WISDOM, RIGHTEOUSNESS, SANCTIFICATION, and REDEMPTION. From the first to the last of the Christian life, not one successful step can be taken without CHRIST. He has sent his SPIRIT to be with us constantly, and by confiding in CHRIST to the uttermost, surrendering our will to him, we may follow him whithersoever he goeth. {RH, June 26, 1894 par. 8}
It is plainly stated that fruit bearing is the result of abiding in CHRIST. JESUS says, “I am the vine, ye are the branches; he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing.” We have read these words of instruction again and again, but have we taken them into our hearts? Are they practiced in our life, and revealed to all those with whom we associate? No SOUL will be lost who will practice the principles of these WORDS of CHRIST. JESUS prayed that his disciples might be SANCTIFIED through the TRUTH, and added, “Thy word is TRUTH.” He said again, “I have given them thy word.” The SOUL’S SANCTIFICATION is to be accomplished through OBEDIENCE to the WORD of GOD. In the fear and LOVE of CHRIST I would inquire, Do we hear, and do we receive into a good and honest heart, these important words? and are we determined to know for ourselves what is truth? Do we know by experience what it is to abide in CHRIST as the branch abides in the parent stock? “As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.” {SSW, July 1, 1894 par. 2}
JESUS CHRIST is our example in all things. He began life, passed through its experiences, and ended its record, with a SANCTIFIED human will. He was tempted in all points like as we are, and yet because he kept his will surrendered and SANCTIFIED, he never bent in the slightest degree toward the doing of evil, or toward manifesting rebellion against GOD. Have men and women who profess to be fOLLOWERS of CHRIST, been simply gratifying their own tastes, been confirming themselves in selfishness, in obstinacy, simply living to gratify their carnal propensities? Those who persist in living in this way will at some time in their experience become offended by the TRUTH presented from the WORD of GOD. They cannot be one with CHRIST or abide in him, because they refuse the terms upon which SALVATION is provided. They do not wear CHRIST’S yoke or lift CHRIST’S burden; for they will not learn of him meekness and lowliness of heart. Those who have a SANCTIFIED will, that is in unison with the will of CHRIST, will day by day have their wills bound to the will of CHRIST, which will act in blessing others, and react upon themselves with DIVINE POWER. Many cultivate those things which war against the SOUL; for their desires and their will are set against GOD, and employed in the service of Satan. {ST, October 29, 1894 par. 7}
Does this text mean that the human agent can remove one stain of sin from his SOUL?–No. Then what does it mean to purify himself?–It means to look upon the Lord’s great moral standard of RIGHTEOUSNESS, the holy LAW of GOD, and see that he is a sinner in the light of that law. “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sin; and in him is no sin.” It is through FAITH in JESUS CHRIST that the TRUTH is accepted in the heart and the human agent is purified and cleansed. JESUS was “wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” Is it possible to be healed, while knowingly committing sin?–No; it is genuine FAITH that says, I know that I have committed sin, but that JESUS has pardoned my sin; and hereafter I will resist temptation in and through his might. “Every man that hath this hope in him [abiding in him] purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” He has an abiding principle in the SOUL, that enables him to overcome temptation. “Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not.” GOD has power to keep the SOUL who is in CHRIST, when that SOUL is under temptation. “Whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.” That is, every one who is a true believer is SANCTIFIED through the TRUTH, in life and character. “Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth [not professeth to do] RIGHTEOUSNESS is righteous, even as he is righteous.” “Whosoever is born of GOD doth not commit sin; . . . because he is born of GOD. In this the children of GOD are manifest, and the children of the devil.” Now mark where the distinction is made: “Whosoever doeth not RIGHTEOUSNESS is not of GOD, neither is he that loveth not his brother.” “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue, but in deed and in TRUTH.” {YI, February 15, 1894 par. 5}
In order that the SOUL may become a vessel unto honor for the GLORY of GOD, it is necessary for it to be SANCTIFIED and prepared to every good work, and the whole mind must be molded by the HOLY SPIRIT. DIVINE POWER will combine with human effort, when we seek earnestly to be complete in CHRIST JESUS. The Lord will help every one who seeks him with all his heart. He shall have the light of life, and that light shines from the living oracles. As the light of the sun sheds its warmth throughout all the world, so the bright beams of the Sun of RIGHTEOUSNESS will shed health-giving rays into the heart. But he who does not walk in the light, will be left at last in darkness. {YI, September 20, 1894 par. 3}
It was the same JESUS who commanded that love should be the ruling principle in the old dispensation, that commanded that love should be the ruling principle in the hearts of HIS FOLLOWERS in the New Testament. The working out of the principle of love is true SANCTIFICATION. Those who walk in the light will be the children of the light, and will diffuse light to those who are around them in KINDNESS, in affection, in unmistakable love. “GOD is love: and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in GOD, and GOD in him.” Unless love is cherished in the SOUL, and that continually, CHRIST does not abide in the heart. He who is devoid of love, has not the shining of the bright beams of the Sun of RIGHTEOUSNESS in the chambers of heart and mind. But the SOUL who has opened the door of the heart to JESUS, will reveal the light of life in practical godliness. Pure doctrine will blend with works of RIGHTEOUSNESS; HEAVENLY precepts will mingle with holy practices. The heart that is filled with the GRACE of CHRIST will be made manifest by its peace and joy; and where CHRIST abides, the character will become purified, elevated, ennobled, and GLORIFIED. {YI, November 8, 1894 par. 7}
I have far greater influence and much better success in working for unbelievers, however ignorant they may be, than I have in working for those who know the TRUTH and are not being SANCTIFIED through the TRUTH. But we are not to fail nor be discouraged. That which I grieve over is the fact that the LORD JESUS is dishonored and that many will lose ETERNAL LIFE, because they do not seek heaven with earnestness, and Satan finds their hearts ready to respond to his temptations. {Lt28-1895}
The TRUTH brought into the heart is a SANCTIFIER of the life. It lifts man up from his depravity and profligacy; it is the power of GOD unto SALVATION. By its work in the SOUL, every faculty is brought into subjection, and laid under contribution to CHRIST. Though professed Christians may set their standard very low, and reach no higher, that should not lead us to doubt the TRUTH as it is in JESUS, in the LOVE of GOD expressed for us. CHRIST is the PATTERN for every believer. Only believe. {Lt33-1895}
To the distressed father, seeking for the tender love and pity of CHRIST to be exercised in behalf of his afflicted son, JESUS said. “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” All things are possible with GOD, and by FAITH we may lay hold on HIS POWER. But FAITH is not sight; FAITH is not feeling; FAITH is not reality. FAITH is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” To abide in FAITH is to put aside feeling and selfish desires, to walk humbly with the Lord, to appropriate His promises, [and] apply them to all occasions, believing that GOD will work out his own plans and purposes in your heart and life by the SANCTIFICATION of your character; it is to rely entirely, to trust implicitly, upon the faithfulness of GOD. If this course is followed, others will see the special fruits of the SPIRIT manifested in the life and character. {Lt47-1895} {Ms10a-1895} {SpTEd 115.1 1897}
Look only to JESUS as your RIGHTEOUSNESS and your sacrifice. As you are JUSTIFIED by faith, the deadly sting of the serpent will be healed. Then there will be no more of self; you will have peace with GOD through JESUS CHRIST. Open the door of your hearts, and let JESUS in. Some of you have become hard-hearted; you have resisted evidence, and have despised the messages of warning, of light and TRUTH, which the Lord has sent you by the HOLY SPIRIT, because He loves you and is loath to give you up. As a look to the brazen serpent brought life to the dying, so the look of FAITH to the LAMB of GOD will bring life to the SOUL dead in trespasses and sins. The men in responsible positions, above all others, need the converting power of GOD daily, SANCTIFYING themselves that others may be SANCTIFIED. If they would co-operate with GOD, looking to CHRIST every moment, believing in Him as it is their privilege to do, their eyes would be opened, and their hearts would be made new. {Lt54-1895} {PH080 50.1 1896}
The attractions of CHRIST are all-satisfying, and through CHRIST JESUS we read our title to an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away. HIS GRACE is seen to be all-sufficient. The sympathy and LOVE of JESUS are beseeching, wooing, drawing us to follow on in His footsteps, to know the Lord until we shall know His going forth is prepared as the morning. FAITH and confidence increase with exercise and exert upon us and those associated with us a more and more decided influence. The TRUTH abiding in the heart SANCTIFIES the SOUL. It animates, it encourages, it impels, it constrains us. The willing SOUL is bound, his life is hid with CHRIST in GOD. The LOVE of GOD is an abiding power. {Lt128-1895}
The sympathy and LOVE of JESUS are beseeching, wooing, drawing us to follow on in His footsteps, that we may know the Lord, until we shall know His going forth is prepared as the morning. FAITH and confidence increase with exercise, and they exert upon us and upon those associated with us a more and more decided influence. The TRUTH abiding in the heart SANCTIFIES the SOUL. It animates, it encourages, it impels, it constrains us. The willing SOUL is bound to his REDEEMER: his life is hid with CHRIST in GOD. The LOVE of GOD is an abiding power. {Lt128a-1895}
In CHRIST is the fountain of all knowledge. In Him hopes of ETERNAL LIFE are centered. He is the greatest Teacher the world has ever known, and if we desire to enlarge the minds of the children and youth and win them, if possible, to a love of the BIBLE, fasten their minds upon the plain and simple TRUTH, digging out that which has been buried beneath the rubbish, and letting the jewels shine forth. Encourage them to search into these subjects, and the effort put forth will be an invaluable discipline. The unfolding of GOD, as represented in JESUS CHRIST, furnishes a theme that is grand to contemplate, and that will, if studied, sharpen their minds, and elevate and ennoble the faculties. As the human agent learns these lessons in the school of CHRIST, trying to become as CHRIST was, MEEK and LOWLY of HEART, he will learn the most useful of all lessons—that intellect is supreme only as it is SANCTIFIED by a living connection with GOD. {Ms22-1895} {SpTEd 154.2 1897} {Advocate, September 1, 1899 par. 8}
What a foundation is laid for our FAITH in all ages! When CHRIST ascended into the heavens, He ascended as our Advocate, and we have a friend at court. He has sent His representative, the HOLY SPIRIT, and will give DIVINE anointing to all who believe in JESUS CHRIST. The plan of SALVATION is the great theme that underlines all true, SANCTIFIED education. It is to be the theme of our conversation. All idle, cheap, common talk is to be cleansed from our lips. Levity, jesting and joking is an evidence that the SOUL TEMPLE is unsanctified and unholy. We are now to understand the science of true education. “This is LIFE ETERNAL that they might know thee the ONLY TRUE GOD, and JESUS CHRIST whom Thou hast sent.” Shall we not educate in these lines? The everlasting FATHER has given HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, and by so doing has opened a channel by which inexhaustible treasures may come to the world. All who come unto CHRIST may have EVERLASTING LIFE. This SACRED food is to satisfy the SOUL hunger. Filled with the bread of life, we cannot hunger for earthly attractions, worldly excitements, and earthly grandeur. Our religious experience will be of the same order as the food upon which we feed. The Lord’s anointing was upon JESUS CHRIST. He says, “The SPIRIT of the LORD is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.. .. To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the fruit of heaviness; that they might be called…” [Remainder missing.] {Ms50-1895}
GOD wants us to stop drinking of the turbid waters of the valley, and drink of the snow-waters of Lebanon, the water of life. Continuing to drink of these, you will never thirst, for CHRIST says, “The water that I shall give him, shall be in him a well of water, springing up unto EVERLASTING LIFE.” If the heart is corrupt, it will bring forth that which is a savor of death unto death, but if the heart is SANCTIFIED by the TRUTH as it is in JESUS, those words will be spoken which are a savor of life unto life. We need our hearts cleansed from moral and spiritual defilement. CHRIST is ready to do this for us, and He stands knocking at our hearts, waiting for us to let Him in. {Ms68-1895}
Now let us see what JESUS will do for us if we let him. In his PRAYER for his disciples he said: “And now I come to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.” Is it possible to have joy in obeying CHRIST? It is the only real joy that any SOUL can have. You may have what you call “a good time,” and laugh and joke; but your joy will be only a foolish gratification of a mind that is not well balanced by the SPIRIT of GOD. CHRIST continued, “I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” Do you expect that the world will love you when you go contrary to the customs and traditions of the world? Do you expect to be treated better than was the MASTER of the house? “SANCTIFY them through thy truth; thy word is TRUTH.” You have received the TRUTH. Now do not feel that you must hide it under a bushel. Let it be known to others, let it shine forth, that others may be saved, may be SANCTIFIED through it. Be a living example, be under the control of the SPIRIT of CHRIST. JESUS says, “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word.” This tells you your duty. The word of those who believe is to be as seed sown in the hearts of others, that will spring forth and bear fruit unto life eternal. {RH, September 3, 1895 par. 6}
There was nothing of this character found in the life or teachings of JESUS. All that is of heaven is pure, peaceable, refined, and ennobling, free from everything that is extravagant or fanatical in thought, word, or action. The religion of CHRIST bears the HEAVENLY credentials, and when the heart has been impressed with the DIVINE image, the SOUL is in harmony with all GOD’S COMMANDMENTS. But the SANCTIFICATION that leads its possessors to refuse to STUDY the SCRIPTURES, and persuades them to believe they know it all, and that there is no advanced TRUTH for them to accept, is of a spurious order. They are yet carnal, for it is the carnal mind that is “enmity against GOD; for it is not subject to the LAW of GOD, neither indeed can be.” They are deluded by the adversary of GOD and man. They have illusions, and a bewitching power is upon them as they cry out: “I am saved, I am saved. I cannot sin.” We only can distinguish the true from the false by the manifestation of the graces of the Spirit, which CHRIST has promised to implant in the heart. {ST, February 28, 1895 par. 6}
The Lord says, “Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Those who heed this instruction will not be placing their treasure in an uncertain bank. They will be making sacrifices for JESUS; and every SACRIFICE and self-denial made in his name will bring its recompense of reward. Those who acquit themselves as faithful stewards of their Lord’s goods, who consecrate their talents to his service, using their means and influence and ability to further his cause in the earth, have the promise that they shall be requited, not because the Lord is indebted to any human agency, but because they have the mind of CHRIST. They make it evident in their life that the TRUTH has transformed their characters, that through the SPIRIT their SOULS have been SANCTIFIED. To such the Lord of heaven promises that in this life they shall have an hundred-fold, and in the world to come ETERNAL LIFE. {ST, April 4, 1895 par. 4}
At all times and in all places the Christian should be that which the Lord designs that he should be,–a free man in CHRIST JESUS. Duty performed in the SPIRIT of CHRIST will be done with SANCTIFIED prudence. We shall be guided as with a light from heaven when we have a vital connection with GOD. Holy men wrote as they were moved upon by the HOLY SPIRIT. To be meek does not mean that we shall regard ourselves as in a servile condition; for CHRIST is our sufficiency. CHRIST pronounced his benediction upon those who felt their need of DIVINE grace. He pronounces a blessing upon the weary and heavy laden of every age. Human agents who accept his guidance, who hear his word, will be led into clear light, and will bear fruit to the GLORY of GOD. Those who have repented of their sins, who have cast their weary, heavy-burdened SOULS at the feet of CHRIST, who have submitted to his yoke, and become his colaborers, will be partakers with CHRIST in his sufferings, and partakers also of his DIVINE NATURE. In the world the Christian will be slighted and dishonored, and will consent to be least of all and servant of all. He will submit to be injured, to be despitefully used and persecuted, but wearing the yoke of CHRIST he will find rest unto his SOUL, and the yoke will not be galling. He will hear the SAVIOUR saying: “I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing.” JESUS not only commands HIS FOLLOWERS, but he instructs them, he helps the helpless, he invigorates the fainting, he inspires the faithless with FAITH and hope. “He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall; but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” If men have mourned with godly sorrow, the fruit of meekness and humility will be manifest in the character. Their affections will be drawn from earthly things, and they will have learned, through trial and testing, the precious lesson that great truths can be brought into the little things of life as well as into the great things. Practical religion is far-reaching in its influence, and will aid us in fulfilling the duties of daily life. Daily we are to learn of Him who is meek and lowly in heart, and find rest unto our SOULS. It is in obeying the WORD of GOD that peace and rest come in. O, what fragrance might be brought into the daily life if all were to follow simply and completely the teachings of the WORD of GOD, which is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path! Like the rays of the sun in heaven, which brighten the earth, so are the COMMANDMENTS of GOD exceeding broad. {ST, August 22, 1895 par. 5}
How many who profess to be fOLLOWERS of CHRIST climb upon the JUDGMENT seat, and pronounce condemnation, magnifying some fault which to finite beings seems to be an offense against God! But this work, that is so pleasing to the great adversary of SOULS, would all cease if the SPIRIT of CHRIST were in the heart. Mercy rejoices not in iniquity. We imagine that others do not appreciate us; we magnify our mites of merciful actions into something very great, and excuse ourselves from the duty of showing mercy, because others manifest ingratitude toward us. Suppose, because of our ingratitude, GOD should work upon this same plan? We do not appreciate his many mercies and benevolences toward us; but he continues to deal out of his abundance his riches of grace. Suppose the human agent who dispenses the gifts of GOD to those who need them, does meet with ingratitude, let him remember that he is not using his own goods but his Lord’s, and GOD looks down from heaven to see how his steward is treating his heritage, for whom he has given his precious life. GOD has made ample provision to supply the necessities of the poor, and there is no case of need for which some one is not responsible. Men should yield to the controlling influence of the SPIRIT of GOD in order that mercy and compassion may be shown to the sufferer. We should trade upon the Lord’s goods by relieving, as far as possible, the woes of humanity. Every Christian brother and sister should step into his own place, and stand at his own post of duty. We might do much more than has been done to alleviate the sorrows of those who are hungry, naked, and in peril, in temporal and spiritual things. The channel is constantly open, and streams of mercy ever flow from Him who has a treasure of supply, and He will give to those who are dispensers of His bounties. But GOD’S GLORY will not be advanced if men and women appropriate to their own individual selves his matchless mercy and rich gifts. Such are not the ones upon whom is pronounced the HEAVENLY benediction. O, that the cold hearts of men which are hardened by selfishness might be warmed by the LOVE of JESUS! O, that their hearts might be broken and SANCTIFIED! O, that they might come under the control of the DIVINE will! O, that every church member might have the understanding enlightened, that the stony heart might be exchanged for the heart of flesh, and the fierce, wicked, Satanic spirit might be cast out, and the mercy and LOVE of CHRIST possess and control the SOUL! O, that the TEMPLE of the SOUL might be cleansed, and become the habitation of the Spirit! {ST, September 19, 1895 par. 5}
CHRIST is our model; but unless we behold him, unless we contemplate his character, we shall not reflect his character in our practical life. He was meek and lowly in heart. He never did a rude action, never spoke a discourteous word. The Lord is not pleased with our blunt, hard, unsympathetic ways toward others. All this selfishness must be purged away from our characters, and we must wear the yoke of CHRIST. Then we shall become laborers together with GOD, and shall be fitting up for the society of HEAVENLY ANGELS. We are to be in the world, but not of the world. We are to be representatives of JESUS CHRIST. As the Lord of life and GLORY came to our world to represent the Father, so we are to go to the world to represent JESUS. He says, “I SANCTIFY myself, that they also might be SANCTIFIED through the TRUTH.” “Thy word is TRUTH.” We need, then, to become familiar with the WORD of GOD; to STUDY and to practise it in life. Then will the word become to us personally the power of GOD unto SALVATION. {YI, January 3, 1895 par. 6}
Where the heart is purified and refined, and made fit for the indwelling of the HOLY SPIRIT, the tongue will be SANCTIFIED to the GLORY of GOD. When you hear young men jesting and joking, do not join in the merriment that dishonors JESUS CHRIST who died for them, but rather reprove them. Watch over one another for good. Pray for and with one another. You can surround your SOULS with an atmosphere that will be like breezes from the HEAVENLY Eden. Open your heart to the LORD JESUS. Guard your tongue. Let not your tongue run at random in jesting and joking. These are signs that your heart needs to be cleansed from its defilement. Those who are earnestly striving to obtain the world to come, will act according to Christian principles in all the concerns of life. They will bring into practice the injunction: “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” If we are sincere Christians in meeting, we shall be sincere Christians at all times and in all places. I am very desirous that all who are acquainted with CHRIST shall manifest the fact by the spirit revealed in their words. CHRIST said: “A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of JUDGMENT. For by thy words thou shalt be JUSTIFIED, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” Our words index the state of our heart; and whether men talk much or little, their words express the character of their thoughts. A man’s character may be quite accurately estimated by the nature of his conversation. Sound, truthful words have the right ring in them. “The end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto PRAYER.” {YI, June 13, 1895 par. 3}
Will you to whom I now address these words, take heed to the instruction given you? Let the youth take warning; let them not be forward in conversation, but be modest and retiring. Let them be quick to hear things that will profit the SOUL, and be slow to speak, unless it be to represent JESUS, and to witness to the TRUTH. Show humility of mind by modesty of demeanor. Let your conversation be seasoned with grace. Educate the SOUL to cheerfulness, to thankfulness, and to the expression of gratitude to GOD for the great love wherewith he hath loved us, and thus adorn the doctrine of our Lord and SAVIOUR in all things, at all places, and at all times. Glorify the MASTER by witnessing in your character to the work of the HOLY SPIRIT upon your SOUL. Let CHRIST arise in the SOUL as a wellspring of life. Christian cheerfulness is the very beauty of HOLINESS. Those who are rich in FAITH will make manifest the GRACE of CHRIST. Paul charges Timothy, saying: “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: if we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself. Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. STUDY to show thyself approved unto GOD, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of TRUTH. . . . Let every one that nameth the name of CHRIST depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, SANCTIFIED, and meet for the MASTER’s use, and prepared unto every good work. Flee also youthful lusts: but follow RIGHTEOUSNESS, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient; in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if GOD peradventure will give them REPENTANCE to the acknowledging of the truth; and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” {YI, July 11, 1895 par. 3}
In the parable of the treasure in the field, the man who found it went and hid it until he was enabled to purchase it; but in finding CHRIST, we have nothing to hide. In our great joy we desire to reveal the hidden treasure to others. We are eager to impart the possession, and put forth heartfelt, earnest effort so to represent the treasure to others that they may value it as we value it. Like the man who sold his all, we estimate nothing too dear to be sacrificed for the possession of the HEAVENLY treasure. Those who find CHRIST find SALVATION, and they are not ashamed to have any one understand what a high estimate they place upon him who is their SALVATION, RIGHTEOUSNESS, SANCTIFICATION, REDEMPTION, and exceeding great reward. They desire that all shall see and appreciate the treasure which they have found. They desire that every one shall open the heart so that the healing beams of the Sun of RIGHTEOUSNESS may shine into the chambers of heart and mind, and that others may have the light of life. It is impossible to hide the bright hope that comes to the SOUL who lays hold of CHRIST by faith. When JESUS went through the cities and villages of Palestine, it is written that he “could not be hid.” Let the precious SAVIOUR come into the heart, and his presence cannot be concealed. The heart will be full of hope, comfort, and love, and a DIVINE light will illuminate the countenance. {YI, September 5, 1895 par. 3}
I have a word for you this morning. “Because Thy lovingkindness is better than life my lips shall praise Thee.” “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing had happened unto you; but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of CHRIST’S sufferings, that when HIS GLORY shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” Let us be thankful and praise the Lord. Let your heart receive the rich current of His love. As JESUS prayed for His disciples on the earth that they might be kept from evil, be SANCTIFIED through the TRUTH, and be with Him where He is in the Father’s house, so He prays for us. He lives to make intercession for us. He alone can give us [a] supply of HIS SPIRIT. {Lt98c-1896}
Whenever we advance a step toward JESUS, He is ready to respond. We are SANCTIFIED through the TRUTH, not through a mere assenting to theory, but through a heart-reception of the WORD of GOD. The TRUTH SANCTIFIES the entire man. “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your FATHER which is in heaven is perfect.” “Strive (agonize) to enter in at the strait gate; for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.” “Enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in there at: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” {Lt106a-1896}
If the wife is a co-laborer with CHRIST in the work of saving SOULS, she will keep abreast of her husband in cultivating mind and heart. She will endeavor to stand equal with him in knowledge of the WORD of GOD, and in OBEDIENCE to all its requirements. She will keep her own SOUL refreshed by eating the Word, and drinking the waters from the wellsprings of life. Then the words she speaks will not be prompted by envy or jealousy; they will proceed from a SANCTIFIED heart that has been daily learning lessons at the feet of JESUS. Thus instead of making herself a helpless burden, to be the object of his solicitude, and to demand a large share of his attention, the wife may strengthen her husband to do the highest service for GOD. {Ms35-1896}
The PROPHECIES of the SCRIPTURES were plain, and gave clear predictions of his life, character, and work; and from the testimony of men who had spoken as they were moved by the HOLY GHOST, evidence was sufficient to prove that JESUS was all he claimed to be,–the SON of GOD, the Messiah of whom Moses and the prophets did write, the Light to lighten the Gentiles, and the GLORY of Israel. But it was in vain that he sought to convince the priests and rulers, and to draw the hearts of common people to his light. Priests and rulers, scribes and Pharisees, clung to their traditions, their ceremonies, customs, and theories, and suffered not their hearts to be touched and cleansed and SANCTIFIED by DIVINE GRACE. The few who did follow CHRIST came from among the lowly and unlearned. “At that time JESUS answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.” JESUS was accused of eating with publicans and sinners, as though it were a crime to associate with the fallen, and he replied, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to REPENTANCE.” Had his accusers been truly righteous by FAITH in GOD, they would gladly have received the SON of GOD, and would have profited by his instructions; but those who were self-righteous, rich in their supposed knowledge, and far advanced in their own eyes in spiritual things, felt no need of receiving more TRUTH and light. CHRIST said of these who supposed themselves wise, “Ye do err, not knowing the SCRIPTURES, nor the power of GOD.” JESUS recognized their difficulty and said, “They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.” The Pharisees believed themselves very prudent in withholding their FAITH and sympathy from CHRIST; for though they had the SCRIPTURES, they misinterpreted them. {RH, June 2, 1896 par. 4}
Should not CHRIST have our first and highest consideration? Should He not demand this token of our respect and loyalty? These very things underlie our heart-life, in the home circle, and in the church life. If the heart, the SOUL, the strength, the life, is surrendered wholly to GOD, if the affection is given wholly to Him, you will make GOD supreme in all your service. The result will be that you will have a sense of what it means to be a partner with JESUS CHRIST in the SACRED firm. The building erected for the worship of GOD will not be left crippled with debt. It will appear almost like a denial of your FAITH to allow such a thing. If we love JESUS, we will love to live for Him, to present our thank offerings to Him, to labor for Him. The very labor will be light. And if CHRIST abides in the heart, He SANCTIFIES all temporal labor. {Lt52-1897}
This experience we all may have. We shall then be insensible to the rebuffs and trials that come to every human being. O, if we could only realize the privilege that is ours, the privilege of resting in JESUS as a child rests in its mother’s arms. We can drink in the spirit and freshness of the life of GOD. “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” We have yet to learn always to consult the WILL of GOD, and put His will before our own. When we keep CHRIST ever before us, when we set our hearts on being like our friend JESUS CHRIST, who has chosen us, and called us friends, His friends, when we contemplate His character, we shall so love Him that we shall place ourselves where we can be ruled and taught by Him who is WISDOM Himself. He is our SANCTIFICATION and our RIGHTEOUSNESS. But O, so many put our CHRIST so far away from their thoughts. He does not appear to them as their best friend. {Lt93-1897}
Do not become restlessly active, but zealous in faith, with one object, namely, to attract SOULS to JESUS CHRIST, the crucified REDEEMER. It is not the logical sermon, the sermon to convince the intellect, that will do this work. The heart must be persuaded, and melted into TENDERNESS. The will must be submitted to GOD’S WILL, and the whole aspirations directed heavenward. You must feed upon the Word of the LIVING GOD. It must be brought into the practical life. It must take hold of and command the whole man. Those who possess that FAITH that works by love and purifies the SOUL will be SANCTIFIED body, SOUL, spirit, and intellect. There will be an effectual ministry when the servant of GOD makes it the business of his life to grasp the WORD of GOD with a determination that nothing can release, to hold fast to that Word, to eat it, and impart it to others as the Word of life. When JESUS is our abiding trust, our offering to GOD will be ourselves. Our dependence will be on the RIGHTEOUSNESS and intercession of CHRIST JESUS as our only hope. There is no confusion, no distrust, because by FAITH we see JESUS ordained of GOD for this very purpose, to make reconciliation for the sins of the world. He stands engaged by solemn covenant to mediate in behalf of all who come to GOD by Him, and to accomplish their SALVATION if they will only believe. The privilege is granted us to come boldly to the THRONE of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in every time of need. {Lt153-1897}
I have declared unto them thy name,” CHRIST said, “and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.” The Lord has made abundant provision that His love may be given to us as His free abundant grace, as our inheritance in this life, to enable us to diffuse the same by being yoked up with CHRIST. JESUS conveys the circulating vitality of a pure and SANCTIFIED CHRISTlike love through every part of our human nature. When this love is expressed in the character, it reveals to all those with whom we associate that it is possible for GOD to be formed within, the HOPE of GLORY. It shows that GOD loves the obedient ones as He loves JESUS CHRIST; and nothing less than this satisfies His desires in our behalf. As soon as the human agent becomes united with CHRIST in heart, SOUL, and spirit, the FATHER loves that SOUL as a part of CHRIST, as a member of the body of CHRIST, He Himself being the glorious Head. {Ms68-1897}
All the treasures of heaven were committed to JESUS CHRIST, that he might give these precious gifts to the diligent, persevering seeker. He is of GOD made unto us “WISDOM, and RIGHTEOUSNESS, and SANCTIFICATION, and REDEMPTION.” But even the PRAYERS of many are so formal that they carry with them no influence for good; they are not a savor of life unto themselves or anybody else. If teachers would humble their hearts before GOD and realize the responsibilities they have accepted in taking charge of the youth with the object of educating them for the future IMMORTAL LIFE, a marked change would soon be seen in their attitude. Their PRAYERS would not be dry and lifeless, but they would pray with the earnestness of SOULS who feel their own peril. Daily learning of JESUS, taking the WORD of GOD as their own individual lesson-book, having a living sense that it is the voice of GOD, the atmosphere surrounding their SOULS would change materially. The temptation to be first would be quenched in the lessons daily learned in the school of CHRIST. They would not lean so confidently to their own understanding. {SpTEd 165.2 1897}
CHRIST said, “I am the way, the TRUTH, and the life; no man cometh unto the FATHER but by Me.” The Lord will uplift us if we will consent to be uplifted. He who recognizes GOD in CHRIST, who receives CHRIST as the world’s REDEEMER, and his personal SAVIOUR, enters in at the door. He does not climb over some other way. Of all such it is written, “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of GOD, even to them that believe on His name.” The TRUTH, the light, the life, shining into our hearts, SANCTIFIES and elevates us. What greater elevation can earth present? What greater honour can earthly potentates bestow? Man is taken from his degradation, cleansed from moral defilement, and made an heir of GOD and a joint heir with JESUS CHRIST. His life is hid with CHRIST in GOD, and when He who is his life shall appear, he also will appear with Him in GLORY. This GLORY will be revealed at the second appearing of CHRIST. Then the saints will be exalted indeed. They will sit with CHRIST on His THRONE, and with CHRIST they will judge the world. {BEcho, February 1, 1897 par. 13}
The Lord will uplift us if we will consent to be uplifted. He who recognizes GOD in CHRIST, who receives CHRIST as the world’s REDEEMER and his personal SAVIOUR, enters in at the door. He does not climb up some other way. Of all such it is written, “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of GOD, even to them that believe on his name.” The TRUTH, the light, the life, shining into our hearts, SANCTIFIES and elevates us. What greater elevation can earth present? What greater honor can earthly potentates bestow? Man is taken from his degradation, cleansed from moral defilement, and made an heir of GOD and a joint heir with JESUS CHRIST. His life is hid with CHRIST in GOD, and when he who is life shall appear, he also will appear with him in GLORY. This GLORY will be revealed at the second appearing of CHRIST. Then the saints will be exalted indeed. They will sit with CHRIST on his THRONE, and with CHRIST they will judge the world. {RH, March 16, 1897 par. 13}
Let every SOUL carefully consider his condition, and inquire, What is my state before God? Let him examine closely what kind of material he is bringing into his character-building. Is it that which can be compared to solid timbers, or that which can only be likened to that which is rotten and worm-eaten? We are charged in the WORD of GOD to “keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” The unconverted heart is the habitation of the evil one, and it is filled with unholy thoughts, with evil surmisings, envy, jealousy, falsehood, and uncontrolled passions, with strife and confusion and every evil work. Let each one search diligently, and inquire, Is my heart free from all these? Let each one closely examine himself to see whether he is in the faith, whether the TRUTH which he professes to believe has been kept in the outer court, or brought into the inner sanctuary of the SOUL, that he may be SANCTIFIED thereby. The whole heart must be entered and purified by the searching SPIRIT of GOD. JESUS will not abide in the SOUL where pride exists; and if we desire his presence, the SOUL TEMPLE must be cleansed of all evil occupants. If the door of the heart is open to JESUS, he will come in, and his presence will expel every unholy thought, and by FAITH we may hold sweet communion with GOD. If JESUS abides in the heart, we shall glorify him in our lives; for the Christian is to let his light shine forth to the world in good works. {PH152 30.1 1897}
You need not be surprised if everything in the journey heavenward is not pleasant. There is no use in looking to our own defects. Looking unto JESUS, the darkness passes away, and the true light shineth. Go forth daily, expressing the PRAYER of David, “Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.” All the paths of life are beset with peril, but we are safe if we follow where the MASTER leads the way, trusting the One whose voice we hear saying, “Follow me.” “He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” Let your heart repose in His love. We need SANCTIFICATION, SOUL, BODY, AND SPIRIT. This we must seek for. {Lt120-1898}
CHRIST demands undivided heart-service, the entire use of mind, SOUL, heart, and strength. “What? Know ye not that your body is the TEMPLE of the HOLY GHOST, which is in you, which ye have of GOD, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore GLORIFY GOD in your body, and in your spirit, which are GOD’S.” When we make this surrender, CHRIST sets our minds at rest, and consecrates our hearts and hands to His service. His WISDOM gives us spiritual life and enables us to manifest love to GOD and to each other. We reveal HIS GRACE in our characters, for we have His life. He presents us spotless before HIS FATHER, for we are SANCTIFIED through His blood. We are purged from dead works, for JESUS takes possession of the SANCTIFIED SOUL, to renew, sustain, and guide all its impulses, and give vitality to its impulses. Thus we become TEMPLEs for the indwelling of the HOLY SPIRIT. {Ms68-1898} {RH, July 25, 1899 par. 18}
It is through His merits, through an example of suffering, that the chosen disciples of CHRIST are fitted for every work of ministry, and for every trial and discouragement in this work. Looking unto JESUS—His self-denying life, His sacrifice, His humiliation in their behalf—they are ready to follow in His footsteps, to endure the cross, despise the shame, and go without the camp, bearing His reproach. The HOLY SPIRIT makes them one with CHRIST their DIVINE Leader. The TRUTH enTHRONEd in the heart SANCTIFIES the SOUL, and the power and GRACE of GOD within manifests itself in the life as the power and WISDOM of GOD. {Ms107-1898}
The GRACE of CHRIST received in the SOUL will work as an educator. The TRUTH received in the heart will purify the SOUL. The religion of JESUS CHRIST never makes the receiver course and rough and uncourteous. TRUTH is delicate and elevating. It acts as a refiner. It SANCTIFIES the SOUL. The constant influence of TRUTH trains the SOUL after CHRIST’S pattern, and molds and fashions the character for the courts above. It is a grand principle which must be brought into the daily practical life. {Ms107-1898}
The TRUTH as it is in JESUS is to every precept of Jehovah. It is heart work. BIBLE SANCTIFICATION is not the spurious SANCTIFICATION which will not search the SCRIPTURES, but will trust to good feeling and impulses rather than to the seeking for TRUTH as for hidden treasure. BIBLE SANCTIFICATION will lead its possessors to know the requirements of GOD and to obey them. There is a pure and holy heaven in store for those who keep GOD’S COMMANDMENTS. It is worth lifelong, persevering, untiring effort. Satan is on your right hand and on your left; he is before you and behind. He supplies his falsehoods to every SOUL who is not cherishing the TRUTH as it is in JESUS. He, the destroyer, is upon you to palsy your every effort. But there is a crown of life to be won, a life that measures with the life of GOD. {Ms58-1897} And those who do not close their hearts and minds to conviction will learn what the love of a holy and righteous GOD is; for it is an amazing principle, which works in a mysterious and wonderful manner to secure the SALVATION of the race. {RH, February 8, 1898 par. 13}
CHRIST declares that the science by which a heart polluted with sin may be made pure and holy, contains the sum of all WISDOM. A knowledge of GOD and of JESUS CHRIST is the foundation of all true religion. Thousands are seeking for knowledge that is worthless; but there is a knowledge that is positively necessary for us to obtain. We must know GOD, and JESUS CHRIST, whom He has sent. This knowledge is the science of SALVATION, and is of more value than all earth’s treasures. To all who appreciate it, this knowledge gives an inheritance among the SANCTIFIED, crowns that fade not away, and a life that measures with the life of GOD. {ST, March 3, 1898 par. 2}
We must not strive to mold people to our own ideas and inclinations and practises. By unselfish, consecrated lives, through the power of the HOLY SPIRIT working on our minds, we are to reveal, not our own ways and wills, but the power of the love of him who gave himself for us, that we should be drawn out of and away from our own traits of character to the perfection of CHRIST’S character. He died that we should cultivate the attributes of his character, and elevate, purify, and gladden the hearts and lives of others. All who are connected with the WORK of GOD need to have SANCTIFIED hearts, where CHRIST can abide. This means that there is a positive necessity of your closely examining yourselves, whether you be in the love of CHRIST. If you are individually attending to your SOUL’S interest, you will have a sense of your own shortcomings, and will not sow the seed that CHRIST calls tares. If the TRUTH you profess to know in theory is in your heart, you will reveal the TRUTH as it is in JESUS. In every sphere of action you will represent his character. Our maxim should be, “Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the LORD JESUS, giving thanks to GOD and the FATHER by him.” This is the great restoring influence of all our moral ills. With any lower incentive than to honor and GLORIFY GOD, the principles become full of disease. Little by little self strives for the mastery, and the man will never rise to moral rectitude in word and action. {PH162 1.2 1898}
Three thousand years ago, David asked the question, “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word.” SOULS already impure need to be cleansed, purified, and SANCTIFIED. Then the testimony can be borne, “GOD who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give light of the knowledge of the GLORY of GOD in the face of JESUS CHRIST.” In this world we are to shine in good works. The Lord requires HIS PEOPLE who handle SACRED THINGS to be alone with GOD, to reflect the principles of heaven in every business transaction, to reflect the LIGHT of GOD’S character, GOD’S love, as CHRIST reflected it. Looking unto JESUS, all our lives will be aglow with that wondrous light. Every part of us is to be light; then whichever way we turn, light will be reflected from us to others. CHRIST is the Way, the TRUTH, the Life. In Him is no darkness at all; therefore if we are in CHRIST, there will be no darkness in us. {Lt43-1899} {PH079 20.2 1899}
Keep your treasure house full to overflowing of the wonderful, wonderful truths for this time. Press close to the side of JESUS, and let nothing and nobody get in between yourself and the Precious Teacher and Healer. Words are a most dangerous gift—a talent—misused and abused. We all need SANCTIFIED hearts. The fountain must be pure, then the words will prove fragrant and a savor of life unto life. Let not our spirit take control, and we flatter ourselves that it is wholly indignation of wrong. It takes something more than talking, expressing our feelings, to cure them. “By thy words thou shalt be JUSTIFIED, by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” Let us fear and tremble for our individual selves, and guard our words that they will not be of a character to wound or bruise the SOUL of any one. {Lt117a-1899}
SANCTIFIED reason must bear sway. SANCTIFIED intellect must make decisions, inquiring into every cause that solicits attention, and then acting with the thought that GOD will approve. When the holy principles of the WORD of GOD become the ruling element in a man’s life, they will lead him to act rightly, not impulsively. There is then an abiding CHRIST in his heart, whose bidding he obeys, and light and grace flow forth in words and deeds. This is the religion of JESUS CHRIST. This is the inexhaustible source of the only true species of power which the human agent, SANCTIFIED to GOD, may freely exercise. In the cross of CALVARY we see our liberty, the claim of power that will be safe for us to exercise. {Lt138-1899}
The teachings and WORDS of CHRIST are to be received and practiced as the virtues essential for this life. Every man who will receive the TRUTH taught by CHRIST will in charity practice the virtues of CHRIST, and CHRIST takes him into His close relationship to Himself. He is our example in all things. He is the sample for the human family that they can live a life holy and undefiled. SOULS must have the peculiar SANCTIFICATION of the TRUTH as it is in JESUS in their heart to refine and purify them from their selfish course of action. {Ms198-1899} 1899
This is the WILL of GOD concerning you, even your SANCTIFICATION.” Is it your will also? Your sins may be as mountains before you; but if you humble your heart and confess your sins, trusting in the merits of a crucified and risen SAVIOUR, he will forgive, and will cleanse you from all unrighteousness. With intensity of desire, long after GOD, yea, pant after him, as the hart pants after the water-brooks. As your SOUL yearns after GOD, you will find more and still more of the unsearchable riches of his grace. As you contemplate these riches, you will come into possession of them, and reveal the merits of a SAVIOUR’S sacrifice, the protection of his RIGHTEOUSNESS, his inexpressible love, the fulness of his WISDOM, and his power to present you before the FATHER without spot or wrinkle or any such thing. Those who accept of this SALVATION will bear the testimony: “We have REDEMPTION through his blood.” “The law of the SPIRIT of life in CHRIST JESUS hath made us free from the law of sin and death.” “We are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” {YI, August 24, 1899 par. 7}
Seeing ye have purified your SOULS in obeying the TRUTH through the SPIRIT unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently.” GOD has chosen you to SALVATION through SANCTIFICATION of the spirit and belief of the TRUTH. Therefore stand fast. Your hardest conflict will be in keeping the straight and narrow path that leads to ETERNAL LIFE. In order to do this, you must die daily. If you serve GOD faithfully, you will meet with prejudice and opposition; but do not become provoked when you suffer wrongfully. Do not retaliate. Hold fast your integrity in JESUS CHRIST. Set your face as a flint heavenward. Let others speak their own words, and pursue their own course of action; it is for you to press on in the meekness and lowliness of CHRIST. Do your work with steadfast purpose, with purity of heart, with all your might and strength, leaning on the arm of GOD. The true and exalted nature of your work you may never know. The value of your being you can measure only by the life given to save you. {YI, November 9, 1899 par. 4}
Let your mind think deeply, my brother. Let your spiritual sinew and muscle be put to the stretch. You are too lazy a Christian, I fear, to know the WILL of GOD and the SANCTIFICATION through the TRUTH. “GOD who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the GLORY of GOD in the face of JESUS CHRIST.” Climb, Herbert, climb for your life, round after round. You are too content with a surface work. You will not have a firm religious experience unless you dig deep, and build your house upon the ROCK. Can you not see that opposing workers are in the field with you, unseen agencies, who are working for the same men at the same time? Satan works through the men who will be worked, blinding the perceptive faculties, paralyzing the senses with selfish ease and love of the world, and unless a SPECIAL MESSAGE direct from HEAVEN comes to them they will not discern their peril. {Lt6a-1900}
True death to self means true life through JESUS CHRIST. You carry a live human self within you, and until you shall see what it means to hide self in JESUS CHRIST, you cannot do acceptable service for GOD. There is great need of your receiving CHRIST by opening the door of the heart to Him. CHRIST is revealed as abiding in the heart by FAITH which works—not your English methods, which greatly need the SANCTIFICATION of the SPIRIT of GOD—but CHRIST’S methods. You have clung to your English education and training and sentiments as though they were as precious as gold. GOD calls upon you to be converted from these things to His methods, to His training. The CHARACTER of CHRIST revealed in the man in little things will also be revealed in larger things. In faithfulness, in words, in manifesting a spirit striving for unity as co-workers with CHRIST, one man cannot exercise dominion or authority over any of his brethren to order and dictate his fellow workers. “All ye are brethren.” Counsel together, pray together, and let CHRIST be the leader in all things. {Lt46-1900}
In time it will be seen that there are those who, though holding the first place as rulers and teachers in the visible church, have not put on CHRIST JESUS. The words, the spirit, and the character will develop. The greatest in the KINGDOM of GOD are those who know GOD and love Him, and who know CHRIST whom He hath sent, and love Him as they love GOD. This is the test of those who are chosen of GOD and precious. To do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly before GOD is an unfailing evidence of true religion and SANCTIFICATION of heart, life, and character. {Lt64-1900}
Those who receive a “Thus saith the Lord,” who obey the TRUTH as it is in JESUS, will bear the sign of GOD’S COMMANDMENT-KEEPING people. To see and acknowledge our vileness and emptiness and weakness is an indispensable preparation for seeking the Lord in penitence and receiving, yes, manifestly receiving, the RIGHTEOUSNESS of CHRIST, which is if GOD by faith, and which brings ETERNAL LIFE. All who seek the Lord with the whole heart will find Him. They will plead to a purpose and with sure success if they feel their entire dependence upon GOD and surrender self to Him, accepting CHRIST as a personal SAVIOUR. Here is his WISDOM and RIGHTEOUSNESS and SANCTIFICATION. This they must do, maintaining a spirit of REPENTANCE, humiliation, and meekness, showing their appreciation of GOD’S GREAT GIFT by undivided to His COMMANDMENTS. {Lt91-1900}
The TRUTH of GOD in BIBLE principles will give life to the SOUL. TRUTH, eternal TRUTH, taken from the WORD of GOD and stamped on the SOUL will develop first the blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear. BIBLE TRUTH never makes the receiver uncouth, rough, and disagreeable. The TRUTH of GOD refines the taste, SANCTIFIES the JUDGMENT, and makes the receiver modest, meek, and lowly of heart. The mind will grow pure and elevated and ennobled as it is fed on the pure TRUTH which is carried into the practical life. It is represented in (John 6) as eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the SON of GOD. CHRIST explained that “the flesh profiteth nothing.” “It is the spirit that quickeneth; … the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” “He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living FATHER hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. This is that bread which came down from heaven” John 6:63, 56-58. The LORD JESUS will indeed abide in the human heart. {Lt202-1900}
And my dear Ella, keep your own heart in the LOVE of GOD. Let nothing separate you from your SAVIOUR. You want every day a fresh, new experience in the DIVINE LIFE. You need to ask counsel of GOD, and pray for the Lord’s protecting care. It is never safe to take ourselves in our own hands. Every day pray most earnestly to GOD and ask Him to bless you, to keep you, to help you to become a blessing to all with whom you associate. You want the blessing of the Lord daily, then you can reveal CHRIST to all around you. Watch unto PRAYER. Let your words be few and well chosen. The words are a precious talent entrusted to us of GOD. Then use words to be a blessing. “For this is the WILL of GOD, even you SANCTIFICATION.” Let every jot and tittle of your influence be on the side of the LORD JESUS. This character building is a great, grand work, and in your words and deportment you can show your respect for your SAVIOUR. This companionship is of great value to you. May the Lord bless you. {Lt209-1900}
The physician should be a man of EARNEST PRAYER, that he may impart to others the light and hope and FAITH which he receives. He should himself possess the hope which is sure and steadfast, the hope that JESUS is a very present help in every time of trouble. He should reverence the WORD of GOD. This Word is exceedingly precious to the receiver, for it SANCTIFIES the SOUL. The Christian physician studies the WORD of GOD, and is prepared to soothe those who are tossed by doubt and fear. He knows the value of the REDEEMER’S love and presence. He can speak with assurance to the SOUL hovering between life and death. Who knows but that in these last moments FAITH and hope may spring up in the heart and give inspiring energy to the apparently dying one? Who knows but that the compassionate SAVIOUR may speak the word, “You shall live to sound forth my praises”? {Ms25-1900}
It is discipline of spirit, cleanness of heart and thought, that is needed. This is of more value than brilliant talent, tact, or knowledge. An ordinary mind, trained to obey a “Thus saith the Lord,” is better qualified for GOD’S WORK than are those who have capabilities, but do not employ them rightly. CHRIST is the TRUTH, because he is the fulfillment of ancient PROPHECIES. Men may take pride in their knowledge of worldly things; but if they have not a knowledge of the true GOD, of CHRIST, the Way, the TRUTH, and the Life, they are deplorably ignorant, and their knowledge will perish with them. Secular knowledge is power; but the knowledge of the Word, which has a transforming influence upon the human mind, is imperishable. It is knowledge SANCTIFIED. It is life and peace and joy forever. The deeper knowledge men may have, SANCTIFIED wholly unto GOD, the more they will appreciate the value of JESUS CHRIST. {RH, November 27, 1900 par. 17}
Let the spirit be cleansed from all earthliness, all unholy, uncharitable thoughts. Let the words be clean, SANCTIFIED, vivifying, and refreshing to all. Be not easily provoked. Let the praise of GOD be in your hearts and upon your lips, that no evil thing may truthfully be said of you. GOD says you may govern yourself. He has provided the aid of the HOLY SPIRIT, that you may put on CHRIST, and build up a pure, beautiful structure, in which GOD can delight. Sit in serious, earnest JUDGMENT on your defects. Look to JESUS. He gave His life a SACRIFICE for your sins, that He might present you pure and spotless before the HEAVENLY universe. “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of GOD, even to them that believe on His name; which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of GOD. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, . . . full of grace and TRUTH. . . . And of His fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.” {ST, April 25, 1900 par. 9}
The true knowledge of JESUS CHRIST will lead your mind and the mind of your wife in a safe direction. It gives the inspiration of true worship. It is the fellowship of the SOUL with Him who is its life. Coming in contact with Him, the mind is drawn to His heart of life and is inspired with the essence of His SANCTIFICATION. {Lt121-1901}
CHRIST is our example, our inspiration, our exceeding great reward. “Ye are GOD’S husbandry, ye are GOD’S building.” GOD is the MASTER-builder, but man has a part to act. He is to co-operate with GOD. “We are laborers together with GOD.” Never forget the words, “together with GOD.” “Work out your own SALVATION with fear and trembling. For it is GOD which worketh in you, both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” The miracle-working power of CHRIST’S grace is revealed in the creation in man of a new heart, a higher life, a holy enthusiasm. GOD says, “A new heart also will I give you.” Is not this renewal of man the greatest miracle that can be performed? What cannot the human agent do who by FAITH takes hold of DIVINE POWER? He loves the LORD JESUS with his whole heart, and CHRIST becomes his WISDOM, his RIGHTEOUSNESS, his SANCTIFICATION, and his REDEMPTION. {Lt195-1901} {BTS, January 1, 1904 par. 2}
Grand and ennobling truths have been given us. By the precious economy of grace, the exhibition of DIVINE love, GOD strives to produce love in human beings. As we look unto JESUS, beholding the glorious spectacle of the love and TENDERNESS of GOD, there springs up in our hearts a desire to engage in active service for the MASTER. The riches of the GRACE of CHRIST are without limit. They are sufficient to fill every heart with WISDOM and SANCTIFIED JUDGMENT, creating an atmosphere of grace, real and enjoyable. This experience is gained by eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the SON of GOD. CHRIST declares, Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath ETERNAL LIFE.” {Ms32-1901}
Upon all who believe, GOD has placed the burden of raising up churches for the express purpose of educating men and women to use their entrusted capabilities for the benefit of the world, employing the means He has lent, for HIS GLORY. He has made human beings His stewards. Gladly and generously they are to use the means in their possession for the advancement of RIGHTEOUSNESS and TRUTH. They are to employ His entrusted talents in building up His work and enlarging His KINGDOM. Our churches, large and small, are not to be treated in such a way that they will be helplessly dependent upon ministerial aid. The members are to be so established in the FAITH that they will have an intelligent knowledge of medical missionary work. They are to follow CHRIST’S example, ministering to those around them. Faithfully they are to fulfil the vows made at their baptism, the vow that they will practice the lessons taught in the life of CHRIST. Through SANCTIFICATION of the TRUTH as it is in JESUS they are to plant in hearts the living principles of saving faith. They are to work together to keep alive in the church the principles of self-denial and self-sacrifice, which CHRIST—His divinity clothed with humanity—followed in His medical missionary work. It is imparting the knowledge of CHRIST’S love and TENDERNESS that gives efficiency to missionary operations. {Ms32-1901}
If the LOVE of JESUS had been a living, acting influence in the Review and Herald office, how different would have been the record in the books of heaven. Had those who were in responsible positions cultivated the love of CHRIST, that love would have had a controlling influence over human nature, and the actions of men would have been brought into conformity to the will of CHRIST. The affections would have been SANCTIFIED, and the workers would have been led to exercise the love of CHRIST, not to a few only, but to all who were needy. It is an easy matter to show respect, to manifest sympathy for one whom we think deserving; but to act out the principles of love and compassion revealed in the life of CHRIST, to manifest sympathy toward the erring, to reach a helping hand to the needy who do not seem deserving, is not so easy. This work cannot be done suddenly by those who professedly keep the COMMANDMENTS of GOD, while they do not practice them from the heart. {Ms140-1901} {Lt22-1894}
In your board and council meetings, when self and self-importance were the mainspring of action, there was a vast amount of imaginings expressed, many things were said, and much talking done, and ANGELS stood by, veiling their faces and turning away. What was needed in those meetings was the heart of CHRIST. Some were filled with an ambition to have a telling influence upon the world, and their manner and spirit of working were such that CHRIST, the Center of all power, was largely expelled, as one for whom they had no particular use. SANCTIFIED activity has an effectual influence, for it is a force that molds after heaven’s order. But the LOVE of JESUS must pervade the hearts of those who would serve Him. Love is born of GOD. The managers of the institution at Battle Creek have for years been striving to make the progressive work of the institution all-absorbing, the beginning and ending of everything. In this lust for power, they have been walking in the sparks of their own kindling and not in the light of the message from the THRONE of GOD. All plans for reform, all activity, must be under the authority and supervision of GOD. Unless the fruit of Christian character appears, we can trust no man’s mind and no man’s JUDGMENT. The right temper of SOUL must be cultivated; we must become CHRISTlike in character, partakers of the DIVINE NATURE, having overcome the corruptions that are in the world through lust. Selfish ambition is not the fruit that grows upon the Christian tree which is for the healing of the nations. Christlike propositions will not bear the semblance of selfishness. Those who are workers together with GOD with one hand lay hold of needy, sinful, helpless, fallen humanity, and with the other they grasp the THRONE of GOD and lift and build men up in the most holy faith. They manifest a perseverance that will not be defeated or discouraged by failure. But the work of saving SOULS will not be successful if carried on simply by men’s finite methods. Let GOD work. Yes, let GOD work by His own conditions and plans and ways, and let men wonder and admire. The branch grafted into the vine will flourish and bear fruit to the GLORY of GOD, because the vital forces flow from the living vine to the branch. Christian religion is today on trial for its life, but it will not live through the multiplicity of men’s plans in turning things upside down, but through the life-giving properties that are in JESUS CHRIST. Draw nigh to GOD, and He will draw nigh to you. {Ms140-1901}
GOD desires HIS PEOPLE to be living examples of the purifying influence of the TRUTH. He desires them to reveal in their lives its power to elevate and ennoble. Thus they are to illustrate the excellence of the TRUTH, raising the standard of Christian courtesy, TENDERNESS, and love. With an intensity of effort they are to seek to save those who are perishing. Let the heart yearn even to breaking over those who know not the TRUTH. Let not believers center their thoughts upon themselves. Let them go to work for others, forgetting self in the loving desire to help those around them. Let them think and plan and work for those who know not GOD. It is not only the learned, the talented, who are to work for others. All who claim to believe in JESUS should do this. This is Christian usefulness. And in this work let us show a holy dependence upon GOD. Dependence upon GOD, SANCTIFICATION of purpose, earnestness in service,–these distinguish between those who serve GOD and those who serve Him not. We who believe are to illustrate in our lives the excellence of the CHRIST-life. Church-members are to arise and shine amid the moral darkness of the world. If we are connected with the Light of the world, we shall reflect light to others. If we partake of the SAVIOUR’S rich grace, we shall be a blessing to those around us. {ST, August 21, 1901 par. 5}
My brother, my sister, it has been your privilege to SANCTIFY yourself wholly to GOD’S service. You will be sustained by ministrations of HEAVENLY ANGELS. The HOLY SPIRIT will help you in every emergency, enabling you to remain SANCTIFIED in mind and heart. Why?—Because you are dead, and your life is bound up with the life of JESUS CHRIST. You live in Him; He abides in you; and you are united as one. You are actuated by His mind, and you think right thoughts and speak right words. Forgetting not that you have been cleansed from sin, you grow in grace, adding “to your FAITH virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly KINDNESS; and to brotherly KINDNESS charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our LORD JESUS CHRIST.” {Ms87-1902}
Let everyone now come to a decision to end this work of faultfinding and accusing today. With your eyes looking unto JESUS, behold His wounds and let His blood be applied to every guilty conscience and cleanse away the pollution of selfishness. Yield up the whole heart to GOD and seek for the forgiveness of your own sins. Seek SANCTIFICATION through the belief of the TRUTH. Draw nigh to GOD and He will draw nigh unto you, and you will fee the constraining influence of His HOLY SPIRIT. Wrap your SOUL up in GOD. Then you will have a conformity to His likeness and with an intense desire thirst and pant after HOLINESS. Let not one any longer grieve the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD. You need to admire the LORD JESUS CHRIST, who gave His precious life to redeem you that you should not perish but have ETERNAL LIFE. Shall we not individually seek now a deeper SANCTIFICATION through that precious blood of GOD’S dear Son? Shall we not be determined to honor GOD and do His COMMANDMENTS? Only consider that the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all; but it rests with the individual whether he will give up his sins and become a vessel unto honor for the LORD JESUS. Your will must be in every case submitted unto GOD. {Ms175-1903}
JESUS is coming soon. O my brother, I want you and your wife to make ready for His appearing. I want you to wash your robes of character, and make them white in the blood of the LAMB. I greatly desire that you shall be SANCTIFIED, body, SOUL, and spirit, through the TRUTH. I lift before you a crucified and risen SAVIOUR, whom we are to receive as our regenerator. I say to you, “Look, and live.” It is our privilege to enjoy the abiding presence of CHRIST in our hearts. He says, “If a man love Me, he will keep My words; and My FATHER will love him, and we will come unto him, and make Our abode with him.” John 14:23. This is the identification that we must have with CHRIST in this world, if we are identified as His saints in the mansions that He has gone to prepare for those that love Him. We must know CHRIST here if we ever see the KING in His beauty. We are to show to the world the power that comes to those who live the life of CHRIST. {SpTB01 25.4 1903}
I find comfort in these words: “But of Him are ye in CHRIST JESUS, who of GOD is made unto us WISDOM, RIGHTEOUSNESS, SANCTIFICATION, and REDEMPTION.” The believer is in CHRIST. There is expressed affection and close relationship, confidence, security, and continuity. Thank GOD [for] the members of the royal family. In Him is life, and hope, and freedom. I hope that the things I have written will have no influence to discourage. I want to see you by FAITH clothed with hopeful garment which is thanksgiving and praise. Ever keep your hearts uplifted and joyous in GOD. {Lt396-1904}
I speak to the people that shall assemble in the tent-meeting in Melrose. My mind is deeply exercised this morning. I have had matters presented to me to give to our people. An urgent request came to me from a man who desired to discuss with me in regard to the round world, to him a very important matter. My answer was, I have a message to this people in regard to the life they must live in this world, to prepare them for future life which measures with the life of GOD. We have nought to do with the question whether this world is round or flat. [The important thing] is to serve GOD with full purpose of a renewed heart, SANCTIFIED and made holy by the cleansing BLOOD of JESUS CHRIST. {Ms145-1904}
The word was spoken, The great universe of GOD is to unite with men whose whole influence is a power. Carry the work that has been hindered for years, but GOD forbids shall be hindered longer. The heart of the GREAT HEALER works inwardly and outwardly in the preparation of a people to bear the MESSAGE for these last days. The men who have devoted years to the STUDY of science need now the education they could have obtained to become acquainted with GOD and HIS WORDS and His works. His knowledge would have been of the highest value. We shall have abundance of science brought to the front, but we cannot use it; we want, every SOUL of us, the science of a living, trusting simplicity of truth—clean, SANCTIFIED knowledge—and in this day to keep pace with GOD’S benevolence. “For GOD so loved the world that He gave HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have EVERLASTING LIFE.” He who believes in JESUS CHRIST will work with CHRIST, and the ANGELS of GOD will be the STRENGTH of HIS PEOPLE. HIS BENEVOLENCE, working with HIS GRACE, is DIVINE. Infidels will prate about their infidelity, but there cannot be raised upon the strength of infidelity anything that meets the finger of GOD. {Lt354-1905}
What we need is the PRESENCE of JESUS CHRIST. We want His TRUTH shining in our hearts, pervading all our life actions. This will determine whether or not we are branches of the true vine. If we are fruit-bearing branches, we may expect that the Great Husbandman will prune us, that we may bring forth more fruit. All that is useless, all that would hinder our growth in the Christian life, must be removed. We are to be representatives of JESUS CHRIST who died for us that we might have life. The SANCTIFICATION of the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD is to be manifested in our heart and revealed in our disposition, in our conversation, in all our dealing with others. After we have made a promise, even though we consider that we have acted against our own interests to the advantage of others, we are not to break our word. Let us all be Christians. GOD desires us to stand with Him, HIS GRACE resting upon us, His character revealed by our influence. {Ms37-1908}
I hope that all will here seek the Lord with the whole heart, that you may touch a new spring of praise and GLORY and thanksgiving to GOD and JESUS CHRIST, and that the LIGHT of HEAVEN may shine into your hearts, and the GLORY of GOD be revealed in your lives. Make a steady work of overcoming. Be sure that your words and actions are right and SANCTIFIED. {Ms37-1908}
For the GRACE of GOD that bringeth SALVATION hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.” Titus 2:11, 12. We are to work out a whole SANCTIFIED life in looking unto JESUS and accepting His HOLINESS as our PATTERN. “Learn of Me,” said our GOD in human flesh; “learn of Me,” said our SAVIOUR in human flesh; “for I am MEEK and LOWLY of HEART, and ye shall find” in your death a new life in My spiritual life. The very illustration of being buried with CHRIST in baptism and living a pledged new life unto CHRIST is the representation of our REDEMPTION in and through our genuine FAITH daily in CHRIST JESUS. The life is in and through being partakers of the DIVINE NATURE. “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great GOD and our SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST; who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Verses 13, 14. {Ms130-1908}
As a people we are to be reconverted, our lives SANCTIFIED to declare the TRUTH as it is in JESUS. In the work of scattering our publications, we can speak of a SAVIOUR’S LOVE from a warm and throbbing heart. GOD alone has the power to forgive sins; if we do not speak this MESSAGE to the unconverted, our neglect may prove their ruin. Blessed, SOUL-saving, BIBLE TRUTHS are published in our papers. {MC 74.2 1902} There are many who can help in the work of selling our periodicals. The Lord calls upon all of us to seek to save perishing SOULS. Satan is at work to deceive the very elect, and now is our time to work with vigilance. Our books and papers are to be brought before the notice of the people; the GOSPEL of PRESENT TRUTH is to be given to our cities without delay. Shall we not arouse to our duties? {RH, July 30, 1908 par. 6} {Ms53-1908} {9T 63.1 1909}
Speaking of those who have joined themselves to the Lord to serve Him, GOD says, “Even them will I bring to MY HOLY MOUNTAIN, and make them joyful in my HOUSE of PRAYER: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted upon Mine altar, for Mine house shall be called an HOUSE of PRAYER for all people.” This is what we want. The Lord receives too little GLORY from the lips of any of us, but much of complaint. Shall we not change in this respect and begin to offer praise and thanksgiving to God? Let us begin to do the works here brought to view. Let us bring the poor that are cast out to our house. Let us lay no yokes or burdens upon the people. Let us come to GOD with humble, lowly hearts, with tongues SANCTIFIED and BRAIN POWERS SANCTIFIED. If we will do this, there will be PRAISES to GOD offered in every congregation. The SONGS of THANKSGIVING and JOYFUL PRAISE will be heard coming from happy hearts, and men will know that we enjoy the TRUE RELIGION of JESUS CHRIST. There are just two classes of people brought to view in the WORD of GOD. With which class are you standing? If all were brought together in heaven with their different temperaments unsanctified, what kind of heaven, think you, would we have? Do we not want to be transferred from this school below to the higher school above? There CHRIST will walk and talk with HIS PEOPLE and open to them the SCRIPTURES they do not understand. There we shall pluck the fruits of the tree of life. We shall see the KING in His beauty and behold His matchless charms. There will be no contention there; then let us not have it on earth. We are to begin here to obtain the higher education. We are to learn here to guard the lips, to govern the words. CHRIST gave His life for us, and He wants us to give our lives to Him—lives that are SANCTIFIED, SOUL, BODY, AND SPIRIT. Shall we not let our RIGHTEOUSNESS, as Isaiah has said, “go before” us? Then the GLORY of the Lord will be our rereward. {Ms5-1909}
Let the LOVE of CHRIST dwell in your hearts. You cannot be SANCTIFIED through the TRUTH while words and characters are not in harmony with the SPIRIT of GOD. If the hasty temper, the unguarded speech is not overcome in this life, you can never be transferred to the courts of GOD and the PRESENCE of JESUS CHRIST. We must graduate sensibly in this life if we would be transferred to the higher school of the courts above. Let none think that they can with safety seek an education from those who make no profession of keeping the COMMANDMENTS of GOD, and who do not try to obey Him. It is the privilege of the believer to say, “In HIS WORD CHRIST has provided me with every advantage. Through belief of this Word and an acceptance of the BLOOD of CHRIST in my behalf, I can overcome. CHRIST has made an infinite sacrifice, that I might receive a higher education than the world can give. Through FAITH in Him it is mind to lay hold of divinity and stand on vantage ground with GOD. CHRIST should be everything to us. Let us not offend the SON of GOD by putting Him to open shame. But let us depend upon HIS POWER, and overcome through HIS GRACE, bearing witness to those around us that we are HIS PEOPLE and that He is our GOD. {Ms79-1909}
We want more praise to GOD. We want to feel it welling up in our hearts. We want it spoken from our lips. We want continually to realize we have a GOD and we have a TRUTH that is firmly based upon the promises of Jehovah. And we have an IMMORTAL LIFE through JESUS CHRIST that we should be taking it, we should be singing it, we should be praying it, and show to all heaven above that we appreciate the GREAT GIFT of EVERLASTING LIFE. That is what we need. We need more thanksgiving, and less complaining. Let us put a silence upon our lips to make no complaint. We cannot afford it. Because it shows that our lips are not SANCTIFIED, our heart is not SANCTIFIED. {Ms134-1909}
JESUS CHRIST so loved man that He gave His life to redeem him. The TRUTH, sacred, eternal TRUTH, will and must be revealed in all HIS MESSENGERS. No sooner is a man converted than his heart is humble. He has learned the meekness and the lowliness of CHRIST JESUS. He is SANCTIFIED through the belief of the TRUTH. Yes, he is cleansed from all self-exaltation. The SPIRIT of CHRIST illuminating the SOUL is so represented in words and in spirit that uncertainty is taken away. The TRUTH is compared to light, which dispels all darkness, transforming the man. {Ms57-1910}
You are not to increase your responsibilities in Washington. You need now, in the place of planting more responsibilities in one place, to move out and build up in places where there is need of work being done. GOD calls for a decided work being done in Washington. Unless there is a much greater sense of the TRUTH which SANCTIFIES the SOUL, there will be a much lower grade in the place of a higher, truer sense of what GOD requires in true HOLINESS. Do not gather in those who have made crooked paths, and connect them with the work and enlarge your work, for the Lord calls for a different mold to be placed on the work. There must be much more living the SCRIPTURE before they can work out the plan of GOD in and through SANCTIFIED belief of the TRUTH as it is in JESUS. It is the life of true HOLINESS in the heart and character that is needed in teachers and in students. {Lt15-1911}
Our sanitarium workers are required of GOD to stand on higher ground. They need to cultivate KINDNESS and TENDERNESS of heart. They need a strong determination and FAITH in CHRIST. This it is their privilege to have; and this is their eternal safety. The promise to them is, “If ye do these things ye shall never fall; for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the EVERLASTING KINGDOM of our Lord and SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST.” These words were repeated three times: “It is your ETERNAL LIFE insurance policy.” If the workers will take hold of the FAITH of CHRIST, and in humbleness of mind seek daily to bring into the life—into the words and actions—the SANCTIFICATION imparted by the SPIRIT of GOD, they shall never fall. And this experience manifested in the life of the workers will make upon the minds of those who come into the institution impressions for good which will be carried away with them. The LIGHT of HEAVEN will come in, and it will shine into the hearts and minds of unbelievers, making impressions that will be a lasting influence for good in their lives. {Lt22-1911} {SpTB15 7.3 1911}
