The
Workings of the Holy Spirit
Ellen G. White
Luk 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good
gifts unto your children: how much more shall [your] heavenly Father give the
Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
Eph 1:13 In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard
the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye
believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Eph 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby
ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
1Th 4:8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man,
but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.
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MR No. 99 - The Importance, Work, and
Influence of the Holy Spirit; The Third Angel's Message To Be Proclaimed;
Comments on the Avondale Property [Requested by
Elder DeWitt Osgood for his thesis on the Holy Spirit.] The
Importance, Work, and Influence of the Holy Spirit; The Third Angel's Message
To Be Proclaimed; Comments on the Avondale Property {2MR 9.1} The grace of
God cannot cooperate with iniquity. God's
Spirit can only enlighten the understanding of those who are willing to be
enlightened. We read that God opened the ears of Lydia, so that she
attended to the message spoken by Paul. To declare the whole counsel of God
and all that was essential for Lydia to receive--this was the part Paul was
to act in her conversion; and then the God of all grace exercised His power,
leading the soul in the right way. God
and the human agent cooperated, and the work was wholly successful.--Letter
150, 1900, p. 9. (To G. A. Irwin, Oct. 26, 1900.) {2MR 9.2} You do not
need the excitement of theaters and plays to while away your time. You have a character to form after the
divine similitude. If you will
believe with all your heart, you will be worked by the Holy Spirit. Then you
will never hunger for cheap, earthly amusement. The grace of God will be your
helper, your strength.--Letter 171, 1899, pp. 4-5. (To Harmon Lindsay and
his wife Annie, Nov. 2, 1899.) {2MR 9.3} In strict
loyalty, for the glory of God, we are to bring to the people all the light
and evidence possible. In order to do this, we must be constant
learners in the school of Christ. We are to learn His meekness and
lowliness. Only thus can we, by our words and in our character, impart the
Holy Spirit's unction. {2MR 9.4} If there is a
difference of expression in presenting the truth, let everyone seek to view
all things in the light of the glory which shineth in the face -10- of Jesus
Christ. The more we as believers drink in of the Spirit, the more we shall be
animated and united by His surpassing love, and the more we shall reveal
of that tender, compassionate Spirit which made our blessed Master so long
and patiently bear with the misunderstandings of those whom He had selected
as His workmen.--Letter 53, 1900, pp. 3, 4. (To S. N. Haskell, April 5,
1900.) {2MR 9.5} Oh, shall we
not clear away the rubbish that is filling our hearts, and invite Christ to
enter as an abiding Guest? Then He will richly bless us, and we shall receive
the baptism of the Holy Spirit.--Ms 15, 1903, p. 6. ("How to Receive
God's Blessing," March 31, 1903.) {2MR 10.1} We greatly
desire that at this time the Holy Spirit may show every professing Christian
the fullness and perfection of Christ's atoning sacrifice. It was a
whole and entire sacrifice that Christ made for the sins of the world. We are
living and working and breathing in a low atmosphere. Now and then we get glimpses
of Christ, but much selfishness is manifested. Our failure to appropriate
the grace of Christ leaves us defective and faithless, unable correctly to
represent Christ. By clinging to self, ministering to our selfish
interests, we dishonor God, and the sacred word we minister is made to taste
of the uncleansed vessel through which it is communicated. Self is so largely
revealed that the sacredness of the truth is lost sight of.--Ms 148, 1897,
pp. 1, 2. ("The Christian Life," Dec. 5, 1897.) {2MR 10.2} Note by Ron:
What is the grace of Christ? “They must have His grace, the Spirit of Christ,
to help their infirmities, or they cannot form a Christian character. Jesus
loves to have us come to Him, just as we are—sinful, helpless, dependent.” Faith and Works, p. 38. “There must be a power working from within, a new life from
above, before man can be changed from sin to holiness. That power is Christ. His grace [the
Spirit of Christ] alone can quicken the lifeless faculties of the soul, and
attract it to God, to holiness.” (ST, May 28, 1902, par. 3). It is the Spirit of Christ. End note. Those who
place themselves under the control of the Holy Spirit can be doers of
Christ's words. All such will be refreshed as with the dew of heaven. --Ms 62,
1897, p. 4. (To a Brother in California, June 3, 1897.) -11- {2MR
10.3} The Lord
desires to make man the repository of divine influence, and the only thing
that hinders the accomplishment of God's designs is that men close their
hearts to the light of life. Apostasy caused the withdrawal of the Holy
Spirit from man, but through the plan of redemption this blessing of heaven
is to be restored to those who sincerely desire it. The Lord has promised
to give all good things to those who ask Him, and all good things are
defined as given with the gift of the Holy Spirit. The more we discover
our real need, our real poverty, the more will we desire the gift of the Holy
Spirit; our souls will be turned, not into the channel of ambition and
presumption, but into the channel of earnest supplication for the
enlightenment of heaven. It is because we do not see our need, do not realize
our poverty, that we do not pour forth earnest entreaties, looking unto Jesus
the Author and Finisher of our faith, for the bestowal of the blessing.--Ms
3, 1892, p. 1. ("Relationship of Institutional Workers," no date.)
{2MR 11.1} God desires
to refresh His people by the gift of the Holy Spirit, baptizing them anew in
His love. There is no need for a dearth of the Holy Spirit in the church.
After Christ's ascension, the Holy Spirit came upon the waiting, praying,
believing disciples with a fullness and power that reached every heart. In
the future, the earth is to be lightened with the glory of God. A divine
influence is to go forth to the world from those who are sanctified through
the truth. The earth is to be encircled with an atmosphere of grace. The Holy
Spirit is to work on human hearts, taking the things of God and showing them
unto men.--Ms 88a, 1905, p. 5. ("An Appeal in Behalf of the Work in
Nashville," no date.) -12- {2MR
11.2} The Holy
Spirit alone is able to work with us, in us, and through us, giving us a
character which God can approve. The Lord loves His people. With the growth
of the Christian life there will come the want of a deeper and more perfect
experience. Nothing can meet the necessities of sinful, erring men but the
perfect sacrifice of Christ. . . . {2MR 12.1} Every church
has need of the Holy Spirit's searching power. This alone can enable them to
seek peace, to pursue that course which will bring peace to their own souls,
to be faithful witnesses to Christ, testifying by their circumspect course of
action that they have the mind of Christ. . . . {2MR 12.2} We can be
saved only by forming characters like the character of Christ. The indwelling
of the Holy Spirit will be shown by the outflowing of heavenly love. The Lord
Jesus is our Sinbearer. God covers the repenting sinner with His
forgiveness, and hides the sin from the sight of God by clothing him with the
perfection of righteousness. The more perfectly we are transformed to the
image of God, the greater will be our hatred for sin; and we will work to
save the sinner. . . . {2MR 12.3} If you seek
the blessing of God every day, you will be blessed every day. The Lord gives
the Holy Spirit, and supplies all providential opportunities and
facilities.--Letter 20, 1899, pp. 2, 7, 9. (To Philip Wessels, Feb. 3, 1899.)
{2MR 12.4} The grand
truths of the Bible are for us individually, to rule, to guide, to control
our life; for this is the only way in which Christ can be properly
represented to our world in grace and loveliness in the characters of all who
profess to be His disciples. Nothing less than heart service will be
acceptable with God. God requires the sanctification of the entire man, body,
soul, and spirit. The Holy Spirit implants a new nature, and molds through
the grace of -13- Christ the
human character, until the image of Christ is perfected; this is true
holiness.--Letter 70, 1894, p. 5. (To Brethren in Responsible Positions in
the Review and Herald Office, Jan. 13, 1894.) {2MR 12.5} He died on
the cross as a sacrifice for the world, and through this sacrifice comes the
greatest blessing that God could bestow--the gift of the Holy Spirit. This
blessing is for all who will receive Christ. . . . {2MR 13.1} "As many
as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to
them that believe on His name." Christ was empowered to breathe into
fallen humanity the breath of life. Those who receive Him will never hunger,
never thirst; for greater joy than that found in Christ there cannot be.
Study the words spoken by the Saviour from the mount of blessing. How the
divine nature shone through His humanity as His lips uttered the benedictions
upon those who were the objects of His mercy and love! He blessed them with a
fullness that showed that He was drawing from the inexhaustible store of the
richest treasures. The treasures of eternity were at His command. The Father
committed the riches of heaven to Him, and in the disposal of them He knew no
bounds. Those who accept Him as their Saviour, their Redeemer, the Prince of
life, He acknowledged before the heavenly host, before the worlds unfallen
and before the fallen world, as His peculiar treasure. . . . {2MR 13.2} Christ drew
the people to Him. He was unfolding truths of the highest order. The
knowledge He came to impart was the gospel in all its richness and power. The
Sinbearer, He is alive to all the horrors which sin brings upon the soul, and
He came to this world with a message of deliverance. {2MR 13.3} What is
Christianity? God's instrumentality for the conversion of the sinner. Jesus
will call to account everyone who is not brought under His -14- control, who
does not demonstrate in his life the influence of the cross of Calvary.
Christ should be uplifted by those whom He has redeemed by dying on the cross
a death of shame. He who has felt the power of the grace of Christ has a
story to tell.--Ms 56, 1899, pp. 1, 2, 3, 6. ("Following Christ,"
April 7, 1899.) {2MR 13.4} The Holy
Spirit was promised to be with those who were wrestling for victory, in
demonstration of all mightiness, endowing the human agent with supernatural
powers, and instructing the ignorant in the mysteries of the kingdom of God.
That the Holy Spirit is to be the grand helper, is a wonderful promise. {2MR
14.1} Of what avail
would it have been to us that the only begotten Son of God had humbled
Himself, endured the temptations of the wily foe, and wrestled with him
during His entire life on earth, and died the Just for the unjust, that
humanity might not perish, if the Spirit had not been given as a constant,
working, regenerating agent to make effectual in our cases what had been
wrought out by the world's Redeemer. {2MR 14.2} The imparted
Holy Spirit enabled His disciples, the apostles, to stand firmly against
every species of idolatry and to exalt the Lord and Him alone. {2MR 14.3} Who but Jesus
Christ, by His Spirit and divine power, guided the pens of the sacred
historians that to the world might be presented the precious record of the
sayings and works of Jesus Christ? {2MR 14.4} The promised
Holy Spirit, that He would send after He ascended to His Father, is constantly
at work to draw the attention to the great official sacrifice upon the cross
of Calvary, and to unfold to the world the love of God to man, and to open to
the convicted soul the precious things in the Scriptures, -15- and to open
to darkened minds the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness, the truths
that make their hearts burn within them with the awakened intelligence of the
truths of eternity. {2MR 14.5} Who but the
Holy Spirit presents before the mind the moral standard of righteousness and
convinces of sin, and produces godly sorrow which worketh repentance that
needeth not to be repented of, and inspires the exercise of faith in Him who
alone can save from all sin? {2MR 15.1} Who but the
Holy Spirit can work with human minds to transform character by withdrawing
the affections from those things which are temporal, perishable, and imbue
the soul with earnest desire by presenting the immortal inheritance, the
eternal substance which is imperishable, and recreates, refines, and
sanctifies the human agents that they may become members of the royal family,
children of the heavenly King?--Ms 1, 1892, pp. 1-3. ("Obedience to
God," Nov. 13, 1892.) {2MR 15.2} How abundant
is the gift to our world of the Holy Spirit! It is beyond the power of
language to express the blessings it brings to God's people. If received and
appreciated, the Holy Spirit will make us holy, Christlike. Through its
agency we are united with Christ, partakers of the divine nature. The
reception of the Holy Spirit in its fullness is the great need of the church
today.--Letter 178, 1907, p. 3. (To J. E. White, May 17, 1907.) {2MR 15.3} These
promises are the assurance that through the influence of the Holy Spirit we
are strengthened to be like God in character. By beholding His purity and
holiness, we become partakers of the divine nature, overcoming the
selfishness of the natural heart. There is a power in the truth that will
always work if the human agent will heartily cooperate, allowing himself to
be brought by -16- faith into
captivity to Jesus Christ. The Saviour's virtues and excellencies become the
savor of the whole being, body, soul, and spirit.--Letter 65, 1900, p. 2. (To
W. Covell, March, 1900.) {2MR 15.4} Why this
revelation of the power of faith in the last time? Why is it to be revealed
in the very close of this world's history? Because iniquity abounds and the
satanic agencies, who especially oppose the commandment-keeping people of
God at this time and bring trial and sorrow upon them. In these closing
days of probation, days of great trial of faith, you cannot keep yourself.
You are kept alone by the power of God, which is revealed in a special manner
to offset the working of Satan through the children of disobedience. . . .
{2MR 16.1} Note by Ron:
The above statement gives a good reason in support of Last Generation
Theology—the greater need for a revelation of the power of faith in the last
time—because satanic agencies are ESPECIALLY increasing their efforts against
God’s people at the end-time. End note. As you ask
the Lord to help you, honor your Saviour by believing that you do receive His
blessings. Mutual love between you and your Saviour will enable you to do His
will against every opposing element. When you have a plain "Thus saith
the Lord" for your course of action, He will sustain you.--Letter 24,
1895, pp. 5, 7. (To Sister Eckman, May 9, 1895.) {2MR 16.2} There was the
power of heaven as if this greatness of influence had for ages been under
restraint, and now the time had come, and all the universe of heaven rejoiced
in being able to communicate and pour down from heaven the riches of the
power upon the church, to be transferred to the world. And what followed?
Thousands were converted in a day. The sword of the Spirit--the Word of
God--was indeed newly edged with power, and, bathed in the lightnings of
heaven, cut its way through unbelief. {2MR 16.3} The seed sown
by Christ in His mission work with His disciples needed no other evidence
than that the words spoken by the disciples found entrance to -17- their minds
and hearts, and through these mighty agencies the world was to be convinced
of sin. Bear in mind, when heavenly influences came into the heart all found
a field ready to be harvested. Particular fields of labor were opened to be
worked, and all found, wherever they went in Christ's name, His
representative in the Holy Spirit opened the hearts and doors for the
disciples. All were of one mind, and all felt that their resources must be
taxed to the uttermost of their ability. A work was before them to preach
Christ and Him crucified through the whole world. One subject was the theme
for all who should work with completeness the works of Christ as His
representatives to all, as many as would believe on Him. They were of one
heart and one mind, and daily they were adding new territories as their
fields of labor.--Ms 130, 1901, pp. 14, 15. (No title, Nov. 27, 1901.) {2MR
16.4} God will
bless all who will thus prepare themselves for His service. They will
understand what it means to have the assurance of the Spirit, because they
have received Christ by faith. The religion of Christ means much more than
the forgiveness of sin. It means taking away our sins, and filling the vacuum
with the Holy Spirit. It means divine illumination, rejoicing in God. It
means a heart emptied of self and blessed with the abiding presence of
Christ. We need the vital qualities of Christianity, and when we possess them
the church will be a living, active, working church. There will be growth in
grace, because the bright rays of the Sun of Righteousness pervade the
chambers of the mind.--Ms 2, 1899, pp. 2, 3. ("The Need of Greater
Consecration," Jan. 24, 1899.) {2MR 17.1} God designs
that the plan of redemption shall come to His people as the latter rain, for
they are fast losing their connection with God. They are -18- trusting in
man, and glorifying man, and their strength is proportionate to the strength
of their dependence. Some matters have been opened before me which will be
fulfilled ere long. We are to know more than we do at the present time. We
are to comprehend the deep things of God. There are themes to be dwelt upon
which are worthy of more than a passing notice. Angels have desired to look
into the truths which are revealed to the people who are searching God's Word
and with contrite hearts praying for wisdom, for greater lengths and breadths
and heights of that knowledge which God alone can give.--Ms 75, 1899, p. 4.
(Untitled, May 11, 1899.) {2MR 17.2} We must not
wait for the latter rain. It is coming upon all who will recognize and
appropriate the dew and showers of grace that fall upon us. When we gather up
the fragments of light, when we appreciate the sure mercies of God, who loves
to have us trust Him, then every promise will be fulfilled. "For as the
earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are
sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord will cause righteousness and praise
to spring forth before all the nations" [Isa. 61:11]. The whole earth is
to be filled with the glory of God.--Letter 151, 1897, pp. 1, 2. (To "My
Children," Aug. 29, 1897.) {2MR 18.1} The word of
God in His law is binding upon every intelligent mind. The truth for this
time, the third angel's message, is to be proclaimed with a loud voice,
meaning with increasing power, as we approach the great final test. . . .
{2MR 18.2} The present
truth for this time comprises the messages, the third angel's message
succeeding the first and second. The presentation of this message, with all
it embraces, is our work. . . . -19- {2MR
18.3} The third
angel's message in its clear, definite terms is to be made the prominent
warning; all that it comprehends is to be made intelligible to the reasoning
minds of today.--Letter 121, 1900, p. 5. (To Elder and Mrs. S. N. Haskell,
Aug. 13, 1900.) {2MR 19.1} We should
make efforts to show our people the wants of the cause of God, and to open
before them the need of using means that God has entrusted to them to advance
the work of the Master both at home and abroad. Unless those who can help are
roused to a sense of their duty, they will not recognize the work of God when
the loud cry of the third angel shall be heard. When light goes forth to
lighten the earth, instead of coming up to the help of the Lord, they will
want to bind about His work to meet their narrow ideas. Let me tell you that
the Lord will work in this last work in a manner very much out of the common
order of things, and in a way that will be contrary to any human planning.
--Ms 121b, 1898, p. 2. ("Danger of Restricting the Work," Oct. 1,
1898.) {2MR 19.2} God calls for
His watchmen to awake and be faithful sentinels. Begin anew to yoke up with
Christ and with all who have a knowledge of the truth. Arouse from your
deathlike slumbers, and learn the simple lessons that lie at the foundation
of true godliness. Whether superiors, inferiors, or equals, your work is to
begin with your own heart. Humble yourself before God. Come into right
connection with Him by yielding to the creating power of the Holy Spirit.
Then will be seen in the church the unity that is of value in God's sight.
There will be sweet harmony, and all the building, fitly framed together,
will grow up into an holy temple in the Lord. The church will have that faith
that shows that it is genuine because it works by love and purifies the soul.
A hand-to-hand and heart-to-heart interest will be shown in building up the
old -20- waste
places.--Ms 64, 1898, p. 12. ("The Danger of Rejecting Light," May,
1898.) {2MR 19.3} Blessed are
the eyes which saw the things that were seen in 1843 and 1844. The message
was given. And there should be no delay in repeating the message, for the
signs of the times are fulfilling; the closing work must be done. A great
work will be done in a short time. A message will soon be given by God's
appointment that will swell into a loud cry. Then Daniel will stand in his
lot, to give his testimony. {2MR 20.1} The attention
of our churches must be aroused. We are standing upon the borders of the
greatest event in the world's history, and Satan must not have power over the
people of God, causing them to sleep on. The Papacy will appear in its power.
All must now arouse and search the Scriptures, for God will make known to His
faithful ones what shall be in the last time. The word of the Lord is to come
to His people in power. {2MR 20.2} The signs of
the end are fast fulfilling. The time of trouble is very near us now. We are
to be brought into strait places in a way in which we have not been brought
heretofore. The time of trouble is near, and we are to awake to a realization
of this. We are to be sure that our feet are in the narrow path. We need an
experience that we have not yet had, that we may have the assurance that the
God of all grace is a very present help in time of need.--Letter 54, 1906,
pp. 3, 4. (To Brother and Sister Farnsworth, Jan. 30, 1906.) {2MR 20.3} The natural
man needs to be converted. The Spirit of God is needed to operate upon human
hearts. Many of our church members are becoming weak because, instead of
depending upon God, they are self-sufficient. I am -21- instructed to
say to our churches, Study the Testimonies. They are written for our
admonition and encouragement upon whom the ends of the world are come. If
God's people will not study these messages that are sent to them from time to
time, they are guilty of rejecting light. . . . {2MR 20.4} If fewer
words of human wisdom, and more of the words of Christ, were spoken, if there
were fewer sermons, and more social meetings, we would find a different
atmosphere pervade our churches and our camp meetings. Seasons of prayer
should be held for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.--Letter 292, 1907, pp.
3, 4. (To J. E. White, Sept. 21, 1907.) {2MR 21.1} Note by Ron:
Social meetings were the ones where personal Testimonies were given as to how
God had blessed the efforts to witness to others throughout the past week.
The following statement is what a social meeting is all about: "There are
times when it is fitting for our ministers to give on the Sabbath, in our
churches, short discourses, full of the life and love of Christ. But the
church members are not to expect a sermon every Sabbath....Let the church
members, during the week, act their part faithfully, and on the Sabbath
relate their experience. The meeting will then be as meat in due season,
bringing to all present new life and fresh vigor.. When God's people see the
great need of working as Christ worked for the conversion of sinners, the
testimonies borne by them in the Sabbath service will be filled with power.
With joy the will tell of the precious experience they have gained in working
for others." Testimonies,
Vol. 7, p. 19. End note. Let us seek
the Lord with our whole hearts, that we may find Him. We have received the
light of the three angel's messages; and we now need to come decidedly to the
front and take our position on the side of truth. . .. {2MR 21.2} The
prophecies in the eighteenth of Revelation will soon be fulfilled. During the
proclamation of the third angel's message, "another angel" is to
"come down from heaven, having great power" and the earth is to be
"lightened with His glory." The Spirit of the Lord will so
graciously and universally bless consecrated human instrumentalities, that
men, women, and children will open their lips in praise and testimony,
filling the earth with the knowledge of God and with His unsurpassed glory,
as the waters cover the sea. {2MR 21.3} Those who
have held the beginning of their confidence firm unto the end, will be
wide-awake during the time that the third angel's message is proclaimed with
great power. During the loud cry, the church, aided by the providential
interpositions of her exalted Lord, will diffuse the knowledge of salvation
so abundantly that light shall be communicated to every city and town. The
earth will be filled with the knowledge of salvation. So abundantly will the -22- renewing
Spirit of God have crowned with success the intensely active agencies, that
the light of present truth will be seen flashing everywhere. {2MR 21.4} Note by Ron:
The above reference to the church is the faithful. That is well documented in
the following statement: "Jesus
sends HIS PEOPLE a message of warning to prepare them for his
coming. To the prophet John was made known the closing work in the great plan
of man's redemption. He beheld an angel flying 'in the midst of heaven,
having the everlasting gospel
to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and
kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give
glory to him for the hour of his Judgment is come and worship him that made
heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters [Rev. 14:6, 7.]. The angel
represented in prophecy as delivering this message, symbolizes a
class of faithful men, who, obedient to the promptings of God's Spirit
and the teachings of his word, proclaim this warning to the inhabitants of
earth. This message was not to be committed to the religious leaders of
the people. They had failed to preserve their connection with God, and
had REFUSED THE LIGHT FROM HEAVEN therefore they WERE NOT of the
number described by the apostle Paul: 'But ye, brethren, are not in darkness,
that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of
light, and the children of the day we are not of the night nor of darkness'
[1 Thess. 5:4, 5]. The watchmen
upon the walls of Zion should be the first to catch the tidings of the
Saviour's advent, the first to lift their voices to proclaim him near, the
first to warn the people to prepare for his coming. But they were at ease,
dreaming of peace and safety, while the people were asleep in their sins.
Jesus saw HIS CHURCH, like the barren fig-tree, covered with
pretentious leaves, yet destitute of precious fruit. There was a boastful
observance of the forms of religion, while the spirit of true humility,
penitence and faith--which alone could render the service acceptable to
God--was lacking. Instead of the graces of the Spirit, there were manifested
pride, formalism, vainglory, selfishness, oppression. A BACKSLIDING CHURCH
closed their eyes to the signs of the times. God did nor forsake them, or
suffer his faithfulness to fail but they departed from him, and SEPARATED
THEMSELVES from his love. As they REFUSED TO COMPLY WITH THE
CONDITIONS, his promises were NOT FULFILLED to them." E.G. White, The
Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4, pp. 199-200 [The 1884 edition of The
Great Controversy, NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH TESTIMONIES, VOL 4]. END FULL
STATEMENT 199, 200. Note by Ron: The
above statement involves a backsliding church, not a fallen church of
Babylon. The statement is a prophetic outcome of the professing SDA church
omega of apostasy new movement, 1 Selected Messages, 204-5. The
Statement applies to His People, His church, the professing SDA church to
whom the commission of the Everlasting Gospel was given. The churches of
Babylon are not backsliden-they are fallen! The Everlasting Gospel was not
commissioned to Babylon. The last message will be given by the true
reformers—to wit: "Characteristics of True Reformers.--Here
are given the characteristics of those who shall be reformers, who will bear
the banner of the third angel's message, those who avow themselves God's
commandment-keeping people, and who honor God, and are earnestly engaged, in
the sight of all the universe, in building up the old waste places. Who is it that calls them, The
repairers of the breach, The restorers of paths to dwell in? It is God. Their names are registered
[written--Heb. 12:22, 23] in heaven as reformers, restorers, as raising the
foundations of many generations." E. G. White, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol.
4, 1151. End note. The saving
knowledge of God will accomplish its purifying work on the mind and heart of
every believer. The Word declares: "Then will I sprinkle clean water
upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your
idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit
will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your
flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put My spirit within
you, and cause you to walk in my statutes" [Ezek. 36:25-27]. This is the
descent of the Holy Spirit, sent from God to do its office-work. The house of
Israel is to be imbued with the Holy Spirit, and baptized with the grace of
salvation. Their state of lethargy will no longer exist. All who have not
received the light will be convicted; all who will turn unto the Lord with
full purpose of heart will confess their sins. . . . {2MR 22.1} Note be Ron:
Who was the true “house of Israel” when Jesus “gathered out” from apostate
Israel those who would take the gospel to the world? Desire of Ages,
p. 232. Who fulfilled Isaiah 37:31, 32? End note. The
proclamation of the gospel is the only means by which God can employ human
beings as His instrumentalities for the salvation of souls. As men, women,
and children proclaim the gospel, the Lord will open the eyes of the blind to
see His statutes, and will write upon the hearts of the truly penitent His
law. The animating Spirit of God, working through human agencies, leads the
believers to be as one mind, one soul, unitedly loving God and keeping His
commandments--preparing here below for translation.--Ms 122, 1903, pp. 1-4.
("The Time of the End," Oct. 9, 1903.) {2MR 22.2} The earth
itself with its golden lodes is not more promising than is the Word, the
great garden of revealed truth; but its rich treasure will reward only the
humble and contrite ones who search for it. The Holy Spirit will -23- direct the
searcher. A vast field, yet undiscovered, is to be worked that precious truth
may be found to enrich the receiver, that he may impart his treasure to
others. The Holy Spirit is to be presented in every discourse. {2MR 22.3} What
wonderful statements Christ has made concerning His representative to the
world! This is the theme of encouragement to be kept before the people. In
comprehending the office of the Holy Spirit, we shall bring all blessings to
ourselves. He will make us complete in Christ.--Ms 8, 1898, pp. 5, 6.
("The Necessity of Studying the Word," no date.) {2MR 23.1} Let there be
a work of reformation and repentance. Let all seek for the outpouring of the
Holy Spirit. As with the disciples after the ascension of Christ, it may
require several days of earnestly seeking God and putting away of sin. {2MR
23.2} When God's
people are worked by the Holy Spirit, they will manifest a zeal that is
according to knowledge. When they are guided by the Spirit, they will no
longer lead others in false paths. They will reflect the light that God has
been giving for years. The spirit of criticism will be put away. Filled with
the spirit of humility, they will be of one mind, united with one another and
with Christ.--Ms 107, 1903, p. 7. (Diary, "Unity With the Father,"
Sept. 15, 1903.) {2MR 23.3} As a people
we need to seek most earnestly for the energizing power of the Holy Spirit.
We need to be born again. "A new heart," Christ says, "I will
give you." He takes the things of God, and shows them to those who
follow Him in meekness and lowliness.--Letter 200, 1902, p. 6. (To Dr. and
Mrs. D. H. Kress, Dec. 15, 1902.) -24- {2MR
23.4} Could there
be a convocation of all the churches of earth, the object of their united cry
should be for the Holy Spirit. When we have that, Christ our sufficiency is
ever present. We shall have every want supplied. We shall have the mind of
Christ.--Ms 8, 1892, p. 4. ("Christ Our Sufficiency," Nov. 25,
1892.) {2MR 24.1} If we obtain
the victory we must be earnest ourselves and plead with God for His Holy
Spirit. We must talk and pray in faith that we may have the precious
anointment of the Holy Spirit. . . . {2MR 24.2} We do not
exercise that faith, perseveringly claiming the Holy Spirit. I tell you, we
must have the baptism of the Holy Spirit. It is for us, and we must have it. We
are living in that time of this earth's history when we must meet to pray for
the special blessing upon us individually, and then we shall be in Christ,
and through Christ victorious. We are too easily satisfied with limited,
special, far-between blessings. We are to lay hold of God by faith and labor
to bring souls to Christ. We are too dull in our doctrinal discourses upon
the truth as it is in Jesus. Present the truth for this time as an important
message, from another world. Lift Him up, the Man of Calvary. Come in
consecration to holier ground, and still holier. Preach the truth with the
power of God sent down from heaven. Let the truth take hold of the spiritual
part of our own nature, and then the current of divine power will be
communicated to those whom we address.--Letter 230, 1899, pp. 1, 2. (To G. B.
Starr, Dec. 3, 1899.) {2MR 24.3} The only
power that can quicken the heart into activity is the power which will give
life to the dead--the Holy Spirit of God. . . . Hold fast to your only -25- hope--the
precious privilege of access to God through Christ. Hang your helpless soul
upon your Mediator. In and through Him, and Him alone, you can come to God.
There is no atoning efficacy apart from the provision made. Human rites and
methods are of no avail. Anything but Christ alone is nothingness. {2MR 24.4} The Holy
Spirit is your hope. As you lift the cross of Calvary, it lifts you. Bearing
the cross after Jesus, following in His consecrated, self-denying
footsteps--only thus can you find salvation. The Word of the living God is
your guide and counsellor. Jesus Christ is the way into the holy of holies--
the way without a screen. The sinner is humbled; the Saviour is exalted as
all and in all. This is your refuge.--Letter 124, 1901, pp. 1, 2. (To Brother
and Sister Sanderson, circa Sept. 12, 1901.) {2MR 25.1} "Greater
works than these shall ye do because I go to My Father." He would
intercede for them and would send them His own representative, the Holy
Spirit, who would attend them in their work. This representative would not
appear in human form, but by faith would be seen and recognized by all who
believe in Christ.--Ms 70a, 1897, p. 2. (No title, no date.) {2MR 25.2} There are
many who will spend and be spent to win souls to Christ. In obedience to the
great commission, they will go forth to work for the Master. Under the
ministration of angels ordinary men will be moved by the Spirit of God to
warn people in the highways and byways. Humble men, who do not trust in their
gifts, but who work in simplicity, trusting always in God, will share in the
joy of the Saviour as their persevering prayers bring souls to the cross.
--Letter 109, 1901, pp. 3, 4. (To J. O. Johnston, Aug. 6, 1901.) -26- {2MR
25.3} The Lord
Jesus has placed Himself under obligation never to disappoint a true seeker
for the Holy Spirit's guidance. He presents the earthly to represent the
heavenly. He appeals to the love of earthly parents. "What man is there
among you," He says, "who if his son ask bread, will he give him a
stone, or if he ask a fish will he give him a serpent? If ye then being evil
know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your
heavenly Father give good gifts to them that ask Him?"--Letter 68, 1900,
p. 10. (To Elder and Mrs. J. E. White, May 4, 1900.) {2MR 26.1} Christ's
followers will pray and believe and work as Christ worked, relying upon the Holy
Spirit, Christ's representative, for their sufficiency. They realize that
they are only the instruments. The Holy Spirit is the power cooperating with
them. They can labor with the highest power, for it is God that does the
work, and not man. With the tact and methods given of God, they work, and God
works with them as a compelling power to save the souls of men. --Ms 111,
1898, p. 4. ("Prayer and Faith," Sept. 8, 1898.) {2MR 26.2} The reason
why the Holy Spirit does not work among us . . . is the unbelief in God and
the lack of confidence in one another. This was the work of the power of
darkness to lead us to suspect our brethren and stand apart as criticizers.
--Letter 7, 1899, pp. 1, 2. (To Elder and Mrs. S. N. Haskell, Jan. 22, 1899.)
{2MR 26.3} Note by Ron:
Let us never confuse sighing and crying over the abominations (unpardonable
sin apostasy) with mere criticism. For sighing and crying for all the
abominations is a condition of being sealed, Ezekiel 9. End note. I would that
we had the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and this we must have before we can
reveal perfection of life and character. I would that each member -27- of the church
would open the heart to Jesus, saying, "Come, heavenly Guest, abide with
me.". . .. {2MR 26.4} The question
is sometimes asked, "Why, if we have the truth, do we not see a greater
manifestation of the Spirit of God?" God cannot reveal Himself till
those who profess to be Christians are doers of His word in their private
lives, till there is oneness with Christ, a sanctification of body, soul, and
spirit. Then they will be fit temples for the indwelling of the Holy
Spirit.--Letter 139, 1898, pp. 2, 3, 12. (To A. T. Jones, Dec. 16, 1898.)
{2MR 27.1} Sanctification--how
many understand its full meaning? The mind is befogged by sensual malaria.
The thoughts need purifying. What might not men and women have been had they
realized that the treatment of the body has everything to do with the vigor
and purity of the mind and heart. The true Christian obtains an experience
which brings holiness. He is without a spot of guilt upon the conscience,
or a taint of corruption upon the soul. The spirituality of the law of
God, with its limiting principles, is brought into his life. The light of
truth irradiates his understanding. A glow of perfect love for the Redeemer
clears away the miasma which has interposed between his soul and God. The
will of God has become his will, pure, elevated, refined, and sanctified.
His countenance reveals the light of heaven. His body is a fit temple for the
Holy Spirit. Holiness adorns his character. God can commune with him, for
soul and body are in harmony with God.--Letter 139, 1898, p. 13. (To A. T.
Jones, Dec. 16, 1898.) {2MR 27.2} Unless we
have a sense of our own soul poverty, we are not fitted to do the work of
God. Unless we can feel brotherly love for those around us, the Holy -28- Spirit cannot
work upon our hearts and minds.--Letter 68, 1896, pp. 3, 4. (To S. McCullagh,
July 12, 1896.) {2MR 27.3} The influence of the Holy Spirit is the life
of Christ in the soul. We do not now
see Christ and speak to Him, but His
Holy Spirit is just as near us in one place as another. It works
in and through everyone who receives Christ. Those who know the
indwelling of the Spirit reveal the fruit of the Spirit-- love, joy, peace,
long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith.--Ms 41, 1897, p. 12.
("Words of Comfort," no date.) {2MR 28.1} All have not
that faith which works by love and purifies the soul from all earthly dross.
The purification through the Spirit must take place in their own minds and
hearts. Unless this divine principle is brought into the life and practice,
there can be no such fruit borne as unfeigned, fervent love for one another.
There are in the human heart hereditary and cultivated partialities so that
this love will not be practiced unless the divine grace shall purify the
natural tendencies of the human heart. Lust for forbidden things will obtain
the mastery, and self will be glorified. . . . {2MR 28.2} It was the
Holy Spirit that brought from the lessons of Christ all things to their
remembrance, repeating them with a vividness that was more powerful than when
they heard these precious truths with their natural senses. The words of the
great Teacher were impressed upon the dormant energies of mind and soul. This
new sense of the truths which Christ uttered was received into their minds
and senses as a new revelation, and truth, pure, unadulterated truth, made a
place for itself.--Ms 63, 1900, pp. 2-4. (No Title, Oct. 2, 1900.) -29- {2MR
28.3} The statement
is made that Christ could not do many mighty works in certain places because
of unbelief. Jesus was the source of all power, all light and life, and if
His way was obstructed by unbelief, what can be expected of the finite
instrument? Time and time again the Lord has longed to communicate His Spirit
in rich measure, but there was no place for it to rest. It was not recognized
or valued. The blindness of mind, the hardness of hearts, interpreted it as
something of which they should be afraid. Some hidden evil lurks in the heart
to hinder the manifestation of the power of God, and His Spirit cannot
descend. . . . {2MR 29.1} Christ used
the wind as a symbol of the Spirit of God. As the wind bloweth whither it
listeth, and we cannot tell whence it cometh or whither it goeth, so it is
with the Spirit of God. We do not know through whom it will be manifested. But
I speak not my own words when I say that God's Spirit will pass by those who
have had their day of test and opportunity, but who have not distinguished
the voice of God or appreciated the movings of His Spirit. Then thousands in
the eleventh hour will see and acknowledge the truth. "Behold, the days
come, saith the Lord, that the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the
treader of grapes him that soweth seed" [Amos 9:13]. These conversions
to truth will be made with a rapidity that will surprise the church, and
God's name alone will be glorified. . . . {2MR 29.2} Ye are the
light of the world, God says. He will make those who are faithful in the
church radiant with the word of God. His Spirit will be communicated to human
instrumentalities, giving them light before which moral darkness must flee
away.--Letter 43, 1890, pp. 3, 5, 6, 7. (To O. A. Olsen, Dec. 15, 1900.) -30- {2MR
29.3} Jesus is our
Redeemer. He practiced self-denial, self-sacrifice, and He loves us in our
weakness and offers to us His strength. He says, "I have graven thee
upon the palms of My hands." He will impart His Holy Spirit in the
plenitude of His reviving, and there shall not be room enough to receive it.
Nothing but the baptism of the Holy Spirit can bring up the church to its
right position, and prepare the people of God for the fast approaching
conflict. Why is there not individual growth in the church? Why is not every
member of the church growing up into Christ our living head? This growth does
not mean growing earthward, but heavenward; not downward, but upward. We are
living in the dispensation of the Spirit. We hold in our hands the promise of
His Spirit, and ministers may be qualified to give the trumpet a certain
sound, to arouse the sleeping people and set them at work for themselves and
for others out of the fold.--Letter 15, 1889, p. 5. (To Dr. Burke, Dec. 20,
1889.) {2MR 30.1} According to
the gifts received must be the gifts returned. All should do what they can,
cheerfully, willingly, as doing service to God. Thus they improve their power
to do, and go on from strength to strength. These receive God's approval. But
those who are slothful not only neglect the opportunity of doing the work
appointed them, but through their neglect they become hindrances to others. .
. . {2MR 30.2} The lips of a
speaker may move under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Thus the words of
God find utterance in warnings, in appeals, in reproof, in correction in
righteousness. This power is not in the speaker. It is a power put within him
by God, that he may be enabled to reach those who are dead in trespasses and
sins, and arouse them from their spiritual death to receive life from God. .
. . -31- {2MR
30.3} Man's
capabilities and talents are all to be held in trust. They do not originate
with the one who is commissioned to preach the gospel. These gifts are to be
looked upon as coming from God. They are to be used as wholly His. They are
to be consecrated to His service. To the one who does this, the Lord can give
higher gifts. If he is called to do a work that demands self denial, the
spirit of consecration and entire self-surrender leads him to deny self. {2MR
31.1} The humility
that bears fruit, stirring the soul with a living sense of the love of God,
will speak for the soul in that great day when everyone will be rewarded
according to his works, whether they be good or evil. It will be wonderful
commendation to hear the words, "The Spirit of God never stirred this
man's soul in vain. Each step upward on the ladder of progress prepared him
to climb still higher. From the top of the ladder the bright beams of God's
glory shone upon him. He never thought of resting, but sought constantly to
attain the wisdom and righteousness of Christ, pressing on toward the mark of
the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. His thoughts were
brought into captivity to Christ. He is one with Christ."--Letter 21,
1897, pp. 4, 6, 9, 10. (To "My Ministering Brethren," Dec. 19,
1897.) {2MR 31.2} The words
spoken to Christ's disciples come to us through their words. The Comforter is
ours as well as theirs, at all times and in all places, in all sorrows and in
all affliction, when the present outlook seems dark and the future
perplexing, and souls feel helpless and alone. These are the times when the
Comforter will be sent in answer to the prayer of faith. There is no more
encouraging promise than this: "Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that
will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything
in My name, I will do it." -32- {2MR
31.3} Earthly
comforters may do their best. They speak to the ear, but there is no comfort
like Christ's, so tender and so true. He is touched with the feelings of our
infirmities. His Spirit speaks to the heart. Circumstances may separate
friends; the wide, broad sea may roll its restless waters between us and
them. Their words and sincere wishes may still exist, and yet they be unable
to demonstrate them and do for us that which would be pleasant and gratefully
received. But no distance, no circumstances can separate us from "the
Comforter." Wherever we are, wherever we may go, He is there, always a
Presence, a Person connected with heaven, One given us in Christ's place, to
act in His stead. He is always at our right hand, to speak to us soothing,
gentle words, to support, sustain, uphold, and cheer.--Letter 89b, 1897, pp.
1, 2. (To Mr. & Mrs. Herbert Lacey, March 22, 1897.) {2MR 32.1} "Ye are
laborers together with God." The spiritual powers God has given man are
to be exercised. Sin, reigning in the mortal body, has kept man working at
cross purposes with God, but the man who accepts Christ has consecrated his
highest powers to God for the benefit of his fellow men. The Holy Spirit was
given to call into exercise the higher powers entrusted to man, and he who
yields himself to the control of His Spirit lays hold of Christ with the
living grasp of an earnest, definite faith, an intensity of love that nothing
can quench. His life is bound up with Christ. His religion is not made up of
selfishness and covetousness. His study is, where does the Kingdom of God
need building up most? . . . {2MR 32.2} The Holy
Spirit attending the worker, together with God, enables him to gather in the
sheaves. It is not learned men, not eloquent men, who are to be depended upon
to do the work now needed, but humble men, who are learned in the -33- school of
Christ, who are meek and lowly in heart, who will give the invitation to the
supper, "Come, for all things are now ready." Those who beg at
midnight for loaves to feed the hungry souls, will be successful. The law of
God is that as we receive we are to impart. All the churches in our land need
the self-denying, self-sacrificing spirit of Christ. God's people are no
longer to continue in sin; they are to lay hold of the merits of a
crucified and risen Saviour. If
human hands have never been laid upon them in ordination, there is One who
will give fitness for the work, if they ask for it in faith. In the name
of the Lord I entreat you, Ask and receive the Holy Spirit. Press to the side
of Christ. But this Spirit can only be received by those who are consecrated,
who will deny self, lifting the cross and following the Lord. Who will be on
the Lord's side?--Letter 10, 1899, pp. 9, 10, 14. (To J. H. Kellogg, Jan. 14,
1899.) {2MR 32.3} Is the
kingdom of God enthroned in your heart by Christ's presence abiding there? or
is self still a controlling power within? Whose subjects are you? If a
selfish spirit continues to keep you out of Christ's service, pray, "Thy
kingdom come. They will be done in earth as it is in heaven." Pray, oh,
pray most earnestly, "Put Thy Spirit, Lord, Thy Holy Spirit, within my
heart, that I may be sincere in keeping my baptismal vow." Pray that the
intercession of Christ in your behalf shall not be in vain. Pray that
unbelief shall no longer lead you to claim to be in God's service, while in
the life-practice, because of a perverted will, you reveal that you are not
bearing the fruit of the Spirit. Pray for the power to demonstrate to the
world that you are dead to sin, and that your life is indeed hid with Christ
in God. . . . {2MR 33.1} Receiving the
Spirit of Christ, every one of His followers will fulfill a divinely
appointed mission not merely to be an influence among influences, but -34- to be a
special influence for God in every sense of the term.--Ms 130, 1902, pp. 6,
8. (Diary, Oct. 27, 1902.) {2MR 33.2} Evil had been
accumulating for centuries, and could only be restrained and resisted by the
mighty power of the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Godhead, who would
come with no modified energy, but in the fullness of divine power. Another
spirit must be met, for the essence of evil was working in all ways, and the
submission of man to this satanic captivity was amazing. . . . {2MR 34.1} The divine
Spirit reveals its working on the human heart. When the Holy Spirit operates
upon the mind, the human agent will understand the statement made by Christ,
"He shall receive of Mine, and shall show it unto you." Subjection
to the Word of God means the restoration of one's self. Let Christ work by
His Holy Spirit, and awake you as from the dead, and carry your minds along
with His. Let Him employ your faculties. He has created your every
capability, that you may better honor and glorify His name. Consecrate yourself
to Him, and all associated with you will see that your energies are inspired
of God, that your noblest powers are called into exercise to do God's
service. The faculties once used to serve self and advance unworthy
principles, once serving as members of unrighteous purposes, will be brought
into captivity to Jesus Christ, and become one with the will of God.--Letter
8, 1896, pp. 1, 5. (To "My Brethren in America," Feb. 6, 1896.)
{2MR 34.2} Man cannot
possibly work out his own salvation without the ordained Divine power, and
God will not do for man that which He requires man shall do for himself,
through his own earnest, willing cooperation.
Man in the work of the saving of the soul is wholly dependent upon God. He
cannot of himself move one -35- step toward
Christ without the Spirit of God draws him, and this drawing is ever, and
will continue until man grieves the Holy Ghost by his persistent refusal. . .
. {2MR 34.3} The Spirit of
God does not propose to do our part either in the willing or the doing. This
is the work of the human agent in cooperating
with the Divine agencies. . . . {2MR 35.1} As soon as we
incline our will to harmonize with God's will, the grace of Christ stands to cooperate with the human
agent; but it will not be the substitute to do our work independent of our
resolving and decidedly acting; therefore it is not the abundance of light,
and evidence piled upon evidence, that will convert the soul. It is only the
human agent accepting the light, arousing the energies of the will, realizing
and acknowledging that which he knows is righteousness and truth, and thus cooperating with the heavenly
ministrations appointed of God in the saving of the soul. {2MR 35.2} If the sinner
or the backslider settles himself in disobedience and sin, the light may
flash from heaven all about him, as it did about Saul, without breaking the
bewitching power of falsehood and the spell of the world's deception. Unless
the human agent inclines his heart to do God's will, and takes up God's
service, the light will shine in vain. A thousandfold more light and
conviction would accomplish nothing. God knows he has sufficient evidence
already. "They have Moses and the prophets." If they will not
believe their testimony and arouse to action, neither will they believe
though one should be sent to them from the dead.--Letter 135, 1898, pp. 1, 2,
3. (To G. B. Starr, no date.) -36- {2MR
35.3} Every soul
who obeys the first four commandments will obey the last six commandments,
and make manifest what is the duty of man to his fellow men. He will manifest
tender, pitying love toward everyone for whom Christ has died. He will
consecrate himself to be a missionary, to be a laborer together with God. All
who have the Spirit of Christ are missionaries; they derive zeal and energy
from the Chief Missionary.--Letter 31, 1894, p. 16. (To Brother Harper, Sept.
23, 1894.) {2MR 36.1} The Holy
Spirit indites all genuine prayer. I have learned to know that in all my
intercessions, the Spirit intercedes for me and for all saints whose
intercessions are according to the will of God, never contrary to His will.
"The Spirit also helpeth our infirmities" [Rom. 8:26], and the
Spirit being God, knoweth the mind of God; therefore in every prayer of ours
for the sick, or for other needs, the will of God is to be regarded.
"For what man knoweth the things of man, save the spirit of man which is
in him? Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God"
[2 Cor. 2:11]. If we are taught of God, we shall pray in conformity to His
revealed will and in submission to His will which we know not. We are to make
supplication according to the will of God, relying on the precious Word, and
believing that Christ not only gave Himself for, but to, His disciples. The
record declares, "He breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye
the Holy Ghost" [John 20:22]. {2MR 36.2} Jesus is
waiting to breathe upon all His disciples, and give them the inspiration of
His sanctifying Spirit, and transfuse the vital influence from Himself to His
people. He would have them understand that henceforth they cannot serve two
masters. Their lives cannot be divided. Christ is to live in His human agents
and work through their faculties, and act through their capabilities. -37- Their will
must be submitted to His will, they must act with His Spirit; that it may be
no more they that live, but Christ that liveth in them. Jesus is seeking to
impress upon them the thought that in giving His Holy Spirit He is giving to
them the glory which the Father hath given Him, that He and His people may be
one in God. Our way and will must be in submission to God's will, knowing
that it is holy, just, and good. . . . {2MR 36.3} While Jesus,
our Intercessor, pleads for us in heaven, the Holy Spirit works in us, to
will and to do of His good pleasure. All heaven is interested in the
salvation of the soul. Then what reason have we to doubt that the Lord will
not and does not help us? We who teach the people must ourselves have a vital
connection with God. In spirit and work we should be to the people a
wellspring; because Christ in us is a well of water springing up unto
everlasting life. Sickness and pain may test and try our patience and our
faith, but the brightness of the Presence of the universe is with us and we
must hide self behind Jesus. . . . {2MR 37.1} Though the
mind may wander in prayer, be not discouraged; bring it back to the throne
and do not leave the mercy seat until you have the victory. Are you to think
your victory will be testified by strong emotion? No, "This is the
victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." The Lord knows your
desire. By faith keep close to Him and expect to receive the Holy Spirit. The
office of the Holy Spirit is to control all our spiritual exercises. The
Father hath given His Son for us, that through the Son the Holy Spirit
might come to us and lead us to the Father. Through His divine agency we
have the spirit of intercession whereby we may plead with God as a man
pleadeth with his friend.--Letter 11b, 1892, pp. 3-6. (To S. N. Haskell, July
17, 1892.) -38- {2MR
37.2} We need to
dwell more constantly and earnestly upon the grace of the Holy Spirit. This
we do not discern with our natural eyes, yet by faith we see its office work,
and we cannot render to God supreme love and honor if we do not recognize the
Holy Spirit which the Lord sends. The Holy Spirit represents Jesus Christ. He
is our refuge unto whom we can run and be safe. . . . {2MR 38.1} When truth
takes possession of the heart, the Christian will be brought into conflict,
and in this conflict he will need the whole armor of God; for he has to fight
the good fight of faith. There are opposing elements in his own household,
even in his own heart, and nothing but the free Spirit of God can ensure for
him the victory.--Ms 59, 1900, pp. 12, 16. ("Jots and Tittles II,"
Aug. 16, 1900.) {2MR 38.2} We are
laborers together with God. The frail instrument is nothing, but worked by
the Holy Spirit man can accomplish much. All human effort combined is
weakness without the deep moving of the Spirit of God. The Lord is the
worker. Without His help the deep learning and restless energy of a Paul, the
eloquence and talent of an Apollos, would fall infinitely short of convicting
and bringing one soul to repentance. But man is of value if soul, body, and
spirit are prepared to cooperate with divine power. While man can do nothing
without God, the Lord would do nothing without the human channel through
which to communicate His truth to humanity.--Letter 85, 1898, p. 4. (To C. H.
Jones, Oct. 7, 1898.) {2MR 38.3} The soul who
yields his heart to be worked by the Holy Spirit will be a living channel of
light in the inculcation of the precepts and truth of the Word of God,
winning others to obedience of the commandments of God. Those who -39- are beholding
us must first reverence the law of God as pure and binding upon every soul
that lives on the face of the earth, and all will not obey the drawing of the
Holy Spirit. {2MR 38.4} There must be
in those who see, a walking in that light, living in reverence to the
commandments of God, which are the expression of the character of God, which
character they must accept if they would become members of the royal family,
children of the Heavenly King. The truth, the light, the righteousness of
Christ must shine forth from them in distinct lines. There is nothing that
God will accept as a substitute here. To walk away from conviction to avoid
the cross is not only to impair but to extinguish the inward striving of the
Spirit of God in its power on the mind and will. --Ms 166, 1897, pp. 2, 3.
("Hopeful Words for Stanmore," Dec. 1897.) {2MR 39.1} Are we
willing to pay the price for eternal life? Are we ready to sit down and count
the cost, whether heaven is worth such a sacrifice as to die to self, and our
will be bent and fashioned into perfect conformity with the will of God?
Until this shall be, the transforming grace of God will not be experienced by
us. Just as soon as we present our emptied nature to the Lord Jesus and His
cause, He will supply the vacuum by His Holy Spirit. We can then believe He
will give us of His fullness. He does not want us to perish. We do not want
more of God any more urgently than He wants all that there is of us to be
consecrated to His service.--Letter 27, 1892, p. 5. (To Elder and Mrs. J. E.
White, May 29, 1892.) {2MR 39.2} We cannot
afford to consult fallible minds, or to depend on human judgment, so often
unsanctified and perverse. This is why true followers of -40- Christ have
such a great soul-hunger for the Holy Spirit, for the Holy Spirit so works
through human agents that God's will is done on the earth as it is in heaven.
. . . {2MR 39.3} Those who are
imbued with His Spirit will have an intense love for everyone for whom He
died, and will work earnestly to bring into the heavenly garner a harvest of
souls. Filled with His Spirit, men and women will be animated with the same
desire to save sinners that animated Christ in His lifework as a missionary
sent of God.--Ms 130, 1902, pp. 4, 11. (Diary, "Christ Our Example in
Every Line of Work," Oct. 27, 1902.) {2MR 40.1} When the Holy
Spirit is allowed to do its work on human hearts, self will be crucified, and
Christ will give to His people the gift of His grace and a perfect
understanding of their great need. {2MR 40.2} God can use
the human agent just to the extent that he will be worked by the Holy Spirit.
To men who accept positions of responsibility as presidents, ministers,
physicians, or workers in any line, I am bidden to say: God will test every
man who enters His service. He does not measure our ability by the standard
of the world. He does not ask, Do they possess learning and eloquence? Have
they ability to command and control and manage? He asks, Will they represent
My character? Will they walk in humility, that I may teach them My way? The
soul temple must not be defiled by any loose or unclean practice. Those whom
I will acknowledge in the courts of heaven must be without spot and wrinkle.
{2MR 40.3} The Lord will
use humble men to do a great and good work. Through them He will represent to
the world the ineffaceable characteristics of the divine nature.--Letter 270,
1907, p. 2. (To J. E. White, Aug. 30, 1907.) -41- {2MR
40.4} God's message
to each of us is, "My son, give me thine heart. That heart is Mine. I
have given My life for it." Then open the heart to the Divine Spirit and
you will appreciate the value of the human soul. {2MR 41.1} There is a
yearning in the heart for peace, for happiness. Look, oh, look unto Jesus,
the Sun of Righteousness! May the Spirit of life touch hearts! We want hearts
that shall respond to the touch of God. If His life be in us we will always
see light in His light. . . . {2MR 41.2} How blind are
many to the real forces that are working in this world! The power of the Holy
Spirit is drawing to God all who will be drawn. He is convincing men that
the commandments of God are a life and death question with them.--Ms 44,
1900, pp. 1-3. ("Jots and Tittles," July 24, 1900.) {2MR 41.3} What did the
disciples do under the influence of the Holy Spirit's working? They called
nothing which they possessed their own. All their earthly goods they used to
support the poor believers. And this is the influence the Holy Spirit will
have upon the hearts of those who believe today. They will not be improvident
with the property lent them on trust. They will remember that it is not their
own, and will use the Lord's goods to advance His work. They will publish the
glad tidings of the gospel. They will work to relieve the needy, to help the
helpless. It was this class for whom Christ manifested the greatest pity, the
most tender compassion.- Letter 80, 1898, p. 2. (To E. J. Waggoner, Sept. 24,
1898.) {2MR 41.4} The promised
outpouring of God's life-giving Spirit has been and is still the great hope
of God's people. It is the hope and glory of Zion. In this time of spiritual
declension God's ministry is to stand in dignity, efficiency, -42- and power.
Wickedness and opposition are seen on every side. God does not direct His
work in such a way that those whom He has appointed as His stewards shall
link up with men who do not bear the sign of obedience, who walk and work in
a way that dishonors God. . . . {2MR 41.5} "He to
whom I have given skill is My servant as long as he will serve Me,
cooperating with Me in helping My people. When he takes the Lord's inventions
as his own, when he claims as his own the skill and wisdom I have given him,
he is practicing robbery toward God, and is making his fellow men amenable to
a finite man who has received God's gifts to impart to others." . . .
{2MR 42.1} All who are
partakers of the divine nature will realize that the Holy Spirit works with
them, taking the truth from the sacred Word, where Christ has placed it, and
stamping it upon the soul. But we are in great peril of keeping the truth in
the outer court, neglecting to bring it into the sanctuary of the soul.
Earnestly and solemnly we should prepare ourselves for the cleansing of the
soul-temple, remembering that we are a spectacle to the world, to angels, and
to men. This work, when thoroughly done, will cleanse the heart from all
disunion, all strife, all desire for the supremacy.--Ms 14, 1901, pp. 1, 2,
21. (Diary, "Health Foods and Sanitarium Chaplains," Feb. 21,
1901.) {2MR 42.2} We have too little
of the Spirit of God. We are too lifeless. Let us begin now to seek the Lord
in earnest, as though we were determined to find Him. Let us offer up our
petitions to God, and He will surely help every one of us to reveal the truth
in our lives. He bids us bear living testimony to Him, [and to] honor Him by
honoring the institution which is His instrument for the accomplishment of
His work.--Ms 57, 1909, p. 7. ("Words of Counsel to Workers in the
Madison Sanitarium," Sept. 5, 1909.) -43- {2MR
42.3} Before giving
us the baptism of the Holy Spirit, our heavenly Father will try us, to see if
we can live without dishonoring Him. Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh
to you. Do not think . . . that you have received all the spiritual help you
need. And do not think that you can have great spiritual blessings without
complying with the conditions God Himself has laid down. James and John
thought that for the asking they could have the highest place in the kingdom
of God. Oh, how far short they fell of understanding the situation! They did
not realize that before they could share Christ's glory, they must wear His
yoke and daily learn His meekness and lowliness.--Letter 22, 1902, pp. 9, 10.
(To Elder and Mrs. J. E. White, Feb. 1, 1902.) {2MR 43.1} The time has
come when we must expect the Lord to do great things for us. Our efforts must
not flag or weaken. We are to grow in grace and in a knowledge of the Lord.
Before the work is closed up and the sealing of God's people is finished, we
shall have the outpouring of the Spirit of God. Angels from heaven will be in
our midst. I want you and all your family to have a part in this closing
work. The present is the fitting-up time for heaven, when we each must walk
in full obedience to all the commandments of God. . . . {2MR 43.2} Through the
study of the Word the whole character may be changed. "If any man be in
Christ, he is a new creature; old things (old ambitions) have passed away; behold,
all things have become new." The fruits of the Spirit will be revealed
in refinement and true godliness. Selfishness will be purged from the life.
Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, and gentleness will be revealed in the
life.--Letter 30, 1907, pp. 2-4. (To N. D. Faulkhead, Feb. 5, 1907.) {2MR
43.3} In His work
on earth, Christ lifts the veil that conceals the invisible world from our
view, and reveals the power that is constantly -44- exercised for
our good. The same ministry which He performed on earth was continued after
His ascension to heaven. Through His representative, the Holy Spirit, God in
Christ still ministers to the children of men. {2MR 43.4} Before He
ascended to heaven, Christ gave the disciples the promise, "I will pray
the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with
you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive,
because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: But ye know Him; for He dwelleth
with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you orphans: I will come to
you" (John 14:16, 17, margin). {2MR 44.1} To those who
in faith claimed this promise it was speedily fulfilled. After Christ's
ascension the disciples were gathered together of one accord in one place.
Ten days they spent in heart-searching and self-examination, each taking his
own case in hand, for it had to be an individual work. As the disciples made
humble supplication to God, their differences were swept away. They became of
one mind. Then the way was prepared for the Holy Spirit to enter the
cleansed, consecrated soul-temples. Every heart was filled with the Spirit,
whose influence came with copiousness and power as if it had been held in
restraint for ages. . . . {2MR 44.2} If all were
willing to receive, all would become filled with the Spirit. When God's
people will believe, when they will turn their attention to that which is
true, and living, and real, the Holy Spirit, in strong heavenly currents,
will be poured upon the church.--Ms 21, 1900, pp. 7, 8, 9. ("God's Love
Manifested," Feb. 16, 1901.) {2MR 44.3} Let
Christians put away their dissensions, and give themselves to God for the
saving of the lost. Let them ask in faith for the blessing, and it will -45- come. The
outpouring of the Spirit in apostolic days was the "former rain,"
and glorious was the result. But the latter rain will be more abundant. {2MR
44.4} The work of
the Spirit had been clearly defined by Christ. "He shall not speak of
Himself," He said, "He shall glorify Me." As Christ came to
glorify the Father by the revelation of His infinite love, so the Spirit came
to glorify Christ. {2MR 45.1} "God so
loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth
in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." The measure of
God's love is the measure of His power.--Letter 213, 1903, p. 5. (To "My
Dear Friends at Berrien Springs," Oct. 9, 1903.) {2MR 45.2} It was a sin
in the ancient economy to offer a sacrifice upon the wrong altar, or to allow
incense to be kindled from a strange fire. We are in danger of commingling
the sacred and the common. The holy fire from God is to be used with our
offerings. The true altar is Christ, and the true fire is the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is to inspire, to teach, to lead, and to guide men, and make
them safe counselors. If we turn aside from God's chosen ones, we are in
danger of inquiring from strange gods, and of offering upon a strange altar.
. . . {2MR 45.3} The most
powerful preaching of the Word will avail nothing unless the Spirit teaches
and enlightens those who hear. Unless the Spirit works with and through the
human agent, souls will not be saved, or characters transformed by the
reading of the Scriptures. The planning and devising that is done in
connection with the work should not be of a character to draw attention to
self. The Word is a power, a sword in the hand of the human agent. But the
Holy Spirit is its efficiency, its vital power in impressing the mind.
"They shall -46- all be taught
of God." It is God that causeth the light to shine into the hearts of
men. Will my ministering brethren remember that it is essential that God be
recognized as the source of our strength, and the Spirit as the Comforter? The
great reason why God can do so little for us is that we forget that living
virtue comes through our cooperation with the Holy Spirit.--Ms 1, 1895,
pp. 18, 22. (No title, no date.) {2MR 45.4} The Spirit is
constantly showing to the soul glimpses of the things of God. A Divine
Presence seems to hover near, and then if the mind responds, if the door of
the heart is opened, Jesus abides with the human agent. The Spirit's energy
is working in the heart and leading the inclination of the will to Jesus by
living faith and complete dependence of Divine power to will and to do of His
good pleasure. The Spirit taketh the things of God, just as fast as the
soul resolves and acts in accordance with the light revealed.--Letter
135, 1898, pp. 2, 3. (To G. B. Starr, no date.) {2MR 46.1} [Material
Requested for Review and Herald article for Spirit of Prophecy Day, April 10,
1958.] {2MR 46.2} We found a
good dinner waiting for us, and all seemed to eat as if they relished the
food. After dinner we went to the riverside, and Brethren Starr, MacKensey,
and Collins seated themselves in one boat; Brethren Daniells, McCullagh, and
Reekie in a still larger boat; and Willie White, Emily Campbell and myself in
another. We rode several miles upon the water. Though the stream is called
Dora Creek, yet it has the appearance of a river, for it is a wide, deep
stream. It is somewhat salty but loses its saltness as it borders the -47- place which
we are investigating. It required two rowers to pull the boat upstream. I
should judge this was not a creek, but a deep, narrow river, and the water is
beautiful. . . . The boat ride was very enjoyable, though the rowers had to
change hands to rest each other. On our way we passed several houses upon
farms of about forty acres of land. . . . {2MR 46.3} I cannot for
a moment entertain the idea that land which can produce such large trees can
be of a poor quality. . . . If the people in this country would take the same
pains in cultivating as in America, they would be able to grow as excellent
fruit, grains, and vegetables as are raised there. . . . {2MR 47.1} While sitting
on a log, my mind was actively planning what could be done. . . . I could see
nothing discouraging in prospect of taking the land, but our party returned
and broke up my future faith-prospecting. . . . {2MR 47.2} We
reluctantly gathered up our wraps and pillows and made our way toward the
boat where the company that had been prospecting joined us. They came from
their investigation with a much more favorable impression than they had
hitherto received. They had found some excellent land, the best they had
seen, and they thought it was a favorable spot for the location of the
school. They had found a creek of fresh water, cold and sweet, the best they
had ever tasted. On the whole, the day of prospecting had made them much more
favorable to the place than they had hitherto been.--Letter 82, 1894, pp.
2-5. (To Elder and Mrs. J. E. White, May 1, 1894.) {2MR 47.3} False
testimony has been borne concerning this soil. God can furnish a table in the
wilderness.--Letter 350, 1907, p. 3. (To Elder and Mrs. J. E. White, Oct. 22,
1907.) -48- {2MR
47.4} It is a treat
to have all the oranges we want. I use lemon juice freely. It is the best
thing you could use for rheumatism, for your head, and for malaria.--Letter
119, 1896, p. 3. (To "Children," July 31, 1896.) Released 1958.
{2MR 48.1} |