FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD

LOVE
________________________________

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.
1 peter 1:22.

Beloved let us love one another for LOVE IS OF
GOD; and everyone that loveth is born of God, and
knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God for
GOD IS LOVE. In this was manifest the love of God
toward us, because that God sent His only begotton Son
into the world that we might live through Him. Herein is
love, not that we loved God, but that HE LOVED US and
sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if
GOD SO LOVED US, we ought also to love one another.
We LOVE Him because He FIRST LOVED US us. If a man say, I love
God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar; for he that loveth not his
brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not
seen?
1 John 4:7-11,19,20.

But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you,
do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which
despitefully use you, and persecute you. Be ye therefore perfect, even as
your Father which is in heaven is perfect. Matthew 5:44,48.

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit
the fatherless and widows in their affliction and to keep himself
unspotted from the world. James 1:27.

And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart,
and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. Deuteronomy 6:5.

If ye love Me keep my commandments. John 14:15.

If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love; even as I have
KEPT MY FATHERS COMMANDMENTS, AND ABIDE IN HIS
LOVE.
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his
life for his friends. John 15:10,13.

Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox
and hatred therewith. Proverbs 15:17.

He brought me to the banqueting house, and His banner
over me was love. Song of Solomon 2:4.




The General Conference Bulletin
DT- June 6, 1906 Get Ready!


The next words present something to be done. There are
confessions to be made to one another and to God, and
unless these confessions are made, we reveal that the door
of the heart is closed. "As many as I love, I rebuke and
chasten; be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at
the door, and
knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will
come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To
him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me on my throne,
even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in
his throne." My brethren and sisters, I ask you, who among us
is humbling the heart before God? Who is purifying the soul
by obedience to the truth. Let us study this chapter on our
bended knees, asking God to reveal to us our true character,
and to impress our mind with what we should do lest we
stand in the way of sinners and exert an influence that will
be a hindrance
to the work.



Steps to Christ
The Test of Discipleship
PG- 60

But notice here that obedience is not a mere
outward compliance, but the SERVICE OF LOVE . The law of
God is an expression of His very nature; it is an
embodiment of the great PRINCIPLES OF LOVE, and hence is
the foundation of His government in heaven and earth.
If our hearts are renewed in the LIKENES OF GOD, if the
DIVINE LOVE is implanted in the soul, will not the LAW
OF GOD be carried out in the life? When the PRINCIPLE
OF LOVE IS IMPLANTED IN THE HEART, when man is renewed
after the image of Him that created him, the new-covenant
promise is fulfilled, "I will put My laws into
their hearts, and in their minds will I write them."
Hebrews 10:16. And if the law is written in the heart,
will it not shape the life? OBEDIENCE--the SERVICE and
ALLEGIANCE OF LOVE--is the true sign of discipleship.
Thus the Scripture says, "This is the love of God,
that we KEEP His commandments."


The Spirit of Prophecy Volume Four
Modern Revivals
PG- 299

Its advocates teach that the law of God is a
grievous yoke. and that by faith in Christ, men are
released from all obligation to keep his Father's
commandments. Bible sanctification is a conformity to
the will of God, attained by rendering obedience
to his law, through faith in his Son. Our Saviour
prayed for his disciples, "Sanctify them through thy
truth; thy word is truth."[3 JOHN 17:17.] There is no
genuine sanctification except through obedience to the
truth; and the psalmist declares, "Thy law is the truth."
[4 PS. 119:142.] The law of God is the only standard of
moral perfection. That law was exemplified in the life of
Christ. He says, "I have kept my Father's commandments."
[5 JOHN 15:10.] And the apostle John affirms, "He that
saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to
walk, even as he walked." And again, "This is the
LOVE OF GOD, that we keep KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS .
"[6 1 JOHN 2:6; 5:3.] Those who love God will love his
commandments also. The TRULY SANCTIFIED HEART is in
HARMONY with the divine precepts; for they are "holy, and
just,
and good."




Lift Him Up
Lift Him Up as the Head of the Church
PG- 302

The principles of the Christian life should be made PLAIN
to those who have newly come to the truth. None can depend
upon their profession of faith as proof that they have a
saving connection with Christ. We are not only to say, "I
believe," but to PRACTICE the TRUTH. It is by conformity to the
will of God in our words, our deportment, our character, that
we prove our
connection with Him. Whenever one renounces sin, which is
the transgression of the law, his life will be brought into
conformity to the law, into perfect obedience. This is the work
of the Holy Spirit. The light of the Word carefully studied, the
voice of conscience, the strivings of the Spirit, produce in the
heart GENUINE LOVE FOR CHRIST, who gave Himself a whole
sacrifice to redeem the whole person, body, soul, and spirit.
And LOVE is manifested in OBEDIENCE. The LINE of
demarcation will be PLAIN and DISTINCT between those who
LOVE GOD and keep His commandment, and those who LOVE
HIM
NOT and disregard His precepts.



The Signs of the Times
DT- 10-22-94
The Commandments Are to Be Obeyed
PR- 08

"LOVE is the fulfilling of the law." GOD IS LOVE, and when
we love God supremely and LOVE our neighbor as ourselves,
we reflect the character of the Father and the Son. But those
who truly LOVE God will be OBEDIENT TO ALL his
commands. OBEDIENCE is the TEST OF LOVE. Jesus says, "He
that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that
loveth me; and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father,
and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him." "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. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings; and the
word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent
me." "And 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. He that saith he abideth in him
ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked." Now lest
there should be any misunderstanding as to what
commandments should be obeyed, John says, "Brethren, I
write NO NEW
commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye
had from the beginning." John writes again: "I rejoiced
greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we
have received a commandment from the Father. And now I
beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new
commandment unto
thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love
one another; and this is love, that we walk after his
commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have
heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. For MANY
deceivers are entered into the world." "For this is the love of
God that we keep his commandments: and his
commandments are not grievous;" they are not a yoke of
bondage, as commandment breakers would have us believe.
"Here is the
patience of the saints; here are they that keep the
commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." "Blessed are
they that do his commandments, that they may have right to
the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into
the city."



The Home Missionary
DT- 07-01-97
Words of Comfort
PR- 22

"He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he
it is that loveth me; and he that loveth me shall be loved of
my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to
him." Again Christ repeated the condition of union with him.
This promise is made to every sincere Christian. Our Saviour
speaks so plainly that no one need fail to understand that
TRUE LOVE WILL ALWAYS PRODUCE OBEDIENCE. The religion
of Jesus Christ is LOVE. OBEDIENCE IS THE SIGN OF TRUE
LOVE.
Christ and the Father are one, and those who in truth
receive Christ, will love God, as the great center of their
adoration, and will also love one another.

Mrs. E. G. White April 29, 1897


Manuscript Releases Volume Fourteen
Individual Responsibility to Accept Truth; Christ, the Great "I
Am"; The Holy Spirit and His Work
PG 20

We cannot overestimate the value of simple faith and
unquestioning obedience. It is by following in the path of
obedience in simple faith that the character obtains
perfection. Adam was required to render strict obedience to
God's commandments, and no lower standard is presented to
those
who desire salvation in 1895. Christ has promised us sufficient
power to reach this high standard. He says, "Whatsoever ye
shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be
glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in My name, I
will do it. If ye LOVE me, keep My commandments. And I will
pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter,
that He may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth;
whom the world cannot receive" [John 14:13-17]. Consider this
statement a moment. But why "cannot" the world receive the
truth? "Because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him"
[verse 17]. The world is leagued against the truth, because it
does
not desire to obey the truth. Shall I who perceive the truth
close my eyes and heart to its saving power because the
world chooses darkness rather than light? Shall I bind myself
up with the bundles of tares because my neighbors refuse to
be bound up with the wheat?



Reflecting Christ
Obedience, the Fruit of Faith
PR- 02
PG 274


Allegiance of love--is the true sign of Obedience--the service
and discipleship. Thus the Scripture says, "This is the love of
God, that we keep His commandments" (1 John 5:3). "He that
saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a
liar, and the truth is not in him," (chap. 2:4). Instead of
releasing man from obedience, it is faith, and faith only, that
makes us partakers of the grace of Christ, which enables us
to render obedience.


The Youth's Instructor
DT- 07-26-94
Love God Practically
PR- 07

Every one is accountable to God according to the ability
and talent which he has received. Those who are on
probation to see whether or not they are to be subjects of
the kingdom of God, must be tried and proved now.
Those who love God in spirit and in truth, will be pronounced
fit subjects of the heavenly kingdom. The law of God, which is
perfect holiness, is the only true standard of character. Love
is expressed in obedience, and perfect love
casteth out all fear. Those who love God, have the seal of
God in their foreheads, and work the works of God. Would
that all who profess Christianity knew what it means to love
God practically. Then they would ever bear with them a
sense of the sacredness of the name and character of Jesus
Christ, and
would be one with Christ, as he is one with the Father. They
would then better appreciate their responsibilities, and
would adorn the doctrine of Christ, our Saviour. They would
have some realization of the infinite holiness of God,
knowing that he is high and lifted up, and the train of his
glory fills the temple. They would have a powerful influence
upon the life and character of those around them, which
would work as leaven amid the mass of humanity,
transforming others through the power of Jesus Christ.
Connected with the source of power, they would never lose
their vital influence, but would ever increase in efficiency,
always abounding in the work of the Lord.

Mrs. E. G. White.

Appeal to the Young
PR- 03
PG 14

Could God give to us any greater proof
of his love than this that he gave his Son
to pass through this scene of suffering?
And as the gift of God to man was a free
gift, his love is infinite. The claims of
God upon our confidence, our obedience,
our whole heart, and the wealth of our
affections, correspond with the infinite gift.
He requires all that is possible for man
to give. The submission on our part
must be proportionate to the gift of God.
It must be complete, and wanting in
nothing. We are all debtors to God. He has
claims upon us that we cannot meet without
giving ourselves a full and willing
sacrifice. Prompt and willing obedience God
claims, and nothing short of this will he
accept. We have opportunity now to secure
the love and favor of God. This year of
1874 may be the last year of some who may
read this. Is there any among the youth
who shall read this appeal who would choose
the pleasure of the world before that peace
which Christ gives the earnest seeker and
the cheerful doer of his will?



Manuscript Releases Volume Ten
What Being Saved Means
PG 291

What is the evidence of conversion?--"If ye love Me, keep
My
commandments" (John 14:15). "If you love Me, let not your love
be merely like the supposed feeling of attachment between
people. Genuine love lies in the keeping of My
commandments." The love that will yield willing obedience is
not a fickle thing, but a strong, fixed principle, revealed in
word and action.



Manuscript Releases Volume Eighteen
Christ and the Law
PR- 02
PG 75

"The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul."
Obedience to this law is required; for it is the transcript of
the character of God. Obedience is the proof of love. "If ye
love Me," Christ said, "keep My commandments." In order to
escape from obedience to the moral law, the teachers of
today
deceive poor, bewildered souls by saying that Christ's
commandments and the precepts of the moral law are not
the same thing. But this is not so.



The Acts of the Apostles
The Trial at Caesarea
PG 425

God justly claims the love and obedience of all His
creatures. He has given them in His law a perfect standard
of
right. But many forget their Maker and choose to follow
their own way in opposition to His will. They return
enmity for love that is as high as heaven and as broad as the
universe. God cannot lower the requirements of His law
to meet the standard of wicked men; neither can man in
his own power meet the demands of the law. Only by
faith in Christ can the sinner be cleansed from guilt and
be enabled to render obedience to the law of his Maker.



Sons and Daughters of God
We Obey the Father's Law of Love
PG 51

The law of God, which is perfect holiness, is the only true
standard of character. Love is expressed in OBEDIENCE and
perfect love casteth out all fear. Those who love God, have
the seal of God in their foreheads, and work the works of
God. Would that all who profess Christianity knew what it
means to love God practically. . . . They would have some
realization of the infinite holiness of God, knowing that He is
high and lifted up, and the train of His glory fills the temple.
They would have a powerful influence upon the life and
character of those around them, which would work as leaven
amid the mass of
humanity, transforming others through the power of Jesus
Christ. Connected with the Source of power, they would never
lose their vital influence, but would ever increase in
efficiency.



The Signs of the Times
DT- 05-12-90
God's Requirements in Grace, the Same as in Paradise
PR- 06

God's law appeals to man as an intelligent being; he
possesses a mind to understand its demands, a conscience to
feel the power of its claims, a heart to love its requirement of
perfect righteousness, a will to render prompt and
implicit obedience. God does not compel men to render
obedience to his law. If man purposes to defy God, and
transgress his law, as did Adam, he may do so, but he must
suffer the terrible consequences. If he chooses to obey God,
he may attain to the experience of the psalmist when he
says, "I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine
gold."

Apples of Gold Library
DT- 11-01-95
Knowing and Obeying the Lord
PR- 04

We can not overestimate the value of simple
faith and unquestioning obedience. It is
by following the path of obedience in humble
faith that the character attains perfection.
Adam was required to render strict obedience
to God's commandments, and no lower
standard is presented to those who desire
salvation to-day. Christ has promised us
sufficient power to reach this high standard.
He says: "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. If ye love Me, keep
My commandments. And I will pray the
Father, and He shall give you another Comforter,
that He may abide with you forever;
even the Spirit of truth; whom the world can
not receive."[1 JOHN 14:13-17.]



Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
The Child's First School
PG 113

Parents who truly love Christ will bear witness to this
in a love for their children that will not indulge, but will
work wisely for their highest good. They will lend every
sanctified energy and ability to the work of saving their
children. Instead of treating them as playthings, they will
regard them as the purchase of Christ, and will teach
them that they are to become the children of God. Instead
of allowing them to indulge evil temper and selfish
desires, they will teach them lessons of self-restraint. And
the children will be happier, far happier, under proper
discipline than if left to do as their unrestrained impulses
suggest. A child's truest graces consist in modesty and
obedience--in attentive ears to hear the words of direction,
in willing feet and hands to walk and work in the
path of duty.


Education
The Teacher Sent From God
PG 76

Christ came to the world with the accumulated love of
eternity. Sweeping away the exactions which had
encumbered
the law of God, He showed that the law is a law of
love, an expression of the Divine Goodness. He showed
that in obedience to its principles is involved the happiness
of mankind, and with it the stability, the very
foundation and framework, of human society.



The Faith I Live By
God's Remedy For Sin
PG 122

Faith claims God's promises, and brings forth fruit in
obedience. Presumption also claims the promises, but uses
them as Satan did, to excuse transgression. Faith would have
led our first parents to trust the love of God and to obey His
commands. Presumption led them to transgress His law,
believing that His great love would save them from
the consequences of their sin. It is not faith that claims the
favor of Heaven without complying with the conditions on
which mercy is to be granted. Genuine faith has its
foundation in the promises and provisions of the Scriptures.



Fundamentals of Christian Education
PG 58

Both parents and teachers are in danger of commanding
and dictating too much, while they fail to come sufficiently
into
social relation with their children or their scholars. They
maintain too great a reserve, and exercise their authority in
a cold, unsympathizing manner, which tends to repel instead
of winning confidence and affection. If they would oftener
gather the children about them, and manifest an interest in
their work, and even in their sports, they would gain the love
and confidence of the little ones, and the lesson of respect
and
obedience would be far more readily learned; for love is the
best teacher. A similar interest manifested for the youth will
secure like results. The young heart is quick to respond to the
touch of sympathy.



God's Amazing Grace
PG 146

Obedience to the laws of God develops in man a beautiful
character that is in harmony with all that is pure and holy
and
undefiled. In the life of such a man the message of the
gospel
of Christ is made clear. Accepting the mercy of Christ and His
healing from the power of sin, he is brought into right
relation
with God. His life, cleansed from vanity and selfishness, is
filled
with the love of God. His daily obedience to the law of God
obtains for him a character that assures him eternal life in
the
kingdom of God.



Lift Him Up
Lift Him Up as the Creator
PG 50

The law of love being the foundation of the government
of God, the happiness of all intelligent beings depends upon
their perfect accord with its great principles of righteousness.
God desires from all His creatures the service of love--service
that springs from an appreciation of His character. He takes
no pleasure in a forced obedience; and to all He grants
freedom of
will, that they may render Him voluntary service.



Selected Messages Book 2
PG 187

God accepts the services of those only who are partakers
of the divine nature. Without Christ man can do
nothing. Love for God and man alone places human beings
on vantage ground with God. Obedience to the divine
command enables us to become laborers together with
God. Love is the fruit that is borne on the Christian tree,
the fruit that is as the leaves of the tree of life for the
healing of the nations.--Manuscript 108, 1903.



Sons and Daughters of God
PG 339

The precious faith inspired of God imparts strength and
nobility of character. As His goodness, His mercy, and His
love are dwelt upon, clearer and still clearer will be the
perception of truth; higher, holier, the desire for purity of
heart and clearness of thought. The soul dwelling in the pure
atmosphere of holy thought is transformed by intercourse
with God through the study of His Word. Truth is so large, so
far-reaching, so deep, so broad, that self is lost sight of. The
heart is softened and subdued into humility, kindness, and
love. And the natural powers are enlarged because of holy
obedience


.
Steps to Christ
The Test of Discipleship
PG 61

We do not earn salvation by our obedience; for
salvation is the free gift of God, to be received by
faith. But obedience is the fruit of faith. "Ye know
that He was manifested to take away our sins; and
in Him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in Him
sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen Him,
neither known Him." 1 John 3:5, 6. Here is the true
test. If we abide in Christ, if the love of God dwells
in us, our feelings, our thoughts, our purposes, our
actions, will be in harmony with the will of God as
expressed in the precepts of His holy law. "Little
children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth
righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous."
1 John 3:7. Righteousness is defined by the standard
of God's holy law, as expressed in the ten precepts
given on Sinai.





Testimonies for the Church Volume Four
The Twelve Spies
PG- 155

Thousands would accept the truth if they could do so
without denying self, but this class would never build up the
cause of God. These would never march out valiantly against
the enemy,--the world, the love of self, and the lusts of the
flesh,--trusting their divine Leader to give them the victory.
The church needs faithful Calebs and Joshuas, who are ready
to accept eternal life on God's simple condition of obedience.
Our churches are suffering for laborers. The world is our
field. Missionaries are wanted in cities and villages that are
more certainly bound by idolatry than are the pagans of the
East, who have never seen the light of truth. The true
missionary spirit has deserted the churches that make so
exalted
a profession; their hearts are no longer aglow with love for
souls and a desire to lead them into the fold of Christ. We
want earnest workers. Are there none to respond to the cry
that goes up from every quarter: "Come over ...and help us"?

Second Advent Review and Sabbath Herald
DT- 12-02-75
Delaying Obedience
PR- 09

If you are in search of truth, obedience will not be
difficult. If you really want to know the Master's will, you will
thankfully receive it. We are learners in the school of Christ.
A genuine love for Jesus will of necessity create a love for
the truth. Treasure up the truth in your heart. Seek
knowledge. Make this your daily prayer: "With my whole
heart have I
sought thee; O let me not wander from thy commandments.
Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out
of thy law." We are not safe only as we mold our daily life
after the divine Pattern.



Advent Review and Sabbath Herald
DT- 07-17-00
The Lord's Vineyard
PR- 22

Christ has a church in every age. Obedience to the
commandments of God gives us a right to the privileges of
this church. There are those in the church who are made no
better by their connection with it. They themselves
break the terms of their election. If we comply with the
conditions God has made, we shall secure our election to
salvation. Perfect obedience to his commandments is the
evidence that we love God.



Advent Review and Sabbath Herald
DT- 07-22-02
Neglected Duties
PR- 02

I am instructed to say: Unless our ministers and the
leading men in our institutions believe and practice the
word of God, they will never see the King in his beauty. God's
law is his standard of character. And the foundation
principles of this law are, "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."
Obedience to this law is the condition of gaining salvation.
Upon our obedience depends our present and future
happiness.





The Signs of the Times
DT- 08-01-78
Visit to the Prison

I exalted before them the infinite sacrifice that the father
made, in giving his beloved Son for fallen men, that they
might through obedience be transformed, and become the
acknowledged sons of God. The church and the world are
called upon to behold and admire a love which thus
expressed is beyond human comprehension, and even
amazed the angels of heaven. This love was so deep, so
broad, and so high, that it filled the holy angels with
amazement, and language in which to describe it, failing the
inspired
apostle, he calls upon the church and the world to behold
it--to make it the theme of contemplation, and of
admiration.



The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials
Diary Entries
PG- 884

For half an hour Elder Olsen tried to close the meeting
but he could not. They had been gathered together since
nine o'clock for their Sabbath school, and it was past five
o'clock and none had eaten anything. The meeting was
excellent. We could but rejoice in God. He had greatly
blessed and strengthened me just as I believed He would
do, and I was
gratified to find my brethren and sisters whom I had not
spoken with for years still walking in the truth. Oh, the depth
of the love and compassion of our God to bear long with the
perversity of man! The boundless love of Christ is beyond
anything we can comprehend. The sinner in coming to Christ,
confessing his sins, is placing himself in the way of
obedience.



Lift Him Up
Lift Him Up as the Divine Lawgiver
PG- 152

The truth as it is in Jesus is obedience 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. 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. Review and Herald
Feb. 8, 1898



Lift Him Up
Lift Him Up as the Crucified One
PG- 252

Believing in Christ and receiving His transforming grace is
not guesswork, but a work which causes Christ's virtues to be
reflected in mind and character. When you gain this
experience, you will say, "I have tasted and seen that the
Lord is good. The Lord Jesus shall be my portion forever."
The power of the cross will move in you the mysterious
springs of hope and fear, adoration, and love. Angels are
watching and waiting, and will witness to the fact that the
world has you not. Jesus has found you sitting at His
feet to learn from Him, the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Henceforth, surrendering your will to the will of Christ, you
are drawn into a region where the cross is the central
object. The world fades from your view. The glory shining
from the threshold of heaven is the all-attractive influence.
The riches of the grace of Christ hold you in willing
obedience. . . . You are only too glad to impart to others the
gift you have received.


My Life Today
A Sanctified Life
PG- 250

Let a living faith run like threads of gold through the
performance of even the smallest duties. Then all the daily
work will promote Christian growth. There will be a continual
looking unto Jesus. Love for Him will give vital force to
everything that is undertaken. Thus through the right use of
our talents we may link ourselves by a golden chain to the
higher world. This is true sanctification, for sanctification
consists in the cheerful performance of daily duties in perfect
obedience to the will of God.


Second Advent Review and Sabbath Herald
DT- 02-24-85
Notes of Travel. A Sermon on the Cars
PR- 06

The great danger of this age, and one which brings much
unhappiness to individuals and families, is an intense and
increasing worldliness. The love and fear of God, reverence
for his name, and thoughts of heavenly things, are
banished through busy, anxious seeking for the things of the
world. God has made his claims known, but men pay no
heed to them. Religious principle becomes extinct in the
family. Parents do not realize what obedience to God would
do for their children, nor that their eternal interests are
affected
by the habits formed in this life; and they allow the little
ones intrusted to their care to grow up without a knowledge
of God or of the future life



Advent Review and Sabbath Herald
DT- 02-16-97
Our Words
PR- 11

Christ, the Lamb of God, can take away the desire to
speak words which hurt and bruise the souls of others. His
power is limitless, and if we shut ourselves in with him, we
shall grow more like him. Strength will be given us
to subdue the inclination to speak and judge harshly; we
shall be enabled to make straight paths for our feet, lest the
"lame be turned out of the way." If we will yield heart and
mind into the keeping of Christ, if we will control our
thoughts, bringing them into obedience to his will, our
words will be such as the angels love to hear, and will bless
all those with whom
we come in contact.


Advent Review and Sabbath Herald
DT- 07-13-97
God's Holy Sabbath
PR- 11

This subject opens before the earnest seeker after truth.
It becomes more and more clear to him that God has not
changed or altered the thing that has gone out of his lips.
He sees the sanctity and blessing placed upon the seventh
day, and the necessity for its observance. The more earnestly
he
investigates this subject, the more convinced he becomes of
the truth of God's word, as seen in the law of the ten
commandments. His interest in truth is tested, his love for
God proved, as he advances. If he submits his will to
God's will, all will be well. If he chooses obedience to God's
commandments at any cost, his peace and happiness will
increase.



Advent Review and Sabbath Herald
DT- 01-04-98
Christian Benevolence--No. 1


The Lord has enlisted every believing soul in his service,
to bring the transgressor of his law back to obedience and
loyalty to Christ. He will accept those who will devote
themselves to him, to work with the combined influence of
the heavenly, unfallen intelligences to restore the moral
image of God in man. "We are laborers together with God,"
he declares; "ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building."
Bid the sinner have hope, and not feel that he is an outcast
from his fellows. Reveal to the desperate, discouraged
sufferer that he is a prisoner of hope. Let your message be,
"Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the
world." Present before men in your life a love higher than it
is possible for you to express in words. You are laborers
together with God, to bring back lost faith in God.




Advent Review and Sabbath Herald
DT- 11-20-00
Offer Unto God Thanksgiving
PR- 02

We should ever remember that thanksgiving is the fruit of
true, willing obedience. The Lord is the object of our worship,
and to praise his holy name shows respect for his efficiency.
God says, "Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me." "Faith is the
substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not
seen." Faith relies upon God as being able and willing to save
to the uttermost all who come to him. As we speak of God's
power, we show that we appreciate the love that is so
constantly shown us, that we are grateful for the mercies and
favors bestowed on us, and that the whole soul is awakened
to a realization of God's glory.



Advent Review and Sabbath Herald
DT- 01-29-01
Words to Parents
PR- 08

While we are not to indulge blind affection, neither are
we to manifest undue severity. Children can not be brought
to the Lord by force. They can be led, but not driven. "My
sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they
follow me," Christ declares. He did not say, My sheep hear my
voice, and are forced into the path of obedience. In the
government of children, love must be shown. Never should
parents cause their children pain by harshness or
unreasonable exactions. Harshness drives souls into Satan's
net.



Advent Review and Sabbath Herald
DT- 01-21-02
Words to Ministers
PR- 09

Obedience to this word is the secret of success. God is the
source of wisdom. From Him we must receive our supplies.
What precious experiences would have been gained if those
who have been trusting in man had trusted in God, relying on
Him to do that which they cannot do. They would have found
that His word is Yea and Amen. They would have been
encouraged to ask, and ask again. They would have gained a
knowledge of the Lord and Saviour; for they would have been
brought into close companionship with Him. Love for Him
would have burned more and more brightly on the altar of
the heart as they proved Him, and found Him to be a very
present help in every time of need.



Advent Review and Sabbath Herald
November 10, 1904
The Power of the Word of God


The work of reformation that is needed must begin in the
home. There rests upon parents the most solemn obligation
to train their children in the fear and love of God. In the
home the purest morals are to be preserved. Strict obedience
to Bible requirements is to be taught. The teachings of the
Word of God are to control mind and heart, that the home
life may demonstrate the power of the grace of God. Each
member of the family is to be "polished after the similitude
of a palace" by the divine principles and precepts.


Advent Review and Sabbath Herald
August 3, 1905
A Call to Present Duty


Read the instruction contained in Leviticus and
Deuteronomy. There you will learn what kind of education
was given to the families of Israel. While
God's chosen people were to stand forth distinct and holy,
separate from the nations that knew him not, they were to
treat the stranger kindly. He was not to be looked down upon
because he was not of Israel. The Israelites were to
love the stranger, because Christ died as verily to save him
as he did to save Israel. At their feasts of thanksgiving, when
they recounted the mercies of God, the stranger was to be
made welcome. At the time of harvest they were
to leave in the field a portion for the stranger and the poor.
So the strangers were to share also in God's spiritual
blessings. The Lord God of Israel commanded that they
should be received if they chose the society of
those who knew and acknowledged him. In this way they
would learn the law of Jehovah, and glorify him by their
obedience.


Advent Review and Sabbath Herald
April 5, 1906 The Word Made Flesh


By his obedience to all the commandments of God, Christ
wrought out a redemption for man. This was not done by
going out of himself to another, but by taking humanity into
himself. Thus Christ gave to humanity an existence
out of himself. To bring humanity into Christ, to bring the
fallen race into oneness with divinity, is the work of
redemption. Christ took human nature that men might be
one with him as he is one with the Father, that God may
love man as he loves his only begotten Son, that men may be
partakers of the
divine nature, and be complete in him.


The Signs of the Times
June 5, 1901
The Moral Law


By willing obedience to God's commands, we show our
love for Him. Thus we gain a fitness to be among that
number of whom it will be said, "Blessed
are they that do His commandments, that they may have
right to the tree of
life, and may enter in thru the gates into the city."
Mrs. E. G. White.
-

The Signs of the Times
December 9, 1908
Saved Through Faith


Let a living faith run like threads of gold through the
performance of even the smallest duties. Then all the daily
work will promote Christian growth. There will be a continual
looking unto Jesus. Love for Him will give vital force to
everything that is undertaken. Thus through the right use of
our talents, we may link ourselves by a golden chain to the
higher world. This is true sanctification; for sanctification
consists in the cheerful performance of daily duties in perfect
obedience to the will of God.


The Youth's Instructor
August 6, 1884
A Perfect and an Imperfect Pattern


And now, which example will you copy,--that of our first
parents in disobeying God, or that set by the precious
Saviour? The result of sin is before you, and the result of
obedience. Adam lost Eden, not only for himself, but for the
race,--for you and for me. But through Jesus it will be
restored in more than its original loveliness. The prize before
you is eternal life in the kingdom of God; is it not worth
striving for? "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have
entered into the heart of man, the things that God hath
prepared for them that love him." Says the psalmist, "In
Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are
pleasures
forevermore."
Mrs. E. G. White.
-
The Youth's Instructor
April 14, 1898
The Little Things, No. 1


The attention of Elijah was attracted to Elisha, the son of
Shaphat, who with the servants was plowing with twelve
yoke of oxen. He was educator, director, and worker. Elisha
did not live in the thickly populated cities.
His father was a tiller of the soil, a farmer. Far from city and
court dissipation, Elisha had received his education. He had
been trained in habits of simplicity, of obedience to his
parents and to God. Thus in quietude and
contentment he was prepared to do the humble work of
cultivating the soil.
But though of a meek and quiet spirit, Elisha had no
changeable character.
Integrity and fidelity and the love and fear of God were his.
He had the characteristics of a ruler, but with it all was the
meekness of one who would serve. His mind had been
exercised in the little things, to be faithful in
whatsoever he should do; so that if God should call him to
act more directly for him, he would be prepared to hear his
voice.



Manuscript Releases Volume Fifteen
The European Missionary Council
PG 356

I made remarks from James 1:3 and onward in regard to
appropriating faith. I presented before them the precious
promise, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that
giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall
be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering"
[verses 5, 6]. God requires heart service. To obey is better
than sacrifice; without obedience and pure love the richest
offering is too poor to be presented to the Owner of all
things. The Lord gave me great freedom in
presenting these ideas before the people, and I think they
were received and appreciated.


Manuscript Releases Volume Eighteen
An Appeal To Be Converted Fully to Christ, Enjoy His Love,
and Be a Help to Others
PG 80

The power of the cross will move in you the mysterious
springs of hope and fear, adoration and love. Angels are
watching and waiting and will witness to the fact that the
world has you not. Jesus has found you sitting at His feet to
learn from Him, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Henceforth,
surrendering your will to the will of Christ, you are drawn
into a region where the cross is the central object. The world
fades from your view. The glory shining from the threshold of
heaven is the all-attractive influence. The riches of the grace
of Christ hold you in willing obedience. You delight
in the precious blessings of your allegiance. You are only too
glad to impart to others the gift you have received.

Manuscript Releases Volume Twenty-one
1880 Camp Meeting at Milton, Oregon
PG 208

It has been a continual cross for me to be so far away
from you and friends I love, but when I know that I am in the
path of obedience I am happy. Privations are nothing, trials
are nothing, distress and anguish of soul for others I can
bear without a murmur. Only let me know that I am doing
the will of my heavenly Father and I am content. I feel that I
would not shrink from any hardship or difficulty if it is for
Jesus' sake

.

The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials 155
PG 1273

Christ is the complete system of truth. He says, "I am the
Way, the Truth, and the Life." All true believers center in
Christ,their character is irradiated by Christ, all meet in
Christ, andcirculate about Christ. Truth comes from heaven to
purify and cleanse thehuman agent from every moral
defilement. It leads to benevolent actionto kind, tender,
thoughtful love toward the needy, the distressed,the
suffering. This is practical obedience to the words of Christ.



Ellen G. White Volume 3 The Lonely Years 1876-1891
Minneapolis and Its Diverse Fruits
PG 414

The Lord in His great mercy sent a most precious
message to his people through Elders Waggoner and Jones.
His message was to bring more prominently before the world
the uplifted Saviour, the sacrifice for the sins of the whole
world. It presented justification through faith in the Surety; it
invited the people to receive the righteousness of Christ,
which is made manifest in obedience to all the
commandments of God. Many had lost sight of Jesus. They
needed to have their eyes directed to His divine person, His
merits, and His changeless love for the human family. All
power is given into His hands, that He may dispense rich
gifts unto men, imparting the priceless gift of His own
righteousness to the helpless human agent. This is the
message that God commanded to be given to the world. It is
the third angel's message, which is to be proclaimed with a
loud voice, and attended with the outpouring of His Spirit in
a large measure. . . .


Special Testimony for Our Ministers
PG 14

You have a serious, solemn work to do to prepare the
way of the Lord. You need the heavenly unction, and
you may have it. "Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father
n my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked
nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your
joy may be full." Who can be trifling, who can engage
in frivolous, common talk, while by faith he sees the
Lamb that was slain pleading before the Father as the
intercessor of the church upon earth. By faith let us
look upon the rainbow round about the throne, the cloud
of sins confessed behind it. The rainbow of promise is
an assurance to every humble, contrite, believing soul,
that his life is one with Christ, and that Christ is one
with God. The wrath of God will not fall upon one soul
that seeks refuge in him. God himself has declared,
"When I see the blood, I will pass over you