1899

January 1, 1899

Selections from Letters

EGW 

Work of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit alone is able to develop in the human agent that which is acceptable in the sight of God. GH January 1, 1899, par. 1

Study the Character of Christ

The Lord of glory stepped down from his throne, laid aside his kingly crown, his royal robe, and clothed his divinity with humanity, that divinity might touch humanity, that humanity might lay hold of divinity. Look at Christ's life, and make it, your study. For your soul's sake study the character of Christ. For our sakes He became poor, that we through his poverty might be made rich. This condescension on the part of Christ, was in the plan to redeem and restore the moral image of God in man, and to leave an example of self-denial and self-sacrifice, that the poor might not be despised on account of their poverty, and that the rich might know that earthly wealth will never secure to any soul eternal riches and an immortal inheritance in the kingdom of God. GH January 1, 1899, par. 2

Following Christ

“As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” All who have a deep and living experience will understand the import of these words. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth, .... And of his fulness have we received, and grace for grace.” Christ said to his disciples, “He that will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” Those who drink of the cup of Christ's sufferings, must meet the temptations that Christ met, and overcome in his name. And every trial endured will add to the weight of their eternal glory; every faithful discharge of duty, every act of charity in the name of Christ, every word of encouragement and consolation spoken, will bring to them according to their works. They will be acknowledged before the assembled universe as co-laborers with Christ to save a perishing world. GH January 1, 1899, par. 3

No Time for Idlers

We have no time to lose. We are to form characters that will stand the test of the judgment. Satan is playing the game of life for souls. Build upon the Rock, the eternal Rock. Remember that Christ, the world's Redeemer, came not to be ministered unto, but to minister. In his manhood He made Himself servant of all. Christ worked at the carpenter's trade, and helped to support the family, and in this He has forever set his seal that work is a blessing. Useful employment of all the physical powers is essential for health. It is honorable, praiseworthy, approved and blessed of God. To every man God has given his work. No one is to be idle, for this invites the enemy to tempt him. God has assigned to every one his work. GH January 1, 1899, par. 4

Developing Power of Truth

The truth if received, is capable of constant expansion and new developments. It will increase in brightness as we behold it, and grow in height and depth as we aspire to grasp it. Thus it will elevate us to the standard of perfection, and give us faith and trust in God as our strength for the work before us. We need the truth as it is in Jesus. As his representatives and witnesses, we need to come to a full understanding of the saving truth which we must know by an experimental knowledge. GH January 1, 1899, par. 5

The Sons of God

The character of Christ is an infinitely perfect character. The Word declares Him. He is lifted up, and proclaimed as the One who gave his life for the life of the world. We have not the least right to trust in any man, or to make flesh our arm. Christ gave his own life, that all the disloyal and disobedient might realize the truth of the promise given in the first chapter of John: “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” Tell it over and over again. We may become the sons of God, members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King. All who accept Jesus Christ and hold the beginning of their confidence firm to the end, will be heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ to “an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time.” GH January 1, 1899, par. 6