Updated 9/3/2022
Below is an on-going compilation of the Spirit of Prophecy statements identifying the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of Christ.
Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Christ
“The HOLY SPIRIT is the SPIRIT of CHRIST, which is sent to all men to give them sufficiency,” — {E.G. White, 14MR 84.3}
“The Lord is soon to come. We want that complete and perfect understanding which the Lord alone can give. It is not safe to catch the spirit from another. We want the HOLY SPIRIT, which is JESUS CHRIST. If we commune with God, we shall have strength and grace and efficiency.” — (Letter to Prescott W.W. E.G. White, Lt66, April 10, 1894)
“but it is the leaven of the SPIRIT of JESUS CHRIST, which is sent down from heaven, called the HOLY GHOST, and that Spirit affects the heart and the character.” — (E.G. White, Ms36-1891)
“CHRIST HAS MADE PROVISION FOR ALL TO RECEIVE HIS SPIRIT; for He desires to see human nature released from the bondage of sin, and, by the power which God gives, renewed, restored, raised to a holy rivalry with the angels.” {ST August 7, 1901, par. 2}
“Great dishonor is brought upon the cause of God BECAUSE THOSE WHO PROFESS CHRIST DO NOT POSSESS HIS HOLY SPIRIT” {RH June 27, 1893}
“With His long human arm the Son of God encircled the whole human family, while with His divine arm he grasped the throne of the infinite. HIS OWN INDIVIDUAL PRESENCE WAS NECESSARY, that in seeing him we might see the Father. He placed his throne, his spiritual kingdom, upon the earth. He revealed his special grace, and opened to our view the wonders of heavenly things. HE IMPARTED HIS OWN DIVINE SPIRIT TO HUMANITY, thus exalting humanity in the scale of moral worth with God. {YI July 29, 1897, par. 9}
“Guard the Paper.—Present truth. Guard the paper, lest there shall be introduced into it articles that are not suitable for this time. God help you, my dear fellow laborers, to work as if you were in full view of the whole universe of heaven. Important issues must soon be met, and we wish to be hid in the cleft of the rock, THAT WE MAY SEE JESUS, AND BE QUICKENED BY HIS HOLY SPIRIT. We have no time to lose, not a moment.” {CW 113.1}
“..they may claim the blessing of God even now. They must have His grace, THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST, to help their infirmities.” {SC 52.2}
John 16:8 “7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the COMFORTER will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.And when he is come, HE WILL REPROVE THE WORLD OF SIN, and of righteousness, and of judgment:”
“CHRIST IS PRESENT BY HIS HOLY SPIRIT. IT IS THIS SPIRIT THAT BRINGS CONVICTION TO HEARTS.” {Ev 275.1}
“And as we wash the feet of Christ’s followers, it is as though we were indeed touching the Son of God. We do this act because Christ told us to do it, and CHRIST HIMSELF IS AMONG US. HIS HOLY SPIRIT DOES THE WORK OF UNITING OUR HEARTS.” {5BC 1139.3}
Christ is Our Comforter
There is no safe peace without the PRESENCE OF THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST. There is no real peace except that which flows from the cross of Calvary. Christ is accepted as a theory in the mind before He becomes the Prince of Peace in the heart. But that He may become the Prince of Peace in the heart, HE HAS PROMISED TO IMPART TO US HIS SPIRIT. HE SAID, “I WILL NOT LEAVE YOU COMFORTLESS.” [John 14:18.] {Ms40a-1890.58}
“Let them study the seventeenth of John, and learn how to pray and how to live the prayer of CHRIST. HE IS THE COMFORTER. He will abide in their hearts, making their joy full.” {E.G. White, RH, Jan 27, 1903}
“CHRIST IS TO BE KNOWN BY THE BLESSED NAME OF COMFORTER. “The Comforter,” said Christ to His disciples, “which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you, [John 14:26 quoted]” {E.G. White, Ms7-1902, Jan 26, 1902}
“Let the peace and comfort of the Holy Spirit come into your hearts. Open the door of your hearts, that JESUS MAY ENTER AS AN HONORED GUEST, AND YOU WILL HAVE A COMFORTER.” {Lt10-1898.7}
“CHRIST COMES AS A COMFORTER TO ALL WHO BELIEVE. He invites your confidence. He says, “Abide in me.” [John 15:4.] Surely we may trust in our loving Saviour. You can say, “Yes, my Saviour; in thee I can and will trust. I will abide in thee.” Then how trustfully you can work in His presence. Your works will be but the FRUIT OF CHRIST WORKING IN YOU. You may rest in what Christ can do for you. And the energies of your soul will be awakened to co-operate [with] Him. HE WILL WORK IN YOU to do His good pleasure.” {Lt103-1898.14}
“THERE IS NO COMFORTER LIKE CHRIST, so tender and so true. He is touched with the feelings of our infirmities. His Spirit speaks to the heart. . .” {RH, Oct. 26, 1897}
“But if the spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Jesus from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies BY HIS SPIRIT THAT DWELLETH IN YOU.’ O how precious are these words to every bereaved soul. CHRIST IS OUR GUIDE AND COMFORTER, WHO COMFORTS US in all our tribulations. When He gives us a bitter draught to drink, He also holds a cup of blessing to our lips. He fills the heart with submission, with joy and peace in believing, and enables us to say submissively, ‘not my will, but thine, O Lord be done. The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord.’ With this submission, hope is resurrected, and the hand of faith lays hold upon the hand of infinite power. ‘He that raised up Christ from the dead, shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His spirit that dwelleth in you.’” {Letter 65a 1894}
“It is not essential for you to know and be able to define just what the Holy Spirit is. CHRIST TELLS US THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE COMFORTER, AND THE COMFORTER IS THE HOLY GHOST, “the Spirit of truth, which the Father shall send in My name.” “I will pray the Father, and He shall 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” [John 14:16, 17]. THIS REFERS TO THE OMNIPRESENCE OF THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST, CALLED THE COMFORTER. Again Jesus says, “I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth is come, He will guide you into all truth” [John 16:12, 13]. (Original letter written to Brother Chapman from Petoskey, Michigan, June 11, 1891) Manuscript Releases vol.14 p. 179 {14MR 179.2}
“The reason why the churches are weak and sickly and ready to die, is that the enemy has brought influences of a discouraging nature to bear upon trembling souls. HE [Satan] HAS SOUGHT TO SHUT JESUS FROM THEIR VIEW AS THE COMFORTER, as one who reproves, who warns, who admonishes them, saying, ‘This is the way, walk ye in it’” {1888 696.1}{Review and Herald, August 26, 1890 par. 10} (bracket mine)
“Jesus says, “I will send you the COMFORTER. MY SPIRIT ALONE IS COMPETENT FOR THE TASK OF SAVING THE WORLD, if they will accept of the provisions of My grace. The Comforter shall convince the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment.” [John 16:7, 8.] {1888 933.4} {Ms40-1890.60}
“As by faith we look to Jesus, our faith pierces the shadow, and we adore God for His wondrous love in giving JESUS THE COMFORTER.” {E.G. White, 19MR 297.3}
“The SAVIOUR IS OUR COMFORTER. This I have proved Him to be.” {E.G. White, 8MR 49.3}
“. . . The disciples still failed to understand Christ’s words in their spiritual sense, and again He explained His meaning. By the Spirit, HE SAID, HE WOULD MANIFEST HIMSELF TO THEM. “The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things.” No more will you say, I cannot comprehend. No longer will you see through a glass, darkly. You shall “be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge.” Ephesians 3:18, 19.” {Desire of Ages p. 669 p.4-670 p.1}
“The nights are long and painful, but JESUS IS MY COMFORTER and my Hope.” {Manuscript Releases, vol. 19, page 296}
“Christ is everything to those who receive Him. HE IS THEIR COMFORTER, their safety, their healthfulness. Apart from Christ there is no light at all.” {Manuscript Releases, vol. 21, page 372}
“He took upon His sinless nature our sinful nature, THAT HE MIGHT KNOW HOW TO SUCCOR those that are tempted.” {MM 181}
“The work of the Holy Spirit is immeasurably great. It is from this Source that power and efficiency come to the worker for God; and THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE COMFORTER, AS THE PERSONAL PRESENCE OF CHRIST TO THE SOUL.” {Ye Shall Receive Power, p. 177}
“Before offering Himself as the sacrificial victim, Christ sought for the most essential and complete gift to bestow upon His followers, a gift that would bring within their reach the boundless resources of grace. ‘I will pray the Father,’ He said, ‘and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him; but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, AND SHALL BE IN YOU. I WILL NOT LEAVE YOU ORPHANS: I WILL COME TO YOU” John 14:16-18.“ {Desire of Ages, 669}
“Keep cheerful. Do not forget that you have a COMFORTER, the Holy Spirit, which Christ has appointed. You are never alone. If you will listen to the voice that now speaks to you, if you will respond without delay to the knocking at the door of your heart, “COME IN, LORD JESUS, that I may sup with thee and thee with me,” THE HEAVENLY GUEST WILL ENTER. [See Revelation 3:20.] When this element, WHICH IS ALL DIVINE, ABIDES WITH YOU, there is peace and rest. It is the kingdom of heaven come nigh unto you.” {Lt124-1897.4}
“Apollos … had received the highest Grecian culture, and was a scholar and an orator…. Aquila and Priscilla listened to him, and saw that his teachings were defective. He had not a thorough knowledge of the mission of Christ, His resurrection and ascension, AND THE WORK OF HIS SPIRIT, THE COMFORTER which He sent down to remain with His people during His absence. They accordingly sent for Apollos, and the educated orator received instruction from them with grateful surprise and joy. Through their teachings he obtained a clearer understanding of the Scriptures, and became one of the ablest defenders of the Christian church. Thus a thorough scholar and brilliant orator learned the way of the Lord more perfectly from the teachings of a Christian man and woman whose humble employment was that of tentmaking” (Sketches from the Life of Paul, 119). {6BC 1063.7}
Holy Spirit of Christ
“When a sense of the loving-kindness of God is constantly refreshing the soul, it will be revealed in the countenance by an expression of peace and joy. It will be manifest in the words and works. And the generous, HOLY SPIRIT OF CHRIST, WORKING UPON THE HEART, WILL YIELD IN THE LIFE A CONVERTING INFLUENCE UPON OTHERS.…” {RH May 7, 1908, par. 1} {AG 325.2} {OFC 252.2}
“WE WANT THE HOLY SPIRIT OF CHRIST in our families. O that the truths which I have presented to you today may have a lasting influence upon your characters! O that the members of the church may come up to the help of the Lord,—to the help of the Lord against the mighty! If we have wronged one another, if we have wronged our God, we should confess our sins to God and to one another; and we have the promise that “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” When we remove the rubbish from the door of the heart, THE LORD WILL COME IN AND MAKE HIS ABODE WITH US, and we shall have daily a precious story to tell of the favor, love, and mercy of our Heavenly Father.” {RH April 16, 1889, par. 12}
“O, HOW WE GRIEVE THE PURE, HOLY SPIRIT OF CHRIST with our defiling sins! We are not prepared for the appreciation of the holy communion with Christ and with one another unless we are cleansed by his efficacy.” {RH July 5, 1898, par. 7}
“What shall I do? is the inquiry now to be made. Shall I strive for the supremacy? No, no, no! If you will now see that you have GRIEVED THE HOLY SPIRIT OF CHRIST, if you will now come into working order and DO HOMAGE TO THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE OFFICE THAT IT HOLDS in the plan of redemption, you will be able to work in co-operation with God. Only in this way can you do honor to Christ’s great work, FOR IT IS THROUGH HIS MEDIATION THAT TO HUMAN AGENCIES ARE IMPARTED THE DIRECT INFLUENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT TO GIVE POWER TO PRAYER AND TO ENTREATY IN A UNITED EFFORT TO SAVE SOULS READY TO PERISH. Christians who love Christ will plead for the conversion of souls. It is this first love that so many have lost.” {Ms128-1901.47}
“The forgiveness of sins and iniquities and transgressions, belongs in a special sense to this time. We are in the anti-typical day of atonement, and every soul should now be humbling himself before God, seeking pardon for his transgressions and sins, and accepting the justifying grace of Christ, THE SANCTIFYING OF THE SOUL BY THE OPERATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT OF CHRIST; thus the carnal nature is transformed, renewed in holiness after the image of Christ’s righteousness and true holiness.” (Appeals and Suggestions to Conference Officers p. 25.2) {PH002 25.2}
“WE MUST HAVE MORE OF THE SPIRIT OF JESUS CHRIST. Your standard must be held with a firm grasp and our souls brought under the SANCTIFICATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT OF CHRIST. Let every soul do his best, stand in the SANCTIFICATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, loving the truth, talking the truth, exemplifying the truth by practice. {Ms61-1910.10}
His Holy Spirit
““Great dishonor is brought upon the cause of God because those who profess Christ do not possess HIS HOLY SPIRIT, but walk in their own ways.” {RH June 27, 1893, par. 13}
“The Lord encourages all who seek Him with the whole heart. He gives them HIS HOLY SPIRIT, the MANIFESTATION OF HIS PRESENCE and favor. But those who forsake God in order to save their lives will be forsaken by Him. In seeking to save their lives by yielding the truth, they will lose eternal life.” {9T 230.3}
“Christ said, ‘go into the kingdom of God before you.’ Matthew 21:31. However wretched may be the specimens of humanity that men spurn and turn aside from, they are not too low, too wretched, for the notice and love of God. Christ longs to have care-worn, weary, oppressed human beings come to Him. He longs to give them the light and joy and peace that are to be found nowhere else. The veriest sinners are the objects of His deep, earnest pity and love. HE SENDS HIS HOLY SPIRIT to yearn over them with tenderness, seeking to draw them to Himself. {COL 225.3}
“CHRIST BY HIS HOLY SPIRIT will supply the FORCE AND THE POWER. This is His work.” {COL 337.1}
“We do this act because Christ told us to do it, and CHRIST HIMSELF IS AMONG US. HIS HOLY SPIRIT does the work of uniting our hearts. To become one with Christ requires self-denial and self-sacrifice at every step.” {5BC 1139.3}
Christ’s Abiding Presence
“The Lord is working in us to will and to do of His good pleasure. WE NEED JESUS ABIDING IN THE HEART, A CONSTANT LIVING WELLSPRING; then the streams flowing from the living fountain will be pure, sweet, and heavenly. Then the foretaste of heaven will be given to the humble in heart. {CW 81.2}
“From every one in WHOSE HEART CHRIST IS AN ABIDING PRESENCE will go forth a power that will influence others to accept the Saviour as their Redeemer.” {18LtMs, Ms 67, 1903, par. 13}
“Many will lose heaven unless they change their selfish, unlovable, unsympathetic ways, and learn that the SPIRIT OF CHRIST is not selfish and forbidding, uncourteous and loveless. Unless those who stand in responsible positions in our institutions make decided changes in heart and character, they will be condemned as lukewarm, knowing not that they are “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” UNLESS WE PRACTICE CHRIST’S WAYS, AND RECEIVE HIS SPIRIT, WE ARE NONE OF HIS.” {RH March 27, 1900, par. 20}
“In giving His commission to His followers, Christ did not tell them they would be left alone. He assured them that He would be near them. HE SPOKE OF HIS OMNIPRESENCE IN A SPECIAL WAY. Go to all nations, He said. Go, to the farthest portion of the habitable globe, but know that MY PRESENCE WILL BE THERE. Labor in faith and confidence, for the time will never come when I shall forsake you.” {ST August 12, 1903 par. 6}
“THE ASSURANCE OF HIS ABIDING PRESENCE WAS THE RICHEST LEGACY CHRIST COULD GIVE HIS DISCIPLES. HAVING THE HIGH PRIEST OF OUR PROFESSION CLOSE BY OUR SIDE, we need not imperil our souls by opening the secrets of our hearts to priest or minister. In all confidence we may open our heart to the head over all the church. Take every matter, small or great to Jesus. “Come unto me,” He says, “all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Precious assurance. Let us show that we honor the invitation by obeying the call.” {Ms 138-1897 .22}
“WHEN HIS WORDS OF INSTRUCTION HAVE BEEN RECEIVED, AND HAVE TAKEN POSSESSION OF US, JESUS IS TO US AN ABIDING PRESENCE, CONTROLLING OUR THOUGHTS AND ACTIONS. We are imbued with the instruction of the greatest Teacher the world ever knew. A sense of human accountability and the value of human influence gives character to our views of life and of daily duties. Jesus Christ is everything to us,–the first, the last, the best in everything. Jesus Christ, his Spirit and character, colors everything; it is the warp and the woof, the very texture of our entire being. THE WORDS OF CHRIST ARE SPIRIT AND LIFE. We can not then center our thoughts upon self; it is no more we that live, BUT CHRIST THAT LIVETH IN US, and he is the hope of glory. Self is dead, but Christ is a living Saviour. Continuing to look unto Jesus, we reflect his image to all around us. We can not stop to consider our disappointments, or even to talk of them; for a more pleasant picture attracts our sight,–the precious love of Jesus. HE DWELLS IN US BY THE WORD OF TRUTH.” {ST September 3, 1896, par. 6}
“What said Christ to the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well? “If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.” “Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again; but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” THE WATER TO WHICH CHRIST REFERRED WAS THE REVELATION OF HIS GRACE IN HIS WORD. HIS SPIRIT, HIS TEACHING, HIS LOVE is as a satisfying fountain to every soul. Every other source to which men resort proves unsatisfying; but the word of truth is as cool streams, represented as the waters of Lebanon, which are always satisfying. In Christ is fulness of joy forevermore. The pleasures and amusements of the world are never satisfying, or healing to the soul. But Jesus says, “Whosoever eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood hath eternal life.” {ST, September 3, 1896}
“CHRIST’S GRACIOUS PRESENCE IN HIS WORD ever speaks to the soul, representing him as the well of living water to refresh the thirsting. It is our privilege to have A LIVING, ABIDING SAVIOUR. HE IS THE SOURCE OF SPIRITUAL POWER IN US, and his influence will flow forth in words and actions that will refresh all within the sphere of our influence, begetting in them desires and aspirations for strength and purity, for holiness and peace, for that joy which brings no sorrow with it. Such an experience will be the result of having CHRIST AS AN INDWELLING SAVIOUR.” {ST, September 3, 1896}
“Where the SPIRIT OF CHRIST IS IN THE HEART, THE CHARACTER OF CHRIST WILL BE REVEALED, and there will be manifested gentleness under provocation, and patience under trial.”—The Signs of the Times, June 20, 1895. {RC 59.4}
“The Lord draws out the soul in prayer, and gives us to feel His precious love. WE HAVE A NEARNESS TO HIM, AND CAN HOLD SWEET COMMUNION WITH HIM. WE OBTAIN DISTINCT VIEWS OF HIS TENDERNESS AND COMPASSION, and our hearts are broken and melted with contemplation of the love that is given to us. WE FEEL INDEED AN ABIDING CHRIST IN THE SOUL. We abide in Him, and feel at home with Jesus. The promises flow into the soul. Our peace is like a river, wave after wave of glory rolls into the heart, AND INDEED WE SUP WITH JESUS AND HE WITH US. We have a realizing sense of the love of God, and we rest in His love. No language can describe it, it is beyond knowledge. We are one with Christ, our life is hid with Christ in God. We have the assurance that when He who is our life shall appear, then shall we also appear with Him in glory. With strong confidence, we can call God our Father.” (Letter 52, 1894). {3BC 1147.8}
“IF CHRIST IS NOT ABIDING IN THE SOUL, ANOTHER SPIRIT RULES AND CONTROLS; but Christ, the precious Saviour, is to be the Christian’s all in all. Every holy thought, every pure desire, every godlike purpose is from him who is the light, the truth, and the way. Christ is to live in his representatives by the spirit of truth. Jesus said, “Howbeit, when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.” The events of the future will be discerned by prophecy, and will be understood. “He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you.” CHRIST IS TO LIVE IN THE HUMAN INSTRUMENT. Paul says, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” {RH April 4, 1893, par. 7}
“CHRIST LIVING IN THE SOUL is revealed in the character. Man is nothing without Christ – {ST October 10, 1892, par. 8}
“WHAT WE WANT IS THE SPIRIT OF JESUS. When we have this, we shall love one another. Here are the credentials that we are to bear: “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. We need to pray more; and WHEN WE HAVE CHRIST ABIDING IN THE SOUL, HIS SPIRIT IN ME WILL HARMONIZE WITH HIS SPIRIT IN YOU; and he who controls our minds, controls also the heavenly intelligences, and they co-operate with us. Then in every council YOU WILL HAVE THE PRESENCE OF ONE MIGHTY in counsel. JESUS WILL BE THERE. There will be no contention, no strife, no stirring up of the worst passions of the heart. What we want is to find refuge in Jesus. What we want is to be converted: And O, how I have longed for the converting power of God to go through our assemblies!” {1888 903.10} {GCDB April 13, 1891, par. 29}
“When one is fully emptied of self, when every false god is cast out of the soul, the vacuum is supplied by the INFLOWING OF THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST.” -{6LtMs, Ms 3, 1890, par. 2}
“It is THE PRESENCE OF JESUS that is needed in our assemblies, to make the preaching of the word effectual to the salvation of souls. Preaching, in itself, has no natural power to renew the heart, and yet this is the object of preaching. It is THE DIVINE INFLUENCE ACCOMPANYING THE WORD, that brings souls in penitence to the foot of the cross. O that Christ’s ambassadors would feel their need of Jesus, that their preaching might not be in vain, nor their ministry unsuccessful. When the minister hears the voice of the great Shepherd saying, “Lo, I am with you alway,” he works AS IF IN THE PRESENCE OF JESUS; and out of weakness he is made strong. The word becomes quick and powerful, and, IN PROPORTION AS FAITH APPRECIATES THE DIVINE PRESENCE, and honors it, and trusts it, the preaching is in the demonstration of the Spirit and with power.” {RH, September 4, 1888 par. 12}
“Many are quickly irritated, and their words are sharp and bitter. They wound the hearts of those about them, and make it apparent that the SPIRIT OF CHRIST IS NOT ABIDING IN THEIR SOULS. The grace of Christ will bring the peace of God into your homes; but many who profess the truth, do not seem to realize that it is an essential part of religion to become meek and lowly, tender-hearted and forbearing.” {RH February 21, 1888, par. 10}
“The only hope we have of salvation is through Christ. IF HIS SPIRIT ABIDES IN THE HEART, SIN CANNOT DWELL THERE.” {RH Mar 16, 1886}
“It is the INDWELLING OF CHRIST IN THE SOUL, the development of his spirit in the life. The Christian experience is a constant effort to conform the human will to the will of Christ, and to form the character according to the divine model.” {RH January 24, 1882, par. 3}
“THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST IS TO HAVE A CONTROLLING INFLUENCE OVER THE LIFE OF HIS FOLLOWERS, so that they will speak and act like Jesus. Christ says, “The glory which thou gavest Me I have given them.” … {ML 252.3}
“The line of demarcation between those who serve God and those who serve Him not, is ever to remain distinct. The difference between believers and unbelievers should be as great as the difference between light and darkness. When God’s people take the position that they are THE TEMPLE OF THE HOLY GHOST, CHRIST HIMSELF ABIDING WITHIN, they will so clearly reveal Him in spirit, words, and actions, that there will be an unmistakable distinction between them and Satan’s followers….” {3SM 211.2}
“I wish to impress upon you the fact that those who HAVE JESUS ABIDING IN THE HEART BY FAITH HAVE ACTUALLY RECEIVED THE HOLY SPIRIT. Every individual who receives Jesus as his personal Saviour just as surely receives the Holy Spirit to be his Counselor, Guide, and Witness. The more closely the believer walks with God, the clearer his witness, and, as a result, the more powerful will be the influence of his testimony upon others of a Saviour’s love; the more he will give evidence that he prizes the Word of God. It is his meat, it is his drink, to satisfy the thirsty soul. He prizes the privilege of learning the will of God from His word.” {Manuscript Releases , vol. 14, 70-71}
“After the Saviour’s ascension, THE SENSE OF THE DIVINE PRESENCE, FULL OF LOVE AND LIGHT, WAS STILL WITH THEM. IT WAS A PERSONAL PRESENCE. Jesus, the Saviour, who had walked and talked and prayed with them, who had spoken hope and comfort to their hearts, had, while the message of peace was upon His lips, been taken from them into heaven. As the chariot of angels received Him, His words had come to them, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end.” Matthew 28:20. He had ascended to heaven in the form of humanity. They knew that He was before the throne of God, their Friend and Saviour still; that His sympathies were unchanged; that He would forever be identified with suffering humanity. They knew that He was presenting before God the merit of His blood, showing His wounded hands and feet as a remembrance of the price He had paid for His redeemed ones; and this thought strengthened them to endure reproach for His sake. Their union with Him was stronger now than when He was with them in person. THE LIGHT AND LOVE AND POWER OF AN INDWELLING CHRIST shone out through them, so that men, beholding, marveled.” {AA 65.1}
“Taking God at His word, move forward with steadfast, persevering faith. CHRIST’S PRESENCE AND HIS WORD, “Lo, I am with you alway,” is our wisdom and righteousness. [Matthew 28:20.] IT IS THE LIVING PRESENCE THAT MAKES THE LIVING WORD. The kingdom comes to us, not in word only, but in power. IT IS UNWAVERING FAITH IN CHRIST’S PRESENCE THAT GIVES POWER.” (Letter to A.G. Daniells and E.R. Palmer, “Elmshaven,” St. Helena, California) Portions of this letter are published in CM 20; 11MR 354-356; 5Bio 147.
“While the Lord has not promised His people exemption from trials, He has promised that which is far better. He has said, “As thy days, so shall thy strength be” (Deuteronomy 33:25)…. If you are called to go through the fiery furnace for His sake, JESUS WILL BE BY YOUR SIDE EVEN AS HE WAS WITH THE FAITHFUL THREE IN BABYLON. Those who love their Redeemer will rejoice at every opportunity of sharing with Him humiliation and reproach. The love they bear their Lord makes suffering for His sake sweet….” {RC 365.6}
“God will bless those who 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 more than the forgiveness of sin; it means that sin is taken away, and that the vacuum is filled with the Spirit. It means that the mind is divinely illumined, that the heart is emptied of self, and FILLED WITH THE PRESENCE OF CHRIST. When this work is done for church members, the church will be a living, working church.” – {YRP 318.4}
“We ought to be the most happy people in the world, because He is all in all to us. He has told us He would be a counselor, guide, strength, support and a tender, sympathizing friend. He is everything we need, the first, last, and best in everything. We want to praise Him in the morning, at noon, and at night; ever having the door of our hearts open and INVITING JESUS TO COME AND THERE ABIDE. “If a man love Me, he will keep My words: and My Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him” (John 14:23). – {2SAT 93.3}
“WHILE CHRIST IS DWELLING IN THE HEART, it is impossible to conceal the light of His presence. It will grow brighter as the mists of selfishness and sin that envelop the soul are dispelled by the Sun of Righteousness.” {EP 80}
“UNLESS YOU HAVE THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST, YOU ARE NONE OF HIS AND WILL NEVER SEE THE REDEEMED SAINTS IN HIS KINGDOM, who are to be one with Him in the heaven of bliss. God desires you to consecrate yourself wholly to Him and represent His character in the home circle.6 {CG 481.2}
“AS YOU RECEIVE THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST—the Spirit of unselfish love and labor for others—you will grow and bring forth fruit.” {COL 67}
“IF WE HAVE THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST WE SHALL BRING FORTH THE FRUIT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, fruit that will honor and bless men, and glorify God.” – 5T 230.3
“Everyone IN WHOSE HEART CHRIST ABIDES, everyone who will show forth His love to the world, is a worker together with God for the blessing of humanity. As he receives from the Saviour grace to impart to others, from his whole being flows forth the tide of spiritual life.” (AA 13.2)
We know that we have the PRESENCE OF JESUS. THE SWEET INFLUENCE OF HIS HOLY SPIRIT is teaching and guiding our thoughts, leading us to speak words that will cheer and brighten the pathway of others.—Testimonies for the Church 6:115 (1900). {2MCP 572.3}
WHEN CHRIST ABIDES IN THE HEART, the whole nature is transformed. CHRIST’S SPIRIT, His love, softens the heart, subdues the soul, and raises the thoughts and desires toward God and heaven. {SC 73.1}
“WHEN CHRIST ABIDES IN THE HEART, unity is seen. Divine love flows from the heart in a strong current. The privileges and opportunities given to every soul are appreciated. {Ms12-1899.5}
“WHEN CHRIST ABIDES IN THE HEART, by faith, His Spirit becomes a power to purify and vivify the soul.” {CT 223.2}
“WHEN CHRIST ABIDES IN THE HEART, there will be purity and refinement of thought and manner. {Mar 88.2}
“WHEN CHRIST ABIDES IN THE HEART, the powers of the whole being work in unity and harmony. The whole individual person’s reason, and the affections, knowing how to act their parts, labor together unitedly. Like a king upon his throne, reason rules the working machinery. {TDG 23.2}
“WHEN CHRIST ABIDES IN THE HEART, we shall not even repeat the false statements we hear. We shall not retaliate nor bring railing accusation against any, because this would wound our souls deeply, and make us forget our resting-place of confidence and peace in Christ. {YI April 4, 1901, par. 6}
“WHEN CHRIST ABIDES IN THE HEART, mutual love will be shown in all the work to be accomplished in this institution of learning. {Ms55-1898.22}
IF CHRIST’S SPIRIT IS IN THEM, it will not create disorder and confusion, but will rectify all these mistakes and disturbances. Then let all drink deep of the fountain of truth, that through you may flow forth the living, refreshing streams that come from the fountain of life and salvation. {RH December 2, 1884, par. 11}
“The power of an EVER-ABIDING SAVIOUR is greater now than ever before, because the emergencies are greater; and yet we are weak in spiritual life and experience. Oh, how much we have lost as a people by our lack of faith! We have suffered loss to our own souls, and have failed to reveal to others, by our words and in our character, what Christ is and will be to everyone who comes to him believing. He is “made unto us wisdom and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.” To give glory to God is to reveal his character in our own, and thus make him known. And in whatever way we make known the Father or the Son, we glorify God.” {ST October 17, 1892, par. 3}
“CHRIST IS THE LIFE OF THE SOUL. We must be in Him and HE IN US, else we are sapless branches.” {The Review and Herald, May 30, 1882}
Spirit of Christ is the Spirit of Truth
“The SPIRIT of TRUTH is the only effectual teacher of divine truth; those who are taught of Him have entered the school of CHRIST. How must God esteem the race, that He gave His Son to die for them, and appoints HIS SPIRIT to be man’s teacher and continual guide.” {ST, Oct 24, 1906}
“How shall I bear impressively the commission Christ has given to His people—the privilege of being workers with the SPIRIT OF ALL TRUTH MANIFEST IN THE FLESH—THE DIVINE SON OF GOD, CLOTHED WITH HUMANITY, a channel devised and prepared to be continually receiving and imparting the heavenly current? HIMSELF THE OVERFLOWING FOUNTAIN, He receives to communicate to all those who will accept the gift.” (July 25, 1906 Campground, Oakland, California)
“We cannot be with CHRIST in person, as were His first disciples, but HE HAS SENT HIS HOLY SPIRIT TO GUIDE US INTO ALL TRUTH, and through this power we too can bear witness for the Saviour. [John 16:13 quoted]” — (E.G. White, Ms30, June 18, 1900)
“CHRIST WAS THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH. The world will not listen to HIS PLEADINGS. They would not accept Him as their guide. They could not discern unseen things; spiritual things were unknown to them. But His disciples see in Him the way, the Truth, and the Life. And they shall have HIS ABIDING PRESENCE. {The Southern Review Oct 25, 1898}
“JESUS COMES TO YOU AS THE SPIRIT of TRUTH; study the MIND OF THE SPIRIT, consult your Lord, follow His way.” {2MR 337.1}
“Christ was about to depart to His home in the heavenly courts. But He assured His disciples that He would send them another Comforter, who would abide with them forever. To the guidance of this Comforter all who believe in CHRIST may implicitly trust. HE IS THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH, but this truth the world can neither discern nor receive.” {12MR 260.1}
The Spirit that Represents Christ is His Own Spirit
“I testify to my brethren and sisters that the church of CHRIST, enfeebled and defective as it may be, is the only object on earth on which HE bestows HIS supreme regard. While HE extends to all the world HIS invitation to come to HIM and be saved, HE commissions HIS angels to render divine help to every soul that cometh to HIM in repentance and contrition, and HE COMES PERSONALLY BY HIS HOLY SPIRIT into the midst of HIS church.” –{E.G. White, CET 206}
“When God’s people search the Scriptures with a desire to know what is truth, JESUS IS PRESENT IN THE PERSON OF HIS REPRESENTATIVE, THE HOLY SPIRIT, reviving the hearts of the humble and contrite ones.” — (E.G. White, 12MR 145.2, 1898)
Lift up CHRIST in His power IN THE PERSON of the Holy Spirit. He is waiting for them to open the door and admit Him.” — (Ellen G. White, Lt59, March 29, 1899).
“CHRIST came to our world, but the world could not endure His purity. He has gone to His Father, but HE HAS SENT HIS HOLY SPIRIT TO REPRESENT HIM in the world till he shall come again.” — (E.G. White, Ms1, Jan 11, 1897)
“CHRIST HAS LEFT HIS Holy Spirit TO BE HIS REPRESENTATIVE in the world, to give celestial aid to every hungering, thirsting soul.” — (E.G. White, Lt84, Oct 22, 1895)
“THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST; IT IS HIS REPRESENTATIVE. Here is the divine agency that carries conviction to hearts. When the power of His Spirit is revealed through the servants of God, we behold divinity flashing through humanity.” — (E.G. White, 13MR 313.3, 1895)
“Cumbered with humanity, CHRIST could not be in every place personally; therefore it was altogether for their advantage that He should leave them, go to His father, and send the Holy Spirit to be His successor on earth. The HOLY SPIRIT IS HIMSELF, divested of the personality of humanity, and independent thereof. HE WOULD REPRESENT HIMSELF AS PRESENT IN ALL PLACES BY HIS HOLY SPIRIT, AS THE OMNIPRESENT.” — (E.G. White, Lt119, Feb 18, 1895)
Spirit of Christ is grieved
Ephesians 4:30 “And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.”
“When the enemy tempts you, do not let him gain the victory, but tell him you love Jesus and JESUS LOVES YOU, AND YOU WILL NOT GRIEVE HIS HOLY SPIRIT when He loves you and cares for you.” {Lt155-1894.3}
“O HOW WE GRIEVE THE PURE, HOLY SPIRIT OF CHRIST with our defiling sins. We are not prepared [for] the appreciation of holy communion with Christ, and with one another, unless cleansed by His efficacy.” {RH July 5, 1898, par. 7}
“What shall I do? is the inquiry now to be made. Shall I strive for the supremacy? No, no, no! If you will now see that you have GRIEVED THE HOLY SPIRIT OF CHRIST, if you will now come into working order and DO HOMAGE TO THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE OFFICE THAT IT HOLDS in the plan of redemption, you will be able to work in co-operation with God. Only in this way can you do honor to Christ’s great work, FOR IT IS THROUGH HIS MEDIATION THAT TO HUMAN AGENCIES ARE IMPARTED THE DIRECT INFLUENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT TO GIVE POWER TO PRAYER AND TO ENTREATY IN A UNITED EFFORT TO SAVE SOULS READY TO PERISH. Christians who love Christ will plead for the conversion of souls. It is this first love that so many have lost.” {Ms128-1901.47}
“The SPIRIT OF CHRIST IS GRIEVED when you say things that are severe…” {Lt260-1908.2}
“The SPIRIT OF CHRIST IS GRIEVED when any of His followers give evidence of possessing a harsh, unfair, or exacting spirit.” {RH February 18, 1909, par. 9}
Former and Latter Rain
“If we keep our minds stayed upon Christ, He will come unto us ‘as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.’ Hosea 6:3.” – Christ’s Object Lessons, page 66.1(1900)
As the plant takes root in the soil, so we are to take deep root in Christ. As the plant receives the sunshine, the dew, and the rain, we are to open our hearts to the Holy Spirit. The work is to be done “not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” Zechariah 4:6. If we keep our minds stayed upon Christ, HE WILL COME UNTO US “AS THE RAIN, AS THE LATTER AND FORMER RAIN unto the earth.” Hosea 6:3. As the Sun of Righteousness, He will arise upon us “with healing in His wings.” Malachi 4:2. We shall “grow as the lily.” We shall “revive as the corn, and grow as the vine.” Hosea 14:5, 7. By constantly relying upon Christ as our personal Saviour, we shall grow up into Him in all things who is our head. {COL 66.1}
Divine Telegraphy
“Jesus responds to the demands of the centurion by commanding him, “Go thy way; thy son liveth.” These brief and simple words thrill through the heart of the father; he FEELS the holy POWER of the SPEAKER in every tone. Instead of going to Capernaum, Jesus, BY A FLASH OF DIVINE TELEGRAPHY, sends the message of healing to the bedside of the suffering son. He dismisses the suppliant, who, with unspeakable gratitude, and perfect faith in the words of the Saviour, turns his steps homeward with a peace and joy he has never felt before. . .” {3Red 17.3}
Read the next quote below carefully:
“…He understood the case; HE HAD DRAWN TO HIMSELF that perplexed and doubting spirit. WHILE THE PARALYTIC WAS YET AT HOME, THE SAVIOUR HAD BROUGHT CONVICTION TO HIS CONSCIENCE. When he repented of his sins, and believed in the power of Jesus to make him whole, THE LIFE-GIVING MERCIES OF THE SAVIOUR HAD FIRST BLESSED HIS LONGING HEART. JESUS HAD WATCHED the first glimmer of faith grow into a belief that He was the sinner’s only helper, AND HAD SEEN IT GROW STRONGER with every effort to come into His presence. {DA 268.1}
Note: Did you catch it? Jesus drew the paralytic while he was yet at home. Jesus had convicted his conscience. When the paralytic repented and believed that Jesus could heal him, the Savior blessed his longing heart with “life-giving mercies.” Jesus had watched his first glimmers of faith grow into belief and watched it grow even stronger with every effort to come into His presence.
Life Insurance Policy
“My brethren and sisters, I present before you CHRIST, WHO IS TO BE TO US AN ABIDING PRESENCE. “Christ in you, the hope of glory,” will keep the soul fresh and sweet. Christ was God’s gift to a perishing world. “To as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” Let everyone be assured that IT IS BY RECEIVING THIS LIFE-SAVING GIFT THAT WE SECURE ETERNAL LIFE. THIS IS OUR LIFE-INSURANCE POLICY. {Ms151-1901 (September 7, 1901) par. 5}
Renewing Power
“As Saul united with the prophets in their worship, a great change was wrought in him by the RENEWING POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT…” {ST July 20, 1882, par. 16}
EGW. All the powers and passions of the converted man are brought under the control of Christ. HIS SPIRIT IS A RENEWING POWER, transforming to the divine image all who will receive it. {ST January 11, 1883, par. 22} EGW.
“CHRIST HIMSELF IS THE RENEWING POWER, working in and through every soldier by THE AGENCY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.” {RH July 16, 1895, Art. A, par. 9} EGW.
Equivalent
“The disciples returned to Jerusalem rejoicing, not that they were deprived of their Master and Teacher, for this was to them a cause for personal mourning rather than joy. But Jesus had assured them THAT HE WOULD SEND THE COMFORTER, AS AN EQUIVALENT FOR HIS VISIBLE PRESENCE. He had said, “If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father.” They rejoiced because Jesus had wrought out salvation for man; he had answered the claims of the law, and had become a perfect offering for man; he had ascended to Heaven to carry forward the work of atonement begun on earth. He was the Advocate of man, his Intercessor with the Father.” {3SP 256.1}
Intercessor with Groanings-One Mediator
Romans 8:26 “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”
“We have ONLY ONE CHANNEL of approach to God. Our prayers can come to him through one name only,—THAT OF THE LORD JESUS OUR ADVOCATE. HIS SPIRIT MUST INSPIRE OUR PETITIONS. No strange fire was to be used in the censers that were waved before God in the sanctuary. So the LORD HIMSELF MUST KINDLE IN OUR HEARTS the burning desire, IF OUR PRAYERS ARE ACCEPTABLE TO HIM. THE HOLY SPIRIT WITHIN must make intercessions for us, WITH GROANINGS THAT CANNOT BE UTTERED.” {Review & Herald, February 9, 1897, par. 10}
“The GROANINGS AND LONGINGS OF THE SPIRIT ARE THE EXPRESSION OF THE INTERCESSION OF CHRIST in behalf of His people, according to the will of God. They come from God and are returned to Him in silent and in audible prayer.” {Ms32-1903.13}
“And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the altar which was before the throne.” [Revelation 8:3.] Paul says, “The Spirit also helps our infirmities; for we know <not> what things we should pray for as we ought.” “And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is in the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” [Romans 8:26, 27.]
”If we come to God and pray for things that are not in accordance with the will of God, then what? Then He that searcheth the hearts and trieth the reins of the children of men, translates that prayer into the very things that we need to ask God to give us. I loathe myself. I would clothe myself in sackcloth and ashes and cry, “Unclean, unclean.” [Leviticus 13:45.] THE ONLY CLEANNESS THAT I CAN HAVE IS THAT WHICH IS IN JESUS CHRIST. HE TAKES MY PRAYER AND OFFERS IT TO GOD, and if I make a mistake, and ask for the things that are not best, my prayer is translated into the very things that I should have and want.” {10MR 113.3}
“CHRIST ALONE CAN MAKE AN EFFECTUAL PLEA IN OUR BEHALF. He is able to silence the accuser with arguments founded not upon our merits, but on His own.” {CCh 352.1} {RH January 2, 1908, par. 11}
Christ is our advocate, pleading in our behalf. The Spirit pleads within us. Then let us show perfect trust in our Leader, and not inquire of false guides.—Unpublished Testimonies, October 19, 1894. HL 300.4
Christ is Drawing All Men Unto Himself
John 12:32 “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.”
“Our moral perceptions are not dependent upon riches, earthly wisdom, and learning. The true light is shining into hearts from the throne of God. THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST IS DRAWING ALL MEN UNTO HIMSELF. His invitation reaches to every soul: “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
“I call upon all to fasten themselves to CHRIST. HE INVITES THEM, “Come unto me.” “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” {SpM 309.5}
“By rejecting the light that was shining upon them, by refusing to examine the evidence to see whether the messages were from heaven, the Pharisees sinned against the Holy Ghost. Christ, the world’s Redeemer, was in the world. “All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not…. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” THE VOICE OF HIS SPIRIT CAME TO THEM, SAYING, “THIS IS THE SON OF GOD; BELIEVE ON HIM.” But turning their faces from the light, they refused to listen, choosing, instead, to cultivate their unbelief. Thus the light which, if received, would have been to them a savor of life unto life, rejected, became a savor of death unto death,—death to spirituality.” {RH July 27, 1897, par. 2}
“To the charge of the high priest, Jesus said, “Thou hast said: nevertheless, I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.” With dignity and assurance were these words spoken; FOR THEY FELL FROM THE LIPS OF ONE WHOSE SPIRIT WENT WITH THEM. THE ONLY BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD WAS THE SPEAKER, and into the hearts of his hearers flashed the conviction, “Never man spake like this man.” {YI May 31, 1900, par. 4}
“HE WHO HAS DECLARED THAT HIS WORDS ARE SPIRIT AND LIFE should have their faith in strong exercise that THE LORD JESUS IS AN HONORED GUEST IN THEIR ASSEMBLIES. “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them” [Matthew 18:20]… {21MR 294.1}
“It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing; the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” CHRIST IS NOT HERE REFERRING TO HIS DOCTRINE, BUT TO HIS PERSON, THE DIVINITY OF HIS CHARACTER…” {RH April 5, 1906, par. 12}
“There is nothing else that can save us. CHRIST COMES IN HIS DIVINE NATURE, and here is every soul will be enlightened according to what you study, according to what you give the mind to feed upon.”
“God has promised his Holy Spirit, the highest power in the universe, to be embodied in men, that through faith in Jesus Christ humanity may be elevated. An INFLUENCE EMANATING FROM GOD draws and concentrates the power of the universe, that a lost and rebel race may be reconciled and restored to God. {ST September 4, 1893, par. 7}
Coming in the Clouds
“Get ready,” is the word sounded in my ears. “Get ready, get ready. He that is to come, will come and will not tarry. Tell my people that unless they improve the sacred opportunities given them, unless they do the work I have given them, Satan will come upon them with the stealthy tread of a thief, to deceive and allure them.” God wants us to be wide awake, that when he shall come, we shall be ready to say, “Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us.” HE IS COMING TO US BY HIS HOLY SPIRIT TODAY. LET US RECOGNIZE HIM NOW; THEN WE SHALL RECOGNIZE HIM WHEN HE COMES IN THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN, with power and great glory. God calls upon you to get ready to meet him in peace. {GCB April 23, 1901, Art. C, par. 8}
Visited John
“CHRIST CAME TO JOHN on the Isle of Patmos to show him symbols and representations and to explain their meaning. He desires us to study this instruction.” {Lt100-1906.9}
“CHRIST CAME TO JOHN on the isle of Patmos and revealed to him truth that concerns every one who shall act a part in the closing scenes of this earth’s history.” {Lt275-1905.6}
“CHRIST CAME TO JOHN on the Isle of Patmos to bring him a wonderful revelation regarding what was to take place on this earth. He charged him to write in a book that which was told him and send it to the churches.” {Lt338-1905.7}
“CHRIST CAME FROM HEAVEN TO MEET JOHN on the Isle of Patmos. The Lord revealed to His servant heavenly things and showed him what would take place in the last days…” THERE IS SIGNIFICANCE IN THE FACT THAT CHRIST DEEMED IT OF IMPORTANCE TO COME TO JOHN and to repeat over and over again, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” [Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22.]… IN THE MESSAGE THAT CHRIST BROUGHT TO JOHN on the Isle of Patmos, it is stated over and over again that our Saviour is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end…” {Ms154-1903.9}
“CHRIST VISITED JOHN on the lonely isle of Patmos and gave him instruction for the church in these last days. Let us become acquainted with this instruction.” {Lt5-1903.12}
“THE LORD JESUS APPEARED TO JOHN on the Isle of Patmos and revealed many things of solemn importance to him. ‘Blessed is he that readeth and they that hear the prophecy of this book, and keep those things which are written therein; for the time is at hand.’ [Revelation 1:3.]” {Ms29-1890.26}
“What a Saviour we have! IT WAS HE THAT REVEALED HIMSELF TO JOHN on the Isle of Patmos, and proclaimed, “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” None but just such an ever-living, mighty God, could pay the ransom to save sinners from going down into the pit of death.” {RH February 18, 1896, par. 5}
“The revelation of Christ to John is a wonderful, dignified, exalted, solemn message. To present this message with decided emphases, demands all the talents of capabilities that God has given to man. When John received it , he was worked (upon) by the Holy Spirit, FOR CHRIST HIMSELF CAME FROM HEAVEN and told him what to write.” {The Upward Look, p. 310.5}
“Let us strive to obtain an abundant entrance into the kingdom of our Lord. Let us diligently study the gospel that CHRIST CAME IN PERSON to present to John on the Isle of Patmos”—Signs of the Times, February 4, 1903. {YRP 366.4}
“We have been given a message exceeding in importance any other message ever entrusted to mortals. THIS MESSAGE CHRIST CAME IN PERSON TO THE ISLE OF PATMOS TO PRESENT TO JOHN. He told him to write down what he saw and heard during his vision, that the churches might know what was to come upon the earth. Do our medical workers realize the importance of the message of Revelation?” … {MM 37.4}
“We have, as it were, been asleep regarding this matter. Let us now send forth the word with determined energy, that the world may understand THE MESSAGE THAT CHRIST GAVE TO JOHN ON THE ISLE OF PATMOS.” {PM 57.3}
“The truth of the THIRD ANGEL’S MESSAGE THAT CHRIST COMMUNICATED TO JOHN on the Isle of Patmos, upon which a blessing is pronounced on those who read, hear, and do this truth, that message is to be proclaimed to warn the world of the conflict in which every individual will have a part.” {Lt45-1900.6}
“Patmos, a barren, rocky island in the Aegean Sea, had been chosen by the Roman government as a place of banishment for criminals; but to the servant of God this gloomy abode became the gate of heaven. Here, shut away from the busy scenes of life, and from the active labors of former years, HE HAD THE COMPANIONSHIP OF GOD AND CHRIST AND THE HEAVENLY ANGELS, AND FROM —>THEM<— HE RECEIVED INSTRUCTION FOR THE CHURCH FOR ALL FUTURE TIME. The events that would take place in the closing scenes of this earth’s history were outlined before him; and there he wrote out the visions he received from God. When his voice could no longer testify to the One whom he loved and served, the messages given him on that barren coast were to go forth as a lamp that burneth, declaring the sure purpose of the Lord concerning every nation on the earth.” – {AA 570.4}
“CHRIST CAME IN PERSON to the lonely isle of Patmos, and showed John the things that must be, [things] that were of the highest importance to His people. ([?] THROUGH THE PERSON OF HIS HIGHEST ANGELS. He had veiled His own glory.) This message is to come to God’s people, straight, sharp, and clean from all mixture of human wisdom and tradition.” {18MR 33.2}*
“Christ came in person to the lonely isle of Patmos and showed John the things that must be, that were of the highest importance to His people. (?) (Through the person of his highest angels. He had veiled His own glory.) This message is to come to God’s people straight, sharp, and clean from all mixture of human wisdom and tradition.” {Ms139-1903.22}
Note: Regarding the 2 statements immediately above, it’s unclear as to the parenthetical notation if they are part of the original notes by Ellen White or not. I found two of the same quotes where the question mark was notated differently (I did contact the EGW estate to inquire about it but have not heard back from them yet).
“We have before us stern, earnest work, and we must be prepared for it. With clearness and power we are to proclaim the messages given to John for the churches when IN VISON THE LORD APPEARED to him on the isle of Patmos.” {Lt200-1903.4}
“So it will be in the experience of those who are united with Christ in the accomplishment of the work He has given us to do. We have seen the great power of God. The Lord has wrought in behalf of His people. But Satan is not dead or palsied, and he prepares minds by degrees to become imbued with his spirit and to work after the same manner as he works against those who bear responsibilities in the work of God for these last days. In the future SATAN’S LAST EXPLOITS WILL BE CARRIED OUT WITH MORE POWER THAN EVER BEFORE. HE HAS LEARNED MUCH, AND HE IS FULL OF SCIENTIFIC SCHEMING TO MAKE OF NO EFFECT the work that is under the supervision of the ONE WHO CAME TO THE ISLE OF PATMOS to educate John and to give him instruction to be given to the churches.” {Lt311-1905.5}
Note: There are some debates as to how Christ manifested Himself to either Saul/Paul or John. Some argue that it was literally Christ Himself, who vacated heaven and appeared to either Saul or John in His glorified personage, while others hold to the idea that it was either a vision or some sort of augmented reality (a divine hologram) induced by the accompanying angel or Christ manifesting Himself in some form of an astralized self while He was located in heaven. What’s interesting to note in the above statements is that while it is said that “Christ Himself came from heaven,” it is also stated elsewhere that the message was “sent and signified it by his angel” (Rev 1:1) and that it came “through the person of His highest angels. He had veiled His own glory.” (18MR 33.2) and “in vision the Lord appeared” (Lt200-1903.4)
Similarities between Daniel and John’s experience:
“As Daniel’s prayer is going forth, THE ANGEL GABRIEL COMES SWEEPING DOWN FROM THE HEAVENLY COURTS to tell him that his petitions are heard and answered. THIS MIGHTY ANGEL HAS BEEN COMMISSIONED to give him skill and understanding—TO OPEN BEFORE HIM the mysteries of future ages. Thus, while earnestly seeking to know and understand the truth, Daniel was brought into communion with Heaven’s delegated messenger.” {SL 48.1}
“Daniel talked with God. Heaven was opened before him. But the high honors granted him were the result of humiliation and earnest seeking. All who believe with the heart the word of God will hunger and thirst for a knowledge of His will. God is the author of truth. He enlightens the darkened understanding and gives to the human mind power to grasp and comprehend the truths which He has revealed. {SL 49.1}“Upon the occasion just described, the ANGEL GABRIEL IMPARTED TO DANIEL ALL THE INSTRUCTION which he was then able to receive. A few years afterward, however, the prophet desired to learn more of subjects not yet fully explained, and again set himself to seek light and wisdom from God. ‘In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all…. THE I LIFTED UP MINE EYES, AND LOOKED, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz. His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude’ (Daniel 10:2-6).” {SL 49.2}
“This description is SIMILAR to that given by John WHEN CHRIST REVEALED TO HIM upon the isle of Patmos. NO LESS A PERSONAGE THAN THE SON OF GOD APPEARED TO DANIEL. OUR LORD COMES —>WITH<— ANOTHER HEAVENLY MESSENGER to teach Daniel what would take place in the latter days. {SL 49.3} (Compare: Our Lord now comes with another heavenly messenger to teach Daniel what would take place in the latter days.”—The Review and Herald, February 8, 1881. {TA 144.4}
“WHERE DID THE ANGEL FIND JOHN?—HE FOUND HIM ON THE ISLE OF PATMOS. Wicked men had tried to take his life, but they could not do it, so they had banished him to that rocky isle. They thought that he would be discouraged and soon die, and that they would not be troubled further by his testimony. But it was a happy place for the aged disciple. Every day he communed with God, and words of praise fell from his lips, even on that lonely, rocky isle. God revealed Himself to John in a most signal manner, and the words he there wrote under the inspiration of God have lived through the ages.” {Ms97-1906.45}
Note: It is evident that an angel Gabriel (and perhaps other angels as well) has the capacity to “impart” the instructions of God in such a manner as to bring the presence of God/Christ in a visual/dynamic/realistic sense to the prophets through visions and such and it appears that in most instances, the presence of God/Christ are always accompanied by the angel(s). Was Christ literally there in person? I’m incline to believe that He was there in vision. However, I do believe that it’s not inconsistent to say that Christ was really there in person with John and also agree that he was there in vision. I would contend that being with Christ through vision in John’s mind was no less real than Him being with Jesus in person! Early Writings pages 54 and 55 shows that Ellen White was speaking directly with Christ, but we know she was in vision! That said, the salient point for me is that Christ can certainly communicate and be “present” with humanity without the aid of another divine being (trinitarian’s “third person of the godhead”) acting on His behalf.
Appeared to Saul
Acts 9:1-8 “And Saul,… as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. 7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. 8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.”
Acts 9:27 “But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them HOW HE HAD SEEN THE LORD ON THE ROAD, AND THAT HE HAD SPOKEN TO HIM, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.”
“Paul told the Thessalonian Jews of his former zeal for the ceremonial law and of his wonderful experience at the gate of Damascus. Before his conversion he had been confident in a hereditary piety, a false hope. His faith had not been anchored in Christ; he had trusted instead in forms and ceremonies. His zeal for the law had been disconnected from faith in Christ and was of no avail. While boasting that he was blameless in the performance of the deeds of the law, he had refused the One who made the law of value. But at the time of his conversion all had been changed. JESUS OF NAZARETH, WHOM HE HAD BEEN PERSECUTING IN THE PERSON OF HIS SAINTS, APPEARED BEFORE HIM AS THE PROMISED MESSIAH.”
“In the record of the conversion of Saul important principles are given us, which we should ever bear in mind. SAUL WAS BROUGHT DIRECTLY INTO THE PRESENCE OF CHRIST. He was one whom Christ intended for a most important work, one who was to be a “chosen vessel” unto Him; yet the Lord did not at once tell him of the work that had been assigned him. He arrested him in his course and convicted him of sin; but when Saul asked, “What wilt Thou have me to do?” the Saviour placed the inquiring Jew in connection with His church, there to obtain a knowledge of God’s will concerning him.” {AA 120.3}
“Filled with fear, and almost blinded by the intensity of the light, THE COMPANIONS OF SAUL HEARD A VOICE, but saw no man. But Saul understood the words that were spoken, and TO HIM WAS CLEARLY REVEALED THE ONE WHO SPOKE-EVEN THE SON OF GOD. In the glorious BEING WHO STOOD BEFORE HIM he saw the Crucified One. Upon the soul of the stricken Jew the image of the Saviour’s countenance was imprinted forever. The words spoken struck home to his heart with appalling force. Into the darkened chambers of his mind there poured a flood of light, revealing the ignorance and error of his former life and his present need of the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit.” {AA 115.1}
“Barnabas, who had liberally contributed of his means to sustain the cause of Christ and to relieve the necessities of the poor, had been acquainted with Paul when he opposed the believers. He now came forward and renewed that acquaintance, heard the testimony of Paul in regard to his miraculous conversion, and his experience from that time. He fully believed and received Paul, took him by the hand, and led him into the presence of the apostles. He related his experience which he had just heard—THAT JESUS HAD PERSONALLY APPEARED TO PAUL while on his way to Damascus; that He had talked with him; that Paul had recovered his sight in answer to the prayers of Ananias, and had afterward maintained in the synagogue of the city that Jesus was the Son of God.” {6BC 1058.9}
Note: This shows that while ministering in the sanctuary above, He appeared to Saul on the road to Damascus. Again, not unlike Christ’s appearance to John, not all agree as to exactly how Christ appeared to Saul but the point here is that, these event took place after His ascension. Meaning, just because Christ is now forever linked with humanity, doesn’t negate the fact that He can still communicate with his subjects via His own presence and does not have to depend on another individual (aka “God the Holy Spirit).
Breath of Jesus-Life of Christ
“And so it is written, the first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made A LIFE-GIVING SPIRIT.” 1 Corinthians 15:45
“And when he had said this, HE BREATHED ON THEM, and saith unto them, RECEIVE YE THE HOLY GHOST:” John 20:22
“Almost immediately after the resurrection of our Lord, He urged upon His disciples the blessing of spiritual baptism in His words, Receive ye the Holy Ghost. BY THAT ACTION OF BREATHING UPON THEM, THEY RECEIVED THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST INTO THEIR INNER LIVES. The EXPIRATION OF THE SPIRIT BY THE LORD OF LIFE is the inspiration of every Christian. As the Lord breathed the breath into the clay He had formed, the vital, living element gave life to the clay and it became a living soul. SO CHRIST BREATHED UPON HIS DISCIPLES AND THEY BECAME HIS LIVING WITNESSES. CHRIST GIVES THE LIFE TO EVERY HUMAN WORKERS—to His ministers who bear the most solemn message ever to be given to man to impart to man.” {15LtMs, Lt 201, 1900, par.3}
“Christ gives them the BREATH OF HIS OWN SPIRIT, THE LIFE OF HIS OWN LIFE” {GW 112.3}
“All professions of Christianity are but lifeless expressions of faith until JESUS IMBUES THE BELIEVER WITH HIS SPIRITUAL LIFE, WHICH IS THE HOLY GHOST. The evangelist is not prepared to teach the truth, and to be the representative of Christ, till he has received this heavenly gift.”— Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 3, p. 242.2 – EGW
“The influence of the HOLY SPIRIT IS THE LIFE OF CHRIST IN THE SOUL. We do not see Christ and speak to Him, but His Holy Spirit is just as near us in one place as in another. It works in and through every one who receives Christ.” 12MR p. 260 (Manuscript 41, 1897).
“Some, at least, have no evidence that they have AN ABIDING CHRIST, and that He has inspired them with wisdom in counsel through THE TRANSFUSION OF HIS OWN SELF IN THE HEART” (Ms32-1897 (April 13, 1897) par. 11)
“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. 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 HAS 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} {ST October 3, 1892, par. 4}
“It is not the human agent that is to inspire with life. The Lord God of Israel will do that part, quickening the lifeless spiritual nature into activity. THE BREATH OF THE LORD OF HOSTS MUST ENTER INTO THE LIFELESS BODIES. In the judgment, when all secrets are laid bare, it will be known that the voice of God spoke through the human agent, and aroused the torpid conscience, and stirred the lifeless faculties, and moved sinners to repentance and contrition, and forsaking of sins. It will then be clearly seen that through the human agent faith in Jesus Christ was imparted to the soul, and spiritual life from heaven was breathed upon one who was dead in trespasses and sins, and he was quickened with spiritual life. {RH January 17, 1893, par. 7} {YRP 45.2}
“The influence of THE HOLY SPIRIT has gone from ministers because there has been A SPIRIT OF CONTENTION. Let it forever cease. COME UNTO THE MASTER and LET HIM BREATHE HIS SWEET SPIRIT into your hearts.” 2SAT 18.5
“The man who is consecrated to God, SANCTIFIED BY THE BREATH OF CHRIST, is one with Christ.” 12LtMs, Ms 147, 1897, par. 3
“The very dust of the ground from which man was formed was pure, and THE BREATH OF LIFE WHICH GOD BREATHED INTO HIS NOSTRILS WAS HOLY.” ST December 12, 1895, par. 6
Christ Breathed His Holy Spirit
“And when He had said this, He [Christ] breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whosesoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whosesoever sins ye retain, they are retained. The Holy Spirit was not yet fully manifested; for Christ had not yet been glorified. The more abundant impartation of the Spirit did not take place till after Christ’s ascension. Not until this was received could the disciples fulfill the commission to preach the gospel to the world. But the Spirit was now given for a special purpose. Before the disciples could fulfill their official duties in connection with the church, CHRIST breathed HIS Spirit upon them.” — (E.G. White, DA, p. 805)
“The Holy Spirit is the breath of spiritual life in the soul. THE IMPARTATION OF THE SPIRIT IS THE IMPARTATION OF THE LIFE OF CHRIST. It imbues the receiver with the attributes of Christ. Only those who are thus taught of God, those who possess the inward working of the Spirit, and in whose life the Christ-life is manifested, are to stand as representative men, to minister in behalf of the church.” Desire of Ages, 805.
“The Holy Spirit is the breath of life in the soul. The breathing of Christ upon his disciples was the breath of true spiritual life. The disciples were to interpret this as imbuing them with the attributes of their Saviour, that in purity, faith, and obedience, they might exalt the law, and make it honorable. God’s law is the expression of his character. By obedience to its requirements we meet God’s standard of character. Thus the disciples were to witness for Christ.” {RH, June 13, 1899 par. 6}
“The Holy Spirit invites 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, we shall pray in conformity to His revealed will, and in submission to His will which we know not…. 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. 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} Letter 11b, 1892. { 4MR 334.3}
“Christ gives them the breath of HIS OWN SPIRIT, the LIFE OF HIS OWN LIFE. The HOLY SPIRIT puts forth its highest energies to work in the heart and mind.” Desire of Ages, 827.
“And when He had said this, He [Christ] breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: … Before the disciples could fulfill their official duties in connection with the church, CHRIST BREATHED HIS SPIRIT upon them.” — (E.G. White, DA, p. 805)
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I LIVE; YET NOT I, BUT CHRIST LIVETH IN ME: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)
John 20:22 says, “Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” The following happened in 31AD the night following the resurrection morning AFTER Jesus went to His Father and returned to His disciples.
“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
“Those who rose up with Jesus would send up their faith to Him in the holiest, and pray, “My Father, give us Thy Spirit.” Then JESUS WOULD BREATHE UPON THEM THE HOLY GHOST. In that breath was light, power, and much love, joy, and peace. {EW 55.1}
“Christ breathed on His disciples, and said, “RECEIVE YE the Holy Ghost.” THIS IS THE GREAT GIFT OF HEAVEN. CHRIST IMPARTED TO THEM THROUGH THE SPIRIT HIS OWN SANCTIFICATION. He imbued them with His power, that they might win souls to the gospel. Henceforth CHRIST WOULD LIVE THROUGH THEIR FACULTIES, AND SPEAK THROUGH THEIR WORDS. They were privileged to know that hereafter HE AND THEY WERE TO BE ONE. They MUST CHERISH HIS PRINCIPLES AND BE CONTROLLED BY HIS SPIRIT. They were no longer to follow their own way, to speak their own words. THE WORDS THEY SPOKE WERE TO PROCEED FROM A SANCTIFIED HEART, and fall from sanctified lips. NO LONGER were they to live their own SELFISH LIFE; Christ was to live in them…. HE WOULD GIVE TO THEM THE GLORY THAT HE HAD WITH THE FATHER, that He and they might BE ONE IN GOD.” (The General Conference Bulletin, October 1, 1899. SD 294.3)
AFTER 1844 AD WHEN CHRIST WAS IN THE HOLIEST
“And I saw those who rose up with Jesus would send up their faith to Him in the holiest, and pray, ‘My Father, GIVE US THY SPIRIT.’ Then JESUS WOULD BREATHE UPON THEM THE HOLY GHOST. IN THAT BREATH was light, power, and much love, joy, and peace. {EW 55.1}
“GOD MUST BREATHE into your heart and spirit HIS BREATH OF LIFE. He is ready to do it. He is ready to take you into partnership with Himself. {Lt133-1897.14}
“Without THE HOLY SPIRIT, without THE BREATH OF GOD, there is torpidity of conscience, loss of spiritual life.” (4 BC 1166)
“THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE BREATH OF LIFE IN THE SOUL. The breathing of Christ upon his disciples was THE BREATH OF TRUE SPIRITUAL LIFE… The impartation of THE SPIRIT was the impartation of THE VERY LIFE OF CHRIST, which was to qualify the disciples for their mission. (RH, June 13, 1899)
“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… 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 has given him, that he and his people may be one in God…{ST October 3, 1892, par. 4}
The Saviour has oft visited you in Battle Creek. Just as verily as He walked in the streets of Jerusalem, LONGING TO BREATHE THE BREATH OF SPIRITUAL LIFE into the hearts of those discouraged and ready to die, has He come to you. {8T 67.1}
“Christ was empowered TO BREATHE INTO FALLEN HUMANITY THE BREATH OF LIFE… {GCB April 1, 1899, Art. A, par. 4}
“None who BREATHE THE BREATH OF GOD, RECEIVING THE HOLY SPIRIT FROM HIM, can be indifferent in regard to the welfare of others… {RH July 19, 1898, par. 22}
At his first advent, Christ came to the world as its Redeemer. He came to plant truth in the hearts of all who would give place to it, who would receive it and be converted. He came to take away the sin of the world, and to fill every heart with pure, healthful joy. HE LONGED TO BREATHE INTO PROSTRATE HUMANITY THE BREATH OF LIFE… {RH September 20, 1898, par. 3}
“GOD WILL BREATHE on sincere, contrite, penitent, believing disciples; BUT THE SELF-SUFFICIENT RECEIVE NOT THE INSPIRATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. {Ms168-1898.10}
“Christ overcame all corrupting influence. He knows just man is beset. He knows the strength of every temptation. He knows how to meet man under all circumstances, how to uplift and strength and IMBUE HIM WITH THE DIVINE NATURE, HOW TO BREATHE THE BREATH OF LIFE UPON HIM, SAYING, RECEIVE YE THE HOLY GHOST.” {Ms43-1898.16}
“With dignity and assurance were these words spoken; FOR THEY FELL FROM THE LIPS OF ONE WHOSE SPIRIT WENT WITH THEM. The only begotten Son of God was the speaker, and into the hearts of his hearers flashed the conviction, “Never man spake like this man.” {YI May 31, 1900, par. 4 }
A HOLY, submissive, CHRISTLIKE SPIRIT WAS BREATHED UPON US; for we knew that the SAVIOR WAS WITH US. 20LtMs, Lt 191, 1905, par. 5
Breath of God
“WITHOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT, WITHOUT THE BREATH OF GOD, there is torpidity of conscience, loss of spiritual life.” YRP 45.4
“THE BREATH OF GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT, will be upon the workers.” 14LtMs, Lt 209, 1899, par. 14
“THE SPIRIT OF GOD is a convincing power. WHEN THIS IS BREATHED upon the church, there will be a decided change in their spiritual efficiency.” UL 287.2
“GOD wants you to stand in position where HE CAN BREATHE UPON YOU THE HOLY SPIRIT, where Christ can abide in the heart.” 3SM 337.1; 2SAT 154.1
“THE BREATH OF GOD IS BREATHED THROUGH HIM, filling him with gladness.” RH June 25, 1908, par. 9
“THE BREATH OF GOD MUST BE BREATHED INTO THE SOUL before it can be filled with power.” 17LtMs, Lt 155, 1902, par. 32
“What a pity it is that the proclamation of the third angel’s message has not yet begun in many fields! For years the Lord has kept before His people the necessity of entering new fields. O that God would work! O that He would bring to life and energize the dead, dry bones of the house of Israel, BY BREATHING THE HOLY SPIRIT UPON HIS PEOPLE!” 17LtMs, Lt 110, 1902, par. 12
“It is painful to our Lord to see the dwarfed religious life of those who claim to be Christians because they do not properly represent Him to the world. HE WOULD HAVE HIS HOLY SPIRIT BREATHED UPON ALL who ask for it in faith. He is more willing to give THE HOLY SPIRIT to them that ask Him than parents are to give good gifts unto their children.” 15LtMs, Ms 93, 1900, par. 18
Unless there is genuine conversion of the soul to God; unless THE VITAL BREATH OF GOD quickens the soul to spiritual life;. RH January 17, 1893, par. 9
WHEN MINISTERS, TEACHERS AND MANAGERS BREATHE THE BREATH OF GOD, a high and holy consecration will be manifest.. 16LtMs, Ms 35, 1901, par. 13
LET US rise above the malarious atmosphere that pervades the world, and BREATHE THE BREATH OF GOD. 2SAT 168.1
NONE WHO BREATHE THE BREATH OF GOD, receiving THE HOLY SPIRIT from him, can be indifferent in regard to the welfare of others.. RH July 19, 1898, par. 22
Individual-Independent Agency
“The Lord’s throne is in heaven” (Psalm 11:4); YET BY HIS SPIRIT HE IS EVERYWHERE PRESENT. He has an intimate knowledge of, and a personal interest in, all the works of His hand. ” { E. G. White, Education , p. 132}
“The Holy Spirit is a free, working, independent agency. THE GOD OF HEAVEN USES HIS SPIRIT AS IT PLEASES HIM; and human minds, human judgment, and human methods can no more set boundaries to its working, or prescribe the channel through which it shall operate, than they can say to the wind, “I bid you to blow in a certain direction, and to conduct yourself in such and such a manner.” As the wind moves in its force, bending and breaking the lofty trees in its path, so the Holy Spirit influences human hearts, and no finite man can circumscribe its work.” {ST March 8, 1910, par. 2}
“At the baptismal ceremony we virtually take a most solemn oath in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, that henceforth our lives will be merged into the life of THESE THREE GREAT INDIVIDUAL AGENCIES; that the life we now live in the flesh we will live in faithful obedience to God’s sacred and holy law, keeping all His statutes and His commandments; that we will live in newness of life as men and women having a new birth unto God. We, as new born souls born to live in newness of life, acknowledge God’s covenant, that [we] are in reality pledging ourselves by a solemn oath to seek henceforth those things which are above where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. By our profession of faith we acknowledge the Lord as our God, and pledge ourselves to obey His commandments.” {15LtMs, Ms 68, 1900, par. 12}
Note: The word “individual” is being used here as an adjective to “agencies.” It is NOT saying, “three great individual beings.” Ellen White used the expression, “individuality” to denote two distinct aspect of Jesus’ dual nature-human and the divine:
“The two expressions human and divine were, in Christ, closely and inseparably one, and yet THEY HAD A DISTINCT INDIVIDUALITY...” {ST May 10, 1899, par. 11}
“Here we have plainly revealed to us that if we preserve the meekness and lowliness of Christ, if we walk humbly by the side of the Burden-bearer, if we come in close contact with our Redeemer, in being thus yoked up with Him, HE WILL IMPART TO US HIS OWN INDIVIDUALITY.
“Faithful to his promise, the Divine One, exalted in the heavenly courts, IMPARTED OF HIS FULLNESS to His followers on earth. His enthronement at God’s right hand was signalized BY OUTPOURING OF THE SPIRIT UPON HIS DISCIPLES.” {Ed 95.3}
“The knowledge of God as revealed in Christ is the knowledge that all who are saved must have. It is the knowledge that works transformation of character. This knowledge, received, will re-create the soul in the image of God. IT WILL IMPART TO THE WHOLE BEING A SPIRITUAL POWER THAT IS DIVINE.” {MH 425.3}
Note: Here “individuality” does not mean a separate personage from Christ Himself. In similar fashion the individual Agency or the “personhood” of the Holy Spirit does not make It (or Him) a separate Personage from God the Father or His Son. Definition according to Webster’s 1828 Dictionary agency (noun)
“1. The quality of moving or or exerting power; the state of being in action; action; operation; instrumentality; as, the agency of providence in the natural world.
“2. The OFFICE of an agent, or factor; business of an agent entrusted with the concerns of another; as, the principal pays the charges of agency.”
“The Holy Spirit exalts and glorifies the Saviour. IT IS HIS OFFICE TO PRESENT CHRIST, the purity of his righteousness, and the great salvation that we have through him. Jesus says, “He shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you.” [John 16:14.] The Spirit of truth is the only effectual teacher of divine truth. How must God esteem the human race, since he gave his Son to die for them, and appoints HIS SPIRIT to be man’s teacher and continual guide.” — CE 59.2 • EGW
“The incarnation of Christ, His divinity, His atonement, His wonderful life in heaven as our advocate, the OFFICE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT—all these vital themes of Christianity are revealed from Genesis to Revelation. Each is a golden link in the perfect chain of truth. Why, then, should not the Scriptures be exalted in every school in our land?” — CT, p. 427.3 • EGW
“The human agent, the seen instrument, is to preach the Word, and the THE LORD JESUS, THE UNSEEN, AGENCY, BY HIS HOLY SPIRIT is to make the Word efficacious and powerful.” {Letter 105, 1900} {2SM 18.3}
Thus, we can see that the 3 great individual agencies refers to the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit (the divine individuality of Christ).
Spirit of Christ Acts Through Organs and Faculties
“SPIRIT OF CHRIST IS TO TAKE POSSESSION of the organs of speech, of the mental power, of the physical and moral powers, else when in the midst of important interests, Satan shall work with his masterly power to create a condition of things that will call into active exercise these special traits of character, and will bring defeat just when there should be a victory, and so the cause of God will sustain a loss.” — Special Testimonies, Series A 6:53 {SpTA06 53.2}
“When human agents choose the will of God and are conformed to the character of Christ, JESUS ACTS THROUGH THEIR ORGANS AND FACULTIES. They put aside all selfish pride, all manifestation of superiority, all arbitrary exactions, and manifest the meekness and lowliness of Christ. It is no more themselves that live and act, but it is Christ who lives and acts through them. They understand the precious words of the Saviour’s prayer, “I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them as thou hast loved me.” [John 17:23.]
“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. 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 HAS 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} {ST October 3, 1892, par. 4}
Virtue/Influence/Holy Spirit Proceeds from Christ
“The living GOD WAS WORKING THROUGH HIS SON. Jesus, when he was found in fashion as a man, had a realizing sense of the world’s needs, and he employed his human, God-given powers for the benefit of men, while in every act of mercy and healing he drew upon the divine power, even the power that made the worlds. The Lord Jesus is all ready to impart the very same aid to all who will consecrate their powers to his service, who feel the need of the IMPARTATION OF HIS GRACE. To all who desire to be recipients of his Spirit, THE VIRTUE FLOWS OUT FROM CHRIST. And it is in this way that the character of God, the perfection of Christ and the Father, is brought before the world. The human agent is complete in Christ. Learning in the school of Christ, daily studying his life, we become one with him, and reflect the virtues of his character.” {RH October 14, 1902, par. 11}
“THE HOLY SPIRIT, WHICH PROCEEDS FROM THE ONLY BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD, binds the human agent, body, soul, and spirit, to the perfect, divine-human nature of Christ.” {RH, April 5, 1906}
“How shall I bear impressively the commission Christ has given to His people—the privilege of being workers with THE SPIRIT OF ALL TRUTH MANIFEST IN THE FLESH -THE DIVINE SON OF GOD, CLOTHED WITH HUMANITY, A CHANNEL DEVISED AND PREPARED TO BE CONTINUALLY RECEIVING AND IMPARTING THE HEAVENLY CURRENT? HIMSELF THE OVERFLOWING FOUNTAIN, HE RECEIVES TO COMMUNICATE TO ALL THOSE WHO WILL ACCEPT THE GIFT.” {Ms125-1906.13}
“To the charge of the high priest, Jesus said, “Thou hast said: nevertheless, I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.” With dignity and assurance WERE THESE WORDS SPOKEN; FOR THEY FELL FROM THE LIPS OF ONE WHOSE SPIRIT WENT WITH THEM. THE ONLY BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD WAS THE SPEAKER, and into the hearts of his hearers flashed the conviction, “Never man spake like this man.” {YI May 31, 1900, par. 4}
“Christ understands the needs of the world, and THROUGH HIM ALONE can the Father supply them. He is thirsting to give the needy souls the water of life freely. Christ is thirsting for the recognition of those for whom he left the courts of heaven, his honor, his glory, his royal throne, his high command. He is thirsting for the love, the cooperation that must be given him as their personal Saviour. He would have them come unto him, taking hold of his grace by faith, partaking of him, THE LIVING WATER. {ST April 22, 1897, par. 10}
“When you will come under the divine guidance, the comforter will lead you into all truth. The office of the Holy Spirit is to take the things of Christ —>as they fall from his lips<—and infuse them as living principles into the hearts opened to receive them. Then we will know both the Father and the Son.” (1888 799.1)
John 20:22 “And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:”
“The juices of the vine, ascending from the root, are diffused to the branches, sustaining growth and producing blossoms and fruit. SO THE LIFE-GIVING POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, PROCEEDING FROM CHRIST, AND IMPARTED TO EVERY DISCIPLE, PERVADES THE SOUL, renews the motives and affections and even the most secret thoughts, and brings forth the precious fruit of holy deeds.”—Sketches from the Life of Paul {LP 131.2}
“There are today many as ignorant of the Holy Spirit’s work upon the heart as were those believers in Ephesus; yet no truth is more clearly taught in the word of God. Prophets and apostles have dwelt upon this theme. Christ Himself calls our attention to the growth of the vegetable world as an illustration of the AGENCY OF HIS SPIRIT in sustaining spiritual life. The sap of the vine, ascending from the root, is diffused to the branches, sustaining growth and producing blossoms and fruit. So the life-giving power of the HOLY SPIRIT, PROCEEDING FROM THE SAVIOR, pervades the soul, renews the motives and affections, and brings even the thoughts into obedience to the will of God, enabling the receiver to bear the precious fruit of holy deeds.” {AA 284.1} {YRP 20.2}{LP 131.1}
“It is the virtue THAT GOES FORTH FROM CHRIST, that leads to genuine repentance” {SC 26.2}
John 7:37, 38 “In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, OUT OF HIS BELLY SHALL FLOW RIVERS OF LIVING WATER.”
“HE IN WHOM CHRIST DWELLS has within himself the fountain of blessing,—“a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” From this source he may draw strength and grace sufficient for all his needs.” DA 187.3
Himself the Overflowing Fountain
“How shall I bear impressively the commission Christ has given to His people—the privilege of being workers with the Spirit of all truth manifest in the flesh—the divine Son of God, clothed with humanity, a channel devised and prepared TO BE CONTINUALLY RECEIVING and imparting the heavenly current? HIMSELF THE OVERFLOWING FOUNTAIN, HE RECEIVES to communicate to all those who will accept the gift.” {Ms125-1906.13}
Spirit of the Father and Son
“If a man love me, he will keep my words; and the Father will love him, and we will come unto him.’ WE, that is, THE FATHER, THE SON, AND THE HOLY GHOST, and make our abode in him. -Letter 44, 1893. (Ellen White’s letter to A. T. Jones, April 9, 1893.)
Note: You see there is One Spiritual Presence – the holy Spirit- yet It simultaneously brings in Its wake the spiritual Presence of Two tangible Beings – God and His Son. Even while They remain up in heaven above They are truly with us in Spirit.
“He will send his representative, the Holy Spirit; for He says, “I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you.” BY THE SPIRIT the Father and the Son WILL COME and make THEIR abode with you. {BEcho January 15, 1893, par. 8}
Note: The “Holy Spirit” is the power and presence of God and of Christ which can function independently of themselves like a third (but not a literal third) person and is how “They” represent “Themselves” where they are not personally present. Thus Ellen White continually identifies the “Holy Spirit” as being the “Spirit of Christ” which is also His Fathers Spirit. And so it is by the “Spirit of Christ” that we have access to the Father.
“For through HIM [CHRIST] we both have access by ONE SPIRIT unto the Father.” (Ephesians 2:18)
As Jesus said, “No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6
“They were two, yet little short of being identical; two in individuality, yet ONE IN SPIRIT,” — (E.G. White, YI, Dec 16, 1897)
“The Father gave HIS Spirit without measure to his Son,” — (E.G. White, RH, Nov 5, 1908)
John 3:34 “For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure.”
In other words, Jesus had the fullness of the Spirit without limitations, which produced God’s perfection.
“In giving us HIS Spirit, God gives us HIMSELF,” — (E.G. White, 7T 273.1, 1902)
“If ye, then, being human and 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?” Luke 11:13. THE HOLY SPIRIT, THE REPRESENTATIVE OF HIMSELF [Father], is the greatest of all gifts. All “good things” are comprised in this. The Creator Himself can give us nothing greater, nothing better”. Mount of Blessing, 132 (bracket added by me)
“HE WOULD HAVE HIS HOLY SPIRIT BREATHED UPON ALL who ask for it in faith. He is more willing to give THE HOLY SPIRIT to them that ask Him than parents are to give good gifts unto their children.” 15LtMs, Ms 93, 1900, par. 18
“We need to return to God’s plan, to the place where the SPIRIT OF GOD CAN DWELL AMONG US.” {16LtMs, Ms 148, 1901, par. 14}
“We shall have false sentiments to meet. Never, never can we afford to place confidence in human greatness as some have done, looking to man as the angels in heaven looked to the rebellious Lucifer, and thus FINALLY LOSING THE SENSE OF THE PRESENCE OF CHRIST AND GOD.” {Lt280-1904}
“God has been working by HIS HOLY SPIRIT through human instrumentalities for the accomplishment of His purpose in behalf of the fallen race. This was manifest in the lives of the patriarchs. To the church in the wilderness also, in the time of Moses, God gave HIS ‘good Spirit to instruct them.’ Nehemiah 9:20.” {AA 53.1}
Christ Stands at the Door and Knocks
“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.”(Revelation 3: 20)
“Keep cheerful. Do not forget that you have a Comforter, the Holy Spirit, which Christ has appointed. You are never alone. If you will listen to the voice that now speaks to you, IF YOU WILL RESPOND WITHOUT DELAY TO THE KNOCKING AT THE DOOR OF YOUR HEART, “COME IN, LORD JESUS, that I may sup with Thee, and Thee with me,” the heavenly Guest will enter. When this element, which is all divine, abides with you, there is peace and rest.” {AH 350.3}
“The Holy Spirit is the comforter, your comforter…Which is always ready to help our infirmities. HE IS ALWAYS WAITING AT YOUR DOOR, ALWAYS KNOCKING FOR ADMITTANCE. LET HIM IN” (TDG158)
“Lift up CHRIST in His power in the PERSON of the Holy Spirit. He is waiting for them to open the door and admit Him.” — (E.G. White, Lt59, March 29, 1899)
“Let the peace and comfort of the Holy Spirit come into your hearts. Open the door of your hearts, that JESUS MAY ENTER AS AN HONORED GUEST, AND YOU WILL HAVE A COMFORTER.” {Lt10-1898.7}
“No man can of himself cast out the evil throng that have taken possession of the heart. ONLY CHRIST CAN CLEANSE THE SOUL TEMPLE. But He will not force an entrance. He comes not into the heart as to the temple of old; but He says, “Behold, I STAND AT THE DOOR, AND KNOCK: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I WILL COME IN TO HIM.” Revelation 3:20. He will come, not for one day merely; for He says, “I WILL DWELL IN THEM, and walk in them; … and they shall be My people.” “He will subdue our iniquities; and Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” 2 Corinthians 6:16; Micah 7:19. HIS PRESENCE WILL CLEANSE AND SANCTIFY THE SOUL, so that it may be a holy temple unto the Lord, and “an habitation of God through the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:21, 22.” DA 161.2
“Many are unwilling to have their way crossed. Now, it is not by following your own way that you will enter heaven; it is by choosing God’s way. Will you take it? IT IS NOT YOUR SPIRIT THAT IS GOING INTO HEAVEN; IT IS CHRIST’S SPIRIT. Will you have it? Jesus says, “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.” [Revelation 3:20.] Then I ask, How is it that so many of you are saying you do not know whether you are accepted of God or not; that you want to find Jesus? Don’t you know whether you have opened the door? Don’t you know whether you have invited him in? If you have not, invite him now. Don’t wait a moment. Open the door, and LET JESUS IN.” {Ms48-1891.52}
“The present message—JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH—is a message from God; it bears the divine credentials, for its fruit is unto holiness. Some who greatly need the precious truth that was presented before them, we fear did not receive its benefit. THEY DID NOT OPEN THE DOOR OF THEIR HEARTS TO WELCOME JESUS AS A HEAVENLY GUEST, AND THEY HAVE SUFFERED GREAT LOSS. There is indeed a narrow way in which we must walk; the cross is presented at every step. We must learn to live by faith; then the darkest hours will be brightened by the blessed beams of the Sun of Righteousness. {RH September 3, 1889, par. 10}
WE ARE NOT SAFE IF WE NEGLECT TO SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES DAILY for light and knowledge. Earthly blessings cannot be obtained without toil, and can we expect that spiritual and heavenly blessings will come without earnest effort on our part? The mines of truth are to be worked. Says the psalmist, “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” THE WORD OF GOD MUST NOT BE KEPT APART FROM OUR LIFE. It MUST BE ENTERTAINED IN THE MIND, WELCOMED IN THE HEART, AND BE CHERISHED, LOVED AND OBEYED. We need also much more knowledge; we need to be enlightened in regard to the plan of salvation. THERE IS NOT ONE IN ONE HUNDRED WHO UNDERSTAND FOR HIMSELF THE BIBLE TRUTH ON THIS SUBJECT THAT IS SO NECESSARY TO OUR PRESENT AND ETERNAL WELFARE. When light begins to shine forth to make clear the plan of redemption to the people, the enemy works with all diligence that the light may be shut away from the hearts of men. If we come to the word of God with a teachable, humble spirit, the rubbish of error will be swept away, and gems of truth, long hidden from our eyes, will be discovered.” {RH September 3, 1889, par. 11}
“May the DEAR SAVIOUR BE A WELCOME GUEST IN YOUR HEART.” {5LtMs, Lt 64, 1888, par. 12}
Holy Spirit-Express Image of the Father’s Person
“Every loyal child of God will seek to know the truth. John stated the truth so plainly that a child may understand 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, because it seeth HIM not, neither knoweth HIM.” DO WE CHOOSE TO BE NUMBERED WITH THOSE WHO CANNOT DISCERN THE TRUTH, WHO ARE SO BLINDED BY THE DECEPTIVE POWER OF THE ENEMY THAT THEY SEE NOT HIM WHO IS THE EXPRESS IMAGE OF THE FATHER’S PERSON? {TM 137.2}
”The followers of Christ are of another class altogether. “But ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I WILL NOT LEAVE YOU COMFORTLESS: I WILL COME TO YOU. Yet a little while, and the world seeth Me no more; but ye see Me: because I live, ye shall live also.” “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.” The word of a human being is not to be received and believed without question. We must first ask, Do they speak in harmony with the word? Do they refuse a plain “Thus saith the Lord” because they see that it involves a cross?” {TM 137.3}
Note: Did you catch that? The Comforter is identified here as Christ, who is the “express image of the Father’s Person.”
Spirit of Christ at the Pentecost
Acts 3:19-26 (KJV) 19 “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. 20 And HE SHALL SEND JESUS CHRIST, which before was preached unto you… 26 Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, SENT HIM to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.”
“When Christ entered within the heavenly gates, He was enthroned, amid the songs of millions of angels. As soon as this ceremony was completed, the Holy Spirit descended upon His followers in rich currents according to Christ’s promise, and they were no more orphans. How quickly Christ fulfilled His promise, and sent from the heavenly courts the guarantee of His love! After His inauguration, the Spirit came and Christ was indeed glorified, even with the glory which He had from all eternity with the Father. During His humiliation upon this earth, the Spirit had not descended with all its efficacy; and Christ declared that if He went not away, it would not come, but that if He went away, He would send it. IT WAS A REPRESENTION OF HIMSELF, and after He was glorified it was manifest.” {ST May 17, 1899, par. 3}
“Christ declared that after His ascension, he would send to his church, as his crowning GIFT, the comforter, who is the Holy Spirit,–THE SOUL OF HIS LIFE, THE EFFICACY OF HIS CHURCH, THE LIGHT AND LIFE OF THE WORLD. With HIS SPIRIT Christ sends a reconciling influence and a power that takes away sin. In the gift of the Spirit, Jesus gave to man the highest good that heaven could bestow.” E.G. White, Review and Herald, May 19, 1904. Book 5, p. 42.
“In times past holy men of old spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. In ancient times the prophets searched what the Spirit of God WHICH WAS IN THEM signified. THE SPIRIT WAS NOT THEN GIVEN IN POWER BECAUSE JESUS WAS NOT YET GLORIFIED. Dating from the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was to be poured forth on sons and daughters, on servants and handmaidens. In every hill country, every lowland, every valley, humble workmen for the Lord are to be raised up. The divine, sacred influence of the Holy Spirit working in our world is to be as signs and wonders, because God’s people are a peculiar people, an holy nation, shining amid moral darkness as living stones in the Lord’s building. The weakest and feeblest, if they exercise faith in God, and improve their entrusted powers, will be elevated, refined and perfected in character under the Holy Spirit’s working. Humble and contrite, they submit to the moulding and fashioning of the Spirit, and they will know what His eternal fulness means.” {RH February 7, 1957, par. 2}
Note: So why couldn’t this be done until Jesus had returned to the Father and been glorified? “But this spoke he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the HOLY GHOST WAS NOT YET GIVEN; because that JESUS WAS NOT YET GLORIFIED.” John 7:39
It could not be done until Jesus had been glorified because Jesus was returning to us on the day of Pentecost by the outpouring of His HOLY SPIRIT. Jesus had to be anointed with the Holy Spirit of His Father before this could happen. Jesus gave up a lot when He came as the Son of man and He now receives back the power of His Father’s Spirit. In other words, God the Father GAVE HIS SPIRIT AS PROMISED to Jesus in full measure at this glorification event. This is why the Holy Spirit could not be poured out until Jesus was glorified. Jesus did not receive “another person.” He received the Father’s own Divine Spirit and power, which He then “poured out” upon His followers.
Notice the following statement:
“Christ’s Promise Fulfilled—The time had now come. THE SPIRIT HAD BEEN WAITING for the crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Christ. For ten days the disciples offered their petitions for the outpouring of the Spirit, and CHRIST IN HEAVEN ADDED HIS INTERCESSION. This was the occasion of His ascension and inauguration, a jubilee in heaven. He had ascended on high, leading captivity captive, and HE NOW CLAIMED THE GIFT OF THE SPIRIT, that He might pour it out upon His disciples (The Southern Work, November 28, 1905; December 1, 1898 — The Outpouring of the Spirit (ST945)
“After his humiliation, suffering, and death, the Son of God steps back to the position of his former glory, and is one with the Father in power and dominion.” (ST June 27th 1895)
“And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the PROMISE OF THE FATHER, which, saith he, you have heard of me.” Acts 1:4
“And, behold, I send the PROMISE OF MY FATHER upon you: but tarry you in the city of Jerusalem, until you be EMBUED WITH POWER FROM ON HIGH.” Luke 24:49
THE HOLY SPIRIT WAS THE HIGHEST OF ALL GIFT THAT HE [JESUS] COULD SOLICIT FROM HIS FATHER for the exaltation of His people. The Spirit was to be given as a regenerating agent, and without this the sacrifice of Christ would have been of no avail. The power of evil had been strengthening for centuries, and the submission of men to this satanic captivity was amazing. Sin could be resisted and overcome only through the mighty agency of the third person of the Godhead, who would come with no modified energy, but in the fullness of divine power. {FLB 52.6} (bracket mine)
“During the patriarchal age the influence of the Holy Spirit had often been revealed in a marked manner, BUT NEVER IN ITS FULLNESS. Now, in obedience to the word of the Saviour, the disciples offered their supplications for this gift, and in heaven Christ added His intercession. HE CLAIMED THE GIFT OF THE SPIRIT, that He might POUR IT upon His people.” — (E.G. White, AA, p.37)
“During His humiliation upon this earth, the SPIRIT HAD NOT DESCENDED WITH ALL ITS EFFICACY; and Christ declared that if He went not away, it would not come, but that if He went away, He would send it. It was a representation of Himself, and after He was glorified it was manifest.” {ST, May 17, 1899 par. 3}
Note: Before the life of Christ as a human, the spirit was IN FULLNESS OF THE GODHEAD flowing from the Father to the Son and then to all his creation [DA 21.2] but after Christ partook of humanity, The Father sheds forth his spirit but is now blended with the EFFICACY of Christ’s incarnate experience. Christ became the Son of God in a NEW SENSE by partaking humanity, the spirit becomes AL’-LOS, ANOTHER, ELSE, DIFFERENT, and OTHER, by blending with the EFFICACY of the God-Man. This is the spirit of God and Christ in a distinct personality, the spirit in a NEW SENSE commonly referred to as The Spirit of God and the Spirit of Christ [Romans 8:9]. This this is the PROMISE send after ascension to our hearts when we become sons and daughters [Acts 2:33, Romans 8:15, Galatians 4:6, and Titus 3: 5, 6].
“Outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost—Christ ascended on high, to take His position as our Advocate in the heavenly courts. Having reached His throne, HE SENT HIS HOLY SPIRIT, as He had promised, in response to the prayers of His disciples.” — (E.G. White, 10MR 98.1, 1899)
“When the HOLY SPIRIT was poured out upon the early church, ‘The whole multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul.’ The SPIRIT OF CHRIST MADE THEM ONE. This is the fruit of abiding in Christ.” — (E.G. White, GCDB, Feb 6, 1893)
“The promise of the Holy Spirit is not limited to any age or to any race. CHRIST declared that the divine influence of HIS SPIRIT was to be with His followers unto the end. From the Day of Pentecost to the present time, the Comforter has been sent to all who have yielded themselves fully to the Lord and to His service.” — (E.G. White, AA, 49.2)
“When Christ passed within the heavenly gates, He was enthroned amidst the adoration of the angels. As soon as this ceremony was completed, the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples in rich currents, and Christ was indeed glorified, even with the glory which He had with the Father from all eternity.”—The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 38, 39.
“And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common” (Acts 4:32).
“Notice that it was after the disciples had come into perfect unity, when they were no longer striving for the highest place, that the outpouring of the Spirit came. They were of one accord. All differences had been put away. … Mark the Word of God: “The multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul.” THE SPIRIT OF HIM WHO DIED that we might live animated the entire congregation of believers. Every spiritual pulse beat in harmony” (Letter 213, 1903, paragraph 9).
Note: The Holy Spirit is the mind, character, power and personal presence of the Father manifested through Jesus Christ, His only begotten son. This is not a separate person of the Godhead who is being sent, it is the very life of God coming to us through His Son.
Present both in Heaven and Earth
“CHRIST came to our world, but the world could not endure His purity. He has gone to His Father, but HE has sent HIS HOLY SPIRIT TO REPRESENT HIM in the world till he shall come again.” — (E.G. White, Ms1, Jan 11, 1897)
“WITH HIS LONG HUMAN ARM THE SON OF GOD ENCIRCLED THE WHOLE HUMAN FAMILY, WHILE WITH HIS DIVINE ARM HE GRASPED THE THRONE OF THE INFINITE. HIS OWN INDIVIDUAL PRESENCE WAS NECESSARY, that in seeing him we might see the Father. He placed his throne, his spiritual kingdom, upon the earth. He revealed his special grace, and opened to our view the wonders of heavenly things. HE IMPARTED HIS OWN DIVINE SPIRIT TO HUMANITY, thus exalting humanity in the scale of moral worth with God. {YI July 29, 1897, par. 9}
“Though the ministration was to be REMOVED FROM THE EARTHLY TO THE HEAVENLY TEMPLE; though the sanctuary and our great high priest would be INVISIBLE TO HUMAN SIGHT, yet the disciples were to suffer no loss thereby. They would realize no break in their communion, and no diminution of power because of the Saviour’s absence. WHILE JESUS MINISTERS IN THE SANCTUARY ABOVE, HE IS STILL BY HIS SPIRIT THE MINISTER OF THE CHURCH ON EARTH. He is withdrawn from the eye of sense, but HIS PARTING PROMISE IS FULFILLED, “LO, I AM WITH YOU ALWAY, even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28:20. While He delegates His power to inferior ministers, HIS ENERGIZING PRESENCE IS STILL WITH HIS CHURCH. DA 166.2
“The work of the ministry is no common work. CHRIST IS WITHDRAWN ONLY FROM THE EYE OF SENSE, BUT HE IS AS TRULY PRESENT BY HIS SPIRIT AS WHEN HE WAS VISIBLY PRESENT ON EARTH. The time that has elapsed since his ascension has BROUGHT NO INTERRUPTION IN THE FULFILLMENT OF HIS PARTING PROMISE,—“LO, I AM WITH YOU ALWAY, even unto the end of the world.” God has provided light and truth for the world by having placed it in the keeping of faithful men, who in succession have committed it to others through all generations up to the present time. These men have derived their authority in an unbroken line from the first teachers of the faith. CHRIST REMAINS THE TRUE MINISTER OF HIS CHURCH, but HE DELEGATES HIS POWER TO HIS UNDER-SHEPHERDS, to his chosen ministers, who have the treasure of his grace in earthen vessels. God superintends the affairs of his servants, and they are placed in his work by divine appointment.” ST April 7,1890, par. 6
“There may be a similarity in moral character between believers and some unbelievers; nevertheless there is a difference between them, which the human conception does not comprehend. The difference may not always be seen, but it exists UNSEEN BY THE EYE OF SENSE and unappreciated by the unconverted mind. This difference is in the state of the heart; the one has an abiding hope and faith in Jesus Christ; while the other is unmindful of God and of spiritual things. CHRIST DWELLING IN THE HEART BY FAITH IS A FORTRESS TO THE BELIEVER. The Christian struggling against opposing influences may sometimes be overcome and speak and act in a manner unbecoming to a Christian. But the Lord will pardon. He is very tender of the bruised lambs of His fold.” Lt317a-1904.18
“If ye, then, being human and 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?’ Luke 11:13. THE HOLY SPIRIT, THE REPRESENTATIVE OF HIMSELF, is the greatest of all gifts. All ‘good things’ are comprised in this. The Creator Himself can give us nothing greater, nothing better. When we beseech the Lord to pity us in our distress, and to guide us BY HIS HOLY SPIRIT, He will never turn away our prayer.” (MB 132)
“I testify to my brethren and sisters that the church of Christ, enfeebled and defective as it may be, is the only object on earth on which He bestows His supreme regard. While He extends to all the world His invitation to come to Him and be saved, . . . He[Jesus] comes personally by His Holy Spirit into the midst of His church.”-E.G. White, Letter 2d, 1892, published in Testimonies to Ministers, p.15.
Note: Above statement reveals how the Holy Spirit is also the representative of the Father.
Great Power
“CHRIST has given HIS SPIRIT as a divine POWER.” — (E.G. White, RH, Nov 19, 1908)
“CHRIST BY HIS HOLY SPIRIT will supply the FORCE AND THE POWER. THIS IS HIS WORK. {COL 337.1}
Note: Here we see that the “divine power” is described as Christ’s own Spirit. The Holy Spirit certainly is a power, yet it is under the control of God Himself. So there is no difficulty in understanding statements regarding the three great powers of Heaven. This is entirely consistent with the Bible record. Notice the following:
“Our sanctification is the work of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is the fulfilment of the covenant that God has made with those who bind themselves up with Him, to stand with [1] HIM, with [2] HIS SON, and with [3] HIS SPIRIT in holy fellowship. Have you been born again? Have you become a new being in Christ Jesus? THEN CO-OPERATE WITH THE THREE GREAT POWERS OF HEAVEN who are working in your behalf.” — (Ellen G. White, Signs of the Times, June 19, 1901) (brackets added by me)
Notice, the “three great powers” refers to the “Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit” Thus we know that the Father and the Son are the two powers. But the statement further clarifies exactly who/what the 3rd power is. It is: “HIM[Father], with HIS SON[Jesus], and with HIS SPIRIT[Spirit of Christ].” This fact is further demonstrated in the following statement:
“They have ONE God and ONE Saviour; and ONE Spirit–the Spirit of Christ–is to bring unity into their ranks.” — (E.G. White, 9T 189.3, 1909)
“’All ye are brethren.” As brethren we are identified with Christ and with one another. As brethren we are identical with Christ, and through His grace identical with one another. And as we wash the feet of Christ’s followers, it is as though we were indeed touching the Son of God. We do this act because Christ told us to do it, and CHRIST HIMSELF IS AMONG US. HIS HOLY SPIRIT DOES THE WORK OF UNITING OUR HEARTS. To become one with Christ requires self-denial and self-sacrifice at every step.” {5BC 1139.3}
“The promise of the gift of the Holy Spirit is not comprehended as it should be; the privileges to be enjoyed through its acceptance are not appreciated as they might be. God desires that His church should lay hold by faith upon His promises, and ASK FOR THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT to help them in every place. He assures us that He is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to those that ask Him, than parents are to give good gifts unto their children. Since it is possible for everyone to have the heavenly unction, “ye need not that any man teach you” (1 John 2:27), and there is no excuse for shunning responsibilities; no duty should be unwelcome, no obligation evaded. CHRIST HIMSELF IS THE RENEWING POWER, WORKING IN AND THROUGH EVERY SOLDIER BY THE AGENCY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. Every individual is to become an instrument in His hands to work for the salvation of souls. Not one who desires to labor for the Master is to be refused a place, if he is a true follower of Christ. Every one has an individual responsibility to bear in the cause of Christ. The efficiency of the Spirit of God will make effective the labors of all who are willing to submit to His guidance.” —The Review and Herald, July 16, 1895. {FH 62.7} {YRP 183.2}
“The Father IS all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and is invisible to mortal sight. The Son IS all the fullness of the Godhead manifested. The word of God declares Him to be “the express image of His person.” “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Here is shown the personality of the Father. “The Comforter that Christ promised to send after He ascended to heaven, is the Spirit IN all the fullness of the Godhead, making manifest the power of divine grace to all who receive and believe in Christ as a personal Saviour. There are three living persons of the heavenly trio. In the name of these three powers,—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, those who receive Christ by living faith are baptized, and these powers will cooperate with the obedient subjects of heaven in their efforts to live the new life in Christ.” {Ibid, par. 2}
“The prince of the power of evil can only be held in check by the POWER OF GOD ***IN*** THE THIRD PERSON OF THE GODHEAD, THE HOLY SPIRIT”–Special Testimonies, Series A, No. 10, p. 37. (1897) {Ev 617.2}
Please note that Father IS all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; the Son IS all the fullness of the Godhead manifested; But the Comforter is the “Spirit IN all the fullness of the Godhead.
It is the Spirit that is IN the Father and the Son that brings the power of divine grace to all the believers.
“But entire self-renunciation is required. Unless this takes place, we carry with us the evil that destroys our happiness. But when self is crucified, CHRIST LIVES IN US, and the POWER OF THE SPIRIT ATTENDS OUR EFFORTS”. {Ms9-1899.10}
“WHEN CHRIST ABIDES IN THE HEART, by faith, HIS SPIRIT BECOMES A POWER to purify and vivify the soul.” {CT 223.2}
Third Person of the Godhead
Unfortunately, many of Ellen White’s books are a compilations of different writings taken from her original manuscripts and we need to take into the account its original context, and also compare them with her other writing in its entirety to come to an accurate intent and the meaning of certain expressions she chose to use.
Example:
“Sin could be resisted and overcome ONLY through the mighty agency of the THIRD PERSON OF THE GODHEAD,” — (E.G. White, DA, 671.2)
Some may argue that this quotation proves that
Ellen White was a Trinitarian. But who is the third person, who is the “ONLY” one who can overcome sin in you?
“There is no power in you apart from CHRIST, but it is your privilege to have Christ abiding in your heart by faith, and HE can OVERCOME SIN in you, when you cooperate with His efforts.” — (E.G. White, OHC, 76.5)
“With HIS SPIRIT CHRIST sends a reconciling influence and a power that TAKES away SIN.” — (E.G. White, RH, May 19, 1904)
The Lord will not be glorified at this meeting unless it is seen that the SPIRIT OF CHRIST IS CONVERTING THE SOUL.
“The prince of the POWER OF EVIL can ONLY be held in check by the power of God IN the third person of the Godhead, the Holy Spirit.” — (E.G. White, Special Testimonies, Series A, No. 10, p. 37, 1897)
“JESUS ALONE has power to SAVE FROM SIN, to free from the POWER OF EVIL; and to doubt him who has laid down his life for us, is to grieve and insult the Father,” — (E.G. White, RH, Feb 10, 1891)
“The ONLY defense AGAINST EVIL is the indwelling of CHRIST in the heart through faith in His righteousness.” — (E.G. White, DA, 324.1)
“They have ONE God and ONE Saviour; and ONE Spirit–the Spirit of Christ–is to bring unity into their ranks.” — (E.G. White, 9T 189.3, 1909)
“You want that help THAT COMES FROM CHRIST, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. You are to be a partaker of the divine nature. THERE IS NOTHING ELSE THAT CAN SAVE US. CHRIST COMES IN HIS DIVINE NATURE, and here is every soul will be enlightened according to what you study, according to what you give the mind to feed upon.”
“Our condition through sin has become preternatural, and the power that restores us must be supernatural, else it has no value. THERE IS NO POWER THAT CAN BREAK THE HOLD OF EVIL FROM THE HEARTS OF MEN, AND THAT IS THE POWER OF GOD _IN_ JESUS CHRIST. ONLY THROUGH THE BLOOD OF THE CRUCIFIED ONE IS THERE CLEANSING FROM SIN. HIS GRACE ALONE CAN ENABLE US TO RESIST AND SUBDUE THE TENDENCIES OF OUR FALLEN NATURE. This power the spiritualistic theories concerning God make of no effect. If God is an essence pervading all nature, then He dwells in all men; and in order to attain holiness, man has only to develop the power that is within him.” – {CCh 322.8}
“Christ determined to bestow a gift on those who had been with Him and on those who should believe on Him, because this was the occasion of His ascension and inauguration, a jubilee in heaven. What gift could Christ bestow rich enough to signalize and grace His ascension to the mediatorial throne? It must be worthy of His greatness and His royalty. Christ gave His representative, the third person of the Godhead, the Holy Spirit. This gift could not be excelled. The divine Spirit, converting, enlightening, sanctifying, would be HIS DONATION, because He would give all gifts in one.”
“It is the SPIRIT that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing; the words that I speak unto you, they are SPIRIT, and they are life.” CHRIST IS NOT HERE REFERRING TO HIS DOCTRINE, BUT TO HIS PERSON, the divinity of his character . ” { E. G. White, Review and Herald , April 5, 1906 par. 12}
The identity the third person of the godhead becomes obvious if you read the entire quotation from the same book-see below.
“Sin could be resisted and overcome only through the mighty agency of the Third Person of the Godhead, who would come with no modified energy, but in the fullness of divine power. It is the Spirit that makes effectual what has been wrought out by the world’s Redeemer. It is by the Spirit that the heart is made pure. Through the Spirit the believer becomes a partaker of the divine nature. CHRIST HAS GIVEN HIS SPIRIT as a divine power to overcome all hereditary and cultivated tendencies to evil, and to impress His own character upon His church.” {DA 671.2}
Thus, the Third Person of the Godhead is non other than Christ’s own Spirit given to us as a divine power to overcome all hereditary and cultivated tendencies to evil….
For further study on the “third person of the Godhead,” click HERE
Here’s another example:
“We need to realize that the Holy Spirit … is as much a person as God is a person…. FLB 52.2 (The Faith I Live By p. 52, par. 2)
Let’s read this in its context below:
“The Holy Spirit has a personality, else He could not bear witness to our spirits and with our spirits that we are the children of God. He must also be a divine person, else He could not search out the secrets which lie hidden in the mind of God.” FLB 52.3
If you keep reading in that chapter and several paragraphs down, you’d find in FLB 55.3:
“It is the Spirit that makes effectual what has been wrought out by the world’s Redeemer. It is by the Spirit that the heart is made pure. Through the Spirit the believer becomes a partaker of the divine nature. CHRIST HAS GIVEN HIS SPIRIT as a divine power to overcome all hereditary and cultivated tendencies to evil, and to impress His own character upon His church.” FLB 55.3
For further study on “Holy Spirit is as much a person as God is a person” click HERE.
Holy Spirit-The Presence of Christ and the Father
“We should feel it our special duty to work for those living in our neighborhood. Study how you can best help those who take no interest in religious things. As you visit your friends and neighbors, show an interest in their spiritual as well as in their temporal welfare. Speak to them of Christ as a sin-pardoning Saviour. Invite your neighbors to your home, and read with them from the precious Bible and from books that explain its truths. Invite them to unite with you in song and prayer. In these little gatherings, CHRIST HIMSELF WILL BE PRESENT, AS HE HAS PROMISED, and hearts will be touched by His grace.” {MH 152.3}
“It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing; the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” Christ is not here referring to his doctrine, but to HIS PERSON, the divinity of his character.” –Review and Herald, April 5, 1906 par. 12
“‘I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you.’ (John 14:18). The divine Spirit that the world’s Redeemer promised to send is the PRESENCE AND POWER of God.”-Signs of The Times, Nov. 23, 1891:
“In Giving us His Spirit, GOD GIVES US HIMSELF, making Himself a fountain of divine influences, to give health and life to the world.” –Testimonies for the Church Vol. 7, p. 273 (1902)
“The Holy Spirit is the vital PRESENCE OF GOD”. Signs of the Times, Aug. 7, 1901
“God has been pleased to communicate His truth to the world by human agencies, and HE HIMSELF, BY HIS HOLY SPIRIT, qualified men and enabled them to do this work. (Great Controversy, Introduction, p. 6, 7)
“In the plan of restoring in men the divine image, it was provided that the Holy Spirit should move upon human minds, and be AS THE PRESENCE OF CHRIST, a molding agency upon human character.” -RH, Feb. 12, 1895
“They have ONE God and ONE Saviour; and ONE Spirit—THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST–is to bring unity into their ranks.” — (E.G. White, 9T 189.3, 1909)
“remember the words of CHRIST, remember that HE [CHRIST] is an UNSEEN PRESENCE in the PERSON of the Holy Spirit,” — (E.G. White, DG 185.2, 1897) (bracket mine)
“Lift up CHRIST in His power in the PERSON of the Holy Spirit. He is waiting for them to open the door and admit Him.” — (E.G. White, Lt59, March 29, 1899)
The Holy Spirit is promised to all who will ask for it. When you search the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit is by your side, PERSONATING Jesus Christ. {BLJ 332.6}
“…the Holy Spirit is the comforter, as the PERSONAL PRESENCE of CHRIST TO THE SOUL.” (Review & Herald, Nov 39, 1892, Vol. 2 p. 617, col. 3.)
The grace of Christ was to be given to the disciples to fit them for their work, for in their assemblies would be all classes of men, and if they themselves were receiving grace from Christ, they could give grace for grace. The Holy Spirit’s power would attend the appeals made.
In giving His commission to His followers, Christ did not tell them they would be left alone. He assured them that He would be near them. HE SPOKE OF HIS OMNIPRESENCE IN A SPECIAL WAY. Go to all nations, He said. Go, to the farthest portion of the habitable globe, but know that MY PRESENCE WILL BE THERE. Labor in faith and confidence, for the time will never come when I shall forsake you.
The ASSURANCE OF HIS ABIDING PRESENCE was the richest legacy Christ could give His disciples. HAVING THE HIGH PRIEST OF OUR PROFESSION CLOSE BY OUR SIDE, we need not imperil our souls by opening the secrets of our hearts to priest or minister. In all confidence we may open our heart to the head over all the church. Take every matter, small or great to Jesus. “Come unto me,” He says, “all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Precious assurance. Let us show that we honor the invitation by obeying the call.
Many fail to realize that the “Spirit of Christ” functions like a person separate from Himself so that Christ in His Spirit is like “another” person, though not a literal person of course.
Words like “person” and “personality” by Ellen White can be interpreted to mean that the Holy Spirit is a separate, independent personal God-Being as taught in the Trinitarian doctrine whereas it can also be interpreted as the divine, personal omnipresence of God and Christ. The overwhelming evidence from her writing agrees with the latter.
Walks Unseen Through Our Homes and Streets
“We need to realize that the Holy Spirit, who is as much a person as God is a person, is WALKING THROUGH THESE GROUNDS, UNSEEN BY HUMAN EYES; … HE HEARS EVERY WORD WE UTTER and knows every thought of the mind.” — (E.G. White, 2SAT, pp. 136, 137, 1899)
“CHRIST WALKS UNSEEN THROUGH OUR STREETS. With messages of mercy He comes to our homes.” — (E.G. White, MH, p. 107)
“How few realize that JESUS, UNSEEN, IS WALKING BY THEIR SIDE! How ashamed many would be to hear His voice speaking to them, and to know that HE HEARD ALL THEIR FOOLISH, COMMON TALK!” — (E.G. White, 14MR 125.3)
“Remember that JESUS IS BESIDE YOU WHEREVER YOU GO, noting your actions and LISTENING TO YOUR WORDS.” — (E.G. White, YI, Feb 4, 1897)
“The human agent, the seen instrument, is to preach the Word, and the LORD JESUS, THE UNSEEN, AGENCY, BY HIS HOLY SPIRIT is to make the Word efficacious and powerful.—Letter 105, 1900.” — (E.G. White, 2SM 18.3)
“When trials overshadow the soul, remember the words of CHRIST, remember that HE [CHRIST] is an UNSEEN PRESENCE in the PERSON of the Holy Spirit, and He will be the peace and comfort given you, manifesting to you that He is with you, the Sun of Righteousness, chasing away your darkness. “If a man love me,” Christ said, “he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” Be of good cheer; light will come, and your soul will rejoice greatly in the Lord.—Letter 124, 1897. {DG 185.2}
“The Bible is the storehouse that supplies their souls with nourishing food. They meditate upon the incarnation of Christ, they contemplate the great sacrifice made to save them from perdition, to bring in pardon, peace, and everlasting righteousness. The soul is aglow with these grand and elevating themes. Holiness and truth, grace and righteousness, occupy the thoughts. Self dies, and CHRIST LIVES IN HIS SERVANTS. In contemplation of the word their hearts burn within them as did the hearts of the two disciples while they went to Emmaus and Christ walked with them by the way and opened to them the scriptures concerning Himself.” {CT 341.2}
How few realize that JESUS, UNSEEN, IS WALKING BY THEIR SIDE! How ashamed many would be to hear His voice speaking to them and to know that He heard all their foolish, common talk! And HOW MANY HEART WOULD BURN WITH HOLY JOY IF THEY ONLY KNEW THAT THE SAVIOUR WAS BY THEIR SIDE, that the holy atmosphere of His presence was surrounding them, and they were feeding on the bread of life! How pleased the Saviour would be to hear His followers talking on His precious lessons of instruction and to know that they had a relish for holy things!—Special Testimony to the Battle Creek Church, November 18, 1896. {CT 342.1}
W.C. White’s recalls
The Spirit of Him who died that sinners might live animated the entire congregation of believers. {Ellen White, 8T 20.4}
“This morning I found Mother sitting up in her big arm chair in the large bay window, which is flooded with sunshine. After asking about my family, she inquired about what is going on these days. I told her of a young man in whom she took great interest years ago, who, with his wife, has been aroused by the evident fulfillment of prophecy, and has renewed his allegiance to God. She said: “It is best to be on the right side; then we shall see a decided work accomplished. We must have true religion. WE WANT THE SPIRIT OF THE ONE WHO DIED FOR US. Then our influence will be felt.”’ W.C. White {PUR March 11, 1915, par. 1}
Additional Quotes
“Do not be exclusive. Do not seek out a few with whom you delight to associate, and leave others to take care of themselves. Suppose you do see weakness in one and folly in another; do not stand aloof from them, and associate with those only who, you think, are about perfect. The very souls you despise need your love and sympathy. Do not leave a weak soul to struggle alone, to wrestle with the passions of his own heart without your help and prayers, but consider yourself, lest you also be tempted. If you do this, God will not leave you to your own weakness. You may have sins greater in his sight than the sins of those you condemn. Do not stand off, and say, “I am holier than thou.” Christ has thrown his divine arm around the human race. He has brought his divine power to man that he might encourage the poor, sin-sick, discouraged soul to reach up for a higher life. O, we need more of CHRIST’S SPIRIT, and much less of self! We need the converting power of God upon our hearts daily. We need the mellowing SPIRIT OF CHRIST to subdue and soften our souls. The only way for those to do who feel that they are whole, is to fall upon the Rock and be broken. Christ can change you into his likeness, if you will submit yourself to him.” GW92 401.2
The SPIRIT OF JESUS IN MY HEART will recognize Jesus in the hearts of my brethren and sisters. Our prayers and hopes are one. {ST October 17, 1892, par. 1}
“The heart needs to be constantly softened and subdued by the SPIRIT OF CHRIST.” {ST October 17, 1892, par. 8}
“I want the SPIRIT OF JESUS IN MY HEART every moment.” {Ms50-1894.23}
Comforter emanating from God
“We must reach a higher standard; the highest influences in all the universe should be embodied in all our works. This is the influence of the Comforter emanating from God. The heart of infinite love has discharged its power on the heart of the world. …the Holy Spirit is placed at our command to work its sanctifying, refining, elevating, divine influence upon heart and character, and bring that influence into the service of God as His chosen, prepared instrumentality to overcome evil, and restore man to God.” {Ms4-1891.6}
“…But the Lord Jesus by the agency of His Holy Spirit changes the order of things and takes the sins and guilt of man upon Himself, and draws man to Himself, and sanctifies and employs the human agent as His instrumentality to engage his powers to do an entirely opposite work than Satan advised. …The highest power in the universe should be embodied in humanity and elevate humanity through their faith in Jesus Christ—an influence emanating from God, concentrating all the influences of the world, for the recovery of man.” {Lt43-1892.5}
“…Through faith in Jesus Christ the chain of mutual dependence is fastened to the throne of God, and through the agency of man humanity is bound to God. God has promised his Holy Spirit, the highest power in the universe, to be embodied in men, that through faith in Jesus Christ humanity may be elevated. An influence emanating from God draws and concentrates the power of the universe, that a lost and rebel race may be reconciled and restored to God. {ST September 4, 1893, par. 7}
One Response
Hello Paul,
You have the truth and explained it very well, It gives confidence knowing there are people out there (1 Kings 19:18) who are in the True Spirit.
During the last 5 years I have come to know this truth. I have been a 7th Day Adventist for 29 years, and gradually studied myself away from the trine doctrine, which led to other things such as the Comforter being God and shared Jesus independent Spirit.
My wife now also knows this truth and we are free in Jesus Christ and see many new things that were there all the time.
I have stacks of material mainly old from researching for the truth. Would be pleased to have any latest materials you might have.
Yours in Christ,
Graeme Dodd.
Please keep me updated with any further news.