Ye Shall Receive Power. Ellen G. White

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3 Ye Shall Receive Power Ellen G. White 1995

4 Information about this Book Overview This epub publication is provided as a service of the Ellen G. White Estate. It is part of a larger collection. Please visit the Ellen G. White Estate website for a complete list of available publications. About the Author Ellen G. White ( ) is considered the most widely translated American author, her works having been published in more than 160 languages. She wrote more than 100,000 pages on a wide variety of spiritual and practical topics. Guided by the Holy Spirit, she exalted Jesus and pointed to the Scriptures as the basis of one s faith. Further Links A Brief Biography of Ellen G. White About the Ellen G. White Estate End User License Agreement The viewing, printing or downloading of this book grants you only a limited, nonexclusive and nontransferable license for use solely by you for your own personal use. This license does not permit republication, distribution, assignment, sublicense, sale, preparation of derivative works, or other use. Any unauthorized use of this book terminates the license granted hereby. Copyright 2010 by the Ellen G. White Estate, Inc. For more information about the author, publishers, or how you can support this service, please contact the Ellen G. White Estate: ( address). We are thankful for your interest and feedback and wish you God s blessing as you read.

5 About The Author Who was Ellen G. White, and why do millions consider her writings of special value and significance? In brief, she was a woman of remarkable spiritual gifts who lived most of her life during the nineteenth century ( ), yet through her writings and public ministry has made a revolutionary impact on millions of people around the world in the twentieth century. During her lifetime she wrote more than 5,000 periodical articles and 26 books; but today, including compilations from her 55,000 pages of manuscript, more than 100 titles are available in English. From the information available, she may well be the most translated woman writer in the entire history of literature, and the most translated American author of either gender. Her writings cover a broad range of subjects, including education, health, prophecy, nutrition, cultural and ethno-linguistic issues, creationism, and the origin of life. Her life-changing masterpiece on successful Christian living, Steps to Christ, has been published in more than 135 languages. Seventh-day Adventists believe that Mrs. White was more than a gifted writer; they believe she was appointed by God as a special messenger to draw the world s attention to the Holy Scriptures and help prepare people for Christ s second advent. From the time she was 17 years old until she died 70 years later, God gave her approximately 2,000 visions and dreams. The visions varied in length from less than a minute to nearly four hours. The knowledge and counsel received through these revelations she wrote out to be shared with others. Thus her special writings are accepted by Seventh-day Adventists as inspired, and their exceptional quality is recognized even by casual readers.

6 As stated in Seventh-day Adventists Believe, The writings of Ellen White are not a substitute for Scripture. They cannot be placed on the same level. The Holy Scriptures stand alone, the unique standard by which her and all other writings must be judged and to which they must be subject (p. 227). Yet, as Ellen White herself noted, the fact that God has revealed his will to men through his word has not rendered needless the continued presence and guiding of the Holy Spirit. On the contrary, the spirit was promised by our Saviour, to open the word to his servants, to illuminate and apply its teachings (The Great Controversy, vii). This devotional book consists of choice selections from the writings of this remarkable woman who, meeting all the tests of a true prophet as set forth in the Holy Scriptures, helped found the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

7 Contents Information about this Book Overview About the Author Further Links End User License Agreement About The Author 5 January The Coming of the Spirit 8 The Promise of the Spirit The Comforter The Nature of the Spirit: A Mystery The Spirit: A Witness Christ s Representative The Heavenly Dove Unseen as the Wind Oil in Your Vessels A Constant Flow of Oil Leaven in Our Heart Living Water to be Shared Life-giving Sap The New Wine of the Kingdom A Burning Fire Tongues of Fire Giver of a New Life Showers of Grace The Spirit Helps Us The Spirit Intercedes for Us The Spirit Leads Us to Become God s Children The Spirit Moves Among Us The Spirit Visits Us The Spirit Speaks to Us The Spirit Enlightens Us The Spirit Can Be Grieved The Spirit May Depart The Sin Against the Spirit Willfully Rejecting the Spirit Now Is the Time for Repentance The Spirit Patiently Waits The Spirit Is Ever Waiting February Transformed by the Spirit 39 Born Again Chosen to Be Saved A Temple for the Spirit Partakers of the Divine Nature Clay in the Hands of the Potter Dry Bones Vivified Weak Souls Strengthened Divine Image Restored The Heart Changed Lips Are Sanctified The Mind Renewed

8 Self Crucified Thoughts Transformed Tastes Are Changed Temper Is Subdued Pride Is Broken The House Cleansed A Christlike Character Having the Mind of Christ Abiding in Him Beholding Him Complete in Him Resting in Him Conformed to His Image In Cooperation With the Spirit Free From the Curse of Sin Sanctified but Not Sinless Always Growing Step by Step to Victory March Fruitful in the Spirit 68 A Holy Fragrance Repentance, the First Fruit Love Joy Peace Long-suffering Gentleness Goodness Faith Meekness Temperance Self-control Kindness Charity Contentment Thankfulness Harmony Unity Oneness Brotherly Love Generosity Benevolence Purity Outward Neatness Obedience Confidence Godliness Holiness Humility Dependence Christlikeness April Guided by the Spirit 99 Enlightened Through the Spirit The Spirit Essential for Understanding Truth

9 Ways in Which the Spirit Leads Us Going to the Source of Light Developing Spiritual Discernment Looking for Treasures Searching for Truth Knowing the Unknown Digging Deeper Into the Mine With Humble Hearts With a Teachable Disposition With Empty Vessels With a Prayerful Spirit Trusting In His Illumination Believing in His Guidance Meditating on God s Word Rejoicing in the Word Sanctified Through the Word Guided Through the Written Testimony Illumination Not Given Apart From the Word Not Relying on Our Own Imagination Not Guided by Emotions Not Trusting in Impressions A Clear Voice Amid Other Voices Ready to Give Reason of Our Hope Capable to Distinguish False Theories Able to Discern Truth From Error Separating the True From the Fictitious Laying a Firm Foundation Building Upon the Rock May Accompanied by the Spirit 129 Always With Us In Times of Trial Surrounded by a Divine Shield In Moments of Despair Still Loved Though We Err In the Darkest Hour With Concerned Parents Beside Mothers Leading Their Little Ones Answering Prayers for Divine Help Directing the Sanctification of the Family Very Close to the Children The Spirit Loves to Work With Children With the Younger Members of God s Family Youth Receiving Power to Be Overcomers Helping to Build Up a Character For Heaven Moving Among the Students Eager to Help Teachers Going House to House With The Gospel Worker Making Lasting Impressions Through the Canvasser Directing the Publishing Ministry Impressing Minds Through the Books Traveling With the Missionaries Dispelling Darkness Encouraging the Heralds of the Gospel

10 Working Through Humble Instruments With Consecrated Men and Women Divine Help in Doing Samaritan Work Pity and Compassion: God s Spirit at Work Earnest to Give the Final Warning The Time Is Near for the Spirit s Departing The Spirit Finally Withdrawn June Directed by the Spirit 160 The Greatest Work on Earth The Light of the World The Salt of the Earth Ambassadors for Christ Witnesses for the Cross Cooperating With the Divine Power Laborers Together With God Human Cooperation Essential Instrumentalities for the Saving of Souls Unworthy but Useful All Members Called to be Missionaries God May Choose and Fit Anybody Even Children May Share Their Faith Global Mission: The Spirit Opens Doors The Cities: Fields White for Harvest The Neighborhood: A Large Field of Work Filled With the Spirit Touched With Sacred Fire The Spirit Gives the Right Words Human Voice a Channel for Divine Voice Love: The Best Advertisement for Truth Earnest Work: A Recipe for Lessening Burdens Human Work Made Effective by the Spirit Keeping Total Dependency on God Following the Captain s Orders Keeping the Watchers Awake All Heaven Interested in Saving Souls Heavenly Agencies Waiting for Us No Time to Lose A Prayer for the Outpouring of the Spirit July Gifted Through the Spirit 190 Beauty in Diversity To Be God s Instrumentalities To Become Agents of Salvation Used as a Power for God A God-given Faith Faith That Works The Gift of Speech The Gift of Singing The Gift of Healing Healing Power Through the Great Physician Healing Gift Does Not Replace Institutions Not All Healing Comes From the Spirit True Miracles Will Happen Again The Gift of Tongues: Fluency in Foreign Languages

11 Tongues: To Preach the Gospel Preaching Christ: More Important Than Tongues and Miracles Looking for a More Excellent Way God Can Use Common Skills Common Individuals Gifted to Serve No Gift Superior or Inferior More Gifts: More Responsibility Youth Gifted to Be a Living Channel Women Gifted to Benefit Humanity Mothers Gifted to Nurture Their Children Students Gifted to Be Witnesses The Canvasser Gifted to Testify Pastors and Teachers to Pursue Unity Every Man, Woman, and Child Is Responsible Asking for the Gifts Guidance Promised to Find Your Gift Feeling the Need for the Spiritual Gifts August Inspired by the Spirit 221 Given by Inspiration of God Variety in Styles Writers Impressed by Different Aspects Divine Message in Human Language Theophanies: Divine Presence With Humans Diverse Ways of Inspiration: The Visionary The Historian: Using Secular Sources The Eyewitness: Inspired to Give Testimony The Counselor: Giving Inspired Advice The Leader: Calling for Commitment The Writer: Publishing by God s Orders Reasons for the Gift: To Define Truth To Establish Bible Truth To Build Upon the Foundation To Meet Fanaticism To Prevent Fanaticism To Avoid Doctrinal Errors To Warn About Future Deceptions God s Plans for the Work of the Church: Educational Work The Medical Ministry The Publishing Work Welfare Ministry The Health Food Ministry The Support of Missions Advice for the Leaders Divine Counsel for Parents Encouragement for the Erring Directions for the Youth Closing Message Addressed to Youth Light Lasting Until the End The Proper Attitude September Empowered by the Spirit 253 Enoch Noah Abraham

12 Joseph Moses Joshua Deborah and Barak Gideon Samuel David Solomon Elijah Elisha Isaiah Jeremiah Josiah and Huldah Daniel Esther Ezra and Nehemiah Zerubbabel and Zechariah John the Baptist Jesus Our Lord The Disciples Stephen Philip the Deacon Dorcas Paul Timothy Aquila and Priscilla: Self-supporting Missionaries John the Revelator October Ready for the Spirit 283 The Greatest Need The Greatest Gift A Thorough Reformation Heart Searching and Self-examination With One Accord Seeking Harmony Feeling Our Spiritual Need Placing Self Aside Opening the Heart Emptying the Vessel Windows Wide Open The Sun of Righteousness Purifies the Soul Eyes Looking Heavenward From Scarlet to White Garment Changed The Will Surrendered Self Subdued A Mind Submissive Removing Every Hindrance Accepting the Spirit s Influence Expecting Great Things Asking for His Blessing Trusting His Promise A Permanent Connection Real Appreciation

13 More Preaching More Commitment More Consecrated Members More Charity More Earnest Praying A Prayer in Behalf of God s People November Filled with the Spirit 313 Revival at Pentecost Unlimited Supplies of Missionary Spirit A New Pentecost A Special Bestowal of Spiritual Grace Full Impartation of the Spirit No Specific Time Without Excitement In Unexpected Ways To Unexpected People As God Pleases At Times, Human Machinery Set Aside Often Rejected Beware of Resisting Not an Emotion or Rapture Neither Excitement Nor Sensationalism Not Looking for Originality No disorder or Fanaticism God s Work Characterized by Calmness A Spiritual Revolution The Spirit Brings Peace and Joy It Calls for a Joyful Praise Fraternal Love Expressed Liberality and Benevolence Shown Prejudice and Racism Destroyed Selfishness and Dishonesty Swept Away Fear of Witnessing Gone Satan s Wrath Awakened True and Counterfeit Revivals Strength for the Time of Trouble Now Is the Time for Preparation December Triumphant in the Spirit 343 A Spiritual Fight Soldiers for Christ Happiness in Serving Our Captain Trials and Opposition Bring Benefit The Enemy Does Not Give Up Easily Uncovering the Enemy s Devices Not in My Own Way Prayer Brings Strength There Is Always an Open Door Looking for a Daily Victory Each Victory Makes the Following Easier Supernatural Strength Promised Closer to Jesus Victory Brings Joy to Heaven Nothing More Invincible

14 A Brand Plucked Out of the Fire Victory on the Battlefield Eating of the Tree of Life Wearing the Victor s Crown Walking With Him in White Having Our Names in the Book of Life Kept Safe in the Hour of Temptation A Pillar in God s Temple A Seat Upon His Throne Victory Through Christ By the Blood of the Lamb Following the Pattern Victory Assured The Church Triumphant Heirs of the King Victorious at Last

15 January The Coming of the Spirit The Promise of the Spirit And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever. John 14:16. When Christ gave His disciples the promise of the Spirit, He was nearing the close of His earthly ministry. He was standing in the shadow of the cross, with a full realization of the load of guilt that was to rest upon Him as the Sin Bearer. Before offering Himself as the sacrificial victim, He instructed His disciples regarding a most essential and complete gift which He was to bestow upon His followers the gift that would bring within their reach the boundless resources of His grace. I will pray the Father, He said, 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). The Saviour was pointing forward to the time when the Holy Spirit should come to do a mighty work as His representative. The evil that had been accumulating for centuries was to be resisted by the divine power of the Holy Spirit... 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. To all who have accepted Christ as a personal Saviour, the Holy Spirit has come as a counselor, sanctifier, guide, and witness. The more closely believers have walked with God, the more clearly and powerfully have they testified of their Redeemer s love and of His saving grace. The men and women who through long centuries of persecution and trial enjoyed a large measure of the presence of the Spirit in their lives have stood as signs and wonders in the world. Before angels and men they have revealed the transforming power of redeeming love. The Acts of the Apostles,

16 The Comforter 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 shew you things to come. John 16:13. How can we stand in the day of test if we do not understand the words of Christ? He said: These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, 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 14:25, 26). It is the Holy Spirit that is to bring to our remembrance the words of Christ. The theme Christ chose to dwell upon in His last discourse to His disciples was that of the office of the Holy Spirit. He opened before them a wide tract of truth. They were to receive His words by faith, and the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, was to bring all things to their remembrance. The consolation given by Christ in this promise was found in the fact that the divine influence was to be with His followers to the end. But this promise is not accepted and believed by the people today, and therefore is not cherished by them, nor is its fulfillment seen in the experience of the church. The promise of the gift of the Spirit of God is left as a matter to be little considered by the church. It is not impressed upon the people, and the result is only that which might be expected spiritual drought, spiritual darkness, spiritual declension and death. Minor matters occupy the mind and soul, but divine power which is necessary for the growth and prosperity of the church, which would, if possessed, bring all other blessings in its train, is lacking, although it is offered to us in infinite plentitude. Just as long as the church are satisfied with small things, they are disqualified to receive the great things of God. But why do we not hunger and thirst after the gift of the Holy Spirit, since it is the means whereby the heart may be kept pure? The Lord designs that divine power shall cooperate with human effort. It is all-essential for the Christian to understand the meaning of the promise of the Holy Spirit just prior to the coming of our Lord Jesus the second time. Talk of it, pray for it, preach concerning it; for the Lord is more willing to give the Holy Spirit than parents are to give good gifts to their children. The Review and Herald, November 15,

17 The Nature of the Spirit: A Mystery 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 14:17. It is not essential for us to be able to define just what the Holy Spirit is. Christ tells us that the Spirit is the Comforter, the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father. It is plainly declared regarding the Holy Spirit that, in His work of guiding men into all truth, He shall not speak of himself (John 15:26; 16:13). The nature of the Holy Spirit is a mystery. Men cannot explain it, because the Lord has not revealed it to them. Men having fanciful views may bring together passages of Scripture and put a human construction on them, but the acceptance of these views will not strengthen the church. Regarding such mysteries, which are too deep for human understanding, silence is golden. The office of the Holy Spirit is distinctly specified in the words of Christ: When he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment (John 16:8). It is the Holy Spirit that convicts of sin. If the sinner responds to the quickening influence of the Spirit, he will be brought to repentance and aroused to the importance of obeying the divine requirements. To the repentant sinner, hungering and thirsting for righteousness, the Holy Spirit reveals the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. He shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you, Christ said. He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you (John 16:14; 14:26). The Spirit is given as a regenerating agency, to make effectual the salvation wrought by the death of our Redeemer. The Spirit is constantly seeking to draw the attention of men to the great offering that was made on the cross of Calvary, to unfold to the world the love of God, and to open to the convicted soul the precious things of the Scriptures. The Acts of the Apostles, 51,

18 The Spirit: A Witness The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. Romans 8:16. If the Spirit beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children of God, what is the result? The believing soul comes into perfect submission to the will of God. The Majesty of heaven condescends to a holy, familiar intercourse with him who seeks God with the whole heart, and the child of God, through the abundant manifestation of His grace, is softened into a childlike dependence. You must commit your soul and body unto God with perfect trust in His power and willingness to bless you, helpless and unworthy as you are. As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name (John 1:12). Do not become restlessly active, but zealous in faith, with one object, namely, to attract souls to Jesus Christ, the crucified Redeemer. It is not the logical sermon, the sermon to convince the intellect, that will do this work. The heart must be persuaded, and melted into tenderness. The will must be submitted to God s will, and the whole aspirations directed heavenward. You must feed upon the word of the living God. It must be brought into the practical life. It must take hold of and command the whole man... When Jesus is our abiding trust, our offering to God will be ourselves. Our dependence will be on the righteousness and intercession of Christ Jesus as our only hope. There is no confusion, no distrust, because by faith we see Jesus ordained of God for this very purpose, to make reconciliation for the sins of the world. He stands engaged by solemn covenant to mediate in behalf of all who come to God by Him, and to accomplish their salvation if they will only believe. The privilege is granted us to come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in every time of need. Manuscript Releases 14:276,

19 Christ s Representative 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. John 16:7. The Comforter is called the Spirit of truth. His work is to define and maintain the truth. He first dwells in the heart as the Spirit of truth, and thus He becomes the Comforter. There is comfort and peace in the truth, but no real peace or comfort can be found in falsehood. It is through false theories and traditions that Satan gains his power over the mind. By directing men to false standards, he misshapes the character. Through the Scriptures the Holy Spirit speaks to the mind, and impresses truth upon the heart. Thus He exposes error, and expels it from the soul. It is by the Spirit of truth, working through the Word of God, that Christ subdues His chosen people to Himself. In describing to His disciples the office work of the Holy Spirit, Jesus sought to inspire them with the joy and hope that inspired His own heart. He rejoiced because of the abundant help He had provided for His church. The Holy Spirit was the highest of all gifts that He 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. 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 on His church. The Review and Herald, November 19,

20 The Heavenly Dove And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. John 1:32. Christ is our example in all things. In response to His prayer to His Father, heaven was opened, and the Spirit descended like a dove and abode upon Him. The Holy Spirit of God is to communicate with man, and to abide in the hearts of the obedient and faithful. Light and strength will come to those who earnestly seek it in order that they may have wisdom to resist Satan, and to overcome in times of temptation. We are to overcome even as Christ overcame. Jesus opened His public mission with fervent prayer, and His example makes manifest the fact that prayer is necessary in order to lead a successful Christian life. He was constantly in communion with His Father, and His life presents to us a perfect pattern which we are to imitate. He appreciated the privilege of prayer, and His work showed the results of communion with God. Examining the record of His life, we find that upon all important occasions He retired to the grove, or to the solitude of the mountains, and offered earnest, persevering prayer to God. He frequently devoted the entire night to prayer just before He was called upon to work some mighty miracle. During these nightly seasons of prayer, after the labors of the day, He compassionately dismissed His disciples, that they might return to their homes for rest and sleep, while with strong crying and tears He poured forth earnest petitions to God in behalf of humanity. Jesus was braced for duty and fortified for trial through the grace of God that came to Him in answer to prayer. We are dependent upon God for success in living the Christian life, and Christ s example opens before us the path by which we may come to a never-failing source of strength, from which we may draw grace and power to resist the enemy and to come off victorious. On the banks of Jordan Christ offered prayer as the representative of humanity, and the opening heaven and the voice of approval assures us that God accepts humanity through the merits of His Son. The Signs of the Times, July 24,

21 Unseen as the Wind The wind blows where it wills, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know whence it comes or whither it goes; so it is with every one who is born of the Spirit. John 3:8, RSV. The wind is heard among the branches of the trees, rustling the leaves and flowers; yet it is invisible, and no man knows whence it comes or whither it goes. So with the work of the Holy Spirit upon the heart. [The Spirit] can no more be explained than can the movements of the wind. A person may not be able to tell the exact time or place, or to trace all the circumstances in the process of conversion; but this does not prove him to be unconverted. By an agency as unseen as the wind, Christ is constantly working upon the heart. Little by little, perhaps unconsciously to the receiver, impressions are made that tend to draw the soul to Christ. These may be received through meditating upon Him, through reading the Scriptures, or through hearing the Word from the living preacher. Suddenly, as the Spirit comes with more direct appeal, the soul gladly surrenders itself to Jesus. By many this is called sudden conversion; but it is the result of long wooing by the Spirit of God a patient, protracted process. While the wind is itself invisible, it produces effects that are seen and felt. So the work of the Spirit upon the soul will reveal itself in every act of him who has felt its saving power. When the Spirit of God takes possession of the heart, it transforms the life. Sinful thoughts are put away, evil deeds are renounced; love, humility, and peace take the place of anger, envy, and strife. Joy takes the place of sadness, and the countenance reflects the light of heaven. No one sees the hand that lifts the burden, or beholds the light descend from the courts above. The blessing comes when by faith the soul surrenders itself to God. Then that power which no human eye can see creates a new being in the image of God. It is impossible for finite minds to comprehend the work of redemption. Its mystery exceeds human knowledge; yet he who passes from death to life realizes that it is a divine reality. The beginning of redemption we may know here through a personal experience. Its results reach through the eternal ages. The Desire of Ages, 172,

22 Oil in Your Vessels They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. Matthew 25:3, 4. Many receive the truth readily, but they fail to assimilate truth, and its influence is not abiding. They are like the foolish virgins, who had no oil in their vessels with their lamps. Oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit, which is brought into the soul through faith in Jesus Christ. Those who earnestly search the Scriptures with much prayer, who rely upon God with firm faith, who obey His commandments, will be among those who are represented as wise virgins. The teachings of the Word of God are not yea and nay, but yea and amen. The requirement of the gospel is far-reaching. Says the apostle, Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him (Colossians 3:17). Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). Practical piety will not be attained by giving the grand truths of the Bible a place in the outer courts of the heart. The religion of the Bible must be brought into the large and the little affairs of life. It must furnish the powerful motives and principles that will regulate the Christian s character and course of action... The oil so much needed by those who are represented as foolish virgins, is not something to be put on the outside. They need to bring the truth into the sanctuary of the soul, that it may cleanse, refine, and sanctify. It is not theory that they need; it is the sacred teachings of the Bible, which are not uncertain, disconnected doctrines, but are living truths, that involve eternal interests that center in Christ. In Him is the complete system of divine truth. The salvation of the soul, through faith in Christ, is the ground and pillar of the truth. Those who exercise true faith in Christ make it manifest by holiness of character, by obedience to the law of God. They realize that the truth as it is in Jesus reaches heaven, and compasses eternity. They understand that the Christian s character should represent the character of Christ, and be full of grace and truth. To them is imparted the oil of grace, which sustains a never-failing light. The Holy Spirit in the heart of the believer makes him complete in Christ. The Review and Herald, September 17,

23 A Constant Flow of Oil And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves? And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth. Zechariah 4: The continual communication of the Holy Spirit to the church is represented by the prophet Zechariah under another figure, which contains a wonderful lesson of encouragement for us. The prophet says: The angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep, and said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof: and two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof. So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What are these, my Lord?... Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts... And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves?... Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth (Zechariah 4:1-14). From the two olive trees, the golden oil was emptied through golden pipes into the bowl of the candlestick, and thence into the golden lamps that gave light to the sanctuary. So from the holy ones that stand in God s presence, His Spirit is imparted to human instrumentalities that are consecrated to His service. The mission of the two anointed ones is to communicate light and power to God s people. It is to receive blessing for us that they stand in God s presence. As the olive trees empty themselves into the golden pipes, so the heavenly messengers seek to communicate all that they receive from God. The whole heavenly treasure awaits our demand and reception; and as we receive the blessing, we in our turn are to impart it. Thus it is that the holy lamps are fed, and the church becomes a light-bearer in the world. The Review and Herald, March 2,

24 Leaven in Our Heart And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God? It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. Luke 13:20, 21. This parable illustrates the penetrating and assimilating power of the gospel, which is to fashion the church after the divine similitude by working on the hearts of the individual members. As the leaven operates on the meal, so the Holy Spirit operates on the human heart, absorbing all its capabilities and powers, bringing soul, body, and spirit into conformity to Christ. In the parable the woman placed the leaven in the meal. It was necessary to supply a want. By this God would teach us that, of himself, man does not possess the properties of salvation. He cannot transform himself by the exercise of his will. The truth must be received into the heart. Thus the divine leaven does its work. By its transforming, vitalizing power it produces a change in the heart. New thoughts, new feelings, new purposes are awakened. The mind is changed, the faculties are set to work. Man is not supplied with new faculties, but the faculties he has are sanctified. The conscience hitherto dead is aroused. But man cannot make this change himself. It can be made only by the Holy Spirit. All who would be saved, high or low, rich or poor, must submit to the working of this power. This truth is presented in Christ s words to Nicodemus: Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God... That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit (John 3:3-8). When our minds are controlled by the Spirit of God, we shall understand the lesson taught by the parable of the leaven. Those who open their hearts to receive the truth will realize that the Word of God is the great instrumentality in the transformation of character. The Review and Herald, July 25,