Ellen G. White on Various Topics

Grace by Ellen G. White

We must guard the living machinery, and keep it in the very best condition, that we may glorify God. It is to be daily oiled by his grace, to run at his touch, without friction.... The truth as it is in Jesus, planted in the heart is nourished by the holy oil represented in Zech. 4:12-14. 1888 1626

A Christian has victory over his besetments, over his passions. There is a remedy for the sin-sick soul. That remedy is in Jesus. Precious Saviour! His grace is sufficient for the weakest; and the strongest must also have his grace or perish.

I saw how this grace could be obtained. Go to your closet, and there alone plead with God: `Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me' [Ps. 51:10]. Be in earnest, be sincere. Fervent prayer availeth much. Jacob-like, wrestle in prayer. Agonize. Jesus in the garden, sweat great drops of blood; you must make an effort. Do not leave your closet until you feel strong in God; then watch, and just as long as you watch and pray, you can keep these evil besetments under, and the grace of God can and will appear in you. 1T 158

We must acknowledge that all we have is from the exceeding riches of divine grace. 5T 219

Our growth in grace, our joy, our usefulness, all depend on our union with Christ, and the degree of faith we exercise in him. Here is the source of our power in the world....

Your birth, your reputation, your wealth, your talents, your virtues, your piety, your philanthropy, or anything else in you or connected with you, will not form a bond of union between your soul and Christ. Your connection with the church, the manner in which your brethren regard you, will be of no avail, unless you believe in Christ. It is not enough to believe about him; you must believe in him. You must rely wholly upon his saving grace....

[50.9]Few receive the grace of Christ with self-abasement, with a deep and permanent sense of their unworthiness. They cannot bear the manifestations of the power of God, for this would encourage in them self-esteem, pride, and envy. This is why the Lord can do so little for us now. 5T 48F (1882)

There is but one 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. 8T 291

The holiness that God's word declares he must have before he can be saved, is the result of the working of divine grace, as he bows in submission to the discipline and restraining influences of the Spirit of truth....

The work of transformation from unholiness to holiness is a continuous one. Day by day God labors for man's sanctification, and man is to cooperate with Him, putting forth persevering efforts in the cultivation of right habits. He is to add grace to grace; and as he thus works on the plan of addition, God works for him on the plan of multiplication. Our Saviour is always ready to hear and answer the prayer of the contrite heart, and grace and peace are multiplied to His faithful ones....

There are those who attempt to ascend the ladder of Christian progress; but as they advance, they begin to put their trust in the power of man, and soon lose sight of Jesus, the author and finisher of their faith. The result is failure-the loss of all that has been gained. Sad indeed is the condition of those who, becoming weary of the way, allow the enemy of souls to rob them of the Christian graces that have been developing in their hearts and lives. AA 532

While we yield ourselves as instruments for the Holy Spirit's working, the grace of God works in us to deny old inclinations, to overcome powerful propensities, and form new habits....

As we seek to win others to Christ, bearing the burden of souls in our prayers, our own hearts will throb with the quickening influence of God's grace; our own affections will glow with more divine fervor; our whole Christian life will be more of a reality, more earnest, more prayerful. COL 354

[A]ttraction of the thoughts to heavenly things cannot be gained without the exercise of faith in God, and an earnest, humble reliance upon him for that strength and grace which will be sufficient for every emergency.

Ample provision has been made for all who sincerely, earnestly, and thoughtfully set about the work of perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Strength and grace have been provided through Christ, to be brought by ministering angels to the heirs of salvation. CTBH 139F (1890)

Many take it for granted that they are Christians, simply because they subscribe to certain theological tenets. But they have not brought the truth into practical life. They have not believed and loved it, therefore they have not received the power and grace that come through sanctification of the truth. DA 309

It is the grace that Christ implants in the soul which creates in man enmity against Satan. Without this converting grace and renewing power, man would continue the captive of Satan, a servant ever ready to do his bidding. But the new principle in the soul creates conflict where hitherto had been peace. The power which Christ imparts enables man to resist the tyrant and usurper. Whoever is seen to abhor sin instead of loving it, whoever resists and conquers those passions that have held sway within, displays the operation of a principle wholly from above. GC 506

I can trust my Saviour; He saves me today; and while I am struggling to overcome the temptations of the enemy He will give me grace to conquer. HP 118 (MS 5,1886)

Are we willing to pay the price for eternal life? Are we ready to sit down and count the cost, whether heaven is worth such a sacrifice as to die to self and let our will be bent and fashioned into perfect conformity with the will of God? Until this shall be, the transforming grace of God will not be experienced by us. HP 155

The same power that Christ exercised when He walked visibly among men is in His word.... So with all the promises of God's word. In them He is speaking to us individually, speaking as directly as if we could listen to His voice. It is in these promises that Christ communicates to us His grace and power. MH 122

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. MH 428

There is but one power that can bring us into conformity to the likeness of Christ, that can make us steadfast and keep us constant. It is the grace of God that comes to us through obedience to the law of God. ML 100 (LET 58,1909)

We would never have learned the meaning of this word `grace' had we not fallen. God loves the sinless angels who do His service and are obedient to all His commands, but He does not give them grace. These heavenly beings know naught of grace; they have never needed it, for they have never sinned. Grace is an attribute of God shown to undeserving human beings. We did not seek after it, but it was sent in search of us. God rejoices to bestow this grace on everyone who hungers for it....

But God does not use this grace to make His law of none effect or to take the place of His law.... God's grace and the law of His kingdom are in perfect harmony; they walk hand in hand. His grace makes it possible for us to draw nigh to Him by faith. By receiving it, and letting it work in our lives, we testify to the validity of the law; we exalt the law and make it honorable by carrying out its living principles. ML 100 (LET 98,1896)

Seek the grace of Christ with the whole heart, might, mind, and strength.... God has given you a right to take hold of Him through the prayer of faith. OHC 101 (LET 38,1893)

`Be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.' 2 Pet. 3:14. This is the standard for which every Christian must strive, not in his own natural ability, but through the grace given him of Jesus Christ. Let us wrestle for the mastery over every sin, and be able to check every impatient, fretful expression. OHC 235 (LET 38,1893)

Human effort avails nothing without divine power; and without human endeavor, divine effort is with many of no avail. To make God's grace our own we must act our part. His grace is given to work in us to will and to do, but never as a substitute for our effort. PK 487

[2 Pet 1:1 quoted.] If all could appreciate this great blessing, what an advantage it would be to them! We can obtain like precious faith with Peter and those who were his companions only through one Source-the righteousness of Christ, who as a sin-bearer, stood at the head of humanity, overcoming in our behalf, that we might overcome in his strength. [Jn. 1:12 quoted.] ...He is given the privilege of being a laborer together with God in the saving of his soul. Receiving and believing is his part of the contract. He is to receive Christ as his personal Saviour, and is to continue to believe in him. This means abiding in Christ, showing in him, at all times and under all circumstances, a faith that is a representation of his character -a faith that works by love, and purifies the soul from all defilement. Christ is the author of this faith, and he demands that it be constantly exercised. Thus we receive a continuous supply of grace. RH APR.24,1900

It is by contemplating Christ, by exercising faith in him, by experiencing for ourselves his saving grace, that we are qualified to present him to the world. When the soul is renovated through the truth and brought into harmony with God, the Lord will accept us as workers together with himself, for the salvation of others. RH AUG.25,1896

Every time you are called upon to meet temptation, it is your duty to obtain a victory through the grace of Christ; and when you endure temptation in the strength of Christ, you are a conqueror. Cease worrying, and begin to count up your blessings and privileges. RH AUG.7,1888

Christ has made every provision for the sanctification of His Church. He has made abundant provision for every soul to have such grace and strength that he will be more than a conqueror in the warfare against sin. The Saviour is wounded afresh and put to open shame when His people pay no heed to His word. He came to this world and lived a sinless life, that in His power His people might also live lives of sinlessness. He desires them by practicing the principles of truth to show to the world that God's grace has power to sanctify the heart. RH DEC.14,1906

The inhabitants of the heavenly universe expect the followers of Christ to shine as lights in the world. They are to show forth the power of the grace that Christ died to give to men.... They are to be men of faith, men of constant growth, men of courage, whole-souled men, who without questioning trust in God and his promises....

His own power is small; but God is omnipotent, and God is his helper. Daily he is to make known his wants at the throne of grace. By faith and trust, by availing himself of the resources provided, he can be more than a conqueror.... RH FEB.18,1904

Many sermons preached upon the claims of the law have been without Christ, and this lack has made the truth inefficient in converting souls. Without the grace of Christ it is impossible to take one step in obedience to the law of God. Then how necessary that the sinner hear of the love and power of his Redeemer and Friend!...

`Without me,' says Christ, `ye can do nothing.' In and through the grace of Christ we can do all things. RH FEB.3F,1891

Few realize that it is a duty to exercise control over their thoughts and imaginations. It is difficult to keep the undisciplined mind fixed upon profitable subjects.... Both the intellectual and the moral powers must be disciplined, and they will strengthen and improve by exercise.

To understand this matter aright, we must remember that our hearts are naturally depraved, and we are unable, of ourselves, to pursue a right course. It is only by the grace of God, combined with the most earnest efforts on our part, that we can gain the victory. RH JAN.14,1881

There are many now teaching others who need themselves to learn what it means to be redeemed by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. They need to feel the power of saving grace....

Shall we not by dwelling in the sunshine of his [Christ's] presence, become mellowed by his grace?...

A true, lovable Christian is the most powerful argument that can be advanced in favor of Bible truth. Such a man is Christ's representative. His life is the most convincing evidence that can be borne to the power of divine grace. When God's people bring the righteousness of Christ into the daily life, sinners will be converted, and victories over the enemy will be gained. RH JAN.14,1904

Those who are in the habit of using tea, coffee, tobacco, opium, or spirituous liquors, cannot worship God when they are deprived of the accustomed indulgence. Let them, while deprived of these stimulants, engage in the worship of God, and divine grace would be powerless to animate, enliven, or spiritualize their prayers or their testimonies. These professed Christians should consider the means of their enjoyment. Is it from above, or from beneath? RH JAN.25,1881

[2 Tim 2:1-4 quoted.] The lessons contained in the words of Paul to Timothy are of the greatest importance to us today. He charges him to `be strong' -in his own wisdom?- no, but `in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.' He who would be a follower of Christ is not to rely upon his own capabilities, or to feel confident in himself. Neither is he to be dwarfed in his religious efforts, to shun responsibilities, and remain inefficient in the cause of God. He is to draw strength from a sure and safe source, that never fails those who would have divine power. The exhortation to us is, 'Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.' If the Christian feels his weakness, his inability, by putting his trust in God he will find the grace of Christ sufficient for every emergency....

[Jn 14:16-17A, 26 quoted.] God is omnipotent, and at every point where we need divine help and seek for it in sincerity, it will be given. God has pledged his word that his grace will be sufficient for you in your greatest necessity, in your sorest distress. Christ will be to you a present help if you appropriate his grace.... [B]ut if he who professes to follow Christ does not make it manifest that his motives are above those of the world in this great contest where there is everything to win and everything to lose, he will never be a victor. he is to make use of every entrusted power, that he may overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil through the power of the Holy Spirit, by grace abundantly provided that he shall not fail nor be discouraged, but be complete in Christ, accepted in the Beloved. RH JUN.16,1896

Let not the messengers return to their fields of labor, until they can go in humility of spirit, with the power of the grace of Christ in their hearts, and with a deep experience in the things of God. We must be clothed with humility as with a garment. We must act our part. Let us do it here and now. Let us have the power of God manifested among us. Let us have the shout of the King in the camp. When we have humbled our hearts before God, his grace will be poured upon us, and we shall bear a clean-cut testimony that will cleave its way to the hearts of men. RH JUN.18,1889

Commence without a moment's delay to root out every pernicious weed from the garden of the heart; and, through the grace of Christ, allow no plants to flourish there but such as will bear fruit unto eternal life. RH JUN.3,1884

Every heart that is not subdued by grace is treacherous, and will lead to ruin. RH MAY 1,1900

Christ said of the Spirit, `He shall glorify me.' As Christ glorified the Father by the demonstration of his love, so the Spirit was to glorify Christ by revealing to the world the riches of his grace. The very image of God is to be reproduced in humanity. The honor of God, the honor of Christ, is involved in the perfection of the character of his people....

Those who are unbelieving do not receive the rich endowment of grace that would make them wise unto salvation, patient, forbearing, quick to perceive and appreciate heavenly ministrations, quick to discern Satan's devices, and strong to resist sin. God cannot do his mighty work for them because of their unbelief....

[God] longs to reveal his grace. If his people will remove the obstructions, he will pour forth the waters of salvation in abundant streams through human channels. RH MAY 19,1904

Through self-denial and suffering with Christ, we grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth....

Brethren, if your eye be single, you will have well-balanced minds, and will be firm as a rock to principle. You will remember that the eye of God is upon you, overseeing your labor; and you will move on from strength to strength, from grace to grace, gathering rays of light to reflect them upon the pathway of others. Be strong in the grace of Christ, and let your hearts be filled with love to God and to one another.... Though sorrowful, you may be `always rejoicing.' Brethren, have courage in the Lord. RH MAY 20,1884

God will hear the prayer of the contrite heart; he says he will, and what better assurance can you desire than the word of God? Your weakness and sinfulness are all known to him. While you cannot rejoice over this, you may rejoice that Jesus is your righteousness. Your very weakness may make manifest his grace and power; for your conscious weakness drives you to him who is willing and mighty to help when you lay hold upon him by prevailing prayer.

[430a.7] Put away sin; bruise Satan under your feet. Leave your weakness behind you, and, strong in the grace of Christ, press on to victory. RH MAY 27,1884

We should fix our eye upon Jesus our Saviour. We should be continually growing up into Christ our living head. We want more knowledge, more grace. New affections should be planted in our hearts to expel the old affections. Divine power must substitute high and holy motives for those that were selfish and unholy. We must follow on to know the Lord....

If Christ can plead for us in the heavenly sanctuary, if our works are wrought in him, if we have brought his grace and truth into our character-building, we shall be recognized by the Lord as the subjects of his kingdom.....

[306a.7] Let us come into the presence of Christ. He is cleansing the heavenly sanctuary. Let us enter there by faith. Provision has been made for our cleansing. A fountain has been opened for sin and uncleanness [Zech. 13:1]. Ask in faith for the grace of God, and you will not ask in vain. Shall we wait till we feel that we are cleansed before we believe it?-No; Christ has promised that `if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness' [1Jn. 1:9]. RH MAY 28,1889

He made an offering so complete that through his grace every one may reach the standard of perfection. Of those who receive his grace and follow his example it will be written in the book of life, `Complete in him - without spot or stain' [Col. 2:10]....

Said the great apostle to the Gentiles, [Gal. 2:20 quoted.]. By faith Paul appropriated the grace of Christ, and this grace supplied the necessities of his soul.... This is the experience we need, that in a time when iniquity prevails, we may say, `I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.' Pray for this faith. Strive for it. Believe that God will give it to you. RH MAY 30,1907

Many present the doctrines and theories of our faith; but their presentation is as salt without savor; for the Holy Spirit is not working through their faithless ministry. They have not opened the heart to receive the grace of Christ; they know not the operation of the Spirit; they are as meal without leaven; for there is no working principle in all their labor, and they fail to win souls to Christ. They do not appropriate the righteousness of Christ; it is a robe unworn by them, a fullness unknown, a fountain untouched. RH NOV.22F,1892

The obstacles, provocations, and hardships that we meet, may prove to us, not a curse, but the greatest blessing of our lives; for the grandest characters are built amid hardships and trials. But they must be received as practical lessons in the school of Christ. Every temptation resisted, every trial bravely borne, gives us a new experience, and advances us in the work of character-building. We have a better knowledge of the working of Satan, and of our own power to defeat him through divine grace.... It is our privilege to walk in the sunshine of his presence, and weave into the characters we are forming the golden threads of cheerfulness, gratitude, forbearance, and love. We may thus show the power of divine grace, and reflect light from Heaven amid all the frets and irritations that come to day by day....

[568A.0] He is waiting to be gracious. [Rev. 3:20 quoted.] And then comes the gracious assurance: `To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne....' RH NOV.24,1885

[Eph. 1:1f quoted.] `Grace be to you.' We owe everything to God's free grace. Grace in the covenant ordained our adoption. Grace in the Saviour effected our redemption, our regeneration, and our exaltation to heirship with Christ....

We should never have learned the meaning of this word, `grace,' had we not fallen. God loves the sinless angels ... but he does not give them grace.... Grace is an attribute of God shown to undeserving human beings. We ourselves did not seek after it, but it was sent out in search of us.

God rejoices to bestow this grace upon all who hunger for it, not because we are worthy, but because we are so utterly unworthy....

The condition on which we receive an increase of grace is that we improve upon the light we already have.

RH OCT.15,1908

While lifting the cross, he says to us, `If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me'. Christ alone can make us capable of responding when he says, `Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart.' This means that every day self must be denied. Christ can give us the noble resolve, the will to suffer, and to fight the battles of the Lord with persevering energy. The weakest, aided by divine grace, may have strength to be more than conqueror....

Oh, how weak is our faith, that we do not avail ourselves of the rich, glorious promises of God! It is his nature to bestow his gifts upon us. All-wise and all-powerful, he will give liberally to all who ask in faith. RH OCT.30,1900

God calls upon us to come into harmony with the divine pattern. He calls upon us, while it is called Today [Heb. 3:13], to repent and be reconverted; and then His Spirit will dwell in us richly [Col.3:16; Titus 3:5,6], and there will be transformations of character little dreamed of. As His Spirit works with your spirit, there will be manifest a saving grace by which we shall be deeply convicted of the wonderful transformation that is taking place in your character. Others will notice it, and be influenced thereby. SAT 369

While our salvation is wholly dependent upon Jesus, yet we have a work to do in order that we shall be saved. The apostle says, `work out your own salvation with fear and trembling'. The work that we are to do is not independent of what God is to do, but a work of cooperation with God. The power and the grace of God is to be wrought into the heart by the divine Worker, but some go astray here, claiming that man has a work to do that is wholly independent of any work of God. Another class take the other extreme, and say that man is free from all obligation, because God does the whole work-both the willing and doing. But the true ground to take is that the human will must be in subjection to the divine will. The will of man is not to be forced into cooperation with divine agencies, but must be voluntarily submitted. Man has no power of himself to work out his own salvation. Salvation must be the result of cooperation with divine power, and God will not do that for man which he can do for himself. Man is wholly dependent on the grace of Christ. He has no power to move one step in the direction of Christ unless the Spirit of God draws him. The Holy Spirit is continually drawing the soul, and will continue to draw until by persistent refusal the sinner grieves away the tender messenger of God.

In the heavenly councils it has been decided by what means and methods the grace of Christ shall prove effectual in saving the soul. And it is clear that unless the sinner consents to be drawn, unless he will cooperate with divine agencies, the end will not be attained....

As soon as we incline our will to harmonize with God's will, the grace of Christ is supplied to cooperate with our resolve. But it is not to be a substitute to do our work,-to work in spite of our resolutions and actions....

Here is where the conflict is to be sternest, hardest, and most fierce-in yielding the will and way to God's will and way, relying upon the gracious influences which God has exerted upon the human soul throughout all the life. The man must do the work of inclining. `For it is God that worketh in you both to will and to do.' ST FEB.12,1894

If you respond to the drawing of Jesus, you will not fail to have an influence on somebody through the beauty and power of the grace of Christ. ST FEB.22,1892

If we are co-workers with Christ denying self, we may have connection with God, and obtain grace to help in every time of need, so that we shall not be found wanting when the Saviour comes to redeem his people. We may be found ready to be translated at the glorious appearing of our Lord and Saviour....

[293a.2] When he [God] gave Christ to the world, he gave all Heaven in that one priceless gift. He opened up to us all the treasures of his power and grace. By living faith we may grasp the hand of Infinite Power. We may be so connected with the God of Heaven that his grace may be found sufficient in every emergency of life. Says the prophet, `And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight'. [Lev.26:8] ST JUN.10,1889

The great Teacher, in His lessons, presents the life-diffusing power of His grace, declaring that through His grace men and women may live the new life of holiness and purity. He who lives this life works out the principles of the kingdom of heaven. Taught of God, he leads others in straight paths. The working of the Holy Spirit in his life shows that he is a partaker of the divine nature. Every soul thus worked receives so abundant a supply of the rich grace of heaven that, beholding his good works, unbelievers acknowledge that he is controlled and sustained by divine power, and give to God the glory.... ST JUN.28,1905

The strength given to Christ in the hour of bodily suffering and mental anguish in the Garden of Gethsemane, has been and will be given to those who suffer for his dear name's sake. The same grace given to Jesus, the same comfort, the more than mortal steadfastness, will be given to every believing child of God, who is brought into perplexity and suffering, and threatened with imprisonment and death, by Satan's agents. Never has a soul that trusts in Christ been left to perish. The rack, the stake, the many inventions of cruelty, may kill the body, but they cannot touch the life that is hid with Christ in God. ST JUN.3,1897

We need to be filled with all the fullness of God. We shall then have life, power, grace, and salvation.. ST MAY.25,1895

The free gift of grace is yours; will you by faith accept it? Your surrender to God must be as free and complete as has the offering of Christ been free and complete for you. Then you will be accepted of God in every work you do, in every prayer you offer.... The ties of worldly influence are subtle and strong, and can be severed only through the power of the grace of Christ. Make it your purpose to break away from every influence and habit, to give up every practice that weakens spirituality, and sunder every tie that binds you to Satanic agencies. ST SEP.25,1893

God is ever seeking to impress our hearts by his Holy Spirit, that we shall be convinced of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment to come [Jn. 16:8]. We may place our will on the side of God's will, and in his strength and grace resist the temptations of the enemy....

Jesus would enlist men in his service. He would direct their perverted powers in such a way that, through his grace, they may become agents for the working of unmingled good to every other man, and each become his brother's keeper in disinterested love, and thus the world be restored to God....

Let them follow in the footsteps of Jesus, obeying to the letter his word of direction" `If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me' [Luke 9:23], `so shall he be my disciple' [Jn. 15:8]. In the grace of Christ alone can this be done.... God has provided grace that his chosen, his elect, shall not be discomfited by the enemy. God has provided that men shall be Christians in the market place, in the house of commerce, in all manner of taxing cares in private or public life, as well as at the prayer meeting. ST SEP.4,1893

Our Saviour does not require impossibilities of any soul. He expects nothing of His disciples that He is not willing to give them grace and strength to perform. He would not call upon them to be perfect if He had not at His command every perfection of grace to bestow on the ones upon whom He would confer so high and holy a privilege TMK 130 (MS 148,1902)