DiggingforTruth

Home Prophecy Spirit of Prophecy Section Selected Quotations - EGW ( 6,000 phrases ) Phrase - Repentance ( separate page ) [ 27 phrases ]

Necessity of Repentance ( 7 )

Quotations from the writings of Ellen G. White with the phrase . . .

necessity of repentance

Those who accepted the advent doctrine were roused to the necessity of repentance and humiliation before God. Many had long been halting between Christ and the world; now they felt that it was time to take a stand. "The things of eternity assumed to them an unwonted reality. Heaven was brought near, and they felt themselves guilty before God."-- Bliss, page 146. Christians were quickened to new spiritual life. They were made to feel that time was short, that what they had to do for their fellow men must be done quickly. Earth receded, eternity seemed to open before them, and the soul, with all that pertained to its immortal weal or woe, was felt to eclipse every temporal object. The Spirit of God rested upon them and gave power to their earnest appeals to their brethren, as well as to sinners, to prepare for the day of God. The silent testimony of their daily life was a constant rebuke to formal and unconsecrated church members. These did not wish to be disturbed in their pursuit of pleasure, their devotion to money-making, and their ambition for worldly honor. Hence the enmity and opposition excited against the advent faith and those who proclaimed it. Great Controversy, page 340.1

The young man could not have the world and the heavenly treasure also. His neighbors were in suffering need of the good things which had been lent him of heaven, through which he was to bless the widow and the fatherless. Instead of distributing to the needy, he was hoarding up his treasure, and still considering himself a doer of the commandments of God. He did not understand the spirituality of the law, and the worthlessness of a formal, ceremonial obedience. He did not comprehend what were his eternal obligations to God. He had no practical experience. He neither understood the holy, paternal character of God nor the relation he sustained to his fellow-men. He did not look upon his possessions as a trust from God over which he should act the part of a faithful steward. He did not realize that he was to dispense of his abundance, doing good with his possession. He did not accept the conditions upon which eternal life was granted. He refused to obey the commandments which he claimed he had kept from his youth up. He did not realize God's great love in giving his Son for the salvation of the world. He did not comprehend the spiritual nature of the gospel, nor realize the necessity of repentance, of prayer, of holiness on the part of all who would enter the kingdom of heaven. If he had accepted the invitation of Christ to follow him, he would have been enlightened, through the agency of the Holy Spirit, which renews and sanctifies the soul. {RH, March 28, 1893 par. 7}

It was the spirit of Satan expressed in looks and words to make of none effect the Testimonies of the Spirit of God. "This," said the guide with me, "is the way any message of Heaven will be treated." God and angels are at work to open before the people their wrongs which have brought the frown of God upon the people. Men professing to be teachers, step in between them and the light God has given, that it shall have no weight or effect upon the hearts of the people. God calls them to repentance, while unconsecrated, unconverted men, as bodies of darkness, call their attention from the necessity of repentance to self-justification. These cunning speeches serve the purpose of Satan. Self-inflated, self-deceived souls are deceiving others. Eld. Smith has had poor companions and supporters. He sat in silence. God pity these men who are blinded and deceived. Meetings that should have been meetings of confession and humiliation, have been meetings of self-justification. A spirit of coldness, of irreverence, of lightness was with many. And while it is called today, if you hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation in the wilderness. {PH155 9.2}

I spoke five times at Lemoore, to good audiences. Many who were unacquainted with the positions we hold, seemed much interested. There were in the congregation some infidels and saloon-keepers, who gave most earnest and respectful attention, and we know not but that the seeds of truth may take root and bear fruit to the glory of God in the lives of these men. It is my sincere hope and prayer that this may be so. Christ has said, "Joy shall be in Heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance." Those who feel perfectly satisfied with their spiritual condition are not the ones who excite the joy of the angels. The Jews claimed to respect the law of God, but they did not keep it. Said Jesus, "Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law?" He said of the self-righteous Pharisees, "In vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men;" and in this day, those who profess to be Christians and yet bear no fruit to the glory of God, denying in their works the faith they profess, are among that class who feel no want in themselves, who see no necessity of repentance, confession, or reformation in their lives. They seem in their own eyes to be righteous, and they are satisfied with their own attainments. They do not come to the great Physician, because they do not realize their need of healing. But those who come repenting of their sins, believing that Jesus is able, through the merits of his blood, to cleanse them, and make them whole, cause the angels of God to rejoice in his presence. {ST, April 20, 1888 par. 5}

necessity of deep repentance

We spent two weeks in Christiana, and labored earnestly for the church. The Spirit of the Lord moved me to bear a very plain testimony. At our last meeting especially, I presented before them the necessity of a thorough change in the character if they would be children of God. When they come to worship before the Lord, it should be with subdued and reverent hearts. The house built for His worship is a sacred place, not a place for unholy feelings,malice, faultfinding, and bitterness of spirit. I urged upon them the necessity of deep repentance,confession, and forsaking of the sins which had shut away the sweet spirit of Christ from the church. We then called for those to come forward who would take a decided position on the Lord's side. Many responded. Some good confessions were made, and earnest testimonies were borne. We hope that this move is but the beginning of a decided advance on the part of many members of this church.-- RH, Oct. 19, 1886. {DG 243.2}

do not see the necessity of repentance

"My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord." We do not see ourselves as God sees us; therefore we do not see the necessity of repentance, of humility, and of continual reliance upon him. There are efforts made in our own strength, but there is not a dying to self; the soul is not surrendered to God. Many are making a mistake here. They are hoping to overcome through their own efforts, and by their goodness gain the assurance of the love of God. They do not exercise faith; they do not believe that Jesus accepts their repentance and contrition, and so they toil on day after day without finding rest or peace. When the heart is fully surrendered to God, love springs up in the soul, and the yoke of Christ is easy, and his burden light. The will is swallowed up in God's will, and that which was a cross, becomes a pleasure. {GW92 440.2}

"My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are my ways your ways, saith the Lord." We do not see ourselves as God sees us; therefore we do not feel the necessity of repentance, of humility, and of continual reliance upon him. There are efforts made in our own strength; but there is not a dying to self, the soul is not surrendered to God. Many are making a mistake here. They are hoping to overcome through their own efforts, and by their goodness gain the assurance of the love of God. They do not exercise faith; they do not believe that Jesus accepts their repentance and contrition, and so they toil on day after day without finding rest or peace. When the heart is fully surrendered to God, love springs up in the soul, and the yoke of Christ is easy, and his burden light. The will is swallowed up in God's will, and that which was a cross becomes a pleasure. {RH, May 20, 1884 par. 6}

Return to Selected Quotations by EGW page

Return to Phrases related to Repentance page

diggingfortruth.org