Sermon/Seeking for Heaven
Loma Linda, California
April 13, 1912
Portions of this manuscript are published in OHC 284. +NoteOne or more typed copies of this document contain additional Ellen White handwritten interlineations which may be viewed at the main office of the Ellen G. White Estate.
Scripture reading: John 17. 25LtMs, Ms 51, 1912, par. 1
I would that everyone might understand the wonderful significance of these words of Christ. Were this the only portion of the Word in our possession, it should be sufficient to sustain our courage, to strengthen our faith, and to keep our souls in the love of God. We need the truth as it is in Jesus. We need a faith that will lay hold on the promises of God and claim them as our own. 25LtMs, Ms 51, 1912, par. 2
The enemy seeks in many ways to draw our minds from the study of the Word. Many he leads to seek for satisfaction in amusements and pleasures that seem desirable to the carnal heart. But the true children of God are not seeking their happiness in this world; they seek for the lasting joys of a home in the eternal city where Christ dwells and where the redeemed shall receive the rewards of obedience to the requirements of God. These do not desire the transitory, cheap amusements of this life, but the enduring bliss of heaven. 25LtMs, Ms 51, 1912, par. 3
God has entrusted men and women with great powers—powers that He gave to be devoted to His service; and precious is the light that comes to every one who faithfully uses his talents for the glory of God. We should endeavor to have our minds in that condition where we can receive the impressions of the Holy Spirit. But they cannot receive increased light who allow their thoughts to run constantly upon frivolous things. The mind should be stored with heavenly treasure, with food that will enable us to grow spiritually, and thus prepare us for a holy heaven. Christ is our sanctification and redemption; never should we conduct ourselves as though His great sacrifice in our behalf had not been made. 25LtMs, Ms 51, 1912, par. 4
I am thankful that we have this institution. This is one of the most beautiful places for a sanitarium that I have ever seen. I do not regret any investment that we have made in it. I see the hand of God in the circumstances that placed this property in our hands. Our brethren and sisters who have helped in the enterprise should rejoice in what has been accomplished. And now that the property is ours, let us see to it that the light of truth shines brightly forth from this place. 25LtMs, Ms 51, 1912, par. 5
We are here not merely for what we can get, but for the help we can be to one another, and to help those who come here to see their opportunity to lay hold of the things of eternity. Here under most favorable conditions we can minister to those who need help. Here many will be helped to find a new life. It is our privilege to glorify God in our body and in our spirit, which are His. 25LtMs, Ms 51, 1912, par. 6
There are many ways in which we may help our associates, if we will give our minds to it. But it fills me with sorrow when I see plans laid for amusement and self-gratification. As these occupy the mind, there is no opportunity for the precious truth of God to take possession of the soul. When I see those whose interests are given to the amusements of the world, how I wish that they might be converted. Then they would see where they could help others, instead of devoting their time and energy to self-gratification. They would find opportunity for speaking words that would encourage, and would bring light and joy to souls in need of such help. 25LtMs, Ms 51, 1912, par. 7
All around us are men and women and youth in need of comfort and grace; they need the Holy Spirit of God in their lives. Let the workers here watch for opportunities to speak a word in season to such. Let them seek to be a blessing to all around them. Be careful that your example places no stumbling block in the way of sinners. The lives of the workers in this place should be a constant expression of the love of God. And this may be, if you will walk in the light as it shines upon your pathway. 25LtMs, Ms 51, 1912, par. 8
There is always danger when a company of people are brought together as the workers are in this place, that there will come in a disposition to seek for the highest place. My brethren and sisters, those who foster this disposition will come out the least. If we are saved, we must walk humbly with God; we must drink constantly of the water of salvation. Let us not be so anxious for honor and position as we are to have an indwelling Saviour. We should study the self-sacrificing life of Christ and follow His example. Those who strive for the mastery over their brethren will be humbled; but the angels of God will work mightily in behalf of those who exalt the Lord Christ. 25LtMs, Ms 51, 1912, par. 9
I am glad that the workers here have entered the race for eternal life. My message to them is, You are to be converted daily, so that heart and mind may be susceptible to the impressions of the Holy Spirit. Then the Lord can be with you and comfort and sustain you by His grace. You are to feed upon the Word of God. Then you will have life and energy. As you follow on to know the Lord, you will find that His going forth is prepared as the morning. Just as the light of the morning increases, growing ever brighter and stronger, so you may comprehend more and more of the glory of the Saviour and reflect His likeness with increasing beauty. 25LtMs, Ms 51, 1912, par. 10
I am striving for heaven, and I mean by God’s grace to obtain it. I want to be among the redeemed in the kingdom of glory and to see the King in His beauty. O what a joy it will be to look into the faces of those who have turned aside from the allurements of wealth and pleasure and have pressed their way through difficulties and trial to the kingdom of heaven. Their great desire in this life has been to use their possessions for the glory of God, and now God has crowned them with eternal glory. 25LtMs, Ms 51, 1912, par. 11
The glories of heaven—who can describe them! Sometimes I have thought to speak more fully than I have done of that which has been revealed; but when I attempt it, I am unable to find words to tell what I would say. The prospect before us is a glorious one; and we are now being tried and tested, that it may be determined whether we are prepared for that which God is preparing for His faithful ones. 25LtMs, Ms 51, 1912, par. 12
My brethren and sisters, are you preparing to see the King in His beauty? Are you washing your robes of character in the blood of the Lamb? O if I can meet you there, how thankfully we shall clasp hands. Through the open golden gates we shall hear the Saviour’s welcome and shall enter in, nevermore to go out, but to enjoy forever the joys of the redeemed. 25LtMs, Ms 51, 1912, par. 13
We long to see souls saved in the kingdom of God. We desire that everything we do shall tell in some way for the advancement of the work of God. We long to see Jesus and to wear the crown of immortality. But we must not be content merely with gaining the reward ourselves. While we are to seek earnestly for heaven, we must do all in our power to help others to win it. In bestowing upon us such great blessings, God desires that we shall unite in glorifying the name of the Lord. 25LtMs, Ms 51, 1912, par. 14
In our sanitarium work we are brought daily into contact with men and women who have not a true knowledge of God. We are to study how to speak a word in season, how to arouse interest in religious things, how to tell of the love of God that passeth understanding. Why should we love souls and labor for their salvation?—Because Christ gave His life for souls. “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] 25LtMs, Ms 51, 1912, par. 15
Let all appreciate the great sacrifice that has been made in their behalf and become faithful workers in bringing the knowledge of truth to those who know it not. Let the prayer of Christ be answered in each life: “Sanctify them through Thy truth; Thy word is truth.” [John 17:17.] Fix your eyes upon the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, and be determined to follow on to know the Lord more and more perfectly. 25LtMs, Ms 51, 1912, par. 16
In closing I will say once more: I love Jesus, and I love the souls for whom He died. I intend to work for Him as long as He gives me strength. And when I enter in through the gates into the city, and have right to the tree of life, I will praise His holy name forever and ever. 25LtMs, Ms 51, 1912, par. 17