Spirit and Power of Elijah quotes

Spirit and Power of Elijah quotes

What was it that constituted the power of Elijah? “As the Lord liveth, before whom I stand” [1 Kings 17:1]—this was ever the watchword on his lips; and in these words lay his power. His message was from God; it filled his whole being. {Ms117-1907.20}

Elijahs are called for at this period of earth’s history. Today, messengers are to go forth in the same spirit, with the Word of God in their hands, and the Spirit of God in their hearts, speaking words of warning and entreaty and pleading with God in earnest supplication. If ever there were a time for deepest humiliation before God, it is now. Let those to whom the Lord has given this message to bear humble their hearts before Him and be afraid. God can use only those who are lowly in spirit. {Ms117-1907.21}

We who live in 1907 have something that Elijah had not; we have vastly greater cause for faith than he; for we have the history of a Saviour who came in human flesh and died upon the cross of Calvary for the redemption of our race. It is ours to impart that which Elijah could not preach. The Love of Christ revealed in the cross of Calvary speaketh better things than the blood of Abel. {Ms117-1907.22}

The Lord in His Word tells us plainly what to do: “Cry aloud, spare not; lift up thy voice like a trumpet; and show My people their transgressions, and the house of Jacob their sins.” [Isaiah 58:1.] Let us study our Bibles and humble our hearts before God. Let us seek the Lord while He may be found, asking for the power that God is waiting to give to all who will seek Him in humble, trusting faith. {Ms117-1907.23}

While unbelief is so boldly lifting up its head, let each believer consecrate himself to God to walk humbly and circumspectly before Him and before his fellow men. There will always be some who will exalt self, but let those who truly love God show at all times their entire dependence upon Him. The words were spoken: “Look up with confidence to the Most High. He knows the measure of His workers, and He will send forth with a message to the multitude those who will work for Him in humility and faith.” {Ms117-1907.24}

We must do a thorough work in education. The youth in our offices of publication should receive practical instruction in every line of work connected with the printing of books. Then, if the providence of God should lead them to other countries, they can learn the language and be able to print for the people in that country the truth that God has committed to us, which must go to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. The Lord is sending His angels, preparing the hearts of the people to receive the truth. And if we are only consecrated to His service, we shall be sent forth in the spirit and power of Elijah. {Ms73-1906.9

What are you doing in Battle Creek? Why are you colonized there? Why are you not going forth in the spirit and power of Elijah? Over and over again the Lord has sent the command, Go out of Battle Creek, and lift the standard of truth in other localities. Make a center and plant the standard in every city. Why is the reason that you do not see what must be done to prepare a people to stand in the great day of the Lord? {Ms75-1898.35}

The life of the follower of Christ is a life hid with Christ in God, and it will not be discerned or appreciated by the world. Some classes in the world do admire the consistency of genuine Christianity, but generally unbelievers are not pleased with vital godliness, with a firm, steadfast character that will not be swayed by the sophistries of its delusions, by the reasonings of science falsely so-called. The living stones in the temple of God do not attract the eyes of the worldly-minded. They cannot understand the value nor discern the preciousness of the spiritual nature. The world may realize that there is talent and weight of character with the man of God, but this is a matter for envy, not for admiration. His actions as a conscientious Christian, his self-denial for Christ’s sake, are not appreciated because the worldling knows not the hidden power of the truth, sees not the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. Let men walk with the Lord in all humility and they will be called narrow, bigoted, exclusive. If the Christian is zealous for the cause of truth, the world will regard him as a fanatic. If he advocates truth with pen and voice, proclaiming in the spirit and power of Elijah that the day of the Lord is at hand, he will be pronounced excitable [and] he will be charged with denouncing everything except what he believes. Let the Christian be what grace can make him, and he will be a mystery to the world. {Ms40a-1890.46}

The world cannot discern the unseen, inner life that is woven with the life of God and represented as hid with Christ in God. In all ages believers have been accused, misrepresented, and hated for Christ’s sake. They have passed through much tribulation. They have learned by experience the meaning of the words of Christ when He said, “Marvel not if the world hate you.” [1 John 3:13.] The world cannot understand the Christian’s motives. A Christlike character is something that the eye of the worldling is too blind to discern, his touch too coarse to handle, his spiritual powers too much perverted to esteem. The living, heavenly light that shines into the Christian’s mind and heart is unknown to the unbeliever. {Ms40a-1890.47}

Christians are at variance with the world. They are opposed to display, and in proportion as they reflect the image of Christ they are clothed with humility. This very grace makes them stand forth in contrast to the men of the world, as light is in contrast with darkness. {Ms40a-1890.48}

There is too little dependence upon God. When God would have a special work done for the advancement of the truth, He will impress men to work in the mines of truth with prayerful earnestness to discover the precious ore. These men will have Christlike perseverance. They will not fail or be discouraged. They will sink self out of sight in Jesus. Men will go forth in the spirit and power of Elijah to prepare the way for the second advent of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is their work to make crooked things straight. Some things must be torn down; some things must be built up. The old treasures must be reset in a framework of truth. They are to preach God’s Word; their testimony must not be molded by the opinions and ideas that have been regarded as sound, but by the Word of God which liveth and abideth forever. They are to lift up Christ and call sinners to repentance. They are to practice the graces of Christ, to pursue a straightforward course, breaking down skepticism and urging upon all their personal responsibility to be kind and courteous, to do good and to win souls to Jesus. {Ms15-1888.30}

The Jews tried to stop the proclamation of the message that had been predicted in the word of God; but prophecy must be fulfilled. The Lord says, “Behold, I send you Elijah the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.” Somebody is to come in the spirit and power of Elijah, and when he appears, men may say, “You are too earnest, you do not interpret the Scriptures in the proper way. Let me tell you how to teach your message.” {1888 534.6}

The spirit and power of Elijah have been stirring hearts to reform, and directing them to the wisdom of the just. Bro. and Sister Ross have not been converted to the health reform, notwithstanding the amount of evidence God has given upon this subject. Self-denial is essential to genuine religion. Those who have not learned to deny themselves are destitute of vital, practical godliness. We cannot expect anything else but that the claims of religion will come in contact with the natural affections and worldly interest. There is work in the vineyard of the Lord for all and every one to do. None should be idle. Angels of God are all astir, ascending to Heaven, and descending to earth again with messages of mercy and warning. The heavenly messengers are moving upon minds and hearts. There are men and women whose hearts are susceptible of being inspired with the truth, everywhere. If men and women who have a knowledge of the truth would now work in unison with the Spirit of God, we should see a great work accomplished. {T21a 88.1}

The Lord has been for years calling the attention of his people to health reform. This is one of the great branches of the work of preparation for the coming of the Son of Man. John the Baptist went forth in the spirit and power of Elijah to prepare the way of the Lord, and turn the people to the wisdom of the just. He was a representative of those living in these last days to whom God has entrusted sacred truths to present before the people, to prepare the way for the second appearing of Christ. John was a reformer. The angel Gabriel, direct from Heaven, gave a discourse upon health reform to the father and mother of John. He said he should not drink wine or strong drink, and should be filled with the Holy Ghost from his birth. {T21a 84.3}

The childhood, youth, and manhood of John, who came in the spirit and power of Elijah to do a special work in preparing the way for the world’s Redeemer, were marked with firmness and moral power. Satan could not move his integrity. When the voice of this prophet was heard in the wilderness, “Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,” Satan was afraid for his kingdom. He felt that the voice, sounding forth in trumpet tones in the wilderness, caused sinners under his control to tremble. He saw that his power over many was broken. The sinfulness of sin was revealed in such a manner that men became alarmed; and some, by repentance of their sins, found the favor of God, and gained moral power to resist his temptations. {2Red 26.3}

The least disciple that followed Jesus, witnessed his miracles, and heard the comforting words which fell from his lips, was greater than John the Baptist; that is, he was more exalted and honored, and had more pleasure in his life. John came in the spirit and power of Elijah, to proclaim the first advent of Jesus. He was to represent those who should go forth in the spirit and power of Elijah, to herald the day of wrath, and the second advent of Jesus. {1Red 44.3}

The work of John the Baptist represents the work for these times. His work, and the work of those who go forth in the spirit and power of Elijah to arouse the people from their apathy, are the same in many respects. Christ is to come the second time to judge the world in righteousness. The messengers of God who bear the last message of warning to be given to the world are to prepare the way for Christ’s second advent as John prepared the way for his first advent. If the kingdom of heaven suffered violence in the days of John, it suffers violence now; today the blessings of the gospel must be secured in the same way. If form and ceremony were of no avail then, a form of godliness without the power can be of no avail now. {YI May 17, 1900, par. 4}

John, I saw that James and you, as ministers of Jesus Christ, must watch your words, and your minds must dwell upon the truth. Whoever you are with, don’t talk at random. Let your words be solemn. The day of the Lord is at hand. I was pointed to the life of John the Baptist. His life was without pleasure. It was sorrowful and self-denying. He proclaimed Christ’s advent and then could not see and enjoy the power manifested by Christ. He knew that when Jesus should fully establish Himself as a Teacher he must die. He was cruelly beheaded. I saw that the least disciple that followed Jesus, witnessed His miracles, heard the comforting words that fell from His lips, was greater than John the Baptist; that is, more exalted and honored, had more pleasure in his life. {Lt1-1858.22}

We are proclaiming Christ’s second advent. Our walk should be sober; our conversation upon Jesus, upon the truth; and we should glory in the cross of Christ. {Lt1-1858.23}

This prince of evil was chafed and enraged that there should be One who walked the earth with moral power to withstand all his temptations, who resisted all his attractive bribes to allure him to sin, One over whom he could obtain no advantage to separate the soul from God. {ST August 4, 1887, par. 4}

There was another whom Satan could not swerve from the right way. The childhood, youth, and manhood of John, who came in the spirit and power of Elijah to do a special work in preparing the way for the world’s Redeemer, were marked with firmness and moral power. When the voice of this prophet was heard in the wilderness, saying, “Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,” Satan feared for the safety of his kingdom. The sinfulness of sin was revealed in such a manner that men trembled and became alarmed. His power over many who had been under his control was broken; and some, by repentance of their sins, found the favor of God, and gained moral power to resist the temptations of the great adversary. {ST August 4, 1887, par. 5}

I saw a company who stood well guarded and firm, and would give no countenance to those who would unsettle the established faith of the body. God looked upon them with approbation. I was shown three steps—one, two and three—the first, second and third angels’ messages. Said the angel, Woe to him who shall move a block, or stir a pin in these messages. The true understanding of these messages is of vital importance. The destiny of souls hangs upon the manner in which they are received. I was again brought down through these messages, and saw how dearly the people of God had purchased their experience. It had been obtained through much suffering and severe conflict. Step by step had God brought them along, until he had placed them upon a solid, immovable platform. Then I saw individuals as they approached the platform, before stepping upon it examine the foundation. Some with rejoicing immediately stepped upon it. Others commenced to find fault with the laying of the foundation of the platform. They wished improvements made, and then the platform would be more perfect, and the people much happier. Some stepped off the platform and examined it, then found fault with it, declaring it to be laid wrong. I saw that nearly all stood firm upon the platform, and exhorted others who had stepped off to cease their complaints, for God was the master-builder, and they were fighting against him. They recounted the wonderful work of God, which had led them to the firm platform, and in union nearly all raised their eyes to heaven, and with a loud voice glorified God. This affected some of those who had complained, and left the platform, and again they with humble look stepped upon it. {1SG 168.2}

I was pointed back to the proclamation of the first advent of Christ. John was sent in the spirit and power of Elijah to prepare the way for Jesus’ coming. Those who rejected the testimony of John were not benefited by the teachings of Jesus. Their opposition to the proclamation of his first advent placed them where they could not readily receive the strongest evidence of his being the Messiah. Satan led on those who rejected the message of John to go still further, to reject Jesus and crucify him. In doing this, they placed themselves where they could not receive the blessing on the day of Pentecost, which would have taught them the way into the heavenly Sanctuary.  {1SG 169.1}  {EW 259.1}

Parents felt the deepest solicitude for their children. Those who received the message, labored with their unconverted friends and relatives, and with their souls bowed with the weight of the solemn message, warned and entreated them to prepare for the coming of the Son of man. Those cases were the most hardened that would not yield to such a weight of evidence set home by heart-felt warnings. This soul-purifying work led the affections away from worldly things, to a consecration never before experienced. Thousands were led to embrace the truth preached by Wm. Miller, and servants of God were raised up in the spirit and power of Elijah to proclaim the message. Those who preached this solemn message, like John the forerunner of Jesus, felt compelled to lay the axe at the root of the tree, and call upon men to bring forth fruits meet for repentance. Their testimony was calculated to arouse and powerfully affect the churches, and manifest their real character. And as they raised the solemn warning to flee from the wrath to come, many who were united with the churches received the healing message; they saw their backslidings, and, with bitter tears of repentance, and deep agony of soul, humbled themselves before God. And as the Spirit of God rested upon them, they helped to sound the cry, Fear God, and give glory to him, for the hour of his judgment is come. {1SG 133.2}

Thousands were led to embrace the truth preached by William Miller, and servants of God were raised up in the spirit and power of Elijah to proclaim the message. Like John, the forerunner of Jesus, those who preached this solemn message felt compelled to lay the axe at the root of the tree, and call upon men to bring forth fruits meet for repentance. Their testimony was calculated to arouse and powerfully affect the churches and manifest their real character. And as the solemn warning to flee from the wrath to come was sounded, many who were united with the churches received the healing message; they saw their backslidings, and with bitter tears of repentance and deep agony of soul, humbled themselves before God. And as the Spirit of God rested upon them, they helped to sound the cry, “Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come.” {EW 233.1}

Herod was affected as he listened to the powerful, pointed testimonies of John, and with deep interest he inquired what he must do to become his disciple. John was acquainted with the fact that he was about to marry his brother's wife, while her husband was yet living, and faithfully told Herod that this was not lawful. Herod was unwilling to make any sacrifice. He married his brother's wife, and through her influence, seized John and put him in prison, intending however to release him. While there confined, John heard through his disciples of the mighty works of Jesus. He could not listen to His gracious words; but the disciples informed him and comforted him with what they had heard. Soon John was beheaded, through the influence of Herod's wife. I saw that the humblest disciples who followed Jesus, witnessed His miracles, and heard the comforting words which fell from His lips, were greater than John the Baptist; that is, they were more exalted and honored, and had more pleasure in their lives.  {EW 154.2}

John came in the spirit and power of Elijah to proclaim the first advent of Jesus. I was pointed down to the last days and saw that John represented those who should go forth in the spirit and power of Elijah to herald the day of wrath and the second advent of Jesus.  {EW 155.1}

It was believed also that before the Messiah’s advent, Elijah would personally appear. This expectation John met in his denial; but his words had a deeper meaning. Jesus afterward said, referring to John, “If ye are willing to receive it, this is Elijah, which is to come.” Matthew 11:14, R. V. John came in the spirit and power of Elijah, to do such a work as Elijah did. If the Jews had received him, it would have been accomplished for them. But they did not receive his message. To them he was not Elijah. He could not fulfill for them the mission he came to accomplish. {DA 135.3}

Amid discord and strife, a voice was heard from the wilderness, a voice startling and stern, yet full of hope: “Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” With a new, strange power it moved the people. Prophets had foretold the coming of Christ as an event far in the future; but here was an announcement that it was at hand. John’s singular appearance carried the minds of his hearers back to the ancient seers. In his manner and dress he resembled the prophet Elijah. With the spirit and power of Elijah he denounced the national corruption, and rebuked the prevailing sins. His words were plain, pointed, and convincing. Many believed him to be one of the prophets risen from the dead. The whole nation was stirred. Multitudes flocked to the wilderness. {DA 104.3}

The work of John was foretold by the prophet Malachi: “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord; and he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers.” [Malachi 4:5, 6.] John the Baptist went forth in the spirit and power of Elijah, to prepare the way of the Lord, and to turn the people to the wisdom of the just. He was a representative of those living in the last days, to whom God has intrusted sacred truths to present before the people, to prepare the way for the second appearing of Christ. And the same principles of temperance which John practiced should be observed by those who in our day are to warn the world of the coming of the Son of man. {CTBH 39.1}

It was against such wickedness that Elijah in that day, on behalf of Jehovah lifted up his voice; and it is against that same wickedness in this day that those who are imbued with the spirit and power of Elijah (Mal. 4:5), on behalf of Jehovah lift up their voices. {September 6, 1898 ATJ, ARSH 571.24}

The word of God by Elijah for that time is the word of God in the spirit and power of Elijah now: "If the Lord be God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him." Sunday is not the Sabbath any more than Baal is Jehovah. Sunday owes its place among those who profess to be the Lord's people to the influence of "that woman Jezebel," of Rev. 2:20, just as truly as Baal owed his place among those of Elijah's time who professed to be the Lord's people, to the original Jezebel of 1 Kings 14:31. {September 6, 1898 ATJ, ARSH 571.25}

Elijah in his day was counted a troubler of Israel because he told the people that Baal was not God, and that in following Baal they had "forsaken the commandments of the Lord." And those who now, in the spirit and power of Elijah, tell the people that Sunday is not the Sabbath, and that in observing Sunday they have "forsaken the commandments of the Lord,"—these now are counted troublers of Israel, just as Elijah was. {September 6, 1898 ATJ, ARSH 571.26}

But at that time God vindicated Elijah, and sustained him in all the contest in that day; and the same God will vindicate those of the spirit and power of Elijah, and will sustain them in all the contest in this our day. And when the contest was over, and his work done, Elijah was translated. And now when this contest is over, and our work is done, "the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." {September 6, 1898 ATJ, ARSH 572.1}

Power of Elijah.-The angel Gabriel said of John the Baptist: "Many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." Luke 1:16, 17. When we think of the power of Elijah our minds rest on the wonderful miracles that were wrought by him. He shut up and opened heaven, brought down fire, divided the waters of the river, and raised the dead. John "did no miracle," yet all the power that Elijah had was manifested in him. In what way?-In the word that he preached. The power of God is not always shown in what are commonly called miracles. He who has the word of God dwelling in him, has the miracle by which alone all miracles were ever performed. {February 1, 1894 EJW, PTUK 65.3}

The lesson which was taught that day at Carmel is to be taught again "in the spirit and power of Elijah," and the soul-stirring inquiry which was then made is to be repeated, "How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow Him: but if Baal, then follow him." And each one is answering the question by the choice which he is daily making, and soon the decree will go forth, "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: . . . and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still." Oh, that every one would say in his heart and in his life, "The Lord, He is the God; the Lord, He is the God." {July 7, 1898 EJW, PTUK 420.2}