Manuscript Releases, vol. 12 [Nos. 921-999]

MR No. 984—The Matchless Christ Offers His Spirit to the Humble and Contrite

We ask of Paul, the great apostle, and he answers, “Without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory” [1 Timothy 3:16]. 12MR 296.1

Again we ask John, What of Christ? [John 1:9-14, 29, quoted]. We hear the testimony of Isaiah: [Isaiah 62:1-3; 63:1-4, quoted]. We ask John what he saw and heard in the vision at Patmos, and he answers: [Revelation 5:1-3, quoted]. 12MR 296.2

There in His open hand lay the book, the roll of the history of God's providences, the prophetic history of nations and the church. Herein was contained the divine utterances, His authority, His commandments, His laws, the whole symbolic counsel of the Eternal, and the history of all ruling powers in the nations. In symbolic language was contained in that roll the influence of every nation, tongue, and people from the beginning of earth's history to its close. 12MR 296.3

This roll was written within and without. John says: “I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon” [verse 4]. The vision as presented to John made its impression upon his mind. The destiny of every nation was contained in that book. John was distressed at the utter inability of any human being or angelic intelligence to read the words, or even to look thereon. His soul was wrought up to such a point of agony and suspense that one of the strong angels had compassion on him, and laying his hand on him assuringly, said, “Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof” [verse 5]. 12MR 296.4

John continues: [verses 6, 7, quoted]. As the book was unrolled, all who looked upon it were filled with awe. There were no blanks in the book. There was space for no more writing. [Revelation 5:8-14; 6:8-11; Revelation 8:1-4, quoted.] 12MR 297.1

The psalmist prayed: [Psalm 141:1-3, quoted]. We have every evidence that the humble, contrite prayer offered to God is regarded as precious in His sight. Not one is lost. The promise is: [Luke 11:9-13, quoted]. 12MR 297.2

This invitation is for all. The Saviour seeks to impress the truth by an illustration. Will the father whose child asks for bread, give him a stone? If he asks a fish, will he give him a serpent? If he asks for an egg, will he give him a scorpion? This is presented as an impossibility. Drawing the contrast between the heavenly and earthly parent, Christ adds, “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?” 12MR 297.3

Let us ask Isaiah what he has from the Lord in regard to this matter: [Isaiah 57:15-21; 66:1, 2, quoted]. 12MR 297.4

The Lord hears the prayers of all who come to Him in their necessity, all who are humble and contrite in heart. The Lord hears, and He will manifest Himself unto them, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the hearts of the contrite ones.... 12MR 297.5

[Revelation 3:15-18, quoted.] 12MR 298.1

There are precious experiences for the youth to gain, if they will die to self, but if they cherish and exalt self, Christ will not work with or for them. He will permit them to exhibit how little there is of them in their pride and haughtiness and spiritual poverty. Christ says, [Revelation 3:4, 5, quoted.] 12MR 298.2

I have a word of warning to my brethren in this country. [verses 6-11; 2 Peter 1:2-11, quoted.]—Letter 65, 1898. (To Frederick Griggs and Franklin Howe. Written from “Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, Australia.) 12MR 298.3

White Estate

Washington, D. C.,

May 5, 1983.