The Light Of Life

compiled from the writings of Ellen G. White by Frank Klin

Christ walks in the midst of the golden candlesticks. Thus is symbolized his relation to the
churches. He is in communion with his people. He knows their true state. He observes their order,
their vigilance, their piety, and their devotion. Although he is High Priest and Mediator, in the
sanctuary above, yet he walks up and down in the midst of the churches on earth. He goes from
church to church, from congregation to congregation, from soul to soul. He is represented as
walking, which signified untiring wakefulness, unremitting vigilance. He observes whether the light
of any of his sentinels is burning dim or going out. If the candlesticks were left to mere human
care, the flickering flame would languish and die. But he is the true watchman in the Lord's
house, the true warden of the temple courts. His continued watchcare and sustaining grace are
the source of life and light. (1)

Those who will walk in the footsteps of the meek and lowly Jesus will be sensible that the light
of life is illuminating their pathway. Said the prophet, "Darkness shall cover the earth, and gross
darkness the people; but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee."
While the world is lying under the gross shadow of error, ignorance, superstition, and death, the
follower of Jesus walks in an atmosphere radiant with spiritual light. As he draws away from the
traditions and customs of the world, and lifts the cross, and enters the way of truth, he finds that
"the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day."
Every step of faith and obedience brings him into closer connection with the light of the world, in
whom "is no darkness at all." (2)

The believer in Jesus has a right to expect a rich and abundant experience. It is his privilege, if
he has complied with the conditions, to plead and claim the promises of God, and if he does this
he will receive according to his faith. Paul writes of his desire that the brethren at Ephesus might
come to understand the height of the Christian's privilege. He says, "For this cause I bow my
knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in Heaven and earth is
named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with
might by His Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your heart by faith; that ye, being
rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and
length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye
might be filled with all the fullness of God." (3)

Let us dwell upon this wonderful prayer, recorded that we may understand what heights of
attainment we may reach, through faith in the promises of our heavenly Father, when we fulfill his
requirements. Through the merits of Christ we have access to the throne of infinite power. "He
that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely
give us all things?" The Father gave the Spirit without measure to his Son, and we also may
partake of its fullness. Jesus says, "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?"
"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."
The prayer of the apostle only reaches the exaltation of the promise. (4)

How marvelous that humanity, an earthen vessel, can receive the treasure of the light and
power of God; can be filled with the fullness of his grace! Jesus was anointed "with the Holy
Ghost and with power," and he "went about doing good." This is the result of receiving the
anointing of Heaven. If you are filled with the Holy Spirit you will work the works of Christ, you will
seek the salvation of those around you, and "let your light so shine before men, that they may see
your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." (5)

Christ walks in the midst of his churches through the length and breadth of the earth. He looks
with intense interest to see whether his people are in such a condition spiritually that they can

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advance his kingdom. He is present in every assembly of the church. He knows those whose
hearts he can fill with the holy oil, that they may impart it to others. Those who faithfully carry
forward the work of Christ, representing in word and deed the character of God, fulfill the Lord's
purpose for them, and Christ takes pleasure in them. (6)

Dear Christian friends, drop the burdens that God does not ask you to carry. The more you
think and talk of these self-imposed burdens, the larger they grow, until at last they will utterly
destroy your faith and courage. Do not think that when you walk with Jesus, you must walk in the
shadow. The happiest people in the world are those who trust in Jesus and gladly do his bidding.
He is the light of life. From the lives of those who follow him, unrest and discontent are banished.
With a full heart they echo the words of the wise man, Wisdom's "ways are ways of pleasantness,
and all her paths are peace." Though they meet with trials and difficulties, their lives are full of joy;
for Christ walks beside them, and his presence makes the pathway bright. (7)

Jesus desires to make celestial harmony in your soul. Read His words, not with
discouragement, but with confidence and hope. Listen to the blessed words which God speaks to
you. Walking with Christ means to believe that, though unseen, Christ is walking with you. The
soothing voice of God comes to you, saying, "Commit the keeping of your soul to Me and I will
preserve you and sanctify and bless you. 'Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have
eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me.''' (8)

We need all the light we can receive from our Saviour. We cannot afford to walk in darkness,
without God, without hope. Christ is walking in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks--His
church--beholding the works of His professed disciples. We need to pray for His Spirit, that we
may work the works of God. (9)

All who consecrate soul, body, and spirit to God will be constantly receiving a new endowment
of physical and mental power. The inexhaustible supplies of heaven are at their command. Christ
gives them the breath of His own spirit, the life of His own life. The Holy Spirit puts forth its
highest energies to work in heart and mind. The grace of God enlarges and multiplies their
faculties, and every perfection of the divine nature comes to their assistance in the work of saving
souls. Through co-operation with Christ they are complete in Him, and in their human weakness
they are enabled to do the deeds of Omnipotence. (10)

Come to God in faith and humility. Plead with him till the break of day, if necessary, till your
soul is brought into such close relationship with Jesus, that you can lay your burden at his feet,
and say, "I know whom I have believed." The Lord is "able to do exceeding abundantly above all
that we ask or think." Our cold, faithless hearts may be quickened into sensibility and life, till we
can pray in faith, preach in faith, and say, "The life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of
the Son of God." Let us seek for the fullness of the salvation of Christ. Follow in the footsteps of
the Son of God, for his promise is, "He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall
have the light of life." (11)

1. Home Missionary, November 1, 1893 par. 5

2. Signs of the Times, February 24, 1888, par. 2
3. Ibid, par. 3
4. Ibid, par. 5
5. Ibid, par. 6
6. Review and Herald, May 26, 1903 par. 4
7. Review and Herald, April 18, 1907 par. 6
8. Manuscript 1526, 1901, Manuscript Releases 21, 136 par. 5
9. Manuscript 155, 1902, Sermons and Talks Vol. 2, 216 par. 4
10. Desire of Ages, 1898, 827 par. 2
11. Signs of the Times, February 24, 1888 par. 11