The Eternal Pledge

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

The Lord God is bound by an eternal pledge to supply power and grace to everyone who is
sanctified through obedience to the Truth. Christ, to whom is given all power in heaven and on
earth, co-operates in sympathy with His instrumentalities--the earnest souls who day by day
partake of the living bread, "which cometh down from heaven." John 6:50. The church on earth,
united with the church in heaven, can accomplish all things. [1]

On the Day of Pentecost the Infinite One revealed Himself in power to the church. By His Holy
Spirit He descended from the heights of heaven as a rushing, mighty wind, to the room in which
the disciples were assembled. It was as if for ages this influence had been held in restraint, and
now heaven rejoiced in being able to pour upon the church the riches of the Spirit's power. And,
under the influence of the Spirit, words of penitence and confession were mingled with songs of
praise for sins forgiven. Words of thanksgiving and of prophecy were heard. All heaven bent low
to behold and to adore the wisdom of matchless, incomprehensible Love. Lost in wonder, the
apostles and disciples exclaimed: "Herein is love." 1 John 4:10. They grasped the imparted gift.
And what followed? Thousands were converted in a day. The sword of the Spirit, newly edged
with power and bathed in the lightnings of heaven, cut its way through unbelief. [2]

As they met together after the ascension they were eager to present their requests to the
Father in the name of Jesus. In solemn awe they bowed in prayer, repeating the assurance,
"Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked
nothing in My name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full." John 16:23, 24. They
extended the hand of faith higher and higher with the mighty argument, "It is Christ that died, yea
rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for
us." Romans 8:34. And Pentecost brought them the presence of the Comforter, of whom Christ
had said, He "shall be in you." And He had further said, "It is expedient for you that I go away: for
if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you."
John 14:17; 16:7. Henceforth through the Spirit, Christ was to abide continually in the hearts of
His children. Their union with Him was closer than when He was personally with them. The light,
and love, and power of the indwelling Christ shone out through them, so that men, beholding,
"marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus." Acts 4:13. [3]

The hearts of the disciples were surcharged with a benevolence so full, so deep, so far-
reaching, that it impelled them to go to the ends of the earth testifying: God forbid that we should
glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. They were filled with an intense longing to add
to the church of such as should be saved. They called on the believers to arouse and do their
part, that all nations might hear the truth and the earth be filled with the glory of the Lord. [4]

By the grace of Christ the apostles were made what they were. It was sincere devotion and
humble, earnest prayer that brought them into close communion with Him. They sat together with
Him in heavenly places. They realized the greatness of their debt to Him. By earnest, persevering
prayer they obtained the endowment of the Holy Spirit, and then they went forth, weighted with
the burden of saving souls, filled with zeal to extend the triumphs of the cross. And under their
labors many souls were brought from darkness to light, and many churches were raised up. [5]

Shall we be less earnest than were the apostles? Shall we not by living faith claim the
promises that moved them to the depths of their being to call upon the Lord Jesus for the
fulfillment of His word: "Ask, and ye shall receive"? John 16:24. Is not the Spirit of God to come
today in answer to earnest, persevering prayer, and fill men with power? Is not God saying today
to His praying, trusting, believing workers, who are opening the Scriptures to those ignorant of the
precious truth they contain: "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world"? Matthew
28:20. Why, then, is the church so weak and spiritless? [6]
 As the disciples, filled with the power of the Spirit, went forth to proclaim the gospel, so God's
servants are to go forth today. Filled with an unselfish desire to give the message of mercy to
those who are in the darkness of error and unbelief, we are to take up the Lord's work. He gives
us our part to do in co-operation with Him, and He will also move on the hearts of unbelievers to
carry forward His work in the regions beyond. Already many are receiving the Holy Spirit, and no
longer will the way be blocked by listless indifference. [7]

Why has the history of the work of the disciples, as they labored with holy zeal, animated and
vitalized by the Holy Spirit, been recorded, if it is not that from this record the Lord's people today
are to gain an inspiration to work earnestly for Him? What the Lord did for His people in that time,
it is just as essential, and more so, that He do for His people today. All that the apostles did,
every church member today is to do. And we are to work with as much more fervor, to be
accompanied by the Holy Spirit in as much greater measure, as the increase of wickedness
demands a more decided call to repentance. [8]

When we feel our heart need, when we long after the quickening influence of the Holy Spirit,
Christ draws nigh to us. Self is crucified. Christ lives in us, and the power of the Spirit attends our
efforts; then the soul is refined and elevated. Light from the heavenly sanctuary shines upon us,
and we are enabled to exert an influence which is a savor of life unto life. By a union with Christ,
by living faith, we are privileged to enjoy the efficacy of His mediation. We are crucified with
Christ, buried with Christ, risen with Christ, to walk in newness of life. [9]

Is your faith practical? Are you doing what the Bible tells you to do? Are you using all your
powers in an effort to bring the lost sheep back to the fold? There are thousands upon thousands
in ignorance who might be warned. Pray as you have never prayed before for the power of Christ.
Pray for the inspiration of His Spirit, that you may be filled with a desire to save those who are
perishing. Let the prayer ascend to heaven, "God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause
His face to shine upon us; that Thy way may be known upon earth, Thy saving health among all
nations" (Psalm 67:1, 2). [10]

Let the many ministers of Christ sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly, and seek God while
He is to be found. Call upon Him while you are now lying at the foot of the cross of Calvary.
Divest yourselves of all pride and as representative guardians of the churches, weep between the
porch and the altar, and cry "Spare Thy people, Lord, and give not Thine heritage to reproach.
Take from us what Thou wilt, but withhold not Thy Holy Spirit from us, Thy people." Pray, oh, pray
for the outpouring of the Spirit of God! [11]

Christ's Presence means advance. He imbues men, women, and children with a sense of
individual responsibility. We need to feel the sacred, sanctifying influence of the Holy Spirit, that
we may hear Christ saying to us, "Follow Me." "He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness,
but shall have the light of life." (John 8:12) [12]

1. 1902, Testimonies to the Church, Vol. 7, page 31 par. 1

2. Ibid, page 31 par. 2
3. 1982, Steps to Christ, page 74 par. 1
4. 1902, Testimonies to the Church, Vol. 7, page 31 par. 3
5. Ibid, page 32 par. 1
6. Ibid, page 32 par. 2
7. Ibid, page 32 par. 3
8. Ibid, page 33 par. 1
9. Signs of the Times, October 11, 1899 par. 15
10. Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, May 17, 1906 par. 17
11. Manuscript 27, 1889. (Selected Messages Vol. 3, page 189 par. 4)
12. Letter 65, 1900