Instruction (Plain instruction)

     Quotations from the writings of Ellen G. White with the phrase . . .

                p l a i n    i n s t r u c t i o n            (  4  RELATED  PHRASES  )                     

                The  phrase Christ has given  'plain instruction'  appears  25  times in the published writings of EGW           page not on Original site                                                                Related phrase:    instruction by Christ

  Let none speak lightly of the duty of the church to administer censure and rebuke; neither let them criticize the action of the church when this painful task becomes necessary. Christ has given plain instruction regarding the duty of the church toward those who, while professing to be loyal members, are bringing dishonor to the cause of God by their course of action. “Every plant, which my Heavenly Father hath not planted,” he says, “shall be rooted up.” God has commanded that those who prove themselves unworthy of church-fellowship shall be separated from his body. Those who speak against the exercise of this authority, speak against the authority of Christ. { RH March 19, 1908, par. 15 }

 

 
Another grave evil that had arisen in the church was that of brethren going to law against one another. Abundant provision had been made for the settlement of difficulties among believers. Christ Himself had given plain instruction as to how such matters were to be adjusted. “If thy brother shall trespass against thee,” the Saviour had counseled, “go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican. Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 18:15-18. { AA 304.1} 
 
  Let none speak lightly of the duty of the church to administer censure and rebuke; neither let them criticize the action of the church when this painful task becomes necessary. Christ has given plain instruction regarding the duty of the church toward those who, while professing to be loyal members, are bringing dishonor to the cause of God by their course of action. “Every plant, which My heavenly Father hath not planted,” He says, “shall be rooted up.” God has commanded that those who prove themselves unworthy of church fellowship shall be separated from His body. Those who speak against the exercise of this authority speak against the authority of Christ. { 17MR 164.4 } 

 

A year or two later, some of the brethren in Los Angeles were very active in planning for the extension of the medical missionary work in Southern California. In their eagerness to advance rapidly, some seemed to lose sight of the plain instruction the Lord had given regarding the establishment of new sanitariums. Instead of planning to find some country location suitable for sanitarium work, they sought to establish a mammoth institution in the heart of the city. { SpTB14 3.3 } 
 
  In order that we may make no mistakes where our eternal interests are involved, the Lord has given us plain instruction as to what to receive as truth. He says, “To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” We shall be in danger of being misled if we trust to ministers, or councils of men, or depend upon the interpretation that men may put upon the Scriptures. Whatever doctrine is brought to us, we should diligently search the Scriptures, as did the noble Bereans, to know for ourselves whether the messenger’s exposition is in harmony with the sure word of prophecy. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” God has given us the precious endowment of reason and intellect, and we shall be held accountable for our mistakes if we do not use the mind in earnest study of the word of God. God has endowed us with capabilities whereby we may understand what is acceptable unto him. Our human ideas, our human wills, are not to take the throne, but the will of God is to be supreme. { ST February 26, 1894, par. 8 }

 

Notwithstanding this plain instruction, some of God’s people permit their children to attend the public schools, where they mingle with those who are corrupt in morals. In these schools their children can neither study the Bible nor learn its principles. Christian parents, you must make provision for your children to be educated in Bible principles. And do not rest satisfied merely with having them study the Word in the church school. Teach the Scriptures to your children yourselves when you sit down, when you go out, when you come in, and when you walk by the way. Walk with your children much oftener than you do. Talk with them. Set their minds running in a right channel. As you do this, you will find that the light and glory of God will come into your homes. But how can you expect His blessing when you do not teach your children aright? { SpM 244.3 } 
 
This instruction led the brethren to make a forward move in medical missionary work. Plans were laid for the erection of a large sanitarium building in the city of Los Angeles. This move was contrary to the plain instruction given by the Spirit of Prophecy and called forth repeated counsel that the sanitarium should be outside the city as is shown by the following: { LLM 475.6 } 

 

What means the fact that simultaneously with the plain instruction that was being given as to the advantages of establishing small sanitariums in country locations, repeated efforts were made to invest large sums of money in medical missionary work in the heart of the city of Los Angeles? { LLM 402.5 } 
 
  Shall we not receive this light shining forth from the Word of God? Shall we not be thankful for His Word, and thank Him for such plain instruction in regard to the duty devolving upon all who desire the blessings specified? Shall we consult human beings when we have the voice of God to speak to us? { 18MR 9.1 } 

 

  I immediately told my son that I would not make any change regarding the handling of “Christ’s Object Lessons” unless God gave me plain instruction that this should be done. As I told him this, I felt the blessing of God resting upon me. { RH June 2, 1903, par. 3 }  and  { PH164 28.1 } 
  I immediately said that I would not make any change in the handling of “Object Lessons”, unless God gave me plain instruction that this should be one. As I said this, I felt the blessing of God resting upon me. { SpM 315.3 } 
 
  At one time the suggestion was made to me that it might be best, when the Relief of the Schools campaign was finished, to make “Christ’s Object Lessons” a regular subscription book. It was said that this book would have as ready a sale as any that could be produced. As I heard this suggestion, the thought came to me, “Here is an opportunity for me to get out of debt. Is not this the right thing for me to do?” I said that it might be right for me to do as the letter had suggested. Then I sent a prayer, “Lord, teach me to speak right words.” Quickly the answer came. In an instant the light given at the first regarding “Object Lessons” flashed into my mind, and the instruction then given was repeated. I seemed to hear the words, “God signified that this book should be given to our schools, to be to them a continual blessing. Would you exchange his plan for human devising? This book is to be treated as a sacred offering made to God; and if his plan regarding it is unselfishly carried out, the result will be wholly satisfactory.” I immediately said that I would not make any change in the handling of “Object Lessons” unless God gave me plain instruction that this should be done. As I said this, I felt the blessing of God resting upon me. { IR September 2, 1903, par. 5 }

 

Our churches are becoming enfeebled by receiving for doctrines the commandments of men. Many are received into the church who are not converted. Men, women, and children are allowed to take part in the solemn rite of baptism without being fully instructed in regard to the meaning of this ordinance. Participation in this ordinance means much, and our ministers should be careful to give each candidate for baptism plain instruction regarding its meaning and its solemnity.—The Review and Herald, October 6, 1904. { PaM 163.2} 
Our churches are becoming enfeebled by receiving for doctrines the commandments of men. Many are received into the church who are not converted. Men, women, and children are allowed to take part in the solemn rite of baptism without being fully instructed in regard to the meaning of this ordinance. Participation in this ordinance means much, and our ministers should be careful to give each candidate for baptism plain instruction regarding its meaning and its solemnity. { RH October 6, 1904, par. 18 }
Our churches are becoming enfeebled by receiving for doctrines the commandments of men. Many are received into the church who are not converted. Men, women, and children are allowed to take part in the solemn rite of baptism without being fully instructed in regard to the meaning of this ordinance. Participation in this ordinance means much, and our ministers should be careful to give eOur churches are becoming enfeebled by receiving for doctrines the commandments of men. Many are received into the church who are not converted. Men, women, and children are allowed to take part in the solemn rite of baptism without being fully instructed in regard to the meaning of His ordinance. Participation in this ordinance means much, and our ministers should be careful to give each candidate plain instruction in regard to its meaning and its solemnity. Our church members see that there are differences of opinion among the leading men, and they themselves enter into controversy regarding the subjects under dispute. Christ calls for unity. But He does not call for us to unify on wrong practices. The God of heaven draws a sharp contrast between pure, elevating, ennobling truth and false, misleading doctrines. He calls sin and impenitence by the right name. He does not gloss over wrongdoing with a coat of untempered mortar. { 17MR 306.2 } ach candidate plain instruction in regard to its meaning and its solemnity.—Manuscript 10, 1905, 4. (“Non-essential Subjects to Be Avoided,” September 12, 1904.) { 6MR 167.3 } 
Our churches are becoming enfeebled by receiving for doctrines the commandments of men. Many are received into the church who are not converted. Men, women, and children are allowed to take part in the solemn rite of baptism without being fully instructed in regard to the meaning of His ordinance. Participation in this ordinance means much, and our ministers should be careful to give each candidate plain instruction in regard to its meaning and its solemnity. Our church members see that there are differences of opinion among the leading men, and they themselves enter into controversy regarding the subjects under dispute. Christ calls for unity. But He does not call for us to unify on wrong practices. The God of heaven draws a sharp contrast between pure, elevating, ennobling truth and false, misleading doctrines. He calls sin and impenitence by the right name. He does not gloss over wrongdoing with a coat of untempered mortar. { 17MR 306.2 } 
 
  “Always in remembrance.” Oh, if only we were to keep before our minds those things that pertain to our eternal welfare, we should not engage in any foolishness or idle speaking! Our lifework is before us. It is for us to give diligence to make our calling and election sure, by giving heed to the plain instruction contained in God’s Holy Word.... { HP 299.3} 
Always in remembrance.” Oh, if only we were to keep before our minds those things that pertain to our eternal welfare, we should not engage in any foolishness or idle speaking! Our lifework is before us. It is for us to give diligence to make our calling and election sure, by giving heed to the plain instruction contained in God’s Holy Word.... { OFC 163.4}

 

                                              plain  instruction  upon tithing

  Let no one neglect to give faithful and plain instruction upon tithing. Let there be instruction as to giving to the Lord that which He claims as His own; for the commendation of the Lord will not rest upon a people who rob Him in tithes and offerings. There will be need of often setting before the people their duty on this matter that they may render unto God His own. Let the one who first presents the truth be faithful in presenting this matter and let him also who follows up the interest also make plain the requirement of God on tithing, that the people may see that in all points the laborers are teaching the same truth and are of one mind in urging them to yield obedience to all the requirements of God. { Ev 251.3} 

 

  “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ; till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” But though God has set these different laborers in the church, there is to be no neglect on the part of one in the performance of duty. Let no one neglect to give faithful and plain instruction upon tithing. Let there be instruction as to giving to the Lord that which he claims as his own; for the commendation of the Lord will not rest upon a people who rob him in tithes and offerings. There will be need of often setting before the people their duty in this matter, that they may render unto God his own. Let the one who first presents the truth be faithful in presenting this duty, and let him also who follows up the interest, make plain the requirement of God on tithing, that the people may see that in all points the laborers are teaching the same truth, and are of one mind in urging them to yield obedience to all the requirements of God. { ST December 25, 1893, par. 8 }

 

Let no one neglect to give faithful and plain instruction upon tithing. Let there be instruction as to giving to the Lord that which He claims as His own, for the commendation of the Lord will not rest upon a people who rob Him in tithes and offerings. There will be need of often setting before the people their duty on this matter, that they may render unto God His own. Let the one who first presents the truth be faithful in presenting this matter, and let him who follows up the interest also make plain the requirement of God on tithing, that the people may see that in all points the laborers are teaching the same truth, and are of one mind in urging them to yield obedience to all the requirements of God. { 1SAT 276.2 } 

 

 

 

 

                            Return  to  Selected Quotations from the writings of EGW  page

Related Information

EGW Quotes - I - J Days of Jeremiah I am instructed to speak (10) Ignorance (Separate page) Ignorant Impart to others Important (separate page) Importance Importunate (107) Impossible (2,711) new Impregnable In the . . . (117,471) Inclination (1,008) Indifference (1,315) individual (Separate page) Indolence (503) Indulgence (3,715) Infidelity (567) Infinite (4474) Ingratitude (291) Injunction of Christ (28) Injury (1,217) Injustice (555) (Separate page) Inspiration (1,653) Integrity (new page) Intolerance -- Investigate Invincible (105) Invitation (1,457) It is the purpose of God to It is written Jerusalem Jesuit (5) - Jesuits (10) Jesus ( Separate page ) Joy of . . . Judgment (Separate page) Judge Justice Work of the investigative judgment