16:33John 16:33

On the night before His death Jesus told His faithful followers alone that they would find peace by remaining in Him even while facing hardship in the world.GW 39.1–2+4 That peace is inward and abiding amid hatred and conflict, for He does not remove them from the world but gives a sure refuge the world can neither give nor take away.SC 122.3+2 Tribulation in the world is certain, including hatred, persecution, betrayal and opposition, because the world remains hostile to God and His law.8T 127.3+4 He overcame the world by clothing Himself with humanity and meeting every temptation in full dependence on God and perfect obedience without yielding to sin.Ms 181, 1905, par. 4–6+3 Therefore they are to take courage, for because He has overcome the world is a beaten foe and those who abide in Him will overcome and not be overcome.GW92 364.3+2

These words were spoken on the night before the crucifixion, just before the trial, in the upper room after Judas withdrew, to the faithful disciples alone because the multitude could not grasp such sacred truth.9MR 123.1–124.1+2 They belong to the outpouring of comfort, counsel and prayer recorded in John 13-17, especially John 15-17, and give the instruction that preceded the last prayer for the disciples.Lt 117, 1897, par. 2–3+2 When they were spoken heaven's peace returned to His countenance, and spreading from the testimony of those who heard them they live through all ages to comfort the desponding and give peace and hope to thousands who believe.ST May 23, 1878+1

In this final teaching He did not dwell on the suffering and humiliation ahead but directed their thoughts to the purpose of His mission, that His humiliation and suffering would glorify the Father, and sought to strengthen faith and point forward to the joys awaiting the overcomer.AA 23.1–2+1 He sought to teach about God and give peace through a clearer knowledge of the Father, a knowledge He alone can impart, rejoicing that He would do more for followers than promised, with love and compassion flowing to cleanse the soul temple and make men like Him in character, and with truth armed with the power of the Spirit advancing victoriously.9MR 123.1–124.1+1

He spoke because the disciples could not yet understand His approaching separation, agony, death on Calvary, and loss of His visible presence, for they did not yet see that they would soon behold His agony, see Him whom they loved and trusted delivered into the hands of His enemies and hung upon the cross, and then be left to face the world without the comfort of His visible presence.ST May 23, 1878+2 He knew every phase of their experience, scattering, sorrow, bitter hate, unbelief, persecution, manifold afflictions and dark troubled future, that they would be left in the world and sent out as sheep among wolves, not taken out of the world but kept from the evil in it, sharing as servants the persecution of their Lord.Ms 88, 1905, par. 3+2 He told them beforehand so they would not be offended or lose faith when the time of trial and great temptation came, mingling dark warnings with bright hopeful lines and making every provision through faith in Him that they should not fail nor be discouraged, with peace in Him, victory over the world, and the changeless consolation, hope and courage of the Comforter ever within reach, wanting them to remember His love and understand His purposes and plans so His words would strengthen them for difficulties ahead.Ms 80, 1893, par. 36–43+1 Its purpose was to stay their sinking hearts in coming great disappointment and trial, and they repeated these words again and again for that purpose, holding to peace and praise even as He approached Calvary and they faced grief, though the path to heaven with its conflict, trial, tribulation and suffering is not the discouraging truth to dwell on because He leads the way and His promises make the pilgrimage joyful.Lt 7, 1892, par. 12–15+3

The chapter and verse plainly outline God's will and commanded words and duties, showing how to receive grace, and are to be trusted, believed, lived out before fellow ministers, and followed in the conditions laid down, otherwise people will be unready to stand before Him when He comes in glory.Ms 139, 1902, par. 1+2 They belong to the instruction given before His visible separation that prepares for future work, building ministry on Christ and combining human effort with divine power, with God supplying efficiency and power while responsibility rests with human workers who must seek the power God provides.RH Nov 4, 1902 They are needed by all who claim to be Christians and are to be presented in every home as a message from God, studied with care and earnest practice and carried to others, for peace and rest come through learning from Him, receiving His Spirit, and following His meekness and lowliness.Lt 288, 1907, par. 9+1 Their full meaning was not understood and appreciated until after the resurrection, but was understood more fully when the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost, when mistaken ideas gave way to spiritual understanding, with new enlightenment when the mind is reshaped by the Spirit, though knowledge remains partial until complete understanding comes when He acknowledges His faithful followers before the Father after the conflict ends.9MR 123.1–124.1+3

These things were spoken so that believers might have peace in him even while they face tribulation in the world, for his words themselves impart peace to those who are in him, abide in him, walk with God, and rely on what he has said.GW 39.1–2+4 Confidence rests not in circumstances but in him who has overcome, and that overcoming is the ground for being of good cheer even when scattered and left apparently alone, because the Father is with him.Ms 23, 1906, par. 25+2 Peace and joy are therefore found in Christ amid unrest, trials, difficulties and temptations, and by his grace difficulties can be faced without despair.GW 39.1–2+1

That peace is inward rather than outward, remaining with his witnesses through strife and contention, hatred, division and danger.SC 122.3+2 He does not promise to take them out of the world or to remove conflict from the world, but points them to a sure refuge and sustains them through it.SC 122.3+2 It cannot be given or taken away by the world, nor is it gained by conformity to the world or by compromise with evil.AA 84.1–2+2

Those closely joined to Christ are in harmony with heaven where all is peace, partake of his nature, follow his example, and so are not restless and dissatisfied.4RED 61.2–62.1+2 His own peace came from knowing he was doing his Father's will, and followers share that peace as they do God's will and reflect his character and glory in good works.ST Nov 25, 1897+1 Even a faithful defender facing open enemies and coldness or suspicion from professed friends has peace in that knowledge, and this peace shows itself toward others by holding back words that stir anger and strife, calming wrath, resentment and fault-finding, and working against quarrels and divisions.4RED 61.2–62.1+1

Peace is found by believing in him as a personal Saviour, entering into communion with him, walking with God, and learning to walk by faith and not by feeling.Lt 51, 1896, par. 5–6+3 It rests on the reconciliation provided in his atonement, comes by looking to Christ rather than looking within at self, and does not depend on feelings, so gloomy, desponding feelings and waking in the night feeling enclosed in darkness are no evidence that God has forsaken or that his promises have failed.3MR 280.2+1 It is kept by refusing words of discouragement and unbelief, talking faith in order to have faith and be confirmed in faith, shutting out distrust, opening wide to faith, entertaining the thought that Jesus loves each person, trusting his care and power because he has overcome, and believing he understands motives and purposed plans, will lift the cloud to give clearer sight, and will open the way.Lt 10, 1902, par. 12+2 It is kept likewise by relying on his words in despair, taking time to commune with God and telling Jesus about terrible conditions instead of talking of them to others, caring for the mortal body with wisdom so as not to undertake too much, trusting Jesus to do what mortal strength cannot do, and believing without discouragement unto victory upon victory.Lt 51, 1896, par. 5–6+1

Because he warned of trials beforehand, believers need not be surprised or cast down when tribulation, darkness, depression, discouragement, perplexity and trouble come.Lt 26, 1895, par. 16–18+2 Desponding feelings do not mean God has forsaken them, and misjudgment, misrepresentation, persecution and painful trials even from close friends are to be expected without losing peace in him.Lt 26, 1895, par. 16–18+2 Suffering that may be called to be endured for truth's sake is incomparably small beside what he endured for sinners, and peace is not kept by making self the criterion or appealing to personal sympathies.Lt 54, 1874, par. 43–44 Communion with him brings peace, faith in his goodness gives grace to meet trials and resist Satan's temptations, his own experience guides how to live, his consolation sustains as the consolation of his people, and those whose life is bound up with his life and who receive perpetual streams of his love are to hold peace in him through darkness while on the way to the kingdom of God and the Paradise of God amid Satan's opposition to weaken faith and shut out light in the present state of the church militant not yet triumphant.Lt 26, 1895, par. 16–18+3

He does not promise a trouble-free life, yet his sacrifice makes it possible for believers to become one with him and with one another.Lt 135, 1897, par. 20

In this world believers will have tribulation as a certainty of earthly life, for the path to heaven is not smooth but includes conflict, trial, suffering, adversity and opposition, and they are openly warned beforehand so they need not be surprised, cast down or discouraged but can be of good cheer because Christ has overcome.8T 127.3+4 That warning holds even when painful trials come from close friends, and while powers of darkness oppose, the forces fighting for what is right are greater than human strength alone, so the faithful may suffer yet their faith need not be daunted and they can remain untainted by worldliness in a sin-corrupted world.Lt 8, 1886, par. 12–14+2 Christ does not promise a trouble-free life, yet His sacrifice makes oneness with Him and with one another possible amid that hardship.Lt 135, 1897, par. 20

That tribulation includes being hated by all for His name's sake, arrested and persecuted, delivered to synagogues and prisons, brought before kings and rulers and unrighteous tribunals, betrayed by parents and brethren and kinsfolk and friends with some put to death, and visited with every indignity, reproach and cruelty that Satan can instigate human hearts to devise, even to the destroying of life by those who esteem it a service to God and religion.Ms 181, 1905, par. 4–6+2 It includes being incorrectly judged and incorrectly represented, opposed even by religious leaders, and facing both open enemies and coldness or suspicion from professed friends, yet peace is found in Christ rather than by making self the criterion or appealing to personal sympathies, for suffering endured for truth is incomparably small beside what He endured for sinners.Ms 22, 1900, par. 33+2 His own suffering for them gives reason to endure suffering for Him cheerfully and gladly.Lt 4a, 1880, par. 13–14

Tribulation comes because there are two opposing parties with two different leaders, one under Satan and the other under Jesus Christ the only begotten Son of God, and human nature is still not in harmony with the principles of Christ.Ms 181, 1905, par. 4–6+2 The world remains hostile to God, His law and Christ's teaching, and the same hatred that rejected Christ still works in the children of disobedience, so the present state is the church militant and not yet the church triumphant.Ms 23b, 1896, par. 1–3+4 That warning has been fulfilled in persecution including imprisonment and death and will be fulfilled still more markedly while opposition to Jesus continues.Ms 23b, 1896, par. 1–3+2

In the last days that trouble includes persecution for the truth by those who exalt human enactments above God's law, when unjust courts and councils favor human laws, trample God's law to enforce them, and punish those who keep the commandments and refuse to honor the false Sabbath, even to the harming of the body.ST Sep 2, 1897+3 Those loyal to the commandments will face enmity, accusation and condemnation, yet in Christ they may have peace and be of good cheer because He has overcome.ST Sep 2, 1897+1 Persecutors cannot harm the soul, for grace is given proportionate to the trial, Christ manifests Himself to the sufferer and does not leave him comfortless, and victory is obtained through grace bestowed on all who trust Him whatever their position.ST Sep 2, 1897

Sorrow, adversity, reproach, afflictions, crosses and temptations test character, expose pride, selfishness, evil passions and love of worldly pleasure, and serve as God's means of moral discipline, education, purification and strengthening.3T 115.1+2 Trials accompany the conflict and suffering through which Christians advance toward the kingdom and struggle to develop perfected character, so they are not to be met timidly or with complaints, nor regarded as strange or as reason for fear and cowardice.Lt 98a, 1897, par. 23–25+3 Through God's strength and grace believers can overcome these evils, learn valuable lessons, gain deeper knowledge of Christ, receive precious graces, be refined and sanctified as partakers of the divine nature, and be prepared for heaven.3T 115.1+2 Jesus gives the help they ask for and trust Him to provide for enduring them.Lt 98a, 1897, par. 23–25+2

He overcame by laying aside royal robe and kingly crown and clothing himself with humanity to stand at the head of the human race on the very ground where Adam fell.Ms 181, 1905, par. 4–6+2 He bore the trials and met the temptations that human beings must meet, and because he was higher and purer those temptations were far greater, yet he never for an instant swerved from loyalty to God in a pure undefiled life unmarred by sin.Ms 181, 1905, par. 4–6+2 Every step was taken in full and entire dependence on God and Deity and in perfect obedience to God's law, without which his offering would have failed, and he never transgressed the law in one particular nor was overcome on a single point.Ms 176, 1899, par. 5+1 With one hand upon the throne of God and the other laid upon fallen human beings he raises them from degradation and gives all who receive him power to become sons of God.Ms 181, 1905, par. 4–6

In the wilderness he met the temptations that beset man without falling on a single point until Satan left the field a conquered foe.Ms 24, 1895, par. 10–11 He met temptation with the word of God alone, yielding not even by a thought because nothing in him answered Satan's sophistry, living as a man united with divinity and fitted by the indwelling Holy Spirit.DA 123.3–4 He rested on the wisdom and strength of his Heavenly Father, confident he would not be confounded or ashamed because the Lord God helped him.DA 123.2 That was a priceless infinite victory in behalf of man and the foundation of the plan of salvation, giving fallen man the key to overcome in his name, though Satan's power over man is not weakened and all remain personally exposed to the same temptations to the end of time.Ms 24, 1895, par. 10–11+1

He never yielded to sin despite Satan's effort to defeat him.Ms 90, 1897, par. 21+1 Satan arrayed all his evil agencies in active desperate war against him to perpetuate sin, to wound infinite love, to seduce people to bow to idols and so gain supremacy over earthly kingdoms, to be god of this world as next best to seizing the throne of God in heaven, and largely succeeded in leading people to reject Christ in his holy character and choose Barabbas, who in character represented Satan.Ms 39, 1894, par. 10 He endured the conflict with Satan, including on the point of appetite, and prepared the way for human beings to overcome, gaining an everlasting victory for all who receive him.DA 122.4–123.1+1 His suffering was borne for humanity and secured deliverance and justification before God, and the risen and ascended Christ remains compassionate and able to help and keep those who trust themselves to God and will not abandon them unless they choose to leave him.Ms 90, 1897, par. 21+3

He spoke these words while himself confronted with apparent failure, seeming to do little of the uplifting and saving work he longed to do, with satanic agencies constantly obstructing his way.ST May 17, 1910 Yet he would not fail, be discouraged, or be confounded because he ever saw the result of his mission and knew truth would finally triumph in the contest with evil.ST May 17, 1910+2 He was tempted as his people are but did not fail.Lt 382, 1907, par. 13–14+1 In this final teaching he directed their thoughts to the purpose of his mission, that his humiliation and suffering would glorify the Father.DA 662.1

Be of good cheer and take courage because Christ has overcome the world and has mastery over it, and those who abide in him will not be overcome by the world but will themselves overcome if they believe in him.GW92 364.3+1 Life in this world includes tribulation, yet his victory gives reason for cheer rather than discouragement, despair, fear, or dismay amid repeated opposition, severe trials, spiritual conflict, and testing.8T 127.3+2 The world is not invincible but a weakened, beaten foe, and belief in him guarantees success and help as asked and trusted, so believers need not rely on their own strength because divine help is available as they go forward in faith.ST Nov 7, 1900+1 The tempter tries to weaken faith, but his victory gives peace, grounds confidence, and carries believers onward toward God's kingdom.ST Nov 7, 1900+1

He speaks this as a battle proclamation, as General leading his army into the field for perishing souls and as Captain of salvation and mighty Conqueror leading to certain victory.Ms 44, 1895, par. 23+2 Those who fight the Lord's battles do not fight alone or in their own strength, for God and angels fight with them, more than angels are in the ranks, and Christ himself is more powerful than angels.Ms 27, 1890, par. 17–18+2 Their armor is invincible and their Leader never met defeat, and if though weak, imperfect, and in need of instruction they live in obedience, submit to his leading, obey his orders, use his preparation and supernatural help, and faithfully resist temptation and do their part against a vast confederacy of evil, heavenly help is promised and they come off more than conquerors.Lt 40, 1890, par. 7+3

He stands beside the believer at the bar of earthly tribunals, manifests himself and cheers the heart in prison, and is with the dying witness, so that reproach and persecution may separate from earthly friends but never from his love.AA 85.1–86.2+2 The tempest-tried soul suffering reproach for truth is most dearly loved, and union with God, union with the Holy Spirit, and union with Christ is the strength of the persecuted.AA 85.1–86.2+1 All reproach and condemnation falls on Christ in the person of his saints, so that he is condemned over again and crucified afresh in them.Lt 116, 1896, par. 21–23 The rack, the stake, and other inventions of cruelty may kill the body but cannot touch the soul or the life hid with Christ in God, and the life taken is preserved to eternal life and glory; no soul that trusts in him is ever left to perish, for the same strength, grace, comfort, and more than mortal steadfastness given to Christ in bodily suffering and mental anguish in Gethsemane is brought to every believing child of God in such trial, even to perplexity, imprisonment, and death by Satan's agents for his name's sake.ST Mar 19, 1912+2 Remembering that he died for them gives courage to endure even to death, and when they shrink from a trying ordeal they take comfort that their Redeemer lives to intercede for them, sustaining them when oppressed, persecuted, afflicted for his sake and the gospel's, or burdened by severe duties and trials.Ms 35, 1897, par. 29–30+1

His overcoming furnishes power to overcome as he overcame, for he came and fought the battles with Satan on behalf of fallen humanity, yet each must gain the victory individually on his own account and in his own behalf in the name and strength of Jesus.Ms 12, 1894, par. 11–14+2 This is done by seeking God with all the heart and thereby preserving open the communication between heaven and earth, between God and man, which the Holy Spirit was given to keep and which must be preserved lest man be overcome.Ms 12, 1894, par. 11–14+1 It requires denying self, taking up the cross daily and following him, taking him as example and copying his character, refusing the world's sin, lust and gratification, placing the whole being on his side in consecration and sanctification through obedience to truth with faith working by love, remaining watchful and holding to Word and law, and standing every test without letting his victory be in vain, for the conflict is real though invisible, needs continual vigilance, and lasts until he returns while the world grows in violence and wickedness.Ms 43, 1900, par. 51+1 The one who loves God supremely and his neighbor as himself in keeping the commandments will still meet annoyances from a fallen world but is not to be discouraged, for with God's help Christians can triumph and have the same victories he had.Lt 113, 1893, par. 1–10+2

His victory assures that apparent setbacks are not failure, for he met apparent failure and satanic opposition without discouragement because he knew his mission would bear fruit and truth would finally triumph over evil.6T 307.1+1 Disciples' lives are likewise a series of uninterrupted victories, though those victories may not be visible in this life and will be recognized hereafter.6T 307.1+1 Those who accept him, share his humiliation and affliction, choose to suffer with the people of God rather than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season, and join his work and his army against visible and invisible foes will be heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ, members of the royal family and children of the heavenly King reigning as kings and priests with God, partakers of his glory, immortality, and the crown of life, with a joyful meeting in God's kingdom when the warfare is over.Lt 79, 1900, par. 20–21+3

To live out this victory is to live and work as Christ did, relying on Him with enduring faith. GW 39.1–2+2 Bound to God's throne by His love, believers receive power to resist evil that no earthly force, death, or hell can master. GW 39.1–2+2 Taking hold of His strength brings peace and supernatural help by which workers in weakness do the deeds of Omnipotence. AA 23.1–2+2 By His grace they go forward through apparent impossibilities, despairing of nothing and hoping for everything, persevering in trust in His power to overcome evil as He overcame, with assurance of infallible success from victory to victory. GW 39.1–2+4 He has hallowed the path He trod, having been tempted as they are and touched with their infirmities, so those who put their feet in His footprints and their hand in His hand are safe, made strong in His strength, set on solid rock, and given health and brightness of life as He works with all their efforts. AA 23.1–2+2

In the struggle against sin, appetite, and besetting sin, where there is sometimes defeat and sometimes victory, believers are not to fail, be discouraged, stand at a disadvantage, or be intimidated by Satan's assaults. 12MR 80.1–81.2+4 Temptation is not sin and is not a sign of divine displeasure. 12MR 80.1–81.2+1 By looking to Him rather than to circumstances or self-weakness, laying hold on His divinity, pressing onward with less trust in self, and standing strong in His strength, defeat is turned into victory. 12MR 80.1–81.2+3 Divine power supports every will set on doing right, so that Satan can distress and cause agony but cannot force sin or defile the soul without consent. Lt 28, 1894, par. 9–12+2 Patient endurance in His strength reveals reliance on a power mightier than the enemy and develops the graces of the Spirit, partaking of the divine nature unto completeness in Him and perfection of Christlike character. 12MR 80.1–81.2+2

He conquered not for Himself alone but on their behalf by the plan made before creation to prepare the way, winning so they may win through faith in His power. Ms 68, 1897, par. 40+2 Therefore the world is not invincible and is not to be feared, but is a weakened, beaten foe, and belief in Him guarantees success. Lt 148, 1902, par. 8–9 Those who unite with Him need not be afraid but stand firm rather than betray themselves or others to the enemy, for He as heaven's Prince wages eternal war against the principles of sin and those who join Him become workers together with God in that conflict. Ms 68, 1897, par. 40+1 Ministers and members are therefore to stop confining labor to those who know the truth and to come into personal touch with those outside the ark of safety to bring back His lost heritage and win souls. Lt 148, 1902, par. 8–9 Keeping eyes fixed on Him who removes sin, acting as God's helping hand rather than expecting to be helped, letting the world see His matchless charm, standing fast in truth and righteousness, talking faith hopefully, letting light shine in clear rays, and feeding daily on the truth as it is in Jesus which refines character and never degrades into coarseness, they develop through faith strength mighty in conflict, lay hold of infinite power, and answer His call to all who desire to be Christians, for to shun His cross is to shun the reward of the faithful. Lt 2, 1910, par. 10+3

These words give courage to stand firm in the most trying hour and strength and assurance throughout time, in trial, affliction, and service. Ms 71, 1902, par. 5–8+2 Knowing the living Christ keeps the soul, believers can entrust themselves to His care and by faith receive His divine power for self-denial to walk safely and remain untainted in perilous places. Lt 134, 1901, par. 33–34+2 His victory and steadfast trust in the Father, His perfect life drawing strength from the Father, the aid of His Spirit to struggling souls, His undiminished compassion and love, and His resurrection showing death could not hold Him provide courage amid hardship, opposition, and persecution for His name. Lt 106, 1896, par. 23+2 So messengers facing false accusations, souls in darkness thirsting for God, and the desponding tempted by doubt are to resist and overcome with calm patience, continue duties in His strength, depend on God rather than man, and praise Him and rest in His victory, as Luther stood calm before excommunication, banishment, and death. Ms 71, 1902, par. 5–8+3