10:20Luke 10:20

Christ spoke these words to the seventy when they came back rejoicing over the success of the mission He had given them.Lt 119, 1905, par. 26–27+1 He told them not to make power over evil spirits, spiritual authority, or success in work the ground of their joy, but to rejoice instead that their names are recorded in heaven.Lt 262, 1903, par. 34–37+2 That heavenly belonging, salvation, and citizenship are a greater, deeper, and more lasting cause for joy than any earthly blessing, honor, result, or victory over Satan.Lt 262, 1903, par. 34–37+2 The record meant is the book of life, the Lamb's book of life, containing the names of all who have entered God's service, redeemed by Christ's blood and united with Him.GC 480.3+4 Having the name written there is worth everything, yet keeping it there calls for faithfulness, putting away sin, thorough conversion, and a living connection with Jesus, for continuing in sin and turning to the world endangers the heavenly hope.Ms 160, 1904, par. 23–26+4

The words were spoken to the seventy disciples when they returned rejoicing from the mission on which they had been sent.Lt 119, 1905, par. 26–27+1 They reported to Jesus their successful work, which had been done in faith, and He told them not to make their authority and power over evil spirits the reason for their joy.Lt 119, 1905, par. 26–27+1 Their greater cause for joy was that their names were written in heaven.Lt 119, 1905, par. 26–27+1

After sending out the twelve, Christ sent out seventy men to go everywhere preaching the kingdom of God and the gospel of truth.Lt 89, 1893, par. 2–4 He Himself followed after them in every place where they were sent.Lt 89, 1893, par. 2–4 This was His plan for raising workers by placing new men in responsibility and training them under direction, so that those who receive light and power from heaven in a manifestation of the Spirit of God are made more capable of being trusted, and new ones who receive that blessing should be selected and brought in to obtain an education in how to bear care and learn the work.Lt 89, 1893, par. 2–4 The seventy were sent to work where the fields were already white to harvest, the same harvest work Peter later took up when three thousand souls were added through his preaching.Ms 155, 1904, par. 67–70

The account of spirits being subject to the disciples does not authorize seeking to cast out devils on one's own.Lt 96, 1900, par. 3–5 Such a contest may be entered only when there is a commission from God.Lt 96, 1900, par. 3–5 Otherwise controversy is to be refused, lest those who enter it themselves be cast out.Lt 96, 1900, par. 3–5

Notwithstanding the success given them, the disciples were not to make power over evil spirits, spiritual power, authority, or success the cause of their joy, but were to rejoice instead that their names are written in heaven.Lt 262, 1903, par. 34–37+4 Their joy was not to depend on the subjection of evil spirits or on the authority and results granted in their mission, and their deepest reason for rejoicing was not miraculous power but heavenly standing and the record of their names among the heavenly hosts.Lt 262, 1903, par. 34–37+4 Success in ministry could make them proud, self-reliant, and ready to take credit for what was done in faith, so joy was directed away from their own accomplishments toward God's approval.DA 493.3+2

Heavenly standing, belonging to God, salvation, and heavenly citizenship are a greater, deeper, and more lasting cause for rejoicing than earthly blessings, authority, results, success in ministry, or power over Satan.Lt 262, 1903, par. 34–37+4 The lasting assurance of salvation matters more than the authority given for the mission and more than success in spiritual work, for the heavenly record outweighs what is seen in ministry.Lt 139, 1898, par. 17–19+2 What was reported with rejoicing had been done in faith, yet the greater joy lay beyond it in the fact that their names were written in heaven.Lt 262, 1903, par. 34–37+1

Through Christ believers are connected with God and belong to the heavenly family, and joy rests on that belonging and on having the name recorded in heaven.DA 493.3+2 This heavenly assurance is to remain the chief prize, with the eye kept on Jesus so that self does not become important.DA 493.3+1 Even in an obscure place there is humble gratitude for belonging to God, since the name written in the book of life is the ground of joy rather than power or success in ministry.13MR 313.3–314.1+1

The honor of belonging to God outweighs worldly honor, glory, praise, recognition, being acknowledged great by the world, or ability to help and influence another person, and connection with the Lord of heaven is what makes a person truly great.Lt 18, 1895, par. 12–13+4 The heavenly calling is to be kept before the mind, and as the eye is kept on Jesus self-importance fades before that honor.Lt 18, 1895, par. 12–13+1 A name sought among people is temporary, like writing in sand, while a name written in the Lamb's book of life endures through eternity.Lt 8, 1890, par. 15–16+1 The names of faithful workers are recorded there even when their quiet service is unseen and unvalued by people, counting them among God's noblest workers as they faithfully do the work before them.Ms 24, 1887, par. 31–33+1

A name recorded in heaven is immortalized among the heavenly hosts, giving assurance of immortality and an abundant entrance into the kingdom to see the King and dwell with Him.Ms 117, 1894, par. 9–10+2 A life hidden in God with the name registered in heaven is immortalized, and lasting joy rests on that registration rather than on success or power in service.Ms 117, 1894, par. 9–10+2

Joy is not to be taken from power over evil spirits or from success, but from belonging to God with the name written in heaven and resting under His approval.DA 493.3+1 Rejoicing in such power can foster pride and self-reliance, leading people to take credit for success to themselves.DA 493.3+1 That spirit leads to working in one's own strength instead of depending on God, while recognizing human weakness leads to reliance on power that does not come from oneself.DA 493.3+1

The heavenly calling is to be kept before the mind as the chief prize and lasting ground of joy, rather than spiritual power, authority, or success.Lt 18, 1895, par. 12–13+1 As the eye is kept on Jesus, self-importance fades and self does not become important.Lt 18, 1895, par. 12–13+1 The honor of belonging to God then outweighs worldly honor and glory.Lt 18, 1895, par. 12–13

That belonging calls forth humble gratitude even when one's place is obscure.STBk 75.1 Faithful workers have their names recorded in heaven even when their quiet service is unseen and unvalued by people, and in faithfully doing the work before them they are counted among God's noblest workers.STBk 75.1+1 Humility and closeness to God make the Saviour's excellence clearer and equip believers to work for Him.DA 493.3

The writing in heaven is the book of life, including the Lamb's book of life, which holds the names of all who have entered God's service.GC 480.3+4 Those so recorded are heirs of salvation, redeemed by Christ and by His blood and united with Him, and angels read their names with joy.COS 17.4+1 Because the saints' names are thus written in heaven, it is known whom to raise in the first resurrection and gather to the New Jerusalem.WLF 24.4

Faithful service and sacrifice for the cause of truth puts the name there, for the lasting cause for rejoicing is having the name written in heaven rather than success or power in work.HSFM 88.3 The public declaration of faith is remembered by thousands and registered in heaven beyond any human effort to erase it.GC 204.1 Those who endure self-denial and sacrifice for Christ, even when counted fools, are recorded there as people who love God and keep His commandments.Ms 54, 1905, par. 26

A name sought among people is temporary, like writing in sand, while a name written in the Lamb's book of life endures through eternity, so lasting joy rests not on power or human praise but on having the name written in heaven.Lt 8, 1890, par. 15–16 Names and cases are registered in heaven's record book according to the complexion given to life, and how a person's case stands there matters above everything else, making seeking those things which make for peace with heaven the first duty.Lt 47, 1889, par. 8–9 By faith condemnation is removed and names are written in the book of life, and believers receive Christ's righteousness, which prepares them to stand spotless before the Father, and this is the deepest reason for rejoicing.Lt 25b, 1892, par. 38

God values people without regard to wealth, learning, social rank, or calling, and regards as wise and good those who cherish the light and opportunities given them and are one with Christ.GW 332.1–2 Those whose names are written there must therefore not be rejected because they are humble or unhonored in the world.GW 332.1–2

Having the name written in heaven is worth everything and is the true reason for joy, yet entering God's kingdom requires faithfulness and the putting away of sin and uncleanness, for continuing in sin prevents entry.Ms 160, 1904, par. 23–26 The verse therefore calls for immediate preparation of the soul and for evidence that the soul is under the Holy Spirit's influence.Ms 160, 1904, par. 23–26

Keeping the name written requires thorough conversion and guarding the avenues of the soul, especially against self-sufficiency, indulgence of appetite, and pleasures that animalize the nature.Ms 176, 1899, par. 16+1 Every church member must ask whether his own name is written in the books of heaven, and cannot honor God until he arises and shines because the glory of the Lord has risen upon him.Ms 176, 1899, par. 16 Without thorough conversion there is no meekness and lowliness of heart and no delight in contemplating the character of the Saviour, and thought and action become corrupt.Ms 176, 1899, par. 16 The faith is then dishonored by giving heed to seducing spirits, and Christ is crucified afresh and put to open shame, for without thorough conversion a person can turn from truth and dishonor the faith.Ms 176, 1899, par. 16+1

A name on the church books of earth is not the same as being registered in the books of heaven.Ms 74, 1895, par. 12+1 Church membership and work do not place the name in the Lamb's book of life, which requires a living connection with Jesus sought through earnest prayer and constant watchfulness, and the inner work of grace in the heart.Lt 51a, 1878, par. 25–26 Those who have received and rejoiced in the light of truth are in danger of losing heaven if they turn toward the world and fail to return to the Lord with repentance and confession.Lt 51a, 1878, par. 25–26

Each person must ask and examine whether his own name is written in the books of heaven, making heavenly acceptance the focus rather than spiritual achievement or power or ability to help and influence another person.Ms 176, 1899, par. 16+4 This examination means humbling self, repenting, and seeking conversion rather than presuming to guide or condemn another, leaving the other person with God as the father and brother were to leave Will Wales with God.Lt 175, 1901, par. 4–7 The blessing awaiting those Christ owns is entering the Lord's joy.18MR 279.4–280.1

Those whose names are recorded in heaven will not cause trouble here but will have the peace of God dwelling in the heart, will open the door and let Jesus in, will talk of Him, will bring all joy into life and have a little heaven here, and will receive a welcome in heaven and eternal life.Ms 74, 1895, par. 12 All His people are recorded in His book of life, and those who confess wrongs to others may come to Christ for pardon, trusting His promise to forgive and cleanse them.Ms 3, 1903, par. 7

The assurance that names are recorded in heaven points to a serious work lying ahead that calls for heart and mind and soul and strength to be enlisted in divine service.Lt 148, 1902, par. 5–6 That work is not to be confined to those who already believe but is to reach unbelievers by becoming acquainted with them and placing truth before those who are living up to all the light they have, including precious souls in the city of Melbourne.Lt 148, 1902, par. 5–6 To love God with all the heart means to love those for whom He gave His only begotten Son, and His death to redeem human beings from sin opens the door for bringing others into fellowship with the saints.Lt 148, 1902, par. 5–6 The instruction belongs to what is to be read and applied when convicted souls ask what they must do to inherit eternal life, when careless shortcomings are to be seen and repented of and acknowledged and Jesus is to be in the thought and longing of soul and intensity of desire.Ms 21, 1889, par. 36–38 Then faith is to be exercised in works, with plain and simple teaching rather than long discourses that put the teaching too high.Ms 21, 1889, par. 36–38

Having the name written in the books of heaven is what is to be desired and rejoiced in, meaning to be saved and to become workers together with God.Ms 18, 1894, par. 8 All are to work in every line, by words and actions and influence, to bring souls to the side of Christ, and then to show forth the praise of Him who has called them out of darkness into His marvelous light.Ms 18, 1894, par. 8 Parents should labor and pray and earnestly keep their children before God so that their names are written there, while feeling just as great an interest for other children because their souls are just as precious and the same price was paid for every soul.Ms 18, 1894, par. 8

Knowing that the name is written in heaven lifts the weight from a sin-burdened soul, especially when death is near.Lt 9, 1873, par. 23 It holds out the hope that a life marked by faithfulness and perseverance and virtue may have its name recorded among the angels in glory.Lt 2a, 1872, par. 8–10 The same assurance applies to the person who rises through self-control and moral dignity above the slavery of appetite and passion and stands before God.CTBH 146.2